1
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Liu R, Song H, Wu H, Yang Z, Fang S, Zhu J, Ba L. Sub-femtomolar vertical graphene field effect immunosensor for detection of lung tumor markers. Talanta 2024; 278:126498. [PMID: 38959668 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2024.126498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
Lung cancer is the main cancer that endangers human life worldwide, with the highest mortality rate. The detection of lung tumor markers is of great significance for the early diagnosis and subsequent treatment of lung cancer. In this study, a vertical graphene field effect transistor (VGFET) immunosensor based on graphene/C60 heterojunction was created to offer quantitative detections for the lung tumor markers carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), cytokeratin 19 fragment (Cyfra21-1), and neuron-specific enolase (NSE). The experimental results showed that the sensitive range for standard antigen is between 1 pg/ml to 100 ng/ml, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 5.6 amol/ml for CEA, 33.3 amol/ml for Cyfra 21-1 and 12.8 amol/ml for NSE (1 pg/ml for all). The detection accuracy for these tumor markers was compared with the clinically used method for clinical patients on serum samples. Results are highly consistent with clinically used immunoassay in its efficient diagnosis concentration range. Subsequently, the mesoporous silica nanospheres (MSNs) with an average size of 90 nm were surface modified with glutaraldehyde, and a second antibody was assembled on MSNs, which fixes nanospheres on the antigen and amplified the field effect. The LODs for three markers are 100 fg/ml (0.56 amol/ml for CEA) under optimal circumstances of detection. This result indicates that specific binding to MSNs enhances local field effects and can achieve higher sensing efficiency for tumor marker detection at extremely low concentrations, providing effective assistance for the early diagnosis of lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruifang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, School of Biology and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Hang Song
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, School of Biology and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China; Institute of Sports and Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210000, China
| | - Hao Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, School of Biology and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Zhihao Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, School of Biology and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Surong Fang
- Department of Emergency, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210006, China
| | - Jing Zhu
- Department of Emergency, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210006, China
| | - Long Ba
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, School of Biology and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China.
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2
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Peng AY, Lee BE. Microphysiological Systems for Cancer Immunotherapy Research and Development. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2024; 8:e2300077. [PMID: 37409385 PMCID: PMC10770294 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202300077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy focuses on the use of patients' adaptive immune systems to combat cancer. In the past decade, FDA has approved many immunotherapy products for cancer patients who suffer from primary tumors, tumor relapse, and metastases. However, these immunotherapies still show resistance in many patients and often lead to inconsistent responses in patients due to variations in tumor genetic mutations and tumor immune microenvironment. Microfluidics-based organ-on-a-chip technologies or microphysiological systems have opened new ways that can provide relatively fast screening for personalized immunotherapy and help researchers and clinicians understand tumor-immune interactions in a patient-specific manner. They also have the potential to overcome the limitations of traditional drug screening and testing, given the models provide a more realistic 3D microenvironment with better controllability, reproducibility, and physiological relevance. This review focuses on the cutting-edge microphysiological organ-on-a-chip devices developed in recent years for studying cancer immunity and testing cancer immunotherapeutic agents, as well as some of the largest challenges of translating this technology to clinical applications in immunotherapy and personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Yansong Peng
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - B. Esak Lee
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
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3
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Lopez-Vince E, Wilhelm C, Simon-Yarza T. Vascularized tumor models for the evaluation of drug delivery systems: a paradigm shift. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2024; 14:2216-2241. [PMID: 38619704 PMCID: PMC11208221 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-024-01580-3] [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] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
As the conversion rate of preclinical studies for cancer treatment is low, user-friendly models that mimic the pathological microenvironment and drug intake with high throughput are scarce. Animal models are key, but an alternative to reduce their use would be valuable. Vascularized tumor-on-chip models combine great versatility with scalable throughput and are easy to use. Several strategies to integrate both tumor and vascular compartments have been developed, but few have been used to assess drug delivery. Permeability, intra/extravasation, and free drug circulation are often evaluated, but imperfectly recapitulate the processes at stake. Indeed, tumor targeting and chemoresistance bypass must be investigated to design promising cancer therapeutics. In vitro models that would help the development of drug delivery systems (DDS) are thus needed. They would allow selecting good candidates before animal studies based on rational criteria such as drug accumulation, diffusion in the tumor, and potency, as well as absence of side damage. In this review, we focus on vascularized tumor models. First, we detail their fabrication, and especially the materials, cell types, and coculture used. Then, the different strategies of vascularization are described along with their classical applications in intra/extravasation or free drug assessment. Finally, current trends in DDS for cancer are discussed with an overview of the current efforts in the domain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elliot Lopez-Vince
- Laboratoire Physico Chimie Curie, PCC, CNRS UMR168, Institut Curie, Sorbonne University, PSL University, 75005, Paris, France
- Université Paris Cité, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, LVTS Inserm U1148, 75018, Paris, France
| | - Claire Wilhelm
- Laboratoire Physico Chimie Curie, PCC, CNRS UMR168, Institut Curie, Sorbonne University, PSL University, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Teresa Simon-Yarza
- Université Paris Cité, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, LVTS Inserm U1148, 75018, Paris, France.
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4
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Offeddu GS, Cambria E, Shelton SE, Haase K, Wan Z, Possenti L, Nguyen HT, Gillrie MR, Hickman D, Knutson CG, Kamm RD. Personalized Vascularized Models of Breast Cancer Desmoplasia Reveal Biomechanical Determinants of Drug Delivery to the Tumor. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024:e2402757. [PMID: 39041892 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202402757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024]
Abstract
Desmoplasia in breast cancer leads to heterogeneity in physical properties of the tissue, resulting in disparities in drug delivery and treatment efficacy among patients, thus contributing to high disease mortality. Personalized in vitro breast cancer models hold great promise for high-throughput testing of therapeutic strategies to normalize the aberrant microenvironment in a patient-specific manner. Here, tumoroids assembled from breast cancer cell lines (MCF7, SKBR3, and MDA-MB-468) and patient-derived breast tumor cells (TCs) cultured in microphysiological systems including perfusable microvasculature reproduce key aspects of stromal and vascular dysfunction causing impaired drug delivery. Models containing SKBR3 and MDA-MB-468 tumoroids show higher stromal hyaluronic acid (HA) deposition, vascular permeability, interstitial fluid pressure (IFP), and degradation of vascular HA relative to models containing MCF7 tumoroids or models without tumoroids. Interleukin 8 (IL8) secretion is found responsible for vascular dysfunction and loss of vascular HA. Interventions targeting IL8 or stromal HA normalize vascular permeability, perfusion, and IFP, and ultimately enhance drug delivery and TC death in response to perfusion with trastuzumab and cetuximab. Similar responses are observed in patient-derived models. These microphysiological systems can thus be personalized by using patient-derived cells and can be applied to discover new molecular therapies for the normalization of the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni S Offeddu
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Elena Cambria
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Sarah E Shelton
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Kristina Haase
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Molecular Biology Laboratory Barcelona, Barcelona, 08003, Spain
| | - Zhengpeng Wan
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Luca Possenti
- LaBS, Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, 20133, Italy
- Data Science Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, 20133, Italy
| | - Huu Tuan Nguyen
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Mark R Gillrie
- Department of Medicine, Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 2T9, Canada
| | - Dean Hickman
- Amgen Research, Amgen Inc., 360 Binney Street, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Charles G Knutson
- Amgen Research, Amgen Inc., 360 Binney Street, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Roger D Kamm
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
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5
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Gallegos-Martínez S, Choy-Buentello D, Pérez-Álvarez KA, Lara-Mayorga IM, Aceves-Colin AE, Zhang YS, Trujillo-de Santiago G, Álvarez MM. A 3D-printed tumor-on-chip: user-friendly platform for the culture of breast cancer spheroids and the evaluation of anti-cancer drugs. Biofabrication 2024; 16:045010. [PMID: 38866003 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/ad5765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Tumor-on-chips (ToCs) are useful platforms for studying the physiology of tumors and evaluating the efficacy and toxicity of anti-cancer drugs. However, the design and fabrication of a ToC system is not a trivial venture. We introduce a user-friendly, flexible, 3D-printed microfluidic device that can be used to culture cancer cells or cancer-derived spheroids embedded in hydrogels under well-controlled environments. The system consists of two lateral flow compartments (left and right sides), each with two inlets and two outlets to deliver cell culture media as continuous liquid streams. The central compartment was designed to host a hydrogel in which cells and microtissues can be confined and cultured. We performed tracer experiments with colored inks and 40 kDa fluorescein isothiocyanate dextran to characterize the transport/mixing performances of the system. We also cultured homotypic (MCF7) and heterotypic (MCF7-BJ) spheroids embedded in gelatin methacryloyl hydrogels to illustrate the use of this microfluidic device in sustaining long-term micro-tissue culture experiments. We further demonstrated the use of this platform in anticancer drug testing by continuous perfusion of doxorubicin, a commonly used anti-cancer drug for breast cancer. In these experiments, we evaluated drug transport, viability, glucose consumption, cell death (apoptosis), and cytotoxicity. In summary, we introduce a robust and friendly ToC system capable of recapitulating relevant aspects of the tumor microenvironment for the study of cancer physiology, anti-cancer drug transport, efficacy, and safety. We anticipate that this flexible 3D-printed microfluidic device may facilitate cancer research and the development and screening of strategies for personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvador Gallegos-Martínez
- Centro de Biotecnología-FEMSA, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Campus Monterrey, CP 64849 Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico
- Departamento de Mecatrónica e Ingeniería Eléctrica, Escuela de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Monterrey, Nuevo León, CP 64849, Mexico
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States of America
| | - David Choy-Buentello
- Centro de Biotecnología-FEMSA, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Campus Monterrey, CP 64849 Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico
| | - Kristen Aideé Pérez-Álvarez
- Centro de Biotecnología-FEMSA, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Campus Monterrey, CP 64849 Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico
| | | | | | - Yu Shrike Zhang
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States of America
| | - Grissel Trujillo-de Santiago
- Centro de Biotecnología-FEMSA, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Campus Monterrey, CP 64849 Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico
- Departamento de Mecatrónica e Ingeniería Eléctrica, Escuela de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Monterrey, Nuevo León, CP 64849, Mexico
| | - Mario Moisés Álvarez
- Centro de Biotecnología-FEMSA, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Campus Monterrey, CP 64849 Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico
- Departamento de Mecatrónica e Ingeniería Eléctrica, Escuela de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Monterrey, Nuevo León, CP 64849, Mexico
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6
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Sharkey C, White R, Finocchiaro M, Thomas J, Estevam J, Konry T. Advancing Point-of-Care Applications with Droplet Microfluidics: From Single-Cell to Multicellular Analysis. Annu Rev Biomed Eng 2024; 26:119-139. [PMID: 38316063 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-bioeng-110222-102142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Recent advances in single-cell and multicellular microfluidics technology have provided powerful tools for studying cancer biology and immunology. The ability to create controlled microenvironments, perform high-throughput screenings, and monitor cellular interactions at the single-cell level has significantly advanced our understanding of tumor biology and immune responses. We discuss cutting-edge multicellular and single-cell microfluidic technologies and methodologies utilized to investigate cancer-immune cell interactions and assess the effectiveness of immunotherapies. We explore the advantages and limitations of the wide range of 3D spheroid and single-cell microfluidic models recently developed, highlighting the various approaches in device generation and applications in immunotherapy screening for potential opportunities for point-of-care approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Sharkey
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA;
- Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Rachel White
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA;
| | - Michael Finocchiaro
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA;
| | - Judene Thomas
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA;
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jose Estevam
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA;
| | - Tania Konry
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA;
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7
