Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 27, 2026

Identification of Sleeping Beauty Transposon Insertions in Solid Tumors using Linker-mediated PCR
Published on: February 1, 2013
A DNA transposon-based approach to validate oncogenic mutations in the mouse
Qin Su1, Haydn M Prosser, Lia S Campos
1Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1HH, England.
Researchers developed a novel DNA transposon platform to test cancer gene functions in mice. This system enables early tumor development, aiding the study of genetic mutations in human cancer.
Area of Science:
- Genomics
- Cancer Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Large-scale cancer genome projects aim to identify genetic alterations in human cancers.
- Genome-wide association studies have identified potential cancer-associated genetic loci.
- Functional validation of identified cancer mutations in vivo remains a significant challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and present a novel DNA transposon-based platform for exploring the oncogenic potential of genetic mutations in vivo.
- To create a system that allows for the functional assessment of human cancer genes in a mouse model.
Main Methods:
- Human cancer gene cDNAs were cloned into Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposons.
- A mouse model carrying both the SB transposons and the SB transposase was generated.
- DNA transposition facilitated the expression of cDNAs from endogenous genomic loci in relevant cell types.
Main Results:
- The developed platform enabled the expression of cloned cancer genes in mice.
- Mice carrying the transposons and transposase developed a wide spectrum of tumors.
- Tumor development occurred at very early postnatal stages, indicating efficient oncogene activation.
Conclusions:
- The DNA transposon-based platform provides a powerful tool for functional validation of cancer-associated genetic mutations.
- This technology complements large-scale cancer genome sequencing projects by enabling in vivo functional studies.
- The system facilitates the exploration of oncogenic potential and accelerates cancer research.
More Related Videos
10:58Transposon Mediated Integration of Plasmid DNA into the Subventricular Zone of Neonatal Mice to Generate Novel Models of Glioblastoma
Published on: February 22, 2015
09:45Mosaic Zebrafish Transgenesis for Functional Genomic Analysis of Candidate Cooperative Genes in Tumor Pathogenesis
Published on: March 31, 2015
Related Concept Videos
Mouse Models of Cancer Study
The development of transgenic, knockout, and knock-in mice has led to an exponential increase in their use as model organisms in research,...
In-vitro Mutagenesis