1
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Ravi K, Manoharan TJM, Wang KC, Pockaj B, Nikkhah M. Engineered 3D ex vivo models to recapitulate the complex stromal and immune interactions within the tumor microenvironment. Biomaterials 2024; 305:122428. [PMID: 38147743 PMCID: PMC11098715 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2023.122428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
Cancer thrives in a complex environment where interactions between cellular and acellular components, surrounding the tumor, play a crucial role in disease development and progression. Despite significant progress in cancer research, the mechanism driving tumor growth and therapeutic outcomes remains elusive. Two-dimensional (2D) cell culture assays and in vivo animal models are commonly used in cancer research and therapeutic testing. However, these models suffer from numerous shortcomings including lack of key features of the tumor microenvironment (TME) & cellular composition, cost, and ethical clearance. To that end, there is an increased interest in incorporating and elucidating the influence of TME on cancer progression. Advancements in 3D-engineered ex vivo models, leveraging biomaterials and microengineering technologies, have provided an unprecedented ability to reconstruct native-like bioengineered cancer models to study the heterotypic interactions of TME with a spatiotemporal organization. These bioengineered cancer models have shown excellent capabilities to bridge the gap between oversimplified 2D systems and animal models. In this review article, we primarily provide an overview of the immune and stromal cellular components of the TME and then discuss the latest state-of-the-art 3D-engineered ex vivo platforms aiming to recapitulate the complex TME features. The engineered TME model, discussed herein, are categorized into three main sections according to the cellular interactions within TME: (i) Tumor-Stromal interactions, (ii) Tumor-Immune interactions, and (iii) Complex TME interactions. Finally, we will conclude the article with a perspective on how these models can be instrumental for cancer translational studies and therapeutic testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalpana Ravi
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering (SBHSE), Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
| | | | - Kuei-Chun Wang
- 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; Biodesign Virginia G. Piper Center for Personalized Diagnostics, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA.
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2
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Skardal A. Grand challenges in organoid and organ-on-a-chip technologies. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2024; 12:1366280. [PMID: 38456004 PMCID: PMC10919399 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1366280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Aleksander Skardal
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
- Center for Cancer Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
- Cancer Biology Program, The Ohio State University and Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, United States
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3
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Roy M, Alix C, Burlaud-Gaillard J, Fouan D, Raoul W, Bouakaz A, Blanchard E, Lecomte T, Viaud-Massuard MC, Sasaki N, Serrière S, Escoffre JM. Delivery of Anticancer Drugs Using Microbubble-Assisted Ultrasound in a 3D Spheroid Model. Mol Pharm 2024; 21:831-844. [PMID: 38174896 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.3c00921] [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] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Tumor spheroids are promising three-dimensional (3D) in vitro tumor models for the evaluation of drug delivery methods. The design of noninvasive and targeted drug methods is required to improve the intratumoral bioavailability of chemotherapeutic drugs and reduce their adverse off-target effects. Among such methods, microbubble-assisted ultrasound (MB-assisted US) is an innovative modality for noninvasive targeted drug delivery. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the efficacy of this US modality for the delivery of bleomycin, doxorubicin, and irinotecan in colorectal cancer (CRC) spheroids. MB-assisted US permeabilized the CRC spheroids to propidium iodide, which was used as a drug model without affecting their growth and viability. Histological analysis and electron microscopy revealed that MB-assisted US affected only the peripheral layer of the CRC spheroids. The acoustically mediated bleomycin delivery induced a significant decrease in CRC spheroid growth in comparison to spheroids treated with bleomycin alone. However, this US modality did not improve the therapeutic efficacy of doxorubicin and irinotecan on CRC spheroids. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that tumor spheroids are a relevant approach to evaluate the efficacy of MB-assisted US for the delivery of chemotherapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Roy
- UMR 1253, iBrain, Université de Tours, Inserm, 37032 Tours, France
| | - Corentin Alix
- UMR 1253, iBrain, Université de Tours, Inserm, 37032 Tours, France
| | - Julien Burlaud-Gaillard
- Inserm U1259, Université de Tours et CHRU de Tours & Plateforme IBiSA des Microscopies, PPF ASB, CHRU de Tours, 37032 Tours, France
| | - Damien Fouan
- UMR 1253, iBrain, Université de Tours, Inserm, 37032 Tours, France
| | - William Raoul
- Inserm UMR 1069, Nutrition Croissance et Cancer (N2C), Université de Tours, 37032 Tours, France
| | - Ayache Bouakaz
- UMR 1253, iBrain, Université de Tours, Inserm, 37032 Tours, France
| | - Emmanuelle Blanchard
- Inserm U1259, Université de Tours et CHRU de Tours & Plateforme IBiSA des Microscopies, PPF ASB, CHRU de Tours, 37032 Tours, France
| | - Thierry Lecomte
- Inserm UMR 1069, Nutrition Croissance et Cancer (N2C), Université de Tours, 37032 Tours, France
- Department of Hepato-Gastroenterology & Digestive Oncology, CHRU de Tours, 37000 Tours, France
| | | | - Noboru Sasaki
- Laboratory of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, 060-0818 Sapporo, Japan
| | - Sophie Serrière
- UMR 1253, iBrain, Université de Tours, Inserm, 37032 Tours, France
- Département d'Imagerie Préclinique, Plateforme Scientifique et Technique Analyse des Systèmes Biologiques, Université de Tours, 37032 Tours, France
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4
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Wang J, Qin W, Zhong Y, Hu H, Yang J, Huang H, Huang N, Liu S, Li J, Zheng L, Qin A, Lu Z. Injectable collagen hydrogel combines human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells to promote endometrial regeneration in rats with thin endometrium. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 254:127591. [PMID: 37884246 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.127591] [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: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
The regeneration of thin endometrium still remains as a great challenge in the field of reproductive medicine. Stem cells-based therapy has been considered as a promising strategy for the restoration of thin endometrium. However, the low transplantation and retention rate of stem cells and loss of stemness due to in vitro expansion limits the therapeutic efficacy. In our study, we combined collagen hydrogel and human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (uMSCs) for improving the regeneration of thin endometrium, by using the potent pluripotency and low immunogenicity of uMSCs and collagen hydrogel that promotes the anchorage and proliferation of stem cells. Results showed that collagen hydrogel has favorable biocompatibility and the capacity to enhance the cell viability and expression of stemness-associated genes (including organic cation/carnitine transporter4 (Oct-4), Nanog homeobox (Nanog) and SRY-box transcription factor 2 (SOX2)) of uMSCs. The combination of collagen hydrogel and uMSCs prolonged the retention time of the constructs in the uterine cavity and improved endometrial thickness compared with uMSCs alone, leading to increase the fertility of the rats with thin endometrium. These highlighted therapeutic prospects of collagen hydrogel combined with uMSCs for the minimally invasive therapy of thin endometrium in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawei Wang
- Guangxi Engineering Center in Biomedical Materials for Tissue and Organ Regeneration, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Regenerative Medicine and Medical Bioresource Development and Application Co-constructed by the Province and Ministry, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China; Center of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Weili Qin
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Yanping Zhong
- Institute of Life Science, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Hao Hu
- Guangxi Engineering Center in Biomedical Materials for Tissue and Organ Regeneration, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Regenerative Medicine and Medical Bioresource Development and Application Co-constructed by the Province and Ministry, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China; Guangxi Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine, The First Afliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Junxu Yang
- Guangxi Engineering Center in Biomedical Materials for Tissue and Organ Regeneration, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Regenerative Medicine and Medical Bioresource Development and Application Co-constructed by the Province and Ministry, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China; Guangxi Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine, The First Afliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Hanji Huang
- Guangxi Engineering Center in Biomedical Materials for Tissue and Organ Regeneration, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Regenerative Medicine and Medical Bioresource Development and Application Co-constructed by the Province and Ministry, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China; Institute of Life Science, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China; Guangxi Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine, The First Afliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Nanchang Huang
- Guangxi Engineering Center in Biomedical Materials for Tissue and Organ Regeneration, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Regenerative Medicine and Medical Bioresource Development and Application Co-constructed by the Province and Ministry, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China; Guangxi Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine, The First Afliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Shuhan Liu
- Guangxi Engineering Center in Biomedical Materials for Tissue and Organ Regeneration, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Regenerative Medicine and Medical Bioresource Development and Application Co-constructed by the Province and Ministry, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China; Guangxi Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine, The First Afliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Jiaxu Li
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Li Zheng
- Guangxi Engineering Center in Biomedical Materials for Tissue and Organ Regeneration, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Regenerative Medicine and Medical Bioresource Development and Application Co-constructed by the Province and Ministry, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China; Institute of Life Science, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China; Guangxi Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine, The First Afliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China.
| | - Aiping Qin
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China.
| | - Zhenhui Lu
- Guangxi Engineering Center in Biomedical Materials for Tissue and Organ Regeneration, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Regenerative Medicine and Medical Bioresource Development and Application Co-constructed by the Province and Ministry, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China; Institute of Life Science, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China; Guangxi Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine, The First Afliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China.
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5
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Desai N, Katare P, Makwana V, Salave S, Vora LK, Giri J. Tumor-derived systems as novel biomedical tools-turning the enemy into an ally. Biomater Res 2023; 27:113. [PMID: 37946275 PMCID: PMC10633998 DOI: 10.1186/s40824-023-00445-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a complex illness that presents significant challenges in its understanding and treatment. The classic definition, "a group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells in the body," fails to convey the intricate interaction between the many entities involved in cancer. Recent advancements in the field of cancer research have shed light on the role played by individual cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment as a whole in tumor development and progression. This breakthrough enables the utilization of the tumor and its components as biological tools, opening new possibilities. This article delves deeply into the concept of "tumor-derived systems", an umbrella term for tools sourced from the tumor that aid in combatting it. It includes cancer cell membrane-coated nanoparticles (for tumor theranostics), extracellular vesicles (for tumor diagnosis/therapy), tumor cell lysates (for cancer vaccine development), and engineered cancer cells/organoids (for cancer research). This review seeks to offer a complete overview of the tumor-derived materials that are utilized in cancer research, as well as their current stages of development and implementation. It is aimed primarily at researchers working at the interface of cancer biology and biomedical engineering, and it provides vital insights into this fast-growing topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nimeet Desai
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Kandi, Telangana, India
| | - Pratik Katare
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Kandi, Telangana, India
| | - Vaishali Makwana
- Center for Interdisciplinary Programs, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Kandi, Telangana, India
| | - Sagar Salave
- Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research-Ahmedabad (NIPER-A), Gujarat, India
| | - Lalitkumar K Vora
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK.
| | - Jyotsnendu Giri
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Kandi, Telangana, India.
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6
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Xin Y, Li K, Huang M, Liang C, Siemann D, Wu L, Tan Y, Tang X. Biophysics in tumor growth and progression: from single mechano-sensitive molecules to mechanomedicine. Oncogene 2023; 42:3457-3490. [PMID: 37864030 PMCID: PMC10656290 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02844-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
Evidence from physical sciences in oncology increasingly suggests that the interplay between the biophysical tumor microenvironment and genetic regulation has significant impact on tumor progression. Especially, tumor cells and the associated stromal cells not only alter their own cytoskeleton and physical properties but also remodel the microenvironment with anomalous physical properties. Together, these altered mechano-omics of tumor tissues and their constituents fundamentally shift the mechanotransduction paradigms in tumorous and stromal cells and activate oncogenic signaling within the neoplastic niche to facilitate tumor progression. However, current findings on tumor biophysics are limited, scattered, and often contradictory in multiple contexts. Systematic understanding of how biophysical cues influence tumor pathophysiology is still lacking. This review discusses recent different schools of findings in tumor biophysics that have arisen from multi-scale mechanobiology and the cutting-edge technologies. These findings range from the molecular and cellular to the whole tissue level and feature functional crosstalk between mechanotransduction and oncogenic signaling. We highlight the potential of these anomalous physical alterations as new therapeutic targets for cancer mechanomedicine. This framework reconciles opposing opinions in the field, proposes new directions for future cancer research, and conceptualizes novel mechanomedicine landscape to overcome the inherent shortcomings of conventional cancer diagnosis and therapies.
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Grants
- R35 GM150812 NIGMS NIH HHS
- This work was financially supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (Project no. 11972316, Y.T.), Shenzhen Science and Technology Innovation Commission (Project no. JCYJ20200109142001798, SGDX2020110309520303, and JCYJ20220531091002006, Y.T.), General Research Fund of Hong Kong Research Grant Council (PolyU 15214320, Y. T.), Health and Medical Research Fund (HMRF18191421, Y.T.), Hong Kong Polytechnic University (1-CD75, 1-ZE2M, and 1-ZVY1, Y.T.), the Cancer Pilot Research Award from UF Health Cancer Center (X. T.), the National Institute of General Medical Sciences of the National Institutes of Health under award number R35GM150812 (X. T.), the National Science Foundation under grant number 2308574 (X. T.), the Air Force Office of Scientific Research under award number FA9550-23-1-0393 (X. T.), the University Scholar Program (X. T.), UF Research Opportunity Seed Fund (X. T.), the Gatorade Award (X. T.), and the National Science Foundation REU Site at UF: Engineering for Healthcare (Douglas Spearot and Malisa Sarntinoranont). We are deeply grateful for the insightful discussions with and generous support from all members of Tang (UF)’s and Tan (PolyU)’s laboratories and all staff members of the MAE/BME/ECE/Health Cancer Center at UF and BME at PolyU.
- National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)
- Shenzhen Science and Technology Innovation Commission
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Xin
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Keming Li
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Miao Huang
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Chenyu Liang
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Dietmar Siemann
- UF Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Lizi Wu
- UF Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Youhua Tan
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China.
- Research Institute of Smart Ageing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Xin Tang
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
- UF Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
- Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
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7
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Kalli M, Poskus MD, Stylianopoulos T, Zervantonakis IK. Beyond matrix stiffness: targeting force-induced cancer drug resistance. Trends Cancer 2023; 9:937-954. [PMID: 37558577 PMCID: PMC10592424 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2023.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
During tumor progression, mechanical abnormalities in the tumor microenvironment (TME) trigger signaling pathways in cells that activate cellular programs, resulting in tumor growth and drug resistance. In this review, we describe mechanisms of action for anti-cancer therapies and mechanotransduction programs that regulate cellular processes, including cell proliferation, apoptosis, survival and phenotype switching. We discuss how the therapeutic response is impacted by the three main mechanical TME abnormalities: high extracellular matrix (ECM) composition and stiffness; interstitial fluid pressure (IFP); and elevated mechanical forces. We also review drugs that normalize these abnormalities or block mechanosensors and mechanotransduction pathways. Finally, we discuss current challenges and perspectives for the development of new strategies targeting mechanically induced drug resistance in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Kalli
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Matthew D Poskus
- Department of Bioengineering and Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Triantafyllos Stylianopoulos
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus.
