1
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Ashworth JC, Cox TR. The importance of 3D fibre architecture in cancer and implications for biomaterial model design. Nat Rev Cancer 2024; 24:461-479. [PMID: 38886573 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-024-00704-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
The need for improved prediction of clinical response is driving the development of cancer models with enhanced physiological relevance. A new concept of 'precision biomaterials' is emerging, encompassing patient-mimetic biomaterial models that seek to accurately detect, treat and model cancer by faithfully recapitulating key microenvironmental characteristics. Despite recent advances allowing tissue-mimetic stiffness and molecular composition to be replicated in vitro, approaches for reproducing the 3D fibre architectures found in tumour extracellular matrix (ECM) remain relatively unexplored. Although the precise influences of patient-specific fibre architecture are unclear, we summarize the known roles of tumour fibre architecture, underlining their implications in cell-matrix interactions and ultimately clinical outcome. We then explore the challenges in reproducing tissue-specific 3D fibre architecture(s) in vitro, highlighting relevant biomaterial fabrication techniques and their benefits and limitations. Finally, we discuss imaging and image analysis techniques (focussing on collagen I-optimized approaches) that could hold the key to mapping tumour-specific ECM into high-fidelity biomaterial models. We anticipate that an interdisciplinary approach, combining materials science, cancer research and image analysis, will elucidate the role of 3D fibre architecture in tumour development, leading to the next generation of patient-mimetic models for mechanistic studies and drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- J C Ashworth
- School of Veterinary Medicine & Science, Sutton Bonington Campus, University of Nottingham, Leicestershire, UK.
- Biodiscovery Institute, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, The Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - T R Cox
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, The Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia.
- The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia.
- School of Clinical Medicine, St Vincent's Healthcare Clinical Campus, UNSW Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
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2
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Coulter SM, Pentlavalli S, An Y, Vora LK, Cross ER, Moore JV, Sun H, Schweins R, McCarthy HO, Laverty G. In Situ Forming, Enzyme-Responsive Peptoid-Peptide Hydrogels: An Advanced Long-Acting Injectable Drug Delivery System. J Am Chem Soc 2024. [PMID: 38922296 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c03751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Long-acting drug delivery systems are promising platforms to improve patient adherence to medication by delivering drugs over sustained periods and removing the need for patients to comply with oral regimens. This research paper provides a proof-of-concept for the development of a new optimized in situ forming injectable depot based on a tetrabenzylamine-tetraglycine-d-lysine-O-phospho-d-tyrosine peptoid-D-peptide formulation ((NPhe)4GGGGk(AZT)y(p)-OH). The chemical versatility of the peptoid-peptide motif allows low-molecular-weight drugs to be precisely and covalently conjugated. After subcutaneous injection, a hydrogel depot forms from the solubilized peptoid-peptide-drug formulation in response to phosphatase enzymes present within the skin space. This system is able to deliver clinically relevant concentrations of a model drug, the antiretroviral zidovudine (AZT), for 35 days in Sprague-Dawley rats. Oscillatory rheology demonstrated that hydrogel formation began within ∼30 s, an important characteristic of in situ systems for reducing initial drug bursts. Gel formation continued for up to ∼90 min. Small-angle neutron scattering data reveal narrow-radius fibers (∼0.78-1.8 nm) that closely fit formation via a flexible cylinder elliptical model. The inclusion of non-native peptoid monomers and D-variant amino acids confers protease resistance, enabling enhanced biostability to be demonstrated in vitro. Drug release proceeds via hydrolysis of an ester linkage under physiological conditions, releasing the drug in an unmodified form and further reducing the initial drug burst. Subcutaneous administration of (NPhe)4GGGGk(AZT)y(p)-OH to Sprague-Dawley rats resulted in zidovudine blood plasma concentrations within the 90% maximal inhibitory concentration (IC90) range (30-130 ng mL-1) for 35 days.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie M Coulter
- Biofunctional Nanomaterials Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, Co. Antrim BT9 7BL, N. Ireland
| | - Sreekanth Pentlavalli
- Biofunctional Nanomaterials Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, Co. Antrim BT9 7BL, N. Ireland
| | - Yuming An
- Biofunctional Nanomaterials Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, Co. Antrim BT9 7BL, N. Ireland
| | - Lalitkumar K Vora
- Biofunctional Nanomaterials Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, Co. Antrim BT9 7BL, N. Ireland
| | - Emily R Cross
- Biofunctional Nanomaterials Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, Co. Antrim BT9 7BL, N. Ireland
| | - Jessica V Moore
- Biofunctional Nanomaterials Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, Co. Antrim BT9 7BL, N. Ireland
| | - Han Sun
- Biofunctional Nanomaterials Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, Co. Antrim BT9 7BL, N. Ireland
| | - Ralf Schweins
- Large Scale Structures Group, Institut Laue - Langevin, 71 Avenue des Martyrs, CS 20156, Grenoble Cedex 9, 38042, France
| | - Helen O McCarthy
- Biofunctional Nanomaterials Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, Co. Antrim BT9 7BL, N. Ireland
| | - Garry Laverty
- Biofunctional Nanomaterials Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, Co. Antrim BT9 7BL, N. Ireland
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3
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Matheson AB, Mendonca T, Smith MG, Sutcliffe B, Fernandez AJ, Paterson L, Dalgarno PA, Wright AJ, Tassieri M. Fully angularly resolved 3D microrheology with optical tweezers. RHEOLOGICA ACTA 2024; 63:205-217. [PMID: 38440195 PMCID: PMC10908627 DOI: 10.1007/s00397-024-01435-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
Microrheology with optical tweezers (MOT) is an all-optical technique that allows the user to investigate a materials' viscoelastic properties at microscopic scales, and is particularly useful for those materials that feature complex microstructures, such as biological samples. MOT is increasingly being employed alongside 3D imaging systems and particle tracking methods to generate maps showing not only how properties may vary between different points in a sample but also how at a single point the viscoelastic properties may vary with direction. However, due to the diffraction limited shape of focussed beams, optical traps are inherently anisotropic in 3D. This can result in a significant overestimation of the fluids' viscosity in certain directions. As such, the rheological properties can only be accurately probed along directions parallel or perpendicular to the axis of trap beam propagation. In this work, a new analytical method is demonstrated to overcome this potential artefact. This is achieved by performing principal component analysis on 3D MOT data to characterise the trap, and then identify the frequency range over which trap anisotropy influences the data. This approach is initially applied to simulated data for a Newtonian fluid where the trap anisotropy induced maximum error in viscosity is reduced from ~ 150% to less than 6%. The effectiveness of the method is corroborated by experimental MOT measurements performed with water and gelatine solutions, thus confirming that the microrheology of a fluid can be extracted reliably across a wide frequency range and in any arbitrary direction. This work opens the door to fully spatially and angularly resolved 3D mapping of the rheological properties of soft materials over a broad frequency range.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew B. Matheson
- School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering, Heriot Watt University, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Tania Mendonca
- Optics and Photonics Research Group, Faculty of Engineering, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Matthew G. Smith
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, James Watt School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Ben Sutcliffe
- Optics and Photonics Research Group, Faculty of Engineering, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Andrea Jannina Fernandez
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, James Watt School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Lynn Paterson
- School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering, Heriot Watt University, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Paul A. Dalgarno
- School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering, Heriot Watt University, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Amanda J. Wright
- Optics and Photonics Research Group, Faculty of Engineering, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Manlio Tassieri
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, James Watt School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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4
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Scemama A, Lunetto S, Tailor A, Di Cio S, Dibble M, Gautrot J, Biddle A. Development of an in vitro microfluidic model to study the role of microenvironmental cells in oral cancer metastasis. F1000Res 2024; 12:439. [PMID: 38434654 PMCID: PMC10904955 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.131810.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Metastasis occurs when cancer cells leave the primary tumour and travel to a secondary site to form a new lesion. The tumour microenvironment (TME) is recognised to greatly influence this process, with for instance the vascular system enabling the dissemination of the cells into other tissues. However, understanding the exact role of these microenvironmental cells during metastasis has proven challenging. Indeed, in vitro models often appear too simplistic, and the study of the interactions between different cell types in a 3D space is limited. On the other hand, even though in vivo models incorporate the TME, observing cells in real-time to understand their exact role is difficult. Horizontal compartmentalised microfluidic models are a promising new platform for metastasis studies. These devices, composed of adjacent microchannels, can incorporate multiple cell types within a 3D space. Furthermore, the transparency and thickness of these models also enables high quality real-time imaging to be performed. This paper demonstrates how these devices can be successfully used for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) metastasis studies, focusing on the role of the vascular system in this process. Conditions for co-culture of OSCC cells and endothelial cells have been determined and staining protocols optimised. Furthermore, several imaging analysis techniques for these models are described, enabling precise segmentation of the different cell types on the images as well as accurate assessment of their phenotype. These methods can be applied to any study aiming to understand the role of microenvironmental cell types in cancer metastatic dissemination, and overcome several challenges encountered with current in vitro and in vivo models. Hence, this new in vitro model capable of recapitulating important aspects of the cellular complexity of human metastatic dissemination can ultimately contribute to replacing animal studies in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Scemama
- Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 2AT, UK
| | | | - Artysha Tailor
- Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 2AT, UK
| | - Stefania Di Cio
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 4NS, UK
| | - Matthew Dibble
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 4NS, UK
| | - Julien Gautrot
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 4NS, UK
| | - Adrian Biddle
- Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 2AT, UK
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5
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Smith DK. Supramolecular gels - a panorama of low-molecular-weight gelators from ancient origins to next-generation technologies. SOFT MATTER 2023; 20:10-70. [PMID: 38073497 DOI: 10.1039/d3sm01301d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Supramolecular gels, self-assembled from low-molecular-weight gelators (LMWGs), have a long history and a bright future. This review provides an overview of these materials, from their use in lubrication and personal care in the ancient world, through to next-generation technologies. In academic terms, colloid scientists in the 19th and early 20th centuries first understood such gels as being physically assembled as a result of weak interactions, combining a solid-like network having a degree of crystalline order with a highly mobile liquid-like phase. During the 20th century, industrial scientists began using these materials in new applications in the polymer, oil and food industries. The advent of supramolecular chemistry in the late 20th century, with its focus on non-covalent interactions and controlled self-assembly, saw the horizons for these materials shifted significantly beyond their historic rheological applications, expanding their potential. The ability to tune the LMWG chemical structure, manipulate hierarchical assembly, develop multi-component systems, and introduce new types of responsive and interactive behaviour, has been transformative. Furthermore, the dynamics of these materials are increasingly understood, creating metastable gels and transiently-fueled systems. New approaches to shaping and patterning gels are providing a unique opportunity for more sophisticated uses. These supramolecular advances are increasingly underpinning and informing next-generation applications - from drug delivery and regenerative medicine to environmental remediation and sustainable energy. In summary, this article presents a panorama over the field of supramolecular gels, emphasising how both academic and industrial scientists are building on the past, and engaging new fundamental insights and innovative concepts to open up exciting horizons for their future use.
