Spheroid-Based in vivo Angiogenesis Assay
ProQinase offers a spheroid-based in vivo angiogenesis assay based on human endothelial cells (ECs). The human ECs are applied subcutaneously in SCID mice, embedded in extracellular matrix components, in the presence of angiogenic growth factors (VEGF-A/FGF-2). The transplanted human ECs anastomose with the mouse vasculature and establish a perfused and pericyte-covered micro vascular bed. The quantitiy of the newly formed vasculature is determined by micro-vessel density counting.

The spheroid-based in vivo angiogenesis assay allows to study the effect of compounds on a defined angiogenic vasculature. It is of particular usefulness, if a test compound (e.g. an antibody) is directed against a human, endothelial cell specific target. Furthermore pro-angiogenic compounds can be tested for their potency to establish functional vessels in vivo.

• PTK-787 has been tested for efficacy and can be included as positive control
• Standard readouts include animal weight and human CD34 staining for microvessel density determination
• Additional readouts are possible: pericyte-coverage, perfusion

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Orthotopic Tumor Models
ProQinase offers orthotopic and metastasizing in vivo tumor models in mice.

*not yet available as luciferase-transduced cell line

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Target-Specific Tumor Models with Genetically Engineered Cells
ProQinase offers target-specific tumor models in mice using cell lines, which were genetically engineered to control the expression of tumor-relevant proteins. Additional cell lines are in preparation, please inquire for detailed information.

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Subcutaneous Xenograft Tumor Models
ProQinase offers xenograft models with several tumor cell lines that grow as subcutaneous tumors in mice. More cell lines of the NCI panel can easily be established, if they are tumorigenic in mice.

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Study Design and Readouts

The experimental design of any in vivo tumor study can be tailored to meet our customer's individual requirements. One can choose between dose finding and efficacy studies. Furthermore, the customer can decide on:

• Route of application: e.g. orally, s.c., i.m., i.p.
• Scheme of application: from once daily up to continuously
• Time schedule: e.g. therapy start, study duration
• Pretreatment period before inoculation of tumor cells
• Parameters monitored during the study: e.g. animal behavior, tumor size, blood parameters

In addition to standard readouts (animal weight, tumor weight, tumor volume, metastasis pattern) ProQinase offers the following readouts and technologies at study end:

• Blood parameters (e.g. soluble biomarker [VEGF, soluble VEGFR-2/KDR])
• Necropsy (collection of more than 40 tissues and organs)
• Immunohistochemistry (e.g. microvessel density, proliferation and apoptotic indices)
• Tumor imaging (ultrasound, in vivo bioluminescence imaging)
• Corrosion casts

Please inquire for a specific quote.