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Mouse models for cancer research - current state and the perspective
Katarina Gercakova1, Martina Poturnajova1, Silvia Tyciakova1
1Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia.
Abstract:
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. We still do not understand all the details of carcinogenesis, and effective treatment is lacking for many oncological diseases. Animal models provide an irreplaceable tool to observe the growth and spreading of neoplastic cells in an environment of living organisms, to test the efficacy of cancer treatment, side effects, and toxicity, and to study the tumor microenvironment. Mice are the most often used model organisms because of their easy handling, short reproductive period, multiple strains, and complete DNA sequencing. An ideal model should accurately recapitulate each step of tumor development. Recent techniques have established models that enable the study of different aspects of cancer, but choosing a particular model depends on the application of output data. This article aimed to review induced, transplantable, and engineered mice and highlight their significance for recent and future cancer research.
Insights
Mice models are crucial for cancer research, aiding in understanding carcinogenesis and testing treatments. This review covers induced, transplantable, and engineered mouse models for cancer studies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Comparative Medicine
- Genetics
Background:
- Cancer remains a leading global cause of mortality, with incomplete understanding of carcinogenesis and limited effective treatments for many types.
- Animal models are essential for studying cancer progression, treatment efficacy, toxicity, and the tumor microenvironment.
- Mice are widely used due to practical advantages like ease of handling, rapid reproduction, strain availability, and complete genomic data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review induced, transplantable, and engineered mouse models used in cancer research.
- To highlight the significance of these models for current and future oncological studies.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on mouse models in cancer research.
- Categorization and description of induced, transplantable, and engineered mouse models.
Main Results:
- Discussion of the utility of different mouse models for recapitulating tumor development.
- Emphasis on selecting appropriate models based on specific research applications.
- Overview of advancements in creating sophisticated cancer models in mice.
Conclusions:
- Mouse models are indispensable tools in oncology, facilitating research into cancer biology and therapeutic development.
- The choice of mouse model is critical and depends on the specific research question and desired outcomes.
- Continued development of advanced mouse models will further enhance our understanding and treatment of cancer.
