Winnie-APC(Min/+) Mice: A Spontaneous Model of Colitis-Associated Colorectal Cancer Combining Genetics and Inflammation

(1) Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is among the best examples of the relationship between inflammation and increased cancer risk. (2) Methods: To examine the effects of spontaneous low-grade chronic inflammation on the pathogenesis of CRC, we developed a new murine model of colitis-associated cancer (CAC) by crossing Mucin 2 mutated mice (Winnie) with Apc(Min/+) mice. (3) Results: The resulting Winnie-Apc(Min/+) model combines an inflammatory background with a genetic predisposition to small intestinal polyposis. Winnie-Apc(Min/+) mice show an early occurrence of inflammatory signs and dysplastic lesions in the distal colon with a specific molecular signature. (4) Conclusion: The Winnie-Apc(Min/+) model is a perfect model to demonstrate that chronic inflammation represents a crucial risk factor for the onset and progression of tumoral lesions in individuals genetically predisposed to CRC.