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Fowler MJ, Riley CO, Tomasson E, Mehta S, Grande-Allen J, Ballester L, Sandberg DI, Janssen CF, Sirianni RW. Engineering subarachnoid trabeculae with electrospun poly(caprolactone) (PCL) scaffolds to study leptomeningeal metastasis in medulloblastoma. BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES 2023; 155:213646. [PMID: 37918168 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioadv.2023.213646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Leptomeningeal metastasis (LM) occurs when cancer cells infiltrate the subarachnoid space (SAS) and metastasize to the fibrous structures that surround the brain and spinal cord. These structures include the leptomeninges (i.e., the pia mater and arachnoid mater), as well as subarachnoid trabeculae, which are collagen-rich fibers that provide mechanical structure for the SAS, support resident cells, and mediate flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Although there is a strong expectation that the presence of fibers within the SAS influences LM to be a major driver of tumor progression and lethality, exactly how trabecular architecture relates to the process of metastasis in cancer is poorly understood. This lack of understanding is likely due in part to the difficulty of accessing and manipulating this tissue compartment in vivo. Here, we utilized electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL) to produce structures bearing remarkable morphological similarity to native SAS fiber architecture. First, we profiled the native architecture of leptomeningeal and trabecular fibers collected from rhesus macaque monkeys, evaluating both qualitative and quantitative differences in fiber ultrastructure for various regions of the CNS. We then varied electrospinning parameters to produce a small library of PCL scaffolds possessing distinct architectures mimicking the range of fiber properties observed in vivo. For proof of concept, we studied the metastasis-related behaviors of human pediatric medulloblastoma cells cultured in different fiber microenvironments. These studies demonstrated that a more open, porous fiber structure facilitates DAOY cell spread across and infiltration into the meningeal mimic. Our results present a new tissue engineered model of the subarachnoid space and affirm the expectation that fiber architecture plays an important role in mediating metastasis-related behaviors in an in vitro model of pediatric medulloblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martha J Fowler
- Vivian L. Smith Department of Neurosurgery, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX, United States of America; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Colin O Riley
- Department of Neurological Surgery, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States of America
| | - Erik Tomasson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Shail Mehta
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Jane Grande-Allen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Leomar Ballester
- Department of Pathology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States of America; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, United States of America
| | - David I Sandberg
- Vivian L. Smith Department of Neurosurgery, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX, United States of America; Department of Pediatric Surgery, McGovern Medical School/UTHealth and Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital, United States of America
| | | | - Rachael W Sirianni
- Vivian L. Smith Department of Neurosurgery, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX, United States of America; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, United States of America; Department of Neurological Surgery, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States of America.
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Wang X, Sun Y, Zhang DY, Ming GL, Song H. Glioblastoma modeling with 3D organoids: progress and challenges. OXFORD OPEN NEUROSCIENCE 2023; 2:kvad008. [PMID: 38596241 PMCID: PMC10913843 DOI: 10.1093/oons/kvad008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive adult primary brain tumor with nearly universal treatment resistance and recurrence. The mainstay of therapy remains maximal safe surgical resection followed by concurrent radiation therapy and temozolomide chemotherapy. Despite intensive investigation, alternative treatment options, such as immunotherapy or targeted molecular therapy, have yielded limited success to achieve long-term remission. This difficulty is partly due to the lack of pre-clinical models that fully recapitulate the intratumoral and intertumoral heterogeneity of GBM and the complex tumor microenvironment. Recently, GBM 3D organoids originating from resected patient tumors, genetic manipulation of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived brain organoids and bio-printing or fusion with non-malignant tissues have emerged as novel culture systems to portray the biology of GBM. Here, we highlight several methodologies for generating GBM organoids and discuss insights gained using such organoid models compared to classic modeling approaches using cell lines and xenografts. We also outline limitations of current GBM 3D organoids, most notably the difficulty retaining the tumor microenvironment, and discuss current efforts for improvements. Finally, we propose potential applications of organoid models for a deeper mechanistic understanding of GBM and therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Wang
- Department of Neuroscience and Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Yusha Sun
- Neuroscience Graduate Group, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Daniel Y Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Guo-li Ming
- Department of Neuroscience and Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Hongjun Song
- Department of Neuroscience and Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- The Epigenetics Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- GBM Translational Center of Excellence, Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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3
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Asim S, Tabish TA, Liaqat U, Ozbolat IT, Rizwan M. Advances in Gelatin Bioinks to Optimize Bioprinted Cell Functions. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2203148. [PMID: 36802199 PMCID: PMC10330013 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202203148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2023]
Abstract
Gelatin is a widely utilized bioprinting biomaterial due to its cell-adhesive and enzymatically cleavable properties, which improve cell adhesion and growth. Gelatin is often covalently cross-linked to stabilize bioprinted structures, yet the covalently cross-linked matrix is unable to recapitulate the dynamic microenvironment of the natural extracellular matrix (ECM), thereby limiting the functions of bioprinted cells. To some extent, a double network bioink can provide a more ECM-mimetic, bioprinted niche for cell growth. More recently, gelatin matrices are being designed using reversible cross-linking methods that can emulate the dynamic mechanical properties of the ECM. This review analyzes the progress in developing gelatin bioink formulations for 3D cell culture, and critically analyzes the bioprinting and cross-linking techniques, with a focus on strategies to optimize the functions of bioprinted cells. This review discusses new cross-linking chemistries that recapitulate the viscoelastic, stress-relaxing microenvironment of the ECM, and enable advanced cell functions, yet are less explored in engineering the gelatin bioink. Finally, this work presents the perspective on the areas of future research and argues that the next generation of gelatin bioinks should be designed by considering cell-matrix interactions, and bioprinted constructs should be validated against currently established 3D cell culture standards to achieve improved therapeutic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saad Asim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI, 49931 USA
| | - Tanveer A. Tabish
- Cardiovascular Division, Radcliff Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Usman Liaqat
- Department of Materials Engineering, School of Chemical and Materials Engineering (SCME), National University of Sciences & Technology (NUST), Pakistan
| | - Ibrahim T. Ozbolat
- Engineering Science and Mechanics, Penn State, University Park, PA 16802, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Penn State, University Park, PA 16802, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Penn State, Hershey, PA 16802, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cukurova University, Adana 01330, Turkey
| | - Muhammad Rizwan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI, 49931 USA
- Health Research Institute, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI, 49931 USA
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Cui Y, Lee P, Reardon JJ, Wang A, Lynch S, Otero JJ, Sizemore G, Winter JO. Evaluating glioblastoma tumour sphere growth and migration in interaction with astrocytes using 3D collagen-hyaluronic acid hydrogels. J Mater Chem B 2023; 11:5442-5459. [PMID: 37159233 PMCID: PMC10330682 DOI: 10.1039/d3tb00066d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GB) is an astrocytic brain tumour with a low survival rate, partly because of its highly invasive nature. The GB tumour microenvironment (TME) includes its extracellular matrix (ECM), a variety of brain cell types, unique anatomical structures, and local mechanical cues. As such, researchers have attempted to create biomaterials and culture models that mimic features of TME complexity. Hydrogel materials have been particularly popular because they enable 3D cell culture and mimic TME mechanical properites and chemical composition. Here, we used a 3D collagen I-hyaluronic acid hydrogel material to explore interactions between GB cells and astrocytes, the normal cell type from which GB likely derives. We demonstrate three different spheroid culture configurations, including GB multi-spheres (i.e., GB and astrocyte cells in spheroid co-culture), GB-only mono-spheres cultured with astrocyte-conditioned media, and GB-only mono-spheres cultured with dispersed live or fixed astrocytes. Using U87 and LN229 GB cell lines and primary human astrocytes, we investigated material and experiment variability. We then used time-lapse fluorescence microscopy to measure invasive potential by characterizing the sphere size, migration capacity, and weight-averaged migration distance in these hydrogels. Finally, we developed methods to extract RNA for gene expression analysis from cells cultured in hydrogels. U87 and LN229 cells displayed different migration behaviors. U87 migration occurred primarily as single cells and was reduced with higher numbers of astrocytes in both multi-sphere and mono-sphere plus dispersed astrocyte cultures. In contrast, LN229 migration exhibited features of collective migration and was increased in monosphere plus dispersed astrocyte cultures. Gene expression studies indicated that the most differentially expressed genes in these co-cultures were CA9, HLA-DQA1, TMPRSS2, FPR1, OAS2, and KLRD1. Most differentially expressed genes were related to immune response, inflammation, and cytokine signalling, with greater influence on U87 than LN229. These data show that 3D in vitro hydrogel co-culture models can be used to reveal cell line specific differences in migration and to study differential GB-astrocyte crosstalk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixiao Cui
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
| | - Paul Lee
- William G. Lowrie Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Jesse J Reardon
- Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center - James, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Anna Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
| | - Skylar Lynch
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
| | - Jose J Otero
- Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center - James, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Gina Sizemore
- Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center - James, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Jessica O Winter
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
- William G. Lowrie Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center - James, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
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Iaconisi GN, Lunetti P, Gallo N, Cappello AR, Fiermonte G, Dolce V, Capobianco L. Hyaluronic Acid: A Powerful Biomolecule with Wide-Ranging Applications-A Comprehensive Review. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10296. [PMID: 37373443 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241210296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a glycosaminoglycan widely distributed in the human body, especially in body fluids and the extracellular matrix of tissues. It plays a crucial role not only in maintaining tissue hydration but also in cellular processes such as proliferation, differentiation, and the inflammatory response. HA has demonstrated its efficacy as a powerful bioactive molecule not only for skin antiaging but also in atherosclerosis, cancer, and other pathological conditions. Due to its biocompatibility, biodegradability, non-toxicity, and non-immunogenicity, several HA-based biomedical products have been developed. There is an increasing focus on optimizing HA production processes to achieve high-quality, efficient, and cost-effective products. This review discusses HA's structure, properties, and production through microbial fermentation. Furthermore, it highlights the bioactive applications of HA in emerging sectors of biomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Natalia Iaconisi
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Paola Lunetti
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Nunzia Gallo
- Department of Engineering for Innovation, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Anna Rita Cappello
- Department of Pharmacy, Health, and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Fiermonte
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Vincenza Dolce
- Department of Pharmacy, Health, and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Loredana Capobianco
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
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6
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Childhood Brain Tumors: A Review of Strategies to Translate CNS Drug Delivery to Clinical Trials. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15030857. [PMID: 36765816 PMCID: PMC9913389 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15030857] [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: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain and spinal tumors affect 1 in 1000 people by 25 years of age, and have diverse histological, biological, anatomical and dissemination characteristics. A mortality of 30-40% means the majority are cured, although two-thirds have life-long disability, linked to accumulated brain injury that is acquired prior to diagnosis, and after surgery or chemo-radiotherapy. Only four drugs have been licensed globally for brain tumors in 40 years and only one for children. Most new cancer drugs in clinical trials do not cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Techniques to enhance brain tumor drug delivery are explored in this review, and cover those that augment penetration of the BBB, and those that bypass the BBB. Developing appropriate delivery techniques could improve patient outcomes by ensuring efficacious drug exposure to tumors (including those that are drug-resistant), reducing systemic toxicities and targeting leptomeningeal metastases. Together, this drug delivery strategy seeks to enhance the efficacy of new drugs and enable re-evaluation of existing drugs that might have previously failed because of inadequate delivery. A literature review of repurposed drugs is reported, and a range of preclinical brain tumor models available for translational development are explored.
