Abstract 4282: Real-time subcellular imaging of cancer cell nuclear dynamics in the brain of live mice

Abstract

Abstract In order to visualize single cancer cell nuclear dynamics in the brain, U87 human glioma cells were injected into the brain stereotactically, or Lewis lung mouse carcinoma (LLC) cells were injected into the carotid artery of nude mice. Both cancer cells types express GFP in the nucleus and RFP in the cytoplasm. A craniotomy open window was made over the right parietal bone for real-time imaging of cancer cells on the brain. Mitotic and apoptotic cancer cells in the brain were imaged in real time. Temozolomide (TMZ) and UVC light were used for induction of cancer cell apoptosis. Imaging showed that approximately 86% of Lewis lung carcinoma cells irradiated with UVC light underwent apoptosis and died in contrast to U87 cells which were resistant to UVC. Real-time subcellular imaging in the brain showed TMZ-induced apoptosis of both U87 and LLC cells. Imaging could be carried out for at least two weeks through the craniotomy window enabling treatment to be evaluated on cancer cells in the brain at the subcellular level. The subcellular real-time imaging model of cancer cells in the brain will be of important use for discovery and evaluation novel drugs active against brain cancer and brain metastasis. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4282. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-4282