3D polymeric supports promote the growth and progression of anaplastic thyroid carcinoma

Antimigratory effects of a new NF-κB inhibitor, (S)-b-salicyloylamino-a-exo-methylene-ƴ-butyrolactone, in 2D and 3D breast cancer models

One of the pharmacological approaches to neoplastic disease aims to target the metastatic capacity of tumor cells to reduce their aggressive behavior. In this study, we analyzed the antimigratory capacity of the compound SEMBL, (S)-β-salicyloylamino-a-exo-methylene-ƴ-butyrolactone, a new analog of (-)-Dehydroxymethylepoxyquinomicin ((-)-DHMEQ), in three different breast cancer cell lines: MCF-7, MCF-7R and MDA-MB-231. This molecule is characterized by intense antiproliferative activity, evaluated by MTS assay, showing greater potency than DHMEQ. SEMBL was able to inhibit nuclear factor κappa B (NF-κB) activation observed through TransAM™ assay, while cell invasion and wound healing assays revealed a strong reduction in invasive capacity mediated by metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) and Vimentin decrease. These results, obtained in vitro, were corroborated on 3D systems made up of Poly-L-Lactic Acid (PLLA) scaffolds. In summary, SEMBL exerts interesting anti-tumor activities in preclinical breast cancer models and therefore it could be a promising new molecule to be studied also in other types of neoplastic disease.

Discussing the final size and shape of the reconstructed tissues in tissue engineering

Tissue engineering (TE) has made a revolution in repairing, replacing, or regenerating tissues or organs, but it has still a long way ahead. The mechanical properties along with suitable physicochemical and biological characteristics are the initial criteria for scaffolds in TE that should be fulfilled. This research will provide another point of view toward TE challenges concerning the morphological and geometrical aspects of the reconstructed tissue and which parameters may affect it. Based on our survey, there is a high possibility that the final reconstructed tissue may be different in size and shape compared to the original design scaffold. Thereby, the 3D-printed scaffold might not guarantee an accurate tissue reconstruction. The main justification for this is the unpredicted behavior of cells, specifically in the outer layer of the scaffold. It can also be a concern when the scaffold is implanted while cell migration cannot be controlled through the in vivo signaling pathways, which might cause cancer challenges. To sum up, it is concluded that more studies are necessary to focus on the size and geometry of the final reconstructed tissue.