Do Cells from the Fetus Contribute to Breast Cancer
Abstract
Stable fetomaternal microchimerism (MC), an exchange of fetal and maternal cells during pregnancy is a novel observation. Pregnancy-associated progenitor cells (PAPC) from male fetuses carry Y-chromosome markers. Fetal progenitors can contribute to normal regenerative processes, although their negative roles in autoimmunity and cancer were also reported. Since regeneration cycles facilitate progenitor integration, we postulated that post-pregnancy tissue remodeling in the mammary gland can integrate fetal progenitor-lineage. We proposed that disrupted progenitor differentiation may progress to breast cancer and finding Y-chromosome markers (SRY and DYS14) in clinical biopsies may confirm the hypothesis. In the first year we established the methodology for Y-marker detection including nested priming approaches, optimized DNA extractions from commercial breast cancer tissues and we also performed informative experiments to detect fetal elements in the samples. We presented our preliminary data in the AACR and ASCO Meetings in 2009. Progress has been hindered, however, by unforeseen non-specific signals that confounded our data. The extra measures (dUTP incorporation and UDG emzymatic pre-cleaning), an upgrade of the PCR-environment and the loss of a PCR cycler and a freezer slowed our progress. Since we need to re-investigate some of the samples to gain statistically relevant data, we asked for the extension of the project without additional cost or change in Specific Aims.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA510379
Entities
People
- Peter Geck
Organizations
- Tufts University