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Updated: Jan 6, 2026
Stabilized Longitudinal In Vivo Cellular-Level Visualization of the Pancreas in a Murine Model with a Pancreatic Intravital Imaging Window
Published on: May 6, 2021
Noninvasive intravital high-resolution imaging of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours
Mirela Balan1, Marta Trusohamn1, Frank Chenfei Ning1
1Division of Vascular Biology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, 17165, Sweden.
Abstract:
Preclinical trials of cancer drugs in animal models are important for drug development. The Rip1Tag2 (RT2) transgenic mouse, a model of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (PNET), has provided immense knowledge about PNET biology, although tumour progression occurs in a location inaccessible for real-time monitoring. To overcome this hurdle we have developed a novel platform for intravital 3D imaging of RT2 tumours to facilitate real-time studies of cancer progression. Pre-oncogenic islets retrieved from RT2 mice were implanted into the anterior chamber of the eye (ACE) of host mice, where they engrafted on the iris, recruited blood vessels and showed continuous growth. Noninvasive confocal and two-photon laser-scanning microscopy through the transparent cornea facilitated high-resolution imaging of tumour growth and angiogenesis. RT2 tumours in the ACE expanded up to 8-fold in size and shared hallmarks with tumours developing in situ in the pancreas. Genetically encoded fluorescent reporters enabled high-resolution imaging of stromal cells and tumour cell migration. Sunitinib treatment impaired RT2 tumour angiogenesis and growth, while overexpression of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-B increased tumour angiogenesis though tumour growth was impaired. In conclusion, we present a novel platform for intravital high-resolution and 3D imaging of PNET biology and cancer drug assessment.
Insights
Researchers developed a novel eye-based imaging platform for real-time study of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs). This method allows high-resolution monitoring of PNET progression and drug response in a preclinical cancer model.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Preclinical Research
- Biomedical Imaging
Background:
- Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) are challenging to study in real-time due to their location.
- The Rip1Tag2 (RT2) mouse model is crucial for PNET research but lacks in-situ monitoring capabilities.
- Developing accessible models is vital for advancing PNET drug development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a novel platform for intravital 3D imaging of RT2 mouse PNETs.
- To enable real-time monitoring of PNET progression and angiogenesis.
- To facilitate high-resolution assessment of preclinical cancer drug efficacy.
Main Methods:
- Implantation of pre-oncogenic RT2 islets into the anterior chamber of the eye (ACE) of host mice.
- Noninvasive confocal and two-photon laser-scanning microscopy through the transparent cornea for high-resolution imaging.
- Utilizing genetically encoded fluorescent reporters for cellular and molecular visualization.
Main Results:
- RT2 tumors successfully engrafted and grew in the ACE, exhibiting hallmarks of pancreatic tumors.
- Tumor volume increased up to 8-fold, with significant angiogenesis observed.
- Sunitinib treatment inhibited tumor angiogenesis and growth; VEGF-B overexpression increased angiogenesis but impaired tumor growth.
- The platform allowed detailed imaging of tumor cell migration and stromal interactions.
Conclusions:
- A novel and effective platform for intravital 3D imaging of PNETs in a preclinical model has been developed.
- This platform provides unprecedented opportunities for real-time studies of PNET biology and drug assessment.
- The ACE model offers a powerful tool for advancing pancreatic cancer research and therapeutic strategies.
