Prostate tumor development and androgen receptor function alterations in a new mouse model with ERG overexpression and PTEN inactivation

Gene fusions involving ETS transcription factors (predominantly ERG and ETV1) and PTEN deletions are prevalent in the prostate cancer genome. This report describes a novel mouse model that overexpresses ERG and lacks PTEN with the majority of mice developing prostate tumors by 6 mo. Biological mechanisms suggest increased/altered binding of the male hormone receptor in the genome. This model will be useful in pre-clinical evaluation of new drugs targeting these common prostate cancer genomic alterations.