1
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Makwana P, Modi U, Dhimmar B, Vasita R. Design and development of in-vitro co-culture device for studying cellular crosstalk in varied tissue microenvironment. BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES 2024; 163:213952. [PMID: 38991495 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioadv.2024.213952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 06/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
Despite of being in different microenvironment, breast cancer cells influence the bone cells and persuade cancer metastasis from breast to bone. Multiple co-culture approaches have been explored to study paracrine signaling between these cells and to study the progression of cancer. However, lack of native tissue microenvironment remains a major bottleneck in existing co-culture technologies. Therefore, in the present study, a tumorigenic and an osteogenic microenvironment have been sutured together to create a multi-cellular environment and has been appraised to study cancer progression in bone tissue. The PCL-polystyrene and PCL-collagen fibrous scaffolds were characterized for tumorigenic and osteogenic potential induction on MDA-MB-231 and MC3T3-E1 cells respectively. Diffusion ability of crystal violet, glucose, and bovine serum albumin across the membrane were used to access the potential paracrine interaction facilitated by device. While in co-cultured condition, MDA-MB-231 cells showed EMT phenotype along with secretion of TNFα and PTHrP which lower down the expression of osteogenic markers including alkaline phosphatase, RUNX2, Osteocalcin and Osteoprotegerin. The cancer progression in bone microenvironment demonstrated the role and necessity of creating multiple tissue microenvironment and its contribution in studying multicellular disease progression and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooja Makwana
- Biomaterial and Biomimetic Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Gujarat, India
| | - Unnati Modi
- Biomaterial and Biomimetic Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Gujarat, India
| | - Bindiya Dhimmar
- Biomaterial and Biomimetic Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Gujarat, India
| | - Rajesh Vasita
- Biomaterial and Biomimetic Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Gujarat, India; Terasaki Institute of Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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2
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Ko J, Song J, Lee Y, Choi N, Kim HN. Understanding organotropism in cancer metastasis using microphysiological systems. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:1542-1556. [PMID: 38192269 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00889d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Cancer metastasis, the leading cause of cancer-related deaths, remains a complex challenge in medical science. Stephen Paget's "seed and soil theory" introduced the concept of organotropism, suggesting that metastatic success depends on specific organ microenvironments. Understanding organotropism not only offers potential for curbing metastasis but also novel treatment strategies. Microphysiological systems (MPS), especially organ-on-a-chip models, have emerged as transformative tools in this quest. These systems, blending microfluidics, biology, and engineering, grant precise control over cell interactions within organ-specific microenvironments. MPS enable real-time monitoring, morphological analysis, and protein quantification, enhancing our comprehension of cancer dynamics, including tumor migration, vascularization, and pre-metastatic niches. In this review, we explore innovative applications of MPS in investigating cancer metastasis, particularly focusing on organotropism. This interdisciplinary approach converges the field of science, engineering, and medicine, thereby illuminating a path toward groundbreaking discoveries in cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihoon Ko
- Department of BioNano Technology, Gachon University, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do 13120, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jiyoung Song
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea.
| | - Yedam Lee
- Department of BioNano Technology, Gachon University, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do 13120, Republic of Korea.
| | - Nakwon Choi
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea.
- Division of Bio-Medical Science & Technology, KIST School, Korea University of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
- KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Hong Nam Kim
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea.
