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Spontaneous Tumor Model Development
Spontaneous prostate cancer modeling provides an important experimental tool for studying prostate cancer onset, progression, and therapy. Alfa Cytology is committed to providing our clients with a one-stop for spontaneous tumor model development, aiming to deliver reliable, reproducible, and translatable models that accurately accelerate the translational process from lab to therapy.
Introduction to Spontaneous Tumor Model
Spontaneous prostate cancer model is defined as the spontaneous generation of tumors in experimental animals under natural circumstances without any conscious artificial disposition. Canines can spontaneously generate prostate intraepithelial neoplastic hyperplasia (PIN) and prostate adenocarcinoma in animals, but are characterized by high age of occurrence, susceptibility to metastasis and late onset of androgen non-dependence. Moreover, canine experiments are more difficult to control, the spontaneous rate of cancer is lower, and the experiments are more expensive.
Fig.1 Widely used methods for generation of transgenic mice. (Onaciu, A., et al., 2020)
Variations in genetic predispositions across animal species result in diverse propensities for the development of spontaneous tumors. Models of spontaneity in oncogenesis are predominantly based on genetically engineered mice (GEMs) or other species that exhibit tumorigenesis as a consequence of inherent genetic alterations. Such models serve as a robust experimental framework for investigating the intricate interplay within the tumor microenvironment, the spectrum of genetic mutations, and the comprehensive progression of tumorigenesis.
Our Services
At Alfa Cytology, we utilize specialized platforms to develop our spontaneous prostate cancer models, ensuring that these models accurately map the clinical features of prostate cancer. From model preparation specifications to evaluation methods to safety assessments, we ensure that every step of the process follows strict international standards in order to provide a high standard of service.
TRAMP Model
Using the TRAMP model, researchers can enable mice to spontaneously generate prostate tumors by combining androgen receptor (AR) enhancers and control elements of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) to large T and small t antigens.
PB-Cre4/PtenloxP/loxP Model
PB-Cre4/PtenloxP/loxP model development service induces spontaneous formation of prostate cancer in mice through prostate-specific knockdown of the PTEN gene by employing the prostate-specific protein (PB) promoter-driven Cre recombinase.
Hi-Myc Model
Hi-Myc Model Development Service utilizes the prostate-specific protein (PB) promoter to drive the overexpression of the MYC oncogene, leading to the spontaneous formation of adenocarcinomas in mouse prostate glands.
LADY Model
LADY Model Development Service drives prostate carcinogenesis in mice by utilizing the prostate-specific protein (PB) promoter to drive the expression of the large T antigen.
Applications of Spontaneous Tumor Models
Alfa Cytology offers spontaneous tumor models that can be applied to a wide range of research topics, providing a powerful platform for advancing prostate cancer research.
Case Study
Spontaneous Hi-MYC Mouse Model of Prostate Cancer
The Hi-MYC transgenic model utilizes prostate-specific overexpression of the human proto-oncogene MYC to replicate critical early events in prostate tumorigenesis. This model provides a robust platform for studying the transition from initial preneoplastic lesions to the development of invasive adenocarcinoma.
- Model Information
Species: Hi-Myc mice
Sex: Male
Age: 4-6 weeks
Weight: 16-20 g
Fig. 2 Establishment protocol of Hi-MYC mouse prostate cancer models
We maintain a stable breeding colony of Hi-MYC mice on a well-characterized genetic background. To ensure experimental accuracy, all animals are identified via PCR-based genotyping to confirm the presence of the human MYC transgene. Furthermore, wild-type littermates are utilized as controls in all studies to isolate phenotypes specifically driven by MYC overexpression and to mitigate potential confounding effects from the genetic background.
- Model Evaluation of Hi-MYC Mice
Tailored to specific research objectives, systematic analyses are conducted at critical intervals during disease progression to evaluate key parameters. These assessments include monitoring body weight fluctuations (Figure 3), profiling serum growth factors and cytokines, and performing detailed histopathological examinations within the animal models (Figure 4).
Fig. 3 Body weight changes in Hi-MYC mice
Fig. 4 Histopathological analysis of prostate tumor tissue in Hi-MYC mice
At Alfa Cytology, we are committed to providing you with a comprehensive and efficient prostate cancer tumor model development service to support your research and drug development needs. If you are interested in our services, please don't hesitate to contact us for further information and pricing details.
Reference
- Onaciu, A., et al. Spontaneous and induced animal models for cancer research. Diagnostics. 2020, 10(9): 660.
For research use only.