title: Zebrafish as an innovative model for neuroendocrine tumors.
abstract: Tumor models have a relevant role in furthering our understanding of the biology of malignant disease and in preclinical cancer research. Only few models are available for neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), probably due to the rarity and heterogeneity of this group of neoplasms. This review provides insights into the current state-of-the-art of zebrafish as a model in cancer research, focusing on potential applications in NETs. Zebrafish has a complex circulatory system similar to that of mammals. A novel angiogenesis assay based on the injection of human NET cell lines (TT and DMS79 cells) into the subperidermal space of the zebrafish embryos has been developed. Proangiogenic factors locally released by the tumor graft affect the normal developmental pattern of the subintestinal vessels by stimulating the migration and growth of sprouting vessels toward the implant. In addition, a description of the striking homology between zebrafish and humans of molecular targets involved in tumor angiogenesis (somatostatin receptors, dopamine receptors, mammalian target of rapamycin), and currently used as targeted therapy of NETs, is reported.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health (DISCCO), University of Milan, Milan, Italy Laboratory of Endocrine and Metabolic Research, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, via Zucchi 18, Cusano Milanino (MI) 20095, Italy Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy Endocrinology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, IRCCS AOU San Martino-IST, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.
authors.forename: Giovanni
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Vitale
authors.forename: Germano
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Gaudenzi
authors.forename: Alessandra
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Dicitore
authors.forename: Franco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Cotelli
authors.forename: Diego
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Ferone
authors.forename: Luca
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Persani
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D006801:Humans; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic / Q000473:pathology*; D018358:Neuroendocrine Tumors / Q000473:pathology*; D014183:Transplantation, Heterologous / Q000379:methods; D015027:Zebrafish
keywords: angiogenesis; neuroendocrine tumors; somatostatin receptors; tumor xenografts; zebrafish