Research reported in this publication was supported by the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences under award number UL1TR003096 (MDE), National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Predoctoral Fellowship in Lung Diseases Training Program 5T32HL134640 (MLD).

All methods described here have been approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) of the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
1. Experimental protocol
<ol>
	<li>Sacrifice the mouse using an approved IACUC method. Here, we used cervical dislocation of a mouse anesthetized with 5% isoflurane. Use an appropriate mouse for the study; here, we use an 8-week old FVB mouse</li>
	<li>Using surgical scissors, make a 3.5-5 mm horizontal incision in the middle of lower abdomen. Next, insert surgical scissors into the small hole created from incision and cut vertically up the center midline to just below the neck of the mouse.</li>
	<li>Pull the skin back with fingers and inspect the axillary lymph nodes.</li>
	<li>Using surgical scissors, make a 3.5 mm lateral incision to open the abdominal cavity, and then cut in the anterior direction up to the bottom of the thorax. Inspect the organs in the abdominal cavity: liver, spleen, kidneys, etc.</li>
	<li>With the flat of the surgical scissors, or using forceps, move the liver to expose the diaphragm. Inspect the diaphragm for tumor growth or metastases. Then, gently snip the diaphragm on the operator&#8217;s right side, allowing it to expand. Gently cut the diaphragm from right to left to expose the thoracic cavity and lungs. Be careful not to cut the lungs.</li>
	<li>Cut up through the lateral extreme of the left rib cage (on operator&#8217;s right) to inspect the left lobe of the lungs.</li>
	<li>Gently move the right lobes of the lung out of the way and cut up the lateral extreme of the right rib cage and remove rib cage. 
	NOTE: Removal of the rib cage is optional, though removal enables clearer view of later lung inflation.
	<ol>
		<li>If fresh or frozen lung tissue is required, use hemostat forceps to clamp the bronchus of the left lobe and resect the left lung using surgical scissors prior to perfusion.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Using the forceps to lift the tissue covering the trachea, cut away any excess tissue. Then gently cut the thin tissue lining the trachea to expose the airway.</li>
	<li>Cut through the renal artery with surgical scissors.</li>
	<li>To perfuse the lungs, use a 3 mL syringe with a 22 G needle to inject 1x PBS with 10 U/mL heparin into the right ventricle of the heart. Slowly perfuse the lungs at approximately 300 &#181;L/s with PBS/heparin. The lungs will frequently turn white. 2.5 mL of PBS are generally used in this step.</li>
	<li>For lung inflation, use a 3 mL syringe with a 22 G needle, this time held parallel to the trachea. Insert the needle into the trachea and inject 10% formalin with rate of flow no greater than ~200 &#181;L/s until the lungs have fully inflated. Once the lungs are inflated, formalin will backflow out of the trachea. Hold the needle in place for a few more seconds and then withdraw.
	<ol>
		<li>(Optional) Prior to withdrawing needle and lung inflation, use suture thread to tie off the trachea. To achieve this, use 4 inches of suture thread holding the point of the thread with a small pair of forceps. Place the thread on the dorsal side of the trachea and pull through to make a loop around the needle. Next make an overhand knot around the needle. Pull knot tight, remove needle from trachea, close knot.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Use forceps to lift the heart, insert surgical scissors directly behind the lungs, and cut connective tissue while the lifting the heart to resect lungs.</li>
	<li>Cut the heart to remove it from lungs.</li>
	<li>Place the lungs a cassette labeled with the mouse ID or study ID. Place the cassette in 10% buffered formalin and fix for 24-48 h. Lungs can be left in fixative for over a year if desired.</li>
	<li>Transfer the cassette containing the lungs to 70% ethanol and proceed to processing for histology.</li>
</ol>

<ol>
	<li>Hsia, C. C., Hyde, D. M., Ochs, M., Weibel, E. R., Structure, A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=An+official+research+policy+statement+of+the+American+Thoracic+Society/European+Respiratory+Society:+standards+for+quantitative+assessment+of+lung+structure.">An official research policy statement of the American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society: standards for quantitative assessment of lung structure.</a> American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. 181 (4), 394-418 (2010).</li><li>Vasilescu, D. M., Knudsen, L., Ochs, M., Weibel, E. R., Hoffman, E. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Optimized+murine+lung+preparation+for+detailed+structural+evaluation+via+micro-computed+tomography.">Optimized murine lung preparation for detailed structural evaluation via micro-computed tomography.</a> Journal of Applied Physiology. 112 (1), 159-166 (2012).</li><li>Blumler, P., Acosta, R. H., Thomas-Semm, A., Reuss, S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Lung+fixation+for+the+preservation+of+air+spaces.">Lung fixation for the preservation of air spaces.</a> Experimental Lung Research. 30 (1), 73-82 (2004).</li><li>Oldmixon, E. H., Suzuki, S., Butler, J. P., Hoppin, F. G. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Perfusion+dehydration+fixes+elastin+and+preserves+lung+air-space+dimensions.">Perfusion dehydration fixes elastin and preserves lung air-space dimensions.</a> Journal of Applied Physiology. 58 (1), 105-113 (1985).</li><li>Braber, S., Verheijden, K. A., Henricks, P. A., Kraneveld, A. D., Folkerts, G. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+comparison+of+fixation+methods+on+lung+morphology+in+a+murine+model+of+emphysema.">A comparison of fixation methods on lung morphology in a murine model of emphysema.</a> American Journal of Physiology-Lung Cellular and Molecular Physiology. 299 (6), 843-851 (2010).</li><li>Renne, R., 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=Recommendation+of+optimal+method+for+formalin+fixation+of+rodent+lungs+in+routine+toxicology+studies.">Recommendation of optimal method for formalin fixation of rodent lungs in routine toxicology studies.</a> Toxicologic Pathology. 29 (5), 587-589 (2001).</li><li>Limjunyawong, N., Mock, J., Mitzner, W. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Instillation+and+Fixation+Methods+Useful+in+Mouse+Lung+Cancer+Research.">Instillation and Fixation Methods Useful in Mouse Lung Cancer Research.</a> Journal of Visualized Experiments. (102), e52964 (2015).</li><li>Lum, H., Mitzner, W. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Effects+of+10%+formalin+fixation+on+fixed+lung+volume+and+lung+tissue+shrinkage.+A+comparison+of+eleven+laboratory+species.">Effects of 10% formalin fixation on fixed lung volume and lung tissue shrinkage. A comparison of eleven laboratory species.</a> American Review of Respiratory Disease. 132 (5), 1078-1083 (1985).</li><li>Edmonds, M. D., 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=MicroRNA-31+initiates+lung+tumorigenesis+and+promotes+mutant+KRAS-driven+lung+cancer.">MicroRNA-31 initiates lung tumorigenesis and promotes mutant KRAS-driven lung cancer.</a> Journal of Clinical Investigation. 126 (1), 349-364 (2016).</li><li>Zhao, 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=Wogonin+suppresses+melanoma+cell+B16-F10+invasion+and+migration+by+inhibiting+Ras-medicated+pathways.">Wogonin suppresses melanoma cell B16-F10 invasion and migration by inhibiting Ras-medicated pathways.</a> PLoS One. 9 (9), 106458 (2014).</li></ol>

The authors have nothing to disclose.

The procedure described above for the perfusion, inflation, and fixation of mouse lungs is ideal for quick and efficient preparation of mouse lungs for lung tumor histology and pathology analysis. The procedure does not require any special equipment and can be performed in less than 6 minutes per mouse. The procedure does not require a fixed volume for inflation nor constant fluid pressure. Because this procedure is not standardized, it is not recommended for those wishing to perform stereological or morphometric analyse...

