Modeling of Solid-Tumor Microenvironment in Zebrafish (Danio Rerio) Larvae

Area of Science:

• * Oncology
• * Developmental Biology
• * Zebrafish Models

Background:

• * Zebrafish larvae are valuable in vivo models for cancer research due to conserved genetics and molecular biology with mammals.
• * Their optical clarity allows noninvasive, single-cell resolution studies of tumor cells and their microenvironment.
• * This review focuses on genetically engineered and xenograft zebrafish tumor models.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To review advancements in zebrafish models for solid tumor research.
• * To highlight the utility of zebrafish patient-derived xenograft (zPDX) models for personalized drug assessment.
• * To discuss future directions for enhancing zebrafish cancer models.

Main Methods:

• * Review of genetically engineered zebrafish tumor models.
• * Review of xenograft tumor models, including zebrafish patient-derived xenograft (zPDX) models.
• * Discussion of potential for high-throughput drug screening and model humanization.

Main Results:

• * Zebrafish models provide optical clarity for noninvasive tumor microenvironment studies.
• * zPDX models demonstrate potential for personalized drug assessment, including for pancreatic cancer.
• * Future high-throughput screening and model humanization promise enhanced utility.

Conclusions:

• * Zebrafish tumor models are versatile and convenient in vivo platforms for cancer research.
• * These models offer significant advantages over traditional mammalian models for specific applications.
• * Continued development of zebrafish models will accelerate cancer research and drug discovery.