1
|
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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Schneider KM, Giehl K, Baeurle SA. Development and application of an agent-based model for the simulation of the extravasation process of circulating tumor cells. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR NUMERICAL METHODS IN BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING 2023; 39:e3679. [PMID: 36606741 DOI: 10.1002/cnm.3679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
The primary cause for cancer-related death is metastasis, and although this phenomenon is the hallmark of cancer, it remains poorly understood. Since studies on the underlying mechanisms are still demanding by experimental means prognostic tools based on computer models can be of great value, not only for elucidating metastasis formation but also for assessing the prospective benefits as well as risks of a therapy for patients with advanced cancer. Here, we present an agent-based model (ABM), describing the complete process of platelet-assisted extravasation of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from the chemoattraction of blood platelets by the CTCs up to the embedding of the CTCs in the epithelial tissue by computational means. From the simulation results, we conclude that the ABM produces results in consistency with experimental observations, which opens new perspectives for the development of computer models for predicting the efficacity of drug-based tumor therapies and assisting precision medicine approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kay M Schneider
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, Universität Siegen, Siegen, Germany
| | - Klaudia Giehl
- Signal Transduction of Cellular Motility, Internal Medicine IV, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Stephan A Baeurle
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, Universität Siegen, Siegen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Watson SA, Javanmardi Y, Zanieri L, Shahreza S, Ragazzini R, Bonfanti P, Moeendarbary E. Integrated role of human thymic stromal cells in hematopoietic stem cell extravasation. Bioeng Transl Med 2023; 8:e10454. [PMID: 36925684 PMCID: PMC10013751 DOI: 10.1002/btm2.10454] [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: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The human thymus is the site of T-cell maturation and induction of central tolerance. Hematopoietic stem cell (HSC)-derived progenitors are recruited to the thymus from the fetal liver during early prenatal development and from bone marrow at later stages and postnatal life. The mechanism by which HSCs are recruited to the thymus is poorly understood in humans, though mouse models have indicated the critical role of thymic stromal cells (TSC). Here, we developed a 3D microfluidic assay based on human cells to model HSC extravasation across the endothelium into the extracellular matrix. We found that the presence of human TSC consisting of cultured thymic epithelial cells (TEC) and interstitial cells (TIC) increases the HSC extravasation rates by 3-fold. Strikingly, incorporating TEC or TIC alone is insufficient to perturb HSC extravasation rates. Furthermore, we identified complex gene expressions from interactions between endothelial cells, TEC and TIC modulates the HSCs extravasation. Our results suggest that comprehensive signaling from the complex thymic microenvironment is crucial for thymus seeding and that our system will allow manipulation of these signals with the potential to increase thymocyte migration in a therapeutic setting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara A. Watson
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringUCLLondonUK
- Epithelial Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine LabThe Francis Crick InstituteLondonUK
| | | | - Luca Zanieri
- Epithelial Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine LabThe Francis Crick InstituteLondonUK
- Institute of Immunity and TransplantationDivision of Infection & Immunity, UCLLondonUK
| | | | - Roberta Ragazzini
- Epithelial Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine LabThe Francis Crick InstituteLondonUK
- Institute of Immunity and TransplantationDivision of Infection & Immunity, UCLLondonUK
| | - Paola Bonfanti
- Epithelial Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine LabThe Francis Crick InstituteLondonUK
- Institute of Immunity and TransplantationDivision of Infection & Immunity, UCLLondonUK
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Application of Microfluidic Systems for Breast Cancer Research. MICROMACHINES 2022; 13:mi13020152. [PMID: 35208277 PMCID: PMC8877872 DOI: 10.3390/mi13020152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is a disease in which cells in the body grow out of control; breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the United States. Due to early screening and advancements in therapeutic interventions, deaths from breast cancer have declined over time, although breast cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer death among women. Most deaths are due to metastasis, as cancer cells from the primary tumor in the breast form secondary tumors in remote sites in distant organs. Over many years, the basic biological mechanisms of breast cancer initiation and progression, as well as the subsequent metastatic cascade, have been studied using cell cultures and animal models. These models, although extremely useful for delineating cellular mechanisms, are poor predictors of physiological responses, primarily due to lack of proper microenvironments. In the last decade, microfluidics has emerged as a technology that could lead to a paradigm shift in breast cancer research. With the introduction of the organ-on-a-chip concept, microfluidic-based systems have been developed to reconstitute the dominant functions of several organs. These systems enable the construction of 3D cellular co-cultures mimicking in vivo tissue-level microenvironments, including that of breast cancer. Several reviews have been presented focusing on breast cancer formation, growth and metastasis, including invasion, intravasation, and extravasation. In this review, realizing that breast cancer can recur decades following post-treatment disease-free survival, we expand the discussion to account for microfluidic applications in the important areas of breast cancer detection, dormancy, and therapeutic development. It appears that, in the future, the role of microfluidics will only increase in the effort to eradicate breast cancer.
Collapse
|
5
|
Teixeira A, Carneiro A, Piairo P, Xavier M, Ainla A, Lopes C, Sousa-Silva M, Dias A, Martins AS, Rodrigues C, Pereira R, Pires LR, Abalde-Cela S, Diéguez L. Advances in Microfluidics for the Implementation of Liquid Biopsy in Clinical Routine. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1379:553-590. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-04039-9_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
6
|
Haemodynamic-dependent arrest of circulating tumour cells at large blood vessel bifurcations as new model for metastasis. Sci Rep 2021; 11:23231. [PMID: 34853364 PMCID: PMC8636484 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-02482-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Homing of circulating tumour cells (CTC) at distant sites represents a critical event in metastasis dissemination. In addition to physical entrapment, probably responsible of the majority of the homing events, the vascular system provides with geometrical factors that govern the flow biomechanics and impact on the fate of the CTC. Here we mathematically explored the distribution of velocities and the corresponding streamlines at the bifurcations of large blood vessel and characterized an area of low-velocity at the carina of bifurcation that favours the residence of CTC. In addition to this fluid physics effect, the adhesive capabilities of the CTC provide with a biological competitive advantage resulting in a marginal but systematic arrest as evidenced by dynamic in vitro recirculation in Y-microchannels and by perfusion in in vivo mice models. Our results also demonstrate that viscosity, as a main determinant of the Reynolds number that define flow biomechanics, may be modulated to limit or impair CTC accumulation at the bifurcation of blood vessels, in agreement with the apparent positive effect observed in the clinical setting by anticoagulants in advanced oncology disease.
