Genomic approaches to identification of tumour-susceptibility genes using mouse models

Genetic and microbial determinants of azoxymethane-induced colorectal tumor susceptibility in Collaborative Cross mice and their implication in human cancer

The insights into interactions between host genetics and gut microbiome (GM) in colorectal tumor susceptibility (CTS) remains lacking. We used Collaborative Cross mouse population model to identify genetic and microbial determinants of Azoxymethane-induced CTS. We identified 4417 CTS-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) containing 334 genes that were transcriptionally altered in human colorectal cancers (CRCs) and consistently clustered independent human CRC cohorts into two subgroups with different prognosis. We discovered a set of genera in early-life associated with CTS and defined a 16-genus signature that accurately predicted CTS, the majority of which were correlated with human CRCs. We identified 547 SNPs associated with abundances of these genera. Mediation analysis revealed GM as mediators partially exerting the effect of SNP UNC3869242 within Duox2 on CTS. Intestine cell-specific depletion of Duox2 altered GM composition and contribution of Duox2 depletion to CTS was significantly influenced by GM. Our findings provide potential novel targets for personalized CRC prevention and treatment.

A wild-derived inbred mouse strain, MSM/Ms, provides insights into novel skin tumor susceptibility genes

Cancer is one of the most catastrophic human genetic diseases. Experimental animal cancer models are essential for gaining insights into the complex interactions of different cells and genes in tumor initiation, promotion, and progression. Mouse models have been extensively used to analyze the genetic basis of cancer susceptibility. They have led to the identification of multiple loci that confer, either alone or in specific combinations, an increased susceptibility to cancer, some of which have direct translatability to human cancer. Additionally, wild-derived inbred mouse strains are an advantageous reservoir of novel genetic polymorphisms of cancer susceptibility genes, because of the evolutionary divergence between wild and classical inbred strains. Here, we review mapped Stmm (skintumor modifier of MSM) loci using a Japanese wild-derived inbred mouse strain, MSM/Ms, and describe recent advances in our knowledge of the genes responsible for Stmm loci in the 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA)/12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) two-stage skin carcinogenesis model.

The Japanese Wild-Derived Inbred Mouse Strain, MSM/Ms in Cancer Research

MSM/Ms is a unique inbred mouse strain derived from the Japanese wild mouse, Mus musculus molossinus, which has been approximately 1 million years genetically distant from standard inbred mouse strains mainly derived from M. m. domesticus. Due to its genetic divergence, MSM/Ms has been broadly used in linkage studies. A bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) library was constructed for the MSM/Ms genome, and sequence analysis of the MSM/Ms genome showed approximately 1% of nucleotides differed from those in the commonly used inbred mouse strain, C57BL/6J. Therefore, MSM/Ms mice are thought to be useful for functional genome studies. MSM/Ms mice show unique characteristics of phenotypes, including its smaller body size, resistance to high-fat-diet-induced diabetes, high locomotive activity, and resistance to age-onset hearing loss, inflammation, and tumorigenesis, which are distinct from those of common inbred mouse strains. Furthermore, ES (Embryonic Stem) cell lines established from MSM/Ms allow the MSM/Ms genome to be genetically manipulated. Therefore, genomic and phenotypic analyses of MSM/Ms reveal novel insights into gene functions that were previously not obtained from research on common laboratory strains. Tumorigenesis-related MSM/Ms-specific genetic traits have been intensively investigated in Japan. Furthermore, radiation-induced thymic lymphomas and chemically-induced skin tumors have been extensively examined using MSM/Ms.

Mapping of new skin tumor susceptibility loci by a phenotype-driven congenic approach

As cancer susceptibility varies among mouse strains, mouse models are powerful tools for the identification of genes responsible for cancer development. Several cancer susceptibility loci have been mapped by genetic analysis using cancer-resistant and cancer-susceptible mouse strains. However, only a few corresponding genes for these loci have been identified, because most of the cancer susceptibility loci are low-penetrance alleles. We reported previously that wild-derived PWK mice showed no tumor development on treatment with the two-stage skin carcinogenesis protocol [induced by 7.12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA)/12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)], and that this phenotype is dominant-resistant when crossed with the highly susceptible strain FVB. From the analysis of the F1 backcross generation between PWK and FVB, we have mapped the new significant locus Skts-fp1 on chromosome 4. In the present study, congenic strains were generated with the PWK resistance allele in the FVB background using a phenotype-driven approach, and sought to narrow down the candidate loci and find the responsible gene(s). One of the resistant mice in the N₆ generation carried the remaining PWK allele on chromosomes 4, 7 and 11, and an association study using the progeny of this mouse suggested that the locus on chromosome 11 may affect the cancer susceptibility locus on chromosome 7. On the other hand, no skin tumor susceptibility locus was mapped on chromosome 11 as examined in N2 progeny. These findings suggest that there is at least one tumor-resistance gene on chromosome 7, the function of which could be regulated by gene(s) located on chromosome 11.

