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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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2
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Gonçalves PP, da Silva CL, Bernardes N. Advancing cancer therapeutics: Integrating scalable 3D cancer models, extracellular vesicles, and omics for enhanced therapy efficacy. Adv Cancer Res 2024; 163:137-185. [PMID: 39271262 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2024.07.001] [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: 09/15/2024]
Abstract
Cancer remains as one of the highest challenges to human health. However, anticancer drugs exhibit one of the highest attrition rates compared to other therapeutic interventions. In part, this can be attributed to a prevalent use of in vitro models with limited recapitulative potential of the in vivo settings. Three dimensional (3D) models, such as tumor spheroids and organoids, offer many research opportunities to address the urgent need in developing models capable to more accurately mimic cancer biology and drug resistance profiles. However, their wide adoption in high-throughput pre-clinical studies is dependent on scalable manufacturing to support large-scale therapeutic drug screenings and multi-omic approaches for their comprehensive cellular and molecular characterization. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), which have been emerging as promising drug delivery systems (DDS), stand to significantly benefit from such screenings conducted in realistic cancer models. Furthermore, the integration of these nanomedicines with 3D cancer models and omics profiling holds the potential to deepen our understanding of EV-mediated anticancer effects. In this chapter, we provide an overview of the existing 3D models used in cancer research, namely spheroids and organoids, the innovations in their scalable production and discuss how omics can facilitate the implementation of these models at different stages of drug testing. We also explore how EVs can advance drug delivery in cancer therapies and how the synergy between 3D cancer models and omics approaches can benefit in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro P Gonçalves
- Department of Bioengineering and iBB - Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences at Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal; Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy at Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Cláudia L da Silva
- Department of Bioengineering and iBB - Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences at Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal; Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy at Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Nuno Bernardes
- Department of Bioengineering and iBB - Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences at Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal; Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy at Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal.
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3
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Rahman MA, Apu EH, Rakib-Uz-Zaman SM, Chakraborti S, Bhajan SK, Taleb SA, Shaikh MH, Jalouli M, Harrath AH, Kim B. Exploring Importance and Regulation of Autophagy in Cancer Stem Cells and Stem Cell-Based Therapies. Cells 2024; 13:958. [PMID: 38891090 PMCID: PMC11171866 DOI: 10.3390/cells13110958] [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: 05/04/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is a globally conserved cellular activity that plays a critical role in maintaining cellular homeostasis through the breakdown and recycling of cellular constituents. In recent years, there has been much emphasis given to its complex role in cancer stem cells (CSCs) and stem cell treatment. This study examines the molecular processes that support autophagy and how it is regulated in the context of CSCs and stem cell treatment. Although autophagy plays a dual role in the management of CSCs, affecting their removal as well as their maintenance, the intricate interaction between the several signaling channels that control cellular survival and death as part of the molecular mechanism of autophagy has not been well elucidated. Given that CSCs have a role in the development, progression, and resistance to treatment of tumors, it is imperative to comprehend their biological activities. CSCs are important for cancer biology because they also show a tissue regeneration model that helps with organoid regeneration. In other words, the manipulation of autophagy is a viable therapeutic approach in the treatment of cancer and stem cell therapy. Both synthetic and natural substances that target autophagy pathways have demonstrated promise in improving stem cell-based therapies and eliminating CSCs. Nevertheless, there are difficulties associated with the limitations of autophagy in CSC regulation, including resistance mechanisms and off-target effects. Thus, the regulation of autophagy offers a versatile strategy for focusing on CSCs and enhancing the results of stem cell therapy. Therefore, understanding the complex interactions between autophagy and CSC biology would be essential for creating therapeutic treatments that work in both regenerative medicine and cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Ataur Rahman
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Global Biotechnology and Biomedical Research Network (GBBRN), Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Islamic University, Kushtia 7003, Bangladesh
| | - Ehsanul Hoque Apu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Dental Medicine, Lincoln Memorial University, Knoxville, TN 37923, USA;
- DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lincoln Memorial University, Harrogate, TN 37752, USA
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - S. M Rakib-Uz-Zaman
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA; (S.M.R.-U.-Z.); (S.C.)
- Biotechnology Program, Department of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, School of Data and Sciences, BRAC University, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh
| | - Somdeepa Chakraborti
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA; (S.M.R.-U.-Z.); (S.C.)
| | - Sujay Kumar Bhajan
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science & Technology University, Gopalganj 8100, Bangladesh;
| | - Shakila Afroz Taleb
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA;
| | - Mushfiq H. Shaikh
- Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, Western University, London, ON N6A 4V2, Canada;
| | - Maroua Jalouli
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), Riyadh 11623, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Abdel Halim Harrath
- Zoology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Bonglee Kim
- Department of Pathology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 1-5 Hoegidong, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
- Korean Medicine-Based Drug Repositioning Cancer Research Center, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
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4
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Cavaco M, Pérez-Peinado C, Valle J, Silva RDM, Gano L, Correia JDG, Andreu D, Castanho MARB, Neves V. The use of a selective, nontoxic dual-acting peptide for breast cancer patients with brain metastasis. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 174:116573. [PMID: 38613996 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116573] [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: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype characterized by the absence of commonly targeted receptors. Unspecific chemotherapy is currently the main therapeutic option, with poor results. Another major challenge is the frequent appearance of brain metastasis (BM) associated with a significant decrease in patient overall survival. The treatment of BM is even more challenging due to the presence of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Here, we present a dual-acting peptide (PepH3-vCPP2319) designed to tackle TNBC/BM, in which a TNBC-specific anticancer peptide (ACP) motif (vCPP2319) is joined to a BBB peptide shuttle (BBBpS) motif (PepH3). PepH3-vCPP2319 demonstrated selectivity and efficiency in eliminating TNBC both in monolayers (IC50≈5.0 µM) and in spheroids (IC50≈25.0 µM), with no stringent toxicity toward noncancerous cell lines and red blood cells (RBCs). PepH3-vCPP2319 was also able to cross the BBB in vitro and penetrate the brain in vivo, and was stable in serum with a half-life above 120 min. Tumor cell-peptide interaction is fast, with quick peptide internalization via clathrin-mediated endocytosis without membrane disruption. Upon internalization, the peptide is detected in the nucleus and the cytoplasm, indicating a multi-targeted mechanism of action that ultimately induces irreversible cell damage and apoptosis. In conclusion, we have designed a dual-acting peptide capable of brain penetration and TNBC cell elimination, thus expanding the drug arsenal to fight this BC subtype and its BM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Cavaco
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028, Lisboa, Portugal; Proteomics and Protein Chemistry Unit, Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, Pompeu Fabra University, Dr. Aiguader 88, Barcelona Biomedical Research Park, Barcelona 08003, Spain
| | - Clara Pérez-Peinado
- Proteomics and Protein Chemistry Unit, Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, Pompeu Fabra University, Dr. Aiguader 88, Barcelona Biomedical Research Park, Barcelona 08003, Spain
| | - Javier Valle
- Proteomics and Protein Chemistry Unit, Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, Pompeu Fabra University, Dr. Aiguader 88, Barcelona Biomedical Research Park, Barcelona 08003, Spain
| | - Ruben D M Silva
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, CTN, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139,7), LRS, Bobadela 2695-066, Portugal
| | - Lurdes Gano
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, CTN, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139,7), LRS, Bobadela 2695-066, Portugal; Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, CTN, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139,7), LRS, Bobadela 2695-066, Portugal
| | - João D G Correia
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, CTN, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139,7), LRS, Bobadela 2695-066, Portugal; Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, CTN, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139,7), LRS, Bobadela 2695-066, Portugal
| | - David Andreu
- Proteomics and Protein Chemistry Unit, Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, Pompeu Fabra University, Dr. Aiguader 88, Barcelona Biomedical Research Park, Barcelona 08003, Spain.
| | - Miguel A R B Castanho
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028, Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Vera Neves
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028, Lisboa, Portugal.
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5
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Hamel KM, Frazier TP, Williams C, Duplessis T, Rowan BG, Gimble JM, Sanchez CG. Adipose Tissue in Breast Cancer Microphysiological Models to Capture Human Diversity in Preclinical Models. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2728. [PMID: 38473978 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052728] [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: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Female breast cancer accounts for 15.2% of all new cancer cases in the United States, with a continuing increase in incidence despite efforts to discover new targeted therapies. With an approximate failure rate of 85% for therapies in the early phases of clinical trials, there is a need for more translatable, new preclinical in vitro models that include cellular heterogeneity, extracellular matrix, and human-derived biomaterials. Specifically, adipose tissue and its resident cell populations have been identified as necessary attributes for current preclinical models. Adipose-derived stromal/stem cells (ASCs) and mature adipocytes are a normal part of the breast tissue composition and not only contribute to normal breast physiology but also play a significant role in breast cancer pathophysiology. Given the recognized pro-tumorigenic role of adipocytes in tumor progression, there remains a need to enhance the complexity of current models and account for the contribution of the components that exist within the adipose stromal environment to breast tumorigenesis. This review article captures the current landscape of preclinical breast cancer models with a focus on breast cancer microphysiological system (MPS) models and their counterpart patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models to capture patient diversity as they relate to adipose tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Christopher Williams
- Division of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA 70125, USA
| | | | - Brian G Rowan
- Department of Structural and Cellular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
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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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7
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Tevlek A. The role of decellularized cell derived extracellular matrix in the establishment and culture of in vitrobreast cancer tumor model. Biomed Mater 2024; 19:025037. [PMID: 38286003 DOI: 10.1088/1748-605x/ad2378] [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: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
Decades of research have shown that two-dimensional cell culture studies are insufficient for preclinical cancer diagnosis and treatment, and that cancer cells in three-dimensional (3D) culture systems have better cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions, gene expression, heterogeneity, and structural complexity that more closely resemblein vivotumors. Researchers are still optimizing 3D culturing settings for different cancers. Despite promising tumor spheroid research, tumor cell-only aggregates lack the tumor microenvironment and cannot model tumors. Here, MCF-7 breast cancer cell derived decellularized extracellular matrix (CD-dECMs) were obtained and converted into autologous, biologically active, biocompatible, and non-immunogenic hydrogels to be used as micro-environment in both organoid formation and culture. For the production of organoids, CD-dECM doping concentrations ranging from 0.1 mg ml-1to 1.5 mg ml-1were evaluated, and the lowest concentration was found to be the most effective. For organoid culture, 8 mg ml-1CD-dECM, 4 mg ml-1rat tendon collagen type I (Col I) (4 mg ml-1) and a 1:1 (v/v) mixture of these two were used and the most viable and the biggest organoids were discovered in CD-dECM/Col I (1:1) group. The results show that autologous CD-dECM can replace hydrogels in tumor organoid generation and culture at low and high concentrations, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atakan Tevlek
- Middle East Technical University (METU), MEMS Research and Application Center, 06530 Ankara, Turkey
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8
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Akula S, Gonzalez CG, Kermet S, Burleson M. Natural compounds solasonine and alisol B23-acetate target GLI3 signaling to block oncogenesis in MED12-altered breast cancer. MOLECULAR BIOLOGY RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2024; 13:127-135. [PMID: 38915457 PMCID: PMC11194031 DOI: 10.22099/mbrc.2024.49044.1915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Breast cancer remains to be the second leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide thereby highlighting the critical need to find superior treatment strategies for this disease. In the current era of cancer treatment, personalized medicine is garnering much attention as this type of treatment is more selective thereby minimizing harmful side effects. Personalized medicine is dependent upon knowing the underlying genetic landscape of the initial tumor. In our study, we focused our efforts on a specific subset of breast cancer that harbors genetic alterations in the Mediator subunit 12 (MED12). Our results show that loss of MED12 leads to enhanced cellular proliferation and colony formation of breast cancer cells through a mechanism that involves activation of GLI3-dependent SHH signaling, a pathway that is central to breast development and homeostasis. To find a personalized treatment option for this subset of breast cancer, we employed a natural compound screening strategy which uncovered a total of ten compounds that selectively target MED12 knockdown breast cancer cells. Our results show that two of these ten compounds, solasonine and alisol B23-acetate, block GLI3-dependent SHH signaling which leads to a reversal of enhanced cellular proliferation and colony formation ability. Thus, our findings provide promising insight into a novel personalized treatment strategy for patients suffering from MED12-altered breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shivani Akula
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of the Incarnate Word, San Antonio, TX, USA
- These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Cristian G. Gonzalez
- Department of Biology, University of the Incarnate Word, San Antonio, TX, USA
- These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Sophia Kermet
- Department of Biology, University of the Incarnate Word, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Marieke Burleson
- Department of Biology, University of the Incarnate Word, San Antonio, TX, USA
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Domingues M, Leite Pereira C, Sarmento B, Castro F. Mimicking 3D breast tumor-stromal interactions to screen novel cancer therapeutics. Eur J Pharm Sci 2023; 190:106560. [PMID: 37557927 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2023.106560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
Most of the 3D breast tumor models used in drug screening studies only comprise tumor cells, keeping out other essential cell players of the tumor microenvironment. Tumor-associated macrophages and fibroblasts are frequently correlated with tumor progression and therapy resistance, and targeting these cells at the tumor site has been appointed as a promising therapeutic strategy. However, the translation of new therapies to the clinic has been hampered by the absence of cellular models that more closely mimic the features of in vivo breast tumor microenvironment. Therefore, the development of innovative 3D models able to provide consistent and predictive responses about the in vivo efficacy of novel therapeutics is still an unmet preclinical need. Herein, we have established an in vitro 3D heterotypic spheroid model including MCF-7 breast tumor cells, human mammary fibroblasts and human macrophages. To establish this model, different cell densities have been combined and characterized through the evaluation of the spheroid size and metabolic activity, as well as histological and immunohistochemistry analysis of the 3D multicellular structures. The final optimized 3D model consisted in a multicellular spheroid seeded at the initial density of 5000 cells and cell ratio of 1:2:1 (MCF-7:monocytes:fibroblasts). Our model recapitulates several features of the breast tumor microenvironment, including the formation of a necrotic core, spatial organization, and extracellular matrix production. Further, it was validated as a platform for drug screening studies, using paclitaxel, a currently approved drug for breast cancer treatment, and Gefitinib, a chemotherapeutic approved for lung cancer and in preclinical evaluation for breast cancer. Generally, the impact on the cell viability of the 3D model was less evident than in 2D model, reinforcing the relevance of such complex 3D models in addressing novel treatment approaches. Overall, the use of a 3D heterotypic spheroid of breast cancer could be a valuable tool to predict the therapeutic effect of new treatments for breast cancer patients, by recapitulating key features of the breast cancer microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Domingues
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, Porto 4200-135, Portugal; INEB - Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, Porto 4200-135, Portugal; FEUP - Faculdade de Engenharia da Universidade do Porto, Rua Doutor Roberto Frias, Porto 4200-465, Portugal
| | - Catarina Leite Pereira
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, Porto 4200-135, Portugal; INEB - Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, Porto 4200-135, Portugal
| | - Bruno Sarmento
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, Porto 4200-135, Portugal; INEB - Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, Porto 4200-135, Portugal; CESPU - Instituto de Investigação e Formação Avançada em Ciências e Tecnologias da Saúde, Rua Central de Gandra 1317, Gandra 4585-116, Portugal.
| | - Flávia Castro
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, Porto 4200-135, Portugal; INEB - Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, Porto 4200-135, Portugal.
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10
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Åkerlund E, Gudoityte G, Moussaud-Lamodière E, Lind O, Bwanika HC, Lehti K, Salehi S, Carlson J, Wallin E, Fernebro J, Östling P, Kallioniemi O, Joneborg U, Seashore-Ludlow B. The drug efficacy testing in 3D cultures platform identifies effective drugs for ovarian cancer patients. NPJ Precis Oncol 2023; 7:111. [PMID: 37907613 PMCID: PMC10618545 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-023-00463-z] [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: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Most patients with advanced ovarian cancer (OC) relapse and progress despite systemic therapy, pointing to the need for improved and tailored therapy options. Functional precision medicine can help to identify effective therapies for individual patients in a clinically relevant timeframe. Here, we present a scalable functional precision medicine platform: DET3Ct (Drug Efficacy Testing in 3D Cultures), where the response of patient cells to drugs and drug combinations are quantified with live-cell imaging. We demonstrate the delivery of individual drug sensitivity profiles in 20 samples from 16 patients with ovarian cancer in both 2D and 3D culture formats, achieving over 90% success rate in providing results six days after operation. In this cohort all patients received carboplatin. The carboplatin sensitivity scores were significantly different for patients with a progression free interval (PFI) less than or equal to 12 months and those with more than 12 months (p < 0.05). We find that the 3D culture format better retains proliferation and characteristics of the in vivo setting. Using the DET3Ct platform we evaluate 27 tailored combinations with results available 10 days after operation. Notably, carboplatin and A-1331852 (Bcl-xL inhibitor) showed an additive effect in four of eight OC samples tested, while afatinib and A-1331852 led to synergy in five of seven OC models. In conclusion, our 3D DET3Ct platform can rapidly define potential, clinically relevant data on efficacy of existing drugs in OC for precision medicine purposes, as well as provide insights on emerging drugs and drug combinations that warrant testing in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Åkerlund
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Greta Gudoityte
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Olina Lind
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Kaisa Lehti
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology NTNU, Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sahar Salehi
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Pelvic Cancer, Theme Cancer, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Joseph Carlson
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Emelie Wallin
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Pelvic Cancer, Theme Cancer, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Josefin Fernebro
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Pelvic Cancer, Theme Cancer, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Päivi Östling
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Olli Kallioniemi
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ulrika Joneborg
- Department of Pelvic Cancer, Theme Cancer, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Brinton Seashore-Ludlow
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.
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11
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Roy K, Kozłowski HM, Jędrzejewski T, Sobocińska J, Maciejewski B, Dzialuk A, Wrotek S. Endotoxin Tolerance Creates Favourable Conditions for Cancer Development. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5113. [PMID: 37894480 PMCID: PMC10605812 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15205113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Endotoxin tolerance (ET) is an adaptive phenomenon of the immune system that protects the host from clinical complications due to repeated exposure of the body to endotoxins such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Since ET is an immunosuppressive mechanism in which a significant reprogramming of macrophages is observed, we hypothesized that it could influence cancer development by modifying the tumour environment. This study aimed to explore whether ET influences cancer progression by altering the tumour microenvironment. Endotoxin-tolerant macrophages (MoET) were examined for their impact on breast and colon cancer cells via direct interaction and conditioned media exposure. We characterized cancer cell behaviour by viability, clonogenic potential, motility, scratch assays, and 3D spheroidal assays. MoET-derived factors increased cancer cell viability, motility, and clonogenicity, suggesting a conducive environment for cancer development. Remarkably, despite reduced TNFα and IL-6 levels, MoET exhibited M1 polarization. These findings uncover an ET-associated macrophage reprogramming that fosters a favourable context for cancer progression across diverse tumours. Targeting ET could emerge as a promising avenue for cancer therapy and prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konkonika Roy
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Biology and Veterinary Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 1 Lwowska Street, 87-100 Torun, Poland
| | - Henryk Mikołaj Kozłowski
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Biology and Veterinary Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 1 Lwowska Street, 87-100 Torun, Poland
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Kazimierz Wielki University, 10 Powstańców Wielkopolskich Ave., 85-090 Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Tomasz Jędrzejewski
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Biology and Veterinary Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 1 Lwowska Street, 87-100 Torun, Poland
| | - Justyna Sobocińska
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Biology and Veterinary Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 1 Lwowska Street, 87-100 Torun, Poland
| | - Bartosz Maciejewski
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Biology and Veterinary Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 1 Lwowska Street, 87-100 Torun, Poland
| | - Artur Dzialuk
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Kazimierz Wielki University, 10 Powstańców Wielkopolskich Ave., 85-090 Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Sylwia Wrotek
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Biology and Veterinary Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 1 Lwowska Street, 87-100 Torun, Poland
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12
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Collodet C, Blust K, Gkouma S, Ståhl E, Chen X, Hartman J, Hedhammar M. Development and characterization of a recombinant silk network for 3D culture of immortalized and fresh tumor-derived breast cancer cells. Bioeng Transl Med 2023; 8:e10537. [PMID: 37693069 PMCID: PMC10487315 DOI: 10.1002/btm2.10537] [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: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Traditional cancer models rely on 2D cell cultures or 3D spheroids, which fail to recapitulate cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions, a key element of tumor development. Existing hydrogel-based 3D alternatives lack mechanical support for cell growth and often suffer from low reproducibility. Here we report a novel strategy to make 3D models of breast cancer using a tissue-like, well-defined network environment based on recombinant spider silk, functionalized with a cell adhesion motif from fibronectin (FN-silk). With this approach, the canonical cancer cells SK-BR-3, MCF-7, and MDA-MB-231, maintain their characteristic expression of markers (i.e., ERα, HER2, and PGR) while developing distinct morphology. Transcriptomic analyses demonstrate how culture in the FN-silk networks modulates the biological processes of cell adhesion and migration while affecting physiological events involved in malignancy, such as inflammation, remodeling of the ECM, and resistance to anticancer drugs. Finally, we show that integration in FN-silk networks promotes the viability of cells obtained from the superficial scraping of patients' breast tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Collodet
- Division of Protein TechnologySchool of Biotechnology, KTH Royal Institute of TechnologyStockholmSweden
| | - Kelly Blust
- Division of Protein TechnologySchool of Biotechnology, KTH Royal Institute of TechnologyStockholmSweden
| | - Savvini Gkouma
- Division of Protein TechnologySchool of Biotechnology, KTH Royal Institute of TechnologyStockholmSweden
| | - Emmy Ståhl
- Division of Protein TechnologySchool of Biotechnology, KTH Royal Institute of TechnologyStockholmSweden
| | - Xinsong Chen
- Department of Oncology‐PathologyKarolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden
| | - Johan Hartman
- Department of Oncology‐PathologyKarolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden
- Department of Clinical Pathology and Cancer DiagnosticsKarolinska University HospitalStockholmSweden
| | - My Hedhammar
- Division of Protein TechnologySchool of Biotechnology, KTH Royal Institute of TechnologyStockholmSweden
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13
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Reynolds DS, de Lázaro I, Blache ML, Liu Y, Jeffreys NC, Doolittle RM, Grandidier E, Olszewski J, Dacus MT, Mooney DJ, Lewis JA. Microporogen-Structured Collagen Matrices for Embedded Bioprinting of Tumor Models for Immuno-Oncology. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2210748. [PMID: 37163476 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202210748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Embedded bioprinting enables the rapid design and fabrication of complex tissues that recapitulate in vivo microenvironments. However, few biological matrices enable good print fidelity, while simultaneously facilitate cell viability, proliferation, and migration. Here, a new microporogen-structured (µPOROS) matrix for embedded bioprinting is introduced, in which matrix rheology, printing behavior, and porosity are tailored by adding sacrificial microparticles composed of a gelatin-chitosan complex to a prepolymer collagen solution. To demonstrate its utility, a 3D tumor model is created via embedded printing of a murine melanoma cell ink within the µPOROS collagen matrix at 4 °C. The collagen matrix is subsequently crosslinked around the microparticles upon warming to 21 °C, followed by their melting and removal at 37 °C. This process results in a µPOROS matrix with a fibrillar collagen type-I network akin to that observed in vivo. Printed tumor cells remain viable and proliferate, while antigen-specific cytotoxic T cells incorporated in the matrix migrate to the tumor site, where they induce cell death. The integration of the µPOROS matrix with embedded bioprinting opens new avenues for creating complex tissue microenvironments in vitro that may find widespread use in drug discovery, disease modeling, and tissue engineering for therapeutic use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel S Reynolds
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Irene de Lázaro
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Manon L Blache
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
- École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, 1015, Switzerland
| | - Yutong Liu
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Nicholas C Jeffreys
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Ramsey M Doolittle
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Estée Grandidier
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
- École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, 1015, Switzerland
- École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Lyon, 69007, France
| | - Jason Olszewski
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Mason T Dacus
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - David J Mooney
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Jennifer A Lewis
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
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14
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Dhandapani H, Siddiqui A, Karadkar S, Tayalia P. In Vitro 3D Spheroid Model Preserves Tumor Microenvironment of Hot and Cold Breast Cancer Subtypes. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2300164. [PMID: 37141121 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202300164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Dynamic interaction of cancer, immune, and stromal cells with extracellular matrix components modulates and resists the response of standard care therapies. To mimic this, an in vitro 3D spheroid model is designed using liquid overlay method to simulate hot (MDA-MB-231) and cold (MCF-7) breast tumor microenvironment (TME). This study shows increased mesenchymal phenotype, stemness, and suppressive microenvironment in MDA-MB-231-spheroids upon exposure to doxorubicin. Intriguingly, the presence of human dermal fibroblasts enhances cancer-associated fibroblast phenotype in MDA-MB-231-spheroids through increased expression of CXCL12 and FSP-1, leading to higher infiltration of immune cells (THP-1 monocytes). However, a suppressive TME is observed in both subtypes, as seen by upregulation of M2-macrophage-specific CD68 and CD206 markers. Specifically, increased PDL-1 expressing tumor-associated macrophages along with FoxP3 expressing T regulatory cells are found in MDA-MB-231-spheroids when cultured with peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Further, it is found that the addition of 1-methyl-tryptophan, a potent indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase-1 inhibitor, subsides the suppressive phenotype by decreasing the M2 polarization via downregulation of tryptophan metabolism and IL10 expression, particularly in MCF-7 triculture spheroids. Thus, the in vitro 3D spheroid model of TME can be utilized in therapeutics to validate immunomodulatory drugs for various breast cancer subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hemavathi Dhandapani
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400076, India
| | - Armaan Siddiqui
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400076, India
| | - Shivam Karadkar
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400076, India
| | - Prakriti Tayalia
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400076, India
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15
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Farahani MK, Gharibshahian M, Rezvani A, Vaez A. Breast cancer brain metastasis: from etiology to state-of-the-art modeling. J Biol Eng 2023; 17:41. [PMID: 37386445 DOI: 10.1186/s13036-023-00352-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Currently, breast carcinoma is the most common form of malignancy and the main cause of cancer mortality in women worldwide. The metastasis of cancer cells from the primary tumor site to other organs in the body, notably the lungs, bones, brain, and liver, is what causes breast cancer to ultimately be fatal. Brain metastases occur in as many as 30% of patients with advanced breast cancer, and the 1-year survival rate of these patients is around 20%. Many researchers have focused on brain metastasis, but due to its complexities, many aspects of this process are still relatively unclear. To develop and test novel therapies for this fatal condition, pre-clinical models are required that can mimic the biological processes involved in breast cancer brain metastasis (BCBM). The application of many breakthroughs in the area of tissue engineering has resulted in the development of scaffold or matrix-based culture methods that more accurately imitate the original extracellular matrix (ECM) of metastatic tumors. Furthermore, specific cell lines are now being used to create three-dimensional (3D) cultures that can be used to model metastasis. These 3D cultures satisfy the requirement for in vitro methodologies that allow for a more accurate investigation of the molecular pathways as well as a more in-depth examination of the effects of the medication being tested. In this review, we talk about the latest advances in modeling BCBM using cell lines, animals, and tissue engineering methods.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maliheh Gharibshahian
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
| | - Alireza Rezvani
- Hematology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Ahmad Vaez
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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16
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Vasefifar P, Najafi S, Motafakkerazad R, Amini M, Safaei S, Najafzadeh B, Alemohammad H, Jafarlou M, Baradaran B. Targeting Nanog expression increased Cisplatin chemosensitivity and inhibited cell migration in Gastric cancer cells. Exp Cell Res 2023:113681. [PMID: 37315760 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2023.113681] [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: 12/03/2022] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Regardless of significant advances in cancer treatment, gastric cancer (GC) incidence rate is increasing worldwide. As one of the main transcription factors participating in stemness, Nanog plays a pivotal role in various aspects of tumorigenesis, metastasis, and chemosensitivity. Given that, the current research intended to evaluate the potential effects of Nanog suppression on the GC cell cisplatin chemosensitivity and in vitro tumorigenesis. First, bioinformatics analysis was performed to evaluate the effect of Nanog expression on GC patients' survival. The MKN-45 human GC cells were transfected with specific siRNA targeting Nanog and/or treated with Cisplatin. Then, to study cellular viability and apoptosis, MTT assay and Annexin V/PI staining were done, respectively. Also, the scratch assay was performed to investigate cell migration, and MKN-45 cell stemness was followed using colony formation assay. Western blotting and qRT-PCR were used for gene expression analysis. The findings demonstrated that siRNA-mediated Nanog silencing strongly increased MKN-45 cell sensitivity to Cisplatin through apoptosis induction. Also, Nanog suppression combined with Cisplatin resulted in the upregulation of the Caspase-3 and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio at mRNA levels and increased Caspase-3 activation. Moreover, reduced expression of Nanog, separately or combined with Cisplatin, inhibited MKN-45 cell migration by downregulating MMP2 mRNA and protein expression levels. The results also evidenced CD44 and SOX-2 downregulation aligned with a decreased rate of MKN-45 cell colony formation ability through treatments. Besides, Nanog downregulation significantly decreased MDR-1 mRNA expression. Taken together, the results of this study indicated that Nanog could be suggested as a promising target combined with Cisplatin-based GC therapies for reducing drug side effects and improving patients' outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parisa Vasefifar
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Souzan Najafi
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Mohammad Amini
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Sahar Safaei
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Basira Najafzadeh
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hajar Alemohammad
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mahdi Jafarlou
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Behzad Baradaran
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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17
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Higgins G, Higgins F, Peres J, Lang DM, Abdalrahman T, Zaman MH, Prince S, Franz T. Intracellular mechanics and TBX3 expression jointly dictate the spreading mode of melanoma cells in 3D environments. Exp Cell Res 2023; 428:113633. [PMID: 37172754 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2023.113633] [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: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Cell stiffness and T-box transcription factor 3 (TBX3) expression have been identified as biomarkers of melanoma metastasis in 2D environments. This study aimed to determine how mechanical and biochemical properties of melanoma cells change during cluster formation in 3D environments. Vertical growth phase (VGP) and metastatic (MET) melanoma cells were embedded in 3D collagen matrices of 2 and 4 mg/ml collagen concentrations, representing low and high matrix stiffness. Mitochondrial fluctuation, intracellular stiffness, and TBX3 expression were quantified before and during cluster formation. In isolated cells, mitochondrial fluctuation decreased and intracellular stiffness increased with increase in disease stage from VGP to MET and increased matrix stiffness. TBX3 was highly expressed in soft matrices but diminished in stiff matrices for VGP and MET cells. Cluster formation of VGP cells was excessive in soft matrices but limited in stiff matrices, whereas for MET cells it was limited in soft and stiff matrices. In soft matrices, VGP cells did not change the intracellular properties, whereas MET cells exhibited increased mitochondrial fluctuation and decreased TBX3 expression. In stiff matrices, mitochondrial fluctuation and TBX3 expression increased in VGP and MET, and intracellular stiffness increased in VGP but decreased in MET cells. The findings suggest that soft extracellular environments are more favourable for tumour growth, and high TBX3 levels mediate collective cell migration and tumour growth in the earlier VGP disease stage but play a lesser role in the later metastatic stage of melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghodeejah Higgins
- Biomedical Engineering Research Centre, Division of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Observatory, South Africa
| | - Faatiemah Higgins
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Observatory, South Africa
| | - Jade Peres
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Observatory, South Africa
| | - Dirk M Lang
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Observatory, South Africa
| | - Tamer Abdalrahman
- Biomedical Engineering Research Centre, Division of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Observatory, South Africa
| | - Muhammad H Zaman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
| | - Sharon Prince
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Observatory, South Africa
| | - Thomas Franz
- Biomedical Engineering Research Centre, Division of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Observatory, South Africa; Bioengineering Science Research Group, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.
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18
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Goel R, Gulwani D, Upadhyay P, Sarangthem V, Singh TD. Unsung versatility of elastin-like polypeptide inspired spheroid fabrication: A review. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 234:123664. [PMID: 36791934 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.123664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
Lately, 3D cell culture technique has gained a lot of appreciation as a research model. Augmented with technological advancements, the area of 3D cell culture is growing rapidly with a diverse array of scaffolds being tested. This is especially the case for spheroid cultures. The culture of cells as spheroids provides opportunities for unanticipated vision into biological phenomena with its application to drug discovery, metabolic profiling, stem cell research as well as tumor, and disease biology. Spheroid fabrication techniques are broadly categorised into matrix-dependent and matrix-independent techniques. While there is a profusion of spheroid fabrication substrates with substantial biological relevance, an economical, modular, and bio-compatible substrate for high throughput production of spheroids is lacking. In this review, we posit the prospects of elastin-like polypeptides (ELPs) as a broad-spectrum spheroid fabrication platform. Elastin-like polypeptides are nature inspired, size-tunable genetically engineered polymers with wide applicability in various arena of biological considerations, has been employed for spheroid culture with profound utility. The technology offers a cheap, high-throughput, reproducible alternative for spheroid culture with exquisite adaptability. Here, we will brief the applicability of 3D cultures as compared to 2D cultures with spheroids being the focal point of the review. Common approaches to spheroid fabrication are discussed with existential limitations. Finally, the versatility of elastin-like polypeptide inspired substrates for spheroid culture has been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ridhima Goel
- Department of Medical Oncology Laboratory, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Deepak Gulwani
- Department of Medical Oncology Laboratory, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Priyanka Upadhyay
- Department of Medical Oncology Laboratory, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Vijaya Sarangthem
- Department of Pathology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India.
| | - Thoudam Debraj Singh
- Department of Medical Oncology Laboratory, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India.
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19
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Reimer F, Bryan S, Legler K, Karn T, Eppenberger-Castori S, Matschke J, Pereira-Veiga T, Wikman H, Witzel I, Müller V, Schmalfeldt B, Milde-Langosch K, Schumacher U, Stürken C, Oliveira-Ferrer L. The role of the desmosomal protein desmocollin 2 in tumour progression in triple negative breast cancer patients. Cancer Cell Int 2023; 23:47. [PMID: 36927383 PMCID: PMC10018948 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-023-02896-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The disruption of epithelial features represents a critical step during breast cancer spread. In this context, the dysregulation of desmosomal proteins has been associated with malignant progression and metastasis formation. Curiously, both tumour suppressive and pro-metastatic roles have been attributed to desmosomal structures in different cancer entities. In the present study, we describe the pro-metastatic role of the desmosomal protein desmocollin 2 (DSC2) in breast cancer. METHODS We analysed the prognostic role of DSC2 at mRNA and protein level using microarray data, western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry. Functional consequences of DSC2 overexpression and DSC2 knock down were investigated in the triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell line MDA-MB-231 and its brain-seeking subline MDA-MB-231-BR, respectively in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS We found a significantly higher DSC2 expression in the more aggressive molecular subtypes HER2-positive and TNBC than in luminal breast cancers, as well as a significant correlation between increased DSC2 expression and a shorter disease-free-also in multivariate analysis-and overall survival. Additionally, a significant association between DSC2 expression in the primary tumour and an increased frequency of cerebral and lung metastasis could be observed. In vitro, ectopic DSC2 expression or DSC2 down-regulation in MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-231-BR led to a significant tumour cell aggregation increase and decrease, respectively. Furthermore, tumour cells displaying higher DSC2 levels showed increased chemoresistance in 3D structures, but not 2D monolayer structures, suggesting the importance of cell aggregation as a means for reduced drug diffusion. In an in vivo brain dissemination xenograft mouse model, reduced expression of DSC2 in the brain-seeking TNBC cells led to a decreased amount of circulating tumour cells/clusters and, in turn, to fewer and smaller brain metastatic lesions. CONCLUSION We conclude that high DSC2 expression in primary TNBC is associated with a poorer prognosis, firstly by increasing tumour cell aggregation, secondly by reducing the diffusion and effectiveness of chemotherapeutic agents, and, lastly, by promoting the circulation and survival of tumour cell clusters, each of which facilitates distant organ colonisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Reimer
- Department of Gynaecology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sarah Bryan
- Department of Gynaecology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Karen Legler
- Department of Gynaecology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | | | - Jakob Matschke
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Thais Pereira-Veiga
- Institute of Tumor Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Harriet Wikman
- Institute of Tumor Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Isabell Witzel
- Department of Gynaecology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Volkmar Müller
- Department of Gynaecology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Barbara Schmalfeldt
- Department of Gynaecology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Karin Milde-Langosch
- Department of Gynaecology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Udo Schumacher
- Institute of Tumor Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,Institute of Experimental Anatomy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christine Stürken
- Institute of Tumor Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,Institute of Experimental Anatomy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,MSH Medical School of Hamburg, University of Applied Sciences and Medical University, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Leticia Oliveira-Ferrer
- Department of Gynaecology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.
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20
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IFIT2 Depletion Promotes Cancer Stem Cell-like Phenotypes in Oral Cancer. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11030896. [PMID: 36979874 PMCID: PMC10045464 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11030896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a small cell population associated with chemoresistance, metastasis and increased mortality rate in oral cancer. Interferon-induced proteins with tetratricopeptide repeats 2 (IFIT2) depletion results in epithelial to mesenchymal transition, invasion, metastasis, and chemoresistance in oral cancer. To date, no study has demonstrated the effect of IFIT2 depletion on the CSC-like phenotype in oral cancer cells. (2) Methods: Q-PCR, sphere formation, Hoechst 33,342 dye exclusion, immunofluorescence staining, and flow cytometry assays were performed to evaluate the expression of the CSC markers in IFIT2-depleted cells. A tumorigenicity assay was adopted to assess the tumor formation ability. Immunohistochemical staining was used to examine the protein levels of IFIT2 and CD24 in oral cancer patients. (3) Results: The cultured IFIT2 knockdown cells exhibited an overexpression of ABCG2 and CD44 and a downregulation of CD24 and gave rise to CSC-like phenotypes. Clinically, there was a positive correlation between IFIT2 and CD24 in the patients. IFIT2high/CD24high/CD44low expression profiles predicted a better prognosis in HNC, including oral cancer. The TNF-α blockade abolished the IFIT2 depletion-induced sphere formation, indicating that TNF-α may be involved in the CSC-like phenotypes in oral cancer. (4) Conclusions: The present study demonstrates that IFIT2 depletion promotes CSC-like phenotypes in oral cancer.
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21
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Swetha KL, Paul M, Maravajjala KS, Kumbham S, Biswas S, Roy A. Overcoming drug resistance with a docetaxel and disulfiram loaded pH-sensitive nanoparticle. J Control Release 2023; 356:93-114. [PMID: 36841286 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.02.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have demonstrated that breast cancer cells deploy a myriad array of strategies to thwart the activity of anticancer drugs like docetaxel (DTX), including acquired drug resistance due to overexpression of drug-efflux pumps like P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and innate drug resistance by cancer stem cells (CSCs). As disulfiram (DSF) can inhibit both P-gp and CSCs, we hypothesized that co-treatment of DTX and DSF could sensitize the drug-resistant breast cancer cells. To deliver a fixed dose ratio of DTX and DSF targeted to the tumor, a tumor extracellular pH-responsive nanoparticle (NP) was developed using a histidine-conjugated star-shaped PLGA with TPGS surface decoration ([DD]NpH-T). By releasing the encapsulated drugs in the tumor microenvironment, pH-sensitive NPs can overcome the tumor stroma-based resistance against nanomedicines. In in-vitro studies, [DD]NpH-T exhibited increased drug release at pH 6.8, improved penetration in a 3D tumor spheroid, reduced serum protein adsorption, and enhanced cytotoxic efficacy against both innate and acquired DTX-resistant breast cancer cells. In in-vivo studies, a significant increase in plasma AUC and tumor drug delivery was observed with [DD]NpH-T, which resulted in an enhanced in-vivo anti-tumor efficacy against a mouse orthotopic breast cancer, with a significantly increased intratumoral ROS and apoptosis, while decreasing P-gp expression and prevention of lung metastasis. Altogether, the current study demonstrated that the DTX and DSF combination could effectively target multiple drug-resistance pathways in-vitro, and the in-vivo delivery of this drug combination using TPGS-decorated pH-sensitive NPs could increase tumor accumulation, resulting in improved anti-tumor efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Laxmi Swetha
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani, Vidya Vihar, Pilani, Rajasthan 333031, India
| | - Milan Paul
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology & Science-Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, Jawahar Nagar, Medchal, Hyderabad, Telangana 500078, India
| | - Kavya Sree Maravajjala
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani, Vidya Vihar, Pilani, Rajasthan 333031, India
| | - Soniya Kumbham
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology & Science-Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, Jawahar Nagar, Medchal, Hyderabad, Telangana 500078, India
| | - Swati Biswas
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology & Science-Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, Jawahar Nagar, Medchal, Hyderabad, Telangana 500078, India.
| | - Aniruddha Roy
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani, Vidya Vihar, Pilani, Rajasthan 333031, India.
