Hyperplasia and spontaneous tumor development in the gynecologic system in mice lacking the BRCA1-Delta11 isoform

Mol Cell Biol. 2006 Sep;26(18):6983-92. doi: 10.1128/MCB.00796-06.

Abstract

Alternative splicing in the BRCA1 locus generates multiple protein products including BRCA1-Delta11, which is identical to the BRCA1 full-length isoform (BRCA1-FL) except for the absence of exon 11. Mutation analysis using gene targeting to create null mutations or disrupt BRCA-FL has provided much of our understanding of BRCA1 functions; however, targeted mutation of specific short forms of BRCA1 has not been reported. To understand the physiologic functions of BRCA1-Delta11, we used a knock-in approach that blocks alternative splicing between exons 10 and 12 to prevent the formation of this form of BRCA1. We showed that homozygous mutant mice (Brca1(FL/FL)) were born at a Mendelian ratio without obvious developmental defects. However, the majority of Brca1(FL/FL) female mice showed mammary gland abnormalities and uterine hyperplasia after one year of age with spontaneous tumor formation. Cultured Brca1(FL/FL) cells exhibited abnormal centrosome amplification and reduction of G(1) population that was accompanied by accumulation of cyclin E and cyclin A. Accumulation of cyclin E was also found in epithelial layers of dilated ducts and hyperproliferative lobular regions in the mammary glands of Brca1(FL/FL) mice. These observations provide evidence that BRCA1 splicing variants are involved in BRCA1 functions in modulating G(1)/S transition, centrosome duplication, and repressing tumor formation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural

MeSH terms

  • Aging
  • Animals
  • Apoptosis / radiation effects
  • BRCA1 Protein / deficiency*
  • Cell Proliferation / radiation effects
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Cyclin E / metabolism
  • DNA Damage
  • Female
  • Fibroblasts / cytology
  • Fibroblasts / radiation effects
  • G1 Phase / radiation effects
  • Gamma Rays
  • Gene Deletion
  • Gene Targeting
  • Genital Neoplasms, Female / pathology*
  • Genitalia, Female / cytology
  • Genitalia, Female / pathology*
  • Hyperplasia
  • Mammary Glands, Animal / cytology
  • Mammary Glands, Animal / pathology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Mutant Strains
  • Protein Isoforms / deficiency
  • S Phase / radiation effects

Substances

  • BRCA1 Protein
  • BRCA1-delta11b
  • Cyclin E
  • Protein Isoforms