- Division of Bio-Medical Science & Technology, KIST School, Korea University of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
- Yonsei-KIST Convergence Research Institute, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
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3
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da Costa Sousa MG, Vignolo SM, Franca CM, Mereness J, Alves Fraga MA, Silva-Sousa AC, Benoit DSW, Bertassoni LE. Engineering models of head and neck and oral cancers on-a-chip. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2024; 18:021502. [PMID: 38464668 PMCID: PMC10919958 DOI: 10.1063/5.0186722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Head and neck cancers (HNCs) rank as the sixth most common cancer globally and result in over 450 000 deaths annually. Despite considerable advancements in diagnostics and treatment, the 5-year survival rate for most types of HNCs remains below 50%. Poor prognoses are often attributed to tumor heterogeneity, drug resistance, and immunosuppression. These characteristics are difficult to replicate using in vitro or in vivo models, culminating in few effective approaches for early detection and therapeutic drug development. Organs-on-a-chip offer a promising avenue for studying HNCs, serving as microphysiological models that closely recapitulate the complexities of biological tissues within highly controllable microfluidic platforms. Such systems have gained interest as advanced experimental tools to investigate human pathophysiology and assess therapeutic efficacy, providing a deeper understanding of cancer pathophysiology. This review outlines current challenges and opportunities in replicating HNCs within microphysiological systems, focusing on mimicking the soft, glandular, and hard tissues of the head and neck. We further delve into the major applications of organ-on-a-chip models for HNCs, including fundamental research, drug discovery, translational approaches, and personalized medicine. This review emphasizes the integration of organs-on-a-chip into the repertoire of biological model systems available to researchers. This integration enables the exploration of unique aspects of HNCs, thereby accelerating discoveries with the potential to improve outcomes for HNC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jared Mereness
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering and Dermatology and Center for Musculoskeletal Research, University of Rochester, 601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, New York 14642, USA
| | | | - Alice Corrêa Silva-Sousa
- Department of Restorative Dentistry, School of Dentistry of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo. Av. do Café - Subsetor Oeste—11 (N-11), Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14040-904, Brazil
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4
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Yoon H, Sabaté Del Río J, Cho SW, Park TE. Recent advances in micro-physiological systems for investigating tumor metastasis and organotropism. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:1351-1366. [PMID: 38303676 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc01033c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Tumor metastasis involves complex processes that traditional 2D cultures and animal models struggle to fully replicate. Metastatic tumors undergo a multitude of transformations, including genetic diversification, adaptation to diverse microenvironments, and modified drug responses, contributing significantly to cancer-related mortality. Micro-physiological systems (MPS) technology emerges as a promising approach to emulate the metastatic process by integrating critical biochemical, biomechanical, and geometrical cues at a microscale. These systems are particularly advantageous simulating metastasis organotropism, the phenomenon where tumors exhibit a preference for metastasizing to particular organs. Organotropism is influenced by various factors, such as tumor cell characteristics, unique organ microenvironments, and organ-specific vascular conditions, all of which can be effectively examined using MPS. This review surveys the recent developments in MPS research from the past five years, with a specific focus on their applications in replicating tumor metastasis and organotropism. Furthermore, we discuss the current limitations in MPS-based studies of organotropism and propose strategies for more accurately replicating and analyzing the intricate aspects of organ-specific metastasis, which is pivotal in the development of targeted therapeutic approaches against metastatic cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heejeong Yoon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Information and Biotechnology, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jonathan Sabaté Del Río
- Center for Algorithmic and Robotized Synthesis (CARS), Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Woo Cho
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Information and Biotechnology, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea.
| | - Tae-Eun Park
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Information and Biotechnology, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea.
