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Zhu T, Alves SM, Adamo A, Wen X, Corn KC, Shostak A, Johnson S, Shaub ND, Martello SE, Hacker BC, D'Amore A, Bardhan R, Rafat M. Mammary tissue-derived extracellular matrix hydrogels reveal the role of irradiation in driving a pro-tumor and immunosuppressive microenvironment. Biomaterials 2024; 308:122531. [PMID: 38531198 PMCID: PMC11065579 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2024.122531] [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: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Radiation therapy (RT) is essential for triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) treatment. However, patients with TNBC continue to experience recurrence after RT. The role of the extracellular matrix (ECM) of irradiated breast tissue in tumor recurrence is still unknown. In this study, we evaluated the structure, molecular composition, and mechanical properties of irradiated murine mammary fat pads (MFPs) and developed ECM hydrogels from decellularized tissues (dECM) to assess the effects of RT-induced ECM changes on breast cancer cell behavior. Irradiated MFPs were characterized by increased ECM deposition and fiber density compared to unirradiated controls, which may provide a platform for cell invasion and proliferation. ECM component changes in collagens I, IV, and VI, and fibronectin were observed following irradiation in both MFPs and dECM hydrogels. Encapsulated TNBC cell proliferation and invasive capacity was enhanced in irradiated dECM hydrogels. In addition, TNBC cells co-cultured with macrophages in irradiated dECM hydrogels induced M2 macrophage polarization and exhibited further increases in proliferation. Our study establishes that the ECM in radiation-damaged sites promotes TNBC invasion and proliferation as well as an immunosuppressive microenvironment. This work represents an important step toward elucidating how changes in the ECM after RT contribute to breast cancer recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Zhu
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Steven M Alves
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Arianna Adamo
- Ri.MED Foundation, Palermo, Italy; McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Xiaona Wen
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Kevin C Corn
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Anastasia Shostak
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | | | - Nicholas D Shaub
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Shannon E Martello
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Benjamin C Hacker
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Antonio D'Amore
- Ri.MED Foundation, Palermo, Italy; McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Rizia Bardhan
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA; Nanovaccine Institute, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Marjan Rafat
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Radiation Oncology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
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2
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Clevenger AJ, McFarlin MK, Gorley JPM, Solberg SC, Madyastha AK, Raghavan SA. Advances in cancer mechanobiology: Metastasis, mechanics, and materials. APL Bioeng 2024; 8:011502. [PMID: 38449522 PMCID: PMC10917464 DOI: 10.1063/5.0186042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Within the tumor microenvironment (TME), tumor cells are exposed to numerous mechanical forces, both internally and externally, which contribute to the metastatic cascade. From the initial growth of the tumor to traveling through the vasculature and to the eventual colonization of distant organs, tumor cells are continuously interacting with their surroundings through physical contact and mechanical force application. The mechanical forces found in the TME can be simplified into three main categories: (i) shear stress, (ii) tension and strain, and (iii) solid stress and compression. Each force type can independently impact tumor growth and progression. Here, we review recent bioengineering strategies, which have been employed to establish the connection between mechanical forces and tumor progression. While many cancers are explored in this review, we place great emphasis on cancers that are understudied in their response to mechanical forces, such as ovarian and colorectal cancers. We discuss the major steps of metastatic transformation and present novel, recent advances in model systems used to study how mechanical forces impact the study of the metastatic cascade. We end by summarizing systems that incorporate multiple forces to expand the complexity of our understanding of how tumor cells sense and respond to mechanical forces in their environment. Future studies would also benefit from the inclusion of time or the aspect of mechanical memory to further enhance this field. While the knowledge of mechanical forces and tumor metastasis grows, developing novel materials and in vitro systems are essential to providing new insight into predicting, treating, and preventing cancer progression and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maygan K. McFarlin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, USA
| | - John Paul M. Gorley
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, USA
| | - Spencer C. Solberg
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, USA
| | - Anirudh K. Madyastha
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, USA
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3
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Mierke CT. Phenotypic Heterogeneity, Bidirectionality, Universal Cues, Plasticity, Mechanics, and the Tumor Microenvironment Drive Cancer Metastasis. Biomolecules 2024; 14:184. [PMID: 38397421 PMCID: PMC10887446 DOI: 10.3390/biom14020184] [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: 12/25/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor diseases become a huge problem when they embark on a path that advances to malignancy, such as the process of metastasis. Cancer metastasis has been thoroughly investigated from a biological perspective in the past, whereas it has still been less explored from a physical perspective. Until now, the intraluminal pathway of cancer metastasis has received the most attention, while the interaction of cancer cells with macrophages has received little attention. Apart from the biochemical characteristics, tumor treatments also rely on the tumor microenvironment, which is recognized to be immunosuppressive and, as has recently been found, mechanically stimulates cancer cells and thus alters their functions. The review article highlights the interaction of cancer cells with other cells in the vascular metastatic route and discusses the impact of this intercellular interplay on the mechanical characteristics and subsequently on the functionality of cancer cells. For instance, macrophages can guide cancer cells on their intravascular route of cancer metastasis, whereby they can help to circumvent the adverse conditions within blood or lymphatic vessels. Macrophages induce microchannel tunneling that can possibly avoid mechanical forces during extra- and intravasation and reduce the forces within the vascular lumen due to vascular flow. The review article highlights the vascular route of cancer metastasis and discusses the key players in this traditional route. Moreover, the effects of flows during the process of metastasis are presented, and the effects of the microenvironment, such as mechanical influences, are characterized. Finally, the increased knowledge of cancer metastasis opens up new perspectives for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Tanja Mierke
- Faculty of Physics and Earth System Science, Peter Debye Institute of Soft Matter Physics, Biological Physics Division, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
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4
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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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5
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Yang Q, Li M, Yang X, Xiao Z, Tong X, Tuerdi A, Li S, Lei L. Flourishing tumor organoids: History, emerging technology, and application. Bioeng Transl Med 2023; 8:e10559. [PMID: 37693042 PMCID: PMC10487342 DOI: 10.1002/btm2.10559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant tumors are one of the leading causes of death which impose an increasingly heavy burden on all countries. Therefore, the establishment of research models that closely resemble original tumor characteristics is crucial to further understanding the mechanisms of malignant tumor development, developing safer and more effective drugs, and formulating personalized treatment plans. Recently, organoids have been widely used in tumor research owing to their advantages including preserving the structure, heterogeneity, and cellular functions of the original tumor, together with the ease of manipulation. This review describes the history and characteristics of tumor organoids and the synergistic combination of three-dimensional (3D) culture approaches for tumor organoids with emerging technologies, including tissue-engineered cell scaffolds, microfluidic devices, 3D bioprinting, rotating wall vessels, and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-CRISPR-associated protein 9 (CRISPR-Cas9). Additionally, the progress in research and the applications in basic and clinical research of tumor organoid models are summarized. This includes studies of the mechanism of tumor development, drug development and screening, precision medicine, immunotherapy, and simulation of the tumor microenvironment. Finally, the existing shortcomings of tumor organoids and possible future directions are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Yang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, the Second Xiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
| | - Mengmeng Li
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, the Second Xiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
| | - Xinming Yang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, the Second Xiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
| | - Zian Xiao
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, the Second Xiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
| | - Xinying Tong
- Department of Hemodialysis, the Second Xiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
| | - Ayinuer Tuerdi
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, the Second Xiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
| | - Shisheng Li
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, the Second Xiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
| | - Lanjie Lei
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical EngineeringSoutheast UniversityNanjingChina
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6
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Dow LP, Parmar T, Marchetti MC, Pruitt BL. Engineering tools for quantifying and manipulating forces in epithelia. BIOPHYSICS REVIEWS 2023; 4:021303. [PMID: 38510344 PMCID: PMC10903508 DOI: 10.1063/5.0142537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
The integrity of epithelia is maintained within dynamic mechanical environments during tissue development and homeostasis. Understanding how epithelial cells mechanosignal and respond collectively or individually is critical to providing insight into developmental and (patho)physiological processes. Yet, inferring or mimicking mechanical forces and downstream mechanical signaling as they occur in epithelia presents unique challenges. A variety of in vitro approaches have been used to dissect the role of mechanics in regulating epithelia organization. Here, we review approaches and results from research into how epithelial cells communicate through mechanical cues to maintain tissue organization and integrity. We summarize the unique advantages and disadvantages of various reduced-order model systems to guide researchers in choosing appropriate experimental systems. These model systems include 3D, 2D, and 1D micromanipulation methods, single cell studies, and noninvasive force inference and measurement techniques. We also highlight a number of in silico biophysical models that are informed by in vitro and in vivo observations. Together, a combination of theoretical and experimental models will aid future experiment designs and provide predictive insight into mechanically driven behaviors of epithelial dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Toshi Parmar
