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Delayed mammary tumor progression in Muc-1 null mice
A P Spicer1, G J Rowse, T K Lidner
1Samuel C. Johnson Medical Research Building, Mayo Clinic Scottsdale, Arizona 85259, USA.
The Journal of Biological Chemistry
|December 15, 1995
Summary
Mucin 1 (Muc-1) is a protein found on epithelial cells. Mice lacking Muc-1 showed slower growth of mammary tumors, suggesting Muc-1 promotes carcinoma progression.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Mucin 1 (Muc-1) is a high molecular weight glycoprotein on the apical surface of secretory epithelial cells.
- Muc-1 is overexpressed and aberrantly glycosylated in many carcinomas and metastatic lesions.
- Proposed functions include epithelial protection, organogenesis, and tumor progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of Muc-1 in mammary carcinoma progression.
- To generate and analyze Muc-1 deficient mice for tumor development.
Main Methods:
- Homologous recombination in embryonic stem cells was used to create Muc-1 deficient mice.
- Polyoma middle T antigen was used to induce primary breast tumors in wild-type and Muc-1 deficient mice.
- Tumor growth rates were compared between the two groups.
Main Results:
- Muc-1 deficient mice developed normally, were healthy, and fertile.
- Primary breast tumors induced by polyoma middle T antigen grew significantly slower in Muc-1 deficient mice compared to wild-type mice.
Conclusions:
- Muc-1 plays a significant role in the progression of mammary carcinoma.
- Targeting Muc-1 may offer a therapeutic strategy for breast cancer.