Elucidation of the Functions of Oncogenes and Tumor Suppressor Genes Using Mouse Models

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Alterations to oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes play critical roles in carcinogenesis. Many of these genes regulate not only cell proliferation, but also other diverse cellular functions, including differentiation, metabolism, vascularization and mesenchymal induction, and contribute to tumorigenesis by modulating these diverse pathways. The aim of our group is to elucidate the functions of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes in vivo using genetically engineered mouse models.

Regulation of glutamine synthetase by an oncogene, Ctnnb1, in the liver

Glutamine synthetase is normally expressed in the hepatocytes surrounding central veins (left), but is absent in the liver of Ctnnb1 knockout mice (right).