Modelling Epithelial Ovarian Cancer in Mice: Classical and Emerging Approaches

Int J Mol Sci. 2020 Jul 7;21(13):4806. doi: 10.3390/ijms21134806.

Abstract

High-grade serous epithelial ovarian cancer (HGSC) is the most aggressive subtype of epithelial ovarian cancer. The identification of germline and somatic mutations along with genomic information unveiled by The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and other studies has laid the foundation for establishing preclinical models with high fidelity to the molecular features of HGSC. Notwithstanding such progress, the field of HGSC research still lacks a model that is both robust and widely accessible. In this review, we discuss the recent advancements and utility of HGSC genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) to date. Further analysis and critique on alternative approaches to modelling HGSC considers technological advancements in somatic gene editing and modelling prototypic organs, capable of tumorigenesis, on a chip.

Keywords: epithelial ovarian cancer; genetically engineered mouse; high-grade serous; syngeneic models.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Animals, Genetically Modified / genetics
  • Carcinogenesis / genetics
  • Carcinoma, Ovarian Epithelial / genetics*
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Female
  • Gene Editing / methods
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / genetics*