Alternative splicing in 5’-untranslational region of STK-15 gene, encoding centrosome associated kinase, in breast cancer cell lines

Abstract

Centrosomes maintain genomic stability by establishing the bipolar spindles during cell division and execute accurate segregation of chromosomes during mitosis. In this study, we have demonstrated that there are three forms of STK-15 gene in breast cancer cell lines. Alternative splice positions are located in 5’-untranslated region of STK15 gene. The results of in vitro translation experiments revealed that the alternative splicing in the 5’-untranslated region of STK15 had no effect on protein translation. The differential expression patterns of these alternatively spliced STK15 in breast cell lines and primary tumors therefore suggest that STK15 gene transcription may be differentially regulated or stabilized in these cells. Keywords: STK15, centrosome, breast cancer, alternative splicing, serine/threonine kinase, cell cycle