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Affiliation(s)
- David K Smith
- Department of Chemistry, University of York, Heslington, York, YO10 5DD, UK.
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6
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Blanco-Fernandez B, Ibañez-Fonseca A, Orbanic D, Ximenes-Carballo C, Perez-Amodio S, Rodríguez-Cabello JC, Engel E. Elastin-like Recombinamer Hydrogels as Platforms for Breast Cancer Modeling. Biomacromolecules 2023; 24:4408-4418. [PMID: 36597885 PMCID: PMC10565832 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.2c01080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The involvement of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in tumor progression has motivated the development of biomaterials mimicking the tumor ECM to develop more predictive cancer models. Particularly, polypeptides based on elastin could be an interesting approach to mimic the ECM due to their tunable properties. Here, we demonstrated that elastin-like recombinamer (ELR) hydrogels can be suitable biomaterials to develop breast cancer models. This hydrogel was formed by two ELR polypeptides, one containing sequences biodegradable by matrix metalloproteinase and cyclooctyne and the other carrying arginylglycylaspartic acid and azide groups to allow cell adhesion, biodegradability, and suitable stiffness through "click-chemistry" cross-linking. Our findings show that breast cancer or nontumorigenic breast cells showed high viability and cell proliferation for up to 7 days. MCF7 and MCF10A formed spheroids whereas MDA-MB-231 formed cell networks, with the expression of ECM and high drug resistance in all cases, evidencing that ELR hydrogels are a promising biomaterial for breast cancer modeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Blanco-Fernandez
- Institute
for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of
Science and Technology (BIST), Baldiri Reixac 10-12, Barcelona 08028, Spain
- CIBER
en Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina, CIBER-BBN, Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Arturo Ibañez-Fonseca
- BIOFORGE
Lab, CIBER-BBN, University of Valladolid, Paseo de Belén 19, 47011 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Doriana Orbanic
- BIOFORGE
Lab, CIBER-BBN, University of Valladolid, Paseo de Belén 19, 47011 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Celia Ximenes-Carballo
- Institute
for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of
Science and Technology (BIST), Baldiri Reixac 10-12, Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | - Soledad Perez-Amodio
- Institute
for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of
Science and Technology (BIST), Baldiri Reixac 10-12, Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | | | - Elisabeth Engel
- Institute
for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of
Science and Technology (BIST), Baldiri Reixac 10-12, Barcelona 08028, Spain
- CIBER
en Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina, CIBER-BBN, Madrid 28029, Spain
- IMEM-BRT
Group, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, EEBE, Technical University of Catalonia (UPC), Barcelona 08019, Spain
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7
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Banda Sánchez C, Cubo Mateo N, Saldaña L, Valdivieso A, Earl J, González Gómez I, Rodríguez-Lorenzo LM. Selection and Optimization of a Bioink Based on PANC-1- Plasma/Alginate/Methylcellulose for Pancreatic Tumour Modelling. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:3196. [PMID: 37571089 PMCID: PMC10421301 DOI: 10.3390/polym15153196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
3D bioprinting involves using bioinks that combine biological and synthetic materials. The selection of the most appropriate cell-material combination for a specific application is complex, and there is a lack of consensus on the optimal conditions required. Plasma-loaded alginate and alginate/methylcellulose (Alg/MC) inks were chosen to study their viscoelastic behaviour, degree of recovery, gelation kinetics, and cell survival after printing. Selected inks showed a shear thinning behavior from shear rates as low as 0.2 s-1, and the ink composed of 3% w/v SA and 9% w/v MC was the only one showing a successful stacking and 96% recovery capacity. A 0.5 × 106 PANC-1 cell-laden bioink was extruded with an Inkredible 3D printer (Cellink) through a D = 410 μm tip conical nozzle into 6-well culture plates. Cylindrical constructs were printed and crosslinked with CaCl2. Bioinks suffered a 1.845 Pa maximum pressure at the tip that was not deleterious for cellular viability. Cell aggregates can be appreciated for the cut total length observed in confocal microscopy, indicating a good proliferation rate at different heights of the construct, and suggesting the viability of the selected bioink PANC-1/P-Alg3/MC9 for building up three-dimensional bioprinted pancreatic tumor constructs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nieves Cubo Mateo
- Nebrija Research Group ARIES, Higher Polytechnic School, Antonio de Nebrija University, 28015 Madrid, Spain
- Institute for Physical and Information Technologies (ITEFI-CSIC), Sensors and Ultrasonic Systems, 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Saldaña
- IdiPAZ, Hospital Universitario La Paz, 28046 Madrid, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Center in Bioengineering, Biomaterials, and Nanomedicine, CIBER-BBN, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Alba Valdivieso
- Institute for Physical and Information Technologies (ITEFI-CSIC), Sensors and Ultrasonic Systems, 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Julie Earl
- Ramón y Cajal Health Research Institute (IRYCIS), Molecular Epidemiology and Predictive Tumour Markers, 28034 Madrid, Spain
- Biomedical Research Network in Cancer (CIBERONC), 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Itziar González Gómez
- Institute for Physical and Information Technologies (ITEFI-CSIC), Sensors and Ultrasonic Systems, 28006 Madrid, Spain
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8
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Jones S, Ashworth JC, Meakin M, Collier P, Probert C, Ritchie AA, Merry CLR, Grabowska AM. Application of a 3D hydrogel-based model to replace use of animals for passaging patient-derived xenografts. IN VITRO MODELS 2023; 2:99-111. [PMID: 37808200 PMCID: PMC10550889 DOI: 10.1007/s44164-023-00048-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Purpose This 3D in vitro cancer model for propagation of patient-derived cells, using a synthetic self-assembling peptide gel, allows the formation of a fully characterised, tailorable tumour microenvironment. Unlike many existing 3D cancer models, the peptide gel is inert, apart from molecules and motifs deliberately added or produced by cells within the model. Methods Breast cancer patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) were disaggregated and embedded in a peptide hydrogel. Growth was monitored by microscopic examination and at intervals, cells were extracted from the gels and passaged on into fresh gels. Passaged cells were assessed by qPCR and immunostaining techniques for the retention of characteristic markers. Results Breast cancer PDXs were shown to be capable of expansion over four or more passages in the peptide gel. Contaminating mouse cells were found to be rapidly removed by successive passages. The resulting human cells were shown to be compatible with a range of common assays useful for assessing survival, growth and maintenance of heterogeneity. Conclusions Based on these findings, the hydrogel has the potential to provide an effective and practical breast cancer model for the passage of PDXs which will have the added benefits of being relatively cheap, fully-defined and free from the use of animals or animal products. Encapsulated cells will require further validation to confirm the maintenance of cell heterogeneity, genotypes and phenotypes across passage, but with further development, including the addition of bespoke cell and matrix components of the tumour microenvironment, there is clear potential to model other cancer types. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s44164-023-00048-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sal Jones
- Ex Vivo Cancer Pharmacology Centre, Translational Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- Stem Cell Glycobiology Group, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Jennifer C. Ashworth
- Ex Vivo Cancer Pharmacology Centre, Translational Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- Stem Cell Glycobiology Group, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- School of Veterinary Medicine & Science, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Marian Meakin
- Ex Vivo Cancer Pharmacology Centre, Translational Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Pamela Collier
- Ex Vivo Cancer Pharmacology Centre, Translational Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Catherine Probert
- Ex Vivo Cancer Pharmacology Centre, Translational Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Alison A. Ritchie
- Ex Vivo Cancer Pharmacology Centre, Translational Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Catherine L. R. Merry
- Stem Cell Glycobiology Group, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Anna M. Grabowska
- Ex Vivo Cancer Pharmacology Centre, Translational Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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9
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Mendonca T, Lis-Slimak K, Matheson AB, Smith MG, Anane-Adjei AB, Ashworth JC, Cavanagh R, Paterson L, Dalgarno PA, Alexander C, Tassieri M, Merry CLR, Wright AJ. OptoRheo: Simultaneous in situ micro-mechanical sensing and imaging of live 3D biological systems. Commun Biol 2023; 6:463. [PMID: 37117487 PMCID: PMC10147656 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04780-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Biomechanical cues from the extracellular matrix (ECM) are essential for directing many cellular processes, from normal development and repair, to disease progression. To better understand cell-matrix interactions, we have developed a new instrument named 'OptoRheo' that combines light sheet fluorescence microscopy with particle tracking microrheology. OptoRheo lets us image cells in 3D as they proliferate over several days while simultaneously sensing the mechanical properties of the surrounding extracellular and pericellular matrix at a sub-cellular length scale. OptoRheo can be used in two operational modalities (with and without an optical trap) to extend the dynamic range of microrheology measurements. We corroborated this by characterising the ECM surrounding live breast cancer cells in two distinct culture systems, cell clusters in 3D hydrogels and spheroids in suspension culture. This cutting-edge instrument will transform the exploration of drug transport through complex cell culture matrices and optimise the design of the next-generation of disease models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania Mendonca
- Optics and Photonics Research Group, Faculty of Engineering, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.
