Name: generation of a liver orthotopic human uveal melanoma xenograft platform in immunodeficient mice
Uploaded: 2019-11-06T13:00:00.000+00:00
Duration: 4 min 2 s
Description: Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Generation of a Liver Orthotopic Human Uveal Melanoma Xenograft Platform in Immunodeficient Mice at JoVE.com

We are thankful to M. Ohara, K. Saito, and M. Terai, for reviewing the manuscript. The authors acknowledge critical review for editorial and English assistance of this manuscript by Dr. R. Sato at Fox Chase Cancer Center. The work described herein was supported by the Bonnie Kroll Research Fund, the Mark Weinzierl Research Fund, the Eye Melanoma Research Fund at Thomas Jefferson University, The Osaka Community Foundation, and JSPS KAKENHI Grant Number JP 18K15596 at Osaka City University. Studies in Dr. A. Aplin&#39;s laboratory were supported by NIH grant R01 GM067893. This project was also funded by a Dean&#39;s Transformative Science Award, a Thomas Jefferson University Programmatic Initiative Award.

Patients enrolled in the study should provide written consent allowing the use of discarded surgical samples for research purposes and genetic studies, according to an Institutional Review Board-approved protocol. This protocol was carried out in strict accordance with the recommendations in the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals of the National Institutes of Health and approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC).
1. Collection of Fresh Patient-derived Tumor Tissue
<ol>
	<li>Obtain patient-derived tumor tissue from surgery or a needle biopsy in a hospital operating room.</li>
	<li>Put the tumor tissue in a 100 mL container containing Hanks&#39; balanced salt solution (HBSS) solution on ice.</li>
	<li>Transfer the tissue into a sterile hood (Biosafety level 2) in a laboratory.</li>
	<li>Proceed to step 2 as soon as possible. 
	NOTE: For safety reasons, exclude patients with known HIV or Hepatitis B or C infections.</li>
</ol>
2. Processing of Fresh Patient-derived Tumor Tissue
<ol>
	<li>Put the tissue in a 50 mL tube containing phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) on ice. For washing the tissue, add PBS in the tube and discard PBS from the tube twice.</li>
	<li>Transfer the tissue into a Petri dish containing PBS on ice.</li>
	<li>Using sterile forceps and scissors, remove the necrotic parts of the tissue. Keep the tissue moist and cold during steps 2.3 to 2.5. For needle biopsy samples, skip step 2.3 and 2.5, and do not cut the samples. 
	NOTE: The necrotic tissue often breaks apart easily when touched.</li>
	<li>Cut the tissue into 1 mm3 cubes for surgical liver implantation.</li>
	<li>Cut the rest of the tissue into 2 mm cubes in the Petri dish.</li>
	<li>Transfer them to a 1.7 mm microtube with 4% formalin for histological analysis and to another tube for genomic and proteomic analysis.</li>
	<li>Put the microtubes in a liquid nitrogen jar with liquid nitrogen. Transfer the tubes to a -80 &#176;C freezer for permanent storage. 
	NOTE: The time between sample removal from the patient and tissue processing should not exceed 30 min.</li>
</ol>
3. Surgical Liver Implantation with Patient-derived Tumor Tissue
<ol>
	<li>Spray all objects coming into the hood for surgery with 70 % ethyl alcohol. 
	NOTE: This includes surgical instruments, heating pads, and anesthesia machines.</li>
	<li>Measure the weight of a cotton swab and fabric sheet.</li>
	<li>Anesthetize a mouse with a 3&#8211;5% isoflurane vaporizer by placing it in the induction chamber.</li>
	<li>Once the mouse is fully anesthetized, place it in supine position on a heating pad. Place the isoflurane cone on the mouse's snout to inhale 1.5&#8211;3% isoflurane for maintenance of anesthesia. 
	NOTE: The mouse needs to be on the heating pad during the entire procedure. Lack of heating may cause hypothermia.</li>
	<li>Confirm proper anesthesia by no reaction when the foot of the mouse is pricked with ultrafine forceps.</li>
	<li>Inject buprenorphine (0.6 mg/kg) subcutaneously on the flank using a 27 G needle on a micro syringe before surgery.</li>
	<li>Apply 70% ethyl alcohol to the abdomen and spread the fur upwards and downwards. After spreading the fur, confirm easier visualization of the skin below the left subcostal area for an easier cut. Do not shave off the fur from the abdomen. 
	NOTE: The fur will hide the incision site after surgery and prevent the mouse from scratching the incision post operation. However, you can shave the fur to prevent infection of the incision site according to institutional standards.</li>
	<li>Apply iodine and let it be absorbed into the skin.</li>
	<li>Place a sterile surgical drape with a 2 cm hole on the mouse.</li>
	<li>Lift abdominal skin with curved ultrafine forceps and make a 1 cm transverse left subcostal skin incision with curved scissors.</li>
	<li>Insert the tip of the curved scissors beneath the skin of the incision and slightly open them to separate peritoneum from skin. Retract the scissors from the incision with closed blades. 
	NOTE: Opening and closing scissors inside the mouse can cause damage and bleeding.</li>
	<li>Locate the liver under the peritoneum. Confirm a dark reddish color through the peritoneum.</li>
	<li>With curved scissors, make a 1 cm transverse incision in the peritoneum. If a peritoneal artery bleeds from the cutting edge, immediately stop the bleeding with cautery.</li>
	<li>Grab fat tissue using curved ultrafine forceps with one hand, insert the edge of a cotton swab beneath the left liver lobe and roll the swab downward with the other hand to bring out the liver. 
	NOTE: Grabbing fat tissue is important to keep the fat tissue from sticking to the cotton swab.</li>
	<li>Exteriorize the liver on the cotton swab and place the liver on a non-woven absorbent fabric sheet. 
	NOTE: The fabric sheet plays two essential roles in stabilizing the liver and absorbing hemorrhage.</li>
	<li>Make an incision 5 mm in width and depth using a sterile No. 11 scalpel blade to form a pocket in the parenchyma while softly pressing the incision site with the cotton swab.
	<ol>
