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Collagen-Based Biomimetic Systems to Study the Biophysical Tumour Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14235939. [PMID: 36497421 PMCID: PMC9739814 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14235939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a pericellular network of proteins and other molecules that provides mechanical support to organs and tissues. ECM biophysical properties such as topography, elasticity and porosity strongly influence cell proliferation, differentiation and migration. The cell's perception of the biophysical microenvironment (mechanosensing) leads to altered gene expression or contractility status (mechanotransduction). Mechanosensing and mechanotransduction have profound implications in both tissue homeostasis and cancer. Many solid tumours are surrounded by a dense and aberrant ECM that disturbs normal cell functions and makes certain areas of the tumour inaccessible to therapeutic drugs. Understanding the cell-ECM interplay may therefore lead to novel and more effective therapies. Controllable and reproducible cell culturing systems mimicking the ECM enable detailed investigation of mechanosensing and mechanotransduction pathways. Here, we discuss ECM biomimetic systems. Mainly focusing on collagen, we compare and contrast structural and molecular complexity as well as biophysical properties of simple 2D substrates, 3D fibrillar collagen gels, cell-derived matrices and complex decellularized organs. Finally, we emphasize how the integration of advanced methodologies and computational methods with collagen-based biomimetics will improve the design of novel therapies aimed at targeting the biophysical and mechanical features of the tumour ECM to increase therapy efficacy.
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García-Gareta E, Pérez MÁ, García-Aznar JM. Decellularization of tumours: A new frontier in tissue engineering. J Tissue Eng 2022; 13:20417314221091682. [PMID: 35495097 PMCID: PMC9044784 DOI: 10.1177/20417314221091682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. The tumour extracellular
matrix (ECM) has unique features in terms of composition and mechanical
properties, resulting in a structurally and chemically different ECM to that of
native, healthy tissues. This paper reviews to date the efforts into
decellularization of tumours, which in the authors’ view represents a new
frontier in the ever evolving field of tumour tissue engineering. An overview of
the ECM and its importance in cancer is given, ending with examples of research
using decellularized tumours, which has already indicated potential therapeutic
targets, unravelled malignancy mechanisms or response to chemotherapy agents.
The review highlights that more research is needed in this area, which can
answer important questions related to tumour formation and progression to
ultimately identify new and effective therapeutic targets. Within the
near-future of personalized medicine, this research can create patient-specific
tumour models and therapeutic regimes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena García-Gareta
- Aragonese Agency for R&D (ARAID) Foundation, Zaragoza, Aragón, Spain
- Multiscale in Mechanical & Biological Engineering Research Group, Aragón Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), School of Engineering & Architecture, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Aragón, Spain
- Division of Biomaterials & Tissue Engineering, UCL Eastman Dental Institute, University College London, London, UK
| | - María Ángeles Pérez
- Multiscale in Mechanical & Biological Engineering Research Group, Aragón Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), School of Engineering & Architecture, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Aragón, Spain
| | - José Manuel García-Aznar
- Multiscale in Mechanical & Biological Engineering Research Group, Aragón Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), School of Engineering & Architecture, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Aragón, Spain
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Yang J, Dang H, Xu Y. Recent advancement of decellularization extracellular matrix for tissue engineering and biomedical application. Artif Organs 2022; 46:549-567. [PMID: 34855994 DOI: 10.1111/aor.14126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Decellularized extracellular matrixs (dECMs) derived from organs and tissues have emerged as a promising tool, as they encompass the characteristics of an ideal tissue scaffold: complex composition, vascular networks and unique tissue-specific architecture. Consequently, their use has propagated throughout tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. dECM can be easily obtained from various tissues/organs by appropriate decellularization protocolsand is entitled to provide necessary cues to cells homing. METHODS In this review, we describe the decellularization and sterilization methods that are commonly used in recent research, the effects of these methods upon biologic scaffold material are discussed. Also, we summarize the recent developments of recellularization and vascularization techniques in regeneration medicine. Additionally, dECM preservation methods is mentioned, which provides the basis for the establishment of organ bank. RESULTS Biomedical applications and the status of current research developments relating to dECM biomaterials are outlined, including transplantation in vivo, disease models and drug screening, organoid, 3D bioprinting, tissue reconstruction and rehabilitation and cell transplantation and culture. Finally, critical challenges and future developing technologies are discussed. CONCLUSIONS With the development of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, dECM will have broader applications in the field of biomedicine in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiamin Yang
- School of Medical Instrument and Food Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Hangyu Dang
- School of Medical Instrument and Food Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Xu
- School of Medical Instrument and Food Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
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Aggarwal V, Miranda O, Johnston PA, Sant S. Three dimensional engineered models to study hypoxia biology in breast cancer. Cancer Lett 2020; 490:124-142. [PMID: 32569616 PMCID: PMC7442747 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2020.05.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of mortality among women worldwide. Despite the available therapeutic regimes, variable treatment response is reported among different breast cancer subtypes. Recently, the effects of the tumor microenvironment on tumor progression as well as treatment responses have been widely recognized. Hypoxia and hypoxia inducible factors in the tumor microenvironment have long been known as major players in tumor progression and survival. However, the majority of our understanding of hypoxia biology has been derived from two dimensional (2D) models. Although many hypoxia-targeted therapies have elicited promising results in vitro and in vivo, these results have not been successfully translated into clinical trials. These limitations of 2D models underscore the need to develop and integrate three dimensional (3D) models that recapitulate the complex tumor-stroma interactions in vivo. This review summarizes role of hypoxia in various hallmarks of cancer progression. We then compare traditional 2D experimental systems with novel 3D tissue-engineered models giving accounts of different bioengineering platforms available to develop 3D models and how these 3D models are being exploited to understand the role of hypoxia in breast cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vaishali Aggarwal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - Oshin Miranda
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - Paul A Johnston
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA; UPMC-Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - Shilpa Sant
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA; UPMC-Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA; Department of Bioengineering, Swanson School of Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA; McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA.
