1
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Monteiro CF, Gomes MC, Bharmoria P, Freire MG, Coutinho JAP, Custódio CA, Mano JF. Human Platelet Lysate-Derived Nanofibrils as Building Blocks to Produce Free-Standing Membranes for Cell Self-Aggregation. ACS NANO 2024; 18:15815-15830. [PMID: 38833572 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c02790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Amyloid-like fibrils are garnering keen interest in biotechnology as supramolecular nanofunctional units to be used as biomimetic platforms to control cell behavior. Recent insights into fibril functionality have highlighted their importance in tissue structure, mechanical properties, and improved cell adhesion, emphasizing the need for scalable and high-kinetics fibril synthesis. In this study, we present the instantaneous and bulk formation of amyloid-like nanofibrils from human platelet lysate (PL) using the ionic liquid cholinium tosylate as a fibrillating agent. The instant fibrillation of PL proteins upon supramolecular protein-ionic liquid interactions was confirmed from the protein conformational transition toward cross-β-sheet-rich structures. These nanofibrils were utilized as building blocks for the formation of thin and flexible free-standing membranes via solvent casting to support cell self-aggregation. These PL-derived fibril membranes reveal a nanotopographically rough surface and high stability over 14 days under cell culture conditions. The culture of mesenchymal stem cells or tumor cells on the top of the membrane demonstrated that cells are able to adhere and self-organize in a three-dimensional (3D) spheroid-like microtissue while tightly folding the fibril membrane. Results suggest that nanofibril membrane incorporation in cell aggregates can improve cell viability and metabolic activity, recreating native tissues' organization. Altogether, these PL-derived nanofibril membranes are suitable bioactive platforms to generate 3D cell-guided microtissues, which can be explored as bottom-up strategies to faithfully emulate native tissues in a fully human microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cátia F Monteiro
- CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro 3810-193, Portugal
| | - Maria C Gomes
- CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro 3810-193, Portugal
| | - Pankaj Bharmoria
- CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro 3810-193, Portugal
| | - Mara G Freire
- CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro 3810-193, Portugal
| | - João A P Coutinho
- CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro 3810-193, Portugal
| | - Catarina A Custódio
- CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro 3810-193, Portugal
| | - João F Mano
- CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro 3810-193, Portugal
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2
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Qin X, Gan Z, Liu H, Tao T, He J, Li X, Shang D, Li X, Xie F, Qin J. A Pump-Free Strategy for the Controllable Generation of Alginate Microgels as Cellular Microcarriers. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2024; 10:3958-3967. [PMID: 38711418 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.4c00375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Microgels are advanced scaffolds for tissue engineering due to their proper biodegradability, good biocompatibility, and high specific surface area for effective oxygen and nutrient transfer. However, most of the current monodispersed microgel fabrication systems rely heavily on various precision pumps, which highly increase the cost and complexity of their downstream application. In this work, we developed a simple and facile system for the controllable generation of uniform alginate microgels by integrating a gas-shearing strategy into a glass microfluidic device. Importantly, the cell-laden microgels can be rapidly prepared in a pump-free manner under an all-aqueous environment. The three-dimensional cultured green fluorescent protein-human A549 cells in alginate microgels exhibited enhanced stemness and drug resistance compared to those under two-dimensional conditions. The pancreatic cancer organoids in alginate microgels exhibited some of the key features of pancreatic cancer. The proposed microgels showed decent monodispersity, biocompatibility, and versatility, providing great opportunities in various biomedical applications such as microcarrier fabricating, organoid engineering, and high-throughput drug screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyuan Qin
- Division of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Zhongqiao Gan
- Division of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Haitao Liu
- Division of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Tingting Tao
- Division of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Jia He
- Division of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Xianliang Li
- Department of HBP Surgery, Beijing Chao Yang Hospital, the Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, China
| | - Dong Shang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, No.222 Zhongshan Road, Dalian 116011, China
- Clinical Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, No.222 Zhongshan Road, Dalian 116011, China
| | - Xiang Li
- Key Laboratory of Tobacco Chemistry, Zhengzhou Tobacco Research Institute of CNTC, No. 2 Fengyang Street, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Fuwei Xie
- Key Laboratory of Tobacco Chemistry, Zhengzhou Tobacco Research Institute of CNTC, No. 2 Fengyang Street, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Jianhua Qin
- Division of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100049, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, CAS, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
- Suzhou Institute for Advanced Research, University of Science and Technology of China, Suzhou 215123, China
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3
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Zhang Y, Hu Q, Pei Y, Luo H, Wang Z, Xu X, Zhang Q, Dai J, Wang Q, Fan Z, Fang Y, Ye M, Li B, Chen M, Xue Q, Zheng Q, Zhang S, Huang M, Zhang T, Gu J, Xiong Z. A patient-specific lung cancer assembloid model with heterogeneous tumor microenvironments. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3382. [PMID: 38643164 PMCID: PMC11032376 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47737-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer models play critical roles in basic cancer research and precision medicine. However, current in vitro cancer models are limited by their inability to mimic the three-dimensional architecture and heterogeneous tumor microenvironments (TME) of in vivo tumors. Here, we develop an innovative patient-specific lung cancer assembloid (LCA) model by using droplet microfluidic technology based on a microinjection strategy. This method enables precise manipulation of clinical microsamples and rapid generation of LCAs with good intra-batch consistency in size and cell composition by evenly encapsulating patient tumor-derived TME cells and lung cancer organoids inside microgels. LCAs recapitulate the inter- and intratumoral heterogeneity, TME cellular diversity, and genomic and transcriptomic landscape of their parental tumors. LCA model could reconstruct the functional heterogeneity of cancer-associated fibroblasts and reflect the influence of TME on drug responses compared to cancer organoids. Notably, LCAs accurately replicate the clinical outcomes of patients, suggesting the potential of the LCA model to predict personalized treatments. Collectively, our studies provide a valuable method for precisely fabricating cancer assembloids and a promising LCA model for cancer research and personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanmei Zhang
- Biomanufacturing Center, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- Biomanufacturing and Rapid Forming Technology Key Laboratory of Beijing, Beijing, 100084, China
- Biomanufacturing and Engineering Living Systems Innovation International Talents Base (111 Base), Beijing, 100084, China
- Institute of New Materials and Advanced Manufacturing, Beijing Academy of Science and Technology, Beijing, 100089, China
| | - Qifan Hu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, BNRIST Bioinformatics Division, Department of Automation, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Yuquan Pei
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Thoracic Surgery II, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Hao Luo
- Biomanufacturing Center, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- Biomanufacturing and Rapid Forming Technology Key Laboratory of Beijing, Beijing, 100084, China
- Biomanufacturing and Engineering Living Systems Innovation International Talents Base (111 Base), Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Zixuan Wang
- Biomanufacturing Center, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- Biomanufacturing and Rapid Forming Technology Key Laboratory of Beijing, Beijing, 100084, China
- Biomanufacturing and Engineering Living Systems Innovation International Talents Base (111 Base), Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Xinxin Xu
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Qing Zhang
- Institute of New Materials and Advanced Manufacturing, Beijing Academy of Science and Technology, Beijing, 100089, China
| | - Jianli Dai
- Institute of New Materials and Advanced Manufacturing, Beijing Academy of Science and Technology, Beijing, 100089, China
| | - Qianqian Wang
- Institute of New Materials and Advanced Manufacturing, Beijing Academy of Science and Technology, Beijing, 100089, China
| | - Zilian Fan
- Biomanufacturing Center, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- Biomanufacturing and Rapid Forming Technology Key Laboratory of Beijing, Beijing, 100084, China
- Biomanufacturing and Engineering Living Systems Innovation International Talents Base (111 Base), Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Yongcong Fang
- Biomanufacturing Center, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- Biomanufacturing and Rapid Forming Technology Key Laboratory of Beijing, Beijing, 100084, China
- Biomanufacturing and Engineering Living Systems Innovation International Talents Base (111 Base), Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Min Ye
- Biomanufacturing Center, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- Biomanufacturing and Rapid Forming Technology Key Laboratory of Beijing, Beijing, 100084, China
- Biomanufacturing and Engineering Living Systems Innovation International Talents Base (111 Base), Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Binhan Li
- Biomanufacturing Center, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- Biomanufacturing and Rapid Forming Technology Key Laboratory of Beijing, Beijing, 100084, China
- Biomanufacturing and Engineering Living Systems Innovation International Talents Base (111 Base), Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Mailin Chen
- Department of Radiology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Qi Xue
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Qingfeng Zheng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Shulin Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Miao Huang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Thoracic Surgery II, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Ting Zhang
- Biomanufacturing Center, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- Biomanufacturing and Rapid Forming Technology Key Laboratory of Beijing, Beijing, 100084, China
- Biomanufacturing and Engineering Living Systems Innovation International Talents Base (111 Base), Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Jin Gu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, BNRIST Bioinformatics Division, Department of Automation, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
| | - Zhuo Xiong
- Biomanufacturing Center, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
- Biomanufacturing and Rapid Forming Technology Key Laboratory of Beijing, Beijing, 100084, China.
