HGC-27 Xenograft Model Service for Gastric Cancer

The HGC-27 xenograft model represents a well-established and highly tumorigenic human gastric cancer platform, widely utilized in preclinical oncology research to evaluate therapeutic efficacy, tumor progression dynamics, and novel drug targeting strategies in vivo. At Alfa Cytology, we specialize in delivering robust, reproducible HGC-27 xenograft model services tailored to your preclinical research objectives. Our experienced scientific team ensures rigorous model construction, comprehensive endpoint analysis, and customizable study designs to accelerate your drug discovery and development pipeline.
Overview of HGC-27 Xenograft Model for Gastric Cancer
The HGC-27 cell line was originally established in 1976 from the metastatic lymph node of a 37-year-old male patient diagnosed with poorly differentiated gastric adenocarcinoma. These cells exhibit epithelial-like morphology with polygonal or short spindle-shaped appearances and demonstrate strong adherence in monolayer culture. Chromosomal analysis reveals marked aneuploidy with a modal chromosome number ranging from 109 to 110, reflecting the genomic instability characteristic of advanced gastric malignancies. HGC-27 cells display a rapid doubling time of approximately 17 hours and exhibit robust tumorigenic potential when engrafted into immunodeficient hosts, making them an ideal candidate for xenograft-based preclinical investigations.
In xenograft applications, HGC-27 cells are typically inoculated subcutaneously into immunocompromised murine models such as nude mice, where they form palpable tumors within 8 to 14 days post-injection. The resulting tumor masses display histological features consistent with the original undifferentiated carcinoma, including disorganized cellular architecture, high nuclear-to-cytoplasmic ratios, and prominent nucleoli. This model has been extensively employed to study gastric cancer proliferation, migration, invasion, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and mucin-related pathobiology. Additionally, HGC-27 xenografts serve as a critical platform for evaluating chemotherapeutic agents, targeted therapies, and immunomodulatory strategies, providing translational insights into treatment response and resistance mechanisms in gastric adenocarcinoma.
Figure 1. The effects of ASCs on the growth of HGC-27 in vivo assay. (Zhao, Jianhong, et al., 2020)
Cell Line Information: HGC-27
HGC-27 is a human gastric adenocarcinoma cell line with well-characterized biological and molecular properties. The following table summarizes key characteristics essential for preclinical model development and experimental design:
| Feature |
Specification |
| Cell Line Name |
HGC-27 |
| Alternative Designations |
HGC 27; HGC27 |
| Cellosaurus Accession |
CVCL_1279 |
| Organism |
Homo sapiens (Human) |
| Tissue Origin |
Stomach (Gastric) |
| Disease |
Gastric Adenocarcinoma (Poorly Differentiated) |
| Source Organ / Site |
Metastatic Lymph Node |
| Patient Demographics |
37-year-old male, Japanese population |
| Year of Establishment |
1976 |
| Cell Type |
Epithelial |
| Morphology |
Epithelial-like; polygonal or short spindle-shaped |
| Growth Properties |
Monolayer, adherent |
| Doubling Time |
~17 hours |
| Biosafety Level |
1 |
| Tumorigenicity |
Yes (High tumorigenic potential in vivo) |
| p53 Expression |
Negative (p53-null) |
| Key Mutations |
PIK3CA p.Glu542Lys; TP53 p.Pro153Alafs*28; ATR p.Gly2316fs*9 |
| Mucin Production |
Yes (Mucin-secreting phenotype) |
| Recommended Culture Medium |
EMEM (EBSS) + 2mM Glutamine + 1% NEAA + 10% FBS; or RPMI-1640 + 10% FBS |
| Culture Conditions |
37°C, 5% CO₂, humidified atmosphere |
| Subculture Routine |
Split sub-confluent cultures (70-80%) 1:3 to 1:6 using 0.05% trypsin/EDTA |
| Seeding Density |
1-2 x 10⁴ cells/cm² |
| Media Renewal |
Every 2 to 3 days |
| Cloning Efficiency |
5.3% (liquid medium); 1.0% (soft agar) |
| Karyotype |
Aneuploid; modal chromosome number 109-110 |
| STR Profile |
Amelogenin: X; CSF1PO: 12; D5S818: 12; D7S820: 11,12,13; D13S317: 10,11; D16S539: 10,11; TH01: 9; TPOX: 8; vWA: 14 |
| Mycoplasma Status |
Negative (tested by PCR) |
| Applications |
Preclinical drug screening, tumor progression studies, EMT research, mucin biology, targeted therapy evaluation |
Our Services
Alfa Cytology offers comprehensive, end-to-end HGC-27 xenograft model services designed to meet the diverse needs of preclinical oncology research. From initial cell line authentication and quality control to in vivo model construction, tumor monitoring, and endpoint histopathological analysis, our team ensures every study adheres to the highest standards of scientific rigor and reproducibility. We provide flexible study designs including single-agent and combination therapy evaluations, dose-response assessments, pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic integration, and biomarker analysis. Whether you are investigating novel chemotherapeutics, targeted molecular inhibitors, or immunotherapeutic approaches, Alfa Cytology delivers reliable data to support your decision-making in drug development.
