Novel enhanced green fluorescent protein-expressing NOG mouse for analyzing the microenvironment of xenograft tissues

Exp Anim. 2014;63(1):55-62. doi: 10.1538/expanim.63.55.

Abstract

The interaction between transplanted cells and host tissues is important for the growth and maintenance of transplanted cells. To analyze the mechanisms of these interactions, a systemic fluorescent protein-expressing mouse is a useful recipient. In this study, we generated a novel NOG strain, which strongly expresses enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP; PgkEGFP-NOG), especially in the liver, kidney, gastrointestinal tract, and testis. Because the host tissues expressed EGFP, xenotransplanted human cancer cells were clearly identified as EGFP-negative colonies in PgkEGFP-NOG mice. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that EGFP-expressing stromal tissues formed a complicated tumor microenvironment within xenograft tissues. Moreover, a similar microenvironment was observed in human iPS cell-derived teratomas. Collectively, these results indicated that a suitable microenvironment is essential for the growth and maintenance of xenotransplanted cells and that PgkEGFP-NOG mice represent a useful animal model for analyzing the mechanisms of microenvironment formation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Gene Expression
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / genetics*
  • HCT116 Cells
  • Heterografts
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells / pathology*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred NOD*
  • Models, Animal
  • Neoplasm Transplantation*
  • Teratoma / pathology*
  • Tumor Microenvironment*

Substances

  • enhanced green fluorescent protein
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins