The Stem Cell Podcast

Ep. 71: “Stem Cells and Breast Cancer” Featuring Dr. Christine Pratt

Aug 2, 2016
Dr. Christine Pratt, an Associate Professor at the University of Ottawa, dives deep into the complexities of breast cancer research. She discusses her transition from endocrinology to focusing on NF-kappa B signaling and its implications for BRCA1-related proliferation mechanisms. Pratt highlights how estrogen influences gene expression and the repercussions of BRCA1 deficiency on DNA replication. She also shares insights on potential treatments like DMAPT to curb abnormal cell growth and the role of the RANK pathway in preventing tumors, making strides towards effective prophylactic strategies.
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
ANECDOTE

Personal Motivation Drove Research Direction

  • Christine Pratt moved from endocrinology into cancer research after her mother's breast cancer diagnosis.
  • Personal experience motivated her focus on NF-kappaB and BRCA1 biology in the mammary gland.
INSIGHT

Hormones Link To NF-kappaB Activation

  • Estrogen induces BCL2 and progesterone receptor, and progesterone triggers RANK ligand to activate NF-kappaB in mammary glands.
  • Hormonal signaling couples to NF-kappaB, linking normal reproductive cycles to proliferation control.
INSIGHT

Luminal Progenitors Are The Cell Of Origin

  • The abnormal population is luminal progenitors that proliferate without progesterone and show nuclear NF-kappaB activity.
  • Targeting NF-kappaB eliminates their hormone-independent growth in vitro and in mouse mammary glands.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app