Workflow of HGC-27 Xenograft Model Construction
The construction of HGC-27 xenograft models follows a standardized, multi-step workflow designed to ensure high engraftment rates, consistent tumor growth kinetics, and reproducible experimental outcomes. Each phase is carefully monitored and documented to maintain quality control throughout the study duration.
- Cell Line Expansion and Quality Control: HGC-27 cells are expanded in culture under optimal conditions (37°C, 5% CO₂) using validated media formulations. Prior to inoculation, cells undergo comprehensive quality control including mycoplasma testing, STR authentication, and viability assessment to ensure genetic integrity and absence of contamination.
- Cell Harvest and Preparation: Sub-confluent cultures are harvested using enzymatic dissociation (0.05% trypsin/EDTA), washed with PBS, and resuspended in a sterile carrier solution such as PBS or serum-free medium. Cell viability is confirmed by trypan blue exclusion, and only suspensions with >95% viability are approved for inoculation.
- Animal Preparation and Ethical Approval: Immunodeficient mice (typically BALB/c nude or NOD-SCID) are acclimatized under controlled environmental conditions. All procedures are conducted in accordance with institutional animal care and use committee (IACUC) guidelines and relevant ethical standards for preclinical research.
- Subcutaneous Cell Inoculation: HGC-27 cells (typically 1x10⁶ to 1x10⁷ cells per mouse) are injected subcutaneously into the flank or dorsal region using a sterile syringe. The inoculation site is selected to facilitate tumor palpation, measurement, and imaging throughout the study duration.
- Tumor Monitoring and Growth Assessment: Tumor development is monitored by palpation beginning 3-5 days post-inoculation. Once tumors become palpable, caliper measurements are performed twice weekly to track tumor volume using the standard formula: Volume = (Length x Width²) / 2. Body weight and general health status are recorded concurrently.
- Randomization and Treatment Initiation: Upon reaching a predetermined tumor volume (typically 100-200 mm³), animals are randomized into treatment and control groups. Test compounds are administered according to the study protocol via appropriate routes (oral gavage, intraperitoneal, or intravenous injection).
- Endpoint Analysis and Sample Collection: At study termination, tumors are excised, weighed, and processed for downstream analyses including histopathology (H&E staining), immunohistochemistry (IHC), biomarker profiling, and molecular characterization. Blood and organ samples may also be collected for toxicology and pharmacokinetic assessments.
Figure 2. HGC-27 xenograft model construction workflow.
Case Study-HGC-27 Xenograft Model Development
In a representative preclinical study, HGC-27 xenografts were successfully established in immunodeficient mice to evaluate the antitumor efficacy of a novel therapeutic candidate. Following subcutaneous inoculation, tumors achieved measurable volumes within 10-14 days, exhibiting consistent growth kinetics across the cohort. Treatment administration commenced upon reaching the target tumor burden, and subsequent monitoring revealed dose-dependent inhibition of tumor progression compared to vehicle-treated controls. Endpoint analysis demonstrated significant reductions in tumor mass, supported by histopathological evidence of decreased cellular proliferation and increased apoptotic activity. Comprehensive biomarker profiling further elucidated the mechanism of action, providing valuable translational insights. This case exemplifies the utility of the HGC-27 xenograft platform for robust preclinical efficacy evaluation and supports its continued application in advancing gastric cancer drug development programs.

Why Choose Alfa Cytology?
Alfa Cytology combines scientific expertise, operational excellence, and client-centric flexibility to deliver preclinical xenograft model services that meet the highest industry standards. Our HGC-27 gastric cancer model service is designed to provide reliable, actionable data while streamlining your research workflow.
- Extensive experience in oncology preclinical model development with a dedicated team of in vivo pharmacology specialists.
- Rigorous cell line authentication and quality control protocols ensuring genetic integrity and reproducibility across all studies.
- Customizable study designs accommodating single-agent, combination, dose-escalation, and biomarker-driven endpoints.
- Comprehensive in-life monitoring including tumor volume tracking, body weight assessment, and clinical observation.
- Advanced endpoint analysis capabilities encompassing histopathology, immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, and molecular profiling.
- Transparent project management with regular progress updates, detailed study reports, and dedicated scientific consultation.
- Competitive turnaround times and flexible scheduling to align with your drug discovery milestones and regulatory timelines.
Contact Us
Ready to advance your gastric cancer research program with a validated HGC-27 xenograft model? Contact us today to discuss your study requirements, receive a customized project proposal, and learn how Alfa Cytology can accelerate your preclinical development pipeline. Our scientific team is available to reach out to you promptly and provide detailed consultation on model design, scheduling, and pricing. Please reach out to us today via our inquiry form or email to learn more about our HGC-27 Xenograft Model services.
Reference
- Zhao, Jianhong, et al. "Human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis of human gastric cancer HGC-27 cells." 3 Biotech 10.3 (2020): 129.
For research use only. Not intended for any clinical use.