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7
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Barin N, Balcioglu HE, de Heer I, de Wit M, Lamfers MLM, van Royen ME, French PJ, Accardo A. 3D-Engineered Scaffolds to Study Microtubes and Localization of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor in Patient-Derived Glioma Cells. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2022; 18:e2204485. [PMID: 36207287 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202204485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
A major obstacle in glioma research is the lack of in vitro models that can retain cellular features of glioma cells in vivo. To overcome this limitation, a 3D-engineered scaffold, fabricated by two-photon polymerization, is developed as a cell culture model system to study patient-derived glioma cells. Scanning electron microscopy, (live cell) confocal microscopy, and immunohistochemistry are employed to assess the 3D model with respect to scaffold colonization, cellular morphology, and epidermal growth factor receptor localization. Both glioma patient-derived cells and established cell lines successfully colonize the scaffolds. Compared to conventional 2D cell cultures, the 3D-engineered scaffolds more closely resemble in vivo glioma cellular features and allow better monitoring of individual cells, cellular protrusions, and intracellular trafficking. Furthermore, less random cell motility and increased stability of cellular networks is observed for cells cultured on the scaffolds. The 3D-engineered glioma scaffolds therefore represent a promising tool for studying brain cancer mechanobiology as well as for drug screening studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nastaran Barin
- Department of Precision and Microsystems Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Mekelweg 2, Delft, 2628 CD, The Netherlands
- Department of Neurology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center, Doctor Molewaterplein 40, Rotterdam, 3015 GD, The Netherlands
| | - Hayri E Balcioglu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center, Doctor Molewaterplein 40, Rotterdam, 3015 GD, The Netherlands
| | - Iris de Heer
- Department of Neurology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center, Doctor Molewaterplein 40, Rotterdam, 3015 GD, The Netherlands
| | - Maurice de Wit
- Department of Neurology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center, Doctor Molewaterplein 40, Rotterdam, 3015 GD, The Netherlands
| | - Martine L M Lamfers
- Department of Neurosurgery, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center, Doctor Molewaterplein 40, Rotterdam, 3015 GD, The Netherlands
| | - Martin E van Royen
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center, Doctor Molewaterplein 40, Rotterdam, 3015 GD, The Netherlands
| | - Pim J French
- Department of Neurology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center, Doctor Molewaterplein 40, Rotterdam, 3015 GD, The Netherlands
| | - Angelo Accardo
- Department of Precision and Microsystems Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Mekelweg 2, Delft, 2628 CD, The Netherlands
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8
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Djoudi A, Molina-Peña R, Ferreira N, Ottonelli I, Tosi G, Garcion E, Boury F. Hyaluronic Acid Scaffolds for Loco-Regional Therapy in Nervous System Related Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:12174. [PMID: 36293030 PMCID: PMC9602826 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a Glycosaminoglycan made of disaccharide units containing N-acetyl-D-glucosamine and glucuronic acid. Its molecular mass can reach 10 MDa and its physiological properties depend on its polymeric property, polyelectrolyte feature and viscous nature. HA is a ubiquitous compound found in almost all biological tissues and fluids. So far, HA grades are produced by biotechnology processes, while in the human organism it is a major component of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in brain tissue, synovial fluid, vitreous humor, cartilage and skin. Indeed, HA is capable of forming hydrogels, polymer crosslinked networks that are very hygroscopic. Based on these considerations, we propose an overview of HA-based scaffolds developed for brain cancer treatment, central and peripheral nervous systems, discuss their relevance and identify the most successful developed systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amel Djoudi
- Inserm UMR 1307, CNRS UMR 6075, Université de Nantes, CRCI2NA, Université d’Angers, 49000 Angers, France
| | - Rodolfo Molina-Peña
- Inserm UMR 1307, CNRS UMR 6075, Université de Nantes, CRCI2NA, Université d’Angers, 49000 Angers, France
| | - Natalia Ferreira
- Inserm UMR 1307, CNRS UMR 6075, Université de Nantes, CRCI2NA, Université d’Angers, 49000 Angers, France
| | - Ilaria Ottonelli
- Nanotech Lab, Te.Far.T.I., Department Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
- Clinical and Experimental Medicine PhD Program, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Giovanni Tosi
- Nanotech Lab, Te.Far.T.I., Department Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Emmanuel Garcion
- Inserm UMR 1307, CNRS UMR 6075, Université de Nantes, CRCI2NA, Université d’Angers, 49000 Angers, France
| | - Frank Boury
- Inserm UMR 1307, CNRS UMR 6075, Université de Nantes, CRCI2NA, Université d’Angers, 49000 Angers, France
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9
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Mechanical stretching of 3D hydrogels for neural stem cell differentiation. Biodes Manuf 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s42242-022-00209-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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10
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Boccellato C, Rehm M. Glioblastoma, from disease understanding towards optimal cell-based in vitro models. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2022; 45:527-541. [PMID: 35763242 PMCID: PMC9424171 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-022-00684-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Glioblastoma (GBM) patients are notoriously difficult to treat and ultimately all succumb to disease. This unfortunate scenario motivates research into better characterizing and understanding this disease, and into developing novel research tools by which potential novel therapeutics and treatment options initially can be evaluated pre-clinically. Here, we provide a concise overview of glioblastoma epidemiology, disease classification, the challenges faced in the treatment of glioblastoma and current novel treatment strategies. From this, we lead into a description and assessment of advanced cell-based models that aim to narrow the gap between pre-clinical and clinical studies. Such invitro models are required to deliver reliable and meaningful data for the development and pre-validation of novel therapeutics and treatments.
Conclusions
The toolbox for GBM cell-based models has expanded substantially, with the possibility of 3D printing tumour tissues and thereby replicating invivo tissue architectures now looming on the horizon. A comparison of experimental cell-based model systems and techniques highlights advantages and drawbacks of the various tools available, based on which cell-based models and experimental approaches best suited to address a diversity of research questions in the glioblastoma research field can be selected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Boccellato
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany.
| | - Markus Rehm
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany.
- Stuttgart Research Center Systems Biology, University of Stuttgart, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany.
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11
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El Kheir W, Marcos B, Virgilio N, Paquette B, Faucheux N, Lauzon MA. Drug Delivery Systems in the Development of Novel Strategies for Glioblastoma Treatment. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:1189. [PMID: 35745762 PMCID: PMC9227363 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14061189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a grade IV glioma considered the most fatal cancer of the central nervous system (CNS), with less than a 5% survival rate after five years. The tumor heterogeneity, the high infiltrative behavior of its cells, and the blood-brain barrier (BBB) that limits the access of therapeutic drugs to the brain are the main reasons hampering the current standard treatment efficiency. Following the tumor resection, the infiltrative remaining GBM cells, which are resistant to chemotherapy and radiotherapy, can further invade the surrounding brain parenchyma. Consequently, the development of new strategies to treat parenchyma-infiltrating GBM cells, such as vaccines, nanotherapies, and tumor cells traps including drug delivery systems, is required. For example, the chemoattractant CXCL12, by binding to its CXCR4 receptor, activates signaling pathways that play a critical role in tumor progression and invasion, making it an interesting therapeutic target to properly control the direction of GBM cell migration for treatment proposes. Moreover, the interstitial fluid flow (IFF) is also implicated in increasing the GBM cell migration through the activation of the CXCL12-CXCR4 signaling pathway. However, due to its complex and variable nature, the influence of the IFF on the efficiency of drug delivery systems is not well understood yet. Therefore, this review discusses novel drug delivery strategies to overcome the GBM treatment limitations, focusing on chemokines such as CXCL12 as an innovative approach to reverse the migration of infiltrated GBM. Furthermore, recent developments regarding in vitro 3D culture systems aiming to mimic the dynamic peritumoral environment for the optimization of new drug delivery technologies are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wiam El Kheir
- Advanced Dynamic Cell Culture Systems Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Université de Sherbrooke, 2500 Boul. Université, Sherbrooke, QC J1K 2R1, Canada;
- Laboratory of Cell-Biomaterial Biohybrid Systems, Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Université de Sherbrooke, 2500 Boul. Université, Sherbrooke, QC J1K 2R1, Canada;
| | - Bernard Marcos
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Université de Sherbrooke, 2500 Boul. Université, Sherbrooke, QC J1K 2R1, Canada;
| | - Nick Virgilio
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Polytechnique Montréal, 2500 Chemin de Polytechnique, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada;
| | - Benoit Paquette
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Radiobiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, 12e Avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada;
- Clinical Research Center of the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de l’Université de Sherbrooke, 12e Avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Nathalie Faucheux
- Laboratory of Cell-Biomaterial Biohybrid Systems, Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Université de Sherbrooke, 2500 Boul. Université, Sherbrooke, QC J1K 2R1, Canada;
- Clinical Research Center of the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de l’Université de Sherbrooke, 12e Avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Marc-Antoine Lauzon
- Advanced Dynamic Cell Culture Systems Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Université de Sherbrooke, 2500 Boul. Université, Sherbrooke, QC J1K 2R1, Canada;
- Research Center on Aging, 1036 Rue Belvédère Sud, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 4C4, Canada
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Kasapidou PM, de Montullé EL, Dembélé KP, Mutel A, Desrues L, Gubala V, Castel H. Hyaluronic acid-based hydrogels loaded with chemoattractant and anticancer drug - new formulation for attracting and tackling glioma cells. SOFT MATTER 2021; 17:10846-10861. [PMID: 34806746 DOI: 10.1039/d1sm01003d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Over the last few years, significant interest has emerged in the development of localised therapeutic strategies for the treatment of glioblastoma (GBM). The concept of attracting and trapping residual tumour cells within a confined area to facilitate their eradication has developed progressively. Herein, we propose a new design of hyaluronic acid-based hydrogel which can be utilized as a matrix containing a soluble chemoattractant to attract residual glioma cells and chemotherapeutic agents to eradicate them in a less invasive and more efficient way compared to the currently available methods. Hydrogels were prepared at different crosslinking densities, e.g. low and high density, by crosslinking hyaluronic acid with various concentrations of adipic acid dihydrazide and U87MG GBM cell morphology, survival and CD44 expression were evaluated. As a proof-of-concept, hydrogels were loaded with a small peptide chemokine, human urotensin II (hUII), and the migration and survival of U87MG GBM cells were studied. Chemoattractant-containing hydrogels were also loaded with chemotherapeutic drugs to promote cell death in culture. The results showed that U87MG cells were able to invade the hydrogel network and to migrate in response to the chemoattractant hUII. In addition, in static condition, hydrogels loaded with doxorubicin demonstrated significant cytotoxicity leading to less than 80% U87MG cell viability after 48 hours when compared to the control sample. In addition, in in vitro invasive assays, it was originally shown that the chemoattractant effect of hUII can be effective before the cytotoxic action of doxorubicin on the U87MG cells trapped in the hydrogel. Our results provide new insights into a promising approach which can be readily translated in vivo for the treatment of one of the most devastating brain tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paraskevi M Kasapidou
- Medway School of Pharmacy, University of Kent, Central Avenue, Chatham, ME4 4TB, UK
- Normandie Univ, UNIROUEN, INSERM U1239, DC2N, 76000 Rouen, France
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine (IRIB), 76000 Rouen, France