- Biomanufacturing and Engineering Living Systems Innovation International Talents Base (111 Base), Beijing, 100084, China.
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4
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Zhu S, Xu Y, Li Y, Wang L, Huang Y, Wan J. Biomimetic Hydrogels Promote Pseudoislet Formation to Improve Glycemic Control in Diabetic Mice. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2024; 10:2486-2497. [PMID: 38445596 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.4c00015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Islet or β-cell transplantation is currently considered to be the ideal treatment for diabetes, and three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting of a bionic pancreas with physiological stiffness is considered to be promising for the encapsulation and transplantation of β-cells. In this study, a 5%GelMA/2%AlgMA hybrid hydrogel with pancreatic physiological stiffness was constructed and used for β-cell encapsulation, 3D bioprinting, and in vivo transplantation to evaluate glycemic control in diabetic mice. The hybrid hydrogel had good cytocompatibility and could induce insulin-producing cells (IPCs) to form pseudoislet structures and improve insulin secretion. Furthermore, we validated the importance of betacellulin (BTC) in IPCs differentiation and confirmed that IPCs self-regulation was achieved by altering the nuclear and cytoplasmic distributions of BTC expression. In vivo transplantation of diabetic mice quickly restored blood glucose levels. In the future, 3D bioprinting of β-cells using biomimetic hydrogels will provide a promising platform for clinical islet transplantation for the treatment of diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shajun Zhu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong 226000, China
| | - Yang Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong 226000, China
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong 226000, China
- Center of Gallbladder Disease, Shanghai East Hospital, Institute of Gallstone Disease, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200000, China
| | - Yuxi Li
- Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong 226000, China
| | - Lin Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong 226000, China
| | - Yan Huang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong 226000, China
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong 226000, China
| | - Jian Wan
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong 226000, China
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong 226000, China
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5
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Soeiro JF, Sousa FL, Monteiro MV, Gaspar VM, Silva NJO, Mano JF. Advances in screening hyperthermic nanomedicines in 3D tumor models. NANOSCALE HORIZONS 2024; 9:334-364. [PMID: 38204336 PMCID: PMC10896258 DOI: 10.1039/d3nh00305a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Hyperthermic nanomedicines are particularly relevant for tackling human cancer, providing a valuable alternative to conventional therapeutics. The early-stage preclinical performance evaluation of such anti-cancer treatments is conventionally performed in flat 2D cell cultures that do not mimic the volumetric heat transfer occurring in human tumors. Recently, improvements in bioengineered 3D in vitro models have unlocked the opportunity to recapitulate major tumor microenvironment hallmarks and generate highly informative readouts that can contribute to accelerating the discovery and validation of efficient hyperthermic treatments. Leveraging on this, herein we aim to showcase the potential of engineered physiomimetic 3D tumor models for evaluating the preclinical efficacy of hyperthermic nanomedicines, featuring the main advantages and design considerations under diverse testing scenarios. The most recent applications of 3D tumor models for screening photo- and/or magnetic nanomedicines will be discussed, either as standalone systems or in combinatorial approaches with other anti-cancer therapeutics. We envision that breakthroughs toward developing multi-functional 3D platforms for hyperthermia onset and follow-up will contribute to a more expedited discovery of top-performing hyperthermic therapies in a preclinical setting before their in vivo screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana F Soeiro
- Department of Chemistry, CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
- Department of Physics, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Filipa L Sousa
- Department of Chemistry, CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Maria V Monteiro
- Department of Chemistry, CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Vítor M Gaspar
- Department of Chemistry, CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Nuno J O Silva
- Department of Chemistry, CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
- Department of Physics, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - João F Mano
- Department of Chemistry, CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
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6
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Wang H, Liu H, Tang X, Chen J, Ren Z. Editorial: The role of tumor microenvironment in the development, treatment and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Pharmacol 2024; 14:1343175. [PMID: 38239197 PMCID: PMC10794772 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1343175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Haiyu Wang
- School of Medicine, Sias University, Xinzheng, Zhengzhou, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hui Liu
- The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Xuming Tang
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Jiang Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhigang Ren
- School of Medicine, Sias University, Xinzheng, Zhengzhou, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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7
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Buwalda S. Advanced Functional Polymers for Unmet Medical Challenges. Biomacromolecules 2023; 24:4329-4332. [PMID: 37811641 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.3c00332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
A significant part of medicine relies on biomaterials, which are designed to interact with biological tissues for therapeutic or diagnostic purposes. A number of major trends can be distinguished in the multidisciplinary field of biomaterials science, including the precise synthesis of biomaterial building blocks, elucidation of biomaterial processing-structure-property correlations, as well as clarification of the interactions between living tissues and biomaterials. Moreover, advances in biofabrication facilitate the development of tailored implants with improved functionality, whereas recent achievements in medical imaging allow for a detailed evaluation of the performance and spatiotemporal behavior of medical devices and nanomedicine formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sytze Buwalda
- MINES Paris, PSL University, Center for Materials Forming (CEMEF), UMR CNRS 7635, CS 10207, 06904 Sophia Antipolis, France
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8
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Blanco-Fernandez B, Ibañez-Fonseca A, Orbanic D, Ximenes-Carballo C, Perez-Amodio S, Rodríguez-Cabello JC, Engel E. Elastin-like Recombinamer Hydrogels as Platforms for Breast Cancer Modeling. Biomacromolecules 2023; 24:4408-4418. [PMID: 36597885 PMCID: PMC10565832 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.2c01080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The involvement of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in tumor progression has motivated the development of biomaterials mimicking the tumor ECM to develop more predictive cancer models. Particularly, polypeptides based on elastin could be an interesting approach to mimic the ECM due to their tunable properties. Here, we demonstrated that elastin-like recombinamer (ELR) hydrogels can be suitable biomaterials to develop breast cancer models. This hydrogel was formed by two ELR polypeptides, one containing sequences biodegradable by matrix metalloproteinase and cyclooctyne and the other carrying arginylglycylaspartic acid and azide groups to allow cell adhesion, biodegradability, and suitable stiffness through "click-chemistry" cross-linking. Our findings show that breast cancer or nontumorigenic breast cells showed high viability and cell proliferation for up to 7 days. MCF7 and MCF10A formed spheroids whereas MDA-MB-231 formed cell networks, with the expression of ECM and high drug resistance in all cases, evidencing that ELR hydrogels are a promising biomaterial for breast cancer modeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Blanco-Fernandez
- Institute
for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of
Science and Technology (BIST), Baldiri Reixac 10-12, Barcelona 08028, Spain
- CIBER
en Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina, CIBER-BBN, Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Arturo Ibañez-Fonseca
- BIOFORGE
