A cross section of a tumor arising in the colon of an organoid-based mouse model of colorectal cancerKEVIN O'ROURKE
In recent years, scientists have developed organoids, stem-cell-derived organs-in-a-dish, for a number of tissues, including kidneys, guts, and brains. While these mini-organs provide a useful tool to study both development and disease, many researchers still consider animal models necessary to validate the findings made in vitro. In two back-to-back studies published today (May 1) in Nature Biotechnology, scientists combined these two approaches by transplanting organoids into mice to develop a faster, more accurate murine model of colorectal cancer (CRC).
CRC is one of the most common cancers in the Unites States, and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the country. Despite the need for better treatments for this disease, genetically engineered animal models of CRC are still quite limited.
“Mice, for reasons that ...