| | - Emmanuel Laillet de Montullé
- Normandie Univ, UNIROUEN, INSERM U1239, DC2N, 76000 Rouen, France
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine (IRIB), 76000 Rouen, France
| | - Kleouforo-Paul Dembélé
- Normandie Univ, UNIROUEN, INSERM U1239, DC2N, 76000 Rouen, France
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine (IRIB), 76000 Rouen, France
| | - Alexandre Mutel
- Normandie Univ, UNIROUEN, INSERM U1239, DC2N, 76000 Rouen, France
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine (IRIB), 76000 Rouen, France
| | - Laurence Desrues
- Normandie Univ, UNIROUEN, INSERM U1239, DC2N, 76000 Rouen, France
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine (IRIB), 76000 Rouen, France
| | - Vladimir Gubala
- Medway School of Pharmacy, University of Kent, Central Avenue, Chatham, ME4 4TB, UK
| | - Hélène Castel
- Normandie Univ, UNIROUEN, INSERM U1239, DC2N, 76000 Rouen, France
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine (IRIB), 76000 Rouen, France
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13
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Preclinical models of glioblastoma: limitations of current models and the promise of new developments. Expert Rev Mol Med 2021; 23:e20. [PMID: 34852856 DOI: 10.1017/erm.2021.20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and aggressive primary brain tumour, yet little progress has been made towards providing better treatment options for patients diagnosed with this devastating condition over the last few decades. The complex nature of the disease, heterogeneity, highly invasive potential of GBM tumours and until recently, reduced investment in research funding compared with other cancer types, are contributing factors to few advancements in disease management. Survival rates remain low with less than 5% of patients surviving 5 years. Another important contributing factor is the use of preclinical models that fail to fully recapitulate GBM pathophysiology, preventing efficient translation from the lab into successful therapies in the clinic. This review critically evaluates current preclinical GBM models, highlighting advantages and disadvantages of using such models, and outlines several emerging techniques in GBM modelling using animal-free approaches. These novel approaches to a highly complex disease such as GBM show evidence of a more truthful recapitulation of GBM pathobiology with high reproducibility. The resulting advancements in this field will offer new biological insights into GBM and its aetiology with potential to contribute towards the development of much needed improved treatments for GBM in future.
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A vascularized tumoroid model for human glioblastoma angiogenesis. Sci Rep 2021; 11:19550. [PMID: 34599235 PMCID: PMC8486855 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-98911-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) angiogenesis is critical for tumor growth and recurrence, making it a compelling therapeutic target. Here, a disease-relevant, vascularized tumoroid in vitro model with stem-like features and stromal surrounds is reported. The model is used to recapitulate how individual components of the GBM’s complex brain microenvironment such as hypoxia, vasculature-related stromal cells and growth factors support GBM angiogenesis. It is scalable, tractable, cost-effective and can be used with biologically-derived or biomimetic matrices. Patient-derived primary GBM cells are found to closely participate in blood vessel formation in contrast to a GBM cell line containing differentiated cells. Exogenous growth factors amplify this effect under normoxia but not at hypoxia suggesting that a significant amount of growth factors is already being produced under hypoxic conditions. Under hypoxia, primary GBM cells strongly co-localize with umbilical vein endothelial cells to form sprouting vascular networks, which has been reported to occur in vivo. These findings demonstrate that our 3D tumoroid in vitro model exhibits biomimetic attributes that may permit its use as a preclinical model in studying microenvironment cues of tumor angiogenesis.
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15
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Goodarzi K, Rao SS. Hyaluronic acid-based hydrogels to study cancer cell behaviors. J Mater Chem B 2021; 9:6103-6115. [PMID: 34259709 DOI: 10.1039/d1tb00963j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a natural polysaccharide and a key component of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in many tissues. Therefore, HA-based biomaterials are extensively utilized to create three dimensional ECM mimics to study cell behaviors in vitro. Specifically, derivatives of HA have been commonly used to fabricate hydrogels with controllable properties. In this review, we discuss the various chemistries employed to fabricate HA-based hydrogels as a tunable matrix to mimic the cancer microenvironment and subsequently study cancer cell behaviors in vitro. These include Michael-addition reactions, photo-crosslinking, carbodiimide chemistry, and Diels-Alder chemistry. The utility of these HA-based hydrogels to examine cancer cell behaviors such as proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro in various types of cancer are highlighted. Overall, such hydrogels provide a biomimetic material-based platform to probe cell-matrix interactions in cancer cells in vitro and study the mechanisms associated with cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasra Goodarzi
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0203, USA.
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16
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Ngo MT, Harley BAC. Progress in mimicking brain microenvironments to understand and treat neurological disorders. APL Bioeng 2021; 5:020902. [PMID: 33869984 PMCID: PMC8034983 DOI: 10.1063/5.0043338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurological disorders including traumatic brain injury, stroke, primary and metastatic brain tumors, and neurodegenerative diseases affect millions of people worldwide. Disease progression is accompanied by changes in the brain microenvironment, but how these shifts in biochemical, biophysical, and cellular properties contribute to repair outcomes or continued degeneration is largely unknown. Tissue engineering approaches can be used to develop in vitro models to understand how the brain microenvironment contributes to pathophysiological processes linked to neurological disorders and may also offer constructs that promote healing and regeneration in vivo. In this Perspective, we summarize features of the brain microenvironment in normal and pathophysiological states and highlight strategies to mimic this environment to model disease, investigate neural stem cell biology, and promote regenerative healing. We discuss current limitations and resulting opportunities to develop tissue engineering tools that more faithfully recapitulate the aspects of the brain microenvironment for both in vitro and in vivo applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mai T. Ngo
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
| | - Brendan A. C. Harley
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed:. Tel.: (217) 244-7112. Fax: (217) 333-5052
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17
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Zhu D, Trinh P, Li J, Grant GA, Yang F. Gradient hydrogels for screening stiffness effects on patient-derived glioblastoma xenograft cellfates in 3D. J Biomed Mater Res A 2021; 109:1027-1035. [PMID: 32862485 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.37093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 08/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Brain cancer is a devastating disease given its extreme invasiveness and intricate location. Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the most common forms of brain cancer, and cancer progression is often correlated with significantly altered tissue stiffness. To elucidate the effect of matrix stiffness on GBM cell fates, previous research is largely limited to 2D studies using immortalized cell lines, which has limited physiological relevance. The objective of the study is to develop gradient hydrogels with brain-mimicking stiffness range as a 3Din vitro GBM model for screening of the effects of matrix stiffness on GBM. To increase the physiological relevance, patient-derived tumor xenograft (PDTX) GBM cells were used. Our gradient platform allows formation of cell-containing hydrogels with stiffness ranging from 40 Pa to 1,300 Pa within a few minutes. By focusing on a brain-mimicking stiffness range, this gradient hydrogel platform is designed for investigating brain cancer. Increasing stiffness led to decreased GBM proliferation and less spreading, which is accompanied by downregulation of matrix-metalloproteinases (MMPs). Using temozolomide (TMZ) as a model drug, we demonstrate that increasing stiffness led to higher drug resistance by PDTX GBM cells in 3D, suggesting matrix stiffness can directly modulate how GBM cells respond to drug treatment. While the current study focuses on stiffness gradient, the setup may also be adapted for screening other cancer niche cues such as how biochemical ligand gradient modulates brain cancer progression and drug responses using reduced materials and time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danqing Zhu
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Pavin Trinh
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Jianfeng Li
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Gerry A Grant
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Fan Yang
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
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18
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Stanković T, Ranđelović T, Dragoj M, Stojković Burić S, Fernández L, Ochoa I, Pérez-García VM, Pešić M. In vitro biomimetic models for glioblastoma-a promising tool for drug response studies. Drug Resist Updat 2021; 55:100753. [PMID: 33667959 DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2021.100753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2020] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The poor response of glioblastoma to current treatment protocols is a consequence of its intrinsic drug resistance. Resistance to chemotherapy is primarily associated with considerable cellular heterogeneity, and plasticity of glioblastoma cells, alterations in gene expression, presence of specific tumor microenvironment conditions and blood-brain barrier. In an attempt to successfully overcome chemoresistance and better understand the biological behavior of glioblastoma, numerous tri-dimensional (3D) biomimetic models were developed in the past decade. These novel advanced models are able to better recapitulate the spatial organization of glioblastoma in a real time, therefore providing more realistic and reliable evidence to the response of glioblastoma to therapy. Moreover, these models enable the fine-tuning of different tumor microenvironment conditions and facilitate studies on the effects of the tumor microenvironment on glioblastoma chemoresistance. This review outlines current knowledge on the essence of glioblastoma chemoresistance and describes the progress achieved by 3D biomimetic models. Moreover, comprehensive literature assessment regarding the influence of 3D culturing and microenvironment mimicking on glioblastoma gene expression and biological behavior is also provided. The contribution of the blood-brain barrier as well as the blood-tumor barrier to glioblastoma chemoresistance is also reviewed from the perspective of 3D biomimetic models. Finally, the role of mathematical models in predicting 3D glioblastoma behavior and drug response is elaborated. In the future, technological innovations along with mathematical simulations should create reliable 3D biomimetic systems for glioblastoma research that should facilitate the identification and possibly application in preclinical drug testing and precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tijana Stanković
- Department of Neurobiology, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković"- National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Despota Stefana 142, 11060, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Teodora Ranđelović
- Tissue Microenvironment Lab (TME), Aragón Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Aragon 50018, Spain; Institute for Health Research Aragon (IIS Aragón), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Miodrag Dragoj
- Department of Neurobiology, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković"- National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Despota Stefana 142, 11060, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Sonja Stojković Burić
- Department of Neurobiology, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković"- National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Despota Stefana 142, 11060, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Luis Fernández
- Tissue Microenvironment Lab (TME), Aragón Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Aragon 50018, Spain; Centro Investigación Biomédica en Red. Bioingenieria, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Zaragoza, Aragon 50018, Spain; Institute for Health Research Aragon (IIS Aragón), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Ignacio Ochoa
- Tissue Microenvironment Lab (TME), Aragón Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Aragon 50018, Spain; Centro Investigación Biomédica en Red. Bioingenieria, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Zaragoza, Aragon 50018, Spain; Institute for Health Research Aragon (IIS Aragón), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Victor M Pérez-García
- Departamento de Matemáticas, E.T.S.I. Industriales and Instituto de Matemática Aplicada a la Ciencia y la Ingeniería (IMACI), Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Ciudad Real, 13071, Spain
| | - Milica Pešić
- Department of Neurobiology, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković"- National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Despota Stefana 142, 11060, Belgrade, Serbia.
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19
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Piantino M, Figarol A, Matsusaki M. Three-Dimensional in vitro Models of Healthy and Tumor Brain Microvasculature for Drug and Toxicity Screening. FRONTIERS IN TOXICOLOGY 2021; 3:656254. [PMID: 35295158 PMCID: PMC8915870 DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2021.656254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Tissue vascularization is essential for its oxygenation and the homogenous diffusion of nutrients. Cutting-edge studies are focusing on the vascularization of three-dimensional (3D) in vitro models of human tissues. The reproduction of the brain vasculature is particularly challenging as numerous cell types are involved. Moreover, the blood-brain barrier, which acts as a selective filter between the vascular system and the brain, is a complex structure to replicate. Nevertheless, tremendous advances have been made in recent years, and several works have proposed promising 3D in vitro models of the brain microvasculature. They incorporate cell co-cultures organized in 3D scaffolds, often consisting of components of the native extracellular matrix (ECM), to obtain a micro-environment similar to the in vivo physiological state. These models are particularly useful for studying adverse effects on the healthy brain vasculature. They provide insights into the molecular and cellular events involved in the pathological evolutions of this vasculature, such as those supporting the appearance of brain cancers. Glioblastoma multiform (GBM) is the most common form of brain cancer and one of the most vascularized solid tumors. It is characterized by a high aggressiveness and therapy resistance. Current conventional therapies are unable to prevent the high risk of recurrence of the disease. Most of the new drug candidates fail to pass clinical trials, despite the promising results shown in vitro. The conventional in vitro models are unable to efficiently reproduce the specific features of GBM tumors. Recent studies have indeed suggested a high heterogeneity of the tumor brain vasculature, with the coexistence of intact and leaky regions resulting from the constant remodeling of the ECM by glioma cells. In this review paper, after summarizing the advances in 3D in vitro brain vasculature models, we focus on the latest achievements in vascularized GBM modeling, and the potential applications for both healthy and pathological models as platforms for drug screening and toxicological assays. Particular attention will be paid to discuss the relevance of these models in terms of cell-cell, cell-ECM interactions, vascularization and permeability properties, which are crucial parameters for improving in vitro testing accuracy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Piantino
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Agathe Figarol
- Institut Jean Lamour, UMR 7198 CNRS, Université de Lorraine, Nancy, France
| | - Michiya Matsusaki
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
- *Correspondence: Michiya Matsusaki
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20
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Van Hoorick J, Dobos A, Markovic M, Gheysens T, Van Damme L, Gruber P, Tytgat L, Van Erps J, Thienpont H, Dubruel P, Ovsianikov A, Van Vlierberghe S. Thiol-norbornene gelatin hydrogels: influence of thiolated crosslinker on network properties and high definition 3D printing. Biofabrication 2021; 13. [DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/abc95f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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21
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Pibuel MA, Poodts D, Díaz M, Hajos SE, Lompardía SL. The scrambled story between hyaluronan and glioblastoma. J Biol Chem 2021; 296:100549. [PMID: 33744285 PMCID: PMC8050860 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.100549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Advances in cancer biology are revealing the importance of the cancer cell microenvironment on tumorigenesis and cancer progression. Hyaluronan (HA), the main glycosaminoglycan in the extracellular matrix, has been associated with the progression of glioblastoma (GBM), the most frequent and lethal primary tumor in the central nervous system, for several decades. However, the mechanisms by which HA impacts GBM properties and processes have been difficult to elucidate. In this review, we provide a comprehensive assessment of the current knowledge on HA's effects on GBM biology, introducing its primary receptors CD44 and RHAMM and the plethora of relevant downstream signaling pathways that can scramble efforts to directly link HA activity to biological outcomes. We consider the complexities of studying an extracellular polymer and the different strategies used to try to capture its function, including 2D and 3D in vitro studies, patient samples, and in vivo models. Given that HA affects not only migration and invasion, but also cell proliferation, adherence, and chemoresistance, we highlight the potential role of HA as a therapeutic target. Finally, we review the different existing approaches to diminish its protumor effects, such as the use of 4-methylumbelliferone, HA oligomers, and hyaluronidases and encourage further research along these lines in order to improve the survival and quality of life of GBM patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matías Arturo Pibuel
- Departamento de Microbiología, Inmunología, Biotecnología y Genética, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Instituto de Estudios de la Inmunidad Humoral (IDEHU)-CONICET, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Capital Federal, Argentina.
| | - Daniela Poodts
- Departamento de Microbiología, Inmunología, Biotecnología y Genética, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Instituto de Estudios de la Inmunidad Humoral (IDEHU)-CONICET, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Capital Federal, Argentina
| | - Mariángeles Díaz
- Instituto de Estudios de la Inmunidad Humoral (IDEHU)-CONICET, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Capital Federal, Argentina
| | - Silvia Elvira Hajos
- Departamento de Microbiología, Inmunología, Biotecnología y Genética, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Instituto de Estudios de la Inmunidad Humoral (IDEHU)-CONICET, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Capital Federal, Argentina
| | - Silvina Laura Lompardía
- Departamento de Microbiología, Inmunología, Biotecnología y Genética, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Instituto de Estudios de la Inmunidad Humoral (IDEHU)-CONICET, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Capital Federal, Argentina.
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22
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2D and 3D in vitro assays to quantify the invasive behavior of glioblastoma stem cells in response to SDF-1α. Biotechniques 2020; 69:339-346. [PMID: 32867513 DOI: 10.2144/btn-2020-0046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Invasion is a hallmark of cancer and therefore in vitro invasion assays are important tools in cancer research. We aimed to describe in vitro 2D transwell assays and 3D spheroid assays to quantitatively determine the invasive behavior of glioblastoma stem cells in response to the chemoattractant SDF-1α. Matrigel was used as a matrix in both assays. We demonstrated quantitatively that SDF-1α increased invasive behavior of glioblastoma stem cells in both assays. We conclude that the 2D transwell invasion assay is easy to perform, fast and less complex whereas the more time-consuming 3D spheroid invasion assay is physiologically closer to the in vivo situation.
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Abstract
Brain tumors' severity ranges from benign to highly aggressive and invasive. Bioengineering tools can assist in understanding the pathophysiology of these tumors from outside the body and facilitate development of suitable antitumoral treatments. Here, we first describe the physiology and cellular composition of brain tumors. Then, we discuss the development of three-dimensional tissue models utilizing brain tumor cells. In particular, we highlight the role of hydrogels in providing a biomimetic support for the cells to grow into defined structures. Microscale technologies, such as electrospinning and bioprinting, and advanced cellular models aim to mimic the extracellular matrix and natural cellular localization in engineered tumor tissues. Lastly, we review current applications and prospects of hydrogels for therapeutic purposes, such as drug delivery and co-administration with other therapies. Through further development, hydrogels can serve as a reliable option for in vitro modeling and treatment of brain tumors for translational medicine.
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24
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Pal A, Smith CI, Palade J, Nagaraju S, Alarcon-Benedetto BA, Kilbourne J, Rawls A, Wilson-Rawls J, Vernon BL, Nikkhah M. Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-based dual-crosslinking biohybrid injectable hydrogels for vascularization. Acta Biomater 2020; 107:138-151. [PMID: 32126310 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2020.02.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2019] [Revised: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Injectable hydrogels provide a powerful and non-invasive approach for numerous applications in cell transplantation, growth factor delivery, tissue regeneration and so forth. The properties of injectable hydrogels should be well-tuned for specific applications, where their overall design should ensure biocompatibility, non-toxicity, robust mechanical properties, and most importantly the ability to promote vascularization and integration with the host tissue/organ. Among these criteria, vascularization remains a key design element in the development of functional therapeutic hydrogels for successful translation into clinical settings. To that end, there is still a critical need for the development of the next generation of injectable hydrogels with precisely tuned biophysical and biochemical properties which could simultaneously promote tissue vascularization. In this work, we developed a temperature responsive, dual-crosslinking, biohybrid hydrogels, modified with a vasculogenic peptide for applications in regenerative medicine, specifically tissue vascularization. The synthesized hydrogels consisted of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-based copolymer, functionalized gelation and angiogenic VEGF-mimetic QK peptide with enhanced shear-thinning and injectability properties. QK peptide is a VEGF-mimetic vasculogenic peptide which binds to VEGF receptors and activates intercellular pathway for vascularization. Apart from the presence of QK peptide, the mechanical properties of the hydrogels were precisely tuned by altering the polymer concentration, enabling successful assembly and endothelial cell network formation. Extended in vitro studies demonstrated successful encapsulation and homogeneous distribution of endothelial cells within the three-dimensional (3D) environment of the hydrogel matrix with significantly enhanced vascularization in presence of the QK peptide as early as 3 days of culture. A small, preliminary in vivo study in mice showed a trend of increased blood vessel formation in hydrogels that incorporated the QK peptide. Overall, our study presents the design and characterization of injectable, dual-crosslinking and vasculogenic hydrogels with controlled properties which could be utilized for numerous applications in regenerative medicine, minimally invasive cell and drug delivery as well as fundamental studies on tissue vascularization and angiogenesis. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: In this work, we synthesized a new class of temperature responsive, dual-crosslinking, biohybrid injectable hydrogels with enhanced vascularization properties for broad applications in regenerative medicine and minimally invasive cell/drug delivery. The developed hydrogels properly accommodated 3D culture, assembly and network formation of endothelial cells, as evidenced by in vitro and in vivo studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amrita Pal
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering (SBHSE), Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
| | - Cameron I Smith
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
| | - Joanna Palade
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
| | - Supriya Nagaraju
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering (SBHSE), Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
| | - Byron A Alarcon-Benedetto
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering (SBHSE), Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
| | - Jacquelyn Kilbourne
- Department of Animal Care Technologies, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
| | - Alan Rawls
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
| | | | - Brent L Vernon
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering (SBHSE), Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA.
| | - Mehdi Nikkhah
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering (SBHSE), Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA; Center for Personalized Diagnostics, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA.
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25
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Dundar B, Markwell SM, Sharma NV, Olson CL, Mukherjee S, Brat DJ. Methods for in vitro modeling of glioma invasion: Choosing tools to meet the need. Glia 2020; 68:2173-2191. [PMID: 32134155 DOI: 10.1002/glia.23813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Revised: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Widespread tumor cell invasion is a fundamental property of diffuse gliomas and is ultimately responsible for their poor prognosis. A greater understanding of basic mechanisms underlying glioma invasion is needed to provide insights into therapies that could potentially counteract them. While none of the currently available in vitro models can fully recapitulate the complex interactions of glioma cells within the brain tumor microenvironment, if chosen and developed appropriately, these models can provide controlled experimental settings to study molecular and cellular phenomena that are challenging or impossible to model in vivo. Therefore, selecting the most appropriate in vitro model, together with its inherent advantages and limitations, for specific hypotheses and experimental questions achieves primary significance. In this review, we describe and discuss commonly used methods for modeling and studying glioma invasion in vitro, including platforms, matrices, cell culture, and visualization techniques, so that choices for experimental approach are informed and optimal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bilge Dundar
- Department of Pathology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Steven M Markwell
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Nitya V Sharma
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Cheryl L Olson
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Subhas Mukherjee
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Daniel J Brat
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Wolf KJ, Chen J, Coombes J, Aghi MK, Kumar S. Dissecting and rebuilding the glioblastoma microenvironment with engineered materials. NATURE REVIEWS. MATERIALS 2019; 4:651-668. [PMID: 32647587 PMCID: PMC7347297 DOI: 10.1038/s41578-019-0135-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive and common form of primary brain cancer. Several decades of research have provided great insight into GBM progression; however, the prognosis remains poor with a median patient survival time of ~ 15 months. The tumour microenvironment (TME) of GBM plays a crucial role in mediating tumour progression and thus is being explored as a therapeutic target. Progress in the development of treatments targeting the TME is currently limited by a lack of model systems that can accurately recreate the distinct extracellular matrix composition and anatomic features of the brain, such as the blood-brain barrier and axonal tracts. Biomaterials can be applied to develop synthetic models of the GBM TME to mimic physiological and pathophysiological features of the brain, including cellular and ECM composition, mechanical properties, and topography. In this Review, we summarize key features of the GBM microenvironment and discuss different strategies for the engineering of GBM TME models, including 2D and 3D models featuring chemical and mechanical gradients, interfaces and fluid flow. Finally, we highlight the potential of engineered TME models as platforms for mechanistic discovery and drug screening as well as preclinical testing and precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayla J. Wolf
- University of California, Berkeley – University of California, San Francisco Graduate Program in Bioengineering, Berkeley, California, 94720, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, 94720, USA
| | - Joseph Chen
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, 94720, USA
| | - Jason Coombes
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, 94720, USA
- Division of Transplantation Immunology and Mucosal Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Manish K. Aghi
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of California San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, California, 94158
| | - Sanjay Kumar
- University of California, Berkeley – University of California, San Francisco Graduate Program in Bioengineering, Berkeley, California, 94720, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, 94720, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, 94720, USA
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Van Hoorick J, Tytgat L, Dobos A, Ottevaere H, Van Erps J, Thienpont H, Ovsianikov A, Dubruel P, Van Vlierberghe S. (Photo-)crosslinkable gelatin derivatives for biofabrication applications. Acta Biomater 2019; 97:46-73. [PMID: 31344513 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2019.07.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Revised: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Over the recent decades gelatin has proven to be very suitable as an extracellular matrix mimic for biofabrication and tissue engineering applications. However, gelatin is prone to dissolution at typical cell culture conditions and is therefore often chemically modified to introduce (photo-)crosslinkable functionalities. These modifications allow to tune the material properties of gelatin, making it suitable for a wide range of biofabrication techniques both as a bioink and as a biomaterial ink (component). The present review provides a non-exhaustive overview of the different reported gelatin modification strategies to yield crosslinkable materials that can be used to form hydrogels suitable for biofabrication applications. The different crosslinking chemistries are discussed and classified according to their mechanism including chain-growth and step-growth polymerization. The step-growth polymerization mechanisms are further classified based on the specific chemistry including different (photo-)click chemistries and reversible systems. The benefits and drawbacks of each chemistry are also briefly discussed. Furthermore, focus is placed on different biofabrication strategies using either inkjet, deposition or light-based additive manufacturing techniques, and the applications of the obtained 3D constructs. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Gelatin and more specifically gelatin-methacryloyl has emerged to become one of the gold standard materials as an extracellular matrix mimic in the field of biofabrication. However, also other modification strategies have been elaborated to take advantage of a plethora of crosslinking chemistries. Therefore, a review paper focusing on the different modification strategies and processing of gelatin is presented. Particular attention is paid to the underlying chemistry along with the benefits and drawbacks of each type of crosslinking chemistry. The different strategies were classified based on their basic crosslinking mechanism including chain- or step-growth polymerization. Within the step-growth classification, a further distinction is made between click chemistries as well as other strategies. The influence of these modifications on the physical gelation and processing conditions including mechanical properties is presented. Additionally, substantial attention is put to the applied photoinitiators and the different biofabrication technologies including inkjet, deposition or light-based technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasper Van Hoorick
- Polymer Chemistry & Biomaterials Group - Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry (CMaC) - Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281, S4-Bis, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Brussels Photonics (B-PHOT) - Department of Applied Physics and Photonics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel and Flanders Make, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Liesbeth Tytgat
- Polymer Chemistry & Biomaterials Group - Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry (CMaC) - Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281, S4-Bis, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Brussels Photonics (B-PHOT) - Department of Applied Physics and Photonics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel and Flanders Make, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Agnes Dobos
- Research Group 3D Printing and Biofabrication, Institute of Materials Science and Technology, TU Wien, Getreidemarkt 9, 1060 Vienna, Austria
| | - Heidi Ottevaere
- Brussels Photonics (B-PHOT) - Department of Applied Physics and Photonics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel and Flanders Make, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jürgen Van Erps
- Brussels Photonics (B-PHOT) - Department of Applied Physics and Photonics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel and Flanders Make, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Hugo Thienpont
- Brussels Photonics (B-PHOT) - Department of Applied Physics and Photonics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel and Flanders Make, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Aleksandr Ovsianikov
- Research Group 3D Printing and Biofabrication, Institute of Materials Science and Technology, TU Wien, Getreidemarkt 9, 1060 Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Dubruel
- Polymer Chemistry & Biomaterials Group - Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry (CMaC) - Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281, S4-Bis, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sandra Van Vlierberghe
- Polymer Chemistry & Biomaterials Group - Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry (CMaC) - Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281, S4-Bis, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Brussels Photonics (B-PHOT) - Department of Applied Physics and Photonics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel and Flanders Make, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium.
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Glioblastoma's Next Top Model: Novel Culture Systems for Brain Cancer Radiotherapy Research. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11010044. [PMID: 30621226 PMCID: PMC6356812 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11010044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2018] [Revised: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 12/25/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM), the most common and aggressive primary brain tumor in adults, remains one of the least treatable cancers. Current standard of care—combining surgical resection, radiation, and alkylating chemotherapy—results in a median survival of only 15 months. Despite decades of investment and research into the development of new therapies, most candidate anti-glioma compounds fail to translate into effective treatments in clinical trials. One key issue underlying this failure of therapies that work in pre-clinical models to generate meaningful improvement in human patients is the profound mismatch between drug discovery systems—cell cultures and mouse models—and the actual tumors they are supposed to imitate. Indeed, current strategies that evaluate the effects of novel treatments on GBM cells in vitro fail to account for a wide range of factors known to influence tumor growth. These include secreted factors, the brain’s unique extracellular matrix, circulatory structures, the presence of non-tumor brain cells, and nutrient sources available for tumor metabolism. While mouse models provide a more realistic testing ground for potential therapies, they still fail to account for the full complexity of tumor-microenvironment interactions, as well as the role of the immune system. Based on the limitations of current models, researchers have begun to develop and implement novel culture systems that better recapitulate the complex reality of brain tumors growing in situ. A rise in the use of patient derived cells, creative combinations of added growth factors and supplements, may provide a more effective proving ground for the development of novel therapies. This review will summarize and analyze these exciting developments in 3D culturing systems. Special attention will be paid to how they enhance the design and identification of compounds that increase the efficacy of radiotherapy, a bedrock of GBM treatment.
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Palamà IE, D'Amone S, Cortese B. Microenvironmental Rigidity of 3D Scaffolds and Influence on Glioblastoma Cells: A Biomaterial Design Perspective. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2018; 6:131. [PMID: 30320080 PMCID: PMC6166390 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2018.00131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Accepted: 09/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Stefania D'Amone
- Nanotechnology Institute, CNR-Nanotechnology Institute, Lecce, Italy
| | - Barbara Cortese
- Nanotechnology Institute, CNR-Nanotechnology Institute, University La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
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de Gooijer MC, Guillén Navarro M, Bernards R, Wurdinger T, van Tellingen O. An Experimenter's Guide to Glioblastoma Invasion Pathways. Trends Mol Med 2018; 24:763-780. [PMID: 30072121 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2018.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2018] [Revised: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 07/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma is a highly aggressive brain tumor that is characterized by its unparalleled invasiveness. Invasive glioblastoma cells not only escape surgery and focal therapies but also are more resistant to current radio- and chemo-therapeutic approaches. Thus, any curative therapy for this deadly disease likely should include treatment strategies that interfere with glioblastoma invasiveness. Understanding glioblastoma invasion mechanisms is therefore critical. We discuss the strengths and weaknesses of various glioblastoma invasion models and conclude that robust experimental evidence has been obtained for a pro-invasive role of Ephrin receptors, Rho GTPases, and casein kinase 2 (CK2). Extensive interplay occurs between these proteins, suggesting the existence of a glioblastoma invasion signaling network that comprises several targets for therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark C de Gooijer
- Division of Pharmacology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands; These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Miriam Guillén Navarro
- Division of Pharmacology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands; These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Rene Bernards
- Division of Molecular Carcinogenesis, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Thomas Wurdinger
- Department of Neurosurgery, VU University Medical Center, Cancer Center Amsterdam, de Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Olaf van Tellingen
- Division of Pharmacology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Magariños AM, Pedron S, Creixell M, Kilinc M, Tabansky I, Pfaff DW, Harley BAC. The Feasibility of Encapsulated Embryonic Medullary Reticular Cells to Grow and Differentiate Into Neurons in Functionalized Gelatin-Based Hydrogels. FRONTIERS IN MATERIALS 2018; 5:40. [PMID: 30687706 PMCID: PMC6345411 DOI: 10.3389/fmats.2018.00040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The study of the behavior of embryonic neurons in controlled in vitro conditions require methodologies that take advantage of advanced tissue engineering approaches to replicate elements of the developing brain extracellular matrix. We report here a series of experiments that explore the potential of photo-polymerized gelatin hydrogels to culture primary embryonic neurons. We employed large medullary reticular neurons whose activity is essential for brain arousal as well as a library of gelatin hydrogels that span a range of mechanical properties, inclusion of brain-mimetic hyaluronic acid, and adhesion peptides. These hydrogel platforms showed inherent capabilities to sustain neuronal viability and were permissive for neuronal differentiation, resulting in the development of neurite outgrowth under specific conditions. The maturation of embryonic medullary reticular cells took place in the absence of growth factors or other exogenous bioactive molecules. Immunocytochemistry labeling of neuron-specific tubulin confirmed the initiation of neural differentiation. Thus, this methodology provides an important validation for future studies of nerve cell growth and maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana M. Magariños
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Behavior, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Sara Pedron
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - Marc Creixell
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Behavior, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Murat Kilinc
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Behavior, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Inna Tabansky
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Behavior, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Donald W. Pfaff
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Behavior, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Brendan A. C. Harley
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
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Cornelison RC, Munson JM. Perspective on Translating Biomaterials Into Glioma Therapy: Lessons From in vitro Models. FRONTIERS IN MATERIALS 2018; 5:27. [PMID: 30911536 PMCID: PMC6430582 DOI: 10.3389/fmats.2018.00027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and malignant form of brain cancer. Even with aggressive standard of care, GBM almost always recurs because its diffuse, infiltrative nature makes these tumors difficult to treat. The use of biomaterials is one strategy that has been, and is being, employed to study and overcome recurrence. Biomaterials have been used in GBM in two ways: in vitro as mediums in which to model the tumor microenvironment, and in vivo to sustain release of cytotoxic therapeutics. In vitro systems are a useful platform for studying the effects of drugs and tissue-level effectors on tumor cells in a physiologically relevant context. These systems have aided examination of how glioma cells respond to a variety of natural, synthetic, and semi-synthetic biomaterials with varying substrate properties, biochemical factor presentations, and non-malignant parenchymal cell compositions in both 2D and 3D environments. The current in vivo paradigm is completely different, however. Polymeric implants are simply used to line the post-surgical resection cavities and deliver secondary therapies, offering moderate impacts on survival. Instead, perhaps we can use the data generated from in vitro systems to design novel biomaterial-based treatments for GBM akin to a tissue engineering approach. Here we offer our perspective on the topic, summarizing how biomaterials have been used to identify facets of glioma biology in vitro and discussing the elements that show promise for translating these systems in vivo as new therapies for GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- R. Chase Cornelison
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Jennifer M. Munson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, United States
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Chen JWE, Lumibao J, Blazek A, Gaskins HR, Harley B. Hypoxia activates enhanced invasive potential and endogenous hyaluronic acid production by glioblastoma cells. Biomater Sci 2018; 6:854-862. [PMID: 29485655 PMCID: PMC5869158 DOI: 10.1039/c7bm01195d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common, aggressive, and deadly form of adult brain cancer, and is associated with a short survival rate (median 12-15 months, 5+ year less than 5%). The complex tumor microenvironment includes matrix transitions at the tumor margin, such as gradations in hyaluronic acid (HA). In addition, metabolic stress induced by decreased oxygen content across the tumor may contribute to tumor progression. However, cross-talk between matrix composition and metabolic stress remains unclear. In this study, we fabricated an in vitro brain memetic HA-decorated gelatin hydrogel platform incorporating variable oxygen concentrations to mimic intra-tumoral hypoxia. We observed that EGFR status (wildtype vs. a constitutively active EGFRvIII mutant) of U87 GBM cells affected proliferation and metabolic activity in response to hypoxia and matrix-bound HA. The use of an invasion assay revealed that invasion was significantly enhanced in both cell types under hypoxia. Moreover, we observed compensatory secretion of soluble HA in cases of enhanced GBM cell invasion, consistent with our previous findings using other GBM cell lines. Interestingly, U87 GBM cells adapted to hypoxia by shifting toward a more anaerobic metabolic state, a mechanism that may contribute to GBM cell invasion. Collectively, these data demonstrate that the use of a three-dimensional hydrogel provides a robust method to study the impact of matrix composition and metabolic challenges on GBM cell invasion, a key factor contributing to the most common, aggressive, and deadly form of adult brain cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jee-Wei Emily Chen
- Dept. of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.
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Calitz C, Hamman JH, Fey SJ, Wrzesinski K, Gouws C. Recent advances in three-dimensional cell culturing to assess liver function and dysfunction: from a drug biotransformation and toxicity perspective. Toxicol Mech Methods 2018; 28:369-385. [PMID: 29297242 DOI: 10.1080/15376516.2017.1422580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Carlemi Calitz
- Pharmacen™, Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Josias H. Hamman
- Pharmacen™, Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Stephen J. Fey
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense M, Denmark
| | - Krzysztof Wrzesinski
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense M, Denmark
| | - Chrisna Gouws
- Pharmacen™, Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
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Role of Microenvironment in Glioma Invasion: What We Learned from In Vitro Models. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19010147. [PMID: 29300332 PMCID: PMC5796096 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19010147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2017] [Revised: 12/30/2017] [Accepted: 12/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The invasion properties of glioblastoma hamper a radical surgery and are responsible for its recurrence. Understanding the invasion mechanisms is thus critical to devise new therapeutic strategies. Therefore, the creation of in vitro models that enable these mechanisms to be studied represents a crucial step. Since in vitro models represent an over-simplification of the in vivo system, in these years it has been attempted to increase the level of complexity of in vitro assays to create models that could better mimic the behaviour of the cells in vivo. These levels of complexity involved: 1. The dimension of the system, moving from two-dimensional to three-dimensional models; 2. The use of microfluidic systems; 3. The use of mixed cultures of tumour cells and cells of the tumour micro-environment in order to mimic the complex cross-talk between tumour cells and their micro-environment; 4. And the source of cells used in an attempt to move from commercial lines to patient-based models. In this review, we will summarize the evidence obtained exploring these different levels of complexity and highlighting advantages and limitations of each system used.
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Xiao W, Zhang R, Sohrabi A, Ehsanipour A, Sun S, Liang J, Walthers CM, Ta L, Nathanson DA, Seidlits SK. Brain-Mimetic 3D Culture Platforms Allow Investigation of Cooperative Effects of Extracellular Matrix Features on Therapeutic Resistance in Glioblastoma. Cancer Res 2017; 78:1358-1370. [PMID: 29282221 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-17-2429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2017] [Revised: 11/15/2017] [Accepted: 12/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) tumors exhibit potentially actionable genetic alterations against which targeted therapies have been effective in treatment of other cancers. However, these therapies have largely failed in GBM patients. A notable example is kinase inhibitors of EGFR, which display poor clinical efficacy despite overexpression and/or mutation of EGFR in >50% of GBM. In addressing this issue, preclinical models may be limited by the inability to accurately replicate pathophysiologic interactions of GBM cells with unique aspects of the brain extracellular matrix (ECM), which is relatively enriched in hyaluronic acid (HA) and flexible. In this study, we present a brain-mimetic biomaterial ECM platform for 3D culturing of patient-derived GBM cells, with improved pathophysiologic properties as an experimental model. Compared with orthotopic xenograft assays, the novel biomaterial cultures we developed better preserved the physiology and kinetics of acquired resistance to the EGFR inhibition than gliomasphere cultures. Orthogonal modulation of both HA content and mechanical properties of biomaterial scaffolds was required to achieve this result. Overall, our findings show how specific interactions between GBM cell receptors and scaffold components contribute significantly to resistance to the cytotoxic effects of EGFR inhibition.Significance: Three-dimensional culture scaffolds of glioblastoma provide a better physiological representation over current methods of patient-derived cell culture and xenograft models. Cancer Res; 78(5); 1358-70. ©2017 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weikun Xiao
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Rongyu Zhang
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Alireza Sohrabi
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Arshia Ehsanipour
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Songping Sun
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Jesse Liang
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, California
| | | | - Lisa Ta
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, California
| | - David A Nathanson
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, California.,Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, California.,Brain Research Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Stephanie K Seidlits
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, California. .,Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, California.,Brain Research Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, California.,Broad Stem Cell Research Center, University of California, Los Angeles, California
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39
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Ngo MT, Harley BA. The Influence of Hyaluronic Acid and Glioblastoma Cell Coculture on the Formation of Endothelial Cell Networks in Gelatin Hydrogels. Adv Healthc Mater 2017; 6:10.1002/adhm.201700687. [PMID: 28941173 PMCID: PMC5719875 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201700687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2017] [Revised: 08/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and deadly form of brain cancer. Interactions between GBM cells and vasculature in vivo contribute to poor clinical outcomes, with GBM-induced vessel co-option, regression, and subsequent angiogenesis strongly influencing GBM invasion. Here, elements of the GBM perivascular niche are incorporated into a methacrylamide-functionalized gelatin hydrogel as a means to examine GBM-vessel interactions. The complexity of 3D endothelial cell networks formed from human umbilical vein endothelial cells and normal human lung fibroblasts as a function of hydrogel properties and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) presentation is presented. While overall length and branching of the endothelial cell networks decrease with increasing hydrogel stiffness and incorporation of brain-mimetic hyaluronic acid, it can be separately altered by changing the vascular cell seeding density. It is shown that covalent incorporation of VEGF supports network formation as robustly as continuously available soluble VEGF. The impact of U87-MG GBM cells on the endothelial cell networks is subsequently investigated. GBM cells localize in proximity to the endothelial cell networks and hasten network regression in vitro. Together, this in vitro platform recapitulates the close association between GBM cells and vessel structures as well as elements of vessel co-option and regression preceding angiogenesis in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mai T Ngo
- 193 Roger Adams Laboratory, 600 S. Mathews Ave, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Brendan A Harley
- 110 Roger Adams Laboratory, 600 S. Mathews Ave, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
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Heffernan JM, McNamara JB, Borwege S, Vernon BL, Sanai N, Mehta S, Sirianni RW. PNIPAAm-co-Jeffamine ® (PNJ) scaffolds as in vitro models for niche enrichment of glioblastoma stem-like cells. Biomaterials 2017; 143:149-158. [PMID: 28802102 PMCID: PMC5605153 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2017.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2017] [Revised: 04/28/2017] [Accepted: 05/03/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common adult primary brain tumor, and the 5-year survival rate is less than 5%. GBM malignancy is driven in part by a population of GBM stem-like cells (GSCs) that exhibit indefinite self-renewal capacity, multipotent differentiation, expression of neural stem cell markers, and resistance to conventional treatments. GSCs are enriched in specialized niche microenvironments that regulate stem phenotypes and support GSC radioresistance. Therefore, identifying GSC-niche interactions that regulate stem phenotypes may present a unique target for disrupting the maintenance and persistence of this treatment resistant population. In this work, we engineered 3D scaffolds from temperature responsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-Jeffamine M-1000® acrylamide), or PNJ copolymers, as a platform for enriching stem-specific phenotypes in two molecularly distinct human patient-derived GSC cell lines. Notably, we observed that, compared to conventional neurosphere cultures, PNJ cultured GSCs maintained multipotency and exhibited enhanced self-renewal capacity. Concurrent increases in expression of proteins known to regulate self-renewal, invasion, and stem maintenance in GSCs (NESTIN, EGFR, CD44) suggest that PNJ scaffolds effectively enrich the GSC population. We further observed that PNJ cultured GSCs exhibited increased resistance to radiation treatment compared to GSCs cultured in standard neurosphere conditions. GSC radioresistance is supported in vivo by niche microenvironments, and this remains a significant barrier to effectively treating these highly tumorigenic cells. Taken in sum, these data indicate that the microenvironment created by synthetic PNJ scaffolds models niche enrichment of GSCs in patient-derived GBM cell lines, and presents tissue engineering opportunities for studying clinically important behaviors such as radioresistance in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- John M Heffernan
- Barrow Brain Tumor Research Center, Barrow Neurological Institute, 350 W Thomas Ave, Phoenix, AZ, 85013, USA; School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, PO Box 879709, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
| | - James B McNamara
- Barrow Brain Tumor Research Center, Barrow Neurological Institute, 350 W Thomas Ave, Phoenix, AZ, 85013, USA; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arizona, 1306 E. University Blvd., Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
| | - Sabine Borwege
- Barrow Brain Tumor Research Center, Barrow Neurological Institute, 350 W Thomas Ave, Phoenix, AZ, 85013, USA
| | - Brent L Vernon
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, PO Box 879709, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
| | - Nader Sanai
- Barrow Brain Tumor Research Center, Barrow Neurological Institute, 350 W Thomas Ave, Phoenix, AZ, 85013, USA
| | - Shwetal Mehta
- Barrow Brain Tumor Research Center, Barrow Neurological Institute, 350 W Thomas Ave, Phoenix, AZ, 85013, USA
| | - Rachael W Sirianni
- Barrow Brain Tumor Research Center, Barrow Neurological Institute, 350 W Thomas Ave, Phoenix, AZ, 85013, USA; School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, PO Box 879709, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA.
