Cross-species models of human melanoma.
Although transformation of melanocytes to melanoma is rare, the rapid growth, systemic spread, as well as the chemoresistance of melanoma present significant challenges for patient care. Here we review animal models of melanoma, including murine, canine, equine, and zebrafish models, and detail the immense contribution these models have made to our knowledge of human melanoma development, and to melanocyte biology. We also highlight the opportunities for cross-species comparative genomic studies of melanoma to identify the key molecular events that drive this complex disease.
Experimental Cancer Genetics, The Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire, CB10 1SA, UK.
Louise
L
van der Weyden
MRC Human Genetics Unit, The MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, UK.
E Elizabeth
EE
Patton
Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road E, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada.
Geoffrey A
GA
Wood
Rossdales Equine Hospital, Cotton End Road, Exning, Newmarket, Suffolk, CB8 7NN, UK.
Alastair K
AK
Foote
Pathology Department, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, UK.
Thomas
T
Brenn
Centre for Comparative Pathology, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh, EH4 2XR, UK.
Mark J
MJ
Arends
Experimental Cancer Genetics, The Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire, CB10 1SA, UK.
David J
DJ
Adams
D000818:Animals; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D018450:Disease Progression; D004285:Dogs; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease / Q000235:genetics; D016678:Genome; D006736:Horses; D006801:Humans; D008545:Melanoma / Q000235:genetics* / Q000628:therapy; D051379:Mice; D008822:Mice, Transgenic; D009154:Mutation / Q000235:genetics; D009368:Neoplasm Transplantation; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics* / Q000628:therapy; D014183:Transplantation, Heterologous; D014604:Uveal Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics / Q000628:therapy; D015027:Zebrafish
cross-species analysis; genome analysis; melanoma