Involvement of a Human Endogenous Retrovirus in Breast Cancer
Abstract
We are testing the hypothesis that human mammary tumor virus (HMTV), a human endogenous retrovirus (HERV) closely related to mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV), is etiologically involved in a subset of human breast cancers. We continue to collect blood and tissue from breast cancer patients, appropriate control subjects and from archival resources. We are determining the incidence of HMTV in these populations using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and comparing the sequences of HMTV from different individuals to determine the extent of genetic variability. We have now constructed a genomic DNA library from a breast tumor positive for HMTV proviruses. Clones representing the entire HMTV genome, including flanking regions containing potential oncogenes, will be isolated and sequenced. Studies to express HMTV proteins and characterize the immunological reactions against these proteins in breast cancer patients and controls are in progress. The proposed studies will provide evidence indicative of whether or not HMTV is involved in breast cancer. HMTV may provide a target for vaccine development and breast cancer therapy.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA397060
Entities
People
- Robert F. Garry
Organizations
- Tulane University of Louisiana