The Role of HCDC4 in Prostate Tumorigenesis
Abstract
This study investigated the role of a newly identified gene called hCDC4 in prostate cancer. The hCDC4 gene encodes a protein that functions in a cellular process called proteolysis, or protein degradation. hCDC4 degrades a protein called cyclin E, which is a central component of the cell division machinery. Cyclin E is involved in initiating DNA replication in cells. However, in many types of human tumors cyclin E protein levels are aberrant and this phenotype has been shown in vitro and in vivo to be oncogenic. Very little is known regarding cyclin E/hCDC4 in prostate tumors. We explored whether hCDC4 functions as a tumor suppressor gene in prostate cancer. We have completed a genetic screen of prostate tumors and found an hCdc4 gene mutation. We are currently determining whether hCDC4 functions as a haplo-insufficient tumor suppressor through LOH and expression analysis. We are also exploring whether the mutant hCDC4 allele we have found in a prostate tumor functionall inactivates the hCDC4 rotein.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA447557
Entities
People
- Charles H. Spruck