The 4-NQO mouse model: An update on a well-established in vivo model of oral carcinogenesis
Journal Title
In: Galluzzi, L., Buque, A. (eds) Carcinogen-driven mouse models of oncogenesis. Methods in Cell Biology, Vol 163
Publication Type
Book section
Abstract
The early detection and management of oral premalignant lesions (OPMDs) improve their outcomes. Animal models that mimic histological and biological processes of human oral carcinogenesis may help to improve the identification of OPMD at-risk of progression into oral squamous cell carcinoma and to develop preventive strategies for the entire field of cancerization. No animal model is perfectly applicable for investigating human oral carcinogenesis. However, the 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide (4-NQO) mouse model is well established and mimics several morphological, histological, genomic and molecular features of human oral carcinogenesis. Some of the reasons for the success of this model include its reproducible experimental conditions with limited variation, the possibility of realizing longitudinal studies with invasive intervention or gene manipulation, and sample availability for all stages of oral carcinogenesis, especially premalignant lesions. Moreover, the role of histological and molecular alterations in the field of cancerization (i.e., macroscopically healthy mucosa exposed to a carcinogen) during oral carcinogenesis can be easily explored using this model. In this review, we discuss the advantages and drawbacks of this model for studying human oral carcinogenesis. In summary, the 4-NQO-induced murine oral cancer model is relevant for investigating human oral carcinogenesis, including the immune microenvironment, and for evaluating therapeutic and chemoprevention agents.
Publisher
Elsevier
Keywords
4-Nitroquinoline-1-oxide/toxicity; Animals; Carcinogenesis; Carcinogens/toxicity; *Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/chemically induced/genetics; Mice; *Mouth Neoplasms/chemically induced; Tumor Microenvironment; 4-Nitroquinoline 1-oxide; Mouse; Oral cancer; Oral carcinogenesis; Oral leukoplakia
Department(s)
Laboratory Research
PubMed ID
33785166
Terms of Use/Rights Notice
Refer to copyright notice on published article.


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