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Alberti G, Amico MD, Caruso Bavisotto C, Rappa F, Marino Gammazza A, Bucchieri F, Cappello F, Scalia F, Szychlinska MA. Speeding up Glioblastoma Cancer Research: Highlighting the Zebrafish Xenograft Model. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5394. [PMID: 38791432 PMCID: PMC11121320 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a very aggressive and lethal primary brain cancer in adults. The multifaceted nature of GBM pathogenesis, rising from complex interactions between cells and the tumor microenvironment (TME), has posed great treatment challenges. Despite significant scientific efforts, the prognosis for GBM remains very poor, even after intensive treatment with surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Efficient GBM management still requires the invention of innovative treatment strategies. There is a strong necessity to complete cancer in vitro studies and in vivo studies to properly evaluate the mechanisms of tumor progression within the complex TME. In recent years, the animal models used to study GBM tumors have evolved, achieving highly invasive GBM models able to provide key information on the molecular mechanisms of GBM onset. At present, the most commonly used animal models in GBM research are represented by mammalian models, such as mouse and canine ones. However, the latter present several limitations, such as high cost and time-consuming management, making them inappropriate for large-scale anticancer drug evaluation. In recent years, the zebrafish (Danio rerio) model has emerged as a valuable tool for studying GBM. It has shown great promise in preclinical studies due to numerous advantages, such as its small size, its ability to generate a large cohort of genetically identical offspring, and its rapid development, permitting more time- and cost-effective management and high-throughput drug screening when compared to mammalian models. Moreover, due to its transparent nature in early developmental stages and genetic and anatomical similarities with humans, it allows for translatable brain cancer research and related genetic screening and drug discovery. For this reason, the aim of the present review is to highlight the potential of relevant transgenic and xenograft zebrafish models and to compare them to the traditionally used animal models in GBM research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giusi Alberti
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics (BiND), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (G.A.); (M.D.A.); (C.C.B.); (F.R.); (A.M.G.); (F.B.); (F.C.); (F.S.)
| | - Maria Denise Amico
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics (BiND), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (G.A.); (M.D.A.); (C.C.B.); (F.R.); (A.M.G.); (F.B.); (F.C.); (F.S.)
| | - Celeste Caruso Bavisotto
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics (BiND), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (G.A.); (M.D.A.); (C.C.B.); (F.R.); (A.M.G.); (F.B.); (F.C.); (F.S.)
- Euro-Mediterranean Institute of Science and Technology (IEMEST), 90139 Palermo, Italy
| | - Francesca Rappa
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics (BiND), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (G.A.); (M.D.A.); (C.C.B.); (F.R.); (A.M.G.); (F.B.); (F.C.); (F.S.)
- The Institute of Translational Pharmacology, National Research Council of Italy (CNR), 90146 Palermo, Italy
| | - Antonella Marino Gammazza
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics (BiND), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (G.A.); (M.D.A.); (C.C.B.); (F.R.); (A.M.G.); (F.B.); (F.C.); (F.S.)
| | - Fabio Bucchieri
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics (BiND), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (G.A.); (M.D.A.); (C.C.B.); (F.R.); (A.M.G.); (F.B.); (F.C.); (F.S.)
| | - Francesco Cappello
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics (BiND), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (G.A.); (M.D.A.); (C.C.B.); (F.R.); (A.M.G.); (F.B.); (F.C.); (F.S.)
- Euro-Mediterranean Institute of Science and Technology (IEMEST), 90139 Palermo, Italy
| | - Federica Scalia
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics (BiND), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (G.A.); (M.D.A.); (C.C.B.); (F.R.); (A.M.G.); (F.B.); (F.C.); (F.S.)
