Abstract |
The Insulin Receptor (IR) is a potential oncogene for mammary epithelial cells since its content is increased in most human breast cancer specimens, and both ligand-dependent malignant transformation and ligand-dependent enhanced growth occurs in cultured breast cells overexpressing the IR. To better understand whether the IR plays a role in mammary carcinogenesis which is independent of other initiation factors, we measured IR content in transgenic mouse models of breast cancer induced by 3 known oncogenes (Wnt-1, Neu, and Ret). Insulin receptor content was measured by a specific radioimmunoassay. In normal mammary gland tissues IR content was 14.6 +/- 1.4 ng/mg of protein (mean +/- SEM, n = 6). In the 3 cancers IR content was elevated (Neu = 36.1 +/- 4.6, n = 8, p < 0.002; Wnt-1 = 38.3 +/- 2.6, n = 13, p < 0.001; and Ret = 53.6 +/- 7.1, n = 7, p < 0.001). These data indicate that IR overexpression, in addition to being a potential oncogene, is increased in mouse tumors initiated by other oncogenes, and therefore may also play a supportive role in the growth of breast cancers.
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Authors | L Frittitta, A Cerrato, M G Sacco, N Weidner, I D Goldfine, R Vigneri |
Journal | Breast cancer research and treatment
(Breast Cancer Res Treat)
Vol. 45
Issue 2
Pg. 141-7
(Sep 1997)
ISSN: 0167-6806 [Print] Netherlands |
PMID | 9342439
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)
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Chemical References |
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Topics |
- Animals
- Female
- Male
- Mammary Glands, Animal
(chemistry)
- Mammary Neoplasms, Animal
(chemistry, genetics, pathology)
- Mice
- Mice, Transgenic
- Oncogenes
(genetics)
- Radioimmunoassay
- Receptor, Insulin
(analysis)
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