HZE Radiation Non-Targeted Effects on the Microenvironment That Mediate Mammary Carcinogenesis

Clear mechanistic understanding of the biological processes elicited by radiation that increase cancer risk can be used to inform prediction of health consequences of medical uses, such as radiotherapy, or occupational exposures, such as those of astronauts during deep space travel. Here, we review the current concepts of carcinogenesis as a multicellular process during which transformed cells escape normal tissue controls, including the immune system, and establish a tumor microenvironment. We discuss the contribution of two broad classes of radiation effects that may increase cancer: radiation targeted effects that occur as a result of direct energy deposition, e.g., DNA damage, and non-targeted effects (NTE) that result from changes in cell signaling, e.g., genomic instability. It is unknown whether the potentially greater carcinogenic effect of high Z and energy (HZE) particle radiation is a function of the relative contribution or extent of NTE or due to unique NTE. We addressed this problem using a radiation/genetic mammary chimera mouse model of breast cancer. Our experiments suggest that NTE promote more aggressive cancers, as evidenced by increased growth rate, transcriptomic signatures, and metastasis, and that HZE particle NTE are more effective than reference γ-radiation. Emerging evidence suggest that HZE irradiation dampens antitumor immunity. These studies raise concern that HZE radiation exposure not only increases the likelihood of developing cancer but also could promote progression to more aggressive cancer with a greater risk of mortality.

Identification of genetic loci that control mammary tumor susceptibility through the host microenvironment

The interplay between host genetics, tumor microenvironment and environmental exposure in cancer susceptibility remains poorly understood. Here we assessed the genetic control of stromal mediation of mammary tumor susceptibility to low dose ionizing radiation (LDIR) using backcrossed F1 into BALB/c (F1Bx) between cancer susceptible (BALB/c) and resistant (SPRET/EiJ) mouse strains. Tumor formation was evaluated after transplantation of non-irradiated Trp53-/- BALB/c mammary gland fragments into cleared fat pads of F1Bx hosts. Genome-wide linkage analysis revealed 2 genetic loci that constitute the baseline susceptibility via host microenvironment. However, once challenged with LDIR, we discovered 13 additional loci that were enriched for genes involved in cytokines, including TGFβ1 signaling. Surprisingly, LDIR-treated F1Bx cohort significantly reduced incidence of mammary tumors from Trp53-/- fragments as well as prolonged tumor latency, compared to sham-treated controls. We demonstrated further that plasma levels of specific cytokines were significantly correlated with tumor latency. Using an ex vivo 3-D assay, we confirmed TGFβ1 as a strong candidate for reduced mammary invasion in SPRET/EiJ, which could explain resistance of this strain to mammary cancer risk following LDIR. Our results open possible new avenues to understand mechanisms of genes operating via the stroma that affect cancer risk from external environmental exposures.

pH-responsive hydrogels with dispersed hydrophobic nanoparticles for the oral delivery of chemotherapeutics

Amphiphilic polymer carriers were formed by polymerizing a hydrophilic, pH-responsive hydrogel composed of poly(methacrylic-grafted-ethylene glycol) (P(MAA-g-EG)) in the presence of hydrophobic PMMA nanoparticles. These polymer carriers were varied in PMMA nanoparticle content to elicit a variety of physiochemical properties which would preferentially load doxorubicin, a hydrophobic chemotherapeutic, and release doxorubicin locally in the colon for the treatment of colon cancers. Loading levels ranged from 49% to 64% and increased with increasing nanoparticle content. Doxorubicin loaded polymers were released in a physiological model where low pH was used to simulate the stomach and then stepped to more neutral conditions to simulate the upper small intestine. P(MAA-g-EG) containing nanoparticles were less mucoadhesive as determined using a tensile tester, polymer samples, and fresh porcine small intestine. The cytocompatibility of the polymer materials were assessed using cell lines representing the GI tract and colon cancer and were noncytotoxic at varying concentrations and exposure times.

Independent genetic control of early and late stages of chemically induced skin tumors in a cross of a Japanese wild-derived inbred mouse strain, MSM/Ms

MSM/Ms is an inbred mouse strain derived from a Japanese wild mouse, Mus musculus molossinus. In this study, we showed that MSM/Ms mice exhibit dominant resistance when crossed with susceptible FVB/N mice and subjected to the two-stage skin carcinogenesis protocol using 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA)/ 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA). A series of F1 backcross mice were generated by crossing p53(+/+) or p53(+/-) F1 (FVB/N × MSM/Ms) males with FVB/N female mice. These generated 228 backcross animals, approximately half of which were p53(+/-), enabling us to search for p53-dependent skin tumor modifier genes. Highly significant linkage for papilloma multiplicity was found on chromosomes 6 and 7 and suggestive linkage was found on chromosomes 3, 5 and 12. Furthermore, in order to identify stage-dependent linkage loci we classified tumors into three categories (<2mm, 2-6mm and >6mm), and did linkage analysis. The same locus on chromosome 7 showed strong linkage in groups with <2mm or 2-6mm papillomas. No linkage was detected on chromosome 7 to papillomas >6mm, but a different locus on chromosome 4 showed strong linkage both to papillomas >6mm and to carcinomas. This locus, which maps near the Cdkn2a/p19(Arf) gene, was entirely p53-dependent, and was not seen in p53 (+/-) backcross animals. Suggestive linkage conferring susceptibility to carcinoma was also found on chromosome 5. These results clearly suggest distinct loci regulate each stage of tumorigenesis, some of which are p53-dependent.

