Volume 195, April 2025, Pages 34-44Author links open overlay panel, , , , , Highlights•

CRISPR technology revolutionizes preclinical EOC model development.

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CRISPR/Cas9 enables efficient generation of GEMMs for cancer research.

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CRISPR/Cas9 advances in vitro and in vivo EOC tumor modeling.

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Novel CRISPR applications in ovarian cancer research and treatment.

Abstract

Epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC), the most lethal gynecologic cancer, is often diagnosed at advanced stages, which urge us to explore the novel therapeutic strategies. Mouse models have played a crucial role in elucidating the molecular mechanisms for the development ovarian cancer and its therapeutic strategies. However, there are still various challenges in modeling the genetic drivers of ovarian cancer in animal models. Here, we provided an overview of the research advances for the molecular mechanisms underlying EOC development, therapeutic strategies, the CRISPR genome editing technology and its generated EOC models. The review also comprehensively discussed the advantages and obstacles of CRISPR in generating EOC mouse models and the promising therapeutic approach by correcting the oncogenes of EOC through in vivo delivery of gene-edited components. The development of more precise animal models, along with a deeper understanding of EOC molecular mechanisms, will dramatically benefit the investigation and treatment of EOC.

Graphical abstractDownload: Download high-res image (199KB)Download: Download full-size imageKeywords

Mouse models

Tumorigenesis

Epithelial ovarian carcinoma

CRISPR genome editing technology

Genetically engineered mouse model (GEMM)

Therapeutic strategy

AbbreviationsEOC

Epithelial ovarian carcinoma

GEMM

Genetic engineering animal model

CRISPR

Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats

PET

Positron emission tomography

MRI

Magnetic resonance imaging

LGSOC

Low-grade serous ovarian cancer

EAC

Endometrioid adenocarcinoma

CEA

Carcinoembryonic antigen

CCA

Clear cell adenocarcinoma

MAC

Mucinous adenocarcinoma

HGSOC

High-grade serous ovarian carcinoma

MAPK

Mitogen-activated protein kinase

FIGO

Federation International of Gynecology and Obstetrics

STIC

Serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma

PARP

Poly ADP-ribose polymerase

PDXs

Patient-derived xenografts

HCS

Hereditary cancer syndromes

EEN

Engineered endonuclease

TALEN

Transcription activator-like effector nuclease

AML

Acute myeloid leukaemia

Data availability

Not applicable.

© 2025 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc.