New Mouse Model Aids Bladder Cancer Research, Reveals Gender Differences
Scientists at Uppsala University have developed a novel mouse model to study human bladder cancer progression and immune response. The research, funded by the Swedish Cancer Society, the Swedish Society for Medical Research, and the European Social Fund, is published in PLOS ONE.
The 'Bladder Cancer and Immunity Research Group' designed the model, which mimics human bladder cancer development. It contains specific oncogenes and shows a high incidence of harmful mutations. Notably, the model's immune system functions like a human's, and the tumour grows in the right site for both sexes.
The model allows studying protein changes in blood and urine during tumour development and after muscle invasion. Single-cell sequencing was used to study gene expression changes in tumours as they progress. The research revealed distinct gender differences in early-stage bladder cancer and immunotherapy response.
The new mouse model is expected to aid future research in improving treatment strategies tailored for men and women. Scientists aim to use this model alongside clinical material from biobanks to enhance bladder cancer treatment.