Lab, CIBER-BBN, University of Valladolid, Paseo de Belén 19, 47011 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Doriana Orbanic
- BIOFORGE
Lab, CIBER-BBN, University of Valladolid, Paseo de Belén 19, 47011 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Celia Ximenes-Carballo
- Institute
for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of
Science and Technology (BIST), Baldiri Reixac 10-12, Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | - Soledad Perez-Amodio
- Institute
for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of
Science and Technology (BIST), Baldiri Reixac 10-12, Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | | | - Elisabeth Engel
- Institute
for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of
Science and Technology (BIST), Baldiri Reixac 10-12, Barcelona 08028, Spain
- CIBER
en Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina, CIBER-BBN, Madrid 28029, Spain
- IMEM-BRT
Group, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, EEBE, Technical University of Catalonia (UPC), Barcelona 08019, Spain
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9
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Gan Z, Qin X, Liu H, Liu J, Qin J. Recent advances in defined hydrogels in organoid research. Bioact Mater 2023; 28:386-401. [PMID: 37334069 PMCID: PMC10273284 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2023.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Organoids are in vitro model systems that mimic the complexity of organs with multicellular structures and functions, which provide great potential for biomedical and tissue engineering. However, their current formation heavily relies on using complex animal-derived extracellular matrices (ECM), such as Matrigel. These matrices are often poorly defined in chemical components and exhibit limited tunability and reproducibility. Recently, the biochemical and biophysical properties of defined hydrogels can be precisely tuned, offering broader opportunities to support the development and maturation of organoids. In this review, the fundamental properties of ECM in vivo and critical strategies to design matrices for organoid culture are summarized. Two typically defined hydrogels derived from natural and synthetic polymers for their applicability to improve organoids formation are presented. The representative applications of incorporating organoids into defined hydrogels are highlighted. Finally, some challenges and future perspectives are also discussed in developing defined hydrogels and advanced technologies toward supporting organoid research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongqiao Gan
- Division of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, 116023, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xinyuan Qin
- Division of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, 116023, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Haitao Liu
- Division of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Jiayue Liu
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
- Suzhou Institute for Advanced Research, University of Science and Technology of China, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Jianhua Qin
- Division of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, 116023, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, 100049, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, CAS, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
- Suzhou Institute for Advanced Research, University of Science and Technology of China, Suzhou, 215123, China
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10
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Gomes MC, Pinho AR, Custódio C, Mano JF. Self-Assembly of Platelet Lysates Proteins into Microparticles by Unnatural Disulfide Bonds for Bottom-Up Tissue Engineering. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2304659. [PMID: 37354139 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202304659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
There is a demand to design microparticles holding surface topography while presenting inherent bioactive cues for applications in the biomedical and biotechnological fields. Using the pool of proteins present in human-derived platelet lysates (PLs), the production of protein-based microparticles via a simple and cost-effective method is reported, exploring the prone redox behavior of cysteine (Cy-SH) amino acid residues. The forced formation of new intermolecular disulfide bonds results in the precipitation of the proteins as spherical, pompom-like microparticles with adjustable sizes (15-50 µm in diameter) and surface topography consisting of grooves and ridges. These PL microparticles exhibit extraordinary cytocompatibility, allowing cell-guided microaggregates to form, while also working as injectable systems for cell support. Early studies also suggest that the surface topography provided by these PL microparticles can support osteogenic behavior. Consequently, these PL microparticles may find use to create live tissues via bottom-up procedures or injectable tissue-defect fillers, particularly for bone regeneration, with the prospect of working under xeno-free conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria C Gomes
- Department of Chemistry CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro, 3810-193, Portugal
| | - Ana Rita Pinho
- Department of Chemistry CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro, 3810-193, Portugal
| | - Catarina Custódio
- Department of Chemistry CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro, 3810-193, Portugal
| | - João F Mano
- Department of Chemistry CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro, 3810-193, Portugal
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11
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Ahmed T. Biomaterial-based in vitro 3D modeling of glioblastoma multiforme. CANCER PATHOGENESIS AND THERAPY 2023; 1:177-194. [PMID: 38327839 PMCID: PMC10846340 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpt.2023.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Adult-onset brain cancers, such as glioblastomas, are particularly lethal. People with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) do not anticipate living for more than 15 months if there is no cure. The results of conventional treatments over the past 20 years have been underwhelming. Tumor aggressiveness, location, and lack of systemic therapies that can penetrate the blood-brain barrier are all contributing factors. For GBM treatments that appear promising in preclinical studies, there is a considerable rate of failure in phase I and II clinical trials. Unfortunately, access becomes impossible due to the intricate architecture of tumors. In vitro, bioengineered cancer models are currently being used by researchers to study disease development, test novel therapies, and advance specialized medications. Many different techniques for creating in vitro systems have arisen over the past few decades due to developments in cellular and tissue engineering. Later-stage research may yield better results if in vitro models that resemble brain tissue and the blood-brain barrier are used. With the use of 3D preclinical models made available by biomaterials, researchers have discovered that it is possible to overcome these limitations. Innovative in vitro models for the treatment of GBM are possible using biomaterials and novel drug carriers. This review discusses the benefits and drawbacks of 3D in vitro glioblastoma modeling systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanvir Ahmed
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North South University, Bashundhara, Dhaka, 1229, Bangladesh
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12
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Li W, Zhou Z, Zhou X, Khoo BL, Gunawan R, Chin YR, Zhang L, Yi C, Guan X, Yang M. 3D Biomimetic Models to Reconstitute Tumor Microenvironment In Vitro: Spheroids, Organoids, and Tumor-on-a-Chip. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2202609. [PMID: 36917657 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202202609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
Decades of efforts in engineering in vitro cancer models have advanced drug discovery and the insight into cancer biology. However, the establishment of preclinical models that enable fully recapitulating the tumor microenvironment remains challenging owing to its intrinsic complexity. Recent progress in engineering techniques has allowed the development of a new generation of in vitro preclinical models that can recreate complex in vivo tumor microenvironments and accurately predict drug responses, including spheroids, organoids, and tumor-on-a-chip. These biomimetic 3D tumor models are of particular interest as they pave the way for better understanding of cancer biology and accelerating the development of new anticancer therapeutics with reducing animal use. Here, the recent advances in developing these in vitro platforms for cancer modeling and preclinical drug screening, focusing on incorporating hydrogels are reviewed to reconstitute physiologically relevant microenvironments. The combination of spheroids/organoids with microfluidic technologies is also highlighted to better mimic in vivo tumors and discuss the challenges and future directions in the clinical translation of such models for drug screening and personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxiu Li
