Name: evaluation of the efficacy of the h. pylori protein hp-nap as a therapeutic tool for treatment of bladder cancer in an orthotopic murine model
Uploaded: 2015-05-29T15:00:00.000+00:00
Duration: 6 min 12 s
Description: Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Evaluation of the Efficacy of the H. pylori Protein HP-NAP as a Therapeutic Tool for Treatment of Bladder Cancer in an Orthotopic Murine Model at JoVE.com

This work was supported by Associazione Italiana per la Ricerca sul Cancro, Italian Ministry of University and Research, Prin projects and Progetti di Ricerca di Ateneo, grant N&#176; CPDA137871, Fondazione Cariplo, grant N&#176; 2011-0485 to MdB, and by Finanziamento Giovani Studiosi, University of Padua, to Gaia Codolo.

All the procedures for animal handling have been approved by the Italian Ministry of Health (D.M. 204/2011-B).
1. Animals
<ol>
	<li>Grow&#8203; C57BL6/J female mice to 8 weeks of age in individually ventilated cages with microisolation filters. 
	Note: Females are preferred because the anatomic conformation of their external uro-genital apparatus renders the catheterization easier than in males.</li>
</ol>
2. Cell Culture
<ol>
	<li>Maintain the mouse urothelial carcinoma cell line MB49 in RPMI 1,640 medium supplemented with 10% heat-inactivated foetal bovine serum and 50 &#181;g/ml gentamicin at 37 &#176;C in humidified 5% CO2.</li>
	<li>Grow MB49 cells in T-75 flasks to 80% confluence. Trypsinize and resuspend at 0.5 &#215; 105 - 0.5 &#215; 106 cells per 150 &#956;l of PBS before implantation in mice.</li>
</ol>
3. Intravesical Tumour Implant
<ol>
	<li>Anesthetize mice using a mix of the anaesthetics zoletil and xylor (33 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg, respectively), injected intraperitoneally.</li>
	<li>Place animals in a supine position and fix the hind legs to the pad with scotch tape. Paws have to be sufficiently separated to render the urethral meatus well visible and easily accessible for the insertion of the catheter.</li>
	<li>Note: For the catheterization, a 24 G paediatric venous catheter is suitable for 8 to 10 weeks-old mice. The choice of catheter is very important in order to avoid leakage of liquid between the urethral wall and the catheter. Larger bore catheters must be used for bigger or older mice.</li>
	<li>Using a small nipper, pinch one edge of the external part of urethra and twist it very gently toward the &#8220;head end&#8221; of the mice. This action exposes the urethral meatus.</li>
	<li>Remove the internal needle of the catheter and insert the latter in the urethra at an angle of 45&#176;, slightly oriented towards the &#8220;tail end&#8221; of the mice. Do not force the entrance of catheter; in case of resistance, just twist the catheter very gently, until it slips inside the urethra. When about 0.5-0.8 cm of the catheter is in the urethra, carefully place the catheter parallel to the tail of the mice and insert it completely.</li>
	<li>Using a 1 ml syringe, the needle of which has to be inserted in the catheter, wash the bladder from residual urine by injecting 200-300 &#956;l of sterile PBS and aspirate all the liquid from the bladder.</li>
	<li>Note: When injecting PBS, the bladder will fill up and a swelling will be visible between the hind legs of the mice; this confirms that the catheterization is correct. Most catheters have a dead volume that must be considered when calculating the injection volume.</li>
	<li>Using a sterile 1 ml syringe, inject 200 &#956;l of 0.1 N HCl. Fill the bladder in order to burn its entire wall. After 10 sec, remove all the acid and immediately neutralize by injecting 200 &#956;l of 0.1 N NaOH with a sterile syringe. In case of injection of the highest number of cells (0.5 &#215; 106), the acidification step is not required.</li>
	<li>Aspirate all the residual liquid and immediately flush the cavity with 300 &#181;l of sterile PBS.</li>
	<li>Empty the bladder by aspiration, and inject 150 &#956;l of PBS containing MB49 cells (range 0.5 &#215; 105 - 0.5 &#215; 106) into the bladder. Leave the syringe assembled to the catheter to avoid the leakage of cells. It is better to secure the syringe by fixing it to the pad with scotch tape.</li>
	<li>After 1 hr, gently extract the catheter from the urethra, and place the mice in the cage, under an incandescent&#160;lamp until they awake: this usually occurs between 1 and 2 hr after the end of the treatment.</li>
</ol>
4. Intravesical Delivery of HP-NAP
<ol>
	<li>Note: At least 3 days after cell instillation, it is possible to begin the treatment.</li>
	<li>Catheterize as described in steps 3.1 to 3.4. At this stage, it is not necessary to burn the bladder wall with HCl.</li>
	<li>Using a 1 ml syringe, wash the bladder from residual urine by injecting 200-300 &#956;l of sterile PBS and aspirate all the liquid from the bladder.</li>
	<li>Inject 50 &#956;g of HP-NAP per 150 &#956;l PBS into the bladder. Leave the syringe attached to the catheter to avoid leakage of the protein solution. Secure the syringe by fixing it to the pad with scotch tape.</li>
	<li>After 1 hr, gently extract the catheter from the urethra and place the mice in the cage, under an incandescent&#160;lamp, until they awake.</li>
</ol>
5. Tumour Explants and Histological Analysis
<ol>
	<li>At the end of the treatment, sacrifice the animals, place them in supine positions and fix the hind legs to the pad with scotch tape.</li>
	<li>Using a surgical scalpel, make a vertical incision about 1.52 cm long through the skin and the peritoneum, starting just above external genitalia to the &#8220;head end&#8221; of the mice. To minimize the risk of damaging the bladder, pay particular attention to the depth of the cut.</li>
	<li>The bladder will be positioned in the centre-left of the cut and the tumour will be visible as a dark pink/violet mass. Upon its excision, place the entire bladder in a histological cage and fix in 10% buffered formalin before embedding in paraffin.</li>
	<li>For histological and immune histochemical analysis, prepare serial sections of the bladder (46 &#181;m thickness) using a standard microtome.</li>
	<li>Stain the sections with haematoxylin/eosin and proceed with the calculation of tumour size (D x d2) and determining the percentage of necrosis per cross-sectional area using a computer assisted image analyser.</li>
	<li>For vessel counting, proceed by staining the sections for the endothelial marker CD31/PECAM, using a standard immunoperoxidase technique. Scan the sections at low power (4&#215;) to identify the area of highest vascular density. Within this region, count individual microvessels in five separate random fields at high power (20&#215;).</li>
</ol>

