OE19 Xenograft Model Service for Esophageal Adenocarcinoma (EAC)

The OE19 Xenograft Model Service for Esophageal Adenocarcinoma (EAC) provides a robust, HER2-positive preclinical platform for evaluating targeted therapies, chemotherapeutic combinations, and novel agents against gastroesophageal malignancies. Alfa Cytology delivers fully validated OE19 xenograft studies with rapid tumor kinetics, comprehensive endpoint analysis, and customizable study designs to accelerate your esophageal adenocarcinoma drug development pipeline.
Overview of OE19 Xenograft Model for Esophageal Adenocarcinoma (EAC)
The OE19 cell line was established in 1993 from a stage III moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma of the gastric cardia/esophagogastric junction in a 72-year-old male patient. As one of the nine verified esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) cell lines deposited with ECACC, OE19 retains key molecular and histological features of human EAC, including epithelial cytokeratin expression, mutant TP53 status, and ERBB2 (HER2) gene amplification. The model demonstrates robust tumorigenicity in immunodeficient mice, with palpable masses forming within 7-10 days and tumor volumes reaching 700-900 mm^3 by 4-5 weeks post-implantation. OE19 xenografts exhibit moderately differentiated glandular structures with columnar epithelial cells, prominent nucleoli, and eosinophilic cytoplasm, closely recapitulating the histopathology of primary EAC lesions.
OE19 cells display an aggressive metastatic phenotype in disseminated models. In intraperitoneal xenograft studies, OE19 cells consistently produce bloody ascites and liver metastases with a median survival of 55 days (5x10^6 cells) and 45 days (10x10^6 cells), making this model particularly valuable for survival outcome assessment and evaluation of anti-metastatic therapies. The cell line is microsatellite stable (MSS) with wild-type KRAS and BRAF, providing a clean genetic background for HER2-targeted intervention studies without confounding RAS/RAF-mediated resistance pathways. These characteristics collectively establish the OE19 xenograft as a clinically relevant and translational platform for preclinical EAC research.
Figure 1. EMX2 expression is downregulated by methylation in EAC tissues and cell lines. (Wang, Lei, et al., 2019)
Cell Line Information: OE19
OE19 (also known as JROECL19) is a human esophageal adenocarcinoma cell line established from a primary tumor of the gastric cardia. The cells exhibit epithelial morphology and grow in densely packed islands rather than forming a uniform monolayer. They express constitutive HLA-A, -B, and -C antigens (MHC class I), with interferon-gamma-inducible ICAM-1 (CD54) expression. OE19 cells are sensitive to TGF-beta1-mediated growth inhibition and demonstrate acid-resistant phenotypic properties that support robust tumor development in vivo.
| Attribute |
Details |
| Cell Line Name |
OE19 (JROECL19) |
| Disease |
Esophageal Adenocarcinoma (EAC) |
| Tissue of Origin |
Gastric cardia / Esophagogastric junction |
| Patient Age/Sex |
72-year-old male |
| Tumor Stage |
Pathological Stage III (UICC) |
| Differentiation |
Moderately differentiated |
| Cell Type |
Epithelial |
| Growth Mode |
Adherent (island-like clusters) |
| Culture Medium |
RPMI 1640 + 2 mM Glutamine + 10% FBS |
| Culture Conditions |
37 degrees C, 5% CO2 |
| Subculture |
Split 1:8 at 70-80% confluence using 0.05% trypsin/EDTA; 2-4x10^4 cells/cm^2 |
| Biosafety Level |
1 |
| Karyotype |
Aneuploid |
| TP53 Status |
Mutated (N310K frameshift) |
| HER2 (ERBB2) Status |
Amplified and overexpressed |
| KRAS/BRAF Status |
Wild-type |
| MSI Status |
Microsatellite stable (MSS) |
| Differentiation Markers |
CK8/18, EpCAM, E-cadherin, MUC1, CDH1 |
| Tumorigenicity |
Tumorigenic in nude mice; high take rate |
| Metastatic Potential |
Bloody ascites and liver metastasis in intraperitoneal models |
| STR Profile |
Amelogenin: X; CSF1PO: 11,13; D5S818: 11,14; D7S820: 8; D13S317: 9,11; D16S539: 12,13; TH01: 8,9; TPOX: 8; vWA: 16,17 |
| Depositor |
Drs J C Rockett / A Morris, University of Warwick; Dr S J Darnton, Birmingham Heartlands Hospital |
| Year Established |
1993 |
Our Services
Alfa Cytology offers comprehensive OE19 xenograft model services tailored to your preclinical research objectives. Leveraging our extensive experience in gastroesophageal malignancy models, we provide end-to-end study execution---from cell line authentication and mouse strain selection to tumor monitoring, endpoint analysis, and detailed histopathological evaluation. Our platform supports both subcutaneous and orthotopic implantation strategies, enabling flexible study designs for efficacy, pharmacokinetic, and biomarker discovery applications in esophageal adenocarcinoma research.
