Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 9, 2026
Translational Orthotopic Models of Glioblastoma Multiforme
Published on: February 17, 2023
An orthotopic skull base model of malignant meningioma
Gilson S Baia1, Eduard B Dinca, Tomoko Ozawa
1Brain Tumor Research Center, Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
Abstract:
Meningioma tumor growth involves the subarachnoid space that contains the cerebrospinal fluid. Modeling tumor growth in this microenvironment has been associated with widespread leptomeningeal dissemination, which is uncharacteristic of human meningiomas. Consequently, survival times and tumor properties are varied, limiting their utility in testing experimental therapies. We report the development and characterization of a reproducible orthotopic skull-base meningioma model in athymic mice using the IOMM-Lee cell line. Localized tumor growth was obtained by using optimal cell densities and matrigel as the implantation medium. Survival times were within a narrow range of 17-21 days. The xenografts grew locally compressing surrounding brain tissue. These tumors had histopathologic characteristics of anaplastic meningiomas including high cellularity, nuclear pleomorphism, cellular pattern loss, necrosis and conspicuous mitosis. Similar to human meningiomas, considerable invasion of the dura and skull and some invasion of adjacent brain along perivascular tracts were observed. The pattern of hypoxia was also similar to human malignant meningiomas. We use bioluminescent imaging to non-invasively monitor the growth of the xenografts and determine the survival benefit from temozolomide treatment. Thus, we describe a malignant meningioma model system that will be useful for investigating the biology of meningiomas and for preclinical assessment of therapeutic agents.
Insights
Researchers developed a new mouse model for studying malignant meningiomas. This reproducible model mimics human tumor characteristics, aiding in the preclinical assessment of new therapies for this brain tumor.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Neuroscience
- Translational Medicine
Background:
- Meningioma tumor growth occurs in the cerebrospinal fluid-filled subarachnoid space.
- Existing models often show uncharacteristic leptomeningeal dissemination, limiting their therapeutic utility.
- Varied survival times and tumor properties in current models hinder experimental therapy testing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize a reproducible orthotopic skull-base meningioma model in athymic mice.
- To establish a model that accurately reflects human meningioma characteristics and growth patterns.
- To create a system for preclinical assessment of therapeutic agents for malignant meningiomas.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the IOMM-Lee cell line for orthotopic implantation in athymic mice.
- Employed optimal cell densities and matrigel for localized tumor growth.
- Characterized xenografts histopathologically and monitored growth using bioluminescent imaging.
Main Results:
- Achieved reproducible, localized tumor growth with narrow survival ranges (17-21 days).
- Xenografts exhibited histopathologic features of anaplastic meningiomas, including invasion of surrounding tissues.
- Observed similar hypoxia patterns to human malignant meningiomas.
Conclusions:
- Developed a reproducible malignant meningioma model in athymic mice.
- The model accurately mimics key histopathologic and growth characteristics of human meningiomas.
- This system is valuable for investigating meningioma biology and preclinical therapeutic agent assessment.
