Mouse Models in Cancer Research
with the advent of genetic engineering. 2 Genetic engineering is the technique of removing, modifying, or adding genes to the DNA molecule of a species in order to change the characteristics of the species. Two primary techniques are involved: the random insertion of a gene (transgenetic), and specific gene targeting to remove or replace a gene. Of great current interest is the replacement of certain mouse genes with human genes. The resultant "humanized" animals are better models for cancer research.
Summary
The use of mouse models is an essential part of the drug development process. Much has been learned about the human cancer condition, and many drugs have been developed to treat cancer through testing with mice. However, the results of mouse studies should be treated with caution, and conclusions not drawn until human clinical trials are completed.
References
1. Anisimov V., et al. Cancer in rodents: does it tell us about cancer in humans? Nature Reviews Cancer. 2005 Oct; 5 (10): 807-819.
2. Bolon B. Genetically engineered animals in drug discovery and development: a maturing resource for toxicologic research. Basic & Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology. 2004; 95: 154-161. 3. Frijhoff A., et al. Advances in molecular carcinogenesis: current and future use of mouse models to screen and validate molecularly targeted anticancer drugs. Wiley-Liss, Inc. 2004. 4. Hahn W, Weinberg R. Modeling the molecular circuitry of cancer. Nature REviews Cancer. 2002 May; 2 (5): 331-341. 5. National Cancer Institute. Drug Discovery at the National Cancer Institute: Questions and Answers 6. Rangarajan A, Weinberg R. Comparative biology of mouse versus human cells: modeling human cancer in mice. Nature Reviews Cancer. 2003 Dec; 3 (12): 952-959.
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