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Ostapowicz J, Ostrowska K, Golusiński W, Kulcenty K, Suchorska WM. Improving therapeutic strategies for Head and Neck Cancer: Insights from 3D hypoxic cell culture models in treatment response evaluation. Adv Med Sci 2024; 69:368-376. [PMID: 39047970 DOI: 10.1016/j.advms.2024.07.007] [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: 04/04/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Hypoxia in the tumor core negatively affects the outcome of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Nevertheless, its role in predicting treatment response requires further exploration. Typically, reduced oxygen levels in the tumor core correlate with diminished efficacy of radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy, which are commonly used for HNSCC patients' treatment. Understanding the mechanistic underpinnings of these varied treatment responses in HNSCC is crucial for enhancing therapeutic outcomes and extending patients' overall survival (OS) rates. Standard monolayer cell culture conditions have major limitations in mimicking tumor physiological features and the complexity of the tumor microenvironment. Three-dimensional (3D) cell cultures enable the recreation of the in vivo tumor attributes, encompassing oxygen and nutrient gradients, cellular morphology, and intracellular connections. It is vital to use the 3D model in treatment response studies to mimic the tumor microenvironment, as evidenced by the decreased sensitivity of 3D structures to anticancer therapy. Accordingly, the aim of the study was to delineate the utility of the 3D models of hypoxic head and neck tumors in drug screening and treatment response studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Ostapowicz
- Department of Electroradiology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland; Radiobiology Laboratory, The Greater Poland Cancer Centre, Poznan, Poland; Doctoral School, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland.
| | - Kamila Ostrowska
- Radiobiology Laboratory, The Greater Poland Cancer Centre, Poznan, Poland; Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, The Greater Poland Cancer Centre, Poznan, Poland
| | - Wojciech Golusiński
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, The Greater Poland Cancer Centre, Poznan, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Kulcenty
- Radiobiology Laboratory, The Greater Poland Cancer Centre, Poznan, Poland
| | - Wiktoria M Suchorska
- Department of Electroradiology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland; Radiobiology Laboratory, The Greater Poland Cancer Centre, Poznan, Poland
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2
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Mehta V, Vilikkathala Sudhakaran S, Nellore V, Madduri S, Rath SN. 3D stem-like spheroids-on-a-chip for personalized combinatorial drug testing in oral cancer. J Nanobiotechnology 2024; 22:344. [PMID: 38890730 PMCID: PMC11186147 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-024-02625-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Functional drug testing (FDT) with patient-derived tumor cells in microfluidic devices is gaining popularity. However, the majority of previously reported microfluidic devices for FDT were limited by at least one of these factors: lengthy fabrication procedures, absence of tumor progenitor cells, lack of clinical correlation, and mono-drug therapy testing. Furthermore, personalized microfluidic models based on spheroids derived from oral cancer patients remain to be thoroughly validated. Overcoming the limitations, we develop 3D printed mold-based, dynamic, and personalized oral stem-like spheroids-on-a-chip, featuring unique serpentine loops and flat-bottom microwells arrangement. RESULTS This unique arrangement enables the screening of seven combinations of three drugs on chemoresistive cancer stem-like cells. Oral cancer patients-derived stem-like spheroids (CD 44+) remains highly viable (> 90%) for 5 days. Treatment with a well-known oral cancer chemotherapy regimen (paclitaxel, 5 fluorouracil, and cisplatin) at clinically relevant dosages results in heterogeneous drug responses in spheroids. These spheroids are derived from three oral cancer patients, each diagnosed with either well-differentiated or moderately-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma. Oral spheroids exhibit dissimilar morphology, size, and oral tumor-relevant oxygen levels (< 5% O2). These features correlate with the drug responses and clinical diagnosis from each patient's histopathological report. CONCLUSIONS Overall, we demonstrate the influence of tumor differentiation status on treatment responses, which has been rarely carried out in the previous reports. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report demonstrating extensive work on development of microfluidic based oral cancer spheroid model for personalized combinatorial drug screening. Furthermore, the obtained clinical correlation of drug screening data represents a significant advancement over previously reported personalized spheroid-based microfluidic devices. Finally, the maintenance of patient-derived spheroids with high viability under oral cancer relevant oxygen levels of less than 5% O2 is a more realistic representation of solid tumor microenvironment in our developed device.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viraj Mehta
- Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Laboratory (RMS), Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Sangareddy, Kandi, 502285, Telangana, India
| | - Sukanya Vilikkathala Sudhakaran
- Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Laboratory (RMS), Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Sangareddy, Kandi, 502285, Telangana, India
| | - Vijaykumar Nellore
- Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Laboratory (RMS), Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Sangareddy, Kandi, 502285, Telangana, India
| | - Srinivas Madduri
- Department of Surgery, University of Geneva, 1205, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Subha Narayan Rath
- Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Laboratory (RMS), Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Sangareddy, Kandi, 502285, Telangana, India.
