Expression of Matrix Metalloproteinases by Invasive Breast Cancer Cells
Open Access
- Author:
- Nguyen, Jacquelyn D
- Area of Honors:
- Biology (Abington)
- Degree:
- Bachelor of Science
- Document Type:
- Thesis
- Thesis Supervisors:
- Dr. Eric Paul Ingersoll, Thesis Supervisor
Kevin Charles Cannon, Thesis Honors Advisor - Keywords:
- Matrix Metalloproteinases
MMPs
Invasive Breast Cancer
C5
10F - Abstract:
- According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. As with any cancer, breast cancer becomes most dangerous when the cancerous cells acquire the ability to invade into surrounding tissues. This invasion later leads to metastasis and an increase in the severity of the disease. One of the main tools that cancer cells use to facilitate their invasive behavior is matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). MMPs are a group of metal-containing enzymes that degrade extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins allowing cancer cells to invade, enter circulatory systems, and eventually spread and form tumors at other locations in the body. We have investigated the expression of MMPs in two breast cancer cell lines using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). One is a non-invasive breast epithelial cancer cell line; the other is an invasive cell line derived from the first by mutagenesis and selection. We have found that both cell lines express several MMPs and some differences in MMP expression are evident between these two cell lines. In addition, we examined the effects of exposing cells to specific MMP inhibitors on their invasive activity. We will present our data on MMP expression and the role of MMPs in the invasive behavior of these breast cancer cell lines.