Oncomouse

The Oncomouse, also known as the Harvard mouse, is a genetically modified laboratory mouse that carries an activated oncogene. This modification makes the mouse highly susceptible to developing cancer, making it a valuable model for cancer research. The Oncomouse was the first animal to be patented, which sparked significant ethical and legal debates.

History

The Oncomouse was developed in the early 1980s by Philip Leder and Timothy A. Stewart at Harvard University. The researchers introduced a specific oncogene, known as the myc gene, into the mouse genome. This gene is known to play a role in cell cycle regulation and apoptosis, and its activation can lead to uncontrolled cell proliferation, a hallmark of cancer.

In 1988, the United States Patent and Trademark Office granted a patent for the Oncomouse, marking the first time a transgenic animal was patented. The patent was assigned to Harvard University and was later licensed to DuPont.

Genetic Modification

The genetic modification in the Oncomouse involves the insertion of an activated oncogene into the mouse's germline. This is typically achieved through microinjection of the oncogene into fertilized mouse eggs, which are then implanted into surrogate mothers. The resulting offspring carry the oncogene in all their cells, including their germ cells, allowing the trait to be passed on to future generations.

The presence of the oncogene predisposes the Oncomouse to develop tumors, particularly mammary tumors, making it an ideal model for studying breast cancer and other types of cancer.

Applications in Research

The Oncomouse has been instrumental in cancer research, providing insights into the mechanisms of tumorigenesis, cancer progression, and metastasis. Researchers use the Oncomouse to:

• Study the effects of specific oncogenes on cancer development.
• Test the efficacy of new cancer treatments and drugs.
• Investigate the role of genetic and environmental factors in cancer.

The Oncomouse model has contributed to the development of targeted therapies and has improved our understanding of cancer biology.

Ethical and Legal Issues

The patenting of the Oncomouse raised ethical concerns about the commodification of living organisms and the implications of genetic engineering. Critics argued that patenting life forms could lead to exploitation and raised questions about animal welfare.

In addition to ethical debates, the Oncomouse patent faced legal challenges in various countries. While the patent was upheld in the United States, it faced opposition in Europe and Canada, where the scope of patentability for living organisms was more restricted.

Also see

• Transgenic animals
• Cancer research
• Genetic engineering
• Animal models in research
• Ethics of biotechnology

References

• Leder, P., & Stewart, T. A. (1984). Transgenic non-human mammals, the Harvard Oncomouse. U.S. Patent No. 4,736,866.
• "The Oncomouse: A Landmark in Biotechnology." Nature Reviews Cancer, 2004.