Mammary Gland Differentiation by 2-Methoxyestradiol
Description of Invention:
This invention is based on the discovery that administration of 2-Methoxyestradiol (2-ME2) to female mice at various developmental stages will result in the differentiation of mammary epithelial cells to form rudimentary alveolar structures and to produce milk proteins. This effect has also been demonstrated in an in vitro experimental system. Since 2-ME2 is highly expressed during late stages of human pregnancy and pregnancy is known to reduce the risk of human breast cancer, possibly due to differentiating effects on the mammary gland, 2ME2 may be developed into a preventive agent against breast cancer in women. Additionally, 2-ME2 may be useful in augmenting mammary gland differentiation and milk production under circumstances where normal differentiation is compromised.
Inventors:
Jeffrey E. Green et al. (NCI)
Patent Status:
DHHS Reference No. E-069-2005/0 Licensing Status: This technology is no longer available for licensing.
Portfolios: Cancer
Cancer -Therapeutics-Biological Response Modifiers-Cytokines Cancer -Therapeutics
For Additional Information Please Contact: Jennifer Wong
NIH Office of Technology Transfer
6011 Executive Blvd, Suite 325
Rockville, MD 20852-3804
Phone: (301)435-4633
Email: wongje@mail.nih.gov
Fax: (301)402-0220
