Omega-3 Fatty Acids and a Novel Mammary Derived Growth Inhibitor Fatty Acid Binding Protein MRG in Suppression of Mammary Tumor

摘要

A mammary derived growth inhibitor related gene (MRG) was previously identified and characterized. MRG induces differentiation of mammary epithelial cells in vitro and its expression is associated with mammary differentiation. Overexpression of MRG in human breast cancer cells induced differentiation with changes in cellular morphology and a significant increase in the production of lipid droplets. Treatment of mouse mammary gland in organ culture with MRG protein resulted in a differentiated morphology and stimulation of beta-casein expression. Treatment of human breast cancer cells with omega-3 PUFA DHA resulted in a differential growth inhibition proportional to their MRG expression. MRG transfected cells or MRG protein treated cells were much more sensitive to DHA-induced growth inhibition compared with MRG negative or control non-treated cells.