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5
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Soeiro JF, Sousa FL, Monteiro MV, Gaspar VM, Silva NJO, Mano JF. Advances in screening hyperthermic nanomedicines in 3D tumor models. NANOSCALE HORIZONS 2024; 9:334-364. [PMID: 38204336 PMCID: PMC10896258 DOI: 10.1039/d3nh00305a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Hyperthermic nanomedicines are particularly relevant for tackling human cancer, providing a valuable alternative to conventional therapeutics. The early-stage preclinical performance evaluation of such anti-cancer treatments is conventionally performed in flat 2D cell cultures that do not mimic the volumetric heat transfer occurring in human tumors. Recently, improvements in bioengineered 3D in vitro models have unlocked the opportunity to recapitulate major tumor microenvironment hallmarks and generate highly informative readouts that can contribute to accelerating the discovery and validation of efficient hyperthermic treatments. Leveraging on this, herein we aim to showcase the potential of engineered physiomimetic 3D tumor models for evaluating the preclinical efficacy of hyperthermic nanomedicines, featuring the main advantages and design considerations under diverse testing scenarios. The most recent applications of 3D tumor models for screening photo- and/or magnetic nanomedicines will be discussed, either as standalone systems or in combinatorial approaches with other anti-cancer therapeutics. We envision that breakthroughs toward developing multi-functional 3D platforms for hyperthermia onset and follow-up will contribute to a more expedited discovery of top-performing hyperthermic therapies in a preclinical setting before their in vivo screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana F Soeiro
- Department of Chemistry, CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
- Department of Physics, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Filipa L Sousa
- Department of Chemistry, CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Maria V Monteiro
- Department of Chemistry, CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Vítor M Gaspar
- Department of Chemistry, CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Nuno J O Silva
- Department of Chemistry, CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
- Department of Physics, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - João F Mano
- Department of Chemistry, CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
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6
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Brooks A, Zhang Y, Chen J, Zhao CX. Cancer Metastasis-on-a-Chip for Modeling Metastatic Cascade and Drug Screening. Adv Healthc Mater 2024:e2302436. [PMID: 38224141 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202302436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Microfluidic chips are valuable tools for studying intricate cellular and cell-microenvironment interactions. Traditional in vitro cancer models lack accuracy in mimicking the complexities of in vivo tumor microenvironment. However, cancer-metastasis-on-a-chip (CMoC) models combine the advantages of 3D cultures and microfluidic technology, serving as powerful platforms for exploring cancer mechanisms and facilitating drug screening. These chips are able to compartmentalize the metastatic cascade, deepening the understanding of its underlying mechanisms. This article provides an overview of current CMoC models, focusing on distinctive models that simulate invasion, intravasation, circulation, extravasation, and colonization, and their applications in drug screening. Furthermore, challenges faced by CMoC and microfluidic technologies are discussed, while exploring promising future directions in cancer research. The ongoing development and integration of these models into cancer studies are expected to drive transformative advancements in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Brooks
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, 5005, Australia
| | - Yali Zhang
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, 5005, Australia
| | - Jiezhong Chen
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, 5005, Australia
| | - Chun-Xia Zhao
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, 5005, Australia
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7
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Ji X, Bei HP, Zhong G, Shao H, He X, Qian X, Zhang Y, Zhao X. Premetastatic Niche Mimicking Bone-On-A-Chip: A Microfluidic Platform to Study Bone Metastasis in Cancer Patients. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2207606. [PMID: 37605335 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202207606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
Primary cancer modulates the bone microenvironment to sow the seeds of dormancy and metastasis in tumor cells, leading to multiple organ metastasis and death. In this study, 3D printing and bone-on-a-chip (BOC) are combined to develop a BOC platform that mimics the pre-metastatic niches (PMNs) and facilitates elucidation of the interactions between bone-resident cells and metastatic tumor cells under the influence of primary cancer. Photocrosslinkable gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) is used as a 3D culturing hydrogel to encapsulate cells, and circulate tumor culture medium (CM) adjacent to the hydrogel to verify the critical role of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and osteoclasts (RAW264.7s). Three niches: the dormancy niche, the perivascular niche, and the "vicious cycle" niche, are devised to recapitulate bone metastasis in one chip with high cell viability and excellent nutrient exchange. With respect to tumor dormancy and reactivation, the invadopodia formation of A549 lung cancer cells in communication with MSCs and RAW264.7 via the cortactin pathway is researched. As a proof of concept, the functionality and practicality of the platform are demonstrated by analyzing the invadopodia formation and the influence of various cells, and the establishment of the dynamic niches paves the way to understanding PMN formation and related drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiongfa Ji
