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Nuckhir M, Withey D, Cabral S, Harrison H, Clarke RB. State of the Art Modelling of the Breast Cancer Metastatic Microenvironment: Where Are We? J Mammary Gland Biol Neoplasia 2024; 29:14. [PMID: 39012440 PMCID: PMC11252219 DOI: 10.1007/s10911-024-09567-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Metastatic spread of tumour cells to tissues and organs around the body is the most frequent cause of death from breast cancer. This has been modelled mainly using mouse models such as syngeneic mammary cancer or human in mouse xenograft models. These have limitations for modelling human disease progression and cannot easily be used for investigation of drug resistance and novel therapy screening. To complement these approaches, advances are being made in ex vivo and 3D in vitro models, which are becoming progressively better at reliably replicating the tumour microenvironment and will in the future facilitate drug development and screening. These approaches include microfluidics, organ-on-a-chip and use of advanced biomaterials. The relevant tissues to be modelled include those that are frequent and clinically important sites of metastasis such as bone, lung, brain, liver for invasive ductal carcinomas and a distinct set of common metastatic sites for lobular breast cancer. These sites all have challenges to model due to their unique cellular compositions, structure and complexity. The models, particularly in vivo, provide key information on the intricate interactions between cancer cells and the native tissue, and will guide us in producing specific therapies that are helpful in different context of metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mia Nuckhir
- Breast Biology Group, Manchester Breast Centre, Division of Cancer Sciences, Oglesby Cancer Research Building, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, M20 4GJ, UK
| | - David Withey
- Breast Biology Group, Manchester Breast Centre, Division of Cancer Sciences, Oglesby Cancer Research Building, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, M20 4GJ, UK
| | - Sara Cabral
- Breast Biology Group, Manchester Breast Centre, Division of Cancer Sciences, Oglesby Cancer Research Building, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, M20 4GJ, UK
| | - Hannah Harrison
- Breast Biology Group, Manchester Breast Centre, Division of Cancer Sciences, Oglesby Cancer Research Building, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, M20 4GJ, UK.
| | - Robert B Clarke
- Breast Biology Group, Manchester Breast Centre, Division of Cancer Sciences, Oglesby Cancer Research Building, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, M20 4GJ, UK.
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2
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Lingard E, Dong S, Hoyle A, Appleton E, Hales A, Skaria E, Lawless C, Taylor-Hearn I, Saadati S, Chu Q, Miller AF, Domingos M, Saiani A, Swift J, Gilmore AP. Optimising a self-assembling peptide hydrogel as a Matrigel alternative for 3-dimensional mammary epithelial cell culture. BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES 2024; 160:213847. [PMID: 38657288 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioadv.2024.213847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) organoid models have been instrumental in understanding molecular mechanisms responsible for many cellular processes and diseases. However, established organic biomaterial scaffolds used for 3D hydrogel cultures, such as Matrigel, are biochemically complex and display significant batch variability, limiting reproducibility in experiments. Recently, there has been significant progress in the development of synthetic hydrogels for in vitro cell culture that are reproducible, mechanically tuneable, and biocompatible. Self-assembling peptide hydrogels (SAPHs) are synthetic biomaterials that can be engineered to be compatible with 3D cell culture. Here we investigate the ability of PeptiGel® SAPHs to model the mammary epithelial cell (MEC) microenvironment in vitro. The positively charged PeptiGel®Alpha4 supported MEC viability, but did not promote formation of polarised acini. Modifying the stiffness of PeptiGel® Alpha4 stimulated changes in MEC viability and changes in protein expression associated with altered MEC function, but did not fully recapitulate the morphologies of MECs grown in Matrigel. To supply the appropriate biochemical signals for MEC organoids, we supplemented PeptiGels® with laminin. Laminin was found to require negatively charged PeptiGel® Alpha7 for functionality, but was then able to provide appropriate signals for correct MEC polarisation and expression of characteristic proteins. Thus, optimisation of SAPH composition and mechanics allows tuning to support tissue-specific organoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliana Lingard
- Wellcome Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK; Division of Cancer Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
| | - Siyuan Dong
- School of Materials, Faculty of Science and Engineering, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK
| | - Anna Hoyle
- Wellcome Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK; Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Ellen Appleton
- Wellcome Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK; Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Alis Hales
- Wellcome Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK; Division of Cancer Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
| | - Eldhose Skaria
- Wellcome Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - Craig Lawless
- Wellcome Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - Isobel Taylor-Hearn
- Wellcome Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK; Division of Cancer Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
| | - Simon Saadati
- Wellcome Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK; Division of Cancer Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
| | - Qixun Chu
- School of Materials, Faculty of Science and Engineering, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK; Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, University of Manchester, 131 Princess Street, Manchester, M1 7DN, UK
| | - Aline F Miller
- School of Materials, Faculty of Science and Engineering, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK
| | - Marco Domingos
- Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering, School of Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering & Henry Royce Institute, The University of Manchester, United Kingdom, M13 9PL, UK
| | - Alberto Saiani
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, University of Manchester, 131 Princess Street, Manchester, M1 7DN, UK; Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Joe Swift
- Wellcome Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK; Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Andrew P Gilmore
- Wellcome Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK; Division of Cancer Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK.
