scholarly journals Preclinical In Vivo Modeling of Pediatric Sarcoma—Promises and Limitations

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 1578
Author(s):  
Roland Imle ◽  
Felix K. F. Kommoss ◽  
Ana Banito
Keyword(s):  
Mouse Models ◽  
Clinical Diagnosis ◽  
Genetically Engineered ◽  
Heterogeneous Group ◽  
Model Systems ◽  
Suitable Model ◽  
Diagnosis And Therapy ◽  
Pediatric Sarcoma ◽  
Pediatric Sarcomas

Pediatric sarcomas are an extremely heterogeneous group of genetically distinct diseases. Despite the increasing knowledge on their molecular makeup in recent years, true therapeutic advancements are largely lacking and prognosis often remains dim, particularly for relapsed and metastasized patients. Since this is largely due to the lack of suitable model systems as a prerequisite to develop and assess novel therapeutics, we here review the available approaches to model sarcoma in vivo. We focused on genetically engineered and patient-derived mouse models, compared strengths and weaknesses, and finally explored possibilities and limitations to utilize these models to advance both biological understanding as well as clinical diagnosis and therapy.

scholarly journals Physiological Functions of Mcl-1: Insights From Genetic Mouse Models

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hui San Chin ◽  
Nai Yang Fu
Keyword(s):  
Mouse Models ◽  
Developmental Stages ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Genetically Engineered ◽  
Model Systems ◽  
Murine Models ◽  
Multiple Tumor ◽  
A Cell ◽  
Tumor Types

The ability to regulate the survival and death of a cell is paramount throughout the lifespan of a multicellular organism. Apoptosis, a main physiological form of programmed cell death, is regulated by the Bcl-2 family proteins that are either pro-apoptotic or pro-survival. The in vivo functions of distinct Bcl-2 family members are largely unmasked by genetically engineered murine models. Mcl-1 is one of the two Bcl-2 like pro-survival genes whose germline deletion causes embryonic lethality in mice. Its requisite for the survival of a broad range of cell types has been further unraveled by using conditional and inducible deletion murine model systems in different tissues or cell lineages and at distinct developmental stages. Moreover, genetic mouse cancer models have also demonstrated that Mcl-1 is essential for the survival of multiple tumor types. The MCL-1 locus is commonly amplified across various cancer types in humans. Small molecule inhibitors with high affinity and specificity to human MCL-1 have been developed and explored for the treatment of certain cancers. To facilitate the pre-clinical studies of MCL-1 in cancer and other diseases, transgenic mouse models over-expressing human MCL-1 as well as humanized MCL-1 mouse models have been recently engineered. This review discusses the current advances in understanding the physiological roles of Mcl-1 based on studies using genetic murine models and its critical implications in pathology and treatment of human diseases.

scholarly journals Mutational landscape of EGFR-, MYC-, and Kras-driven genetically engineered mouse models of lung adenocarcinoma

2016 ◽  
Vol 113 (42) ◽  
pp. E6409-E6417 ◽  
Author(s):  
David G. McFadden ◽  
Katerina Politi ◽  
Arjun Bhutkar ◽  
Frances K. Chen ◽  
Xiaoling Song ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lung Adenocarcinoma ◽  
Mouse Models ◽  
Cancer Progression ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Human Cancer ◽  
Genetically Engineered ◽  
Model Systems ◽  
Driver Mutations ◽  
Genetic Profile ◽  
Genetically Engineered Mouse Models

Genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) of cancer are increasingly being used to assess putative driver mutations identified by large-scale sequencing of human cancer genomes. To accurately interpret experiments that introduce additional mutations, an understanding of the somatic genetic profile and evolution of GEMM tumors is necessary. Here, we performed whole-exome sequencing of tumors from three GEMMs of lung adenocarcinoma driven by mutant epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), mutant Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (Kras), or overexpression of MYC proto-oncogene. Tumors from EGFR- and Kras-driven models exhibited, respectively, 0.02 and 0.07 nonsynonymous mutations per megabase, a dramatically lower average mutational frequency than observed in human lung adenocarcinomas. Tumors from models driven by strong cancer drivers (mutant EGFR and Kras) harbored few mutations in known cancer genes, whereas tumors driven by MYC, a weaker initiating oncogene in the murine lung, acquired recurrent clonal oncogenic Kras mutations. In addition, although EGFR- and Kras-driven models both exhibited recurrent whole-chromosome DNA copy number alterations, the specific chromosomes altered by gain or loss were different in each model. These data demonstrate that GEMM tumors exhibit relatively simple somatic genotypes compared with human cancers of a similar type, making these autochthonous model systems useful for additive engineering approaches to assess the potential of novel mutations on tumorigenesis, cancer progression, and drug sensitivity.

scholarly journals Mouse models for BRAF-induced cancers

2007 ◽  
Vol 35 (5) ◽  
pp. 1329-1333 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Pritchard ◽  
L. Carragher ◽  
V. Aldridge ◽  
S. Giblett ◽  
H. Jin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Proliferation ◽  
Mouse Models ◽  
Human Cancer ◽  
Cre Recombinase ◽  
Genetically Engineered ◽  
Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase ◽  
Braf Mutations ◽  
Single Nucleotide Change

Oncogenic mutations in the BRAF gene are detected in ∼7% of human cancer samples with a particularly high frequency of mutation in malignant melanomas. Over 40 different missense BRAF mutations have been found, but the vast majority (>90%) represent a single nucleotide change resulting in a valine→glutamate mutation at residue 600 (V600EBRAF). In cells cultured in vitro, V600EBRAF is able to stimulate endogenous MEK [MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase)/ERK (extracellular-signal-regulated kinase) kinase] and ERK phosphorylation leading to an increase in cell proliferation, cell survival, transformation, tumorigenicity, invasion and vascular development. Many of these hallmarks of cancer can be reversed by treatment of cells with siRNA (small interfering RNA) to BRAF or by inhibiting MEK, indicating that BRAF and MEK are attractive therapeutic targets in cancer samples with BRAF mutations. In order to fully understand the role of oncogenic BRAF in cancer development in vivo as well as to test the in vivo efficacy of anti-BRAF or anti-MEK therapies, GEMMs (genetically engineered mouse models) have been generated in which expression of oncogenic BRaf is conditionally dependent on the Cre recombinase. The delivery/activation of the Cre recombinase can be regulated in both a temporal and spatial manner and therefore these mouse models can be used to recapitulate the somatic mutation of BRAF that occurs in different tissues in the development of human cancer. The data so far obtained following Cre-mediated activation in haemopoietic tissue and the lung indicate that V600EBRAF mutation can drive tumour initiation and that its primary effect is to induce high levels of cyclin D1-mediated cell proliferation. However, hallmarks of OIS (oncogene-induced senescence) are evident that restrain further development of the tumour.

Cardiac muscle diseases in genetically engineered mice: evolution of molecular physiology

1995 ◽  
Vol 269 (3) ◽  
pp. H755-H766 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. R. Chien
Keyword(s):  
Cardiac Muscle ◽  
Large Body ◽  
Genetically Engineered ◽  
Mouse Genetics ◽  
Model Systems ◽  
Molecular Physiology ◽  
Muscle Diseases ◽  
Recent Advances ◽  
Genetically Engineered Mice

Recent advances in molecular, cellular, and genetically based technologies now offer the possibility of generating genetically engineered mice that display physiological phenotypes with direct relevance to human pathophysiological states. The ability to create gene ablations, gene duplications, and gene modifications should allow the use of genetic approaches to map in vivo pathways responsible for complex physiological phenotypes. Recent work from our laboratory utilizing this approach to study cardiac muscle diseases in both the adult context (cardiac hypertrophy) and in the embryonic context (congenital ventricular defects) will be discussed, as well as the steps that led to the generation and characterization of these novel mouse model systems. A large body of work from independent laboratories now points to the inception of a new field of molecular physiology that will fuse mouse genetics and in vivo physiology using appropriate miniaturized physiological technology. Recent advances and prospects for future directions are summarized.

scholarly journals Genetically Altered Mouse Models: the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

2003 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 154-174 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tamizchelvi Thyagarajan ◽  
Satish Totey ◽  
Mary Jo S. Danton ◽  
Ashok B. Kulkarni
Keyword(s):  
Gene Targeting ◽  
Mouse Models ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Gene Knockout ◽  
Genetically Engineered ◽  
Murine Models ◽  
Functional Roles ◽  
Targeted Gene Disruption ◽  
Gene Knockout Mouse

Targeted gene disruption in mice is a powerful tool for generating murine models for human development and disease. While the human genome program has helped to generate numerous candidate genes, few genes have been characterized for their precise in vivo functions. Gene targeting has had an enormous impact on our ability to delineate the functional roles of these genes. Many gene knockout mouse models faithfully mimic the phenotypes of the human diseases. Because some models display an unexpected or no phenotype, controversy has arisen about the value of gene-targeting strategies. We argue in favor of gene-targeting strategies, provided they are used with caution, particularly in interpreting phenotypes in craniofacial and oral biology, where many genes have pleiotropic roles. The potential pitfalls are outweighed by the unique opportunities for developing and testing different therapeutic strategies before they are introduced into the clinic. In the future, we believe that genetically engineered animal models will be indispensable for gaining important insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying development, as well as disease pathogenesis, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment.

Development of multi-drug loaded PEGylated nanodiamonds to inhibit tumor growth and metastasis in genetically engineered mouse models of pancreatic cancer

Nanoscale ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (45) ◽  
pp. 22006-22018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vijay Sagar Madamsetty ◽  
Krishnendu Pal ◽  
Sandeep Keshavan ◽  
Thomas R. Caulfield ◽  
Shamit Kumar Dutta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pancreatic Cancer ◽  
Mouse Models ◽  
Genetically Engineered ◽  
Inhibit Tumor Growth ◽  
Schematic Representation ◽  
Genetically Engineered Mouse Models ◽  
Tumor Growth And Metastasis ◽  
Nano Formulation ◽  
Immune Competent Mouse

Schematic representation demonstrating the fabrication and in vivo evaluation of an immune-modulatory nano-formulation consisting of irinotecan and curcumin in immune-competent mouse models of pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

scholarly journals How Genetically Engineered Mouse Tumor Models Provide Insights Into Human Cancers

2011 ◽  
Vol 29 (16) ◽  
pp. 2273-2281 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katerina Politi ◽  
William Pao
Keyword(s):  
Mouse Models ◽  
Cancer Biology ◽  
Human Cancer ◽  
Genetically Engineered ◽  
Mouse Tumor ◽  
Tumor Models ◽  
Genetically Engineered Mouse Models ◽  
Human Cancers ◽  
Chemically Induced

Genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) of human cancer were first created nearly 30 years ago. These early transgenic models demonstrated that mouse cells could be transformed in vivo by expression of an oncogene. A new field emerged, dedicated to generating and using mouse models of human cancer to address a wide variety of questions in cancer biology. The aim of this review is to highlight the contributions of mouse models to the diagnosis and treatment of human cancers. Because of the breadth of the topic, we have selected representative examples of how GEMMs are clinically relevant rather than provided an exhaustive list of experiments. Today, as detailed here, sophisticated mouse models are being created to study many aspects of cancer biology, including but not limited to mechanisms of sensitivity and resistance to drug treatment, oncogene cooperation, early detection, and metastasis. Alternatives to GEMMs, such as chemically induced or spontaneous tumor models, are not discussed in this review.

scholarly journals An Integrated Approach to Studying Rare Neuromuscular Diseases Using Animal and Human Cell-Based Models