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22
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Kieda J, Appak-Baskoy S, Jeyhani M, Navi M, Chan KWY, Tsai SSH. Microfluidically-generated Encapsulated Spheroids (μ-GELS): An All-Aqueous Droplet Microfluidics Platform for Multicellular Spheroids Generation. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2023; 9:1043-1052. [PMID: 36626575 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.2c00963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Spheroids are three-dimensional clusters of cells that serve as in vitro tumor models to recapitulate in vivo morphology. A limitation of many existing on-chip platforms for spheroid formation is the use of cytotoxic organic solvents as the continuous phase in droplet generation processes. All-aqueous methods do not contain cytotoxic organic solvents but have so far been unable to achieve complete hydrogel gelation on chip. Here, we describe an enhanced droplet microfluidic platform that achieves on-chip gelation of all-aqueous hydrogel multicellular spheroids (MCSs). Specifically, we generate dextran-alginate droplets containing MCF-7 breast cancer cells, surrounded by polyethylene glycol, at a flow-focusing junction. Droplets then travel to a second flow-focusing junction where they interact with calcium chloride and gel on chip to form hydrogel MCSs. On-chip gelation of the MCSs is possible here because of an embedded capillary at the second junction that delays the droplet gelation, which prevents channel clogging problems that would otherwise exist. In drug-free experiments, we demonstrate that MCSs remain viable for 6 days. We also confirm the applicability of this system for cancer drug testing by observing that dose-dependent cell death is achievable using doxorubicin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Kieda
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Engineering, Toronto Metropolitan University, TorontoM5B 2K3, Canada.,Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, TorontoM5B 2K3, Canada.,Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Science, and Technology (iBEST) - A partnership between Toronto Metropolitan University and St. Michael's Hospital, TorontoM5B 1W8, Canada
| | - Sila Appak-Baskoy
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, TorontoM5B 2K3, Canada.,Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Science, and Technology (iBEST) - A partnership between Toronto Metropolitan University and St. Michael's Hospital, TorontoM5B 1W8, Canada.,Department of Chemistry and Biology, Toronto Metropolitan University, TorontoM5B 2K3, Canada
| | - Morteza Jeyhani
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, TorontoM5B 2K3, Canada.,Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Science, and Technology (iBEST) - A partnership between Toronto Metropolitan University and St. Michael's Hospital, TorontoM5B 1W8, Canada.,Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Toronto Metropolitan University, TorontoM5B 2K3, Canada
| | - Maryam Navi
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Engineering, Toronto Metropolitan University, TorontoM5B 2K3, Canada.,Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, TorontoM5B 2K3, Canada.,Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Science, and Technology (iBEST) - A partnership between Toronto Metropolitan University and St. Michael's Hospital, TorontoM5B 1W8, Canada
| | - Katherine W Y Chan
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Engineering, Toronto Metropolitan University, TorontoM5B 2K3, Canada.,Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, TorontoM5B 2K3, Canada.,Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Science, and Technology (iBEST) - A partnership between Toronto Metropolitan University and St. Michael's Hospital, TorontoM5B 1W8, Canada
| | - Scott S H Tsai
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Engineering, Toronto Metropolitan University, TorontoM5B 2K3, Canada.,Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, TorontoM5B 2K3, Canada.,Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Science, and Technology (iBEST) - A partnership between Toronto Metropolitan University and St. Michael's Hospital, TorontoM5B 1W8, Canada.,Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Toronto Metropolitan University, TorontoM5B 2K3, Canada
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23
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Tsochantaridis I, Roupas A, Mohlin S, Pappa A, Voulgaridou GP. The Concept of Cancer Stem Cells: Elaborating on ALDH1B1 as an Emerging Marker of Cancer Progression. LIFE (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 13:life13010197. [PMID: 36676146 PMCID: PMC9863106 DOI: 10.3390/life13010197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is a multifactorial, complex disease exhibiting extraordinary phenotypic plasticity and diversity. One of the greatest challenges in cancer treatment is intratumoral heterogeneity, which obstructs the efficient eradication of the tumor. Tumor heterogeneity is often associated with the presence of cancer stem cells (CSCs), a cancer cell sub-population possessing a panel of stem-like properties, such as a self-renewal ability and multipotency potential. CSCs are associated with enhanced chemoresistance due to the enhanced efflux of chemotherapeutic agents and the existence of powerful antioxidant and DNA damage repair mechanisms. The distinctive characteristics of CSCs make them ideal targets for clinical therapeutic approaches, and the identification of efficient and specific CSCs biomarkers is of utmost importance. Aldehyde dehydrogenases (ALDHs) comprise a wide superfamily of metabolic enzymes that, over the last years, have gained increasing attention due to their association with stem-related features in a wide panel of hematopoietic malignancies and solid cancers. Aldehyde dehydrogenase 1B1 (ALDH1B1) is an isoform that has been characterized as a marker of colon cancer progression, while various studies suggest its importance in additional malignancies. Here, we review the basic concepts related to CSCs and discuss the potential role of ALDH1B1 in cancer development and its contribution to the CSC phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilias Tsochantaridis
- Department of Molecular Biology & Genetics, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Angelos Roupas
- Department of Molecular Biology & Genetics, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Sofie Mohlin
- Division of Pediatrics, Clinical Sciences, Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University Cancer Center, 22384 Lund, Sweden
| | - Aglaia Pappa
- Department of Molecular Biology & Genetics, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Georgia-Persephoni Voulgaridou
- Department of Molecular Biology & Genetics, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
- Correspondence:
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24
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Manduca N, Maccafeo E, De Maria R, Sistigu A, Musella M. 3D cancer models: One step closer to in vitro human studies. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1175503. [PMID: 37114038 PMCID: PMC10126361 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1175503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy is the great breakthrough in cancer treatment as it displayed prolonged progression-free survival over conventional therapies, yet, to date, in only a minority of patients. In order to broad cancer immunotherapy clinical applicability some roadblocks need to be overcome, first among all the lack of preclinical models that faithfully depict the local tumor microenvironment (TME), which is known to dramatically affect disease onset, progression and response to therapy. In this review, we provide the reader with a detailed overview of current 3D models developed to mimick the complexity and the dynamics of the TME, with a focus on understanding why the TME is a major target in anticancer therapy. We highlight the advantages and translational potentials of tumor spheroids, organoids and immune Tumor-on-a-Chip models in disease modeling and therapeutic response, while outlining pending challenges and limitations. Thinking forward, we focus on the possibility to integrate the know-hows of micro-engineers, cancer immunologists, pharmaceutical researchers and bioinformaticians to meet the needs of cancer researchers and clinicians interested in using these platforms with high fidelity for patient-tailored disease modeling and drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicoletta Manduca
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Ester Maccafeo
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Ruggero De Maria
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario ‘A. Gemelli’ - Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Sistigu
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- *Correspondence: Martina Musella, ; ; Antonella Sistigu, ;
| | - Martina Musella
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- *Correspondence: Martina Musella, ; ; Antonella Sistigu, ;
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25
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Quantum Dots Mediated Imaging and Phototherapy in Cancer Spheroid Models: State of the Art and Perspectives. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14102136. [PMID: 36297571 PMCID: PMC9611360 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14102136] [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: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Quantum Dots (QDs) are fluorescent nanoparticles known for their exceptional optical properties, i.e., high fluorescence emission, photostability, narrow emission spectrum, and broad excitation wavelength. These properties make QDs an exciting choice for bioimaging applications, notably in cancer imaging. Challenges lie in their ability to specifically label targeted cells. Numerous studies have been carried out with QDs coupled to various ligands like peptides, antibodies, aptamers, etc., to achieve efficient targeting. Most studies were conducted in vitro with two-dimensional cell monolayers (n = 8902) before evolving towards more sophisticated models. Three-dimensional multicellular tumor models better recapitulate in vivo conditions by mimicking cell-to-cell and cell-matrix interactions. To date, only few studies (n = 34) were conducted in 3D in vitro models such as spheroids, whereas these models could better represent QDs behavior in tumors compared to monolayers. Thus, the purpose of this review is to present a state of the art on the studies conducted with Quantum Dots on spheroid models for imaging and phototherapy purposes.
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26
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Kim M, Singh M, Lee BK, Hibbs M, Richardson K, Ellies L, Wintle L, Stuart LM, Wang JY, Voon DC, Blancafort P, Wang J, Kim J, Leedman PJ, Woo AJ. A MYC-ZNF148-ID1/3 regulatory axis modulating cancer stem cell traits in aggressive breast cancer. Oncogenesis 2022; 11:60. [PMID: 36207293 PMCID: PMC9546828 DOI: 10.1038/s41389-022-00435-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The MYC proto-oncogene (MYC) is one of the most frequently overexpressed genes in breast cancer that drives cancer stem cell-like traits, resulting in aggressive disease progression and poor prognosis. In this study, we identified zinc finger transcription factor 148 (ZNF148, also called Zfp148 and ZBP-89) as a direct target of MYC. ZNF148 suppressed cell proliferation and migration and was transcriptionally repressed by MYC in breast cancer. Depletion of ZNF148 by short hairpin RNA (shRNA) and CRISPR/Cas9 increased triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell proliferation and migration. Global transcriptome and chromatin occupancy analyses of ZNF148 revealed a central role in inhibiting cancer cell de-differentiation and migration. Mechanistically, we identified the Inhibitor of DNA binding 1 and 3 (ID1, ID3), drivers of cancer stemness and plasticity, as previously uncharacterized targets of transcriptional repression by ZNF148. Silencing of ZNF148 increased the stemness and tumorigenicity in TNBC cells. These findings uncover a previously unknown tumor suppressor role for ZNF148, and a transcriptional regulatory circuitry encompassing MYC, ZNF148, and ID1/3 in driving cancer stem cell traits in aggressive breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mijeong Kim
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Manjot Singh
- Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, QEII Medical Centre, Nedlands and Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6000, Australia
- Centre for Precision Health, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, 6027, Australia
| | - Bum-Kyu Lee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cancer Research Center, University at Albany, State University of New York, Rensselaer, NY, 12144, USA
| | - Moira Hibbs
- RPH Research Centre, Royal Perth Hospital, Perth, WA, 6000, Australia
| | - Kirsty Richardson
- Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, QEII Medical Centre, Nedlands and Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6000, Australia
| | - Lesley Ellies
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6000, Australia
| | - Larissa Wintle
- Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, QEII Medical Centre, Nedlands and Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6000, Australia
| | - Lisa M Stuart
- Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, QEII Medical Centre, Nedlands and Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6000, Australia
| | - Jenny Y Wang
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Dominic C Voon
- Institute for Frontier Science Initiative, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, 920-1192, Japan
- Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, 920-1192, Japan
| | - Pilar Blancafort
- Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, QEII Medical Centre, Nedlands and Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6000, Australia
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6000, Australia
- The Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Jianlong Wang
- Department of Medicine, Columbia Center for Human Development, Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Jonghwan Kim
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Peter J Leedman
- Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, QEII Medical Centre, Nedlands and Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6000, Australia.
| | - Andrew J Woo
- Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, QEII Medical Centre, Nedlands and Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6000, Australia.
- Centre for Precision Health, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, 6027, Australia.
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Perth, WA, 6000, Australia.
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27
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Kim CW, Lee HK, Nam MW, Lee G, Choi KC. The role of KiSS1 gene on the growth and migration of prostate cancer and the underlying molecular mechanisms. Life Sci 2022; 310:121009. [PMID: 36181862 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.121009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Metastatic prostate cancers have a high mortality rate. KiSS1 was originally identified as a metastasis suppressor gene in metastatic melanoma and breast cancer, but its role in prostate cancer has been contradictory. This study was therefore undertaken to investigate the effects of KiSS1 overexpression on the growth and migration of human metastatic prostate cancer cells. We first tested the effect of KiSS1 overexpression on the growth and migration of DU145 human metastatic prostate cancer cells in vitro. DU145 cells were infected with the culture medium of 293T cells, which produce lentivirus particles containing KiSS1. A 2.5-fold increase in proliferation of KiSS1-overexpressing cancer cells was observed, and these cells formed tumor spheroids about 3 times larger than the vector control group. qPCR and immunoblotting revealed the association between increased cell growth and regulation of the PI3K/Akt and cell cycle genes, and also that increases in β-catenin and CD133 contribute to tumor aggregation. KiSS1 overexpression resulted in upregulation of the β-arrestin1/2 and Raf-MEK-ERK-NF-κB pathways via KiSS1R. Moreover, the migration and invasion of KiSS1-overexpressing cells were determined to be faster than the control group, along with 1.6-fold increased metastatic colonization of the KiSS1-overexpressing cancer cells. These were associated to the regulation of EMT gene expressions, such as E-cadherin and N-cadherin, and the upregulation of MMP9. In a xenograft mouse model inoculated with DU145 cells infected GFP or KiSS1 via a lentiviral vector, KiSS1 statistically significantly increased the tumor growth, with upregulation of PCNA and Ki-67 in the tumor tissues. In addition, KiSS1 increased the angiogenic capacity by upregulating VEGF-A and CD31, both in vitro and in vivo. Taken together, our results indicate that KiSS1 not only induces prostate cancer proliferation, but also promotes metastasis by increasing the migration, invasion, and angiogenesis of malignant cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cho-Won Kim
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Hong Kyu Lee
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Woo Nam
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Gabsang Lee
- Institute for Cell Engineering, Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kyung-Chul Choi
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea.
