Genetic Determinants of Breast Cancer Metastasis
Abstract
Metastasis is a complex phenomenon involving both the activation and inactivation of a number of genes. Although a great deal is known about the types and numbers of genes that are activated or inactivated during metastasis, little is known about which genes are responsible for metastatic susceptibility. Identification and characterization of these genes would provide additional insights into this process, as well as potentially leading to novel therapeutic strategies. To identify inbred mouse strains harboring metastasis suppressors, previously we performed a survey to identify mouse strains that inhibited the ability of a transgene induced mammary tumor to form pulmonary metastases. Two inbred strains, DBA/2J and NZB/B1NJ were shown to significantly suppress the ability of the tumor to disseminate, indicative of the presence of metastasis suppressor genes in those genetic backgrounds. We have performed three independent genetic mapping experiments to determine the approximate genetic location of the metastasis suppressor genes. Our preliminary results suggest that there is at least one gene that is responsible the metastatic suppression, and possibly an unlinked second epistatically interacting gene. We are currently completing the preliminary mapping studies prior to initiating high resolution mapping strategies to further refine the genetic location(s) of the metastatic suppressor gene(s).
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA368338
Entities
People
- Kent W Hunter
Organizations
- Fox Chase Cancer Center