- Department of Precision Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology, City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Futian Research Institute, Shenzhen, 518000, China
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Tung Biomedical Sciences Centre, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, 999077, China
| | - Zhihang Zhou
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Tung Biomedical Sciences Centre, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, 999077, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Xiaoyu Zhou
- Department of Precision Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology, City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Futian Research Institute, Shenzhen, 518000, China
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Tung Biomedical Sciences Centre, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, 999077, China
| | - Bee Luan Khoo
- Department of Precision Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology, City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Futian Research Institute, Shenzhen, 518000, China
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Renardi Gunawan
- Department of Precision Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology, City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Futian Research Institute, Shenzhen, 518000, China
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Tung Biomedical Sciences Centre, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, 999077, China
| | - Y Rebecca Chin
- Department of Precision Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology, City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Futian Research Institute, Shenzhen, 518000, China
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Tung Biomedical Sciences Centre, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, 999077, China
| | - Liang Zhang
- Department of Precision Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology, City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Futian Research Institute, Shenzhen, 518000, China
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Tung Biomedical Sciences Centre, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, 999077, China
| | - Changqing Yi
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering and Technology Center of Advanced and Portable Medical Devices, School of Biomedical Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 518107, China
| | - Xinyuan Guan
- Department of Clinical Oncology, State Key Laboratory for Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, 999077, China
| | - Mengsu Yang
- Department of Precision Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology, City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Futian Research Institute, Shenzhen, 518000, China
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Tung Biomedical Sciences Centre, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, 999077, China
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13
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Sun M, Zhang J, Fu W, Xuanyuan T, Liu W. Facile construction of a 3D tumor model with multiple biomimetic characteristics using a micropatterned chip for large-scale chemotherapy investigation. LAB ON A CHIP 2023; 23:2161-2174. [PMID: 36943157 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00009e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The establishment and application of biomimetic preclinical tumor models for generalizable and high-throughput antitumor screening play a promising role in drug discovery and cancer therapeutics. Herein, a facile and robust microengineering-assisted methodology for highly biomimetic three-dimensional (3D) tumor construction for dynamic and large-scale antitumor investigation is developed using micropatterned array chips. The high fidelity, simplicity, and stability of chip fabrication are guaranteed by improved polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microcontact printing. The employment of a PDMS-micropatterned chip permits microscale, simple, biocompatible, and reproducible cell localization with quantity uniformity and 3D tumor array formation with geometric homogeneity. Array-like 3D tumor models possessing complex multilayer cell arrangements, diverse phenotypic gradients, and biochemical gradients were prepared based on the use of easy-to-operate chips. The applicability of the established biomimetic models in temporal and massive investigations of tumor responses to antitumor chemotherapy is also verified experimentally. The results support the importance of the dimensional geometry and biomimetic degree of 3D tumors when conducting antitumor screening to explore drug susceptibility and resistance. This work provides a facile and reliable strategy to perform highly biomimetic tumor manipulation and analysis, which holds great potential for applications in oncology, pharmacology, precision medicine, and tissue microengineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meilin Sun
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering and Pathology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China.
| | - Jinwei Zhang
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering and Pathology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China.
| | - Wenzhu Fu
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering and Pathology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China.
| | - Tingting Xuanyuan
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering and Pathology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China.
| | - Wenming Liu
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering and Pathology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China.
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14
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Yang J, Li Z, Li S, Zhang Q, Zhou X, He C. Tunable metacrylated silk fibroin-based hybrid bioinks for the bioprinting of tissue engineering scaffolds. Biomater Sci 2023; 11:1895-1909. [PMID: 36722864 DOI: 10.1039/d2bm01978g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting is a powerful technique for the production of tissue-like structures to study cell behavior and tissue properties. A major challenge in 3D extrusion bioprinting is the limited diversity of bioinks, which fulfills the requirements of shear-thinning and strain recovery behaviors and can be solidified by a crosslinking process to retain their shape after printing. Herein, we aimed to develop a natural biopolymer-based formula with dual crosslinking performance to formulate a cell-laden bioink. In this study, methacrylate gelatin (GelMA) and methacrylated silk fibroin (SFMA) with different degrees of methacrylation were fabricated into hybrid bioinks. The GelMA/SFMA bioink of an optimal degree provides excellent rheological properties for extrusion bioprinting, and its hydrogel precursor polymer can form a polymer network at a low temperature and the high shape fidelity of the printed construct through photocrosslinking. Moreover, the hydrogel bioink can encapsulate different types of cells together to create 3D printed constructs that mimic the cellular microenvironment at a microscale level. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells encapsulated in the 3D printed constructs can maintain high viability and proliferation ability for a long time. Furthermore, the GelMA/SFMA hydrogels were implanted in the subcutaneous tissue of SD rats for the evaluation of biocompatibility and degradability in vivo. Thus, the proposed GelMA/SFMA bioink expands the palette of available bioinks and offers opportunities for biomedical applications such as tissue engineering and soft robotics in clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Yang
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Nano-Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine; College of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, P. R. China.
| | - Zhihui Li
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Nano-Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine; College of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, P. R. China.
| | - Shikai Li
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Nano-Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine; College of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, P. R. China.
| | - Qianqian Zhang
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Nano-Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine; College of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, P. R. China.
| | - Xiaojun Zhou
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Nano-Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine; College of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, P. R. China.
| | - Chuanglong He
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Nano-Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine; College of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, P. R. China.
