The laboratory mouse is an important model for addressing questions in cancer biology. In recent years, the questions have become more refined, and mouse models are increasingly being used to develop and test cancer therapeutics. Thus, the need for more sophisticated and clinically relevant mouse models has grown, as has the need for innovative tools to analyze and validate them. This laboratory manual provides cutting-edge methods for generating and characterizing mouse models that accurately recapitulate many features of human cancer. The contributors describe strategies for producing genetic models, including transgenic germline models, gene knockouts and knockins, and conditional and inducible systems, as well as models derived using transposon-based insertional mutagenesis, RNA interference, viral-mediated gene delivery, and chemical carcinogens. Tissue recombination, organ reconstitution, and transplantation methods to develop chimeric, allograft, and xenograft models are covered. Approaches to characterize tumor development, progression, and metastasis in these models using state-of-the-art imaging, histopathological, surgical, and other techniques are also included. Other chapters cover the use of mouse models to test and optimize drugs in pre-, co-, and post-clinical trials. An appendix specifically addresses the use of mouse cancer models in translational studies and the integration of mouse and human clinical investigations. This manual is therefore an indispensable laboratory resource for all researchers, from the graduate level upwards, who study cancer and its treatment.

Beverly A. Teicher and a panel of leading experts comprehensively describe for the first time in many years the state-of-the-art in animal tumor model research. The wide array of models detailed form the basis for the selection of compounds and treatments that go into clinical testing of patients, and include syngeneic models, human tumor xenograft models, orthotopic models, metastatic models, transgenic models, and gene knockout models. Synthesizing many years experience with all the major in vivo models currently available for the study of malignant disease, Tumor Models in Cancer Research provides preclinical and clinical cancer researchers alike with a comprehensive guide to the selection of these models, their effective use, and the optimal interpretation of their results.

Animal Models in Cancer Drug Discovery brings forward the most cutting-edge developments in tumor model systems for translational cancer research. The reader can find under this one volume virtually all types of existing and emerging tumor models in use by the research community. This book provides a deeper insight on how these newer models could de-risk modern drug discovery. Areas covered include up to date information on latest organoid derived models and newer genetic models. Additionally, the book discusses humanized animal tumor models for cancer immunotherapy and how they leverage personalized therapies. The chapter on larger animal, canine models and their use in and their use in pre-investigational new drug (pre-IND) development makes the volume unique. Unlike before, the incorporation of several simplified protocols, breeding methodologies, handling and assessment procedures to study drug intervention makes this book a must read. Animal Models in Cancer Drug Discovery is a valuable resource for basic and translational cancer researchers, drug discovery researchers, contract research organizations, and knowledge seekers at all levels in the biomedical field.

Volume 95 of International Review of Neurobiology focuses on Catechol-O-methyltransferase inhibition, and its clinical application in relation to Parkinson's disease. Chapters cover COMT gene and proteins, L-dopa treatment in Parkinson's disease, the latest research on COMT inhibitors and their clinical applications, as well as future prospects for their use. - Up-to-date summary of biochemistry and pharmacology of COMT and its inhibitors - Preclinical models in COMT inhibitor devlopment - Transgenic COMT mice – latest information summarized - Chemistry of COMT inhibitors and their design with molecular modelling - COMT gene and its regulation and relation to dopamine related diseases - Role of cofactor SAM regulation in relation to homocysteine - Nonclinical and clinical safety of COMT inhibitors summarized - Future prospects of COMT inhibitors in Parkinson's disease

This comprehensive book covers all aspects of the field of genetically engineered laboratory mice, including the creation of mutant mice through mouse models for developmental biology and the monitoring of laboratory mouse colonies. Written by leading biomedical investigators, pathologists, and clinicians, this book presents systematic approaches for analyzing mutant laboratory mice for specific medical applications. It provides a variety of methods for creating mutant mice, while covering legal aspects of mutant and inbred laboratory mice as well as the use and maintenance of international databases.

Molecular Targeted Radiosensitizers: Opportunities and Challenges provides the reader with a comprehensive review of key pre-clinical research components required to identify effective radiosensitizing drugs. The book features discussions on the mechanisms and markers of clinical radioresistance, pre-clinical screening of targeted radiosensitizers, 3D radiation biology for studying radiosensitizers, in vivo determinations of local tumor control, genetically engineered mouse models for studying radiosensitizers, targeting the DNA damage response for radiosensitization, targeting tumor metabolism to overcome radioresistance, radiosensitizers in the era of immuno-oncology, and more. Additionally, the book features discussions on high-throughput drug screening, predictive biomarkers, pre-clinical tumor models, and the influence of the tumor microenvironment and the immune system, with a specific focus on the challenges radiation oncologists and medical oncologists currently face in testing radiosensitizers in human cancers. Edited by two acclaimed experts in radiation biology and radiosensitizers, with thirteen chapters contributed by experts, this new volume presents an in-depth look at current developments within a rapidly moving field, with a look at where the field will be heading and providing comprehensive insight into the framework of targeted radiosensitzer development. Essential reading for investigators in cancer research and radiation biology.

Marten Hofker and Jan van Deursen have assembled a multidisciplinary collection of readily reproducible methods for working with mice, and particularlyfor generating mouse models that will enable us to better understand gene function. Described in step-by-step detail by highly experienced investigators, these proven techniques include new methods for conditional, induced knockout, and transgenic mice, as well as for working with mice in such important research areas as immunology, cancer, and atherosclerosis. Such alternative strategies as random mutagenesis and viral gene transduction for studying gene function in the mouse are also presented.