Xenograft and Live Imaging Services

What We Do

The Xenograft and Live Imaging Services (XLIS) provides expertise in the development and characterization of xenograft mouse models to study human tumor growth and response to therapeutic intervention. Customizable offerings include the generation of orthotopic or heterotopic cell line-derived xenografts (CDX) or patient-derived xenografts (PDX) that model both solid and liquid tumors. XLIS offers execution of efficacy studies in standard mouse strains and genetically diverse mice. Engraftment of mouse tumor cells is also offered. Additionally, XLIS performs live imaging of engrafted tumors that express bioluminescent or fluorescent markers for longitudinal studies. XLIS can also support investigators with the planning and management of xenograft projects, including assistance with regulatory paperwork for the use of mice and human cells/tissues.

Services and Technologies Offered

• Subcutaneous, intravenous, intraperitoneal, and intracranial xenografts and engrafts.
• Custom-site (e.g., orthotopic) xenografts and mouse allografts.
• Efficacy studies of chemotherapeutic or immunotherapeutic agents in genetically diverse immunodeficient mice.
• Live imaging of tumors marked by bioluminescent or fluorescent reporters and probes using Spectrum IVIS CT.
• Custom measurements of mouse phenotypes associated with tumor growth and cancer progression (body weight, body condition score, RT-qPCR of biopsies).