APC haploinsufficiency coupled with p53 loss sufficiently induces mucinous cystic neoplasms and invasive pancreatic carcinoma in mice

Oncogene. 2016 Apr 28;35(17):2223-34. doi: 10.1038/onc.2015.284. Epub 2015 Sep 28.

Abstract

Adenomatous polyposis coli (APC), a tumor-suppressor gene critically involved in familial adenomatous polyposis, is integral in Wnt/β-catenin signaling and is implicated in the development of sporadic tumors of the distal gastrointestinal tract including pancreatic cancer (PC). Here we report for the first time that functional APC is required for the growth and maintenance of pancreatic islets and maturation. Subsequently, a non-Kras mutation-induced premalignancy mouse model was developed; in this model, APC haploinsufficiency coupled with p53 deletion resulted in the development of a distinct type of pancreatic premalignant precursors, mucinous cystic neoplasms (MCNs), exhibiting pathomechanisms identical to those observed in human MCNs, including accumulation of cystic fluid secreted by neoplastic and ovarian-like stromal cells, with 100% penetrance and the presence of hepatic and gastric metastases in >30% of the mice. The major clinical implications of this study suggest targeting the Wnt signaling pathway as a novel strategy for managing MCN.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adenomatous Polyposis Coli Protein / genetics*
  • Animals
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Female
  • Haploinsufficiency / genetics
  • Humans
  • Loss of Heterozygosity
  • Mice
  • Neoplasms, Glandular and Epithelial / genetics*
  • Neoplasms, Glandular and Epithelial / pathology
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / pathology
  • Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 / genetics*
  • Wnt Signaling Pathway / genetics

Substances

  • Adenomatous Polyposis Coli Protein
  • Tumor Suppressor Protein p53