pH-Responsive Hydrogels with Dispersed Hydrophobic Nanoparticles for the Delivery of Hydrophobic Therapeutic Agents

To investigate the delivery of hydrophobic therapeutic agents, a new class of polymer carriers was synthesized. These carriers are composed of two components: (i) a pH-responsive hydrogel composed of methacrylic acid grafted with poly(ethylene glycol) tethers, P(MAA-g-EG), and (ii) hydrophobic poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) nanoparticles. Before the P(MAA-g-EG) hydrogel was crosslinked, PMMA nanoparticles were added to the solution and upon exposure to UV light they were photoencapsulated throughout the P(MAA-g-EG) hydrogel structure. The pH-responsive behavior of P(MAA-g-EG) is capable of triggered release of a loaded therapeutic agent, such as a low molecular weight drug or protein, when it passes from the stomach (low pH) to upper small intestine (neutral pH). The introduction of PMMA nanoparticles into the hydrogel structure affected the swelling behavior, therapeutic agent loading efficiency, and solute release profiles. In equilibrium swelling conditions the swelling ratio of nanoparticle-containing hydrogels decreased with increasing nanoparticle content. Loading efficiencies of the model therapeutic agent fluorescein ranged from 38 - 51 % and increased with increasing hydrophobic content. Release studies from neat P(MAA-g-EG) and the ensuing P(MAA-g-EG) hydrogels containing nanoparticles indicated that the transition from low pH (2.0) to neutral pH (7.0) triggered fluorescein release. Maximum fluorescein release depended on the structure and hydrophobicity of the carriers used in these studies.

Allele-specific deletions in mouse tumors identify Fbxw7 as germline modifier of tumor susceptibility

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have been successful in finding associations between specific genetic variants and cancer susceptibility in human populations. These studies have identified a range of highly statistically significant associations between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and susceptibility to development of a range of human tumors. However, the effect of each SNP in isolation is very small, and all of the SNPs combined only account for a relatively minor proportion of the total genetic risk (5–10%). There is therefore a major requirement for alternative routes to the discovery of genetic risk factors for cancer. We have previously shown using mouse models that chromosomal regions harboring susceptibility genes identified by linkage analysis frequently exhibit allele-specific genetic alterations in tumors. We demonstrate here that the Fbxw7 gene, a commonly mutated gene in a wide range of mouse and human cancers, shows allele-specific deletions in mouse lymphomas and skin tumors. Lymphomas from three different F1 hybrids show 100% allele-specificity in the patterns of allelic loss. Parental alleles from 129/Sv or Spretus/Gla mice are lost in tumors from F1 hybrids with C57BL/6 animals, due to the presence of a specific non-synonymous coding sequence polymorphism at the N-terminal portion of the gene. A specific genetic test of association between this SNP and lymphoma susceptibility in interspecific backcross mice showed a significant linkage (p = 0.001), but only in animals with a functional p53 gene. These data therefore identify Fbxw7 as a p53-dependent tumor susceptibility gene. Increased p53-dependent tumor susceptibility and allele-specific losses were also seen in a mouse skin model of skin tumor development. We propose that analysis of preferential allelic imbalances in tumors may provide an efficient means of uncovering genetic variants that affect mouse and human tumor susceptibility.

Amphiphilic Interpenetrating Networks for the Delivery of Hydrophobic, Low Molecular Weight Therapeutic Agents

To investigate the delivery of hydrophobic therapeutic agents, a novel class of interpenetrating networks (IPNs) were synthesized and composed of two networks: methacrylic acid grafted with poly(ethylene glycol) tethers, P(MAA-g-EG), and poly(n-butyl acrylate) (PBA). The hydrophilic P(MAA-g-EG) networks are pH-responsive hydrogels capable of triggered release of an encapsulated therapeutic agent, such as a low molecular weight drug or a protein, when it passes from the stomach (low pH) to upper small intestine (neutral pH). PBA is a hydrophobic homopolymer that can affect the IPN swelling behavior, the therapeutic agent loading efficiencies in IPNs, and solute release profiles from IPNs. In dynamic swelling conditions, IPNs had greater swelling ratios than P(MAA-g-EG), but in equilibrium swelling conditions the IPN swelling ratio decreased with increasing PBA content. Loading efficiencies of the model therapeutic agent fluorescein ranged from 21 - 44%. Release studies from neat P(MAA-g-EG) and the ensuing IPNs indicated that the transition from low pH (2.0) to neutral pH (7.0) triggered fluorescein release. Maximum fluorescein release depended on the structure and hydrophilicity of the carriers used in these studies.

