Ovarian hyperstimulation induces centrosome amplification and aneuploid mammary tumors independently of alterations in p53 in a transgenic mouse model of breast cancer

Oncogene. 2008 Mar 13;27(12):1759-66. doi: 10.1038/sj.onc.1210815. Epub 2007 Sep 24.

Abstract

Aneuploidy and genomic instability are common features of human cancers, including breast cancer; however, mechanisms by which such abnormalities develop are not understood. The exquisite dependence of the mammary gland on hormones for growth and development as well as hormonal contributions to breast cancer risk and progression suggest that tumorigenic mechanisms in the breast should be considered in the context of hormonal stimulation. We used transgenic mice that overexpress luteinizing hormone with subsequent ovarian hyperstimulation as a model to identify mechanisms involved in hormone-induced mammary cancer. Tumor pathology in these mice is highly variable, suggesting individual tumors undergo distinct initiating or promoting events. Supporting this notion, hormone-induced tumors display considerable chromosomal instability and aneuploidy, despite the presence of functional p53. The presence of extensive centrosome amplification in tumors and hyperplastic glands prior to tumor formation suggests that alterations in the ovarian hormonal milieu dysregulate the centrosome cycle in mammary epithelial cells, leading to aneuploidy and cancer.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Aneuploidy*
  • Animals
  • Apoptosis / genetics
  • Centrosome / metabolism*
  • Centrosome / pathology
  • Female
  • Genes, p53*
  • Humans
  • Luteinizing Hormone / adverse effects
  • Luteinizing Hormone / biosynthesis
  • Luteinizing Hormone / genetics
  • Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental / etiology*
  • Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental / genetics*
  • Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental / pathology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Ovary / metabolism
  • Ovary / physiology*
  • Tumor Cells, Cultured
  • Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 / genetics*

Substances

  • Tumor Suppressor Protein p53
  • Luteinizing Hormone