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Yadegar A, Bar-Yoseph H, Monaghan TM, Pakpour S, Severino A, Kuijper EJ, Smits WK, Terveer EM, Neupane S, Nabavi-Rad A, Sadeghi J, Cammarota G, Ianiro G, Nap-Hill E, Leung D, Wong K, Kao D. Fecal microbiota transplantation: current challenges and future landscapes. Clin Microbiol Rev 2024; 37:e0006022. [PMID: 38717124 PMCID: PMC11325845 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00060-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
SUMMARYGiven the importance of gut microbial homeostasis in maintaining health, there has been considerable interest in developing innovative therapeutic strategies for restoring gut microbiota. One such approach, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), is the main "whole gut microbiome replacement" strategy and has been integrated into clinical practice guidelines for treating recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection (rCDI). Furthermore, the potential application of FMT in other indications such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), metabolic syndrome, and solid tumor malignancies is an area of intense interest and active research. However, the complex and variable nature of FMT makes it challenging to address its precise functionality and to assess clinical efficacy and safety in different disease contexts. In this review, we outline clinical applications, efficacy, durability, and safety of FMT and provide a comprehensive assessment of its procedural and administration aspects. The clinical applications of FMT in children and cancer immunotherapy are also described. We focus on data from human studies in IBD in contrast with rCDI to delineate the putative mechanisms of this treatment in IBD as a model, including colonization resistance and functional restoration through bacterial engraftment, modulating effects of virome/phageome, gut metabolome and host interactions, and immunoregulatory actions of FMT. Furthermore, we comprehensively review omics technologies, metagenomic approaches, and bioinformatics pipelines to characterize complex microbial communities and discuss their limitations. FMT regulatory challenges, ethical considerations, and pharmacomicrobiomics are also highlighted to shed light on future development of tailored microbiome-based therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abbas Yadegar
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Haggai Bar-Yoseph
- Department of Gastroenterology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
- Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Tanya Marie Monaghan
- National Institute for Health Research Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- Nottingham Digestive Diseases Centre, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Sepideh Pakpour
- School of Engineering, Faculty of Applied Sciences, UBC, Okanagan Campus, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Andrea Severino
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, UOC CEMAD Centro Malattie dell'Apparato Digerente, Medicina Interna e Gastroenterologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, UOC Gastroenterologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Ed J Kuijper
- Center for Microbiota Analysis and Therapeutics (CMAT), Leiden University Center for Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Wiep Klaas Smits
- Center for Microbiota Analysis and Therapeutics (CMAT), Leiden University Center for Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Elisabeth M Terveer
- Center for Microbiota Analysis and Therapeutics (CMAT), Leiden University Center for Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Sukanya Neupane
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Ali Nabavi-Rad
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Javad Sadeghi
- School of Engineering, Faculty of Applied Sciences, UBC, Okanagan Campus, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Giovanni Cammarota
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, UOC CEMAD Centro Malattie dell'Apparato Digerente, Medicina Interna e Gastroenterologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, UOC Gastroenterologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianluca Ianiro
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, UOC CEMAD Centro Malattie dell'Apparato Digerente, Medicina Interna e Gastroenterologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, UOC Gastroenterologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Estello Nap-Hill
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, St Paul's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Dickson Leung
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Karen Wong
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Dina Kao
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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8
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Shukla AK, Yoon S, Oh SO, Lee D, Ahn M, Kim BS. Advancement in Cancer Vasculogenesis Modeling through 3D Bioprinting Technology. Biomimetics (Basel) 2024; 9:306. [PMID: 38786516 PMCID: PMC11118135 DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics9050306] [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: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer vasculogenesis is a pivotal focus of cancer research and treatment given its critical role in tumor development, metastasis, and the formation of vasculogenic microenvironments. Traditional approaches to investigating cancer vasculogenesis face significant challenges in accurately modeling intricate microenvironments. Recent advancements in three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting technology present promising solutions to these challenges. This review provides an overview of cancer vasculogenesis and underscores the importance of precise modeling. It juxtaposes traditional techniques with 3D bioprinting technologies, elucidating the advantages of the latter in developing cancer vasculogenesis models. Furthermore, it explores applications in pathological investigations, preclinical medication screening for personalized treatment and cancer diagnostics, and envisages future prospects for 3D bioprinted cancer vasculogenesis models. Despite notable advancements, current 3D bioprinting techniques for cancer vasculogenesis modeling have several limitations. Nonetheless, by overcoming these challenges and with technological advances, 3D bioprinting exhibits immense potential for revolutionizing the understanding of cancer vasculogenesis and augmenting treatment modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arvind Kumar Shukla
- School of Biomedical Convergence Engineering, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Republic of Korea
| | - Sik Yoon
- Department of Anatomy and Convergence Medical Sciences, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 50612, Republic of Korea
- Immune Reconstitution Research Center of Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 50612, Republic of Korea
| | - Sae-Ock Oh
- Research Center for Molecular Control of Cancer Cell Diversity, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Republic of Korea
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Republic of Korea
| | - Dongjun Lee
- Department of Convergence Medicine, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 50612, Republic of Korea
| | - Minjun Ahn
- Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Republic of Korea
| | - Byoung Soo Kim
- School of Biomedical Convergence Engineering, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Republic of Korea
- Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Republic of Korea
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9
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Ozbek I, Saybasili H, Ulgen KO. Applications of 3D Bioprinting Technology to Brain Cells and Brain Tumor Models: Special Emphasis to Glioblastoma. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2024; 10:2616-2635. [PMID: 38664996 PMCID: PMC11094688 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.3c01569] [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: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Primary brain tumor is one of the most fatal diseases. The most malignant type among them, glioblastoma (GBM), has low survival rates. Standard treatments reduce the life quality of patients due to serious side effects. Tumor aggressiveness and the unique structure of the brain render the removal of tumors and the development of new therapies challenging. To elucidate the characteristics of brain tumors and examine their response to drugs, realistic systems that mimic the tumor environment and cellular crosstalk are desperately needed. In the past decade, 3D GBM models have been presented as excellent platforms as they allowed the investigation of the phenotypes of GBM and testing innovative therapeutic strategies. In that scope, 3D bioprinting technology offers utilities such as fabricating realistic 3D bioprinted structures in a layer-by-layer manner and precisely controlled deposition of materials and cells, and they can be integrated with other technologies like the microfluidics approach. This Review covers studies that investigated 3D bioprinted brain tumor models, especially GBM using 3D bioprinting techniques and essential parameters that affect the result and quality of the study like frequently used cells, the type and physical characteristics of hydrogel, bioprinting conditions, cross-linking methods, and characterization techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilkay
Irem Ozbek
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, Bogazici University, Istanbul 34342, Turkey
| | - Hale Saybasili
- Institute
of Biomedical Engineering, Bogazici University, Istanbul 34684, Turkey
| | - Kutlu O. Ulgen
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, Bogazici University, Istanbul 34342, Turkey
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10
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Bittman-Soto XS, Thomas ES, Ganshert ME, Mendez-Santacruz LL, Harrell JC. The Transformative Role of 3D Culture Models in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Research. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1859. [PMID: 38791938 PMCID: PMC11119918 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16101859] [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: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Advancements in cell culturing techniques have allowed the development of three-dimensional (3D) cell culture models sourced directly from patients' tissues and tumors, faithfully replicating the native tissue environment. These models provide a more clinically relevant platform for studying disease progression and treatment responses compared to traditional two-dimensional (2D) models. Patient-derived organoids (PDOs) and patient-derived xenograft organoids (PDXOs) emerge as innovative 3D cancer models capable of accurately mimicking the tumor's unique features, enhancing our understanding of tumor complexities, and predicting clinical outcomes. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) poses significant clinical challenges due to its aggressive nature, propensity for early metastasis, and limited treatment options. TNBC PDOs and PDXOs have significantly contributed to the comprehension of TNBC, providing novel insights into its underlying mechanism and identifying potential therapeutic targets. This review explores the transformative role of various 3D cancer models in elucidating TNBC pathogenesis and guiding novel therapeutic strategies. It also provides an overview of diverse 3D cell culture models, derived from cell lines and tumors, highlighting their advantages and culturing challenges. Finally, it delves into live-cell imaging techniques, endpoint assays, and alternative cell culture media and methodologies, such as scaffold-free and scaffold-based systems, essential for advancing 3D cancer model research and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xavier S. Bittman-Soto
- Department of Pathology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA; (E.S.T.)
- Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA
- Division of Cancer Biology, University of Puerto Rico Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Juan, PR 00921, USA
| | - Evelyn S. Thomas
- Department of Pathology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA; (E.S.T.)
| | | | | | - J. Chuck Harrell
- Department of Pathology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA; (E.S.T.)
- Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA
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11
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Lorenzo-Martín LF, Hübscher T, Bowler AD, Broguiere N, Langer J, Tillard L, Nikolaev M, Radtke F, Lutolf MP. Spatiotemporally resolved colorectal oncogenesis in mini-colons ex vivo. Nature 2024; 629:450-457. [PMID: 38658753 PMCID: PMC11078756 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07330-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Three-dimensional organoid culture technologies have revolutionized cancer research by allowing for more realistic and scalable reproductions of both tumour and microenvironmental structures1-3. This has enabled better modelling of low-complexity cancer cell behaviours that occur over relatively short periods of time4. However, available organoid systems do not capture the intricate evolutionary process of cancer development in terms of tissue architecture, cell diversity, homeostasis and lifespan. As a consequence, oncogenesis and tumour formation studies are not possible in vitro and instead require the extensive use of animal models, which provide limited spatiotemporal resolution of cellular dynamics and come at a considerable cost in terms of resources and animal lives. Here we developed topobiologically complex mini-colons that are able to undergo tumorigenesis ex vivo by integrating microfabrication, optogenetic and tissue engineering approaches. With this system, tumorigenic transformation can be spatiotemporally controlled by directing oncogenic activation through blue-light exposure, and emergent colon tumours can be tracked in real-time at the single-cell resolution for several weeks without breaking the culture. These induced mini-colons display rich intratumoural and intertumoural diversity and recapitulate key pathophysiological hallmarks displayed by colorectal tumours in vivo. By fine-tuning cell-intrinsic and cell-extrinsic parameters, mini-colons can be used to identify tumorigenic determinants and pharmacological opportunities. As a whole, our study paves the way for cancer initiation research outside living organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Francisco Lorenzo-Martín
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Bioengineering, Institute of Bioengineering, School of Life Sciences and School of Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Tania Hübscher
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Bioengineering, Institute of Bioengineering, School of Life Sciences and School of Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Amber D Bowler
- Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research (ISREC), School of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
- Swiss Cancer Center Leman (SCCL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Broguiere
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Bioengineering, Institute of Bioengineering, School of Life Sciences and School of Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jakob Langer
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Bioengineering, Institute of Bioengineering, School of Life Sciences and School of Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Lucie Tillard
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Bioengineering, Institute of Bioengineering, School of Life Sciences and School of Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Mikhail Nikolaev
- Institute of Human Biology (IHB), Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Freddy Radtke
- Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research (ISREC), School of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
- Swiss Cancer Center Leman (SCCL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Matthias P Lutolf
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Bioengineering, Institute of Bioengineering, School of Life Sciences and School of Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland.
