Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 23, 2026
10:23
Screening for Melanoma Modifiers using a Zebrafish Autochthonous Tumor Model
Published on: November 13, 2012
Gene expression in Sinclair swine with malignant melanoma
M Okomo-Adhiambo1, A Rink, W M Rauw
1Department of Animal Biotechnology, University of Nevada, 1664 North Virginia Street, 89557 Reno, NV, USA.
Animal : an International Journal of Animal Bioscience
|March 23, 2012
Summary
Sinclair swine melanoma exhibits significant gene expression changes during metastasis. Key genes like SILV and TYR were highly upregulated, indicating altered cellular processes in this animal model.
Area of Science:
- Genomics
- Comparative Pathology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Sinclair swine spontaneously develop aggressive melanoma with metastatic potential.
- Melanoma in this model often undergoes spontaneous regression after a metastatic phase.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare gene expression profiles in Sinclair swine with and without melanoma.
- To identify differentially expressed genes during melanoma metastasis and regression in this model.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Affymetrix GeneChip® Porcine Genome Arrays to analyze gene expression in white blood cells (WBCs) and tissues (liver, lungs, lymph nodes, spleen).
- Compared gene expression between a melanoma-afflicted piglet and a healthy sibling.
- Validated microarray data using quantitative real-time RT-PCR (qRT-PCR).
Main Results:
- Significant upregulation of 3489 transcripts in the liver and downregulation of 3651 transcripts in inguinal lymph nodes.
- Overexpression of melanoma-associated genes SILV and TYR was confirmed in multiple tissues.
- qRT-PCR identified significant differences in TYR, TACSTD1, MATP, GPNMB, and CYP4A22 expression between pigs with regressing, progressing, or no tumors.
Conclusions:
- Melanoma metastasis in Sinclair swine is associated with substantial genome-wide transcriptional changes.
- Specific genes show differential expression patterns correlating with tumor progression and regression.
- This model provides valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms of melanoma metastasis and spontaneous regression.
