Role of Prostaglandin G/H Synthase 2 in the Apoptosis of Human Mammary Epithelial Cells

摘要

We are examining apoptotic pathways that may be altered in human mammary epithelial cells as a consequence of the overexpression of prostaglandin G/H synthase 2. We have shown that human mammary epithelial cells express high levels of prostaglandin G/H synthase, are resistant to ionizing radiation- induced apoptosis, but do apoptose when exposed to the broad spectrum kinase inhibitor staurosporine or to DNA damage caused by hydrogen peroxide or mitomycin C. We have found that PGHS activity does not affect the apoptotic response of human mammary epithelial cells, nor does PGHS activity affect the cell cycle response after DNA damage. We have also demonstrated that mitomycin C, but not ionizing radiation, can induce the p53 protein in human mammary epithelial cells.