SJSA1 Xenograft Model

SJSA1 Xenograft Model
Validated SJSA1 Xenograft Model by Altogen Labs

SJSA-1 xenograft model

SJSa-1 is a human synovial sarcoma cell line that is commonly used in research to study synovial sarcoma, a rare type of cancer that affects soft tissues such as tendons, ligaments, and muscles. SJSa-1 cells were originally derived from a biopsy sample from a patient with synovial sarcoma. Sarcoma is a cancer of bones and connective tissues that comprises approximately 20 percent of all childhood cancers, as indicated by the Sarcoma Foundation of America. Cell line derived xenografts (CDX) are based on direct implantation of cancer cell lines into different organs of nude mice and are valuable preclinical models for sarcoma research. The SJSA-1 cell line was isolated in 1982 from the primary tumor of a patient with sarcoma. The SJSA1 cell line overexpresses MDM2 as a mechanism to restrict p53 function. Thus, inhibitors of p53-MDM2 binding that can reactivate p53 in cancer cells could be a useful treatment regimen for sarcoma patients. RG7112 is a potent MDM2 antagonist that binds MDM2, blocking its interactions with p53 in vitro. A 2013 study by Tovar et al. published in Cancer Research investigated antitumor activity of RG7112, using the SJSA-1 xenograft model. Results indicated that RG7112 causes tumor inhibition and regression and is effective in the treatment of tumors expressing wild-type p53. In 2015, Canon et al. released a study using the SJSA-1 model to evaluate the antitumor and p53 effects of AMG 232, an MDM2 inhibitor. Results showed that AMG 232 treatment resulted in a significant increase in p53 activity, cell cycle arrest, a decrease in proliferation, and inhibition of in vivo tumor growth. The group also evaluated combination therapy effects with DNA damaging agents which enhanced tumor regression and p53 signaling, overall supporting the use of AMG232 alone and in combination therapy. Tovar et al. published a Cancer Research article (2013) evaluating RG7112, another selective and potent MDM2 inhibitor, using an array of cancer cell lines including SJSA-1. A crystal structure revealed that RG7112 binds at the p53 pocket of MDM2 and had an overall anticancer effect on the cell lines with varying results in regards to apoptotic activity. In xenografts, tumor inhibition and regression was dose dependent, supporting the use of RG7112 against cancers that express wild type p53. Lastly, Hoffman-Luca et al. released a PLoS One article (2015) which used the SJSA-1 model to study the acquired resistance of another MDM2 inhibitor, SAR405838. Data indicated treatment leads to inhibition of cell growth, increased apoptosis, and cell cycle arrest; results showed prolonged treatment led to varied levels of acquired resistance that may be related to p53 mutations in sublines and subcultures. The SJSA-1 cell line (human bone osteosarcoma) is used to create the CDX SJSA-1 xenograft mouse model. Two main benefits of the SJSA-1 xenograft model is 1) the overexpression of MDM2 that enables the study of small molecule MDM2 antagonists (e.g. nutlin-3), and 2) combination studies that significantly inhibit tumor growth such as ganitumab in combination with mTORC1 inhibitors for the treatment of sarcomas.

Download Altogen Labs SJSA-1 Xenograft Model PowerPoint Presentation: PPT2

Basic study design

  1. All flasks containing cells are maintained at a phase of exponential population growth.
  2. The SJSA-1 cells are collected for injection.  Cell count and cell viability is determined by trypan blue. The concentration of the cell suspensions are adjusted to the required density and consists of Matrigel + SJSA-1 cells.
  3. One million cells (1 x 106 cells in 140-200 µL volume) of the cell suspension is injected into the hind leg of each mouse subcutaneously. NOD/SCID or athymic BALB/C mice are used that are 10-12 weeks old.
  4. Inoculation sites are observed for tumor establishment and digital calipers measure tumors until they reach 100-150 mm3.  Animals are then sorted into treatment groups (randomization) and the in-life portion of the study begins when the compound of interest is administered to the mice.  All injections follow the study treatment schedule.
  5. Daily measurements of the tumor and mouse whole-body weights are recorded (3 times weekly).  The predetermined tumor size limit determines the end of the study (or 2,000 mm3).  All animals are euthanized humanely for necropsies.
  6. All tumor tissue is removed and weighed.  Digital imaging is available for tumors.  Remaining tissues are collected and can be frozen (LN2), stabilized (RNA-later reagent), submersed in 10% NBF formalin, or nucleic acids isolated.

Get Instant Quote for
SJSA-1 Xenograft Model

Xenograft animal models are used to assess the effectiveness of drugs against specific types of cancer. New medicines are tested on staged tumor growths that have been engrafted via subcutaneous or orthotopic inoculation in an immunocompromised mouse or rat model. All clinically approved anti-cancer agents have been evaluated with conventional preclinical in vivo models. Xenograft studies can be highly complex, starting with the selection of the appropriate animal model, choice of tumorigenic cell line, administration method, dosing, analysis of tumor growth rates and tumor analysis (histology, mRNA and protein expression levels).

Animal handling and maintenance at the Altogen Labs facility is IACUC-regulated and GLP compliant. Following acclimation to the vivarium environment, mice are sorted according to body mass. The animals are examined daily for tumor appearance and clinical signs. We provide detailed experimental procedures, health reports and data (all-inclusive report is provided to the client that includes methods, results, discussion and raw data along with statistical analysis).

Following options are available for the SJSA-1 xenograft model:

  • SJSA-1 Tumor Growth Delay (TGD; latency)
  • SJSA-1 Tumor Growth Inhibition (TGI)
  • Dosing frequency and duration of dose administration
  • Dosing route (intravenous, intratracheal, continuous infusion, intraperitoneal, intratumoral, oral gavage, topical, intramuscular, subcutaneous, intranasal, using cutting-edge micro-injection techniques and pump-controlled IV injection)
  • SJSA-1 tumor immunohistochemistry
  • Blood chemistry analysis
  • Toxicity and survival (optional: performing a broad health observation program)
  • Gross necropsies and histopathology
  • Positive control group employing cisplatin, at a dosage of 35-40 mg/kg
  • Imaging studies: Fluorescence-based whole body imaging, MRI

Get Instant Quote for
SJSA1 Xenograft Model