The Role of VAPB in Breast Cancer

Abstract

VAPB (VAMP-associated protein B) is an endoplasmic reticulum protein that regulates multiple biological functions. VAPB protein expression is elevated in human breast cancers and correlates with poor prognosis. Despite aberrant expression of VAPB in breast cancer, its function in tumor cells is poorly understood. In this dissertation we demonstrate the causal role between VAPB and breast cancer, specifically in three areas (1) cell growth (2) invasion and (3) tumor growth in vivo. Additionally, we provide mechanistic evidence that VAPB regulates breast tumor cell proliferation and invasion through enhanced ATK activity and vesicle mediated protein secretion.