Development of a Mouse Model of Synovial Sarcoma
Synovial sarcoma is marked by a unique and specific translocation between the SYT and SSX genes resulting into the expression of the chimeric ‘SYT-SSX’ fusion protein. We are developing a mouse model of Synovial Sarcoma by conditional expression of the human SYT-SSX protein in mouse using the technique of gene targeting. Conditional expression will be achieved by utilizing the Cre-loxP system. This strategy will enable us to investigate into: a) origin of this disease. b) the role of SYT-SSX fusion protein in tumor induction/progression and c) downstream events during tumorigenesis. This model will also enable development/evaluation of novel therapeutic strategies”