RIZ Tumor and Breast Cancer: The PR Domain
Abstract
Mutations in normal cellular genes are generally linked to human cancer. Multiple gene changes involving at least two types of cancer genes, protooncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, are required for the clonal expansion of malignant cells. The RIZ gene plays an important role in human cancer and more particularly in breast cancer. RIZ is the founding member of the PR-domain family of zinc finger genes. Two protein products are produced from the RIZ gene which differ by the presence or the absence of the PR domain: RIZ1 and RIZ2. RIZ1 is commonly lost or underexpressed in tumors whereas RIZ2 is always present. RIZl is a tumor suppressor whereas RIZ2 is not. In this project, experiments were performed to characterize RIZl-PR and related PR domains using protein crystallography and other biophysical techniques. Our goal is to understand the role of RIZl and PR-proteins in breast cancer to provide new tools for possible treatment in breast cancer. During these three years, we have successfully engineered and stabilized three PR domains. Two of these protein products are now crystallizable, and represent the first critical step toward structure- determination to define the molecular basis for RIZ tumor suppressor activity.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA444214
Entities
People
- Celine Aznar-derunes
Organizations
- Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute