| abstract |
The present invention provides human involucrin (hINV) sequences having tissue specific and cell type specific promoter activity. The sequences provided herein direct expression to suprabasal cells of stratifying epithelia. The invention further provides transgenic animals which contain an hINV promoter sequence which directs the expression of human papillomavirus 16 oncogenes. These animals display cervical and epidermal hyperplasias as well as cancer of the trachea, esophagus, colon, epidermis, anus/rectum, lymph nodes, spleen and lung. The animals of the invention provide a useful model for screening potential anti-neoplastic compounds, carcinogens, and co-carcinogens for a number of cancers. |