Collapse
|
7
|
Subia B, Dahiya UR, Mishra S, Ayache J, Casquillas GV, Caballero D, Reis RL, Kundu SC. Breast tumor-on-chip models: From disease modeling to personalized drug screening. J Control Release 2021; 331:103-120. [PMID: 33417986 PMCID: PMC8172385 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2020.12.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide being the most common cancer among women. Despite the significant progress obtained during the past years in the understanding of breast cancer pathophysiology, women continue to die from it. Novel tools and technologies are needed to develop better diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, and to better understand the molecular and cellular players involved in the progression of this disease. Typical methods employed by the pharmaceutical industry and laboratories to investigate breast cancer etiology and evaluate the efficiency of new therapeutic compounds are still based on traditional tissue culture flasks and animal models, which have certain limitations. Recently, tumor-on-chip technology emerged as a new generation of in vitro disease model to investigate the physiopathology of tumors and predict the efficiency of drugs in a native-like microenvironment. These microfluidic systems reproduce the functional units and composition of human organs and tissues, and importantly, the rheological properties of the native scenario, enabling precise control over fluid flow or local gradients. Herein, we review the most recent works related to breast tumor-on-chip for disease modeling and drug screening applications. Finally, we critically discuss the future applications of this emerging technology in breast cancer therapeutics and drug development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bano Subia
- Elvesys Microfluidics Innovation Centre, Paris 75011, France..
| | | | - Sarita Mishra
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, New Delhi 110025, India..
| | - Jessica Ayache
- Elvesys Microfluidics Innovation Centre, Paris 75011, France..
| | | | - David Caballero
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs-Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, University of Minho, AvePark, Barco, Guimarãaes 4805-017, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4805-017, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.
| | - Rui L Reis
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs-Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, University of Minho, AvePark, Barco, Guimarãaes 4805-017, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4805-017, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.
| | - Subhas C Kundu
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs-Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, University of Minho, AvePark, Barco, Guimarãaes 4805-017, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4805-017, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Mansoorifar A, Gordon R, Bergan R, Bertassoni LE. Bone-on-a-chip: microfluidic technologies and microphysiologic models of bone tissue. ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS 2021; 31:2006796. [PMID: 35422682 PMCID: PMC9007546 DOI: 10.1002/adfm.202006796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Bone is an active organ that continuously undergoes an orchestrated process of remodeling throughout life. Bone tissue is uniquely capable of adapting to loading, hormonal, and other changes happening in the body, as well as repairing bone that becomes damaged to maintain tissue integrity. On the other hand, diseases such as osteoporosis and metastatic cancers disrupt normal bone homeostasis leading to compromised function. Historically, our ability to investigate processes related to either physiologic or diseased bone tissue has been limited by traditional models that fail to emulate the complexity of native bone. Organ-on-a-chip models are based on technological advances in tissue engineering and microfluidics, enabling the reproduction of key features specific to tissue microenvironments within a microfabricated device. Compared to conventional in-vitro and in-vivo bone models, microfluidic models, and especially organs-on-a-chip platforms, provide more biomimetic tissue culture conditions, with increased predictive power for clinical assays. In this review, we will report microfluidic and organ-on-a-chip technologies designed for understanding the biology of bone as well as bone-related diseases and treatments. Finally, we discuss the limitations of the current models and point toward future directions for microfluidics and organ-on-a-chip technologies in bone research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amin Mansoorifar
- Department of Restorative Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Ryan Gordon
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Raymond Bergan
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Luiz E. Bertassoni
- Department of Restorative Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- Cancer Early Detection Advanced Research Center (CEDAR), Knight Cancer Institute, Portland, OR, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
de Oliveira ÉA, Goding CR, Maria-Engler SS. Organotypic Models in Drug Development "Tumor Models and Cancer Systems Biology for the Investigation of Anticancer Drugs and Resistance Development". Handb Exp Pharmacol 2021; 265:269-301. [PMID: 32548785 DOI: 10.1007/164_2020_369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The landscape of cancer treatment has improved over the past decades, aiming to reduce systemic toxicity and enhance compatibility with the quality of life of the patient. However, at the therapeutic level, metastatic cancer remains hugely challenging, based on the almost inevitable emergence of therapy resistance. A small subpopulation of cells able to survive drug treatment termed the minimal residual disease may either harbor resistance-associated mutations or be phenotypically resistant, allowing them to regrow and become the dominant population in the therapy-resistant tumor. Characterization of the profile of minimal residual disease represents the key to the identification of resistance drivers that underpin cancer evolution. Therapeutic regimens must, therefore, be dynamic and tailored to take into account the emergence of resistance as tumors evolve within a complex microenvironment in vivo. This requires the adoption of new technologies based on the culture of cancer cells in ways that more accurately reflect the intratumor microenvironment, and their analysis using omics and system-based technologies to enable a new era in the diagnostics, classification, and treatment of many cancer types by applying the concept "from the cell plate to the patient." In this chapter, we will present and discuss 3D model building and use, and provide comprehensive information on new genomic techniques that are increasing our understanding of drug action and the emergence of resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Érica Aparecida de Oliveira
- Skin Biology and Melanoma Lab, Department of Clinical Chemistry and Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Colin R Goding
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Silvya Stuchi Maria-Engler
- Skin Biology and Melanoma Lab, Department of Clinical Chemistry and Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Suarez-Martinez AD, Sole-Gras M, Dykes SS, Wakefield ZR, Bauer K, Majbour D, Bundy A, Pampo C, Burow ME, Siemann DW, Huang Y, Murfee WL. Bioprinting on Live Tissue for Investigating Cancer Cell Dynamics. Tissue Eng Part A 2020; 27:438-453. [PMID: 33059528 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2020.0190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
A challenge in cancer research is the lack of physiologically responsive in vitro models that enable tracking of cancer cells in tissue-like environments. A model that enables real-time investigation of cancer cell migration, fate, and function during angiogenesis does not exist. Current models, such as 2D or 3D in vitro culturing, can contain multiple cell types, but they do not incorporate the complexity of intact microvascular networks. The objective of this study was to establish a tumor microvasculature model by demonstrating the feasibility of bioprinting cancer cells onto excised mouse tissue. Inkjet-printed DiI+ breast cancer cells on mesometrium tissues from C57Bl/6 mice demonstrated cancer cells' motility and proliferation through time-lapse imaging. Colocalization of DAPI+ nuclei confirmed that DiI+ cancer cells remained intact postprinting. Printed DiI+ 4T1 cells also remained viable after printing on Day 0 and after culture on Day 5. Time-lapse imaging over 5 days enabled tracking of cell migration and proliferation. The number of cells and cell area were significantly increased over time. After culture, cancer cell clusters were colocalized with angiogenic microvessels. The number of vascular islands, defined as disconnected endothelial cell segments, was increased for tissues with bioprinted cancer cells, which suggests that the early stages of angiogenesis were influenced by the presence of cancer cells. Bioprinting cathepsin L knockdown 4T1 cancer cells on wild-type tissues or nontarget 4T1 cells on NG2 knockout tissues served to validate the use of the model for probing tumor cell versus microenvironment changes. These results establish the potential for bioprinting cancer cells onto live mouse tissues to investigate cancer microvascular dynamics within a physiologically relevant microenvironment. Impact statement To keep advancing the cancer biology field, tissue engineering has been focusing on developing in vitro tumor biomimetic models that more closely resemble the native microenvironment. We introduce a novel methodology of bioprinting exogenous cancer cells onto mouse tissue that contains multiple cells and systems within native physiology to investigate cancer cell migration and interactions with nearby microvascular networks. This study corroborates the manipulation of different exogenous cells and host microenvironments that impact cancer cell dynamics in a physiologically relevant tissue. Overall, it is a new approach for delineating the effects of the microenvironment on cancer cells and vice versa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ariana D Suarez-Martinez
