From genes to environment : elucidating pancreatic carcinogenesis through genetically engineered and risk factor-integrated mouse models

Abstract

Pancreatic cancer is characterized by late diagnosis, therapy resistance, and poor prognosis, necessitating the exploration of early carcinogenesis and prevention methods. Preclinical mouse models have evolved from cell line-based to human tumor tissue- or organoid-derived xenografts, now to humanized mouse models and genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs). GEMMs, primarily driven by oncogenic Kras mutations and tumor suppressor gene alterations, offer a realistic platform for investigating pancreatic cancer initiation, progression, and metastasis. The incorporation of inducible somatic mutations and CRISPR-Cas9 screening methods has expanded their utility. To better recapitulate tumor initiation triggered by inflammatory cues, common pancreatic risk factors are being integrated into model designs. This approach aims to decipher the role of environmental factors as secondary or parallel triggers of tumor initiation alongside oncogenic burdens. Emerging models exploring pancreatitis, obesity, diabetes, and other risk factors offer significant translational potential. This review describes current mouse models for studying pancreatic carcinogenesis, their combination with inflammatory factors, and their utility in evaluating pathogenesis, providing guidance for selecting the most suitable models for pancreatic cancer research.