YUMM1.7 Metastatic Tumor Model Service for Melanoma

The YUMM1.7 metastatic tumor model for melanoma is a genetically defined syngeneic in vivo platform in which murine melanoma cells carrying human-relevant BRAF V600E, Pten, and Cdkn2a alterations grow and disseminate in immunocompetent C57BL/6 hosts. Alfa Cytology provides full-service YUMM1.7 metastatic model studies, encompassing tumor induction, route optimization, longitudinal monitoring, therapeutic intervention, and thorough histological and immunological endpoint analysis to advance your preclinical melanoma programs.

Overview of YUMM1.7 Metastatic Tumor Model for Melanoma

YUMM1.7 belongs to the Yale University Mouse Melanoma (YUMM) series, a panel of congenic C57BL/6J cell lines established from genetically engineered mouse models of melanoma. The line was derived from a 4-hydroxytamoxifen-induced tumor arising in a male mouse carrying the same three driver alterations found in a substantial fraction of human melanomas: a conditionally activated Braf V600E allele (heterozygous), homozygous inactivation of Pten, and homozygous inactivation of Cdkn2a. Because these cells originate from a defined genetic background rather than from uncharacterized spontaneous tumors, the YUMM1.7 model offers a mutational landscape that closely resembles BRAF-driven human melanoma—an important distinction from legacy syngeneic lines whose genotypes poorly match the human disease.

Fig 1. YUMM1.7 subcutaneous allo-transplantation SOP: Day 0 injection, tumors appearing Day 4 onward, twice-weekly size/weight monitoring to Day 16, then harvest workflow — weighing, collagenase IV/DNase I dissociation at 37°C for 30 min, 0.05% trypsin-EDTA, 40 µm straining, 350×g washes, and replating — the standardized "bank-and-transplant" pipeline underpinning the YUMM1.7 metastatic model service. (Rokan, Ahmed, et al., 2026)

As a fully syngeneic system, YUMM1.7 grows in immunocompetent C57BL/6 mice with an intact immune compartment, making it a preferred setting for immuno-oncology studies. The cells are highly tumorigenic: as few as 1×10⁵ cells injected subcutaneously form palpable tumors that reach roughly 1 cm³ within about five weeks, and their comparatively moderate growth rate—together with a lower tendency toward necrosis and ulceration—provides a wider therapeutic window than faster-growing lines. YUMM1.7 tumors respond to BRAF pathway inhibition with vemurafenib or PLX4720 before acquired resistance emerges, and the tumors display greater infiltration of lymphoid and myeloid immune subsets together with a distinct chemokine signature (elevated CCL2, CXCL1, and CX3CL1). For metastasis work, cells can be delivered intravenously to seed pulmonary colonies or implanted orthotopically to model organ-specific dissemination, while a UV-mutagenized derivative, YUMMER1.7, offers an even more immunogenic alternative when stronger neoantigen-driven responses are required.

Cell Line Information: YUMM1.7

The table below compiles the principal characteristics of YUMM1.7 that are most relevant to preclinical study design.

Our Services

Leveraging in-depth knowledge of genetically defined syngeneic melanoma systems, Alfa Cytology offers customizable YUMM1.7 metastatic tumor model services that cover the complete preclinical workflow—cell authentication and expansion, reporter labeling, subcutaneous or metastasis-directed inoculation, in vivo imaging, compound or biologic administration, and detailed endpoint analysis of metastatic burden, histopathology, and tumor-immune infiltrates.

Workflow of YUMM1.7 Metastatic Tumor Model Construction

A well-controlled, stepwise process is essential to obtain consistent and interpretable results from YUMM1.7 metastatic studies. The workflow below summarizes how the model is established and evaluated.

1. Cell authentication and expansion: YUMM1.7 cells are verified for identity and genotype, confirmed mycoplasma-negative, and expanded under standardized culture conditions to secure uniform viability and tumorigenicity.
2. Reporter labeling (optional): For non-invasive tracking, cells are stably engineered to express luciferase or a fluorescent protein; unlabeled cells are used where caliper measurement and histology suffice.
3. Study design and route selection: The experimental format is defined—subcutaneous implantation for primary tumor growth with subsequent dissemination, intravenous (tail vein) injection for experimental lung metastasis, or orthotopic delivery—with matched 6- to 8-week-old C57BL/6J mice.
4. Mouse preparation and inoculation: Mice are acclimated, randomized, and inoculated with YUMM1.7 cells (typically 1×10⁵ cells for subcutaneous models; cell numbers for intravenous routes are titrated to the study design) under sterile, ethically approved conditions.
5. Tumor and metastasis monitoring: Primary tumor volume and body weight are measured on schedule, and metastatic burden is followed by in vivo bioluminescence or fluorescence imaging where reporters are used.
6. Treatment administration: Once tumors or metastatic signals reach the predefined size threshold, animals are randomized into treatment arms and dosed with BRAF/MEK inhibitors, checkpoint blockade, vaccines, or other agents according to the study plan.
7. Endpoint analysis: At the study endpoint, primary tumors and organs (lung, lymph nodes, liver as applicable) are harvested; metastatic lesions are enumerated, and tissues undergo H&E histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and immune-profiling analyses such as flow cytometry.
8. Data analysis and reporting: Tumor growth curves, imaging time courses, metastasis counts, and immune data are analyzed statistically and consolidated into a clear, comprehensive study report.

Fig 2. YUMM1.7 Metastatic Tumor Model construction workflow.

Case Study-YUMM1.7 Metastatic Tumor Model Development

Alfa Cytology has applied the YUMM1.7 metastatic tumor model in preclinical melanoma studies to characterize metastatic dissemination, to benchmark responses to BRAF pathway inhibitors and immune-modulating agents, and to profile tumor-immune interactions in a fully immunocompetent environment. Case details and representative datasets are available to clients on request, and study parameters can be tailored to each program's specific scientific questions and decision points.

Why Choose Alfa Cytology?

Alfa Cytology combines specialized expertise in genetically defined syngeneic melanoma models with flexible, client-focused study execution. Researchers choose our YUMM1.7 metastatic model service for the following reasons:

• Proven proficiency with genetically engineered melanoma models, including YUMM1.7 and its immunogenic YUMMER1.7 derivative.
• A defined BRAF V600E/Pten/Cdkn2a genotype that closely mirrors a major human melanoma subtype.
• A wider treatment window with less necrosis and ulceration than faster-growing legacy syngeneic lines.
• Flexible subcutaneous, intravenous, and orthotopic formats matched to each study objective.
• Integrated immunology endpoints, including immune-infiltrate profiling and chemokine analysis.
• Rigorous quality control and timely delivery of clearly organized, decision-ready reports.

Contact Us

If the YUMM1.7 metastatic tumor model fits your melanoma research program, we would welcome the opportunity to support it. Contact us to discuss your objectives, and our scientists will help shape a study design that meets your needs. Reach out today and let Alfa Cytology deliver the preclinical data to move your project forward.

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