Genetically modified mice have been extensively used for analyzing
the molecular events that occur during tumor development. In many,
if not all, cases, however, it is uncertain to what extent the
mouse models reproduce features observed in the corresponding
human conditions. This is due largely to lack of precise methods
for direct and comprehensive comparison at the molecular level
of the mouse and human tumors. Here we use global gene expression
patterns of 68 hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) from seven different
mouse models and 91 human HCCs from predefined subclasses to obtain
direct comparison of the molecular features of mouse and human
HCCs. Gene expression patterns in HCCs from Myc, E2f1 and Myc
E2f1 transgenic mice were most similar to those of the better
survival group of human HCCs, whereas the expression patterns
in HCCs from Myc Tgfa transgenic mice and in diethylnitrosamine-induced
mouse HCCs were most similar to those of the poorer survival group
of human HCCs. Gene expression patterns in HCCs from Acox1(-/-)
mice and in ciprofibrate-induced HCCs were least similar to those
observed in human HCCs. We conclude that our approach can effectively
identify appropriate mouse models to study human cancers.