Regulation and Action of SKP2 in Cell and Tumor Models: Mechanisms Underlying Aggressive Growth in Basal-Like Breast Cancer

摘要

The objective of this research is to further our understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the aggressive growth of ER- negative, basal-like tumors. The goal is to identify new therapeutic targets to specifically treat patients that have tumors that are independent of ER signaling as these tumors are more often ER-negative. Past work from our lab and others has suggested that S-phase kinase-associated protein 2 (SKP2) plays an important role in breast tumorigenesis and would make a good therapeutic target. By utilizing three models (human tissue, animal models, and tissue culture) in which to characterize the role of SKP2 in breast cancer, we can obtain a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the aggressive tumor growth of basal-like breast tumors. It is anticipated that results from these studies will show that SKP2 would make a good therapeutic target for the treatment of women with basal-like tumors that are often associated with poor clinical outcome and tend to be ER-negative.