Protocol for adeno-associated virus-mediated gene delivery to accelerate pancreatic carcinogenesis in mice.

Introducing additional genetic modifications or environmental stimuli accelerates early pancreatic carcinogenesis in the p48Cre/+; LSL-KrasG12D/+ (KC) mouse model. Here, we present a protocol employing adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated gene delivery specifically in the pancreas to facilitate the progression from acinar cells through acinar-to-ductal metaplasia (ADM) to pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN). We describe steps for AAV production, preparing KC mice, intra-pancreatic AAV injection, and analysis. This protocol allows the investigation of early events of pancreatic carcinogenesis in a spatially and temporally controlled manner. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Li et al.1.