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Protocol for adeno-associated virus-mediated gene delivery to accelerate pancreatic carcinogenesis in mice

  • 0Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China; Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
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June 19, 2025

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June 19, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

This study details a new protocol using adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene delivery to accelerate early pancreatic cancer development in mice. The method enables controlled investigation of pancreatic carcinogenesis, from acinar cells to PanIN lesions.

Area Of Science

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background

  • Early pancreatic carcinogenesis is complex and influenced by genetic and environmental factors.
  • The p48<sup>Cre/+</sup>; LSL-Kras<sup>G12D/+</sup> (KC) mouse model is utilized to study pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).
  • Investigating early events in PDAC requires controlled models for spatial and temporal analysis.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To present a protocol for accelerating early pancreatic carcinogenesis in KC mice.
  • To utilize adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated gene delivery for controlled induction of pancreatic lesions.
  • To enable investigation of the progression from acinar cells to pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN).

Main Methods

  • Adeno-associated virus (AAV) production and characterization.
  • Preparation and handling of p48<sup>Cre/+</sup>; LSL-Kras<sup>G12D/+</sup> (KC) mice.
  • Intra-pancreatic AAV injection technique for gene delivery.
  • Histological analysis of pancreatic tissue for carcinogenesis progression.

Main Results

  • The protocol successfully facilitates the progression from acinar cells to acinar-to-ductal metaplasia (ADM).
  • The method enables the development of pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) in a controlled manner.
  • Spatially and temporally controlled investigation of early pancreatic carcinogenesis is achieved.

Conclusions

  • This AAV-mediated gene delivery protocol provides a robust method for studying early pancreatic carcinogenesis.
  • The protocol allows for precise control over the initiation and progression of pancreatic lesions in KC mice.
  • This approach facilitates research into the molecular mechanisms underlying the early stages of pancreatic cancer.

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