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Updated: Jun 21, 2026
Intratibial Osteosarcoma Cell Injection to Generate Orthotopic Osteosarcoma and Lung Metastasis Mouse Models
Published on: October 28, 2021
[Morphological changes in osteosarcoma xenografts in nude mice after inhibiting angiogenesis by Ad-VEGF-siRNA]
Jia-Qi Wang1, You-Shui Gao, Jiong Mei
1Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai 200065, P. R. China.
Background And Objective:
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a critical stimulator for angiogenesis of osteosarcoma. This study was to investigate the morphological changes in osteosarcoma xenografts in nude mice after inhibiting angiogenesis by Ad-VEGF-siRNA.
Methods:
The animal model of osteosarcoma xenografts was constructed by subcutaneous inoculation of osteosarcoma MG63 cells into nude mice. The mice were randomly divided into three groups, 15 mice in each group: group A and control groups B and C. The tumor nodules were injected with Ad-VEGF-siRNA in group A, an equal dose of Ad-EGFP and PBS, respectively, in groups B and C. The volume and weight of tumors were measured every two days after injection and the growth curves were drawn. The tumor samples were observed and analyzed using HE staining. Angiogenesis was assessed by immunohistochemical staining using anti-VEGF and CD31 antibodies. The ultrastructure of vasculogenic mimicry (VM) was observed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM).
Results:
The mean volume, weight, microvessel density (MVD) and VEGF expression of tumors in Ad-VEGF-siRNA-treated group were significantly lower than those in the control groups. MVD was positively correlated to VEGF expression, with a correlation coefficient of 0.9989. The number of VM was 1.40+/-0.55 in the Ad-VEGF-siRNA group, which was significantly less than those in the two control groups.
Conclusion:
Ad-VEGF-siRNA could effectively block angiogenesis in osteosarcoma xenografts in nude mice.
Insights
Inhibiting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) with Ad-VEGF-siRNA significantly reduced osteosarcoma tumor growth and angiogenesis in mice. This targeted approach effectively blocked the formation of new blood vessels crucial for tumor development.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Biomedical Engineering
Context:
- Osteosarcoma angiogenesis is driven by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).
- Targeting angiogenesis is a potential therapeutic strategy for osteosarcoma.
- Adenoviral vectors carrying small interfering RNA (siRNA) can be used for gene silencing.
Purpose:
- To investigate the effect of Ad-VEGF-siRNA on osteosarcoma xenografts.
- To assess the impact of inhibiting VEGF on tumor angiogenesis and morphology.
- To evaluate the potential of Ad-VEGF-siRNA as an anti-angiogenic therapy for osteosarcoma.
Summary:
- Ad-VEGF-siRNA treatment significantly reduced tumor volume, weight, and microvessel density in osteosarcoma xenografts.
- VEGF expression was markedly decreased in the Ad-VEGF-siRNA treated group, correlating positively with microvessel density.
- The number of vasculogenic mimicry (VM) structures was significantly lower in the Ad-VEGF-siRNA group, indicating successful inhibition of angiogenesis.
Impact:
- Ad-VEGF-siRNA effectively inhibits angiogenesis in osteosarcoma xenografts.
- This study provides evidence for the potential of VEGF-targeted gene therapy in osteosarcoma treatment.
- Findings support further research into anti-angiogenic strategies for managing osteosarcoma.