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M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+crystal+structure+of+Dps,+a+ferritin+homolog+that+binds+and+protects+DNA.">The crystal structure of Dps, a ferritin homolog that binds and protects DNA.</a> Nat Struct Biol. 5, 294-303 (1998).</li><li>Amedei, A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+neutrophil-activating+protein+of+Helicobacter+pylori+promotes+Th1+immune+responses.">The neutrophil-activating protein of Helicobacter pylori promotes Th1 immune responses.</a> J Clin Invest. 116, 1092-1101 (2006).</li><li>Bernard, M., D'Elios, M. M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+immune+modulating+activity+of+the+Helicobacter+pylori+HP-NAP:+Friend+or+foe.">The immune modulating activity of the Helicobacter pylori HP-NAP: Friend or foe.</a> Toxicon. 56, 1186-1192 (2010).</li><li>Codolo, G., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+neutrophil-activating+protein+of+Helicobacter+pylori+down-modulates+Th2+inflammation+in+ovalbumin-induced+allergic+asthma.">The neutrophil-activating protein of Helicobacter pylori down-modulates Th2 inflammation in ovalbumin-induced allergic asthma.</a> Cell Microbiol. 10, 2355-2363 (2008).</li><li>Gunther, J. H., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Optimizing+syngeneic+orthotopic+murine+bladder+cancer+(MB49).">Optimizing syngeneic orthotopic murine bladder cancer (MB49).</a> Cancer Res. 59, 2834-2837 (1999).</li><li>Codolo, G., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=HP-NAP+inhibits+the+growth+of+bladder+cancer+in+mice+by+activating+a+cytotoxic+Th1+response.">HP-NAP inhibits the growth of bladder cancer in mice by activating a cytotoxic Th1 response.</a> Cancer Immunol Immunother. 61, 31-40 (2012).</li><li>Chan, E., Patel, A., Heston, W., Larchian, W. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Mouse+orthotopic+models+for+bladder+cancer+research.">Mouse orthotopic models for bladder cancer research.</a> BJU Int. 104, 1286-1291 (2009).</li><li>Kubota, T. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Metastatic+models+of+human+cancer+xenografted+in+the+nude+mouse:+the+importance+of+orthotopic+transplantation.">Metastatic models of human cancer xenografted in the nude mouse: the importance of orthotopic transplantation.</a> J Cell Biochem. 56, 4-8 (1994).</li><li>Loi, M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+use+of+the+orthotopic+model+to+validate+antivascular+therapies+for+cancer.">The use of the orthotopic model to validate antivascular therapies for cancer.</a> Int J Dev Biol. 55, 547-555 (2011).</li><li>Miyazaki, K., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Preconditioning+methods+influence+tumor+property+in+an+orthotopic+bladder+urothelial+carcinoma+rat+model.">Preconditioning methods influence tumor property in an orthotopic bladder urothelial carcinoma rat model.</a> Mol Clin Oncol. 2, 65-70 (2014).</li><li>Horiguchi, Y., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Establishment+of+orthotopic+mouse+superficial+bladder+tumor+model+for+studies+on+intravesical+treatments.">Establishment of orthotopic mouse superficial bladder tumor model for studies on intravesical treatments.</a> Hum Cell. 21, 57-63 (2008).</li></ol>

