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Mus Tales: A Hands-On View

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Journal of Mammary Gland Biology and Neoplasia Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The mouse model for breast cancer has developed into a most effective means of dissecting and understanding this devastating disease. The inbred transgenic mouse lends itself to biological, molecular, immunological, and genetic studies. The observation, dissection, transplantation, and subsequent amplification of precancerous mammary lesions and tumors give the scientist the means to readily study the tissues and design interventions and therapeutic drugs for the future eventual control of breast cancer. There are many inbred strains of mice, selected for specific characteristics. The mouse is easy to handle, breeds well, and does not require extensive facilities, funding, and handling such as monkeys, chimps, and other animal models. A huge advantage is the capability for the transplantation of tissues as well as gene manipulation, which make the transgenic mouse a major research resource. The mouse has served the scientific community well for over a century and will continue to do so in the quest for understanding breast cancer and other diseases.

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Abbreviations

HAN:

hyperplastic alveolar nodule

HOG:

hyperplastic alveolar outgrowth

DCIS:

ductal carcinoma in situ

MIN:

mammary intraepithelial neoplasia

MINO:

mammary intraepithelial neoplastic outgrowth

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Acknowledgements

Professor Kenneth B DeOme (1906–1991) was a mentor, friend, advisor. He listened, encouraged, and guided. I owe a great deal to this intelligent, warm, caring and innovative man. Many thanks and much gratitude go to much respected mentor and friend Dr Robert Cardiff. Many thanks to Professors Howard Bern, Phyllis Blair, Leslie Faulkin, Dan Medina, Gil Smith, Charles Daniel, Raphael Guzman, Satyabrata Nandi, Richard Nishioka, Charles McGrath for their many conversations, thoughts, friendships. There are many more people who have played important roles in my professional as well as my personal development. My sincere thank you to all.

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  1. Center for Comparative Medicine, University of California, Hutchison and County Road 98, Davis, CA, 95616, USA

    Lawrence J. T. Young

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  1. Lawrence J. T. Young
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Correspondence to Lawrence J. T. Young.

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This work was supported, in part, by grant U42 RR14905 from the National Institutes of Health and National Centers for Research Resources.

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Young, L.J.T. Mus Tales: A Hands-On View. J Mammary Gland Biol Neoplasia 13, 343–349 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10911-008-9088-2

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