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Marc Sole-Gras
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Samantha S Dykes
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Zachary R Wakefield
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Kevin Bauer
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Dima Majbour
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Angela Bundy
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Christine Pampo
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Matthew E Burow
- Department of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Dietmar W Siemann
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Yong Huang
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Walter Lee Murfee
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Ribeiro P, Leitão L, Monteiro AC, Bortolin A, Moura B, Lamghari M, Neto E. Microfluidic-based models to address the bone marrow metastatic niche complexity. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2020; 112:27-36. [PMID: 32513499 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2020.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Bone marrow (BM) is a preferential metastatic site for solid cancers, contributing to higher morbidity and mortality among millions of oncologic patients worldwide. There are no current efficient therapies to minimize this health burden. Microfluidic based in vitro models emerge as powerful alternatives to animal testing, as well as promising tools for the development of personalized medicine solutions. The complexity associated with the BM metastatic niche originated a wide variety of microfluidic platforms designed to mimic this microenvironment. This review gathers the essential parameters to design an accurate in vitro microfluidic device, based on a comparative analysis of existing models created to address the different steps of the metastatic cascade.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrícia Ribeiro
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde da Universidade do Porto, Associação (i3S), 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica (INEB), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; Faculdade de Engenharia da Universidade do Porto (FEUP), 4200-465 Porto, Portugal; Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Luís Leitão
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde da Universidade do Porto, Associação (i3S), 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica (INEB), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana C Monteiro
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde da Universidade do Porto, Associação (i3S), 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica (INEB), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Andrea Bortolin
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde da Universidade do Porto, Associação (i3S), 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica (INEB), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; Faculdade de Engenharia da Universidade do Porto (FEUP), 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Beatriz Moura
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde da Universidade do Porto, Associação (i3S), 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica (INEB), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; Faculdade de Engenharia da Universidade do Porto (FEUP), 4200-465 Porto, Portugal; Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Meriem Lamghari
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde da Universidade do Porto, Associação (i3S), 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica (INEB), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Estrela Neto
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde da Universidade do Porto, Associação (i3S), 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica (INEB), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Coughlin MF, Kamm RD. The Use of Microfluidic Platforms to Probe the Mechanism of Cancer Cell Extravasation. Adv Healthc Mater 2020; 9:e1901410. [PMID: 31994845 PMCID: PMC7274859 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201901410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2019] [Revised: 11/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Powerful experimental tools have contributed a wealth of novel insight into cancer etiology from the organ to the subcellular levels. However, these advances in understanding have outpaced improvements in clinical outcomes. One possible reason for this shortcoming is the reliance on animal models that do not fully replicate human physiology. An alternative in vitro approach that has recently emerged features engineered microfluidic platforms to investigate cancer progression. These devices allow precise control over cellular components, extracellular constituents, and physical forces, while facilitating detailed microscopic analysis of the metastatic process. This review focuses on the recent use of microfluidic platforms to investigate the mechanism of cancer cell extravasation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark F Coughlin
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Roger D Kamm
- Cecil and Ida Green Distinguished Professor of Biological and Mechanical Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Abstract
Cancer is a heterogeneous disease that requires a multimodal approach to diagnose, manage and treat. A better understanding of the disease biology can lead to identification of novel diagnostic/prognostic biomarkers and the discovery of the novel therapeutics with the goal of improving patient outcomes. Employing advanced technologies can facilitate this, enabling better diagnostic and treatment for cancer patients. In this regard, microfluidic technology has emerged as a promising tool in the studies of cancer, including single cancer cell analysis, modeling angiogenesis and metastasis, drug screening and liquid biopsy. Microfluidic technologies have opened new ways to study tumors in the preclinical and clinical settings. In this chapter, we highlight novel application of this technology in area of fundamental, translational and clinical cancer research.
Collapse
|
14
|
Trujillo-de Santiago G, Flores-Garza BG, Tavares-Negrete JA, Lara-Mayorga IM, González-Gamboa I, Zhang YS, Rojas-Martínez A, Ortiz-López R, Álvarez MM. The Tumor-on-Chip: Recent Advances in the Development of Microfluidic Systems to Recapitulate the Physiology of Solid Tumors. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2019; 12:E2945. [PMID: 31514390 PMCID: PMC6766252 DOI: 10.3390/ma12182945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Revised: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The ideal in vitro recreation of the micro-tumor niche-although much needed for a better understanding of cancer etiology and development of better anticancer therapies-is highly challenging. Tumors are complex three-dimensional (3D) tissues that establish a dynamic cross-talk with the surrounding tissues through complex chemical signaling. An extensive body of experimental evidence has established that 3D culture systems more closely recapitulate the architecture and the physiology of human solid tumors when compared with traditional 2D systems. Moreover, conventional 3D culture systems fail to recreate the dynamics of the tumor niche. Tumor-on-chip systems, which are microfluidic devices that aim to recreate relevant features of the tumor physiology, have recently emerged as powerful tools in cancer research. In tumor-on-chip systems, the use of microfluidics adds another dimension of physiological mimicry by allowing a continuous feed of nutrients (and pharmaceutical compounds). Here, we discuss recently published literature related to the culture of solid tumor-like tissues in microfluidic systems (tumor-on-chip devices). Our aim is to provide the readers with an overview of the state of the art on this particular theme and to illustrate the toolbox available today for engineering tumor-like structures (and their environments) in microfluidic devices. The suitability of tumor-on-chip devices is increasing in many areas of cancer research, including the study of the physiology of solid tumors, the screening of novel anticancer pharmaceutical compounds before resourcing to animal models, and the development of personalized treatments. In the years to come, additive manufacturing (3D bioprinting and 3D printing), computational fluid dynamics, and medium- to high-throughput omics will become powerful enablers of a new wave of more sophisticated and effective tumor-on-chip devices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Grissel Trujillo-de Santiago
- Centro de Biotecnología-FEMSA, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Monterrey, Nuevo León CP 64849, Mexico.
- Departamento de Ingeniería Mecátrónica y Eléctrica, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Monterrey, Nuevo León CP 64849, Mexico.
| | | | | | - Itzel Montserrat Lara-Mayorga
- Centro de Biotecnología-FEMSA, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Monterrey, Nuevo León CP 64849, Mexico
- Departamento de Ingeniería Mecátrónica y Eléctrica, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Monterrey, Nuevo León CP 64849, Mexico
| | - Ivonne González-Gamboa
- Centro de Biotecnología-FEMSA, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Monterrey, Nuevo León CP 64849, Mexico
| | - Yu Shrike Zhang
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Augusto Rojas-Martínez
- Centro de Investigación y Transferencia en Salud, Hospital San José, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Monterrey, Nuevo León CP 64849, Mexico
| | - Rocío Ortiz-López
- Centro de Investigación y Transferencia en Salud, Hospital San José, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Monterrey, Nuevo León CP 64849, Mexico
| | - Mario Moisés Álvarez
- Centro de Biotecnología-FEMSA, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Monterrey, Nuevo León CP 64849, Mexico.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Perspectives on the role of brain cellular players in cancer-associated brain metastasis: translational approach to understand molecular mechanism of tumor progression. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2019; 37:791-804. [PMID: 30284650 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-018-9766-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Brain metastasis is one of the leading causes of death among cancer patients. Cancer cells migrate to various sites and harbor different niche in the body which help cancer cells in their survival. The brain is one of the safest place where cancer cells are protected from immune cells. Breast, lung, and melanoma cancer cells have high propensity to migrate towards the brain. To enter the brain, cancer cells have to cross the blood brain barrier. Survival and finding new niche in the brain are directed by several mechanisms in which different cellular players take part such as astrocytes, microglia, Schwann cells, satellite cells, oligodendrocytes, and ependymal cells. Usually, cancer cells highjack the machinery of brain cellular players to survive in the brain environment. It has been shown that co-culture of M2 macrophage with cancer cells leads to increased proliferation and survival of cancer cells. One of the challenges of understanding brain metastasis is appropriate model system to understand dynamic interaction of cancer cells and brain cellular players. To meet this challenge, microfluidic-based devices are employed which can mimic the dynamic conditions as well as can be used for culturing human cells for personalized therapy. In this review, we have systematically reviewed the current status of the role of cellular players in brain metastasis along with explaining how translational approach of microfluidics can be employed for finding new drug target as well as biomarker for brain metastasis. Finally, we have also commented on the mechanism of action of drugs against brain metastasis.
Collapse
|
16
|
Zañudo JGT, Guinn MT, Farquhar K, Szenk M, Steinway SN, Balázsi G, Albert R. Towards control of cellular decision-making networks in the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Phys Biol 2019; 16:031002. [PMID: 30654341 PMCID: PMC6405305 DOI: 10.1088/1478-3975/aaffa1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
We present the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) from two perspectives: experimental/technological and theoretical. We review the state of the current understanding of the regulatory networks that underlie EMT in three physiological contexts: embryonic development, wound healing, and metastasis. We describe the existing experimental systems and manipulations used to better understand the molecular participants and factors that influence EMT and metastasis. We review the mathematical models of the regulatory networks involved in EMT, with a particular emphasis on the network motifs (such as coupled feedback loops) that can generate intermediate hybrid states between the epithelial and mesenchymal states. Ultimately, the understanding gained about these networks should be translated into methods to control phenotypic outcomes, especially in the context of cancer therapeutic strategies. We present emerging theories of how to drive the dynamics of a network toward a desired dynamical attractor (e.g. an epithelial cell state) and emerging synthetic biology technologies to monitor and control the state of cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Gómez Tejeda Zañudo
- Department of Physics, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Center, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Cancer Program, Eli and Edythe L. Broad Institute of Harvard and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - M. Tyler Guinn
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794 USA
- Laufer Center for Physical and Quantitative Biology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
- Stony Brook Medical Scientist Training Program, 101 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Kevin Farquhar
- Laufer Center for Physical and Quantitative Biology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Mariola Szenk
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794 USA
- Laufer Center for Physical and Quantitative Biology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Steven N. Steinway
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Gábor Balázsi
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794 USA
- Laufer Center for Physical and Quantitative Biology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Réka Albert
- Department of Physics, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
- Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Zhao Y, Kankala RK, Wang SB, Chen AZ. Multi-Organs-on-Chips: Towards Long-Term Biomedical Investigations. Molecules 2019; 24:E675. [PMID: 30769788 PMCID: PMC6412790 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24040675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2019] [Revised: 02/06/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
With advantageous features such as minimizing the cost, time, and sample size requirements, organ-on-a-chip (OOC) systems have garnered enormous interest from researchers for their ability for real-time monitoring of physical parameters by mimicking the in vivo microenvironment and the precise responses of xenobiotics, i.e., drug efficacy and toxicity over conventional two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) cell cultures, as well as animal models. Recent advancements of OOC systems have evidenced the fabrication of 'multi-organ-on-chip' (MOC) models, which connect separated organ chambers together to resemble an ideal pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) model for monitoring the complex interactions between multiple organs and the resultant dynamic responses of multiple organs to pharmaceutical compounds. Numerous varieties of MOC systems have been proposed, mainly focusing on the construction of these multi-organ models, while there are only few studies on how to realize continual, automated, and stable testing, which still remains a significant challenge in the development process of MOCs. Herein, this review emphasizes the recent advancements in realizing long-term testing of MOCs to promote their capability for real-time monitoring of multi-organ interactions and chronic cellular reactions more accurately and steadily over the available chip models. Efforts in this field are still ongoing for better performance in the assessment of preclinical attributes for a new chemical entity. Further, we give a brief overview on the various biomedical applications of long-term testing in MOCs, including several proposed applications and their potential utilization in the future. Finally, we summarize with perspectives.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhao
- Institute of Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, Huaqiao University, Xiamen 361021, China.
