Studies of Prostate Tumor Development via Cre/LoxP Technology
Abstract
Although considerable progress in the understanding of prostate cancer has been made in the last few years, the basic knowledge of the biology of this disease remains elusive. The development of this cancer is related to the male sexual hormone (testosterone) but the actual mechanisms by which testosterone affects the development of this cancer is not known. The prostate gland has at least three different types of cells that contribute to the physiology of the gland: basal, luminal and neuroendocrine cells. It is not totally clear what the relationship is between these different cell types, how testosterone affects them and which one is the target cell in prostate cancer development. We will use new transgenic technology that allows tagging of a particular cell population and following its behavior over the life of the animal. These experiments will be performed in mice because this technology is well developed in these animals and there is a basic knowledge of the rodent prostate. The studies proposed here will clarify some of the basic aspects of the biology of the prostate gland and the process of carcinogenesis in this organ.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA407387
Entities
People
- Claudio J. Conti
Organizations
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center