- Institute of Human Biology (IHB), Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
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12
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Gaebler D, Hachey SJ, Hughes CCW. Microphysiological systems as models for immunologically 'cold' tumors. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1389012. [PMID: 38711620 PMCID: PMC11070549 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1389012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a diverse milieu of cells including cancerous and non-cancerous cells such as fibroblasts, pericytes, endothelial cells and immune cells. The intricate cellular interactions within the TME hold a central role in shaping the dynamics of cancer progression, influencing pivotal aspects such as tumor initiation, growth, invasion, response to therapeutic interventions, and the emergence of drug resistance. In immunologically 'cold' tumors, the TME is marked by a scarcity of infiltrating immune cells, limited antigen presentation in the absence of potent immune-stimulating signals, and an abundance of immunosuppressive factors. While strategies targeting the TME as a therapeutic avenue in 'cold' tumors have emerged, there is a pressing need for novel approaches that faithfully replicate the complex cellular and non-cellular interactions in order to develop targeted therapies that can effectively stimulate immune responses and improve therapeutic outcomes in patients. Microfluidic devices offer distinct advantages over traditional in vitro 3D co-culture models and in vivo animal models, as they better recapitulate key characteristics of the TME and allow for precise, controlled insights into the dynamic interplay between various immune, stromal and cancerous cell types at any timepoint. This review aims to underscore the pivotal role of microfluidic systems in advancing our understanding of the TME and presents current microfluidic model systems that aim to dissect tumor-stromal, tumor-immune and immune-stromal cellular interactions in various 'cold' tumors. Understanding the intricacies of the TME in 'cold' tumors is crucial for devising effective targeted therapies to reinvigorate immune responses and overcome the challenges of current immunotherapy approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Gaebler
- Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Stephanie J. Hachey
- Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Christopher C. W. Hughes
- Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
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13
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Jackson CE, Green NH, English WR, Claeyssens F. The use of microphysiological systems to model metastatic cancer. Biofabrication 2024; 16:032002. [PMID: 38579739 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/ad3b70] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the 21st century, with metastasis of cancer attributing to 90% of cancer-related deaths. Therefore, to improve patient outcomes there is a need for better preclinical models to increase the success of translating oncological therapies into the clinic. Current traditional staticin vitromodels lack a perfusable network which is critical to overcome the diffusional mass transfer limit to provide a mechanism for the exchange of essential nutrients and waste removal, and increase their physiological relevance. Furthermore, these models typically lack cellular heterogeneity and key components of the immune system and tumour microenvironment. This review explores rapidly developing strategies utilising perfusable microphysiological systems (MPS) for investigating cancer cell metastasis. In this review we initially outline the mechanisms of cancer metastasis, highlighting key steps and identifying the current gaps in our understanding of the metastatic cascade, exploring MPS focused on investigating the individual steps of the metastatic cascade before detailing the latest MPS which can investigate multiple components of the cascade. This review then focuses on the factors which can affect the performance of an MPS designed for cancer applications with a final discussion summarising the challenges and future directions for the use of MPS for cancer models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin E Jackson
- Materials Science and Engineering, The Kroto Research Institute, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S3 7HQ, United Kingdom
- Insigneo Institute for In Silico Medicine, The Pam Liversidge Building, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S1 3JD, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola H Green
- Materials Science and Engineering, The Kroto Research Institute, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S3 7HQ, United Kingdom
- Insigneo Institute for In Silico Medicine, The Pam Liversidge Building, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S1 3JD, United Kingdom
| | - William R English
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR3 7TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Frederik Claeyssens
- Materials Science and Engineering, The Kroto Research Institute, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S3 7HQ, United Kingdom
- Insigneo Institute for In Silico Medicine, The Pam Liversidge Building, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S1 3JD, United Kingdom
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14
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Lee M, Kim S, Lee SY, Son JG, Park J, Park S, Yeun J, Lee TG, Im SG, Jeon JS. Hydrophobic surface induced pro-metastatic cancer cells for in vitro extravasation models. Bioact Mater 2024; 34:401-413. [PMID: 38282966 PMCID: PMC10819557 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2023.12.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
In vitro vascularized cancer models utilizing microfluidics have emerged as a promising tool for mechanism study and drug screening. However, the lack of consideration and preparation methods for cancer cellular sources that are capable of adequately replicating the metastatic features of circulating tumor cells contributed to low relevancy with in vivo experimental results. Here, we show that the properties of cancer cellular sources have a considerable impact on the validity of the in vitro metastasis model. Notably, with a hydrophobic surface, we can create highly metastatic spheroids equipped with aggressive invasion, endothelium adhesion capabilities, and activated metabolic features. Combining these metastatic spheroids with the well-constructed microfluidic-based extravasation model, we validate that these metastatic spheroids exhibited a distinct extravasation response to epidermal growth factor (EGF) and normal human lung fibroblasts compared to the 2D cultured cancer cells, which is consistent with the previously reported results of in vivo experiments. Furthermore, the applicability of the developed model as a therapeutic screening platform for cancer extravasation is validated through profiling and inhibition of cytokines. We believe this model incorporating hydrophobic surface-cultured 3D cancer cells provides reliable experimental data in a clear and concise manner, bridging the gap between the conventional in vitro models and in vivo experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minseok Lee
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daehak-ro 291, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Seunggyu Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daehak-ro 291, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun Young Lee
- Bioimaging Team, Safety Measurement Institute, Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science (KRISS), Gajeong-ro 267, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Gyeong Son
- Bioimaging Team, Safety Measurement Institute, Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science (KRISS), Gajeong-ro 267, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Joonha Park
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daehak-ro 291, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Seonghyeon Park
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daehak-ro 291, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Jemin Yeun
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daehak-ro 291, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Geol Lee
- Bioimaging Team, Safety Measurement Institute, Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science (KRISS), Gajeong-ro 267, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Gap Im
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daehak-ro 291, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
- KAIST Institute for the NanoCentury (KINC), Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daehak-ro 291, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Jessie S. Jeon
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daehak-ro 291, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
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15
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Degerstedt O, O'Callaghan P, Clavero AL, Gråsjö J, Eriksson O, Sjögren E, Hansson P, Heindryckx F, Kreuger J, Lennernäs H. Quantitative imaging of doxorubicin diffusion and cellular uptake in biomimetic gels with human liver tumor cells. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2024; 14:970-983. [PMID: 37824040 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-023-01445-1] [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] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Novel tumor-on-a-chip approaches are increasingly used to investigate tumor progression and potential treatment options. To improve the effect of any cancer treatment it is important to have an in depth understanding of drug diffusion, penetration through the tumor extracellular matrix and cellular uptake. In this study, we have developed a miniaturized chip where drug diffusion and cellular uptake in different hydrogel environments can be quantified at high resolution using live imaging. Diffusion of doxorubicin was reduced in a biomimetic hydrogel mimicking tissue properties of cirrhotic liver and early stage hepatocellular carcinoma (373 ± 108 µm2/s) as compared to an agarose gel (501 ± 77 µm2/s, p = 0.019). The diffusion was further lowered to 256 ± 30 µm2/s (p = 0.028) by preparing the biomimetic gel in cell media instead of phosphate buffered saline. The addition of liver tumor cells (Huh7 or HepG2) to the gel, at two different densities, did not significantly influence drug diffusion. Clinically relevant and quantifiable doxorubicin concentration gradients (1-20 µM) were established in the chip within one hour. Intracellular increases in doxorubicin fluorescence correlated with decreasing fluorescence of the DNA-binding stain Hoechst 33342 and based on the quantified intracellular uptake of doxorubicin an apparent cell permeability (9.00 ± 0.74 × 10-4 µm/s for HepG2) was determined. Finally, the data derived from the in vitro model were applied to a spatio-temporal tissue concentration model to evaluate the potential clinical impact of a cirrhotic extracellular matrix on doxorubicin diffusion and tumor cell uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Degerstedt
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Paul O'Callaghan
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ada Lerma Clavero
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Johan Gråsjö
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Olle Eriksson
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Erik Sjögren
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Per Hansson
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Femke Heindryckx
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Johan Kreuger
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Hans Lennernäs
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
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16
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Giannitelli SM, Peluzzi V, Raniolo S, Roscilli G, Trombetta M, Mozetic P, Rainer A. On-chip recapitulation of the tumor microenvironment: A decade of progress. Biomaterials 2024; 306:122482. [PMID: 38301325 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2024.122482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
One of the hurdles to the development of new anticancer therapies is the lack of in vitro models which faithfully reproduce the in vivo tumor microenvironment (TME). Understanding the dynamic relationships between the components of the TME in a controllable, scalable, and reliable setting would indeed support the discovery of biological targets impacting cancer diagnosis and therapy. Cancer research is increasingly shifting from traditional two-dimensional (2D) cell culture toward three-dimensional (3D) culture models, which have been demonstrated to increase the significance and predictive value of in vitro data. In this scenario, microphysiological systems (also known as organs-on-chip) have emerged as a relevant technological platform enabling more predictive investigation of cell-cell and cell-ECM interplay in cancer, attracting a significant research effort in the last years. This review illustrates one decade of progress in the field of tumor-microenvironment-on-chip (TMOC) approaches, exploiting either cell-laden microfluidic chambers or microfluidic confined tumor spheroids to model the TME. TMOCs have been designed to recapitulate several aspects of the TME, including tumor cells, the tumor-associated stroma, the immune system, and the vascular component. Significantly, the last aspect has emerged for its pivotal role in orchestrating cellular interactions and modulating drug pharmacokinetics on-chip. A further advancement has been represented by integration of TMOCs into multi-organ microphysiological systems, with the final aim to follow the metastatic cascade to target organs and to study the effects of chemotherapies at a systemic level. We highlight that the increased degree of complexity achieved by the most advanced TMOC models has enabled scientists to shed new light on the role of microenvironmental factors in tumor progression, metastatic cascade, and response to drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Giannitelli
- Department of Science and Technology for Sustainable Development and One Health, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, via Álvaro del Portillo, 21, 00128, Rome, Italy.
| | - V Peluzzi
- Department of Engineering, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, via Álvaro del Portillo 21, 00128, Rome, Italy.
| | - S Raniolo
- Department of Science and Technology for Sustainable Development and One Health, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, via Álvaro del Portillo, 21, 00128, Rome, Italy.
| | - G Roscilli
- Takis s.r.l., Via di Castel Romano 100, 00128, Rome, Italy.
| | - M Trombetta
- Department of Science and Technology for Sustainable Development and One Health, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, via Álvaro del Portillo, 21, 00128, Rome, Italy.
| | - P Mozetic
- Institute of Nanotechnology (NANOTEC), National Research Council, via Monteroni, 73100, Lecce, Italy.
| | - A Rainer
- Department of Engineering, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, via Álvaro del Portillo 21, 00128, Rome, Italy; Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, via Álvaro del Portillo 200, 00128, Rome, Italy.
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17
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Ravi K, Manoharan TJM, Wang KC, Pockaj B, Nikkhah M. Engineered 3D ex vivo models to recapitulate the complex stromal and immune interactions within the tumor microenvironment. Biomaterials 2024; 305:122428. [PMID: 38147743 PMCID: PMC11098715 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2023.122428] [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: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
Cancer thrives in a complex environment where interactions between cellular and acellular components, surrounding the tumor, play a crucial role in disease development and progression. Despite significant progress in cancer research, the mechanism driving tumor growth and therapeutic outcomes remains elusive. Two-dimensional (2D) cell culture assays and in vivo animal models are commonly used in cancer research and therapeutic testing. However, these models suffer from numerous shortcomings including lack of key features of the tumor microenvironment (TME) & cellular composition, cost, and ethical clearance. To that end, there is an increased interest in incorporating and elucidating the influence of TME on cancer progression. Advancements in 3D-engineered ex vivo models, leveraging biomaterials and microengineering technologies, have provided an unprecedented ability to reconstruct native-like bioengineered cancer models to study the heterotypic interactions of TME with a spatiotemporal organization. These bioengineered cancer models have shown excellent capabilities to bridge the gap between oversimplified 2D systems and animal models. In this review article, we primarily provide an overview of the immune and stromal cellular components of the TME and then discuss the latest state-of-the-art 3D-engineered ex vivo platforms aiming to recapitulate the complex TME features. The engineered TME model, discussed herein, are categorized into three main sections according to the cellular interactions within TME: (i) Tumor-Stromal interactions, (ii) Tumor-Immune interactions, and (iii) Complex TME interactions. Finally, we will conclude the article with a perspective on how these models can be instrumental for cancer translational studies and therapeutic testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalpana Ravi
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering (SBHSE), Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
| | | | - Kuei-Chun Wang
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering (SBHSE), Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
| | | | - Mehdi Nikkhah
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering (SBHSE), Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA; Biodesign Virginia G. Piper Center for Personalized Diagnostics, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA.
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18
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Du R, Han X, Deng L, Wang X. Epithelial and mesenchymal phenotypes determine the dynamics of circulating breast tumor cells in microfluidic capillaries under chemotherapy-induced stress. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2024; 18:024106. [PMID: 38585003 PMCID: PMC10998713 DOI: 10.1063/5.0188861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) with different epithelial and mesenchymal phenotypes play distinct roles in the metastatic cascade. However, the influence of their phenotypic traits and chemotherapy on their transit and retention within capillaries remains unclear. To explore this, we developed a microfluidic device comprising 216 microchannels of different widths from 5 to 16 μm to mimic capillaries. This platform allowed us to study the behaviors of human breast cancer epithelial MCF-7 and mesenchymal MDA-MB-231 cells through microchannels under chemotherapy-induced stress. Our results revealed that when the cell diameter to microchannel width ratio exceeded 1.2, MCF-7 cells exhibited higher transit percentages than MDA-MB-231 cells under a flow rate of 0.13 mm/s. Tamoxifen (250 nM) reduced the transit percentage of MCF-7 cells, whereas 100 nM paclitaxel decreased transit percentages for both cell types. These differential responses were partially due to altered cell stiffness following drug treatments. When cells were entrapped at microchannel entrances, tamoxifen, paclitaxel, and high-flow stress (0.5 mm/s) induced a reduction in mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) in MCF-7 cells. Tamoxifen treatment also elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in MCF-7 cells. Conversely, MMP and ROS levels in entrapped MDA-MB-231 cells remained unaffected. Consequently, the viability and proliferation of entrapped MCF-7 cells declined under these chemical and physical stress conditions. Our findings emphasize that phenotypically distinct CTCs may undergo selective filtration and exhibit varied responses to chemotherapy in capillaries, thereby impacting cancer metastasis outcomes. This highlights the importance of considering both cell phenotype and drug response to improve treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Linhong Deng
- Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed: and
| | - Xiang Wang
- Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed: and
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19
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Mun S, Lee HJ, Kim P. Rebuilding the microenvironment of primary tumors in humans: a focus on stroma. Exp Mol Med 2024; 56:527-548. [PMID: 38443595 PMCID: PMC10984944 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-024-01191-5] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Conventional tumor models have critical shortcomings in that they lack the complexity of the human stroma. The heterogeneous stroma is a central compartment of the tumor microenvironment (TME) that must be addressed in cancer research and precision medicine. To fully model the human tumor stroma, the deconstruction and reconstruction of tumor tissues have been suggested as new approaches for in vitro tumor modeling. In this review, we summarize the heterogeneity of tumor-associated stromal cells and general deconstruction approaches used to isolate patient-specific stromal cells from tumor tissue; we also address the effect of the deconstruction procedure on the characteristics of primary cells. Finally, perspectives on the future of reconstructed tumor models are discussed, with an emphasis on the essential prerequisites for developing authentic humanized tumor models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siwon Mun
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, KAIST, Daejeon, 34141, South Korea
| | - Hyun Jin Lee
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, KAIST, Daejeon, 34141, South Korea
| | - Pilnam Kim
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, KAIST, Daejeon, 34141, South Korea.
- Institute for Health Science and Technology, KAIST, Daejeon, 34141, South Korea.
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20
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Kim H, Kim S, Lim H, Chung AJ. Expanding CAR-T cell immunotherapy horizons through microfluidics. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:1088-1120. [PMID: 38174732 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00622k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapies have revolutionized cancer treatment, particularly in hematological malignancies. However, their application to solid tumors is limited, and they face challenges in safety, scalability, and cost. To enhance current CAR-T cell therapies, the integration of microfluidic technologies, harnessing their inherent advantages, such as reduced sample consumption, simplicity in operation, cost-effectiveness, automation, and high scalability, has emerged as a powerful solution. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the step-by-step manufacturing process of CAR-T cells, identifies existing difficulties at each production stage, and discusses the successful implementation of microfluidics and related technologies in addressing these challenges. Furthermore, this review investigates the potential of microfluidics-based methodologies in advancing cell-based therapy across various applications, including solid tumors, next-generation CAR constructs, T-cell receptors, and the development of allogeneic "off-the-shelf" CAR products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyelee Kim
- Department of Bioengineering, Korea University, 02841 Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Interdisciplinary Program in Precision Public Health (PPH), Korea University, 02841 Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Suyeon Kim
- Department of Bioengineering, Korea University, 02841 Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Interdisciplinary Program in Precision Public Health (PPH), Korea University, 02841 Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Hyunjung Lim
- Interdisciplinary Program in Precision Public Health (PPH), Korea University, 02841 Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Aram J Chung
- Department of Bioengineering, Korea University, 02841 Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Interdisciplinary Program in Precision Public Health (PPH), Korea University, 02841 Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Korea University, 02841 Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- MxT Biotech, 04785 Seoul, Republic of Korea
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21
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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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22
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Chehri B, Liu K, Vaseghi G, Seyfoori A, Akbari M. In Vitro Glioblastoma Model on a Plate for Localized Drug Release Study from a 3D-Printed Drug-Eluted Hydrogel Mesh. Cells 2024; 13:363. [PMID: 38391976 PMCID: PMC10887613 DOI: 10.3390/cells13040363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is an aggressive type of brain tumor that has limited treatment options. Current standard therapies, including surgery followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy, are not very effective due to the rapid progression and recurrence of the tumor. Therefore, there is an urgent need for more effective treatments, such as combination therapy and localized drug delivery systems that can reduce systemic side effects. Recently, a handheld printer was developed that can deliver drugs directly to the tumor site. In this study, the feasibility of using this technology for localized co-delivery of temozolomide (TMZ) and deferiprone (DFP) to treat glioblastoma is showcased. A flexible drug-loaded mesh (GlioMesh) loaded with poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microparticles is printed, which shows the sustained release of both drugs for up to a month. The effectiveness of the printed drug-eluting mesh in terms of tumor toxicity and invasion inhibition is evaluated using a 3D micro-physiological system on a plate and the formation of GBM tumoroids within the microenvironment. The proposed in vitro model can identify the effective combination doses of TMZ and DFP in a sustained drug delivery platform. Additionally, our approach shows promise in GB therapy by enabling localized delivery of multiple drugs, preventing off-target cytotoxic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Behnad Chehri
- Laboratory for Innovations in Microengineering (LiME), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada; (B.C.); (K.L.); (G.V.)
| | - Kaiwen Liu
- Laboratory for Innovations in Microengineering (LiME), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada; (B.C.); (K.L.); (G.V.)
| | - Golnaz Vaseghi
- Laboratory for Innovations in Microengineering (LiME), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada; (B.C.); (K.L.); (G.V.)
| | - Amir Seyfoori
- Laboratory for Innovations in Microengineering (LiME), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada; (B.C.); (K.L.); (G.V.)
| | - Mohsen Akbari
- Laboratory for Innovations in Microengineering (LiME), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada; (B.C.); (K.L.); (G.V.)
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA
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23
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Bayona C, Alza L, Ranđelović T, Sallán MC, Visa A, Cantí C, Ochoa I, Oliván S, Herreros J. Tetralol derivative NNC-55-0396 targets hypoxic cells in the glioblastoma microenvironment: an organ-on-chip approach. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:127. [PMID: 38341408 PMCID: PMC10858941 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06492-1] [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: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is a highly malignant brain tumour characterised by limited treatment options and poor prognosis. The tumour microenvironment, particularly the central hypoxic region of the tumour, is known to play a pivotal role in GBM progression. Cells within this region adapt to hypoxia by stabilising transcription factor HIF1-α, which promotes cell proliferation, dedifferentiation and chemoresistance. In this study we sought to examine the effects of NNC-55-0396, a tetralol compound which overactivates the unfolded protein response inducing apoptosis, using the organ-on-chip technology. We identified an increased sensitivity of the hypoxic core of the chip to NNC, which correlates with decreasing levels of HIF1-α in vitro. Moreover, NNC blocks the macroautophagic process that is unleashed by hypoxia as revealed by increased levels of autophagosomal constituent LC3-II and autophagy chaperone p62/SQSTM1. The specific effects of NNC in the hypoxic microenvironment unveil additional anti-cancer abilities of this compound and further support investigations on its use in combined therapies against GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Bayona
- Tissue Microenvironment (TME) Lab, Institute for Health Research Aragón (IIS Aragón), Aragón Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), University of Zaragoza, 50018, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Lía Alza
- Calcium Cell Signaling, IRBLleida, University of Lleida, Rovira Roure 80, 25198, Lleida, Spain
| | - Teodora Ranđelović
- Tissue Microenvironment (TME) Lab, Institute for Health Research Aragón (IIS Aragón), Aragón Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), University of Zaragoza, 50018, Zaragoza, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 50018, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Marta C Sallán
- Calcium Cell Signaling, IRBLleida, University of Lleida, Rovira Roure 80, 25198, Lleida, Spain
- Centre for Haemato-Oncology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Anna Visa
- Calcium Cell Signaling, IRBLleida, University of Lleida, Rovira Roure 80, 25198, Lleida, Spain
| | - Carles Cantí
- Calcium Cell Signaling, IRBLleida, University of Lleida, Rovira Roure 80, 25198, Lleida, Spain
| | - Ignacio Ochoa
- Tissue Microenvironment (TME) Lab, Institute for Health Research Aragón (IIS Aragón), Aragón Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), University of Zaragoza, 50018, Zaragoza, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 50018, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Sara Oliván
- Tissue Microenvironment (TME) Lab, Institute for Health Research Aragón (IIS Aragón), Aragón Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), University of Zaragoza, 50018, Zaragoza, Spain.
| | - Judit Herreros
- Calcium Cell Signaling, IRBLleida, University of Lleida, Rovira Roure 80, 25198, Lleida, Spain.
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24
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Jiang L, Khawaja H, Tahsin S, Clarkson TA, Miranti CK, Zohar Y. Microfluidic-based human prostate-cancer-on-chip. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2024; 12:1302223. [PMID: 38322789 PMCID: PMC10844564 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1302223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Lack of adequate models significantly hinders advances in prostate cancer treatment, where resistance to androgen-deprivation therapies and bone metastasis remain as major challenges. Current in vitro models fail to faithfully mimic the complex prostate physiology. In vivo animal models can shed light on the oncogenes involved in prostate cancer development and progression; however, the animal prostate gland is fundamentally different from that of human, and the underlying genetic mechanisms are different. To address this problem, we developed the first in vitro microfluidic human Prostate-Cancer-on-Chip (PCoC) model, where human prostate cancer and stromal fibroblast cells were co-cultivated in two channels separated by a porous membrane under culture medium flow. The established microenvironment enables soluble signaling factors secreted by each culture to locally diffuse through the membrane pores affecting the neighboring culture. We particularly explored the conversion of the stromal fibroblasts into cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) due to the interaction between the 2 cell types. Immunofluorescence microscopy revealed that tumor cells induced CAF biomarkers, αSMA and COL1A1, in stromal fibroblasts. The stromal CAF conversion level was observed to increase along the flow direction in response to diffusion agents, consistent with simulations of solute concentration gradients. The tumor cells also downregulated androgen receptor (AR) expression in stromal fibroblasts, while an adequate level of stromal AR expression is maintained in normal prostate homeostasis. We further investigated tumor invasion into the stroma, an early step in the metastatic cascade, in devices featuring a serpentine channel with orthogonal channel segments overlaying a straight channel and separated by an 8 µm-pore membrane. Both tumor cells and stromal CAFs were observed to cross over into their neighboring channel, and the stroma's role seemed to be proactive in promoting cell invasion. As control, normal epithelial cells neither induced CAF conversion nor promoted cell invasion. In summary, the developed PCoC model allows spatiotemporal analysis of the tumor-stroma dynamic interactions, due to bi-directional signaling and physical contact, recapitulating tissue-level multicellular responses associated with prostate cancer in vivo. Hence, it can serve as an in vitro model to dissect mechanisms in human prostate cancer development and seek advanced therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linan Jiang
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Hunain Khawaja
- Cancer Biology Graduate Interdisciplinary Program, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Shekha Tahsin
- Cancer Biology Graduate Interdisciplinary Program, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | | | - Cindy K Miranti
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Tucson, AZ, United States
- University of Arizona Cancer Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Yitshak Zohar
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, Tucson, AZ, United States
- University of Arizona Cancer Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
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25
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Wu Z, Huang D, Wang J, Zhao Y, Sun W, Shen X. Engineering Heterogeneous Tumor Models for Biomedical Applications. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2304160. [PMID: 37946674 PMCID: PMC10767453 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202304160] [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: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Tumor tissue engineering holds great promise for replicating the physiological and behavioral characteristics of tumors in vitro. Advances in this field have led to new opportunities for studying the tumor microenvironment and exploring potential anti-cancer therapeutics. However, the main obstacle to the widespread adoption of tumor models is the poor understanding and insufficient reconstruction of tumor heterogeneity. In this review, the current progress of engineering heterogeneous tumor models is discussed. First, the major components of tumor heterogeneity are summarized, which encompasses various signaling pathways, cell proliferations, and spatial configurations. Then, contemporary approaches are elucidated in tumor engineering that are guided by fundamental principles of tumor biology, and the potential of a bottom-up approach in tumor engineering is highlighted. Additionally, the characterization approaches and biomedical applications of tumor models are discussed, emphasizing the significant role of engineered tumor models in scientific research and clinical trials. Lastly, the challenges of heterogeneous tumor models in promoting oncology research and tumor therapy are described and key directions for future research are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuhao Wu
- Department of Rheumatology and ImmunologyNanjing Drum Tower HospitalSchool of Biological Science and Medical EngineeringSoutheast UniversityNanjing210096China
| | - Danqing Huang
- Department of Rheumatology and ImmunologyNanjing Drum Tower HospitalSchool of Biological Science and Medical EngineeringSoutheast UniversityNanjing210096China
| | - Jinglin Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and ImmunologyNanjing Drum Tower HospitalSchool of Biological Science and Medical EngineeringSoutheast UniversityNanjing210096China
| | - Yuanjin Zhao
- Department of Rheumatology and ImmunologyNanjing Drum Tower HospitalSchool of Biological Science and Medical EngineeringSoutheast UniversityNanjing210096China
- Department of Gastrointestinal SurgeryThe First Affiliated HospitalWenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhou325035China
| | - Weijian Sun
- Department of Gastrointestinal SurgeryThe Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhou325027China
| | - Xian Shen
- Department of Rheumatology and ImmunologyNanjing Drum Tower HospitalSchool of Biological Science and Medical EngineeringSoutheast UniversityNanjing210096China
- Department of Gastrointestinal SurgeryThe First Affiliated HospitalWenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhou325035China
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26
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Yu Y, Zhou T, Cao L. Use and application of organ-on-a-chip platforms in cancer research. J Cell Commun Signal 2023:10.1007/s12079-023-00790-7. [PMID: 38032444 DOI: 10.1007/s12079-023-00790-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumors are a major cause of death worldwide, and much effort has been made to develop appropriate anti-tumor therapies. Existing in vitro and in vivo tumor models cannot reflect the critical features of cancer. The development of organ-on-a-chip models has enabled the integration of organoids, microfluidics, tissue engineering, biomaterials research, and microfabrication, offering conditions that mimic tumor physiology. Three-dimensional in vitro human tumor models that have been established as organ-on-a-chip models contain multiple cell types and a structure that is similar to the primary tumor. These models can be applied to various foci of oncology research. Moreover, the high-throughput features of microfluidic organ-on-a-chip models offer new opportunities for achieving large-scale drug screening and developing more personalized treatments. In this review of the literature, we explore the development of organ-on-a-chip technology and discuss its use as an innovative tool in basic and clinical applications and summarize its advancement of cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Yu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Transplant Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - TingTing Zhou
- The College of Basic Medical Science, Health Sciences Institute, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology of Ministry of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology of Ministry of Education, Liaoning Province Collaborative Innovation Center of Aging Related Disease Diagnosis and Treatment and Prevention, China Medical University, No. 77, Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning, China
| | - Liu Cao
- The College of Basic Medical Science, Health Sciences Institute, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology of Ministry of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology of Ministry of Education, Liaoning Province Collaborative Innovation Center of Aging Related Disease Diagnosis and Treatment and Prevention, China Medical University, No. 77, Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning, China.
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27
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Dabbagh Moghaddam F, Dadgar D, Esmaeili Y, Babolmorad S, Ilkhani E, Rafiee M, Wang XD, Makvandi P. Microfluidic platforms in diagnostic of ovarian cancer. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 237:117084. [PMID: 37683792 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
The most important reason for death from ovarian cancer is the late diagnosis of this disease. The standard treatment of ovarian cancer includes surgery and chemotherapy based on platinum, which is associated with side effects for the body. Due to the nonspecific nature of clinical symptoms, developing a platform for early detection of this disease is needed. In recent decades, the advancements of microfluidic devices and systems have provided several advantages for diagnosing ovarian cancer. Designing and manufacturing new platforms using specialized technologies can be a big step toward improving the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of this group of diseases. Organ-on-a-chip microfluidic devices are increasingly used as a promising platform in cancer research, with a focus on specific biological aspects of the disease. This review focusing on ovarian cancer and microfluidic application technologies in its diagnosis. Additionally, it discusses microfluidic platforms and their potential future perspectives in advancing ovarian cancer diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farnaz Dabbagh Moghaddam
- Institute for Photonics and Nanotechnologies, National Research Council, Via Fosso del Cavaliere, 100, 00133, Rome, Italy.
| | - Delara Dadgar
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Yasaman Esmaeili
- Biosensor Research Center, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, 8174673461, Iran
| | - Shahrzad Babolmorad
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ehsan Ilkhani
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maedeh Rafiee
- Department of Veterinary Sciences University of Wyoming, 1174 Snowy Range Road Laramie, WY, 82070, USA
| | - Xiang-Dong Wang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Pooyan Makvandi
- The Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou People's Hospital, 324000, Quzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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28
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Steinberg E, Friedman R, Goldstein Y, Friedman N, Beharier O, Demma JA, Zamir G, Hubert A, Benny O. A fully 3D-printed versatile tumor-on-a-chip allows multi-drug screening and correlation with clinical outcomes for personalized medicine. Commun Biol 2023; 6:1157. [PMID: 37957280 PMCID: PMC10643569 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05531-5] [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: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Optimal clinical outcomes in cancer treatments could be achieved through the development of reliable, precise ex vivo tumor models that function as drug screening platforms for patient-targeted therapies. Microfluidic tumor-on-chip technology is emerging as a preferred tool since it enables the complex set-ups and recapitulation of the physiologically relevant physical microenvironment of tumors. In order to overcome the common hindrances encountered while using this technology, a fully 3D-printed device was developed that sustains patient-derived multicellular spheroids long enough to conduct multiple drug screening tests. This tool is both cost effective and possesses four necessary characteristics of effective microfluidic devices: transparency, biocompatibility, versatility, and sample accessibility. Compelling correlations which demonstrate a clinical proof of concept were found after testing and comparing different chemotherapies on tumor spheroids, derived from ten patients, to their clinical outcomes. This platform offers a potential solution for personalized medicine by functioning as a predictive drug-performance tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliana Steinberg
- The Institute for Drug Research, The School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Roy Friedman
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, Center for Interdisciplinary Data Research, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Yoel Goldstein
- The Institute for Drug Research, The School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Nethanel Friedman
- The Institute for Drug Research, The School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ofer Beharier
- Hadassah Medical Center and The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Jonathan Abraham Demma
- Department of General Surgery, Hadassah Medical Center and Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Gideon Zamir
- Department of General Surgery, Hadassah Medical Center and Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ayala Hubert
- Oncology Department, Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ofra Benny
- The Institute for Drug Research, The School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.
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29
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Shen P, Jia Y, Zhou W, Zheng W, Wu Y, Qu S, Du S, Wang S, Shi H, Sun J, Han X. A biomimetic liver cancer on-a-chip reveals a critical role of LIPOCALIN-2 in promoting hepatocellular carcinoma progression. Acta Pharm Sin B 2023; 13:4621-4637. [PMID: 37969730 PMCID: PMC10638501 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2023.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) represent a significant component of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) microenvironments which play a critical role in tumor progression and drug resistance. Tumor-on-a-chip technology has provided a powerful in vitro platform to investigate the crosstalk between activated HSCs and HCC cells by mimicking physiological architecture with precise spatiotemporal control. Here we developed a tri-cell culture microfluidic chip to evaluate the impact of HSCs on HCC progression. On-chip analysis revealed activated HSCs contributed to endothelial invasion, HCC drug resistance and natural killer (NK) cell exhaustion. Cytokine array and RNA sequencing analysis were combined to indicate the iron-binding protein LIPOCALIN-2 (LCN-2) as a key factor in remodeling tumor microenvironments in the HCC-on-a-chip. LCN-2 targeted therapy demonstrated robust anti-tumor effects both in vitro 3D biomimetic chip and in vivo mouse model, including angiogenesis inhibition, sorafenib sensitivity promotion and NK-cell cytotoxicity enhancement. Taken together, the microfluidic platform exhibited obvious advantages in mimicking functional characteristics of tumor microenvironments and developing targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peiliang Shen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Jiangsu Joint International Research Laboratory of Chinese Medicine and Regenerative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yuanyuan Jia
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Jiangsu Joint International Research Laboratory of Chinese Medicine and Regenerative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Weijia Zhou
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Jiangsu Joint International Research Laboratory of Chinese Medicine and Regenerative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Weiwei Zheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Jiangsu Joint International Research Laboratory of Chinese Medicine and Regenerative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yueyao Wu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Jiangsu Joint International Research Laboratory of Chinese Medicine and Regenerative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Suchen Qu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Jiangsu Joint International Research Laboratory of Chinese Medicine and Regenerative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Shiyu Du
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Jiangsu Joint International Research Laboratory of Chinese Medicine and Regenerative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Siliang Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, China
- Nanjing Medical Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Huilian Shi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Jia Sun
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Jiangsu Joint International Research Laboratory of Chinese Medicine and Regenerative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Xin Han
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Jiangsu Joint International Research Laboratory of Chinese Medicine and Regenerative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
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30
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Eftimie R, Rolin G, Adebayo OE, Urcun S, Chouly F, Bordas SPA. Modelling Keloids Dynamics: A Brief Review and New Mathematical Perspectives. Bull Math Biol 2023; 85:117. [PMID: 37855947 DOI: 10.1007/s11538-023-01222-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Keloids are fibroproliferative disorders described by excessive growth of fibrotic tissue, which also invades adjacent areas (beyond the original wound borders). Since these disorders are specific to humans (no other animal species naturally develop keloid-like tissue), experimental in vivo/in vitro research has not led to significant advances in this field. One possible approach could be to combine in vitro human models with calibrated in silico mathematical approaches (i.e., models and simulations) to generate new testable biological hypotheses related to biological mechanisms and improved treatments. Because these combined approaches do not really exist for keloid disorders, in this brief review we start by summarising the biology of these disorders, then present various types of mathematical and computational approaches used for related disorders (i.e., wound healing and solid tumours), followed by a discussion of the very few mathematical and computational models published so far to study various inflammatory and mechanical aspects of keloids. We conclude this review by discussing some open problems and mathematical opportunities offered in the context of keloid disorders by such combined in vitro/in silico approaches, and the need for multi-disciplinary research to enable clinical progress.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Eftimie
- Laboratoire de Mathématiques de Besançon, Université de Franche-Comté, 25000, Besançon, France.
| | - G Rolin
- INSERM CIC-1431, CHU Besançon, F-25000, Besançon, France
- EFS, INSERM, UMR 1098 RIGHT, Université de Franche-Comté, F-25000, Besançon, France
| | - O E Adebayo
- Laboratoire de Mathématiques de Besançon, Université de Franche-Comté, 25000, Besançon, France
| | - S Urcun
- Institute for Computational Engineering, Faculty of Science, Technology and Communication, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - F Chouly
- Institut de Mathématiques de Bourgogne, Université de Franche-Comté, 21078, Dijon, France
- Center for Mathematical Modelling and Department of Mathematical Engineering, University of Chile and IRL 2807 - CNRS, Santiago, Chile
- Departamento de Ingeniería Matemática, CI2MA, Universidad de Concepción, Casilla 160-C, Concepción, Chile
| | - S P A Bordas
- Institute for Computational Engineering, Faculty of Science, Technology and Communication, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
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31
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Landon-Brace N, Li NT, McGuigan AP. Exploring New Dimensions of Tumor Heterogeneity: The Application of Single Cell Analysis to Organoid-Based 3D In Vitro Models. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2300903. [PMID: 37589373 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202300903] [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: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Modeling the heterogeneity of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in vitro is essential to investigating fundamental cancer biology and developing novel treatment strategies that holistically address the factors affecting tumor progression and therapeutic response. Thus, the development of new tools for both in vitro modeling, such as patient-derived organoids (PDOs) and complex 3D in vitro models, and single cell omics analysis, such as single-cell RNA-sequencing, represents a new frontier for investigating tumor heterogeneity. Specifically, the integration of PDO-based 3D in vitro models and single cell analysis offers a unique opportunity to explore the intersecting effects of interpatient, microenvironmental, and tumor cell heterogeneity on cell phenotypes in the TME. In this review, the current use of PDOs in complex 3D in vitro models of the TME is discussed and the emerging directions in the development of these models are highlighted. Next, work that has successfully applied single cell analysis to PDO-based models is examined and important experimental considerations are identified for this approach. Finally, open questions are highlighted that may be amenable to exploration using the integration of PDO-based models and single cell analysis. Ultimately, such investigations may facilitate the identification of novel therapeutic targets for cancer that address the significant influence of tumor-TME interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Landon-Brace
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 200 College Street, Toronto, M5S3E5, Canada
| | - Nancy T Li
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, 200 College St, Toronto, M5S3E5, Canada
| | - Alison P McGuigan
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 200 College St, Toronto, M5S3E5, Canada
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Chen A, Wang W, Mao Z, He Y, Chen S, Liu G, Su J, Feng P, Shi Y, Yan C, Lu J. Multimaterial 3D and 4D Bioprinting of Heterogenous Constructs for Tissue Engineering. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023:e2307686. [PMID: 37737521 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202307686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
Additive manufacturing (AM), which is based on the principle of layer-by-layer shaping and stacking of discrete materials, has shown significant benefits in the fabrication of complicated implants for tissue engineering (TE). However, many native tissues exhibit anisotropic heterogenous constructs with diverse components and functions. Consequently, the replication of complicated biomimetic constructs using conventional AM processes based on a single material is challenging. Multimaterial 3D and 4D bioprinting (with time as the fourth dimension) has emerged as a promising solution for constructing multifunctional implants with heterogenous constructs that can mimic the host microenvironment better than single-material alternatives. Notably, 4D-printed multimaterial implants with biomimetic heterogenous architectures can provide a time-dependent programmable dynamic microenvironment that can promote cell activity and tissue regeneration in response to external stimuli. This paper first presents the typical design strategies of biomimetic heterogenous constructs in TE applications. Subsequently, the latest processes in the multimaterial 3D and 4D bioprinting of heterogenous tissue constructs are discussed, along with their advantages and challenges. In particular, the potential of multimaterial 4D bioprinting of smart multifunctional tissue constructs is highlighted. Furthermore, this review provides insights into how multimaterial 3D and 4D bioprinting can facilitate the realization of next-generation TE applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annan Chen
- Centre for Advanced Structural Materials, Department of Mechanical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, China
- Centre for Advanced Structural Materials, City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Research Institute, Greater Bay Joint Division, Shenyang National Laboratory for Materials Science, Shenzhen, 518057, China
- CityU-Shenzhen Futian Research Institute, Shenzhen, 518045, China
- State Key Laboratory of Materials Processing and Die & Mould Technology, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
- Engineering Research Center of Ceramic Materials for Additive Manufacturing, Ministry of Education, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Wanying Wang
- Centre for Advanced Structural Materials, City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Research Institute, Greater Bay Joint Division, Shenyang National Laboratory for Materials Science, Shenzhen, 518057, China
- CityU-Shenzhen Futian Research Institute, Shenzhen, 518045, China
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Zhengyi Mao
- Centre for Advanced Structural Materials, Department of Mechanical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, China
- Centre for Advanced Structural Materials, City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Research Institute, Greater Bay Joint Division, Shenyang National Laboratory for Materials Science, Shenzhen, 518057, China
- CityU-Shenzhen Futian Research Institute, Shenzhen, 518045, China
| | - Yunhu He
- Centre for Advanced Structural Materials, Department of Mechanical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, China
- Centre for Advanced Structural Materials, City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Research Institute, Greater Bay Joint Division, Shenyang National Laboratory for Materials Science, Shenzhen, 518057, China
- CityU-Shenzhen Futian Research Institute, Shenzhen, 518045, China
| | - Shiting Chen
- Centre for Advanced Structural Materials, Department of Mechanical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, China
- Centre for Advanced Structural Materials, City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Research Institute, Greater Bay Joint Division, Shenyang National Laboratory for Materials Science, Shenzhen, 518057, China
- CityU-Shenzhen Futian Research Institute, Shenzhen, 518045, China
| | - Guo Liu
- Centre for Advanced Structural Materials, Department of Mechanical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, China
- Centre for Advanced Structural Materials, City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Research Institute, Greater Bay Joint Division, Shenyang National Laboratory for Materials Science, Shenzhen, 518057, China
- CityU-Shenzhen Futian Research Institute, Shenzhen, 518045, China
| | - Jin Su
- State Key Laboratory of Materials Processing and Die & Mould Technology, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
- Engineering Research Center of Ceramic Materials for Additive Manufacturing, Ministry of Education, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Pei Feng
- State Key Laboratory of High-Performance Complex Manufacturing, College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, China
| | - Yusheng Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Materials Processing and Die & Mould Technology, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
- Engineering Research Center of Ceramic Materials for Additive Manufacturing, Ministry of Education, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Chunze Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Materials Processing and Die & Mould Technology, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
- Engineering Research Center of Ceramic Materials for Additive Manufacturing, Ministry of Education, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Jian Lu
- Centre for Advanced Structural Materials, Department of Mechanical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, China
- Centre for Advanced Structural Materials, City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Research Institute, Greater Bay Joint Division, Shenyang National Laboratory for Materials Science, Shenzhen, 518057, China
- CityU-Shenzhen Futian Research Institute, Shenzhen, 518045, China
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, China
- Hong Kong Branch of National Precious Metals Material Engineering Research, Center (NPMM), City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, China
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Palacio-Castañeda V, van de Crommert B, Verploegen E, Overeem M, van Oostrum J, Verdurmen WP. Potent and selective eradication of tumor cells by an EpCAM-targeted Ras-degrading enzyme. Mol Ther Oncolytics 2023; 30:16-26. [PMID: 37485031 PMCID: PMC10362089 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2023.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite decades of efforts, an urgent need remains to develop tumor cell-selective rat sarcoma (Ras)-targeting therapies that can treat patients with Ras-driven tumors. Here we report modular engineered proteins that degrade Ras selectively in tumor cells that overexpress the tumor cell marker epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) by fusing the Ras degrader Ras-Rap1-specific endopeptidase with the translocation domain of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa exotoxin A (ETA) or diphtheria toxin (DT). Redirection to EpCAM is achieved by a designed ankyrin repeat protein. In two-dimensional tumor cell cultures, complete degradation of Ras proteins after 24 h was observed with EpCAM-targeted Ras degraders fused to ETA or DT in EpCAM-overexpressing MCF7 and HCT116 cells, with median inhibition concentration values at sub-nanomolar levels. The viability of EpCAM-low non-cancerous fibroblasts remained unaffected. In a three-dimensional (3D) tumor-on-a-chip system that mimics the natural tumor microenvironment, effective Ras degradation and selective toxicity toward tumor cells, particularly with the ETA-fused constructs, was determined on-chip. To conclude, we demonstrate the potential of modular engineered proteins to kill tumor cells highly selectively by simultaneously exploiting EpCAM as a tumor-specific cell surface molecule as well as Ras as an intracellular oncotarget in a 3D system mimicking the natural tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Palacio-Castañeda
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 28, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Bas van de Crommert
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 28, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Elke Verploegen
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 28, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Mike Overeem
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 28, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Jenny van Oostrum
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 28, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Wouter P.R. Verdurmen
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 28, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
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Lam KH, Ma S. Noncellular components in the liver cancer stem cell niche: Biology and potential clinical implications. Hepatology 2023; 78:991-1005. [PMID: 35727189 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are now recognized as one of the major root causes of therapy failure and tumor recurrence in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Early studies in the field focused primarily on the intrinsic regulators of CSC maintenance, but in recent years, mounting evidence has demonstrated the presence and role of extrinsic regulators in the tumor microenvironment (TME) in the control of liver CSCs. In addition to direct interaction with cellular components, noncellular components, including the extracellular matrix, hypoxia, nutrient deprivation, and secreted molecules within the tumor stroma and hepatitis viruses, also play a critical role in shaping the CSC niche. In this review, we highlight how various noncellular components in the TME play a role in regulating CSCs and how CSCs secrete components to interact with the TME to generate their own niche, working hand in hand to drive tumor physiology in HCC. In addition, we describe the potential clinical applications of these findings and propose perspectives on future research of noncellular components in the liver CSC niche.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ka-Hei Lam
- School of Biomedical Sciences , Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine , The University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong , Hong Kong
| | - Stephanie Ma
- School of Biomedical Sciences , Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine , The University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong , Hong Kong
- The University of Hong Kong , Shenzhen Hospital , Hong Kong , Hong Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research , The University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong , Hong Kong
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Gil JF, Moura CS, Silverio V, Gonçalves G, Santos HA. Cancer Models on Chip: Paving the Way to Large-Scale Trial Applications. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2300692. [PMID: 37103886 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202300692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Cancer kills millions of individuals every year all over the world (Global Cancer Observatory). The physiological and biomechanical processes underlying the tumor are still poorly understood, hindering researchers from creating new, effective therapies. Inconsistent results of preclinical research, in vivo testing, and clinical trials decrease drug approval rates. 3D tumor-on-a-chip (ToC) models integrate biomaterials, tissue engineering, fabrication of microarchitectures, and sensory and actuation systems in a single device, enabling reliable studies in fundamental oncology and pharmacology. This review includes a critical discussion about their ability to reproduce the tumor microenvironment (TME), the advantages and drawbacks of existing tumor models and architectures, major components and fabrication techniques. The focus is on current materials and micro/nanofabrication techniques used to manufacture reliable and reproducible microfluidic ToC models for large-scale trial applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Ferreira Gil
- Centre for Rapid and Sustainable Product Development, Polytechnic of Leiria, Marinha Grande, 2430-028, Portugal
- INESC Microsistemas e Nanotecnologias (INESC MN), Rua Alves Redol 9, Lisbon, 1000-029, Portugal
- TEMA, Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, 3810-193, Portugal
| | - Carla Sofia Moura
- Centre for Rapid and Sustainable Product Development, Polytechnic of Leiria, Marinha Grande, 2430-028, Portugal
- Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra, Applied Research Institute, Coimbra, 3045-093, Portugal
| | - Vania Silverio
- INESC Microsistemas e Nanotecnologias (INESC MN), Rua Alves Redol 9, Lisbon, 1000-029, Portugal
- Department of Physics, Instituto Superior Técnico, Lisbon, 1049-001, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory Institute for Health and Bioeconomy - i4HB, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Gil Gonçalves
- TEMA, Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, 3810-193, Portugal
- Intelligent Systems Associate Laboratory (LASI), Aveiro, 3810-193, Portugal
| | - Hélder A Santos
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, 9713 AV, The Netherlands
- W.J. Korf Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Materials Science, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, 9713 AV, The Netherlands
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, 00014, Finland
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Deng S, Li C, Cao J, Cui Z, Du J, Fu Z, Yang H, Chen P. Organ-on-a-chip meets artificial intelligence in drug evaluation. Theranostics 2023; 13:4526-4558. [PMID: 37649608 PMCID: PMC10465229 DOI: 10.7150/thno.87266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug evaluation has always been an important area of research in the pharmaceutical industry. However, animal welfare protection and other shortcomings of traditional drug development models pose obstacles and challenges to drug evaluation. Organ-on-a-chip (OoC) technology, which simulates human organs on a chip of the physiological environment and functionality, and with high fidelity reproduction organ-level of physiology or pathophysiology, exhibits great promise for innovating the drug development pipeline. Meanwhile, the advancement in artificial intelligence (AI) provides more improvements for the design and data processing of OoCs. Here, we review the current progress that has been made to generate OoC platforms, and how human single and multi-OoCs have been used in applications, including drug testing, disease modeling, and personalized medicine. Moreover, we discuss issues facing the field, such as large data processing and reproducibility, and point to the integration of OoCs and AI in data analysis and automation, which is of great benefit in future drug evaluation. Finally, we look forward to the opportunities and challenges faced by the coupling of OoCs and AI. In summary, advancements in OoCs development, and future combinations with AI, will eventually break the current state of drug evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiwen Deng
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Basic Research on Prevention and Treatment for Major Diseases, Experimental Research Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Caifeng Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Basic Research on Prevention and Treatment for Major Diseases, Experimental Research Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
- Robot Intelligent Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Experimental Research Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences & MEGAROBO, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Junxian Cao
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Basic Research on Prevention and Treatment for Major Diseases, Experimental Research Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Zhao Cui
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Basic Research on Prevention and Treatment for Major Diseases, Experimental Research Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Jiang Du
- Yunnan Biovalley Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Kunming 650503, China
| | - Zheng Fu
- Robot Intelligent Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Experimental Research Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences & MEGAROBO, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Hongjun Yang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Basic Research on Prevention and Treatment for Major Diseases, Experimental Research Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
- Robot Intelligent Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Experimental Research Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences & MEGAROBO, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Peng Chen
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Basic Research on Prevention and Treatment for Major Diseases, Experimental Research Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
- Yunnan Biovalley Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Kunming 650503, China
- Robot Intelligent Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Experimental Research Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences & MEGAROBO, Beijing 100700, China
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Plava J, Cehakova M, Kuniakova M, Trnkova L, Cihova M, Bohac M, Danisovic L. The third dimension of tumor microenvironment-The importance of tumor stroma in 3D cancer models. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2023; 248:1347-1358. [PMID: 37750028 PMCID: PMC10625342 DOI: 10.1177/15353702231198050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in the three-dimensional (3D) cancer models give rise to a plethora of new possibilities in the development of anti-cancer drug therapies and bring us closer to personalized medicine. Three-dimensional models are undoubtedly more authentic than traditional two-dimensional (2D) cell cultures. Nowadays, they are becoming preferentially used in most cancer research fields due to their more accurate biomimetic characteristics. On the contrary, they still lack the cellular and matrix complexity of the native tumor microenvironment (TME). This review focuses on the description of existing 3D models, the incorporation of TME and fluidics into these models, and their perspective in the future research. It is clear that such an improvement would need not only biological but also technical progress. Therefore, the modern approach to anti-cancer drug discovery should involve various fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Plava
- Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava 845 05, Slovakia
- Institute of Medical Biology, Genetics and Clinical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava 811 08, Slovakia
| | - Michaela Cehakova
- Institute of Medical Biology, Genetics and Clinical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava 811 08, Slovakia
- National Institute of Rheumatic Diseases, Piestany 921 12, Slovakia
| | - Marcela Kuniakova
- Institute of Medical Biology, Genetics and Clinical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava 811 08, Slovakia
| | - Lenka Trnkova
- Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava 845 05, Slovakia
| | - Marina Cihova
- Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava 845 05, Slovakia
| | - Martin Bohac
- 2nd Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University and National Cancer Institute, Bratislava 83310, Slovakia
- Department of Oncosurgery, National Cancer Institute, Bratislava 83310, Slovakia
- Regenmed Ltd., Bratislava 81108, Slovakia
| | - Lubos Danisovic
- Institute of Medical Biology, Genetics and Clinical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava 811 08, Slovakia
- National Institute of Rheumatic Diseases, Piestany 921 12, Slovakia
- Regenmed Ltd., Bratislava 81108, Slovakia
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Van Court B, Neupert B, Nguyen D, Ross R, Knitz MW, Karam SD. Measurement of mouse head and neck tumors by automated analysis of CBCT images. Sci Rep 2023; 13:12033. [PMID: 37491456 PMCID: PMC10368694 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-39159-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Animal experiments are often used to determine effects of drugs and other biological conditions on cancer progression, but poor accuracy and reproducibility of established tumor measurement methods make results unreliable. In orthotopic mouse models of head and neck cancer, tumor volumes approximated from caliper measurements are conventionally used to compare groups, but geometrical challenges make the procedure imprecise. To address this, we developed software to better measure these tumors by automated analysis of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans. This allows for analyses of tumor shape and growth dynamics that would otherwise be too inaccurate to provide biological insight. Monitoring tumor growth by calipers and imaging in parallel, we find that caliper measurements of small tumors are weakly correlated with actual tumor volume and highly susceptible to experimenter bias. The method presented provides a unique window to sources of error in a foundational aspect of preclinical head and neck cancer research and a valuable tool to mitigate them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Van Court
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, USA
| | - Brooke Neupert
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, USA
| | - Diemmy Nguyen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, USA
| | - Richard Ross
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, USA
| | - Michael W Knitz
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, USA
| | - Sana D Karam
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, USA.
