SKOV3 / SKOV3-luc Orthotopic Mouse Model Service for Ovarian Cancer

The SKOV3 / SKOV3-luc orthotopic mouse model reproduces the anatomical site, local invasion, and peritoneal spread of human ovarian cancer, providing a physiologically relevant setting for preclinical drug development. Alfa Cytology is a preclinical oncology CRO with dedicated expertise in orthotopic xenograft construction and in vivo imaging. Alfa Cytology provides turnkey SKOV3 / SKOV3-luc orthotopic mouse model services, guiding each project from study design and cell line preparation through longitudinal monitoring and final data delivery.

Overview of SKOV3 / SKOV3-luc Orthotopic Mouse Model for Ovarian Cancer

SKOV3 is among the most extensively characterized human ovarian cancer cell lines. It was established in 1973 from the ascitic fluid of a 64-year-old woman with ovarian adenocarcinoma and grows as an adherent, epithelial-like monolayer. The line is notable for its robust proliferation, tolerance to environmental stress, and anchorage-independent colony formation in soft agar. SKOV3 cells overexpress the HER2 (ErbB2) receptor, express high levels of cancer stem cell markers, and show intrinsic resistance to tumor necrosis factor as well as to several cytotoxic agents, including cisplatin and doxorubicin, which has made the line a standard model for studying chemoresistance and HER2-targeted interventions.

Fig 1. Humanized mice reconstituted with CD34⁺ cells for 17 weeks were injected intraperitoneally with SKOV-3 Luc cells, showing weekly whole-body bioluminescence from week 6 to week 10 with individual-mouse growth curves, peritoneal carcinomatosis at necropsy (omental and mesenteric deposits, arrows) and the study design of PD-1 blockade efficacy assessment in the SKOV-3 Luc Hu-mouse model. (Kang, Sung Wan, et al., 2024)

In orthotopic settings, SKOV3 cells injected into the ovarian bursa of immunodeficient mice develop primary tumors that invade locally and disseminate throughout the peritoneal cavity, producing the omental deposits and ascites typical of advanced human disease. The luciferase-engineered variant, SKOV3-luc, stably expresses firefly luciferase, allowing tumor progression and metastatic spread to be followed non-invasively by in vivo bioluminescence imaging. Because orthotopic tumors remain below the skin surface until late stages, this imaging capability is essential for quantitative, longitudinal in vivo studies, making the SKOV3 / SKOV3-luc orthotopic model a powerful platform for evaluating novel therapeutics, targeted delivery systems, and combination strategies in ovarian cancer research.

Cell Line Information: SKOV3 / SKOV3-luc

Key properties of SKOV3 and its luciferase-labeled derivative SKOV3-luc are summarized below. Both lines are extensively documented in the literature and are standard tools in ovarian cancer research.

Our Services

Alfa Cytology delivers comprehensive SKOV3 / SKOV3-luc orthotopic mouse model services tailored to preclinical ovarian cancer programs. From cell authentication, luciferase expression verification, and precision ovarian bursa implantation to scheduled in vivo imaging, treatment dosing, and full histopathological endpoint analysis, Alfa Cytology manages the entire workflow so that your team can focus on interpreting results.

Workflow of SKOV3 / SKOV3-luc Orthotopic Mouse Model Construction

Building a reliable SKOV3 / SKOV3-luc orthotopic model requires coordinated cell biology, microsurgery, and imaging expertise. The typical process is outlined below.

1. Cell line authentication and expansion: SKOV3 or SKOV3-luc cells are revived, expanded in optimized medium, and quality-checked by STR profiling and mycoplasma testing; luciferase expression in SKOV3-luc is confirmed by an in vitro bioluminescence assay before any animal work begins.
2. Animal selection and acclimation: Female immunodeficient mice, such as BALB/c nude or NSG mice aged 6–8 weeks, are housed under pathogen-free conditions and acclimatized prior to randomization under an approved animal use protocol.
3. Preparation of the inoculum: Log-phase cells are trypsinized, washed, counted, and assessed for viability; a concentrated single-cell suspension in PBS is prepared, typically 5 × 10⁴ cells in a volume of 15–20 μL per mouse, kept on ice until injection.
4. Orthotopic inoculation: Under general anesthesia and aseptic conditions, the ovarian bursa is exposed through a small abdominal incision and the cell suspension is microinjected directly into the bursal space without leakage; the incision is then closed in layers.
5. Post-operative care and recovery: Analgesia is administered and animals are monitored until fully recovered, with body weight and general health recorded regularly during the post-surgical period.
6. Baseline and longitudinal imaging (SKOV3-luc): Beginning at approximately two weeks after implantation, mice receive intraperitoneal D-luciferin and are imaged by an in vivo bioluminescence system, with weekly acquisitions used to quantify tumor growth and detect early metastatic spread.
7. Treatment administration (optional): Once bioluminescence signals reach predefined levels, animals are randomized and dosed with test articles according to the study design, including route, schedule, and combination regimens.
8. Endpoint evaluation and reporting: At study termination, mice undergo necropsy for measurement of primary tumor dimensions and weight, enumeration of peritoneal and omental metastatic nodules, ascites collection, and tissue processing for H&E and immunohistochemistry, followed by statistical analysis and a consolidated study report.

Fig 2. SKOV3 / SKOV3-luc orthotopic mouse model construction workflow.

Case Study-SKOV3 / SKOV3-luc Orthotopic Mouse Model Development

Alfa Cytology has applied the SKOV3 / SKOV3-luc orthotopic platform in a range of preclinical research projects, supporting clients with model set-up, orthotopic implantation, longitudinal in vivo efficacy assessment of investigational agents and targeted constructs, and detailed post-mortem analyses of primary tumors, metastatic lesions, and ascites. Each program is configured individually, with study endpoints and data packages aligned to the client’s scientific objectives and reporting requirements.

Why Choose Alfa Cytology?

Selecting Alfa Cytology for your SKOV3 / SKOV3-luc orthotopic model means partnering with a CRO that treats model quality as the foundation of every study. Our main strengths include:

• Rigorously authenticated cell lines, with STR profiling, mycoplasma clearance, and confirmed luciferase activity for the SKOV3-luc derivative.
• Precise microsurgical implantation into the ovarian bursa by experienced operators, minimizing leakage and maximizing engraftment consistency.
• Quantitative in vivo imaging workflows that deliver sensitive, reproducible measurements of tumor burden and metastasis over time.
• Customizable study configurations, from single-agent efficacy tests to combination regimens and mechanism-of-action endpoints.
• Complete endpoint services, including necropsy, metastatic nodule scoring, ascites quantification, and H&E/IHC histopathology.
• Dedicated scientific communication with knowledgeable project managers who keep you informed at every milestone.

Contact Us

Interested in advancing your ovarian cancer program with a validated SKOV3 / SKOV3-luc orthotopic model? Contact us to speak with our scientists about your project, or reach out to us for a customized quotation and timeline. Alfa Cytology looks forward to supporting your next preclinical success.

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