Functional Characterization of Mammaglobin-1 Isoform in Breast Cancer

Many genes are implicated in the development and progression of breast cancer. One of these genes, mammaglobin 1 (MGB1), is specifically found in breast cells. MGB1 is routinely used for the detection of invasive breast cancer that migrate to distant organs of the body and form a secondary tumor. However, the specific role of MGB1 in breast cancer progression is still unknown. Our preliminary findings suggest that MGB1 is a potent inducer of cancer cell aggressivity. More recently, we have observed that the MGB1 gene is capable of generating multiple forms of MGB1. These different MGB1 variants are found in specific types of breast cancer cells. We thus believe that MGB1 variants have specific roles in breast cancer metastasis and disease progression. Our proposed studies will help elucidate the molecular and cellular mechanisms that govern metastasis and disease progression.

Faculty Supervisor:

Gilles Robichaud

Student:

Roxann Guerrette

Partner:

Distributed Bio

Discipline:

Biochemistry / Molecular biology

Sector:

Life sciences

University:

Program: