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Colossal crypts bordering colon adenomas in Apc(Min) mice express full-length Apc
1Department of Anatomy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. bjerkness@crypt.med.utoronto.ca
The American Journal of Pathology
|June 11, 1999
Summary
Colossal crypts near colon tumors are a reactive state, not preneoplastic. These enlarged, nondysplastic crypts show normal Apc gene function, suggesting potent tumor-secreted factors drive their growth.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Enlarged, nondysplastic crypts at colon tumor margins were previously termed transitional epithelium.
- This state was considered potentially preneoplastic, but is now viewed as reactive.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the nature of abnormal adenoma-associated crypts in the ApcMin mouse model.
- To determine if these nondysplastic crypts exhibit normal Apc gene function.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the ApcMin mouse model for familial adenomatous polyposis.
- Analyzed adenoma-associated crypts for size, branching, Apc protein expression, and Apc allele status.
Main Results:
- Nondysplastic crypts were significantly enlarged (up to 10x normal length) and branched more frequently.
- These colossal crypts expressed wild-type Apc protein and carried the wild-type Apc allele.
Conclusions:
- The findings support the hypothesis that colossal crypts at adenoma margins represent a reactive state.
- Normal Apc gene function in these crypts indicates the phenotype is not directly driven by Apc mutation.
- The dramatic epithelial response suggests the involvement of potent epithelial trophic factors near colon tumors.