Metastasis Models for Breast Cancer
The molecular mechanisms underlying the metastatic spread of cancer cells are a crucial focus in the study of breast cancer. Alfa Cytology offers services for constructing models of metastasis, aiming to assist clients in identifying suitable models for studying breast cancer metastasis. With our extensive experience in model construction, we provide high-quality breast cancer models for research purposes.
Introduction to Metastasis Models for Breast Cancer
The identification of appropriate therapeutic targets and proof-of-concept experimentation involves an increasing number of experimental models. The multistep nature of metastasis and the heterogeneity exhibited within breast cancer warrants the continued use and development of laboratory models to accurately reflect this complicated process in order to discover therapeutic interventions.
Fig.1 Breast cancer models for investigating therapy resistance and metastasis. (Roarty K, Echeverria GV., 2021)
| Type of Model | Advantages | Disadvantages |
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| Injection into circulation |
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| Orthotopic xenografts |
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| Syngeneic transplants |
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Our Services
Metastasis models for breast cancer play a crucial role in understanding the mechanisms by which breast cancer spreads to other parts of the body. Alfa Cytology offers a comprehensive metastasis models construction service to support your research and drug development projects.
Construction of Transplant Tumor Models
Metastasis Mouse Models
Experimental metastasis refers to the direct introduction of breast cancer tumor cells into the vascular system, bypassing the early stages of metastatic cascade. We customize experimental models of metastasis based on your specific requirements for injection sites and inherent tropism of tumor cells.
Orthotopic Xenograft Models of Metastasis
PDX models have the capability to faithfully replicate the specific organ preferences of metastasis for different subtypes of breast cancer. We possess a diverse range of breast cancer cell lines that can be orthotopically xenografted into mice, facilitating research on circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and metastasis.
Construction of Transgenic Models of Breast Cancer Metastasis
To simulate tumor progression and metastasis, we employ constitutive or inducible transgenic approaches to construct genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs). Our repertoire includes various systems, such as the mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) LTR promoter, along with several other promoters. Below are some examples of the Transgenic mouse models of breast cancer metastasis that we can construct.
 Single-transgenic mice |
 Composite-transgenic mice |
Single-transgenic mice of breast cancer refer to genetically modified mice that carry a single transgene associated with breast cancer development.
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Composite transgenic mice are transgenic mice that carry multiple genes associated with the development of breast cancer.
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Case Study
4T1-LUC Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Multi-Organ Metastasis Model in BALB/c Mice
- Model Introduction
This model serves as a highly efficient and reproducible preclinical platform for studying the aggressive progression and multi-organ metastasis of triple-negative breast cancer. It is particularly valuable for investigating late-stage dissemination and organotropic spread to sites such as the lung, spleen, kidney, and brain in an immunocompetent microenvironment.
- Model Information
- Model: 4T1-LUC Murine Breast Cancer Metastasis Model
- Animals: Immunocompetent BALB/c Mice
- Age: 6-8 Weeks
- Cancer Type:Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC)
- Weight: 18-22 g
- Model Construction
The model was established by injecting 4T1-LUC murine triple-negative breast cancer cells directly into the tibial bone cavity of immunocompetent BALB/c mice at a dose of 0.5 × 10⁶ cells per mouse. Tumor development and metastatic spread were monitored longitudinally using in vivo imaging systems.
Fig. 2 Flowchart of 4T1-LUC triple-negative breast cancer construction. (Source: Alfa Cytology)
- Model Data
- Stable Tumor Growth and Rapid Metastasis: The model demonstrated consistent tumor formation within the bone cavity, with 4T1-LUC cells exhibiting strong metastatic potential.
- Multi-Organ Metastasis: Macroscopic metastatic nodules were observed in distant organs including the spleen, lung, kidney, and brain, confirming the highly aggressive and systemic dissemination characteristics of this triple-negative breast cancer model.
- In Vivo and Ex Vivo Validation: Fluorescence imaging of tibial tissue and whole-body biodistribution supported robust localization and metastatic burden across organs.
Fig. 3 In vivo imaging data of 4T1-LUC breast cancer cell bone cavity transplantation model.(Source: Alfa Cytology)
Contact Us
At Alfa Cytology, by leveraging our metastasis model for breast cancer service, you can gain crucial insights into the metastatic process and identify potential therapeutic targets. Contact us to discuss your project requirements and learn more about how our metastasis model for breast cancer service can advance your research goals.
Reference
- Roarty K, Echeverria GV. Laboratory models for investigating breast cancer therapy resistance and metastasis. Frontiers in Oncology. 2021, 11: 645698.