PR-A (Progesterone Receptor A) Transgenic Mice Allow Study of Female Reproductive Endocrinology
APPLICATIONS OF TECHNOLOGY:- Understanding normal developmental processes - Study of human polymorphisms related to uterine cancer - Study of the endocrine basis of breast cancer and cancer of the female reproductive tract - Screening a variety of progestins and antiprogestins for treatment of clinical disorders, such as hormone-dependent breast tumor - Screening progestins for use in hormone replacement therapy
ADVANTAGES:
First in vivo model available for study of female reproductive endocrinology
ABSTRACT:
G. Shyamala of Berkeley Lab has created a transgenic mouse strain in which the native ratio of the A:B forms of progesterone receptor (PR) has been altered by introduction of additional "A" forms as transgene. PR belongs to the superfamily of steroid receptors and mediates the action of progesterone. The ratio of the two molecular forms, A and B, varies among target tissues, and it is believed that their differential expression and actions may be critical for appropriate cellular responsiveness to progesterone. Almost all studies to date have employed in vitro models — using either immortalized or tumorigenic cell lines — to investigate the relative activity of the A and B forms of PR. Only results from in vivo models, such as Berkeley Lab's PR-A mice, can be extrapolated to an understanding of normal developmental processes, human polymorphisms related to uterine cancer, or the endocrine basis of breast cancer and cancer of the female reproductive tract. An in vivo model is also essential for screening a variety of progestins and antiprogestins selected as potential candidates for treatment of various clinical disorders, such as hormone-dependent breast tumors. Further, Berkeley Lab's PR-A transgenic mice can also be used to screen progestins that can differentially affect the uterus and the breast in post-menopausal women, for use in hormone replacement therapy.
Inventor(s): G. Shyamala
Type of Offer: Licensing
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