Adenoma Formation following Limited Ablation of p120-Catenin in the Mouse Intestine
2011

Limited p120-Catenin Ablation and Tumorigenesis in Mouse Intestine

Sample size: 31 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Smalley-Freed Whitney G., Efimov Andrey, Short Sarah P., Jia Peilin, Zhao Zhongming, Washington M. Kay, Robine Sylvie, Coffey Robert J., Reynolds Albert B.

Primary Institution: Vanderbilt University

Hypothesis

Can limited p120-catenin ablation in the mouse intestine promote tumorigenesis through chronic inflammation?

Conclusion

Limited p120-catenin ablation can promote tumorigenesis indirectly through chronic inflammation and increased mutation rates.

Supporting Evidence

  • 45% of the mice developed tumors within 18 months of tamoxifen induction.
  • Neutrophil numbers in the p120 KO colon were 3.9-fold higher than in control colons.
  • Serum levels of FITC-dextran were significantly higher in p120 KO mice, indicating a barrier defect.

Takeaway

When a specific protein called p120 is reduced in mice, it can lead to tumors forming in their intestines because of ongoing inflammation.

Methodology

The study used a tamoxifen-inducible mouse model to evaluate the effects of limited p120 ablation over 18 months.

Potential Biases

Potential bias in tumor classification and interpretation of p120 levels in tumors.

Limitations

The study could not directly identify specific mutations due to technical issues.

Participant Demographics

Mice were used in the study, specifically Vil-Cre-ERT2;p120F/F mice.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p=0.03

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0019880

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