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Biswas K, Mohammed A, Sharan SK, Shoemaker RH. Genetically engineered mouse models for hereditary cancer syndromes. Cancer Sci 2023; 114:1800-1815. [PMID: 36715493 PMCID: PMC10154891 DOI: 10.1111/cas.15737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Advances in molecular diagnostics have led to improved diagnosis and molecular understanding of hereditary cancers in the clinic. Improving the management, treatment, and potential prevention of cancers in carriers of predisposing mutations requires preclinical experimental models that reflect the key pathogenic features of the specific syndrome associated with the mutations. Numerous genetically engineered mouse (GEM) models of hereditary cancer have been developed. In this review, we describe the models of Lynch syndrome and hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome, the two most common hereditary cancer predisposition syndromes. We focus on Lynch syndrome models as illustrative of the potential for using mouse models to devise improved approaches to prevention of cancer in a high-risk population. GEM models are an invaluable tool for hereditary cancer models. Here, we review GEM models for some hereditary cancers and their potential use in cancer prevention studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kajal Biswas
- Chemopreventive Agent Development Research Group, Division of Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Altaf Mohammed
- Chemopreventive Agent Development Research Group, Division of Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Shyam K Sharan
- Mouse Cancer Genetics Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Robert H Shoemaker
- Chemopreventive Agent Development Research Group, Division of Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, Maryland, USA
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Mouse Models for Deciphering the Impact of Homologous Recombination on Tumorigenesis. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13092083. [PMID: 33923105 PMCID: PMC8123484 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13092083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Homologous recombination (HR) is a fundamental evolutionarily conserved process that plays prime role(s) in genome stability maintenance through DNA repair and through the protection and resumption of arrested replication forks. Many HR genes are deregulated in cancer cells. Notably, the breast cancer genes BRCA1 and BRCA2, two important HR players, are the most frequently mutated genes in familial breast and ovarian cancer. Transgenic mice constitute powerful tools to unravel the intricate mechanisms controlling tumorigenesis in vivo. However, the genes central to HR are essential in mammals, and their knockout leads to early embryonic lethality in mice. Elaborated strategies have been developed to overcome this difficulty, enabling one to analyze the consequences of HR disruption in vivo. In this review, we first briefly present the molecular mechanisms of HR in mammalian cells to introduce each factor in the HR process. Then, we present the different mouse models of HR invalidation and the consequences of HR inactivation on tumorigenesis. Finally, we discuss the use of mouse models for the development of targeted cancer therapies as well as perspectives on the future potential for understanding the mechanisms of HR inactivation-driven tumorigenesis in vivo.
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Czarnecka AM, Synoradzki K, Firlej W, Bartnik E, Sobczuk P, Fiedorowicz M, Grieb P, Rutkowski P. Molecular Biology of Osteosarcoma. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E2130. [PMID: 32751922 PMCID: PMC7463657 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12082130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 177] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most frequent primary bone cancer in children and adolescents and the third most frequent in adults. Many inherited germline mutations are responsible for syndromes that predispose to osteosarcomas including Li Fraumeni syndrome, retinoblastoma syndrome, Werner syndrome, Bloom syndrome or Diamond-Blackfan anemia. TP53 is the most frequently altered gene in osteosarcoma. Among other genes mutated in more than 10% of OS cases, c-Myc plays a role in OS development and promotes cell invasion by activating MEK-ERK pathways. Several genomic studies showed frequent alterations in the RB gene in pediatric OS patients. Osteosarcoma driver mutations have been reported in NOTCH1, FOS, NF2, WIF1, BRCA2, APC, PTCH1 and PRKAR1A genes. Some miRNAs such as miR-21, -34a, -143, -148a, -195a, -199a-3p and -382 regulate the pathogenic activity of MAPK and PI3K/Akt-signaling pathways in osteosarcoma. CD133+ osteosarcoma cells have been shown to exhibit stem-like gene expression and can be tumor-initiating cells and play a role in metastasis and development of drug resistance. Although currently osteosarcoma treatment is based on adriamycin chemoregimens and surgery, there are several potential targeted therapies in development. First of all, activity and safety of cabozantinib in osteosarcoma were studied, as well as sorafenib and pazopanib. Finally, novel bifunctional molecules, of potential imaging and osteosarcoma targeting applications may be used in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna M Czarnecka
