Tumour suppressor genes prevent cancer development. They can be identified
by studying humans, but a full understanding of the mechanisms of their act
ion requires the production of animal models. Mice with mutations in tumour
suppressor genes can be produced by gene targeting. The phenotypic consequ
ences of tumour suppressor gene mutations in mice and humans show parallels
and contrasts, and both can contribute to the elucidation of disease proce
sses.