FVB.Cg-Tg(MMTVTGFA)254Rjc/J

Stock number: 002953
Product name: TGFα line 254
Research areas: Cancer Research

Description

These TGFα line 254 mice express a transgene containing the normal allele of the human transforming growth factor alpha gene (TGFα) under control of the mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) LTR and exhibit alveolar and sebaceous gland hyperplasia.

Detailed description

Mice carrying the (MMTVTGFA)254Rjc transgene are viable and fertile, but lactate insufficiently to support the litter. Virgin transgenic mice show no mammary gland abnormalities prepubertally, but adult virgin mice have considerable alveolar gland hyperplasia. Pregnant transgenic mice show marked proliferation of the stromal cells, and alveolar secretion is markedly increased compared to nontransgenic mice. After multiple pregnancies, isolated adenocarcinomas develop. There is no apparent phenotypic effect in males. In females transgene expression was localized to the small ducts and alveoli in both virgin and pregnant mice as evidenced by in situ hybridization and by immunohistochemistry. Immunostaining also revealed some stromal staining in the hyperplastic areas. Egfr mRNA expression was also increased in mammary tissues expressing high levels of the transgene. Crosses between TGFA transgenic mice and TGFB1 transgenic mice demonstrate that these growth factors oppose each other's action on mammary gland development. The B6D2-TgN(MMTVTGFA)254Rjc line is notable for sebaceous gland hyperplasia, which occurs in both male and female mice. The hyperplasia was evidenced as multiple raised, white plaques and nodules on the abdominal skin. No dysplasia or sebaceous cell carcinoma was observed. High expression of TGFa mRNA and TGFa protein was detected in the areas of sebaceous hyperplasia.

Allele

Symbol: Tg(MMTVTGFA)254Rjc
Name: transgene insertion 254, Robert J Coffey
MGI accession ID: MGI:3040319
Generation method: Transgenic
Attributes: Inserted expressed sequence; Humanized sequence
Marker symbol: Tg(MMTVTGFA)254Rjc
Marker name: transgene insertion 254, Robert J Coffey
Chromosome: UN
Strain of origin: (C57BL/6 x DBA/2)F2
Expressed genes: TGFA,transforming growth factor alpha,human
Molecular note: The transgene contains the mouse mammary tumor virus LTR and the normal allele of the human transforming growth factor alpha gene. The vector also contains exons 2 and 3 of the rabbit beta-globin gene. Lines 254, 257, 64 and 29 were produced.