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Zebrafish as a Model Organism for the Development of Drugs for Skin Cancer
Fatemeh Bootorabi1, Hamed Manouchehri2, Reza Changizi3
1Biosensor Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Molecular-Cellular Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, 14114 Tehran, Iran. fatemeh.bootorabi@gmail.com.
Abstract:
Skin cancer, which includes melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma, represents the most common type of cutaneous malignancy worldwide, and its incidence is expected to rise in the near future. This condition derives from acquired genetic dysregulation of signaling pathways involved in the proliferation and apoptosis of skin cells. The development of animal models has allowed a better understanding of these pathomechanisms, with the possibility of carrying out toxicological screening and drug development. In particular, the zebrafish (Danio rerio) has been established as one of the most important model organisms for cancer research. This model is particularly suitable for live cell imaging and high-throughput drug screening in a large-scale fashion. Thanks to the recent advances in genome editing, such as the clustered regularly-interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) methodologies, the mechanisms associated with cancer development and progression, as well as drug resistance can be investigated and comprehended. With these unique tools, the zebrafish represents a powerful platform for skin cancer research in the development of target therapies. Here, we will review the advantages of using the zebrafish model for drug discovery and toxicological and phenotypical screening. We will focus in detail on the most recent progress in the field of zebrafish model generation for the study of melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), including cancer cell injection and transgenic animal development. Moreover, we will report the latest compounds and small molecules under investigation in melanoma zebrafish models.
Insights
Zebrafish models offer powerful tools for understanding skin cancer (melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma) and accelerating drug discovery. Advances in genome editing enhance their utility for developing targeted therapies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genetics
- Toxicology
Background:
- Skin cancer, including melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma, is a prevalent malignancy with increasing incidence.
- Genetic dysregulation of skin cell proliferation and apoptosis underlies cancer development.
- Animal models are crucial for understanding cancer pathomechanisms and facilitating drug development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the advantages of using zebrafish (Danio rerio) as a model organism for skin cancer research.
- To highlight zebrafish utility in drug discovery, toxicological screening, and phenotypical analysis.
- To detail recent advancements in zebrafish model generation for melanoma and SCC studies.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing zebrafish as a model for live cell imaging and high-throughput drug screening.
- Employing genome editing technologies like CRISPR/Cas9 for mechanistic investigations.
- Developing and using zebrafish models through cancer cell injection and transgenic approaches.
Main Results:
- Zebrafish models facilitate the study of cancer development, progression, and drug resistance.
- Recent progress includes advanced zebrafish model generation for melanoma and SCC.
- Various compounds and small molecules are being investigated in melanoma zebrafish models.
Conclusions:
- Zebrafish represent a powerful and versatile platform for skin cancer research.
- This model is instrumental in advancing targeted therapy development for melanoma and SCC.
- Zebrafish facilitate efficient drug discovery and toxicological screening processes.
