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Updated: May 5, 2026
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Published on: June 15, 2017
Transgenic mouse models--a seminal breakthrough in oncogene research
Harvey W Smith1, William J Muller
1Department of Biochemistry and Goodman Cancer Research Center, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 1A3, Canada.
Abstract:
Transgenic mouse models are an integral part of modern cancer research, providing a versatile and powerful means of studying tumor initiation and progression, metastasis, and therapy. The present repertoire of these models is very diverse, with a wide range of strategies used to induce tumorigenesis by expressing dominant-acting oncogenes or disrupting the function of tumor-suppressor genes, often in a highly tissue-specific manner. Much of the current technology used in the creation and characterization of transgenic mouse models of cancer will be discussed in depth elsewhere. However, to gain a complete appreciation and understanding of these complex models, it is important to review the history of the field. Transgenic mouse models of cancer evolved as a new and, compared with the early cell-culture-based techniques, more physiologically relevant approach for studying the properties and transforming capacities of oncogenes. Here, we will describe early transgenic mouse models of cancer based on tissue-specific expression of oncogenes and discuss their impact on the development of this still rapidly growing field.
Insights
Transgenic mouse models offer a physiologically relevant approach to cancer research. Early models focused on oncogene expression, advancing the study of tumor development and therapy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Transgenic mouse models are crucial tools in modern cancer research.
- They enable the study of tumor initiation, progression, metastasis, and therapeutic responses.
- Diverse strategies exist, including oncogene expression and tumor-suppressor gene disruption.
Observation:
- Early transgenic mouse models were developed as a more physiologically relevant alternative to cell-culture techniques.
- These models utilized tissue-specific expression of oncogenes to study their transforming capabilities.
- The history of these models provides essential context for understanding their current complexity.
Findings:
- This review focuses on early transgenic mouse models of cancer.
- It highlights models based on the tissue-specific expression of oncogenes.
- The impact of these foundational models on the field's development is discussed.
Implications:
- Understanding the historical development of transgenic mouse models is key to appreciating their current capabilities.
- Early models laid the groundwork for studying oncogene function in a complex biological system.
- This research area continues to rapidly evolve, offering new avenues for cancer investigation.
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