2022 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Timothy J. Hines ◽  
Cathleen Lutz ◽  
Stephen A. Murray ◽  
Robert W. Burgess
Keyword(s):  
Human Disease ◽  
Neuromuscular Diseases ◽  
Trna Synthetase ◽  
Genetically Engineered ◽  
Model Systems ◽  
Model Organisms ◽  
Cellular Mechanisms ◽  
Disease Mechanisms

As sequencing technology improves, the identification of new disease-associated genes and new alleles of known genes is rapidly increasing our understanding of the genetic underpinnings of rare diseases, including neuromuscular diseases. However, precisely because these disorders are rare and often heterogeneous, they are difficult to study in patient populations. In parallel, our ability to engineer the genomes of model organisms, such as mice or rats, has gotten increasingly efficient through techniques such as CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, allowing the creation of precision human disease models. Such in vivo model systems provide an efficient means for exploring disease mechanisms and identifying therapeutic strategies. Furthermore, animal models provide a platform for preclinical studies to test the efficacy of those strategies. Determining whether the same mechanisms are involved in the human disease and confirming relevant parameters for treatment ideally involves a human experimental system. One system currently being used is induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), which can then be differentiated into the relevant cell type(s) for in vitro confirmation of disease mechanisms and variables such as target engagement. Here we provide a demonstration of these approaches using the example of tRNA-synthetase-associated inherited peripheral neuropathies, rare forms of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT). Mouse models have led to a better understanding of both the genetic and cellular mechanisms underlying the disease. To determine if the mechanisms are similar in human cells, we will use genetically engineered iPSC-based models. This will allow comparisons of different CMT-associated GARS alleles in the same genetic background, reducing the variability found between patient samples and simplifying the availability of cell-based models for a rare disease. The necessity of integrating mouse and human models, strategies for accomplishing this integration, and the challenges of doing it at scale are discussed using recently published work detailing the cellular mechanisms underlying GARS-associated CMT as a framework.

scholarly journals Laboratory Mice – A Driving Force in Immunopathology and Immunotherapy Studies of Human Multiple Myeloma

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Pisano ◽  
Yan Cheng ◽  
Fumou Sun ◽  
Binod Dhakal ◽  
Anita D’Souza ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Myeloma ◽  
Mouse Models ◽  
Plasma Cell ◽  
Plasma Cells ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Human Cancer ◽  
Tumor Development ◽  
Adaptive Immune Response ◽  
Genetically Engineered

Mouse models of human cancer provide an important research tool for elucidating the natural history of neoplastic growth and developing new treatment and prevention approaches. This is particularly true for multiple myeloma (MM), a common and largely incurable neoplasm of post-germinal center, immunoglobulin-producing B lymphocytes, called plasma cells, that reside in the hematopoietic bone marrow (BM) and cause osteolytic lesions and kidney failure among other forms of end-organ damage. The most widely used mouse models used to aid drug and immunotherapy development rely on in vivo propagation of human myeloma cells in immunodeficient hosts (xenografting) or myeloma-like mouse plasma cells in immunocompetent hosts (autografting). Both strategies have made and continue to make valuable contributions to preclinical myeloma, including immune research, yet are ill-suited for studies on tumor development (oncogenesis). Genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs), such as the widely known Vκ*MYC, may overcome this shortcoming because plasma cell tumors (PCTs) develop de novo (spontaneously) in a highly predictable fashion and accurately recapitulate many hallmarks of human myeloma. Moreover, PCTs arise in an intact organism able to mount a complete innate and adaptive immune response and tumor development reproduces the natural course of human myelomagenesis, beginning with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), progressing to smoldering myeloma (SMM), and eventually transitioning to frank neoplasia. Here we review the utility of transplantation-based and transgenic mouse models of human MM for research on immunopathology and -therapy of plasma cell malignancies, discuss strengths and weaknesses of different experimental approaches, and outline opportunities for closing knowledge gaps, improving the outcome of patients with myeloma, and working towards a cure.

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