Regulation of Growth and Metastases in an Estrogen Independent Breast Cancer Cell by Vitamin D Compounds

Abstract

Metastatic spread of cancer continues to be the greatest barrier to cancer cure. In ER-positive breast cancer cells, the effects of 1,25 (OH) 2D3 are similar to those induced by anti-estrogens, where l,25(OH)2D3 transcriptionally down-regulates ER expression. If so, then sensitivity to l,25(OH)2D3 mediated apoptosis could be reduced in estrogen independent breast cancer cells. We focused on the role of vitamin D3 compounds to activate the apoptotic pathway in ER-negative SUM-l59PT cells and tumors and whether vitamin D compounds were capable of inhibiting the invasion of SUM-l59PT cells. Our major findings are that 1,25 (OH) 2D3 induces apoptosis in the ER-negative SUM-l59PT cells by disruption of mitochondrial function which is associated with Bax trans location to mitochondria and cytochrome c release. Downstream events of the mitochondria included PARP(poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase) cleavage. Our in vivo data is the first to show apoptotic tumor regression of an ER- independent breast cancer model system by the vitamin D analogue EBl089. Our in vitro invasion as says demonstrate a dramatic reduction in invasive potential of SUM-l59PT cells upon exposure to 1,25 (OH) 2D3 and EBl089 and we are currently testing the effects of EBl089 on metastatic spread in vivo. Utilizing our SUM-l59PTGFPP model system in vivo we can more efficiently examine the mechanisms of invasion and metastasis and the efficacy of vitamin D compounds to modulate these processes.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Aug 01, 2001
Accession Number
ADB281633

Entities

People

  • Jo-ellen Welsh
  • Louise A. Flanagan

Organizations

  • University of Notre Dame

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Apoptosis
  • Biological Sciences
  • Breast Cancer
  • Cancer
  • Cell Physiological Processes
  • Cells
  • Cellular Structures
  • Chemistry
  • Epithelial Cells
  • Gene Expression
  • Genetics
  • Indicator Dyes
  • Neoplasms
  • Programmed Cell Death
  • Proteins
  • Transcription Factors
  • Vitamin D

Readers

  • Breast cancer cell signaling and growth regulation.
  • Cellular and Molecular Pathways of Apoptosis.
  • Women's Health and Cancer Risk Research: African American Women and Pregnancy Outcomes.