The Role of b-catenin in Mammary Gland Carcinogenesis
Abstract
Wnt signaling molecules have been implicated in mouse mammary carcinogenesis. beta- catenin, a downstream molecule in the Wnt pathway, activates transcription of target genes. Our studies are aimed at determining whether beta-catenin can function as an oncogene in the mammary gland. Using the mouse as a model system, we targeted expression of beta-catenin to the mammary gland in transgenic animals. Preliminary results have revealed that beta-catenin transgenic lines succumb to mammary tumors characterized as microacinar adenocarcinomas at a mean age of onset of 6 months. Transgenic lines expressing a dominant negative form of beta-catenin in the mammary gland have also been established. These mice are being bred to Wnt-1 transgenic lines, which normally get tumors at 3-6 months of age, in an attempt to delay the onset of tumorigenesis. We are also interested in identifying downstream transcriptional targets of beta-catenin in the mammary gland. To that end, attempts to express an inducible form of beta-catenin in a mammary epithelial cell line are in progress. We have also established tumor cell lines from the beta-catenin tumors which will be helpful in identifying downstream targets of beta-catenin. Thus, our studies have begun to establish beta-catenin as an oncogene in the mammary gland and aim to identify beta-catenin targets in beta-catenin mediated mammary oncogenesis.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA389896
Entities
People
- Jennifer Michaelson
Organizations
- Harvard University