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8
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El Harane S, Zidi B, El Harane N, Krause KH, Matthes T, Preynat-Seauve O. Cancer Spheroids and Organoids as Novel Tools for Research and Therapy: State of the Art and Challenges to Guide Precision Medicine. Cells 2023; 12:cells12071001. [PMID: 37048073 PMCID: PMC10093533 DOI: 10.3390/cells12071001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Spheroids and organoids are important novel players in medical and life science research. They are gradually replacing two-dimensional (2D) cell cultures. Indeed, three-dimensional (3D) cultures are closer to the in vivo reality and open promising perspectives for academic research, drug screening, and personalized medicine. A large variety of cells and tissues, including tumor cells, can be the starting material for the generation of 3D cultures, including primary tissues, stem cells, or cell lines. A panoply of methods has been developed to generate 3D structures, including spontaneous or forced cell aggregation, air-liquid interface conditions, low cell attachment supports, magnetic levitation, and scaffold-based technologies. The choice of the most appropriate method depends on (i) the origin of the tissue, (ii) the presence or absence of a disease, and (iii) the intended application. This review summarizes methods and approaches for the generation of cancer spheroids and organoids, including their advantages and limitations. We also highlight some of the challenges and unresolved issues in the field of cancer spheroids and organoids, and discuss possible therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanae El Harane
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1206 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Bochra Zidi
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1206 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Nadia El Harane
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1206 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Karl-Heinz Krause
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1206 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Matthes
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1206 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Olivier Preynat-Seauve
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1206 Geneva, Switzerland
- Laboratory of Experimental Cell Therapy, Department of Diagnostics, Geneva University Hospitals, 1206 Geneva, Switzerland
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9
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Ezhilarasan D, Najimi M. Deciphering the possible reciprocal loop between hepatic stellate cells and cancer cells in the tumor microenvironment of the liver. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2023; 182:103902. [PMID: 36621514 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2022.103902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs)/myofibroblasts are the important sources of cancer-associated fibroblasts in the liver tumor microenvironment (TME). The crosstalk between activated HSCs and tumor cells mediates HCC progression, metastasis, tumor cell survival, angiogenesis and chemoresistance. In TME, HCC cells secrete various soluble factors responsible for the phenotypic activation of quiescent HSCs. Tumor cells use activated HSC-derived extracellular matrix (ECM) for migration and invasion. Further, in liver TME, activated HSCs and sinusoidal endothelial cells engage in a crosstalk that causes the secretion of angiogenesis and metastasis-related growth factors and cytokines. Activated HSCs and immune cells crosstalk to decrease immune surveillance in the liver TME by increasing the population of T regulatory cells and M2 macrophages or myeloid-derived suppressor cells. Thus, HSCs play a vital role in liver TME cell interactions. Therefore, a deep understanding of HSCs activation and their crosstalk with cancer and immune cells in TME may lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies to target HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devaraj Ezhilarasan
- Department of Pharmacology, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600077, India.
| | - Mustapha Najimi
- Laboratory of Pediatric Hepatology and Cell Therapy, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), UCLouvain, Brussels 1200, Belgium
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10
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Ngo MT, Sarkaria JN, Harley BA. Perivascular Stromal Cells Instruct Glioblastoma Invasion, Proliferation, and Therapeutic Response within an Engineered Brain Perivascular Niche Model. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2201888. [PMID: 36109186 PMCID: PMC9631060 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202201888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) tumor cells are found in the perivascular niche microenvironment and are believed to associate closely with the brain microvasculature. However, it is largely unknown how the resident cells of the perivascular niche, such as endothelial cells, pericytes, and astrocytes, influence GBM tumor cell behavior and disease progression. A 3D in vitro model of the brain perivascular niche developed by encapsulating brain-derived endothelial cells, pericytes, and astrocytes in a gelatin hydrogel is described. It is shown that brain perivascular stromal cells, namely pericytes and astrocytes, contribute to vascular architecture and maturation. Cocultures of patient-derived GBM tumor cells with brain microvascular cells are used to identify a role for pericytes and astrocytes in establishing a perivascular niche environment that modulates GBM cell invasion, proliferation, and therapeutic response. Engineered models provide unique insight regarding the spatial patterning of GBM cell phenotypes in response to a multicellular model of the perivascular niche. Critically, it is shown that engineered perivascular models provide an important resource to evaluate mechanisms by which intercellular interactions modulate GBM tumor cell behavior, drug response, and provide a framework to consider patient-specific disease phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mai T. Ngo