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
- Department of Soft Tissue/Bone Sarcoma and Melanoma, Maria Sklodowska-Curie Institute-Oncology Centre, 02-781 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Kamil Synoradzki
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Wiktoria Firlej
- Department of Soft Tissue/Bone Sarcoma and Melanoma, Maria Sklodowska-Curie Institute-Oncology Centre, 02-781 Warsaw, Poland
- Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ewa Bartnik
- Institute of Genetics and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Pawel Sobczuk
- Department of Soft Tissue/Bone Sarcoma and Melanoma, Maria Sklodowska-Curie Institute-Oncology Centre, 02-781 Warsaw, Poland
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Physiology, Laboratory of Centre for Preclinical Research, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Michal Fiedorowicz
- Small Animal Magnetic Resonance Imaging Laboratory, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
- Interinstitute Laboratory of New Diagnostic Applications of MRI, Nalecz Institute of Biocybernetics and Biomedical Engineering, Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-109 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Pawel Grieb
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Piotr Rutkowski
- Department of Soft Tissue/Bone Sarcoma and Melanoma, Maria Sklodowska-Curie Institute-Oncology Centre, 02-781 Warsaw, Poland
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Abstract
Osteosarcoma is the predominant form of bone cancer, affecting mostly adolescents. Recent progress made in molecular genetic studies of osteosarcoma has changed our view on the cause of the disease and ongoing therapeutic approaches for patients. As we draw closer to gaining more complete catalogs of candidate cancer driver genes in common forms of cancer, the landscape of somatic mutations in osteosarcoma is emerging from its first phase. In this review, we summarize recent whole genome and/or whole exome genomic studies, and then put these findings in the context of genetic hallmarks of somatic mutations and mutational processes in human osteosarcoma. One of the lessons learned here is that the extent of somatic mutations and complexity of the osteosarcoma genome are similar to that of common forms of adult cancer. Thus, a much higher number of samples than those currently obtained are needed to complete the catalog of driver mutations in human osteosarcoma. In parallel, genetic studies in other species have revealed candidate driver genes and their roles in the genesis of osteosarcoma. This review also summarizes newly identified drivers in genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) and discusses our understanding of the impact of nature and number of drivers on tumor latency, subtypes, and metastatic potentials of osteosarcoma. It is becoming apparent that a synergistic team composed of three drivers (one 'first driver' and two 'synergistic drivers') may be required to generate an animal model that recapitulates aggressive osteosarcoma with a short latency. Finally, new cancer therapies are urgently needed to improve survival rate and quality of life for osteosarcoma patients. Several vulnerabilities in osteosarcoma are illustrated in this review to exemplify the opportunities for next generation molecularly targeted therapies. However, much work remains in order to complete our understanding of the somatic mutation basis of osteosarcoma, to develop reliable animal models of human disease, and to apply this information to guide new therapeutic approaches for reducing morbidity and mortality of this rare disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirby Rickel
- Sanford Children's Health Research Center, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, USA
| | - Fang Fang
- Sanford Children's Health Research Center, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, USA
| | - Jianning Tao
- Sanford Children's Health Research Center, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Sioux Falls, SD 57105, USA.
