An easy-to-perform protocol for culturing primary murine lung tumor cells as organoids

Abstract

Cancer research involves significant animal consumption and suffering. Tumor cells can be differentiated in vitro into three-dimensional organoids that resemble the primary tumor. In basic cancer research, however, tumor organoids are usually only used alongside animal experiments. We have established an easy-to-perform protocol that allows to culture KRAS-driven lung tumor cells as organoids for extended periods of time. Like the corresponding tumors in mice, the organoids produce surfactant protein C but no markers of airway epithelial cells (e.g. SCGB1A1, KRT5). The organoids can be passaged as single cell suspensions. Our organoid model contributes to replace animal experiments with cell culture systems and can be used for drug testing or functional studies in cancer research.