- Department Chemical and Biomolecular EngineeringUniversity of Illinois Urbana‐ChampaignUrbanaIL61801USA
| | | | - Brendan A.C. Harley
- Department Chemical and Biomolecular EngineeringUniversity of Illinois Urbana‐ChampaignUrbanaIL61801USA
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic BiologyUniversity of Illinois Urbana‐ChampaignUrbanaIL61801USA
- Cancer Center at IllinoisUniversity of Illinois Urbana‐ChampaignUrbanaIL61801USA
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11
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Fotsitzoudis C, Koulouridi A, Messaritakis I, Konstantinidis T, Gouvas N, Tsiaoussis J, Souglakos J. Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts: The Origin, Biological Characteristics and Role in Cancer-A Glance on Colorectal Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14184394. [PMID: 36139552 PMCID: PMC9497276 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14184394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Tumor microenvironment is a major contributor to tumor growth, metastasis and resistance to therapy. It consists of many cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), which derive from different types of cells. CAFs detected in different tumor types are linked to poor prognosis, as in the case of colorectal cancer. Although their functions differ according to their subtype, their detection is not easy, and there are no established markers for such detection. They are possible targets for therapeutic treatment. Many trials are ongoing for their use as a prognostic factor and as a treatment target. More research remains to be carried out to establish their role in prognosis and treatment. Abstract The therapeutic approaches to cancer remain a considerable target for all scientists around the world. Although new cancer treatments are an everyday phenomenon, cancer still remains one of the leading mortality causes. Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains in this category, although patients with CRC may have better survival compared with other malignancies. Not only the tumor but also its environment, what we call the tumor microenvironment (TME), seem to contribute to cancer progression and resistance to therapy. TME consists of different molecules and cells. Cancer-associated fibroblasts are a major component. They arise from normal fibroblasts and other normal cells through various pathways. Their role seems to contribute to cancer promotion, participating in tumorigenesis, proliferation, growth, invasion, metastasis and resistance to treatment. Different markers, such as a-SMA, FAP, PDGFR-β, periostin, have been used for the detection of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). Their detection is important for two main reasons; research has shown that their existence is correlated with prognosis, and they are already under evaluation as a possible target for treatment. However, extensive research is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charalampos Fotsitzoudis
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 70013 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Asimina Koulouridi
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 70013 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Ippokratis Messaritakis
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 70013 Heraklion, Greece
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-2810-394926
| | | | | | - John Tsiaoussis
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 70013 Heraklion, Greece
| | - John Souglakos
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 70013 Heraklion, Greece
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital of Heraklion, 71110 Heraklion, Greece
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12
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SNAI1-expressing fibroblasts and derived-extracellular matrix as mediators of drug resistance in colorectal cancer patients. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2022; 450:116171. [PMID: 35878797 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2022.116171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Resistance to antitumor treatments is one of the most important problems faced by clinicians in the management of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts (CAFs) are the main producers and remodelers of the extracellular matrix (ECM), which is directly involved in drug resistance mechanisms. Primary Normal Fibroblasts (NFs) and CAFs and cell lines (fibroblasts and tumor cells), were used to generate ECM and to identify its role in the oxaliplatin and cetuximab chemoresistance processes of CRC cells mediated by SNAI1-expressing fibroblasts. Matrices generated by Snai1 KO MEFs (Knockout Mouse Embryonic Fibroblasts) confer less resistance on oxaliplatin and cetuximab than wild-type MEF-derived matrices. Similarly, matrices derived from CAFs cause greater survival of colorectal cancer cells than NF-derived matrices, in a similar way to Snai1 expression levels. In addition, Snail1 expression in fibroblasts regulates drug resistance and metabolism gene expression in tumor cells mediated by ECM. Finally, a series of 531 patients (TCGA) with CRC was used to assess the role of SNAI1 expression in patients' prognosis indicating an association between tumor SNAI1 expression and overall survival in colon cancer patients but not in rectal cancer patients. SNAI1 expression in CRC cancer patients, together with in vitro experimentation, suggests the possible use of SNAI1 expression in tumor-associated fibroblasts as a predictive biomarker of response to oxaliplatin and cetuximab treatments in patients with CRC.
