SW1990 Xenograft Model Overview

The SW1990 xenograft model is derived from a human pancreatic cancer cell line, SW1990, established from a patient with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). PDAC is the most common and aggressive form of pancreatic cancer, known for its poor prognosis and high metastatic potential. The SW1990 xenograft model is highly valuable for preclinical research, providing an ideal system to study the biology of pancreatic cancer, tumor progression, metastasis, and drug resistance. Given the model’s ability to replicate key features of human PDAC, including its genetic alterations and resistance to chemotherapy, the SW1990 xenograft model is extensively used to evaluate chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapies aimed at improving treatment outcomes in pancreatic cancer.

Request a Custom Quote for SW1990 Xenograft Model

Biological and Molecular Characteristics

SW1990 cells are characterized by their epithelial origin and express common markers associated with pancreatic cancer, including cytokeratins, epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), and the pancreatic cancer biomarker CA19-9. The model harbors mutations in the KRAS oncogene, a hallmark feature of PDAC that drives tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis. In addition to KRAS mutations, SW1990 cells exhibit dysregulation of other key signaling pathways, including PI3K/AKT and MAPK, which are involved in cell survival, proliferation, and invasion. The SW1990 model also shows loss of the tumor suppressor gene p53, which contributes to uncontrolled tumor growth and resistance to apoptosis. These molecular features make the SW1990 xenograft model particularly useful for studying the mechanisms of drug resistance and for evaluating novel drugs aimed at targeting these pathways.

Marker	Expression Level	Function
Cytokeratin	High	Epithelial cell marker
EMA	High	Epithelial membrane antigen
CA19-9	Elevated	Pancreatic cancer biomarker
KRAS	Mutated	Oncogene involved in tumor progression
PI3K/AKT pathway	Dysregulated	Promotes cell survival and proliferation

In Vivo Model Development and Tumorigenicity

The SW1990 xenograft model is typically established by subcutaneously implanting SW1990 cells into immunocompromised mice, such as NOD/SCID or NSG mice, which lack functional T and B cells. Upon implantation, the SW1990 cells form tumors that resemble the characteristics of human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, including high cellularity, rapid growth, and necrotic regions due to the aggressive nature of the tumor. These tumors also exhibit significant vascularization, which supports their rapid expansion. The SW1990 xenograft model is particularly valuable for evaluating the efficacy of chemotherapy agents such as gemcitabine, which is commonly used in the treatment of PDAC. Given the model’s potential for developing resistance to chemotherapy, it is ideal for studying mechanisms of drug resistance and for testing novel therapeutic agents.

In addition to subcutaneous implantation, orthotopic models of SW1990 can be established by implanting the cells directly into the pancreas of immunocompromised mice. This orthotopic model closely mimics the natural progression of PDAC, including the growth of primary tumors, local invasion, and peritoneal dissemination. The ability of SW1990 cells to metastasize to distant organs, such as the liver and lungs, makes the model highly relevant for evaluating therapies aimed at preventing or treating metastasis.

Request a Custom Quote for SW1990 Xenograft Model

Histopathology and Immunohistochemical Profile

Histopathological analysis of SW1990 xenografts reveals the characteristic features of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, including glandular structures, irregular cell morphology, and extensive necrosis. Immunohistochemical staining of SW1990 xenografts shows strong expression of epithelial markers such as cytokeratins and EMA, confirming the epithelial origin of the tumor. Elevated levels of CA19-9 are also detected, consistent with its role as a biomarker for pancreatic cancer. Additionally, the tumors show high expression of KRAS, which reflects the presence of mutations in this oncogene. The tumors also exhibit activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, with high levels of phosphorylated AKT, indicating the critical role of this pathway in promoting tumor survival and proliferation. CD31 staining reveals significant angiogenesis, underscoring the importance of new blood vessel formation in supporting tumor growth.

Preclinical Applications and Drug Response

The SW1990 xenograft model is widely used to evaluate the efficacy of chemotherapy agents, particularly gemcitabine and cisplatin, which are commonly used in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. The model’s ability to develop resistance to chemotherapy makes it particularly useful for studying chemotherapy resistance mechanisms and testing novel agents designed to overcome these challenges. SW1990 xenografts are also valuable for evaluating targeted therapies aimed at the KRAS, PI3K/AKT, and MAPK signaling pathways, which are frequently dysregulated in pancreatic cancer.

In addition to chemotherapy and targeted therapies, the SW1990 xenograft model is increasingly used to evaluate the effectiveness of immunotherapies, including immune checkpoint inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies targeting cancer-specific antigens, such as CA19-9. The model’s high metastatic potential and resistance to conventional therapies make it an ideal system for investigating new immunotherapies, combination therapies, and agents that target both the tumor and its microenvironment. Furthermore, SW1990 xenografts provide a platform for studying agents that modulate the tumor stroma, which is crucial for pancreatic cancer progression and resistance to therapy.

Request This Model

To request the SW1990 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 SW1990 Xenograft Model