Murine Models for Lineage Tracing Cancer Initiating Cells

The process of cellular transformation involves acquisition of genetic mutations that disrupt parenchymal organization and promote unrestrained epithelial cell proliferation. In the context of transformation, recent advances using genetic lineage tracing have enabled scientists to study the behavior of neoplastic cells in their native habitat. Employing lineage tracing to understand mechanisms of transformation, including cell type-specific responses to inflammation, is an empirical method to use in the field of cancer prevention. Identifying new approaches to prevent cancer formation can be directly studied by indelibly labeling cells to trace their fate and understand at a molecular level how they respond to novel methods for testing cancer preventing agents.