Using mouse knockouts to unravel endothelial gene functi

Basic Sciences

Investigators

Abstract

Tumors are dependent upon new blood vessel formation, or angiogenesis, for expansive growth. Our recent analysis of gene expression led to the identification of several genes in endothelial cells that line tumor blood vessels including GPR116, CD137 and CD276. They are of particular interest because they reside on the cell surface and may therefore be directly accessible to blood-borne therapeutics. In an attempt to understand their functional role in angiogenesis, we have begun to generate conditional knockouts. Because these genes are also likely to be involved developmental angiogenesis we are generating conditional floxed alleles using cre/flp technology such that the gene can be disrupted specifically in adult tissues. By challenging gene disrupted mice with tumors, we hope to determine if either of these genes is critical for tumor angiogenesis. The studies should also allow us to better understand the function of these genes in angiogenesis.