Understanding BRCA1 function in INK4-RB deficient tumors

Most BRCA1-deficient BLBCs carry a dysfunctional INK4-RB pathway. Thus, we have created genetically engineered mice with Brca1 loss and deletion of p16INK4A, or separately p18INK4C, to model the deficient INK4-RB signaling in human BLBC. By using these mutant mice and human BRCA1 deficient and proficient breast cancer tissues and cells, we tested if there exists a druggable target in BRCA1 deficient breast cancers. Gene expression microarray analysis of mouse mammary tumors.