The genetic basis of susceptibility to lung tumors in mice.

This is the first in a series of review articles describing the current state of research on mouse lung tumorigenesis. The system is valuable as a biological model for studying stages of tumor development and the interaction of genetic and environmental factors which dispose towards neoplasia. Additionally, these tumors are analagous to bronchiolo-alveolar cancer in man. Three pulmonary adenoma susceptibility (Pas) genes regulate susceptibility; 1 of these is the proto-oncogene, K-ras2. Candidates for the other 2 genes include the H-2 histocompatibility locus and genes which regulate the basal proliferative rate of the cells from which these tumors arise. Tumor development is favored by a depressed immune system, immature age, and decreased levels of circulating corticosterone.