An in vivo study of molecular genetics of Rb-dependent osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma is 500 times more common in retinoblastoma patients compared to the normal population. The majority of osteosarcomas however do not occur as part of familial syndromes. The proposed research uses a novel 45Ca induced mouse model of osteosarcoma, as well as genome-wide transcriptional profiling and array-based comparative genomic hybridisation to identify genetics changes either unique or common to familial and sporadic osteosarcoma. These studies will identify pivotal genes and genetic changes, which initiate and allow progression of osteosarcoma in the presence and absence of Rb.