Zebrafish embryo as a tool to study tumor/endothelial cell cross-talk

Tumor/endothelial cell cross-talk plays a pivotal role in the growth, neovascularization and metastatic dissemination of human cancer. Recent observations have shown that the teleost zebrafish (Danio rerio) may represent a powerful experimental platform in cancer research. Various tumor models have been established in zebrafish adults, juveniles, and embryos and novel genetic tools and high resolution in vivo imaging techniques have been exploited. In particular, grafting of mammalian tumor cells in zebrafish embryo body may simulate early stages of tumor development, neovascularization, and local invasion whereas the injection of cancer cells in the bloodstream of zebrafish embryo may allow the study of metastatic homing and colonization. This review focuses on the recent advances in tumor xenotransplantation in zebrafish embryo for the in vivo study of the cancer neovascularization, invasion and metastatic processes. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Animal Models of Disease.

► Zebrafish represents a power tool in cancer research.
► Mammalian tumor cells can be injected in zebrafish adults, juveniles and embryos.
► Zebrafish embryo/tumor grafts allow the study of tumor/endothelial cell cross-talk.
► Various metastatic process steps can be investigated in zebrafish embryo/tumor grafts.
► Zebrafish embryo/tumor grafts are suitable for anti-angiogenic drug discovery.