Abstract 3067: Regulation of PAX2 expression/activity by hypoxia and EGF in breast cancer cells

Abstract

Abstract Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women and is associated with the highest mortality rate after lung cancer. The leading cause of deaths associated with this cancer is metastasis, but cellular and molecular mechanisms controlling the metastatic ability of breast cancer cells are only partially elucidated. There is direct and indirect evidence suggesting that PAX2, a transcription factor preferentially activated in breast cancer cells of the luminal subtype, could reduce the invasive and metastatic ability of these cells, by downregulating the expression of ERBB2. It is thus primordial to understand the mechanisms regulating the expression and activity of PAX2 in breast cancer cells. Specifically, because hypoxic conditions prevailing in the center of solid primary tumours are known to regulate the expression of many genes controlling invasion and metastasis, we are investigating the impact of hypoxia-mimicking agent cobalt chloride (CoCl2) on PAX2 expression in breast cancer cells. Similarly, because EGF growth factor regulates the expression and/or activity of many genes controlling invasion and metastasis, we are determining the impact of EGF exposure on PAX2 activation and/or gene expression in ER+ MCF-7 cell line. The identification of factors and mechanisms regulating the expression and activity of PAX2 in breast cancer cells will help understand the biology of this emerging factor in breast cancer cells and may provide multiple strategies to control invasion and metastasis of these cells. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3067. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-3067