Signal transduction in mammary tumorigenesis: a transgenic perspective
1Department of Biology, Institute for Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, McMaster University, 1280 Main St. West, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, L8S 4K1.
Abstract:
A number of genes have been implicated in breast cancer development, yet few have been demonstrated to play causative roles in mammary tumor formation. The advent of transgenic mouse and embryonic stem cell technologies now permits manipulation of the mouse genome in such a way as to temporally and spatially control a gene product's expression. Thus, the basic researcher now can directly assess the involvement of particular genes in tumorigenesis and disease progression and, in the process, to develop mouse models of human genetic disease. The utility of such technologies is emphasized in transgenic mice expressing genes thought to play important roles in the initiation and progression of mammary carcinomas. As these transgenic strains have been the subject of several reviews, here we focus on two mouse mammary tumor models, Polyomavirus middle T antigen and the Neu/ErbB-2 receptor tyrosine kinase, which are most amenable to study specific signaling pathways in process of mammary tumorigenesis.
Insights
Transgenic mouse models allow researchers to study gene roles in mammary tumor formation. These models, focusing on Polyomavirus middle T antigen and Neu/ErbB-2, aid in understanding breast cancer progression.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Numerous genes are linked to breast cancer, but few are proven causes of mammary tumors.
- Transgenic mouse and embryonic stem cell technologies enable precise control over gene expression.
- This allows direct assessment of gene involvement in tumorigenesis and disease progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review two specific mouse mammary tumor models: Polyomavirus middle T antigen and Neu/ErbB-2.
- To highlight the utility of these models for studying signaling pathways in mammary tumorigenesis.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing transgenic mouse technology for controlled gene expression.
- Focusing on established mammary tumor models for detailed analysis.
Main Results:
- Transgenic models provide powerful tools for investigating gene functions in cancer development.
- Specific models facilitate the study of key signaling pathways.
Conclusions:
- Transgenic mouse models are crucial for understanding the genetic basis of mammary carcinomas.
- These models are instrumental in developing a deeper understanding of breast cancer initiation and progression.