| | - Katarzyna Lis-Slimak
- Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Andrew B Matheson
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot Watt University, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Matthew G Smith
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, James Watt School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | | | - Jennifer C Ashworth
- Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- School of Veterinary Medicine & Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Leicestershire, UK
| | - Robert Cavanagh
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Lynn Paterson
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot Watt University, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Paul A Dalgarno
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot Watt University, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Manlio Tassieri
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, James Watt School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Catherine L R Merry
- Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Amanda J Wright
- Optics and Photonics Research Group, Faculty of Engineering, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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10
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Yuan Y, Shi Y, Banerjee J, Sadeghpour A, Azevedo HS. Structuring supramolecular hyaluronan hydrogels via peptide self-assembly for modulating the cell microenvironment. Mater Today Bio 2023; 19:100598. [PMID: 36942310 PMCID: PMC10024175 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2023.100598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of synthetic extracellular matrices (ECMs) in fundamental in vitro cell culture studies has been instrumental for investigating the interplay between cells and matrix components. To provide cells with a more native environment in vitro, it is desirable to design matrices that are biomimetic and emulate compositional and structural features of natural ECMs. Here, the supramolecular fabrication of peptide-hyaluronan (HA) hydrogels is presented as potential ECM surrogates, combining native HA and rationally designed cationic amphipatic peptides [(KI)nK, lysine (K), isoleucine (I), n = 2-6] whose mechanical properties and microstructure are tunable by the peptide sequence. (KI)nK peptides adopt β-sheet configuration and self-assemble into filamentous nanostructures triggered by pH or ionic strength. The self-assembly propensity of (KI)nK peptides increases with the sequence length, forming single phase hydrogels (shorter peptides) or with phase separation (longer peptides) in presence of the anionic polyelectrolyte HA through electrostatic complexations. The gel phase formed in (KI)nK-HA complexes exhibits viscoelastic behavior and triggers the formation of human mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) spheroids which disassemble over the time. It is anticipated that these (KI)nK-HA hydrogels with tunable physical and biochemical properties offer a promising platform for in vitro applications and in stem cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yichen Yuan
- School of Engineering and Materials Science & Institute of Bioengineering, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 4NS, UK
- Zhejiang Lab, Hangzhou, 311121, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Yejiao Shi
- School of Engineering and Materials Science & Institute of Bioengineering, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 4NS, UK
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, PR China
| | - Jayati Banerjee
- School of Engineering and Materials Science & Institute of Bioengineering, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 4NS, UK
| | - Amin Sadeghpour
- School of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Helena S. Azevedo
- School of Engineering and Materials Science & Institute of Bioengineering, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 4NS, UK
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Portugal
- INEB - Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-180, Porto, Portugal
- Corresponding author. i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.
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11
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Sharick JT, Atieh AJ, Gooch KJ, Leight JL. Click chemistry functionalization of self-assembling peptide hydrogels. J Biomed Mater Res A 2023; 111:389-403. [PMID: 36210776 PMCID: PMC10092743 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.37460] [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: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Self-assembling peptide (SAP) hydrogels provide a fibrous microenvironment to cells while also giving users control of biochemical and mechanical cues. Previously, biochemical cues were introduced by physically mixing them with SAPs prior to hydrogel assembly, or by incorporating them into the SAP sequence during peptide synthesis, which limited flexibility and increased costs. To circumvent these limitations, we developed "Click SAPs," a novel formulation that can be easily functionalized via click chemistry thiol-ene reaction. Due to its high cytocompatibility, the thiol-ene click reaction is currently used to crosslink and functionalize other types of polymeric hydrogels. In this study, we developed a click chemistry compatible SAP platform by addition of a modified lysine (lysine-alloc) to the SAP sequence, enabling effective coupling of thiol-containing molecules to the SAP hydrogel network. We demonstrate the flexibility of this approach by incorporating a fluorescent dye, a cellular adhesion peptide, and a matrix metalloproteinase-sensitive biosensor using the thiol-ene reaction in 3D Click SAPs. Using atomic force microscopy, we demonstrate that Click SAPs retain the ability to self-assemble into fibers, similar to previous systems. Additionally, a range of physiologically relevant stiffnesses can be achieved by adjusting SAP concentration. Encapsulated cells maintain high viability in Click SAPs and can interact with adhesion peptides and a matrix metalloproteinase biosensor, demonstrating that incorporated molecules retain their biological activity. The Click SAP platform supports easier functionalization with a wider array of bioactive molecules and enables new investigations with temporal and spatial control of the cellular microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joe T Sharick
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,The Center for Cancer Engineering, The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Angelina J Atieh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,The Center for Cancer Engineering, The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Keith J Gooch
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Jennifer L Leight
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,The Center for Cancer Engineering, The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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12
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James JR, Curd J, Ashworth JC, Abuhantash M, Grundy M, Seedhouse CH, Arkill KP, Wright AJ, Merry CLR, Thompson A. Hydrogel-Based Pre-Clinical Evaluation of Repurposed FDA-Approved Drugs for AML. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24044235. [PMID: 36835644 PMCID: PMC9966469 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24044235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
In vivo models of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are low throughput, and standard liquid culture models fail to recapitulate the mechanical and biochemical properties of the extracellular matrix-rich protective bone marrow niche that contributes to drug resistance. Candidate drug discovery in AML requires advanced synthetic platforms to improve our understanding of the impact of mechanical cues on drug sensitivity in AML. By use of a synthetic, self-assembling peptide hydrogel (SAPH) of modifiable stiffness and composition, a 3D model of the bone marrow niche to screen repurposed FDA-approved drugs has been developed and utilized. AML cell proliferation was dependent on SAPH stiffness, which was optimized to facilitate colony growth. Three candidate FDA-approved drugs were initially screened against the THP-1 cell line and mAF9 primary cells in liquid culture, and EC50 values were used to inform drug sensitivity assays in the peptide hydrogel models. Salinomycin demonstrated efficacy in both an 'early-stage' model in which treatment was added shortly after initiation of AML cell encapsulation, and an 'established' model in which time-encapsulated cells had started to form colonies. Sensitivity to Vidofludimus treatment was not observed in the hydrogel models, and Atorvastatin demonstrated increased sensitivity in the 'established' compared to the 'early-stage' model. AML patient samples were equally sensitive to Salinomycin in the 3D hydrogels and partially sensitive to Atorvastatin. Together, this confirms that AML cell sensitivity is drug- and context-specific and that advanced synthetic platforms for higher throughput are valuable tools for pre-clinical evaluation of candidate anti-AML drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna R. James
- Blood Cancer and Stem Cell Group, School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
- Optics and Photonics Research Group, Faculty of Engineering, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Johnathan Curd
- Stem Cell Glycobiology Group, School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Jennifer C. Ashworth
- Stem Cell Glycobiology Group, School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
- School of Veterinary Medicine & Science, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Mays Abuhantash
- Blood Cancer and Stem Cell Group, School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Martin Grundy
- Blood Cancer and Stem Cell Group, School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Claire H. Seedhouse
- Blood Cancer and Stem Cell Group, School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Kenton P. Arkill
- Endothelial and Vascular Imaging Laboratories, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Amanda J. Wright
- Optics and Photonics Research Group, Faculty of Engineering, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Catherine L. R. Merry
- Stem Cell Glycobiology Group, School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Alexander Thompson
- Blood Cancer and Stem Cell Group, School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
- Correspondence:
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13
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Liu P, Roberts S, Shoemaker JT, Vukasinovic J, Tomlinson DC, Speirs V. Validation of a 3D perfused cell culture platform as a tool for humanised preclinical drug testing in breast cancer using established cell lines and patient-derived tissues. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0283044. [PMID: 36928454 PMCID: PMC10019722 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0283044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
3D cell culture models of cancer are currently being developed to recapitulate in vivo physiological conditions and to assess therapeutic responses. However, most models failed to incorporate the biochemical and biophysical stimuli from fluid flow. In this study, a three-dimensional scaffold, SeedEZ was applied within the PerfusionPal perfused culture system to investigate how perfusion, and blood-like oxygen delivery influenced breast cancer cell growth and their responses to a commonly used breast cancer drug tamoxifen. Our results showed that breast cancer cells could be maintained over 3 weeks in PerfusionPal with increased cell viability compared to static 3D culture in fully humanised conditions. This platform also supported examining the effect of tamoxifen on breast cancer cell lines and in primary patient-derived breast cancer samples. Future work is warranted to further the adaption for fully humanised assessment of drug effectiveness in a patient personalized approach with the aim to reduce the burden of animal use in cancer research and increase the degree of human pre-clinical data translation to clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Liu
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Sophie Roberts
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James’s, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Darren C Tomlinson
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Valerie Speirs
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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14
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Lee S, Bashir KMI, Jung DH, Basu SK, Seo G, Cho MG, Wierschem A. Measuring the linear viscoelastic regime of MCF-7 cells with a monolayer rheometer in the presence of microtubule-active anti-cancer drugs at high concentrations. Interface Focus 2022; 12:20220036. [PMID: 36330318 PMCID: PMC9560786 DOI: 10.1098/rsfs.2022.0036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The rheological properties of cells have vital functional implications. Depending, for instance, on the life cycle, cells show large cell-to-cell variations making it cumbersome to quantify average viscoelastic properties of cells by single-cell techniques. Microfluidic devices, typically working in the nonlinear viscoelastic range, allow fast analysis of single-cell deformation. Averaging over a large number of cells can also be achieved by studying them in a monolayer between rheometer discs. This technique allows applying well-established rheological standard procedures to cell rheology. It offers further advantages like studying cells in the linear viscoelastic range while quantifying cell vitality. Here, we study the applicability of the technique to rather adverse conditions, like for microtubule-active anti-cancer drugs and for a cell line with large size variation. We found a strong impact of the gap width and of normal forces on the moduli and obtained high vitality levels during the rheological study. To enable studying the impact of microtubule-active drugs on vital cells at concentrations several orders of magnitude beyond the half maximal effective concentration for cytotoxicity, we arrested the cell cycle with hydroxyurea. Irrespective of the high concentrations, we observed no clear impact of the microtubule-active drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suhyang Lee
- German Engineering Research and Development Center, LSTME-Busan Branch, Gangseo-Gu, Busan 46742, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Fluid Mechanics, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Cauerstr. 4, Erlangen 91058, Germany
| | | | - Dong Hee Jung
- German Engineering Research and Development Center, LSTME-Busan Branch, Gangseo-Gu, Busan 46742, Republic of Korea
- Division of Energy and Bioengineering, Dongseo University, Sasang-gu, Busan 47011, Republic of Korea
| | - Santanu Kumar Basu
- Institute of Fluid Mechanics, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Cauerstr. 4, Erlangen 91058, Germany
| | - Gayeon Seo
- Division of Energy and Bioengineering, Dongseo University, Sasang-gu, Busan 47011, Republic of Korea
| | - Man-Gi Cho
- German Engineering Research and Development Center, LSTME-Busan Branch, Gangseo-Gu, Busan 46742, Republic of Korea
- Division of Energy and Bioengineering, Dongseo University, Sasang-gu, Busan 47011, Republic of Korea
| | - Andreas Wierschem
- German Engineering Research and Development Center, LSTME-Busan Branch, Gangseo-Gu, Busan 46742, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Fluid Mechanics, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Cauerstr. 4, Erlangen 91058, Germany
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15
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Collagen-Based Biomimetic Systems to Study the Biophysical Tumour Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14235939. [PMID: 36497421 PMCID: PMC9739814 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14235939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a pericellular network of proteins and other molecules that provides mechanical support to organs and tissues. ECM biophysical properties such as topography, elasticity and porosity strongly influence cell proliferation, differentiation and migration. The cell's perception of the biophysical microenvironment (mechanosensing) leads to altered gene expression or contractility status (mechanotransduction). Mechanosensing and mechanotransduction have profound implications in both tissue homeostasis and cancer. Many solid tumours are surrounded by a dense and aberrant ECM that disturbs normal cell functions and makes certain areas of the tumour inaccessible to therapeutic drugs. Understanding the cell-ECM interplay may therefore lead to novel and more effective therapies. Controllable and reproducible cell culturing systems mimicking the ECM enable detailed investigation of mechanosensing and mechanotransduction pathways. Here, we discuss ECM biomimetic systems. Mainly focusing on collagen, we compare and contrast structural and molecular complexity as well as biophysical properties of simple 2D substrates, 3D fibrillar collagen gels, cell-derived matrices and complex decellularized organs. Finally, we emphasize how the integration of advanced methodologies and computational methods with collagen-based biomimetics will improve the design of novel therapies aimed at targeting the biophysical and mechanical features of the tumour ECM to increase therapy efficacy.
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16
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Liu H, Fan P, Jin F, Huang G, Guo X, Xu F. Dynamic and static biomechanical traits of cardiac fibrosis. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:1042030. [PMID: 36394025 PMCID: PMC9659743 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.1042030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac fibrosis is a common pathology in cardiovascular diseases which are reported as the leading cause of death globally. In recent decades, accumulating evidence has shown that the biomechanical traits of fibrosis play important roles in cardiac fibrosis initiation, progression and treatment. In this review, we summarize the four main distinct biomechanical traits (i.e., stretch, fluid shear stress, ECM microarchitecture, and ECM stiffness) and categorize them into two different types (i.e., static and dynamic), mainly consulting the unique characteristic of the heart. Moreover, we also provide a comprehensive overview of the effect of different biomechanical traits on cardiac fibrosis, their transduction mechanisms, and in-vitro engineered models targeting biomechanical traits that will aid the identification and prediction of mechano-based therapeutic targets to ameliorate cardiac fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Liu
- Henan Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine for Respiratory Disease, Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine and Respiratory Diseases Co-Constructed by Henan Province and Education Ministry of China, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Pengbei Fan
- Henan Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine for Respiratory Disease, Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine and Respiratory Diseases Co-Constructed by Henan Province and Education Ministry of China, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Fanli Jin
- Henan Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine for Respiratory Disease, Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine and Respiratory Diseases Co-Constructed by Henan Province and Education Ministry of China, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Guoyou Huang
- Department of Engineering Mechanics, School of Civil Engineering, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Guoyou Huang, ; Xiaogang Guo, ; Feng Xu,
| | - Xiaogang Guo
- The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Guoyou Huang, ; Xiaogang Guo, ; Feng Xu,
| | - Feng Xu
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
- *Correspondence: Guoyou Huang, ; Xiaogang Guo, ; Feng Xu,
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17
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Azimian Zavareh V, Rafiee L, Sheikholeslam M, Shariati L, Vaseghi G, Savoji H, Haghjooy Javanmard S. Three-Dimensional in Vitro Models: A Promising Tool To Scale-Up Breast Cancer Research. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2022; 8:4648-4672. [PMID: 36260561 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.2c00277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Common models used in breast cancer studies, including two-dimensional (2D) cultures and animal models, do not precisely model all aspects of breast tumors. These models do not well simulate the cell-cell and cell-stromal interactions required for normal tumor growth in the body and lake tumor like microenvironment. Three-dimensional (3D) cell culture models are novel approaches to studying breast cancer. They do not have the restrictions of these conventional models and are able to recapitulate the structural architecture, complexity, and specific function of breast tumors and provide similar in vivo responses to therapeutic regimens. These models can be a link between former traditional 2D culture and in vivo models and are necessary for further studies in cancer. This review attempts to summarize the most common 3D in vitro models used in breast cancer studies, including scaffold-free (spheroid and organoid), scaffold-based, and chip-based models, particularly focused on the basic and translational application of these 3D models in drug screening and the tumor microenvironment in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vajihe Azimian Zavareh
- Applied Physiology Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 81746 73461, Iran.,Core Research Facilities (CRF), Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 81746 73461, Iran
| | - Laleh Rafiee
- Applied Physiology Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 81746 73461, Iran
| | - Mohammadali Sheikholeslam
- Department of Biomaterials, Nanotechnology and Tissue Engineering, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 81746 73461, Iran.,Biosensor Research Center, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 81746 73461, Iran
| | - Laleh Shariati
- Department of Biomaterials, Nanotechnology and Tissue Engineering, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 81746 73461, Iran.,Cancer Prevention Research Center, Omid Hospital, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 81746 73461, Iran
| | - Golnaz Vaseghi
- Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Center, Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 81746 73461, Iran
| | - Houman Savoji
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada.,Research Center, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine, Montreal, QC H3T 1C5, Canada.,Montreal TransMedTech Institute, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Shaghayegh Haghjooy Javanmard
- Applied Physiology Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 81746 73461, Iran
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18
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Jubelin C, Muñoz-Garcia J, Griscom L, Cochonneau D, Ollivier E, Heymann MF, Vallette FM, Oliver L, Heymann D. Three-dimensional in vitro culture models in oncology research. Cell Biosci 2022; 12:155. [PMID: 36089610 PMCID: PMC9465969 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-022-00887-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractCancer is a multifactorial disease that is responsible for 10 million deaths per year. The intra- and inter-heterogeneity of malignant tumors make it difficult to develop single targeted approaches. Similarly, their diversity requires various models to investigate the mechanisms involved in cancer initiation, progression, drug resistance and recurrence. Of the in vitro cell-based models, monolayer adherent (also known as 2D culture) cell cultures have been used for the longest time. However, it appears that they are often less appropriate than the three-dimensional (3D) cell culture approach for mimicking the biological behavior of tumor cells, in particular the mechanisms leading to therapeutic escape and drug resistance. Multicellular tumor spheroids are widely used to study cancers in 3D, and can be generated by a multiplicity of techniques, such as liquid-based and scaffold-based 3D cultures, microfluidics and bioprinting. Organoids are more complex 3D models than multicellular tumor spheroids because they are generated from stem cells isolated from patients and are considered as powerful tools to reproduce the disease development in vitro. The present review provides an overview of the various 3D culture models that have been set up to study cancer development and drug response. The advantages of 3D models compared to 2D cell cultures, the limitations, and the fields of application of these models and their techniques of production are also discussed.
