Stability of anti-apoptotic proteins in breast cancer
Author Information
Author(s): Pervin S, Tran A, Tran L, Urman R, Braga M, Chaudhuri G, Singh R
Primary Institution: Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science
Hypothesis
The study investigates the mechanisms that increase the stability of anti-apoptotic proteins in breast cancer cells.
Conclusion
Reduced association of the Mule/Mcl-1 complex plays a significant role in increasing the stability of Mcl-1 in breast cancer cells, contributing to their resistance to apoptosis.
Supporting Evidence
- Breast cancer cells showed reduced ubiquitination of Mcl-1 compared to normal mammary epithelial cells.
- Transient association of Mcl-1 with E3 ligase Mule was observed in breast cancer cells.
- Downregulation of pERK1/2 in breast cancer cells increased Mcl-1 levels and the Mcl-1/Mule complex.
Takeaway
Breast cancer cells are better at surviving because they keep a protein called Mcl-1 around longer, which helps them avoid dying when they should.
Methodology
The study used human mammary epithelial and established breast cancer cell lines, employing caspase assays, western blotting, small-interfering RNA treatment, and immunoprecipitation to assess protein stability.
Statistical Information
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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