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Mesas C, Chico MA, Doello K, Lara P, Moreno J, Melguizo C, Perazzoli G, Prados J. Experimental Tumor Induction and Evaluation of Its Treatment in the Chicken Embryo Chorioallantoic Membrane Model: A Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:837. [PMID: 38255911 PMCID: PMC10815318 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25020837] [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: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model, generated during avian development, can be used in cancer research as an alternative in vivo model to perform tumorigenesis in ovo due to advantages such as simplicity, low cost, rapid growth, and being naturally immunodeficient. The aim of this systematic review has been to compile and analyze all studies that use the CAM assay as a tumor induction model. For that, a systematic search was carried out in four different databases: PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, and WOS. After eliminating duplicates and following the established inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 74 articles were included. Of these, 62% use the in ovo technique, 13% use the ex ovo technique, 9% study the formation of metastasis, and 16% induce tumors from patient biopsies. Regarding the methodology followed, the main species used is chicken (95%), although some studies use quail eggs (4%), and one article uses ostrich eggs. Therefore, the CAM assay is a revolutionary technique that allows a simple and effective way to induce tumors, test the effectiveness of treatments, carry out metastasis studies, perform biopsy grafts of patients, and carry out personalized medicine. However, unification of the methodology used is necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Mesas
- Institute of Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine (IBIMER), Biomedical Research Center (CIBM), 18100 Granada, Spain; (C.M.); (P.L.); (J.M.); (J.P.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs.GRANADA), 18012 Granada, Spain; (M.A.C.); (K.D.)
| | - Maria Angeles Chico
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs.GRANADA), 18012 Granada, Spain; (M.A.C.); (K.D.)
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Kevin Doello
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs.GRANADA), 18012 Granada, Spain; (M.A.C.); (K.D.)
- Service of Medical Oncology, Hospital Virgen de las Nieves, 18014 Granada, Spain
| | - Patricia Lara
- Institute of Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine (IBIMER), Biomedical Research Center (CIBM), 18100 Granada, Spain; (C.M.); (P.L.); (J.M.); (J.P.)
| | - Javier Moreno
- Institute of Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine (IBIMER), Biomedical Research Center (CIBM), 18100 Granada, Spain; (C.M.); (P.L.); (J.M.); (J.P.)
| | - Consolación Melguizo
- Institute of Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine (IBIMER), Biomedical Research Center (CIBM), 18100 Granada, Spain; (C.M.); (P.L.); (J.M.); (J.P.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs.GRANADA), 18012 Granada, Spain; (M.A.C.); (K.D.)
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Gloria Perazzoli
- Institute of Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine (IBIMER), Biomedical Research Center (CIBM), 18100 Granada, Spain; (C.M.); (P.L.); (J.M.); (J.P.)
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Jose Prados
- Institute of Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine (IBIMER), Biomedical Research Center (CIBM), 18100 Granada, Spain; (C.M.); (P.L.); (J.M.); (J.P.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs.GRANADA), 18012 Granada, Spain; (M.A.C.); (K.D.)
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
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Sukumaran V, Mutlu O, Murtaza M, Alhalbouni R, Dubansky B, Yalcin HC. Experimental assessment of cardiovascular physiology in the chick embryo. Dev Dyn 2023; 252:1247-1268. [PMID: 37002896 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
High resolution assessment of cardiac functional parameters is crucial in translational animal research. The chick embryo is a historically well-used in vivo model for cardiovascular research due to its many practical advantages, and the conserved form and function of the chick and human cardiogenesis programs. This review aims to provide an overview of several different technical approaches for chick embryo cardiac assessment. Doppler echocardiography, optical coherence tomography, micromagnetic resonance imaging, microparticle image velocimetry, real-time pressure monitoring, and associated issues with the techniques will be discussed. Alongside this discussion, we also highlight recent advances in cardiac function measurements in chick embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Onur Mutlu
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | | | | | - Benjamin Dubansky
- Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Office of Research and Economic Development, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
| | - Huseyin C Yalcin
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Health Sciences, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
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Chen L, Wang Z, Fu X, Wang S, Feng Y, Coudyzer W, Wu S, Zhang H, Chai Z, Li Y, Ni Y. Dynamic 3D morphology of chick embryos and allantois depicted nondestructively by 3.0T clinical magnetic resonance imaging. Poult Sci 2023; 102:102902. [PMID: 37429051 PMCID: PMC10466300 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2023.102902] [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] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Driven by a global trend of applying replace-reduce-refine or 3Rs' guidance for experimental animals in life sciences, chick embryo and particularly allantois with its chorioallantoic membrane have been increasingly utilized to substitute laboratory animals, which call for more extensive and updated knowledge about this novel experimental setup. In this study, being noninvasive, nonionizing, and super-contrasting with high spatiotemporal resolutions, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was chosen as an imaging modality for in ovo monitoring morphologic evolution of the chick embryo, allantois, and chorioallantoic membrane longitudinally throughout embryonic day (ED) 1 until ED20. Cooled in 0°C ice bath for 60 min to reduce MRI motion artifacts, 3 chick embryos (n = 60 in total) on each ED were scanned by a clinical 3.0T MRI scanner to demonstrate 3D images of both T2- and T1-weighted imaging (T2WI, T1WI) sequences at axial, sagittal, and coronal slices. The volumes of both the entire chick embryo and allantois were semi-automatically segmented based on intensity-based thresholding and region-growing algorithms. The morphometries or quantified 3D structures were achieved by refined segmentation, and confirmed by histological analyses (one for each ED). After MRI, the rest of chick embryos (n = 40) continued for incubation. The images from ED2 to ED4 could demonstrate the structural changes of latebra, suggesting its transition into a nutrient supplying channel of yolk sac. The allantois could be recognized by MRI, and its relative volumes on each ED revealed an evolving profile peaked on ED12, with a statistically significant difference from those of earlier and later EDs (P < 0.01). The hypointensity of the yolk due to the susceptibility effect of its enriched iron content overshadowed the otherwise hyperintensity of its lipid components. The chick embryos survived prior cooling and MRI till hatching on ED21. The results could be further developed into a 3D MRI atlas of chick embryo. Clinical 3.0T MRI proved effective as a noninvasive approach to study in ovo 3D embryonic development across the full period (ED1-ED20), which can complement the present knowhow for poultry industry and biomedical science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Chen
- KU Leuven, Campus Gasthuisberg, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | | | - Xubin Fu
- Tianjin Ringpu Bio-Technology Co., Ltd., Tianjin, China
| | - Shuncong Wang
- KU Leuven, Campus Gasthuisberg, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Yuanbo Feng
- KU Leuven, Campus Gasthuisberg, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | | | - Shugeng Wu
- Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology of Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Affairs, Institute of Feed Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Haijun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology of Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Affairs, Institute of Feed Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhihong Chai
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yue Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yicheng Ni
- Department of Radiology, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
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Pomraenke M, Bolney R, Winkens T, Perkas O, Pretzel D, Theis B, Greiser J, Freesmeyer M. A Novel Breast Cancer Xenograft Model Using the Ostrich Chorioallantoic Membrane-A Proof of Concept. Vet Sci 2023; 10:vetsci10050349. [PMID: 37235432 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10050349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The avian chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay has attracted scientific attention in cancer research as an alternative or complementary method for in vivo animal models. Here, we present a xenograft model based on the ostrich (struthio camelus) CAM assay for the first time. The engraftment of 2 × 106 breast cancer carcinoma MDA-MB-231 cells successfully lead to tumor formation. Tumor growth monitoring was evaluated in eight fertilized eggs after xenotransplantation. Cancer cells were injected directly onto the CAM surface, close to a well-vascularized area. Histological analysis confirmed the epithelial origin of tumors. The CAM of ostrich embryos provides a large experimental surface for the xenograft, while the comparably long developmental period allows for a long experimental window for tumor growth and treatment. These advantages could make the ostrich CAM assay an attractive alternative to the well-established chick embryo model. Additionally, the large size of ostrich embryos compared to mice and rats could help overcome the limitations of small animal models. The suggested ostrich model is promising for future applications, for example, in radiopharmaceutical research, the size of the embryonal organs may compensate for the loss in image resolution caused by physical limitations in small animal positron emission tomography (PET) imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Pomraenke
- In Ovo Imaging Working Group, Clinic of Nuclear Medicine, Jena University Hospital, 07747 Jena, Germany
| | - Robert Bolney
- In Ovo Imaging Working Group, Clinic of Nuclear Medicine, Jena University Hospital, 07747 Jena, Germany
| | - Thomas Winkens
- In Ovo Imaging Working Group, Clinic of Nuclear Medicine, Jena University Hospital, 07747 Jena, Germany
| | - Olga Perkas
- In Ovo Imaging Working Group, Clinic of Nuclear Medicine, Jena University Hospital, 07747 Jena, Germany
| | - David Pretzel
- Institute of Organic & Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany
- Jena Center for Soft Matter (JCSM), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Bernhard Theis
- Section Pathology, Institute of Forensic Medicine, Jena University Hospital, 07747 Jena, Germany
| | - Julia Greiser
- In Ovo Imaging Working Group, Clinic of Nuclear Medicine, Jena University Hospital, 07747 Jena, Germany
| | - Martin Freesmeyer
- In Ovo Imaging Working Group, Clinic of Nuclear Medicine, Jena University Hospital, 07747 Jena, Germany
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Engineered Graphene Quantum Dots as a Magnetic Resonance Signal Amplifier for Biomedical Imaging. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28052363. [PMID: 36903608 PMCID: PMC10005761 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28052363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The application of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) nano-contrast agents (nano-CAs) has increasingly attracted scholarly interest owing to their size, surface chemistry, and stability. Herein, a novel T1 nano-CA (Gd(DTPA)-GQDs) was successfully prepared through the functionalization of graphene quantum dots with poly(ethylene glycol) bis(amine) and their subsequent incorporation into Gd-DTPA. Remarkably, the resultant as-prepared nano-CA displayed an exceptionally high longitudinal proton relaxivity (r1) of 10.90 mM-1 s-1 (R2 = 0.998), which was significantly higher than that of commercial Gd-DTPA (4.18 mM-1 s-1, R2 = 0.996). The cytotoxicity studies indicated that the Gd(DTPA)-GQDs were not cytotoxic by themselves. The results of the hemolysis assay and the in vivo safety evaluation demonstrate the outstanding biocompatibility of Gd(DTPA)-GQDs. The in vivo MRI study provides evidence that Gd(DTPA)-GQDs exhibit exceptional performance as T1-CAs. This research constitutes a viable approach for the development of multiple potential nano-CAs with high-performance MR imaging capabilities.
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Ribatti D. The chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model. Pathol Res Pract 2023; 243:154367. [PMID: 36774760 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
The chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) CAM is an extraembryonic membrane generated by the fusion of the chorion with the vascularized allantoic membrane. It performs multiple functions during embryonic development, including respiration, calcium transport from the eggshell, acid-base homeostasis, and ion/water reabsorption from the allantoic fluid. The CAM is a widely used model for the study of angiogenesis, anti-angiogenesis, tumor growth, and metastasis as well as drug efficacy. Ethical approval is omitted if experiments are terminated at embryonic day 14 in most countries, facilitating screenings of pharmacological or physics-based therapies with high reproducibility at large scales supporting the 3Rs principle. Being naturally immunodeficient, the chick embryo accepts transplantation from various tissues and species without immune response. This review article is focused on the analysis of the literature and personal data concerning the effects of patient-derived xenografts (PDX) on the CAM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Ribatti
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy.
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Tsimpaki T, Bechrakis NE, Seitz B, Kraemer MM, Liu H, Dalbah S, Sokolenko E, Berchner-Pfannschmidt U, Fiorentzis M. Chick Chorioallantoic Membrane as a Patient-Derived Xenograft Model for Uveal Melanoma: Imaging Modalities for Growth and Vascular Evaluation. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15051436. [PMID: 36900228 PMCID: PMC10000919 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15051436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patient-derived tumor xenografts (PDXs) have emerged as valuable preclinical in vivo models in oncology as they largely retain the polygenomic architecture of the human tumors from which they originate. Although animal models are accompanied by cost and time constraints and a low engraftment rate, PDXs have primarily been established in immunodeficient rodent models for the in vivo assessment of tumor characteristics and of novel therapeutic cancer targets. The chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay represents an attractive alternative in vivo model that has long been used in the research of tumor biology and angiogenesis, and can overcome some of these limitations. METHODS In this study, we reviewed different technical approaches for the establishment and monitoring of a CAM-based uveal melanoma PDX model. Forty-six fresh tumor grafts were acquired after enucleation from six uveal melanoma patients and were implanted onto the CAM on ED7 with Matrigel and a ring (group 1), with Matrigel (group 2), or natively without Matrigel or a ring (group 3). Real-time imaging techniques, such as various ultrasound modalities, optical coherence tomography, infrared imaging, and imaging analyses with Image J for tumor growth and extension, as well as color doppler, optical coherence angiography, and fluorescein angiography for angiogenesis, were performed on ED18 as alternative monitoring instruments. The tumor samples were excised on ED18 for histological assessment. RESULTS There were no significant differences between the three tested experimental groups regarding the length and width of the grafts during the development period. A statistically significant increase in volume (p = 0.0007) and weight (p = 0.0216) between ED7 and ED18 was only documented for tumor specimens of group 2. A significant correlation of the results for the cross-sectional area, largest basal diameter, and volume was documented between the different imaging and measurement techniques and the excised grafts. The formation of a vascular star around the tumor and of a vascular ring on the base of the tumor was observed for the majority of the viable developing grafts as a sign of successful engraftment. CONCLUSION The establishment of a CAM-PDX uveal melanoma model could elucidate the biological growth patterns and the efficacy of new therapeutic options in vivo. The methodological novelty of this study, investigating different implanting techniques and exploiting advances in real-time imaging with multiple modalities, allows precise, quantitative assessment in the field of tumor experimentation, underlying the feasibility of CAM as an in vivo PDX model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodora Tsimpaki
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufeland Str. 55, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Nikolaos E. Bechrakis
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufeland Str. 55, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Berthold Seitz
- Department of Ophthalmology, Saarland University Medical Center, Kirrberger Str. 100, 66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Miriam M. Kraemer
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufeland Str. 55, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Hongtao Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufeland Str. 55, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Sami Dalbah
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufeland Str. 55, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Ekaterina Sokolenko
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufeland Str. 55, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Utta Berchner-Pfannschmidt
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufeland Str. 55, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Miltiadis Fiorentzis
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufeland Str. 55, 45147 Essen, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-723-84378
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Hilbrig C, Löffler J, Fischer G, Scheidhauer E, Solbach C, Huber-Lang M, Beer AJ, Rasche V, Winter G. Evaluation of the EPR Effect in the CAM-Model by Molecular Imaging with MRI and PET Using 89Zr-Labeled HSA. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15041126. [PMID: 36831469 PMCID: PMC9954539 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15041126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Mouse models are commonly used to study the biodistribution of novel radioligands, but alternative models corresponding to the 3Rs principles, such as the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model, are highly required. While there are promising data from the CAM model regarding target-specific radiolabeled compounds, its utility for assessing macromolecule biodistribution and analyzing the EPR effect remains to demonstrated. Using 89Zr-labeled human serum albumin, the accumulation of nontarget-specific macromolecules in CAM and mouse xenograft models was studied using PET and MRI. Therefore, the radioligand [89Zr]Zr-DFO-HSA was analyzed in both chicken embryos (n = 5) and SCID mice (n = 4), each with TZM-bl and PC-3 tumor entities. Dynamic PET and anatomical MRI, as well as ex vivo biodistribution analyses, were performed to assess ligand distribution over 24 h. Histological staining and autoradiography verified the intratumoral accumulation. The tumors were successfully visualized for CAM and mouse models by PET, and the albumin influx from the blood into the respective tumors did not differ significantly. The accumulation and retention of HSA in tumors due to the EPR effect was demonstrated for both models. These results highlight that the CAM model is a potential alternative to the mouse model for initial studies with novel radiolabeled macromolecules with respect to the 3Rs principles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colmar Hilbrig
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany
- Correspondence: (C.H.); (G.W.)
| | - Jessica Löffler
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany
- Center for Translational Imaging, Core Facility Small Animal Imaging, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Gabriel Fischer
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Ellen Scheidhauer
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Christoph Solbach
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Markus Huber-Lang
- Institute for Clinical and Experimental Trauma-Immunology, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Ambros J. Beer
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Volker Rasche
- Center for Translational Imaging, Core Facility Small Animal Imaging, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Gordon Winter
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany
- Correspondence: (C.H.); (G.W.)
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Fischer D, Fluegen G, Garcia P, Ghaffari-Tabrizi-Wizsy N, Gribaldo L, Huang RYJ, Rasche V, Ribatti D, Rousset X, Pinto MT, Viallet J, Wang Y, Schneider-Stock R. The CAM Model-Q&A with Experts. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 15:cancers15010191. [PMID: 36612187 PMCID: PMC9818221 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15010191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM), as an extraembryonic tissue layer generated by the fusion of the chorion with the vascularized allantoic membrane, is easily accessible for manipulation. Indeed, grafting tumor cells on the CAM lets xenografts/ovografts develop in a few days for further investigations. Thus, the CAM model represents an alternative test system that is a simple, fast, and low-cost tool to study tumor growth, drug response, or angiogenesis in vivo. Recently, a new era for the CAM model in immune-oncology-based drug discovery has been opened up. Although there are many advantages offering extraordinary and unique applications in cancer research, it has also disadvantages and limitations. This review will discuss the pros and cons with experts in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dagmar Fischer
- Division of Pharmaceutical Technology, Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Georg Fluegen
- Department of General, Visceral, Thoracic and Pediatric Surgery (A), Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, University Hospital Duesseldorf, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Paul Garcia
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Research Center Université Grenoble Alpes (UGA)/Inserm U 1209/CNRS 5309, 38700 La Tronche, France
- R&D Department, Inovotion, 38700 La Tronche, France
| | - Nassim Ghaffari-Tabrizi-Wizsy
- SFL Chicken CAM Lab, Department of Immunology, Otto Loewi Research Center, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Laura Gribaldo
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), 21027 Ispra, Italy
| | - Ruby Yun-Ju Huang
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10051, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Oncology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10051, Taiwan
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119077, Singapore
| | - Volker Rasche
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Ulm University Medical Center, 89073 Ulm, Germany
| | - Domenico Ribatti
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neurosciences, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | | | - Marta Texeira Pinto
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Ipatimup—Instituto de Patologia e Imunologia Molecular da Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Jean Viallet
- R&D Department, Inovotion, 38700 La Tronche, France
| | - Yan Wang
- R&D Department, Inovotion, 38700 La Tronche, France
| | - Regine Schneider-Stock
- Experimental Tumorpathology, Institute of Pathology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN (CCC ER-EMN), Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, 94054 Erlangen, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-9131-8526-069
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10
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Miebach L, Berner J, Bekeschus S. In ovo model in cancer research and tumor immunology. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1006064. [PMID: 36248802 PMCID: PMC9556724 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1006064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Considering cancer not only as malignant cells on their own but as a complex disease in which tumor cells interact and communicate with their microenvironment has motivated the establishment of clinically relevant 3D models in past years. Technological advances gave rise to novel bioengineered models, improved organoid systems, and microfabrication approaches, increasing scientific importance in preclinical research. Notwithstanding, mammalian in vivo models remain closest to mimic the patient’s situation but are limited by cost, time, and ethical constraints. Herein, the in ovo model bridges the gap as an advanced model for basic and translational cancer research without the need for ethical approval. With the avian embryo being a naturally immunodeficient host, tumor cells and primary tissues can be engrafted on the vascularized chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) with high efficiencies regardless of species-specific restrictions. The extraembryonic membranes are connected to the embryo through a continuous circulatory system, readily accessible for manipulation or longitudinal monitoring of tumor growth, metastasis, angiogenesis, and matrix remodeling. However, its applicability in immunoncological research is largely underexplored. Dual engrafting of malignant and immune cells could provide a platform to study tumor-immune cell interactions in a complex, heterogenic and dynamic microenvironment with high reproducibility. With some caveats to keep in mind, versatile methods for in and ex ovo monitoring of cellular and molecular dynamics already established in ovo are applicable alike. In this view, the present review aims to emphasize and discuss opportunities and limitations of the chicken embryo model for pre-clinical research in cancer and cancer immunology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lea Miebach
- ZIK plasmatis, Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), Greifswald, Germany
- Department of General, Thoracic, Vascular, and Visceral Surgery, Greifswald University Medical Center, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Julia Berner
- ZIK plasmatis, Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), Greifswald, Germany
- Department of General, Thoracic, Vascular, and Visceral Surgery, Greifswald University Medical Center, Greifswald, Germany
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Plastic Surgery, Greifswald University Medical Center, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Sander Bekeschus
- ZIK plasmatis, Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), Greifswald, Germany
- Department of General, Thoracic, Vascular, and Visceral Surgery, Greifswald University Medical Center, Greifswald, Germany
- *Correspondence: Sander Bekeschus,
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11
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Blocking Studies to Evaluate Receptor-Specific Radioligand Binding in the CAM Model by PET and MR Imaging. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14163870. [PMID: 36010864 PMCID: PMC9406147 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14163870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In the development of new targeted radiopharmaceuticals, it is mandatory to demonstrate their target-specific binding. Rodents are still primarily used for these experiments. With respect to the 3Rs principles, the demand for alternative methods to reduce the number of animal experiments is continuously increasing. In the present study, we investigated whether radiotracer uptake specificity can be evaluated by blocking studies in the CAM model. PET and MR imaging were used to visualize and quantify ligand accumulation. It was demonstrated that the CAM model could be used to evaluate the target-specific binding of a radiopharmaceutical. Due to intrinsic limitations of the CAM model, animal testing will still be required at more advanced stages of compound development. Still, the CAM model could significantly reduce the number of experiments through early compound pre-selection. Abstract Inhibition studies in small animals are the standard for evaluating the specificity of newly developed drugs, including radiopharmaceuticals. Recently, it has been reported that the tumor accumulation of radiotracers can be assessed in the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model with similar results to experiments in mice, such contributing to the 3Rs principles (reduction, replacement, and refinement). However, inhibition studies to prove receptor-specific binding have not yet been performed in the CAM model. Thus, in the present work, we analyzed the feasibility of inhibition studies in ovo by PET and MRI using the PSMA-specific ligand [18F]siPSMA-14 and the corresponding inhibitor 2-PMPA. A dose-dependent blockade of [18F]siPSMA-14 uptake was successfully demonstrated by pre-dosing with different inhibitor concentrations. Based on these data, we conclude that the CAM model is suitable for performing inhibition studies to detect receptor-specific binding. While in the later stages of development of novel radiopharmaceuticals, testing in rodents will still be necessary for biodistribution analysis, the CAM model is a promising alternative to mouse experiments in the early phases of compound evaluation. Thus, using the CAM model and PET and MR imaging for early pre-selection of promising radiolabeled compounds could significantly reduce the number of animal experiments.