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19
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Veenvliet JV, Lenne PF, Turner DA, Nachman I, Trivedi V. Sculpting with stem cells: how models of embryo development take shape. Development 2021; 148:dev192914. [PMID: 34908102 PMCID: PMC8722391 DOI: 10.1242/dev.192914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
During embryogenesis, organisms acquire their shape given boundary conditions that impose geometrical, mechanical and biochemical constraints. A detailed integrative understanding how these morphogenetic information modules pattern and shape the mammalian embryo is still lacking, mostly owing to the inaccessibility of the embryo in vivo for direct observation and manipulation. These impediments are circumvented by the developmental engineering of embryo-like structures (stembryos) from pluripotent stem cells that are easy to access, track, manipulate and scale. Here, we explain how unlocking distinct levels of embryo-like architecture through controlled modulations of the cellular environment enables the identification of minimal sets of mechanical and biochemical inputs necessary to pattern and shape the mammalian embryo. We detail how this can be complemented with precise measurements and manipulations of tissue biochemistry, mechanics and geometry across spatial and temporal scales to provide insights into the mechanochemical feedback loops governing embryo morphogenesis. Finally, we discuss how, even in the absence of active manipulations, stembryos display intrinsic phenotypic variability that can be leveraged to define the constraints that ensure reproducible morphogenesis in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse V. Veenvliet
- Stembryogenesis Lab, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Pfotenhauerstrasse 108, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Ihnestrasse 63-73, 14195 Berlin, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence Physics of Life, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Pierre-François Lenne
- Aix Marseille University, CNRS, IBDM, Turing Center for Living Systems, 13288, Marseille, France
| | - David A. Turner
- Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, William Henry Duncan Building, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L7 8TX, UK
| | - Iftach Nachman
- School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry and Biophysics, Tel Aviv University, 6997801, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Vikas Trivedi
- European Molecular Biology Laboratories (EMBL), Barcelona, 08003, Spain
- EMBL Heidelberg, Developmental Biology Unit, 69117, Heidelberg, Germany
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20
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Lopez-Silva TL, Schneider JP. From structure to application: Progress and opportunities in peptide materials development. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2021; 64:131-144. [PMID: 34329941 PMCID: PMC8585687 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2021.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
For over 20 years, peptide materials in their hydrogel or soluble fibril form have been used for biomedical applications such as drug delivery, cell culture, vaccines, and tissue regeneration. To facilitate the translation of these materials, key areas of research still need to be addressed. Their structural characterization lags compared to amyloid proteins. Many of the structural features designed to guide materials formation are primarily being characterized by their observation in atomic resolution structures of amyloid assemblies. Herein, these motifs are examined in relation to peptide designs identifying common interactions that drive assembly and provide structural specificity. Current efforts to design complex structures, as reviewed here, highlight the need to extend the structural revolution of amyloid proteins to peptide assemblies to validate design principles. With respect to clinical applications, the fundamental interactions and responses of proteins, cells, and the immune system to peptide materials are still not well understood. Only a few trends are just now emerging for peptide materials interactions with biological systems. Understanding how peptide material properties influence these interactions will enable the translation of materials towards current and emerging applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania L Lopez-Silva
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD, 21702, United States
| | - Joel P Schneider
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD, 21702, United States.
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21
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Vernerey FJ, Lalitha Sridhar S, Muralidharan A, Bryant SJ. Mechanics of 3D Cell-Hydrogel Interactions: Experiments, Models, and Mechanisms. Chem Rev 2021; 121:11085-11148. [PMID: 34473466 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.1c00046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Hydrogels are highly water-swollen molecular networks that are ideal platforms to create tissue mimetics owing to their vast and tunable properties. As such, hydrogels are promising cell-delivery vehicles for applications in tissue engineering and have also emerged as an important base for ex vivo models to study healthy and pathophysiological events in a carefully controlled three-dimensional environment. Cells are readily encapsulated in hydrogels resulting in a plethora of biochemical and mechanical communication mechanisms, which recapitulates the natural cell and extracellular matrix interaction in tissues. These interactions are complex, with multiple events that are invariably coupled and spanning multiple length and time scales. To study and identify the underlying mechanisms involved, an integrated experimental and computational approach is ideally needed. This review discusses the state of our knowledge on cell-hydrogel interactions, with a focus on mechanics and transport, and in this context, highlights recent advancements in experiments, mathematical and computational modeling. The review begins with a background on the thermodynamics and physics fundamentals that govern hydrogel mechanics and transport. The review focuses on two main classes of hydrogels, described as semiflexible polymer networks that represent physically cross-linked fibrous hydrogels and flexible polymer networks representing the chemically cross-linked synthetic and natural hydrogels. In this review, we highlight five main cell-hydrogel interactions that involve key cellular functions related to communication, mechanosensing, migration, growth, and tissue deposition and elaboration. For each of these cellular functions, recent experiments and the most up to date modeling strategies are discussed and then followed by a summary of how to tune hydrogel properties to achieve a desired functional cellular outcome. We conclude with a summary linking these advancements and make the case for the need to integrate experiments and modeling to advance our fundamental understanding of cell-matrix interactions that will ultimately help identify new therapeutic approaches and enable successful tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franck J Vernerey
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado at Boulder, 1111 Engineering Drive, Boulder, Colorado 80309-0428, United States.,Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of Colorado at Boulder, 4001 Discovery Drive, Boulder, Colorado 80309-613, United States
| | - Shankar Lalitha Sridhar
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado at Boulder, 1111 Engineering Drive, Boulder, Colorado 80309-0428, United States
| | - Archish Muralidharan
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of Colorado at Boulder, 4001 Discovery Drive, Boulder, Colorado 80309-613, United States
| | - Stephanie J Bryant
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of Colorado at Boulder, 4001 Discovery Drive, Boulder, Colorado 80309-613, United States.,Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado at Boulder, 3415 Colorado Avenue, Boulder, Colorado 80309-0596, United States.,BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado at Boulder, 3415 Colorado Avenue, Boulder, Colorado 80309-0596, United States
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22
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Self-Assembling Polypeptide Hydrogels as a Platform to Recapitulate the Tumor Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13133286. [PMID: 34209094 PMCID: PMC8267709 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13133286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The tumor microenvironment is characterized by increased tissue stiffness, low (acidic) pH, and elevated temperature, all of which contribute to the development of cancer. Improving our in vitro models of cancer, therefore, requires the development of cell culture platforms that can mimic these microenvironmental properties. Here, we study a new biomaterial composed of short amino acid chains that self-assemble into a fibrous hydrogel network. This material enables simultaneous and independent tuning of substrate rigidity, extracellular pH, and temperature, allowing us to mimic both healthy tissues and the tumor microenvironment. We used this platform to study the effect of these conditions on pancreatic cancer cells and found that high substrate rigidity and low pH promote proliferation and survival of cancer cells and activate important signaling pathways associated with cancer progression. Abstract The tumor microenvironment plays a critical role in modulating cancer cell migration, metabolism, and malignancy, thus, highlighting the need to develop in vitro culture systems that can recapitulate its abnormal properties. While a variety of stiffness-tunable biomaterials, reviewed here, have been developed to mimic the rigidity of the tumor extracellular matrix, culture systems that can recapitulate the broader extracellular context of the tumor microenvironment (including pH and temperature) remain comparably unexplored, partially due to the difficulty in independently tuning these parameters. Here, we investigate a self-assembled polypeptide network hydrogel as a cell culture platform and demonstrate that the culture parameters, including the substrate stiffness, extracellular pH and temperature, can be independently controlled. We then use this biomaterial as a cell culture substrate to assess the effect of stiffness, pH and temperature on Suit2 cells, a pancreatic cancer cell line, and demonstrate that these microenvironmental factors can regulate two critical transcription factors in cancer: yes-associated protein 1 (YAP) and hypoxia inducible factor (HIF-1A).
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Neutrally charged self-assembling peptide hydrogel recapitulates in vitro mechanisms of breast cancer progression. MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. C, MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS 2021; 127:112200. [PMID: 34225853 DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2021.112200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Self-assembling peptide hydrogels (SAPH) are a popular biomaterial due to their biocompatibility with a wide range of cell types, synthetic design, structural properties that provide a more accurate 3D microenvironment, and potential for cell- and/or drug-delivery system. Mimicking solid tumors in vitro using hydrogels is one method of testing anti-cancer drug efficacy and observing cancerous cell-ECM interactions within a 3D system. In this study, a SAPH, PeptiGel®Alpha1, was used to model in vitro the 3D breast tumor microenvironment. PeptiGel®Alpha1 is composed of entangled nanofibers with consistent diameter and mechanical properties similar to breast cancer that more accurately mimic the stiffness of breast tumor tissue than Matrigel® or collagen type I. PeptiGel®Alpha1 supported the viability and growth of the breast cancer cell lines MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 and recapitulated key features of solid tumors such as hypoxia and invasion. MCF-7 cells in the hydrogels formed large spheroids resembling acini, while MDA-MB-231 remained dispersed. When treated with tamoxifen, PeptiGel®Alpha1 acted as a barrier, providing drug penetration geometry similar to that in vivo, providing better prediction of the drug effect. Finally, it was observed that MCF-7 cells engulfed the peptide matrix after 14 days, highlighting a potential use in drug delivery. PeptiGel®Alpha1 is a suitable platform for in vitro modeling of breast cancer.
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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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Xie J, Li X, Zhang Y, Tang T, Chen G, Mao H, Gu Z, Yang J. VE-cadherin-based matrix promoting the self-reconstruction of pro-vascularization microenvironments and endothelial differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells. J Mater Chem B 2021; 9:3357-3370. [PMID: 33881442 DOI: 10.1039/d1tb00017a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Regulating the secretion and endothelial differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) plays an important role in the vascularization in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. In this study, a recombinant cadherin fusion protein consisting of a human vascular endothelial-cadherin extracellular domain and immunoglobulin IgG Fc region (hVE-cad-Fc) was developed as a bioartificial matrix for modulating hMSCs. The hVE-cad-Fc matrix significantly enhanced the secretion of angiogenic factors, activated the VE-cadherin-VEGFR2/FAK-AKT/PI3K signaling pathway in hMSCs, and promoted the endothelial differentiation of hMSCs even without extra VEGF. Furthermore, the hVE-cad-Fc matrix was applied for the surface modification of a poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) porous scaffold, which significantly improved the hemocompatibility and vascularization of the PLGA scaffold in vivo. These results revealed that the hVE-cad-Fc matrix should be a superior bioartificial ECM for remodeling the pro-vascularization extracellular microenvironment by regulating the secretion of hMSCs, and showed great potential for the vascularization in tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinghui Xie
- The Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China.
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Pugliese R, Arnoldi A, Lammi C. Nanostructure, Self-Assembly, Mechanical Properties, and Antioxidant Activity of a Lupin-Derived Peptide Hydrogel. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9030294. [PMID: 33805635 PMCID: PMC8000348 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9030294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Naturally occurring food peptides are frequently used in the life sciences due to their beneficial effects through their impact on specific biochemical pathways. Furthermore, they are often leveraged for applications in areas as diverse as bioengineering, medicine, agriculture, and even fashion. However, progress toward understanding their self-assembling properties as functional materials are often hindered by their long aromatic and charged residue-enriched sequences encrypted in the parent protein sequence. In this study, we elucidate the nanostructure and the hierarchical self-assembly propensity of a lupin-derived peptide which belongs to the α-conglutin (11S globulin, legumin-like protein), with a straightforward N-terminal biotinylated oligoglycine tag-based methodology for controlling the nanostructures, biomechanics, and biological features. Extensive characterization was performed via Circular Dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), rheological measurements, and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) analyses. By using the biotin tag, we obtained a thixotropic lupin-derived peptide hydrogel (named BT13) with tunable mechanical properties (from 2 to 11 kPa), without impairing its spontaneous formation of β-sheet secondary structures. Lastly, we demonstrated that this hydrogel has antioxidant activity. Altogether, our findings address multiple challenges associated with the development of naturally occurring food peptide-based hydrogels, offering a new tool to both fine tune the mechanical properties and tailor the antioxidant activities, providing new research directions across food chemistry, biochemistry, and bioengineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raffaele Pugliese
- NeMO Lab, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, 20162 Milan, Italy
- Correspondence: (R.P.); (C.L.)
| | - Anna Arnoldi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy;
| | - Carmen Lammi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy;
- Correspondence: (R.P.); (C.L.)
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Optical Tweezers with Integrated Multiplane Microscopy (OpTIMuM): a new tool for 3D microrheology. Sci Rep 2021; 11:5614. [PMID: 33692443 PMCID: PMC7946888 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-85013-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
We introduce a novel 3D microrheology system that combines for the first time Optical Tweezers with Integrated Multiplane Microscopy (OpTIMuM). The system allows the 3D tracking of an optically trapped bead, with ~ 20 nm accuracy along the optical axis. This is achieved without the need for a high precision z-stage, separate calibration sample, nor a priori knowledge of either the bead size or the optical properties of the suspending medium. Instead, we have developed a simple yet effective in situ spatial calibration method using image sharpness and exploiting the fact we image at multiple planes simultaneously. These features make OpTIMuM an ideal system for microrheology measurements, and we corroborate the effectiveness of this novel microrheology tool by measuring the viscosity of water in three dimensions, simultaneously.
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Fichman G, Schneider JP. Dopamine Self-Polymerization as a Simple and Powerful Tool to Modulate the Viscoelastic Mechanical Properties of Peptide-Based Gels. Molecules 2021; 26:1363. [PMID: 33806346 PMCID: PMC7961423 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26051363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Dopamine is a small versatile molecule used for various biotechnological and biomedical applications. This neurotransmitter, in addition to its biological role, can undergo oxidative self-polymerization to yield polydopamine, a robust universal coating material. Herein, we harness dopamine self-polymerization to modulate the viscoelastic mechanical properties of peptide-based gels, expanding their ever-growing application potential. By combining rapid peptide assembly with slower dopamine auto-polymerization, a double network gel is formed, where the fibrillar peptide gel network serves as a scaffold for polydopamine deposition, allowing polydopamine to interpenetrate the gel network as well as establishing crosslinks within the matrix. We have shown that triggering the assembly of a lysine-rich peptide gelator in the presence of dopamine can increase the mechanical rigidity of the resultant gel by a factor of 90 in some cases, while retaining the gel's shear thin-recovery behavior. We further investigate how factors such as polymerization time, dopamine concentration and peptide concentration alter the mechanical properties of the resultant gel. The hybrid peptide-dopamine gel systems were characterized using rheological measurements, circular dichroism spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Overall, triggering peptide gelation in the presence of dopamine represents a simple yet powerful approach to modulate the viscoelastic mechanical properties of peptide-based gels.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joel P. Schneider
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702, USA;
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Use of osteoblast-derived matrix to assess the influence of collagen modifications on cancer cells. Matrix Biol Plus 2021; 8:100047. [PMID: 33543040 PMCID: PMC7852199 DOI: 10.1016/j.mbplus.2020.100047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Collagenous stromal accumulations predict a worse clinical outcome in a variety of malignancies. Better tools are needed to elucidate the way in which collagen influences cancer cells. Here, we report a method to generate collagenous matrices that are deficient in key post-translational modifications and evaluate cancer cell behaviors on those matrices. We utilized genetic and biochemical approaches to inhibit lysine hydroxylation and glucosylation on collagen produced by MC-3T3-E1 murine osteoblasts (MC cells). Seeded onto MC cell-derived matrix surface, multicellular aggregates containing lung adenocarcinoma cells alone or in combination with cancer-associated fibroblasts dissociated with temporal and spatial patterns that were influenced by collagen modifications. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of generating defined collagen matrices that are suitable for cell culture studies. Feasibility of culturing multicellular aggregates on matrices with defined collagen modifications. Collagen modifications influence cancer cell behavior. This methodology is a useful tool for cancer researchers.
