Validate Mitotic Checkpoint and Kinetochore Motor Proteins in Breast Cancer Cells as Targets for the Development of Novel Anti-Mitotic Drugs
Abstract
Drugs that inhibit microtubule functions are one of many anti-neoplastic drugs that are used to combat breast and other cancers. Taxol and vincristine are microtubule poisons that block the proper function of microtubules that are essential for a broad spectrum of motile biological processes that include cell division, vesicle transport, cell shape, and flagella functions. For rapidly proliferating cancer cells, anti-microtubule drugs offers a highly effective means to block cell division and thus stop tumor growth. Nevertheless, these drugs block other microtubule dependent processes that adversely affect the functions of many non-dividing cells. Furthermore, there is the complication that the cancer cells can develop multi-drug resistance that makes them refractile to conventional anti-neoplastic agents. The identification of novel drugs with increased selectivity towards mitotic processes and act synergistically with existing anti-microtubule drugs should enhance and refine the modalities used to treat breast cancer patients. Our interest in the molecular and biochemical mechanisms that are central to mitosis in human cells has led to the identification of novel proteins and pathways that are suited for designing highly specific anti-mitotic drugs. The objective of this proposal is to disrupt such pathways in established breast cancer cell lines to validate them as suitable targets for developing new anti-mitotic drugs.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA439249
Entities
People
- Timothy J. Yen
Organizations
- Fox Chase Cancer Center