The stromal gene encoding the CD274 antigen as a genetic modifier controlling survival of mice with γ-radiation-induced T-cell lymphoblastic lymphomas

Using an inter-specific subcongenic strain, Nested Recombinant Haplotype 3 (NRH3), generated between two mouse strains showing extreme differences in γ-radiation-induced thymic lymphoma susceptibility (SEG/Pas and C57BL/6J), we have identified a critical region on chromosome 19 that regulates survival of mice suffering from T-cell lymphoblastic lymphomas. Mapped on this region, the gene encoding the Cd274 ligand is able to trigger an inhibitory effect that modulates T-cell receptor (TCR) signalling and affects thymocyte maturation. Interestingly, this gene shows differential expression between thymic stromal cells from both strains in early response to a single sublethal γ-ray dose, but is inhibited in T-cell lymphoblastic lymphomas. Furthermore, we have identified several polymorphisms in the complementary DNA sequence of this gene that affect the affinity for its Cd279 receptor and are able to induce a differential rate of thymocyte apoptosis. Taken together, our data are consistent with Cd274 acting as a genetic modifier that influences the survival of γ-radiation-induced T-cell lymphoma-bearing mice. The data similarly support the idea of a co-evolution of tumour cells and associated stromal cells to generate a favourable microenvironment for T-cell lymphoma growth.

New outbred colony derived from Mus musculus castaneus to identify skin tumor susceptibility loci

Susceptibility to tumor development varies among mice strains. Using inbred NIH and wild-derived outbred Mus spretus backcrosses, skin cancer-susceptibility loci were mapped [Nagase et al. 1995. Nat Genet 10: 424-429; Nagase et al. 1999. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 96: 15032-15037], and Skts13 was identified as the Aurka gene using a conventional linkage in conjunction with haplotype analysis [Ewart-Toland et al. 2003. Nat Genet 34: 403-412]. In the present study, we examined another wild-derived outbred Mus musculus castaneus in which 10.3% of the analyzed SNPs showed heterogeneity among the colony. All mice examined were completely resistant to the two-stage skin carcinogenesis protocol using 7.12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA)/12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), and this resistant phenotype was dominant when we crossed them with the highly susceptible strain FVB. By scanning F1 backcross progeny between M. m. castaneus and FVB, we found a highly significant linkage for tumor multiplicity on Chromosome 4, which was overlapped with the Skts-fp1 locus, found in the previous study using FVB and PWK cross [Fujiwara et al. 2007. BMC Genet 8: 39]. The linkage was observed in all pedigrees from the five F1 founders, while the linkage for papilloma size on Chromosome 4 was mapped only in pedigrees from founders 1 and 2. By scanning the whole Chromosome 4 of the five F1 founders, founders 1- and 2-specific haplotype block was found between D4Mit293 (20.6 Mbp) and D4Mit171 (22.4 Mbp). In this study we exploited the outbred nature of M. m. castaneus stock to identify a haplotype contributing to papilloma size on mouse Chromosome 4. These data illustrate the strength of using outbred mice in identification of the genetic component of a mouse complex trait such as the skin cancer-susceptibility phenotype.

Cancer research in rat models

Rat has been the major model species used in several biomedical fields, notably in drug development and toxicology, including carcinogenicity testing. Rat is also a useful model in basic cancer research. Several rat models of monogenic (Mendelian) human hereditary cancers are available. Some were obtained spontaneously, while others were generated either by mutagenesis of tumor suppressor genes or by transgenesis of activated oncogenes (transgenesis can be performed efficiently in the rat). In addition, among the hundreds of inbred rat strains that have been isolated, some are highly susceptible or resistant to certain types of cancer, and these divergent phenotypes were shown to be polygenic. Numerous quantitative trait loci (QTLs) controlling cancer susceptibility/resistance have been defined in linkage analyses, and several of these QTLs were physically demonstrated in congenic strains. These studies led, in particular, to rapid translation to the human, with the identification of loci controlling susceptibility to a form of multiple endocrine neoplasia (monogenic trait) and to breast cancer (polygenic disease). The biology of cancer resistance has also been analyzed, and in some (but not all) cases, it was linked to regression of preneoplasic lesions. Rat tumors have been the subject of various types of analyses, and these studies led to important conclusions, including that tumors can be classified on the basis of the identity of the inducing agent, thereby suggesting that analyses of human tumors may be valuable in determining retrospectively the role of specific carcinogens in the formation of human cancers, and of human breast cancer in particular.

Two loci controlling susceptibility to radiation-induced lymphomagenesis on mouse chromosome 4: cdkn2a, a candidate for one locus, and a novel locus distinct from cdkn2a

BALB/c mice are sensitive to radiation-induced lymphomagenesis, while STS mice are resistant. Using 219 [(BALB/c x STS)F(1) x BALB/c] (N2C) and 197 [(BALB/c x STS)F(1) x STS] (N2S) animals, we performed a genome-wide search for loci controlling susceptibility to lymphomagenesis induced by radiation. Association of markers with the survival of animals was analyzed by the log rank test. For N2C mice, a significant correlation was detected, with four markers on the proximal to mid portion of chromosome 4: D4Mit302 and D4Mit255, P = 0.0075; D4Mit17, P = 0.034; and D4Mit86, P = 0.048. On the other hand, no significant linkage was detected in N2S mice. We analyzed BALB/c mice congenic for the STS allele in different regions of chromosome 4 and identified a locus with a conspicuous effect on survival located within a 7-Mb region between D4Mit302 and D4Mit144, where BALB/c mice harbor hypomorphic variant alleles of the tumor suppressor gene Cdkn2a, which encodes the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor protein p16INK4a. Using pooled F(2) intercrosses between the BALB/c and congenic lines carrying the STS allele near D4Mit17, but not in the range from D4Mit302 to D4Mit144, we assigned the second locus to an 11.4-Mb region in the vicinity of D4Mit17. Although Cdkn2a is a likely candidate for the locus controlling susceptibility to lymphomagenesis on chromosome 4, a novel tumor susceptibility gene different from Cdkn2a exists near the primary locus.

