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In Vitro Establishment of a Genetically Engineered Murine Head and Neck Cancer Cell Line using an Adeno-Associated Virus-Cas9 System
Published on: January 9, 2020
Genetically engineered mouse models of head and neck cancers
Jason Tasoulas1,2, Sonal Srivastava3, Xiaonan Xu4
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
Abstract:
The head and neck region is one of the anatomic sites commonly afflicted by cancer, with ~1.5 million new diagnoses reported worldwide in 2020 alone. Remarkable progress has been made in understanding the underlying disease mechanisms, personalizing care based on each tumor's individual molecular characteristics, and even therapeutically exploiting the inherent vulnerabilities of these neoplasms. In this regard, genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) have played an instrumental role. While progress in the development of GEMMs has been slower than in other major cancer types, several GEMMs are now available that recapitulate most of the heterogeneous characteristics of head and neck cancers such as the tumor microenvironment. Different approaches have been employed in GEMM development and implementation, though each can generally recapitulate only certain disease aspects. As a result, appropriate model selection is essential for addressing specific research questions. In this review, we present an overview of all currently available head and neck cancer GEMMs, encompassing models for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and salivary and thyroid gland carcinomas.
Insights
Genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) are crucial for studying head and neck cancers. This review details available GEMMs, aiding researchers in selecting appropriate models for specific investigations.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genetics
- Translational Research
Background:
- Head and neck cancers affect millions globally, necessitating advanced research models.
- Genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) are vital for understanding cancer mechanisms and developing personalized therapies.
- While slower to develop than for other cancers, GEMMs now exist for head and neck cancers, capturing tumor heterogeneity and microenvironment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of existing head and neck cancer GEMMs.
- To guide researchers in selecting the most suitable GEMMs for their specific research questions.
- To highlight the progress and utility of GEMMs in head and neck cancer research.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of literature on head and neck cancer GEMMs.
- Categorization of GEMMs based on cancer type (squamous cell carcinoma, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, salivary, thyroid).
- Analysis of the recapitulation capabilities of different GEMMs regarding disease aspects and tumor microenvironment.
Main Results:
- Several GEMMs are now available that mimic key features of head and neck cancers.
- Each GEMM approach recapitulates specific aspects of the disease, requiring careful selection.
- Models cover diverse head and neck cancer subtypes, including squamous cell carcinoma, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and glandular carcinomas.
Conclusions:
- GEMMs are indispensable tools for advancing head and neck cancer research.
- Appropriate selection of GEMMs is critical for successful and targeted research outcomes.
- The availability of diverse GEMMs facilitates a deeper understanding and improved therapeutic strategies for head and neck cancers.
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