Mechanisms of Bone Metastasis from Breast Cancer Using a Clinically Relevant Model
Abstract
We have developed and characterised a model of breast cancer metastasis to bone that overcomes the deficiencies of earlier models. It utilises clones of a spontaneous mammary carcinoma that, after orthotopic injection of the tumor cells into the mammary gland, metastasise to bone and cause hypercalcemia. In addition, metastases are detected in some other organs, mainly lungs and liver. Other clones derived from the same primary tumor either do not metastasise, or metastasise only to lungs. This is the only reported model in which the tumor cells spread spontaneously from the mammary gland to bone. We have commenced studies, using this model to seek factors that are important in metastasis to bone. This is being done by two approaches: candidate gene analysis, whereby genes already implicated in bone and/or breast cancer metastasis are being examined; and genome wide screening for differences in gene expression between bone metastasising and non-bone metastasising clones. One candidate gene, parathyroid hormone related protein (PTHrP), is elevated both in the culture medium of the bone metastasising clone and in the serum of mice bearing these tumors. cDNA microarray screening has so far revealed a differential expression of several genes, including the alpha6 subunit of integrin.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA385502
Entities
People
- Robin L. Anderson
Organizations
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre