We have in our research group worked since the late 80'ties with characterization of the carboxyl ester lipase (CEL) gene. The gene encodes a protein which is important for the digestion and absorption of dietary lipids, and is highly expressed in the exocrine pancreas and the lactating mammary gland. Low levels of CEL expression has also been shown in other cells such as macrophages and endothelial cells. From studies of the transcriptional regulation of the CEL gene in the mammary gland we have identified a transcription factor, NF1-C2, which is important for both the tissue specific and the developmental control of the gene.
Our research interest now is to identify and characterize molecular mechanisms involved in the differentiation process of normal mammary epithelial cells. We postulate that the same mechanisms that underlie the normal control of mammary epithelial cell proliferation can go awry and give rise to breast cancer. In particular we want to study the role of NF1-C2 in both normal cell proliferation and breast cancer. This choice is based on our observation, that this transcription factor seems to be of importance for the developmental control of genes induced at mid-pregnancy. Furthermore, we have been able to show that NF1-C2 is important for the up-regulation of the tumor suppressor gene p53 in vivo in the mammary gland during pregnancy.
Another area of interest is to elucidate the function of the CEL protein in the circulation and study its role in relation to atherosclerosis.