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| Vol. 22, No. 11 |
| Jun 15, 2000 |
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Mouse Models Developed to Better Understand Cancer by LYNN FOLTIN Baylor College of Medicine Mouse models that mimic human cancer are being created to help scientists better understand how different types of cancer develop and respond to treatment. Two researchers at Baylor College of Medicine are developing the models as part of the National Cancer Institute's new Mouse Models of Human Cancers Consortium. Dr. Daniel Medina received a $2.38 million five-year grant to develop new mouse models for human breast cancer. Dr. Norman Greenberg received a $1.98 million five-year grant to develop new mouse models for prostate cancer. Both are leading a multidisciplinary team of scientists on these studies. "Previous mouse models for breast cancer have relied on the injection of a virus or chemical to induce the disease, and they don't mimic human cancer," says Dr. Medina, professor of molecular and cellular biology. "We hope to develop a mouse model that allows us to turn on or turn off a specific gene associated with breast cancer at specific times, such as pre-puberty, post-puberty or during the late stage of the disease. A mouse model of this type would enable Dr. Medina to study a normal cell as it evolves into a malignant cell, and to analyze how the cell is affected by hormones. He is collaborating with Baylor researchers in molecular and human genetics, molecular virology and microbiology, molecular and cellular biology and the Breast Center. Dr. Greenberg also is developing new mouse models that differ from traditional models. "Many of the traditional mouse models for prostate cancer cannot be used to test strategies for prevention because they were based on the injection of pre-existing tumor cells," says Dr. Greenberg, professor of molecular and cellular biology and urology. "Our research involves building genetically engineered mouse models in which the cells are preprogrammed to develop cancer spontaneously," he says. "This allows us to test whether drug or gene therapies can prevent tumors from developing." Dr. Greenberg is collaborating with Baylor researchers in pathology, urology, molecular and cellular biology and immunology. Dr. Medina's and Dr. Greenberg's research teams are two of the 19 new groups of investigators that form the consortium. Members will share their observations and accomplishments and meet periodically to discuss progress and problems. "Ultimately, the mouse models we develop will be made available to other cancer researchers for further studies designed to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer," Dr. Greenberg says.
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