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Raju R R, AlSawaftah NM, Husseini GA. Modeling of brain tumors using in vitro, in vivo, and microfluidic models: A review of the current developments. Heliyon 2024; 10:e31402. [PMID: 38807869 PMCID: PMC11130649 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31402] [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: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Brain cancers are some of the most complex diseases to treat, despite the numerous advances science has made in cancer chemotherapy and research. One of the key obstacles to identifying potential cures for this disease is the difficulty in emulating the complexity of the brain and the surrounding microenvironment to understand potential therapeutic approaches. This paper discusses some of the most important in vitro, in vivo, and microfluidic brain tumor models that aim to address these challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richu Raju R
- Biosciences and Bioengineering PhD Program at the American University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Nour M. AlSawaftah
- Material Science and Engineering Program at the American University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ghaleb A. Husseini
- Biosciences and Bioengineering PhD Program at the American University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Material Science and Engineering Program at the American University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
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2
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Slika H, Karimov Z, Alimonti P, Abou-Mrad T, De Fazio E, Alomari S, Tyler B. Preclinical Models and Technologies in Glioblastoma Research: Evolution, Current State, and Future Avenues. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16316. [PMID: 38003507 PMCID: PMC10671665 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma is the most common malignant primary central nervous system tumor and one of the most debilitating cancers. The prognosis of patients with glioblastoma remains poor, and the management of this tumor, both in its primary and recurrent forms, remains suboptimal. Despite the tremendous efforts that are being put forward by the research community to discover novel efficacious therapeutic agents and modalities, no major paradigm shifts have been established in the field in the last decade. However, this does not mirror the abundance of relevant findings and discoveries made in preclinical glioblastoma research. Hence, developing and utilizing appropriate preclinical models that faithfully recapitulate the characteristics and behavior of human glioblastoma is of utmost importance. Herein, we offer a holistic picture of the evolution of preclinical models of glioblastoma. We further elaborate on the commonly used in vitro and vivo models, delving into their development, favorable characteristics, shortcomings, and areas of potential improvement, which aids researchers in designing future experiments and utilizing the most suitable models. Additionally, this review explores progress in the fields of humanized and immunotolerant mouse models, genetically engineered animal models, 3D in vitro models, and microfluidics and highlights promising avenues for the future of preclinical glioblastoma research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hasan Slika
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (H.S.); (Z.K.); (S.A.)
| | - Ziya Karimov
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (H.S.); (Z.K.); (S.A.)
- Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, 35100 Izmir, Turkey
| | - Paolo Alimonti
- School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy; (P.A.); (E.D.F.)
| | - Tatiana Abou-Mrad
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut P.O. Box 11-0236, Lebanon;
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Emerson De Fazio
- School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy; (P.A.); (E.D.F.)
| | - Safwan Alomari
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (H.S.); (Z.K.); (S.A.)
| | - Betty Tyler
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (H.S.); (Z.K.); (S.A.)
