Modeling metastasis in mice: a closer look

Abstract

Unraveling the multifaceted cellular and physiological processes associated with metastasis is best achieved by using in vivo models that recapitulate the requisite tumor cell-intrinsic and -extrinsic mechanisms at the organismal level. We discuss the current status of mouse models of metastasis. We consider how mouse models can refine our understanding of the underlying biological and molecular processes that promote metastasis, and we envisage how the application of new technologies will further enhance investigations of metastasis at single-cell resolution in the context of the whole organism. Our view is that investigations based on state-of-the-art mouse models can propel a holistic understanding of the biology of metastasis, which will ultimately lead to the discovery of new therapeutic opportunities.

Keywords: genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs); metastasis; syngeneic models; xenograft models.