In Vivo Fluorescence Confocal Microscopy to Investigate the Role of RhoC in Inflammatory Breast Cancer
Abstract
Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is a highly aggressive form of breast cancer characterized by a dermal inflammatory-like presentation. This phenotype maybe due to a unique method of invasion not well characterized. We have made considerable progress in investigating whether RhoC expression plays a role in the unique phenotype of IBC. Bicistronic red fluorescent protein (RFP) expression vectors containing mutant forms of Rho proteins have been successfully constructed and stable IBC and control breast cancer cell line selection is undeway. In vitro analysis, submitted for publication, of the SUM 149 (IBC) and the SUM 102 (non-IBC) cell lines has revealed reduced invasion and adhesive capacity to basal lamina components by the IBC cell line, possibly suggesting a passive mode of IBC dissemination. Stably expressing RFP IBC and RFP MDA-MB-435alpha6HC16 breast cancer cell lines have been constructed and used successfully in the optimization of a macroscopic fluorescence imaging system for utilization in determining tumor take, monitoring tumor growth, and locating sites of invasion for imaging with our confocal in vivo fluorescence microscope. Finally, construction of the in vivo fluorescence confocal microscope is in process with our collaborators.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA446481
Entities
People
- Michaela Hoffmeyer
Organizations
- University of Texas at Austin