		<li>Insert the blade in parallel with the surface of the liver and cut horizontally.</li>
		<li>Press the incision site with the cotton swab to stop any hemorrhage. 
		NOTE: Do not keep the blade vertical, otherwise you will break through the liver and injure large vessels in the middle of the liver.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Roll the cotton swab upward to open the incision site and implant a 1 mm3 cube of tumor tissue into the pocket with curved ultrafine forceps. Retract the forceps while rolling the cotton swab in reverse rotation and pressing down. 
	NOTE: Pressing down on the incision site with the cotton swab while retracting the forceps helps to prevent displacement of the tumor inside the pocket.</li>
	<li>Gently take the cotton swab off the incision site after implantation. Proceed to step 3.19 as soon as possible.</li>
	<li>Put an absorbable hemostat on the incision site.</li>
	<li>Confirm hemostasis. If bleeding continues, add more hemostat on the incision site.</li>
	<li>Peel the liver off the fabric sheet with forceps (preferably blunt-ended) and put the liver back into the abdominal cavity.</li>
	<li>Suture peritoneum with double ligature using 5-0 absorbable suture.</li>
	<li>Suture skin with triple ligature using 5-0 absorbable suture. 
	NOTE: Triple ligature helps to prevent surgical incision dehiscence.</li>
	<li>Observe the mouse until fully awake and put it back in the cage.</li>
	<li>Measure the weight of the cotton swab and the fabric sheet with blood for bleeding volume during the surgery. Compare them with their original weights before surgery. Reduce bleeding during the surgery to less than 10% of circulating blood volume in mouse.</li>
</ol>
4. Collecting and Processing of Cultured Human Liver Metastatic Uveal Melanoma Cell Line
<ol>
	<li>Prepare cultured cells.</li>
	<li>Collect cells and calculate the cell number using a cell counter.</li>
	<li>Prepare an appropriate amount of cell suspension for 10.0 x 106 cells in a 15 mL tube.</li>
	<li>Spin the tube at 300 x g for 5 min in a centrifuge at room temperature.</li>
	<li>Remove the supernatant in the 15 mL tube. Leave the cell pellet at the bottom of the tube.</li>
	<li>Add 50 &#956;L of RPMI 1640 medium into a 1.7 mL tube.</li>
	<li>Cut the tip of a 200 &#956;L tip with scissors to enlarge the tip opening.</li>
	<li>Add 60 &#956;L of basement membrane matrix using a pipette with the cut tip into the 1.7 mL tube that has RPMI.</li>
	<li>Mix RPMI and matrix in the 1.7 mL tube. Vortex it.</li>
	<li>Add 110 &#956;L of the mixture into the cell pellet in the 15 mL tube. Transfer the cell suspension into a new 1.7 mL tube.</li>
	<li>Keep the tube on ice before needle injection.</li>
</ol>
5. Surgical Needle Implantation of Cultured Human Liver Metastatic Uveal Melanoma Cell Line into Liver
<ol>
	<li>Follow the above protocol from steps 3.1 to 3.15.</li>
	<li>Collect the cell suspension with a microsyringe with a 27 G needle.</li>
	<li>Insert the needle along the surface of the liver and advance the tip of the needle 5 mm deeper.</li>
	<li>Inject 20 &#956;L of cell suspension into the liver.</li>
	<li>Cauterize the insertion point of the liver to prevent the injected cells from leaking out. Confirm hemostasis.</li>
	<li>Follow the above protocol from steps 3.21 to 3.24.</li>
</ol>
6. CT Scan
<ol>
	<li>Place the mouse into a restrainer in the awake state.</li>
	<li>Wipe the tail with a sterile alcohol pad for disinfection and vasodilation.</li>
	<li>Inject 100 &#181;L of CT contrast agent through the tail vein with a 27 G needle on a 1 mL syringe.</li>
	<li>Wait for 4 h after injection before taking the CT scan. 
	NOTE: It takes 4 h until the agent is taken up by liver Kupffer cells.</li>
	<li>Four hours after injection, anesthetize the tumor-bearing mouse with 3&#8211;5% vaporized isoflurane by placing it in the induction chamber.</li>
	<li>Once the mouse is fully anesthetized, place it in the prone position on a CT. Place the isoflurane cone on the mouse's snout to inhale 1.5&#8211;3% isoflurane for maintenance of anesthesia.</li>
	<li>Confirm proper anesthesia by no reaction when the foot of the mouse is pricked with ultrafine forceps.</li>
	<li>Take a CT scan for 15 min.</li>
	<li>Ensure that the mouse until it is fully awakened after the CT scan and put it back into the cage.</li>
	<li>Evaluate for the existence of tumor and measure the tumor size on the CT images. 
	NOTE: The contrast agent enhances normal liver parenchyma so that it is easy to recognize unenhanced tumor. Do not misinterpret the gallbladder and stomach as tumor.</li>
</ol>
7. Harvesting and Processing Tissue
<ol>
	<li>Euthanize mice using CO2 followed by cervical dislocation by placing the index finger and thumb behind the skull and pulling the body by the base of the tail. Proceed to step 7.2 as soon as possible.</li>
	<li>Place the mouse in a supine position and spray the abdomen with 70% ethyl alcohol.</li>
	<li>Use sterile forceps and sterile scissors to make a 3-cm transverse incision below the xiphoid process to expose the abdominal organs.</li>
	<li>Excise the tumor tissue and perform steps 2.1 to 2.2.</li>
	<li>Cut the rest of the tumor into 2 mm cubes in the Petri dish.</li>
	<li>Transfer them to a cryogenic tube with cryomedium for re-implantation after cryopreservation.</li>
	<li>Put the tubes in a cryogenic freezing container filled with isopropanol.</li>
	<li>Transfer the container to a -80 &#176;C freezer for temporary storage. Do not put the cryotubes with cryomedium directly into a liquid nitrogen tank. Freeze them slowly at a cooling rate of -1 &#176;C/min to preserve tumor tissue.</li>
	<li>On the next day, transfer the tubes into a liquid nitrogen tank for permanent storage.</li>
</ol>
8. Re-implantation
<ol>
	<li>Keep tubes frozen in a liquid nitrogen jar with liquid nitrogen until ready to implant tissue. Minimize exposure of the tissue to room temperature to maintain viability and enhance chances of engraftment.</li>
	<li>Thaw cryopreserved tube in a 37 &#176;C water bath.</li>
	<li>Perform steps 2.2&#8211;2.4.</li>
	<li>Implant the thawed tumor into mice as described in steps 3.1&#8211;3.24.</li>
</ol>

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The authors have nothing to disclose.

The current orthotopic xenograft models are labor-intensive, time-consuming, and expensive to create. Orthotopic tumor xenograft mouse models for liver cancer were established more than two decades ago19,20,21. However, this technique is complicated and requires use of special equipment, such as a micro-needle holder and 6-0 to 8-0 fine sutures under a microscope. Tumor and normal liver tissue must be sewn up carefully so that t...

Uveal melanoma is the most common intraocular malignant tumor among adults in the western world. During the past 50 years, the incidence of uveal melanoma (5.1 cases per million) has remained stable in the United States1,2. Uveal melanoma arises from melanocytes in the iris, ciliary body, or choroid, and it is an extremely lethal disease when it develops metastasis. The death rate of patients with uveal melanoma metastasis was 80% at 1 year and 92% at 2 years after initial diagnosis of the metastases. The time between diagnosis of metastases and death is typically short, less than 6 months, without regards to therapy3,4. The cancer spreads through the blood and tends to dominantly metastasize to the liver (89-93%)4,5. An effective mouse model is urgently needed for further investigation of liver-metastatic uveal melanoma. For translational research, there is a clear demand to generate a liver-localized metastatic uveal melanoma mouse model.
Patient-derived tumor xenograft (PDX) mouse models are expected to provide individualized medicine strategies. These models might be predictive of clinical outcomes, be useful for preclinical drug evaluation, and be used for biological studies of tumors6. Representative PDX models are ectopically tumor-implanted xenograft mice, which have tumor at subcutaneous sites. Most researchers can do surgery for subcutaneous implantation without special practice7,8. They can also monitor subcutaneous tumors easily. Although subcutaneous PDX models became popular in the research phase, they have some hurdles in moving to practical use. Subcutaneous implantation forces patient-derived tumors to engraft at a different microenvironment from the tumor origin, so that it leads to engraftment failure and slow tumor growth 9,10,11,12,13,14. Orthotopic engraftment may be a more ideal and rational approach for a PDX model because it uses the same organ as the original tumor15,16.
Recently, we developed protocols for surgical orthotopic implantation techniques of patient-derived liver-metastatic uveal melanoma tumors and needle injection techniques with a cultured human liver-metastatic uveal melanoma cell line in NOD.Cg-PrkdcscidIl2rgtm1Wjl/SzJ (NSG) mice17,18. The protocols result in consistently high technical success rates. We also established CT scanning techniques that are useful to detect interior liver tumors, and we developed re-implantation of cryopreserved tumors in the PDX platform. We found that uveal melanoma tumor xenograft models maintain the characteristics of the original patient liver tumor, including their histopathological and molecular features. Together, these techniques provide a better platform for liver orthotopic tumor models for uveal melanoma in translational research.

<table><tbody><tr><td>&lt;strong&gt;Materials, tissues and animals&lt;/strong&gt;</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Buprenorphine</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>CO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; tank</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Cryomedium</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Exitron nano 12000 (Alkaline earth metal-based nanoparticle contrast agent)</td><td>Miltenyl Biotec</td><td>130-095-700</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>HBSS 1x, with calcium &amp;amp; magnesium</td><td>Corning</td><td>21-020-CM</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Human liver metastatic uveal melanoma cell line</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Human uveal melanoma tissue in the liver</td><td></td><td></td><td>All tissue handling should be done in a Biosafety Level 2 hood. Be careful when working with human tissue; always use gloves and avoid direct skin contact. Assume patients may have been infected with HIV or other highly transmissible organisms. Do not process samples known to carry infections.</td></tr><tr><td>Iodine</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Isoflurane</td><td>Purdue Products</td><td>67618-150-17</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Isopropanol</td><td>Fisher scientific</td><td>A416-1</td><td>Avoid direct contact to skin and eye and inhalation of anesthetic agent.</td></tr><tr><td>Liquid nitrogen</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Matrigel HC</td><td>BD</td><td>354248</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>NOD.Cg-&lt;em&gt;Prkdc&lt;sup&gt;scid&lt;/sup&gt;Il2rg&lt;sup&gt;tm1Wjl&lt;/sup&gt;&lt;/em&gt;/SzJ (NSG) mice</td><td>Jackson Lab</td><td>5557</td><td>4 to 8 weeks old</td></tr><tr><td>PBS 1x, without calcium and magnesium</td><td>Corning</td><td>21-031-CM</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>RPMI 1640</td><td>Corning</td><td>10-013-CV</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Sterile alcohol prep pad (70% isopropyl alcohol)</td><td>Nice-Pak products</td><td>B603</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>4% paraformaldehyde phosphate buffer solution</td><td>Wako</td><td>163-20145</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>70% Ethyl alcohol solution</td><td>Fisher Scientific</td><td>04-355-122</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>&lt;strong&gt;Name&lt;/strong&gt;</td><td>&lt;strong&gt;Company&lt;/strong&gt;</td><td>&lt;strong&gt;Catalog Number&lt;/strong&gt;</td><td>&lt;strong&gt;Comments&lt;/strong&gt;</td></tr><tr><td>&lt;strong&gt;Equipments&lt;/strong&gt;</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Absorbable hemostat</td><td>Johnson and Johnson</td><td>63713-0019-61</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Autoclave</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Body weight measure</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Cautery</td><td>Bovie Medical</td><td>MC-23009</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Cell counter</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Centrifuzer</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Cotton swab</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Cryo freezing container</td><td>NALGENE</td><td>5100-0001</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Cryotube</td><td>SARSTEDT</td><td>72.379</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Curved scissors</td><td>World Precision Instruments</td><td>503247</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Curved ultrafine forceps</td><td>World Precision Instruments</td><td>501302</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Fabric sheet</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Freezer</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>F/AIR Filter Canister</td><td>Harvard Apparatus</td><td>600979</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Heating pad</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Isoflurane vaporizer</td><td>Artisan Scientific</td><td>66317-1</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Liquid nitrogen</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Liquid nitrogen jar</td><td>Thermo Fisher Scientific</td><td>2123</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Micro-CT scan</td><td>Siemens</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Needle holder</td><td>World Precision Instruments</td><td>501246</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Petri dishes</td><td>Fisher Scientific</td><td>FB0875713</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Pipette</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Spray bottle</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Sterile hood</td><td></td><td></td><td>Biosafety level 2 cabinet</td></tr><tr><td>Sterile No.11 scalpel</td><td>AD Surgical</td><td>A300-11-0</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Straight forceps</td><td>World Precision Instruments</td><td>14226</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Surgical drape</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Tail vein restrainer</td><td>Braintree Scientific</td><td>TV-150-STD</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Water bath</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>1 mL TB syringe with 27 G needle</td><td>BD</td><td>309623</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>1.7 mL tube</td><td>Bioexpress</td><td>C-3260-1</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>5-0 PDO Suture</td><td>AD Surgical</td><td>S-D518R13</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>15 mL conical tubes</td><td>AZER SCIENTIFIC</td><td>ES-9152N</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>27 G needle</td><td>BD</td><td>780301</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>27 G needle</td><td>Hamilton</td><td>7803-01</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>50 mL conical tubes</td><td>AZER SCIENTIFIC</td><td>ES-9502N</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>50 &amp;micro;L micro syringe</td><td>BD</td><td>80630</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>50 &amp;micro;L micro syringe</td><td>Hamilton</td><td>7655-01</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>100 mL container</td><td>Fisher Scientific</td><td>12594997</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>200&amp;mu;L tip</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>

generation of a liver orthotopic human uveal melanoma xenograft platform in immunodeficient mice

In recent decades, subcutaneously implanted patient-derived xenograft tumors or cultured human cell lines have been increasingly recognized as more representative models to study human cancers in immunodeficient mice than traditional established human cell lines in vitro. Recently, orthotopically implanted patient-derived tumor xenograft (PDX) models in mice have been developed to better replicate features of patient tumors. A liver orthotopic xenograft mouse model is expected to be a useful cancer research platform, providing insights into tumor biology and drug therapy. However, liver orthotopic tumor implantation is generally complicated. Here we describe our protocols for the orthotopic implantation of patient-derived liver-metastatic uveal melanoma tumors. We cultured human liver metastatic uveal melanoma cell lines into immunodeficient mice. The protocols can result in consistently high technical success rates using either a surgical orthotopic implantation technique with chunks of patient-derived uveal melanoma tumor or a needle injection technique with cultured human cell line. We also describe protocols for CT scanning to detect interior liver tumors and for re-implantation techniques using cryopreserved tumors to achieve re-engraftment. Together, these protocols provide a better platform for liver orthotopic tumor mouse models of liver metastatic uveal melanoma in translational research.

Surgical orthotopic implantation using the liver pocket method can transplant human liver metastatic uveal melanoma tumor into the mouse liver with a high success rate of 80% within six months. The xenograft tumor engrafts in the liver as a solitary tumor without daughter nodules (Figure 1 and Figure 3A). The surgical orthotopic injection technique into the liver using microneedles successfully engrafted cultured human liver-meta...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Generation of a Liver Orthotopic Human Uveal Melanoma Xenograft Platform in Immunodeficient Mice at JoVE.com

Generation of a Liver Orthotopic Human Uveal Melanoma Xenograft Platform in Immunodeficient Mice

Orthotopic human liver metastatic uveal melanoma xenograft mouse models were created using surgical orthotopic implantation techniques with patient-derived tumor chunk and needle injection techniques with cultured human uveal melanoma cell lines.

In recent decades, subcutaneously implanted patient-derived xenograft tumors or cultured human cell lines have been increasingly recognized as more ...

generation-liver-orthotopic-human-uveal-melanoma-xenograft-platform

Research

JoVE Journal

Cancer Research

8.6K Views.  Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine. Orthotopic human liver metastatic uveal melanoma xenograft mouse models were created using surgical orthotopic implantation techniques with patient-derived tumor chunk and needle injection techniques with cultured human uveal melanoma cell lines.

Video: Generation of a Liver Orthotopic Human Uveal Melanoma Xenograft Platform in Immunodeficient Mice

An Oncogenic Hepatocyte-Induced Orthotopic Mouse Model of Hepatocellular Cancer Arising in the Setting of Hepatic Inflammation and Fibrosis

The absence of a clinically relevant animal model addressing the typical immune characteristics of hepatocellular cancer (HCC) has significantly impeded elucidation of the underlying mechanisms and development of innovative immunotherapeutic strategies. To develop an ideal animal model recapitulating human HCC, immunocompetent male C57BL/6J mice first receive a carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) injection to induce liver fibrosis, then receive histologically-normal oncogenic hepatocytes from young male SV40 T antigen (TAg)-transgenic mice (MTD2) by intra-splenic (ISPL) inoculation. Androgen generated in recipient male mice at puberty initiates TAg expression under control of a liver-specific promoter. As a result, the transferred hepatocytes become cancer cells and form tumor masses in the setting of liver fibrosis/cirrhosis. This novel model mimics human HCC initiation and progression in the context of liver fibrosis/cirrhosis and reflects the most typical features of human HCC including immune dysfunction.

Here, we describe the development of a clinically relevant murine model of liver cancer recapitulating the typical immune features of hepatocellular cancer (HCC).

The absence of a clinically relevant animal model addressing the typical immune characteristics of hepatocellular cancer (HCC) has significantly impeded ...

A Melanoma Patient-Derived Xenograft Model

Accumulating evidence suggests that molecular and biological properties differ in melanoma cells grown in traditional two-dimensional tissue culture vessels versus in vivo in human patients. This is due to the bottleneck selection of clonal populations of melanoma cells that can robustly grow in vitro in the absence of physiological conditions. Further, responses to therapy in two-dimensional tissue cultures overall do not faithfully reflect responses to therapy in melanoma patients, with the majority of clinical trials failing to show the efficacy of therapeutic combinations shown to be effective in vitro. Although xenografting of melanoma cells into mice provides the physiological in vivo context absent from two-dimensional tissue culture assays, the melanoma cells used for engraftment have already undergone bottleneck selection for cells that could grow under two-dimensional conditions when the cell line was established. The irreversible alterations that occur as a consequence of the bottleneck include changes in growth and invasion properties, as well as the loss of specific subpopulations. Therefore, models that better recapitulate the human condition in vivo may better predict therapeutic strategies that effectively increase the overall survival of patients with metastatic melanoma. The patient-derived xenograft (PDX) technique involves the direct implantation of tumor cells from the human patient to a mouse recipient. In this manner, tumor cells are consistently grown under physiological stresses in vivo and never undergo the two-dimensional bottleneck, which preserves the molecular and biological properties present when the tumor was in the human patient. Notable, PDX models derived from organ sites of metastases (i.e., brain) display similar metastatic capacity, while PDX models derived from therapy naive patients and patients with acquired resistance to therapy (i.e., BRAF/MEK inhibitor therapy) display similar sensitivity to therapy.

Patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models more robustly recapitulate melanoma molecular and biological features and are more predictive of therapy response compared to traditional plastic tissue culture-based assays. Here we describe our standard operating protocol for the establishment of new PDX models and the characterization/experimentation of existing PDX models.

Accumulating evidence suggests that molecular and biological properties differ in melanoma cells grown in traditional two-dimensional tissue culture ...

Using the BLT Humanized Mouse as a Stem Cell based Gene Therapy Tumor Model

Small animal models such as mice have been extensively used to study human disease and to develop new therapeutic interventions. Despite the wealth of information gained from these studies, the unique characteristics of mouse immunity as well as the species specificity of viral diseases such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection led to the development of humanized mouse models. The earlier models involved the use of C. B 17 scid/scid mice and the transplantation of human fetal thymus and fetal liver termed thy/liv (SCID-hu) 1, 2 or the adoptive transfer of human peripheral blood leukocytes (SCID-huPBL) 3. Both models were mainly utilized for the study of HIV infection.
One of the main limitations of both of these models was the lack of stable reconstitution of human immune cells in the periphery to make them a more physiologically relevant model to study HIV disease. To this end, the BLT humanized mouse model was developed. BLT stands for bone marrow/liver/thymus. In this model, 6 to 8 week old NOD.Cg-Prkdcscid Il2rgtm1Wjl/SzJ (NSG) immunocompromised mice receive the thy/liv implant as in the SCID-hu mouse model only to be followed by a second human hematopoietic stem cell transplant 4. The advantage of this system is the full reconstitution of the human immune system in the periphery. This model has been used to study HIV infection and latency 5-8.
We have generated a modified version of this model in which we use genetically modified human hematopoietic stem cells (hHSC) to construct the thy/liv implant followed by injection of transduced autologous hHSC 7, 9. This approach results in the generation of genetically modified lineages. More importantly, we adapted this system to examine the potential of generating functional cytotoxic T cells (CTL) expressing a melanoma specific T cell receptor. Using this model we were able to assess the functionality of our transgenic CTL utilizing live positron emission tomography (PET) imaging to determine tumor regression (9).
The goal of this protocol is to describe the process of generating these transgenic mice and assessing in vivo efficacy using live PET imaging. As a note, since we use human tissues and lentiviral vectors, our facilities conform to CDC NIH guidelines for Biosafety Level 2 (BSL2) with special precautions (BSL2+). In addition, the NSG mice are severely immunocompromised thus, their housing and maintenance must conform to the highest health standards (<a href="http://jaxmice.jax.org/research/immunology/005557-housing.html" target="_blank">http://jaxmice.jax.org/research/immunology/005557-housing.html</a>).

The generation and characterization of tumor specific T cells using humanized mice is described here. Human thymic tissue and genetically modified human hematopoietic stem cells are transplanted into immunocompromised mice. This results in the reconstitution of an engineered human immune system allowing for in vivo examination of anti-tumor immune responses.

Small animal models such as mice have been extensively used to study human  disease and to develop new therapeutic interventions. Despite the wealth of  ...

Immunology and Infection

Generation of Subcutaneous and Intrahepatic Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Xenografts in Immunodeficient Mice

In vivo experimental models of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) that recapitulate the human disease provide a valuable platform for research into disease pathophysiology and for the preclinical evaluation of novel therapies. We present a variety of methods to generate subcutaneous or orthotopic human HCC xenografts in immunodeficient mice that could be utilized in a variety of research applications. With a focus on the use of primary tumor tissue from patients undergoing surgical resection as a starting point, we describe the preparation of cell suspensions or tumor fragments for xenografting. We describe specific techniques to xenograft these tissues i) subcutaneously; or ii) intrahepatically, either by direct implantation of tumor cells or fragments into the liver, or indirectly by injection of cells into the mouse spleen. We also describe the use of partial resection of the native mouse liver at the time of xenografting as a strategy to induce a state of active liver regeneration in the recipient mouse that may facilitate the intrahepatic engraftment of primary human tumor cells. The expected results of these techniques are illustrated. The protocols described have been validated using primary human HCC samples and xenografts, which typically perform less robustly than the well-established human HCC cell lines that are widely used and frequently cited in the literature. In comparison with cell lines, we discuss factors which may contribute to the relatively low chance of primary HCC engraftment in xenotransplantation models and comment on technical issues that may influence the kinetics of xenograft growth. We also suggest methods that should be applied to ensure that xenografts obtained accurately resemble parent HCC tissues.

Human tumor xenografts in immunodeficient mice are valuable tools to study cancer biology. Specific protocols to generate subcutaneous and intrahepatic xenografts from human hepatocellular carcinoma cells or tumor fragments are described. Liver regeneration induced by partial hepatectomy in recipient mice is presented as a strategy to facilitate intrahepatic engraftment.

In  vivo experimental models of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) that recapitulate  the human disease provide a valuable platform for research into disease  ...

Medicine

Ortho- and Ectopic Zebrafish Xeno-Engraftment of Ocular Melanoma to Recapitulate Primary Tumor and Experimental Metastasis Development

There are currently no animal models for metastatic ocular melanoma. The lack of metastatic disease models has greatly hampered the research and development of novel strategies for the treatment of metastatic ocular melanoma. In this protocol we delineate a quick and efficient way to generate embryonic zebrafish models for both the primary and disseminated stage of ocular melanoma, using retro-orbital orthotopic and intravascular ectopic cell engraftment, respectively. Combining these two different engraftment strategies we can recapitulate the etiology of cancer in its totality, progressing from primary, localized tumor growth under the eye to a peri-vascular metastasis formation in the tail. These models allow us to quickly and easily modify the cancer cells prior to implantation with specific labeling, genetic or chemical interference; and to treat the engrafted hosts with (small molecular) inhibitors to attenuate tumor development. 
Here, we describe the generation and quantification of both orthotopic and ectopic engraftment of ocular melanomas (conjunctival and uveal melanoma) using fluorescently labelled stable cell lines. This protocol is also applicable for engraftment of primary cells derived from patient biopsy and patient/PDX derived material (manuscript in preparation). Within hours post engraftment cell migration and proliferation can be visualized and quantified. Both tumor foci are readily available for imaging with both epifluorescence microscopy and confocal microscopy. Using these models, we can confirm or refute the activity of either chemical or genetic inhibition strategies within as little as 8 days after the onset of the experiment, allowing not only highly efficient screening on stable cell lines, but also enables patient directed screening for precision medicine approaches.

Here, we present a protocol to establish versatile orthotopic and ectopic zebrafish xenograft models for ocular melanoma to assess the growth kinetics of the primary tumor, dissemination, extravasation and distant, peri-vascular metastasis formation and the effect of chemical inhibition thereon.

There are currently no animal models for metastatic ocular melanoma. The lack of metastatic disease models has greatly hampered the research and ...

Implantation and Evaluation of Melanoma in the Murine Choroid via Optical Coherence Tomography

Establishing experimental choroidal melanoma models is challenging in terms of the ability to induce tumors at the correct localization. In addition, difficulties in observing posterior choroidal melanoma in vivo limit tumor location and growth evaluation in real-time. The approach described here optimizes techniques for establishing choroidal melanoma in mice via a multi-step sub-choroidal B16LS9 cell injection procedure. To enable precision in injecting into the small dimensions of the mouse uvea, the complete procedure is performed under a microscope. First, a conjunctival peritomy is formed in the dorsal-temporal area of the eye. Then, a tract into the sub-choroidal space is created by inserting a needle through the exposed sclera. This is followed by the insertion of a blunt needle into the tract and the injection of melanoma cells into the choroid. Immediately after injection, noninvasive optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging is utilized to determine tumor location and progress. Retinal detachment is evaluated as a predictor of tumor site and size. The presented method enables the reproducible induction of choroid-localized melanoma in mice and the live imaging of tumor growth evaluation. As such, it provides a valuable tool for studying intraocular tumors.

Implantation and Evaluation of Melanoma in the Murine Choroid via Optical Coherence Tomography

The present protocol describes the implantation and evaluation of melanoma in the murine choroid utilizing optical coherence tomography.

Establishing experimental choroidal melanoma models is challenging in terms of the ability to induce tumors at the correct localization. In addition, ...

Patient&#45;Derived Hepatocarcinoma Cell Organoids for Liver Regeneration Study

A Hepatocellular Cancer Patient&#45;Derived Organoid Xenograft Model to Investigate Impact of Liver Regeneration on Tumor Growth

Recurrence poses a notable challenge after hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment, impacting more than 70% of patients who undergo surgical resection. Recurrence stems from undetected micro-metastasis or de novo cancer, potentially triggered by postsurgical liver regeneration. Prior research employed HCC cell lines in orthotopic models to study the impact of liver regeneration, but their limited validity prompted the need for a more representative model. Here, we introduce a novel approach utilizing patient-derived HCC organoids to investigate the influence of liver regeneration on HCC.
Patient tumor tissues are processed to create tumor organoids, embedded in a three-dimensional basement membrane matrix, and cultured in a liver-specific medium. One million organoids are injected into the right superior lobe (RSL) of immunodeficient mice, confirming macroscopic tumor growth through sonography. The intervention group undergoes resection of the left lateral lobe (LLL) (30% of total liver volume) or additionally, the middle lobe (ML) (65% of total liver volume) to induce liver regeneration within the tumor site. The control group experiences re-laparotomy without liver tissue resection. After 2 weeks, both groups undergo tumor and normal tissue explantation.
In conclusion, this patient-derived HCC organoid model offers a robust platform to investigate the impact of liver regeneration post-cancer resection. Its multi-cellular composition, genetic diversity, and prolonged culture capabilities make it an invaluable tool for studying HCC recurrence mechanisms and potential interventions.

Organoids generated from patient tumors are orthotopically injected into the mouse liver. The resection of non-tumorous liver tissue leads to a regenerative environment in the liver tissue where the tumor is located.

Recurrence poses a notable challenge after hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment, impacting more than 70% of patients who undergo surgical resection. ...

Generation of a Humanized Mouse Liver Using Human Hepatic Stem Cells

A novel animal model involving chimeric mice with humanized livers established via human hepatocyte transplantation has been developed. These mice, in which the liver has been repopulated with functional human hepatocytes, could serve as a useful tool for investigating human hepatic cell biology, drug metabolism, and other preclinical applications. One of the key factors required for successful transplantation of human hepatocytes into mice is the elimination of the endogenous hepatocytes to prevent competition with the human cells and provide a suitable space and microenvironment for promoting human donor cell expansion and differentiation. To date, two major liver injury mouse models utilizing fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase (Fah) and uroplasminogen activator (uPA) mice have been established. However, Fah mice are used mainly with mature hepatocytes and the application of the uPA model is limited by decreased breeding. To overcome these limitations, Alb-toxin receptor mediated cell knockout (TRECK)/SCID mice were used for in vivo differentiation of immature human hepatocytes and humanized liver generation. Human hepatic stem cells (HpSCs) successfully repopulated the livers of Alb-TRECK/SCID mice that had developed lethal fulminant hepatic failure following diphtheria toxin (DT) treatment. This model of a humanized liver in Alb-TRECK/SCID mice will have functional applications in studies involving drug metabolism and drug-drug interactions and will promote other in vivo and in vitro studies.

Here, we present a novel humanized mouse liver model generated in Alb-toxin receptor mediated cell knockout (TRECK)/SCID mice following the transplantation of immature and expandable human hepatic stem cells.

A novel animal model involving chimeric mice with humanized livers established via human hepatocyte transplantation has been developed. These mice, in ...

Production of Humanized Mouse via Thymic Renal Capsule Grafting, CD34+ Cells Injection, and Cytokine Delivery

Animal models provide a vital translation between in vitro and in vivo biomedical research. Humanized mouse models provide a bridge in the representation of human systems, thereby allowing for a more accurate study of pathogenesis, biomarkers, and many other scientific queries. In this method described, immune-deficient NOD-scid IL2R&#947;null (NSG) mice are implanted with autologous thymus, injected with liver-derived CD34+ cells followed by a series of injected cytokine deliveries. In contrast to other models of a similar nature, the model described here promotes an improved reconstitution of immune cells by delivering cytokines and growth factors via transgenes encoded in AAV8 or pMV101 DNA-based vectors. Moreover, it offers long-term stability with reconstituted mice having an average lifespan of 30 weeks after CD34+ injections. Through this model, we hope to provide a stable and impactful method of studying immunotherapy and human disease in a murine model, thus demonstrating the need for predictive preclinical models.

Production of Humanized Mouse via Thymic Renal Capsule Grafting, CD34+ Cells Injection, and Cytokine Delivery

Humanized mouse models provide a more accurate representation of the human immune microenvironment. This manuscript describes the process in which these models are created through a renal graft of human thymus, injection of human CD34+ cells, and the targeted delivery of human cytokine transgenes to promote CD34+ cell proliferation and differentiation.

Animal models provide a vital translation between in vitro and in vivo biomedical research. Humanized mouse models provide a bridge in the representation ...

Patient-derived Xenograft Modeling: A Technique to Generate Melanoma Mouse Models

Source: Min Xiao et al. <a href="https://www.jove.com/v/59508"> A Melanoma Patient-Derived Xenograft Model</a>. J. Vis. Exp. (2018)
In this video, human-derived melanoma cells are implanted subcutaneously into the flank region of an immunocompromised mouse. The PDX model allows preclinical investigation of melanoma cells that better recapitulate the tumor heterogeneity and melanoma aggressiveness observed in in vivo conditions.

Generation of a Liver Orthotopic Human Uveal Melanoma Xenograft Platform in Immunodeficient Mice

Summary

Explore More Videos

Chapters in this video

An Oncogenic Hepatocyte-Induced Orthotopic Mouse Model of Hepatocellular Cancer Arising in the Setting of Hepatic Inflammation and Fibrosis

A Melanoma Patient-Derived Xenograft Model

Using the BLT Humanized Mouse as a Stem Cell based Gene Therapy Tumor Model

Generation of Subcutaneous and Intrahepatic Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Xenografts in Immunodeficient Mice

Ortho- and Ectopic Zebrafish Xeno-Engraftment of Ocular Melanoma to Recapitulate Primary Tumor and Experimental Metastasis Development

Implantation and Evaluation of Melanoma in the Murine Choroid via Optical Coherence Tomography

A Hepatocellular Cancer Patient-Derived Organoid Xenograft Model to Investigate Impact of Liver Regeneration on Tumor Growth

Generation of a Humanized Mouse Liver Using Human Hepatic Stem Cells

Production of Humanized Mouse via Thymic Renal Capsule Grafting, CD34⁺ Cells Injection, and Cytokine Delivery

Patient-derived Xenograft Modeling: A Technique to Generate Melanoma Mouse Models