Genetically modified mouse models in cancer studies

Genetically modified animals represent a resource of immense potential for cancer research. Classically, genetic modifications in mice were obtained through selected breeding experiments or treatments with powerful carcinogens capable of inducing random mutagenesis. A new era began in the early 1980s when genetic modifications by inserting foreign DNA genes into the cells of an animal allowed for the development of transgenic mice. Since that moment, genetic modifications have been able to be made in a predetermined way. Gene targeting emerged later as a method of in vivo mutagenesis whereby the sequence of a predetermined gene is selectively modified within an intact cell. In this review we focus on how genetically modified mice can be created to study tumour development, and how these models have contributed to an understanding of the genetic alterations involved in human cancer. We also discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the different mouse models for identifying cancer genes, and understanding the consequences of their alterations in order to obtain the maximum benefit for cancer patients.

HIPK2 represses beta-catenin-mediated transcription, epidermal stem cell expansion, and skin tumorigenesis

Transcriptional control by beta-catenin and lymphoid enhancer-binding factor 1 (LEF1)/T cell factor regulates proliferation in stem cells and tumorigenesis. Here we provide evidence that transcriptional co repressor homeodomain interacting protein kinase 2 (HIPK2) controls the number of stem and progenitor cells in the skin and the susceptibility to develop squamous cell carcinoma. Loss of HIPK2 leads to increased proliferative potential, more rapid G1-S transition in cell cycle, and expansion of the epidermal stem cell compartment. Among the critical regulators of G1-S transition in the cell cycle, only cyclin D1 is selectively up-regulated in cells lacking HIPK2. Conversely, overexpression of HIPK2 suppresses LEF1/beta-catenin-mediated transcriptional activation of cyclin D1 expression. However, deletion of the C-terminal YH domain of HIPK2 completely abolishes its ability to recruit another transcriptional corepressor CtBP and suppress LEF1/beta-catenin-mediated transcription. To determine whether loss of HIPK2 leads to increased susceptibility to tumorigenesis, we treat wild-type, Hipk2+/-, andHipk2-/- mice with the two-stage carcinogenesis protocol. Our results indicate that more skin tumors are induced in Hipk2+/- and Hipk2-/- mutants, with most of the tumors showing shortened incubation time and malignant progression. Together, our results indicate that HIPK2 is a tumor suppressor that controls proliferation by antagonizing LEF1/beta-catenin-mediated transcription. Loss of HIPK2 synergizes with activation of H-ras to induce tumorigenesis.

New chemically induced skin tumour susceptibility loci identified in a mouse backcross between FVB and dominant resistant PWK

Background

A variety of skin cancer susceptibility among mouse strains has allowed identification of genes responsible for skin cancer development. Fifteen Skts loci for skin tumour susceptibility have been mapped so far by using the two-stage skin carcinogenesis model [induced by 7.12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA)/12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)]. A few responsible genes have been identified using wild-derived dominant resistant Mus spretus mice, and one has been confirmed as a low penetrance cancer susceptibility gene in a variety of human cancers.

Results

In the present study, we found that wild-derived PWK mice developed no tumour by treatment with the two-stage skin carcinogenesis protocol. This phenotype is dominant resistant when crossed with the highly susceptible strain FVB. By analyzing the F1 backcross generation between PWK and FVB, we found empirical evidence of significant linkage at the new loci Skts-fp1 on chromosome 4 and suggestive linkage on chromosomes 1, 3, 11, 12 and 14 for skin tumour susceptibility. Skts-fp1 includes the Skts7 interval, which was previously mapped by a Mus spretus and NIH backcross. We also observed suggestive linkage on chromosomes 1 and 2 in the female population only, while suggestive linkage on chromosomes 14 and 15 only was observed in the male population. A significant genetic interaction was seen between markers of D11Mit339 and D16Mit14.

Conclusion

Analysis of this new cross may facilitate the identification of genes responsible for mouse skin cancer susceptibility and may reveal their biological interactions.

Identification and chromosome mapping of loci predisposing to colorectal cancer that control Wnt/beta-catenin pathway and progression of early lesions in the rat