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3
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Geng X, Zhou ZA, Mi Y, Wang C, Wang M, Guo C, Qu C, Feng S, Kim I, Yu M, Ji H, Ren X. Glioma Single-Cell Biomechanical Analysis by Cyclic Conical Constricted Microfluidics. Anal Chem 2023; 95:15585-15594. [PMID: 37843131 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c02434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Determining the grade of glioma is a critical step in choosing patients' treatment plans in clinical practices. The pathological diagnosis of patient's glioma samples requires extensive staining and imaging procedures, which are expensive and time-consuming. Current advanced uniform-width-constriction-channel-based microfluidics have proven to be effective in distinguishing cancer cells from normal tissues, such as breast cancer, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, etc. However, the uniform-width-constriction channels can result in low yields on glioma cells with irregular morphologies and high heterogeneity. In this research, we presented an innovative cyclic conical constricted (CCC) microfluidic device to better differentiate glioma cells from normal glial cells. Compared with the widely used uniform-width-constriction microchannels, the new CCC configuration forces single cells to deform gradually and obtains the biophysical attributes from each deformation. The human-derived glioma cell lines U-87 and U-251, as well as the human-derived normal glial astrocyte cell line HA-1800 were selected as the proof of concept. The results showed that CCC channels can effectively obtain the biomechanical characteristics of different 12-25 μm glial cell lines. The patient glioma samples with WHO grades II, III, and IV were tested by CCC channels and compared between Elastic Net (ENet) and Lasso analysis. The results demonstrated that CCC channels and the ENet can successfully select critical biomechanical parameters to differentiate the grades of single-glioma cells. This CCC device can be potentially further applied to the extensive family of brain tumors at the single-cell level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Geng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital, The Fifth Clinical Medical College of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030012, China
| | - Zi-Ang Zhou
- Department of Microelectronics, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Yang Mi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital, The Fifth Clinical Medical College of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030012, China
| | - Chunhong Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital, The Fifth Clinical Medical College of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030012, China
| | - Meng Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital, The Fifth Clinical Medical College of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030012, China
| | - Chenjia Guo
- Department of Pathology, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital, The Fifth Clinical Medical College of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030012, China
| | - Chongxiao Qu
- Department of Pathology, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital, The Fifth Clinical Medical College of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030012, China
| | - Shilun Feng
- Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200050, China
| | - Inyoung Kim
- Department of Statistics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
| | - Miao Yu
- Department of Research and Development, Stedical Scientific, Carlsbad, California 92010, United States
| | - Hongming Ji
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital, The Fifth Clinical Medical College of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030012, China
| | - Xiang Ren
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital, The Fifth Clinical Medical College of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030012, China
- Department of Microelectronics, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
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Kumari S, Gupta R, Ambasta RK, Kumar P. Multiple therapeutic approaches of glioblastoma multiforme: From terminal to therapy. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:188913. [PMID: 37182666 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.188913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is an aggressive brain cancer showing poor prognosis. Currently, treatment methods of GBM are limited with adverse outcomes and low survival rate. Thus, advancements in the treatment of GBM are of utmost importance, which can be achieved in recent decades. However, despite aggressive initial treatment, most patients develop recurrent diseases, and the overall survival rate of patients is impossible to achieve. Currently, researchers across the globe target signaling events along with tumor microenvironment (TME) through different drug molecules to inhibit the progression of GBM, but clinically they failed to demonstrate much success. Herein, we discuss the therapeutic targets and signaling cascades along with the role of the organoids model in GBM research. Moreover, we systematically review the traditional and emerging therapeutic strategies in GBM. In addition, we discuss the implications of nanotechnologies, AI, and combinatorial approach to enhance GBM therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Smita Kumari
- Molecular Neuroscience and Functional Genomics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University, India
| | - Rohan Gupta
- Molecular Neuroscience and Functional Genomics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University, India
| | - Rashmi K Ambasta
- Molecular Neuroscience and Functional Genomics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University, India
| | - Pravir Kumar
- Molecular Neuroscience and Functional Genomics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University, India.
