An Overview of Genetically Modified Mice in Cancer Research

People have long relied on clinical research of mouse models, especially genetically modified mice, to find effective ways of cancer treatment.

00:24 27 June 2023

A drop of 32% had been shown in cancer mortality from 1991 to 2019. However, many challenges are waiting to be tackled, such as drug resistance, metastatic disease, etc. People have long relied on clinical research of mouse models, especially genetically modified mice, to find effective ways of cancer treatment, as they have some features similar to humans. With further research on genetically modified mice, the complex mechanisms underlying cancer will gradually uncover, helping to improve the translation of new therapeutic strategies into the clinic.

Types of Genetically Modified Mice

In general, genetically modified mice can be divided into two groups based on the loss or gain of function, with each playing a different role in cancer research.

• Loss of Function

Genetically modified mice with a loss of gene function are called knockout mice. They offer valuable clues about the biological function of a normal gene. Besides, it proves as a powerful tool in cancer research as it can be used to evaluate different genes, including oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, and metabolic (housekeeping) genes

• Gain of Function

Gain-of-function research refers to the selection process with changing genotypes and phenotypes caused by genotypes, which is often used to study cancer research in mouse models, especially genetically modified mice.Knock-in genetically modified mice models of oncogene overexpression can be applied to study how the oncogene contributes to carcinogenesis.

Current Directions in Transgenic Mouse Cancer Models

• Personalizing Humanized Mice

Personalizing humanized mice shows great potential in cancer research, which helps 

simulate patients’ immune responses when they accept treatment. This model aims to

find out the most advanced method for cancer treatment.

• Replicating Specific Human Cancer Mutations in Mouse Models

Conventional transgenetic techniques fail to efficiently develop precise allele replacements or insertions, requiring replicating specific human cancer mutations in mouse models. Novel gene fusion mutations are often shown in cancers. Rebuilding these gene fusion mutations in mouse models helps to prove the driving factor for cancers.

 

• The Application of the CRISPR/Cas9 System

CRISPR/Cas9 system can analyze precise epigenetic modifications and their effects on cancer development and therapy. It serves as the delivery method used in mouse models for cancer research but is challenging. However, it is still of great potential amid its current and future role in cancer research, helping generate genetically modified mice that resemble the precise processes of human carcinogenesis.

Conclusion

Genetically modified mice serve as the ideal model for cancer research. To ensure an exact result in cancer research, the top priority is to look for a reliable supplier to offer high-quality models. Among various rat model suppliers on the market, Cyagen stands out. It is the biggest provider of customized mouse and rat models, delivering 50,000 mouse & rat models for more than 3,000 bioscience institutions globally. Thus, when it comes to carrying out cancer research with genetically modified mice, Cyagen is always the trustworthy option.