- Department of Physics, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106, USA
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7
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Shou Y, Teo XY, Wu KZ, Bai B, Kumar ARK, Low J, Le Z, Tay A. Dynamic Stimulations with Bioengineered Extracellular Matrix-Mimicking Hydrogels for Mechano Cell Reprogramming and Therapy. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023:e2300670. [PMID: 37119518 PMCID: PMC10375194 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202300670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Cells interact with their surrounding environment through a combination of static and dynamic mechanical signals that vary over stimulus types, intensity, space, and time. Compared to static mechanical signals such as stiffness, porosity, and topography, the current understanding on the effects of dynamic mechanical stimulations on cells remains limited, attributing to a lack of access to devices, the complexity of experimental set-up, and data interpretation. Yet, in the pursuit of emerging translational applications (e.g., cell manufacturing for clinical treatment), it is crucial to understand how cells respond to a variety of dynamic forces that are omnipresent in vivo so that they can be exploited to enhance manufacturing and therapeutic outcomes. With a rising appreciation of the extracellular matrix (ECM) as a key regulator of biofunctions, researchers have bioengineered a suite of ECM-mimicking hydrogels, which can be fine-tuned with spatiotemporal mechanical cues to model complex static and dynamic mechanical profiles. This review first discusses how mechanical stimuli may impact different cellular components and the various mechanobiology pathways involved. Then, how hydrogels can be designed to incorporate static and dynamic mechanical parameters to influence cell behaviors are described. The Scopus database is also used to analyze the relative strength in evidence, ranging from strong to weak, based on number of published literatures, associated citations, and treatment significance. Additionally, the impacts of static and dynamic mechanical stimulations on clinically relevant cell types including mesenchymal stem cells, fibroblasts, and immune cells, are evaluated. The aim is to draw attention to the paucity of studies on the effects of dynamic mechanical stimuli on cells, as well as to highlight the potential of using a cocktail of various types and intensities of mechanical stimulations to influence cell fates (similar to the concept of biochemical cocktail to direct cell fate). It is envisioned that this progress report will inspire more exciting translational development of mechanoresponsive hydrogels for biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufeng Shou
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117583, Singapore
- Institute for Health Innovation and Technology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore
| | - Xin Yong Teo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117583, Singapore
| | - Kenny Zhuoran Wu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117583, Singapore
| | - Bingyu Bai
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117583, Singapore
| | - Arun R K Kumar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117583, Singapore
- Institute for Health Innovation and Technology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117597, Singapore
| | - Jessalyn Low
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117583, Singapore
| | - Zhicheng Le
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117583, Singapore
- Institute for Health Innovation and Technology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore
| | - Andy Tay
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117583, Singapore
- Institute for Health Innovation and Technology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore
- NUS Tissue Engineering Program, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117510, Singapore
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8
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Kolel A, Ergaz B, Goren S, Tchaicheeyan O, Lesman A. Strain Gradient Programming in 3D Fibrous Hydrogels to Direct Graded Cell Alignment. SMALL METHODS 2023; 7:e2201070. [PMID: 36408763 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202201070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Biological tissues experience various stretch gradients which act as mechanical signaling from the extracellular environment to cells. These mechanical stimuli are sensed by cells, triggering essential signaling cascades regulating cell migration, differentiation, and tissue remodeling. In most previous studies, a simple, uniform stretch to 2D elastic substrates has been applied to analyze the response of living cells. However, induction of nonuniform strains in controlled gradients, particularly in biomimetic 3D hydrogels, has proven challenging. In this study, 3D fibrin hydrogels of manipulated geometry are stretched by a silicone carrier to impose programmable strain gradients along different chosen axes. The resulting strain gradients are analyzed and compared to finite element simulations. Experimentally, the programmed strain gradients result in similar gradient patterns in fiber alignment within the gels. Additionally, temporal changes in the orientation of fibroblast cells embedded in the stretched fibrin gels correlate to the strain and fiber alignment gradients. The experimental and simulation data demonstrate the ability to custom-design mechanical gradients in 3D biological hydrogels and to control cell alignment patterns. It provides a new technology for mechanobiology and tissue engineering studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avraham Kolel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | - Bar Ergaz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | - Shahar Goren
- School of Chemistry, Raymond & Beverly Sackler Faculty of Exact Sciences, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | - Oren Tchaicheeyan
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | - Ayelet Lesman
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, 69978, Israel
- Center for Physics and Chemistry of Living Systems, Tel Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, 69978, Israel
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9
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Xu Z, Zhou T, Wang Y, Zhu L, Tu J, Xu Z, Li L, Li Y. Integrated PPI- and WGCNA-retrieval of hub gene signatures for soft substrates inhibition of human fibroblasts proliferation and differentiation. Aging (Albany NY) 2022; 14:6957-6974. [PMID: 36057261 PMCID: PMC9512501 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Fibroblasts (FBs) are the most important functional cells in the process of wound repair, and their functions can be activated by different signals at the pathological site. Although wound repair is associated with microenvironmental stiffness, the effect of matrix stiffness on FBs remains elusive. In this study, TGF-β1 was used to mimic the fibrotic environment under pathological conditions. We found that the soft substrates made FBs slender compared with tissue culture plastic, and the main altered biological function was the inhibition of proliferation and differentiation ability. Through PPI and WGCNA analysis, 63 hub genes were found, including GADD45A, CDKN3, HIST2H3PS2, ACTB, etc., which may be the main targets of soft substrates affecting the proliferation and differentiation of FBs. Our findings not only provide a more detailed report on the effect of matrix stiffness on the function of human skin FBs, but also may provide new intervention ideas for improving scars and other diseases caused by excessive cell proliferation, with potential clinical application prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziran Xu
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Tian Zhou
- The First Norman Bethune Clinical Medical College, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Yin Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Leijie Zhu
- The Third Norman Bethune Clinical Medical College, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Jihao Tu
- Department of Hand and Foot Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Zhixiang Xu
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Lisha Li
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Yulin Li
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
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10
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Xu Z, Li Y, Li P, Sun Y, Lv S, Wang Y, He X, Xu J, Xu Z, Li L, Li Y. Soft substrates promote direct chemical reprogramming of fibroblasts into neurons. Acta Biomater 2022; 152:255-272. [PMID: 36041647 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2022.08.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Fibroblasts can be directly reprogrammed via a combination of small molecules to generate induced neurons (iNs), bypassing intermediate stages. This method holds great promise for regenerative medicine; however, it remains inefficient. Recently, studies have suggested that physical cues may improve the direct reprogramming of fibroblasts into neurons, but the underlying mechanisms remain to be further explored, and the physical factors reported to date do not exhibit the full properties of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Previous in vitro studies mainly used rigid polystyrene dishes, while one of the characteristics of the native in-vivo environment of neurons is the soft nature of brain ECM. The reported stiffness of brain tissue is very soft ranging between 100 Pa and 3 kPa, and the effect of substrate stiffness on direct neuronal reprogramming has not been explored. Here, we show for the first time that soft substrates substantially improved the production efficiency and quality of iNs, without needing to co-culture with glial cells during reprogramming, producing more glutamatergic neurons with electrophysiological functions in a shorter time. Transcriptome sequencing indicated that soft substrates might promote glutamatergic neuron reprogramming through integrins, actin cytoskeleton, Hippo signalling pathway, and regulation of mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition, and competing endogenous RNA network analysis provided new targets for neuronal reprogramming. We demonstrated that soft substrates may promote neuronal reprogramming by inhibiting microRNA-615-3p-targeting integrin subunit beta 4. Our findings can aid the development of regenerative therapies and help improve our understanding of neuronal reprogramming. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: : First, we have shown that low stiffness promotes direct reprogramming on the basis of small molecule combinations. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on this type of method, which may greatly promote the progress of neural reprogramming. Second, we found that miR-615-3p may interact with ITGB4, and the soft substrates may promote neural reprogramming by inhibiting microRNA (miR)-615-3p targeting integrin subunit beta 4 (ITGB4). We are the first to report on this mechanism. Our findings will provide more functional neurons for subsequent basic and clinical research in neurological regenerative medicine, and will help to improve the overall understanding of neural reprogramming. This work also provides new ideas for the design of medical biomaterials for nerve regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziran Xu
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Yan Li
- Division of Orthopedics and Biotechnology, Department for Clinical Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Pengdong Li
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China; The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Qingyuan 511518, Guangdong, China.
| | - Yingying Sun
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China; Department of Stomatology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Shuang Lv
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Yin Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Xia He
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China; Department of Pathology, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Taiyuan 030032, China.
| | - Jinying Xu
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China; Department of Burns Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130000, China.