Workflow of OE19 Xenograft Model Construction
Alfa Cytology follows a standardized, quality-controlled workflow to construct OE19 xenograft models, ensuring reproducible tumor growth and reliable therapeutic evaluation. Each study begins with rigorous cell line authentication and concludes with comprehensive endpoint analysis, with continuous monitoring throughout the in vivo phase.
- Step 1: Cell Line Authentication and Expansion: OE19 cells are authenticated via STR profiling and verified for mycoplasma contamination. Cells are expanded under standardized culture conditions (RPMI 1640 + 10% FBS, 37 degrees C, 5% CO2) to generate sufficient viable cells for implantation.
- Step 2: Mouse Strain Selection and Preparation: Immunodeficient mouse strains (e.g., Balb/c nude, NOD/SCID, NSG) are selected based on study objectives. Animals are acclimatized and baseline health parameters are recorded prior to tumor cell inoculation.
- Step 3: Tumor Cell Inoculation: OE19 cells are harvested at logarithmic growth phase, washed, and resuspended in serum-free medium mixed with Matrigel (typically 1:1 ratio). For subcutaneous models, 4-5x10^6 cells are injected into the flank; for intraperitoneal dissemination models, 5-10x10^6 cells are injected into the peritoneal cavity.
- Step 4: Tumor Monitoring and Measurement: Tumor growth is monitored twice weekly using caliper measurements for subcutaneous models, with volumes calculated via the modified ellipsoid formula (L x W^2 x 0.5). Body weight and general health status are recorded throughout the study period.
- Step 5: Treatment Administration: Upon reaching target tumor volume (typically 100-200 mm^3 for subcutaneous models), animals are randomized into treatment groups. Test articles are administered according to predefined dosing regimens, with vehicle controls included for comparison.
- Step 6: Endpoint Analysis and Sample Collection: At study termination, tumors are excised, weighed, and processed for histopathological analysis. Blood samples, ascites fluid (if applicable), and major organs are collected for biomarker analysis, pharmacokinetic evaluation, and metastasis assessment.
Figure 2: Schematic workflow illustrating the derivation and construction of the OE19 Xenograft Model at Alfa Cytology.
Case Study-OE19 Xenograft Model Development
In a representative OE19 xenograft study conducted at Alfa Cytology, subcutaneous implantation of 5x10^6 OE19 cells into Balb/c nude mice resulted in 100% tumor take rate with palpable masses appearing within 7-10 days. Tumors reached an average volume of 700-900 mm^3 by week 4-5, demonstrating consistent and rapid growth kinetics suitable for therapeutic intervention studies. Treatment with a reference compound resulted in dose-dependent tumor growth inhibition, with statistically significant reductions in tumor volume and weight compared to vehicle controls. Histopathological analysis confirmed moderately differentiated glandular adenocarcinoma morphology with strong HER2 membranous staining, while pharmacokinetic sampling provided exposure data correlating with efficacy outcomes. These results validate the OE19 xenograft as a reliable platform for preclinical evaluation of esophageal adenocarcinoma therapeutics.

Why Choose Alfa Cytology?
Alfa Cytology combines scientific expertise with operational excellence to deliver high-quality OE19 xenograft studies that meet the rigorous demands of preclinical drug development. Our integrated platform ensures data integrity, regulatory compliance, and translational relevance for every project.
- Extensive portfolio of validated esophageal cancer cell lines including OE19, OE33, Flo-1, and ESO26 with full STR authentication and quality control.
- Flexible implantation strategies supporting subcutaneous, orthotopic, and intraperitoneal dissemination models to address diverse research objectives.
- Comprehensive endpoint analysis encompassing tumor growth kinetics, survival outcomes, histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and biomarker quantification.
- Experienced study design and execution team with specialized expertise in HER2-targeted therapy evaluation and gastroesophageal malignancy pharmacology.
- Streamlined project timelines with rapid model establishment and real-time data reporting to accelerate your preclinical decision-making process.
- Strict adherence to animal welfare standards and regulatory guidelines, ensuring ethical conduct and data acceptability for IND-enabling studies.
Contact Us
Ready to advance your esophageal adenocarcinoma research program? Please reach out to us today via our inquiry form or email to learn more about our OE19 Xenograft Model services.
Reference
- Wang, Lei, et al. "EMX2 is epigenetically silenced and suppresses epithelial-mesenchymal transition in human esophageal adenocarcinoma." Oncology Reports 42.5 (2019): 2169-2178.
For research use only. Not intended for any clinical use.