Investigating the Role of the Anti-Apoptotic Protein ARC in Breast Cancer Cell DNA Repair

Abstract

Breast cancer is one of the most well-known and widespread forms of cancer in the United States today with over 40,000 deaths being attributed to it annually. According to the American Cancer Society, over 90% of these deaths are due to the cancer spreading to other areas of the body.1 Previous studies have shown that this aggressive action by the cancer is due to specific types of breast cancer cells that are also known to be resistant to conventional treatments.2 In this project, I elucidate a new potential drug target found in these cells. If drugs against this target come into use in the clinic, it may result in prevention of breast cancer spreading and increased long term survival for patients.