NEC14 Xenograft Model Overview

The NEC14 xenograft model is derived from a human neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) cell line, NEC14, which was established from a metastatic lesion of a patient with high-grade neuroendocrine carcinoma. Neuroendocrine carcinoma is a rare and aggressive cancer that can occur in various organs, including the lungs, pancreas, and gastrointestinal tract, and is characterized by the presence of neuroendocrine cells that produce hormones. The NEC14 model is highly valuable for preclinical research, providing a platform to study the biology of neuroendocrine tumors, their metastasis, and therapeutic resistance. This model is particularly useful for evaluating novel therapeutic strategies, including chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapies aimed at improving treatment outcomes for patients with neuroendocrine carcinoma.

Request a Custom Quote for NEC14 Xenograft Model

Biological and Molecular Characteristics

NEC14 cells are characterized by their neuroendocrine origin and exhibit markers associated with neuroendocrine differentiation, such as chromogranin A, synaptophysin, and CD56. These markers are commonly used in clinical diagnostics to identify neuroendocrine tumors. The model also harbors genetic alterations in tumor suppressor genes, such as TP53, and frequently exhibits mutations in the RAS/MAPK and PI3K/AKT pathways, both of which are involved in cell survival, proliferation, and metastasis. Additionally, NEC14 cells express high levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which promotes angiogenesis and supports tumor growth. These molecular features make the NEC14 xenograft model particularly useful for testing therapies aimed at targeting neuroendocrine tumor markers, angiogenesis, and dysregulated signaling pathways.

Marker	Expression Level	Function
Chromogranin A	High	Neuroendocrine marker
Synaptophysin	High	Neuroendocrine marker
CD56	Elevated	Neural cell adhesion molecule
TP53	Mutated	Tumor suppressor gene involved in apoptosis
VEGF	Elevated	Promotes angiogenesis

In Vivo Model Development and Tumorigenicity

The NEC14 xenograft model is typically established by implanting NEC14 cells into immunocompromised mice, such as NOD/SCID or NSG mice, which lack functional T and B cells. Upon implantation, the cells form rapidly growing tumors that resemble human neuroendocrine carcinoma in terms of morphology, growth, and metastatic behavior. These tumors exhibit high cellularity, neuroendocrine differentiation, and significant vascularization due to angiogenic processes. The NEC14 model is useful for evaluating chemotherapy agents commonly used in the treatment of neuroendocrine tumors, such as cisplatin and etoposide, which are standard treatments for high-grade neuroendocrine carcinoma.

In addition to subcutaneous implantation, orthotopic models of NEC14 can be established by implanting the cells into specific organs, such as the pancreas or lungs, depending on the source of the original tumor. This orthotopic model more accurately replicates the natural site of tumor growth and allows for the study of local invasion, metastatic spread, and the effects of treatment on the tumor microenvironment. The ability of NEC14 cells to metastasize to distant organs, particularly the liver, lungs, and lymph nodes, makes this model highly relevant for studying the metastatic behavior of neuroendocrine carcinoma and for evaluating therapies aimed at preventing or treating metastasis.

Request a Custom Quote for NEC14 Xenograft Model

Histopathology and Immunohistochemical Profile

Histopathological examination of NEC14 xenografts reveals the characteristic features of neuroendocrine carcinoma, including small round cells with a high nuclear-to-cytoplasmic ratio and dense chromatin. The tumors demonstrate neuroendocrine differentiation, with glandular-like structures and a prominent vascular network. Immunohistochemical staining of NEC14 xenografts shows strong expression of neuroendocrine markers such as chromogranin A, synaptophysin, and CD56, confirming the neuroendocrine origin of the tumor. Elevated levels of VEGF are also observed, highlighting the tumor’s angiogenic potential. The tumors exhibit high levels of phosphorylated AKT and ERK, indicating activation of the PI3K/AKT and MAPK/ERK pathways, both of which contribute to tumor survival and resistance to chemotherapy. CD31 staining reveals significant vascularization, reflecting the tumor’s dependence on blood vessel formation for continued growth.

Preclinical Applications and Drug Response

The NEC14 xenograft model is widely used to evaluate the efficacy of various therapeutic agents for neuroendocrine carcinoma. The model is particularly valuable for testing chemotherapy agents, such as cisplatin and etoposide, which are standard treatments for high-grade neuroendocrine carcinoma. The model’s ability to develop resistance to chemotherapy makes it ideal for studying chemotherapy resistance mechanisms and testing new agents aimed at overcoming these challenges.

The NEC14 xenograft model is also increasingly used to evaluate targeted therapies, particularly those that inhibit the RAS/MAPK and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways, which are frequently dysregulated in neuroendocrine tumors. Additionally, the model is valuable for testing angiogenesis inhibitors, such as VEGF inhibitors, as these tumors are highly vascularized and rely on angiogenesis to support their growth. The model’s ability to replicate key features of neuroendocrine carcinoma, including its aggressive growth, metastasis, and resistance to therapy, makes it an ideal platform for studying novel treatment strategies. Furthermore, the ability of NEC14 xenografts to metastasize to distant organs provides an excellent opportunity to evaluate therapies aimed at preventing or treating metastatic disease.

Request This Model

To request the NEC14 xenograft model for your preclinical studies, please use the form below. A customized quote and additional model specifications will be provided upon inquiry.

Request a Custom Quote for NEC14 Xenograft Model