Abstract: Expression of the activated neu oncogene in transgenic mice has been associated with
both the synchronous (single-step) and the stochastic (multistep) transformation of the mammary
epithelium. To determine the basis for these conflicting observations, additional strains of
transgenic mice carrying the activated neu oncogene under the transcriptional control of the mouse
mammary tumor virus promoter/enhancer were produced. Activated neu transgene expression, as
measured by in situ hybridization and ribonuclease protection assays, resulted in rapid conversion
of the normal mammary epithelium to malignant phenotype in three independent strains of mice.
Expression of the transgene in male mice led to epithelial hyperplasia of the epididymis and male
infertility but not malignancy. These results indicate that tissue context is an important parameter in
malignant progression and that expression of appropriate levels of activated neu is sufficient for
rapid production of mammary tumors in transgenic mice.
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Last Updated: November 06, 1996
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MT TUMORS