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15
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Chowdhury T, Cressiot B, Parisi C, Smolyakov G, Thiébot B, Trichet L, Fernandes FM, Pelta J, Manivet P. Circulating Tumor Cells in Cancer Diagnostics and Prognostics by Single-Molecule and Single-Cell Characterization. ACS Sens 2023; 8:406-426. [PMID: 36696289 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.2c02308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) represent an interesting source of biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis, and the prediction of cancer recurrence, yet while they are extensively studied in oncobiology research, their diagnostic utility has not yet been demonstrated and validated. Their scarcity in human biological fluids impedes the identification of dangerous CTC subpopulations that may promote metastatic dissemination. In this Perspective, we discuss promising techniques that could be used for the identification of these metastatic cells. We first describe methods for isolating patient-derived CTCs and then the use of 3D biomimetic matrixes in their amplification and analysis, followed by methods for further CTC analyses at the single-cell and single-molecule levels. Finally, we discuss how the elucidation of mechanical and morphological properties using techniques such as atomic force microscopy and molecular biomarker identification using nanopore-based detection could be combined in the future to provide patients and their healthcare providers with a more accurate diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tafsir Chowdhury
- Centre de Ressources Biologiques Biobank Lariboisière (BB-0033-00064), DMU BioGem, AP-HP, 75010 Paris, France
| | | | - Cleo Parisi
- Centre de Ressources Biologiques Biobank Lariboisière (BB-0033-00064), DMU BioGem, AP-HP, 75010 Paris, France.,Sorbonne Université, UMR 7574, Laboratoire de Chimie de la Matière Condensée de Paris, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Georges Smolyakov
- Centre de Ressources Biologiques Biobank Lariboisière (BB-0033-00064), DMU BioGem, AP-HP, 75010 Paris, France
| | | | - Léa Trichet
- Sorbonne Université, UMR 7574, Laboratoire de Chimie de la Matière Condensée de Paris, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Francisco M Fernandes
- Sorbonne Université, UMR 7574, Laboratoire de Chimie de la Matière Condensée de Paris, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Juan Pelta
- CY Cergy Paris Université, CNRS, LAMBE, 95000 Cergy, France.,Université Paris-Saclay, Université d'Evry, CNRS, LAMBE, 91190 Evry, France
| | - Philippe Manivet
- Centre de Ressources Biologiques Biobank Lariboisière (BB-0033-00064), DMU BioGem, AP-HP, 75010 Paris, France.,Université Paris Cité, Inserm, NeuroDiderot, F-75019 Paris, France
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16
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Hydrogel-Based Tissue-Mimics for Vascular Regeneration and Tumor Angiogenesis. Regen Med 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/978-981-19-6008-6_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
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17
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Rojek K, Ćwiklińska M, Kuczak J, Guzowski J. Microfluidic Formulation of Topological Hydrogels for Microtissue Engineering. Chem Rev 2022; 122:16839-16909. [PMID: 36108106 PMCID: PMC9706502 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.1c00798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidics has recently emerged as a powerful tool in generation of submillimeter-sized cell aggregates capable of performing tissue-specific functions, so-called microtissues, for applications in drug testing, regenerative medicine, and cell therapies. In this work, we review the most recent advances in the field, with particular focus on the formulation of cell-encapsulating microgels of small "dimensionalities": "0D" (particles), "1D" (fibers), "2D" (sheets), etc., and with nontrivial internal topologies, typically consisting of multiple compartments loaded with different types of cells and/or biopolymers. Such structures, which we refer to as topological hydrogels or topological microgels (examples including core-shell or Janus microbeads and microfibers, hollow or porous microstructures, or granular hydrogels) can be precisely tailored with high reproducibility and throughput by using microfluidics and used to provide controlled "initial conditions" for cell proliferation and maturation into functional tissue-like microstructures. Microfluidic methods of formulation of topological biomaterials have enabled significant progress in engineering of miniature tissues and organs, such as pancreas, liver, muscle, bone, heart, neural tissue, or vasculature, as well as in fabrication of tailored microenvironments for stem-cell expansion and differentiation, or in cancer modeling, including generation of vascularized tumors for personalized drug testing. We review the available microfluidic fabrication methods by exploiting various cross-linking mechanisms and various routes toward compartmentalization and critically discuss the available tissue-specific applications. Finally, we list the remaining challenges such as simplification of the microfluidic workflow for its widespread use in biomedical research, bench-to-bedside transition including production upscaling, further in vivo validation, generation of more precise organ-like models, as well as incorporation of induced pluripotent stem cells as a step toward clinical applications.
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18
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Zhang N, Feng N, Xin X, Zhang J, Wu D, Jiang Q, Yu T, Gao M, Zhao S, Yang H, Tian Q. Nano-drug delivery system with enhanced tumour penetration and layered anti-tumour efficacy. NANOMEDICINE : NANOTECHNOLOGY, BIOLOGY, AND MEDICINE 2022; 45:102592. [PMID: 35905842 DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2022.102592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The low delivery efficiency of nano-drugs and limited tumour penetration are still huge challenges in treating solid tumours. Herein, we developed a pH-responsive nano-drug delivery system, CALS/PDMA@DOX, with a size conversion-layered delivery function. The system is composed of a pH-responsive cationic liposome loaded with DOX (CALS) and a polyamidoamine dendrimer loaded with DOX (PAMAM@DOX) modified with 2,3-dimethylmaleic anhydride (PDMA@DOX) using electrostatic adsorption. In the tumour microenvironment, the positively-charged large-size CALS and the positively-charged small-size PAMAM@DOX were dissociated to exert anti-tumour effects. CALS preferentially targeted tumour angiogenesis endothelial cells. Because of its small size and positive charge, PAMAM@DOX showed excellent tumour penetration. Significant tumour suppression by the system in vivo was confirmed in a 4T1 tumour xenograft mouse model. This pH-triggered size-switching layered delivery nanosystem is a safe and effective cancer treatment delivery platform that improves drug permeability and therapeutic efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Nannan Feng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiangying Xin
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Junwei Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Deqiao Wu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Qianqian Jiang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Tong Yu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ming Gao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Siyuan Zhao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hui Yang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Qingfeng Tian
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.
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19
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Monteiro MV, Ferreira LP, Rocha M, Gaspar VM, Mano JF. Advances in bioengineering pancreatic tumor-stroma physiomimetic Biomodels. Biomaterials 2022; 287:121653. [PMID: 35803021 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2022.121653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer exhibits a unique bioarchitecture and desmoplastic cancer-stoma interplay that governs disease progression, multi-resistance, and metastasis. Emulating the biological features and microenvironment heterogeneity of pancreatic cancer stroma in vitro is remarkably complex, yet highly desirable for advancing the discovery of innovative therapeutics. Diverse bioengineering approaches exploiting patient-derived organoids, cancer-on-a-chip platforms, and 3D bioprinted living constructs have been rapidly emerging in an endeavor to seamlessly recapitulate major tumor-stroma biodynamic interactions in a preclinical setting. Gathering on this, herein we showcase and discuss the most recent advances in bio-assembling pancreatic tumor-stroma models that mimic key disease hallmarks and its desmoplastic biosignature. A reverse engineering perspective of pancreatic tumor-stroma key elementary units is also provided and complemented by a detailed description of biodesign guidelines that are to be considered for improving 3D models physiomimetic features. This overview provides valuable examples and starting guidelines for researchers envisioning to engineer and characterize stroma-rich biomimetic tumor models. All in all, leveraging advanced bioengineering tools for capturing stromal heterogeneity and dynamics, opens new avenues toward generating more predictive and patient-personalized organotypic 3D in vitro platforms for screening transformative therapeutics targeting the tumor-stroma interplay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria V Monteiro
- Department of Chemistry, CICECO, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Luís P Ferreira
- Department of Chemistry, CICECO, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Marta Rocha
- Department of Chemistry, CICECO, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Vítor M Gaspar
- Department of Chemistry, CICECO, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - João F Mano
- Department of Chemistry, CICECO, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
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20
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Blanco-Fernandez B, Rey-Vinolas S, Bağcı G, Rubi-Sans G, Otero J, Navajas D, Perez-Amodio S, Engel E. Bioprinting Decellularized Breast Tissue for the Development of Three-Dimensional Breast Cancer Models. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:29467-29482. [PMID: 35735173 PMCID: PMC9264314 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c00920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The tumor extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a vital role in tumor progression and drug resistance. Previous studies have shown that breast tissue-derived matrices could be an important biomaterial to recreate the complexity of the tumor ECM. We have developed a method for decellularizing and delipidating a porcine breast tissue (TDM) compatible with hydrogel formation. The addition of gelatin methacrylamide and alginate allows this TDM to be bioprinted by itself with good printability, shape fidelity, and cytocompatibility. Furthermore, this bioink has been tuned to more closely recreate the breast tumor by incorporating collagen type I (Col1). Breast cancer cells (BCCs) proliferate in both TDM bioinks forming cell clusters and spheroids. The addition of Col1 improves the printability of the bioink as well as increases BCC proliferation and reduces doxorubicin sensitivity due to a downregulation of HSP90. TDM bioinks also allow a precise three-dimensional printing of scaffolds containing BCCs and stromal cells and could be used to fabricate artificial tumors. Taken together, we have proven that these novel bioinks are good candidates for biofabricating breast cancer models.