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Biochemical Technology (Huaqiao University), Xiamen 361021, China.
| | - Ranjith Kumar Kankala
- Institute of Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, Huaqiao University, Xiamen 361021, China.
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Biochemical Technology (Huaqiao University), Xiamen 361021, China.
| | - Shi-Bin Wang
- Institute of Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, Huaqiao University, Xiamen 361021, China.
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Biochemical Technology (Huaqiao University), Xiamen 361021, China.
| | - Ai-Zheng Chen
- Institute of Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, Huaqiao University, Xiamen 361021, China.
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Biochemical Technology (Huaqiao University), Xiamen 361021, China.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Shang M, Soon RH, Lim CT, Khoo BL, Han J. Microfluidic modelling of the tumor microenvironment for anti-cancer drug development. LAB ON A CHIP 2019; 19:369-386. [PMID: 30644496 DOI: 10.1039/c8lc00970h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide. The complex and disorganized tumor microenvironment makes it very difficult to treat this disease. The most common in vitro drug screening method now is based on 2D culture models which poorly represent actual tumors. Therefore, many 3D tumor models which are more physiologically relevant have been developed to conduct in vitro drug screening and alleviate this situation. Among all these models, the microfluidic tumor model has the unique advantage of recapitulating the tumor microenvironment in a comparatively easier and representative fashion. While there are many review papers available on the related topic of microfluidic tumor models, in this review we aim to focus more on the possibility of generating "clinically actionable information" from these microfluidic systems, besides scientific insight. Our topics cover the tumor microenvironment, conventional 2D and 3D cultures, animal models, and microfluidic tumor models, emphasizing their link to anti-cancer drug discovery and personalized medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Menglin Shang
- BioSystems and Micromechanics (BioSyM) IRG, Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART) Centre, 1, Create Way, Enterprise Wing, 138602, Singapore.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Hsu YH, Liu WW, Wu TH, Lee CJT, Chen YH, Li PC. Study of diffusive- and convective-transport mediated microtumor growth in a controlled microchamber. Biomed Microdevices 2019; 21:7. [PMID: 30607550 DOI: 10.1007/s10544-018-0356-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
In this paper, we report on using mass transport to control nutrition supply of colorectal cancer cells for developing a microtumor in a confined microchamber. To mimic the spatial heterogeneity of a tumor, two microfluidic configurations based on resistive circuits are designed. One has a convection-dominated microchamber to simulate the tumor region proximal to leaky blood vessels. The other has a diffusion-dominated microchamber to mimic the tumor core that lacks blood vessels and nutrient supply. Thus, the time for nutrition to fill the microchamber can vary from tens of minutes to several hours. Results show that cells cultured under a diffusive supply of nutrition have a high glycolytic rate and a nearly constant oxygen consumption rate. In contrast, cells cultured under convective supply of nutrition have a gradual increase of oxygen consumption rate with a low glycolytic rate. This suggests that cancer cells have distinct reactions under different mass transport and nutrition supply. Using these two microfluidic platforms to create different rate of nutrition supply, it is found that a continuous microtumor that almost fills the mm-size microchamber can be developed under a low-nutrient supply environment, but not for the convective condition. It also is demonstrated that microchannels can simulate the delivery of anti-cancer drugs to the microtumor under controlled mass-transport. This method provides a means to develop a larger scale microtumor in a lab-on-a-Chip system for post development and stimulations, and microchannels can be applied to control the physical and chemical environment for anti-cancer drug screening.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Hsiang Hsu
- Institute of Applied Mechanics, National Taiwan University, No. 1, Sec.4, Roosevelt Rd., Taipei, 10617, Taiwan, Republic of China.
| | - Wei-Wen Liu
- Institute of Biomedical Electronics and Bioinformatics, National Taiwan University, No. 1, Sec.4, Roosevelt Rd., Taipei, 10617, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Tung-Han Wu
- Institute of Applied Mechanics, National Taiwan University, No. 1, Sec.4, Roosevelt Rd., Taipei, 10617, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Carina Jean-Tien Lee
- Institute of Applied Mechanics, National Taiwan University, No. 1, Sec.4, Roosevelt Rd., Taipei, 10617, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Yu-Hsi Chen
- Institute of Applied Mechanics, National Taiwan University, No. 1, Sec.4, Roosevelt Rd., Taipei, 10617, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Pai-Chi Li
- Institute of Biomedical Electronics and Bioinformatics, National Taiwan University, No. 1, Sec.4, Roosevelt Rd., Taipei, 10617, Taiwan, Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Bersini S, Miermont A, Pavesi A, Kamm RD, Thiery JP, Moretti M, Adriani G. A combined microfluidic-transcriptomic approach to characterize the extravasation potential of cancer cells. Oncotarget 2018; 9:36110-36125. [PMID: 30546831 PMCID: PMC6281425 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.26306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The reciprocal interaction between circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and tissue-specific cells is influential for the progression of metastases. In particular, the process of extravasation relies on the complex cross-talk between cancer cells and other cellular players such as the endothelium and the secondary tissue. However, most in vitro studies only focus on one heterotypic cell-cell interaction and often lack of physiological relevance. In this project, we investigated both CTC-endothelium and CTC-secondary site interactions during cancer cell extravasation. We first used a microarray analysis of extravasated MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells to identify key markers involved in extravasation. Then, we developed a tri-culture microfluidic platform combining cancer cells, endothelium and a bone-mimicking (BMi) microenvironment to assess how organ tropism influences the extravasation potential of cancer cells from different tissues. Through the microarray analyses of extravasated cancer cells we found that extravasation is associated with upregulation of late-metastatic markers along with specific proteases, such as matrix metalloprotease (MMP), a-disintegrin and metalloprotease (ADAM) and a-disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS) family members, which are all involved in endothelium glycocalyx shedding. Through the microfluidic extravasation assay, we found that the bone-like microenvironment increased invasion and motility of breast, bladder and ovarian cancer cell (MDA-MB-231, T24 and OVCAR-3). Among the three cell types, ovarian cancer cells presented the lowest migration rate and bladder cancer cells the highest, hence recapitulating their different level of bone tropism observed in vivo. Taken together, our results shed light on the importance of intercellular communication between CTCs and other non-tumor cells essential for promoting cancer cell extravasation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simone Bersini