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12
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Probing Vasoreactivity and Hypoxic Phenotype in Different Tumor Grafts Grown on the Chorioallantoic Membrane of the Chicken Embryo In Ovo Using MRI. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14133114. [PMID: 35804886 PMCID: PMC9265041 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14133114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Fertilized chicken eggs can be used to study tumors. During their development, chicken eggshells are fenestrated, and the chicken embryo that is enwrapped by a highly vascularized membrane becomes accessible. Tumor cells are then planted onto this membrane, which supports tumor growth and, after one week, the tumor graft is studied using magnetic resonance imaging. To characterize the tumor in living chicken embryos, a gas tube can be fixed into the eggshell window and the chicken embryo and hence, the tumor graft is exposed to air, carbon dioxide-enriched air, or oxygen enriched with carbon dioxide. Different tumor types react differently to such gas challenges, which can be quantitatively measured and related to the tumor grafts’ vascular functioning and oxygenation. Abstract Tumor grafts grown on the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) of chicken embryos represent a transition between cell culture and mammalian in vivo models. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) started to harness this potential. Functional gas challenge is feasible on the CAM. Using quantitative T1 and T2* mapping, we characterized the response of MC-38 colon, A549, and H460 adeno-carcinoma cell grafts to hypercapnic (HC) and hypercapnic-hyperoxic (HCHO) gas challenges, pertaining to the grafts’ vascular and oxygenation phenotypes. MR imaging revealed that larger T1 and T2* were located in the center of H460 and MC-38 tumors. Quantitative analysis showed a significant reduction in T1 and a significant increase in T2* in response to HCHO for A549 grafts, while H460 and MC-38 tumors did not respond to either gas challenge. Different tumor grafts respond differentially to HC and HCHO conditions. A549 tumor grafts, with higher vessel density and smaller tumor diameter compared with H460 and MC-38 grafts, had a significant response in T1 for HCHO and T2* increased slightly during HC and significantly under HCHO, consistent with a normoxic phenotype and functional vasoreactivity. Therefore, gas challenges enable differential characterization of tumor grafts with respect to their vascular and oxygenation status.
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13
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Chen L, Wang S, Feng Y, Yu J, Coudyzer W, Van Ongeval C, Geng L, Li Y, Ni Y. Development and characterization of a chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) based platform for evaluation of vasoactive medications. Microvasc Res 2022; 142:104372. [PMID: 35483521 DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2022.104372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Among various anti-cancer therapies, tumor vascular disrupting agents (VDAs) play a crucial role, for which their off-targeting effects on normal vessels need also to be investigated. The purpose of this study was to set up an in-ovo platform that combines a laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) modality with chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) to real-time monitor vascular diameters and perfusion without and with intravascular injection. Two eggshell windows for both observation or measurement and injection were opened. Dynamic blood perfusion images and corresponding statistic graphs were acquired by using a LSCI unit on CAMs from embryo date (ED) 9 to ED15. A dedicated fine needle catheter was made for slow intravascular administration over 30 min with simultaneous LSCI acquisition. To verify the connectivity between CAM vessels and the embryonic circulations in the egg, contrast-enhanced 3D micro computed tomography (μCT), 2D angiography and histology were executed. This platform was successfully established to acquire, quantify and demonstrate vascular and hemodynamic information from the CAM. Chick embryos even with air cell opened remained alive from ED9 to ED15. Through collecting LSCI derived CAM vascular diameter and perfusion parameters, ED12 was determined as the best time window for vasoactive drug studies. A reverse correlation between CAM vessel diameter and blood perfusion rate was found (p < 0.002). Intravascular infusion and simultaneous LSCI acquisition for 30 min in ovo proved feasible. Contrast-enhanced angiography and histomorphology could characterize the connectivity between CAM vasculature and embryonic circulation. This LSCI-CAM platform was proved effective for investigating the in-ovo hemodynamics, which paves the road for further preclinical research on vasoactive medications including VDAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Chen
- KU Leuven, Biomedical Group, Campus Gasthuisberg, Leuven 3000, Belgium.
| | - Shuncong Wang
- KU Leuven, Biomedical Group, Campus Gasthuisberg, Leuven 3000, Belgium.
| | - Yuanbo Feng
- KU Leuven, Biomedical Group, Campus Gasthuisberg, Leuven 3000, Belgium.
| | - Jie Yu
- KU Leuven, Biomedical Group, Campus Gasthuisberg, Leuven 3000, Belgium.
| | - Walter Coudyzer
- Department of Radiology, University Hospitals Leuven, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Chantal Van Ongeval
- Department of Radiology, University Hospitals Leuven, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Lei Geng
- School of Life Science, TianGong University, Tianjin, China.
| | - Yue Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai 201318, China.
| | - Yicheng Ni
- KU Leuven, Biomedical Group, Campus Gasthuisberg, Leuven 3000, Belgium.
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14
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Kohl C, Aung T, Haerteis S, Ignatov A, Ortmann O, Papathemelis T. The 3D in vivo chorioallantoic membrane model and its role in breast cancer research. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2022; 148:1033-1043. [PMID: 35122110 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-022-03936-z] [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: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE We aimed to evaluate the role of the chorioallantoic membrane model (CAM) in breast cancer research. METHODS The following is an overview of the use of the CAM in the field of breast cancer research based on a PubMed literature query. RESULTS The CAM is a 3D in vivo model that can be used for the analysis of tumor growth, biology and angiogenesis of primary tumor tissue or tumor cell lines. The CAM model has been used in breast cancer research for drug testing, migration assays and the evaluation of vascularization, amongst others. The CAM model is a valuable method that offers a better imitation of the physiological phenomena compared to 2D or 3D in vitro models. CONCLUSION The CAM model has primarily and successfully been utilized for the assessment of the tumor biology of established breast cancer cell lines. Further, the CAM model is a promising method to analyze patient derived primary tumor material and could be used as a "patient-specific 3D-tumor-therapy-model" for the cost-efficient evaluation of anti-cancer drugs to find the optimal treatment for breast cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Kohl
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, St. Marien Hospital Amberg, 92224, Amberg, Germany.
| | - Thiha Aung
- Institute for Molecular and Cellular Anatomy, University of Regensburg, 93053, Regensburg, Germany.,Faculty of Applied Healthcare Science, Deggendorf Institute of Technology, 94469, Deggendorf, Germany
| | - Silke Haerteis
- Institute for Molecular and Cellular Anatomy, University of Regensburg, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Atanas Ignatov
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Magdeburg, 39120, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Olaf Ortmann
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Center Regensburg, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Papathemelis
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, St. Marien Hospital Amberg, 92224, Amberg, Germany
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15
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Comparison of Quantification of Target-Specific Accumulation of [ 18F]F-siPSMA-14 in the HET-CAM Model and in Mice Using PET/MRI. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13164007. [PMID: 34439163 PMCID: PMC8393674 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13164007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Animal studies are essential for the development of new radiopharmaceuticals to determine specific accumulation and biodistribution. Alternative models, such as the HET-CAM model, offer the possibility of reducing animal experiments in accordance with the 3Rs principles. Accurate quantification of tumor accumulation of a PSMA-specific ligand in the HET-CAM model and comparison with corresponding animal experiments was performed using the imaging modalities PET and MRI. It was demonstrated that the HET-CAM model leads to comparable results and is suitable as an alternative to animal experiments for the initial assessment of target-specific binding of novel radiopharmaceuticals. However, as evaluation of biodistribution in ovo is still limited, further animal experiments with promising compounds are mandatory. Abstract Assessment of biodistribution and specific tumor accumulation is essential for the development of new radiopharmaceuticals and requires animal experiments. The HET-CAM (hens-egg test—chorioallantoic membrane) model can be used in combination with the non-invasive imaging modalities PET and MRI for pre-selection during radiopharmaceutical development to reduce the number of animal experiments required. Critical to the acceptance of this model is the demonstration of the quantifiability and reproducibility of these data compared to the standard animal model. Tumor accumulation and biodistribution of the PSMA-specific radiotracer [18F]F-siPSMA-14 was analyzed in the chick embryo and in an immunodeficient mouse model. Evaluation was based on MRI and PET data in both models. γ-counter measurements and histopathological analyses complemented these data. PSMA-specific accumulation of [18F]F-siPSMA-14 was successfully demonstrated in the HET-CAM model, similar to the results obtained by mouse model studies. The combination of MR and PET imaging allowed precise quantification of peptide accumulation, initial assessment of biodistribution, and accurate determination of tumor volume. Thus, the use of the HET-CAM model is suitable for the pre-selection of new radiopharmaceuticals and potentially reduces animal testing in line with the 3Rs principles of animal welfare.
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16
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17
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Preis E, Schulze J, Gutberlet B, Pinnapireddy SR, Jedelská J, Bakowsky U. The chorioallantoic membrane as a bio-barrier model for the evaluation of nanoscale drug delivery systems for tumour therapy. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 174:317-336. [PMID: 33905805 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.04.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In 2010, the European Parliament and the European Union adopted a directive on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes. The directive aims to protect animals in scientific research, with the final goal of complete replacement of procedures on live animals for scientific and educational purposes as soon as it is scientifically viable. Furthermore, the directive announces the implementation of the 3Rs principle: "When choosing methods, the principles of replacement, reduction and refinement should be implemented through a strict hierarchy of the requirement to use alternative methods." The visibility, accessibility, and the rapid growth of the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) offers a clear advantage for various manipulations and for the simulation of different Bio-Barriers according to the 3R principle. The extensive vascularisation on the CAM provides an excellent substrate for the cultivation of tumour cells or tumour xenografts which could be used for the therapeutic evaluation of nanoscale drug delivery systems. The tumour can be targeted either by topical application, intratumoural injection or i.v. injection. Different application sites and biological barriers can be examined within a single model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduard Preis
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, University of Marburg, Robert-Koch-Str. 4, 35037 Marburg, Germany
| | - Jan Schulze
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, University of Marburg, Robert-Koch-Str. 4, 35037 Marburg, Germany
| | - Bernd Gutberlet
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, University of Marburg, Robert-Koch-Str. 4, 35037 Marburg, Germany
| | - Shashank Reddy Pinnapireddy
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, University of Marburg, Robert-Koch-Str. 4, 35037 Marburg, Germany; CSL Behring Innovation GmbH, Emil-von-Behring-Str. 76, 35041 Marburg, Germany
| | - Jarmila Jedelská
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, University of Marburg, Robert-Koch-Str. 4, 35037 Marburg, Germany; Center for Tumor Biology and Immunology, Core Facility for Small Animal MRI, Hans-Meerwein Str. 3, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Udo Bakowsky
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, University of Marburg, Robert-Koch-Str. 4, 35037 Marburg, Germany.