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Li Y, Yang T, Liu S, Chen C, Qian Z, Yang Y. Assays on 3D tumor spheroids for exploring the light dosimetry of photodynamic effects under different gaseous conditions. JOURNAL OF BIOPHOTONICS 2024; 17:e202300552. [PMID: 38494760 DOI: 10.1002/jbio.202300552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
The multifaceted nature of photodynamic therapy (PDT) requires a throughout evaluation of a multitude of parameters when devising preclinical protocols. In this study, we constructed MCF-7 human breast tumor spheroid assays to infer PDT irradiation doses at four gradient levels for violet light at 408 nm and red light at 625 nm under normal and hypoxic oxygen conditions. The compacted three-dimensional (3D) tumor models conferred PDT resistance as compared to monolayer cultures due to heterogenous distribution of photosensitizers along with the presence of internal hypoxic region. Cell viability results indicated that the violet light was more efficient to kill cells in the spheroids under normal oxygen conditions, while cells exposed to the hypoxic microenvironment exhibited minimal PDT-induced death. The combination of 3D tumor spheroid assays and the multiparametric screening platform presented a solid framework for assessing PDT efficacy across a wide range of different physiological conditions and therapeutic regimes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuewu Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing, China
| | - Tianyi Yang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing, China
| | - Sijia Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing, China
| | - Chunxiao Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhiyu Qian
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing, China
| | - Yamin Yang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing, China
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Kaminaga M, Otomo S, Tsunozaki S, Kadonosono T, Omata T. Fabrication of a Cancer Cell Aggregate Culture Device That Facilitates Observations of Nutrient and Oxygen Gradients. MICROMACHINES 2024; 15:689. [PMID: 38930659 PMCID: PMC11205477 DOI: 10.3390/mi15060689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 05/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Three-dimensional cell culture spheroids are commonly used for drug evaluation studies because they can produce large quantities of homogeneous cell aggregates. As the spheroids grow, nutrients supplied from outer spheroid regions render the inner spheroid areas hypoxic and hyponutrient, which makes them unobservable through confocal microscopy. In this study, we fabricated a cancer cell aggregate culture device that facilitates the observation of nutrient and oxygen gradients. An alginate gel fiber was created in the cell culture chamber to ensure a flow path for supplying the culture medium. A gradient of nutrients and oxygen was generated by positioning the flow channel close to the edge of the chamber. We devised a fabrication method that uses calcium carbonate as a source of Ca2+ for the gelation of sodium alginate, which has a slow reaction rate. We then cultured a spheroid of HCT116 cells, which were derived from human colorectal carcinoma using a fluorescent ubiquitination-based cell cycle indicator. Fluorescence observation suggested the formation of a hypoxic and hyponutrient region within an area approximately 500 µm away from the alginate gel fiber. This indicates the development of a cancer cell aggregate culture device that enables the observation of different nutrition and oxygen states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maho Kaminaga
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Toyota Campus, 2-1 Eisei-cho, Toyota 471-0067, Aichi, Japan
| | - Shuta Otomo
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta-cho, Midori ku, Yokohama 226-0026, Kanagawa, Japan (T.O.)
| | - Seisyu Tsunozaki
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta-cho, Midori ku, Yokohama 226-0026, Kanagawa, Japan (T.O.)
| | - Tetuya Kadonosono
- Department of Life Science & Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta-cho, Midori ku, Yokohama 226-0026, Kanagawa, Japan;
| | - Toru Omata
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta-cho, Midori ku, Yokohama 226-0026, Kanagawa, Japan (T.O.)
