Most deaths from colorectal cancer (CRC) are associated with metastatic disease. However, visible metastases rarely form in mouse models of CRC that are generated by injection of human CRC cell lines into the caecum (orthotopic injection). Here, Alamo et al. show that subcutaneous preconditioning increases invasion and metastatic dissemination in mouse CRC models. Implantation of HCT116 or SW48 human CRC cells below the skin of immunodeficient mice prior to their orthotopic injection into the caecum generates models with enhanced metastatic efficiency in the lymph nodes, lung, liver and peritoneum, they report. Most notably, in the HCT116 model, subcutaneous preconditioning generates visible liver metastases that compromise survival. These findings suggest that in vivo models of CRC (and probably other cancers) generated using this new approach could facilitate the elucidation of the mechanisms of metastasis and the evaluation of anti-metastatic drugs. Page 387
DMM Journal Meeting 2023: Infectious Diseases Through an Evolutionary Lens
The abstract submission deadline for our 2023 Journal Meeting ‘Infectious Diseases Through an Evolutionary Lens’ is 14 July 2023. Find out more and register here.
The Forest of Biologists
The Forest of Biologists is a biodiversity initiative created by The Company of Biologists, with support from the Woodland Trust. For every Research and Review article published in Disease Models & Mechanisms a native tree is planted in a UK forest. In addition to this we are protecting and restoring ancient woodland and are dedicating these trees to our peer reviewers. Visit our virtual forest to learn more.
Propose a new Workshop for 2025
Do you have an idea for a Workshop? If so, click here. We are now accepting proposals for our 2025 Workshops programme. As the scientific organiser, your involvement will be focused on the science. We'll take care of all the logistics. In 2025 we'll continue our efforts to diversify our Workshop programme and will be reserving one of our Workshops for an application from a Global South country to host an event overseas.
How stromal cells restrict liver cancer invasion
In our recent editor’s choice, Liqin Zhu and colleagues describe how they used in vitro liver spheroid models consisting of both parenchymal and non-parenchymal cells to reveal a hepatoprotective role for peritumoral hepatic stellate cells in liver tumorigenesis.
And from perspective… Hacking haematopoiesis – emerging tools for examining variant effects
Thousands of genomic loci have been linked to hematopoietic traits and diseases, yet many await functional validation. Michael Gundry and Vijay G. Sankaran discuss recent advances in genome editing and the challenges associated with using these techniques to assess variant function in primary hematopoietic cells. a celebration of the achievements of female scientists, and a call to action for a culture shift in science.
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