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Initiation of Metastatic Breast Carcinoma by Targeting of the Ductal Epithelium with Adenovirus-Cre: A Novel Transgenic Mouse Model of Breast Cancer
07:13

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Multiple functions of maspin in tumor progression and mouse development

Ming Zhang1

  • 1Baylor College of Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Houston, TX 77030, USA. mzhang@bcm.tmc.edu

Frontiers in Bioscience : a Journal and Virtual Library
|September 9, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Maspin, a protein found in mammary cells, is reduced in breast cancers and impacts tumor growth. Research using mouse models reveals its crucial role in both cancer progression and normal mammary gland and embryonic development.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Developmental Biology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Maspin is a serine protease inhibitor (serpin) identified in human mammary epithelial cells.
  • Maspin expression is frequently downregulated or silenced in various breast cancers.
  • Its roles in cancer progression, angiogenesis, and potential as a gene therapy target have been investigated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the diverse biological functions of maspin.
  • To summarize maspin's roles in tumor progression and metastasis.
  • To elucidate maspin's function in normal mammary gland and embryonic development using in vivo models.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on maspin.
  • Analysis of data from transgenic and gene knockout mouse models.
  • In vivo studies to assess maspin function in tumor development and normal growth.

Main Results:

  • Maspin exhibits multifaceted roles in cancer, influencing tumor progression and metastasis.
  • Maspin is implicated in angiogenesis, a key process in tumor growth.
  • Maspin is a critical regulatory molecule essential for normal mammary gland development and embryonic development.

Conclusions:

  • Maspin is a significant factor in both oncogenesis and normal development.
  • Understanding maspin's functions provides insights into potential therapeutic strategies for breast cancer.
  • Maspin's dual role highlights its importance in maintaining biological homeostasis.

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