| | - Zhixiang Xu
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Lisha Li
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Yulin Li
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
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11
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Head T, Cady NC. Monitoring and modulation of the tumor microenvironment for enhanced cancer modeling. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2022; 247:598-613. [PMID: 35088603 PMCID: PMC9014523 DOI: 10.1177/15353702221074293] [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] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer treatments utilizing biologic or cytotoxic drugs compose the frontline of therapy, and though gains in treatment efficacy have been persistent in recent decades, much work remains in understanding cancer progression and treatment. Compounding this situation is the low rate of success when translating preclinical drug candidates to the clinic, which raises costs and development timelines. This underperformance is due in part to the poor recapitulation of the tumor microenvironment, a critical component of cancer biology, in cancer model systems. New technologies capable of both accurately observing and manipulating the tumor microenvironment are needed to effectively model cancer response to treatment. In this review, conventional cancer models are summarized, and a primer on emerging techniques for monitoring and modulating the tumor microenvironment is presented and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tristen Head
- College of Nanoscale Science & Engineering,
State University of New York Polytechnic Institute, Albany, NY 12203, USA
| | - Nathaniel C Cady
- College of Nanoscale Science & Engineering,
State University of New York Polytechnic Institute, Albany, NY 12203, USA
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12
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Mierke CT. Viscoelasticity Acts as a Marker for Tumor Extracellular Matrix Characteristics. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:785138. [PMID: 34950661 PMCID: PMC8691700 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.785138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Biological materials such as extracellular matrix scaffolds, cancer cells, and tissues are often assumed to respond elastically for simplicity; the viscoelastic response is quite commonly ignored. Extracellular matrix mechanics including the viscoelasticity has turned out to be a key feature of cellular behavior and the entire shape and function of healthy and diseased tissues, such as cancer. The interference of cells with their local microenvironment and the interaction among different cell types relies both on the mechanical phenotype of each involved element. However, there is still not yet clearly understood how viscoelasticity alters the functional phenotype of the tumor extracellular matrix environment. Especially the biophysical technologies are still under ongoing improvement and further development. In addition, the effect of matrix mechanics in the progression of cancer is the subject of discussion. Hence, the topic of this review is especially attractive to collect the existing endeavors to characterize the viscoelastic features of tumor extracellular matrices and to briefly highlight the present frontiers in cancer progression and escape of cancers from therapy. Finally, this review article illustrates the importance of the tumor extracellular matrix mechano-phenotype, including the phenomenon viscoelasticity in identifying, characterizing, and treating specific cancer types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Tanja Mierke
- Faculty of Physics and Earth Science, Peter Debye Institute of Soft Matter Physics, Biological Physics Division, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
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13
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Decellularized ECM derived from normal bone involved in the viability and chemo-sensitivity in multiple myeloma cells. Exp Cell Res 2021; 408:112870. [PMID: 34648843 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2021.112870] [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: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable plasma cell malignancy. The progression of MM is closely related to the bone microenvironment. Bone matrix proteins are remodeled and manipulated to govern cancer growth during the process of MM. However the role of normal bone extracellular matrix in MM is still unclear. In this study the decellularized extracellular matrix derived from normal SD rats' skulls (N-dECM) was prepared by decellularization technology. The CCK 8 assay and the dead-live cell kit assay were used to determine the viability of MM cells and the sensitivity to bortezomib. The Realtime PCR and Western blot assay were used to assay the mRNA and protein related to MM. Under the treatment of N-dECM, we found that the viability of MM cells was inhibited and the sensitivity of MM cells to bortezomib was increased. Additionally, the expression levels of APRIL and TACI, which participated in the progression of MM, were significantly decreased in MM cells. It suggested that N-dECM might inhibit the development of MM via APRIL-TACI axis, and our study may provide a novel and potential biomaterial for MM therapy.
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14
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Horst EN, Bregenzer ME, Mehta P, Snyder CS, Repetto T, Yang-Hartwich Y, Mehta G. Personalized models of heterogeneous 3D epithelial tumor microenvironments: Ovarian cancer as a model. Acta Biomater 2021; 132:401-420. [PMID: 33940195 PMCID: PMC8969826 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.04.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Intractable human diseases such as cancers, are context dependent, unique to both the individual patient and to the specific tumor microenvironment. However, conventional cancer treatments are often nonspecific, targeting global similarities rather than unique drivers. This limits treatment efficacy across heterogeneous patient populations and even at different tumor locations within the same patient. Ultimately, this poor efficacy can lead to adverse clinical outcomes and the development of treatment-resistant relapse. To prevent this and improve outcomes, it is necessary to be selective when choosing a patient's optimal adjuvant treatment. In this review, we posit the use of personalized, tumor-specific models (TSM) as tools to achieve this remarkable feat. First, using ovarian cancer as a model disease, we outline the heterogeneity and complexity of both the cellular and extracellular components in the tumor microenvironment. Then we examine the advantages and disadvantages of contemporary cancer models and the rationale for personalized TSM. We discuss how to generate precision 3D models through careful and detailed analysis of patient biopsies. Finally, we provide clinically relevant applications of these versatile personalized cancer models to highlight their potential impact. These models are ideal for a myriad of fundamental cancer biology and translational studies. Importantly, these approaches can be extended to other carcinomas, facilitating the discovery of new therapeutics that more effectively target the unique aspects of each individual patient's TME. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: In this article, we have presented the case for the application of biomaterials in developing personalized models of complex diseases such as cancers. TSM could bring about breakthroughs in the promise of precision medicine. The critical components of the diverse tumor microenvironments, that lead to treatment failures, include cellular- and extracellular matrix- heterogeneity, and biophysical signals to the cells. Therefore, we have described these dynamic components of the tumor microenvironments, and have highlighted how contemporary biomaterials can be utilized to create personalized in vitro models of cancers. We have also described the application of the TSM to predict the dynamic patterns of disease progression, and predict effective therapies that can produce durable responses, limit relapses, and treat any minimal residual disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric N Horst
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Michael E Bregenzer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Pooja Mehta
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Catherine S Snyder
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Taylor Repetto
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Yang Yang-Hartwich
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, United States
| | - Geeta Mehta
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States; Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States; Macromolecular Science and Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States; Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States; Precision Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States.
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15
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Soheilmoghaddam F, Rumble M, Cooper-White J. High-Throughput Routes to Biomaterials Discovery. Chem Rev 2021; 121:10792-10864. [PMID: 34213880 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.0c01026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Many existing clinical treatments are limited in their ability to completely restore decreased or lost tissue and organ function, an unenviable situation only further exacerbated by a globally aging population. As a result, the demand for new medical interventions has increased substantially over the past 20 years, with the burgeoning fields of gene therapy, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine showing promise to offer solutions for full repair or replacement of damaged or aging tissues. Success in these fields, however, inherently relies on biomaterials that are engendered with the ability to provide the necessary biological cues mimicking native extracellular matrixes that support cell fate. Accelerating the development of such "directive" biomaterials requires a shift in current design practices toward those that enable rapid synthesis and characterization of polymeric materials and the coupling of these processes with techniques that enable similarly rapid quantification and optimization of the interactions between these new material systems and target cells and tissues. This manuscript reviews recent advances in combinatorial and high-throughput (HT) technologies applied to polymeric biomaterial synthesis, fabrication, and chemical, physical, and biological screening with targeted end-point applications in the fields of gene therapy, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine. Limitations of, and future opportunities for, the further application of these research tools and methodologies are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farhad Soheilmoghaddam
- Tissue Engineering and Microfluidics Laboratory (TEaM), Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN), University Of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia 4072.,School of Chemical Engineering, University Of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia 4072
| | - Madeleine Rumble
- Tissue Engineering and Microfluidics Laboratory (TEaM), Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN), University Of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia 4072.,School of Chemical Engineering, University Of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia 4072
| | - Justin Cooper-White
- Tissue Engineering and Microfluidics Laboratory (TEaM), Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN), University Of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia 4072.,School of Chemical Engineering, University Of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia 4072
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16
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Micalet A, Moeendarbary E, Cheema U. 3D In Vitro Models for Investigating the Role of Stiffness in Cancer Invasion. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2021. [PMID: 34081437 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.0c01530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tumorigenesis is attributed to the interactions of cancer cells with the tumor microenvironment through both biochemical cues and physical stimuli. Increased matrix deposition and realignment of the collagen fibers are detected by cancer cells, inducing epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, which in turn stimulates cell motility and invasiveness. METHODS This review provides an overview of current research on the role of the physical microenvironment in cancer invasion. This was achieved by using a systematic approach and providing meta-analyses. Particular focus was placed on in vitro three-dimensional models of epithelial cancers. We investigated questions such as the effect of matrix stiffening, activation of stromal cells, and identified potential advances in mechano-based therapies. RESULTS Meta-analysis revealed that 64% of studies report cancer invasion promotion as stiffness increases, while 36% report the opposite. Experimental approaches and data interpretations were varied, each affecting the invasion of cancer differently. Examples are the experimental timeframes used (24 h to 21 days), the type of polymer used (24 types), and choice of cell line (33 cell lines). The stiffness of the 3D matrices varied from 0.5 to 300 kPa and 19% of these matrices' stiffness were outside commonly accepted physiological range. 100% of the studies outside biological stiffness range (above 20 kPa) report that stiffness does not promote cancer invasion. CONCLUSIONS Taking this analysis into account, we inform on the type of experimental approaches that could be the most relevant and provide what would be a standardized protocol and reporting strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Auxtine Micalet
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London (UCL), Torrington Place, London, U.K. WC1E 6BT.,Division of Surgery and Interventional Sciences, UCL Centre for 3D Models of Health and Disease, University College London (UCL), Charles Bell House, London, U.K. W1W 7TS
| | - Emad Moeendarbary
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London (UCL), Torrington Place, London, U.K. WC1E 6BT.,Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Umber Cheema
- Division of Surgery and Interventional Sciences, UCL Centre for 3D Models of Health and Disease, University College London (UCL), Charles Bell House, London, U.K. W1W 7TS
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17