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Morsby JJ, Zhang Z, Burchett A, Datta M, Smith BD. Ratiometric near-infrared fluorescent probe for nitroreductase activity enables 3D imaging of hypoxic cells within intact tumor spheroids. Chem Sci 2024; 15:3633-3639. [PMID: 38455008 PMCID: PMC10915858 DOI: 10.1039/d3sc06058f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Fluorescent molecular probes that report nitroreductase activity have promise as imaging tools to elucidate the biology of hypoxic cells and report the past hypoxic history of biomedical tissue. This study describes the synthesis and validation of a "first-in-class" ratiometric, hydrophilic near-infrared fluorescent molecular probe for imaging hypoxia-induced nitroreductase activity in 2D cell culture monolayers and 3D multicellular tumor spheroids. The probe's molecular structure is charge-balanced and the change in ratiometric signal is based on Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) from a deep-red, pentamethine cyanine donor dye (Cy5, emits ∼660 nm) to a linked near-infrared, heptamethine cyanine acceptor dye (Cy7, emits ∼780 nm). Enzymatic reduction of a 4-nitrobenzyl group on the Cy7 component induces a large increase in Cy7/Cy5 fluorescence ratio. The deep penetration of near-infrared light enables 3D optical sectioning of intact tumor spheroids, and visualization of individual hypoxic cells (i.e., cells with raised Cy7/Cy5 ratio) as a new way to study tumor spheroids. Beyond preclinical imaging, the near-infrared fluorescent molecular probe has high potential for ratiometric imaging of hypoxic tissue in living subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janeala J Morsby
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame 251 Nieuwland Science Hall, Notre Dame IN 46556 USA
| | - Zhumin Zhang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame 251 Nieuwland Science Hall, Notre Dame IN 46556 USA
| | - Alice Burchett
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Notre Dame 145 Multidisciplinary Engineering Research Building, Notre Dame IN 46556 USA
| | - Meenal Datta
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Notre Dame 145 Multidisciplinary Engineering Research Building, Notre Dame IN 46556 USA
| | - Bradley D Smith
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame 251 Nieuwland Science Hall, Notre Dame IN 46556 USA
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Lam MS, Aw JJ, Tan D, Vijayakumar R, Lim HYG, Yada S, Pang QY, Barker N, Tang C, Ang BT, Sobota RM, Pavesi A. Unveiling the Influence of Tumor Microenvironment and Spatial Heterogeneity on Temozolomide Resistance in Glioblastoma Using an Advanced Human In Vitro Model of the Blood-Brain Barrier and Glioblastoma. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2302280. [PMID: 37649234 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202302280] [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: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common primary malignant brain cancer in adults with a dismal prognosis. Temozolomide (TMZ) is the first-in-line chemotherapeutic; however, resistance is frequent and multifactorial. While many molecular and genetic factors have been linked to TMZ resistance, the role of the solid tumor morphology and the tumor microenvironment, particularly the blood-brain barrier (BBB), is unknown. Here, the authors investigate these using a complex in vitro model for GBM and its surrounding BBB. The model recapitulates important clinical features such as a dense tumor core with tumor cells that invade along the perivascular space; and a perfusable BBB with a physiological permeability and morphology that is altered in the presence of a tumor spheroid. It is demonstrated that TMZ sensitivity decreases with increasing cancer cell spatial organization, and that the BBB can contribute to TMZ resistance. Proteomic analysis with next-generation low volume sample workflows of these cultured microtissues revealed potential clinically relevant proteins involved in tumor aggressiveness and TMZ resistance, demonstrating the utility of complex in vitro models for interrogating the tumor microenvironment and therapy validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxine Sy Lam
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 61 Biopolis Drive, Singapore, 138673, Singapore
- Functional Proteomics Laboratory, SingMass National Laboratory, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A∗STAR), 61 Biopolis Drive, Singapore, 138673, Singapore