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18
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Chu PY, Koh APF, Antony J, Huang RYJ. Applications of the Chick Chorioallantoic Membrane as an Alternative Model for Cancer Studies. Cells Tissues Organs 2021; 211:222-237. [PMID: 33780951 DOI: 10.1159/000513039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
A variety of in vivo experimental models have been established for the studies of human cancer using both cancer cell lines and patient-derived xenografts (PDXs). In order to meet the aspiration of precision medicine, the in vivomurine models have been widely adopted. However, common constraints such as high cost, long duration of experiments, and low engraftment efficiency remained to be resolved. The chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) is an alternative model to overcome some of these limitations. Here, we provide an overview of the applications of the chick CAM model in the study of oncology. The CAM model has shown significant retention of tumor heterogeneity alongside increased xenograft take rates in several PDX studies. Various imaging techniques and data analysis have been applied to study tumor metastasis, angiogenesis, and therapeutic response to novel agents. Lastly, to practically illustrate the feasibility of utilizing the CAM model, we summarize the general protocol used in a case study utilizing an ovarian cancer PDX.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Yu Chu
- Graduate Institute of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Angele Pei-Fern Koh
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, Center for Translational Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jane Antony
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Ruby Yun-Ju Huang
- School of Medicine and Graduate Institute of Oncology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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19
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Mapanao AK, Che PP, Sarogni P, Sminia P, Giovannetti E, Voliani V. Tumor grafted - chick chorioallantoic membrane as an alternative model for biological cancer research and conventional/nanomaterial-based theranostics evaluation. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2021; 17:947-968. [PMID: 33565346 DOI: 10.1080/17425255.2021.1879047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Advancements in cancer management and treatment are associated with strong preclinical research data, in which reliable cancer models are demanded. Indeed, inconsistent preclinical findings and stringent regulations following the 3Rs principle of reduction, refinement, and replacement of conventional animal models currently pose challenges in the development and translation of efficient technologies. The chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) is a system for the evaluation of treatment effects on the vasculature, therefore suitable for studies on angiogenesis. Apart from vascular effects, the model is now increasingly employed as a preclinical cancer model following tumor-grafting procedures.Areas covered: The broad application of CAM tumor model is highlighted along with the methods for analyzing the neoplasm and vascular system. The presented and cited investigations focus on cancer biology and treatment, encompassing both conventional and emerging nanomaterial-based modalities.Expert opinion: The CAM tumor model finds increased significance given the influences of angiogenesis and the tumor microenvironment in cancer behavior, then providing a qualified miniature system for oncological research. Ultimately, the establishment and increased employment of such a model may resolve some of the limitations present in the standard preclinical tumor models, thereby redefining the preclinical research workflow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Katrina Mapanao
- Center for Nanotechnology Innovation@NEST, Istituto Italiano Di Tecnologia, Pisa, Italy.,NEST-Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, Italy
| | - Pei Pei Che
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Cancer Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Cancer Center Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Patrizia Sarogni
- Center for Nanotechnology Innovation@NEST, Istituto Italiano Di Tecnologia, Pisa, Italy
| | - Peter Sminia
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Cancer Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Elisa Giovannetti
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Cancer Center Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Cancer Pharmacology Lab, AIRC Start-Up Unit, Fondazione Pisana per La Scienza, Pisa, Italy
| | - Valerio Voliani
- Center for Nanotechnology Innovation@NEST, Istituto Italiano Di Tecnologia, Pisa, Italy
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20
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Winter G, Koch ABF, Löffler J, Lindén M, Solbach C, Abaei A, Li H, Glatting G, Beer AJ, Rasche V. Multi-Modal PET and MR Imaging in the Hen's Egg Test-Chorioallantoic Membrane (HET-CAM) Model for Initial in Vivo Testing of Target-Specific Radioligands. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12051248. [PMID: 32429233 PMCID: PMC7281765 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12051248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The validation of novel target-specific radioligands requires animal experiments mostly using mice with xenografts. A pre-selection based on a simpler in vivo model would allow to reduce the number of animal experiments, in accordance with the 3Rs principles (reduction, replacement, refinement). In this respect, the chick embryo or hen’s egg test–chorioallantoic membrane (HET-CAM) model is of special interest, as it is not considered an animal until day 17. Thus, we evaluated the feasibility of quantitative analysis of target-specific radiotracer accumulation in xenografts using the HET-CAM model and combined positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). For proof-of-principle we used established prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-positive and PSMA-negative prostate cancer xenografts and the clinically widely used PSMA-specific PET-tracer [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11. Tracer accumulation was quantified by PET and tumor volumes measured with MRI (n = 42). Moreover, gamma-counter analysis of radiotracer accumulation was done ex-vivo. A three- to five-fold higher ligand accumulation in the PSMA-positive tumors compared to the PSMA-negative tumors was demonstrated. This proof-of-principle study shows the general feasibility of the HET-CAM xenograft model for target-specific imaging with PET and MRI. The ultimate value for characterization of novel target-specific radioligands now has to be validated in comparison to mouse xenograft experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gordon Winter
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (A.B.F.K.); (J.L.); (C.S.); (A.J.B.)
- Correspondence: (G.W.); (V.R.); Tel.: +49-731-500-61364 (G.W.); +49-731-500-45014 (V.R.)
| | - Andrea B. F. Koch
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (A.B.F.K.); (J.L.); (C.S.); (A.J.B.)
| | - Jessica Löffler
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (A.B.F.K.); (J.L.); (C.S.); (A.J.B.)
- Core Facility Small Animal Imaging, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (A.A.); (H.L.)
| | - Mika Lindén
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry II, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany;
| | - Christoph Solbach
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (A.B.F.K.); (J.L.); (C.S.); (A.J.B.)
| | - Alireza Abaei
- Core Facility Small Animal Imaging, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (A.A.); (H.L.)
| | - Hao Li
- Core Facility Small Animal Imaging, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (A.A.); (H.L.)
| | - Gerhard Glatting
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Medical Radiation Physics, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany;
| | - Ambros J. Beer
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (A.B.F.K.); (J.L.); (C.S.); (A.J.B.)
| | - Volker Rasche
- Core Facility Small Animal Imaging, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (A.A.); (H.L.)
- Internal Medicine II, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany
- Correspondence: (G.W.); (V.R.); Tel.: +49-731-500-61364 (G.W.); +49-731-500-45014 (V.R.)
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21
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Waschkies CF, Pfiffner FK, Heuberger DM, Schneider MA, Tian Y, Wolint P, Calcagni M, Giovanoli P, Buschmann J. Tumor grafts grown on the chicken chorioallantoic membrane are distinctively characterized by MRI under functional gas challenge. Sci Rep 2020; 10:7505. [PMID: 32371865 PMCID: PMC7200801 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-64290-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2019] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, a tumor model based on the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) was characterized structurally with Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Yet, capability of MRI to assess vascular functional reserve and potential of oxygenation-sensitive MRI remain largely unexplored in this model. For this purpose, we compared MC-38 colon and A549 lung adenocarcinoma cell grafts grown on the CAM, using quantitative T1 and T2* MRI readouts as imaging markers. These are associated with vascular functionality and oxygenation status when compared between periods of air and carbogen exposure. Our data show that in A549 lung adenocarcinoma cell grafts T2* values increased significantly upon carbogen exposure (p < 0.004, Wilcoxon test; no change in T1), while MC-38 grafts displayed no changes in T1 and T2*), indicating that the grafts differ in their vascular response. Heterogeneity with regard to T1 and T2* distribution within the grafts was noted. MC-38 grafts displayed larger T1 and T2* in the graft centre, while in A549 they were distributed more towards the graft surface. Finally, qualitative assessment of gadolinium-enhancement suggests that A549 grafts display more prominent enhancement compared to MC-38 grafts. Furthermore, MC-38 grafts had 65% larger volumes than A549 grafts. Histology revealed distinct underlying phenotypes of the two tumor grafts, pertaining to the proliferative status (Ki-67) and cellularity (H&E). In sum, a functional gas challenge with carbogen is feasible through gas exchange on the CAM, and it affects MRI signals associated with vascular reactivity and oxygenation status of the tumor graft planted on the CAM. Different grafts based on A549 lung adenocarcinoma and MC-38 colon carcinoma cell lines, respectively, display distinct phenotypes that can be distinguished and characterized non-invasively in ovo using MRI in the living chicken embryo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Conny F Waschkies
