tRNAs as Biomarkers and Regulators for Breast Cancer

Abstract

tRNA reads mRNA codons in translation and is essential for protein synthesis. Like mRNA, tRNAs are also under stringent cellular control. Our proposal aims to determine the feasibility of using tRNA expression as biomarkers for breast cancer type and progression, and how tRNAs are used to regulate gene expression in breast cancer cells. We found that the expression of both nuclear and mitochondrial-encoded tRNAs can indeed be useful as possible biomarkers for breast cancer types. tRNA expression also changes in discernable patterns upon treatment of drugs that target breast cancer cells. Furthermore, specific patterns for a subset of tRNAs are found that suggest a previously unknown link between tRNA and cell growth through signal transduction pathways. These results demonstrate that studies of tRNA and breast cancer biology will be useful in understanding breast cancer type and progression and may lead to new drug targets for breast cancer treatment.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Aug 01, 2008
Accession Number
ADA502496

Entities

People

  • Tao Pan

Organizations

  • University of Chicago

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acids
  • Amino Acids
  • Biological Markers
  • Biomedical Research
  • Breast Cancer
  • Cancer
  • Cell Line
  • Cells
  • Chemical Synthesis
  • Chemistry
  • Detection
  • Gene Expression
  • Genetic Code
  • Mammary Glands
  • Neoplasms
  • Pleural Diseases
  • Translations

Fields of Study

  • Biology

Readers

  • Molecular Genetics
  • Oncology (Cancer Research).