Inducible Astrocytomas in Genetically Engineered Mice: Affymetrix

To determine the regulatory pathways necessary for astrocytoma formation within complex adult brain microenvironments, we engineered mice for adult astrocyte-specific disruption of key regulators (pRb, Kras and Pten). Drivers of all astrocytoma grades were identified using CreERTM-inducible alleles. Inactivation of pRb was necessary to initiate grade II disease, and was the only lesion to do so. Additional activation of Kras progressed disease to grade III, while further Pten inactivation facilitated grade IV (glioblastoma) progression. These outcomes were elicited whether somatic events were induced broadly or focally. In vivo inactivation of pRb, which induced astrocyte proliferation and apoptosis, activated the MAPK pathway, while Kras activation and Pten loss triggered PI3K pathways.

8

Song Y, Zhang Q, Kutlu B, Difilippantonio S, Bash R, Gilbert D, Yin C, O'Sullivan TN, Yang C, Kozlov S, Bullitt E, McCarthy KD, Kafri T, Louis DN, Miller CR, Hood L, Van Dyke T