Dual labeling of syngeneic tumor cells for in vivo and in vitro localization

Abstract

Animal models in cancer research have been critical to much of our understanding of tumor biology. However, while early models have advanced the field, improvements need to be made if we are to realize the ultimate goal of translational relevance. In this research, we sought to address the difficulties of in vivo and in vitro tumor cell tracking and localization by using two established models, B16 melanoma and Lewis lung carcinoma. To this end, cells were stably transfected with a dual reporter vector containing green fluorescent protein (GFP) and firefly luciferase (fLuc) genes and clonal isolates were compared with parental lines. In at least one instance, the monoclonal tumor model, LLC_GL:HI2 was shown to retain tumorigenic potential while also retaining expression of the reporter genes in vivo and in vitro.