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Updated: May 6, 2026

Defining Gene Functions in Tumorigenesis by Ex vivo Ablation of Floxed Alleles in Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor Cells
Published on: August 25, 2021
Protocol for KAT8 conditional knockout mice generation and its application in 4NQO-induced esophageal tumor model
Dandan Zhang1, Ming Jiang2, Kangdong Liu3
1China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, No. 127, Zhengzhou, Henan 450000, China; Institute of Trauma and Metabolism, Zhengzhou Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450007, China.
Abstract:
4-Nitroquinoline 1-oxide (4NQO), a quinoline derivative, induces tumor formation in mice following a multi-stage pattern analogous to human tumors, mimicking the natural carcinogenesis process. Here, we present a protocol for inducing esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) in mice using 4NQO. We detail the acquisition of KAT8 esophagus-specific knockout mice, the establishment of 4NQO-induced ESCC, and the validation of the model via western blotting (WB), hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, and immunohistochemistry (IHC). For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Zhang et al.1.
Insights
This study details a protocol for inducing esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) in mice using 4-Nitroquinoline 1-oxide (4NQO). This method effectively models human carcinogenesis for cancer research.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Carcinogenesis Research
- Animal Models
Background:
- 4-Nitroquinoline 1-oxide (4NQO) is a quinoline derivative known to induce tumors in mice.
- 4NQO-induced tumorigenesis in mice mimics the multi-stage pattern of human carcinogenesis.
- Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a significant human cancer requiring robust animal models for study.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a detailed protocol for inducing esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) in mice.
- To establish a reliable 4NQO-induced ESCC model in mice.
- To validate the efficacy of the induced ESCC model.
Main Methods:
- Utilized 4-Nitroquinoline 1-oxide (4NQO) for chemical induction of ESCC in mice.
- Acquired and employed KAT8 esophagus-specific knockout mice.
- Validated the established ESCC model using western blotting (WB), hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, and immunohistochemistry (IHC).
Main Results:
- Successfully established a 4NQO-induced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) model in mice.
- Demonstrated the multi-stage carcinogenesis pattern analogous to human ESCC.
- Validated the model's relevance through molecular and histological analyses.
Conclusions:
- The presented protocol provides a reproducible method for generating 4NQO-induced ESCC in mice.
- This model serves as a valuable tool for investigating the mechanisms of esophageal carcinogenesis.
- Further research can leverage this model to explore novel therapeutic strategies for ESCC.

