In Vivo Model Development for Neuroblastoma

Protheragen is dedicated to advancing Neuroblastoma research by offering comprehensive in vivo animal model development services tailored to the needs of academic and industry partners. Our platform provides a robust portfolio of validated Neuroblastoma models, enabling the preclinical evaluation of drug candidates, mechanistic studies, and translational research. With expertise in both zebrafish and murine systems, Protheragen ensures high scientific rigor and customizable solutions to accelerate the development of novel therapeutics for Neuroblastoma.

Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranial solid tumor in children, characterized by remarkable heterogeneity in genetic and clinical presentation. Reliable animal models are essential for understanding disease biology, evaluating therapeutic efficacy, and predicting clinical outcomes. Protheragen utilizes a broad spectrum of models, including Danio rerio (zebrafish) and Mus musculus (mouse), covering multiple strains such as AB, 129SvTer, Balb/c, C57BL/6, NSG, NOD, and others. These models encompass patient-derived xenografts (PDX), genetically engineered models (GEMMs), syngeneic and allograft systems, recapitulating key molecular features of human Neuroblastoma, including MYCN amplification, ALK mutations, TP53 alterations, and GD2 expression. Our approach ensures translational relevance and supports the development of targeted therapies and immunotherapies.

Patient-Derived Xenograft (PDX) Models

PDX models involve the transplantation of primary human Neuroblastoma cells or tumor fragments directly into immunocompromised mice or zebrafish. This methodology preserves the genetic, histological, and phenotypic characteristics of the original patient tumor, including molecular drivers such as MYCN amplification, ALK mutations, and others. Key advantages include high clinical relevance, heterogeneity, and predictive value for human response. PDX models are primarily used for preclinical drug efficacy studies, biomarker validation, resistance mechanism investigation, and personalized medicine research.

Genetically Engineered Mouse Models (GEMMs)

GEMMs are developed by introducing specific oncogenic mutations or transgenes (e.g., MYCN, ALK, TP53, FCAR) into the mouse genome, often under the control of tissue-specific promoters. Conditional and transgenic models enable the study of tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis in an immunocompetent background. The methodology involves targeted gene editing, Cre-Lox recombination, or transgene insertion. GEMMs offer advantages such as faithful recapitulation of tumor microenvironment, immune interactions, and spontaneous tumor development. They are instrumental for mechanistic studies, immunotherapy evaluation, and modeling genetic risk factors.

Cell Line-Derived Xenograft (CDX) and Allograft Models

CDX models are established by implanting established human Neuroblastoma cell lines (e.g., IMR32, SHSY5Y, SK-N-BE2) into immunodeficient mice, while allograft models use murine Neuroblastoma cell lines (e.g., Neuro2a, 9464D) in syngeneic hosts. Methodologies include subcutaneous, orthotopic, or intravenous inoculation. These models are highly reproducible, rapid to establish, and amenable to genetic manipulation (e.g., luciferase labeling for imaging). Their key advantages are scalability, suitability for high-throughput screening, and utility in testing immunotherapies in syngeneic settings. Applications include efficacy testing, pharmacodynamics, and imaging-based studies.

Transgenic Zebrafish Models

Transgenic zebrafish models leverage the transparency and rapid development of Danio rerio to study Neuroblastoma pathogenesis and drug response in vivo. Patient-derived or genetically modified Neuroblastoma cells are introduced into zebrafish embryos or larvae, or stable transgenic lines are created (e.g., MYCN overexpression, nf1a knockout). Advantages include high-throughput screening capability, real-time imaging, and suitability for genetic and chemical modifier screens. These models are valuable for early-stage drug discovery, pathway analysis, and functional genomics.

Protheragen offers a full-spectrum Neuroblastoma model development service, encompassing model selection, establishment, and validation tailored to client research objectives. Our solutions include the creation of custom PDX, GEMM, CDX, allograft, and zebrafish models, as well as the implementation of orthotopic and metastatic models for advanced studies. Key efficacy endpoints include tumor growth inhibition, regression, metastasis assessment, survival analysis, and molecular biomarker evaluation. Analytical capabilities span in vivo imaging (bioluminescence, fluorescence), histopathology, immunophenotyping, gene expression profiling, and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) studies. Rigorous quality control measures are applied at every stage, including authentication of cell lines, genetic validation, health monitoring, and adherence to ethical and regulatory standards.

By partnering with Protheragen, clients gain access to a comprehensive suite of validated Neuroblastoma animal models and in vivo research expertise. Our team is committed to delivering scientifically robust, reproducible, and translational data to accelerate your Neuroblastoma research and therapeutic development. Contact us today to discuss your project needs and discover how Protheragen can support your preclinical pipeline with customized, high-quality in vivo solutions.