Transgenic Rat Models for Breast Cancer Research

Abstract

The laboratory rat is an important model for studying breast cancer due to the similarities in this disease between rats and humans. However, limited knowledge in manipulating the rat genome through transgenesis has prevented researchers from answering important questions in breast cancer research. We proposed to carry out detailed studies to optimize the variables in transgenic manipulation, to extend transgenic rat technology to inbred rat strains, and to develop rat embryo cryopreservation. We have evaluated multiple variables in the microinjection procedure and generated multiple transgenic rat lines which should be important for breast cancer research. We have developed an efficient cryopreservation procedure for rat embryos. Embryos from the outbred Sprague-Dawley and inbred Wistar-Furth and Copenhagen strains that possess unique characteristics for breast cancer research and multiple lines of transgenic rats that are useful for breast cancer research have been frozen. Lastly, due to the lack of rat embryonic stem cells that contribute to the germline, we have set up the technology for rat cloning, a technique which could allow researchers to generate germline mutations in cellular genes of the rat. This technology is critical for generating recessive mutations which are commonly described as the genetic basis for cancers.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Oct 01, 1998
Accession Number
ADB248915

Entities

People

  • Anne E. Griep

Organizations

  • University of Wisconsin–Madison

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Biomedical Research
  • Biotechnology
  • Breast Cancer
  • Cancer
  • Carcinoma
  • Cells
  • Computer Programs
  • Diseases And Disorders
  • Epithelial Cells
  • Genes
  • Genetically Modified Organisms
  • Genetics
  • Governments
  • Mammary Glands
  • Neoplasms
  • Reproduction Techniques
  • Stem Cells

Fields of Study

  • Biology

Readers

  • Molecular and genetic basis of cancer.
  • Toxicology/Environmental Toxicology

Technology Areas

  • Biotechnology