| | - Joey Jy Aw
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 61 Biopolis Drive, Singapore, 138673, Singapore
| | - Damien Tan
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 61 Biopolis Drive, Singapore, 138673, Singapore
| | - Ragavi Vijayakumar
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 61 Biopolis Drive, Singapore, 138673, Singapore
| | - Hui Yi Grace Lim
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 61 Biopolis Drive, Singapore, 138673, Singapore
| | - Swathi Yada
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 61 Biopolis Drive, Singapore, 138673, Singapore
| | - Qing You Pang
- Neuro-Oncology Research Laboratory, Department of Research, National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore, 308433, Singapore
| | - Nick Barker
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 61 Biopolis Drive, Singapore, 138673, Singapore
| | - Carol Tang
- Neuro-Oncology Research Laboratory, Department of Research, National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore, 308433, Singapore
- Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore, 169857, Singapore
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 637551, Singapore
| | - Beng Ti Ang
- Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore, 169857, Singapore
- Department of Neurosurgery, National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore, 308433, Singapore
| | - Radoslaw M Sobota
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 61 Biopolis Drive, Singapore, 138673, Singapore
- Functional Proteomics Laboratory, SingMass National Laboratory, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A∗STAR), 61 Biopolis Drive, Singapore, 138673, Singapore
| | - Andrea Pavesi
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 61 Biopolis Drive, Singapore, 138673, Singapore
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117411, Singapore
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7
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Takagi M, Yamada M, Utoh R, Seki M. A multiscale, vertical-flow perfusion system with integrated porous microchambers for upgrading multicellular spheroid culture. LAB ON A CHIP 2023; 23:2257-2267. [PMID: 37038847 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00168g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Spheroid formation assisted by microengineered chambers is a versatile approach for morphology-controlled three-dimensional (3D) cell cultivation with physiological relevance to human tissues. However, the limitation in diffusion-based oxygen/nutrient transport has been a critical issue for the densely packed cells in spheroids, preventing maximization of cellular functions and thus limiting their biomedical applications. Here, we have developed a multiscale microfluidic system for the perfusion culture of spheroids, in which porous microchambers, connected with microfluidic channels, were engineered. A newly developed process of centrifugation-assisted replica molding and salt-leaching enabled the formation of single micrometer-sized pores on the chamber surface and in the substrate. The porous configuration generates a vertical flow to directly supply the medium to the spheroids, while avoiding the formation of stagnant flow regions. We created seamlessly integrated, all PDMS/silicone-based microfluidic devices with an array of microchambers. Spheroids of human liver cells (HepG2 cells) were formed and cultured under vertical-flow perfusion, and the proliferation ability and liver cell-specific functions were compared with those of cells cultured in non-porous chambers with a horizontal flow. The presented system realizes both size-controlled formation of spheroids and direct medium supply, making it suitable as a precision cell culture platform for drug development, disease modelling, and regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mai Takagi
- Department of Applied Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Chiba University, 1-33 Yayoi-cho, Inage-ku, Chiba 263-8522, Japan.
| | - Masumi Yamada
- Department of Applied Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Chiba University, 1-33 Yayoi-cho, Inage-ku, Chiba 263-8522, Japan.
| | - Rie Utoh
- Department of Applied Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Chiba University, 1-33 Yayoi-cho, Inage-ku, Chiba 263-8522, Japan.
| | - Minoru Seki
- Department of Applied Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Chiba University, 1-33 Yayoi-cho, Inage-ku, Chiba 263-8522, Japan.
