Transgenic Mouse Model to Study the Role of EGF Receptor in Breast Cancer
Abstract
Epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor is expressed in many normal tissues, including mammary epithelium. Overexpression or mutation of the EGF receptor causes neoplastic transformation in many cell types. Several studies have implicated the EGF receptor as a good prognostic marker in breast cancer, but its role in the etiology and progression of this malignancy is still under dispute. We propose to utilize a genetic approach to investigate this issue, by developing transgenic mice in which the EGF receptor gene in the mammary gland will be inactivated at the onset of the first lactation. The construct for the gene targeting was made and was introduced into the ES cells. Positive clones by Southern blot analysis were injected to generate chimeric mice. Germline transmission from those chimeric animals were also generated. Several matings and crossings were needed to generate female mice of which both alleles of exon 1 is flanking by two loxP sites. We are now at the final stage of the mating and crossing. We hope very soon we will have our mouse model to study the question whether the EGF receptor plays a functional role in the etiology and progression of mammary carcinoma. The answer to this question would indicate the feasibility of using the EGF receptor as a target in breast cancer therapy.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA381688
Entities
People
- William S. Chen
Organizations
- University of Illinois at Chicago