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28
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Go RE, Lee HK, Kim CW, Kim S, Choi KC. A fungicide, fenhexamid, is involved in the migration and angiogenesis in breast cancer cells expressing estrogen receptors. Life Sci 2022; 305:120754. [PMID: 35780843 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.120754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Fenhexamid (Fen) is used to eradicate gray mold of fruits and vegetables leading to greater detection of its residual concentration in wine than other fungicides. Here, we further investigated the malign influence of Fen on the migration and angiogenesis via regulation of the estrogen receptor (ER) and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) pathways in breast cancer models. ER-positive MCF-7 and ER-negative MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells were exposed to 17β-estradiol (E2, 10-9 M), Fen (10-5 M and 10-7 M), ICI 182,780 (ICI; an ER antagonist, 10-8 M) or/and Pictilisib (Pic; a PI3K inhibitor, 10-7 M), and subsequently subjected to migration assay, live cell motility monitoring, trans-chamber assay, immunofluorescence, angiogenesis assay, tumor spheroid formation, and Western blot analysis. In MCF-7 cells, E2 and Fen induced cell migration by regulating the cell migration-related proteins. Although expressions of N-cadherin and Vimentin remained unchanged E2 and Fen induced the decrease of E-cadherin and Occludin in the immunofluorescence assay and Western blot analysis. In addition, Fen increased vessel formation in HUVEC cells. Furthermore, Fen treatment induced the formation of larger and denser tumor spheroids in MCF-7 cells. Western blot further confirmed the increased expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and sex-determining region Y-box 2 (SOX2) after exposure to Fen. We conclude that Fen plays an important role as an endocrine-disrupting chemical in breast cancer migration and metastasis through the regulation of ER and PI3K signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryeo-Eun Go
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Hong Kyu Lee
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Cho-Won Kim
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Soochong Kim
- Laboratory of Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-Chul Choi
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea.
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Firouzi J, Sotoodehnejadnematalahi F, Shokouhifar A, Rahimi M, Sodeifi N, Sahranavardfar P, Azimi M, Janzamin E, Safa M, Ebrahimi M. Silibinin exhibits anti-tumor effects in a breast cancer stem cell model by targeting stemness and induction of differentiation and apoptosis. BIOIMPACTS : BI 2022; 12:415-429. [PMID: 36381630 PMCID: PMC9596878 DOI: 10.34172/bi.2022.23336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Malignant breast cancer (BC) frequently contains a rare population of cells called cancer stem cells which underlie tumor relapse and metastasis, and targeting these cells may improve treatment options and outcomes for patients with BC. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of silibinin on the self-renewal capacity, tumorgenicity, and metastatic potential of mammospheres. Methods: The effect of silibinin on viability and proliferation of MCF-7, MDA-MB-231 mammospheres, and MDA-MB-468 cell aggregation was determined after 72-120 hours of treatment. Colony and sphere formation ability, and the expression of stemness, differentiation, and epithelial-mesenchymal-transition (EMT)-associated genes were assessed by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) in mammospheres treated with an IC50 dose of silibinin. Additionally, the antitumor capacity of silibinin was assessed in vivo, in mice. Results: The results of the present study showed that silibinin decreased the viability of all mammospheres derived from MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, and MDA-MB-468 cell aggregation in a dose-dependent manner. Colony and sphere-forming ability, as well as the expression of genes associated with EMT were reduced in mammospheres treated with silibinin. Additionally, the expression of genes associated with stemness and metastasis was also decreased and the expression of genes associated with differentiation were increased. Intra-tumoral injection of 2 mg/kg silibinin decreased tumor volumes in mice by 2.8 fold. Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that silibinin may have exerted its anti-tumor effects in BC by targeting the BC stem cells, reducing the tumorgenicity and metastasis. Therefore, silibinin may be a potential adjuvant for treatment of BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javad Firouzi
- Department of Tissue Engineering & Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Cellular and Molecular Research Centre, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran 16635-148
| | | | - Alireza Shokouhifar
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran 16635-148
| | - Mahsa Rahimi
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran 16635-148
| | - Niloufar Sodeifi
- Department of Pathology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran 16635-148, Iran
| | - Parisa Sahranavardfar
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran 16635-148
| | - Masoumeh Azimi
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran 16635-148
| | - Ehsan Janzamin
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran 16635-148
| | - Majid Safa
- Department of Tissue Engineering & Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Cellular and Molecular Research Centre, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Hematology, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Marzieh Ebrahimi
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran 16635-148
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Morphometrical, Morphological, and Immunocytochemical Characterization of a Tool for Cytotoxicity Research: 3D Cultures of Breast Cell Lines Grown in Ultra-Low Attachment Plates. TOXICS 2022; 10:toxics10080415. [PMID: 35893848 PMCID: PMC9394479 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10080415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Three-dimensional cell cultures may better mimic avascular tumors. Yet, they still lack characterization and standardization. Therefore, this study aimed to (a) generate multicellular aggregates (MCAs) of four breast cell lines: MCF7, MDA-MB-231, and SKBR3 (tumoral) and MCF12A (non-tumoral) using ultra-low attachment (ULA) plates, (b) detail the methodology used for their formation and analysis, providing technical tips, and (c) characterize the MCAs using morphometry, qualitative cytology (at light and electron microscopy), and quantitative immunocytochemistry (ICC) analysis. Each cell line generated uniform MCAs with structural differences among cell lines: MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 MCAs showed an ellipsoid/discoid shape and compact structure, while MCF12A and SKBR3 MCAs were loose, more flattened, and presented bigger areas. MCF7 MCAs revealed glandular breast differentiation features. ICC showed a random distribution of the proliferating and apoptotic cells throughout the MCAs, not fitting in the traditional spheroid model. ICC for cytokeratin, vimentin, and E-cadherin showed different results according to the cell lines. Estrogen (ER) and progesterone (PR) receptors were positive only in MCF7 and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2) in SKBR3. The presented characterization of the MCAs in non-exposed conditions provided a good baseline to evaluate the cytotoxic effects of potential anticancer compounds.
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Bergandi L, Lucia U, Grisolia G, Salaroglio IC, Gesmundo I, Granata R, Borchiellini R, Ponzetto A, Silvagno F. Thermomagnetic Resonance Effect of the Extremely Low Frequency Electromagnetic Field on Three-Dimensional Cancer Models. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23147955. [PMID: 35887313 PMCID: PMC9318636 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23147955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
In our recent studies, we have developed a thermodynamic biochemical model able to select the resonant frequency of an extremely low frequency electromagnetic field (ELF-EMF) specifically affecting different types of cancer, and we have demonstrated its effects in vitro. In this work, we investigate the cellular response to the ELF electromagnetic wave in three-dimensional (3D) culture models, which mimic the features of tumors in vivo. Cell membrane was modelled as a resistor–capacitor circuit and the specific thermal resonant frequency was calculated and tested on two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) cell cultures of human pancreatic cancer, glioblastoma and breast cancer. Cell proliferation and the transcription of respiratory chain and adenosine triphosphate synthase subunits, as well as uncoupling proteins, were assessed. For the first time, we demonstrate that an ELF-EMF hampers growth and potentiates both the coupled and uncoupled respiration of all analyzed models. Interestingly, the metabolic shift was evident even in the 3D aggregates, making this approach particularly valuable and promising for future application in vivo, in aggressive cancer tissues characterized by resistance to treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loredana Bergandi
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Via Santena 5 bis, 10126 Torino, Italy; (L.B.); (I.C.S.)
| | - Umberto Lucia
- Department of Energy, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Torino, Italy; (U.L.); (G.G.); (R.B.)
| | - Giulia Grisolia
- Department of Energy, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Torino, Italy; (U.L.); (G.G.); (R.B.)
| | - Iris Chiara Salaroglio
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Via Santena 5 bis, 10126 Torino, Italy; (L.B.); (I.C.S.)
| | - Iacopo Gesmundo
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Torino, Corso A.M. Dogliotti 14, 10126 Torino, Italy; (I.G.); (R.G.); (A.P.)
| | - Riccarda Granata
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Torino, Corso A.M. Dogliotti 14, 10126 Torino, Italy; (I.G.); (R.G.); (A.P.)
| | - Romano Borchiellini
- Department of Energy, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Torino, Italy; (U.L.); (G.G.); (R.B.)
| | - Antonio Ponzetto
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Torino, Corso A.M. Dogliotti 14, 10126 Torino, Italy; (I.G.); (R.G.); (A.P.)
| | - Francesca Silvagno
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Via Santena 5 bis, 10126 Torino, Italy; (L.B.); (I.C.S.)
- Correspondence:
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Rix J, Uckermann O, Kirsche K, Schackert G, Koch E, Kirsch M, Galli R. Correlation of biomechanics and cancer cell phenotype by combined Brillouin and Raman spectroscopy of U87-MG glioblastoma cells. JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY, INTERFACE 2022; 19:20220209. [PMID: 35857926 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2022.0209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The elucidation of biomechanics furthers our understanding of brain tumour biology. Brillouin spectroscopy is a new optical method that addresses viscoelastic properties down to subcellular resolution in a contact-free manner. Moreover, it can be combined with Raman spectroscopy to obtain co-localized biochemical information. Here, we applied co-registered Brillouin and Raman spectroscopy to U87-MG human glioblastoma cells in vitro. Using two-dimensional and three-dimensional cultures, we related biomechanical properties to local biochemical composition at the subcellular level, as well as the cell phenotype. Brillouin and Raman mapping of adherent cells showed that the nucleus and nucleoli are stiffer than the perinuclear region and the cytoplasm. The biomechanics of the cell cytoplasm is affected by culturing conditions, i.e. cells grown as spheroids are stiffer than adherent cells. Inside the spheroids, the presence of lipid droplets as assessed by Raman spectroscopy revealed higher Brillouin shifts that are not related to a local increase in stiffness, but are due to a higher refractive index combined with a lower mass density. This highlights the importance of locally defined biochemical reference data for a correct interpretation of the Brillouin shift of cells and tissues in future studies investigating the biomechanics of brain tumour models by Brillouin spectroscopy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Rix
- Clinical Sensoring and Monitoring, Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Fetscherstrasse 74, D-01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Ortrud Uckermann
- Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Fetscherstrasse 74, D-01307 Dresden, Germany.,Division of Medical Biology, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Fetscherstrasse 74, D-01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Katrin Kirsche
- Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Fetscherstrasse 74, D-01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Gabriele Schackert
- Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Fetscherstrasse 74, D-01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Edmund Koch
- Clinical Sensoring and Monitoring, Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Fetscherstrasse 74, D-01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Matthias Kirsch
- Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Fetscherstrasse 74, D-01307 Dresden, Germany.,Klinik für Neurochirurgie, Asklepios Kliniken Schildautal, Karl-Herold-Strasse 1, D-38723 Seesen, Germany.,National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Partner Site Dresden, Fetscherstrasse 74, D-01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Roberta Galli
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Fetscherstrasse 74, D-01307 Dresden, Germany
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Cheng GJ, Leung EY, Singleton DC. In vitro breast cancer models for studying mechanisms of resistance to endocrine therapy. EXPLORATION OF TARGETED ANTI-TUMOR THERAPY 2022; 3:297-320. [PMID: 36045910 PMCID: PMC9400723 DOI: 10.37349/etat.2022.00084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of endocrine resistance is a common reason for the failure of endocrine therapies in hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. This review provides an overview of the different types of in vitro models that have been developed as tools for studying endocrine resistance. In vitro models include cell lines that have been rendered endocrine-resistant by ex vivo treatment; cell lines with de novo resistance mechanisms, including genetic alterations; three-dimensional (3D) spheroid, co-culture, and mammosphere techniques; and patient-derived organoid models. In each case, the key discoveries, different analysis strategies that are suitable, and strengths and weaknesses are discussed. Certain recently developed methodologies that can be used to further characterize the biological changes involved in endocrine resistance are then emphasized, along with a commentary on the types of research outcomes that using these techniques can support. Finally, a discussion anticipates how these recent developments will shape future trends in the field. We hope this overview will serve as a useful resource for investigators that are interested in understanding and testing hypotheses related to mechanisms of endocrine therapy resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary J. Cheng
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Euphemia Y. Leung
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Dean C. Singleton
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
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Pullan J, Dailey K, Bhallamudi S, Feng L, Alhalhooly L, Froberg J, Osborn J, Sarkar K, Molden T, Sathish V, Choi Y, Brooks A, Mallik S. Modified Bovine Milk Exosomes for Doxorubicin Delivery to Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2022; 5:2163-2175. [PMID: 35417133 PMCID: PMC9245909 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.2c00015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Biological nanoparticles, such as exosomes, offer an approach to drug delivery because of their innate ability to transport biomolecules. Exosomes are derived from cells and an integral component of cellular communication. However, the cellular cargo of human exosomes could negatively impact their use as a safe drug carrier. Additionally, exosomes have the intrinsic yet enigmatic, targeting characteristics of complex cellular communication. Hence, harnessing the natural transport abilities of exosomes for drug delivery requires predictably targeting these biological nanoparticles. This manuscript describes the use of two chemical modifications, incorporating a neuropilin receptor agonist peptide (iRGD) and a hypoxia-responsive lipid for targeting and release of an encapsulated drug from bovine milk exosomes to triple-negative breast cancer cells. Triple-negative breast cancer is a very aggressive and deadly form of malignancy with limited treatment options. Incorporation of both the iRGD peptide and hypoxia-responsive lipid into the lipid bilayer of bovine milk exosomes and encapsulation of the anticancer drug, doxorubicin, created the peptide targeted, hypoxia-responsive bovine milk exosomes, iDHRX. Initial studies confirmed the presence of iRGD peptide and the exosomes' ability to target the αvβ3 integrin, overexpressed on triple-negative breast cancer cells' surface. These modified exosomes were stable under normoxic conditions but fragmented in the reducing microenvironment created by 10 mM glutathione. In vitro cellular internalization studies in monolayer and three-dimensional (3D) spheroids of triple-negative breast cancer cells confirmed the cell-killing ability of iDHRX. Cell viability of 50% was reached at 10 μM iDHRX in the 3D spheroid models using four different triple-negative breast cancer cell lines. Overall, the tumor penetrating, hypoxia-responsive exosomes encapsulating doxorubicin would be effective in reducing triple-negative breast cancer cells' survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Pullan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota 58105 United States
