Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed a collection of novel murine ovarian cancer cell lines with defined genetic mutations. These cell lines carry mutations in the oncogenic Kras and Pten tumor suppressor pathways and express the human MUC1 protein, a tumor antigen widely studied for immunotherapy. Unlike existing models, these cell lines are derived from primary ovarian tumors, providing a more accurate representation of human ovarian cancer for preclinical studies and therapeutic development.
Description
The technology involves generating murine ovarian cancer cell lines from triple transgenic MUC1KrasPten mice. These cell lines carry specific genetic mutations in the Kras and Pten pathways, with some mutations being activatable via exposure to Cre-encoding adenovirus (AdCre) in vitro. The expression of the human MUC1 protein in these cell lines enhances their relevance for studying immunotherapy targets. The cell lines can be used to model ovarian cancer in vivo in syngeneic hosts, offering a valuable tool for exploring new therapeutic avenues and translating findings into clinical trials.
Applications
• Preclinical modeling of ovarian cancer
• Development and testing of immunotherapies targeting MUC1
• Research on the Kras and Pten pathways in cancer
• Exploration of new therapeutic strategies for ovarian cancer
Advantages
This technology provides murine ovarian cancer cell lines with defined genetic traits, enhancing the accuracy of preclinical models. The expression of human MUC1 protein makes these cell lines particularly valuable for immunotherapy research. Additionally, the ability to activate mutations via AdCre exposure allows for controlled studies of genetic pathways involved in ovarian cancer.
Invention Readiness
The technology is currently at the in vivo data stage, with successful generation and characterization of the murine ovarian cancer cell lines. Initial studies have demonstrated the ability of these cell lines to grow tumors upon intraperitoneal injection in mice.