- Cell and Tissue Engineering Laboratory, Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Milano, Italy
| | - Agnes Miermont
- BioSystems and Micromechanics IRG, Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology, Singapore
| | - Andrea Pavesi
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
| | - Roger Dale Kamm
- BioSystems and Micromechanics IRG, Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology, Singapore
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jean Paul Thiery
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Matteo Moretti
- Cell and Tissue Engineering Laboratory, Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Milano, Italy
- Regenerative Medicine Technologies Laboratory, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Lugano, Switzerland
- Swiss Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Giulia Adriani
- BioSystems and Micromechanics IRG, Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Kühlbach C, da Luz S, Baganz F, Hass VC, Mueller MM. A Microfluidic System for the Investigation of Tumor Cell Extravasation. Bioengineering (Basel) 2018; 5:E40. [PMID: 29882894 PMCID: PMC6027408 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering5020040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2018] [Revised: 05/17/2018] [Accepted: 05/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastatic dissemination of cancer cells is a very complex process. It includes the intravasation of cells into the metastatic pathways, their passive distribution within the blood or lymph flow, and their extravasation into the surrounding tissue. Crucial steps during extravasation are the adhesion of the tumor cells to the endothelium and their transendothelial migration. However, the molecular mechanisms that are underlying this process are still not fully understood. Novel three dimensional (3D) models for research on the metastatic cascade include the use of microfluidic devices. Different from two dimensional (2D) models, these devices take cell⁻cell, structural, and mechanical interactions into account. Here we introduce a new microfluidic device in order to study tumor extravasation. The device consists of three different parts, containing two microfluidic channels and a porous membrane sandwiched in between them. A smaller channel together with the membrane represents the vessel equivalent and is seeded separately with primary endothelial cells (EC) that are isolated from the lung artery. The second channel acts as reservoir to collect the migrated tumor cells. In contrast to many other systems, this device does not need an additional coating to allow EC growth, as the primary EC that is used produces their own basement membrane. VE-Cadherin, an endothelial adherence junction protein, was expressed in regular localization, which indicates a tight barrier function and cell⁻cell connections of the endothelium. The EC in the device showed in vivo-like behavior under flow conditions. The GFP-transfected tumor cells that were introduced were of epithelial or mesenchymal origin and could be observed by live cell imaging, which indicates tightly adherent tumor cells to the endothelial lining under different flow conditions. These results suggest that the new device can be used for research on molecular requirements, conditions, and mechanism of extravasation and its inhibition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Kühlbach
- Department of Mechanical und Medical Engineering, Hochschule Furtwangen University, Villingen-Schwenningen 78054, Germany.
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
| | - Sabrina da Luz
- Hahn-Schickard, Villingen-Schwenningen 78054, Germany, .
| | - Frank Baganz
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
| | - Volker C Hass
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
- HFU Hochschule Furtwangen, Department Medical and Life Science, Villingen-Schwenningen 78054, Germany.
| | - Margareta M Mueller
- Department of Mechanical und Medical Engineering, Hochschule Furtwangen University, Villingen-Schwenningen 78054, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Ma YHV, Middleton K, You L, Sun Y. A review of microfluidic approaches for investigating cancer extravasation during metastasis. MICROSYSTEMS & NANOENGINEERING 2018; 4:17104. [PMID: 0 DOI: 10.1038/micronano.2017.104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2017] [Revised: 10/18/2017] [Accepted: 11/19/2017] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
AbstractMetastases, or migration of cancers, are common and severe cancer complications. Although the 5-year survival rates of primary tumors have greatly improved, those of metastasis remain below 30%, highlighting the importance of investigating specific mechanisms and therapeutic approaches for metastasis. Microfluidic devices have emerged as a powerful platform for drug target identification and drug response screening and allow incorporation of complex interactions in the metastatic microenvironment as well as manipulation of individual factors. In this work, we review microfluidic devices that have been developed to study cancer cell migration and extravasation in response to mechanical (section ‘Microfluidic investigation of mechanical factors in cancer cell migration’), biochemical (section ‘Microfluidic investigation of biochemical signals in cancer cell invasion’), and cellular (section ‘Microfluidic metastasis-on-a-chip models for investigation of cancer extravasation’) signals. We highlight the device characteristics, discuss the discoveries enabled by these devices, and offer perspectives on future directions for microfluidic investigations of cancer metastasis, with the ultimate aim of identifying the essential factors for a ‘metastasis-on-a-chip’ platform to pursue more efficacious treatment approaches for cancer metastasis.
Collapse
|
23
|
Wang YI, Carmona C, Hickman JJ, Shuler ML. Multiorgan Microphysiological Systems for Drug Development: Strategies, Advances, and Challenges. Adv Healthc Mater 2018; 7:10.1002/adhm.201701000. [PMID: 29205920 PMCID: PMC5805562 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201701000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2017] [Revised: 09/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Traditional cell culture and animal models utilized for preclinical drug screening have led to high attrition rates of drug candidates in clinical trials due to their low predictive power for human response. Alternative models using human cells to build in vitro biomimetics of the human body with physiologically relevant organ-organ interactions hold great potential to act as "human surrogates" and provide more accurate prediction of drug effects in humans. This review is a comprehensive investigation into the development of tissue-engineered human cell-based microscale multiorgan models, or multiorgan microphysiological systems for drug testing. The evolution from traditional models to macro- and microscale multiorgan systems is discussed in regards to the rationale for recent global efforts in multiorgan microphysiological systems. Current advances in integrating cell culture and on-chip analytical technologies, as well as proof-of-concept applications for these multiorgan microsystems are discussed. Major challenges for the field, such as reproducibility and physiological relevance, are discussed with comparisons of the strengths and weaknesses of various systems to solve these challenges. Conclusions focus on the current development stage of multiorgan microphysiological systems and new trends in the field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ying I Wang
