Cross-species comparison of biological themes and underlying genes on a global gene expression scale in a mouse model of colorectal liver metastasis and in clinical specimens
2008

Comparing Gene Expression in Mouse and Human Colorectal Liver Metastasis

Sample size: 10 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Bandapalli Obul Reddy, Kahlert Christoph, Hellstern Victoria, Galindo Luis, Schirmacher Peter, Weitz Jürgen, Brand Karsten

Primary Institution: Institute of Pathology, University of Heidelberg

Hypothesis

Can a murine model of colorectal liver metastasis accurately represent clinical liver metastasis specimens?

Conclusion

The study suggests that the murine model can represent the human situation in colorectal liver metastasis, with significant overlaps in gene expression.

Supporting Evidence

  • Three out of four GO-term families were conserved between species.
  • Histopathology and gene expression correlated well.
  • Cross-species overlap of potential target genes reached up to 36.5%.

Takeaway

Scientists looked at how similar genes in mice are to those in humans when studying liver cancer, and found many similarities that could help in cancer research.

Methodology

The study used a murine model and clinical samples to analyze gene expression across different compartments of liver and tumor tissues.

Limitations

The study's findings may be influenced by inherent species differences and the strictness of selection criteria for gene comparison.

Participant Demographics

The study involved 5 clinical specimens from human patients and 5 Balb/C mice.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2164-9-448

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