The tumor spectrum in FHIT-deficient mice

Mice carrying one inactivated Fhit allele (Fhit +/− mice) are highly susceptible to tumor induction by N-nitrosomethylbenzylamine, with 100% of Fhit +/− mice exhibiting tumors of the forestomach/squamocolumnar junction vs. 25% of Fhit +/+ controls. In the current study a single N-nitrosomethylbenzylamine dose was administered to Fhit +/+, +/−, and −/− mice to compare carcinogen susceptibility in +/- and −/− Fhit-deficient mice. At 29 weeks after treatment, 7.7% of wild-type mice had tumors. Of the Fhit −/− mice 89.5% exhibited tumors (average 3.3 tumors/mouse) of the forestomach and squamocolumnar junction; half of the −/− mice had medium (2 mm diameter) to large (>2 mm) tumors. Of the Fhit +/− mice 78% exhibited tumors (average 2.4 tumors/mouse) and 22% showed medium to large tumors. Untreated Fhit-deficient mice have been observed for up to 2 years for spontaneous tumors. Fhit +/− mice (average age 21 mo) exhibit an average of 0.94 tumors of different types; Fhit −/− mice (average age 16 mo) also showed an array of tumors (average 0.76 tumor/mouse). The similar spontaneous and induced tumor spectra observed in mice with one or both Fhit alleles inactivated suggests that Fhit may be a one-hit tumor suppressor gene in some tissues.