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Hartford SA, Chittela R, Ding X, Vyas A, Martin B, Burkett S, Haines DC, Southon E, Tessarollo L, Sharan SK. Interaction with PALB2 Is Essential for Maintenance of Genomic Integrity by BRCA2. PLoS Genet 2016; 12:e1006236. [PMID: 27490902 PMCID: PMC4973925 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1006236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2016] [Accepted: 07/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Human breast cancer susceptibility gene, BRCA2, encodes a 3418-amino acid protein that is essential for maintaining genomic integrity. Among the proteins that physically interact with BRCA2, Partner and Localizer of BRCA2 (PALB2), which binds to the N-terminal region of BRCA2, is vital for its function by facilitating its subnuclear localization. A functional redundancy has been reported between this N-terminal PALB2-binding domain and the C-terminal DNA-binding domain of BRCA2, which undermines the relevance of the interaction between these two proteins. Here, we describe a genetic approach to examine the functional significance of the interaction between BRCA2 and PALB2 by generating a knock-in mouse model of Brca2 carrying a single amino acid change (Gly25Arg, Brca2G25R) that disrupts this interaction. In addition, we have combined Brca2G25R homozygosity as well as hemizygosity with Palb2 and Trp53 heterozygosity to generate an array of genotypically and phenotypically distinct mouse models. Our findings reveal defects in body size, fertility, meiotic progression, and genome stability, as well as increased tumor susceptibility in these mice. The severity of the phenotype increased with a decrease in the interaction between BRCA2 and PALB2, highlighting the significance of this interaction. In addition, our findings also demonstrate that hypomorphic mutations such as Brca2G25R have the potential to be more detrimental than the functionally null alleles by increasing genomic instability to a level that induces tumorigenesis, rather than apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne A. Hartford
- Mouse Cancer Genetics Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Rajanikant Chittela
- Mouse Cancer Genetics Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Xia Ding
- Mouse Cancer Genetics Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Aradhana Vyas
- Mouse Cancer Genetics Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Betty Martin
- Leidos Biomedical Inc., National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Sandra Burkett
- Mouse Cancer Genetics Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Diana C. Haines
- Leidos Biomedical Inc., National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Eileen Southon
- Mouse Cancer Genetics Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland, United States of America
- Leidos Biomedical Inc., National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Lino Tessarollo
- Mouse Cancer Genetics Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Shyam K. Sharan
- Mouse Cancer Genetics Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland, United States of America
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Shi W, Tang MK, Yao Y, Tang C, Chui YL, Lee KKH. BRE plays an essential role in preventing replicative and DNA damage-induced premature senescence. Sci Rep 2016; 6:23506. [PMID: 27001068 PMCID: PMC4802329 DOI: 10.1038/srep23506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2015] [Accepted: 03/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The BRE gene, alias BRCC45, produces a 44 kDa protein that is normally distributed in both cytoplasm and nucleus. In this study, we used adult fibroblasts isolated from wild-type (WT) and BRE knockout (BRE−/−) mice to investigate the functional role of BRE in DNA repair and cellular senescence. We compared WT with BRE−/− fibroblasts at different cell passages and observed that the mutant fibroblasts entered replicative senescence earlier than the WT fibroblasts. With the use of gamma irradiation to induce DNA damage in fibroblasts, the percentage of SA-β-Gal+ cells was significantly higher in BRE−/− fibroblasts compared with WT cells, suggesting that BRE is also associated with DNA damage-induced premature senescence. We also demonstrated that the gamma irradiation induced γ-H2AX foci, a DNA damage marker, persisted significantly longer in BRE−/− fibroblasts than in WT fibroblasts, confirming that the DNA repair process is impaired in the absence of BRE. In addition, the BRCA1-A complex recruitment and homologous recombination (HR)-dependent DNA repair process upon DNA damage were impaired in BRE−/− fibroblasts. Taken together, our results demonstrate a role for BRE in both replicative senescence and DNA damage-induced premature senescence. This can be attributed to BRE being required for BRCA1-A complex-driven HR DNA repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenting Shi
- Stem Cell and Regeneration Thematic Research Programme, School of Biomedical Sciences, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Mei Kuen Tang
