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Cancer Biology and Transgenic Technology in the Mouse

Bridging the Functional Gap

  • Chapter
The Oncogenomics Handbook

Part of the book series: Cancer Drug Discovery and Development ((CDD&D))

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Abstract

Cancer research has benefited from the ability to manipulate the mouse genome. Transgenic technology is being used to produce mice with refined genomic mutations that recapitulate cancer development in the human. Transgenic mice have proven valuable in vivo models to address the biological consequences of mutations found in tumors and interactions of two mutations in the same mouse. Carcinogen screening or therapeutic assessment might be enhanced by conducting 2-yr bioassays in the background of a mutant mouse model. The introduction of transgenic methods to limit mutant gene expression to a single tissue or cell type by Tet-inducible or Cre recombinase-Lox P technology permits genetic models of otherwise lethal phenotypes to be developed. Gene traps in embryonic stem (ES) cells are being used to capture genes and conduct initial screens for gene function in “knockout” mice. Gene “knockdowns” in mouse embryos by lentivirus delivery of small interfering RNA (siRNA) constructs are poised to become valuable tools for studying cancer gene function with some additional technology development. Transgenic mice allow a combinatorial approach utilizing genomic information and physical manipulation of selected genes to dissect pathways altered during tumorigenesis. Finally, although transgenic mouse models are invaluable tools for dissecting cancer and related processes, future goals are to develop “humanized” transgenic mouse models that may more accurately respond to and reflect the human condition.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Animal Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA

    Cindy E. McKinney PhD & Cooduvalli S. Shashikant PhD

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  1. Cindy E. McKinney PhD
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  2. Cooduvalli S. Shashikant PhD
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  1. CuraGen Corporation, New Haven, CT

    William J. LaRochelle PhD  & Richard A. Shimkets PhD  & 

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McKinney, C.E., Shashikant, C.S. (2005). Cancer Biology and Transgenic Technology in the Mouse. In: LaRochelle, W.J., Shimkets, R.A. (eds) The Oncogenomics Handbook. Cancer Drug Discovery and Development. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1385/1-59259-893-5:303

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1385/1-59259-893-5:303

  • Publisher Name: Humana Press

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-58829-425-8

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