The pea3 subfamily ets genes are required for HER2/Neu-mediated mammary oncogenesis

BACKGROUND: The PEA3 Ets transcription factor is overexpressed in the vast majority of human breast tumors and in nearly all of those of the HER2/Neu-positive subclass. PEA3 is also overexpressed in various transgenic mouse models of this disease. Whether PEA3 plays an essential role in HER2/Neu-mediated oncogenesis has heretofore not been addressed. RESULTS: Here, we report that each of the three highly related ets genes of the pea3 subfamily …