The initiation process of cellular invasion in melanoma might be a common feature in all melanomas via up-regulation of early embryonic genes such as Notch1 and nodal, or via up-regulation of neural crest signaling. Various genetically modified mouse models are used in melanoma research to study melanomas generation and progression (e.g. Hgf-Cdk4(R24C) mice ) or as a model for subcutaneous tumor nodule formation. Although of eminent importance for the testing of novel drugs targeting pathways involved in melanoma cell proliferation or to induce an immune reaction directed against such experimentally generated melanomas, the mouse models seem limited to this application range. The chick embryo as experimental system has several advantages. The embryo in the egg is easily accessible. Transplants are not rejected, because the immune system has not yet developed. Legal and ethical restrictions are limited to the stages before and after hatching.
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