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, 999077, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Orthopaedics, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, 510080, Guangzhou, China
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, 518057, China
| | - Ho-Pan Bei
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, 999077, Hong Kong SAR, China
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, 518057, China
| | - Guoqing Zhong
- Department of Orthopaedics, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, 510080, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongwei Shao
- Department of Orthopaedics, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, 510080, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xuecheng He
- Department of Orthopaedics, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, 510080, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xin Qian
- Department of Orthopaedics, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, 510080, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, 510080, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xin Zhao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, 999077, Hong Kong SAR, China
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, 518057, China
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, 999077, Hong Kong SAR, China
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8
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Liu Y, Liu R, Liu H, Lyu T, Chen K, Jin K, Tian Y. Breast tumor-on-chip: from the tumor microenvironment to medical applications. Analyst 2023; 148:5822-5842. [PMID: 37850340 DOI: 10.1039/d3an01295f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
With the development of microfluidic technology, tumor-on-chip models have gradually become a new tool for the study of breast cancer because they can simulate more key factors of the tumor microenvironment compared with traditional models in vitro. Here, we review up-to-date advancements in breast tumor-on-chip models. We summarize and analyze the breast tumor microenvironment (TME), preclinical breast cancer models for TME simulation, fabrication methods of tumor-on-chip models, tumor-on-chip models for TME reconstruction, and applications of breast tumor-on-chip models and provide a perspective on breast tumor-on-chip models. This review will contribute to the construction and design of microenvironments for breast tumor-on-chip models, even the development of the pharmaceutical field, personalized/precision therapy, and clinical medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiying Liu
- College of Medicine and Biological Information Engineering, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110169, China.
- Foshan Graduate School of Innovation, Northeastern University, Foshan, 528300, China
| | - Ruonan Liu
- College of Medicine and Biological Information Engineering, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110169, China.
| | - He Liu
- College of Medicine and Biological Information Engineering, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110169, China.
| | - Tong Lyu
- College of Medicine and Biological Information Engineering, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110169, China.
| | - Kun Chen
- College of Medicine and Biological Information Engineering, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110169, China.
| | - Kaiming Jin
- College of Medicine and Biological Information Engineering, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110169, China.
| | - Ye Tian
- College of Medicine and Biological Information Engineering, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110169, China.
- Foshan Graduate School of Innovation, Northeastern University, Foshan, 528300, China
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Cauli E, Polidoro MA, Marzorati S, Bernardi C, Rasponi M, Lleo A. Cancer-on-chip: a 3D model for the study of the tumor microenvironment. J Biol Eng 2023; 17:53. [PMID: 37592292 PMCID: PMC10436436 DOI: 10.1186/s13036-023-00372-6] [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: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The approval of anticancer therapeutic strategies is still slowed down by the lack of models able to faithfully reproduce in vivo cancer physiology. On one hand, the conventional in vitro models fail to recapitulate the organ and tissue structures, the fluid flows, and the mechanical stimuli characterizing the human body compartments. On the other hand, in vivo animal models cannot reproduce the typical human tumor microenvironment, essential to study cancer behavior and progression. This study reviews the cancer-on-chips as one of the most promising tools to model and investigate the tumor microenvironment and metastasis. We also described how cancer-on-chip devices have been developed and implemented to study the most common primary cancers and their metastatic sites. Pros and cons of this technology are then discussed highlighting the future challenges to close the gap between the pre-clinical and clinical studies and accelerate the approval of new anticancer therapies in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Cauli
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico Di Milano, Milan, Italy.
- Accelera Srl, Nerviano, Milan, Italy.