- Stem Cell and Regeneration Thematic Research Programme, School of Biomedical Sciences, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yao Yao
- Stem Cell and Regeneration Thematic Research Programme, School of Biomedical Sciences, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Chengcheng Tang
- Stem Cell and Regeneration Thematic Research Programme, School of Biomedical Sciences, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yiu Loon Chui
- Department of Chemical Pathology, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Kenneth Ka Ho Lee
- Stem Cell and Regeneration Thematic Research Programme, School of Biomedical Sciences, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
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Yin Z, Menendez D, Resnick MA, French JE, Janardhan KS, Jetten AM. RAP80 is critical in maintaining genomic stability and suppressing tumor development. Cancer Res 2012; 72:5080-90. [PMID: 22896338 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-12-1484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The ubiquitin interaction motif-containing protein RAP80 was recently found to play a key role in DNA damage response (DDR) signaling by facilitating the translocation of several DDR mediators, including BRCA1, to ionizing irradiation (IR)-induced foci. In this study, we examine the effect of the loss of RAP80 on genomic stability and the susceptibility to cancer development in RAP80 null (RAP80(-/-)) mice. RAP80(-/-) mice are viable and did not exhibit any apparent developmental defects. Mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEF) derived from RAP80(-/-) mice underwent premature senescence compared with wild-type (WT) MEFs, were more sensitive to IR, and exhibited a higher level of spontaneous and IR-induced genomic instability. RAP80(-/-) thymocytes were more sensitive to IR-induced cell death than WT thymocytes. RAP80(-/-) mice were more susceptible to spontaneous lymphoma development and the development of 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene-induced mammary gland tumors. Moreover, the loss of RAP80 accelerated tumor formation in both p53(-/-) and p53(+/-) mice. Our data indicate that RAP80-deficiency promotes genomic instability and causes an increase in cancer risk consistent with the concept that RAP80 exhibits a tumor suppressor function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengyu Yin
- Laboratory of Respiratory Biology, National Institute of Environmental Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, USA
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Abstract
The proteins encoded by the two major breast cancer susceptibility genes, BRCA1 and BRCA2, work in a common pathway of genome protection. However, the two proteins work at different stages in the DNA damage response (DDR) and in DNA repair. BRCA1 is a pleiotropic DDR protein that functions in both checkpoint activation and DNA repair, whereas BRCA2 is a mediator of the core mechanism of homologous recombination. The links between the two proteins are not well understood, but they must exist to explain the marked similarity of human cancer susceptibility that arises with germline mutations in these genes. As discussed here, the proteins work in concert to protect the genome from double-strand DNA damage during DNA replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohini Roy
- Molecular Biology Program and Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, New York 10065, USA
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Osteosarcomagenesis: modeling cancer initiation in the mouse. Sarcoma 2011; 2011:694136. [PMID: 21403899 PMCID: PMC3043296 DOI: 10.1155/2011/694136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2010] [Accepted: 01/03/2011] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Osteosarcoma remains a deadly malignancy afflicting adolescents and young adults. The lack of a precursor and the panoply of genetic aberrations present in identified osteosarcomas makes study of its initiation difficult. A number of candidate hypotheses have been tested in the mouse, a species with a higher background incidence of osteosarcoma. Chemical carcinogens, external beam radiation, and bone-seeking heavy metal radioisotopes have all proven to be osteosarcomagenic in wild-type mice. A number of oncogenes, introduced via integrating viruses or aberrantly activated from heritable genetic loci, participate in and can individually drive osteosarcomagenesis. Germline and conditional gene ablations in the form of some but not all aneuploidy-inducing genes, conventional tumor suppressors, and factors that function normally in mesenchymal differentiation have also proven osteosarcomagenic, especially in combinations that silence the Rb1 and p53 pathways. This paper reviews the rich history of mouse models of osteosarcomagenesis, what they have taught us about the human disease, and what future mouse experiments yet promise to teach.