| | - Marta Anna Szychlinska
- Department of Precision Medicine in Medical, Surgical and Critical Care (Me.Pre.C.C.), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
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Pliakopanou A, Antonopoulos I, Darzenta N, Serifi I, Simos YV, Katsenos AP, Bellos S, Alexiou GA, Kyritsis AP, Leonardos I, Vezyraki P, Peschos D, Tsamis KI. Glioblastoma research on zebrafish xenograft models: a systematic review. Clin Transl Oncol 2024; 26:311-325. [PMID: 37400666 PMCID: PMC10810942 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-023-03258-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) constitutes the most common primary brain tumor in adults. The challenges in GBM therapeutics have shed light on zebrafish used as a promising animal model for preclinical GBM xenograft studies without a standardized methodology. This systematic review aims to summarize the advances in zebrafish GBM xenografting, compare research protocols to pinpoint advantages and underlying limitations, and designate the predominant xenografting parameters. Based on the PRISMA checklist, we systematically searched PubMed, Scopus, and ZFIN using the keywords "glioblastoma," "xenotransplantation," and "zebrafish" for papers published from 2005 to 2022, available in English. 46 articles meeting the review criteria were examined for the zebrafish strain, cancer cell line, cell labeling technique, injected cell number, time and site of injection, and maintenance temperature. Our review designated that AB wild-type zebrafish, Casper transparent mutants, transgenic Tg(fli1:EGFP), or crossbreeding of these predominate among the zebrafish strains. Orthotopic transplantation is more commonly employed. A number of 50-100 cells injected at 48 h post-fertilization in high density and low infusion volume is considered as an effective xenografting approach. U87 cells are used for GBM angiogenesis studies, U251 for GBM proliferation studies, and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) to achieve clinical relevance. Gradual acclimatization to 32-33 °C can partly address the temperature differential between the zebrafish and the GBM cells. Zebrafish xenograft models constitute valuable tools for preclinical studies with clinical relevance regarding PDX. The GBM xenografting research requires modification based on the objective of each research team. Automation and further optimization of the protocol parameters could scale up the anticancer drug trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Pliakopanou
- Laboratory of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Ilias Antonopoulos
- Laboratory of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Nikolia Darzenta
- Laboratory of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Iliana Serifi
- Laboratory of Biological Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Yannis Vasilios Simos
- Laboratory of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Andreas Panagiotis Katsenos
- Laboratory of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Stefanos Bellos
- Laboratory of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110, Ioannina, Greece
| | | | | | - Ioannis Leonardos
- Zoology Laboratory, Department of Biological Application and Technology, University of Ioannina, 45110, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Patra Vezyraki
- Laboratory of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Peschos
- Laboratory of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Ioannis Tsamis
- Laboratory of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110, Ioannina, Greece.
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Yvone GM, Breunig JJ. Pediatric low-grade glioma models: advances and ongoing challenges. Front Oncol 2024; 13:1346949. [PMID: 38318325 PMCID: PMC10839015 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1346949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Pediatric low-grade gliomas represent the most common childhood brain tumor class. While often curable, some tumors fail to respond and even successful treatments can have life-long side effects. Many clinical trials are underway for pediatric low-grade gliomas. However, these trials are expensive and challenging to organize due to the heterogeneity of patients and subtypes. Advances in sequencing technologies are helping to mitigate this by revealing the molecular landscapes of mutations in pediatric low-grade glioma. Functionalizing these mutations in the form of preclinical models is the next step in both understanding the disease mechanisms as well as for testing therapeutics. However, such models are often more difficult to generate due to their less proliferative nature, and the heterogeneity of tumor microenvironments, cell(s)-of-origin, and genetic alterations. In this review, we discuss the molecular and genetic alterations and the various preclinical models generated for the different types of pediatric low-grade gliomas. We examined the different preclinical models for pediatric low-grade gliomas, summarizing the scientific advances made to the field and therapeutic implications. We also discuss the advantages and limitations of the various models. This review highlights the importance of preclinical models for pediatric low-grade gliomas while noting the challenges and future directions of these models to improve therapeutic outcomes of pediatric low-grade gliomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Griselda Metta Yvone
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Joshua J. Breunig
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Center for Neural Sciences in Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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Wang W, Li Y, Lin K, Wang X, Tu Y, Zhuo Z. Progress in building clinically relevant patient-derived tumor xenograft models for cancer research. Animal Model Exp Med 2023; 6:381-398. [PMID: 37679891 PMCID: PMC10614132 DOI: 10.1002/ame2.12349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Patient-derived tumor xenograft (PDX) models, a method involving the surgical extraction of tumor tissues from cancer patients and subsequent transplantation into immunodeficient mice, have emerged as a pivotal approach in translational research, particularly in advancing precision medicine. As the first stage of PDX development, the patient-derived orthotopic xenograft (PDOX) models implant tumor tissue in mice in the corresponding anatomical locations of the patient. The PDOX models have several advantages, including high fidelity to the original tumor, heightened drug sensitivity, and an elevated rate of successful transplantation. However, the PDOX models present significant challenges, requiring advanced surgical techniques and resource-intensive imaging technologies, which limit its application. And then, the humanized mouse models, as well as the zebrafish models, were developed. Humanized mouse models contain a human immune environment resembling the tumor and immune system interplay. The humanized mouse models are a hot topic in PDX model research. Regarding zebrafish patient-derived tumor xenografts (zPDX) and patient-derived organoids (PDO) as promising models for studying cancer and drug discovery, zPDX models are used to transplant tumors into zebrafish as novel personalized medical animal models with the advantage of reducing patient waiting time. PDO models provide a cost-effective approach for drug testing that replicates the in vivo environment and preserves important tumor-related information for patients. The present review highlights the functional characteristics of each new phase of PDX and provides insights into the challenges and prospective developments in this rapidly evolving field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijing Wang
