TRAMP-C2 Syngeneic Model Service for Prostate Cancer

The TRAMP-C2 syngeneic model is a well-established immunocompetent mouse platform for preclinical prostate cancer research, enabling tumor growth, immune interaction, and therapy-response studies in a fully functional immune environment. Alfa Cytology offers end-to-end preclinical support for this model, from authenticated cell sourcing and model construction to efficacy evaluation and translational study design, helping your prostate cancer program advance with reliable, publication-ready data.

Overview of TRAMP-C2 Syngeneic Model for Prostate Cancer

The TRAMP-C2 cell line was established in 1996 from a heterogeneous 32-week primary prostate tumor arising in the transgenic adenocarcinoma of the mouse prostate (TRAMP) model, in which the rat probasin promoter drives prostate-specific expression of the SV40 large T antigen. Because the derived cells no longer express the T antigen oncoprotein in vitro or in vivo, they can be transplanted into genetically matched, immunocompetent C57BL/6 mice, creating a true syngeneic system in which tumors grow in the presence of an intact host immune system. The model recapitulates key features of the human disease: it is androgen receptor positive and androgen sensitive, displays prostatic epithelial markers such as cytokeratin and E-cadherin, and forms adenocarcinoma-like tumors with potential spread to draining lymph nodes and lungs, which makes it valuable for studies of progression and metastasis.

Fig 1. Timeline of TRAMP prostate cancer progression (normal prostate → PIN → well/poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma → metastasis at 24–28 weeks) with matching H&E histology series, placing the TRAMP-C2 cell line within its developmental context. (Figueiredo, Marxa L., et al., 2024)

Unlike human xenografts that require immunodeficient hosts, TRAMP-C2 tumors develop in a fully immunocompetent setting, so in vivo experiments with this model directly capture tumor–immune dynamics, including T-cell infiltration, myeloid-derived suppressor cell activity, and responses to immune checkpoint blockade. The model is moderately immunogenic and, similar to human prostate cancer, shows limited single-agent responsiveness to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy, which has made it a reference platform for studying resistance mechanisms and for testing combination immunotherapies, agonistic CD40 strategies, androgen deprivation, and other treatment modalities. Subcutaneous implantation is the most common route, while orthotopic implantation into the prostate gland provides a more tissue-faithful microenvironment, and engineered variants such as TRAMP-C2-Ras accelerate tumor formation when a faster growth kinetic is required.

Cell Line Information: TRAMP-C2

TRAMP-C2 (ATCC CRL-2731) is a murine prostatic epithelial cell line with adherent, epithelial-like growth. The table below summarizes its key characteristics.

Our Services

With authenticated starting materials, standardized construction protocols, and experienced study teams, Alfa Cytology delivers consistent, high-quality TRAMP-C2 syngeneic models tailored to your research goals, whether for single-agent profiling, combination regimen screening, or complex translational designs, always within a strict preclinical scope.

Workflow of TRAMP-C2 Syngeneic Model Construction

Building a reliable TRAMP-C2 syngeneic model follows a disciplined sequence, from cell authentication through endpoint analysis, ensuring reproducible tumor take and data quality at every stage.

1. Cell line authentication and expansion: TRAMP-C2 cells are verified by mouse STR profiling and tested for mycoplasma contamination, then expanded under controlled, low-passage conditions in the complete growth medium.
2. Inoculum preparation: Cells are detached with trypsin-EDTA, washed, and resuspended in sterile PBS or serum-free medium; viability is counted and the suspension is adjusted, for example to 1 × 10⁶ cells per 100 μL injection.
3. Host mouse preparation: Immunocompetent male C57BL/6 mice, usually 6–8 weeks of age, are acclimatized and health-checked before any procedure, in compliance with institutional animal welfare standards.
4. Tumor implantation: The cell suspension is injected subcutaneously into the flank as the standard approach; alternatively, cells or tumor pieces can be implanted orthotopically into the prostate gland for tissue-faithful tumor growth.
5. Tumor monitoring and randomization: Tumor dimensions are measured with calipers, typically two to three times per week, and volume is calculated as (length × width²) / 2; mice are randomized into treatment groups once tumors reach the predefined size window.
6. Treatment administration: Test articles, vehicles, or combination regimens are dosed according to the study plan, with in vivo tolerability tracked through body weight and clinical condition scoring.
7. Endpoint analysis and reporting: Tumors are excised and weighed, and optional analyses include histopathology, immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry of tumor-infiltrating immune cells, and metastasis assessment, followed by a full statistical report.

Fig 2. TRAMP-C2 Syngeneic Model construction workflow.

Case Study-TRAMP-C2 Syngeneic Model Development

Alfa Cytology has supported a range of preclinical programs using the TRAMP-C2 syngeneic platform, covering areas such as checkpoint blockade evaluation, combination immunotherapy, androgen deprivation–based regimens, and metastasis-oriented study designs. Each program is executed with project-specific customization of implantation route, dosing schedule, and readout panels, and representative results and study summaries can be shared upon request to illustrate model performance and data quality.

Why Choose Alfa Cytology?

Choosing Alfa Cytology means working with a CRO that combines scientific rigor with operational flexibility for syngeneic prostate cancer research.

• Authenticated, quality-controlled TRAMP-C2 cells with documented STR profiling and mycoplasma testing.
• Proven expertise in immunocompetent C57BL/6 models, preserving physiologically relevant tumor–immune interactions in vivo.
• Flexible study designs spanning subcutaneous and orthotopic implantation, combination regimens, and translational endpoints.
• Complementary in vitro and in vivo assay integration within a single project framework.
• Transparent timelines, responsive communication, and full compliance with preclinical animal welfare standards.

Contact Us

If you are planning a prostate cancer program and need a dependable TRAMP-C2 syngeneic model, we invite you to contact us to discuss your study goals. Reach out today, and the Alfa Cytology team will respond with a tailored proposal to move your project forward.

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