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Stella GM, Lettieri S, Piloni D, Ferrarotti I, Perrotta F, Corsico AG, Bortolotto C. Smart Sensors and Microtechnologies in the Precision Medicine Approach against Lung Cancer. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1042. [PMID: 37513953 PMCID: PMC10385174 DOI: 10.3390/ph16071042] [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: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND RATIONALE The therapeutic interventions against lung cancer are currently based on a fully personalized approach to the disease with considerable improvement of patients' outcome. Alongside continuous scientific progresses and research investments, massive technologic efforts, innovative challenges, and consolidated achievements together with research investments are at the bases of the engineering and manufacturing revolution that allows a significant gain in clinical setting. AIM AND METHODS The scope of this review is thus to focus, rather than on the biologic traits, on the analysis of the precision sensors and novel generation materials, as semiconductors, which are below the clinical development of personalized diagnosis and treatment. In this perspective, a careful revision and analysis of the state of the art of the literature and experimental knowledge is presented. RESULTS Novel materials are being used in the development of personalized diagnosis and treatment for lung cancer. Among them, semiconductors are used to analyze volatile cancer compounds and allow early disease diagnosis. Moreover, they can be used to generate MEMS which have found an application in advanced imaging techniques as well as in drug delivery devices. CONCLUSIONS Overall, these issues represent critical issues only partially known and generally underestimated by the clinical community. These novel micro-technology-based biosensing devices, based on the use of molecules at atomic concentrations, are crucial for clinical innovation since they have allowed the recent significant advances in cancer biology deciphering as well as in disease detection and therapy. There is an urgent need to create a stronger dialogue between technologists, basic researchers, and clinicians to address all scientific and manufacturing efforts towards a real improvement in patients' outcome. Here, great attention is focused on their application against lung cancer, from their exploitations in translational research to their application in diagnosis and treatment development, to ensure early diagnosis and better clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Maria Stella
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Therapeutics, University of Pavia Medical School, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Cardiothoracic and Vascular Department, Unit of Respiratory Diseases, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Sara Lettieri
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Therapeutics, University of Pavia Medical School, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Cardiothoracic and Vascular Department, Unit of Respiratory Diseases, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Davide Piloni
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Therapeutics, University of Pavia Medical School, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Cardiothoracic and Vascular Department, Unit of Respiratory Diseases, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Ilaria Ferrarotti
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Therapeutics, University of Pavia Medical School, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Cardiothoracic and Vascular Department, Unit of Respiratory Diseases, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Fabio Perrotta
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", 80131 Napoli, Italy
- U.O.C. Clinica Pneumologica "L. Vanvitelli", A.O. dei Colli, Ospedale Monaldi, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Angelo Guido Corsico
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Therapeutics, University of Pavia Medical School, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Cardiothoracic and Vascular Department, Unit of Respiratory Diseases, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Chandra Bortolotto
- Department of Clinical-Surgical, Diagnostic and Paediatric Sciences, University of Pavia Medical School, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Department of Diagnostic Services and Imaging, Unit of Radiology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy
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Ahmed T. Biomaterial-based in vitro 3D modeling of glioblastoma multiforme. CANCER PATHOGENESIS AND THERAPY 2023; 1:177-194. [PMID: 38327839 PMCID: PMC10846340 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpt.2023.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Adult-onset brain cancers, such as glioblastomas, are particularly lethal. People with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) do not anticipate living for more than 15 months if there is no cure. The results of conventional treatments over the past 20 years have been underwhelming. Tumor aggressiveness, location, and lack of systemic therapies that can penetrate the blood-brain barrier are all contributing factors. For GBM treatments that appear promising in preclinical studies, there is a considerable rate of failure in phase I and II clinical trials. Unfortunately, access becomes impossible due to the intricate architecture of tumors. In vitro, bioengineered cancer models are currently being used by researchers to study disease development, test novel therapies, and advance specialized medications. Many different techniques for creating in vitro systems have arisen over the past few decades due to developments in cellular and tissue engineering. Later-stage research may yield better results if in vitro models that resemble brain tissue and the blood-brain barrier are used. With the use of 3D preclinical models made available by biomaterials, researchers have discovered that it is possible to overcome these limitations. Innovative in vitro models for the treatment of GBM are possible using biomaterials and novel drug carriers. This review discusses the benefits and drawbacks of 3D in vitro glioblastoma modeling systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanvir Ahmed
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North South University, Bashundhara, Dhaka, 1229, Bangladesh
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41
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Bhargav AG, Domino JS, Alvarado AM, Tuchek CA, Akhavan D, Camarata PJ. Advances in computational and translational approaches for malignant glioma. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1219291. [PMID: 37405133 PMCID: PMC10315500 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1219291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Gliomas are the most common primary brain tumors in adults and carry a dismal prognosis for patients. Current standard-of-care for gliomas is comprised of maximal safe surgical resection following by a combination of chemotherapy and radiation therapy depending on the grade and type of tumor. Despite decades of research efforts directed towards identifying effective therapies, curative treatments have been largely elusive in the majority of cases. The development and refinement of novel methodologies over recent years that integrate computational techniques with translational paradigms have begun to shed light on features of glioma, previously difficult to study. These methodologies have enabled a number of point-of-care approaches that can provide real-time, patient-specific and tumor-specific diagnostics that may guide the selection and development of therapies including decision-making surrounding surgical resection. Novel methodologies have also demonstrated utility in characterizing glioma-brain network dynamics and in turn early investigations into glioma plasticity and influence on surgical planning at a systems level. Similarly, application of such techniques in the laboratory setting have enhanced the ability to accurately model glioma disease processes and interrogate mechanisms of resistance to therapy. In this review, we highlight representative trends in the integration of computational methodologies including artificial intelligence and modeling with translational approaches in the study and treatment of malignant gliomas both at the point-of-care and outside the operative theater in silico as well as in the laboratory setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adip G. Bhargav
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Joseph S. Domino
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Anthony M. Alvarado
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Chad A. Tuchek
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - David Akhavan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
- Bioengineering Program, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Paul J. Camarata
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
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42
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Huang YL, Dickerson LK, Kenerson H, Jiang X, Pillarisetty V, Tian Q, Hood L, Gujral TS, Yeung RS. Organotypic Models for Functional Drug Testing of Human Cancers. BME FRONTIERS 2023; 4:0022. [PMID: 37849667 PMCID: PMC10275620 DOI: 10.34133/bmef.0022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
In the era of personalized oncology, there have been accelerated efforts to develop clinically relevant platforms to test drug sensitivities of individual cancers. An ideal assay will serve as a diagnostic companion to inform the oncologist of the various treatments that are sensitive and insensitive, thus improving outcome while minimizing unnecessary toxicities and costs. To date, no such platform exists for clinical use, but promising approaches are on the horizon that take advantage of improved techniques in creating human cancer models that encompass the entire tumor microenvironment, alongside technologies for assessing and analyzing tumor response. This review summarizes a number of current strategies that make use of intact human cancer tissues as organotypic cultures in drug sensitivity testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Ling Huang
- Division of Human Biology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Heidi Kenerson
- Department of Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Xiuyun Jiang
- Department of Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Qiang Tian
- National Research Center for Translational Medicine, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Leroy Hood
- Institute for Systems Biology, Phenome Health Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Taranjit S. Gujral
- Division of Human Biology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Raymond S. Yeung
- Department of Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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43
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Wan Z, Floryan MA, Coughlin MF, Zhang S, Zhong AX, Shelton SE, Wang X, Xu C, Barbie DA, Kamm RD. New Strategy for Promoting Vascularization in Tumor Spheroids in a Microfluidic Assay. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2201784. [PMID: 36333913 PMCID: PMC10156888 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202201784] [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: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies have developed vascularized tumor spheroid models to demonstrate the impact of intravascular flow on tumor progression and treatment. However, these models have not been widely adopted so the vascularization of tumor spheroids in vitro is generally lower than vascularized tumor tissues in vivo. To improve the tumor vascularization level, a new strategy is introduced to form tumor spheroids by adding fibroblasts (FBs) sequentially to a pre-formed tumor spheroid and demonstrate this method with tumor cell lines from kidney, lung, and ovary cancer. Tumor spheroids made with the new strategy have higher FB densities on the periphery of the tumor spheroid, which tend to enhance vascularization. The vessels close to the tumor spheroid made with this new strategy are more perfusable than the ones made with other methods. Finally, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells are perfused under continuous flow into vascularized tumor spheroids to demonstrate immunotherapy evaluation using vascularized tumor-on-a-chip model. This new strategy for establishing tumor spheroids leads to increased vascularization in vitro, allowing for the examination of immune, endothelial, stromal, and tumor cell responses under static or flow conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengpeng Wan
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Marie A Floryan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Mark F Coughlin
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Shun Zhang
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Amy X Zhong
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Sarah E Shelton
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Xun Wang
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Chenguang Xu
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
| | - David A Barbie
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Roger D Kamm
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
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44
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Higginbottom SL, Tomaskovic-Crook E, Crook JM. Considerations for modelling diffuse high-grade gliomas and developing clinically relevant therapies. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2023; 42:507-541. [PMID: 37004686 PMCID: PMC10348989 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10100-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023]
Abstract
Diffuse high-grade gliomas contain some of the most dangerous human cancers that lack curative treatment options. The recent molecular stratification of gliomas by the World Health Organisation in 2021 is expected to improve outcomes for patients in neuro-oncology through the development of treatments targeted to specific tumour types. Despite this promise, research is hindered by the lack of preclinical modelling platforms capable of recapitulating the heterogeneity and cellular phenotypes of tumours residing in their native human brain microenvironment. The microenvironment provides cues to subsets of glioma cells that influence proliferation, survival, and gene expression, thus altering susceptibility to therapeutic intervention. As such, conventional in vitro cellular models poorly reflect the varied responses to chemotherapy and radiotherapy seen in these diverse cellular states that differ in transcriptional profile and differentiation status. In an effort to improve the relevance of traditional modelling platforms, recent attention has focused on human pluripotent stem cell-based and tissue engineering techniques, such as three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting and microfluidic devices. The proper application of these exciting new technologies with consideration of tumour heterogeneity and microenvironmental interactions holds potential to develop more applicable models and clinically relevant therapies. In doing so, we will have a better chance of translating preclinical research findings to patient populations, thereby addressing the current derisory oncology clinical trial success rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah L Higginbottom
- Intelligent Polymer Research Institute, AIIM Facility, Innovation Campus, University of Wollongong, Fairy Meadow, NSW, 2519, Australia
- Arto Hardy Family Biomedical Innovation Hub, Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, Camperdown, NSW, 2050, Australia
| | - Eva Tomaskovic-Crook
- Intelligent Polymer Research Institute, AIIM Facility, Innovation Campus, University of Wollongong, Fairy Meadow, NSW, 2519, Australia.
- Arto Hardy Family Biomedical Innovation Hub, Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, Camperdown, NSW, 2050, Australia.
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia.
| | - Jeremy M Crook
- Intelligent Polymer Research Institute, AIIM Facility, Innovation Campus, University of Wollongong, Fairy Meadow, NSW, 2519, Australia.
- Arto Hardy Family Biomedical Innovation Hub, Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, Camperdown, NSW, 2050, Australia.
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia.