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3
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Zhang S, Chen M, Geng Z, Liu T, Li S, Yu Q, Cao L, Liu D. Potential Application of Self-Assembled Peptides and Proteins in Breast Cancer and Cervical Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17056. [PMID: 38069380 PMCID: PMC10706889 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242317056] [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: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Ongoing research is gradually broadening the idea of cancer treatment, with attention being focused on nanoparticles to improve the stability, therapeutic efficacy, targeting, and other important metrics of conventional drugs and traditional drug delivery methods. Studies have demonstrated that drug delivery carriers based on biomaterials (e.g., protein nanoparticles and lipids) and inorganic materials (e.g., metal nanoparticles) have potential anticancer effects. Among these carriers, self-assembled proteins and peptides, which are highly biocompatible and easy to standardize and produce, are strong candidates for the preparation of anticancer drugs. Breast cancer (BC) and cervical cancer (CC) are two of the most common and deadly cancers in women. These cancers not only threaten lives globally but also put a heavy burden on the healthcare system. Despite advances in medical care, the incidence of these two cancers, particularly CC, which is almost entirely preventable, continues to rise, and the mortality rate remains steady. Therefore, there is still a need for in-depth research on these two cancers to develop more targeted, efficacious, and safe therapies. This paper reviews the types of self-assembling proteins and peptides (e.g., ferritin, albumin, and virus-like particles) and natural products (e.g., soy and paclitaxel) commonly used in the treatment of BC and CC and describes the types of drugs that can be delivered using self-assembling proteins and peptides as carriers (e.g., siRNAs, DNA, plasmids, and mRNAs). The mechanisms (including self-assembly) by which the natural products act on CC and BC are discussed. The mechanism of action of natural products on CC and BC and the mechanism of action of self-assembled proteins and peptides have many similarities (e.g., NF-KB and Wnt). Thus, natural products using self-assembled proteins and peptides as carriers show potential for the treatment of BC and CC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Lingling Cao
- School of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun 130117, China; (S.Z.); (M.C.); (Z.G.); (T.L.); (S.L.); (Q.Y.)
| | - Da Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun 130117, China; (S.Z.); (M.C.); (Z.G.); (T.L.); (S.L.); (Q.Y.)
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4
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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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5
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Duarte AC, Costa EC, Filipe HAL, Saraiva SM, Jacinto T, Miguel SP, Ribeiro MP, Coutinho P. Animal-derived products in science and current alternatives. BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES 2023; 151:213428. [PMID: 37146527 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioadv.2023.213428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
More than fifty years after the 3Rs definition and despite the continuous implementation of regulatory measures, animals continue to be widely used in basic research. Their use comprises not only in vivo experiments with animal models, but also the production of a variety of supplements and products of animal origin for cell and tissue culture, cell-based assays, and therapeutics. The animal-derived products most used in basic research are fetal bovine serum (FBS), extracellular matrix proteins such as Matrigel™, and antibodies. However, their production raises several ethical issues regarding animal welfare. Additionally, their biological origin is associated with a high risk of contamination, resulting, frequently, in poor scientific data for clinical translation. These issues support the search for new animal-free products able to replace FBS, Matrigel™, and antibodies in basic research. In addition, in silico methodologies play an important role in the reduction of animal use in research by refining the data previously to in vitro and in vivo experiments. In this review, we depicted the current available animal-free alternatives in in vitro research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana C Duarte
- CPIRN/IPG - Centro de Potencial e Inovação em Recursos Naturais, Instituto Politécnico da Guarda (CPIRN/IPG), 6300-559 Guarda, Portugal; CICS-UBI - Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Elisabete C Costa
- CPIRN/IPG - Centro de Potencial e Inovação em Recursos Naturais, Instituto Politécnico da Guarda (CPIRN/IPG), 6300-559 Guarda, Portugal
| | - Hugo A L Filipe
- CPIRN/IPG - Centro de Potencial e Inovação em Recursos Naturais, Instituto Politécnico da Guarda (CPIRN/IPG), 6300-559 Guarda, Portugal
| | - Sofia M Saraiva
- CPIRN/IPG - Centro de Potencial e Inovação em Recursos Naturais, Instituto Politécnico da Guarda (CPIRN/IPG), 6300-559 Guarda, Portugal
| | - Telma Jacinto
- CPIRN/IPG - Centro de Potencial e Inovação em Recursos Naturais, Instituto Politécnico da Guarda (CPIRN/IPG), 6300-559 Guarda, Portugal
| | - Sónia P Miguel
- CPIRN/IPG - Centro de Potencial e Inovação em Recursos Naturais, Instituto Politécnico da Guarda (CPIRN/IPG), 6300-559 Guarda, Portugal; CICS-UBI - Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Maximiano P Ribeiro
- CPIRN/IPG - Centro de Potencial e Inovação em Recursos Naturais, Instituto Politécnico da Guarda (CPIRN/IPG), 6300-559 Guarda, Portugal; CICS-UBI - Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Paula Coutinho
- CPIRN/IPG - Centro de Potencial e Inovação em Recursos Naturais, Instituto Politécnico da Guarda (CPIRN/IPG), 6300-559 Guarda, Portugal; CICS-UBI - Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal.
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6
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Tang RZ, Liu XQ. Biophysical cues of in vitro biomaterials-based artificial extracellular matrix guide cancer cell plasticity. Mater Today Bio 2023; 19:100607. [PMID: 36960095 PMCID: PMC10027567 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2023.100607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Clinical evidence supports a role for the extracellular matrix (ECM) in cancer plasticity across multiple tumor types. The lack of in vitro models that represent the native ECMs is a significant challenge for cancer research and drug discovery. Therefore, a major motivation for developing new tumor models is to create the artificial ECM in vitro. Engineered biomaterials can closely mimic the architectural and mechanical properties of ECM to investigate their specific effects on cancer progression, offering an alternative to animal models for the testing of cancer cell behaviors. In this review, we focused on the biomaterials from different sources applied in the fabrication of the artificial ECM and their biophysical cues to recapitulate key features of tumor niche. Furthermore, we summarized how the distinct biophysical cues guided cell behaviors of cancer plasticity, including morphology, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), enrichment of cancer stem cells (CSCs), proliferation, migration/invasion and drug resistance. We also discuss the future opportunities in using the artificial ECM for applications of tumorigenesis research and precision medicine, as well as provide useful messages of principles for designing suitable biomaterial scaffolds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui-Zhi Tang
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Diagnosis of Hubei Province, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430014, PR China
| | - Xi-Qiu Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, PR China
- Corresponding author.
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7
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Treherne JM, Miller AF. Novel hydrogels: are they poised to transform 3D cell-based assay systems in early drug discovery? Expert Opin Drug Discov 2023; 18:335-346. [PMID: 36722285 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2023.2175813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Success in drug discovery remains unpredictable. However, more predictive and relevant disease models are becoming pivotal to demonstrating the clinical benefits of new drugs earlier in the lengthy drug discovery process. Novel hydrogel scaffolds are being developed to transform the relevance of such 3D cell-based in vitro assay systems. AREAS COVERED Most traditional hydrogels are still of unknown composition and suffer significant batch-to-batch variations, which lead to technical constraints. This article looks at how a new generation of novel synthetic hydrogels that are based on self-assembling peptides are poised to transform 3D cell-based assay systems by improving their relevance, reproducibility and scalability. EXPERT OPINION The emerging advantages of using these novel hydrogels for human 3D screening assays should enable the discovery of more cost-effective drugs, leading to improved patient benefits. Such a disruptive change could also reduce the considerable time lag from obtaining in vitro assay data to initiating clinical trials. There is now a sufficient body of data available in the literature to enable this ambition to become a reality by significantly improving the predictive validity of 3D cell-based assays in early drug discovery. Novel hydrogels are key to unlocking the full potential of these assay systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Mark Treherne
- Talisman Therapeutics Ltd, Jonas Webb Building and Cell Guidance Sysyems Ltd, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Aline F Miller
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, School of Engineering, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK
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8
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Sonawane A, Vadloori B, Poosala S, Kandarova H, Kulkarni M, Olayanju A, Dey T, Saxena U, Smirnova L, Kanda Y, Reddy J, Dravida S, Biswas S, Vinken M, Gettayacamin M, Ahluwalia A, Mondini F, Bhattacharya S, Kulkarni P, Jacobsen KR, Vangala S, Millás AL. Advances in Animal Models and Cutting-Edge Research in Alternatives: Proceedings of the Second International Conference on 3Rs Research and Progress, Hyderabad, 2021. Altern Lab Anim 2022; 50:156-171. [PMID: 35410493 DOI: 10.1177/02611929221089216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The fact that animal models fail to replicate human disease faithfully is now being widely accepted by researchers across the globe. As a result, they are exploring the use of alternatives to animal models. The time has come to refine our experimental practices, reduce the numbers and eventually replace the animals used in research with human-derived and human-relevant 3-D disease models. Oncoseek Bio-Acasta Health, which is an innovative biotechnology start-up company based in Hyderabad and Vishakhapatnam, India, organises an annual International Conference on 3Rs Research and Progress. In 2021, this conference was on 'Advances in Research Animal Models and Cutting-Edge Research in Alternatives'. This annual conference is a platform that brings together eminent scientists and researchers from various parts of the world, to share recent advances from their research in the field of alternatives to animals including new approach methodologies, and to promote practices to help refine animal experiments where alternatives are not available. This report presents the proceedings of the conference, which was held in hybrid mode (i.e. virtual and in-person) in November 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Helena Kandarova
- Centre of Experimental Medicine, Slovak Academy of Science, Slovakia
| | | | | | - Tuli Dey
- Savitribai Phule Pune University, India
| | | | - Lena Smirnova
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Montip Gettayacamin
- Association for Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC international), USA
| | - Arti Ahluwalia
- University of Pisa, and Interuniversity Center for the Promotion of 3Rs Principles in Teaching and Research (Centro 3R), Italy
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9
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Lachowski D, Matellan C, Gopal S, Cortes E, Robinson BK, Saiani A, Miller AF, Stevens MM, del Río Hernández AE. Substrate Stiffness-Driven Membrane Tension Modulates Vesicular Trafficking via Caveolin-1. ACS NANO 2022; 16:4322-4337. [PMID: 35255206 PMCID: PMC9007531 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.1c10534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis, a condition characterized by extensive deposition and cross-linking of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, is idiosyncratic in cases of chronic liver injury. The dysregulation of ECM remodeling by hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), the main mediators of fibrosis, results in an elevated ECM stiffness that drives the development of chronic liver disease such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) is a key element in the regulation of ECM remodeling, which modulates the degradation and turnover of ECM components. We have previously reported that a rigid, fibrotic-like substrate can impact TIMP-1 expression at the protein level in HSCs without altering its mRNA expression. While HSCs are known to be highly susceptible to mechanical stimuli, the mechanisms through which mechanical cues regulate TIMP-1 at the post-translational level remain unclear. Here, we show a mechanism of regulation of plasma membrane tension by matrix stiffness. We found that this effect is orchestrated by the β1 integrin/RhoA axis and results in elevated exocytosis and secretion of TIMP-1 in a caveolin-1- and dynamin-2-dependent manner. We then show that TIMP-1 and caveolin-1 expression increases in cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. These conditions are associated with fibrosis, and this effect can be recapitulated in 3D fibrosis models consisting of hepatic stellate cells encapsulated in a self-assembling polypeptide hydrogel. This work positions stiffness-dependent membrane tension as a key regulator of enzyme secretion and function and a potential target for therapeutic strategies that aim at modulating ECM remodeling in chronic liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dariusz Lachowski
- Cellular
and Molecular Biomechanics Laboratory, Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
- Manchester
BIOGEL, Mereside, Alderley Park, Alderley Edge, Cheshire SK10 4TG, United Kingdom
| | - Carlos Matellan
- Cellular
and Molecular Biomechanics Laboratory, Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Sahana Gopal
- Department
of Materials, Department of Bioengineering and Institute of Biomedical
Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Ernesto Cortes
- Cellular
and Molecular Biomechanics Laboratory, Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Benjamin K. Robinson
- Cellular
and Molecular Biomechanics Laboratory, Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Alberto Saiani
- Department
of Materials and Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of
Science and Engineering, The University
of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, United Kingdom
- Manchester
BIOGEL, Mereside, Alderley Park, Alderley Edge, Cheshire SK10 4TG, United Kingdom
| | - Aline F. Miller
- Department
of Chemical Engineering and Manchester Institute of Biotechnology,
Faculty of Science and Engineering, The
University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, United Kingdom
- Manchester
BIOGEL, Mereside, Alderley Park, Alderley Edge, Cheshire SK10 4TG, United Kingdom
| | - Molly M. Stevens
- Department
of Materials, Department of Bioengineering and Institute of Biomedical
Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Armando E. del Río Hernández
- Cellular
and Molecular Biomechanics Laboratory, Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
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10
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Katz RR, West JL. Reductionist Three-Dimensional Tumor Microenvironment Models in Synthetic Hydrogels. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14051225. [PMID: 35267532 PMCID: PMC8909517 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14051225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Tumors exist in a complex, three-dimensional environment which helps them to survive, grow, metastasize, and resist drug treatment. Simple, reproducible, in vitro models of this environment are necessary in order to better understand tumor behavior. Naturally derived polymers are great 3D cell culture substrates, but they often lack the tunability and batch-to-batch consistency which can be found in synthetic polymer systems. In this review, we describe the current state of and future directions for tumor microenvironment models in synthetic hydrogels. Abstract The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a determining role in everything from disease progression to drug resistance. As such, in vitro models which can recapitulate the cell–cell and cell–matrix interactions that occur in situ are key to the investigation of tumor behavior and selecting effective therapeutic drugs. While naturally derived matrices can retain the dimensionality of the native TME, they lack tunability and batch-to-batch consistency. As such, many synthetic polymer systems have been employed to create physiologically relevant TME cultures. In this review, we discussed the common semi-synthetic and synthetic polymers used as hydrogel matrices for tumor models. We reviewed studies in synthetic hydrogels which investigated tumor cell interactions with vasculature and immune cells. Finally, we reviewed the utility of these models as chemotherapeutic drug-screening platforms, as well as the future directions of the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel R. Katz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27705, USA;
| | - Jennifer L. West
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27705, USA;
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
- Correspondence:
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Mendoza-Martinez AK, Loessner D, Mata A, Azevedo HS. Modeling the Tumor Microenvironment of Ovarian Cancer: The Application of Self-Assembling Biomaterials. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5745. [PMID: 34830897 PMCID: PMC8616551 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13225745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OvCa) is one of the leading causes of gynecologic malignancies. Despite treatment with surgery and chemotherapy, OvCa disseminates and recurs frequently, reducing the survival rate for patients. There is an urgent need to develop more effective treatment options for women diagnosed with OvCa. The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a key driver of disease progression, metastasis and resistance to treatment. For this reason, 3D models have been designed to represent this specific niche and allow more realistic cell behaviors compared to conventional 2D approaches. In particular, self-assembling peptides represent a promising biomaterial platform to study tumor biology. They form nanofiber networks that resemble the architecture of the extracellular matrix and can be designed to display mechanical properties and biochemical motifs representative of the TME. In this review, we highlight the properties and benefits of emerging 3D platforms used to model the ovarian TME. We also outline the challenges associated with using these 3D systems and provide suggestions for future studies and developments. We conclude that our understanding of OvCa and advances in materials science will progress the engineering of novel 3D approaches, which will enable the development of more effective therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Karen Mendoza-Martinez
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, UK;
- Institute of Bioengineering, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, UK
| | - Daniela Loessner
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia;
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
- Max Bergmann Center of Biomaterials Dresden, Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden e.V., 01069 Dresden, Germany
| | - Alvaro Mata
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK;
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
- Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Helena S. Azevedo
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, UK;
- Institute of Bioengineering, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, UK
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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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