The authors declare that they have no competing financial interests.

The majority of advances in cancer therapy require tests in animal models before starting clinical trials. The possibility of studying tumour biology in vivo, taking advantage of animal models, represents a crucial tool for researchers investigating cancer pathogenesis, enabling the assessment of different therapeutic approaches. Orthotopic models remain the gold standard14-15, both because of the huge amount of cell lines available to set up a tumour model and because they mimic the environment of th...

Bladder cancer is one of the most common cancers of the urogenital tract, with nearly 75,000 new cases every year in the USA1. High rates of recurrence require lifelong follow-up, which makes bladder cancer one of the costliest cancers to treat. The gold standard treatment for the high-grade NMIBC is trans-urethral resection, followed by intravesical immunotherapy with BCG. Although the precise mechanism of the anti-tumour activity of BCG remains to be fully elucidated, it is accepted that the activation of a cell-mediated immune response enriched in T helper (Th)1 and cytotoxic T (Tc)1 cells is crucial for the success of the therapy2.
Despite the fact that BCG remains the treatment of choice for NMIBC, a high proportion of patients do not respond to the therapy; moreover, it can cause a number of side effects: about 70% of treated tumours recur after some time and ~15% progress to the muscle-invasive form of the disease. Other side effects associated with BCG treatment include dysuria, cystitis and kidney infection3-6.
The development of novel therapeutic strategies must take into consideration the use of preclinical models, following initial in vitro assessment; this is particularly relevant in tumours whose microenvironment can significantly influence their development and responsiveness to treatment.
Over the last decade, we have addressed multiple aspects of the immune modulating activity of HP-NAP, a protein produced by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori, initially identified as capable of promoting endothelial adhesion of polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs)7. Structurally, HP-NAP belongs to the DNA-protecting protein under starved conditions (Dps) family8 and consists of 12 identical subunits arranged in a dodecameric shell.
We have demonstrated that HP-NAP is a Toll-like receptor (TLR)2 agonist, with a strong immuno-modulating activity responsible for driving the differentiation of T lymphocytes towards the Th1 phenotype, both in vitro and in vivo9-10. In virtue of this activity, HP-NAP is able to redirect the Th2 immune response into the more beneficial Th1 response in a murine model of allergic asthma11.
To evaluate the Th1-dependent anti-tumour potential of HP-NAP, we took advantage of a mouse model of bladder cancer developed several years ago by O&#8217;Donnel and colleagues12 for evaluating the impact of the BCG administration.
With this protocol, we demonstrate that HP-NAP has a strong anti-tumour potential against bladder cancer and that the efficacy of HP-NAP administration parallels the significant accumulation, within tumour and regional lymph nodes, of both Th1 and Tc1 lymphocytes producing Interferon (IFN)-&#947;13. Tumours isolated from HP-NAP-treated mice showed more necrosis and less vascularization than the untreated counterpart.
The present report provides a stepbystep protocol, detailing the preparation of the animals, their urethral catheterization, the chemical burning required for the attachment of cells to the bladder mucosa, and the injection of the tumour cells. We also describe the topical administration of HP-NAP that can be considered as a prototype of any therapeutic agents developed for the treatment of bladder cancer. The evidence obtained by comparing tumours isolated from control and HP-NAP-treated animals emphasizes not only the fact that HP-NAP could be a good candidate for bladder cancer immunotherapy, but also the general effectiveness of the experimental set up.