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21
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Monteiro MV, Rocha M, Gaspar VM, Mano JF. Programmable Living Units for Emulating Pancreatic Tumor-Stroma Interplay. Adv Healthc Mater 2022; 11:e2102574. [PMID: 35426253 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202102574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 04/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Bioengineering close-to-native in vitro models that emulate tumors bioarchitecture and microenvironment is highly appreciable for improving disease modeling toolboxes. Herein, pancreatic cancer living units-so termed cancer-on-a-bead models-are generated. Such user-programmable in vitro platforms exhibit biomimetic multicompartmentalization and tunable integration of cancer associated stromal elements. These stratified units can be rapidly assembled in-air, exhibit reproducible morphological features, tunable size, and recapitulate spatially resolved tumor-stroma extracellular matrix (ECM) niches. Compartmentalization of pancreatic cancer and stromal cells in well-defined ECM microenvironments stimulates the secretion of key biomolecular effectors including transforming growth factor β and Interleukin 1-β, closely emulating the signatures of human pancreatic tumors. Cancer-on-a-bead models also display increased drug resistance to chemotherapeutics when compared to their reductionistic counterparts, reinforcing the importance to differentially model ECM components inclusion and their spatial stratification as observed in vivo. Beyond providing a universal technology that enables spatial modularity in tumor-stroma elements bioengineering, a scalable, in-air fabrication of ECM-tunable 3D platforms that can be leveraged for recapitulating differential matrix composition occurring in other human neoplasias is provided here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria V Monteiro
- Department of Chemistry, CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro, 3810-193, Portugal
| | - Marta Rocha
- Department of Chemistry, CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro, 3810-193, Portugal
| | - Vítor M Gaspar
- Department of Chemistry, CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro, 3810-193, Portugal
| | - João F Mano
- Department of Chemistry, CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro, 3810-193, Portugal
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22
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Farino Reyes CJ, Slater JH. Tuning Hydrogel Adhesivity and Degradability to Model the Influence of Premetastatic Niche Matrix Properties on Breast Cancer Dormancy and Reactivation. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2022; 6:e2200012. [PMID: 35277951 PMCID: PMC9090988 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202200012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Revised: 01/01/2000] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Dormant, disseminated tumor cells (DTCs) can persist for decades in secondary tissues before being reactivated to form tumors. The properties of the premetastatic niche can influence the DTC phenotype. To better understand how matrix properties of premetastatic niches influence DTC behavior, three hydrogel formulations are implemented to model a permissive niche and two nonpermissive niches. Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-based hydrogels with varying adhesivity ([RGDS]) and degradability ([N-vinyl pyrrolidinone]) are implemented to mimic a permissive niche with high adhesivity and degradability and two nonpermissive niches, one with moderate adhesivity and degradability and one with no adhesivity and high degradability. The influence of matrix properties on estrogen receptor positive (ER+ ) breast cancer cells (MCF7s) is determined via a multimetric analysis. MCF7s cultured in the permissive niche adopted a growth state, while those in the nonpermissive niche with reduced adhesivity and degradability underwent tumor mass dormancy. Complete removal of adhesivity while maintaining high degradability induced single cell dormancy. The ability to mimic reactivation of dormant cells through a dynamic increase in [RGDS] is also demonstrated. This platform provides the capability of inducing growth, dormancy, and reactivation of ER+ breast cancer and can be useful in understanding how premetastatic niche properties influence cancer cell fate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy J. Farino Reyes
- Department of Biomedical Engineering University of Delaware 590 Avenue 1743, Biomedical Engineering Newark DE 19713 USA
| | - John H. Slater
- Department of Biomedical Engineering University of Delaware 590 Avenue 1743, Biomedical Engineering Newark DE 19713 USA
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23
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Liu Q, Muralidharan A, Saateh A, Ding Z, Ten Dijke P, Boukany PE. A Programmable Multifunctional 3D Cancer Cell Invasion Micro Platform. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2022; 18:e2107757. [PMID: 35266306 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202107757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
In the research of cancer cell invasion and metastasis, recreation of physiologically relevant and faithful three-dimensional (3D) tumor models that recapitulate spatial architecture, spatiotemporal control of cell communication and signaling pathways, and integration of extracellular cues remains an open challenge. Here, a programmable multifunctional 3D cancer cell invasion microbuckets-hydrogel (Mb-H) platform is developed by integrating various function-variable microbuckets and extracellular matrix (ECM)-like hydrogels. Based on this Mb-H micro platform, the aggregation of multi-cancer cells is well controlled to form cancer cell spheroids, and the guiding relationship of single-cell migration and collective cell migration during the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of cancer cell invasion are demonstrated. By programming and precisely assembling multiple functions in one system, the Mb-H platform with spatial-temporal controlled release of cytokine transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) and various functionalized Mb-H platforms with intelligent adjustment of cell-matrix interactions are engineered to coordinate the 3D invasive migration of cancer cell spheroids. This programmable and adaptable 3D cancer cell invasion micro platform takes a new step toward mimicking the dynamically changing (localized) tumor microenvironment and exhibits wide potential applications in cancer research, bio-fabrication, cell signaling, and drug screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Liu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Delft University of Technology, van der Maasweg 9, Delft, 2629 HZ, The Netherlands
- Guangzhou Laboratory, XingDaoHuanBei Road 9, Guangzhou International Bio Island, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510005, P. R. China
| | - Aswin Muralidharan
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Delft University of Technology, van der Maasweg 9, Delft, 2629 HZ, The Netherlands
| | - Abtin Saateh
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Delft University of Technology, van der Maasweg 9, Delft, 2629 HZ, The Netherlands
| | - Zhaoying Ding
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Mekelweg 2, Delft, 2628 CD, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Ten Dijke
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology and Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Einthovenweg 20, Leiden, 2333 ZC, The Netherlands
| | - Pouyan E Boukany
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Delft University of Technology, van der Maasweg 9, Delft, 2629 HZ, The Netherlands
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Braccini S, Tacchini C, Chiellini F, Puppi D. Polymeric Hydrogels for In Vitro 3D Ovarian Cancer Modeling. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23063265. [PMID: 35328686 PMCID: PMC8954571 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23063265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) grows and interacts constantly with a complex microenvironment, in which immune cells, fibroblasts, blood vessels, signal molecules and the extracellular matrix (ECM) coexist. This heterogeneous environment provides structural and biochemical support to the surrounding cells and undergoes constant and dynamic remodeling that actively promotes tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis. Despite the fact that traditional 2D cell culture systems have led to relevant medical advances in cancer research, 3D cell culture models could open new possibilities for the development of an in vitro tumor microenvironment more closely reproducing that observed in vivo. The implementation of materials science and technology into cancer research has enabled significant progress in the study of cancer progression and drug screening, through the development of polymeric scaffold-based 3D models closely recapitulating the physiopathological features of native tumor tissue. This article provides an overview of state-of-the-art in vitro tumor models with a particular focus on 3D OC cell culture in pre-clinical studies. The most representative OC models described in the literature are presented with a focus on hydrogel-based scaffolds, which guarantee soft tissue-like physical properties as well as a suitable 3D microenvironment for cell growth. Hydrogel-forming polymers of either natural or synthetic origin investigated in this context are described by highlighting their source of extraction, physical-chemical properties, and application for 3D ovarian cancer cell culture.
