Identification of Key Genes/Molecular Pathways Associated with Mouse Mammary Tumor Virus (MMTV) Infection of Normal Mammary Epithelial Cells

Mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) is a betaretrovirus that causes breast cancer in mice. It is also suspected as a possible etiological factor in human breast cancer. The mouse mammary epithelial cells are the most permissive cells for MMTV, expressing the highest levels of virus upon infection. These cells are also the ones later on transformed by the virus due to repeated rounds of superinfection and integration, leading eventually to mammary tumors. The aim of this study was to identify expression of genes and molecular pathways dysregulated by MMTV in normal mammary epithelial cells.