A variety of mouse models of lung oncogenesis and cancer metastasis to the lung exist ranging from complex GEMMs to carcinogen-induced models to syngeneic and xenograft models, where cancer cells are injected via intracardiac, intrathoracic, the tail vein, or other methods to establish tumors within the lung. All these models share the common need for histological evaluation of lung histology and pathology. Thus, it is necessary to have a robust yet rapid method to perform necropsies of mice while perfusing the lungs to remove excess blood, and inflating and fixing the lungs to clearly visualize lung architecture. Speed is a critical component of this procedure as it may be necessary to collect the lungs from dozens of mice at a single time point. This procedure can be performed in less than 6 minutes per mouse.
While this procedure is more than sufficient for evaluating tumor histology, it is not recommended for those who wish to perform stereology or morphometric measurements of the lungs. Such measurements require lung inflation to be standardized, as does the calculation of absolute surface area of the lung, absolute volume, and alveolar size and number1. This method is also not optimal for some imaging approaches. For example, imaging of the lungs via &#181;CT for ex vivo morphometric analysis requires that the lungs remain filled with air2. When the preservation of air spaces and dimensions are the primary concern, it is recommended to fix the lungs by perfusion dehydration techniques3,4. One of the biggest concerns of this model is the potential for rupturing of the alveolar walls, lessening its use in studies of emphysema; however, the recommended procedure for fixation of lungs for the study of emphysema is still quite similar, as it is recommended to fix the lungs either by intratracheal instillation of 10% formalin (similar to the protocol described here) under constant fluid pressure or by in situ fixation5.
The advantage of the described procedure here is that it does not require constant fluid pressure, instead inflating the lungs until they have fully expanded, thus decreasing the time needed for the procedure. The procedure here described closely resembles the methods recommended by an armamentarium of the Society of Toxicologic Pathology, where a subcommittee was formed to recommend the best methods of lung fixation for toxicology studies. The majority of scientists within this subcommittee recommended fixing the lungs by intratracheal instillation with a syringe, though there were varying recommendations on the time the lung was left in the fixative6. Thus, while a variety of methods of lung inflation and fixation exist, the method described herein is proposed to be the optimal method to quickly inflate and fix the lungs for downstream tumor histological evaluation.

<table>
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>10% buffered formalin</td>
			<td>Fisher</td>
			<td>23-245685</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>22 G Needle</td>
			<td>BD</td>
			<td>305155</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>3 mL syringe</td>
			<td>BD</td>
			<td>309656</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>70% Ethanol</td>
			<td>Decon</td>
			<td>2405</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Forceps</td>
			<td>Harvard Apparatus</td>
			<td>72-8595</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Heparin</td>
			<td>Fisher</td>
			<td>H19</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Phosphate Buffered Saline (PBS)</td>
			<td>Corning</td>
			<td>21-030-CV</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Surgical scissors</td>
			<td>Harvard Apparatus</td>
			<td>72-8428</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

perfusion and inflation of the mouse lung for tumor histology

The ability to evaluate lung histology is critical for the fields of lung cancer research and cancer metastasis. It is equally important to perform necropsies rapidly and efficiently from studies without sacrificing the quality of the tissues procured. The goal of this protocol is to present a method to rapidly perfuse, inflate, and fix mouse lungs for downstream histological analysis. This method does not standardize lung inflation; thus, it does not require any special procedures or equipment and instead simply instills fixative directly through the trachea following perfusion through the heart. This allows for sufficient estimation of tumor size, histology, and scoring. This also allows for the collection of frozen tissue prior to lung tissue fixation. This method is limited in that it does not allow for later morphometric quantification of the lung; however, it is more than sufficient for lung tumor analysis from genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs), syngeneic models, as well as xenograft tumor and metastasis studies.

The above protocol allows for quick perfusion, inflation, and fixation of mouse lungs. The figures shown below represent the importance of each step. Figure 1 depicts H&#38;E stained lungs that have been perfused with PBS and lungs in which the perfusion step has been skipped or the lungs failed to perfuse correctly. As shown, excess blood in the poorly perfused lungs creates less than ideal histology and can make it challenging to fully observe lung architecture. Figure...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Perfusion and Inflation of the Mouse Lung for Tumor Histology at JoVE.com

Perfusion and Inflation of the Mouse Lung for Tumor Histology

The purpose of this method is to present a simple and efficient method for the perfusion, inflation, and fixation of mouse lungs for the examination of lung tumor pathology and evaluation of metastases to the lung.

The ability to evaluate lung histology is critical for the fields of lung cancer research and cancer metastasis. It is equally important to perform ...

perfusion-and-inflation-of-the-mouse-lung-for-tumor-histology

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Cancer Research

17.5K Views.  University of Alabama at Birmingham. The purpose of this method is to present a simple and efficient method for the perfusion, inflation, and fixation of mouse lungs for the examination of lung tumor pathology and evaluation of metastases to the lung.

Video: Perfusion and Inflation of the Mouse Lung for Tumor Histology

Lung Tumor Cell Recruitment Assay

To investigate the molecular mechanisms governing tumor metastasis, various assays using the mouse as a model animal have been proposed. Here, we demonstrate a simple assay to evaluate tumor cell extravasation or micrometastasis. In this assay, tumor cells were injected through the tail vein, and after a short period, the lungs were dissected and digested to count the accumulated labeled tumor cells. This assay skips the initial step of primary tumor invasion into the blood vessel and facilitates the study of events in the distant organ where tumor metastasis occurs. The number of cells injected into the blood vessel can be optimized to observe a limited number of metastases. It has been reported that stromal cells in the distant organ contribute to metastasis. Thus, this assay could be a useful tool to explore potential therapeutic drugs or devices for prevention of tumor metastasis.

This manuscript describes a method to quantify tumor cell accumulation in the lungs in an animal model of tumor metastasis.

To investigate the molecular mechanisms governing tumor metastasis, various assays using the mouse as a model animal have been proposed. Here, we ...

The Colon-26 Carcinoma Tumor-bearing Mouse as a Model for the Study of Cancer Cachexia

Cancer cachexia is the progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass and adipose tissue, negative nitrogen balance, anorexia, fatigue, inflammation, and activation of lipolysis and proteolysis systems. Cancer patients with cachexia benefit less from anti-neoplastic therapies and show increased mortality1. Several animal models have been established in order to investigate the molecular causes responsible for body and muscle wasting as a result of tumor growth. Here, we describe methodologies pertaining to a well-characterized model of cancer cachexia: mice bearing the C26 carcinoma2-4. Although this model is heavily used in cachexia research, different approaches make reproducibility a potential issue. The growth of the C26 tumor causes a marked and progressive loss of body and skeletal muscle mass, accompanied by reduced muscle cross-sectional area and muscle strength3-5. Adipose tissue is also lost. Wasting is coincident with elevated circulating levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, particularly Interleukin-6 (IL-6)3, which is directly, although not entirely, responsible for C26 cachexia. It is well-accepted that a primary mechanism by which the C26 tumor induces muscle tissue depletion is the activation of skeletal muscle proteolytic systems. Thus, expression of muscle-specific ubiquitin ligases, such as atrogin-1/MAFbx and MuRF-1, represent an accepted method for the evaluation of the ongoing muscle catabolism2. Here, we present how to execute this model in a reproducible manner and how to excise several tissues and organs (the liver, spleen, and heart), as well as fat and skeletal muscles (the gastrocnemius, tibialis anterior, and quadriceps). We also provide useful protocols that describe how to perform muscle freezing, sectioning, and fiber size quantification.

Mice bearing the Colon-26 (C26) carcinoma represent a classical model of cancer cachexia. Progressive muscle wasting occurs in association with tumor growth, over-expression of muscle-specific ubiquitin ligases, and reductions in muscle cross-sectional area. Fat loss is also observed. Cachexia is studied in a time-dependent manner with increasing severity of wasting.

Cancer cachexia is the progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass and adipose tissue, negative nitrogen balance, anorexia, fatigue, inflammation, and ...

Target Cell Pre-enrichment and Whole Genome Amplification for Single Cell Downstream Characterization

Rare target cells can be isolated from a high background of non-target cells using antibodies specific for surface proteins of target cells. A recently developed method uses a medical wire functionalized with anti-epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) antibodies for in vivo isolation of circulating tumor cells (CTCs)1. A patient-matched cohort in non-metastatic prostate cancer showed that the in vivo isolation technique resulted in a higher percentage of patients positive for CTCs as well as higher CTC counts as compared to the current gold standard in CTC enumeration. As cells cannot be recovered from current medical devices, a new functionalized wire (referred to as Device) was manufactured allowing capture and subsequent detachment of cells by enzymatic treatment. Cells are allowed to attach to the Device, visualized on a microscope and detached using enzymatic treatment. Recovered cells are cytocentrifuged onto membrane-coated slides and harvested individually by means of laser microdissection or micromanipulation. Single-cell samples are then subjected to single-cell whole genome amplification allowing multiple downstream analysis including screening and target-specific approaches. The procedure of isolation and recovery yields high quality DNA from single cells and does not impair subsequent whole genome amplification (WGA). A single cell&#39;s amplified DNA can be forwarded to screening and/or targeted analysis such as array comparative genome hybridization (array-CGH) or sequencing. The device allows ex vivo isolation from artificial rare cell samples (i.e. 500 target cells spiked into 5 mL of peripheral blood). Whereas detachment rates of cells are acceptable (50 - 90%), the recovery rate of detached cells onto slides spans a wide range dependent on the cell line used (&#60;10 - &#62;50%) and needs some further attention. This device is not cleared for the use in patients.

This protocol is to recover and prepare rare target cells from a mixture with non-target background cells for molecular genetic characterization at the single-cell level. DNA quality is equal to non-treated single cells and allows for single-cell application (both screening based and targeted analysis).

Rare target cells can be isolated from a high background of non-target cells using antibodies specific for surface proteins of target cells. A recently ...

The Establishment of a Lung Colonization Assay for Circulating Tumor Cell Visualization in Lung Tissues

Metastasis is the major cause of cancer death. The role of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in promoting cancer metastasis, in which lung colonization by CTCs critically contributes to early lung metastatic processes, has been vigorously investigated. As such, animal models are the only approach that captures the full systemic process of metastasis. Given that problems occur in previous experimental designs for examining the contributions of CTCs to blood vessel extravasation, we established an in vivo lung colonization assay in which a long-term-fluorescence cell-tracer, carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester (CFSE), was used to label suspended tumor cells and lung perfusion was performed to clear non-specifically trapped CTCs prior to lung removal, confocal imaging, and quantification. Polymeric fibronectin (polyFN) assembled on CTC surfaces has been found to mediate lung colonization in the final establishment of metastatic tumor tissues. Here, to specifically test the requirement of polyFN assembly on CTCs for lung colonization and extravasation, we performed short term lung colonization assays in which suspended Lewis lung carcinoma cells (LLCs) stably expressing FN-shRNA (shFN) or scramble-shRNA (shScr) and pre-labeled with 20 &#956;M of CFSE were intravenously inoculated into C57BL/6 mice. We successfully demonstrated that the abilities of shFN LLC cells to colonize the mouse lungs were significantly diminished in comparison to shScr LLC cells. Therefore, this short-term methodology may be widely applied to specifically demonstrate the ability of CTCs within the circulation to colonize the lungs.

An animal model is needed to decipher the role of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in promoting lung colonization during cancer metastasis. Here, we established and successfully performed an in vivo assay to specifically test the requirement of polymeric fibronectin (polyFN) assembly on CTCs for lung colonization.

Metastasis is the major cause of cancer death. The role of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in promoting cancer metastasis, in which lung colonization by ...

Utilizing 18F-FDG PET/CT Imaging and Quantitative Histology to Measure Dynamic Changes in the Glucose Metabolism in Mouse Models of Lung Cancer

A hallmark of advanced tumors is a switch to aerobic glycolysis that is readily measured by [18F]-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography (18F-FDG PET) imaging. Co-mutations in the KRAS proto-oncogene and the LKB1 tumor suppressor gene are frequent events in lung cancer that drive hypermetabolic, glycolytic tumor growth. A critical pathway regulating the growth and metabolism of these tumors is the mechanistic target of the rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, which can be effectively targeted using selective catalytic mTOR kinase inhibitors. The mTOR inhibitor MLN0128 suppresses glycolysis in mice bearing tumors with Kras and Lkb1 co-mutations, referred to as KL mice. The therapy response in KL mice is first measured by 18F-FDG PET and computed tomography (CT) imaging before and after the delivery of MLN0128. By utilizing 18F-FDG PET/CT, researchers are able to measure dynamic changes in the glucose metabolism in genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) of lung cancer following a therapeutic intervention with targeted therapies. This is followed by ex vivo autoradiography and a quantitative immunohistochemical (qIHC) analysis using morphometric software. The use of qIHC enables the detection and quantification of distinct changes in the biomarker profiles following treatment as well as the characterization of distinct tumor pathologies. The coupling of PET imaging to quantitative histology is an effective strategy to identify metabolic and therapeutic responses in vivo in mouse models of disease.

Utilizing 18F-FDG PET/CT Imaging and Quantitative Histology to Measure Dynamic Changes in the Glucose Metabolism in Mouse Models of Lung Cancer

In this protocol, we describe how to utilize [18F]-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography and computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) imaging to measure the tumor metabolic response to the targeted therapy MLN0128 in a Kras/Lkb1 mutant mouse model of lung cancer and coupled imaging with high resolution ex vivo autoradiography and quantitative histology.

A hallmark of advanced tumors is a switch to aerobic glycolysis that is readily measured by [18F]-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography ...

Acellular and Cellular Lung Model to Study Tumor Metastasis

It is difficult to isolate tumor cells at different points of tumor progression. We created an ex vivo lung model that can show the interaction of tumor cells with a natural matrix and continual flow of nutrients, as well as a model that shows the interaction of tumor cells with normal cellular components and a natural matrix. The acellular ex vivo lung model is created by isolating a rat heart-lung block and removing all the cells using the decellularization process. The right main bronchus is tied off and tumor cells are placed in the trachea by a syringe. The cells move and populate the left lung. The lung is then placed in a bioreactor where the pulmonary artery receives a continual flow of media in a closed circuit. The tumor grown on the left lung is the primary tumor. The tumor cells that are isolated in the circulating media are circulating tumor cells and the tumor cells in the right lung are metastatic lesions. The cellular ex vivo lung model is created by skipping the decellularization process. Each model can be used to answer different research questions.

Here, we present a protocol for an ex vivo lung cancer model that mimics the steps of tumor progression and helps to isolate a primary tumor, circulating tumor cells, and metastatic lesions.

It is difficult to isolate tumor cells at different points of tumor progression. We created an ex vivo lung model that can show the interaction of tumor ...

Digital Polymerase Chain Reaction Assay for the Genetic Variation in a Sporadic Familial Adenomatous Polyposis Patient Using the Chip-in-a-tube Format

The quantitative analysis of human genetic variation is crucial for understanding the molecular characteristics of serious medical conditions, such as tumors. Because digital polymerase chain reactions (PCR) enable the precise quantification of DNA copy number variants, they are becoming an essential tool for detecting rare genetic variations, such as drug-resistant mutations. It is expected that molecular diagnoses using digital PCR (dPCR) will be available in clinical practice in the near future; thus, how to efficiently conduct dPCR with human genetic material is a hot topic. Here, we introduce a method to detect Adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) somatic mosaicism using dPCR with the chip-in-a-tube format, which allows eight dPCR reactions to be simultaneously conducted. Care should be taken when filling and sealing the reaction mixture on the chips. This article demonstrates how to avoid the over- and underestimation of positive partitions. Furthermore, we present a simple procedure for collecting the dPCR product from the partitions on the chips, which can then be used to confirm the specific amplification. We hope that this methods report will help promote the dPCR with the chip-in-a-tube method in genetic research.

Digital polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a useful tool for the high-sensitivity detection of single nucleotide variants and DNA copy number variants. Here, we demonstrate key considerations for measuring rare variants in the human genome using digital PCR with the chip-in-a-tube format.

The quantitative analysis of human genetic variation is crucial for understanding the molecular characteristics of serious medical conditions, such as ...

Detection of Lung Tumor Progression in Mice by Ultrasound Imaging

With ~1.6 million victims per year, lung cancer contributes tremendously to the worldwide burden of cancer. Lung cancer is partly driven by genetic alterations in oncogenes such as the KRAS oncogene, which constitutes ~25% of lung cancer cases. The difficulty in therapeutically targeting KRAS-driven lung cancer partly stems from having poor models that can mimic the progression of the disease in the lab. We describe a method that permits the relative quantification of primary KRAS lung tumors in a Cre-inducible LSL-KRAS G12D mouse model via ultrasound imaging. This method relies on brightness (B)-mode acquisition of the lung parenchyma. Tumors that are initially formed in this model are visualized as B-lines and can be quantified by counting the number of B-lines present in the acquired images. These would represent the relative tumor number formed on the surface of the mouse lung. As the formed tumors develop with time, they are perceived as deep clefts within the lung parenchyma. Since the circumference of the formed tumor is well-defined, calculating the relative tumor volume is achieved by measuring the length and width of the tumor and applying them in the formula used for tumor caliper measurements. Ultrasound imaging is a non-invasive, fast and user-friendly technique that is often used for tumor quantifications in mice. Although artifacts may appear when obtaining ultrasound images, it has been shown that this imaging technique is more advantageous for tumor quantifications in mice compared to other imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT) imaging and bioluminescence imaging (BLI). Researchers can investigate novel therapeutic targets using this technique by comparing lung tumor initiation and progression between different groups of mice.

This protocol describes the steps taken to induce KRAS lung tumors in mice as well as the quantification of formed tumors by ultrasound imaging. Small tumors are visualized in early timepoints as B-lines. At later timepoints, relative tumor volume measurements are achieved by the measurement tool in the ultrasound software.

With ~1.6 million victims per year, lung cancer contributes tremendously to the worldwide burden of cancer. Lung cancer is partly driven by genetic ...

Pathological Analysis of Lung Metastasis Following Lateral Tail-Vein Injection of Tumor Cells

Metastasis, the primary cause of morbidity and mortality for most cancer patients, can be challenging to model preclinically in mice. Few spontaneous metastasis models are available. Thus, the experimental metastasis model involving tail-vein injection of suitable cell lines is a mainstay of metastasis research. When cancer cells are injected into the lateral tail-vein, the lung is their preferred site of colonization. A potential limitation of this technique is the accurate quantification of the metastatic lung tumor burden. While some investigators count macrometastases of a pre-defined size and/or include micrometastases following sectioning of tissue, others determine the area of metastatic lesions relative to normal tissue area. Both of these quantification methods can be exceedingly difficult when the metastatic burden is high. Herein, we demonstrate an intravenous injection model of lung metastasis followed by an advanced method for quantifying metastatic tumor burden using image analysis software. This process allows for investigation of multiple end-point parameters, including average metastasis size, total number of metastases, and total metastasis area, to provide a comprehensive analysis. Furthermore, this method has been reviewed by a veterinary pathologist board-certified by the American College of Veterinary Pathologists (SEK) to ensure accuracy.

Intravenous injection of cancer cells is often used in metastasis research, but the metastatic tumor burden can be difficult to analyze. Herein, we demonstrate a tail-vein injection model of metastasis and include a novel approach to analyze the resulting metastatic lung tumor burden.

Metastasis, the primary cause of morbidity and mortality for most cancer patients, can be challenging to model preclinically in mice. Few spontaneous ...

Generation of Zebrafish Larval Xenografts and Tumor Behavior Analysis

Zebrafish larval xenografts are being widely used for cancer research to perform in vivo and real-time studies of human cancer. The possibility of rapidly visualizing the response to anti-cancer therapies (chemo, radiotherapy, and biologicals), angiogenesis and metastasis with single cell resolution, places the zebrafish xenograft model as a top choice to develop preclinical studies.

The zebrafish larval xenograft assay presents several experimental advantages compared to other models, but probably the most striking is the reduction of size scale and consequently time. This reduction of scale allows single cell imaging, the use of a relatively low number of human cells (compatible with biopsies), medium-high-throughput drug screenings, but most importantly enables a significant reduction of the time of the assay. All these advantages make the zebrafish xenograft assay extremely attractive for future personalized medicine applications.

Many zebrafish xenograft protocols have been developed with a wide diversity of human tumors; however, a general and standardized protocol to efficiently generate zebrafish larval xenografts is still lacking. Here we provide a step-by-step protocol, with tips to generate xenografts and guidelines for tumor behavior analysis, whole-mount immunofluorescence, and confocal imaging quantification.

Here, we provide a step-by-step protocol, with tips to generate xenografts and guidelines for tumor behavior analysis, whole-mount immunofluorescence, and confocal imaging quantification.

Zebrafish larval xenografts are being widely used for cancer research to perform in vivo and real-time studies of human cancer. The possibility of rapidly ...