Functional Significance of the CSVTCG-Specific Receptor in Breast Carcinoma Progression

摘要

We have isolated a novel CSVTCG-specific tumor cell adhesion receptor and shown by immunohistochemical staining of human breast tumors that the receptor localizes to malignant ductal epithelium while no staining of epithelium in normal and benign tissues was observed. Preliminary studies suggest that the CSVTCO-specific receptor may function to promote the invasive behavior of breast epithelium and contribute to the development of malignancy. To test this hypothesis, we proposed to transfer full-length receptor cDNA in the sense or antisense orientation in order to either over-express or block receptor expression in breast carcinoma cell lines. After successful cloning of the receptor cDNA, clones were selected and evaluated for the expression level of the receptor. Stably transfected cell lines would then be evaluated for their in vitro cell invasive activities as well as their capacity to metastasize and form tumors in vitro and in athymic mice. These studies should provide information on the role of the CSVTCG-specific receptor in breast cancer progression and identify a new target for the development of anti-tumor therapeutics.