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  • The EMBO Journal (1998) 17, 6783 - 6789
  • doi:10.1093/emboj/17.23.6783

Tumour suppressor gene mutations in humans and mice: parallels and contrasts

Martin L. Hooper1

  1. Sir Alastair Currie Cancer Research Campaign Laboratories, Department of Pathology, Molecular Medicine Centre, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK

Correspondence to:

Martin L. Hooper, E-mail: m.hooper@ed.ac.uk

Received 29 July 1998; Accepted 7 October 1998; Revised 30 September 1998

Tumour suppressor genes prevent cancer development. They can be identified by studying humans, but a full understanding of the mechanisms of their action requires the production of animal models. Mice with mutations in tumour suppressor genes can be produced by gene targeting. The phenotypic consequences of tumour suppressor gene mutations in mice and humans show parallels and contrasts, and both can contribute to the elucidation of disease processes.

  • Keywords:

    • cancer genetics,
    • Denys–Drash syndrome,
    • gene targeting,
    • retinoblastoma,
    • tumour suppressor gene