Here we will provide standardized protocols for zebrafish (xeno) engraftment (zXenograft), these protocols are comprehensive and allow for “easy” and repeatable experiments (keeping in mind that there is a certain learning curve attached to zebrafish cancer modelling)
We will provide a generalized sample preparation for adherent cancer cells (easily adapted to suspension cultures)
Several options will allow for easy customization of the engraftment models (i.e time of injection, carrier solution, cell density and injection site)
We generally use duct of Cuvier (doC) (experimental micro metastasis model)
Retro orbital engraftment (RO) (orthotopic eye melanoma model, allows for distant metastasis)
Perivitelline space engraftment (PVS) (quick angiogenesis model, solid tumor like model)
Hind brain cavity (HBC) engraftments (generation of orthotopic brain cancer models)
p.s The PVS model focusses on injecting small amounts of cancer cells in between the endo- and ectodermal cell layers of the zebrafish, isolating the cells from both blood circulation and yolk sac (hence peri-vitelline), this is by far the most difficult injection method. Sometimes it might be a good idea to learn to inject using a different model.
p.p.s In no way, shape or form do we suggest to use the yolk injection (YI) model for cells other than zebrafish derived cancer cells (Zmel1) since we are in no way convinced that other cells injected into the yolk can survive or escape