- Center for Surgical Research, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Dorothea M Heuberger
- Institute of Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marcel A Schneider
- Visceral and Transplant Surgery, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Yinghua Tian
- Visceral and Transplant Surgery, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Petra Wolint
- Plastic Surgery and Hand Surgery, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Maurizio Calcagni
- Plastic Surgery and Hand Surgery, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Pietro Giovanoli
- Plastic Surgery and Hand Surgery, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Johanna Buschmann
- Plastic Surgery and Hand Surgery, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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22
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Lokman NA, Ricciardelli C, Oehler MK. Chick chorioallantoic membrane assay: a 3D animal model for cancer invasion and metastasis. Anim Biotechnol 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-811710-1.00031-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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23
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Schneider-Stock R, Ribatti D. The CAM Assay as an Alternative In Vivo Model for Drug Testing. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2020; 265:303-323. [PMID: 32776283 DOI: 10.1007/164_2020_375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In the last decade, the chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay has been re-discovered in cancer research to study the molecular mechanisms of anti-cancer drug effects. Literature about the CAM assay as an alternative in vivo cancer xenograft model according to the 3R principles has exploded in the last 3 years. Following a summary of the basic knowledge about the chicken embryo, we compare advantages and disadvantages with the classical mouse xenograft model, exemplify established and innovative imaging techniques that are used in the CAM model, and give examples of its successful utilization for studying major hallmarks of cancer such as angiogenesis, proliferation, invasion, and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Regine Schneider-Stock
- Experimental Tumorpathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Domenico Ribatti
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sensory Organs, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
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24
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Steinemann G, Dittmer A, Schmidt J, Josuttis D, Fähling M, Biersack B, Beindorff N, Jolante Koziolek E, Schobert R, Brenner W, Müller T, Nitzsche B, Höpfner M. Antitumor and antiangiogenic activity of the novel chimeric inhibitor animacroxam in testicular germ cell cancer. Mol Oncol 2019; 13:2679-2696. [PMID: 31583820 PMCID: PMC6887589 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.12582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Revised: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimeric inhibitors, which merge two drug pharmacophores in a single molecule have become a prominent approach for the design of novel anticancer compounds. Here, we examined animacroxam, which combines histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitory and cytoskeleton‐interfering pharmacophores, in testicular germ cell tumors (TGCT). The effectiveness of animacroxam was compared to that of the commonly applied chemotherapeutic cisplatin as well as the clinically approved HDAC inhibitor vorinostat. The antineoplastic and antiangiogenic effects of animacroxam on TGCT in vivo were assessed through exploratory animal studies and a modified chorioallantoic membrane assay, revealing that animacroxam has significant antitumor activity in TGCT. A novel positron emission tomography/MR‐imaging approach was applied to determine tumor volume and glucose [2‐fluoro‐2‐deoxy‐d‐glucose (18F‐FDG)] uptake in TGCT tumors, revealing reduced glucose uptake in animacroxam‐treated TGCTs and showing a dose‐dependent suppression of glycolytic enzymes, which led to a breakdown in glycolytic energy production. Furthermore, the observed antiangiogenic effects of animacroxam were related to its ability to inhibit endothelial cell–cell communication, as the expression of gap junction‐forming connexin 43 was strongly suppressed, and gap‐junctional intercellular mass transport was reduced. Our data suggest that the chimeric HDAC inhibitor animacroxam may become a promising candidate for the treatment of solid cancers and may serve as an interesting alternative to platinum‐based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustav Steinemann
- Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Physiology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany
| | - Alexandra Dittmer
- Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Physiology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany
| | - Jacob Schmidt
- Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Physiology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany
| | - David Josuttis
- Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Physiology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael Fähling
- Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Vegetative Physiology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Nicola Beindorff
- Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin Experimental Radionuclide Imaging Center (BERIC), Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany
| | - Eva Jolante Koziolek
- Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin Experimental Radionuclide Imaging Center (BERIC), Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany.,German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Berlin, Germany
| | - Rainer Schobert
- Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Winfried Brenner
- Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin Experimental Radionuclide Imaging Center (BERIC), Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas Müller
- Clinic of Internal Medicine IV - Hematology and Oncology Division, Universitätsklinikum Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Bianca Nitzsche
- Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Physiology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael Höpfner
- Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Physiology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany
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25
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Hafner S, Raabe M, Wu Y, Wang T, Zuo Z, Rasche V, Syrovets T, Weil T, Simmet T. High‐Contrast Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Efficient Delivery of an Albumin Nanotheranostic in Triple‐Negative Breast Cancer Xenografts. ADVANCED THERAPEUTICS 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/adtp.201900084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Hafner
- Institute of Pharmacology of Natural Products and Clinical PharmacologyUlm University Helmholtzstr. 20 89081 Ulm Germany
| | - Marco Raabe
- Max‐Planck Institute for Polymer Research Ackermannweg 10 55128 Mainz Germany
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry IUlm University Albert‐Einstein‐Allee 11 89081 Ulm Germany
| | - Yuzhou Wu
- Max‐Planck Institute for Polymer Research Ackermannweg 10 55128 Mainz Germany
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic Chemistry and Materia MedicaSchool of Chemistry and Chemical EngineeringHuazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan 430074 P. R. China
| | - Tao Wang
- School of Materials Science and EngineeringSouthwest Jiaotong University Chengdu 610031 P. R. China
| | - Zhi Zuo
- Internal Medicine II, Core Facility Small Animal MRI, Medical FacultyUlm University Albert‐Einstein‐Allee 23 89081 Ulm Germany
| | - Volker Rasche
- Internal Medicine II, Core Facility Small Animal MRI, Medical FacultyUlm University Albert‐Einstein‐Allee 23 89081 Ulm Germany
| | - Tatiana Syrovets
- Institute of Pharmacology of Natural Products and Clinical PharmacologyUlm University Helmholtzstr. 20 89081 Ulm Germany
| | - Tanja Weil
- Max‐Planck Institute for Polymer Research Ackermannweg 10 55128 Mainz Germany
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry IUlm University Albert‐Einstein‐Allee 11 89081 Ulm Germany
| | - Thomas Simmet
- Institute of Pharmacology of Natural Products and Clinical PharmacologyUlm University Helmholtzstr. 20 89081 Ulm Germany
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26
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Herrmann A, Taylor A, Murray P, Poptani H, Sée V. Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Characterization of a Chick Embryo Model of Cancer Cell Metastases. Mol Imaging 2019; 17:1536012118809585. [PMID: 30392458 PMCID: PMC6236852 DOI: 10.1177/1536012118809585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastasis is the most common cause of death for patients with cancer. To fully
