Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 30, 2026
06:01
A Genetically Engineered Mouse Model of Sporadic Colorectal Cancer
Published on: July 6, 2017
9.1K
Colorectal polyp model established by transplacental BMP4 RNAi
Xin Jin1, Zhongmei Chen2, Li Xiang1
1Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, P.R. China.
Molecular Medicine Reports
|May 9, 2014
Summary
Silencing the BMP4 gene in pregnant mice induced colorectal polyps in their offspring. This study demonstrates a novel method for creating mouse models of intestinal polyps by targeting bone morphogenetic protein 4 signaling.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Disruption of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling is linked to intestinal cancer.
- Developing accurate animal models is crucial for studying colorectal polyps and cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To construct a Balb/C mouse model of colorectal polyps.
- To investigate the role of BMP4 gene silencing in polyp formation.
Main Methods:
- Transplacental RNA interference (RNAi) using a pSES-Si BMP4 plasmid in pregnant mice.
- Detection of DsRed fluorescence, BMP4 and Smad4 mRNA and protein expression via RT-PCR and Western blotting.
- Histopathological analysis using H&E staining and microscopy to observe polyp development.
Main Results:
- BMP4 gene silencing was confirmed by reduced mRNA and protein levels in offspring.
- Colorectal polyps, characterized by hyperplasia, emerged in 4-week-old mice and increased in size by 8 weeks.
- Smad4 mRNA levels were reduced in 8-week-old mice, suggesting downstream pathway involvement.
Conclusions:
- Transplacental RNAi injection effectively silences the BMP4 gene.
- BMP4 gene silencing induces the formation and development of colorectal polyps in mice.
- This method provides a valuable tool for studying BMP signaling in intestinal polypogenesis.
