Abstract 250: The critical requirement of ATM function in PTEN null cell lines

Abstract Introduction: The tumour suppressor PTEN is frequently lost in multiple cancer types, loss of PTEN function has been linked to activation of the AKT signalling pathway. The regulation of the AKT signalling has long been attributed as the key tumour suppressing function of PTEN. However, it has recently been demonstrated that PTEN null cells demonstrate genomic instability and require base excision repair (BER) for survival. One of the critical functions of BER is the repair of oxidative DNA damage; we postulated that PTEN might have a role in the maintenance of this form of damage. Additionally, we investigated which molecular pathways were involved in the response of this form of DNA damage in PTEN null cells. Results: Using isogenic…