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Targeted apc;twist double-mutant mice: a new model of spontaneous osteosarcoma that mimics the human disease. Transl Oncol 2010; 3:344-53. [PMID: 21151473 DOI: 10.1593/tlo.10169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2010] [Revised: 08/24/2010] [Accepted: 08/26/2010] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
TWIST and adenomatosis polyposis coli (APC) are critical signaling factors in normal bone development. In previous studies examining a homogeneously treated cohort of pediatric osteosarcoma patients, we reported the frequent and concurrent loss of both TWIST and APC genes. On these bases, we created a related animal model to further explore the oncogenic cooperation between these two genes. We performed intercrosses between twist-null/+ and Apc1638N/+ mice and studied their progeny. The Apc1638N/+;twistnull/+ mice developed bone abnormalities observed by macroscopic skeletal analyses and in vivo imaging. Complementary histologic, cellular, and molecular analyses were used to characterize the identified bone tumors, including cell culture and immunofluorescence of bone differentiation markers. Spontaneous localized malignant bone tumors were frequently identified in Apc1638N/+;twist-null/+ mice by in vivo imaging evaluation and histologic analyses. These tumors possessed several features similar to those observed in human localized osteosarcomas. In particular, the murine tumors presented with fibroblastic, chondroblastic, and osteoblastic osteosarcoma histologies, as well as mixtures of these subtypes. In addition, cellular analyses and bone differentiation markers detected by immunofluorescence on tumor sections reproduced most murine and human osteosarcoma characteristics. For example, the early bone differentiation marker Runx2, interacting physically with hypophosphorylated pRb, was undetectable in these murine osteosarcomas, whereas phosphorylated retinoblastoma was abundant in the osteoblastic and chondroblastic tumor subtypes. These characteristics, similar to those observed in human osteosarcomas, indicated that our animal model may be a powerful tool to further understand the development of localized osteosarcoma.
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Parmar K, D'Andrea A, Niedernhofer LJ. Mouse models of Fanconi anemia. Mutat Res 2009; 668:133-40. [PMID: 19427003 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrfmmm.2009.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2009] [Revised: 03/18/2009] [Accepted: 03/30/2009] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Fanconi anemia is a rare inherited disease characterized by congenital anomalies, growth retardation, aplastic anemia and an increased risk of acute myeloid leukemia and squamous cell carcinomas. The disease is caused by mutation in genes encoding proteins required for the Fanconi anemia pathway, a response mechanism to replicative stress, including that caused by genotoxins that cause DNA interstrand crosslinks. Defects in the Fanconi anemia pathway lead to genomic instability and apoptosis of proliferating cells. To date, 13 complementation groups of Fanconi anemia were identified. Five of these genes have been deleted or mutated in the mouse, as well as a sixth key regulatory gene, to create mouse models of Fanconi anemia. This review summarizes the phenotype of each of the Fanconi anemia mouse models and highlights how genetic and interventional studies using the strains have yielded novel insight into therapeutic strategies for Fanconi anemia and into how the Fanconi anemia pathway protects against genomic instability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalindi Parmar
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, 44 Binney Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Cotroneo MS, Haag JD, Zan Y, Lopez CC, Thuwajit P, Petukhova GV, Camerini-Otero RD, Gendron-Fitzpatrick A, Griep AE, Murphy CJ, Dubielzig RR, Gould MN. Characterizing a rat Brca2 knockout model. Oncogene 2006; 26:1626-35. [PMID: 16964288 DOI: 10.1038/sj.onc.1209960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Evidence exists that BRCA2 carriers may have an elevated risk of breast, ovarian, colon, prostate, and pancreatic cancer. In general, carriers are defined as individuals with protein truncating mutations within the BRCA2 gene. Many Brca2 knockout lines have been produced and characterized in the mouse. We previously produced a rat Brca2 knockout strain in which there is a nonsense mutation in exon 11 between BRC repeats 2 and 3, and a truncated protein is produced. Interestingly, while such a mutation in homozygous mice would lead to limited survival of approximately 3 months, the Brca2-/- rats are 100% viable and the vast majority live to over 1 year of age. Brca2-/- rats show a phenotype of growth inhibition and sterility in both sexes. Aspermatogenesis in the Brca2-/- rats is due to a failure of homologous chromosome synapsis. Long-term phenotypes include underdeveloped mammary glands, cataract formation and lifespan shortening due to the development of tumors and cancers in multiple organs. The establishment of the rat Brca2 knockout model provides a means to study the role of Brca2 in increasing cancer susceptibility and inducing a novel ocular phenotype not previously associated with this gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- M S Cotroneo
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
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