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Updated: Jan 25, 2026
A Genetically Engineered Mouse Model of Sporadic Colorectal Cancer
Published on: July 6, 2017
Engineering CRISPR mouse models of cancer
1Institute of Molecular Oncology and Functional Genomics, TUM School of Medicine, Technische Universität München, Germany; Center for Translational Cancer Research (TranslaTUM), TUM School of Medicine, Technische Universität München, Germany.
Abstract:
Gene targeting in mammals has revolutionized the study of complex diseases, involving the interaction of multiple genes, cells, and organ systems. In cancer, genetically engineered mouse models deciphered biological principles by integrating molecular mechanisms, cellular processes, and environmental signals. Major advances in manipulative mouse genetics are currently emerging from breakthroughs in gene editing, which open new avenues for rapid model generation. Here, we review recent developments in engineering CRISPR mouse models of cancer. We describe engineering strategies, including germline manipulation of zygotes or embryonic stem cells, direct in vivo somatic gene editing, and ex vivo targeting of cellular transplant models. We also discuss promises and limitations of the expanding spectrum of CRISPR applications, ranging from engineering of simple mutations over complex genomic rearrangements to gene and epigenome regulation. Fast and scalable in vivo CRISPR methodologies pave the way for a new phase of functional cancer genomics.
Insights
CRISPR gene editing revolutionizes cancer research by enabling rapid generation of genetically engineered mouse models. These advanced models accelerate the understanding of complex cancer biology and functional genomics.
Area of Science:
- Genetics and Genomics
- Cancer Biology
- Mammalian Models
Background:
- Gene targeting in mammals has been crucial for studying complex diseases like cancer.
- Genetically engineered mouse models have elucidated cancer's biological principles by integrating molecular, cellular, and environmental factors.
- Gene editing breakthroughs are driving rapid advancements in mouse genetics for disease modeling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent developments in engineering CRISPR mouse models for cancer research.
- To discuss various strategies for creating these advanced models.
- To explore the potential and limitations of CRISPR applications in cancer genomics.
Main Methods:
- Germline manipulation of zygotes or embryonic stem cells.
- Direct in vivo somatic gene editing.
- Ex vivo targeting of cellular transplant models.
Main Results:
- CRISPR technology enables diverse engineering strategies for cancer models.
- Applications range from simple mutations to complex genomic rearrangements and epigenome regulation.
- In vivo CRISPR methods offer fast and scalable approaches for functional cancer genomics.
Conclusions:
- CRISPR-engineered mouse models represent a significant leap in cancer research capabilities.
- These models facilitate a deeper understanding of cancer's multifaceted biological mechanisms.
- The expanding applications of CRISPR promise a new era in functional cancer genomics research.
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