Androgens and growth factors in prostate cancer: a transgenic perspective.
With the advent of transgenic technology, novel animal models are being developed to facilitate prostate cancer research. The ability to perform genetic perturbation studies in a temporally and spatially restricted manner has established a new paradigm for investigations of the molecular mechanisms involved in the initiation, progression and metastogenesis of prostate cancer. Using the transgenic adenocarcinoma of the mouse prostate (TRAMP) model we have begun to identify specific molecular events related to the emergence of the androgen-insensitive phenotype. In addition, a number of new models have recently been generated to characterize how the deregulation of stromal to epithelial interactions mediated by polypeptide growth factor signaling could facilitate transformation of the prostate. It is anticipated that these models and their successors will ultimately provide new molecular pathway-based strategies for the prevention, detection and treatment of prostate cancer. Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases (2000) 3, 224-228
Greenberg
N M
NM
Molecular and Cellular Biology and Scott Department of Urology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.