Brain Cancer Xenograft

Validated brain cancer xenograft models:

A172,  LN229,   SF268,  SF295,  SF539,  SK-N-AS,  SNB19,  SNB75,  U87 MG,  U87-Luc,  U118,  UG-251MG

Brain Cancer Xenograft Models: Subcutaneous, Orthotopic, And Metastatic: Download Brain Xenograft Models

Altogen Labs provides an extensive portfolio of validated brain cancer xenograft models designed to support the translational development of therapeutics targeting aggressive central nervous system malignancies. These models, derived from established human glioblastoma and neuroblastoma cell lines, offer both subcutaneous and orthotopic tumor formation platforms, as well as luciferase-expressing systems for in vivo imaging. Xenograft models are indispensable for recapitulating tumorigenic behavior, evaluating drug efficacy, and understanding treatment resistance within a physiologically relevant in vivo environment. Altogen Labs leverages years of expertise to design and execute xenotransplantation studies using rigorously characterized brain cancer models under GLP-compliant, IACUC-regulated protocols.

In-house validated xenograft models:

A172 Xenograft Tumor Model: Download A172 Xenograft Model

LN229 Brain Orthotopic And Metastatic Xenograft Model: Download LN229 Xenograft Model

SF268 Brain Cancer Xenograft Model: Download SF268 Xenograft Model

SF295 Brain Cancer Subcutaneous Xenograft Model: Download SF295 Xenograft Model

SF539 Xenograft Model: Download SF539 Xenograft Model

SNB19 Orthotopic Model: Download SNB19 Xenograft Model

SNB75 Brain Cancer Subcutaneous Xenograft Model: Download SNB75 Xenograft Model

SKNAS Metastatic And Orthotopic Xenograft Model: Download SKNAS Xenograft Model

U87 Orthotopic Brain Cancer Xenograft Model: Download U87 Xenograft Model

U118 Brain Cancer Xenograft Model: Download U118 Xenograft Model

U251MG Brain Cancer Xenograft Model: Download U251-MG Xenograft Model

Selecting brain cancer xenograft model:

Among the most widely utilized models is the U87 MG glioblastoma cell line, which exhibits epithelial-like morphology and is representative of a WHO grade IV glioma. U87 MG tumors demonstrate predictable subcutaneous and orthotopic growth kinetics, making them suitable for routine efficacy assessments of chemotherapeutics and radiotherapeutic sensitizers. Additionally, luciferase-labeled U87-Luc variants permit non-invasive tracking of tumor progression and response to treatment using bioluminescence imaging. U118 and UG-251MG cell lines represent similarly aggressive glioblastoma phenotypes. U118 cells exhibit heterogeneous morphology and are employed in immunogenicity studies, while UG-251MG tumors demonstrate invasive astrocytic features, high proliferative index, and expression of PDGFR and EGFR receptors, making them valuable for targeted therapy evaluation.

The LN229 model offers a genetically distinct alternative to U87, with wild-type PTEN and mutant p53 status. It is frequently employed in apoptosis research and therapeutic studies targeting tumor suppressor pathways. SNB19, a glioblastoma-derived line from the parieto-occipital lobe, expresses high levels of cysteine proteases and plasminogen activators, exhibiting highly infiltrative behavior in orthotopic models. SNB75, also derived from a WHO grade IV glioblastoma, harbors homozygous TP53 mutations and is commonly used in preclinical drug screening due to its reliable tumor take rate and responsiveness to alkylating agents.

The SF series of glioma cell lines, including SF268, SF295, and SF539, provides a spectrum of aggressive glioblastoma models for evaluating cytotoxic and targeted agents. SF268, an astrocytoma of the parietal lobe, displays high proliferation, poorly differentiated morphology, and elevated expression of cytoskeletal and ribosomal proteins. SF295, which is PTEN and TP53 null, offers a model for studying late-stage glioblastoma progression and drug resistance. SF539, derived from a recurrent glioblastoma following clinical treatment, is frequently used for evaluating combination therapies targeting extracellular matrix interactions and tumor microenvironment remodeling.

The SK-N-AS neuroblastoma cell line expands the applicability of Altogen’s models to extracranial pediatric brain tumors. Isolated from a bone marrow metastasis, SK-N-AS cells exhibit high levels of IGF-2 and PLK1 expression, supporting their use in targeted inhibitor studies. Their poorly differentiated neuronal morphology and hyperdiploid karyotype render them particularly relevant for examining metastatic progression and neuroblastoma-specific treatment modalities.

Altogen Labs also offers xenograft models utilizing the A172 glioblastoma cell line, which serves as a robust platform for evaluating cell cycle modulators and mitotic inhibitors due to its high proliferative index and consistent tumorigenicity. The orthotopic and metastatic capabilities of many of these models, including LN229, SNB19, and SK-N-AS, allow for a more accurate representation of tumor invasion, immune evasion, and response to systemic therapy.

The selection of appropriate murine hosts is integral to the success of brain xenograft experiments. Altogen Labs maintains a diverse colony of immunodeficient mouse strains, including NSG, NOD/SCID, BALB/c nude, and Swiss nude models. Each strain offers distinct immunological profiles that influence engraftment success, tumor progression, and duration of therapeutic evaluation. NSG mice, for instance, lack functional NK, T, and B cells, providing an ideal background for long-term xenograft studies and humanized model applications. In contrast, NOD/SCID mice support rapid tumor growth but are limited to short-term studies due to the risk of spontaneous lymphomas.

Altogen Labs provides comprehensive services encompassing cell line selection, host animal assignment, orthotopic or subcutaneous implantation, tumor burden monitoring, and post-mortem histological analysis. Luciferase-tagged models such as U87-Luc facilitate longitudinal tracking of tumor progression and treatment efficacy in vivo, while high-grade glioma models such as SF295 and UG-251MG allow for testing of novel targeted and immune-modulatory agents.

Brain cancer xenograft models developed by transplantation of human brain tumor cells or tissue into immunodeficient mice or rats to study brain cancer biology and testing potential brain cancer therapies. Testing tumor’s growth and response to treatment in a living system more closely resembles the human body than in vitro cell culture studies. Brain cancer xenograft models remain an important tool in cancer research for investigating the biology of brain tumors and developing new therapies.

Malignant brain tumors can be primary tumors that originated in the brain or secondary that are a result of metastatic spread from other organs. Symptoms of brain tumors often include seizures, vision problems, vomiting, headaches and mental changes. There are several main types of primary brain tumors that are typically categorized by the cell type from which they originate. Gliomas are the most common type of malignant primary brain cancer and originate from glial cells. Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most aggressive cancer; it is a grade IV glioma and prognosis is typically 12-17 months. Astrocytomas are the malignant form of astrocytes which are star-shaped glial cells found in the cerebrum. Medulloblastoma is a pediatric primary glioma that grows rapidly and can spread through cerebrospinal fluid and forms from malignant neurons. Meningioma is cancerous meninges, which are three membranes that protect and cover the brain and spinal cord. Meningiomas are often slow-growing and have a recurrence rate of <20%. Other types include ependymoma, adenoma and oligodendroglioma.

Brain cancer xenograft models offered by Altogen Labs are indispensable tools for advancing preclinical oncology research. These models not only replicate the biological complexity and molecular heterogeneity of malignant gliomas and neuroblastomas but also enable precise interrogation of pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties of therapeutic agents. Altogen’s rigorously validated platforms and end-to-end support for study design and execution ensure reproducible, translationally relevant data generation for drug development programs targeting some of the most lethal forms of brain cancer.

Altogen Labs