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Key Words
- Co-culture models
- Collagen
- Collagen cross-links
- DHLNL, Dehydro-dihydroxylysinonorleucine/its ketoamine
- ER, Endoplasmic Reticulum
- G, Galactosyl group
- GG, Glucosylgalactosyl group
- HLCCs, Hydroxylysine aldehyde-derived collagen cross-links
- HLNL, Dehydro-hydroxylysinonorleucine/its ketoamine
- Hyl, Hydroxylysine
- Hylald, Aldehide Hydroxylysine
- Hyp, Hydroxyproline
- LCC, Lysine aldehyde–derived cross-links
- LH, Lysyl hydroxylases
- LOX, Lysyl oxidases
- Lung cancer
- Lys, Lysine
- Lysald, Aldehide Lysine
- Lysyl hydroxylases
- Metastasis
- PGGHG, Glucosylgalactosylhydroxylysine glucosidase
- PTMs, Post-translational modifications
- Pro, Proline
- hLys, Helical domain Lysine
- tLys, Telopeptidyl Lysine
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Sumbal J, Budkova Z, Traustadóttir GÁ, Koledova Z. Mammary Organoids and 3D Cell Cultures: Old Dogs with New Tricks. J Mammary Gland Biol Neoplasia 2020; 25:273-288. [PMID: 33210256 DOI: 10.1007/s10911-020-09468-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
3D cell culture methods have been an integral part of and an essential tool for mammary gland and breast cancer research for half a century. In fact, mammary gland researchers, who discovered and deciphered the instructive role of extracellular matrix (ECM) in mammary epithelial cell functional differentiation and morphogenesis, were the pioneers of the 3D cell culture techniques, including organoid cultures. The last decade has brought a tremendous increase in the 3D cell culture techniques, including modifications and innovations of the existing techniques, novel biomaterials and matrices, new technological approaches, and increase in 3D culture complexity, accompanied by several redefinitions of the terms "3D cell culture" and "organoid". In this review, we provide an overview of the 3D cell culture and organoid techniques used in mammary gland biology and breast cancer research. We discuss their advantages, shortcomings and current challenges, highlight the recent progress in reconstructing the complex mammary gland microenvironment in vitro and ex vivo, and identify the missing 3D cell cultures, urgently needed to aid our understanding of mammary gland development, function, physiology, and disease, including breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakub Sumbal
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Zuzana Budkova
- Stem Cell Research Unit, Biomedical Center, Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavík, Iceland
| | - Gunnhildur Ásta Traustadóttir
- Stem Cell Research Unit, Biomedical Center, Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavík, Iceland.
| | - Zuzana Koledova
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic.
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Joyner K, Yang S, Duncan GA. Microrheology for biomaterial design. APL Bioeng 2020; 4:041508. [PMID: 33415310 PMCID: PMC7775114 DOI: 10.1063/5.0013707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Microrheology analyzes the microscopic behavior of complex materials by measuring the diffusion and transport of embedded particle probes. This experimental method can provide valuable insight into the design of biomaterials with the ability to connect material properties and biological responses to polymer-scale dynamics and interactions. In this review, we discuss how microrheology can be harnessed as a characterization method complementary to standard techniques in biomaterial design. We begin by introducing the core principles and instruments used to perform microrheology. We then review previous studies that incorporate microrheology in their design process and highlight biomedical applications that have been supported by this approach. Overall, this review provides rationale and practical guidance for the utilization of microrheological analysis to engineer novel biomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Joyner
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, USA
| | - Sydney Yang
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, USA
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Choi SR, Yang Y, Huang KY, Kong HJ, Flick MJ, Han B. Engineering of biomaterials for tumor modeling. MATERIALS TODAY. ADVANCES 2020; 8:100117. [PMID: 34541484 PMCID: PMC8448271 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtadv.2020.100117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Development of biomaterials mimicking tumor and its microenvironment has recently emerged for the use of drug discovery, precision medicine, and cancer biology. These biomimetic models have developed by reconstituting tumor and stroma cells within the 3D extracellular matrix. The models are recently extended to recapitulate the in vivo tumor microenvironment, including biological, chemical, and mechanical conditions tailored for specific cancer type and its microenvironment. In spite of the recent emergence of various innovative engineered tumor models, many of these models are still early stage to be adapted for cancer research. In this article, we review the current status of biomaterials engineering for tumor models considering three main aspects - cellular engineering, matrix engineering, and engineering for microenvironmental conditions. Considering cancer-specific variability in these aspects, our discussion is focused on pancreatic cancer, specifically pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). In addition, we further discussed the current challenges and future opportunities to create reliable and relevant tumor models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sae Rome Choi
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Yi Yang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Blood Research Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Kai-Yu Huang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Hyun Joon Kong
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Matthew J. Flick
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Blood Research Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Bumsoo Han
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering and Purdue Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
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Chery DR, Han B, Zhou Y, Wang C, Adams SM, Chandrasekaran P, Kwok B, Heo SJ, Enomoto-Iwamoto M, Lu XL, Kong D, Iozzo RV, Birk DE, Mauck RL, Han L. Decorin regulates cartilage pericellular matrix micromechanobiology. Matrix Biol 2020; 96:1-17. [PMID: 33246102 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2020.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In cartilage tissue engineering, one key challenge is for regenerative tissue to recapitulate the biomechanical functions of native cartilage while maintaining normal mechanosensitive activities of chondrocytes. Thus, it is imperative to discern the micromechanobiological functions of the pericellular matrix, the ~ 2-4 µm-thick domain that is in immediate contact with chondrocytes. In this study, we discovered that decorin, a small leucine-rich proteoglycan, is a key determinant of cartilage pericellular matrix micromechanics and chondrocyte mechanotransduction in vivo. The pericellular matrix of decorin-null murine cartilage developed reduced content of aggrecan, the major chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan of cartilage and a mild increase in collagen II fibril diameter vis-à-vis wild-type controls. As a result, decorin-null pericellular matrix showed a significant reduction in micromodulus, which became progressively more pronounced with maturation. In alignment with the defects of pericellular matrix, decorin-null chondrocytes exhibited decreased intracellular calcium activities, [Ca2+]i, in both physiologic and osmotically evoked fluidic environments in situ, illustrating impaired chondrocyte mechanotransduction. Next, we compared [Ca2+]i activities of wild-type and decorin-null chondrocytes following enzymatic removal of chondroitin sulfate glycosaminoglycans. The results showed that decorin mediates chondrocyte mechanotransduction primarily through regulating the integrity of aggrecan network, and thus, aggrecan-endowed negative charge microenvironment in the pericellular matrix. Collectively, our results provide robust genetic and biomechanical evidence that decorin is an essential constituent of the native cartilage matrix, and suggest that modulating decorin activities could improve cartilage regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daphney R Chery
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
| | - Biao Han
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
| | - Ying Zhou
- Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G3, Canada
| | - Chao Wang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
| | - Sheila M Adams
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, Morsani School of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, United States
| | - Prashant Chandrasekaran
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
| | - Bryan Kwok
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
| | - Su-Jin Heo
- McKay Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States; Translational Musculoskeletal Research Center, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Administration Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
| | - Motomi Enomoto-Iwamoto
- Department of Orthopaedics, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States
| | - X Lucas Lu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, United States
| | - Dehan Kong
- Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G3, Canada
| | - Renato V Iozzo
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy, and Cell Biology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, United States
| | - David E Birk
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, Morsani School of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, United States
| | - Robert L Mauck
- McKay Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States; Translational Musculoskeletal Research Center, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Administration Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
| | - Lin Han
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States.
