Modeling Brain Tumors Using Genetically Edited Brain Organoids

Abstract

AbstractCompared to other parts of the body, tumors in the human central nervous system account for a small proportion of tumors but have a significant impact on cancer morbidity and mortality. Brain tumors show gender and age dependence, while the drivers of different brain tumors may vary considerably, making it particularly essential to establish appropriate models to study brain tumors, clarify pathogenesis, and find therapeutic approaches. Previously, brain tumor cell lines, animal models, patient-derived xenografts, and other brain tumor models have made large progress in studying brain tumors. The emerging organoid culture technology provides a new platform for brain tumor research. Compared with the previous models, tumor organoid models have unique advantages in studying brain tumor pathogenesis, tumor progression, and drug screening. Brain tumor organoids derived from patient tumor specimens make personalized and precise treatment possible. Brain tumor stem cell and brain organoid fusion culture provides new insights to investigate tumor microenvironment and invasiveness. Genetically editing brain organoids modeling brain tumors may provide the insights of the pathogenesis of different subtypes of brain tumors. In this chapter, we described the methods of constructing brain tumor models by introducing carcinogenic factors into brain organoids through gene editing.Key wordsBrain tumorsPersonalized medicineCancer stem cellsTumor microenvironment and brain organoids