<table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Materials</td></tr><tr><td>C57BL/6J female mice</td><td>Harlan Italy (Udine, Italy)</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>MB49 Cells</td><td></td><td></td><td>Obtained from Prof. O&#039;Donnel, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa, USA</td></tr><tr><td>RPMI</td><td>Sigma-Aldrich (St. Louis, Missouri, USA)</td><td>R8758</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>FBS</td><td>Sigma-Aldrich</td><td>F7524</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>PBS</td><td>Sigma-Aldrich</td><td>D1408</td><td>10X, to be diluted in apyrogenic water</td></tr><tr><td>Flask</td><td>Becton Dickinson (Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, USA)</td><td>353135</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Syringe 1ml</td><td>Becton Dickinson</td><td>301358</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Trypsin</td><td>Life Technologies (Waltham, Massachusetts, USA)</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Gentamycin</td><td>Life Technologies</td><td>15710-049</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Xilor</td><td>Bio 98 s.r.l. (Milano, Italy)</td><td></td><td>2% Xylazin</td></tr><tr><td>Zoletil</td><td>Virbac (Carros, France)</td><td>359713301992</td><td>5% Zolazepam + 5% Tiletamine</td></tr><tr><td>24G Catheter</td><td>Terumo (Rome, Italy)</td><td>SR+DM2419PX</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>HCl</td><td>Carlo Erba Reagents (Milano, Italy)</td><td>403871</td><td>Liquid</td></tr><tr><td>NaOH</td><td>JT Baker (Center Valley, Pennsylvania, USA)</td><td>10095011</td><td>Powder</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">Equipment</td></tr><tr><td>Surgical Scalpel</td><td>Albion Surgical Limited (Sheffield, England)</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Microtome</td><td>Leica Microsystem ( Wetzlar, Germany)</td><td>RM2235</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Microscope Slides</td><td>VWR International (Radnor, Pennsylvania, USA)</td><td>631-0108</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Image Analyzer</td><td>Zeiss (Jena, Germany)</td><td>Cyres System</td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>

evaluation of the efficacy of the h. pylori protein hp-nap as a therapeutic tool for treatment of bladder cancer in an orthotopic murine model

Bladder cancer is one of the most common malignancies of the urogenital tract. Intravesical injection of Bacillus Calmette-Gu&#233;rin (BCG) is the gold standard treatment for the high-grade non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). However, since the treatment-related side effects are relevant, newer biological response modifiers with a better benefit/side effects ratio are needed.
The tumour microenvironment can influence both tumour development and therapy efficacy. In order to obtain a good model, it is desirable to implant tumour cells in the organ from which the cancer originates.
In this protocol, we describe a method for establishing a tumour in the bladder cavity of female mice and subsequent delivery of therapeutic agents; the latter are exemplified by our use of Helicobacter pylori neutrophil activating protein (HP-NAP). A preliminary chemical burn of the mucosa, followed by the injection of mouse urothelial carcinoma cell line MB49 via urethral catheterization, enables the cells to attach to the bladder mucosa. After a period, required to allow an initial proliferation of the cells, mice are treated with HP-NAP, administrated again via catheterization. The anti-tumour activity of HP-NAP is evaluated comparing the tumour volume, the extent of necrosis and the degree of vascularization between vehicle- and HP-NAP-treated animals.

Figure 1 shows the catheterization technique; the mouse is catheterized and instilled with 0.5 &#215; 106 MB49 cells. Treatment with HP-NAP is started 3 days after the injection of tumour cells, to enable them to attach to the bladder wall and proliferate. All the animals belonging to the control group develop the tumour; some of them may die before the end of the 13 day period due to the occlusion of the urethra.
After the first injection with HP-NAP, the animals a...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Evaluation of the Efficacy of the H. pylori Protein HP-NAP as a Therapeutic Tool for Treatment of Bladder Cancer in an Orthotopic Murine Model at JoVE.com

Evaluation of the Efficacy of the H. pylori Protein HP-NAP as a Therapeutic Tool for Treatment of Bladder Cancer in an Orthotopic Murine Model

Here the method to establish a syngeneic mouse model of orthotopic bladder tumour to evaluate the anti-tumour efficacy of the bacterial protein HP-NAP is described.

Evaluation of the Efficacy of the H. pylori Protein HP-NAP as a Therapeutic Tool for Treatment of Bladder Cancer in an Orthotopic Murine Model

Bladder cancer is one of the most common malignancies of the urogenital tract. Intravesical injection of Bacillus Calmette-Gu&#233;rin (BCG) is the gold ...

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7.2K Views.  University of Padua. Here the method to establish a syngeneic mouse model of orthotopic bladder tumour to evaluate the anti-tumour efficacy of the bacterial protein HP-NAP is described.