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5
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Jarrah R, Nathani KR, Bhandarkar S, Ezeudu CS, Nguyen RT, Amare A, Aljameey UA, Jarrah SI, Bhandarkar AR, Fiani B. Microfluidic 'brain-on chip' systems to supplement neurological practice: development, applications and considerations. Regen Med 2023; 18:413-423. [PMID: 37125510 DOI: 10.2217/rme-2022-0212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Among the greatest general challenges in bioengineering is to mimic human physiology. Advanced efforts in tissue engineering have led to sophisticated 'brain-on-chip' (BoC) microfluidic devices that can mimic structural and functional aspects of brain tissue. BoC may be used to understand the biochemical pathways of neurolgical pathologies and assess promising therapeutic agents for facilitating regenerative medicine. We evaluated the potential of microfluidic BoC devices in various neurological pathologies, such as Alzheimer's, glioblastoma, traumatic brain injury, stroke and epilepsy. We also discuss the principles, limitations and future considerations of BoC technology. Results suggest that BoC models can help understand complex neurological pathologies and augment drug testing efforts for regenerative applications. However, implementing organ-on-chip technology to clinical practice has some practical limitations that warrant greater attention to improve large-scale applicability. Nevertheless, they remain to be versatile and powerful tools that can broaden our understanding of pathophysiological and therapeutic uncertainties to neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Jarrah
- Department of Neurosurgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | | | - Shaan Bhandarkar
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Chibuze S Ezeudu
- Texas A&M School of Medicine,Texas A&M University, Bryan, TX 77807, USA
| | - Ryan T Nguyen
- University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA
| | - Abrham Amare
- Morehouse School of Medicine, Morehouse College, Atlanta, GA 30310, USA
| | - Usama A Aljameey
- Lincoln Memorial University DeBusk School of Osteopathic Medicine, Lincoln Memorial University, Knoxville, TN 37923, USA
| | - Sabrina I Jarrah
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | | | - Brian Fiani
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cornell Medical Center/New York Presbyterian, New York, NY 10065, USA
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6
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Wanigasekara J, Cullen PJ, Bourke P, Tiwari B, Curtin JF. Advances in 3D culture systems for therapeutic discovery and development in brain cancer. Drug Discov Today 2023; 28:103426. [PMID: 36332834 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2022.103426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
This review focuses on recent advances in 3D culture systems that promise more accurate therapeutic models of the glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) tumor microenvironment (TME), such as the unique anatomical, cellular, and molecular features evident in human GBM. The key components of a GBM TME are outlined, including microbiomes, vasculature, extracellular matrix (ECM), infiltrating parenchymal and peripheral immune cells and molecules, and chemical gradients. 3D culture systems are evaluated against 2D culture systems and in vivo animal models. The main 3D culture techniques available are compared, with an emphasis on identifying key gaps in knowledge for the development of suitable platforms to accurately model the intricate components of the GBM TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janith Wanigasekara
- BioPlasma Research Group, School of Food Science and Environmental Health, Technological University Dublin, Dublin, Ireland; Environmental Sustainability and Health Institute (ESHI), Technological University Dublin, Dublin, Ireland; Department of Food Biosciences, Teagasc Food Research Centre, Ashtown, Dublin, Ireland; FOCAS Research Institute, Technological University Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Patrick J Cullen
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Paula Bourke
- School of Biosystems and Food Engineering, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Brijesh Tiwari
- Department of Food Biosciences, Teagasc Food Research Centre, Ashtown, Dublin, Ireland
| | - James F Curtin
- BioPlasma Research Group, School of Food Science and Environmental Health, Technological University Dublin, Dublin, Ireland; Environmental Sustainability and Health Institute (ESHI), Technological University Dublin, Dublin, Ireland; FOCAS Research Institute, Technological University Dublin, Dublin, Ireland; Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Technological University Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
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7
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Construction of a novel blood brain barrier-glioma microfluidic chip model: Applications in the evaluation of permeability and anti-glioma activity of traditional Chinese medicine components. Talanta 2023; 253:123971. [PMID: 36201955 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2022.123971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Since most anti-glioma drug candidates hardly permeate through the blood-brain barrier (BBB), preclinical models that can integrate the complexity of the tumor microenvironment and the structure and function of the BBB is urgently needed for the treatment of glioma. Herein, we constructed an in vitro BBB-glioma microfluidic chip model lined by primary human brain microvascular endothelial cells, pericytes, astrocytes and glioma cells, which could recapitulate the high level of barrier function of the in vivo human BBB and glioma microenvironment. The BBB unit in BBB-glioma microfluidic chip (BBB-U251 chip) displayed selective permeability to fluorescein isothiocyanate isomer-dextran (FITC-dextran) with different molecular weights and three model drugs with different permeability behavior across BBB, which indicated that this glioma model included a functional barrier. Six potential anti-glioma components in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) were delivered into the blood channel and the permeated amount was quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography combined with ultraviolet (HPLC-UV). The permeated drugs then directly acted on 3D cultured glioma cells (U251) to evaluate the drug efficacy. The results of permeability coefficients of drugs showed that the data were closer to the in vivo data of traditional Transwell model. The effect of the drugs on U251 cells in the BBB-U251 chip was significantly lower due to the existence of BBB. Drug responses on glioma demonstrated the necessity to take BBB into account during the development of anti-glioma new drugs. Therefore, this 3D glioma microfluidic models integrating the BBB functionality can be a useful platform for screening the anticancer drug for brain tumors.
