Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 2, 2026
Author Spotlight: Establishment of Pancreatic Cancer-Derived Tumor Organoids and Fibroblasts From Fresh Tissue
Published on: May 26, 2023
Oncogene-inducible organoids as a miniature platform to assess cancer characteristics
Tomohiro Mizutani1, Yoshiyuki Tsukamoto1,2, Hans Clevers1
1Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) and University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584CT Utrecht, Netherlands.
Abstract:
Direct effects of oncogenic proteins or inhibitor treatments on signaling pathways are difficult to assess in transgenic mice. In this issue, Riemer et al. (2017. J. Cell Biol. https://doi.org/10.1083/jcb.201610058) demonstrate that oncogene-inducible organoids offer the experimental versatility of two-dimensional cell lines, while closely representing the in vivo situation.
Insights
Oncogene-inducible organoids provide a versatile model for studying cancer signaling pathways. This new model closely mimics in vivo conditions, overcoming limitations of traditional transgenic mouse studies.
Area of Science:
- Cell biology
- Cancer research
- Molecular oncology
Background:
- Assessing direct effects of oncogenic proteins or inhibitors on signaling pathways in transgenic mice presents challenges.
- Existing models often lack the experimental versatility needed for detailed pathway analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and validate oncogene-inducible organoids as a superior model system.
- To enable precise assessment of oncogene and inhibitor effects on cellular signaling.
Main Methods:
- Development of oncogene-inducible organoid cultures.
- Utilizing organoids to model in vivo conditions with experimental control.
- Analysis of signaling pathway modulation.
Main Results:
- Oncogene-inducible organoids successfully mimic in vivo situations.
- Organoids offer enhanced experimental versatility compared to traditional models.
- Direct effects on signaling pathways can be effectively studied.
Conclusions:
- Oncogene-inducible organoids represent a significant advancement in cancer research models.
- This model system facilitates detailed investigation of oncogenic signaling and therapeutic interventions.
- Organoids bridge the gap between cell lines and in vivo studies.
