Scientists Use Mice to Reproduce Malignant Mesothelioma

Researchers at The Netherlands Cancer Institute have successfully reproduced the onset of malignant mesothelioma using genetic mutations commonly found in human patients.

Their breakthrough gives scientists a better understanding of the disease and may lead to the development of more effective treatments for mesothelioma patients.

The project goal was to develop an experimental model for malignant mesothelioma that could be duplicated by researchers to analyze disease development and therapy. Human cases of malignant mesothelioma are connected to genetic lesions affecting the RB and P53 pathways and the loss of Neurofribromatosis type 2 (Nf2). The research team, led by Dr. Anton Berns tested a variety of permutations involving the Nf2, P53 and RB pathways within the mesothelial cells of mice.

The vast majority of mice with mutations affecting Nf2;Ink4a/Arf and Nf2;p53 developed malignant mesothelioma following a short latency period. Mice with mutations affecting NF2;Ink4a/Arf had more invasive tumors than other test subjects. Researchers concluded that the loss of Ink4a is significant for malignant mesothelioma patients because it encodes two important proteins that link the pRB and p53 tumor suppression pathways.

Their model will allow further research of mesothelioma at the molecular level which could ultimately improve a patient's outlook through the development of more targeted therapies.