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Updated: Mar 8, 2026
Primordial Germ Cell Transplantation for CRISPR/Cas9-based Leapfrogging in Xenopus
Published on: February 1, 2018
TALENs and CRISPR/Cas9 fuel genetically engineered clinically relevant Xenopus tropicalis tumor models
Thomas Naert1, Tom Van Nieuwenhuysen1, Kris Vleminckx1,2
1Developmental Biology Unit, Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Belgium.
Abstract:
The targeted nuclease revolution (TALENs, CRISPR/Cas9) now allows Xenopus researchers to rapidly generate custom on-demand genetic knockout models. These novel methods to perform reverse genetics are unprecedented and are fueling a wide array of human disease models within the aquatic diploid model organism Xenopus tropicalis (X. tropicalis). This emerging technology review focuses on the tools to rapidly generate genetically engineered X. tropicalis models (GEXM), with a focus on establishment of genuine genetic and clinically relevant cancer models. We believe that due to particular advantageous characteristics, outlined within this review, GEXM will become a valuable alternative animal model for modeling human cancer. Furthermore, we provide perspectives of how GEXM will be used as a platform for elucidation of novel therapeutic targets and for preclinical drug validation. Finally, we also discuss some future prospects on how the recent expansions and adaptations of the CRISPR/Cas9 toolbox might influence and push forward X. tropicalis cancer research.
Insights
Targeted nucleases like CRISPR/Cas9 enable rapid generation of Xenopus tropicalis genetic knockout models for human disease research, particularly for cancer. These genetically engineered models offer a valuable platform for drug validation and target discovery.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Genetics
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Targeted nucleases, including TALENs and CRISPR/Cas9, have revolutionized genetic engineering.
- Xenopus tropicalis is an emerging aquatic diploid model organism for human disease modeling.
- Rapid generation of custom genetic knockout models is now feasible.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review tools for generating genetically engineered Xenopus tropicalis models (GEXM).
- To focus on establishing clinically relevant cancer models in X. tropicalis.
- To highlight GEXM as a valuable platform for cancer research, target elucidation, and drug validation.
Main Methods:
- Review of targeted nuclease technologies (TALENs, CRISPR/Cas9) for Xenopus research.
- Focus on methods for generating genetically engineered Xenopus tropicalis models (GEXM).
- Discussion of CRISPR/Cas9 toolbox adaptations for Xenopus cancer research.
Main Results:
- GEXM enables rapid, on-demand generation of custom genetic knockout Xenopus models.
- X. tropicalis serves as a valuable model for human disease, especially cancer.
- GEXM facilitates the establishment of genuine genetic and clinically relevant cancer models.
Conclusions:
- Genetically engineered Xenopus tropicalis models (GEXM) are a promising alternative for human cancer modeling.
- GEXM provides a platform for identifying novel therapeutic targets and preclinical drug validation.
- Advancements in CRISPR/Cas9 technology will further enhance Xenopus tropicalis cancer research.
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