Annual Report 2024
Department of Cancer Model Development
Hidetoshi Kassai, Takako Sakamoto
Introduction
Department of Cancer Model Development provides essential support for the advanced animal experimentation, building upon the research achievements and technological foundations established within Central Animal Division. In the field of cancer research, animal models enabling the analysis of tumor initiation and progression at the whole-organism level are indispensable and of critical importance. To maximize the utilization of the essential research infrastructure, we offer a range of specialized technical services. These include the generation of genetically engineered mice using CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing, support for cryopreservation of mouse strains and breeding through in vitro fertilization and oviductal transplantation, as well as tumor analyses employing histopathological and immunohistochemical methods.
Research Activities
In the field of mouse embryo engineering, we completed the establishment of in-house system that enables the provision of technical support within the institute. In response to requests from NCC researchers, we provided the following services: in vitro fertilization and embryo cryopreservation of genetically engineered mice (63 cases), recovery of live animals from cryopreserved embryos (41 cases), and strain preservation (23 cases).
With respect to animal tissue analysis, we offered flexible support tailored to researchers' needs, ranging from embedding of fixed tissues to sectioning and staining. Specifically, we processed 493 requests from both within and outside the NCC, producing 8,397 sections from a total of 3,941 embedded blocks over the course of the year.
Education
Technical guidance in mouse embryo engineering was provided to facility users as needed.
Future Prospects
Animal experimentation at the NCC is becoming increasingly advanced and complex, often requiring collaboration with other research facilities. In the future, we aim to contribute to the proper conduct and further development of animal experimentation at the NCC by incorporating new technologies while maintaining a strong commitment to animal welfare.