Xenograft and syngenic tumor models are ideal for testing anticancer activity of different new compounds which previously showed promising results in vitro. In our minimal disease (MD) facility, experimental mice used for in vivo studies are maintained in individually ventilated cages (IVC) at constant circumstances (temperature, humidity and pressure) and are supplied sterile food and water ad libitum.
Xenograft Models
Tumor cells implanted subcutaneously represent a relatively simple procedure to test novel anticancer candidates in vivo. These mouse models are ideal for fast, preclinical evaluation of anticancer effects in complex organisms.
A549 LUNG CARCINOMA MODEL
Human A549 carcinoma cells was derived from the skin of a patient with lung carcinoma. In xenograft studies, the cells, which are maintained in aseptic conditions and in exponential growth phase are implanted into the left flank of the mice. This induces the growth of subcutaneous tumors. Mice are randomized into treatment groups and are daily monitored for general physical condition. Furthermore, the tumors are measured with a caliper. Animal weights are measured three times a week. In the end of the experiment, the primary tumors are isolated and their volume and weight are determined. Upon request, the formed metastases can be counted at necropsy. Predefined tissues of interest and primary tumors can be snapped frozen in liquid nitrogen, stabilized in RNALater and prepared for histopathology or gene expression analysis.
HL60 HUMAN LEUKEMIA MODEL
Human HL-60 cells were isolated from the peripheral blood of a patient with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The cell line has proven to be a potent model to study the differentiation of human myeloid cell. These xenograft models are induced through a tail vein injection orthotopically. Mouse weights are documented three times a week and at the end of the experiment. Predetermined tissues are collected (snapped frozen, submersed in RNALater, or prepared for histopathological analysis) during standard gross necropsy.
HT29 carcinoma cells
Human HT-29 carcinoma cells were derived from the primary colorectal adenocarcinoma of a patient. This model is used to evaluate the efficacy of novel compounds in immunocompromised mice. Viable adenocarcinoma cells are maintained in aseptic conditions and are injected into the right flank of the mice, subcutaneously. Body weights of the mice are recorded three times a week. When the volumes of the tumors reach 100-150 mm3, the animals are randomized into treatment groups and their general physical condition are monitored daily. Tumor volumes are measured daily with a caliper. Upon request, predefined tissues of interest and primary tumors can be snapped frozen in liquid nitrogen, stabilized in RNALater, and prepared for histopathology or gene expression analysis.
Syngenic Models
4T1 BREAST CANCER MODEL
This tumor model is developed with subcutaneously implanted 4T1 cells in BALB/C mice. Syngenic 4T1 breast carcinoma cells were originally isolated from the mammary gland of a mouse. In experiments, the subcutaneous tumors are measured daily with a caliper, and the animal weights are taken three times a week. At the end of the experiment the animals are necropsied. The volume and weight of the isolated tumors are determined. Upon request, the total macroscopic metastases may be counted in all organs..
B16 Melanoma model
Subcutaneously implanted, syngenic B16 tumor cells are comparable to human melanoma tumors since they interact with tissues surrounding the tumor. Furthermore, the B16 melanoma cells can spread to metastatic sites in other organs. In our studies, the animals are randomized into treatment groups according to the tumor sizes. The tumors are measured daily with a caliper. During the experiment, the animals are weighed three times a week and necropsy is performed in the endpoint. The volume and weight of the isolated tumors are determined and sent to soft tissue pathology. Upon request, the total macroscopic metastases may be evaluated in all organs.
Established Cell Lines
| Tumor cell line | Origin | Species |
|---|---|---|
| A549 | Lung | Human |
| HL60 | Blood | Human |
| HT168 | Skin | Human |
| HT29 | Colon | Human |
| HepG2 | Liver | Human |
| Hep3B | Liver | Human |
| U87 | Brain | Human |
| B-16 | Skin | Mouse |
| 4T1 | Breast | Mouse |
- Oral gavage
- Feeding with special feeds
- Intravenous administration
- Intratumoral administration
- Subcutaneous administration
- Intramuscular administration
- Intraperitoneal administration
- Intranasal administration