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Mora-Boza A, Puertas-Bartolomé M, Vázquez-Lasa B, San Román J, Pérez-Caballer A, Olmeda-Lozano M. Contribution of bioactive hyaluronic acid and gelatin to regenerative medicine. Methodologies of gels preparation and advanced applications. Eur Polym J 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2017.07.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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Gajendiran M, Rhee JS, Kim K. Recent Developments in Thiolated Polymeric Hydrogels for Tissue Engineering Applications. TISSUE ENGINEERING PART B-REVIEWS 2017; 24:66-74. [PMID: 28726576 DOI: 10.1089/ten.teb.2016.0442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
This review focuses on the recent strategy in the preparation of thiolated polymers and fabrication of their hydrogel matrices. The mechanism involved in the synthesis of thiolated polymers and fabrication of thiolated polymer hydrogels is exemplified with suitable schematic representations reported in the recent literature. The 2-iminothiolane namely "Traut's reagent" has been widely used for effectively thiolating the natural polymers such as collagen and gelatin, which contain free amino group in their backbone. The free carboxylic acid group containing polymers such as hyaluronic acid and heparin have been thiolated by using the bifunctional molecules such as cysteamine and L-cysteine via N-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-N'-ethylcarbodiimide/N-hydroxysuccinimide (EDC/NHS) coupling reaction. The degree of thiolation in the polymer chain has been widely determined by using Ellman's assay method. The thiolated polymer hydrogels are prepared by disulfide bond formation (or) thiol-ene reaction (or) Michael-type addition reaction. The thiolated polymers such as thiolated gelatin are reacted with polyethylene glycol diacrylate for obtaining interpenetrating polymer network hydrogel scaffolds. Several in vitro cell culture experiments indicate that the developed thiolated polymer hydrogels exhibited biocompatibility and cellular mimicking properties. The developed hydrogel scaffolds efficiently support proliferation and differentiation of various cell types. In the present review article, the thiol-functionalized protein-based biopolymers, carbohydrate-based polymers, and some synthetic polymers have been covered with recently published research articles. In addition, the usage of new thiolated nanomaterials as a crosslinking agent for the preparation of three-dimensional tissue-engineered hydrogels is highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mani Gajendiran
- 1 Division of Bioengineering, College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, Incheon National University , Incheon, Korea
| | - Jae-Sung Rhee
- 2 Department of Marine Science, College of Natural Sciences, Incheon National University , Incheon, Korea
| | - Kyobum Kim
- 1 Division of Bioengineering, College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, Incheon National University , Incheon, Korea
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Gonçalves DPN, Rodriguez RD, Kurth T, Bray LJ, Binner M, Jungnickel C, Gür FN, Poser SW, Schmidt TL, Zahn DRT, Androutsellis-Theotokis A, Schlierf M, Werner C. Enhanced targeting of invasive glioblastoma cells by peptide-functionalized gold nanorods in hydrogel-based 3D cultures. Acta Biomater 2017; 58:12-25. [PMID: 28576716 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2017.05.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2017] [Revised: 05/04/2017] [Accepted: 05/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are responsible for drug resistance, tumor recurrence, and metastasis in several cancer types, making their eradication a primary objective in cancer therapy. Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) tumors are usually composed of a highly infiltrating CSC subpopulation, which has Nestin as a putative marker. Since the majority of these infiltrating cells are able to elude conventional therapies, we have developed gold nanorods (AuNRs) functionalized with an engineered peptide capable of specific recognition and selective eradication of Nestin positive infiltrating GBM-CSCs. These AuNRs generate heat when irradiated by a near-infrared laser, and cause localized cell damage. Nanoparticle internalization assays performed with GBM-CSCs or Nestin negative cells cultured as two-dimensional (2D) monolayers or embedded in three-dimensional (3D) biodegradable-hydrogels of tunable mechanical properties, revealed that the AuNRs were mainly internalized by GBM-CSCs, and not by Nestin negative cells. The AuNRs were taken up via energy-dependent and caveolae-mediated endocytic mechanisms, and were localized inside endosomes. Photothermal treatments resulted in the selective elimination of GBM-CSCs through cell apoptosis, while Nestin negative cells remained viable. Results also indicated that GBM-CSCs embedded in hydrogels were more resistant to AuNR photothermal treatments than when cultured as 2D monolayers. In summary, the combination of our engineered AuNRs with our tunable hydrogel system has shown the potential to provide an in vitro platform for the evaluation and screening of AuNR-based cancer therapeutics, leading to a substantial advancement in the application of AuNRs for targeted GBM-CSC therapy. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE There is an urgent need for reliable and efficient therapies for the treatment of Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM), which is currently an untreatable brain tumor form with a very poor patient survival rate. GBM tumors are mostly comprised of cancer stem cells (CSCs), which are responsible for tumor reoccurrence and therapy resistance. We have developed gold nanorods functionalized with an engineered peptide capable of selective recognition and eradication of GBM-CSCs via heat generation by nanorods upon NIR irradiation. An in vitro evaluation of nanorod therapeutic activities was performed in 3D synthetic-biodegradable hydrogel models with distinct biomechanical cues, and compared to 2D cultures. Results indicated that cells cultured in 3D were more resistant to photothermolysis than in 2D systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana P N Gonçalves
- Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden, Max Bergmann Center of Biomaterials Dresden, Hohe Straße 6, 01069 Dresden, Germany.
| | - Raul D Rodriguez
- Institute of Physics, Technische Universität Chemnitz, 09107 Chemnitz, Germany
| | - Thomas Kurth
- Electron Microscopy Facility, DFG-Center of Regenerative Therapies Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstraße 105, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Laura J Bray
- Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden, Max Bergmann Center of Biomaterials Dresden, Hohe Straße 6, 01069 Dresden, Germany; Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, 60 Musk Avenue, Kelvin Grove, QLD 4059, Australia
| | - Marcus Binner
- Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden, Max Bergmann Center of Biomaterials Dresden, Hohe Straße 6, 01069 Dresden, Germany
| | - Christiane Jungnickel
- Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden, Max Bergmann Center of Biomaterials Dresden, Hohe Straße 6, 01069 Dresden, Germany; B CUBE - Center for Molecular Bioengineering, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Fatih N Gür
- Cluster of Excellence Center for Advancing Electronics Dresden (cfaed), Technische Universität Dresden, 01062 Dresden, Germany
| | - Steve W Poser
- University Clinic Carl-Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01062 Dresden, Germany
| | - Thorsten L Schmidt
- Cluster of Excellence Center for Advancing Electronics Dresden (cfaed), Technische Universität Dresden, 01062 Dresden, Germany
| | - Dietrich R T Zahn
- Institute of Physics, Technische Universität Chemnitz, 09107 Chemnitz, Germany
| | | | - Michael Schlierf
- B CUBE - Center for Molecular Bioengineering, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Carsten Werner
- Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden, Max Bergmann Center of Biomaterials Dresden, Hohe Straße 6, 01069 Dresden, Germany
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Chen JWE, Pedron S, Harley BAC. The Combined Influence of Hydrogel Stiffness and Matrix-Bound Hyaluronic Acid Content on Glioblastoma Invasion. Macromol Biosci 2017; 17:10.1002/mabi.201700018. [PMID: 28379642 PMCID: PMC5555785 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.201700018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and lethal form of brain cancer. Its high mortality is associated with its aggressive invasion throughout the brain. The heterogeneity of stiffness and hyaluronic acid (HA) content within the brain makes it difficult to study invasion in vivo. A dextran-bead assay is employed to quantify GBM invasion within HA-functionalized gelatin hydrogels. Using a library of stiffness-matched hydrogels with variable levels of matrix-bound HA, it is reported that U251 GBM invasion is enhanced in softer hydrogels but reduced in the presence of matrix-bound HA. Inhibiting HA-CD44 interactions reduces invasion, even in hydrogels lacking matrix-bound HA. Analysis of HA biosynthesis suggests that GBM cells compensate for a lack of matrix-bound HA by producing soluble HA to stimulate invasion. Together, a robust method is showed to quantify GBM invasion over long culture times to reveal the coordinated effect of matrix stiffness, immobilized HA, and compensatory HA production on GBM invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jee-Wei Emily Chen
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 600 S. Mathews St., Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Sara Pedron
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1206 W. Gregory Dr., Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Brendan A C Harley
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, and Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 600 S. Mathews St., Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
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45
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Integrating the glioblastoma microenvironment into engineered experimental models. Future Sci OA 2017; 3:FSO189. [PMID: 28883992 PMCID: PMC5583655 DOI: 10.4155/fsoa-2016-0094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2016] [Accepted: 02/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most lethal cancer originating in the brain. Its high mortality rate has been attributed to therapeutic resistance and rapid, diffuse invasion - both of which are strongly influenced by the unique microenvironment. Thus, there is a need to develop new models that mimic individual microenvironmental features and are able to provide clinically relevant data. Current understanding of the effects of the microenvironment on GBM progression, established experimental models of GBM and recent developments using bioengineered microenvironments as ex vivo experimental platforms that mimic the biochemical and physical properties of GBM tumors are discussed.