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Cruz-Acuña R, Vunjak-Novakovic G, Burdick JA, Rustgi AK. Emerging technologies provide insights on cancer extracellular matrix biology and therapeutics. iScience 2021; 24:102475. [PMID: 34027324 PMCID: PMC8131321 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.102475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent engineering technologies have transformed traditional perspectives of cancer to include the important role of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in recapitulating the malignant behaviors of cancer cells. Novel biomaterials and imaging technologies have advanced our understanding of the role of ECM density, structure, mechanics, and remodeling in tumor cell-ECM interactions in cancer biology and have provided new approaches in the development of cancer therapeutics. Here, we review emerging technologies in cancer ECM biology and recent advances in engineered systems for evaluating cancer therapeutics and provide new perspectives on how engineering tools present an opportunity for advancing the modeling and treatment of cancer. This review offers the cell biology and cancer cell biology communities insight into how engineering tools can improve our understanding of cancer ECM biology and therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Cruz-Acuña
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Jason A. Burdick
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Anil K. Rustgi
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
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18
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Hang X, He S, Dong Z, Minnick G, Rosenbohm J, Chen Z, Yang R, Chang L. Nanosensors for single cell mechanical interrogation. Biosens Bioelectron 2021; 179:113086. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2021.113086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 02/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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19
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Lavrenyuk K, Conway D, Dahl KN. Imaging methods in mechanosensing: a historical perspective and visions for the future. Mol Biol Cell 2021; 32:842-854. [PMID: 33788578 PMCID: PMC8108522 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e20-10-0671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past three decades, as mechanobiology has become a distinct area of study, researchers have developed novel imaging tools to discover the pathways of biomechanical signaling. Early work with substrate engineering and particle tracking demonstrated the importance of cell–extracellular matrix interactions on the cell cycle as well as the mechanical flux of the intracellular environment. Most recently, tension sensor approaches allowed directly measuring tension in cell–cell and cell–substrate interactions. We retrospectively analyze how these various optical techniques progressed the field and suggest our vision forward for a unified theory of cell mechanics, mapping cellular mechanosensing, and novel biomedical applications for mechanobiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirill Lavrenyuk
- Carnegie Mellon University, College of Engineering, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
| | - Daniel Conway
- Virginia Commonwealth University, College of Engineering, Richmond, VA 23284
| | - Kris Noel Dahl
- Carnegie Mellon University, College of Engineering, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
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20
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Yang J, Zhang Y, Qin M, Cheng W, Wang W, Cao Y. Understanding and Regulating Cell-Matrix Interactions Using Hydrogels of Designable Mechanical Properties. J Biomed Nanotechnol 2021; 17:149-168. [PMID: 33785089 DOI: 10.1166/jbn.2021.3026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Similar to natural tissues, hydrogels contain abundant water, so they are considered as promising biomaterials for studying the influence of the mechanical properties of extracellular matrices (ECM) on various cell functions. In recent years, the growing research on cellular mechanical response has revealed that many cell functions, including cell spreading, migration, tumorigenesis and differentiation, are related to the mechanical properties of ECM. Therefore, how cells sense and respond to the extracellular mechanical environment has gained considerable attention. In these studies, hydrogels are widely used as the in vitro model system. Hydrogels of tunable stiffness, viscoelasticity, degradability, plasticity, and dynamical properties have been engineered to reveal how cells respond to specific mechanical features. In this review, we summarize recent process in this research direction and specifically focus on the influence of the mechanical properties of the ECM on cell functions, how cells sense and respond to the extracellular mechanical environment, and approaches to adjusting the stiffness of hydrogels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiapeng Yang
- Key Laboratory of Intelligent Optical Sensing and Integration, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, and Department of Physics, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Intelligent Optical Sensing and Integration, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, and Department of Physics, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Meng Qin
- Key Laboratory of Intelligent Optical Sensing and Integration, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, and Department of Physics, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Wei Cheng
- Department of Oral Implantology Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Intelligent Optical Sensing and Integration, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, and Department of Physics, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Yi Cao
- Key Laboratory of Intelligent Optical Sensing and Integration, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, and Department of Physics, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
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21
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Kaur S, Kaur I, Rawal P, Tripathi DM, Vasudevan A. Non-matrigel scaffolds for organoid cultures. Cancer Lett 2021; 504:58-66. [PMID: 33582211 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2021.01.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Organoids are three-dimensional cell cultures mostly from tissue-resident or embryonic stem cells (one or multiple) on hydrogels along with defined growth factors. Currently, matrigel is the most commonly employed matrix for 3D organoid cultures. However, certain undesirable attributes of matrigel have paved the way for several other natural and synthetic hydrogel scaffolds for organoid cultures. In this review, we discuss the constraints of matrigel and describe other alternative scaffolds that have been used for organoid cultures. Given the potential of organoids in a plethora of therapeutic and pharmaceutical applications, it is indeed imperative to develop defined and customized hydrogels other than the matrigel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Savneet Kaur
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India.
| | - Impreet Kaur
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Preety Rawal
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India; School of Biotechnology, Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida, UP, India
| | - Dinesh M Tripathi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Ashwini Vasudevan
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
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22
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Blanco‐Fernandez B, Gaspar VM, Engel E, Mano JF. Proteinaceous Hydrogels for Bioengineering Advanced 3D Tumor Models. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2021; 8:2003129. [PMID: 33643799 PMCID: PMC7887602 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202003129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
The establishment of tumor microenvironment using biomimetic in vitro models that recapitulate key tumor hallmarks including the tumor supporting extracellular matrix (ECM) is in high demand for accelerating the discovery and preclinical validation of more effective anticancer therapeutics. To date, ECM-mimetic hydrogels have been widely explored for 3D in vitro disease modeling owing to their bioactive properties that can be further adapted to the biochemical and biophysical properties of native tumors. Gathering on this momentum, herein the current landscape of intrinsically bioactive protein and peptide hydrogels that have been employed for 3D tumor modeling are discussed. Initially, the importance of recreating such microenvironment and the main considerations for generating ECM-mimetic 3D hydrogel in vitro tumor models are showcased. A comprehensive discussion focusing protein, peptide, or hybrid ECM-mimetic platforms employed for modeling cancer cells/stroma cross-talk and for the preclinical evaluation of candidate anticancer therapies is also provided. Further development of tumor-tunable, proteinaceous or peptide 3D microtesting platforms with microenvironment-specific biophysical and biomolecular cues will contribute to better mimic the in vivo scenario, and improve the predictability of preclinical screening of generalized or personalized therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Blanco‐Fernandez
- Department of Chemistry, CICECO – Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of AveiroCampus Universitário de SantiagoAveiro3810‐193Portugal
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC)The Barcelona Institute of Science and TechnologyBaldiri Reixac 10–12Barcelona08028Spain
| | - Vítor M. Gaspar
- Department of Chemistry, CICECO – Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of AveiroCampus Universitário de SantiagoAveiro3810‐193Portugal
| | - Elisabeth Engel
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC)The Barcelona Institute of Science and TechnologyBaldiri Reixac 10–12Barcelona08028Spain
- Materials Science and Metallurgical EngineeringPolytechnical University of Catalonia (UPC)Eduard Maristany 16Barcelona08019Spain
- CIBER en BioingenieríaBiomateriales y NanomedicinaCIBER‐BBNMadrid28029Spain
| | - João F. Mano
- Department of Chemistry, CICECO – Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of AveiroCampus Universitário de SantiagoAveiro3810‐193Portugal
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23
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Hughes AM, Kolb AD, Shupp AB, Shine KM, Bussard KM. Printing the Pathway Forward in Bone Metastatic Cancer Research: Applications of 3D Engineered Models and Bioprinted Scaffolds to Recapitulate the Bone-Tumor Niche. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:507. [PMID: 33572757 PMCID: PMC7865550 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13030507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer commonly metastasizes to bone, resulting in osteolytic lesions and poor patient quality of life. The bone extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a critical role in cancer cell metastasis by means of the physical and biochemical cues it provides to support cellular crosstalk. Current two-dimensional in-vitro models lack the spatial and biochemical complexities of the native ECM and do not fully recapitulate crosstalk that occurs between the tumor and endogenous stromal cells. Engineered models such as bone-on-a-chip, extramedullary bone, and bioreactors are presently used to model cellular crosstalk and bone-tumor cell interactions, but fall short of providing a bone-biomimetic microenvironment. Three-dimensional bioprinting allows for the deposition of biocompatible materials and living cells in complex architectures, as well as provides a means to better replicate biological tissue niches in-vitro. In cancer research specifically, 3D constructs have been instrumental in seminal work modeling cancer cell dissemination to bone and bone-tumor cell crosstalk in the skeleton. Furthermore, the use of biocompatible materials, such as hydroxyapatite, allows for printing of bone-like microenvironments with the ability to be implanted and studied in in-vivo animal models. Moreover, the use of bioprinted models could drive the development of novel cancer therapies and drug delivery vehicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne M. Hughes
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA 01609, USA;
| | - Alexus D. Kolb
- Department of Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA; (A.D.K.); (A.B.S.)
| | - Alison B. Shupp
- Department of Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA; (A.D.K.); (A.B.S.)
| | - Kristy M. Shine
- Health Design Lab, Jefferson Bioprinting Lab, Department of Emergency Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Karen M. Bussard
- Department of Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA; (A.D.K.); (A.B.S.)
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24
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Haider T, Sandha KK, Soni V, Gupta PN. Recent advances in tumor microenvironment associated therapeutic strategies and evaluation models. MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. C, MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS 2020; 116:111229. [DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2020.111229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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25
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Cai X, Briggs RG, Homburg HB, Young IM, Davis EJ, Lin YH, Battiste JD, Sughrue ME. Application of microfluidic devices for glioblastoma study: current status and future directions. Biomed Microdevices 2020; 22:60. [PMID: 32870410 DOI: 10.1007/s10544-020-00516-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is one of the most malignant primary brain tumors. This neoplasm is the hardest to treat and has a bad prognosis. Because of the characteristics of genetic heterogeneity and frequent recurrence, a successful cure for the disease is unlikely. Increasing evidence has revealed that the GBM stem cell-like cells (GSCs) and microenvironment are key elements in GBM recurrence and treatment failure. To better understand the mechanisms underlying this disease and to develop more effective therapeutic strategies for treatment, suitable approaches, techniques, and model systems closely mimicking real GBM conditions are required. Microfluidic devices, a model system mimicking the in vivo brain microenvironment, provide a very useful tool to analyze GBM cell behavior, their correlation with tumor malignancy, and the efficacy of multiple drug treatment. This paper reviews the applications of microfluidic devices in GBM research and summarizes progress and perspectives in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Cai
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - Robert G Briggs
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - Hannah B Homburg
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | | | | | - Yueh-Hsin Lin
- Centre for Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery, Prince of Wales Private Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - James D Battiste
- Department of Neurology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - Michael E Sughrue
- Cingulum Health, Sydney, Australia.
- Centre for Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery, Prince of Wales Private Hospital, Suite 19, Level 7, Barker Street, Randwick, New South Wales, 2031, Australia.
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26
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Characterizing the ecological and evolutionary dynamics of cancer. Nat Genet 2020; 52:759-767. [DOI: 10.1038/s41588-020-0668-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Dean T, Li NT, Cadavid JL, Ailles L, McGuigan AP. A TRACER culture invasion assay to probe the impact of cancer associated fibroblasts on head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cell invasiveness. Biomater Sci 2020; 8:3078-3094. [PMID: 32347842 DOI: 10.1039/c9bm02017a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a major cellular component of the tumour stroma and have been shown to promote tumour cell invasion and disease progression. CAF-cancer cell interactions are bi-directional and occur via both soluble factor dependent and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodelling mechanisms, which are incompletely understood. Previously we developed the Tissue Roll for Analysis of Cellular Environment and Response (TRACER), a novel stacked paper tumour model in which cells embedded in a hydrogel are infiltrated into a porous cellulose scaffold that is then rolled around an aluminum core to generate a multi-layered 3D tissue. Here, we use the TRACER platform to explore the impact of CAFs derived from three different patients on the invasion of two head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cell lines (CAL33 and FaDu). We find that co-culture with CAFs enhances HNSCC tumour cell invasion into an acellular collagen layer in TRACER and this enhanced migration occurs independently of proliferation. We show that CAF-enhanced invasion of CAL33 cells is driven by a soluble factor independent mechanism, likely involving CAF mediated ECM remodelling via matrix metalloprotenases (MMPs). Furthermore, we find that CAF-enhanced tumour cell invasion is dependent on the spatial pattern of collagen density within the culture. Our results highlight the utility of the co-culture TRACER platform to explore soluble factor independent interactions between CAFs and tumour cells that drive increased tumour cell invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Dean
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Canada.
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28
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McGowan SE, Lansakara TI, McCoy DM, Zhu L, Tivanski AV. Platelet-derived Growth Factor-α and Neuropilin-1 Mediate Lung Fibroblast Response to Rigid Collagen Fibers. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2020; 62:454-465. [DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2019-0173oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen E. McGowan
- Department of Veterans Affairs Research Service, and
- Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, and
| | | | - Diann M. McCoy
- Department of Veterans Affairs Research Service, and
- Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, and
| | - Lien Zhu
- Department of Veterans Affairs Research Service, and
- Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, and
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29
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The Extracellular Matrix Modulates the Metastatic Journey. Dev Cell 2020; 49:332-346. [PMID: 31063753 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2019.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 309] [Impact Index Per Article: 77.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Revised: 03/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The extracellular matrix is perturbed in tumors. The tumor matrix promotes the growth, survival, and invasion of the cancer and modifies fibroblast and immune cell behavior to drive metastasis and impair treatment. Here, we discuss how the tumor matrix regulates metastasis by fostering tumor cell invasion into the stroma and migration toward the vasculature. We describe the role of the tumor matrix in cancer cell intravasation and vascular dissemination. We examine the impact of the matrix on disseminated tumor cell extravasation and on tumor dormancy and metastatic outgrowth. Finally, we discuss the clinical outcome of therapeutics that normalize tumor-matrix interactions.
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30
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Novel Techniques to Study the Bone-Tumor Microenvironment. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1225:1-18. [PMID: 32030644 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-35727-6_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Many cancers commonly metastasize to bone. After entering the bone, cancer cells can interact with surrounding stromal cells, which ultimately influences metastasis progression. Extracellular vesicles, direct cell contact and gap junctions, and cytokines are all mechanisms of intercellular communication that have been observed to occur in the bone microenvironment. These methods of cellular crosstalk can occur between cancer cells and a variety of stromal cells, with each interaction having a different impact on cancer progression. Communication between cancer cells and bone-resident cells has previously been implicated in processes such as cancer cell trafficking and arrest in bone, cancer cell dormancy, cancer cell reactivation, and proliferation. In this chapter we review innovative techniques and model systems that can be used to study bidirectional crosstalk between cancer cells and stromal cells in the bone, with an emphasis specifically on bone-metastatic breast cancer. Investigating how metastatic cancer cells interact with, and are influenced by, the bone microenvironment is crucial to better understanding of the progression of bone metastasis.
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31
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Molina ER, Chim LK, Salazar MC, Mehta SM, Menegaz BA, Lamhamedi-Cherradi SE, Satish T, Mohiuddin S, McCall D, Zaske AM, Cuglievan B, Lazar AJ, Scott DW, Grande-Allen JK, Ludwig JA, Mikos AG. Mechanically tunable coaxial electrospun models of YAP/TAZ mechanoresponse and IGF-1R activation in osteosarcoma. Acta Biomater 2019; 100:38-51. [PMID: 31542501 PMCID: PMC7027943 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2019.09.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Revised: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Current in vitro methods for assessing cancer biology and therapeutic response rely heavily on monolayer cell culture on hard, plastic surfaces that do not recapitulate essential elements of the tumor microenvironment. While a host of tumor models exist, most are not engineered to control the physical properties of the microenvironment and thus may not reflect the effects of mechanotransduction on tumor biology. Utilizing coaxial electrospinning, we developed three-dimensional (3D) tumor models with tunable mechanical properties in order to elucidate the effects of substrate stiffness and tissue architecture in osteosarcoma. Mechanical properties of coaxial electrospun meshes were characterized with a series of macroscale testing with uniaxial tensile testing and microscale testing utilizing atomic force microscopy on single fibers. Calculated moduli in our models ranged over three orders of magnitude in both macroscale and microscale testing. Osteosarcoma cells responded to decreasing substrate stiffness in 3D environments by increasing nuclear localization of Hippo pathway effectors, YAP and TAZ, while downregulating total YAP. Additionally, a downregulation of the IGF-1R/mTOR axis, the target of recent clinical trials in sarcoma, was observed in 3D models and heralded increased resistance to combination chemotherapy and IGF-1R/mTOR targeted agents compared to monolayer controls. In this study, we highlight the necessity of incorporating mechanical cues in cancer biology investigation and the complexity in mechanotransduction as a confluence of stiffness and culture architecture. Our models provide a versatile, mechanically variable substrate on which to study the effects of physical cues on the pathogenesis of tumors. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The tumor microenvironment plays a critical role in cancer pathogenesis. In this work, we engineered 3D, mechanically tunable, coaxial electrospun environments to determine the roles of the mechanical environment on osteosarcoma cell phenotype, morphology, and therapeutic response. We characterize the effects of varying macroscale and microscale stiffnesses in 3D environments on the localization and expression of the mechanoresponsive proteins, YAP and TAZ, and evaluate IGF-1R/mTOR pathway activation, a target of recent clinical trials in sarcoma. Increased nuclear YAP/TAZ was observed as stiffness in 3D was decreased. Downregulation of the IGF-1R/mTOR cascade in all 3D environments was observed. Our study highlights the complexity of mechanotransduction in 3D culture and represents a step towards controlling microenvironmental elements in in vitro cancer investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric R Molina
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Letitia K Chim
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Maria C Salazar
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Shail M Mehta
- Department of Applied Physics, Rice University, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Brian A Menegaz
- Department of Sarcoma Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Salah-Eddine Lamhamedi-Cherradi
- Department of Sarcoma Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Tejus Satish
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Sana Mohiuddin
- Department of Sarcoma Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - David McCall
- Department of Sarcoma Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Ana Maria Zaske
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Branko Cuglievan
- Department of Sarcoma Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Alexander J Lazar
- Department of Pathology, Division of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States; Department of Genomic Medicine, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - David W Scott
- Department of Statistics, Rice University, Houston, TX, United States
| | | | - Joseph A Ludwig
- Department of Sarcoma Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Antonios G Mikos
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, United States.
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32
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Kolb AD, Bussard KM. The Bone Extracellular Matrix as an Ideal Milieu for Cancer Cell Metastases. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11071020. [PMID: 31330786 PMCID: PMC6678871 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11071020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Revised: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Bone is a preferential site for cancer metastases, including multiple myeloma, prostate, and breast cancers.The composition of bone, especially the extracellular matrix (ECM), make it an attractive site for cancer cell colonization and survival. The bone ECM is composed of living cells embedded within a matrix composed of both organic and inorganic components. Among the organic components, type I collagen provides the tensile strength of bone. Inorganic components, including hydroxyapatite crystals, are an integral component of bone and provide bone with its rigidity. Under normal circumstances, two of the main cell types in bone, the osteoblasts and osteoclasts, help to maintain bone homeostasis and remodeling through cellular communication and response to biophysical signals from the ECM. However, under pathological conditions, including osteoporosis and cancer, bone remodeling is dysregulated. Once in the bone matrix, disseminated tumor cells utilize normal products of bone remodeling, such as collagen type I, to fuel cancer cell proliferation and lesion outgrowth. Models to study the complex interactions between the bone matrix and metastatic cancer cells are limited. Advances in understanding the interactions between the bone ECM and bone metastatic cancer cells are necessary in order to both regulate and prevent metastatic cancer cell growth in bone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexus D Kolb
- Department of Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Karen M Bussard
- Department of Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA.
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33
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Amendola PG, Reuten R, Erler JT. Interplay Between LOX Enzymes and Integrins in the Tumor Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11050729. [PMID: 31130685 PMCID: PMC6562985 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11050729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Members of the lysyl oxidase (LOX) family are secreted copper-dependent amine oxidases that catalyze the covalent crosslinking of collagens and elastin in the extracellular matrix (ECM), an essential process for the structural integrity of all tissues. LOX enzymes can also remodel the tumor microenvironment and have been implicated in all stages of tumor initiation and progression of many cancer types. Changes in the ECM can influence several cancer cell phenotypes. Integrin adhesion complexes (IACs) physically connect cells with their microenvironment. This review article summarizes the main findings on the role of LOX proteins in modulating the tumor microenvironment, with a particular focus on how ECM changes are integrated by IACs to modulate cells behavior. Finally, we discuss how the development of selective LOX inhibitors may lead to novel and effective therapies in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pier Giorgio Amendola
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Raphael Reuten
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Janine Terra Erler
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark.
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34
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Bregenzer ME, Horst EN, Mehta P, Novak CM, Raghavan S, Snyder CS, Mehta G. Integrated cancer tissue engineering models for precision medicine. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0216564. [PMID: 31075118 PMCID: PMC6510431 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0216564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumors are not merely cancerous cells that undergo mindless proliferation. Rather, they are highly organized and interconnected organ systems. Tumor cells reside in complex microenvironments in which they are subjected to a variety of physical and chemical stimuli that influence cell behavior and ultimately the progression and maintenance of the tumor. As cancer bioengineers, it is our responsibility to create physiologic models that enable accurate understanding of the multi-dimensional structure, organization, and complex relationships in diverse tumor microenvironments. Such models can greatly expedite clinical discovery and translation by closely replicating the physiological conditions while maintaining high tunability and control of extrinsic factors. In this review, we discuss the current models that target key aspects of the tumor microenvironment and their role in cancer progression. In order to address sources of experimental variation and model limitations, we also make recommendations for methods to improve overall physiologic reproducibility, experimental repeatability, and rigor within the field. Improvements can be made through an enhanced emphasis on mathematical modeling, standardized in vitro model characterization, transparent reporting of methodologies, and designing experiments with physiological metrics. Taken together these considerations will enhance the relevance of in vitro tumor models, biological understanding, and accelerate treatment exploration ultimately leading to improved clinical outcomes. Moreover, the development of robust, user-friendly models that integrate important stimuli will allow for the in-depth study of tumors as they undergo progression from non-transformed primary cells to metastatic disease and facilitate translation to a wide variety of biological and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael E. Bregenzer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Eric N. Horst
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Pooja Mehta
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Caymen M. Novak
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Shreya Raghavan
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Catherine S. Snyder
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Geeta Mehta
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
- Rogel Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
- Macromolecular Science and Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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35
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Connexin 43 Loss Triggers Cell Cycle Entry and Invasion in Non-Neoplastic Breast Epithelium: A Role for Noncanonical Wnt Signaling. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11030339. [PMID: 30857262 PMCID: PMC6468895 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11030339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2019] [Revised: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: The expression of connexin 43 (Cx43) is disrupted in breast cancer, and re-expression of this protein in human breast cancer cell lines leads to decreased proliferation and invasiveness, suggesting a tumor suppressive role. This study aims to investigate the role of Cx43 in proliferation and invasion starting from non-neoplastic breast epithelium. (2) Methods: Nontumorigenic human mammary epithelial HMT-3522 S1 cells and Cx43 shRNA-transfected counterparts were cultured under 2-dimensional (2-D) and 3-D conditions. (3) Results: Silencing Cx43 induced mislocalization of β-catenin and Scrib from apicolateral membrane domains in glandular structures or acini formed in 3-D culture, suggesting the loss of apical polarity. Cell cycle entry and proliferation were enhanced, concomitantly with c-Myc and cyclin D1 upregulation, while no detectable activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling was observed. Motility and invasion were also triggered and were associated with altered acinar morphology and activation of ERK1/2 and Rho GTPase signaling, which acts downstream of the noncanonical Wnt pathway. The invasion of Cx43-shRNA S1 cells was observed only under permissive stiffness of the extracellular matrix (ECM). (4) Conclusion: Our results suggest that Cx43 controls proliferation and invasion in the normal mammary epithelium in part by regulating noncanonical Wnt signaling.
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36
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Characterization of Collagen Fibers (I, III, IV) and Elastin of Normal and Neoplastic Canine Prostatic Tissues. Vet Sci 2019; 6:vetsci6010022. [PMID: 30832371 PMCID: PMC6466295 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci6010022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Revised: 02/20/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate collagen (Coll-I, III, IV) and elastin in canine normal prostate and prostate cancer (PC) using Picrosirius red (PSR) and Immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis. Eight normal prostates and 10 PC from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded samples were used. Collagen fibers area was analyzed with ImageJ software. The distribution of Coll-I and Coll-III was approximately 80% around prostatic ducts and acini, 15% among smooth muscle, and 5% surrounding blood vessels, in both normal prostate and PC. There was a higher median area of Coll-III in PC when compared to normal prostatic tissue (p = 0.001 for PSR and p = 0.05 for IHC). Immunostaining for Coll-IV was observed in the basal membrane of prostate acini, smooth muscle, blood vessels, and nerve fibers of normal and PC samples. Although there was no difference in Coll-IV area between normal tissue and PC, tumors with Gleason score 10 showed absence of Coll-IV, when compared to scores 6 and 8 (p = 0.0095). Elastic fibers were found in the septa dividing the lobules and around the prostatic acini of normal samples and were statistically higher in PC compared to normal tissue (p = 0.00229). Investigation of ECM components brings new information and should be correlated with prognosis in future studies.
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37
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Stylianou A, Lekka M, Stylianopoulos T. AFM assessing of nanomechanical fingerprints for cancer early diagnosis and classification: from single cell to tissue level. NANOSCALE 2018; 10:20930-20945. [PMID: 30406223 DOI: 10.1039/c8nr06146g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Cancer development and progression are closely associated with changes both in the mechano-cellular phenotype of cancer and stromal cells and in the extracellular matrix (ECM) structure, composition, and mechanics. In this paper, we review the use of atomic force microscopy (AFM) as a tool for assessing the nanomechanical fingerprints of solid tumors, so as to be potentially used as a diagnostic biomarker for more accurate identification and early cancer grading/classification. The development of such a methodology is expected to provide new insights and a novel approach for cancer diagnosis. We propose that AFM measurements could be employed to complement standard biopsy procedures, offering an objective, novel and quantitative diagnostic approach with the properties of a blind assay, allowing unbiased evaluation of the sample.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Stylianou
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Cyprus.
| | - Malgorzata Lekka
- Institute of Nuclear Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, PL-31342 Kraków, Poland.
| | - Triantafyllos Stylianopoulos
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Cyprus.
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38
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Xu C, Zhang Molino B, Wang X, Cheng F, Xu W, Molino P, Bacher M, Su D, Rosenau T, Willför S, Wallace G. 3D printing of nanocellulose hydrogel scaffolds with tunable mechanical strength towards wound healing application. J Mater Chem B 2018; 6:7066-7075. [PMID: 32254590 DOI: 10.1039/c8tb01757c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
We present for the first time approaches to 3D-printing of nanocellulose hydrogel scaffolds based on double crosslinking, first by in situ Ca2+ crosslinking and post-printing by chemical crosslinking with 1,4-butanediol diglycidyl ether (BDDE). Scaffolds were successfully printed from 1% nanocellulose hydrogels, with their mechanical strength being tunable in the range of 3 to 8 kPa. Cell tests suggest that the 3D-printed and BDDE-crosslinked nanocellulose hydrogel scaffolds supported fibroblast cells' proliferation, which was improving with increasing rigidity. These 3D-printed scaffolds render nanocellulose a new member of the family of promising support structures for crucial cellular processes during wound healing, regeneration and tissue repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunlin Xu
- Johan Gadolin Process Chemistry Centre, Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland.
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39
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Reid JA, Mollica PA, Bruno RD, Sachs PC. Consistent and reproducible cultures of large-scale 3D mammary epithelial structures using an accessible bioprinting platform. Breast Cancer Res 2018; 20:122. [PMID: 30305139 PMCID: PMC6180647 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-018-1045-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2018] [Accepted: 08/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Standard three-dimensional (3D) in vitro culture techniques, such as those used for mammary epithelial cells, rely on random distribution of cells within hydrogels. Although these systems offer advantages over traditional 2D models, limitations persist owing to the lack of control over cellular placement within the hydrogel. This results in experimental inconsistencies and random organoid morphology. Robust, high-throughput experimentation requires greater standardization of 3D epithelial culture techniques. METHODS Here, we detail the use of a 3D bioprinting platform as an investigative tool to control the 3D formation of organoids through the "self-assembly" of human mammary epithelial cells. Experimental bioprinting procedures were optimized to enable the formation of controlled arrays of individual mammary organoids. We define the distance and cell number parameters necessary to print individual organoids that do not interact between print locations as well as those required to generate large contiguous organoids connected through multiple print locations. RESULTS We demonstrate that as few as 10 cells can be used to form 3D mammary structures in a single print and that prints up to 500 μm apart can fuse to form single large structures. Using these fusion parameters, we demonstrate that both linear and non-linear (contiguous circles) can be generated with sizes of 3 mm in length/diameter. We confirm that cells from individual prints interact to form structures with a contiguous lumen. Finally, we demonstrate that organoids can be printed into human collagen hydrogels, allowing for all-human 3D culture systems. CONCLUSIONS Our platform is adaptable to different culturing protocols and is superior to traditional random 3D culture techniques in efficiency, reproducibility, and scalability. Importantly, owing to the low-cost accessibility and computer numerical control-driven platform of our 3D bioprinter, we have the ability to disseminate our experiments with absolute precision to interested laboratories.