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13
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Mazzocchi A, Yoo KM, Nairon KG, Kirk LM, Rahbar E, Soker S, Skardal A. Exploiting maleimide-functionalized hyaluronan hydrogels to test cellular responses to physical and biochemical stimuli. Biomed Mater 2022; 17:10.1088/1748-605X/ac45eb. [PMID: 34937006 PMCID: PMC9528802 DOI: 10.1088/1748-605x/ac45eb] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Currentin vitrothree-dimensional (3D) models of liver tissue have been limited by the inability to study the effects of specific extracellular matrix (ECM) components on cell phenotypes. This is in part due to limitations in the availability of chemical modifications appropriate for this purpose. For example, hyaluronic acid (HA), which is a natural ECM component within the liver, lacks key ECM motifs (e.g. arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD) peptides) that support cell adhesion. However, the addition of maleimide (Mal) groups to HA could facilitate the conjugation of ECM biomimetic peptides with thiol-containing end groups. In this study, we characterized a new crosslinkable hydrogel (i.e. HA-Mal) that yielded a simplified ECM-mimicking microenvironment supportive of 3D liver cell culture. We then performed a series of experiments to assess the impact of physical and biochemical signaling in the form of RGD peptide incorporation and transforming growth factorß(TGF-ß) supplementation, respectively, on hepatic functionality. Hepatic stellate cells (i.e. LX-2) exhibited increased cell-matrix interactions in the form of cell spreading and elongation within HA-Mal matrices containing RGD peptides, enabling physical adhesions, whereas hepatocyte-like cells (HepG2) had reduced albumin and urea production. We further exposed the encapsulated cells to soluble TGF-ßto elicit a fibrosis-like state. In the presence of TGF-ßbiochemical signals, LX-2 cells became activated and HepG2 functionality significantly decreased in both RGD-containing and RGD-free hydrogels. Altogether, in this study we have developed a hydrogel biomaterial platform that allows for discrete manipulation of specific ECM motifs within the hydrogel to better understand the roles of cell-matrix interactions on cell phenotype and overall liver functionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Mazzocchi
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, 391 Technology Way, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, United States of America.,Virginia Tech-Wake Forest University School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Wake Forest School of Medicine, 575 N. Patterson Ave. Suite 530, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, United States of America
| | - Kyung Min Yoo
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, 391 Technology Way, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, United States of America
| | - Kylie G Nairon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, 140 W. 19th Ave, Columbus, OH 43210, United States of America
| | - L Madison Kirk
- Virginia Tech-Wake Forest University School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Wake Forest School of Medicine, 575 N. Patterson Ave. Suite 530, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, United States of America
| | - Elaheh Rahbar
- Virginia Tech-Wake Forest University School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Wake Forest School of Medicine, 575 N. Patterson Ave. Suite 530, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, United States of America
| | - Shay Soker
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, 391 Technology Way, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, United States of America.,Virginia Tech-Wake Forest University School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Wake Forest School of Medicine, 575 N. Patterson Ave. Suite 530, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, United States of America
| | - Aleksander Skardal
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, 391 Technology Way, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, United States of America.,Virginia Tech-Wake Forest University School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Wake Forest School of Medicine, 575 N. Patterson Ave. Suite 530, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, United States of America.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, 140 W. 19th Ave, Columbus, OH 43210, United States of America.,The Ohio State University and Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, 460 W. 10th Ave, Columbus, OH 43210, United States of America
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14
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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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15
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Wang L, Wang X, Wang T, Zhuang Y, Wang G. Multi-omics analysis defines 5-fluorouracil drug resistance in 3D HeLa carcinoma cell model. BIORESOUR BIOPROCESS 2021; 8:135. [PMID: 38650282 PMCID: PMC10991626 DOI: 10.1186/s40643-021-00486-z] [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: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Cervical cancer is a serious health problem in women around the globe. However, the use of clinical drug is seriously dampened by the development of drug resistance. Efficient in vitro tumor model is essential to improve the efficiency of drug screening and the accuracy of clinical application. Multicellular tumor spheroids (MTSs) can in a way recapitulates tumor traits in vivo, thereby representing a powerful transitional model between 2D monolayer culture and xenograft. In this study, based on the liquid overlay method, a protocol for rapid generation of the MTSs with uniform size and high reproducibility in a high-throughput manner was established. As expected, the cytotoxicity results showed that there was enhanced 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) resistance of HeLa carcinoma cells in 3D MTSs than 2D monolayer culture with a resistance index of 5.72. In order to obtain a holistic view of the molecular mechanisms that drive 5-FU resistance in 3D HeLa carcinoma cells, a multi-omics study was applied to discover hidden biological regularities. It was observed that in the 3D MTSs mitochondrial function-related proteins and the metabolites of the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA cycle) were significantly decreased, and the cellular metabolism was shifted towards glycolysis. The differences in the protein synthesis, processing, and transportation between 2D monolayer cultures and 3D MTSs were significant, mainly in the heat shock protein family, with the up-regulation of protein folding function in endoplasmic reticulum (ER), which promoted the maintenance of ER homeostasis in the 3D MTSs. In addition, at the transcript and protein level, the expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins (e.g., laminin and collagen) were up-regulated in the 3D MTSs, which enhanced the physical barrier of drug penetration. Summarizing, this study formulates a rapid, scalable and reproducible in vitro model of 3D MTS for drug screening purposes, and the findings establish a critical role of glycolytic metabolism, ER hemostasis and ECM proteins expression profiling in tumor chemoresistance of HeLa carcinoma cells towards 5-FU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Xueting Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Tong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Yingping Zhuang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Qingdao Innovation Institute of East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Guan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
- Qingdao Innovation Institute of East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
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16
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Review: Challenges of In Vitro CAF Modelling in Liver Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13235914. [PMID: 34885024 PMCID: PMC8656609 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13235914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Liver cancer and tumours spreading from other organs to the liver are associated with high death rates. Current treatments include surgical removal of the tumour and chemotherapy. Unfortunately, patients are often re-diagnosed with liver nodules in the years after cessation of the treatment. Therefore, scientists are looking for alternative treatment strategies, and these include targeting the tumour environment. The tumour environment includes the cancer-associated fibroblasts, which could be an interesting target for therapy in combination with current strategies. In this review paper we summarize the current models to investigate the effect of the tumour on the cancer-associated fibroblasts. Not many studies focus on the cancer-associated fibroblasts in non-animal models and this should improve in order to better understand the role of the cancer-associated fibroblasts and to evaluate the potential of cancer-associated fibroblast-directed therapies. Abstract Primary and secondary liver cancer are the third cause of death in the world, and as the incidence is increasing, liver cancer represents a global health burden. Current treatment strategies are insufficient to permanently cure patients from this devastating disease, and therefore other approaches are under investigation. The importance of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in the tumour microenvironment is evident, and many pre-clinical studies have shown increased tumour aggressiveness in the presence of CAFs. However, it remains unclear how hepatic stellate cells are triggered by the tumour to become CAFs and how the recently described CAF subtypes originate and orchestrate pro-tumoural effects. Specialized in vitro systems will be needed to address these questions. In this review, we present the currently used in vitro models to study CAFs in primary and secondary liver cancer and highlight the trend from using oversimplified 2D culture systems to more complex 3D models. Relatively few studies report on the impact of cancer (sub)types on CAFs and the tumour microenvironment, and most studies investigated the impact of secreted factors due to the nature of the models.
