Targeting Premalignant Lesions: Implications for Early Breast Cancer Detection and Intervention
Abstract
Breast cancer progression constitutes a multistep process through a series of intermediate hyperplastic and neoplastic stages to invasive carcinoma. In this study, we aimed to identify peptides that specifically recognize premalignant lesions in the mammary tissue. To achieve this goal, we utilized the power of phage display to probe hyperplastic lesions associated with premalignant disease in a transgenic MMTV-PyMT animal model. After multiple ex-vivo and in-vivo rounds of selection, we identified a peptide, Prem-1, that on intravenous administration, specifically homed to premalignant mammary lesions. Prem-1 also homed to fully developed breast tumors in the same animal model, suggesting that the putative receptor for Prem-1 is expressed throughout the progression of the disease. Interestingly, Prem-1 did not show any affinity to normal breast tissue. Furthermore, we also identified 2 other candidate peptides that showed significant homing to premalignant lesions with a very different binding pattern as compared to Prem-1. We hypothesized that all three peptides recognize early changes in the breast tissue microenvironment but each bind a different target receptor in the tissue. We are currently investigating these receptors and analyzing their expression in breast cancer progression.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2015
- Accession Number
- ADA618870
Entities
People
- Aman Mann