Protein Kinase C Isozyme in Mammary Carcinogenesis

摘要

Changes in cellular and molecular functions that contribute to the developmentand progression of breast cancer are largely undefined. Changes in activities and/or expression levels of components of growth regulatory signal transduction pathways that correlate with tumor progression have been noted. Understanding the functional significance of these biochemical correlates holds the promise for developing new and alternative strategies for prevention, detection, diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. Protein kinase C (PKC) is a family of ubiquitously expressed enzymes known to be important in regulating basic mechanisms of cell growth and differentiation. PKC is also considered to be a significant signaling pathway in tumor promotion/progression since PKCs are the major cellular receptors for tumor promoting phorbol esters. The purpose of this proposal is to provide a clear understanding of the role of PKC isozymes and substrates in the transition of a normal breast cell into a cell with altered growth potential and subsequently into a cell with invasive, metastatic potential.