Identification of Novel Tumor Suppressor Genes in Breast Cancer Using Gene Tapping Technique

Abstract

Cancer is a multi-step process resulting from a number of genetic changes in cells. The role of tumor suppressor genes in breast carcinogenesis, especially at the early stage, remains largely unknown. We hypothesize that during the transformation of a breast epithelial cell, loss of function of several yet unidentified genes (tumor suppressors) results in either a partially or fully transformed phenotype. The aim of this study is to identify% novel tumor suppressor genes involved in breast epithelial transformation using the gene-trapping technique. We used the polyA-trap retroviral vector pRET for infection into non-tumorigenic human mammary epithelial cells MCF 1 0A. We screened for clones where functional genes have been "trapped" by selection for G4 18-resistance. We essentially established a gene-trapped library of MCF 1 0A clones where expression of a single gene per clone is disrupted. We screened for transformed clones using the soft-agar cloning assay for anchorage independent growth. We isolated 25 transformed clones and identified the trapped genes in 5 clones by rapid amplification of cDNA ends (3 RACE). We identified 2 known genes and 2 novel genes as putative tumor suppressor genes. Further characterization of these genes will elucidate their role in the early transformation process in breast epithelial cells.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2001
Accession Number
ADB275154

Entities

People

  • Leia M. Smith

Organizations

  • Colorado State University

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Biological Factors
  • Breast Cancer
  • Cancer
  • Carcinoma
  • Carrier Proteins
  • Cells
  • Chemistry
  • Epithelial Cells
  • Genetics
  • Medical Personnel
  • Neoplasms
  • Peptide Growth Factors
  • Peptides
  • Proteins
  • Stem Cells

Fields of Study

  • Biology

Readers

  • Molecular Biology and Genetics
  • Molecular Genetics

Technology Areas

  • Biotechnology