The roles of Adiponectin and ADIPOR1 in p27 dependent inhibition of breast cancer progression

Obesity is a serious medical condition which increases the prevalence of several related diseases, including Breast Cancer, the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Canadian women. The statistical association between obesity and breast cancer is well documented, although a precise mechanism is yet to be established. Although adipose (fat) tissue was originally considered an inert storage depot for excess energy, recent evidence implicates it as an active endocrine organ, influencing cell growth via its secreted chemical messengers (adipokines). The lean state is associated with high levels of Adiponectin, an adipokine that binds Adiponectin Receptor 1 (ADIPOR1) to activate AMP-associated Protein Kinase (AMPK) which directly stabilizes the cell cycle inhibitor p27 to regulate breast cancer growth. Therefore this thesis examines ADIPOR1 function, stability, and regulation, in order to elucidate its specific role in breast cancer inhibition.