Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 12, 2026

06:01
A Genetically Engineered Mouse Model of Sporadic Colorectal Cancer
Published on: July 6, 2017
Understanding phenotypic variation in rodent models with germline Apc mutations.
Maged Zeineldin1, Kristi L Neufeld
1Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA.
Cancer Research
|April 13, 2013
Summary
Rodent models of the Adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene aid colorectal cancer research. This review compares available APC rodent models, explaining variations in intestinal polyps and other phenotypes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genetics
- Animal Models
Background:
- The Adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene is a key tumor suppressor, particularly in colorectal cancer.
- Apc mutations in rodent models are vital for studying cancer development and gene function.
- Over 20 Apc mouse and rat models have been developed since the early 1990s.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare and contrast existing Apc rodent models.
- To provide explanations for observed variations in these models.
- To focus on intestinal polyp multiplicity, distribution, and extraintestinal phenotypes.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and comparative analysis of published Apc rodent models.
- Examination of genetic alterations and their phenotypic consequences.
- Synthesis of data on polyp formation and extraintestinal manifestations.
Main Results:
- Significant variability exists among Apc rodent models regarding polyp formation and location.
- Extraintestinal phenotypes also display considerable variation across different models.
- Specific Apc mutations correlate with distinct patterns of polyp development and extraintestinal effects.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the nuances of Apc rodent models is crucial for accurate research interpretation.
- The choice of Apc model impacts the study of colorectal cancer and related pathways.
- Further characterization of these models will refine their utility in translational research.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Mouse Models of Cancer Study
Mice have long served as models for studying human biology and pathology because of their phylogenetic and physiological similarity with humans. They are also easy to maintain and breed in the laboratory, and hence, many inbred strains are now available for research. Studies on mice have contributed immeasurably to our understanding of cancer biology.
The development of transgenic, knockout, and knock-in mice has led to an exponential increase in their use as model organisms in research,...
The development of transgenic, knockout, and knock-in mice has led to an exponential increase in their use as model organisms in research,...
Epistasis
In addition to multiple alleles at the same locus influencing traits, numerous genes or alleles at different locations may interact and influence phenotypes in a phenomenon called epistasis. For example, rabbit fur can be black or brown depending on whether the animal is homozygous dominant or heterozygous at a TYRP1 locus. However, if the rabbit is also homozygous recessive at a locus on the tyrosinase gene (TYR), it will have an unshaded coat that appears white, regardless of its TYRP1...
In-vitro Mutagenesis
To learn more about the function of a gene, researchers can observe what happens when the gene is inactivated or “knocked out,” by creating genetically engineered knockout animals. Knockout mice have been particularly useful as models for human diseases such as cancer, Parkinson’s disease, and diabetes.

