Genetically engineered mouse models in gastric precancerous lesions research

Precancerous lesions of gastric cancer (PLGC) are crucial for the progression to gastric cancer, and early intervention in PLGC is pivotal in preventing its development into gastric cancer. In order to illustrate the molecular mechanisms underlying PLGC and the roles of associated genes within these lesions, genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) have been developed. We systematically summarize the current GEMMs, and highlight the principal pathological mechanisms involved, including gastrin/gastric acid balance, inflammatory factors, the interplay between cancer-promoting and cancer-suppressing genes, and apoptotic pathways. We further discuss the mechanisms involved in the existing GEMMs of PLGC.