| | - Kaitlin Dailey
- Cell and Molecular Biology Program, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota 58105 United States
| | - Sangeeta Bhallamudi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota 58105 United States
| | - Li Feng
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota 58105 United States
| | - Lina Alhalhooly
- Department of Physics, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota 58105 United States
| | - Jamie Froberg
- Department of Physics, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota 58105 United States
| | - Jenna Osborn
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia 20052 United States
| | - Kausik Sarkar
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia 20052 United States
| | - Todd Molden
- Department of Animal Science, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota 58105 United States
| | - Venkatachalem Sathish
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota 58105 United States
| | - Yongki Choi
- Department of Physics, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota 58105 United States
| | - Amanda Brooks
- Office of Research and Scholarly Activity, Rocky Vista University, Ivins, Utah 84738 United States
| | - Sanku Mallik
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota 58105 United States
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Chen CH, Liu Y, Eskandari A, Ghimire J, Lin LC, Fang Z, Wimley WC, Ulmschneider JP, Suntharalingam K, Hu CJ, Ulmschneider MB. Integrated Design of a Membrane-Lytic Peptide-Based Intravenous Nanotherapeutic Suppresses Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2105506. [PMID: 35246961 PMCID: PMC9069370 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202105506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Membrane-lytic peptides offer broad synthetic flexibilities and design potential to the arsenal of anticancer therapeutics, which can be limited by cytotoxicity to noncancerous cells and induction of drug resistance via stress-induced mutagenesis. Despite continued research efforts on membrane-perforating peptides for antimicrobial applications, success in anticancer peptide therapeutics remains elusive given the muted distinction between cancerous and normal cell membranes and the challenge of peptide degradation and neutralization upon intravenous delivery. Using triple-negative breast cancer as a model, the authors report the development of a new class of anticancer peptides. Through function-conserving mutations, the authors achieved cancer cell selective membrane perforation, with leads exhibiting a 200-fold selectivity over non-cancerogenic cells and superior cytotoxicity over doxorubicin against breast cancer tumorspheres. Upon continuous exposure to the anticancer peptides at growth-arresting concentrations, cancer cells do not exhibit resistance phenotype, frequently observed under chemotherapeutic treatment. The authors further demonstrate efficient encapsulation of the anticancer peptides in 20 nm polymeric nanocarriers, which possess high tolerability and lead to effective tumor growth inhibition in a mouse model of MDA-MB-231 triple-negative breast cancer. This work demonstrates a multidisciplinary approach for enabling translationally relevant membrane-lytic peptides in oncology, opening up a vast chemical repertoire to the arms race against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles H. Chen
- Department of ChemistryKing's College LondonLondonSE1 1DBUK
- Synthetic Biology GroupResearch Laboratory of ElectronicsMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeMA02139USA
| | - Yu‐Han Liu
- Institute of Biomedical SciencesAcademia SinicaTaipei115Taiwan
| | | | - Jenisha Ghimire
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyTulane UniversityNew OrleansLA70112USA
| | | | - Zih‐Syun Fang
- Institute of Biomedical SciencesAcademia SinicaTaipei115Taiwan
| | - William C. Wimley
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyTulane UniversityNew OrleansLA70112USA
| | - Jakob P. Ulmschneider
- Department of PhysicsInstitute of Natural SciencesShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai200240China
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Zamora-Perez P, Xiao C, Sanles-Sobrido M, Rovira-Esteva M, Conesa JJ, Mulens-Arias V, Jaque D, Rivera-Gil P. Multiphoton imaging of melanoma 3D models with plasmonic nanocapsules. Acta Biomater 2022; 142:308-319. [PMID: 35104657 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2022.01.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
We report the synthesis of plasmonic nanocapsules and the cellular responses they induce in 3D melanoma models for their perspective use as a photothermal therapeutic agent. The wall of the nanocapsules is composed of polyelectrolytes. The inner part is functionalized with discrete gold nanoislands. The cavity of the nanocapsules contains a fluorescent payload to show their ability for loading a cargo. The nanocapsules exhibit simultaneous two-photon luminescent, fluorescent properties and X-ray contrasting ability. The average fluorescence lifetime (τ) of the nanocapsules measured with FLIM (0.3 ns) is maintained regardless of the intracellular environment, thus proving their abilities for bioimaging of models such as 3D spheroids with a complex architecture. Their multimodal imaging properties are exploited for the first time to study tumorspheres cellular responses exposed to the nanocapsules. Specifically, we studied cellular uptake, toxicity, intracellular fate, generation of reactive oxygen species, and effect on the levels of hypoxia by using multi-photon and confocal laser scanning microscopy. Because of the high X-ray attenuation and atomic number of the gold nanostructure, we imaged the nanocapsule-cell interactions without processing the sample. We confirmed maintenance of the nanocapsules' geometry in the intracellular milieu with no impairment of the cellular ultrastructure. Furthermore, we observed the lack of cellular toxicity and no alteration in oxygen or reactive oxygen species levels. These results in 3D melanoma models contribute to the development of these nanocapsules for their exploitation in future applications as agents for imaging-guided photothermal therapy. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The novelty of the work is that our plasmonic nanocapsules are multimodal. They are responsive to X-ray and to multiphoton and single-photon excitation. This allowed us to study their interaction with 2D and 3D cellular structures and specifically to obtain information on tumor cell parameters such as hypoxia, reactive oxygen species, and toxicity. These nanocapsules will be further validated as imaging-guided photothermal probes.
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Gallegos-Martínez S, Lara-Mayorga IM, Samandari M, Mendoza-Buenrostro C, Flores-Garza BG, Reyes-Cortés L, Segoviano-Ramírez JC, Zhang YS, Trujillo de Santiago G, Alvarez MM. Culture of cancer spheroids and evaluation of anti-cancer drugs in 3D-printed miniaturized continuous stirred tank reactors (mCSTR). Biofabrication 2022; 14. [PMID: 35344936 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/ac61a4] [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: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Cancer continues to be a leading cause of mortality in modern societies; therefore, improved and more reliable in vitro cancer models are needed to expedite fundamental research and anti-cancer drug development. Here, we describe the use of a miniaturized continuous stirred tank reactor (mCSTR) to first fabricate and mature cancer spheroids (i.e, derived from MCF7 cells, DU145 cells, and a mix of MCF7 cells and fibroblasts), and then to conduct anti-cancer drug assays under continuous perfusion. This 3 mL mCSTR features an off-center agitation system that enables homogeneous chaotic laminar mixing at low speeds to support cell aggregation. We incubated cell suspensions for 3 days in ultra-low-adherence (ULA) plates to allow formation of discoid cell aggregates (~600 µm in diameter). These cell aggregates were then transferred into mCSTRs and continuously fed with culture medium. We characterized the spheroid morphology and the expression of relevant tumor biomarkers at different maturation times for up to 4 weeks. The spheroids progressively increased in size during the first 5 to 6 days of culture to reach a steady diameter between 600 and 800 µm. In proof-of-principle experiments, we demonstrated the use of this mCSTR in anti-cancer drug testing. Three drugs commonly used in breast cancer treatment (doxorubicin, docetaxel, and paclitaxel) were probed at different concentrations in MCF7 derived spheroids. In these experiments, we evaluated cell viability, glucose consumption, spheroid morphology, lactate dehydrogenase activity, and the expression of genes associated with drug resistance (ABCB1 and ABCC1) and anti-apoptosis (Bcl2). We envision the use of this agitated system as a tumor-on-a-chip platform to expedite efficacy and safety testing of novel anti-cancer drugs and possibly in personalized medicine applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvador Gallegos-Martínez
- Centro de Biotecnología-FEMSA, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Ave. Eugenio Garza Sada 2501 sur, Col. Tecnológico, Monterrey, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, 64849, MEXICO
| | - Itzel Montserrat Lara-Mayorga
- Centro de Biotecnología-FEMSA, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Ave. Eugenio Garza Sada 2501 sur, Col. Tecnológico, Monterrey, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, 64849, MEXICO
| | - Mohamadmahdi Samandari
- University of Connecticut Health Center, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, Connecticut, 06032-1941, UNITED STATES
| | - Christian Mendoza-Buenrostro
- Centro de Innovación en Diseño y Tecnología, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Ave. Eugenio Garza Sada 2501 sur, Monterrey, Nuevo León, 64849, MEXICO
| | - Brenda Giselle Flores-Garza
- Centro de Biotecnología-FEMSA, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Ave. Eugenio Garza Sada 2501 sur, Col. Tecnológico, Monterrey, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, 64849, MEXICO
| | - Luisa Reyes-Cortés
- Centro de Biotecnología-FEMSA, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Ave. Eugenio Garza Sada 2501 sur, Col. Tecnológico, Monterrey, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, 64849, MEXICO
| | - Juan Carlos Segoviano-Ramírez
- Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Dr. José Eleuterio González (Gonzalitos), Mitras Centro, San Nicolas de los Garza, Nuevo Leon, 64460, MEXICO
| | - Yu Shrike Zhang
- Harvard Medical School, 65 Landsdowne Street, Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, UNITED STATES
| | - Grissel Trujillo de Santiago
- Centro de Biotecnología-FEMSA, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Ave. Eugenio Garza Sada 2501 sur, Col. Tecnológico, Monterrey, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, 64849, MEXICO
| | - Mario Moisés Alvarez
- Centro de Biotecnología-FEMSA, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Ave. Eugenio Garza Sada 2501 sur, Col. Tecnológico, Monterrey, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, 64849, MEXICO
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Han J, Jeon S, Kim MK, Jeong W, Yoo JJ, Kang HW. In vitrobreast cancer model with patient-specific morphological features for personalized medicine. Biofabrication 2022; 14. [PMID: 35334470 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/ac6127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
In vitro cancer models that can simulate patient-specific drug responses for personalized medicine have attracted significant attention. However, the technologies used to produce such models can only recapitulate the morphological heterogeneity of human cancer tissue. Here, we developed a novel 3D technique to bioprint an in vitro breast cancer model with patient-specific morphological features. This model can precisely mimic the cellular microstructures of heterogeneous cancer tissues and produce drug responses similar to those of human cancers. We established a bioprinting process for generating cancer cell aggregates with ductal and solid tissue microstructures that reflected the morphology of breast cancer tissues, and applied it to develop breast cancer models. The genotypic and phenotypic characteristics of the ductal and solid cancer aggregates bioprinted with human breast cancer cells (MCF7, SKBR3, MDA-MB-231) were respectively similar to those of early and advanced cancers. The bioprinted solid cancer cell aggregates showed significantly higher hypoxia (>8 times) and mesenchymal (>2-4 times) marker expressions, invasion activity (>15 times), and drug resistance than the bioprinted ductal aggregates. Co-printing the ductal and solid aggregates produced heterogeneous breast cancer tissue models that recapitulated three different stages of breast cancer tissue morphology. The bioprinted cancer tissue models representing advanced cancer were more and less resistant, respectively, to the anthracycline antibiotic doxorubicin and the hypoxia-activated prodrug tirapazamine; these were analogous to the results in human cancer. The present findings showed that cancer cell aggregates can mimic the pathological micromorphology of human breast cancer tissue and they can be bioprinted to produce breast cancer tissue in vitro that can morphologically represent the clinical stage of cancer in individual patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonghyeuk Han
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, 50, UNIST-gil, Ulsan, Ulsan, 44919, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Seunggyu Jeon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, 50, UNIST-gil, Ulsan, Ulsan, 44919, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Min Kyeong Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, 50, UNIST-gil, Ulsan, Ulsan, 44919, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Wonwoo Jeong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, 50, UNIST-gil, Ulsan, Ulsan, 44919, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - James J Yoo
- Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University, Medical Center Boulevard, NC 27157-1093, USA, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, 27109, UNITED STATES
| | - Hyun-Wook Kang
- School of Life Sciences, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, 50, UNIST-gil, Ulsan, 44919, Korea (the Republic of)
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Albert V, Piendl G, Yousseff D, Lammert H, Hummel M, Ortmann O, Jagla W, Gaumann A, Wege AK, Brockhoff G. Protein kinase C targeting of luminal (T-47D), luminal/HER2-positive (BT474), and triple negative (HCC1806) breast cancer cells in-vitro with AEB071 (Sotrastaurin) is efficient but mediated by subtype specific molecular effects. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2022; 306:1197-1210. [PMID: 35298675 PMCID: PMC9470618 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-022-06434-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Protein kinase C (PKC) plays a pivotal role in malignant cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasiveness and migration. However, its exploitation as therapeutic target in breast cancer has been merely explored. Here were evaluated the AEB071 (Sotrastaurin™) treatment efficiency of breast cancer cell lines derived from estrogen receptor positive (T-47D), estrogen/HER2 receptor positive (BT474), and triple negative (HCC1806) breast cancer cells under 2D (monolayer) and 3D (multicellular tumor spheroids) culture conditions. Additionally, spheroid cocultures of BC and N1 fibroblasts were analyzed. Methods We quantitatively assessed the proliferation capacity of breast cancer cells and fibroblasts as a function of AEB071 treatment using flow cytometry. The activities of PKC isoforms, substrates, and key molecules of the PKC signaling known to be involved in the regulation of tumor cell proliferation and cellular survival were additionally evaluated. Moreover, a multigene expression analysis (PanCancer Pathways assay) using the nanoString™ technology was applied. Results All breast cancer cell lines subjected to this study were sensitive to AEB071 treatment, whereby cell proliferation in 2D culture was considerably (BT474) or moderately (HCC1806) retarded in G0/G1 or in G2/M phase (T-47D) of the cell cycle. Regardless of the breast cancer subtype the efficiency of AEB071 treatment was significantly lower in the presence of N1 fibroblast cells. Subtype specific driver molecules, namely IL19, c-myb, and NGFR were mostly affected by the AEB071 treatment. Conclusion A combined targeting of PKC and a subtype specific driver molecule might complement specified breast cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veruschka Albert
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Center Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Gerhard Piendl
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Center Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | | | - Hedwig Lammert
- Institute of Pathology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael Hummel
- Institute of Pathology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Olaf Ortmann
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Center Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | | | | | - Anja K Wege
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Center Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Gero Brockhoff
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Center Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, 93053, Regensburg, Germany.