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Wu G, Wu J, Li Z, Shi S, Wu D, Wang X, Xu H, Liu H, Huang Y, Wang R, Shen J, Dong Z, Wang S. Development of digital organ-on-a-chip to assess hepatotoxicity and extracellular vesicle-based anti-liver cancer immunotherapy. Biodes Manuf 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s42242-022-00188-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
AbstractOrgan-on-a-chip systems have been increasingly recognized as attractive platforms to assess toxicity and to develop new therapeutic agents. However, current organ-on-a-chip platforms are limited by a “single pot” design, which inevitably requires holistic analysis and limits parallel processing. Here, we developed a digital organ-on-a-chip by combining a microwell array with cellular microspheres, which significantly increased the parallelism over traditional organ-on-a-chip for drug development. Up to 127 uniform liver cancer microspheres in this digital organ-on-a-chip format served as individual analytical units, allowing for analysis with high consistency and quick response. Our platform displayed evident anti-cancer efficacy at a concentration of 10 μM for sorafenib, and had greater alignment than the “single pot” organ-on-a-chip with a previous in vivo study. In addition, this digital organ-on-a-chip demonstrated the treatment efficacy of natural killer cell-derived extracellular vesicles for liver cancer at 50 μg/mL. The successful development of this digital organ-on-a-chip platform provides high-parallelism and a low-variability analytical tool for toxicity assessment and the exploration of new anticancer modalities, thereby accelerating the joint endeavor to combat cancer.
Graphic abstract
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Li XY, Ma WN, Su LX, Shen Y, Zhang L, Shao Y, Wang D, Wang Z, Wen MZ, Yang XT. Association of Angiogenesis Gene Expression With Cancer Prognosis and Immunotherapy Efficacy. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:805507. [PMID: 35155426 PMCID: PMC8826089 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.805507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Several new blood vessels are formed during the process of tumor development. These new blood vessels provide nutrients and water for tumour growth, while spreading tumour cells to distant areas and forming new metastases in different parts of the body. The available evidence suggests that tumour angiogenesis is closely associated with the tumour microenvironment and is regulated by a variety of pro-angiogenic factors and/or angiogenic inhibitors.Methods: In the present study, a comprehensive characterization of angiogenesis genes expression was performed in a pan-cancer analysis across the 33 human cancer types. Further, genetic data from several public databases were also used in the current study. An angiogenesis score was assigned to The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) pan-cancer data, with one angiogenesis score as per sample for each tumour.Results: It was found that angiogenesis genes vary across cancer types, and are associated with a number of genomic and immunological features. Further, it was noted that macrophages and iTreg infiltration were generally higher in tumours with high angiogenesis scores, whereas lymphocytes and B cells showed the opposite trend. Notably, NK cells showed significantly different correlations among cancer types. Furthermore, results of the present study showed that a high angiogenesis score was associated with poor survival and aggressive types of cancer in most of the cancer types.Conclusion: In conclusion, the current study evidently showed that the expression of angiogenesis genes is a key feature of tumour biology that has a major impact on prognosis of patient with cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-yu Li
- Department of Interventional Therapy, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei-Ning Ma
- Department of Pediatrics, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Li-xin Su
- Department of Interventional Therapy, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuchen Shen
- Department of Interventional Therapy, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Liming Zhang
- Department of Interventional Therapy, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuhao Shao
- Department of Interventional Therapy, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Deming Wang
- Department of Interventional Therapy, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhenfeng Wang
- Department of Interventional Therapy, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ming-Zhe Wen
- Department of Interventional Therapy, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xi-tao Yang
- Department of Interventional Therapy, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Xi-tao Yang,
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Keller CR, Hu Y, Ruud KF, VanDeen AE, Martinez SR, Kahn BT, Zhang Z, Chen RK, Li W. Human Breast Extracellular Matrix Microstructures and Protein Hydrogel 3D Cultures of Mammary Epithelial Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13225857. [PMID: 34831010 PMCID: PMC8616054 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13225857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Human breast tissue extracellular matrix (ECM) is a microenvironment essential for the survival and biological activities of mammary epithelial cells. The ECM structural features of human breast tissues remain poorly defined. In this study, we identified the structural and mechanical properties of human normal breast and invasive ductal carcinoma tissue ECM using histological methods and atomic force microscopy. Additionally, a protein hydrogel was generated using human breast tissue ECM and defined for its microstructural features using immunofluorescence imaging and machine learning. Furthermore, we examined the three-dimensional growth of normal mammary epithelial cells or breast cancer cells cultured on the ECM protein hydrogel, where the cells exhibited biological phenotypes like those seen in native breast tissues. Our data provide novel insights into cancer cell biology, tissue microenvironment mimicry and engineering, and native tissue ECM-based biomedical and pharmaceutical applications. Abstract Tissue extracellular matrix (ECM) is a structurally and compositionally unique microenvironment within which native cells can perform their natural biological activities. Cells grown on artificial substrata differ biologically and phenotypically from those grown within their native tissue microenvironment. Studies examining human tissue ECM structures and the biology of human tissue cells in their corresponding tissue ECM are lacking. Such investigations will improve our understanding about human pathophysiological conditions for better clinical care. We report here human normal breast tissue and invasive ductal carcinoma tissue ECM structural features. For the first time, a hydrogel was successfully fabricated using whole protein extracts of human normal breast ECM. Using immunofluorescence staining of type I collagen (Col I) and machine learning of its fibrous patterns in the polymerized human breast ECM hydrogel, we have defined the microstructural characteristics of the hydrogel and compared the microstructures with those of other native ECM hydrogels. Importantly, the ECM hydrogel supported 3D growth and cell-ECM interaction of both normal and cancerous mammary epithelial cells. This work represents further advancement toward full reconstitution of the human breast tissue microenvironment, an accomplishment that will accelerate the use of human pathophysiological tissue-derived matrices for individualized biomedical research and therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandler R. Keller
- Department of Translational Medicine and Physiology, Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Washington State University, Spokane, WA 99202, USA; (C.R.K.); (K.F.R.)