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8
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Huang C, Jiang Y, Li Y, Zhang H. Droplet Detection and Sorting System in Microfluidics: A Review. MICROMACHINES 2022; 14:mi14010103. [PMID: 36677164 PMCID: PMC9867185 DOI: 10.3390/mi14010103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Since being invented, droplet microfluidic technologies have been proven to be perfect tools for high-throughput chemical and biological functional screening applications, and they have been heavily studied and improved through the past two decades. Each droplet can be used as one single bioreactor to compartmentalize a big material or biological population, so millions of droplets can be individually screened based on demand, while the sorting function could extract the droplets of interest to a separate pool from the main droplet library. In this paper, we reviewed droplet detection and active sorting methods that are currently still being widely used for high-through screening applications in microfluidic systems, including the latest updates regarding each technology. We analyze and summarize the merits and drawbacks of each presented technology and conclude, with our perspectives, on future direction of development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Can Huang
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77842, USA
| | - Yuqian Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, College of Food Science and Engineering, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Yuwen Li
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77842, USA
| | - Han Zhang
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77842, USA
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9
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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: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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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DePalma TJ, Sivakumar H, Skardal A. Strategies for developing complex multi-component in vitro tumor models: Highlights in glioblastoma. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 180:114067. [PMID: 34822927 PMCID: PMC10560581 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.114067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, many research groups have begun to utilize bioengineered in vitro models of cancer to study mechanisms of disease progression, test drug candidates, and develop platforms to advance personalized drug treatment options. Due to advances in cell and tissue engineering over the last few decades, there are now a myriad of tools that can be used to create such in vitro systems. In this review, we describe the considerations one must take when developing model systems that accurately mimic the in vivo tumor microenvironment (TME) and can be used to answer specific scientific questions. We will summarize the importance of cell sourcing in models with one or multiple cell types and outline the importance of choosing biomaterials that accurately mimic the native extracellular matrix (ECM) of the tumor or tissue that is being modeled. We then provide examples of how these two components can be used in concert in a variety of model form factors and conclude by discussing how biofabrication techniques such as bioprinting and organ-on-a-chip fabrication can be used to create highly reproducible complex in vitro models. Since this topic has a broad range of applications, we use the final section of the review to dive deeper into one type of cancer, glioblastoma, to illustrate how these components come together to further our knowledge of cancer biology and move us closer to developing novel drugs and systems that improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J DePalma
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Hemamylammal Sivakumar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Aleksander Skardal
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; The Ohio State University and Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
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11
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Silvani G, Basirun C, Wu H, Mehner C, Poole K, Bradbury P, Chou J. A 3D‐Bioprinted Vascularized Glioblastoma‐on‐a‐Chip for Studying the Impact of Simulated Microgravity as a Novel Pre‐Clinical Approach in Brain Tumor Therapy. ADVANCED THERAPEUTICS 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/adtp.202100106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Silvani
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology University of Technology Sydney Sydney Australia
| | - Carin Basirun
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology University of Technology Sydney Sydney Australia
| | - Hanjie Wu
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology University of Technology Sydney Sydney Australia
| | - Christine Mehner
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering Mayo Clinic Jacksonville FL USA
| | - Kate Poole
- EMBL Australia node in Single Molecule Science, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine University of New South Wales Sydney 2052 Australia
| | - Peta Bradbury
- Institut Curie, Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University Mechanics and Genetics of Embryonic and Tumoral Development Group Paris France
