Homebox Genes in Normal, Premeoplastic and Neoplastic Mammary Gland.
Abstract
We have made good process in investigating the expression of homeobox-containing genes in the mouse mammary gland. We used PCR to amplify conserved sequences from cDNA of mouse mammary gland. Representatives of each of the four Hox clusters were expressed, as well as others outside of these major groupings. Several characteristics of homeobox gene expression suggest that they play a significant role. (1) Their expression is developmentally regulated, and is associated with morphogenesis but not milk secretion. (2) Certain homeobox genes are influenced by ovarian hormones. (3) Gene expression is both stromal and epithelial, as shown by in situ hybridization. In all cases, expression was associated with regions of epithelium-stroma interactions, and stromal transcription was strictly dependent upon the presence of contiguous mammary epithelium. (4) Misexpression of certain homeobox genes was found in both preneoplastic and malignant tissues, the pattern suggesting a role in later, rather than earlier stages of malignant progression. Experiments to expand our knowledge of the functional role of homeogenes in the mouse mammary gland are in progress, as are studies on homeogene expression in normal and malignant human breast tissues.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1996
- Accession Number
- ADA306472
Entities
People
- Charles W. Daniel
Organizations
- University of California, Santa Cruz