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 proposed to utilize a genetic approach to investigate this tissue 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 of the targeting was made and was introduced into the ES cells. Positive clones were injected to generate chimeric mice, which give rise to germ line transmission. After several mating and crossing, we have generated our mouse model. Now we have started the treatment and analysis. We hope very soon that we will know the answer 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. We are also going to extend our studies by crossing our mouse model to Aktl knockout mice we have recently generated.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA391247
Entities
People
- William S. Chen
Organizations
- University of Illinois at Chicago