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17
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Morello G, Quarta A, Gaballo A, Moroni L, Gigli G, Polini A, Gervaso F. A thermo-sensitive chitosan/pectin hydrogel for long-term tumor spheroid culture. Carbohydr Polym 2021; 274:118633. [PMID: 34702456 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2021.118633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Hydrogels represent a key element in the development of in vitro tumor models, by mimicking the typical 3D tumor architecture in a physicochemical manner and allowing the study of tumor mechanisms. Here we developed a thermo-sensitive, natural polymer-based hydrogel, where chitosan and pectin were mixed and, after a weak base-induced chitosan gelation, a stable semi-Interpenetrating Polymer Network formed. This resulted thermo-responsive at 37 °C, injectable at room temperature, stable up to 6 weeks in vitro, permeable to small/medium-sized molecules (3 to 70 kDa) and suitable for cell-encapsulation. Tunable mechanical and permeability properties were obtained by varying the polymer content. Optimized formulations successfully supported the formation and growth of human colorectal cancer spheroids up to 44 days of culture. The spheroid dimension and density were influenced by the semi-IPN stiffness and permeability. These encouraging results would allow the implementation of faithful tumor models for the study and development of personalized oncological treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Morello
- Institute of Nanotechnology, CNR, Lecce 73100, Italy; Dipartimento di Matematica e Fisica E. de Giorgi, Università Del Salento, Lecce 73100, Italy
| | | | | | - Lorenzo Moroni
- Institute of Nanotechnology, CNR, Lecce 73100, Italy; Department of Complex Tissue Regeneration, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, Maastricht 6229ER, the Netherlands
| | - Giuseppe Gigli
- Institute of Nanotechnology, CNR, Lecce 73100, Italy; Dipartimento di Matematica e Fisica E. de Giorgi, Università Del Salento, Lecce 73100, Italy
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18
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Chakraborty S, DePalma TJ, Skardal A. Increasing Accuracy of In Vitro Cancer Models: Engineering Stromal Complexity into Tumor Organoid Platforms. ADVANCED NANOBIOMED RESEARCH 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/anbr.202100061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Srija Chakraborty
- Department of Biomedical Engineering The Ohio State University 3022 Fontana Labs 140 W. 19th Avenue Columbus OH 43210 USA
| | - Thomas J. DePalma
- Department of Biomedical Engineering The Ohio State University 3022 Fontana Labs 140 W. 19th Avenue Columbus OH 43210 USA
| | - Aleksander Skardal
- Department of Biomedical Engineering The Ohio State University 3022 Fontana Labs 140 W. 19th Avenue Columbus OH 43210 USA
- Center for Cancer Engineering The Ohio State University and Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center Columbus OH 43210 USA
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19
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Dominijanni AJ, Devarasetty M, Forsythe SD, Votanopoulos KI, Soker S. Cell Viability Assays in Three-Dimensional Hydrogels: A Comparative Study of Accuracy. Tissue Eng Part C Methods 2021; 27:401-410. [PMID: 34082602 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tec.2021.0060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) cell culture systems, such as tumor organoids and multicellular tumor spheroids, have been developed in part as a result of major advances in tissue engineering and biofabrication techniques. 3D cell culture offers great capabilities in drug development, screening, testing, and precision medicine owing to its physiological accuracy. However, since the inception of 3D systems, few methods have been reported to successfully analyze cell viability quantitatively within hydrogel constructs. In this study, we describe and compare commercially available viability assays developed for two-dimensional (2D) applications for use in 3D constructs composed of organic, synthetic, or hybrid hydrogel formulations. We utilized Promega's CellTiter-Glo®, CellTiter-Glo 3D, and CellTiter 96® MTS Assay along with Thermo Fisher's PrestoBlue™ assay to determine if these assays can be used accurately in 3D systems. Compared with direct cell viability commonly used in 2D cell culture, our results show cellular health output inaccuracies among each assay in differing hydrogel formulations. Our results should inform researchers of potential errors when using cell viability measurements in 3D cultures and conclude that microscopic imaging should be used, in combination, for validation. Impact statement Three-dimensional (3D) tissue organoids models are a valuable tool not only for studying drug toxicity but also for understanding human embryonic development, intra-tissue morphogenesis, and mechanisms of disease. In cancer organoids, such 3D models may be used for preclinical chemotherapy screening and for understanding cell death and viability mechanisms under physiologically relevant conditions. Cell viability assays are necessary for assessing the effect of biological reagents on cellular health and have been used on in vitro cell cultures for many years. With the increase of 3D systems in cellular biology research to determine therapeutic efficacy, two-dimensional assays that measure cell viability are being used outside their intended use on 3D constructs. In this study, we assess the accuracy of using various commercially available cell viability assays on different 3D hydrogel constructs to help researchers understand expected variability in their experimentation along microscopic imaging validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony J Dominijanni
