Determining the Function of the Fps/Fes Proto-Oncogene in Breast Development and Malignancy
Abstract
The fps/fes proto-oncogene encodes a 92 kDa protein tyrosine kinase. To understand the physiological function of Fps we have generated a knockout mouse line that lacks Fps expression. Fps-knockout female mice produce litters that gain weight more slowly than wildtype mice, and develop breast tumors more quickly than wildtype mice. These data suggest that Fps participates in regulating mammary gland development and tumorigenesis. To address these hypotheses we are examining the biological and biochemical function(Fps) of Fps in the mammary gland. To date, we have shown that Fps is expressed specifically in epithelial cells. Examination of Fps during different mammary stages has shown that expression begins to increase during pregnancy and reaches maximal levels during lactation. An upregulation of Fps tyrosine kinase activity displays a similar profile. This would suggest that Fps might regulate epithelial cell differentiation. However, morphological and histological analyses could not detect any obvious differences in the pattern or quantity of alveolar structures between wildtype and knockout mice. Examination of ducts during lactation indicates that knockout cells may have a distorted shape with respect to their apical surface being more extended into the lumen of the duct. The exact nature of this potential phenotype has not yet been fully characterized but it suggests that Fps may regulate an aspect of lactation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA430361
Entities
People
- Peter A. Greer
- Peter Truesdell
Organizations
- Queen's University