Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 20, 2026
Using Clicker Training and Social Observation to Teach Rats to Voluntarily Change Cages
Published on: October 25, 2018
Lessons from the Eker rat model: from cage to bedside
1Department of Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA. ryeung@u.washington.edu
Abstract:
Rodent models of human diseases serve a vital role in translating bench observations to bedside therapies. In vivo manipulation of these animals allows us to explore the biologic significance of the underlying molecular and biochemical pathways. The study of human cancers has been highly enriched by the observations made from numerous transgenic mouse models. Long before the techniques of genetic engineering were discovered, Dr. Reidar Eker described one of the earliest examples of an autosomal dominant model of renal tumors in a unique strain of rats. They were used in the 1980's by Alfred Knudson to validate the "two-hit" hypothesis and to study the multi-step process of carcinogenesis. Following the identification of the Tsc2 germline mutation in the Eker rat, it became the first rodent model of tuberous sclerosis and has since been exploited in many areas of tumor biology as illustrated in the content of this issue. The focus of our review is to highlight the contribution of the Eker rat towards understanding the Tsc2 signaling pathways in tumorigenesis and evaluating potential therapeutics in the pre-clinical setting.
Insights
The Eker rat, an early model of autosomal dominant renal tumors, helped validate the "two-hit" hypothesis of carcinogenesis. This model is crucial for understanding Tuberous Sclerosis 2 (Tsc2) signaling in tumor biology and pre-clinical therapeutic evaluation.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genetics
- Animal Models
Background:
- Rodent models are essential for translating research findings into clinical therapies.
- The Eker rat, an autosomal dominant model of renal tumors, predates modern genetic engineering.
- This rat strain was instrumental in validating Knudson's "two-hit" hypothesis of carcinogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the Eker rat's contribution to understanding Tuberous Sclerosis 2 (Tsc2) signaling pathways.
- To review the Eker rat's utility in pre-clinical therapeutic evaluations for Tsc2-related disorders.
- To emphasize the role of the Eker rat in advancing tumor biology research.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing the Eker rat as a model organism for studying spontaneous tumor development.
- Investigating the Tsc2 germline mutation and its role in tumorigenesis.
- Leveraging historical data and contemporary research involving the Eker rat.
Main Results:
- The Eker rat provided early validation for the multi-step process of carcinogenesis.
- Identification of the Tsc2 germline mutation established the Eker rat as a model for tuberous sclerosis.
- The model has been extensively used to explore Tsc2 signaling and tumor development.
Conclusions:
- The Eker rat remains a valuable tool in oncology research.
- It facilitates the study of Tsc2-related signaling pathways and tumorigenesis.
- This model is critical for pre-clinical assessment of novel cancer therapeutics.
