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

Abstract

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

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2000
Accession Number
ADB267654

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  • Michael M. Shen

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  • Robert Wood Johnson Medical School

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  • Animal Structures
  • Breast Cancer
  • Cell Physiological Processes
  • Cells
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