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46
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Wang C, Tong X, Jiang X, Yang F. Effect of matrix metalloproteinase-mediated matrix degradation on glioblastoma cell behavior in 3D PEG-based hydrogels. J Biomed Mater Res A 2016; 105:770-778. [PMID: 27770562 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.35947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2016] [Revised: 10/11/2016] [Accepted: 10/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and aggressive form of primary brain tumor with median survival of 12 months. To improve clinical outcomes, it is critical to develop in vitro models that support GBM proliferation and invasion for deciphering tumor progression and screening drug candidates. A key hallmark of GBM cells is their extreme invasiveness, a process mediated by matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-mediated degradation of the extracellular matrix. We recently reported the development of a MMP-degradable, poly(ethylene-glycol)-based hydrogel platform for culturing GBM cells. In the present study, we modulated the percentage of MMP-degradable crosslinks in 3D hydrogels to analyze the effects of MMP-degradability on GBM fates. Using an immortalized GBM cell line (U87) as a model cell type, our results showed that MMP-degradability was not required for supporting GBM proliferation. All hydrogel formulations supported robust GBM proliferation, up to 10 fold after 14 days. However, MMP-degradability was essential for facilitating tumor spreading, and 50% MMP-degradable hydrogels were sufficient to enable both robust tumor cell proliferation and spreading in 3D. The findings of this study highlight the importance of modulating MMP-degradability in engineering 3D in vitro brain cancer models and may be applied for engineering in vitro models for other cancer types. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 770-778, 2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Wang
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California, 94305
| | - Xinming Tong
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, California, 94305
| | - Xinyi Jiang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, California, 94305
| | - Fan Yang
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California, 94305.,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, California, 94305
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47
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Addington CP, Dharmawaj S, Heffernan JM, Sirianni RW, Stabenfeldt SE. Hyaluronic acid-laminin hydrogels increase neural stem cell transplant retention and migratory response to SDF-1α. Matrix Biol 2016; 60-61:206-216. [PMID: 27645115 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2016.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2016] [Revised: 08/14/2016] [Accepted: 09/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The chemokine SDF-1α plays a critical role in mediating stem cell response to injury and disease and has specifically been shown to mobilize neural progenitor/stem cells (NPSCs) towards sites of neural injury. Current neural transplant paradigms within the brain suffer from low rates of retention and engraftment after injury. Therefore, increasing transplant sensitivity to injury-induced SDF-1α represents a method for increasing neural transplant efficacy. Previously, we have reported on a hyaluronic acid-laminin based hydrogel (HA-Lm gel) that increases NPSC expression of SDF-1α receptor, CXCR4, and subsequently, NPSC chemotactic migration towards a source of SDF-1α in vitro. The study presented here investigates the capacity of the HA-Lm gel to promote NPSC response to exogenous SDF-1α in vivo. We observed the HA-Lm gel to significantly increase NPSC transplant retention and migration in response to SDF-1α in a manner critically dependent on signaling via the SDF-1α-CXCR4 axis. This work lays the foundation for development of a more effective cell therapy for neural injury, but also has broader implications in the fields of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine given the essential roles of SDF-1α across injury and disease states.
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Affiliation(s)
- C P Addington
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | - S Dharmawaj
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ, United States
| | - J M Heffernan
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States; Barrow Brain Tumor Research Center, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - R W Sirianni
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States; Barrow Brain Tumor Research Center, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - S E Stabenfeldt
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States.
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48
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Navaei A, Truong D, Heffernan J, Cutts J, Brafman D, Sirianni RW, Vernon B, Nikkhah M. PNIPAAm-based biohybrid injectable hydrogel for cardiac tissue engineering. Acta Biomater 2016; 32:10-23. [PMID: 26689467 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2015.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2015] [Revised: 12/03/2015] [Accepted: 12/11/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Injectable biomaterials offer a non-invasive approach to deliver cells into the myocardial infarct region to maintain a high level of cell retention and viability and initiate the regeneration process. However, previously developed injectable matrices often suffer from low bioactivity or poor mechanical properties. To address this need, we introduced a biohybrid temperature-responsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) PNIPAAm-Gelatin-based injectable hydrogel with excellent bioactivity as well as mechanical robustness for cardiac tissue engineering. A unique feature of our work was that we performed extensive in vitro biological analyses to assess the functionalities of cardiomyocytes (CMs) alone and in co-culture with cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) (2:1 ratio) within the hydrogel matrix. The synthesized hydrogel exhibited viscoelastic behavior (storage modulus: 1260 Pa) and necessary water content (75%) to properly accommodate the cardiac cells. The encapsulated cells demonstrated a high level of cell survival (90% for co-culture condition, day 7) and spreading throughout the hydrogel matrix in both culture conditions. A dense network of stained F-actin fibers (∼ 6 × 10(4) μm(2) area coverage, co-culture condition) illustrated the formation of an intact and three dimensional (3D) cell-embedded matrix. Furthermore, immunostaining and gene expression analyses revealed mature phenotypic characteristics of cardiac cells. Notably, the co-culture group exhibited superior structural organization and cell-cell coupling, as well as beating behavior (average ∼ 45 beats per min, co-culture condition, day 7). The outcome of this study is envisioned to open a new avenue for extensive in vitro characterization of injectable matrices embedded with 3D mono- and co-culture of cardiac cells prior to in vivo experiments. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE In this work, we synthesized a new class of biohybrid temperature-responsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) PNIPAAm-Gelatin-based injectable hydrogel with suitable bioactivity and mechanical properties for cardiac tissue engineering. A significant aspect of our work was that we performed extensive in vitro biological analyses to assess the functionality of cardiomyocytes alone and in co-culture with cardiac fibroblasts encapsulated within the 3D hydrogel matrix.
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49
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Addington CP, Heffernan JM, Millar-Haskell CS, Tucker EW, Sirianni RW, Stabenfeldt SE. Enhancing neural stem cell response to SDF-1α gradients through hyaluronic acid-laminin hydrogels. Biomaterials 2015; 72:11-9. [PMID: 26340314 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2015.08.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2015] [Accepted: 08/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) initiates an expansive biochemical insult that is largely responsible for the long-term dysfunction associated with TBI; however, current clinical treatments fall short of addressing these underlying sequelae. Pre-clinical investigations have used stem cell transplantation with moderate success, but are plagued by staggeringly low survival and engraftment rates (2-4%). As such, providing cell transplants with the means to better dynamically respond to injury-related signals within the transplant microenvironment may afford improved transplantation survival and engraftment rates. The chemokine stromal cell-derived factor-1α (SDF-1α) is a potent chemotactic signal that is readily present after TBI. In this study, we sought to develop a transplantation vehicle to ultimately enhance the responsiveness of neural transplants to injury-induced SDF-1α. Specifically, we hypothesize that a hyaluronic acid (HA) and laminin (Lm) hydrogel would promote 1. upregulated expression of the SDF-1α receptor CXCR4 in neural progenitor/stem cells (NPSCs) and 2. enhanced NPSC migration in response to SDF-1α gradients. We demonstrated successful development of a HA-Lm hydrogel and utilized standard protein and cellular assays to probe NPSC CXCR4 expression and NPSC chemotactic migration. The findings demonstrated that NPSCs significantly increased CXCR4 expression after 48 h of culture on the HA-Lm gel in a manner critically dependent on both HA and laminin. Moreover, the HA-Lm hydrogel significantly increased NPSC chemotactic migration in response to SDF-1α at 48 h, an effect that was critically dependent on HA, laminin and the SDF-1α gradient. Therefore, this hydrogel serves to 1. prime NPSCs for the injury microenvironment and 2. provide the appropriate infrastructure to support migration into the surrounding tissue, equipping cells with the tools to more effectively respond to the injury microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- C P Addington
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, P.O. Box 879709, Tempe, AZ 85287-9709, USA
| | - J M Heffernan
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, P.O. Box 879709, Tempe, AZ 85287-9709, USA; Barrow Brain Tumor Research Center, Barrow Neurological Institute, 350 W Thomas Road, Phoenix, AZ 85013, USA
| | - C S Millar-Haskell
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, P.O. Box 879709, Tempe, AZ 85287-9709, USA
| | - E W Tucker
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, P.O. Box 879709, Tempe, AZ 85287-9709, USA
| | - R W Sirianni
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, P.O. Box 879709, Tempe, AZ 85287-9709, USA; Barrow Brain Tumor Research Center, Barrow Neurological Institute, 350 W Thomas Road, Phoenix, AZ 85013, USA
| | - S E Stabenfeldt
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, P.O. Box 879709, Tempe, AZ 85287-9709, USA.
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50
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Addington CP, Roussas A, Dutta D, Stabenfeldt SE. Endogenous repair signaling after brain injury and complementary bioengineering approaches to enhance neural regeneration. Biomark Insights 2015; 10:43-60. [PMID: 25983552 PMCID: PMC4429653 DOI: 10.4137/bmi.s20062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2015] [Revised: 03/20/2015] [Accepted: 03/24/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) affects 5.3 million Americans annually. Despite the many long-term deficits associated with TBI, there currently are no clinically available therapies that directly address the underlying pathologies contributing to these deficits. Preclinical studies have investigated various therapeutic approaches for TBI: two such approaches are stem cell transplantation and delivery of bioactive factors to mitigate the biochemical insult affiliated with TBI. However, success with either of these approaches has been limited largely due to the complexity of the injury microenvironment. As such, this review outlines the many factors of the injury microenvironment that mediate endogenous neural regeneration after TBI and the corresponding bioengineering approaches that harness these inherent signaling mechanisms to further amplify regenerative efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline P Addington
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Adam Roussas
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Dipankar Dutta
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Sarah E Stabenfeldt
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
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