Recent advances in the development and application of colorectal cancer mouse models

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a significant global health challenge, necessitating the development of reliable preclinical models to advance mechanistic understanding and therapeutic innovation. This review comprehensively examines the diverse spectrum of rodent models employed in CRC research, fo...

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Main Authors: Ting Wang, Zhen Chen, Yuli Zhang, Min Liu, Hua Sui, Qingfeng Tang
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2025-05-01
Series:Frontiers in Pharmacology
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Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2025.1553637/full
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author Ting Wang
Ting Wang
Zhen Chen
Yuli Zhang
Min Liu
Hua Sui
Qingfeng Tang
author_facet Ting Wang
Ting Wang
Zhen Chen
Yuli Zhang
Min Liu
Hua Sui
Qingfeng Tang
author_sort Ting Wang
collection DOAJ
description Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a significant global health challenge, necessitating the development of reliable preclinical models to advance mechanistic understanding and therapeutic innovation. This review comprehensively examines the diverse spectrum of rodent models employed in CRC research, focusing on their unique characteristics, applications, and translational relevance. We systematically evaluate conventional models, including carcinogen-induced models and genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs), which have been instrumental in elucidating tumorigenic pathways and genetic drivers. Furthermore, we highlight the emergence of patient-derived xenografts (PDX) as a transformative tool for recapitulating tumor heterogeneity and predicting clinical responses. The review also explores metastatic models, which are critical for studying advanced disease, and spontaneous models that mimic natural tumor progression. Additionally, we discuss the growing utility of composite animal models, which integrate multiple methodologies to better reflect the complexity of human CRC. By comparing the strengths and limitations of each model system, this review provides a framework for selecting appropriate models based on specific research objectives. Collectively, these preclinical platforms have significantly advanced our understanding of CRC biology and continue to drive the development of targeted therapies and personalized treatment strategies.
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publisher Frontiers Media S.A.
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spelling doaj-art-0fda76d93dda48e58dc17d0315730e852025-08-20T02:14:06ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Pharmacology1663-98122025-05-011610.3389/fphar.2025.15536371553637Recent advances in the development and application of colorectal cancer mouse modelsTing Wang0Ting Wang1Zhen Chen2Yuli Zhang3Min Liu4Hua Sui5Qingfeng Tang6Nanxiang Branch of Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, ChinaShanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, ChinaThe Second Clinical Medical College of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, ChinaJiading Branch of Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, ChinaNanxiang Branch of Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, ChinaJiading Branch of Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, ChinaNanxiang Branch of Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, ChinaColorectal cancer (CRC) remains a significant global health challenge, necessitating the development of reliable preclinical models to advance mechanistic understanding and therapeutic innovation. This review comprehensively examines the diverse spectrum of rodent models employed in CRC research, focusing on their unique characteristics, applications, and translational relevance. We systematically evaluate conventional models, including carcinogen-induced models and genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs), which have been instrumental in elucidating tumorigenic pathways and genetic drivers. Furthermore, we highlight the emergence of patient-derived xenografts (PDX) as a transformative tool for recapitulating tumor heterogeneity and predicting clinical responses. The review also explores metastatic models, which are critical for studying advanced disease, and spontaneous models that mimic natural tumor progression. Additionally, we discuss the growing utility of composite animal models, which integrate multiple methodologies to better reflect the complexity of human CRC. By comparing the strengths and limitations of each model system, this review provides a framework for selecting appropriate models based on specific research objectives. Collectively, these preclinical platforms have significantly advanced our understanding of CRC biology and continue to drive the development of targeted therapies and personalized treatment strategies.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2025.1553637/fullcolorectal canceranimal modelpatient-derived xenograftscarcinogen-induced modelsgenetically engineered mouse modelsmetastatic model
spellingShingle Ting Wang
Ting Wang
Zhen Chen
Yuli Zhang
Min Liu
Hua Sui
Qingfeng Tang
Recent advances in the development and application of colorectal cancer mouse models
Frontiers in Pharmacology
colorectal cancer
animal model
patient-derived xenografts
carcinogen-induced models
genetically engineered mouse models
metastatic model
title Recent advances in the development and application of colorectal cancer mouse models
title_full Recent advances in the development and application of colorectal cancer mouse models
title_fullStr Recent advances in the development and application of colorectal cancer mouse models
title_full_unstemmed Recent advances in the development and application of colorectal cancer mouse models
title_short Recent advances in the development and application of colorectal cancer mouse models
title_sort recent advances in the development and application of colorectal cancer mouse models
topic colorectal cancer
animal model
patient-derived xenografts
carcinogen-induced models
genetically engineered mouse models
metastatic model
url https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2025.1553637/full
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AT minliu recentadvancesinthedevelopmentandapplicationofcolorectalcancermousemodels
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