Thus, with these mouse models, we can obtain genetic and developmental regulation of tumor growth. Although we can obtain some information about the steps in metastasis using these cells, genetically manipulated animal models with tumor suppressors/oncogenes will give far more information about tumor development and metastasis starting from the embryonic stage. Some major advantages of using mouse models in cancer research are the molecular and physiological similarities they share with humans 5.Įstablished mouse and human cell lines have been used extensively in breast cancer research. To study the mechanisms of breast cancer tumorigenesis, mouse model systems have been utilized due to their short lifespan, small size and fast breeding time. Each step in tumorigenesis is tightly controlled by cells through various genetic and epigenetic changes 4. The cells must be able to intravasate, survive in circulation, extravasate to distant organs, and survive in that new organ system 3. It involves a series of steps in which malignant cells are released from the primary tumor and disseminated to other organs 2. Metastasis is the final step in the progression of breast cancer 1. Together, these techniques are useful in studying mouse mammary tumorigenesis, its associated signaling mechanisms and pathways of the abnormalities in embryos. MEF cells from the same animal type provide a clue of non-cancer cell gene expression. Furthermore, another protocol for analyzing mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) from the mouse embryo is included. Here we describe a method of studying lung metastasis from a genetically engineered mouse model. A set of genes have been discovered that mediates the selectivity of metastasis to the lung. The lungs are the typical target of breast cancer metastasis. For successful metastasis, these cells must be able to intravasate, survive in circulation, extravasate to distant organs, and survive in that new organ system. The cells isolated from this procedure are then available for gene profiling experiments. In this protocol, mouse mammary tumors are removed and primary cells are prepared from tumors. Normal breast cells with altered genotypes now possess the ability to invade and survive in other tissues. In breast tumorigenesis, the metastatic stage of the disease poses the greatest threat to the affected individual.
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