A model of gene-environment interaction reveals altered mammary gland gene expression and increased tumor growth following social isolation.

ABSTRACT: Clinical studies have revealed that social support improves the outcome of cancer patients, whereas epidemiologic studies suggest that social isolation increases the risk of death associated with several chronic diseases. However, the precise molecular consequences of an unfavorable social environment have not been defined. To do so, robust, reproducible preclinical models are needed to study the mechanisms whereby an adverse environment affects gene expression and cancer biology. Because random assignment of inbred laboratory mice to well-defined social environments allows accurate and repeated measurements of behavioral and endocrine parameters, transgenic mice provide a preclinical framework with which to begin to determine gene-environment mechanisms. In this study, we found that femal

SUBMITTER: Williams JB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4707045 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature