Role of the EGF-Related Growth Factor Cripto in Murine Mammary Tumorigenesis

Abstract

We have been investigating the biological and biochemical functions of the Cripto gene, which encodes an extraceliular protein that is a member of the EGF-CFC gene family, and which has been implicated in autocrine or paracrine signaling during human breast carcinogenesis. To elucidate the potential role of Cripto in mammary development and tumorigenesis, we have been investigating the in vivo activities of Cripto using transgenic mice that overexpress Cripto in the mammary gland, and have been investigating the molecular mechanisms of CRIPTO protein signaling. In the past year, we have generated molecular genetic and biochemical lines of evidence that Cripto acts as an essential co- factor for signaling by the divergent TGF-beta- factor Nodal. These findings provide a model for potential mechanisms of Cripto function through modulation of specific TGF-beta-related signals in mammary development and tumorigenesis.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Oct 01, 1999
Accession Number
ADB259838

Entities

People

  • Michael M. Shen

Organizations

  • Robert Wood Johnson Medical School

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Animal Structures
  • Blood
  • Breast Cancer
  • Cell Membrane
  • Cells
  • Chemistry
  • Culture Techniques
  • Embryos
  • Fish
  • Genetics
  • Growth Factors
  • Mammary Glands
  • Materials
  • Peptide Growth Factors
  • Peptides
  • Proteins
  • Veins

Readers

  • Molecular Biology and Genetics
  • Molecular Genetics

Technology Areas

  • Biotechnology