- Department of Clinical MedicineShantou University Medical CollegeShantouChina
| | - Yongshu Li
- College of Life SciencesHubei Normal UniversityHuangshiChina
- Shenzhen Institute for Technology InnovationNational Institute of MetrologyShenzhenChina
| | - Kaida Lin
- Department of Clinical MedicineShantou University Medical CollegeShantouChina
| | - Xiaokang Wang
- Department of PharmacyShenzhen Longhua District Central HospitalShenzhenChina
| | - Yanyang Tu
- Research Center, Huizhou Central People's HospitalGuangdong Medical UniversityHuizhou CityChina
| | - Zhenjian Zhuo
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, School of Chemical Biology and BiotechnologyPeking University Shenzhen Graduate SchoolShenzhenChina
- Laboratory Animal Center, School of Chemical Biology and BiotechnologyPeking University Shenzhen Graduate SchoolShenzhenChina
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Al-Hamaly MA, Turner LT, Rivera-Martinez A, Rodriguez A, Blackburn JS. Zebrafish Cancer Avatars: A Translational Platform for Analyzing Tumor Heterogeneity and Predicting Patient Outcomes. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:2288. [PMID: 36768609 PMCID: PMC9916713 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The increasing number of available anti-cancer drugs presents a challenge for oncologists, who must choose the most effective treatment for the patient. Precision cancer medicine relies on matching a drug with a tumor's molecular profile to optimize the therapeutic benefit. However, current precision medicine approaches do not fully account for intra-tumoral heterogeneity. Different mutation profiles and cell behaviors within a single heterogeneous tumor can significantly impact therapy response and patient outcomes. Patient-derived avatar models recapitulate a patient's tumor in an animal or dish and provide the means to functionally assess heterogeneity's impact on drug response. Mouse xenograft and organoid avatars are well-established, but the time required to generate these models is not practical for clinical decision-making. Zebrafish are emerging as a time-efficient and cost-effective cancer avatar model. In this review, we highlight recent developments in zebrafish cancer avatar models and discuss the unique features of zebrafish that make them ideal for the interrogation of cancer heterogeneity and as part of precision cancer medicine pipelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Majd A. Al-Hamaly
- Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40356, USA
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Logan T. Turner
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
- Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40356, USA
| | | | - Analiz Rodriguez
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Jessica S. Blackburn
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
- Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40356, USA
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Abstract
The publication of Resource articles is essential for the dissemination of novel, or substantially enhanced, tools, techniques, disease models, datasets and resources. By sharing knowledge and resources in a globally accessible manner, we can support human disease research to accelerate the translation of fundamental discoveries to effective treatments or diagnostics for diverse patient populations. To promote and encourage excellence in Resource articles, Disease Models & Mechanisms (DMM) is launching a new 'Outstanding Resource Paper Prize'. To celebrate this, we highlight recent outstanding DMM Resource articles that have the ultimate goal of benefitting of human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsty M. Hooper
- The Company of Biologists, Bidder Building, Station Road, Histon, Cambridge CB24 9LF, UK
| | - Julija Hmeljak
- The Company of Biologists, Bidder Building, Station Road, Histon, Cambridge CB24 9LF, UK
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Dudziak K, Nowak M, Sozoniuk M. One Host-Multiple Applications: Zebrafish (Danio rerio) as Promising Model for Studying Human Cancers and Pathogenic Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810255. [PMID: 36142160 PMCID: PMC9499349 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Revised: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, zebrafish (ZF) has been increasingly applied as a model in human disease studies, with a particular focus on cancer. A number of advantages make it an attractive alternative for mice widely used so far. Due to the many advantages of zebrafish, modifications can be based on different mechanisms and the induction of human disease can take different forms depending on the research goal. Genetic manipulation, tumor transplantation, or injection of the pathogen are only a few examples of using ZF as a model. Most of the studies are conducted in order to understand the disease mechanism, monitor disease progression, test new or alternative therapies, and select the best treatment. The transplantation of cancer cells derived from patients enables the development of personalized medicine. To better mimic a patient’s body environment, immune-deficient models (SCID) have been developed. A lower immune response is mostly generated by genetic manipulation but also by irradiation or dexamethasone treatment. For many studies, using SCID provides a better chance to avoid cancer cell rejection. In this review, we describe the main directions of using ZF in research, explain why and how zebrafish can be used as a model, what kind of limitations will be met and how to overcome them. We collected recent achievements in this field, indicating promising perspectives for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Dudziak
- Chair and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-059 Lublin, Poland
- Correspondence: (K.D.); (M.N.)
| | - Michał Nowak
- Institute of Plant Genetics, Breeding and Biotechnology, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, 20-950 Lublin, Poland
- Correspondence: (K.D.); (M.N.)
| | - Magdalena Sozoniuk
- Institute of Plant Genetics, Breeding and Biotechnology, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, 20-950 Lublin, Poland
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