Inducible Transgenic Models of BRCAl Function
Abstract
Germline mutations in the breast and ovarian cancer susceptibility gene, BRCAl, account for a large proportion of families with inherited breast and ovarian cancer. Interestingly, while germline BRCAl mutations predispose carriers to adenocarcinoma of the breast, no somatic BRCAl mutations have been found in sporadic primary breast cancers. This observation suggests that this molecule may normally protect the breast against carcinogenesis only during specific stages of mammary gland development. Previously, we have analyzed the temporal and spatial pattern of Brcal expression during normal mouse embryogenesis, in adult tissues, and during postnatal mammary gland development. These studies support a role for Brcal in the regulation of cell proliferation and differentiation in the breast during puberty and pregnancy. We hypothesize that BRACl plays a critical role in mammary gland development, and that its function is temporally restricted to developmental phases.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADB232955
Entities
People
- Lewis A Chodosh
Organizations
- University of Pennsylvania