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Rabie AM, Ali ASM, Al-Zeer MA, Barhoum A, EL-Hallouty S, Shousha WG, Berg J, Kurreck J, Khalil ASG. Spontaneous Formation of 3D Breast Cancer Tissues on Electrospun Chitosan/Poly(ethylene oxide) Nanofibrous Scaffolds. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:2114-2126. [PMID: 35071900 PMCID: PMC8771982 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.1c05646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) tissue culture has attracted a great deal of attention as a result of the need to replace the conventional two-dimensional cell cultures with more meaningful methods, especially for understanding the sophisticated nature of native tumor microenvironments. However, most techniques for 3D tissue culture are laborious, expensive, and limited to spheroid formation. In this study, a low-cost and highly effective nanofibrous scaffold is presented for spontaneous formation of reproducible 3D breast cancer microtissues. Experimentally, aligned and non-aligned chitosan/poly(ethylene oxide) nanofibrous scaffolds were prepared at one of two chitosan concentrations (2 and 4 wt %) and various electrospinning parameters. The resulting fabricated scaffolds (C2P1 and C4P1) were structurally and morphologically characterized, as well as analyzed in silico. The obtained data suggest that the fiber diameter, surface roughness, and scaffold wettability are tunable and can be influenced based on the chitosan concentration, electrospinning conditions, and alignment mode. To test the usefulness of the fabricated scaffolds for 3D cell culture, a breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) was cultured on their surfaces and evaluated morphologically and biochemically. The obtained data showed a higher proliferation rate for cells grown on scaffolds compared to cells grown on two-dimensional adherent plates (tissue culture plate). The MTT assay revealed that the rate of cell proliferation on nanofibrous scaffolds is statistically significantly higher compared to tissue culture plate (P ≤ 0.001) after 14 days of culture. The formation of spheroids within the first few days of culture shows that the scaffolds effectively support 3D tissue culture from the outset of the experiment. Furthermore, 3D breast cancer tissues were spontaneously formed within 10 days of culture on aligned and non-aligned nanofibrous scaffolds, which suggests that the scaffolds imitate the in vivo extracellular matrix in the tumor microenvironment. Detailed mechanisms for the spontaneous formation of the 3D microtissues have been proposed. Our results suggest that scaffold surface topography significantly influences tissue formation and behavior of the cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amna M.
I. Rabie
- Environmental
and Smart Technology Group (ESTG), Faculty of Science, Fayoum University, 63514 Fayoum, Egypt
- Chemistry
Department, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Ain Helwan, 11795 Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ahmed S. M. Ali
- Department
of Applied Biochemistry, Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, 13355 Berlin, Germany
- Nanotechnology
Research Center (NTRC), The British University
in Egypt (BUE), El-Sherouk City, 11837 Cairo, Egypt
| | - Munir A. Al-Zeer
- Department
of Applied Biochemistry, Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, 13355 Berlin, Germany
| | - Ahmed Barhoum
- Chemistry
Department, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Ain Helwan, 11795 Cairo, Egypt
| | - Salwa EL-Hallouty
- Department
of Medicinal Drugs, National Research Center, 12622 Giza, Egypt
| | - Wafaa G. Shousha
- Chemistry
Department, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Ain Helwan, 11795 Cairo, Egypt
| | - Johanna Berg
- Department
of Applied Biochemistry, Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, 13355 Berlin, Germany
| | - Jens Kurreck
- Department
of Applied Biochemistry, Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, 13355 Berlin, Germany
| | - Ahmed S. G. Khalil
- Environmental
and Smart Technology Group (ESTG), Faculty of Science, Fayoum University, 63514 Fayoum, Egypt
- Materials
Science & Engineering Department, School of Innovative Design
Engineering, Egypt-Japan University of Science
and Technology (E-JUST), 21934 Alexandria, Egypt
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Ali R, Huwaizi S, Alhallaj A, Al Subait A, Barhoumi T, Al Zahrani H, Al Anazi A, Latif Khan A, Boudjelal M. New Born Calf Serum Can Induce Spheroid Formation in Breast Cancer KAIMRC1 Cell Line. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 8:769030. [PMID: 35004846 PMCID: PMC8740237 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.769030] [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: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) cell culture systems have become very popular in the field of drug screening and discovery. There is an immense demand for highly efficient and easy methods to produce 3D spheroids in any cell format. We have developed a novel and easy method to produce spheroids from the newly isolated KAIMRC1 cell line in vitro. It can be used as a 3D model to study proliferation, differentiation, cell death, and drug response of cancer cells. Our procedure requires growth media supplemented with 10% new born calf serum (NBCS) and regular cell culture plates to generate KAIMRC1 spheroids without the need for any specialized 3D cell culture system. This procedure generates multiple spheroids within a 12–24-h culture. KAIMRC1 spheroids are compact, homogeneous in size and morphology with a mean size of 55.8 µm (±3.5). High content imaging (HCI) of KAIMRC1 spheroids treated with a panel of 240 compounds resulted in the identification of several highly specific compounds towards spheroids. Immunophenotyping of KAIMRC1 spheroids revealed phosphorylation of FAK, cJUN, and E-cadherin, which suggests the involvement of JNK/JUN pathway in the KAIMRC1 spheroids formation. Gene expression analysis showed upregulation of cell junction genes, GJB3, DSC1, CLDN5, CLDN8, and PLAU. Furthermore, co-culture of KAIMRC1 cells with primary cancer-associated-fibroblasts (CAFs) showcased the potential of these cells in drug discovery application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rizwan Ali
- Medical Research Core Facility and Platforms, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), MNGHA, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sarah Huwaizi
- Medical Research Core Facility and Platforms, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), MNGHA, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Alshaimaa Alhallaj
- Medical Research Core Facility and Platforms, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), MNGHA, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Arwa Al Subait
- Medical Research Core Facility and Platforms, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), MNGHA, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tlili Barhoumi
- Medical Research Core Facility and Platforms, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), MNGHA, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hajar Al Zahrani
- Medical Research Core Facility and Platforms, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), MNGHA, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah Al Anazi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, King Abdulaziz Medical City (KAMC), MNGHA, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdul Latif Khan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, King Abdulaziz Medical City (KAMC), MNGHA, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed Boudjelal
- Medical Research Core Facility and Platforms, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), MNGHA, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Nii T, Tabata Y. Immunosuppressive mesenchymal stem cells aggregates incorporating hydrogel microspheres promote an in vitro invasion of cancer cells. Regen Ther 2022; 18:516-522. [PMID: 34977285 PMCID: PMC8668441 DOI: 10.1016/j.reth.2021.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The objective of this study is to design a co-culture system of cancer cells and three-dimensional (3D) mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) aggregates for the in vitro evaluation of cancer invasion. Methods First, the MSC of an immunosuppressive phenotype (MSC2) were prepared by the MSC stimulation of polyriboinosinic polyribocytidylic acid. By simple mixing MSC2 and gelatin hydrogel microspheres (GM) in a U-bottomed well of 96 well plates which had been pre-coated with poly (vinyl alcohol), 3D MSC2 aggregates incorporating GM were obtained. The amount of chemokine (C–C motif) ligand 5 (CCL5) secreted from the MSC2 aggregates incorporating GM. Finally, an invasion assay was performed to evaluate the cancer invasion rate by co-cultured cancer cells and the 3D MSC2 incorporating GM. Results The amount of CCL5 secreted for the 3D MSC2 aggregates incorporating GM was significantly higher than that of two-dimensional (2D) MSC, 2D MSC2, and 3D MSC aggregates incorporating GM. When MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells were co-cultured with the 3D MSC2 aggregates incorporating GM, the invasion rate of cancer cells was significantly high compared with that of 2D MSC or 2D MSC2 and 3D MSC aggregates incorporating GM. In addition, high secretion of matrix metalloproteinase-2 was observed for the 3D MSC2 aggregates/cancer cells system. Conclusions It is concluded that the co-culture system of 3D MSC2 aggregates incorporating GM and cancer cells is promising to evaluate the invasion of cancer cells in vitro. This invasion model is an important tool for anti-cancer drug screening. Mesenchymal stem cells of an immunosuppressive phenotype (MSC2) were obtained. 3D MSC2 aggregates incorporating gelatin hydrogel microspheres were prepared. 3D MSC2 aggregates promoted the invasion rate of cancer cells.
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Key Words
- (CCL)5, chemokine (C–C motif) ligand
- 2D, two-dimensional
- 3D, three-dimensional
- Anti-cancer drug screening
- CAF, cancer-associated fibroblasts
- Cancer invasion model
- DDW, double-distilled water
- DMEM, Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium
- ELISA, enzyme-linked immunosolvent assay
- FCS, fetal calf serum
- GM, gelatin hydrogel microspheres
- Gelatin hydrogel microspheres
- MEM, minimum essential medium
- MMP, matrix metalloproteinase
- MSC, mesenchymal stem cells
- MSC2, MSC of an immunosuppressive phenotype
- Mesenchymal stem cells
- PBS, phosphate buffered-saline
- PVA, poly (vinyl alcohol)
- TAM, tumor-associated macrophages
- Three-dimensional cell culture
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Affiliation(s)
- Teruki Nii
- Laboratory of Biomaterials, Institute for Frontier Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, 53 Kawara-cho Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Yasuhiko Tabata
- Laboratory of Biomaterials, Institute for Frontier Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, 53 Kawara-cho Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
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Sukanya VS, Rath SN. Microfluidic Biosensor-Based Devices for Rapid Diagnosis and Effective Anti-cancer Therapeutic Monitoring for Breast Cancer Metastasis. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1379:319-339. [PMID: 35760998 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-04039-9_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer with unpredictable metastatic recurrence is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality. Early cancer detection and optimized therapy are the principal determining factors for increased survival rate. Worldwide, researchers and clinicians are in search of efficient strategies for the timely management of cancer progression. Efficient preclinical models provide information on cancer initiation, malignancy progression, relapse, and drug efficacy. The distinct histopathological features and clinical heterogeneity allows no single model to mimic breast tumor. However, engineering three-dimensional (3D) in vitro models incorporating cells and biophysical cues using a combination of organoid culture, 3D printing, and microfluidic technology could recapitulate the tumor microenvironment. These models serve to be preferable predictive models bridging the translational research gap in drug development. Microfluidic device is a cost-effective advanced in vitro model for cancer research, diagnosis, and drug assay under physiologically relevant conditions. Integrating a biosensor with microfluidics allows rapid real-time analytical validation to provide highly sensitive, specific, reproducible, and reliable outcomes. In this manner, the multi-system approach in identifying biomarkers associated with cancer facilitates early detection, therapeutic window optimization, and post-treatment evaluation.This chapter showcases the advancements related to in vitro breast cancer metastasis models focusing on microfluidic devices. The chapter aims to provide an overview of microfluidic biosensor-based devices for cancer detection and high-throughput chemotherapeutic drug screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- V S Sukanya
- Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Laboratory (RMS), Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Sangareddy, Telangana, India
| | - Subha Narayan Rath
- Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Laboratory (RMS), Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Sangareddy, Telangana, India.
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Nadesh R, Menon KN, Biswas L, Mony U, Subramania Iyer K, Vijayaraghavan S, Nambiar A, Nair S. Adipose derived mesenchymal stem cell secretome formulation as a biotherapeutic to inhibit growth of drug resistant triple negative breast cancer. Sci Rep 2021; 11:23435. [PMID: 34873206 PMCID: PMC8648896 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-01878-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In the present study, a protocol was developed for processing of human adipose derived mesenchymal stem cell secretome formulation of varying concentration. Its molecular composition was evaluated, and its effectiveness in vitro using breast cancer cell lines, and in vivo in a nude mice breast cancer model was studied to determine its role in suppressing triple negative breast cancer in a dose dependent manner. Because the secretome could have value as an add-on therapy along with a current drug, the effectiveness of the secretome both in monotherapy and in combination therapy along with paclitaxel was evaluated. The results showed significant cell kill when exposed to the secretome above 20 mg/ml at which concentration there was no toxicity to normal cells. 70 mg/ml of SF showed 90 ± 10% apoptosis and significant decrease in CD44+/CD24−, MDR1+ and PDL-1+ cancer cells. In vivo, the tumor showed no growth after daily intra tumor injections at 50 mg/ml and 100 mg/ml doses whereas substantial tumor growth occurred after saline intra tumor injection. The study concludes that SF is a potential biotherapeutic for breast cancer and could be used initially as an add-on therapy to other standard of care to provide improved efficacy without other adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ragima Nadesh
- Amrita Centre for Nanosciences and Molecular Medicine, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, Kerala, 682041, India
| | - Krishnakumar N Menon
- Amrita Centre for Nanosciences and Molecular Medicine, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, Kerala, 682041, India
| | - Lalitha Biswas
- Amrita Centre for Nanosciences and Molecular Medicine, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, Kerala, 682041, India
| | - Ullas Mony
- Amrita Centre for Nanosciences and Molecular Medicine, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, Kerala, 682041, India
| | - K Subramania Iyer
- Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, Kerala, 682041, India
| | - Sundeep Vijayaraghavan
- Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, Kerala, 682041, India
| | - Ajit Nambiar
- Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, Kerala, 682041, India
| | - Shantikumar Nair
- Amrita Centre for Nanosciences and Molecular Medicine, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, Kerala, 682041, India.