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Wallabregue AD, Bolland H, Faulkner S, Hammond EM, Conway SJ. Two Color Imaging of Different Hypoxia Levels in Cancer Cells. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:2572-2583. [PMID: 36656915 PMCID: PMC9896549 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c12493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Hypoxia (low oxygen levels) occurs in a range of biological contexts, including plants, bacterial biofilms, and solid tumors; it elicits responses from these biological systems that impact their survival. For example, conditions of low oxygen make treating tumors more difficult and have a negative impact on patient prognosis. Therefore, chemical probes that enable the study of biological hypoxia are valuable tools to increase the understanding of disease-related conditions that involve low oxygen levels, ultimately leading to improved diagnosis and treatment. While small-molecule hypoxia-sensing probes exist, the majority of these image only very severe hypoxia (<1% O2) and therefore do not give a full picture of heterogeneous biological hypoxia. Commonly used antibody-based imaging tools for hypoxia are less convenient than small molecules, as secondary detection steps involving immunostaining are required. Here, we report the synthesis, electrochemical properties, photophysical analysis, and biological validation of a range of indolequinone-based bioreductive fluorescent probes. We show that these compounds image different levels of hypoxia in 2D and 3D cell cultures. The resorufin-based probe 2 was activated in conditions of 4% O2 and lower, while the Me-Tokyo Green-based probe 4 was only activated in severe hypoxia─0.5% O2 and less. Simultaneous application of these compounds in spheroids revealed that compound 2 images similar levels of hypoxia to pimonidazole, while compound 4 images more extreme hypoxia in a manner analogous to EF5. Compounds 2 and 4 are therefore useful tools to study hypoxia in a cellular setting and represent convenient alternatives to antibody-based imaging approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoine
L. D. Wallabregue
- Department
of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, U.K.
| | - Hannah Bolland
- Oxford
Institute for Radiation Oncology, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus Research Building, Oxford OX3 7DQ, U.K.
| | - Stephen Faulkner
- Department
of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, U.K.
| | - Ester M. Hammond
- Oxford
Institute for Radiation Oncology, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus Research Building, Oxford OX3 7DQ, U.K.,
| | - Stuart J. Conway
- Department
of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, U.K.,
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Campbell RM. The SLAS Discovery Editor's Top 10 for 2022. SLAS DISCOVERY : ADVANCING LIFE SCIENCES R & D 2023; 28:1-2. [PMID: 36640807 DOI: 10.1016/j.slasd.2023.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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10
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Smith PJ, McKeown SR, Patterson LH. Targeting DNA topoisomerase IIα (TOP2A) in the hypoxic tumour microenvironment using unidirectional hypoxia-activated prodrugs (uHAPs). IUBMB Life 2023; 75:40-54. [PMID: 35499745 PMCID: PMC10084299 DOI: 10.1002/iub.2619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The hypoxic tumour microenvironment (hTME), arising from inadequate and chaotic vascularity, can present a major obstacle for the treatment of solid tumours. Hypoxic tumour cells compromise responses to treatment since they can generate resistance to radiotherapy, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. The hTME impairs the delivery of a range of anti-cancer drugs, creates routes for metastasis and exerts selection pressures for aggressive phenotypes; these changes potentially occur within an immunosuppressed environment. Therapeutic strategies aimed at the hTME include targeting the molecular changes associated with hypoxia. An alternative approach is to exploit the prevailing lack of oxygen as a principle for the selective activation of prodrugs to target cellular components within the hTME. This review focuses on the design concepts and rationale for the use of unidirectional Hypoxia-Activated Prodrugs (uHAPs) to target the hTME as exemplified by the uHAPs AQ4N and OCT1002. These agents undergo irreversible reduction in a hypoxic environment to active forms that target DNA topoisomerase IIα (TOP2A). This nuclear enzyme is essential for cell division and is a recognised chemotherapeutic target. An activated uHAP interacts with the enzyme-DNA complex to induce DNA damage, cell cycle arrest and tumour cell death. uHAPs are designed to overcome the shortcomings of conventional HAPs and offer unique pharmacodynamic properties for effective targeting of TOP2A in the hTME. uHAP therapy in combination with standard of care treatments has the potential to enhance outcomes by co-addressing the therapeutic challenge presented by the hTME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul J Smith
- Cancer and Genetics Division, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | | | - Laurence H Patterson
- Institute of Cancer Therapeutics, School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Bradford, Bradford, UK
