Genomic and Molecular Signatures of Successful Patient-Derived Xenografts for Oral Cavity Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Mouse Models for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

The prognosis and survival rate of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) have remained unchanged for years, and the pathogenesis of HNSCC is still not fully understood, necessitating further research. An ideal animal model that accurately replicates the complex microenvironment of HNSCC is urgently needed. Among all the animal models for preclinical cancer research, tumor-bearing mouse models are the best known and widely used due to their high similarity to humans. Currently, mouse models for HNSCC can be broadly categorized into chemical-induced models, genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs), and transplanted mouse models, each with its distinct advantages and limitations. In chemical-induced models, the carcinogen spontaneously initiates tumor formation through a multistep process. The resemblance of this model to human carcinogenesis renders it an ideal preclinical platform for studying HNSCC initiation and progression from precancerous lesions. The major drawback is that these models are time-consuming and, like human cancer, unpredictable in terms of timing, location, and number of lesions. GEMMs involve transgenic and knockout mice with gene modifications, leading to malignant transformation within a tumor microenvironment that recapitulates tumorigenesis in vivo, including their interaction with the immune system. However, most HNSCC GEMMs exhibit low tumor incidence and limited prognostic significance when translated to clinical studies. Transplanted mouse models are the most widely used in cancer research due to their consistency, availability, and efficiency. Based on the donor and recipient species matching, transplanted mouse models can be divided into xenografts and syngeneic models. In the latter, transplanted cells and host are from the same strain, making syngeneic models relevant to study functional immune system. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary of the characteristics, establishment methods, and potential applications of these different HNSCC mouse models, aiming to assist researchers in choosing suitable animal models for their research.

Preclinical models in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Head and neck cancer is the sixth most frequent cancer type. Drug resistance and toxicity are common challenges of the existing therapies, making the development of reliable preclinical models essential for the study of the involved molecular mechanisms as well as for eventual intervention approaches that improve the clinical outcome. Preclinical models of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma have been traditionally based on cell lines and murine models. In this review, we will go over the most frequently used preclinical models, from immortalised-cell and primary tumour cultures in monolayer or 3D, to the currently available animal models. We will scrutinise their efficiency in mimicking the molecular and cellular complexity of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Finally, the challenges and the opportunities of other envisaged putative approaches, as well as the potential of the preclinical models to further develop personalised therapies will be discussed.

Molecular Research on Oral Diseases and Related Biomaterials: A Journey from Oral Cell Models to Advanced Regenerative Perspectives

Oral diseases such as gingivitis, periodontitis, and oral cancer affect millions of people worldwide. Much research has been conducted to understand the pathogenetic mechanisms of these diseases and translate this knowledge into therapeutics. This review aims to take the reader on a journey from the initial molecular discoveries to complex regenerative issues in oral medicine. For this, a semi-systematic literature search was carried out in Medline and Web of Science databases to retrieve the primary literature describing oral cell models and biomaterial applications in oral regenerative medicine. First, an in vitro cell model of gingival keratinocytes is discussed, which illustrates patho- and physiologic principles in the context of oral epithelial homeostasis and carcinogenesis and represents a cellular tool to understand biomaterial-based approaches for periodontal tissue regeneration. Consequently, a layered gradient nonwoven (LGN) is described, which demonstrates that the key features of biomaterials serve as candidates for oral tissue regeneration. LGN supports proper tissue formation and obeys the important principles for molecular mechanotransduction. Furthermore, current biomaterial-based tissue regeneration trends, including polymer modifications, cell-based treatments, antimicrobial peptides and optogenetics, are introduced to represent the full spectrum of current approaches to oral disease mitigation and prevention. Altogether, this review is a foray through established and new concepts in oral regenerative medicine and illustrates the process of knowledge translation from basic molecular and cell biological research to future clinical applications.