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Affiliation(s)
- John A Reid
- Biomedical Engineering Institute, College of Engineering, Old Dominion University, 5115 Hampton Blvd, Norfolk, VA, 23529, USA
| | - Peter A Mollica
- School of Medical Diagnostic & Translational Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Old Dominion University, 5115 Hampton Blvd, Norfolk, VA, 23529, USA
| | - Robert D Bruno
- School of Medical Diagnostic & Translational Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Old Dominion University, 5115 Hampton Blvd, Norfolk, VA, 23529, USA.
| | - Patrick C Sachs
- School of Medical Diagnostic & Translational Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Old Dominion University, 5115 Hampton Blvd, Norfolk, VA, 23529, USA.
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40
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Wullkopf L, West AKV, Leijnse N, Cox TR, Madsen CD, Oddershede LB, Erler JT. Cancer cells' ability to mechanically adjust to extracellular matrix stiffness correlates with their invasive potential. Mol Biol Cell 2018; 29:2378-2385. [PMID: 30091653 PMCID: PMC6233061 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e18-05-0319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2018] [Revised: 07/24/2018] [Accepted: 07/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Increased tissue stiffness is a classic characteristic of solid tumors. One of the major contributing factors is increased density of collagen fibers in the extracellular matrix (ECM). Here, we investigate how cancer cells biomechanically interact with and respond to the stiffness of the ECM. Probing the adaptability of cancer cells to altered ECM stiffness using optical tweezers-based microrheology and deformability cytometry, we find that only malignant cancer cells have the ability to adjust to collagen matrices of different densities. Employing microrheology on the biologically relevant spheroid invasion assay, we can furthermore demonstrate that, even within a cluster of cells of similar origin, there are differences in the intracellular biomechanical properties dependent on the cells' invasive behavior. We reveal a consistent increase of viscosity in cancer cells leading the invasion into the collagen matrices in comparison with cancer cells following in the stalk or remaining in the center of the spheroid. We hypothesize that this differential viscoelasticity might facilitate spheroid tip invasion through a dense matrix. These findings highlight the importance of the biomechanical interplay between cells and their microenvironment for tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Wullkopf
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Natascha Leijnse
- Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Thomas R. Cox
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research and the Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Cancer Division, St Vincent’s Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Chris D. Madsen
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Translational Cancer Research, Lund University, 223 81 Lund, Sweden
| | - Lene B. Oddershede
- Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Janine T. Erler
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
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41
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Novak C, Horst E, Mehta G. Review: Mechanotransduction in ovarian cancer: Shearing into the unknown. APL Bioeng 2018; 2:031701. [PMID: 31069311 PMCID: PMC6481715 DOI: 10.1063/1.5024386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2018] [Accepted: 05/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer remains a deadly diagnosis with an 85% recurrence rate and a 5-year survival rate of only 46%. The poor outlook of this disease has improved little over the past 50 years owing to the lack of early detection, chemoresistance and the complex tumor microenvironment. Within the peritoneal cavity, the presence of ascites stimulates ovarian tumors with shear stresses. The stiff environment found within the tumor extracellular matrix and the peritoneal membrane are also implicated in the metastatic potential and epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) of ovarian cancer. Though these mechanical cues remain highly relevant to the understanding and treatment of ovarian cancers, our current knowledge of their biological processes and their clinical relevance is deeply lacking. Seminal studies on ovarian cancer mechanotransduction have demonstrated close ties between mechanotransduction and ovarian cancer chemoresistance, EMT, enhanced cancer stem cell populations, and metastasis. This review summarizes our current understanding of ovarian cancer mechanotransduction and the gaps in knowledge that exist. Future investigations on ovarian cancer mechanotransduction will greatly improve clinical outcomes via systematic studies that determine shear stress magnitude and its influence on ovarian cancer progression, metastasis, and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caymen Novak
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of
Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-2800,
USA
| | | | - Geeta Mehta
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed:
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42
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Tharp KM, Weaver VM. Modeling Tissue Polarity in Context. J Mol Biol 2018; 430:3613-3628. [PMID: 30055167 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2018.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Revised: 06/27/2018] [Accepted: 07/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Polarity is critical for development and tissue-specific function. However, the acquisition and maintenance of tissue polarity is context dependent. Thus, cell and tissue polarity depend on cell adhesion which is regulated by the cytoskeleton and influenced by the biochemical composition of the extracellular microenvironment and modified by biomechanical cues within the tissue. These biomechanical cues include fluid flow induced shear stresses, cell-density and confinement-mediated compression, and cellular actomyosin tension intrinsic to the tissue or induced in response to morphogens or extracellular matrix stiffness. Here, we discuss how extracellular matrix stiffness and fluid flow influence cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix adhesion and alter cytoskeletal organization to modulate cell and tissue polarity. We describe model systems that when combined with state of the art molecular screens and high-resolution imaging can be used to investigate how force modulates cell and tissue polarity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin M Tharp
- Center for Bioengineering and Tissue Regeneration, Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Valerie M Weaver
- Center for Bioengineering and Tissue Regeneration, Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Department of Radiation Oncology, Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
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43
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Chim LK, Mikos AG. Biomechanical forces in tissue engineered tumor models. CURRENT OPINION IN BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING 2018; 6:42-50. [PMID: 30276358 PMCID: PMC6162057 DOI: 10.1016/j.cobme.2018.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Solid tumors are complex three-dimensional (3D) networks of cancer and stromal cells within a dynamic extracellular matrix. Monolayer cultures fail to recapitulate the native microenvironment and therefore are poor candidates for pre-clinical drug studies and studying pathways in cancer. The tissue engineering toolkit allows us to make models that better recapitulate the 3D architecture present in tumors. Moreover, the role of the mechanical microenvironment, including matrix stiffness and shear stress from fluid flow, is known to contribute to cancer progression and drug resistance. We review recent developments in tissue engineered tumor models with a focus on the role of the biomechanical forces and propose future considerations to implement to improve physiological relevance of such models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letitia K Chim
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, 6500 Main Street MS-142, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Antonios G Mikos
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, 6500 Main Street MS-142, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
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44
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Kenney RM, Lloyd CC, Whitman NA, Lockett MR. 3D cellular invasion platforms: how do paper-based cultures stack up? Chem Commun (Camb) 2018. [PMID: 28621775 DOI: 10.1039/c7cc02357j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Cellular invasion is the gateway to metastasis, which is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Invasion is driven by a number of chemical and mechanical stresses that arise in the tumor microenvironment. In vitro assays are needed for the systematic study of cancer progress. To be truly predictive, these assays must generate tissue-like environments that can be experimentally controlled and manipulated. While two-dimensional (2D) monolayer cultures are easily assembled and evaluated, they lack the extracellular components needed to assess invasion. Three-dimensional (3D) cultures are better suited for invasion studies because they generate cellular phenotypes that are more representative of those found in vivo. This feature article provides an overview of four invasion platforms. We focus on paper-based cultures, an emerging 3D culture platform capable of generating tissue-like structures and quantifying cellular invasion. Paper-based cultures are as easily assembled and analyzed as monolayers, but provide an experimentally powerful platform capable of supporting: co-cultures and representative extracellular environments; experimentally controlled gradients; readouts capable of quantifying, discerning, and separating cells based on their invasiveness. With a series of examples we highlight the potential of paper-based cultures, and discuss how they stack up against other invasion platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachael M Kenney
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kenan and Caudill Laboratories, 125 South Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3290, USA.
