Modeling pediatric medulloblastoma

Abstract

Mouse models of medulloblastoma have proven to be instrumental in understanding disease mechanisms, particularly the role of epigenetic and molecular drivers, and establishing appropriate preclinical pipelines. To date, our research community has developed murine models for all four groups of medulloblastoma, each of which will be critical for the identification and development of new therapeutic approaches. Approaches to modeling medulloblastoma range from genetic engineering with CRISPR/Cas9 or in utero electroporation, to orthotopic and patient-derived orthotopic xenograft systems. Each approach or model presents unique advantages that have ultimately contributed to an appreciation of medulloblastoma heterogeneity and the clinical obstacles that exist for this patient population.