Abstract
Recent decades have seen groundbreaking advances in cancer research. Genetically engineered animal models, mainly in mice, have contributed to a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms involved in cancer. However, mice are not ideal for translating basic research into studies closer to the clinic. There is a need for complementary information provided by non-rodent species. Pigs are well suited for translational biomedical research as they share many similarities with humans such as body and organ size, aspects of anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology and can provide valuable means of developing and testing novel diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Porcine oncology is a new field, but it is clear that replication of key oncogenic mutation in pigs can usefully mimic several human cancers. This review briefly outlines the technology used to generate genetically modified pigs, provides an overview of existing cancer models, their applications and how the field may develop in the near future.
Highlights
Human lifespan is continually increasing, as are expectations of health and well-being [1]
While Colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence has decreased in patients older than 50 years, mostly due to routine screening, there has been an alarming increase in people under 50, and by 2030, colorectal cancer is expected to increase by more than 90 percent in people aged
Germline mutations are found throughout the 50 part of the gene, with two common hot spots at codons 1061 and 1309 [108], and are responsible for familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), a hereditary predisposition for CRC that leads to the formation of large numbers of adenomatous polyps in the colon and rectum and adenomas at a young age [109]
Summary
Human lifespan is continually increasing, as are expectations of health and well-being [1]. Mice are by far the most frequently used laboratory mammal, mainly because of the ease with which they can be housed, bred, and genetically modified [15] They have provided a wealth of knowledge regarding the molecular and genetic bases of many human cancers and facilitated many proof-of-principle studies. Their short gestation time and relatively inexpensive upkeep are clear advantages over larger animal species, but their usefulness for preclinical research has limitations.
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