| | - Michela Anna Polidoro
- Hepatobiliary Immunopathology Laboratory, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Simona Marzorati
- Hepatobiliary Immunopathology Laboratory, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Marco Rasponi
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico Di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Ana Lleo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
- Division of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Department of Gastroenterology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
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10
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Callaway MK, Dos Santos CO. Gestational Breast Cancer - a Review of Outcomes, Pathophysiology, and Model Systems. J Mammary Gland Biol Neoplasia 2023; 28:16. [PMID: 37450228 PMCID: PMC10348943 DOI: 10.1007/s10911-023-09546-w] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The onset of pregnancy marks the start of offspring development, and represents the key physiological event that induces re-organization and specialization of breast tissue. Such drastic tissue remodeling has also been linked to epithelial cell transformation and the establishment of breast cancer (BC). While patient outcomes for BC overall continue to improve across subtypes, prognosis remains dismal for patients with gestational breast cancer (GBC) and post-partum breast cancer (PPBC), as pregnancy and lactation pose additional complications and barriers to several gold standard clinical approaches. Moreover, delayed diagnosis and treatment, coupled with the aggressive time-scale in which GBC metastasizes, inevitably contributes to the higher incidence of disease recurrence and patient mortality. Therefore, there is an urgent and evident need to better understand the factors contributing to the establishment and spreading of BC during pregnancy. In this review, we provide a literature-based overview of the diagnostics and treatments available to patients with BC more broadly, and highlight the treatment deficit patients face due to gestational status. Further, we review the current understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms driving GBC, and discuss recent advances in model systems that may support the identification of targetable approaches to block BC development and dissemination during pregnancy. Our goal is to provide an updated perspective on GBC, and to inform critical areas needing further exploration to improve disease outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Camila O Dos Santos
- , Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cancer Center, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, USA.
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11
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Kim MK, Paek K, Woo SM, Kim JA. Bone-on-a-Chip: Biomimetic Models Based on Microfluidic Technologies for Biomedical Applications. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2023. [PMID: 37183366 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.3c00066] [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] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
With the increasing importance of preclinical evaluation of newly developed drugs or treatments, in vitro organ or disease models are necessary. Although various organ-specific on-chip (organ-on-a-chip, or OOC) systems have been developed as emerging in vitro models, bone-on-a-chip (BOC) systems that recapitulate the bone microenvironment have been less developed or reviewed compared with other OOCs. The bone is one of the most dynamic organs and undergoes continuous remodeling throughout its lifetime. The aging population is growing worldwide, and healthcare costs are rising rapidly. Since in vitro BOC models that recapitulate native bone niches and pathological features can be important for studying the underlying mechanism of orthopedic diseases and predicting drug responses in preclinical trials instead of in animals, the development of biomimetic BOCs with high efficiency and fidelity will be accelerated further. Here, we review recently engineered BOCs developed using various microfluidic technologies and investigate their use to model the bone microenvironment. We have also explored various biomimetic strategies based on biological, geometrical, and biomechanical cues for biomedical applications of BOCs. Finally, we addressed the limitations and challenging issues of current BOCs that should be overcome to obtain more acceptable BOCs in the biomedical and pharmaceutical industries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Kyeong Kim
- Center for Scientific Instrumentation, Korea Basic Science Institute, Cheongju 28119, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyurim Paek
- Center for Scientific Instrumentation, Korea Basic Science Institute, Cheongju 28119, Republic of Korea
- Program in Biomicro System Technology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Mi Woo
- Center for Scientific Instrumentation, Korea Basic Science Institute, Cheongju 28119, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Ah Kim
- Center for Scientific Instrumentation, Korea Basic Science Institute, Cheongju 28119, Republic of Korea
- Department of Bio-Analytical Science, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea
- Chung-Ang University Hospital, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul 06973, Republic of Korea
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12
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Qin N, Liu Z, Zhao L, Bao M, Mei X, Li D. Promising instrument-free detections of various analytes using smartphones with Spotxel ® Reader. ANAL SCI 2022; 39:139-148. [PMID: 36460855 PMCID: PMC9718457 DOI: 10.1007/s44211-022-00216-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
In consideration of the problems related to food safety, environmental pollution, and the spread of infected diseases nowadays, we urgently need testing methods that can be easily performed by common people. Smartphone-based detections are promising for general applications. However, some of these analytical strategies require a combination of accessories and instruments, such as portable electrochemical workstations, mini multi-mode microplate readers, and complex temperature control devices, etc., which are small but still expensive. Herein, we comprehensively introduce a free app (Spotxel® Reader) that can provide accurate data analysis for microplate or parallel-format test sensors without an instrument. By simulating the optical signal of the test samples through a smartphone, the sensing results can be obtained for free. We discuss the detection strategies involved in the reported smartphone-based analyses using Spotxel® Reader. Prospects for the development of this free app for future detection applications are presented. This review aims to popularize free analysis software, so that ordinary people may realize convenient tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ningyi Qin
- Department of Pharmacy, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, 121000 China
| | - Zirui Liu
- Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Testing, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, 121001 China
| | - Lanbin Zhao
- The Third Affiliated Hospital, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Mengfan Bao
- Department of Pharmacy, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, 121000 China
| | - Xifan Mei
- Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Testing, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, 121001 China ,The Third Affiliated Hospital, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Dan Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, 121000 China
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13
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Lin CY, Song X, Seaman K, You L. Microfluidic Co-culture Platforms for Studying Osteocyte Regulation of Other Cell Types under Dynamic Mechanical Stimulation. Curr Osteoporos Rep 2022; 20:478-492. [PMID: 36149593 DOI: 10.1007/s11914-022-00748-5] [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] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Osteocytes are the most abundant cell type in bone. These unique cells act primarily as mechanosensors and play crucial roles in the functional adaptation of bone tissue. This review aims to summarize the recent microfluidic studies on mechanically stimulated osteocytes in regulating other cell types. RECENT FINDINGS Microfluidics is a powerful technology that has been widely employed in recent years. With the advantages of microfluidic platforms, researchers can mimic multicellular environments and integrate dynamic systems to study osteocyte regulation under mechanical stimulation. Microfluidic platforms have been developed to investigate mechanically stimulated osteocytes in the direct regulation of multiple cell types, including osteoclasts, osteoblasts, and cancer cells, and in the indirect regulation of cancer cells via endothelial cells. Overall, these microfluidic studies foster the development of treatment approaches targeting osteocytes under mechanical stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Yu Lin
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Xin Song
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kimberly Seaman
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lidan You
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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Liu X, Su Q, Zhang X, Yang W, Ning J, Jia K, Xin J, Li H, Yu L, Liao Y, Zhang D. Recent Advances of Organ-on-a-Chip in Cancer Modeling Research. BIOSENSORS 2022; 12:bios12111045. [PMID: 36421163 PMCID: PMC9688857 DOI: 10.3390/bios12111045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Although many studies have focused on oncology and therapeutics in cancer, cancer remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Due to the unclear molecular mechanism and complex in vivo microenvironment of tumors, it is challenging to reveal the nature of cancer and develop effective therapeutics. Therefore, the development of new methods to explore the role of heterogeneous TME in individual patients' cancer drug response is urgently needed and critical for the effective therapeutic management of cancer. The organ-on-chip (OoC) platform, which integrates the technology of 3D cell culture, tissue engineering, and microfluidics, is emerging as a new method to simulate the critical structures of the in vivo tumor microenvironment and functional characteristics. It overcomes the failure of traditional 2D/3D cell culture models and preclinical animal models to completely replicate the complex TME of human tumors. As a brand-new technology, OoC is of great significance for the realization of personalized treatment and the development of new drugs. This review discusses the recent advances of OoC in cancer biology studies. It focuses on the design principles of OoC devices and associated applications in cancer modeling. The challenges for the future development of this field are also summarized in this review. This review displays the broad applications of OoC technique and has reference value for oncology development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingxing Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Industrial Surfactant, Institute of Chemical Engineering, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510075, China
| | - Qiuping Su
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Industrial Surfactant, Institute of Chemical Engineering, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510075, China
| | - Xiaoyu Zhang
- Research Center for Intelligent Sensing Systems, Zhejiang Laboratory, Hangzhou 311100, China
| | - Wenjian Yang
- Research Center for Intelligent Sensing Systems, Zhejiang Laboratory, Hangzhou 311100, China
| | - Junhua Ning
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Industrial Surfactant, Institute of Chemical Engineering, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510075, China
| | - Kangle Jia
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Industrial Surfactant, Institute of Chemical Engineering, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510075, China