understand the steps involved in metastatic dissemination, in vivo models
are required, of which murine ones are the most common. Therefore, preclinical imaging
methods such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have mainly been developed for small
mammals and their potential to monitor cancer growth and metastasis in nonmammalian models
is not fully harnessed. We have here used MRI to measure primary neuroblastoma tumor size
and metastasis in a chick embryo model. We compared its sensitivity and accuracy to
end-point fluorescence detection upon dissection. Human neuroblastoma cells labeled with
green fluorescent protein (GFP) and micron-sized iron particles were implanted on the
extraembryonic chorioallantoic membrane of the chick at E7. T2 RARE,
T2-weighted fast low angle shot (FLASH) as well as time-of-flight MR
angiography imaging were applied at E14. Micron-sized iron particle labeling of
neuroblastoma cells allowed in ovo observation of the primary tumor and
tumor volume measurement noninvasively. Moreover, T2 weighted and FLASH imaging
permitted the detection of small metastatic deposits in the chick embryo, thereby
reinforcing the potential of this convenient, 3R compliant, in vivo model
for cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Herrmann
- 1 Department of Biochemistry, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Arthur Taylor
- 2 Centre for Preclinical Imaging, Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Patricia Murray
- 2 Centre for Preclinical Imaging, Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Harish Poptani
- 2 Centre for Preclinical Imaging, Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Violaine Sée
- 1 Department of Biochemistry, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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27
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Cellular self-assembly into 3D microtissues enhances the angiogenic activity and functional neovascularization capacity of human cardiopoietic stem cells. Angiogenesis 2018; 22:37-52. [PMID: 30014173 DOI: 10.1007/s10456-018-9635-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2018] [Accepted: 07/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
While cell therapy has been proposed as next-generation therapy to treat the diseased heart, current strategies display only limited clinical efficacy. Besides the ongoing quest for the ideal cell type, in particular the very low retention rate of single-cell (SC) suspensions after delivery remains a major problem. To improve cellular retention, cellular self-assembly into 3D microtissues (MTs) prior to transplantation has emerged as an encouraging alternative. Importantly, 3D-MTs have also been reported to enhance the angiogenic activity and neovascularization potential of stem cells. Therefore, here using the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay we comprehensively evaluate the impact of cell format (SCs versus 3D-MTs) on the angiogenic potential of human cardiopoietic stem cells, a promising second-generation cell type for cardiac repair. Biodegradable collagen scaffolds were seeded with human cardiopoietic stem cells, either as SCs or as 3D-MTs generated by using a modified hanging drop method. Thereafter, seeded scaffolds were placed on the CAM of living chicken embryos and analyzed for their perfusion capacity in vivo using magnetic resonance imaging assessment which was then linked to a longitudinal histomorphometric ex vivo analysis comprising blood vessel density and characteristics such as shape and size. Cellular self-assembly into 3D-MTs led to a significant increase of vessel density mainly driven by a higher number of neo-capillary formation. In contrast, SC-seeded scaffolds displayed a higher frequency of larger neo-vessels resulting in an overall 1.76-fold higher total vessel area (TVA). Importantly, despite that larger TVA in SC-seeded group, the mean perfusion capacity (MPC) was comparable between groups, therefore suggesting functional superiority together with an enhanced perfusion efficacy of the neo-vessels in 3D-MT-seeded scaffolds. This was further underlined by a 1.64-fold higher perfusion ratio when relating MPC to TVA. Our study shows that cellular self-assembly of human cardiopoietic stem cells into 3D-MTs substantially enhances their overall angiogenic potential and their functional neovascularization capacity. Hence, the concept of 3D-MTs may be considered to increase the therapeutic efficacy of future cell therapy concepts.
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28
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Zuo Z, Syrovets T, Wu Y, Hafner S, Vernikouskaya I, Liu W, Ma G, Weil T, Simmet T, Rasche V. The CAM cancer xenograft as a model for initial evaluation of MR labelled compounds. Sci Rep 2017; 7:46690. [PMID: 28466861 PMCID: PMC5413881 DOI: 10.1038/srep46690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2016] [Accepted: 03/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-invasive assessment of the biodistribution is of great importance during the development of new pharmaceutical compounds. In this contribution, the applicability of in ovo MRI for monitoring the biodistribution of MR contrast agent-labelled compounds was investigated in mamaria carcinomas xentotransplanted on the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) exemplarily for Gd-DOTA and cHSA-PEO (2000)16-Gd after systemic injection of the compounds into a chorioallantoic capillary vein. MRI was performed directly prior and 30 min, 3 h, 5 h, 20 h, and 40 h after injection of the compound. The biodistribution of injected compounds could be assessed by MRI in different organs of the chicken embryo as well as in xenotransplanted tumors at all time points. A clearly prolonged enhancement of the tumor substrate could be shown for cHSA-PEO (2000)16-Gd. In conclusion, high-resolution in ovo MR imaging can be used for assessment of the in vivo biodistribution of labelled compounds, thus enabling efficient non-invasive initial testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Zuo
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Ulm, Ulm, Germany.,Department of Cardiology, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, China.,Core Facility Small Animal MRI, Medical Faculty, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Tatiana Syrovets
- Institute of Pharmacology of Natural Products and Clinical Pharmacology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Yuzhou Wu
- Institute of Organic Chemistry III, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Susanne Hafner
- Institute of Pharmacology of Natural Products and Clinical Pharmacology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Ina Vernikouskaya
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Weina Liu
- Institute of Organic Chemistry III, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Genshan Ma
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Tanja Weil
- Institute of Organic Chemistry III, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Thomas Simmet
- Institute of Pharmacology of Natural Products and Clinical Pharmacology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Volker Rasche
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Ulm, Ulm, Germany.,Core Facility Small Animal MRI, Medical Faculty, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
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29
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Baseline MAPK signaling activity confers intrinsic radioresistance to KRAS-mutant colorectal carcinoma cells by rapid upregulation of heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K (hnRNP K). Cancer Lett 2017; 385:160-167. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2016.10.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2016] [Revised: 10/17/2016] [Accepted: 10/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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30
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Wang F, Peng E, Liu F, Li P, Li SFY, Xue JM. Fluorescence-tagged amphiphilic brush copolymer encapsulated Gd2O3 core-shell nanostructures for enhanced T 1 contrast effect and fluorescent imaging. NANOTECHNOLOGY 2016; 27:425101. [PMID: 27631870 DOI: 10.1088/0957-4484/27/42/425101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
To obtain suitable T 1 contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) application, aqueous Gd2O3 nanoparticles (NPs) with high longitudinal relativity (r 1) are demanded. High quality Gd2O3 NPs are usually synthesized through a non-hydrolytic route which requires post-synthetic modification to render the NPs water soluble. The current challenge is to obtain aqueous Gd2O3 NPs with high colloidal stability and enhanced r 1 relaxivity. To overcome this challenge, fluorescence-tagged amphiphilic brush copolymer (AFCP) encapsulated Gd2O3 NPs were proposed as suitable T 1 contrast agents. Such a coating layer provided (i) superior aqueous stability, (ii) biocompatibility, as well as (iii) multi-modality (conjugation with fluorescence dye). The polymeric coating layer thickness was simply adjusted by varying the phase-transfer parameters. By reducing the coating thickness, i.e. the distance between the paramagnetic centre and surrounding water protons, the r 1 relaxivity could be enhanced. In contrast, a thicker polymeric layer coating prevents Gd(3+) ions leakage, thus improving its biocompatibility. Therefore, it is important to strike a balance between the biocompatibility and the r 1 relaxivity behaviour. Lastly, by conjugating fluorescence moiety, an additional imaging modality was enabled, as demonstrated from the cell-labelling experiment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fenghe Wang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, National University of Singapore (NUS), 7 Engineering Drive 1, Singapore 117574
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