The RhoC Transgenic Mouse as a Realistic Model of Inflammatory Breast Cancer
Abstract
Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) affects approximately 6% of women with breast cancer annually in the United States. However, this form of locally advanced breast cancer carries with it a grave prognosis with a disease-free survival rate of less than 45%. This poor prognosis is due to the ability of the tumor to invade and grow in the dermal lymphatics. Until recently, very little was known about the genetic mechanisms involved in conferring the invasive phenotype to IBC. Our laboratory has identified the oncogene RhoC GTPase as being overexpressed in IBC patient samples as compared with stage-matched non-IBC breast tumors. Overexpression of RhoC in normal human mammary epithelial cells nearly recapitulates the IBC phenotype, namely the cells become tumorigenic and invasive. To date few models exist to study the development of IBC. We have proposed to develop a RhoC transgenic mouse which will act as a realistic model of IBC formation and development. This mouse will help to identify other molecular events in the formation of IBC and act as a model for the development of new therapies.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA398977
Entities
People
- Kenneth L. Van Golen
Organizations
- University of Michigan