Elimination of colon cancer in germ-free transforming growth factor beta 1-deficient mice

Patients with ulcerative colitis are at risk for colon cancer and frequently have microsatellite instability, which, in turn, is usually associated with inactivation of transforming growth factor (TGF) β signaling. TGF-β1 deficiency in mice can lead to colon cancer that is preceded by precancerous lesions having submucosal inflammation and hyperplastic crypts. Germ-free TGF-β1-deficient mice are free of inflammation, hyperplasia, and cancer, but when reintroduced into a Helicobacter hepaticus-containing specific pathogen-free room, these lesions reappear. Because adenoma/carcinoma but not inflammation/hyperplasia is dependent on the genetic backgrounds tested, colitis is required, but not sufficient, for carcinogenesis. This animal model should provide insight into the protective role of TGF-β1 in early stages of ulcerative colitis-associated human colon cancer.