Real-time imaging of glioblastoma using bioluminescence in a U-87 MG xenograft model mouse

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most common malignant brain tumor, is characterized by aggressive proliferation and invasive potential. Xenograft animal models of GBM have critically contributed to evaluation of novel therapeutic agents, drug delivery system, and diagnostic tools. To mimic intrinsic behavior of GBM, orthotopic transplantation of cancer cells and continuous observation of cell growth should be conducted in animal study. Here, we generated xenograft model mouse of GBM in which U-87 MG human glioblastoma cells were intracranially implanted for live imaging. Introducing luciferase gene into U-87 MG cell line enabled real-time observation and quantification of tumor survival and propagation by detecting photon emission derived from luciferase. Our GBM model mouse has potentials to bring great advantages in pharmacological and mechanistic investigation on brain tumors.