Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 12, 2026
10:35
An Orthotopic Model of Serous Ovarian Cancer in Immunocompetent Mice for in vivo Tumor Imaging and Monitoring of Tumor Immune Responses
Published on: November 28, 2010
Normal genetically mosaic mice produced from malignant teratocarcinoma cells
Summary
Malignant teratocarcinoma cells, after extensive tumor growth, were injected into mouse blastocysts. Resulting animals showed normal development, with tumor cells contributing to various tissues and germ lines, demonstrating developmental totipotency and reversal of malignancy.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Cancer Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Malignant mouse teratocarcinoma (embryonal carcinoma) cells were cultured in vivo for 8 years.
- These cells were derived from embryoid body cores.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test the developmental capacities of malignant teratocarcinoma core cells.
- To investigate their genetic constitution and the reversibility of malignancy.
- To analyze gene expression during differentiation.
Main Methods:
- Teratocarcinoma core cells were injected into genetically marked mouse blastocysts.
- Developmental potential and contribution to tissues were assessed in resulting animals.
- Genetic analysis of tumor-derived cells in mosaic animals was performed.
Main Results:
- Ninety-three live normal animals were born; three were genetic mosaics with significant tumor cell contributions.
- Tumor-derived cells contributed to diverse tissues and the germ line, forming functional sperm.
- Normal tissue function and gene expression (immunoglobulins, hemoglobin) were observed from tumor cells.
- A previously undetected 'steel' gene was identified in tumor cells via coat phenotype.
- Germ line transmission of the 'steel' gene occurred.
Conclusions:
- Embryoid body core cells retain developmental totipotency even after prolonged malignancy.
- These cells can differentiate into normal somatic and germ-line tissues, expressing silent genes.
- This system offers a novel tool for studying mammalian differentiation and gene regulation.
- Malignancy can arise from developmental aberrations and gene expression changes, not necessarily mutations.
- Reversal from malignancy to normal development is possible, offering insights into cancer origins.
Related Concept Videos
01:16In-vitro Mutagenesis
To learn more about the function of a gene, researchers can observe what happens when the gene is inactivated or “knocked out,” by creating genetically engineered knockout animals. Knockout mice have been particularly useful as models for human diseases such as cancer, Parkinson’s disease, and diabetes.
02:43Mouse Models of Cancer Study
Mice have long served as models for studying human biology and pathology because of their phylogenetic and physiological similarity with humans. They are also easy to maintain and breed in the laboratory, and hence, many inbred strains are now available for research. Studies on mice have contributed immeasurably to our understanding of cancer biology.
The development of transgenic, knockout, and knock-in mice has led to an exponential increase in their use as model organisms in research,...
The development of transgenic, knockout, and knock-in mice has led to an exponential increase in their use as model organisms in research,...