A new protocol in Star Protocols by the group of Dr. Lukas Mager

The group of Dr. Lukas Mager published a new protocol in STAR Protocols which presents a detailed approach for establishing colorectal cancer models under germ-free conditions, enabling researchers to investigate how the microbiome influences cancer progression and treatment responses.

The publication describes two surgical approaches for introducing colorectal cancer cells while maintaining sterile, germ-free conditions. Intrasplenic implantation provides a model for studying liver metastasis at later stages, while orthotopic implantation into the caecal wall enables investigation of the metastatic process from its origin to distant sites. The protocol outlines key steps in preparation, surgical procedures and sterility monitoring, supporting reproducibility in microbiome-related cancer research.

The work is a collaboration between the research groups of Dr. Lukas Mager and Prof. Dr. med Christoph Stein-Thoeringer, highlighting ongoing efforts to develop robust methods for investigating the complex interplay between the microbiome and cancer. Acknowledgements are also extended to the CMFI and iFIT Clusters of Excellence, M3GF, the handling editor for their guidance, and the external reviewers for their constructive feedback.

Find out more about Dr. Lukas Mager and his research at the M3 Research Center: https://www.medizin.uni-tuebingen.de/de/das-klinikum/einrichtungen/zentren/m3/microbiome-immune-interactions,

and find out more about Prof. Dr. med Christoph Stein-Thoeringer and his research at the M3 Research Center: https://www.medizin.uni-tuebingen.de/de/das-klinikum/einrichtungen/zentren/m3/translationale-microbiome.

Reference:

Le, Thi Trang et al. “Protocol for sterile tumor cell implantation into the spleen or cecal wall of germ-free mice.” STAR protocols, vol. 7,4 104835. 15 Sep. 2026, doi:10.1016/j.xpro.2026.104835