Mouse models of cancer enable researchers to learn about tumor biology in complicated and dynamic physiological systems. Since the development of gene targeting in mice, cancer biologists have been among the most frequent users of transgenic mouse models, which have dramatically increased knowledge about how cancers form and grow. The Chinese Journal of Cancer will publish a series of papers reporting the use of mouse models in studying genetic events in cancer cases. This editorial is an overview of the development and applications of mouse models of cancer and directs the reader to upcoming papers describing the use of these models to be published in coming issues, beginning with three articles in the current issue.
Animals ; Avian Leukosis Virus ; genetics ; Avian Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Disease Models, Animal ; Gene Targeting ; Humans ; Mice ; Mice, Transgenic ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Neoplasms, Experimental ; genetics ; metabolism ; RNA Interference ; Receptors, Virus ; genetics ; metabolism

The aggressive and invasive nature of brain tumors has hampered progress in the design and implementation of efficacious therapies. The recent success of targeted therapies in other tumor types makes this an attractive area for research yet complicating matters is the ability of brain tumors to circumvent the targeted pathways to develop drug resistance. Effective therapies will likely need to target more than one signaling pathway or target multiple nodes within a given pathway. Key to identifying these targets is the elucidation of the driver and passenger molecules within these pathways. Animal models provide a useful tool with many advantages in the study of these pathways. These models provide a means to dissect the critical components of tumorigenesis, as well as serve as agents for preclinical testing. This review focuses on the use of the RCAS/tv-a mouse model of brain tumors and describes their unique ability to provide insight into the role of oncogene cooperation in tumor development and progression.
Animals ; Avian Leukosis Virus ; genetics ; Avian Proteins ; genetics ; Brain Neoplasms ; genetics ; pathology ; Disease Models, Animal ; Disease Progression ; Drug Evaluation, Preclinical ; methods ; Genetic Vectors ; Glioma ; genetics ; pathology ; Humans ; Mice ; Mice, Transgenic ; Oncogenes ; genetics ; Receptors, Virus ; genetics