Sporadic colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major health concern worldwide. Epidemiologic evidence suggests a polygenic predisposition to CRC, but the genes responsible remain unknown. Here, we performed genome-wide scanning of male (ACI/SegHsd x Wistar-Furth)F2 (AWF2) rats to map susceptibility genes influencing the evolution of early colorectal lesions to adenocarcinoma following 1,2-dimethylhydrazine administration. Phenotypic analysis revealed higher incidence/multiplicity and lower size of adenomas in ACI/SegHsd (ACI) and (ACI/SegHsd x Wistar-Furth)F1 (AWF1) than Wistar-Furth (WF) rats and higher incidence/multiplicity of poorly differentiated adenocarcinomas in WF than ACI rats, with intermediate values in AWF1 rats. Linkage analysis of 138 AWF2 rats identified three loci on chromosomes 4, 15 and 18 in significant linkage with lesion multiplicity that were identified as rat Colon cancer resistance (rCcr) 1, rCcr2 and rCcr3, respectively. Seven other loci on chromosomes 5, 6, 15, 17, 18 and 20 were in suggestive linkage with adenoma/adenocarcinoma multiplicity/surface area. Six of them were identified as rCcr4-9 and a locus on chromosome 5 was identified as a susceptibility locus, rCcs1. Significant interactions between rCcr3 and rCcr6, rCcr6 and rCcr8 and rCcr5 and rCcr9, and four novel epistatic loci controlling multiplicity/size of colorectal lesions were discovered. Apc, located at rCcr3, did not show functional promoter polymorphisms. However, influence of susceptibility/resistance genes on Wnt/beta-catenin pathway was shown by defective beta-catenin inactivation in WF but not in ACI and AWF1 rat adenocarcinomas. These data indicate that inheritance of predisposition to CRC depends on interplays of several genetic factors, and suggest a possible mechanism of polygenic control of CRC progression.

MicroRNA genes are frequently located near mouse cancer susceptibility loci

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short 19- to 24-nt RNA molecules that have been shown to regulate the expression of other genes in a variety of eukaryotic systems. Abnormal expression of miRNAs has been observed in several human cancers, and furthermore, germ-line and somatic mutations in human miRNAs were recently identified in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Thus, human miRNAs can act as tumor suppressor genes or oncogenes, where mutations, deletions, or amplifications can underlie the development of certain types of leukemia. In addition, previous studies have shown that miRNA expression profiles can distinguish among human solid tumors from different organs. Because a single miRNA can simultaneously influence the expression of two or more protein-coding genes, we hypothesized that miRNAs could be candidate genes for cancer risk. Research in complex trait genetics has demonstrated that genetic background determines cancer susceptibility or resistance in various tissues, such as colon and lung, of different inbred mouse strains. We compared the genome positions of mouse tumor susceptibility loci with those of mouse miRNAs. Here, we report a statistically significant association between the chromosomal location of miRNAs and those of mouse cancer susceptibility loci that influence the development of solid tumors. Furthermore, we identified distinct patterns of flanking DNA sequences for several miRNAs located at or near susceptibility loci in inbred strains with different tumor susceptibilities. These data provide a catalog of miRNA genes in inbred strains that could represent genes involved in the development and penetrance of solid tumors.

The modifier of Min 2 (Mom2) locus: embryonic lethality of a mutation in the Atp5a1 gene suggests a novel mechanism of polyp suppression

Inactivation of the APC gene is considered the initiating event in human colorectal cancer. Modifier genes that influence the penetrance of mutations in tumor-suppressor genes hold great potential for preventing the development of cancer. The mechanism by which modifier genes alter adenoma incidence can be readily studied in mice that inherit mutations in the Apc gene. We identified a new modifier locus of ApcMin-induced intestinal tumorigenesis called Modifier of Min 2 (Mom2). The polyp-resistant Mom2R phenotype resulted from a spontaneous mutation and linkage analysis localized Mom2 to distal chromosome 18. To obtain recombinant chromosomes for use in refining the Mom2 interval, we generated congenic DBA.B6 ApcMin/+, Mom2R/+ mice. An intercross revealed that Mom2R encodes a recessive embryonic lethal mutation. We devised an exclusion strategy for mapping the Mom2 locus using embryonic lethality as a method of selection. Expression and sequence analyses of candidate genes identified a duplication of four nucleotides within exon 3 of the alpha subunit of the ATP synthase (Atp5a1) gene. Tumor analyses revealed a novel mechanism of polyp suppression by Mom2R in Min mice. Furthermore, we show that more adenomas progress to carcinomas in Min mice that carry the Mom2R mutation. The absence of loss of heterozygosity (LOH) at the Apc locus, combined with the tendency of adenomas to progress to carcinomas, indicates that the sequence of events leading to tumors in ApcMin/+ Mom2R/+ mice is consistent with the features of human tumor initiation and progression.

Convergence of congenic mapping and allele-specific alterations in tumors for the resolution of the Skts1 skin tumor susceptibility locus

Although several familial cancer genes with high-penetrance mutations have been identified, the major genetic component of susceptibility to sporadic cancers is attributable to low-penetrance alleles. These 'weak' tumor susceptibility genes do not segregate as single Mendelian traits and are therefore difficult to find in studies of human populations. Previously, we have proposed that a combination of germline mapping and analysis of allele-specific imbalance in tumors may be used to refine the locations of susceptibility genes using mouse models of cancer. Here, we have used linkage analysis and congenic mouse strains to map the major skin tumor susceptibility locus Skts1 within a genetic interval of 0.9 cM on proximal chromosome 7. This interval lies in an apparent recombination cold spot, and corresponds to a physical distance of about 15 Mb. We therefore, used patterns of allele-specific imbalances in tumors from backcross and congenic mice to refine the location of Skts1. We demonstrate that this single tumor modifier locus has a dramatic effect on the allelic preference for imbalance on chromosome 7, with at least 90% of tumors from the congenics showing preferential gain of markers on the chromosome carrying the susceptibility variant. Importantly, these alterations enabled us to refine the location of Skts1 at higher resolution than that attained using the congenic mice. We conclude that low-penetrance susceptibility genes can have strong effects on patterns of allele-specific somatic genetic changes in tumors, and that analysis of the directionality of these somatic events provides an important and rapid route to identification of germline genetic variants that confer increased cancer risk.

Promotion of Hras-induced squamous carcinomas by a polymorphic variant of the Patched gene in FVB mice

Mice of the C57BL/6 strain are resistant to the development of skin squamous carcinomas (SCCs) induced by an activated Ras oncogene, whereas FVB/N mice are highly susceptible. The genetic basis of this difference in phenotype is unknown. Here we show that susceptibility to SCC is under the control of a carboxy-terminal polymorphism in the mouse Ptch gene. F1 hybrids between C57BL/6 and FVB/N strains ((B6FVB)F1) are resistant to Ras-induced SCCs, but resistance can be overcome either by elimination of the C57BL/6 Ptch allele (Ptch(B6)) or by overexpression of the FVB/N Ptch allele (Ptch(FVB)) in the epidermis of K5Hras-transgenic (B6FVB)F1 hybrid mice. The human Patched (PTCH) gene is a classical tumour suppressor gene for basal cell carcinomas and medulloblastomas, the loss of which causes increased signalling through the Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) pathway. SCCs that develop in PtchB6+/- mice do not lose the wild-type Ptch gene or show evidence of increased SHH signalling. Although Ptch(FVB) overexpression can promote SCC formation, continued expression is not required for tumour maintenance, suggesting a role at an early stage of tumour cell lineage commitment. The Ptch polymorphism affects Hras-induced apoptosis, and binding to Tid1, the mouse homologue of the Drosophila l(2)tid tumour suppressor gene. We propose that Ptch occupies a critical niche in determining basal or squamous cell lineage, and that both tumour types can arise from the same target cell depending on carcinogen exposure and host genetic background.

Modeling cancer patient populations in mice: complex genetic and environmental factors

Genetic differences among individuals contribute to differential susceptibility to cancer and, undoubtedly, to variable efficacy and toxicity of pharmacological-based therapeutics. Many of the specific molecular processes involved in human tumorigenesis have been elucidated and accurately modeled in mice. However, the current models used for drug testing do not accurately predict how new treatments will fare in clinical trials. More sophisticated models that treat cancer as a complex disease present within heterogenous patient populations will provide better predictive power to identify patients that may benefit from specific therapies or that may develop potential drug-induced toxicities.

The genetic factors in cancer development and their implications for cancer prevention and detection

Experimental data from laboratory animals indicate that the same extent of DNA damage or the same mutations in oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes in different hosts result in widely differing cancer development because of numerous polymorphic tumor susceptibility genes. Similarly, recent epidemiological data indicate that susceptibility to common, "sporadic" cancers in humans is influenced considerably by multiple polymorphic host genes with relatively weak effects. This indicates that in addition to hereditary familial cancer syndromes, the sporadic cancer is also under strong genetic control. The multiplicity of genes involved, variation in exposure to environmental carcinogens, and small sizes of cancer families prevent efficient searches for the responsible genes in humans. Therefore, an alternative strategy based on the definition of susceptibility genes in experimental animals and the subsequent study of their human homologues has been successfully employed by several groups. This strategy also helped reveal several important features of cancer susceptibility, including mutual interactions of cancer susceptibility genes, their functional heterogeneity, and the existence of stage-specific control of cancer development. This latter phenomenon is especially important, because the susceptibility to early stages of cancer development may be quite different from that of late stages of cancer development. This needs to be taken into account when introducing preventive testing of biomarkers of early preneoplastic lesions or early cancers, because their predictive value is greatly influenced by the genetically determined individual tendency to proceed toward a more advanced form of neoplasia. Therefore, genetic testing of persons in danger of being exposed to carcinogenic factors should be an important part of the personnel selection.

Oral Chemotherapeutic Delivery: Design and Cellular Response

The development of carriers to deliver a variety of cancer therapeutics orally would represent a significant advance in the treatment of this disease. This system is based on hydrophilic polymer carriers to deliver therapeutic agents to the upper region of the small intestine in response to the pH increase when passing from the stomach. Methacrylic acid (MAA) and ethylene glycol (EG) combined in a 1:1 molar ratio were reacted to form P(MAA-g-EG) nanospheres by UV-initiated free radical polymerization. Bleomycin was added prior to polymerization to allow in situ polymerization loading. Release studies were carried out in conditions to model the environment of the stomach and small intestine. Results showed that bleomycin is preferentially released at a higher pH due to the increased mesh size of the swollen hydrogel carrier. The potential cytotoxicity of bleomycin on the small intestine was investigated with the use of Caco-2 cells (human colon adenocarcinoma). Cytotoxicity studies showed maintenance of both viability and proliferation. The presence of the nanospheres decreases the transepithelial electrical resistance across Caco-2 cell monolayers. Complexation hydrogels are promising carriers to expand the number of chemotherapeutics capable of being administered orally.