| | - Joshua Chou
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology University of Technology Sydney Sydney Australia
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12
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Holloway PM, Willaime-Morawek S, Siow R, Barber M, Owens RM, Sharma AD, Rowan W, Hill E, Zagnoni M. Advances in microfluidic in vitro systems for neurological disease modeling. J Neurosci Res 2021; 99:1276-1307. [PMID: 33583054 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 11/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Neurological disorders are the leading cause of disability and the second largest cause of death worldwide. Despite significant research efforts, neurology remains one of the most failure-prone areas of drug development. The complexity of the human brain, boundaries to examining the brain directly in vivo, and the significant evolutionary gap between animal models and humans, all serve to hamper translational success. Recent advances in microfluidic in vitro models have provided new opportunities to study human cells with enhanced physiological relevance. The ability to precisely micro-engineer cell-scale architecture, tailoring form and function, has allowed for detailed dissection of cell biology using microphysiological systems (MPS) of varying complexities from single cell systems to "Organ-on-chip" models. Simplified neuronal networks have allowed for unique insights into neuronal transport and neurogenesis, while more complex 3D heterotypic cellular models such as neurovascular unit mimetics and "Organ-on-chip" systems have enabled new understanding of metabolic coupling and blood-brain barrier transport. These systems are now being developed beyond MPS toward disease specific micro-pathophysiological systems, moving from "Organ-on-chip" to "Disease-on-chip." This review gives an outline of current state of the art in microfluidic technologies for neurological disease research, discussing the challenges and limitations while highlighting the benefits and potential of integrating technologies. We provide examples of where such toolsets have enabled novel insights and how these technologies may empower future investigation into neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul M Holloway
- Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Richard Siow
- King's British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, School of Cardiovascular Medicine & Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Melissa Barber
- King's British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, School of Cardiovascular Medicine & Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Róisín M Owens
- Department Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Anup D Sharma
- New Orleans BioInnovation Center, AxoSim Inc., New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Wendy Rowan
- Novel Human Genetics Research Unit, GSK R&D, Stevenage, UK
| | - Eric Hill
- School of Life and Health sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, UK
| | - Michele Zagnoni
- Electronic and Electrical Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
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Stavrakaki E, Dirven CMF, Lamfers MLM. Personalizing Oncolytic Virotherapy for Glioblastoma: In Search of Biomarkers for Response. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13040614. [PMID: 33557101 PMCID: PMC7913874 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13040614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most frequent and aggressive primary brain tumor. Despite multimodal treatment, the prognosis of GBM patients remains very poor. Oncolytic virotherapy is being evaluated as novel treatment for this patient group and clinical trials testing oncolytic viruses have shown impressive responses, albeit in a small subset of GBM patients. Obtaining insight into specific tumor- or patient-related characteristics of the responding patients, may in the future improve response rates. In this review we discuss factors related to oncolytic activity of the most widely applied oncolytic virus strains as well as potential biomarkers and future assays that may allow us to predict response to these agents. Such biomarkers and tools may in the future enable personalizing oncolytic virotherapy for GBM patients. Abstract Oncolytic virus (OV) treatment may offer a new treatment option for the aggressive brain tumor glioblastoma. Clinical trials testing oncolytic viruses in this patient group have shown promising results, with patients achieving impressive long-term clinical responses. However, the number of responders to each OV remains low. This is thought to arise from the large heterogeneity of these tumors, both in terms of molecular make-up and their immune-suppressive microenvironment, leading to variability in responses. An approach that may improve response rates is the personalized utilization of oncolytic viruses against Glioblastoma (GBM), based on specific tumor- or patient-related characteristics. In this review, we discuss potential biomarkers for response to different OVs as well as emerging ex vivo assays that in the future may enable selection of optimal OV for a specific patient and design of stratified clinical OV trials for GBM.
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