Protocol for a non-surgical model of perineural invasion for assessing neural drivers of cancer aggressiveness in mice

Abstract

Summary: Perineural invasion (PNI) is a significant risk factor for cancer recurrence and metastasis; however, its mechanisms relating to cancer aggressiveness remain poorly understood. Here, we present a protocol for a non-surgical model of PNI in mice using a neurotropic melanoma cell line that migrates from the skin to the sciatic nerve. We describe the steps for cell culture and injection, tumor burden measurements, mouse euthanasia, and tissue dissection. We then detail procedures for sample cross-section and confocal imaging. : Publisher’s note: Undertaking any experimental protocol requires adherence to local institutional guidelines for laboratory safety and ethics.

Keywords

• Cancer
• Model Organisms
• Neuroscience