Monoallelic deletion of the autophagy related beclin 1 (Becn1) gene is associated with 40-75% of human breast, ovarian and prostate cancers. 30% of mice heterozygous for the Becn1 allele exhibit tumors by 13-18 months of age. Tumor types include: lung carcinomas, hepatocellular carcinomas and lymphomas. In addition, mice develop hepatitis B virus-induced neoplasia, increased cellular proliferation and reduced autophagy. Homozygous deletion of the targeted allele results in embryonic lethality. Of note, mice on a C57BL/6 background have a brownish (agouti) coat color which is believed to be a result of the effect of the Becn1 mutation on melanogenesis. These mice may be useful for studies involving autophagy and negative cell growth and tumor suppression.

These autophagy-related beclin 1 (Becn1) knockout mice exhibit late onset lung carcinomas, hepatocellular carcinomas and lymphomas and may be useful for studying autophagy, negative cell growth and tumor suppression.

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