Video: Evaluation of the Efficacy of the H. pylori Protein HP-NAP as a Therapeutic Tool for Treatment of Bladder Cancer in an Orthotopic Murine Model

A Murine Orthotopic Bladder Tumor Model and Tumor Detection System

This protocol describes the generation of bladder tumors in female C57BL/6J mice using the murine bladder cancer cell line MB49, which has been modified to secrete human Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA), and the procedure for the confirmation of tumor implantation. In brief, mice are anesthetized using injectable drugs and are made to lay in the dorsal position. Urine is vacated from the bladder and 50 &#181;L of poly-L-lysine (PLL) is slowly instilled at a rate of 10 &#181;L/20 s using a 24 G IV catheter. It is left in the bladder for 20 min by stoppering the catheter. The catheter is removed and PLL is vacated by gentle pressure on the bladder. This is followed by instillation of the murine bladder cancer cell line (1 x 105 cells/50 &#181;L) at a rate of 10 &#181;L/20 s. The catheter is stoppered to prevent premature evacuation. After 1 h, the mice are revived with a reversal drug, and the bladder is vacated. The slow instillation rate is important, as it reduces vesico-ureteral reflux, which can cause tumors to occur in the upper urinary tract and in the kidneys. The cell line should be well re-suspended to reduce clumping of cells, as this can lead to uneven tumor sizes after implantation.
This technique induces tumors with high efficiency. Tumor growth is monitored by urinary PSA secretion. PSA marker monitoring is more reliable than ultrasound or fluorescence imaging for the detection of the presence of tumors in the bladder. Tumors in mice generally reach a maximum size that negatively impacts health by about 3 - 4 weeks if left untreated. By monitoring tumor growth, it is possible to differentiate mice that were cured from those that were not successfully implanted with tumors. With only end-point analysis, the latter may be mistakenly assumed to have been cured by therapy.

This protocol describes the generation of murine orthotopic bladder tumors in female C57BL/6J mice and the monitoring of tumor growth.

This protocol describes the generation of bladder tumors in female C57BL/6J mice using the murine bladder cancer cell line MB49, which has been modified ...

Cancer Research

Mouse Bladder Wall Injection

Mouse bladder wall injection is a useful technique to orthotopically study bladder phenomena, including stem cell, smooth muscle, and cancer biology. Before starting injections, the surgical area must be cleaned with soap and water and antiseptic solution. Surgical equipment must be sterilized before use and between each animal. Each mouse is placed under inhaled isoflurane anesthesia (2-5% for induction, 1-3% for maintenance) and its bladder exposed by making a midline abdominal incision with scissors. If the bladder is full, it is partially decompressed by gentle squeezing between two fingers. The cell suspension of interest is intramurally injected into the wall of the bladder dome using a 29 or 30 gauge needle and 1 cc or smaller syringe. The wound is then closed using wound clips and the mouse allowed to recover on a warming pad. Bladder wall injection is a delicate microsurgical technique that can be mastered with practice.

Mouse bladder wall injection is a useful approach to orthotopically study bladder stem cell and cancer biology. This delicate microsurgical method can be mastered with careful technique and practice.

Mouse bladder wall injection is a useful technique to orthotopically study bladder phenomena, including stem cell, smooth muscle, and cancer biology. ...

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Assessment of Carcinogen-induced Murine Bladder Tumors

Murine bladder tumor models are critical for the evaluation of new therapeutic options. Bladder tumors induced with the N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl) nitrosamine (BBN) carcinogen are advantageous over cell line-based models because they closely replicate the genomic profiles of human tumors, and, unlike cell models and xenografts, they provide a good opportunity for the study of immunotherapies. However, bladder tumor generation is heterogeneous; therefore, an accurate assessment of tumor burden is needed before randomization to experimental treatment. Described here is a BBN mouse model and protocol to evaluate bladder cancer tumor burden in vivo using a fast and reliable magnetic resonance (MR) sequence (true FISP). This method is simple and reliable because, unlike ultrasound, MR is operator-independent and allows for the straightforward post-acquisition image processing and review. Using axial images of the bladder, analysis of regions of interest along the bladder wall and tumor allow for the calculation of bladder wall and tumor area. This measurement correlates with ex vivo bladder weight (rs= 0.37, p = 0.009) and tumor stage (p = 0.0003). In conclusion, BBN generates heterogeneous tumors that are ideal for evaluation of immunotherapies, and MRI can quickly and reliably assess tumor burden prior to randomization to experimental treatment arms.

Murine bladder tumors are induced with the N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl) nitrosamine carcinogen (BBN). Bladder tumor generation is heterogeneous; therefore, an accurate assessment of tumor burden is needed before randomization to experimental treatment. Here we present a fast, reliable MRI protocol to assess tumor size and stage.

Murine bladder tumor models are critical for the evaluation of new therapeutic options. Bladder tumors induced with the N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl) ...

