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Metastatic prostate cancer in a transgenic mouse
J R Gingrich1, R J Barrios, R A Morton
1Scott Department of Urology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.
Cancer Research
|September 15, 1996
Summary
The TRAMP mouse model develops prostate cancer with metastasis by 12 weeks of age. This model consistently shows metastatic prostate cancer in lymph nodes and lungs by 28 weeks, aiding research into cancer progression.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genetics
- Animal Models
Background:
- The TRAMP (transgenic adenocarcinoma mouse prostate) model was developed for prostate cancer research.
- Previous work established the PB-Tag transgenic line 8247 as the basis for this model.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the temporal and spatial progression of prostate cancer in the TRAMP model.
- To identify and analyze metastatic disease within this model.
- To investigate the earliest molecular events in prostate cancer development and metastasis.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the TRAMP transgenic mouse model.
- Monitored transgene expression (T antigen oncoprotein) and associated pathology.
- Histopathobiological and molecular analyses were performed on primary and metastatic tumors.
Main Results:
- TRAMP mice express T antigen by 8 weeks, developing prostate pathology by 10 weeks.
- Metastases detected as early as 12 weeks, commonly in lymph nodes and lungs.
- 100% of mice exhibit metastatic disease by 28 weeks; loss of E-cadherin observed during progression.
Conclusions:
- The TRAMP model reliably recapitulates prostate cancer progression and metastasis.
- It offers a valuable platform for studying early molecular events in prostate cancer.
- The model demonstrates E-cadherin loss, mirroring human prostate cancer characteristics.