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Steve Coats

Publications and source records attributed to Steve Coats.

2 recordsLinked to original sources

Deregulation of cyclin E2 expression and associated kinase activity in primary breast tumors.

The increased expression of G(1) cyclins has been associated with the many types of human tumors. In primary solid tumors however, the expression and activity of cyclin E2, the newest member of the G(1) cyclin family, is largely unknown. In this study we have analysed the expression of the E-type cyclins in primary solid tumors from breast, lung, uterus, ovary, colon, and rectal tissues. Relative gene expression was analysed by quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (Taqman). The levels of cyclin E1 and cyclin E2 were significantly elevated (23 vs 38%, respectively) in primary breast tumor samples relative to normal breast tissue controls. We also observed an inverse correlation between the expression of cyclin E1/E2 and estrogen receptor in breast tumors. Our results demonstrate that the expression and associated catalytic activity for both cyclin E1 and cyclin E2 is elevated in primary breast tumors when compared to normal breast tissue. The increased level of cyclin E2 in breast tumors suggests that, similar to cyclin E1, it may contribute to the pathogenesis of breast cancer.

Breast Neoplasms↗

Cyclin E2, the cycle continues.

The eukaryotic cell cycle is regulated by a family of serine/threonine protein kinases known as cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs). The activation of a CDK is dependent on its association with a cyclin regulatory subunit. The formation of distinct cyclin-CDK complexes controls the progression through the first gap phase (G(1)) and initiation of DNA synthesis (S phase). These complexes are in turn regulated by protein phosphorylation and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors (CKIs). Cyclin E2 has emerged as the second member of the E-type cyclin family. Cyclin E2-associated kinase activity is regulated in a cell cycle dependent manner with peak activity at the G(1) to S transition. Ectopic expression of cyclin E2 in human cells accelerates G(1), suggesting that cyclin E2 is rate limiting for G(1) progression. Although the pattern and level of cyclin E2 expression in some primary tumor and normal tissue RNAs are distinct from cyclin E1, both E-type cyclins appear to have inherent functional redundancies. This functional redundancy has facilitated the rapid characterization of cyclin E2 and uncovered unique features associated with each E-type cyclin.

Amino Acid Motifs↗