The Role of E2Fs in Mammary Gland Development

Abstract

The mammary gland is a highly organized structure that takes cues from a variety of cellular pathways and messengers to direct its development and changes—one of those classes of messengers is the E2F family of transcription factors. While loss of all three E2Fs that direct cellular proliferation results in loss of normal development, the specific roles of these factors are largely uncharacterized, especially in the mammary gland. Examining the effects of single and combinatorial deletions of the E2F family members will present a better picture of the roles of these factors in developing the structure of glands. The myc oncogene and E2F transcription factors are known to have ties to cancer, and the development of cancer in mammary glands is directly related to abnormal development, leading to oncogenic events. Therefore, a better understanding of the effect of E2Fs on development will inevitably give rise to a more insightful view of how cancer forms in the mammary gland. Advisor: Dr. Gustavo Leone