| | - Jinlan Xin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Industrial Surfactant, Institute of Chemical Engineering, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510075, China
| | - Huanling Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Industrial Surfactant, Institute of Chemical Engineering, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510075, China
| | - Longfei Yu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Industrial Surfactant, Institute of Chemical Engineering, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510075, China
| | - Yuheng Liao
- Research Center for Intelligent Sensing Systems, Zhejiang Laboratory, Hangzhou 311100, China
| | - Diming Zhang
- Research Center for Intelligent Sensing Systems, Zhejiang Laboratory, Hangzhou 311100, China
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15
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Gharib G, Bütün İ, Muganlı Z, Kozalak G, Namlı İ, Sarraf SS, Ahmadi VE, Toyran E, van Wijnen AJ, Koşar A. Biomedical Applications of Microfluidic Devices: A Review. BIOSENSORS 2022; 12:bios12111023. [PMID: 36421141 PMCID: PMC9688231 DOI: 10.3390/bios12111023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Both passive and active microfluidic chips are used in many biomedical and chemical applications to support fluid mixing, particle manipulations, and signal detection. Passive microfluidic devices are geometry-dependent, and their uses are rather limited. Active microfluidic devices include sensors or detectors that transduce chemical, biological, and physical changes into electrical or optical signals. Also, they are transduction devices that detect biological and chemical changes in biomedical applications, and they are highly versatile microfluidic tools for disease diagnosis and organ modeling. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the significant advances that have been made in the development of microfluidics devices. We will discuss the function of microfluidic devices as micromixers or as sorters of cells and substances (e.g., microfiltration, flow or displacement, and trapping). Microfluidic devices are fabricated using a range of techniques, including molding, etching, three-dimensional printing, and nanofabrication. Their broad utility lies in the detection of diagnostic biomarkers and organ-on-chip approaches that permit disease modeling in cancer, as well as uses in neurological, cardiovascular, hepatic, and pulmonary diseases. Biosensor applications allow for point-of-care testing, using assays based on enzymes, nanozymes, antibodies, or nucleic acids (DNA or RNA). An anticipated development in the field includes the optimization of techniques for the fabrication of microfluidic devices using biocompatible materials. These developments will increase biomedical versatility, reduce diagnostic costs, and accelerate diagnosis time of microfluidics technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghazaleh Gharib
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Science, Sabanci University, Istanbul 34956, Turkey
- Sabanci University Nanotechnology Research and Application Centre (SUNUM), Istanbul 34956, Turkey
- Center of Excellence for Functional Surfaces and Interfaces for Nano Diagnostics (EFSUN), Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Sabanci University, Istanbul 34956, Turkey
| | - İsmail Bütün
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Science, Sabanci University, Istanbul 34956, Turkey
| | - Zülâl Muganlı
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Science, Sabanci University, Istanbul 34956, Turkey
| | - Gül Kozalak
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Science, Sabanci University, Istanbul 34956, Turkey
- Center of Excellence for Functional Surfaces and Interfaces for Nano Diagnostics (EFSUN), Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Sabanci University, Istanbul 34956, Turkey
| | - İlayda Namlı
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Science, Sabanci University, Istanbul 34956, Turkey
| | | | | | - Erçil Toyran
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Science, Sabanci University, Istanbul 34956, Turkey
| | - Andre J. van Wijnen
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Vermont, 89 Beaumont Avenue, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
| | - Ali Koşar
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Science, Sabanci University, Istanbul 34956, Turkey
- Sabanci University Nanotechnology Research and Application Centre (SUNUM), Istanbul 34956, Turkey
- Center of Excellence for Functional Surfaces and Interfaces for Nano Diagnostics (EFSUN), Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Sabanci University, Istanbul 34956, Turkey
- Turkish Academy of Sciences (TÜBA), Çankaya, Ankara 06700, Turkey
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Schueler J, Borenstein J, Buti L, Dong M, Masmoudi F, Hribar K, Anderson E, Sommergruber W. How to build a tumor: An industry perspective. Drug Discov Today 2022; 27:103329. [PMID: 35908685 PMCID: PMC9585375 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2022.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
During the past 15 years, a plethora of innovative 3D in vitro systems has been developed. They offer the possibility of identifying crucial cellular and molecular contributors to the disease by permitting manipulation of each in isolation. However, improvements are needed particularly with respect to the predictivity and validity of those models. The major challenge now is to identify which assay and readout combination(s) best suits the current scientific question(s). A deep understanding of the different platforms along with their pros and cons is a prerequisite to make this decision. This review aims to give an overview of the most prominent systems with a focus on applications, translational relevance and adoption drivers from an industry perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Schueler
- Charles River Discovery Research Services Germany GmbH, Freiburg, Germany,Corresponding author.
