Animal models
PTEN mutant animal models have been extensively studied across the academic community and others, with conditional PTEN knock-out models having been developed for several different tissue types. Each of these models has shown varied phenotypic outcomes and have provided insight into the broad functional role of PTEN highlighting its importance for normal tissue function. Many of these models, although not all, are commercially available. Included here are the mouse models that have been utilised in studies funded by PTEN Research.
In addition, PTEN Research is supporting the generation of new PTEN mutant animal models. Information regarding these models is not currently available, however, this page will be updated once these models are developed and available.
Please note that this is not a comprehensive list of all the available models, and there may be other tools that are more suitable to your research needs, each of which have their own advantages and disadvantages.
Three separate laboratories generated three alternative PTEN germline heterozygous knock-out mouse models that have been extensively studied in the context of the implications of systemic heterozygous PTEN loss (Di Cristofano et al., 1998; Suzuki et al., 1998; Podsypanina et al., 1999). These models are useful tools to study PHTS, as they partially phenocopy the patient condition, with development of tumours and macrocephaly.
Using one of these lines, the Vanhaesebroeck laboratory at University College London (UK) showed that long-term treatment with the mTORC1 inhibitor rapamycin delays tumour development in these mice. This project received funding from PTEN Research.