A pet gecko known for developing tumors at an exceptionally high rate could offer scientists a valuable new way to study how cancer begins, evolves, and spreads, according to research led by experts at the University of Nottingham.
Published in BMC Biology, the findings may also help researchers understand why certain animals are especially vulnerable to cancer while others develop the disease only rarely.
A Gecko With an Extraordinary Cancer Risk
Cancer appears to be uncommon in some reptiles, including turtles and tortoises. However, the leopard gecko color variety sold in the pet trade as the “lemon frost” morph presents a striking exception. Aggressive tumors develop in about 80% of these geckos.
Researchers have now identified genomic changes associated with the disease. Several of those changes involve genes and biological processes that are also connected to cancer in humans.
Dr. Chiari said: “By studying why some animals are so susceptible to cancer while others are remarkably resistant, we hope to uncover the different ways species have evolved to deal with cancer. Specifically, this gecko could become an incredible model in cancer research because tumors appear naturally at a relatively early age. Together, these natural strategies could inspire new ways of preventing, detecting, and treating cancer in humans.”
Source: SciTechDaily
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