BAD-interacting proteins in breast cancer cells

• Author / Creator

  Craik, Alison C

• Taxane chemotherapy is widely used in the treatment of breast cancer. Despite its widespread clinical use, the molecular mechanisms of paclitaxel induced apoptosis remain unclear. Our laboratory has identified an important role for the BH3-only protein, BAD, in the paclitaxel induced cell death pathway of breast cancer cells. Furthermore, BAD expression correlates with sensitivity to taxanes in vitro and in clinical studies. While BAD is a well characterized pro-apoptotic member of the BCL-2 family, our studies demonstrate a novel, non-apoptotic role for BAD in paclitaxel-induced cell death. Specifically, this work suggests a role for BAD in cell cycle progression or diminished apoptotic signaling, consistent with data from the laboratory documenting pro-growth activity of BAD. We screened for BAD interacting proteins to improve our understanding of BAD molecular dynamics and identify protein partners that may contribute to BAD pro-growth activity. BAD interactions with BCL-XL and 14-3-3 protein isoforms were examined.

• Subjects / Keywords

  • 14-3-3
  • Paclitaxel
  • BAD
  • BCL-2 antagonist of cell death
  • Apoptosis
  • BCL-XL

• Graduation date

  Fall 2012

• Type of Item

  Thesis

• Degree

  Master of Science

• DOI

  https://doi.org/10.7939/R3536Q

• License

  This thesis is made available by the University of Alberta Libraries with permission of the copyright owner solely for non-commercial purposes. This thesis, or any portion thereof, may not otherwise be copied or reproduced without the written consent of the copyright owner, except to the extent permitted by Canadian copyright law.