Transgenic Mouse Models for the In Vivo Analysis of Papillomavirus Oncogene Function
Paul F. Lambert, Scott J. Balsitis, Anny Shai, Sara J.S. Simonson and Sybil M.G. Williams
from: Papillomavirus Research: From Natural History To Vaccines and Beyond (Edited by: M. Saveria Campo). Caister Academic Press, U.K. (2006)
Abstract
The E6 and E7 oncoproteins of the high risk HPVs are recognized multifunctional proteins that can affect multiple cellular processes implicated in tumorigenesis. in vivo models are critical to appreciate fully the oncogenic properties of HPV genes in the context of the appropriate organ sites. As with other cancers, the preferred animal for studying human cancers in the laboratory is the mouse owing to the advent of genetic engineering, the wealth of prior knowledge gained in areas like chemical carcinogenesis, genetic modifiers of cancers, development and pathology, as well as their practical value given their small size, short gestational period and the availability of genetically inbred strains. This chapter reviews the knowledge gained from the study of HPV transgenic mouse models. HPV transgenic mouse models have provided the means for dissecting the role of viral genes in cancer, and biological systems in which to develop and test new modalities for treating HPV-associated disease. Their study has provided compelling proof in support of the original hypothesis that HPVs cause cancer read more ...
