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Updated: Apr 23, 2026
A Genetically Engineered Mouse Model of Sporadic Colorectal Cancer
Published on: July 6, 2017
Tetracycline-regulated mouse models of cancer
Elizabeth S Yeh1, Ann Vernon-Grey1, Heather Martin1
1Department of Cancer Biology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104; Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104.
Abstract:
Genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) have proven essential to the study of mammalian gene function in both development and disease. However, traditional constitutive transgenic mouse model systems are limited by the temporal and spatial characteristics of the experimental promoter used to drive transgene expression. To address this limitation, considerable effort has been dedicated to developing conditional and inducible mouse model systems. Although a number of approaches to generating inducible GEMMs have been pursued, several have been restricted by toxic or undesired physiological side effects of the compounds used to activate gene expression. The development of tetracycline (tet)-dependent regulatory systems has allowed for circumvention of these issues resulting in the widespread adoption of these systems as an invaluable tool for modeling the complex nature of cancer progression.
Insights
Genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) offer insights into gene function but have limitations. Tetracycline-dependent systems overcome these, providing a powerful tool for studying complex diseases like cancer.
Area of Science:
- Mammalian genetics
- Molecular biology
- Disease modeling
Background:
- Genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) are crucial for studying gene function in development and disease.
- Traditional transgenic models have limitations in temporal and spatial control of gene expression.
- Existing inducible systems often cause toxic side effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To overcome limitations of traditional transgenic models.
- To develop improved inducible systems for gene function studies.
- To facilitate the modeling of complex diseases, particularly cancer.
Main Methods:
- Development of conditional and inducible mouse model systems.
- Utilizing tetracycline (tet)-dependent regulatory systems.
- Evaluating gene expression control for temporal and spatial accuracy.
Main Results:
- Tetracycline-dependent systems circumvented issues associated with toxic inducer compounds.
- These systems offer precise temporal and spatial control over transgene expression.
- Widespread adoption of tet-dependent systems for cancer progression modeling.
Conclusions:
- Tet-dependent systems represent a significant advancement in creating sophisticated GEMMs.
- These inducible systems are invaluable for dissecting complex biological processes.
- The technology enables more accurate modeling of cancer and other diseases.
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