An Orthotopic Bladder Tumor Model and the Evaluation of Intravesical saRNA Treatment

We present a novel method for treating bladder cancer with intravesically delivered small activating RNA (saRNA) in an orthotopic xenograft mouse bladder tumor model. The mouse model is established by urethral catheterization under inhaled general anesthetic. Chemical burn is then introduced to the bladder mucosa using intravesical silver nitrate solution to disrupt the bladder glycosaminoglycan layer and allows cells to attach. Following several washes with sterile water, human bladder cancer KU-7-luc2-GFP cells are instilled through the catheter into the bladder to dwell for 2 hours. Subsequent growth of bladder tumors is confirmed and monitored by in vivo bladder ultrasound and bioluminescent imaging. The tumors are then treated intravesically with saRNA formulated in lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). Tumor growth is monitored with ultrasound and bioluminescence. All steps of this procedure are demonstrated in the accompanying video.

Establishing an orthotopic bladder tumor model to evaluate antitumor effects of intravesically delivered saRNA and monitoring tumor growth by ultrasound and bioluminescent imaging.

We present a novel method for treating bladder cancer with intravesically delivered small activating RNA (saRNA) in an orthotopic xenograft mouse bladder ...

An Orthotopic Bladder Cancer Model for Gene Delivery Studies

Bladder cancer is the second most common cancer of the urogenital tract and novel therapeutic approaches that can reduce recurrence and progression are needed. The tumor microenvironment can significantly influence tumor development and therapy response. It is therefore often desirable to grow tumor cells in the organ from which they originated. This protocol describes an orthotopic model of bladder cancer, in which MB49 murine bladder carcinoma cells are instilled into the bladder via catheterization. Successful tumor cell implantation in this model requires disruption of the protective glycosaminoglycan layer, which can be accomplished by physical or chemical means. In our protocol the bladder is treated with trypsin prior to cell instillation. Catheterization of the bladder can also be used to deliver therapeutics once the tumors are established. This protocol describes the delivery of an adenoviral construct that expresses a luciferase reporter gene. While our protocol has been optimized for short-term studies and focuses on gene delivery, the methodology of mouse bladder catheterization has broad applications.

Implantation of cancer cells into the organ of origin can serve as a useful preclinical model to evaluate novel therapies. MB49 bladder carcinoma cells can be grown within the bladder following intravesical instillation. This protocol demonstrates catheterization of the mouse bladder for the purpose of tumor implantation and adenoviral delivery.

Bladder cancer is the second most common cancer of the urogenital tract and novel therapeutic approaches that can reduce recurrence and progression are ...

Evaluation of the In vivo Antitumor Activity of Polyanhydride IL-1&#945; Nanoparticles

Cytokine therapy is a promising immunotherapeutic strategy that can produce robust antitumor immune responses in cancer patients. The proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1&#945;) has been evaluated as an anticancer agent in several preclinical and clinical studies. However, dose-limiting toxicities, including flu-like symptoms and hypotension, have dampened the enthusiasm for this therapeutic strategy. Polyanhydride nanoparticle (NP)-based delivery of IL-1&#945; would represent an effective approach in this context since this may allow for a slow and controlled release of IL-1&#945; systemically while reducing toxic side effects. Here an analysis of the antitumor activity of IL-1&#945;-loaded polyanhydride NPs in a head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) syngeneic mouse model is described. Murine oropharyngeal epithelial cells stably expressing HPV16 E6/E7 together with hRAS and luciferase (mEERL) cells were injected subcutaneously into the right flank of C57BL/6J mice. Once tumors reached 3-4 mm in any direction, a 1.5% IL-1a - loaded 20:80 1,8-bis(p-carboxyphenoxy)-3,6-dioxaoctane:1,6-bis(p-carboxyphenoxy)hexane (CPTEG: CPH) nanoparticle (IL-1&#945;-NP) formulation was administered to mice intraperitoneally. Tumor size and body weight were continuously measured until tumor size or weight loss reached euthanasia criteria. Blood samples were taken to evaluate antitumor immune responses by submandibular venipuncture, and inflammatory cytokines were measured through cytokine multiplex assays. Tumor and inguinal lymph nodes were resected and homogenized into a single-cell suspension to analyze various immune cells through multicolor flow cytometry. These standard methods will allow investigators to study the antitumor immune response and potential mechanism of immunostimulatory NPs and other immunotherapy agents for cancer treatment.

Evaluation of the In vivo Antitumor Activity of Polyanhydride IL-1&#945; Nanoparticles

A standard protocol is described to study the antitumor activity and associated toxicity of IL-1&#945; in a syngeneic mouse model of HNSCC.

Cytokine therapy is a promising immunotherapeutic strategy that can produce robust antitumor immune responses in cancer patients. The proinflammatory ...

Induction of Invasive Transitional Cell Bladder Carcinoma in Immune Intact Human MUC1 Transgenic Mice:  A Model for Immunotherapy Development

A preclinical model of invasive bladder cancer was developed in human mucin 1 (MUC1) transgenic (MUC1.Tg) mice for the purpose of evaluating immunotherapy and/or cytotoxic chemotherapy. To induce bladder cancer, C57BL/6 mice (MUC1.Tg and wild type) were treated orally with the carcinogen N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl)nitrosamine (OH-BBN) at 3.0 mg/day, 5 days/week for 12 weeks. To assess the effects of OH-BBN on serum cytokine profile during tumor development, whole blood was collected via submandibular bleeds prior to treatment and every four weeks. In addition, a MUC1-targeted peptide vaccine and placebo were administered to groups of mice weekly for eight weeks. Multiplex fluorometric microbead immunoanalyses of serum cytokines during tumor development and following vaccination were performed. At termination, interferon gamma (IFN-&#947;)/interleukin-4 (IL-4) ELISpot analysis for MUC1 specific T-cell immune response and histopathological evaluations of tumor type and grade were performed. The results showed that: (1) the incidence of bladder cancer in both MUC1.Tg and wild type mice was 67%; (2) transitional cell carcinomas (TCC) developed at a 2:1 ratio compared to squamous cell carcinomas (SCC); (3) inflammatory cytokines increased with time during tumor development; and (4) administration of the peptide vaccine induces a Th1-polarized serum cytokine profile and a MUC1 specific T-cell response. All tumors in MUC1.Tg mice were positive for MUC1 expression, and half of all tumors in MUC1.Tg and wild type mice were invasive. In conclusion, using a team approach through the coordination of the efforts of pharmacologists, immunologists, pathologists and molecular biologists, we have developed an immune intact transgenic mouse model of bladder cancer that expresses hMUC1.

An N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl)nitrosamine-induced bladder cancer model was developed in human mucin 1 (MUC1) transgenic mice for the purpose of testing MUC1-directed immunotherapy. After administering a MUC1-targeted peptide vaccine, a cytotoxic T lymphocyte response to MUC1 was confirmed by measuring serum cytokine levels and T-cell specific activity.

A preclinical model of invasive bladder cancer was developed in human mucin 1 (MUC1) transgenic (MUC1.Tg) mice for the purpose of evaluating immunotherapy ...

One-step Negative Chromatographic Purification of Helicobacter pylori Neutrophil-activating Protein Overexpressed in Escherichia coli in Batch Mode

Helicobacter pylori neutrophil-activating protein (HP-NAP) is a major virulence factor of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). It plays a critical role in H. pylori-induced gastric inflammation by activating several innate leukocytes including neutrophils, monocytes, and mast cells. The immunogenic and immunomodulatory properties of HP-NAP make it a potential diagnostic and vaccine candidate for H. pylori and a new drug candidate for cancer therapy. In order to obtain substantial quantities of purified HP-NAP used for its clinical applications, an efficient method to purify this protein with high yield and purity needs to be established.
In this protocol, we have described a method for one-step negative chromatographic purification of recombinant HP-NAP overexpressed in Escherichia coli (E. coli) by using diethylaminoethyl (DEAE) ion-exchange resins (e.g., Sephadex) in batch mode. Recombinant HP-NAP constitutes nearly 70% of the total protein in E. coli and is almost fully recovered in the soluble fraction upon cell lysis at pH 9.0. Under the optimal condition at pH 8.0, the majority of HP-NAP is recovered in the unbound fraction while the endogenous proteins from E. coli are efficiently removed by the resin.
This purification method using negative mode batch chromatography with DEAE ion-exchange resins yields functional HP-NAP from E. coli in its native form with high yield and purity. The purified HP-NAP could be further utilized for the prevention, treatment, and prognosis of H. pylori-associated diseases as well as cancer therapy.

One-step Negative Chromatographic Purification of Helicobacter pylori Neutrophil-activating Protein Overexpressed in Escherichia coli in Batch Mode

A high yield method for one-step negative purification of recombinant Helicobacter pylori neutrophil-activating protein (HP-NAP) overexpressed in Escherichia coli by using diethylaminoethyl resins in batch mode is described. HP-NAP purified by this method is beneficial for the development of vaccines, drugs, or diagnostics for H. pylori-associated diseases.

Helicobacter pylori neutrophil-activating protein (HP-NAP) is a major virulence factor of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). It plays a critical role in H. ...

Immunology and Infection

Establishing a Murine Superficial Bladder Cancer Model via an Intravesical Cell Administration Technique

This study presents an innovative method for establishing an orthotopic murine bladder tumor model with high efficiency and precise tumor localization. After anesthetizing female C57BL/6J mice in a supine position, a 24 G intravenous needle is inserted into the bladder to evacuate its contents. A 34 G dispensing needle is then introduced through the catheter, rotated five times to create a focal injury to the bladder dome mucosa, and subsequently removed. The MB49 cell suspension is aspirated and connected to a 30 G dispensing needle, which is inserted into the bladder via the catheter. Tumor cells are injected submucosally into the bladder under pressure. This technique results in minimal trauma to the mice, a high tumor take rate, and a fixed tumor location. It is characterized by simplicity and excellent reproducibility. This model provides an ideal experimental platform for developing intravesical therapies for bladder cancer, facilitating the advancement and optimization of treatment strategies for this malignancy.

This protocol describes a unique method for constructing an orthotopic model of superficial bladder cancer.

This study presents an innovative method for establishing an orthotopic murine bladder tumor model with high efficiency and precise tumor localization. ...

Mouse Models Of Helicobacter Infection And Gastric Pathologies

Helicobacter pylori is a gastric pathogen that is present in half of the global population and is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in humans. Several mouse models of gastric Helicobacter infection have been developed to study the molecular and cellular mechanisms whereby H. pylori bacteria colonize the stomach of human hosts and cause disease. Herein, we describe protocols to: 1) prepare bacterial suspensions for the in vivo infection of mice via intragastric gavage; 2) determine bacterial colonization levels in mouse gastric tissues, by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and viable counting; and 3) assess pathological changes, by histology. To establish Helicobacter infection in mice, specific pathogen-free (SPF) animals are first inoculated with suspensions (containing &#8805;105 colony-forming units, CFUs) of mouse-colonizing strains of either Helicobacter pylori or other gastric Helicobacter spp. from animals, such as Helicobacter felis. At the appropriate time-points post-infection, stomachs are excised and dissected sagittally into two equal tissue fragments, each comprising the antrum and body regions. One of these fragments is then used for either viable counting or DNA extraction, while the other is subjected to histological processing. Bacterial colonization and histopathological changes in the stomach may be assessed routinely in gastric tissue sections stained with Warthin-Starry, Giemsa or Haematoxylin and Eosin (H&#38;E) stains, as appropriate. Additional immunological analyses may also be undertaken by immunohistochemistry or immunofluorescence on mouse gastric tissue sections. The protocols described below are specifically designed to enable the assessment in mice of gastric pathologies resembling those in human-related H. pylori diseases, including inflammation, gland atrophy and lymphoid follicle formation. The inoculum preparation and intragastric gavage protocols may also be adapted to study the pathogenesis of other enteric human pathogens that colonize mice, such as Salmonella Typhimurium or Citrobacter rodentium.

Mouse Models Of Helicobacter Infection And Gastric Pathologies

Mice represent an invaluable in vivo model to study infection and diseases caused by gastrointestinal microorganisms. Here, we describe the methods used to study bacterial colonization and histopathological changes in mouse models of Helicobacter pylori-related disease.

Helicobacter pylori is a gastric pathogen that is present in half of the global population and is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in ...

Evaluation of the Efficacy of the H. pylori Protein HP-NAP as a Therapeutic Tool for Treatment of Bladder Cancer in an Orthotopic Murine Model

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Chapters in this video

A Murine Orthotopic Bladder Tumor Model and Tumor Detection System

Mouse Bladder Wall Injection

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Assessment of Carcinogen-induced Murine Bladder Tumors

An Orthotopic Bladder Tumor Model and the Evaluation of Intravesical saRNA Treatment

An Orthotopic Bladder Cancer Model for Gene Delivery Studies

Evaluation of the In vivo Antitumor Activity of Polyanhydride IL-1α Nanoparticles

Induction of Invasive Transitional Cell Bladder Carcinoma in Immune Intact Human MUC1 Transgenic Mice: A Model for Immunotherapy Development

One-step Negative Chromatographic Purification of Helicobacter pylori Neutrophil-activating Protein Overexpressed in Escherichia coli in Batch Mode

Establishing a Murine Superficial Bladder Cancer Model via an Intravesical Cell Administration Technique

Mouse Models Of Helicobacter Infection And Gastric Pathologies