Mouse models for colorectal cancer

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States, with the number of affected people increasing. There are many risk factors that increase CRC risk, including family or personal history of CRC, smoking, consumption of red meat, obesity, and alcohol consumption. Conversely, increased screening, maintaining healthy body weight, not smoking, and limiting intake of red meat are all associated with reduced CRC morbidity and mortality. Mouse models of CRC were first used in 1928 and have played an important role in understanding CRC biology and treatment and have long been instrumental in clarifying the pathobiology of CRC formation and inhibition. This review focuses on advancements in modeling CRC in mice.

Keywords: Apc; Colorectal cancer; FAP; HNPCC; human; mouse models; stem cells; tumorigenesis.

Figure 1

Gross and microscopic images of the intestinal polyps. A: Multiple raised polyps are present within the small (top) and large (bottom) intestine. B: Ki67 staining of the microscopic section of the polyp showing prolifertive nuclear staining.

Figure 2

Prom1 immunofluroescsnese staining of normal crypt and polyp. A: Notice rare positive (green color) staining at the +4 crypt position. B: Notice expansion of the positive cells (green color) within the polyp.