TLDR K6/ODC transgenic mice are effective for quickly identifying cancer-causing chemicals.
The study demonstrated that K6/ODC transgenic mice, which overexpress ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) in hair follicle keratinocytes, served as a sensitive model for identifying genotoxic carcinogens. The model showed 100% concordance with traditional 2-year rodent bioassays when tested with 10 known carcinogens or noncarcinogens. Notably, it successfully identified human carcinogens and demonstrated tumor development at low doses of 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA). This model offered advantages such as shorter test times and fewer animals, making it a promising tool for carcinogen identification and chemical risk assessment.
233 citations
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July 1997 in “PubMed” High levels of ornithine decarboxylase can cause tumors in mouse skin.
37 citations
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January 1986 in “Carcinogenesis” ODC expression in mouse skin and tumors is varied and can be inhibited by retinoic acid or cycloheximide.
48 citations
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June 2000 in “Japanese Journal of Cancer Research” Dimethylarsinic acid speeds up skin tumor growth in certain mice.
8 citations
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August 2014 in “Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications” ODC overexpression in hair cells increases tumor growth by reducing Notch signaling.
13 citations
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December 2001 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology” Overexpressing ornithine decarboxylase and v-Ha-ras in keratinocytes leads to invasiveness and malignancy.
10 citations
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August 2013 in “Experimental Dermatology” Hairless protein and putrescine regulate each other, affecting hair growth and skin balance.
52 citations
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May 1997 in “Journal of Biological Chemistry” High ornithine decarboxylase levels may lead to hair loss and cancer by increasing CK2 activity in the nucleus.
