NASA Scientific and Technical Aerospace Reports

strengthens our central hypothesis that BCCIP regulates cell cycle control. In the next funding year, we will strive to
accomplish the objectives of tasks 5-6.
DTIC
Cancer; Mammary Glands; Proteins; Ribonucleic Acids
20040111598 New Mexico Univ., Albuquerque, NM
University of New Mexico Undergraduate Breast Cancer Training Program: Pathway to Research Careers
Griffith, Jeffrey K.; Apr. 2004; 15 pp.; In English
Contract(s)/Grant(s): DAMD17-02-1-0513
Report No.(s): AD-A425668; No Copyright; Avail: CASI; A03, Hardcopy
We have established a three-phase training program to motivate talented undergraduate students, especially students from
under-represented Southwestern minorIties, to pursue careers in breast cancer research. Phase I provides a well-rounded
introduction to the theory and practice of breast cancer research. This phase includes inquiry-based tutorials that integrate key
concepts in normal and cancer breast biology; visits to specialized laboratories that utilize state- of-the-art technologies for
breast cancer research; structured interactions with surgeons, medical oncologists and their patients, radiologists and
pathologists in settings that introduce the clinical realities of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment; seminars presented by the
Program’s research mentors; a weekly, journal club that introduces current issues in breast cancer research while developing
presentation and critical reading skills and a research project supervised by one of the program’s mentors. During phases II
and III, trainees have opportunities to continue their research projects throughout their senior years, and then in graduate
school, respectively. The success of the program wIll be evaluated in the short term by the satisfaction of the trainees and
mentors, and in the longer term by the number of trainees that goes on to graduate studies in breast cancer- related programs.
DTIC
Cancer; Education; Mammary Glands; Medical Science; Occupation; Students
20040111599 University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL
Role of Schwannomin and Paxillin in Cell Growth Control
Fernandez-Valle, Cristina; May 2004; 7 pp.; In English; Original contains color illustrations
Contract(s)/Grant(s): DAMD17-03-1-0211
Report No.(s): AD-A425669; No Copyright; Avail: CASI; A02, Hardcopy
Preliminary results indicate that phosphorylation of serine 518 is not required for localization of schwannomin to the
plasma membrane and filopodia and lameliapodia. This indicates that schwannomin binding to paxillin does not require
phosphorylation of serine 518 by Pak, a racactivated serine/threonine kinase. It suggests that schwannomin firsts binds paxillin
and targets to the membrane where local activation of p21 activated kinase by cdc42 or rac stimulates phosphorylation of
serine 518 on schwannomin and the ensuing change in morphology.
DTIC
Cell Division; Cells (Biology)
20040111600 Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA
Effects of CSK Homologous Kinase Overexpression on HER2/Neu-Mediated Signal Transduction Pathways in Breast
Cancer Cells
Zagozdzon, Radoslaw; Avraham, Hava; Apr. 2004; 11 pp.; In English
Contract(s)/Grant(s): DAMD17-02-1-0302
Report No.(s): AD-A425671; No Copyright; Avail: CASI; A03, Hardcopy
Our proposal aims to investigate in details the potential function of CHK in breast cancer as a signal transducer in the
signaling pathway from HER2/Neu receptor. The studies conducted in the period reported included: 1) studies on the effects
of CHK on the HER2/Neu-induced tumorigenesis in vivo, and 2) generation of CHK-derivatives. Our major findings are as
follows: Task 2: We created transgenic mice to study the effects of CHK on ErbB2-mediated signaling in vivo as well as on
ErbB2-induced mammary tumor formation in vivo. Task 3: We used an alternative approach to successfully generate CHK
derivatives which can be used in experimental CHK-based protein therapy of mammary tumors.
DTIC
Cancer; Genetics; Mammary Glands; Transferring
183