9L/lacZ Cells

The 9L/lacZ cell line is a well-characterized rat gliosarcoma cell line commonly used in neurobiological and oncological research. Originally derived from a nitrosourea-induced rat brain tumor, this line has been engineered to express the lacZ gene, which encodes the enzyme β-galactosidase. This modification facilitates the tracing and studying of tumor cells in vivo, particularly useful in experiments involving tumor progression and metastasis. The expression of lacZ allows for the easy identification of these cells using X-gal staining, which turns the cells blue when they express β-galactosidase. These cells exhibit aggressive tumor-forming capabilities when implanted in immunocompromised or syngeneic hosts, making them a robust model for studying brain cancer dynamics and testing therapeutic strategies against gliomas. Additionally, the 9L/lacZ cell line has been utilized in gene therapy trials, particularly in assessing the efficacy of suicide genes and other genetic interventions aimed at controlling tumor growth. This line is also pivotal in understanding the interactions between tumor cells and the host's immune system, thereby contributing insights into the complexities of tumor immunology.