SGC-7901 Xenograft Model Service for Gastric Cancer

The SGC-7901 xenograft model is a well-established preclinical platform for evaluating therapeutic efficacy against gastric adenocarcinoma, recapitulating key histological and molecular features of human stomach cancer in an immunocompromised host. Alfa Cytology offers a comprehensive SGC-7901 Xenograft Model Service for Gastric Cancer, providing validated tumor models, customizable study designs, and integrated endpoint analyses to accelerate your preclinical drug development pipeline with reproducible, publication-ready data.
Overview of SGC-7901 Xenograft Model for Gastric Cancer
The SGC-7901 cell line was originally established in 1979 from a metastatic lymph node of a 56-year-old Chinese female patient diagnosed with untreated gastric adenocarcinoma. Histologically, SGC-7901 cells exhibit epithelial-like morphology with adherent growth characteristics and are classified as a moderately differentiated gastric carcinoma line. The cell line demonstrates robust tumorigenicity in immunocompromised mice, forming subcutaneous or orthotopic xenografts that retain the glandular architecture and mucin-producing phenotype typical of gastric adenocarcinoma. SGC-7901 has been extensively employed in mechanistic studies of Helicobacter pylori-induced gastric epithelial inflammation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and multidrug resistance, making it a versatile model for both basic oncology research and therapeutic screening.
In vivo, the SGC-7901 xenograft model enables quantitative assessment of tumor growth inhibition (TGI), tumor growth delay (TGD), and treatment-induced apoptosis. The model supports multiple implantation routes including subcutaneous, intraperitoneal, and orthotopic gastric wall injection, allowing researchers to study both localized tumor progression and metastatic dissemination. Pharmacologically, SGC-7901 xenografts have been validated with reference compounds such as cisplatin, doxorubicin, and kinase inhibitors, demonstrating dose-dependent tumor suppression and acceptable host tolerability profiles. The model remains one of the most widely cited gastric cancer cell line-derived xenograft (CDX) systems in preclinical oncology literature.
Figure 1. GST extracts inhibited BGC-823, MGC-803, and SGC-7901 cell viability in a concentration-dependent manner. (Liu, Yue, et al., 2022)
Cell Line Information: SGC-7901
SGC-7901 is a human gastric adenocarcinoma cell line with well-documented biological properties. The cells exhibit epithelial-like morphology, adherent growth patterns, and moderate differentiation status. They are cultured in standard RPMI-1640 medium supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) at 37 degrees C under 5% CO2. The cell line has a passage ratio of 1:3 to 1:5 and demonstrates stable karyotypic features consistent with gastric carcinoma origin. SGC-7901 cells express molecular markers associated with gastric cancer progression, including elevated matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity, activated STAT3 and NF-kappaB signaling pathways, and dysregulated apoptosis-related proteins such as Bcl-2, Bax, and caspase-3. The line has also been used to generate stable reporter variants (e.g., luciferase-expressing SGC-7901-Luc) for non-invasive in vivo imaging studies.
Key characteristics of the SGC-7901 cell line are summarized below:
| Characteristic |
Description |
| Cell Line Name |
SGC-7901 |
| Species |
Human (Homo sapiens) |
| Tissue of Origin |
Stomach (gastric adenocarcinoma) |
| Cell Type |
Epithelial-like, adherent |
| Differentiation |
Moderately differentiated |
| Age of Patient |
56 years |
| Sex of Patient |
Female |
| Year Established |
1979 |
| Source |
Metastatic lymph node of untreated gastric adenocarcinoma |
| Culture Medium |
RPMI-1640 + 10% FBS |
| Growth Conditions |
37 degrees C, 5% CO2, humidified incubator |
| Passage Ratio |
1:3 to 1:5 |
| Biosafety Level |
BSL-1 |
| Mycoplasma Status |
Negative (tested) |
| STR Authentication |
Authenticated |
| Tumorigenicity |
High; forms xenografts in nude mice and NOD/SCID mice |
| Tumor Growth Rate |
Moderate; palpable tumors typically appear within 7-14 days post-injection |
| Histology |
Glandular architecture, mucin-producing phenotype |
| Key Molecular Features |
MMP-2/MMP-9 expression; STAT3/NF-kappaB activation; Bcl-2/Bax/caspase-3 pathway dysregulation; EMT markers (E-cadherin, vimentin) |
| Drug Resistance Profile |
Develops resistance to vincristine, adriamycin, oxaliplatin, and hydroxycamptothecine under selective pressure |
| Common Applications |
Drug efficacy screening, EMT studies, H. pylori interaction research, angiogenesis assays, multidrug resistance modeling |
| Reporter Variants |
SGC-7901-Luc (luciferase), SGC-7901-Cas9 (CRISPR/Cas9) |
| Recommended Injection Dose |
1 x 10^6 to 1 x 10^7 cells per mouse (subcutaneous) |
| Matrigel Requirement |
Recommended (1:1 ratio with cell suspension) for enhanced tumor take rate |
Our Services
Alfa Cytology delivers end-to-end SGC-7901 xenograft model services tailored to your preclinical research objectives. From cell line authentication and tumor engraftment to comprehensive pharmacodynamic and histopathological endpoint analyses, our team ensures reproducible, high-quality data that supports IND-enabling studies and peer-reviewed publications. We offer flexible dosing schedules, multiple administration routes, and customizable cohort designs to meet the specific requirements of your therapeutic program.
Workflow of SGC-7901 Xenograft Model Construction
The construction of the SGC-7901 xenograft model follows a standardized, GLP-compliant workflow designed to ensure high tumor take rates, consistent growth kinetics, and reliable therapeutic readouts. Each stage is executed under IACUC-approved protocols with rigorous quality control.
- Cell Preparation and Quality Control: SGC-7901 cells are expanded under low-passage conditions (typically passages 3-8) in RPMI-1640 supplemented with 10% FBS. Cell viability is confirmed by trypan blue exclusion (>95% viability required), and mycoplasma contamination is ruled out by PCR. STR profiling verifies cell line identity prior to inoculation.
- Animal Acclimation and Grouping: Immunocompromised mice (e.g., BALB/c nude or NOD/SCID, 4-6 weeks old) are acclimated in a SPF vivarium for 5-7 days under controlled temperature (20-26 degrees C), humidity (40-60%), and a 12-hour light/dark cycle. Animals are randomized by body weight into treatment and control cohorts.
- Tumor Cell Inoculation: SGC-7901 cells are harvested, washed, and resuspended in PBS or serum-free medium at a concentration of 1 x 10^6 to 1 x 10^7 cells per 100-200 microL. For subcutaneous models, a 1:1 mixture of Matrigel and cell suspension is prepared to enhance engraftment. The inoculum is injected into the hind flank or right axilla. Orthotopic models require surgical implantation into the gastric wall.
- Tumor Monitoring and Randomization: Tumor development is monitored by palpation three times weekly. Once tumors reach a volume of 70-100 mm^3 (typically 7-14 days post-injection), mice are re-randomized into treatment groups to ensure uniform baseline tumor burden across cohorts. Tumor dimensions are measured with digital calipers.
- Test Compound Administration: Investigational agents are administered according to the study protocol via intraperitoneal, intravenous, oral gavage, subcutaneous, or intratumoral routes. Dosing frequency and duration are customized based on pharmacokinetic properties and client specifications. A vehicle control group and a positive control group (e.g., cisplatin 30-40 mg/kg) are included.
- In-Life Monitoring: Animal body weights are recorded twice weekly, and clinical signs are assessed daily. Tumor volumes are calculated using the modified ellipsoid formula (L x W^2 x 0.5) and logged at defined intervals. Maximum tumor size limits (e.g., 2,000 mm^3 or 10% body weight) are strictly enforced as humane endpoints.
- Endpoint Collection and Analysis: At study termination, tumors are excised, weighed, and photographed. Tissue samples are allocated for histopathology (10% NBF fixation), molecular analysis (snap-frozen in liquid nitrogen or RNAlater stabilization), and blood chemistry. Tumor growth inhibition (TGI) and tumor growth delay (TGD) are calculated relative to vehicle controls.
Figure 2: Schematic workflow illustrating the derivation and construction of the SGC-7901 Xenograft Model at Alfa Cytology.
Case Study-SGC-7901 Xenograft Model Development
In a representative preclinical efficacy study, SGC-7901 xenografts were established in BALB/c nude mice to evaluate the antitumor activity of a novel therapeutic candidate. Following subcutaneous inoculation of 1 x 10^6 cells, tumors reached the target enrollment size of 80-100 mm^3 within 10-12 days. Mice were randomized into vehicle control, positive control (cisplatin), and three dose-escalation groups of the test compound. Treatment was administered via intraperitoneal injection every three days for a total of six cycles. Tumor volumes were measured biweekly, and body weights were monitored to assess tolerability. At the study endpoint, tumors were harvested for immunohistochemical analysis of proliferation markers (Ki-67), apoptosis (cleaved caspase-3), and angiogenesis (CD31). Preliminary data indicated dose-dependent tumor growth inhibition with acceptable safety profiles, supporting further advancement of the candidate compound. Complete raw data, statistical analyses, and histopathological reports are available upon request under confidentiality agreements.

Why Choose Alfa Cytology?
Alfa Cytology combines scientific rigor with operational flexibility to deliver preclinical tumor model services that meet the highest standards of the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. Our SGC-7901 xenograft program is built on validated protocols, authenticated cell lines, and transparent data reporting.
- Validated Models: All SGC-7901 cells are STR-authenticated, mycoplasma-negative, and maintained at low passage to preserve genetic fidelity and tumorigenic potential.
- Customizable Study Design: We offer flexible tumor implantation routes, dosing regimens, and endpoint analyses tailored to your compound's mechanism of action and development stage.
- GLP-Compliant Operations: Our vivarium and laboratories operate under IACUC-approved protocols with full GLP compliance, ensuring data integrity and regulatory acceptance.
- Comprehensive Endpoint Analysis: From tumor growth kinetics and body weight monitoring to histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and gene expression profiling, we provide integrated data packages.
- Rapid Turnaround: Standard SGC-7901 xenograft studies can be initiated within 2-3 weeks of contract execution, with regular progress updates and interim data reports.
- Intellectual Property Protection: All study data, protocols, and results are exclusively owned by the client under strict confidentiality agreements.
Contact Us
Ready to advance your gastric cancer therapeutic program with a validated SGC-7901 xenograft model? Please reach out to us today via our inquiry form or email to learn more about our SGC-7901 Xenograft Model services.
Reference
- Liu, Yue, et al. "Gui shao tea extracts inhibit gastric cancer growth in vitro and in vivo and prolong survival in nude mice." Frontiers in Bioscience-Landmark 27.8 (2022): 250.
For research use only. Not intended for any clinical use.