| | | | | | - Meng Dong
- Dr Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology and University of Tuebingen, Stuttgart, Germany
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Iafrate L, Benedetti MC, Donsante S, Rosa A, Corsi A, Oreffo ROC, Riminucci M, Ruocco G, Scognamiglio C, Cidonio G. Modelling skeletal pain harnessing tissue engineering. IN VITRO MODELS 2022; 1:289-307. [PMID: 36567849 PMCID: PMC9766883 DOI: 10.1007/s44164-022-00028-7] [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: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Bone pain typically occurs immediately following skeletal damage with mechanical distortion or rupture of nociceptive fibres. The pain mechanism is also associated with chronic pain conditions where the healing process is impaired. Any load impacting on the area of the fractured bone will stimulate the nociceptive response, necessitating rapid clinical intervention to relieve pain associated with the bone damage and appropriate mitigation of any processes involved with the loss of bone mass, muscle, and mobility and to prevent death. The following review has examined the mechanisms of pain associated with trauma or cancer-related skeletal damage focusing on new approaches for the development of innovative therapeutic interventions. In particular, the review highlights tissue engineering approaches that offer considerable promise in the application of functional biomimetic fabrication of bone and nerve tissues. The strategic combination of bone and nerve tissue engineered models provides significant potential to develop a new class of in vitro platforms, capable of replacing in vivo models and testing the safety and efficacy of novel drug treatments aimed at the resolution of bone-associated pain. To date, the field of bone pain research has centred on animal models, with a paucity of data correlating to the human physiological response. This review explores the evident gap in pain drug development research and suggests a step change in approach to harness tissue engineering technologies to recapitulate the complex pathophysiological environment of the damaged bone tissue enabling evaluation of the associated pain-mimicking mechanism with significant therapeutic potential therein for improved patient quality of life. Graphical abstract Rationale underlying novel drug testing platform development. Pain detected by the central nervous system and following bone fracture cannot be treated or exclusively alleviated using standardised methods. The pain mechanism and specificity/efficacy of pain reduction drugs remain poorly understood. In vivo and ex vivo models are not yet able to recapitulate the various pain events associated with skeletal damage. In vitro models are currently limited by their inability to fully mimic the complex physiological mechanisms at play between nervous and skeletal tissue and any disruption in pathological states. Robust innovative tissue engineering models are needed to better understand pain events and to investigate therapeutic regimes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Iafrate
- Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science (CLN2S), Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Benedetti
- Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science (CLN2S), Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies “Charles Darwin”, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Samantha Donsante
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Rosa
- Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science (CLN2S), Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies “Charles Darwin”, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Corsi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Richard O. C. Oreffo
- Bone and Joint Research Group, Stem Cells and Regeneration, Institute of Developmental Sciences, Centre for Human Development, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Mara Riminucci
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Ruocco
- Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science (CLN2S), Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Scognamiglio
- Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science (CLN2S), Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianluca Cidonio
- Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science (CLN2S), Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy
- Bone and Joint Research Group, Stem Cells and Regeneration, Institute of Developmental Sciences, Centre for Human Development, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
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