Rank ectopic expression in the presence of Neu and MMTV oncogenes alters mammary epithelial cell populations and their tumorigenic potential

In this study, we aimed to decipher whether Rank expression in the presence of PyMT and Neu oncogenes might affect the cell of origin of mammary gland tumors. We observed that Rank expression in PyMT+/ − and Neu+/ − mammary glands alters the basal and luminal mammary cell populations already in preneoplasic tissue, which may interfere with the tumor cell of origin restricting their tumorigenesis ability upon transplantation assays. In spite of this, Rank expression eventually promotes tumor aggressiveness once tumorigenesis is established.
Source: Journal of Mammary Gland Biology and Neoplasia - Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research