Mutations of the Apc gene in experimental colorectal carcinogenesis induced by azoxymethane in F344 rats

Br J Cancer. 1998 Jun;77(12):2148-51. doi: 10.1038/bjc.1998.359.

Abstract

We investigated in the rat the role of the Apc gene, which is mutated in familial adenomatous polyposis and sporadic colon cancer in the process leading from normal colonic mucosa to aberrant crypt foci (ACF) and finally to adenomas and adenocarcinomas. We analysed mutations in exon 15 of the rat Apc gene using in vitro synthesized protein assay in 66 ACF and in 28 colon tumours induced by azoxymethane. No Apc mutations were found in ACF, whereas five mutations were found in the tumours. The data suggest that mutations of the Apc gene are associated with the transition from ACF to adenoma and adenocarcinoma and not from normal mucosa to ACF.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / chemically induced
  • Adenocarcinoma / genetics*
  • Adenoma / chemically induced
  • Adenoma / genetics*
  • Animals
  • Azoxymethane
  • Carcinogens
  • Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / drug effects
  • Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / genetics*
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / chemically induced
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / genetics*
  • DNA, Neoplasm / genetics
  • Epithelium / drug effects
  • Genes, APC*
  • Intestinal Mucosa / drug effects
  • Male
  • Mutation*
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Precancerous Conditions / chemically induced
  • Precancerous Conditions / genetics*
  • Rats
  • Rats, Inbred F344

Substances

  • Carcinogens
  • DNA, Neoplasm
  • Azoxymethane