Generation and characterization of a transgenic mouse model for pancreatic cancer

To generate a SV40Tag transgenic tumor animal model and to study the mechanism underlying tumorigenesis.

A mammary gland expression vector containing SV40Tag DNA was generated. Transgene fragments were microinjeted into fertilized eggs of FVB mice. The genetically manipulated embryos were transferred into the oviducts of pseudo-pregnant female mice. PCR and Northern blot analysis were used for genotype analysis of F1 and F2 mice. Transgene expression was detected by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry.

SV40Tag gene was detected in two lines of transgenic mice. One of them delivered the transgene to F1 and a tumor was found in the pancreas of these mice. RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry showed that SV40Tag gene was expressed in the tumor. Pathological characterization of the transgenic mice demonstrated that the tumor belonged to pancreatic cystic neoplasm.

SV40Tag transgenic mouse model can be successfully established. The transgenic mice develop a pancreatic tumor, which can be used for investigation of the molecular mechanism of tumorigenesis in vivo.