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Broders-Bondon F, Nguyen Ho-Bouldoires TH, Fernandez-Sanchez ME, Farge E. Mechanotransduction in tumor progression: The dark side of the force. J Cell Biol 2018; 217:1571-1587. [PMID: 29467174 PMCID: PMC5940296 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201701039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 184] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2017] [Revised: 01/19/2018] [Accepted: 02/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Broders-Bondon et al. review the pathological mechanical properties of tumor tissues and how abnormal mechanical signals result in oncogenic biochemical signals during tumor progression. Cancer has been characterized as a genetic disease, associated with mutations that cause pathological alterations of the cell cycle, adhesion, or invasive motility. Recently, the importance of the anomalous mechanical properties of tumor tissues, which activate tumorigenic biochemical pathways, has become apparent. This mechanical induction in tumors appears to consist of the destabilization of adult tissue homeostasis as a result of the reactivation of embryonic developmental mechanosensitive pathways in response to pathological mechanical strains. These strains occur in many forms, for example, hypervascularization in late tumors leads to high static hydrodynamic pressure that can promote malignant progression through hypoxia or anomalous interstitial liquid and blood flow. The high stiffness of tumors directly induces the mechanical activation of biochemical pathways enhancing the cell cycle, epithelial–mesenchymal transition, and cell motility. Furthermore, increases in solid-stress pressure associated with cell hyperproliferation activate tumorigenic pathways in the healthy epithelial cells compressed by the neighboring tumor. The underlying molecular mechanisms of the translation of a mechanical signal into a tumor inducing biochemical signal are based on mechanically induced protein conformational changes that activate classical tumorigenic signaling pathways. Understanding these mechanisms will be important for the development of innovative treatments to target such mechanical anomalies in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florence Broders-Bondon
- Mechanics and Genetics of Embryonic and Tumor Development Group, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR168, Inserm, Sorbonne Universities, Paris, France
| | - Thanh Huong Nguyen Ho-Bouldoires
- Mechanics and Genetics of Embryonic and Tumor Development Group, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR168, Inserm, Sorbonne Universities, Paris, France
| | - Maria-Elena Fernandez-Sanchez
- Mechanics and Genetics of Embryonic and Tumor Development Group, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR168, Inserm, Sorbonne Universities, Paris, France
| | - Emmanuel Farge
- Mechanics and Genetics of Embryonic and Tumor Development Group, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR168, Inserm, Sorbonne Universities, Paris, France
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46
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Smith Callahan LA. Gradient Material Strategies for Hydrogel Optimization in Tissue Engineering Applications. High Throughput 2018; 7:E1. [PMID: 29485612 PMCID: PMC5876527 DOI: 10.3390/ht7010001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2017] [Revised: 12/30/2017] [Accepted: 01/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Although a number of combinatorial/high-throughput approaches have been developed for biomaterial hydrogel optimization, a gradient sample approach is particularly well suited to identify hydrogel property thresholds that alter cellular behavior in response to interacting with the hydrogel due to reduced variation in material preparation and the ability to screen biological response over a range instead of discrete samples each containing only one condition. This review highlights recent work on cell-hydrogel interactions using a gradient material sample approach. Fabrication strategies for composition, material and mechanical property, and bioactive signaling gradient hydrogels that can be used to examine cell-hydrogel interactions will be discussed. The effects of gradients in hydrogel samples on cellular adhesion, migration, proliferation, and differentiation will then be examined, providing an assessment of the current state of the field and the potential of wider use of the gradient sample approach to accelerate our understanding of matrices on cellular behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura A Smith Callahan
- The Vivian L. Smith Department of Neurosurgery, Center for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, and Department of Nanomedicine and Biomedical Engineering, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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47
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Yang R, Liang H. Dynamic electro-regulation of the stiffness gradient hydrogels. RSC Adv 2018; 8:6675-6679. [PMID: 35540431 PMCID: PMC9078371 DOI: 10.1039/c7ra11382j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2017] [Accepted: 02/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Hydrogels are promising biomaterials which provide bionic environments to study the effect of stiffness. A hydrogel with dynamically changeable stiffness can be used to further understand the dynamic biological processes such as embryonic development, tumorigenesis, etc. here we present an electro-regulation method which can dynamically control the stiffness of hydrogels with ionic crosslinks. By applying an electric field and controlling the voltage applied to the hydrogel the mechanical properties of the hydrogel can be changed. The voltage can directly change the stress–relaxation properties of the hydrogel, and after the voltage was applied for hundreds of seconds, a gradient stiffness was generated along the direction of the electric field. The value of gradient stiffness can be regulated by charge. With the increase of charge, the stiffness of the hydrogel near the anode increases, while the stiffness of the hydrogel near the cathode decreases. Experiments show that the electro-regulation method allows dynamic manipulation of the material properties of the hydrogel with ionic crosslinks. Dynamic electro-regulation of hydrogels is a powerful tool that will promote the study of the dynamic microenvironments and lead to a better understanding of the fundamental phenomena of the extracellular matrix. A reversible electro-regulation process was developed which can dynamically regulate the stiffness gradient of hydrogels (10 to 30 kPa).![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Runhuai Yang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering
- School of Life Science
- Anhui Medical University
- Hefei
- China
| | - Haiyi Liang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering
- School of Life Science
- Anhui Medical University
- Hefei
- China
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48
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Puls TJ, Tan X, Whittington CF, Voytik-Harbin SL. 3D collagen fibrillar microstructure guides pancreatic cancer cell phenotype and serves as a critical design parameter for phenotypic models of EMT. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0188870. [PMID: 29190794 PMCID: PMC5708668 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0188870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2017] [Accepted: 11/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer, one of the deadliest cancers, is characterized by high rates of metastasis and intense desmoplasia, both of which are associated with changes in fibrillar type I collagen composition and microstructure. Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), a critical step of metastasis, also involves a change in extracellular matrix (ECM) context as cells detach from basement membrane (BM) and engage interstitial matrix (IM). The objective of this work was to develop and apply an in-vitro three-dimensional (3D) tumor-ECM model to define how ECM composition and biophysical properties modulate pancreatic cancer EMT. Three established pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) lines were embedded within 3D matrices prepared with type I collagen Oligomer (IM) at various fibril densities to control matrix stiffness or Oligomer and Matrigel combined at various ratios while maintaining constant matrix stiffness. Evaluation of cell morphology and protein expression at both the cellular- and population-levels revealed a spectrum of matrix-driven EMT phenotypes that were dependent on ECM composition and architecture as well as initial PDAC phenotype. In general, exposure to fibrillar IM was sufficient to drive EMT, with cells displaying spindle-shaped morphology and mesenchymal markers, and non-fibrillar BM promoted more epithelial behavior. When cultured within low density Oligomer, only a subpopulation of epithelial BxPC-3 cells displayed EMT while mesenchymal MiaPaCa-2 cells displayed more uniform spindle-shaped morphologies and mesenchymal marker expression. Interestingly, as IM fibril density increased, associated changes in spatial constraints and matrix stiffness resulted in all PDAC lines growing as tight clusters; however mesenchymal marker expression was maintained. Collectively, the comparison of these results to other in-vitro tumor models highlights the role of IM fibril microstructure in guiding EMT heterogeneity and showcases the potential of standardized 3D matrices such as Oligomer to serve as robust platforms for mechanistic study of metastasis and creation of predictive drug screening models.
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Affiliation(s)
- T. J. Puls
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Xiaohong Tan
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Catherine F. Whittington
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States of America
- Department of Oncology, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Sherry L. Voytik-Harbin
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States of America
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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49
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Wei B, Zhou X, Liang C, Zheng X, Lei P, Fang J, Han X, Wang L, Qi C, Wei H. Human colorectal cancer progression correlates with LOX-induced ECM stiffening. Int J Biol Sci 2017; 13:1450-1457. [PMID: 29209148 PMCID: PMC5715527 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.21230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2017] [Accepted: 10/08/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Some solid tumors are characterized by extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling and stiffening, which is related to solid tumor progression and aggression. However, the relationship between ECM stiffness and colorectal cancer (CRC) remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the relevance of ECM stiffness to clinicopathologic features using human CRC tissue microarrays. The results demonstrate that the expression of ECM components in CRC tissues is closely correlated with CRC progression and poor prognosis, which indicates that ECM stiffness may be associated with CRC development. We further studied lysyl oxidase (LOX) expression in CRC tissue and demonstrated that LOX expression is closely correlated with CRC progression. Previous studies showed that P-selectin-mediated platelet accumulation in CRC tissue may up-regulate LOX expression. Our findings indicate that P-selectin-mediated platelet aggregation may up-regulate LOX expression and enhance the remodeling and stiffening of the tumor ECM, which may promote the progression of colorectal cancer. Therefore, LOX may be a potential effective therapeutic target to treat colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Wei
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, the Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, China
| | - Xueling Zhou
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, the Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, China
| | - Chenghua Liang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, the Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, China
| | - Xiaoming Zheng
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, the Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, China
| | - Purun Lei
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, the Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, China
| | - Jiafeng Fang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, the Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, China
| | - Xiaoyan Han
- Central Laboratory, the Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, China
| | - Lijing Wang
- Vascular Biology Research Institute, School of Basic Course, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Cuiling Qi
- Vascular Biology Research Institute, School of Basic Course, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Hongbo Wei
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, the Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, China
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50
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Huang YL, Segall JE, Wu M. Microfluidic modeling of the biophysical microenvironment in tumor cell invasion. LAB ON A CHIP 2017; 17:3221-3233. [PMID: 28805874 PMCID: PMC6007858 DOI: 10.1039/c7lc00623c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Tumor cell invasion, whether penetrating through the extracellular matrix (ECM) or crossing a vascular endothelium, is a critical step in the cancer metastatic cascade. Along the way from a primary tumor to a distant metastatic site, tumor cells interact actively with the microenvironment either via biomechanical (e. g. ECM stiffness) or biochemical (e.g. secreted cytokines) signals. Increasingly, it is recognized that the tumor microenvironment (TME) is a critical player in tumor cell invasion. A main challenge for the mechanistic understanding of tumor cell-TME interactions comes from the complexity of the TME, which consists of extracellular matrices, fluid flows, cytokine gradients and other cell types. It is difficult to control TME parameters in conventional in vitro experimental designs such as Boyden chambers or in vivo such as in mouse models. Microfluidics has emerged as an enabling tool for exploring the TME parameter space because of its ease of use in recreating a complex and physiologically realistic three dimensional TME with well-defined spatial and temporal control. In this perspective, we will discuss designing principles for modeling the biophysical microenvironment (biological flows and ECM) for tumor cells using microfluidic devices and the potential microfluidic technology holds in recreating a physiologically realistic tumor microenvironment. The focus will be on applications of microfluidic models in tumor cell invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Ling Huang
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, 306 Riley-Robb Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
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