An Analysis of Rho-PKN Signaling in Prostate Cancer Using Drosophila Genetics
Abstract
The Rho effector protein kinase N (PKN) has been implicated in prostate cancer. To study the role of PKN andclosely related PRK2 in prostate cancer progression, lentiviral small hairpin RNA constructs have been obtained andwhich knock down expression of PKN and PRK2 in human cells. The constructs will be introduced into prostatecancer cells to study the role of PKN and PRK2 in cellular processes related to tumorigenesis. To identify novelcomponents of the PKN signaling pathway, a genetic screen has been undertaken in the fruit fly Drosophilamelanogaster, which has a well-conserved Pkn gene. So far two potential genetic interactors for Pkn have beenidentified: CKlla-i3 and RHOGAP71E. Screening is still ongoing so more interactors may be discovered. For anyinteractors identified, the mechanism of interaction with Pkn and the conservation of the pathway in humans the willbe investigated. Taken together these studies should lead to an increased understanding of a poorly characterizedsignaling pathway in flies and humans which may play a role in prostate cancer progression.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA448101
Entities
People
- Martha E. Betson
Organizations
- Massachusetts General Hospital