Mouse model for pediatric cancer research
We are pleased to share that through a joint effort with Ozgene, a genetically engineered mouse model (GEMM) containing the Pax7:Foxo1 gene fusion has been developed for researchers at the Children’s Cancer Therapy Development Institute (cc-TDI). The Pax7:Foxo1 gene fusion is found in some forms of alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (ARMS), an aggressive form of cancer in the soft tissue of the muscle and skeletal systems with is a lack of targeted treatment options for patients. The Pax7:Foxo1 GEMM provides a powerful tool to better understand the molecular basis of ARMS and to develop life-saving treatments.
This project is being led by Dr. Charles Keller, Scientific Director at the cc-TDI. The development of the GEMM for this research is an example of the successful OzBIG partnership between Ozgene and Gen-H to generate genetically engineered mice with large and complex genomic modifications. Gen-H assembled the BAC construct for targeted integration of 38 kb of sequence into the mouse Pax7 locus. Ozgene performed all mouse gene engineering steps, leveraging their goGermlineTM technology. The resulting GEMM contains an inducible knock-in of the Pax7:Foxo1 oncogenic gene fusion, allowing researchers to ‘turn on’ the cancer-causing genotype during research for drug development.
For additional information about this research can be found below:
- Press release by Dr. Charles Keller
- Interview with Dr. Charles Keller by Natalie Marmion
- Support cc-TDI’s Mission
- Announcement from Ozgene
