Genetically engineered mice as experimental tools to dissect the critical events in breast cancer

Mitchell E Menezes; Swadesh K Das; Luni Emdad; Jolene J Windle; Xiang-Yang Wang; Devanand Sarkar; Paul B Fisher

doi:10.1016/B978-0-12-800249-0.00008-1

Genetically engineered mice as experimental tools to dissect the critical events in breast cancer

Adv Cancer Res. 2014:121:331-382. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-12-800249-0.00008-1.

Authors

Mitchell E Menezes¹, Swadesh K Das², Luni Emdad³, Jolene J Windle³, Xiang-Yang Wang³, Devanand Sarkar³, Paul B Fisher⁴

Affiliations

¹ Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA.
² Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA.
³ Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA; VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA.
⁴ Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA; VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA. Electronic address: pbfisher@vcu.edu.

Abstract

Elucidating the mechanism of pathogenesis of breast cancer has greatly benefited from breakthrough advances in both genetically engineered mouse (GEM) models and xenograft transplantation technologies. The vast array of breast cancer mouse models currently available is testimony to the complexity of mammary tumorigenesis and attempts by investigators to accurately portray the heterogeneity and intricacies of this disease. Distinct molecular changes that drive various aspects of tumorigenesis, such as alterations in tumor cell proliferation and apoptosis, invasion and metastasis, angiogenesis, and drug resistance have been evaluated using the currently available GEM breast cancer models. GEM breast cancer models are also being exploited to evaluate and validate the efficacy of novel therapeutics, vaccines, and imaging modalities for potential use in the clinic. This review provides a synopsis of the various GEM models that are expanding our knowledge of the nuances of breast cancer development and progression and can be instrumental in the development of novel prevention and therapeutic approaches for this disease.

Keywords: Breast cancer; Genetically engineered mouse (GEM) models; Transgenic animals.

Publication types

Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
Review

MeSH terms

Animals
Breast Neoplasms / pathology*
Cell Proliferation
Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / genetics*
Disease Models, Animal*
Female
Humans
Mammary Glands, Animal / pathology
Mammary Glands, Animal / physiology
Mice*
Mice, Transgenic
Signal Transduction / genetics

Abstract

Publication types

MeSH terms

Grants and funding