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Updated: Jun 5, 2026
Molecular and Immunologic Techniques in a Genetically Engineered Mouse Model of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor
Published on: May 2, 2022
How genetically engineered mouse tumor models provide insights into human cancers
1Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA. katerina.politi@yale.edu
Abstract:
Genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) of human cancer were first created nearly 30 years ago. These early transgenic models demonstrated that mouse cells could be transformed in vivo by expression of an oncogene. A new field emerged, dedicated to generating and using mouse models of human cancer to address a wide variety of questions in cancer biology. The aim of this review is to highlight the contributions of mouse models to the diagnosis and treatment of human cancers. Because of the breadth of the topic, we have selected representative examples of how GEMMs are clinically relevant rather than provided an exhaustive list of experiments. Today, as detailed here, sophisticated mouse models are being created to study many aspects of cancer biology, including but not limited to mechanisms of sensitivity and resistance to drug treatment, oncogene cooperation, early detection, and metastasis. Alternatives to GEMMs, such as chemically induced or spontaneous tumor models, are not discussed in this review.
Insights
Genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) advance cancer research by modeling human cancers. These sophisticated tools are crucial for understanding drug resistance, metastasis, and early detection, aiding cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genetics
- Translational Medicine
Background:
- Genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) have been instrumental in cancer research for nearly three decades.
- Early models demonstrated oncogene-induced transformation of mouse cells in vivo, establishing a new field of study.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the significant contributions of GEMMs to the diagnosis and treatment of human cancers.
- To highlight the clinical relevance of GEMMs through representative examples, rather than an exhaustive list.
Main Methods:
- Focus on genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) of human cancer.
- Review representative examples of GEMM applications in cancer research.
- Exclude chemically induced or spontaneous tumor models from the discussion.
Main Results:
- GEMMs are sophisticated tools for studying diverse cancer biology aspects.
- These models are vital for investigating drug sensitivity and resistance mechanisms.
- GEMMs aid in understanding oncogene cooperation, early cancer detection, and metastasis.
Conclusions:
- GEMMs have profoundly impacted cancer biology, diagnosis, and treatment strategies.
- The ongoing development of advanced GEMMs continues to drive progress in oncology.
- GEMMs provide critical insights for improving patient outcomes in human cancer care.
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