Dynamic Testing of Signal Transduction Deregulation During Breast Cancer Initiation

Normal mammary gland homeostasis involves the coordinated regulation of cellular signaling networks. Current models suggest that that dysregulation of protein phosphorylation signaling occurs during breast cancer initiation. However, despite a wealth of mouse models and in vitro models of breast cancer, we have little prospective information on the biology of human breast cancer initiation. Here we aim to develop novel nanobiosensor technology to test live mammary epithelial cells taken directly from the breast of high-risk women for dysregulation of protein phosphorylation signaling. Under Specific Aim 1 will identify loss of normal protein phoshorylation signaling during breast cancer initiation. Under Specific Aim 2 we will develop targeted nanobiosensors to test real-time protein phosphorylation signaling in live Random Periareolar Fine Needle Aspriate RPFNA cells.