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45
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Lin WH, Cooper LM, Anastasiadis PZ. Cadherins and catenins in cancer: connecting cancer pathways and tumor microenvironment. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1137013. [PMID: 37255594 PMCID: PMC10225604 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1137013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cadherin-catenin complexes are integral components of the adherens junctions crucial for cell-cell adhesion and tissue homeostasis. Dysregulation of these complexes is linked to cancer development via alteration of cell-autonomous oncogenic signaling pathways and extrinsic tumor microenvironment. Advances in multiomics have uncovered key signaling events in multiple cancer types, creating a need for a better understanding of the crosstalk between cadherin-catenin complexes and oncogenic pathways. In this review, we focus on the biological functions of classical cadherins and associated catenins, describe how their dysregulation influences major cancer pathways, and discuss feedback regulation mechanisms between cadherin complexes and cellular signaling. We discuss evidence of cross regulation in the following contexts: Hippo-Yap/Taz and receptor tyrosine kinase signaling, key pathways involved in cell proliferation and growth; Wnt, Notch, and hedgehog signaling, key developmental pathways involved in human cancer; as well as TGFβ and the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition program, an important process for cancer cell plasticity. Moreover, we briefly explore the role of cadherins and catenins in mechanotransduction and the immune tumor microenvironment.
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46
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Hazra RS, Khan MRH, Kale N, Tanha T, Khandare J, Ganai S, Quadir M. Bioinspired Materials for Wearable Devices and Point-of-Care Testing of Cancer. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2023; 9:2103-2128. [PMID: 35679474 PMCID: PMC9732150 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.1c01208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Wearable, point-of-care diagnostics, and biosensors are on the verge of bringing transformative changes in detection, management, and treatment of cancer. Bioinspired materials with new forms and functions have frequently been used, in both translational and commercial spaces, to fabricate such diagnostic platforms. Engineered from organic or inorganic molecules, bioinspired systems are naturally equipped with biorecognition and stimuli-sensitive properties. Mechanisms of action of bioinspired materials are deeply connected with thermodynamically or kinetically controlled self-assembly at the molecular and supramolecular levels. Thus, integration of bioinspired materials into wearable devices, either as triggers or sensors, brings about unique device properties usable for detection, capture, or rapid readout for an analyte of interest. In this review, we present the basic principles and mechanisms of action of diagnostic devices engineered from bioinspired materials, describe current advances, and discuss future trends of the field, particularly in the context of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raj Shankar Hazra
- Materials and Nanotechnology Program, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, United States
| | - Md Rakib Hasan Khan
- Biomedical Engineering Program, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, United States
| | - Narendra Kale
- Actorius Innovations and Research Pvt. Ltd., Pune, 411057 India
| | - Tabassum Tanha
- Genomics and Bioinformatics Program, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, United States
| | - Jayant Khandare
- Actorius Innovations and Research Pvt. Ltd., Pune, 411057 India
- School of Pharmacy, Dr. Vishwananth Karad MIT World Peace University, Kothrud, Pune 411038, India
- School of Consciousness, MIT WPU, Kothrud, Pune 411038, India
| | - Sabha Ganai
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Sanford Research, Fargo, North Dakota 58122, United States
- Complex General Surgical Oncology, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND 58202, United States
| | - Mohiuddin Quadir
- Materials and Nanotechnology Program, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, United States
- Biomedical Engineering Program, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, United States
- Department of Coatings and Polymeric Materials, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, United States
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47
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Sánchez-Salazar MG, Crespo-López Oliver R, Ramos-Meizoso S, Jerezano-Flores VS, Gallegos-Martínez S, Bolívar-Monsalve EJ, Ceballos-González CF, Trujillo-de Santiago G, Álvarez MM. 3D-Printed Tumor-on-Chip for the Culture of Colorectal Cancer Microspheres: Mass Transport Characterization and Anti-Cancer Drug Assays. Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:bioengineering10050554. [PMID: 37237624 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10050554] [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: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor-on-chips have become an effective resource in cancer research. However, their widespread use remains limited due to issues related to their practicality in fabrication and use. To address some of these limitations, we introduce a 3D-printed chip, which is large enough to host ~1 cm3 of tissue and fosters well-mixed conditions in the liquid niche, while still enabling the formation of the concentration profiles that occur in real tissues due to diffusive transport. We compared the mass transport performance in its rhomboidal culture chamber when empty, when filled with GelMA/alginate hydrogel microbeads, or when occupied with a monolithic piece of hydrogel with a central channel, allowing communication between the inlet and outlet. We show that our chip filled with hydrogel microspheres in the culture chamber promotes adequate mixing and enhanced distribution of culture media. In proof-of-concept pharmacological assays, we biofabricated hydrogel microspheres containing embedded Caco2 cells, which developed into microtumors. Microtumors cultured in the device developed throughout the 10-day culture showing >75% of viability. Microtumors subjected to 5-fluorouracil treatment displayed <20% cell survival and lower VEGF-A and E-cadherin expression than untreated controls. Overall, our tumor-on-chip device proved suitable for studying cancer biology and performing drug response assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mónica Gabriela Sánchez-Salazar
- Centro de Biotecnología-FEMSA, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Campus Monterrey, Monterrey 64849, Mexico
- Departamento de Mecatrónica e Ingeniería Eléctrica, Escuela de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Monterrey 64849, Mexico
| | - Regina Crespo-López Oliver
- Centro de Biotecnología-FEMSA, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Campus Monterrey, Monterrey 64849, Mexico
- Departamento de Mecatrónica e Ingeniería Eléctrica, Escuela de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Monterrey 64849, Mexico
| | - Sofía Ramos-Meizoso
- Centro de Biotecnología-FEMSA, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Campus Monterrey, Monterrey 64849, Mexico
- Departamento de Mecatrónica e Ingeniería Eléctrica, Escuela de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Monterrey 64849, Mexico
| | - Valeri Sofía Jerezano-Flores
- Centro de Biotecnología-FEMSA, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Campus Monterrey, Monterrey 64849, Mexico
- Departamento de Mecatrónica e Ingeniería Eléctrica, Escuela de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Monterrey 64849, Mexico
| | - Salvador Gallegos-Martínez
- Centro de Biotecnología-FEMSA, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Campus Monterrey, Monterrey 64849, Mexico
- Departamento de Mecatrónica e Ingeniería Eléctrica, Escuela de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Monterrey 64849, Mexico
| | - Edna Johana Bolívar-Monsalve
- Centro de Biotecnología-FEMSA, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Campus Monterrey, Monterrey 64849, Mexico
- Departamento de Mecatrónica e Ingeniería Eléctrica, Escuela de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Monterrey 64849, Mexico
| | - Carlos Fernando Ceballos-González
- Centro de Biotecnología-FEMSA, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Campus Monterrey, Monterrey 64849, Mexico
- Departamento de Mecatrónica e Ingeniería Eléctrica, Escuela de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Monterrey 64849, Mexico
| | - Grissel Trujillo-de Santiago
- Centro de Biotecnología-FEMSA, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Campus Monterrey, Monterrey 64849, Mexico
- Departamento de Mecatrónica e Ingeniería Eléctrica, Escuela de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Monterrey 64849, Mexico
| | - Mario Moisés Álvarez
- Centro de Biotecnología-FEMSA, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Campus Monterrey, Monterrey 64849, Mexico
- Departamento de Mecatrónica e Ingeniería Eléctrica, Escuela de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Monterrey 64849, Mexico
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48
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Sunildutt N, Parihar P, Chethikkattuveli Salih AR, Lee SH, Choi KH. Revolutionizing drug development: harnessing the potential of organ-on-chip technology for disease modeling and drug discovery. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1139229. [PMID: 37180709 PMCID: PMC10166826 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1139229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The inefficiency of existing animal models to precisely predict human pharmacological effects is the root reason for drug development failure. Microphysiological system/organ-on-a-chip technology (organ-on-a-chip platform) is a microfluidic device cultured with human living cells under specific organ shear stress which can faithfully replicate human organ-body level pathophysiology. This emerging organ-on-chip platform can be a remarkable alternative for animal models with a broad range of purposes in drug testing and precision medicine. Here, we review the parameters employed in using organ on chip platform as a plot mimic diseases, genetic disorders, drug toxicity effects in different organs, biomarker identification, and drug discoveries. Additionally, we address the current challenges of the organ-on-chip platform that should be overcome to be accepted by drug regulatory agencies and pharmaceutical industries. Moreover, we highlight the future direction of the organ-on-chip platform parameters for enhancing and accelerating drug discoveries and personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naina Sunildutt
- Department of Mechatronics Engineering, Jeju National University, Jeju, Republic of Korea
| | - Pratibha Parihar
- Department of Mechatronics Engineering, Jeju National University, Jeju, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Sang Ho Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Jeju National University, Jeju, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Hyun Choi
- Department of Mechatronics Engineering, Jeju National University, Jeju, Republic of Korea
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49
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Zhou L, Liu L, Chang MA, Ma C, Chen W, Chen P. Spatiotemporal dissection of tumor microenvironment via in situ sensing and monitoring in tumor-on-a-chip. Biosens Bioelectron 2023; 225:115064. [PMID: 36680970 PMCID: PMC9918721 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2023.115064] [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: 10/23/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Real-time monitoring in the tumor microenvironment provides critical insights of cancer progression and mechanistic understanding of responses to cancer treatments. However, clinical challenges and significant questions remain regarding assessment of limited clinical tissue samples, establishment of validated, controllable pre-clinical cancer models, monitoring of static versus dynamic markers, and the translation of insights gained from in vitro tumor microenvironments to systematic investigation and understanding in clinical practice. State-of-art tumor-on-a-chip strategies will be reviewed herein, and emerging real-time sensing and monitoring platforms for on-chip analysis of tumor microenvironment will also be examined. The integration of the sensors with tumor-on-a-chip platforms to provide spatiotemporal information of the tumor microenvironment and the associated challenges will be further evaluated. Though optimal integrated systems for in situ monitoring are still in evolution, great promises lie ahead that will open new paradigm for rapid, comprehensive analysis of cancer development and assist clinicians with powerful tools to guide the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment course in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lang Zhou
- Materials Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Lunan Liu
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, New York University, Brooklyn, NY, 11201, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, New York University, Brooklyn, NY, 11201, USA
| | - Muammar Ali Chang
- Materials Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Chao Ma
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, New York University, Brooklyn, NY, 11201, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, New York University, Brooklyn, NY, 11201, USA
| | - Weiqiang Chen
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, New York University, Brooklyn, NY, 11201, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, New York University, Brooklyn, NY, 11201, USA
| | - Pengyu Chen
- Materials Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA.
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50
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Tartagni O, Borók A, Mensà E, Bonyár A, Monti B, Hofkens J, Porcelli AM, Zuccheri G. Microstructured soft devices for the growth and analysis of populations of homogenous multicellular tumor spheroids. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:93. [PMID: 36929461 PMCID: PMC10020259 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04748-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Multicellular tumor spheroids are rapidly emerging as an improved in vitro model with respect to more traditional 2D culturing. Microwell culturing is a simple and accessible method for generating a large number of uniformly sized spheroids, but commercially available systems often do not enable researchers to perform complete culturing and analysis pipelines and the mechanical properties of their culture environment are not commonly matching those of the target tissue. We herein report a simple method to obtain custom-designed self-built microwell arrays made of polydimethylsiloxane or agarose for uniform 3D cell structure generation. Such materials can provide an environment of tunable mechanical flexibility. We developed protocols to culture a variety of cancer and non-cancer cell lines in such devices and to perform molecular and imaging characterizations of the spheroid growth, viability, and response to pharmacological treatments. Hundreds of tumor spheroids grow (in scaffolded or scaffold-free conditions) at homogeneous rates and can be harvested at will. Microscopy imaging can be performed in situ during or at the end of the culture. Fluorescence (confocal) microscopy can be performed after in situ staining while retaining the geographic arrangement of spheroids in the plate wells. This platform can enable statistically robust investigations on cancer biology and screening of drug treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ottavia Tartagni
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via San Donato, 19/2, 40127, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alexandra Borók
- Department of Electronics Technology, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Emanuela Mensà
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via San Donato, 19/2, 40127, Bologna, Italy
| | - Attila Bonyár
- Department of Electronics Technology, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Barbara Monti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via San Donato, 19/2, 40127, Bologna, Italy
- Interdepartmental Center for Industrial Research on Health Sciences and Technologies, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Johan Hofkens
- Department of Chemistry, KU Leuven, 3001, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Anna Maria Porcelli
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via San Donato, 19/2, 40127, Bologna, Italy
- Interdepartmental Center for Industrial Research on Health Sciences and Technologies, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giampaolo Zuccheri
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via San Donato, 19/2, 40127, Bologna, Italy.
- Interdepartmental Center for Industrial Research on Health Sciences and Technologies, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
- S3 Center, Institute of Nanoscience, Italian National Research Council, Modena, Italy.
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