Targeting PCNA Phosphorylation in Breast Cancer
Abstract
PCNA, an essential protein in the DNA synthesis and repair, was shown to be phosphorylated at Y211 by a nuclear kinase. A consequence of this post-translational modification has been highly correlated with a reduced survival rate of breast cancer patients. However, no basic or clinical studies have addressed if these inhibitors down-regulate the nuclear function of the protein. The original observations indicated the EGFR was a major kinase involved in this phosphorylation. Inhibitors of EGFR have exciting potential in treatment but have failed to show clinical efficacy as a mono-therapy treatment option for breast cancer patients. By screening a panel of protein kinase inhibitors in triple negative breast cells for impact on phosphorylation, a direct correlation with EGFR inhibition is not indicated, rather a broader network connecting PCNA modification on chromatin with DNA damage response is implicated. Novel bioconjugates of gefitinib (Iressa) with nuclear targeting peptide-peptoid hybrid sequences have been shown to retain growth inhibitory activity in this context and open avenues for utility in research and new therapies. A new analytical method for enhanced detection of the phosphorylated PCNA isoforms has been shown to be feasible. In addition, by adopting this assay to screen nuclear proteomes of breast tumor cells indicates a more diverse array of PCNA isoforms bearing post-translational modifications opening the door to select specific markers to stage breast cancer patients for molecular therapeutics.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA586048
Entities
People
- Anthony Pedley
- Matthew Bartolowits
- Qingshou Chen
- Raymond Fatig
- Vincent J. Davisson
Organizations
- Purdue University