Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 18, 2026
Isolation and Functional Assessment of Human Breast Cancer Stem Cells from Cell and Tissue Samples
Published on: October 2, 2020
Mouse models for cancer stem cell research
Le Cheng1, Anirudh V Ramesh, Andrea Flesken-Nikitin
1Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
Abstract:
The cancer stem cell concept assumes that cancers are mainly sustained by a small pool of neoplastic cells, known as cancer stem cells or tumor initiating cells, which are able to reproduce themselves and produce phenotypically heterogeneous cells with lesser tumorigenic potential. Cancer stem cells represent an appealing target for development of more selective and efficient therapies. However, direct testing of the cancer stem cell concept and assessment of its therapeutic implications in human cancers have been complicated by the use of immunocompromised mice. Genetically defined immunocompetent autochthonous mouse models of human cancer provide a valuable tool to address this problem. Furthermore, they allow for a better understanding of the relevance of mechanisms controlling normal stem cell compartment to carcinogenesis. Advantages and disadvantages of some of the existing mouse models are reviewed, and future challenges in cancer stem cell research are outlined.
Insights
Cancer stem cells drive tumor growth and are a therapeutic target. Immunocompetent mouse models are crucial for studying cancer stem cells and developing effective cancer therapies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Stem Cell Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- The cancer stem cell (CSC) concept posits that tumors are sustained by a small population of self-renewing CSCs.
- CSCs can generate phenotypically diverse cells with lower tumorigenic potential.
- CSCs are an attractive target for novel cancer therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of genetically defined immunocompetent autochthonous mouse models for studying the cancer stem cell concept in human cancers.
- To understand the role of normal stem cell regulatory mechanisms in carcinogenesis.
- To review existing mouse models and outline future challenges in CSC research.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on cancer stem cell research and mouse models.
- Discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of various immunocompetent autochthonous mouse models.
- Analysis of the implications of using immunocompromised versus immunocompetent models.
Main Results:
- Immunocompromised mouse models present limitations for directly testing CSC concepts in human cancers.
- Immunocompetent autochthonous mouse models offer a valuable platform for CSC research.
- These models facilitate understanding the link between normal stem cell regulation and cancer development.
Conclusions:
- Genetically defined immunocompetent autochthonous mouse models are essential for advancing cancer stem cell research.
- These models enable a more accurate assessment of therapeutic strategies targeting cancer stem cells.
- Future research should focus on leveraging these models to overcome current challenges in the field.
Related Concept Videos
02:43Mouse 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,...
02:43Mouse 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,...