Role of MYC and Cyclin D1 in Breast Cancer Stem Cells

Moftakhar, Zahra

Abstract

SPARC 2022 Poster Number 18

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the world. Among cancers, breast cancer presents the highest rate of cancer incidences in females. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are small cell subpopulation within tumours that play a vital role in cell proliferation, growth and expansion of tumour mass. CSCs are resistant to conventional anticancer therapy and are able to generate new tumours in other tissues by moving in the blood. Mitochondria are the cell organelles that produce most of the energy needed for the cells function. Recent evidence shows that CSCs have high mitochondrial mass and rely more on mitochondrial metabolism. Identifying potential target in CSCs could provide a promising way to eradicate CSCs and overcome tumour regrowth. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of two genes (named MYC and Cyclin D1) on metabolism, survival, and propagation of breast CSCs. For this purpose, the green fluorescent protein (GFP) was inserted downstream of the mentioned genes. The cells having high fluorescence intensity represent the cells with high expression and activity of the gene of interest. Afterwards, the metabolic and stemness features of cells were analysed using different assays. I found that breast cancer cells with high activity of the gene of interest are enriched in cancer stem-like cells and show higher mitochondrial metabolism. Different compounds will be tested on breast CSCs to target the selected genes, effectively inhibit mitochondrial function and CSCs growth.

• Online Publication Date: Jun 30, 2022
• Publication Date: Jun 30, 2022
• Deposit Date: Jan 27, 2025
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.17866/rd.salford.20163716.v1
• Publisher URL: https://salford.figshare.com/articles/poster/Role_of_MYC_and_Cyclin_D1_in_Breast_Cancer_Stem_Cells/20163716
• Collection Date: Jun 30, 2022