BRCA1 breast cancer: metastasis en mouse models

Abstract

The BRCA1 gene is a tumour suppressor gene frequently mutated in heritable forms of breast cancers. BRCA1 deficient tumours show a basal-like phenotype. Attempts have been made to model the initial steps of this cancer in mice. The metastasis process of breast cancer, frequently to the bone environment, has also been modelled in mice in different ways. However, a good model representing both the initial steps of BRCA1-deficient breast cancer and the clinically important advanced stage of metastasis formation has not yet been developed. To develop and pre-clinically test new therapeutics this would be valuable.