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Skowron MA, Eul K, Stephan A, Ludwig GF, Wakileh GA, Bister A, Söhngen C, Raba K, Petzsch P, Poschmann G, Kuffour EO, Degrandi D, Ali S, Wiek C, Hanenberg H, Münk C, Stühler K, Köhrer K, Mass E, Nettersheim D. Profiling the 3D interaction between germ cell tumors and microenvironmental cells at the transcriptome and secretome level. Mol Oncol 2022; 16:3107-3127. [PMID: 35811571 PMCID: PMC9441004 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TM), consisting of the extracellular matrix (ECM), fibroblasts, endothelial cells and immune cells, might affect tumor invasiveness and the outcome of standard chemotherapy. This study investigated the cross-talk between germ cell tumors (GCT) and surrounding TM cells (macrophages, T-lymphocytes, endothelial cells, fibroblasts) at the transcriptome and secretome level. Using high-throughput approaches of three-dimensional (3D) co-cultured cellular aggregates, this study offers newly identified pathways to be studied with regard to sensitivity towards cisplatin-based chemotherapy or tumor invasiveness as a consequence of the cross-talk between tumor cells and TM components. Mass-spectrometry-based secretome analyses revealed that TM cells secreted factors involved in ECM organization, cell adhesion, angiogenesis and regulation of insulin-like growth factor (IGF) transport. To evaluate direct cell-cell contacts, green fluorescent protein (GFP)-expressing GCT cells and mCherry-expressing TM cells were co-cultured in 3D. Afterwards, cell populations were separated by flow cytometry and analyzed by RNA-sequencing. Correlating the secretome with transcriptome data indicated molecular processes such as cell adhesion and components of the ECM being enriched in most cell populations. Re-analyses of secretome data with regard to lysine- and proline-hydroxylated peptides revealed a gain in proteins, such as collagens and fibronectin. Cultivation of GCT cells on collagen I/IV- or fibronectin-coated plates significantly elevated adhesive and migratory capacity, while decreasing cisplatin sensitivity of GCT cells. Correspondingly, cisplatin sensitivity was significantly reduced in GCT cells under the influence of conditioned medium from fibroblasts and endothelial cells. This study sheds light on the cross-talk between GCT cells and their circumjacent TM, which results in deposition of the ECM and eventually promotes a pro-tumorigenic environment through enhanced migratory and adhesive capacity, as well as decreased cisplatin sensitivity. Hence, our observations indicate that targeting the ECM and its cellular components might be a novel therapeutic option in combination with cisplatin-based chemotherapy for GCT patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaretha A Skowron
- Department of Urology, Urological Research Laboratory, Translational UroOncology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Katharina Eul
- Department of Urology, Urological Research Laboratory, Translational UroOncology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Alexa Stephan
- Department of Urology, Urological Research Laboratory, Translational UroOncology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Gillian F Ludwig
- Department of Urology, Urological Research Laboratory, Translational UroOncology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Gamal A Wakileh
- Department of Urology, Urological Research Laboratory, Translational UroOncology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany.,Department of Urology and Paediatric Urology, University Hospital Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Arthur Bister
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head/Neck Surgery, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Christian Söhngen
- Department of Urology, Urological Research Laboratory, Translational UroOncology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Katharina Raba
- Institute for Transplantation Diagnostics and Cell Therapeutics, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Patrick Petzsch
- Genomics and Transcriptomics Laboratory, Biological and Medical Research Centre (BMFZ), Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Gereon Poschmann
- Molecular Proteomics Laboratory, Biological and Medical Research Centre (BMFZ), Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Edmund Osei Kuffour
- Clinic for Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Daniel Degrandi
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Shafaqat Ali
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Constanze Wiek
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head/Neck Surgery, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Helmut Hanenberg
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head/Neck Surgery, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany.,Department of Pediatrics III, University Children's Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Carsten Münk
- Clinic for Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Kai Stühler
- Molecular Proteomics Laboratory, Biological and Medical Research Centre (BMFZ), Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Karl Köhrer
- Genomics and Transcriptomics Laboratory, Biological and Medical Research Centre (BMFZ), Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Elvira Mass