The human genome project and the discovery of genetic determinants of cancer susceptibility

The Human Genome Project has recently provided a great deal of information on the sequence that comprises the human genome. We are now in the process of structuring and deciphering the 3 x 10(9) base sequence in order to gain insights into its functional role. Several efforts are focusing on the search for DNA sequence variations underlying common/complex diseases that constitute a real burden in terms of public health measures. As expected, the genetic architecture of these complex traits, shows tremendous complexity, and the discovery and characterisation of susceptibility alleles constitute a real challenge for the geneticist. Conceptual and experimental genetic approaches aimed at dissecting the molecular features of susceptibility genes, in particular those predisposing to cancer, are outlined and discussed in this review.

Forty years of cancer modelling in the mouse

Mouse models of human cancer have played an important role in formulating modern concepts of multistage carcinogenesis, and are providing us with a new armoury of tools for the testing of novel therapeutic approaches to cancer treatment. The development of inducible and conditional technologies provide us with greater opportunity to generate mouse models which faithfully recapitulate human tumorigenesis, in terms of both the biology and the genetics of this disease. It is now feasible to control, in time and space, the development of tumours in almost any mouse tissue, such that we now have available mouse models of all major human cancers. Moreover, novel non-invasive approaches to tumour imaging will enable us to follow tumour development and metastasis in vivo, as well as the effects of candidate therapeutic drugs. Such new generation tumour models, which accurately emulate the disease state in situ, should provide a useful platform with which to experimentally test drugs targeted to specific gene products, or combinations of genes that control rate-limiting steps of tumour development.

Polygenic control of hepatocarcinogenesis in Copenhagen x F344 rats

Cop and CFF1 rats exhibit resistance to hepatocarcinogenesis, associated with high rates of remodeling of neoplastic lesions. We have mapped hepatocarcinogenesis susceptibility, resistance and remodeling loci affecting the number, volume and volume fraction of neoplastic nodules induced by the "resistant hepatocyte" model in male CFF2 rats. Three loci in significant linkage with the number or volume of nonremodeling lesions were identified on chromosomes 1, 4 and 18. Suggestive linkage with number or volume fraction of total, nonremodeling or remodeling lesions was found for 7 loci on chromosomes 1, 2, 13, 14 and 15. All of these loci showed significant allele-specific effects on the phenotypic traits. We also detected by analysis of variance 19 2-way interactions inducing phenotypic effects not predictable on the basis of the sum of separate effects. These novel epistatic loci were in significant linkage with the number and/or volume of total, nonremodeling or remodeling nodules. These data indicate that susceptibility to hepatocarcinogenesis in Cop rats is controlled by a complex array of genes with several gene-gene interactions and that different genetic mechanisms control remodeling and nonremodeling liver nodules. Frequent deregulation in human liver cancer of genes positioned in chromosomal segments syntenic to rat susceptibility/resistance loci suggests some similarities between the genetic mechanisms involved in hepatocarcinogenesis in rats and humans.

Frontiers in nutrigenomics, proteomics, metabolomics and cancer prevention

While dietary habits continue to surface as a significant factor that may influence cancer incidence and tumor behavior, there is considerable scientific uncertainty about who will benefit most. Adequate [corrected] knowledge about how the responses depend on an individual's genetic background (nutrigenetic effects), the cumulative effects of food components on genetic expression profiles (nutritional transcriptomics and nutritional epigenomics effects), the occurrence and activity of proteins (proteomic effects) and/or the dose and temporal changes in cellular small molecular weight compounds (metabolomics effects) will [corrected] assist in identifying responders and non-responders. Expanding the information about similarities and differences in the "omic" responses across tissues will not only provide clues about specificity in response to bioactive food components but assist in the identification of surrogate tissues and biomarkers that can be used for predicting a response. Deciphering the importance of each of these potential sites of regulation will be particularly challenging but does hold promise in explaining many of the inconsistencies in the literature.

Five new mouse susceptibility to colon cancer loci, Scc11-Scc15

Although several genes causing familial cancer syndromes have been identified, susceptibility to sporadic cancer remains unsolved. Animal experiments have demonstrated a large number of quantitative trait loci affecting cancer susceptibility. Previously, we described in mouse strain CcS-19/Dem five susceptibility to colon cancer (Scc) loci, Scc1-Scc5 controlling tumor numbers. In the present study, we performed an independent identical mouse cross using a distinct carcinogen, azoxymethane, to induce colon tumors. We confirmed all five originally described Scc loci and detected five additional new Scc loci; Scc11-Scc15. All these loci were detected in two-way interactions.

Cancer susceptibility in the mouse: genetics, biology and implications for human cancer

Growing evidence that a large proportion of apparently non-hereditary sporadic cancers occur in genetically predisposed individuals has emphasized the need to identify the underlying susceptibility genes. Increasingly, it seems that the best approach to define the numerous genes that have small but cumulative effects is to first identify and map them in mice, and subsequently to study the role of their homologues in humans. Development of new gene-mapping resources and strategies in mice has, for the first time, allowed some of these genes to be identified. In future, this unique approach is likely to provide important insights into the pathways of tumour development and might ultimately lead to more effective individually targeted cancer-prevention strategies.