QTL mapping of Apc modifiers in an ApcMin/+ mouse model of spontaneous and irradiation-induced intestinal adenomas.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Radiation exposure to the abdominal region causes intestinal toxicity and is also capable of inducing colorectal cancers (CRC). Genotype-phenotype studies provide some evidence explaining the variation in familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) patients caused by modifiers of adenomatous polyposis coli (APC). This study aims to extend our understanding of irradiation-induced modifiers of ApcMin/+ mice and CRC. METHODS: By using a pre-existing backcross between recombinant inbred line of ApcMin/+ mice to the irradiation sensitive inbred BALB/c mouse, we obtained panels of 2Gy-irradiated and sham-irradiated N2 ApcMin/+ mice for genotyping with a genome-wide panel of microsatellites markers. Using the number of adenomas in different intestinal segments to represent polyp multiplicity, we carried out a genome wide quantitative trait loci (QTL) scan followed by statistical epistasis modelling and bioinformatics analysis. RESULTS: We identified five significant QTLs responsible for radiation induced tumour multiplicity in the upper small intestine defined as Mom (Modifier of Min) radiation-induced polyposis (Mrip1-5) on chromosome 2 (LOD 2.8, p = 0.0003), two regions within chromosome 5 (LOD 5.2, p=0.00001, 6.2, p=0.00001) and two regions within chromosome 16 (LOD 4.1, p=4x10-5 and 4.8, p=0.00001). Suggestive QTLs were found for sham-irradiated mice on chromosomes 3, 6 and 13 (LOD 1.7, 1.5 and 2.0 respectively; p,0.005). Two significant QTLs were detected in the 2large intestine on chromosome 2 and 7 (LOD 2.7, p=1.2x10-3 and 2.2, p=1.2x10-3, 12 respectively). Using statistical epistasis modelling and logical selection of target genes though in silico sequence based on BALB/c specific non-synonymous polymorphisms which are predicted deleterious we selected target genes and further eliminated genes by sequencing and mRNA expression. CONCLUSIONS: Our study locates the QTL regions responsible for increased radiation-induced intestinal tumorigenesis in ApcMin/+ mice and identifies candidate genes with predicted functional polymorphisms that are involved in spindle checkpoint and chromosomal stability (Bub1b, Bub1r, and Casc5), Wnt pathway (Tiam1, Rac1), DNA repair (Recc1 and Prkdc) and inflammation (Duox2, Itgb2l and Cxcl5).