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Troitskaya O, Novak D, Nushtaeva A, Savinkova M, Varlamov M, Ermakov M, Richter V, Koval O. EGFR Transgene Stimulates Spontaneous Formation of MCF7 Breast Cancer Cells Spheroids with Partly Loss of HER3 Receptor. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:12937. [PMID: 34884742 PMCID: PMC8657849 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222312937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Multicellular spheroids with 3D cell-cell interactions are a useful model to simulate the growth conditions of cancer. There is evidence that in tumor spheroids, the expression of various essential molecules is changed compared to the adherent form of cell cultures. These changes include growth factor receptors and ABC transporters and result in the enhanced invasiveness of the cells and drug resistance. It is known that breast adenocarcinoma MCF7 cells can spontaneously form 3D spheroids and such spheroids are characterized by high expression of EGFR/HER2, while the natural phenotype of MCF7 cells is EGFRlow/HER2low. Therefore, it was interesting to reveal if high epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression is sufficient for the conversion of adherent MCF7 to spheroids. In this study, an MCF7 cell line with high expression of EGFR was engineered using the retroviral transduction method. These MCF7-EGFR cells assembled in spheroids very quickly and grew predominantly as a 3D suspension culture with no special plates, scaffolds, growth supplements, or exogenous matrixes. These spheroids were characterized by a rounded shape with a well-defined external border and 100 µM median diameter. The sphere-forming ability of MCF7-EGFR cells was up to 5 times stronger than in MCF7wt cells. Thus, high EGFR expression was the initiation factor of conversion of adherent MCF7wt cells to spheroids. MCF7-EGFR spheroids were enriched by the cells with a cancer stem cell (CSC) phenotype CD24-/low/CD44- in comparison with parental MCF7wt cells and MCF7-EGFR adhesive cells. We suppose that these properties of MCF7-EGFR spheroids originate from the typical features of parental MCF7 cells. We showed the decreasing of HER3 receptors in MCF7-EGFR spheroids compared to that in MCFwt and in adherent MCF7-EGFR cells, and the same decrease was observed in the MCF7wt spheroids growing under the growth factors stimulation. To summarize, the expression of EGFR transgene in MCF7 cells stimulates rapid spheroids formation; these spheroids are enriched by CSC-like CD24-/CD44- cells, they partly lose HER3 receptors, and are characterized by a lower potency in drug resistance pomp activation compared to MCF7wt. These MCF7-EGFR spheroids are a useful cancer model for the development of anticancer drugs, including EGFR-targeted therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Troitskaya
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine SB RAS, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (A.N.); (M.S.); (M.V.); (M.E.); (V.R.); (O.K.)
| | - Diana Novak
- Department of Natural Sciences, Novosibirsk State University, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia;
| | - Anna Nushtaeva
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine SB RAS, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (A.N.); (M.S.); (M.V.); (M.E.); (V.R.); (O.K.)
| | - Maria Savinkova
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine SB RAS, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (A.N.); (M.S.); (M.V.); (M.E.); (V.R.); (O.K.)
- Department of Natural Sciences, Novosibirsk State University, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia;
| | - Mikhail Varlamov
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine SB RAS, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (A.N.); (M.S.); (M.V.); (M.E.); (V.R.); (O.K.)
- Department of Natural Sciences, Novosibirsk State University, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia;
| | - Mikhail Ermakov
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine SB RAS, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (A.N.); (M.S.); (M.V.); (M.E.); (V.R.); (O.K.)
| | - Vladimir Richter
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine SB RAS, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (A.N.); (M.S.); (M.V.); (M.E.); (V.R.); (O.K.)
| | - Olga Koval
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine SB RAS, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (A.N.); (M.S.); (M.V.); (M.E.); (V.R.); (O.K.)
- Department of Natural Sciences, Novosibirsk State University, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia;
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Atat OE, Farzaneh Z, Pourhamzeh M, Taki F, Abi-Habib R, Vosough M, El-Sibai M. 3D modeling in cancer studies. Hum Cell 2021; 35:23-36. [PMID: 34761350 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-021-00642-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment contributes significantly to tumor initiation, progression, and resistance to chemotherapy. Much of our understanding of the tumor and its microenvironment is developed using various methods of cell culture. Throughout the last two decades, research has increasingly shown that 3D cell culture systems can remarkably recapitulate the complexity of tumor architecture and physiology compared to traditional 2D models. Unlike the flat culture system, these novel models enabled more cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix interactions. By mimicking in vivo microenvironment, 3D culture systems promise to become accurate tools ready to be used in diagnosis, drug screening, and personalized medicine. In this review, we discussed the importance of 3D culture in simulating the tumor microenvironment and focused on the effects of cancer cell-microenvironment interactions on cancer behavior, resistance, proliferation, and metastasis. Finally, we assessed the role of 3D cell culture systems in the contexts of drug screening. 2D culture system is used to study cancer cell growth, progression, behavior, and drug response. It provides contact between cells and supports paracrine crosstalk between host cells and cancer cells. However, this system fails to simulate the architecture and the physiological aspects of in vivo tumor microenvironment due to the absence of cell-cell/ cell-ECM interactions as well as unlimited access to O2 and nutrients, and the absence of tumor heterogeneity. Recently advanced research has led researchers to generate 3D culture system that can better recapitulate the in vivo environment by providing hypoxic medium, facilitating cell-cell and cell-ECM, interactions, and recapitulating heterogeneity of the tumor. Several approaches are used to maintain and expand cancer cells in 3D culture systems such as tumor spheroids (cell aggregate that mimics the in vivo growth of tumor cells), scaffold-based approaches, bioreactors, microfluidic derives, and organoids. 3D systems are currently used for disease modeling and pre-clinical drug testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oula El Atat
- Department of Natural Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Zahra Farzaneh
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahsa Pourhamzeh
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
- Division of Neuroscience, Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatima Taki
- Department of Natural Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Ralph Abi-Habib
- Department of Natural Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Massoud Vosough
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mirvat El-Sibai
- Department of Natural Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon.
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Is the regulation by miRNAs of NTPDase1 and ecto-5'-nucleotidase genes involved with the different profiles of breast cancer subtypes? Purinergic Signal 2021; 18:123-133. [PMID: 34741235 DOI: 10.1007/s11302-021-09824-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is a public health problem worldwide, causing suffering and premature death among women. As a heterogeneous disease, BC-specific diagnosis and treatment are challenging. Ectonucleotidases are related to tumor development and their expression may vary among BC. miRNAs may participate in epigenetic events and may regulate ectonucleotidases in BC. This study aimed to evaluate the expression of ectonucleotidases according to BC subtypes and to predict if there is post-transcriptional regulation of them by miRNAs. MCF 10A (non-tumorigenic), MCF7 (luminal BC), and MDA-MB-231 (triple-negative BC - TNBC) breast cell lines were used and ENTPD1 (the gene encoding for NTPDase1) and NT5E (the gene encoding for ecto-5'-nucleotidase) gene expression was determined. Interestingly, the expression of ENTPD1 was only observed in MCF7 and NT5E was lower in MCF7 compared to MDA-MB-231 cell line. ATP, ADP, and AMP hydrolysis were observed on the surface of all cell lines, being higher in MDA-MB-231. Like qPCR, the activity of AMP hydrolysis was also lower in the MCF7 cells, which may represent a striking feature of this BC subtype. In silico analyses confirmed that the miRNAs miR-101-3p, miR-141-3p, and miR-340-5p were higher expressed in MCF7 cells and targeted NT5E mRNA. Altogether, data suggest that the regulation of NT5E by miRNAs in MCF7 lineage may direct the molecular profile of luminal BC. Thus, we suggest that the roles of ecto-5'-nucleotidase and the aforementioned miRNAs must be unraveled in TNBC to be possibly defined as diagnostic and therapeutic targets.
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Mahajan V, Beck T, Gregorczyk P, Ruland A, Alberti S, Guck J, Werner C, Schlüßler R, Taubenberger AV. Mapping Tumor Spheroid Mechanics in Dependence of 3D Microenvironment Stiffness and Degradability by Brillouin Microscopy. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5549. [PMID: 34771711 PMCID: PMC8583550 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Altered biophysical properties of cancer cells and of their microenvironment contribute to cancer progression. While the relationship between microenvironmental stiffness and cancer cell mechanical properties and responses has been previously studied using two-dimensional (2D) systems, much less is known about it in a physiologically more relevant 3D context and in particular for multicellular systems. To investigate the influence of microenvironment stiffness on tumor spheroid mechanics, we first generated MCF-7 tumor spheroids within matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-degradable 3D polyethylene glycol (PEG)-heparin hydrogels, where spheroids showed reduced growth in stiffer hydrogels. We then quantitatively mapped the mechanical properties of tumor spheroids in situ using Brillouin microscopy. Maps acquired for tumor spheroids grown within stiff hydrogels showed elevated Brillouin frequency shifts (hence increased longitudinal elastic moduli) with increasing hydrogel stiffness. Maps furthermore revealed spatial variations of the mechanical properties across the spheroids' cross-sections. When hydrogel degradability was blocked, comparable Brillouin frequency shifts of the MCF-7 spheroids were found in both compliant and stiff hydrogels, along with similar levels of growth-induced compressive stress. Under low compressive stress, single cells or free multicellular aggregates showed consistently lower Brillouin frequency shifts compared to spheroids growing within hydrogels. Thus, the spheroids' mechanical properties were modulated by matrix stiffness and degradability as well as multicellularity, and also to the associated level of compressive stress felt by tumor spheroids. Spheroids generated from a panel of invasive breast, prostate and pancreatic cancer cell lines within degradable stiff hydrogels, showed higher Brillouin frequency shifts and less cell invasion compared to those in compliant hydrogels. Taken together, our findings contribute to a better understanding of the interplay between cancer cells and microenvironment mechanics and degradability, which is relevant to better understand cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vaibhav Mahajan
- Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB), BIOTEC, Technische Universitaet Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany; (V.M.); (T.B.); (P.G.); (S.A.); (R.S.)
| | - Timon Beck
- Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB), BIOTEC, Technische Universitaet Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany; (V.M.); (T.B.); (P.G.); (S.A.); (R.S.)
- Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light & Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und Medizin, Staudtstr. 2, 91058 Erlangen, Germany;
| | - Paulina Gregorczyk
- Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB), BIOTEC, Technische Universitaet Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany; (V.M.); (T.B.); (P.G.); (S.A.); (R.S.)
| | - André Ruland
- Max Bergmann Center, Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden, 01069 Dresden, Germany; (A.R.); (C.W.)
| | - Simon Alberti
- Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB), BIOTEC, Technische Universitaet Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany; (V.M.); (T.B.); (P.G.); (S.A.); (R.S.)
| | - Jochen Guck
- Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light & Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und Medizin, Staudtstr. 2, 91058 Erlangen, Germany;
| | - Carsten Werner
- Max Bergmann Center, Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden, 01069 Dresden, Germany; (A.R.); (C.W.)
| | - Raimund Schlüßler
- Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB), BIOTEC, Technische Universitaet Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany; (V.M.); (T.B.); (P.G.); (S.A.); (R.S.)
| | - Anna Verena Taubenberger
- Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB), BIOTEC, Technische Universitaet Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany; (V.M.); (T.B.); (P.G.); (S.A.); (R.S.)
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Dogan E, Kisim A, Bati-Ayaz G, Kubicek GJ, Pesen-Okvur D, Miri AK. Cancer Stem Cells in Tumor Modeling: Challenges and Future Directions. ADVANCED NANOBIOMED RESEARCH 2021; 1:2100017. [PMID: 34927168 PMCID: PMC8680587 DOI: 10.1002/anbr.202100017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Microfluidic tumors-on-chips models have revolutionized anticancer therapeutic research by creating an ideal microenvironment for cancer cells. The tumor microenvironment (TME) includes various cell types and cancer stem cells (CSCs), which are postulated to regulate the growth, invasion, and migratory behavior of tumor cells. In this review, the biological niches of the TME and cancer cell behavior focusing on the behavior of CSCs are summarized. Conventional cancer models such as three-dimensional cultures and organoid models are reviewed. Opportunities for the incorporation of CSCs with tumors-on-chips are then discussed for creating tumor invasion models. Such models will represent a paradigm shift in the cancer community by allowing oncologists and clinicians to predict better which cancer patients will benefit from chemotherapy treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elvan Dogan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ 08028
| | - Asli Kisim
- Department of Molecular Biology & Genetics, Izmir Institute of Technology, Gulbahce Kampusu, Urla, Izmir, 35430, Turkey
| | - Gizem Bati-Ayaz
- Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Izmir Institute of Technology, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Gregory J. Kubicek
- Department of Radiation Oncology, MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper, 2 Cooper Plaza, Camden, NJ 08103
| | - Devrim Pesen-Okvur
- Department of Molecular Biology & Genetics, Izmir Institute of Technology, Gulbahce Kampusu, Urla, Izmir, 35430, Turkey; Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Izmir Institute of Technology, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Amir K. Miri
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ 08028; School of Medical Engineering, Science, and Health, Rowan University, Camden, NJ 08103
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Biofunctional supramolecular hydrogels fabricated from a short self-assembling peptide modified with bioactive sequences for the 3D culture of breast cancer MCF-7 cells. Bioorg Med Chem 2021; 46:116345. [PMID: 34416510 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2021.116345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Self-assembling peptides are a type of molecule with promise as scaffold materials for cancer cell engineering. We have reported a short self-assembling peptide, (FFiK)2, that had a symmetric structure connected via a urea bond. In this study, we functionalized (FFiK)2 by conjugation with various bioactive sequences for the 3D culture of cancer cells. Four sequences, RGDS and PHSRN derived from fibronectin and AG73 and C16 derived from laminin, were selected as bioactive sequences to promote cell adhesion, proliferation or migration. (FFiK)2, and its derivatives could co-assemble into supramolecular nanofibers displaying bioactive sequences and form hydrogels. MCF-7 cells were encapsulated in functionalized peptide hydrogels without significant cytotoxicity. Encapsulated MCF-7 cells proliferated under 3D culture conditions. MCF-7 cells proliferated with spheroid formation in hydrogels that displayed RGDS or PHSRN sequences, which will be able to be applied to drug screening targeting cancer stem cells. On the other hand, since MCF-7 cells migrated in a 3D hydrogel that displayed AG73, we could construct the metastatic model of breast cancer cells, which is helpful for the elucidation of breast cancer cells and drug screening against cancer cells under metastatic state. Therefore, functionalized (FFiK)2 hydrogels with various bioactive sequences can be used to regulate cancer cell function for tumor engineering and drug screening.
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