Breast Tumor/Stromal Cell Interactions in Bone
Abstract
Metastasis to bone is a common and serious complication of breast cancer. The aim of this project is to use our unique mouse model of breast cancer metastasis to bone to identify the molecular basis for this problem. In the first year, we have investigated the expression of a panel of candidate genes in tumor cells that metastasize to bone compared to those that do not metastasize or that metastasize to other organs. Many of these candidate genes are expressed in the tumor cells and some may be differentially expressed. We have also measured expression of chemokine receptors in these tumor cells but have yet to find one(s) that correlate with bone specific metastasis. To determine the role of osteolysis in metastasis to bone, inhibitors of bone resorption such as osteoprotegerin (OPG) have been investigated. Treatment of tumor bearing mice with OPG appears to reduce metastatic tumor growth in bone and overexpression of OPG reduces tumor cell growth, suggesting that osteolysis is important in the growth regulation of tumor cells. To investigate the role of stromal derived factors in metastasis to bone, beta3 integrin, M-CSF, MMP9 and MMP2 knockout mice have-been bred onto the Balb/c background.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA409770
Entities
People
- Michael D. Tavaria
- Robin L. Anderson
Organizations
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre