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Spontaneous evolution of nuclear size and DNA content of non-small-cell-lung cancers grafted onto nude mice
A Kruczynski1, O Pauwels, M Wright
1Division de Cancérologie Expérimentale I, Centre de Recherche Pierre Fabre, Castres, France.
Abstract:
We monitored the biological evolution of four human non-small-cell lung cancers labeled KLX6, KLX7, KLX9, and KLX14 that had been grafted onto nude mice. This monitoring was carried out by means of digital cell image analysis which assessed morphometric (nuclear area, NA) and densitometric (nuclear DNA content, DI) features on Feulgen-stained nuclei from imprint smears. In each of the four models, the biological evolution of the NA and DI was characterized through their progression during serial passaging onto nude mice. The results show that of the four lung cancer models analyzed, one (KLX6) remained definitively stable with respect to its DNA content (DI assessments), while the other three, i.e., KLX7, KLX9, and KLX14, varied significantly. As assessed by the morphometric parameter, i.e., the NA, the four xenografted lines also varied significantly over serial passaging. In conclusion, we show that digital cell image analyses of Feulgen-stained cell nuclei including morphometric and densitometric parameters are a powerful tool for monitoring the biological evolution of human lung cancers grafted onto nude mice. We think therefore that the ploidy level of a tumor might be dependent upon its age and/or its related clinical stage.
Insights
Digital cell image analysis tracked the evolution of human lung cancer xenografts in mice. While one model remained stable, others showed significant changes in nuclear area and DNA content, suggesting ploidy may relate to tumor age and stage.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Biotechnology
- Genetics
Background:
- Human non-small-cell lung cancers (NSCLC) xenografted onto nude mice are valuable models for studying tumor evolution.
- Monitoring biological changes in these xenografts is crucial for understanding cancer progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To monitor the biological evolution of four human NSCLC xenograft models (KLX6, KLX7, KLX9, KLX14) using digital cell image analysis.
- To assess changes in morphometric (nuclear area, NA) and densitometric (DNA content, DI) features during serial passaging.
Main Methods:
- Digital cell image analysis of Feulgen-stained nuclei from imprint smears of xenografted NSCLC.
- Quantitative assessment of nuclear area (NA) and DNA content (DI) in serial passaged tumors.
- Comparative analysis of NA and DI stability across four distinct NSCLC xenograft lines.
Main Results:
- One NSCLC model (KLX6) exhibited stable DNA content (DI) throughout serial passaging.
- Three NSCLC models (KLX7, KLX9, KLX14) displayed significant variations in DNA content (DI).
- All four xenografted NSCLC lines showed significant variations in nuclear area (NA) during serial passaging.
Conclusions:
- Digital cell image analysis of nuclear morphometric and densitometric features is a powerful method for monitoring NSCLC xenograft evolution.
- Tumor ploidy level may be influenced by tumor age and/or clinical stage.
- NSCLC xenograft models exhibit differential biological evolution, impacting their utility in cancer research.
