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Guerra A, Belinha J, Salgado C, Monteiro FJ, Natal Jorge R. Computational Insights into the Interplay of Mechanical Forces in Angiogenesis. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1045. [PMID: 38791007 PMCID: PMC11117778 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12051045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
This study employs a meshless computational model to investigate the impacts of compression and traction on angiogenesis, exploring their effects on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) diffusion and subsequent capillary network formation. Three distinct initial domain geometries were defined to simulate variations in endothelial cell sprouting and VEGF release. Compression and traction were applied, and the ensuing effects on VEGF diffusion coefficients were analysed. Compression promoted angiogenesis, increasing capillary network density. The reduction in the VEGF diffusion coefficient under compression altered VEGF concentration, impacting endothelial cell migration patterns. The findings were consistent across diverse simulation scenarios, demonstrating the robust influence of compression on angiogenesis. This computational study enhances our understanding of the intricate interplay between mechanical forces and angiogenesis. Compression emerges as an effective mediator of angiogenesis, influencing VEGF diffusion and vascular pattern. These insights may contribute to innovative therapeutic strategies for angiogenesis-related disorders, fostering tissue regeneration and addressing diseases where angiogenesis is crucial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Guerra
- INEGI—Instituto de Ciência e Inovação em Engenharia Mecânica e Engenharia Industrial, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Jorge Belinha
- ISEP—Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto, Departamento de Engenharia Mecânica, Politécnico do Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 431, 4249-015 Porto, Portugal;
| | - Christiane Salgado
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (C.S.); (F.J.M.)
- INEB—Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Fernando Jorge Monteiro
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (C.S.); (F.J.M.)
- INEB—Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Renato Natal Jorge
- LAETA—Laboratório Associado de Energia, Transportes e Aeronáutica, Universidade do Porto, 4200-165 Porto, Portugal;
- FEUP—Faculdade de Engenharia, Departamento de Engenharia Mecânica, Universidade do Porto, 4200-165 Porto, Portugal
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Jackson CE, Doyle I, Khan H, Williams SF, Aldemir Dikici B, Barajas Ledesma E, Bryant HE, English WR, Green NH, Claeyssens F. Gelatin-containing porous polycaprolactone PolyHIPEs as substrates for 3D breast cancer cell culture and vascular infiltration. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2024; 11:1321197. [PMID: 38260750 PMCID: PMC10800367 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1321197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumour survival and growth are reliant on angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, to facilitate nutrient and waste exchange and, importantly, provide a route for metastasis from a primary to a secondary site. Whilst current models can ensure the transport and exchange of nutrients and waste via diffusion over distances greater than 200 μm, many lack sufficient vasculature capable of recapitulating the tumour microenvironment and, thus, metastasis. In this study, we utilise gelatin-containing polymerised high internal phase emulsion (polyHIPE) templated polycaprolactone-methacrylate (PCL-M) scaffolds to fabricate a composite material to support the 3D culture of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells and vascular ingrowth. Firstly, we investigated the effect of gelatin within the scaffolds on the mechanical and chemical properties using compression testing and FTIR spectroscopy, respectively. Initial in vitro assessment of cell metabolic activity and vascular endothelial growth factor expression demonstrated that gelatin-containing PCL-M polyHIPEs are capable of supporting 3D breast cancer cell growth. We then utilised the chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay to assess the angiogenic potential of cell-seeded gelatin-containing PCL-M polyHIPEs, and vascular ingrowth within cell-seeded, surfactant and gelatin-containing scaffolds was investigated via histological staining. Overall, our study proposes a promising composite material to fabricate a substrate to support the 3D culture of cancer cells and vascular ingrowth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin E. Jackson
- The Kroto Research Institute, Materials Science and Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
- Insigneo Institute for in Silico Medicine, The Pam Liversidge Building, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Iona Doyle
- The Kroto Research Institute, Materials Science and Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Hamood Khan
- The Kroto Research Institute, Materials Science and Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Samuel F. Williams
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Helen E. Bryant
- School of Medicine and Population Health, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - William R. English
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola H. Green
- The Kroto Research Institute, Materials Science and Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
- Insigneo Institute for in Silico Medicine, The Pam Liversidge Building, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Frederik Claeyssens
- The Kroto Research Institute, Materials Science and Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