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Mahesh Devarasetty
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Steven D Forsythe
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Konstantinos I Votanopoulos
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA.,Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Wake Forest Baptist Health, Winston Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Shay Soker
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA.,Comprehensive Cancer Center, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, North Carolina, USA
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20
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Ryu H, Park Y, Luan H, Dalgin G, Jeffris K, Yoon HJ, Chung TS, Kim JU, Kwak SS, Lee G, Jeong H, Kim J, Bai W, Kim J, Jung YH, Tryba AK, Song JW, Huang Y, Philipson LH, Finan JD, Rogers JA. Transparent, Compliant 3D Mesostructures for Precise Evaluation of Mechanical Characteristics of Organoids. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2021; 33:e2100026. [PMID: 33984170 PMCID: PMC8719419 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202100026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2021] [Revised: 03/06/2021] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Recently developed methods for transforming 2D patterns of thin-film materials into 3D mesostructures create many interesting opportunities in microsystems design. A growing area of interest is in multifunctional thermal, electrical, chemical, and optical interfaces to biological tissues, particularly 3D multicellular, millimeter-scale constructs, such as spheroids, assembloids, and organoids. Herein, examples of 3D mechanical interfaces are presented, in which thin ribbons of parylene-C form the basis of transparent, highly compliant frameworks that can be reversibly opened and closed to capture, envelop, and mechanically restrain fragile 3D tissues in a gentle, nondestructive manner, for precise measurements of viscoelastic properties using techniques in nanoindentation. Finite element analysis serves as a design tool to guide selection of geometries and material parameters for shape-matching 3D architectures tailored to organoids of interest. These computational approaches also quantitate all aspects of deformations during the processes of opening and closing the structures and of forces imparted by them onto the surfaces of enclosed soft tissues. Studies of cerebral organoids by nanoindentation show effective Young's moduli in the range from 1.5 to 2.5 kPa depending on the age of the organoid. This collection of results suggests broad utility of compliant 3D mesostructures in noninvasive mechanical measurements of millimeter-scale, soft biological tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanjun Ryu
- Querrey Simpson Institute for Bioelectronics, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
- School of Advanced Materials Science and Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoonseok Park
- Querrey Simpson Institute for Bioelectronics, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
| | - Haiwen Luan
- Querrey Simpson Institute for Bioelectronics, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
| | - Gokhan Dalgin
- Section of Adult and Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Kovler Diabetes Center, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Kira Jeffris
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60607, USA
| | - Hong-Joon Yoon
- Querrey Simpson Institute for Bioelectronics, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
- School of Advanced Materials Science and Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Ted S Chung
- Querrey Simpson Institute for Bioelectronics, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
| | - Jong Uk Kim
- Querrey Simpson Institute for Bioelectronics, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
- School of Chemical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Soo Kwak
- Querrey Simpson Institute for Bioelectronics, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
- School of Advanced Materials Science and Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Geumbee Lee
- Querrey Simpson Institute for Bioelectronics, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
| | - Hyoyoung Jeong
- Querrey Simpson Institute for Bioelectronics, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
| | - Jihye Kim
- Querrey Simpson Institute for Bioelectronics, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
- School of Advanced Materials Science and Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Wubin Bai
- Department of Applied Physical Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Joohee Kim
- Querrey Simpson Institute for Bioelectronics, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
| | - Yei Hwan Jung
- Department of Electronic Engineering Hanyang University, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Andrew K Tryba
- Querrey Simpson Institute for Bioelectronics, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
- Section of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Joseph W Song
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
- Center for Bio-Integrated Electronics, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
| | - Yonggang Huang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
| | - Louis H Philipson
- Department of Medicine and Kovler Diabetes Center, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - John D Finan
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60607, USA
| | - John A Rogers
- Querrey Simpson Institute for Bioelectronics, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
- Departments of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
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