Effects of DAXX and IL-8 gene expression on Tumor growth

Effects of DAXX and IL-8 gene expression on Tumor growth

Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) is an important factor that regulates tumor cell growth and angiogenesis. Tumor angiogenesis results in the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the tumor cells, enabling further growth. Various genes in the genetic sequence contribute differently, and affect this process by either promoting or inhibiting further angiogenesis. Among these genes are DAXX and IL-8. DAXX gene, which encodes Death Domain Associated protein, can enhance FAS mediated apoptosis, by activating the Jun N-Terminal Kinase (JNK). MDM2 is an oncogenic protein, that is believed to ubiquinate DAXX and reduce its level when it is overly expressed; HAUSP is a ubiquitin specific protease that regulates p53 tumor suppressor, and controls cellular levels of DAXX by inducing de- ubiquination. On the other hand, IL-8 signaling is known to promote angiogenic responses while increasing proliferation and survival of endothelial and cancer cells. IL-8 also potentiates the migration of cancer cells, endothelial cells, and infiltrating neutrophils at the tumor site in order to promote angiogenesis within the tumor. In this project the expression levels of DAXX and IL-8 were studied in Prostate cancer cells (LNCAP), and MST cells (MDM2 gene).