A rare color mutation revealed natural tumors mirroring key cancer pathways, offering a new research model for future discoveries.
A leopard gecko known for its unusual coloring may provide scientists with a new way to investigate cancer. Researchers studying the "lemon frost" variety of leopard gecko have found that the genetic mutation responsible for the animal's distinctive appearance is also associated with the development of aggressive tumors.
Their findings suggest the gecko could become a valuable model for understanding how cancer develops and progresses, potentially complementing existing cancer research models. The research focused on the genetic changes found in tumors from lemon frost geckos. By comparing tumor tissue with healthy tissue from the same animals, scientists identified recurring DNA alterations. Many of the affected genes and biological pathways are also linked to cancers in humans and other animals.
One of the model's biggest strengths is that the tumors arise naturally rather than being experimentally induced. Dr. Ylenia Chiari, who led the study at the School of Life Sciences at the University of Nottingham, told Newsweek that this makes the gecko particularly valuable for cancer research.
"Although it is unfortunate for the geckos that this color morph has such a high prevalence of tumors, which often develop at a young age, recur in different parts of the body, and can metastasize, these characteristics make them an exceptionally valuable model for cancer research," Chiari said. Because of the welfare concerns associated with the condition, lemon frost geckos are no longer allowed to be bred or sold in the pet trade.
Yet from a scientific perspective, Chiari said they offer several advantages. They are relatively easy to maintain in captivity, and a high proportion naturally develop tumors between 6 months and 5 years of age without any experimental intervention. The tumors are iridophoromas, which arise from iridophores—a pigment cell type that humans do not have. Initially, the researchers questioned whether this would limit the gecko's usefulness as a model for human cancer.
Instead, they found something unexpected.
"Surprisingly, when we compared the genomic profiles of tumor and non-tumor tissues from the same individuals, we found not only novel genomic features but also alterations in genes and pathways that are known to play key roles in human cancers and metastatic processes," Chiari said. According to Chiari, this suggests that despite the tumors arising from a different type of cell, important molecular mechanisms involved in tumor development and progression may be shared between these geckos and humans.
The researchers believe the findings highlight the value of studying naturally occurring cancers across a wider range of species. Comparing animals that are highly susceptible to cancer with those that rarely develop it could help scientists better understand why cancers arise and spread.
"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," Chiari said.
The study also demonstrated that genomic analysis tools originally developed for human cancers can be successfully adapted to study cancer in other species. Study co-author Brandon Hastings said: "Overall, our paper demonstrates the importance of looking across the tree of life in search of answers that are needed to better understand diseases that can have a profound impact on human life, such as cancer.
Methodologically, it also highlights that the variety of genomic software programs developed to analyze human cancers can be adapted to provide meaningful insights in diverse organisms.
" Looking ahead, Chiari said the next step will be collaborating more closely with cancer biologists to determine exactly how the genetic alterations identified in the geckos drive tumor growth and metastasis, and whether those same mechanisms operate in human cancers. "I think this system has clear potential," she said. "Collaborating with cancer biologists is the essential next step to uncover the molecular mechanisms driving tumor development in this system and to evaluate their relevance to human cancers.
" Rather than replacing traditional laboratory models, Chiari expects the lemon frost gecko to complement them. "The more we study cancer susceptibility across animals, the clearer it becomes that different species have evolved distinct mechanisms to reach similar outcomes, such as a low prevalence of cancer," she said.
"I see the lemon frost gecko as a valuable addition to the existing cancer models, with the potential to reveal novel mechanisms of tumor development and progression that may not be captured by traditional systems. " The project itself emerged from an unexpected collaboration. Chiari had been studying color patterns in geckos while also researching species with exceptional longevity and low cancer rates.
When collaborator Dr. Tony Gamble received several donated lemon frost geckos that could no longer be bred because of their high tumor incidence, he asked whether Chiari wanted to monitor their tumor development. The project later brought together experts in evolutionary biology, veterinary pathology, and cancer bioinformatics to analyze the tumors' genetic features.
The researchers say the work adds another important piece to the broader effort to understand why some species are highly vulnerable to cancer while others have evolved remarkable resistance, with lessons that could ultimately inform future research into human disease. Reference Hastings, B. T., Chiari, Y., et al. Dissecting cancer in a non-mammalian model: genomic insights from lemon frost geckos.
BMC Biology, 2026. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12915-026-02661-0 Contact Newsweek editors on this story: Kara Dolman and Emma Lee-SangA leopard gecko known for its unusual coloring may provide scientists with a new way to investigate cancer. Researchers studying the"lemon frost" variety of leopard gecko have found that the genetic mutation responsible for the animal's distinctive appearance is also associated with the development of.
Their findings suggest the gecko could become a valuable model for understanding how cancer develops and progresses, potentially complementing existing cancer research models. The research focused on the genetic changes found in tumors from lemon frost geckos.
By comparing tumor tissue with healthy tissue from the same animals, scientists identified recurringOne of the model's biggest strengths is that the tumors arise naturally rather than being experimentally induced.that this color morph has such a high prevalence of tumors, which often develop at a young age, recur in different parts of the body, and can metastasize, these characteristics make them an exceptionally valuable model for cancer research," Chiari said. Because of the welfare concerns associated with the condition, lemon frost geckos are no longer allowed to be bred or sold in the pet trade.
Yet from a scientific perspective, Chiari said they offer several advantages. They are relatively easy to maintain in captivity, and a high proportion naturally develop tumors between 6 months and 5 years of age without any experimental intervention. The tumors are iridophoromas, which arise from iridophores—a pigment cell type that humans do not have. Initially, the researchers questioned whether this would limit the gecko's usefulness as a model for human cancer.
"Surprisingly, when we compared the genomic profiles of tumor and non-tumor tissues from the same individuals, we found not only novel genomic features but also alterations in genes and pathways that are known to play key roles in human cancers and metastatic processes," Chiari said. According to Chiari, this suggests that despite the tumors arising from a different type of cell, important molecular mechanisms involved in tumor development and progression may be shared between these geckos and humans.
The researchers believe the findings highlight the value of studying naturally occurring cancers across a wider range of species. Comparing animals that are highly susceptible to cancer with those that rarely develop it could help scientists better understand why cancers arise and spread.
"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," Chiari said.
The study also demonstrated that genomic analysis tools originally developed for human cancers can be successfully adapted to study cancer in other species. Study co-author Brandon Hastings said:"Overall, our paper demonstrates the importance of looking across the tree of life in search of answers that are needed to better understand diseases that can have a profound impact on human life, such as cancer.
Methodologically, it also highlights that the variety of genomic software programs developed to analyze human cancers can be adapted to provide meaningful insights in diverse organisms.
" Looking ahead, Chiari said the next step will be collaborating more closely with cancer biologists to determine exactly how the genetic alterations identified in the geckos drive tumor growth and metastasis, and whether those same mechanisms operate in human cancers. "I think this system has clear potential," she said. "Collaborating with cancer biologists is the essential next step to uncover the molecular mechanisms driving tumor development in this system and to evaluate their relevance to human cancers.
" Rather than replacing traditional laboratory models, Chiari expects the lemon frost gecko to complement them. "The more we study cancer susceptibility across animals, the clearer it becomes that different species have evolved distinct mechanisms to reach similar outcomes, such as a low prevalence of cancer," she said.
"I see the lemon frost gecko as a valuable addition to the existing cancer models, with the potential to reveal novel mechanisms of tumor development and progression that may not be captured by traditional systems. " The project itself emerged from an unexpected collaboration. Chiari had been studying color patterns in geckos while also researching species with exceptional longevity and low cancer rates.
When collaborator Dr. Tony Gamble received several donated lemon frost geckos that could no longer be bred because of their high tumor incidence, he asked whether Chiari wanted to monitor their tumor development. The project later brought together experts in evolutionary biology, veterinary pathology, and cancer bioinformatics to analyze the tumors' genetic features.
The researchers say the work adds another important piece to the broader effort to understand why some species are highly vulnerable to cancer while others have evolved remarkable resistance, with lessons that could ultimately inform future research into human disease. Hastings, B. T., Chiari, Y., et al. Dissecting cancer in a non-mammalian model: genomic insights from lemon frost geckos. BMC Biology, 2026.
Please follow us on Google to support usUnited States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News: You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Homeward Pet Adoption Center Seeks Community Help Amidst Kitten SeasonThe Homeward Pet Adoption Center in Woodinville is taking in approximately 100 kittens weekly, reaching its physical capacity. The organization is asking community members to consider fostering, adopting, or donating to help care for the kittens.
Read more »
Non-smokers under 50 are getting lung cancer. What they eat raised a red flagHealthy eaters who never smoked are getting lung cancer—and scientists think pesticides on produce may be why.
Read more »
Kids with deadliest brain cancers survive years after breakthrough cell therapyA cutting-edge immunotherapy could help kids fight — and even banish — brain tumors, the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in children.
Read more »
Scientists design particle that makes cancer cells self-destructResearchers unveil a targeted approach that turns a tumor’s own chemistry against it, opening a new path in cancer research.
Read more »
Scientists finally solve how common gut bacteria triggers colon cancerA gastroenterologist told Newsweek the findings could help guide new ways to prevent and treat colorectal cancer.
Read more »
'Superworms' help scientists with a vexing task: Cleaning animal specimensThe larvae of a beetle native to South and Central America, the critters are the perfect solution to sticky problem: How to prepare an animal skeleton for scientific use.
Read more »