LE3 .A278 2010

2010

Wilson, Brian

Acadia University

Bachelor of Science

Honours

Biology

Biology

Cells that migrate from a primary tumor to a secondary tissue site are known as disseminated tumor cells ( DTCs). Mammary DTCs that have acquired the ability to metastasize and proliferate indefinitely have a strong capacity to metastasize to bone and usually form osteoclytic tumors. Prolactin ( PRL) has been shown to stimulate the production of RANKL ( receptor activator for nuclear factor κ B ligand), a factor previously shown to activate osteoclasts. Furthermore, prolactin receptors ( PRLRs) have been identified on osteoblasts and some mammary tumor cell lines. The presence of PRLRs on these cell types, PRL’s ability to function as a paracrine and autocrine factor, and PRL’s ability to induce the secretion of RANKL may implicate it in tumor-accelerated osteoclastogenesis. The goal of this study was to determine whether PRLRs were present on murine osteoblasts and a stem cell- like mammary tumor cell line ( SUM 159), in order to determine whether PRL may stimulate accelerated osteoclast activity. Primers were designed for one long and three short murine PRLR isoforms. Designed primers were subjected to a PCR temperature gradient using control cDNA to determine the primers’ ability to bind to the cDNA sequence. Additionally, PCR was conducted using previously designed human PRLRs ( hPRLRs) primers and SUM 159 cDNA to determine whether the cell line expressed either of the long or S1b hPRLR isoforms. Gel electrophoresis results showed that mPRLR primers were ineffective in binding mPRLR transcripts and that novel primers are needed to confirm the presence of murine PRLRs on osteoblasts.

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https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:744