Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 15, 2026

Analysis of Combinatorial miRNA Treatments to Regulate Cell Cycle and Angiogenesis
11:44

Analysis of Combinatorial miRNA Treatments to Regulate Cell Cycle and Angiogenesis

Published on: March 30, 2019

HER2 regulatory control of angiopoietin-2 in breast cancer

W B Carter1, M D Ward

  • 1Department of Surgery, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, USA.

Surgery
|August 3, 2000
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Human breast cancers overexpressing HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2) also express Ang-2 (angiopoietin-2). HER2 signaling regulates Ang-2, suggesting Ang-2 as a therapeutic target for HER2-positive breast cancer.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • HER2 overexpression is a hallmark of aggressive breast cancer.
  • HER2 signaling promotes tumor angiogenesis by destabilizing microvessels.
  • Angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) is implicated in microvessel destabilization.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between HER2 signaling and Ang-2 expression in breast cancer.
  • To determine if HER2 signaling upregulates Ang-2 as a mechanism for angioinvasion.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of HER2 and Ang-2 coexpression in human breast cancers and cell lines using Northern blot, RT-PCR, and ELISA.
  • Manipulation of HER2 signaling with HER2-blocking antibody (Herceptin) and Heregulin beta1.

Main Results:

  • Coexpression of HER2 and Ang-2 was observed in breast cancer cell lines and primary tumors.
  • HER2 overexpression led to a significant increase in Ang-2 mRNA levels.
  • Herceptin treatment substantially reduced Ang-2 mRNA expression, indicating HER2-mediated regulation.

Conclusions:

  • Human breast cancers express Ang-2, and its expression is regulated by HER2 signaling.
  • Ang-2 represents a potential therapeutic target in HER2-positive breast cancers.
  • Ang-2 levels may help identify patients who would benefit from Herceptin therapy.

More Related Videos

Exploring the Pharmacological Action and Molecular Mechanism of Salidroside in Inhibiting MCF-7 Cell Proliferation and Migration11:13

Exploring the Pharmacological Action and Molecular Mechanism of Salidroside in Inhibiting MCF-7 Cell Proliferation and Migration

Published on: June 9, 2023

Validated Immunochemical Assay for Comprehensive Determination of the Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 Released from and Bound to Cells08:28

Validated Immunochemical Assay for Comprehensive Determination of the Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 Released from and Bound to Cells

Published on: May 9, 2025

Related Concept Videos

Mitogens and the Cell Cycle02:38

Mitogens and the Cell Cycle

Mitogens and their receptors play a crucial role in controlling the progression of the cell cycle. However, the loss of mitogenic control over cell division leads to tumor formation. Therefore, mitogens and mitogen receptors play an important role in cancer research. For instance, the epidermal growth factor (EGF) - a type of mitogen and its transmembrane receptor (EGFR), decides the fate of the cell's proliferation. When EGF binds to EGFR, a member of the ErbB family of tyrosine kinase...
mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression03:03

mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression

The mammalian target of rapamycin or mTOR protein was discovered in 1994 due to its direct interaction with rapamycin. The protein gets its name from a yeast homolog called TOR. The mTOR protein complex in mammalian cells plays a major role in balancing anabolic processes such as the synthesis of proteins, lipids, and nucleotides and catabolic processes, such as autophagy in response to environmental cues, such as availability of nutrients and growth factors.
The mTOR pathway or the...
Mechanism of Angiogenesis01:10

Mechanism of Angiogenesis

Blood vessel formation starts early during embryonic development, around day 7. In the extraembryonic yolk sac, mesodermal precursor cells called hemangioblast proliferate and differentiate into angioblast. Angioblasts express vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 or VEGFR2, which binds VEGF-A, a proangiogenic factor, guiding blood vessel formation. VEGF signaling promotes angioblasts to form a blood island in the developing embryo. Angioblasts further differentiate, giving rise to...
Regulation of Angiogenesis and Blood Supply01:24

Regulation of Angiogenesis and Blood Supply

Rapidly dividing tumors, embryos, and wounded tissues require more oxygen than usual, lowering the oxygen concentration in the blood. At low oxygen or hypoxic conditions, an oxygen-sensitive transcription factor called the hypoxia-inducible factor 1 or HIF1 is activated. HIF1 is a dimeric protein of alpha (ɑ) and beta (β) subunits.  Under optimal oxygen conditions, HIF1β is present in the nucleus while HIF1ɑ remains in the cytosol. HIF1ɑ is hydroxylated by prolyl hydroxylase and factor...
PI3K/mTOR/AKT Signaling Pathway01:22

PI3K/mTOR/AKT Signaling Pathway

The mammalian target of rapamycin  (mTOR) is a serine/threonine kinase that regulates growth, proliferation, and cell survival in response to hormones, growth factors, or nutrient availability. This kinase exists in two structurally and functionally distinct forms: mTOR complex 1  (mTORC1) and mTOR complex 2  (mTORC2). The first form (mTORC1) is composed of a rapamycin-sensitive Raptor and proline-rich Akt substrate, PRAS40. In contrast,  mTORC2 consists of a rapamycin-insensitive companion...
mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression03:03

mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression

The mammalian target of rapamycin or mTOR protein was discovered in 1994 due to its direct interaction with rapamycin. The protein gets its name from a yeast homolog called TOR. The mTOR protein complex in mammalian cells plays a major role in balancing anabolic processes such as the synthesis of proteins, lipids, and nucleotides and catabolic processes, such as autophagy in response to environmental cues, such as availability of nutrients and growth factors.
The mTOR pathway or the...