 |
|
|
| Conditional expression of
oncogenes: HER-2, h-ras and raf-1 |
| (AG
Schiffer / Hengstler, University
of Mainz, Institute
of Toxicology) |
|
| We established mouse models
that allow an inducible and reversible expression of HER-2 in tumor tissue
(TET on / TET off system). Similar mouse models have been established for
h-ras and raf-1. Therefore, our models allow switching on and off key
factors of the ras/MAP-kinase cascade (Fig. 1). Interestingly, switching
off HER-2 in tumor tissue leads to a tumor size dependent remission. For
tumors up to 0.8cm3 a complete remission can be achieved by
switching off HER-2 expression. However, 20 - 30
days after switching off HER-2 recurrent tumor growth occurs, although
HER-2 still is succesfully down-regulated. |
|
| Our research interests are: |
|
| (i) identification of the
molecular mechanisms that lead to tumor remission |
| (ii) identification of the
"second hits" that allow HER-2 independent tumor growth. |
|
|
Our results show once again
that over expressed oncogenes represent attractive therapeutic targets.
Possibly identification and antagonisation of the factors that allow a
HER-2 independent tumor growth will lead to improved HER-2 blocking
strategies. |
|
This project is a
cooperation between our group, Dr. Ilka Schiffer, Carolin Heimerdinger and
Prof. Dr. Franz Oesch (University of Mainz, Institute of Toxicology), Dr.
Christian Spangenberg , Dr. Dirk Prawitt, Prof. Dr. Bernhard Zabel
(University of Mainz, Children's Hospital), Dr. Walburgis Brenner
(University of Mainz, Urology), Dr. S. Baasner (Zentaris GmbH,
Frankfurt/M.), Dr. S. Gilbert (Baxter Deutschland GmbH, Frankfurt/M.) and
Prof. Dr. B. Seliger (University of Halle, Immunology). |
|
