Transgenic Analysis of the Role of Transcription Factor AP-2 in Breast Development and Breast Cancer.
Abstract
One of the most common alterations in human breast cancer is the overexpression of the c-erbB-2 proto-oncogene that occurs in 25-30% of human breast tumors. Recently, in vitro studies have shown that this increased expression correlates with the presence of the transcription factor AP-2. We have therefore begun to determine the role of AP-2 both in normal mammary gland development and in breast cancer. An analysis of human breast tumor samples reveals that there is a significant increase in AP-2 protein expression in the progression from benign breast epithelium. Moreover, the presence of various AP-2 family members correlates with the expression of important signal transduction molecules including c-erbB-2, ER and IGF-IR. We have also found that the AP-2 genes are differentially regulated during mouse mammary gland development. We are now directly testing the role of AP-2 in breast development and breast cancer using animal model systems. Mice containing expressed transgenes for both wild-type and dominant negative versions of AP-2 have been generated. Analysis of these mice reveals that AP-2 exerts a profound influence over the growth and morphogenesis of the mammary gland.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA355374
Entities
People
- Jian Zhang
Organizations
- Yale University