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Generation of a Liver Orthotopic Human Uveal Melanoma Xenograft Platform in Immunodeficient Mice
Published on: November 6, 2019
Xenograft Mouse Model of Human Uveal Melanoma
Yao Chen1,2, Xiao Liu1,3, Ling Gao1
1Department of Ophthalmology, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
Abstract:
Uveal melanoma (UM) is a malignant intraocular tumor in adults. Metastasis develops in almost half of the patients and over 90% of the metastases are in the liver. With the advances in molecular targeting therapy for melanoma, a proper metastasis animal model is of increasing importance for testing the accuracy and effectiveness of systemic therapies. Here, we describe a xenograft model for mimicking human UM liver metastasis by injecting human UM cells into the vitreous cavity in nude mice. The athymic nude mice are immunocompromised and suitable for xenograft tumor growth and metastasis, and intravitreal injection of cells is a quicker and easier operation under a binocular scope, thereby it is simple and effective to test human UM growth and metastasis.
Insights
A new xenograft model using human uveal melanoma cells in nude mice effectively mimics liver metastasis. This simple and effective method aids in testing new melanoma therapies.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Oncology
- Animal Models
Background:
- Uveal melanoma (UM) is a primary intraocular malignancy in adults.
- Metastasis occurs in nearly half of UM patients, predominantly to the liver.
- Effective systemic therapies for UM require accurate preclinical metastasis models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a novel xenograft model for human uveal melanoma liver metastasis.
- To provide a tool for evaluating the efficacy of systemic therapies for metastatic UM.
Main Methods:
- Injection of human UM cells into the vitreous cavity of athymic nude mice.
- Utilizing immunocompromised nude mice for xenograft tumor development and metastasis.
- Intravitreal cell delivery performed under a binocular scope for simplicity and efficiency.
Main Results:
- The described method successfully creates a xenograft model of UM liver metastasis.
- The model allows for the observation of human UM cell growth and spread in vivo.
- Intravitreal injection proved to be a straightforward and effective delivery technique.
Conclusions:
- This xenograft model accurately mimics human uveal melanoma liver metastasis.
- The model is a valuable preclinical tool for testing systemic therapies against UM metastasis.
- The intravitreal injection technique offers a simple and effective approach for model development.
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