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Carlos Carmona
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826, USA
| | - James J Hickman
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826, USA
- Hesperos, Inc., 3259 Progress Dr, Room 158, Orlando, FL 32826
| | - Michael L Shuler
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
- Hesperos, Inc., 3259 Progress Dr, Room 158, Orlando, FL 32826
- Robert Frederick Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Caballero D, Kaushik S, Correlo V, Oliveira J, Reis R, Kundu S. Organ-on-chip models of cancer metastasis for future personalized medicine: From chip to the patient. Biomaterials 2017; 149:98-115. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2017.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2017] [Revised: 09/15/2017] [Accepted: 10/02/2017] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
|
25
|
Lintz M, Muñoz A, Reinhart-King CA. The Mechanics of Single Cell and Collective Migration of Tumor Cells. J Biomech Eng 2017; 139:2580907. [PMID: 27814431 DOI: 10.1115/1.4035121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Metastasis is a dynamic process in which cancer cells navigate the tumor microenvironment, largely guided by external chemical and mechanical cues. Our current understanding of metastatic cell migration has relied primarily on studies of single cell migration, most of which have been performed using two-dimensional (2D) cell culture techniques and, more recently, using three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds. However, the current paradigm focused on single cell movements is shifting toward the idea that collective migration is likely one of the primary modes of migration during metastasis of many solid tumors. Not surprisingly, the mechanics of collective migration differ significantly from single cell movements. As such, techniques must be developed that enable in-depth analysis of collective migration, and those for examining single cell migration should be adopted and modified to study collective migration to allow for accurate comparison of the two. In this review, we will describe engineering approaches for studying metastatic migration, both single cell and collective, and how these approaches have yielded significant insight into the mechanics governing each process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marianne Lintz
- The Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, 309 Weill Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853
| | - Adam Muñoz
- The Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, 309 Weill Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853
| | - Cynthia A Reinhart-King
- The Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, 302 Weill Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853 e-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Blaha L, Zhang C, Cabodi M, Wong JY. A microfluidic platform for modeling metastatic cancer cell matrix invasion. Biofabrication 2017; 9:045001. [PMID: 28812983 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/aa869d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Invasion of the extracellular matrix is a critical step in the colonization of metastatic tumors. The invasion process is thought to be driven by both chemokine signaling and interactions between invading cancer cells and physical components of the metastatic niche, including endothelial cells that line capillary walls and serve as a barrier to both diffusion and invasion of the underlying tissue. Transwell chambers, a tool for generating artificial chemokine gradients to induce cell migration, have facilitated recent work to investigate the chemokine contributions to matrix invasion. These chambers, however, are poorly designed for imaging, which limits their use in investigating the physical cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions driving matrix invasion. Microfluidic devices offer a promising model in which the invasion process can be imaged. Many current designs, however, have limited surface areas and possess intricate geometries that preclude the use of standard staining protocols to visualize cells and matrix proteins. In this work, we present a novel microfluidic platform for imaging cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions driving metastatic cancer cell matrix invasion. Our model is applied to investigate how endothelial cell-secreted matrix proteins and the physical endothelial monolayer itself interact with invading metastatic breast cancer cells to facilitate invasion of an underlying type I collagen gel. The results show that matrix invasion of metastatic breast cancer cells is significantly enhanced in the presence of live endothelial cells. Probing this interaction further, our platform revealed that, while the fibronectin-rich matrix deposited by endothelial cells was not sufficient to drive invasion alone, metastatic breast cancer cells were able to exploit components of energetically inactivated endothelial cells to gain entry into the underlying matrix. These findings reveal novel cell-cell interactions driving a key step in the colonization of metastatic tumors and have important implications for designing drugs targeted at preventing cancer metastasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Blaha
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, United States of America
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
On-chip human microvasculature assay for visualization and quantification of tumor cell extravasation dynamics. Nat Protoc 2017; 12:865-880. [PMID: 28358393 DOI: 10.1038/nprot.2017.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 251] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2017] [Accepted: 10/20/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Distant metastasis, which results in >90% of cancer-related deaths, is enabled by hematogenous dissemination of tumor cells via the circulation. This requires the completion of a sequence of complex steps including transit, initial arrest, extravasation, survival and proliferation. Increased understanding of the cellular and molecular players enabling each of these steps is key to uncovering new opportunities for therapeutic intervention during early metastatic dissemination. As a protocol extension, this article describes an adaptation to our existing protocol describing a microfluidic platform that offers additional applications. This protocol describes an in vitro model of the human microcirculation with the potential to recapitulate discrete steps of early metastatic seeding, including arrest, transendothelial migration and early micrometastases formation. The microdevice features self-organized human microvascular networks formed over 4-5 d, after which the tumor can be perfused and extravasation events are easily tracked over 72 h via standard confocal microscopy. Contrary to most in vivo and in vitro extravasation assays, robust and rapid scoring of extravascular cells, combined with high-resolution imaging, can be easily achieved because of the confinement of the vascular network to one plane close to the surface of the device. This renders extravascular cells clearly distinct and allows tumor cells of interest to be identified quickly as compared with those in thick tissues. The ability to generate large numbers of devices (∼36) per experiment further allows for highly parametric studies, which are required when testing multiple genetic or pharmacological perturbations. This is coupled with the capability for live tracking of single-cell extravasation events, allowing both tumor and endothelial morphological dynamics to be observed in high detail with a moderate number of data points.
