DNA methylation in cancer: From mouse to human and back again

Abstract

Mouse models have been demonstrated as excellent tools to improve our understanding of tumour biology, particularly to dissect chemical carcinogenesis and as first proof-of-concept to test new anti-cancer drugs. Genetically engineered mice, (GEM) where the genetic disruption of an oncogene or tumour suppressor gene is achieved, are used to study the role of these genes in cancer biology. A disadvantage of GEM systems is that, except for familial cancer syndromes, they do not completely include the molecular heterogeneity that is a central feature of human neoplasms. The more real and rich landscape can be, however, mimicked by another class of murine system: externally cancer-induced models obtained by exposition to chemicals or radiation.