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The origins of oncomice: a history of the first transgenic mice genetically engineered to develop cancer

Douglas Hanahan1, Erwin F Wagner, Richard D Palmiter

  • 1Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Diabetes Center, and Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA. dh@biochem.ucsf.edu

Genes & Development
|September 19, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Researchers independently developed the first transgenic mice (oncomice) in the 1980s to study cancer. These early models enabled significant advancements in understanding tumor development and potential treatments.

Area of Science:

  • Genetics
  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • The 1980s saw parallel, independent efforts to create the first transgenic mice expressing dominant oncogenes.
  • Researchers faced distinct challenges and employed varied strategies in their pioneering work.

Observation:

  • Tumors arose heritably in multiple organs within these genetically engineered mice.
  • The development process involved overcoming significant experimental and technical hurdles.

Findings:

  • Distinctive mouse models of cancer (oncomice) were successfully established.
  • These models provided a platform for studying inherited tumor development.

Implications:

  • Early oncomice generated substantial knowledge regarding tumorigenesis mechanisms.
  • This research spurred intellectual property and a dedicated field of cancer research.
  • These models continue to inform novel therapeutic strategies for human cancer treatment.

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