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Ciccone G, Dobre O, Gibson GM, Rey JM, Gonzalez-Garcia C, Vassalli M, Salmeron-Sanchez M, Tassieri M. What Caging Force Cells Feel in 3D Hydrogels: A Rheological Perspective. Adv Healthc Mater 2020; 9:e2000517. [PMID: 32696605 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202000517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
It has been established that the mechanical properties of hydrogels control the fate of (stem) cells. However, despite its importance, a one-to-one correspondence between gels' stiffness and cell behavior is still missing from literature. In this work, the viscoelastic properties of poly(ethylene-glycol) (PEG)-based hydrogels are investigated by means of rheological measurements performed at different length scales. The outcomes of this work reveal that PEG-based hydrogels show significant stiffening when subjected to a compressional deformation, implying that conventional bulk rheology measurements may overestimate the stiffness of hydrogels by up to an order of magnitude. It is hypothesized that this apparent stiffening is caused by an induced "tensional state" of the gel network, due to the application of a compressional normal force during sample loading. Moreover, it is shown that the actual stiffness of the hydrogels is instead accurately determined by means of both passive-video-particle-tracking (PVPT) microrheology and nanoindentation measurements, which are inherently performed at the cell's length scale and in absence of any externally applied force in the case of PVPT. These results underpin a methodology for measuring hydrogels' linear viscoelastic properties that are representative of the mechanical constraints perceived by cells in 3D hydrogel cultures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Ciccone
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, James Watt School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8LT, UK
| | - Oana Dobre
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, James Watt School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8LT, UK
- Centre for the Cellular Microenvironment, University of Glasgow, G12 8LT, UK
| | - Graham M Gibson
- SUPA, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Jose Manuel Rey
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, James Watt School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8LT, UK
- Centre for the Cellular Microenvironment, University of Glasgow, G12 8LT, UK
| | - Cristina Gonzalez-Garcia
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, James Watt School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8LT, UK
- Centre for the Cellular Microenvironment, University of Glasgow, G12 8LT, UK
| | - Massimo Vassalli
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, James Watt School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8LT, UK
- Centre for the Cellular Microenvironment, University of Glasgow, G12 8LT, UK
| | - Manuel Salmeron-Sanchez
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, James Watt School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8LT, UK
- Centre for the Cellular Microenvironment, University of Glasgow, G12 8LT, UK
| | - Manlio Tassieri
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, James Watt School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8LT, UK
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Song H, Cai GH, Liang J, Ao DS, Wang H, Yang ZH. Three-dimensional culture and clinical drug responses of a highly metastatic human ovarian cancer HO-8910PM cells in nanofibrous microenvironments of three hydrogel biomaterials. J Nanobiotechnology 2020; 18:90. [PMID: 32527266 PMCID: PMC7291456 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-020-00646-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Ovarian cancer is a highly aggressive malignant disease in gynecologic cancer. It is an urgent task to develop three-dimensional (3D) cell models in vitro and dissect the cell progression-related drug resistance mechanisms in vivo. In the present study, RADA16-I peptide has the reticulated nanofiber scaffold networks in hydrogel, which is utilized to develop robust 3D cell culture of a high metastatic human ovarian cancer HO-8910PM cell line accompanied with the counterparts of Matrigel and collagen I. Results Consequently, HO-8910PM cells were successfully cultivated in three types of hydrogel biomaterials, such as RADA16-I hydrogel, Matrigel, and collagen I, according to 3D cell culture protocols. Designer RADA16-I peptide had well-defined nanofiber networks architecture in hydrogel, which provided nanofiber cell microenvironments analogous to Matrigel and collagen I. 3D-cultured HO-8910PM cells in RADA16-I hydrogel, Matrigel, and collagen I showed viable cell proliferation, proper cell growth, and diverse cell shapes in morphology at the desired time points. For a long 3D cell culture period, HO-8910PM cells showed distinct cell aggregate growth patterns in RADA16-I hydrogel, Matrigel, and collagen I, such as cell aggregates, cell colonies, cell clusters, cell strips, and multicellular tumor spheroids (MCTS). The cell distribution and alignment were described vigorously. Moreover, the molecular expression of integrin β1, E-cadherin and N-cadherin were quantitatively analyzed in 3D-cultured MCTS of HO-8910PM cells by immunohistochemistry and western blotting assays. The chemosensitivity assay for clinical drug responses in 3D context indicated that HO-8910PM cells in three types of hydrogels showed significantly higher chemoresistance to cisplatin and paclitaxel compared to 2D flat cell culture, including IC50 values and inhibition rates. Conclusion Based on these results, RADA16-I hydrogel is a highly competent, high-profile, and proactive nanofiber scaffold to maintain viable cell proliferation and high cell vitality in 3D cell models, which may be particularly utilized to develop useful clinical drug screening platform in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Song
- College of Basic Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, No.201 Dalian Road, Huichuan District, Zunyi, Guizhou, 563003, China
| | - Guo-Hui Cai
- College of Basic Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, No.201 Dalian Road, Huichuan District, Zunyi, Guizhou, 563003, China
| | - Jian Liang
- School of Resources and Environment, ABA Normal University, Shuimo Town, Wenchuan County, Aba Prefecture, Sichuan, 623002, China
| | - Di-Shu Ao
- College of Basic Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, No.201 Dalian Road, Huichuan District, Zunyi, Guizhou, 563003, China
| | - Huan Wang
- College of Basic Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, No.201 Dalian Road, Huichuan District, Zunyi, Guizhou, 563003, China
| | - Ze-Hong Yang
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, No.17 People's South Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China.
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Yang Z, Xu H, Zhao X. Designer Self-Assembling Peptide Hydrogels to Engineer 3D Cell Microenvironments for Cell Constructs Formation and Precise Oncology Remodeling in Ovarian Cancer. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2020; 7:1903718. [PMID: 32382486 PMCID: PMC7201262 DOI: 10.1002/advs.201903718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Revised: 02/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Designer self-assembling peptides form the entangled nanofiber networks in hydrogels by ionic-complementary self-assembly. This type of hydrogel has realistic biological and physiochemical properties to serve as biomimetic extracellular matrix (ECM) for biomedical applications. The advantages and benefits are distinct from natural hydrogels and other synthetic or semisynthetic hydrogels. Designer peptides provide diverse alternatives of main building blocks to form various functional nanostructures. The entangled nanofiber networks permit essential compositional complexity and heterogeneity of engineering cell microenvironments in comparison with other hydrogels, which may reconstruct the tumor microenvironments (TMEs) in 3D cell cultures and tissue-specific modeling in vitro. Either ovarian cancer progression or recurrence and relapse are involved in the multifaceted TMEs in addition to mesothelial cells, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, pericytes, immune cells, adipocytes, and the ECM. Based on the progress in common hydrogel products, this work focuses on the diverse designer self-assembling peptide hydrogels for instructive cell constructs in tissue-specific modeling and the precise oncology remodeling for ovarian cancer, which are issued by several research aspects in a 3D context. The advantages and significance of designer peptide hydrogels are discussed, and some common approaches and coming challenges are also addressed in current complex tumor diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zehong Yang
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic MedicineSichuan UniversityChengduSichuan610041P. R. China
- Institute for Nanobiomedical Technology and Membrane BiologyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduSichuan610041P. R. China
| | - Hongyan Xu
- GL Biochem (Shanghai) Ltd.519 Ziyue Rd.Shanghai200241P. R. China
| | - Xiaojun Zhao
- Institute for Nanobiomedical Technology and Membrane BiologyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduSichuan610041P. R. China
- Wenzhou InstituteUniversity of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Wenzhou Institute of Biomaterials & Engineering)WenzhouZhejiang325001P. R. China
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Rao SR, Edwards CM, Edwards JR. Modeling the Human Bone-Tumor Niche: Reducing and Replacing the Need for Animal Data. JBMR Plus 2020; 4:e10356. [PMID: 32258970 PMCID: PMC7117847 DOI: 10.1002/jbm4.10356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Revised: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Bone is the most common site for cancer metastasis. Understanding the interactions within the complex, heterogeneous bone-tumor microenvironment is essential for the development of new therapeutics. Various animal models of tumor-induced bone disease are routinely used to provide valuable information on the relationship between cancer cells and the skeleton. However, new model systems exist that offer an alternative approach to the use of animals and might more accurately reveal the cellular interactions occurring within the human bone-tumor niche. This review highlights replacement models that mimic the bone microenvironment and where cancer metastases and tumor growth might be assessed alongside bone turnover. Such culture models include the use of calcified regions of animal tissue and scaffolds made from bone mineral hydroxyapatite, synthetic polymers that can be manipulated during manufacture to create structures resembling trabecular bone surfaces, gel composites that can be modified for stiffness and porosity to resemble conditions in the tumor-bone microenvironment. Possibly the most accurate model system involves the use of fresh human bone samples, which can be cultured ex vivo in the presence of human tumor cells and demonstrate similar cancer cell-bone cell interactions as described in vivo. In addition, the use of mathematical modeling and computational biology approaches provide an alternative to preliminary animal testing. The use of such models offers the capacity to mimic significant elements of the human bone-tumor environment, and complement, refine, or replace the use of preclinical models. © 2020 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srinivasa R Rao
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences University of Oxford Oxford UK.,Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences University of Oxford Oxford UK
| | - Claire M Edwards
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences University of Oxford Oxford UK.,Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences University of Oxford Oxford UK
| | - James R Edwards
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences University of Oxford Oxford UK
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