Using genetically engineered mouse models to validate candidate cancer genes and test new therapeutic approaches
Van Miltenburg, M.H.; Jonkers, J.
Current Opinion in Genetics and Development 22(1): 21-27
2012
ISSN/ISBN: 1879-0380
PMID: 22321988
DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2012.01.004
Accession: 036354753
Genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) have contributed greatly to the field of cancer research. In contrast to tumor cell transplantation models, GEMMs have the potential to capture both the cell-intrinsic and cell-extrinsic factors that drive de novo formation of autochthonous tumors and their progression toward metastatic disease. In addition, GEMMs provide experimentally tractable in vivo platforms for validating candidate cancer genes, determining therapy efficacy, and defining mechanisms of drug resistance. Studies in GEMMs of human cancer provide new insight in the molecular biology of cancer and contribute to development of novel therapeutic strategies that may ultimately lead to more cures rather than temporal remissions.