Xenografts

Xenografts are used to answer key questions in the field of cancer research that requires the use of model systems that closely resemble a tumor growing in a patient.

Xenograft is the term used to describe a group of cells growing in a different species. Human xenografts growing in immunodeficient mice is a well-established and useful model for studying human tumor biology in a system that better mimics the primary tumor compared to cells grown in vitro. Often times, xenograft studies use highly passaged cell lines that have been genetically modified and artificially cultured, which leads to clonal selection that may not be observed in patients. Conversant Bio's xenograft samples are obtained directly from patients, low passaged (<4 times) in mice and never cultured in vitro in an effort to retain key properties found in the patient's tumor. In an effort to catalyze research and the development of effective treatments, Conversant Bio provides the following xenograft samples ...

At Conversant Bio, we offer serval types of xenograft samples derived from human primary tumors. You can choose from tumor cells that were validated to form xenografts to serially passaged xenograft derived tumor cells to serially passaged xenograft derived tumors. None of these samples were ever cultured in vitro or genetically modified, and thereby the xenograft samples maintain the properties found in the original patient sample. Please click the xen icon to the left to learn more about our individual xenograft products. 

Xenograft Products

Xenograft | Derived Cells

These human primary cells are grown in mice, typically in NOD/SCID mice, for various passages. Xenograft tumors, mainly consisting of diseased human primary cells, are collected, dissociated into single cells and cryopreserved in a manner that maintains post-thaw cellular viability. The resulting human primary cells have never been cultured in vitro. Xenograft derived cells are validated to form xenograft tumors due to their ability to be serially transplanted in mice. One vial of passage 2-4 cells, injected subcutaneously in a NOD/SCID mouse, results in 1-2 xenograft tumors within 1-3 months.

Key Applications:

• drug testing and drug target discovery
• genetic studies
• xenografting
• cell isolation studies
• cancer stem cells

Xenograft | Tumor Derived - Xenograft Validated Cells

Cells from solid tumors are obtained using CBio's optimized tissue dissociation protocols involving both mechanical and enzymatic approaches. The resulting human primary cells have never been cultured in vitro. Dissociated tumor cells are immediately cryopreserved in an animal protein free media containing 10% DMSO. The percentage of viable cells is typically >70% post thaw, although there is variability between tumor samples. Nonetheless, the number of viable cells / sample is ~2 million. Our tissue dissociation protocols preserve all tested cell-surface markers by flow cytometry. One vial of these cells, when injected subcutaneously with Matrigel into NOD/SCID mice will form 1 xenograft tumor within 2-5 months.

Key Applications:

• drug testing and drug target discovery
• genetic studies
• xenografting
• cell isolation studies
• cancer stem cells

Xenograft | Derived Tumors

These human primary cells are grown in mice, typically in NOD/SCID mice, for various passages. Xenograft tumors, mainly consisting of diseased human primary cells, are collected and shipped viable to clients. The resulting human primary tumor has never been cultured in vitro. Xenograft derived tumors are validated to form a new tumor in a mouse due to their ability to be serially transplanted. One tumor (0.3-0.5 grams) from passage 2-4 can be dissociated or cut into smaller pieces and injected subcutaneously into a NOD/SCID mouse, resulting in several xenograft tumors within 1-3 months. 

Key Applications:

• drug testing and drug target discovery
• genetic studies
• xenografting
• cell isolation studies
• cancer stem cells
• visualization of tissue structures