MKN-45 Xenograft Model Service for Gastric Cancer

The MKN-45 Xenograft Model Service for Gastric Cancer provides a robust, preclinical platform for evaluating novel therapeutic strategies against diffuse-type gastric adenocarcinoma using one of the most extensively characterized cell-derived xenograft (CDX) systems available. At Alfa Cytology, we specialize in delivering high-quality, preclinical tumor model services, and our MKN-45 xenograft program is meticulously designed to support your drug discovery pipeline with reproducible tumor growth kinetics, comprehensive endpoint analysis, and customizable study parameters tailored to your specific research objectives.

Overview of MKN-45 Xenograft Model for Gastric Cancer

The MKN-45 cell line, originally established from the liver metastasis of a 62-year-old Japanese female patient with poorly differentiated gastric adenocarcinoma, represents the chromosomal instability (CIN) molecular subtype according to The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) classification. This cell line exhibits hallmark molecular features of diffuse-type gastric cancer, including c-MET oncogene amplification, wild-type TP53 status, and epigenetic silencing of E-cadherin (CDH1) through promoter hypermethylation. In xenograft applications, MKN-45 cells demonstrate robust tumorigenicity in immunocompromised murine hosts, with established models showing consistent tumor uptake rates and predictable growth kinetics that make them invaluable for preclinical pharmacology and translational oncology research.

MKN-45 xenografts are particularly notable for their moderate-to-high metastatic potential, with documented dissemination to visceral organs including liver, lung, and mesentery in orthotopic implantation settings. The model has been extensively validated across multiple immunodeficient backgrounds, including BALB/c nude mice and more severely immunocompromised strains, demonstrating versatility for diverse therapeutic modalities ranging from cytotoxic chemotherapy to targeted small-molecule inhibitors and biologics. Researchers have successfully employed MKN-45 CDX models for biomarker discovery, monotherapy efficacy assessment, and combination regimen optimization, establishing this platform as a cornerstone of gastric cancer preclinical development.

Figure 1. Establishment of MKN-45 orthotopic xenograft model by transplanting subcutaneous tumor fragments from donor mice. (Wang, Chao, et al., 2024)

Cell Line Information: MKN-45

The following table summarizes the comprehensive characterization data for the MKN-45 human gastric cancer cell line, encompassing demographic origin, molecular pathology, growth properties, and key genetic alterations relevant to preclinical modeling.

Our Services

Alfa Cytology leverages the MKN-45 cell line's well-established molecular profile and proven in vivo tumorigenicity to deliver a premium, customizable xenograft service that accelerates your preclinical gastric cancer research. Our experienced scientific team ensures rigorous quality control, from cell line authentication via STR profiling to mycoplasma screening and controlled tumor monitoring, providing you with reliable, publication-ready data to advance your therapeutic candidates from bench to bedside.

Workflow of MKN-45 Xenograft Model Construction

The construction of the MKN-45 xenograft model follows a standardized, multi-step workflow designed to ensure reproducible tumor establishment, consistent growth kinetics, and reliable endpoint analysis. Each phase is executed under stringent quality management protocols to maintain the integrity of the preclinical dataset.

1. Cell Line Preparation and Quality Control: MKN-45 cells are expanded from authenticated, low-passage master stocks under adherent culture conditions in RPMI-1640 with 10% FBS. Prior to implantation, cells undergo comprehensive quality control including mycoplasma testing, STR authentication, and viability assessment to ensure >90% viability and exponential growth phase status.
2. Immunocompromised Host Selection and Preparation: Appropriate immunodeficient mouse strains (e.g., BALB/c nude or NOD/SCID) are selected based on study objectives and therapeutic modality. Animals are acclimatized for a minimum of one week, with health monitoring and baseline body weight recording initiated prior to tumor cell implantation.
3. Tumor Cell Implantation: For subcutaneous models, a cell suspension of 5x10^6 to 10x10^6 MKN-45 cells in 100-200 microL of serum-free medium mixed with Matrigel (1:1 ratio) is implanted into the subcutaneous space of the flank. For orthotopic models, cells are injected into the gastric wall subserosal layer under microscopic guidance to recapitulate native tumor microenvironment and metastatic dissemination.
4. Post-Operative Monitoring and Tumor Establishment: Mice are monitored daily for the first 72 hours post-implantation for surgical recovery and general health status. Tumor establishment is confirmed via palpation (subcutaneous) or bioluminescence imaging (orthotopic) beginning at Day 7, with tumor-positive animals randomized into treatment cohorts once tumors reach 100-200 mm^3 or predetermined radiance thresholds.
5. Therapeutic Intervention and Tumor Monitoring: Test articles are administered according to predefined dosing schedules (route, frequency, and duration). Tumor dimensions are measured twice weekly via digital caliper for subcutaneous models, with volume calculated using the modified ellipsoid formula (length x width^2 x 0.5). Orthotopic models are monitored via weekly BLI or MRI to track primary tumor burden and metastatic spread non-invasively.
6. Endpoint Analysis and Necropsy: Upon reaching humane endpoints or study termination, animals are euthanized and subjected to comprehensive necropsy. Tumors are excised, weighed, and processed for histopathology (H&E staining, IHC), biomarker analysis, and pharmacodynamic studies. Metastatic lesions in major organs are documented, and tissue samples are snap-frozen or fixed for downstream molecular profiling.

Figure 2: Schematic workflow illustrating the derivation and construction of the MKN-45 Xenograft Model at Alfa Cytology.

Case Study-MKN-45 Xenograft Model Development

In a representative preclinical engagement, MKN-45 cells were successfully engrafted into immunocompromised mice to establish a subcutaneous xenograft model for evaluating a novel targeted therapeutic candidate. Tumor-bearing animals demonstrated consistent engraftment with predictable growth kinetics, enabling robust statistical powering for treatment efficacy assessment. The study incorporated comprehensive pharmacodynamic endpoints, including tumor growth inhibition, body weight monitoring, and terminal histopathological analysis, yielding high-quality data suitable for regulatory documentation and publication. Specific quantitative results and treatment modalities are available upon request and can be customized to align with your proprietary compound profile and study design requirements.

Why Choose Alfa Cytology?

Alfa Cytology distinguishes itself as a trusted preclinical CRO partner through rigorous scientific execution, transparent communication, and unwavering commitment to data quality. Our MKN-45 xenograft service is built upon validated methodologies and quality-controlled reagents to ensure reproducible outcomes for your gastric cancer research programs.

• Authenticated, low-passage MKN-45 cell banks with comprehensive STR profiling and mycoplasma screening to ensure model fidelity.
• Flexible study designs accommodating subcutaneous, orthotopic, and metastatic model configurations tailored to your therapeutic hypothesis.
• Real-time tumor monitoring capabilities including caliper-based measurements and advanced imaging modalities (BLI, MRI) for longitudinal data collection.
• Comprehensive endpoint analysis encompassing histopathology, immunohistochemistry, biomarker quantification, and pharmacodynamic profiling.
• Dedicated project management with detailed study protocols, interim reporting, and regulatory-compliant documentation to support IND-enabling studies.
• Competitive timelines and transparent pricing with no hidden costs, enabling efficient budget planning and milestone achievement.

Contact Us

Ready to advance your gastric cancer therapeutic pipeline with a validated MKN-45 xenograft model? Please reach out to us today via our inquiry form or email to learn more about our MKN-45 Xenograft Model services.

For research use only. Not intended for any clinical use.