Molecular Analysis of the Cripto Growth Factor Receptor
Abstract
Although Cripto was the first member of the EGF-CFC gene family to be identified, its biochemical function has been poorly understood. The function of Cripto was initially of interest because its overexpression was found in approximately 80% of human breast carcinomas, as well as in colorectal and pancreatic cancers. Recent genetic data from mouse and zebrafish studies indicates that EGF-CFC proteins function as co-factors or co-receptors for Nodal, a member of the transforming growth factor-beta family. In my ongoing work, I have expressed soluble Nodal and Cripto proteins in conditioned media from transfected mammalian cells, and have used a co-immunoprecipitation approach to detect a binding interaction between Nodal and EGF-CFC proteins. These biochemical studies should contribute to understanding the molecular mechanism of Cripto activity in mammary development and tumongenesis.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADB274592
Entities
People
- Chaosu E
- Michael M. Shen
Organizations
- Robert Wood Johnson Medical School