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Decellularized matrices for tumor cell modeling. Methods Cell Biol 2020. [PMID: 32334714 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mcb.2019.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
Abstract
Collagen is the main component of the extracellular matrix and it plays a key role in tumor progression. Commercial collagen solutions are derived from animals, such as rat-tail and bovine or porcine skin. Their cost is quite high and the product is stable only at low temperature, with the disadvantage of a short expiring date. Most importantly, lot-to-lot variability can occur and the reconstituted collagen gels differ significantly from native tissues in terms of both structure and stiffness. In this chapter, we describe a straightforward method to use native, collagen rich skin samples derived from by-products of the tanning industry. The protocol proposed preserves the microstructure of the ovine skin collagen network, offering structurally competent and more relevant model to investigate cell behavior in vitro. Other advantages of the proposed procedure consist in the cost-effectiveness of the process and an increased level of reproducibility. The decellularized ovine skin samples support the adhesion and growth of different cancer cell lines (pancreatic, breast and melanoma cells). The proposed decellularized skin scaffolds are meant as future low-cost competitors for conventional porous scaffold derived by biomaterials, since they offer a biomimetic environment for the cells.
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Bray LJ, Hutmacher DW, Bock N. Addressing Patient Specificity in the Engineering of Tumor Models. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2019; 7:217. [PMID: 31572718 PMCID: PMC6751285 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2019.00217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer treatment is challenged by the heterogeneous nature of cancer, where prognosis depends on tumor type and disease stage, as well as previous treatments. Optimal patient stratification is critical for the development and validation of effective treatments, yet pre-clinical model systems are lacking in the delivery of effective individualized platforms that reflect distinct patient-specific clinical situations. Advances in cancer cell biology, biofabrication, and microengineering technologies have led to the development of more complex in vitro three-dimensional (3D) models to act as drug testing platforms and to elucidate novel cancer mechanisms. Mostly, these strategies have enabled researchers to account for the tumor microenvironment context including tumor-stroma interactions, a key factor of heterogeneity that affects both progression and therapeutic resistance. This is aided by state-of-the-art biomaterials and tissue engineering technologies, coupled with reproducible and high-throughput platforms that enable modeling of relevant physical and chemical factors. Yet, the translation of these models and technologies has been impaired by neglecting to incorporate patient-derived cells or tissues, and largely focusing on immortalized cell lines instead, contributing to drug failure rates. While this is a necessary step to establish and validate new models, a paradigm shift is needed to enable the systematic inclusion of patient-derived materials in the design and use of such models. In this review, we first present an overview of the components responsible for heterogeneity in different tumor microenvironments. Next, we introduce the state-of-the-art of current in vitro 3D cancer models employing patient-derived materials in traditional scaffold-free approaches, followed by novel bioengineered scaffold-based approaches, and further supported by dynamic systems such as bioreactors, microfluidics, and tumor-on-a-chip devices. We critically discuss the challenges and clinical prospects of models that have succeeded in providing clinical relevance and impact, and present emerging concepts of novel cancer model systems that are addressing patient specificity, the next frontier to be tackled by the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura J. Bray
- School of Chemistry, Physics and Mechanical Engineering, Science and Engineering Faculty, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Centre in Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation (IHBI), Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Kelvin Grove, QLD, Australia
- Translational Research Institute, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Dietmar W. Hutmacher
- School of Chemistry, Physics and Mechanical Engineering, Science and Engineering Faculty, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Centre in Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation (IHBI), Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Kelvin Grove, QLD, Australia
- Translational Research Institute, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre (APCRC-Q), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Australian Research Council (ARC) Industrial Transformation Training Centre in Additive Biomanufacturing, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Kelvin Grove, QLD, Australia
| | - Nathalie Bock
- Centre in Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation (IHBI), Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Kelvin Grove, QLD, Australia
- Translational Research Institute, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre (APCRC-Q), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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