Genetic Requirements for the Transformation of Human Cells
Abstract
Much of what we know about the details of neoplastic transformation comes from studies in cell culture. With the original demonstration by Weinberg, Wigler and Barbacid that cells could be transformed in vitro by DNA sequences from cancer cells, mouse cells have become premier models for the study of oncogene and tumor suppressor function. This has evolved in recent years to the study of genetically defined mouse models (transgenics and knock-outs). These have provided a great deal of key information regarding the transformation process and have served as model systems in which to test new anti-cancer therapies. Despite the utility of the aforementioned approach, there is a fundamental problem with absolute reliance on this paradigm. Genetic alterations that easily transform rodent cells in culture do not have a similar effect on normal human cells. This implies a difference between the processed of neoplastic transformation in man and mice. In the face intense scrutiny, the nature of this difference has remained a mystery for more than 30 years.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA418793
Entities
People
- Yvette M. Seger
Organizations
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory