In-Vivo Insights: ACTB Expression in Animal Models of Breast Cancer – Profiling, Metastasis, Pharmacodynamics, and AI-Integrated Imaging

Abstract

β-actin (ACTB) is a key cytoskeletal protein increasingly recognized for its multifaceted role in cancer biology, including cell migration, invasion, and resistance to therapy. This review synthesizes evidence from in-vivo breast cancer models, focusing on ACTB expression profiling across mouse xenograft and orthotopic platforms. The relationship between ACTB modulation and metastatic progression to the lungs, bone, and liver is systematically examined. Further, the article integrates pharmacodynamic data connecting ACTB knockdown or inhibition with tumor regression, highlighting its potential as a predictive biomarker. A dedicated section explores advances in non-invasive imaging, particularly the AI-powered Swalife HistoAnalysis tool, which refines quantification of ACTB in tissue contexts and links imaging phenotypes with molecular datasets. The review advocates for standardized protocols and collaborative AI-imaging platforms to bridge the translational gap from animal studies to clinical innovation, outlining future research priorities.