Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease which arises due to complex molecular changes. Among various molecular changes, Polycomb group (PcG) proteins are known to be aberrantly expressed during breast cancer progression. In particular, BMI1 and EZH2 are overexpressed in breast cancer cells. The exact role of BMI1 in breast cancer progression is not very well understood. A better understanding of oncogenic activity of BMI1 and its regulation is necessary to define its oncogenic role in breast cancer. The long-term objectives of this proposal are- identify molecular targets of BMI1, study signaling pathways that regulate BMI1 expression, and explore the role of BMI1 in drug resistance in breast cancer cells and breast cancer patients.
In aim 1, we will identify molecular mechanisms which regulate expression of BMI1. In particular, we will study posttranslational regulation of BMI1 in normal human mammary epithelial cells and breast cancer cells. We will also identify novel signaling pathways that are involved in BMI1 proteolysis induced by genotoxic drugs in breast cancer cells.
In aim 2, we plan to identify potential oncogenic mutations in BMI1 oncogene, which may make it more stable and potent, and study the oncogenic role of mutant BMI1 proteins in breast cancer.
In aim 3, we plan to study the oncogenicity of wild type and mutant BMI1 proteins using mouse xenograft studies and identify potential breast cancer-related targets of BMI1 using microarray analysis.
In aim 4, we plan to study the role of BMI1 in chemoresistance in breast cancer patients. Successful outcome of the proposed studies will help in understanding the role of BMI1-regulated and BMI1 regulating pathways which could be targeted for breast cancer therapy. A clear understanding of signaling pathways regulating BMI1 expression will also help in developing breast cancer therapies that target BMI1 and BMI1 containing PcG complexes which are dysregulated in breast cancer.

Public Health Relevance

The proposed studies will help understand the role of Polycomb Group protein BMI1 in cancer development, progression and treatment. These studies will help in developing breast cancer therapies that could target BMI1 expression to halt breast cancer progression.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
7R01CA094150-07
Application #
7942018
Study Section
Molecular Oncogenesis Study Section (MONC)
Program Officer
Mietz, Judy
Project Start
2001-12-01
Project End
2014-08-31
Budget Start
2010-09-01
Budget End
2011-08-31
Support Year
7
Fiscal Year
2010
Total Cost
$272,058
Indirect Cost
Name
George Washington University
Department
Biochemistry
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
043990498
City
Washington
State
DC
Country
United States
Zip Code
20052
Gergely, Joseph E; Dorsey, Armond E; Dimri, Goberdhan P et al. (2018) Timosaponin A-III inhibits oncogenic phenotype via regulation of PcG protein BMI1 in breast cancer cells. Mol Carcinog 57:831-841
Dimri, Manjari; Kang, Mingu; Dimri, Goberdhan P (2016) A miR-200c/141-BMI1 autoregulatory loop regulates oncogenic activity of BMI1 in cancer cells. Oncotarget 7:36220-36234
Cho, Joon-Ho; Dimri, Manjari; Dimri, Goberdhan P (2015) MicroRNA-31 is a transcriptional target of histone deacetylase inhibitors and a regulator of cellular senescence. J Biol Chem 290:10555-67
Dimri, Manjari; Cho, Joon-Ho; Kang, Mingu et al. (2015) PLK1 inhibition down-regulates polycomb group protein BMI1 via modulation of the miR-200c/141 cluster. J Biol Chem 290:3033-44
Itahana, Koji; Itahana, Yoko; Dimri, Goberdhan P (2013) Colorimetric detection of senescence-associated ? galactosidase. Methods Mol Biol 965:143-56
Dimri, Manjari; Carroll, Jeremy D; Cho, Joon-Ho et al. (2013) microRNA-141 regulates BMI1 expression and induces senescence in human diploid fibroblasts. Cell Cycle 12:3537-46
Cho, Joon-Ho; Dimri, Manjari; Dimri, Goberdhan P (2013) A positive feedback loop regulates the expression of polycomb group protein BMI1 via WNT signaling pathway. J Biol Chem 288:3406-18
Itahana, Koji; Dimri, Goberdhan P (2012) pRb or its cousins: who controls the family business? Cell Cycle 11:1486
Dong, Qinghua; Oh, Ju-Eun; Chen, Wei et al. (2011) Radioprotective effects of Bmi-1 involve epigenetic silencing of oxidase genes and enhanced DNA repair in normal human keratinocytes. J Invest Dermatol 131:1216-25
Sahasrabuddhe, Anagh A; Dimri, Manjari; Bommi, Prashant V et al. (2011) ?TrCP regulates BMI1 protein turnover via ubiquitination and degradation. Cell Cycle 10:1322-30

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