- Insigneo Institute for in Silico Medicine, The Pam Liversidge Building, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
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Oliinyk D, Eigenberger A, Felthaus O, Haerteis S, Prantl L. Chorioallantoic Membrane Assay at the Cross-Roads of Adipose-Tissue-Derived Stem Cell Research. Cells 2023; 12:cells12040592. [PMID: 36831259 PMCID: PMC9953848 DOI: 10.3390/cells12040592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
With a history of more than 100 years of different applications in various scientific fields, the chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay has proven itself to be an exceptional scientific model that meets the requirements of the replacement, reduction, and refinement principle (3R principle). As one of three extraembryonic avian membranes, the CAM is responsible for fetal respiration, metabolism, and protection. The model provides a unique constellation of immunological, vascular, and extracellular properties while being affordable and reliable at the same time. It can be utilized for research purposes in cancer biology, angiogenesis, virology, and toxicology and has recently been used for biochemistry, pharmaceutical research, and stem cell biology. Stem cells and, in particular, mesenchymal stem cells derived from adipose tissue (ADSCs) are emerging subjects for novel therapeutic strategies in the fields of tissue regeneration and personalized medicine. Because of their easy accessibility, differentiation profile, immunomodulatory properties, and cytokine repertoire, ADSCs have already been established for different preclinical applications in the files mentioned above. In this review, we aim to highlight and identify some of the cross-sections for the potential utilization of the CAM model for ADSC studies with a focus on wound healing and tissue engineering, as well as oncological research, e.g., sarcomas. Hereby, the focus lies on the combination of existing evidence and experience of such intersections with a potential utilization of the CAM model for further research on ADSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dmytro Oliinyk
- Department of Plastic, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
- Correspondence:
| | - Andreas Eigenberger
- Department of Plastic, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Oliver Felthaus
- Department of Plastic, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Silke Haerteis
- Institute for Molecular and Cellular Anatomy, Faculty for Biology and Preclinical Medicine, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstraße 31, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Lukas Prantl
- Department of Plastic, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
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Sun Z, Sun X, Chen Z, Du J, Wu Y. Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Risk Factors, Molecular Alterations, Immunology and Peptide Vaccines. Int J Pept Res Ther 2021; 28:19. [PMID: 34903958 PMCID: PMC8653808 DOI: 10.1007/s10989-021-10334-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) arises from the epithelial lining of the oral cavity, hypopharynx, oropharynx, and larynx. There are several potential risk factors that cause the generation of HNSCC, including cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, betel quid chewing, inadequate nutrition, poor oral hygiene, HPV and Epstein–Barr virus, and Candida albicans infections. HNSCC has causative links to both environmental factors and genetic mutations, with the latter playing a more critical role in cancer progression. These molecular changes to epithelial cells include the inactivation of cancer suppressor genes and proto-oncogenes overexpression, resulting in tumour cell proliferation and distant metastasis. HNSCC patients have impaired dendritic cell (DC) and natural killer (NK) cell functions, increased production of higher immune-suppressive molecules, loss of regulatory T cells and co-stimulatory molecules and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class Ι molecules, lower number of lymphocyte subsets, and a poor response to antigen-presenting cells. At present, the standard treatment modalities for HNSCC patients include surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and combinatorial therapy. Despite advances in the development of novel treatment modalities over the last few decades, survival rates of HNSCC patients have not increased. To establish effective immunotherapies, a greater understanding of interactions between the immune system and HNSCC is required, and there is a particular need to develop novel therapeutic options. A therapeutic cancer vaccine has been proposed as a promising method to improve outcome by inducing a powerful adaptive immune response that leads to cancer cell elimination. Compared with other vaccines, peptide cancer vaccines are more robust and specific. In the past few years, there have been remarkable achievements in peptide-based vaccines for HNSCC patients. Here, we summarize the latest molecular alterations in HNSCC, explore the immune response to HNSCC, and discuss the latest developments in peptide-based cancer vaccine strategies. This review highlights areas for valuable future research focusing on peptide-based cancer vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Sun
- Department of Stomatology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250021 China
| | - Xiaodong Sun
- Department of Endodontics, Gaoxin Branch of Jinan Stomatological Hospital, Jinan, Shandong 250000 China
| | - Zhanwei Chen
- Department of Stomatology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250021 China
| | - Juan Du
- Department of Stomatology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250021 China
| | - Yihua Wu
- Department of Stomatology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250021 China
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