NAME OF THE PROJECT
ErbB receptors and their ligands. Signalling by Erk5 in cancer
DATE
October 2006 to October 2008
INVESTIGATOR
Juan Carlos Montero
PLACE
Centro de Investigación del Cáncer de Salamanca (CIC)
PERSON RESPONSIBLE
Dr. Atanasio Pandiella (Person Responsible)
TARGET OF THE PROJECT
- To stablish whether there is any correlation between the expression of NRG and clinical response in breast cancer, and to better understand the structure and biological function of this protein in tumours.
- Studying the role of the Erk5 route in the genesis / progression of breast tumours using patient samples and different animal specimen.
EXPLANATION OF GOALS
The project is to study the role of a group of proteins (ligands) in different cancers, in order to determine what effect they have on the activation of erbB receptors (1) (proteins that are normally found in the cell membrane and control the cell division). These, when activated, transmit mitogenic signals (cell division) if there is sobrexpresión Ligand as "neurregulinas" (objective of the study)the erbB are activated producing an increased proliferation of cell division.
CONCLUSIONS
1. NRG is frequently present in breast cancer. Patients who have NRG can benefit from treatment with Herceptin.
2. The NRG is only capable of activating receptors ErbBs when both are located in the plasma membrane.
3. Erk5 is exaggerated in 20% of patients with breast cancer. Patients with high levels of Erk5 have a worse prognosis than those with low levels of Erk5.
4. Erk5/pErk5 expression can regulate the response to treatments that are used in clinics against breast cancer.