- Life and Medical Sciences (LIMES) Institute, Developmental Biology of the Immune System, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Daniel Nettersheim
- Department of Urology, Urological Research Laboratory, Translational UroOncology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
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12
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In Vitro Human Cancer Models for Biomedical Applications. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14092284. [PMID: 35565413 PMCID: PMC9099454 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14092284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide. While numerous studies have been conducted on cancer treatment, clinical treatment options for cancers are still limited. To date, animal cancer models for cancer therapeutic studies have faced multiple challenges, including inaccuracy in the representation of human cancers, high cost and ethical concerns. Therefore, lab-grown human cancer models are being developed quickly to fulfill the increasing demand for more relevant models in order to improve knowledge of human cancers and to find novel treatments. This review summarizes the development of lab-grown human cancer models for biomedical applications, including cancer therapeutic development, assessment of human tumor biology and discovery of key cancer markers. Abstract Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and its incidence is steadily increasing. Although years of research have been conducted on cancer treatment, clinical treatment options for cancers are still limited. Animal cancer models have been widely used for studies of cancer therapeutics, but these models have been associated with many concerns, including inaccuracy in the representation of human cancers, high cost and ethical issues. Therefore, in vitro human cancer models are being developed quickly to fulfill the increasing demand for more relevant models in order to get a better knowledge of human cancers and to find novel treatments. This review summarizes the development of in vitro human cancer models for biomedical applications. We first review the latest development in the field by detailing various types of in vitro human cancer models, including transwell-based models, tumor spheroids, microfluidic tumor-microvascular systems and scaffold-based models. The advantages and limitations of each model, as well as their biomedical applications, are summarized, including therapeutic development, assessment of tumor cell migration, metastasis and invasion and discovery of key cancer markers. Finally, the existing challenges and future perspectives are briefly discussed.
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Siao YJ, Peng CC, Tung YC, Chen YF. Comparison of Hydrogen Peroxide Secretion From Living Cells Cultured in Different Formats Using Hydrogel-Based LSPR Substrates. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:869184. [PMID: 35464720 PMCID: PMC9031350 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.869184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROS), a number of reactive molecules and free radicals derived from molecular oxygen, are generated as by-products during mitochondrial electron transport within cells. Physiologically, cells are capable of metabolizing the ROS exploiting specific mechanisms. However, if excessive ROS accumulate inside the cells, it will cause the cells apoptosis or necrosis. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is one of the essential ROS often participating in chemical reactions in organisms and regulating homeostasis in the body. Therefore, rapid and sensitive detection of H2O2 is a significant task in cell biology research. Furthermore, it has been found that cells cultured in different formats can result in different cellular responses and biological activities. In order to investigate the H2O2 secretion from the cells cultured in different formats, a hydrogel-based substrate is exploited to separate relatively large molecular (e.g., proteins) for direct measurement of H2O2 secreted from living cells in complete cell culture medium containing serum. The substrate takes advantage of the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) method based on enzyme immunoprecipitation. In addition, the H2O2 secreted from the cells cultured in different dimensions (suspension of single cells and three-dimensional cell spheroids) treated with identical drugs is measured and compared. The spheroid samples can be prepared with ample amount using a designed microfluidic device with precise control of size. The results show that the H2O2 secretion from the cells are great affected by their culture formats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang-Jyun Siao
- Institute of Biophotonics, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Research Center for Applied Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Chung Peng
- Research Center for Applied Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chung Tung
- Institute of Biophotonics, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Research Center for Applied Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- *Correspondence: Yi-Chung Tung, ; Yih-Fan Chen,
| | - Yih-Fan Chen
- Research Center for Applied Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- *Correspondence: Yi-Chung Tung, ; Yih-Fan Chen,
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