Collapse
|
28
|
Adriani G, Pavesi A, Tan AT, Bertoletti A, Thiery JP, Kamm RD. Microfluidic models for adoptive cell-mediated cancer immunotherapies. Drug Discov Today 2016; 21:1472-1478. [PMID: 27185084 PMCID: PMC5035566 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2016.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2016] [Revised: 04/07/2016] [Accepted: 05/09/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Current adoptive T cell therapies have shown promising results in clinical trials but need further development as an effective cancer treatment. Here, we discuss how 3D microfluidic tumour models mimicking the tumour microenvironment could help in testing T cell immunotherapies by assessing engineered T cells and identifying combinatorial therapy to improve therapeutic efficacy. We propose that 3D microfluidic systems can be used to screen different patient-specific treatments, thereby reducing the burden of in vivo testing and facilitating the rapid translation of successful T cell cancer immunotherapies to the clinic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Adriani
- Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology, BioSyM IRG, 1 Create Way, 138602, Singapore
| | - Andrea Pavesi
- Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology, BioSyM IRG, 1 Create Way, 138602, Singapore
| | - Anthony T Tan
- DUKE-NUS Graduate Medical School Singapore, Emerging Infectious Disease Program, 8 College Road, 169857, Singapore
| | - Antonio Bertoletti
- DUKE-NUS Graduate Medical School Singapore, Emerging Infectious Disease Program, 8 College Road, 169857, Singapore
| | - Jean Paul Thiery
- National University of Singapore, Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine MD7, 8 Medical Drive, 117597, Singapore
| | - Roger D Kamm
- Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology, BioSyM IRG, 1 Create Way, 138602, Singapore; Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Biological Engineering, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, 02139 Cambridge, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Boussommier-Calleja A, Li R, Chen MB, Wong SC, Kamm RD. Microfluidics: A new tool for modeling cancer-immune interactions. Trends Cancer 2016; 2:6-19. [PMID: 26858990 PMCID: PMC4743529 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2015.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
In recognition of the enormous potential of immunotherapies against cancer, research into the interactions between tumor and immune cells has accelerated, leading to the recent FDA approval of several drugs that reduce cancer progression. Numerous cellular and molecular interactions have been identified by which immune cells can intervene in the metastatic cascade, leading to the development of several in vivo and in vitro model systems that can recapitulate these processes. Among these, microfluidic technologies hold many advantages in terms of their unique ability to capture the essential features of multiple cell type interactions in three-dimensions while allowing tight control of the microenvironment and real-time monitoring. Here, we review current assays and discuss the development of new microfluidic technologies for immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ran Li
- Department of Biological Engineering, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Siew Cheng Wong
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A-STAR), Biopolis, Singapore
| | - Roger D. Kamm
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Biological Engineering, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Microfluidic Organ/Body-on-a-Chip Devices at the Convergence of Biology and Microengineering. SENSORS 2015; 15:31142-70. [PMID: 26690442 PMCID: PMC4721768 DOI: 10.3390/s151229848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2015] [Revised: 11/16/2015] [Accepted: 12/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Recent advances in biomedical technologies are mostly related to the convergence of biology with microengineering. For instance, microfluidic devices are now commonly found in most research centers, clinics and hospitals, contributing to more accurate studies and therapies as powerful tools for drug delivery, monitoring of specific analytes, and medical diagnostics. Most remarkably, integration of cellularized constructs within microengineered platforms has enabled the recapitulation of the physiological and pathological conditions of complex tissues and organs. The so-called “organ-on-a-chip” technology, which represents a new avenue in the field of advanced in vitro models, with the potential to revolutionize current approaches to drug screening and toxicology studies. This review aims to highlight recent advances of microfluidic-based devices towards a body-on-a-chip concept, exploring their technology and broad applications in the biomedical field.
Collapse
|
31
|
A Review of Cell Adhesion Studies for Biomedical and Biological Applications. Int J Mol Sci 2015; 16:18149-84. [PMID: 26251901 PMCID: PMC4581240 DOI: 10.3390/ijms160818149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 511] [Impact Index Per Article: 56.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2015] [Revised: 06/21/2015] [Accepted: 06/24/2015] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell adhesion is essential in cell communication and regulation, and is of fundamental importance in the development and maintenance of tissues. The mechanical interactions between a cell and its extracellular matrix (ECM) can influence and control cell behavior and function. The essential function of cell adhesion has created tremendous interests in developing methods for measuring and studying cell adhesion properties. The study of cell adhesion could be categorized into cell adhesion attachment and detachment events. The study of cell adhesion has been widely explored via both events for many important purposes in cellular biology, biomedical, and engineering fields. Cell adhesion attachment and detachment events could be further grouped into the cell population and single cell approach. Various techniques to measure cell adhesion have been applied to many fields of study in order to gain understanding of cell signaling pathways, biomaterial studies for implantable sensors, artificial bone and tooth replacement, the development of tissue-on-a-chip and organ-on-a-chip in tissue engineering, the effects of biochemical treatments and environmental stimuli to the cell adhesion, the potential of drug treatments, cancer metastasis study, and the determination of the adhesion properties of normal and cancerous cells. This review discussed the overview of the available methods to study cell adhesion through attachment and detachment events.
Collapse
|
32
|
Lu Y, Liu T, Lamanda AC, Sin MLY, Gau V, Liao JC, Wong PK. AC Electrokinetics of Physiological Fluids for Biomedical Applications. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 20:611-20. [PMID: 25487557 DOI: 10.1177/2211068214560904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Alternating current (AC) electrokinetics is a collection of processes for manipulating bulk fluid mass and embedded objects with AC electric fields. The ability of AC electrokinetics to implement the major microfluidic operations, such as pumping, mixing, concentration, and separation, makes it possible to develop integrated systems for clinical diagnostics in nontraditional health care settings. The high conductivity of physiological fluids presents new challenges and opportunities for AC electrokinetics-based diagnostic systems. In this review, AC electrokinetic phenomena in conductive physiological fluids are described followed by a review of the basic microfluidic operations and the recent biomedical applications of AC electrokinetics. The future prospects of AC electrokinetics for clinical diagnostics are presented.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi Lu
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Tingting Liu
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Ariana C Lamanda
- Biomedical Engineering, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Mandy L Y Sin
- Department of Urology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | | | - Joseph C Liao
- Department of Urology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Pak Kin Wong
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA Biomedical Engineering, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Riahi R, Yang YL, Kim H, Jiang L, Wong PK, Zohar Y. A microfluidic model for organ-specific extravasation of circulating tumor cells. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2014; 8:024103. [PMID: 24803959 PMCID: PMC3987064 DOI: 10.1063/1.4868301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2013] [Accepted: 02/28/2014] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are the principal vehicle for the spread of non-hematologic cancer disease from a primary tumor, involving extravasation of CTCs across blood vessel walls, to form secondary tumors in remote organs. Herein, a polydimethylsiloxane-based microfluidic system is developed and characterized for in vitro systematic studies of organ-specific extravasation of CTCs. The system recapitulates the two major aspects of the in vivo extravasation microenvironment: local signaling chemokine gradients in a vessel with an endothelial monolayer. The parameters controlling the locally stable chemokine gradients, flow rate, and initial chemokine concentration are investigated experimentally and numerically. The microchannel surface treatment effect on the confluency and adhesion of the endothelial monolayer under applied shear flow has also been characterized experimentally. Further, the conditions for driving a suspension of CTCs through the microfluidic system are discussed while simultaneously maintaining both the local chemokine gradients and the confluent endothelial monolayer. Finally, the microfluidic system is utilized to demonstrate extravasation of MDA-MB-231 cancer cells in the presence of CXCL12 chemokine gradients. Consistent with the hypothesis of organ-specific extravasation, control experiments are presented to substantiate the observation that the MDA-MB-231 cell migration is attributed to chemotaxis rather than a random process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Riahi
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85719, USA
| | - Y L Yang
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85719, USA
| | - H Kim
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85719, USA
| | - L Jiang
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85719, USA ; College of Optical Science, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85719, USA
| | - P K Wong
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85719, USA ; Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85719, USA ; BIO5 Institute, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85719, USA
| | - Y Zohar
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85719, USA ; Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85719, USA ; BIO5 Institute, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85719, USA ; Arizona Cancer Center, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85719, USA
| |
Collapse
|