OV90 Xenograft Model Overview
The OV90 xenograft model is derived from a human ovarian cancer cell line, established from a patient with advanced-stage epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC). Ovarian cancer, particularly the serous subtype, is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality in women due to its aggressive nature and tendency for late-stage diagnosis. The OV90 model is widely used in preclinical research to investigate the molecular mechanisms of ovarian cancer, test new therapeutic agents, and study the mechanisms of drug resistance. Known for its high sensitivity to cisplatin and other chemotherapeutic agents, the OV90 xenograft model is essential for evaluating the efficacy of platinum-based chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapies in ovarian cancer treatment.
Request a Custom Quote for OV90 Xenograft ModelBiological and Molecular Characteristics
OV90 cells are characterized by their epithelial origin and express markers commonly associated with ovarian carcinoma, including cytokeratins, epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), and the ovarian cancer-associated antigen CA-125. The model demonstrates sensitivity to cisplatin, a platinum-based chemotherapy commonly used in ovarian cancer treatment, making it an excellent tool for testing new chemotherapeutic agents or combination treatments. However, over time, OV90 cells can develop resistance to cisplatin, making the model also valuable for studying the mechanisms underlying chemotherapy resistance. OV90 cells show mutations in several critical signaling pathways, including the PI3K/AKT and RAS/MAPK pathways, which contribute to cell survival, proliferation, and metastasis in ovarian cancer. This makes OV90 xenografts a suitable model for testing agents that target these pathways and for investigating new treatment strategies.
| Marker | Expression Level | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Cytokeratin | High | Epithelial cell marker |
| EMA | High | Epithelial membrane antigen |
| CA-125 | High | Ovarian cancer-associated antigen |
| PI3K/AKT pathway | Dysregulated | Promotes cell survival and proliferation |
In Vivo Model Development and Tumorigenicity
The OV90 xenograft model is typically established by implanting OV90 cells into immunocompromised mice, such as NOD/SCID or NSG mice. Upon implantation, OV90 cells form tumors that replicate the key characteristics of human ovarian carcinoma, including rapid proliferation, high vascularization, and the development of ascites. The model exhibits cisplatin sensitivity and is frequently used to evaluate the efficacy of chemotherapy agents, including cisplatin and carboplatin. Over time, OV90 tumors can develop resistance to chemotherapy, providing a valuable system for studying the molecular mechanisms of drug resistance and testing novel agents aimed at overcoming such resistance.
In addition to subcutaneous implantation, OV90 cells can be implanted orthotopically into the peritoneal cavity or ovarian bursa of immunocompromised mice. This orthotopic model mimics the natural progression of ovarian cancer, including peritoneal dissemination, metastasis to distant organs, and the formation of ascites, making it more clinically relevant for studying tumor metastasis and the effects of treatment on peritoneal involvement.
Request a Custom Quote for OV90 Xenograft ModelHistopathology and Immunohistochemical Profile
Histopathological analysis of OV90 xenografts reveals tumors with a characteristic epithelial morphology, including large, pleomorphic cells that often show abundant cytoplasm and irregular nuclear morphology. Tumor sections typically show areas of necrosis, indicative of rapid tumor growth, and significant vascularization, assessed by CD31 staining, reflecting the tumor’s high angiogenic activity. Immunohistochemical staining reveals strong expression of cytokeratins and EMA, confirming the epithelial origin of the tumor. The model also exhibits high levels of CA-125, a marker commonly elevated in ovarian cancer patients. Additionally, OV90 xenografts show dysregulated PI3K/AKT signaling, with elevated levels of phosphorylated AKT, suggesting that the pathway plays a critical role in the growth and survival of the tumor. The tumors also express markers of drug resistance, such as MDR1, which is associated with the efflux of chemotherapy drugs and reduced drug efficacy.
Preclinical Applications and Drug Response
The OV90 xenograft model is extensively used to evaluate the efficacy of chemotherapy agents for ovarian cancer, particularly those targeting platinum-resistant tumors. Given the model’s initial cisplatin sensitivity and subsequent resistance, it is particularly valuable for studying the development of drug resistance and testing new treatments that aim to reverse this resistance. The OV90 model is commonly used to test combination therapies, including those that combine chemotherapy with novel targeted therapies, immunotherapies, or anti-angiogenic agents.
In addition to chemotherapy, the OV90 xenograft model is frequently employed to evaluate the efficacy of small molecule inhibitors targeting the PI3K/AKT pathway and other key signaling pathways involved in ovarian cancer. The model is also a useful platform for investigating new immunotherapies, including immune checkpoint inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies targeting cancer-specific antigens such as CA-125. OV90 xenografts are also used to study therapies aimed at improving the tumor microenvironment, including those that target stromal cells, immune cells, or blood vessels, to enhance the anti-cancer immune response and tumor regression.
Request This Model
To request the OV90 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 OV90 Xenograft Model