>Magister Scientiae - MSc / Cancer is defined as the abnormal growth of genetically mutated or perturbant cells. Nicotine is a known cancer promoter and an apoptotic suppressor. This alkaloid acts on the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors which affects the ubiquitin-proteasome protein degradation pathway and ultimately hinders apoptosis. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is an interconnecting organelle which synthesises proteins and its quality control processes ensures the proper protein folding, post-translational modifications and conformation of secretory and trans-membrane proteins. Studies demonstrated that the antibiotic, Tunicamycin (Tm) and the sesquiterpene lactone, Thapsigargin (Tg) causes ER stress and consequently cellular arrest. Tm interferes with N-glycosylation of newly synthesised proteins triggering the unfolded protein response, while Tg inhibits intracellular Ca2+ ATPases resulting in increased cytosolic Ca2+. Studies showed that these compounds have potential pro-apoptotic effects. The combinatorial effects of nicotine, Tm and Tg may produce antagonistic or synergistic effects and provide a therapeutic tool against breast cancer. The aim of the study was to determine the apoptotic effects of nicotine, Tm, and Tg on human breast carcinoma (MCF-7) at various time intervals and further to elucidate whether selected ratios of their combinations resulted in synergistic or antagonistic effects.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:uwc/oai:etd.uwc.ac.za:11394/4579 |
| Date | January 2012 |
| Creators | Isaacs, Rabia |
| Contributors | Hiss, D. C., Gamieldien, K. |
| Publisher | University of the Western Cape |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Rights | University of the Western Cape |
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