Kentucky Journal of Undergraduate Scholarship

Project Title

Effect of HER2 Expression on NUPL2 Protein in Cervical Cancer Cells

Authors

Mary E. Eichholz, Brescia UniversityFollow
Margaret J. Ballou, Brescia UniversityFollow
Tristan J. Haight, Brescia UniversityFollow
Jennifer L. Minton, Brescia UniversityFollow
Ryan N. Oates, Brescia UniversityFollow
Jacob J. Adler, Brescia UniversityFollow

Domain

Life Sciences

Abstract

Recurring cervical cancer patients frequently present overexpressed Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2) protein, which promotes the growth of the cancer. Some HER2-expressing cells and cervical cancer patients have enhanced gene expression of Nucleoporin-like 2 (NUPL2). As part of the nuclear pore complex, the NUPL2 protein serves to selectively export substances from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. In this experiment, HER2 was expressed in cervical cancer cells to examine its effect on NUPL2 protein expression and localization. Interestingly, there was no difference in NUPL2 protein levels between HER2-expressing and non-expressing cells. Importantly, consistent instances of NUPL2 protein localization specific to the nucleus occurred in a large sampling of HER2-expressing cells. This is significant because it suggests a mechanism as to how HER2 promotes excessive cell growth, via changes in NUPL2 localization, potentially impacting its function and ability to selectively export substances that modulate cell growth.

Mentor Name

Jacob J. Adler

Mentor Email

jacob.adler@brescia.edu

Recommended Citation

Eichholz, Mary E.; Ballou, Margaret J.; Haight, Tristan J.; Minton, Jennifer L.; Oates, Ryan N.; and Adler, Jacob J. (2021) "Effect of HER2 Expression on NUPL2 Protein in Cervical Cancer Cells," Kentucky Journal of Undergraduate Scholarship: Vol. 5: Iss. 1, Article 2.
Available at: https://encompass.eku.edu/kjus/vol5/iss1/2