| | - Yang Hu
- Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resources Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA; (Y.H.); (Z.Z.)
| | - Kelsey F. Ruud
- Department of Translational Medicine and Physiology, Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Washington State University, Spokane, WA 99202, USA; (C.R.K.); (K.F.R.)
| | - Anika E. VanDeen
- School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA; (A.E.V.); (R.K.C.)
| | - Steve R. Martinez
- Department of Surgery, The Everett Clinic and Providence Regional Cancer Partnership, Everett, WA 98201, USA;
- Department of Medical Education and Clinical Sciences, Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Washington State University, Spokane, WA 99202, USA
| | - Barry T. Kahn
- CellNetix Pathology & Laboratories, Seattle, WA 98104, USA;
- Providence Regional Medical Center, Everett, WA 98201, USA
| | - Zhiwu Zhang
- Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resources Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA; (Y.H.); (Z.Z.)
| | - Roland K. Chen
- School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA; (A.E.V.); (R.K.C.)
| | - Weimin Li
- Department of Translational Medicine and Physiology, Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Washington State University, Spokane, WA 99202, USA; (C.R.K.); (K.F.R.)
- Correspondence:
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Franchi-Mendes T, Eduardo R, Domenici G, Brito C. 3D Cancer Models: Depicting Cellular Crosstalk within the Tumour Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:4610. [PMID: 34572836 PMCID: PMC8468887 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13184610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumour microenvironment plays a critical role in tumour progression and drug resistance processes. Non-malignant cell players, such as fibroblasts, endothelial cells, immune cells and others, interact with each other and with the tumour cells, shaping the disease. Though the role of each cell type and cell communication mechanisms have been progressively studied, the complexity of this cellular network and its role in disease mechanism and therapeutic response are still being unveiled. Animal models have been mainly used, as they can represent systemic interactions and conditions, though they face recognized limitations in translational potential due to interspecies differences. In vitro 3D cancer models can surpass these limitations, by incorporating human cells, including patient-derived ones, and allowing a range of experimental designs with precise control of each tumour microenvironment element. We summarize the role of each tumour microenvironment component and review studies proposing 3D co-culture strategies of tumour cells and non-malignant cell components. Moreover, we discuss the potential of these modelling approaches to uncover potential therapeutic targets in the tumour microenvironment and assess therapeutic efficacy, current bottlenecks and perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Franchi-Mendes
- iBET—Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, 2781-901 Oeiras, Portugal; (T.F.-M.); (R.E.); (G.D.)
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Rodrigo Eduardo
- iBET—Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, 2781-901 Oeiras, Portugal; (T.F.-M.); (R.E.); (G.D.)
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Giacomo Domenici
- iBET—Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, 2781-901 Oeiras, Portugal; (T.F.-M.); (R.E.); (G.D.)
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Catarina Brito
- iBET—Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, 2781-901 Oeiras, Portugal; (T.F.-M.); (R.E.); (G.D.)
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
- The Discoveries Centre for Regenerative and Precision Medicine, Lisbon Campus, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
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Li S, Jiang Q, Liu Y, Wang W, Yu W, Wang F, Liu X. Precision Spherical Nucleic Acids Enable Sensitive FEN1 Imaging and Controllable Drug Delivery for Cancer-Specific Therapy. Anal Chem 2021; 93:11275-11283. [PMID: 34342424 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.1c02264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Accurate diagnosis and targeted therapy are essential to precision theranostics. However, nonspecific response of theranostic agents in healthy tissues impedes their practical applications. Here, we design an activatable DNA nanosphere for specifically in situ sensing of cancer biomarker flap endonuclease 1 (FEN1) and spatiotemporally modulating drug release. The gold nanostar-conjugated FEN1 substrate acts as spherical nucleic acid and induces a fluorescence signal upon a FEN1 stimulus for diagnosis. Guided by the nanoflare, external NIR light then triggers a controlled release of carried drugs at desired sites. This DNA nanosphere not only exhibits good stability, sensitivity, and specificity toward FEN1 assay but also serves as a precision theranostic agent for targeted and controlled drug delivery. Our study provides a reliable method for FEN1 imaging in vitro and in vivo and suggests a powerful strategy for precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Li
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, P. R. China
| | - Qunying Jiang
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, P. R. China
| | - Yahua Liu
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, P. R. China
| | - Wenxiao Wang
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, P. R. China
| | - Wenqian Yu
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, P. R. China
| | - Fuan Wang
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoqing Liu
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, P. R. China
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Monteiro MV, Gaspar VM, Mendes L, Duarte IF, Mano JF. Stratified 3D Microtumors as Organotypic Testing Platforms for Screening Pancreatic Cancer Therapies. SMALL METHODS 2021; 5:e2001207. [PMID: 34928079 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202001207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Cancer-associated pancreatic stellate cells installed in periacinar/periductal regions are master players in generating the characteristic biophysical shield found in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Recreating this unique PDAC stromal architecture and its desmoplastic microenvironment in vitro is key to discover innovative treatments. However, this still remains highly challenging to realize. Herein, organotypic 3D microtumors that recapitulate PDAC-stroma spatial bioarchitecture, as well as its biomolecular, metabolic, and desmoplastic signatures, are bioengineered. Such newly engineered platforms, termed stratified microenvironment spheroid models - STAMS - mimic the spatial stratification of cancer-stromal cells, exhibit a reproducible morphology and sub-millimeter size. In culture, 3D STAMS secrete the key molecular biomarkers found in human pancreatic cancer, namely TGF-β, FGF-2, IL-1β, and MMP-9, among others. This is accompanied by an extensive desmoplastic reaction where collagen and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) de novo deposition is observed. These stratified models also recapitulate the resistance to various chemotherapeutics when compared to standard cancer-stroma random 3D models. Therapeutics resistance is further evidenced upon STAMS inclusion in a tumor extracellular matrix (ECM)-mimetic hydrogel matrix, reinforcing the importance of mimicking PDAC-stroma bioarchitectural features in vitro. The 3D STAMS technology represents a next generation of biomimetic testing platforms with improved potential for advancing high-throughput screening and preclinical validation of innovative pancreatic cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria V Monteiro
- Department of Chemistry, CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro, 3810-193, Portugal
| | - Vítor M Gaspar
- Department of Chemistry, CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro, 3810-193, Portugal
| | - Luís Mendes
- Department of Chemistry, CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro, 3810-193, Portugal
| | - Iola F Duarte
- Department of Chemistry, CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro, 3810-193, Portugal
| | - João F Mano
- Department of Chemistry, CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro, 3810-193, Portugal
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