Role of Human DNA Polymerase and its Accessory Proteins in Breast Cancer

摘要

The mechanism for genetic errors and genomic instability in breast cancer cells have not been fully delineated. Defects in DNA polymerase delta and its accessory proteins could contribute to the molecular etiology of breast cancer. DNA polymerase delta and its accessory proteins are involved in both DNA replication, repair, recombination and transcription. We are studying this problem in a multifaceted manner at the protein, message and gene level. Both the message and protein of the catalytic subunit of pol delta respond to DNA damage. After damage, the protein level of p53 goes up while that of pol delta goes down. The tumor suppressor Rb also interacts with pol delta. It is hoped that these studies will provide a deeper understanding of the linkage between the regulation of polymerase delta and its accessory proteins and carcinogenesis in breast cancer.