Nuclear Tubulin: A Novel Target for Breast Cancer Chemotherapy
Abstract
Our research is based on our observation that the beta x isotype of tubulin is found in the nuclei of cultured breast cancer cells. Our goals are to learn the function of beta x and to design a novel anti-tumor drug that will target beta x. We have found that the process by which beta x enters the nucleus is specific for that isotype and that nuclear beta x, while very rare in normal cells, is a characteristic of 80% of all tumors, including 100% of breast tumors. We have found that successful anti-tumor drugs (taxol, vinblastine) expel beta x from the nuclei of tumor cells. We have also found that the beta x isotype may be involved in making tumor cells resistant to oxidation while the beta x isotype can interact with actin filaments in a process regulated by the beta x isotype. We also synthesized a peptidyl- colchicine derivative designed to target the nucleus. Our results indicate that nuclear beta x may be very important in the diagnosis, prognosis, biology and treatment of breast cancer.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADB274474
Entities
People
- Richard F. Luduena
Organizations
- University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio