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Focusing on cutting-edge technologies and research advancements,
sharing Aniphe BioLab’s achievements in scientific innovation, Professional insights
and practical experience in the fields of laboratory animals and preclinical research.

Colorectal Cancer Multidimensional Modeling Service Platform: Recreates the tumor progression process and supports in vivo screening of anti‑tumor drugs.

　　Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common malignancy worldwide, posing a serious threat to human health, with the highest incidence observed in the 40–50 age group. Therefore, establishing an appropriate animal model of colorectal cancer is crucial for investigating the mechanisms underlying its initiation and progression, as well as for developing novel anti‑tumor therapeutics. Tumor xenograft models

　　Currently, animal models of colorectal cancer xenografts are classified, based on the origin of the graft, into cell line–derived xenografts (CDX) and patient‑derived xenografts (PDX).

　　CDX is a model established by directly implanting tumor cell lines into immunodeficient mice. This human‑derived xenograft model, generated using tumor cell lines, is easy to perform, cost‑effective, and widely used in cancer research.

　　Aniphe BioLab's  Selected Cell Lines

Human-derived HT-29, HCT-116, SW620
Rodent-derived CT26, MC38

　　Another type of PDX model is established by implanting tumor tissue fragments derived from patients with colorectal cancer into immunodeficient mice. These colorectal cancer PDX models faithfully recapitulate the histopathological features, oncogene expression profiles, and drug responses of the primary tumors, thereby demonstrating strong clinical predictive value.

　　Many patients with colorectal cancer die from liver metastases, as the liver is a common site of metastasis for colon cancer. Based on the site of transplantation, it can also be classified into ectopic transplantation, such as splenic injection (for hepatic metastases).

　　Case Study: CT26 Spleen and Liver Metastasis Model by Aniphe BioLab:

　　Method for Establishing a Splenic Liver Metastasis Model

　　| Experimental animals: 5-week-old female BALB/c mice

　　| Experimental Protocol:

　　① After anesthetizing the mice, a mid‑ventral oblique incision was made, and the spleen was gently exteriorized from the abdominal cavity using tissue forceps onto a saline‑moistened gauze pad. Cells were then slowly injected into the spleen with a syringe; at the injection site, the capsule became distended and whitened.

　　② After injection, gently reposition the spleen into its original location using tissue forceps, and close the incision with surgical sutures. The entire procedure must be performed in strict accordance with aseptic techniques. Following recovery from anesthesia, continue housing under SPF‑grade conditions.

　　| Experimental Evaluation System:

　　Weight curve

　　Mice were weighed 2–3 times per week after vaccination.

　　In vivo imaging

　　In vivo imaging was performed weekly after vaccination.

　　Photo at the finish line

　　Photographs of the spleen and liver were taken after the experiment.

　　| Experimental Results:

　　① Weight curve:

　　

 

　　Image source: Aniphe BioLab

　　② In vivo imaging:

　　According to the analysis of in vivo data, fluorescence signals were clearly observed in both the liver and spleen.

　　

 

　　Image source: Aniphe BioLab

　　③ Finish-line photo:

　　Photographs taken at the endpoint also reveal prominent masses in the liver and spleen, indicating successful model establishment.

　　

 

　　Image source: Aniphe BioLab

　　|Precautions

　　01. Approximately 10 days after cell injection, obvious tumor metastasis was observed, indicating a short experimental duration.

　　02. This experiment must be conducted under sterile conditions, with animals housed in an SPF‑grade facility, and supplemented with appropriate antibiotics.

　　03. Inject an appropriate cell dose.

　　Spleen injection (for hepatic metastasis) predominantly induces liver metastases in colorectal cancer; the resulting model exhibits a phenotype that closely resembles the clinical features of postoperative liver metastases from colorectal cancer, making it commonly used to investigate the mechanisms of liver metastasis or to screen for agents that inhibit hepatic metastasis. Chemically induced model.

　　Currently, commonly used chemical carcinogens for colon cancer include dimethylhydrazine (DMH), azoxymethane (AOM), and the inflammatory agent dextran sulfate sodium (DSS).

　　Its preparation method is relatively simple, exhibits good reproducibility, allows for large-scale replication within a short time, and essentially mimics the process of carcinogenesis; therefore, it is widely used in experimental studies.

　　

 

　　AOM/DSS–induced colorectal cancer model

　　Genetically engineered mice

　　Genetically engineered animal models of colorectal cancer are established by employing molecular biological techniques to edit genes implicated in the development of colorectal cancer, such as introducing exogenous oncogenes or knocking out endogenous tumor suppressor genes.

　　Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colorectal Cancer (HNPCC): HNPCC results from biallelic inactivation of the APC gene and mutations in mismatch repair genes (MLH1, MLH2, MSH6, PMS1, and PMS2). Homozygous knockout mice lacking either the MLH1 or MLH2 gene develop lymphoid neoplasms and are also predisposed to gastrointestinal tumors, making them an excellent model for studying HNPCC.

　　Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP): Dysregulation of the Wnt signaling pathway, mediated by APC–β-catenin–TCF, is the primary mechanism underlying FAP pathogenesis. A point mutation at codon 850 in one allele of the APC gene gives rise to multiple intestinal adenomas, and mice carrying this mutation are known as Min (multiple intestinal neoplasia) mice, which are considered one of the most ideal experimental models for studying familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP).

　　Organoids are 3D‑culture models generated by cultivating stem cells or organ‑progenitor cells in vitro, with the addition of specific extracellular matrix mimetics and cytokines to induce their differentiation into cellular structures that closely resemble those of the originating organ. As a novel research platform, organoids have opened new avenues for cancer research and offer unprecedented opportunities for precision oncology.

　　

 

　　

 

　　Mouse organoid models cultured on chips exhibit excellent performance. Confocal images of immunofluorescence staining for mouse small intestinal organoids (left) and colonic organoids (right) on day 7. Image source: [2].

　　Summary

　　Selecting an appropriate colorectal cancer animal model based on the research objectives is of great significance for studying tumor pathogenesis as well as for clinical diagnosis and treatment. Aniphe BioLab offers a variety of colorectal cancer animal models and provides pharmacological and efficacy evaluation services tailored to related disease models. We welcome all customers to contact us for more information!

　　References:

　　[1] Cheng Shumin. Construction and Characteristics of Human Primary Colorectal Cancer Xenograft Models in C57BL/6 Mice and NSG Mice [D]. Jining Medical University, 2020. DOI: 10.27856/d.cnki.gjnyx.2020.000020.

　　[2]Cui Y ,Xiao R ,Zhou Y , et al.Establishment of organoid models based on a nested array chip for fast and reproducible drug testing in colorectal cancer therapy[J].Bio-Design and Manufacturing,2022,5(04):674-686.

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