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Ko J, Song J, Lee Y, Choi N, Kim HN. Understanding organotropism in cancer metastasis using microphysiological systems. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:1542-1556. [PMID: 38192269 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00889d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Cancer metastasis, the leading cause of cancer-related deaths, remains a complex challenge in medical science. Stephen Paget's "seed and soil theory" introduced the concept of organotropism, suggesting that metastatic success depends on specific organ microenvironments. Understanding organotropism not only offers potential for curbing metastasis but also novel treatment strategies. Microphysiological systems (MPS), especially organ-on-a-chip models, have emerged as transformative tools in this quest. These systems, blending microfluidics, biology, and engineering, grant precise control over cell interactions within organ-specific microenvironments. MPS enable real-time monitoring, morphological analysis, and protein quantification, enhancing our comprehension of cancer dynamics, including tumor migration, vascularization, and pre-metastatic niches. In this review, we explore innovative applications of MPS in investigating cancer metastasis, particularly focusing on organotropism. This interdisciplinary approach converges the field of science, engineering, and medicine, thereby illuminating a path toward groundbreaking discoveries in cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihoon Ko
- Department of BioNano Technology, Gachon University, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do 13120, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jiyoung Song
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea.
| | - Yedam Lee
- Department of BioNano Technology, Gachon University, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do 13120, Republic of Korea.
| | - Nakwon Choi
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea.
- Division of Bio-Medical Science & Technology, KIST School, Korea University of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
- KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Hong Nam Kim
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea.
- Division of Bio-Medical Science & Technology, KIST School, Korea University of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
- Yonsei-KIST Convergence Research Institute, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
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Kolahi Azar H, Gharibshahian M, Rostami M, Mansouri V, Sabouri L, Beheshtizadeh N, Rezaei N. The progressive trend of modeling and drug screening systems of breast cancer bone metastasis. J Biol Eng 2024; 18:14. [PMID: 38317174 PMCID: PMC10845631 DOI: 10.1186/s13036-024-00408-5] [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: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Bone metastasis is considered as a considerable challenge for breast cancer patients. Various in vitro and in vivo models have been developed to examine this occurrence. In vitro models are employed to simulate the intricate tumor microenvironment, investigate the interplay between cells and their adjacent microenvironment, and evaluate the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions for tumors. The endeavor to replicate the latency period of bone metastasis in animal models has presented a challenge, primarily due to the necessity of primary tumor removal and the presence of multiple potential metastatic sites.The utilization of novel bone metastasis models, including three-dimensional (3D) models, has been proposed as a promising approach to overcome the constraints associated with conventional 2D and animal models. However, existing 3D models are limited by various factors, such as irregular cellular proliferation, autofluorescence, and changes in genetic and epigenetic expression. The imperative for the advancement of future applications of 3D models lies in their standardization and automation. The utilization of artificial intelligence exhibits the capability to predict cellular behavior through the examination of substrate materials' chemical composition, geometry, and mechanical performance. The implementation of these algorithms possesses the capability to predict the progression and proliferation of cancer. This paper reviewed the mechanisms of bone metastasis following primary breast cancer. Current models of breast cancer bone metastasis, along with their challenges, as well as the future perspectives of using these models for translational drug development, were discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanieh Kolahi Azar
- Department of Pathology, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Regenerative Medicine Group (REMED), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Maliheh Gharibshahian
- Department of Tissue Engineering, School of Medicine, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
- Regenerative Medicine Group (REMED), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammadreza Rostami
- Division of Food Safety and Hygiene, Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Food Science and Nutrition Group (FSAN), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Vahid Mansouri
- Gene Therapy Research Center, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Regenerative Medicine Group (REMED), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Leila Sabouri
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Paramedicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
- Regenerative Medicine Group (REMED), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Nima Beheshtizadeh
- Department of Tissue Engineering, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
- Regenerative Medicine Group (REMED), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.
| | - Nima Rezaei
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.
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Aratake S, Kawahara N, Funamoto K. Behavior of breast cancer cells under oxygen concentration gradients in a microfluidic device. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2023; 2023:1-4. [PMID: 38083361 DOI: 10.1109/embc40787.2023.10340327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is known as a chronic hypoxic environment, with spatiotemporal variation in oxygen concentration depending on the distance from blood vessels and the blood supply. In our previous studies, cancer cell behavior was observed under hypoxic conditions with spatial variation of oxygen concentration (oxygen concentration gradients); however, that under oxygen concentration gradients at low oxygen levels found in the TME has not been studied. In this study, we investigated the behavior of breast cancer cells at various oxygen concentration gradients, generated using a microfluidic device with oxygen concentration controllability. The results showed that cell distribution was altered in response to oxygen concentration, and tended to increase in a specific region at around 5% O2. Evaluation of changes in cell numbers due to proliferation, migration, and cell death indicated that proliferation strongly affected cell distribution.
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Sitte ZR, Larson TS, McIntosh JC, Sinanian M, Lockett MR. Selecting the appropriate indirect viability assay for 3D paper-based cultures: a data-driven study. Analyst 2023; 148:2245-2255. [PMID: 37073480 PMCID: PMC10192127 DOI: 10.1039/d3an00283g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/20/2023]
Abstract
Cellular viability measurements quantify decreased proliferation or increased cytotoxicity caused by drug candidates or potential environmental toxins. Direct viability measures count each cell to provide an accurate readout. This approach can prove analytically challenging and time-consuming when cells are maintained in 3D structures akin to tissues or solid tumors. While less labor-intensive, indirect viability measures can be less accurate due to the heterogeneous structural and chemical microenvironment that arises when cells are maintained in tissue-like architectures and in contact with extracellular matrices. Here we determine the analytical figures of merit of five indirect viability assays in the paper-based cell culture platform we continue to develop in our laboratory: calcein-AM staining, the CellTiter-Glo assay, imaging fluorescent protein expression, propidium iodide staining, and the resazurin assay. We also determined the compatibility of each indirect assay with hypoxic conditions, intra-experimental repeatability, inter-experimental reproducibility, and ability to predict a potency value for a known antineoplastic drug. Our results show that each assay has benefits and drawbacks to consider when choosing the appropriate readout to answer a particular research question. We also highlight that only one indirect readout is unaffected by hypoxia, a commonly overlooked variable in cell culture that likely yields inaccurate viability measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary R Sitte
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kenan and Caudill Laboratories, 125 South Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3290, USA.
| | - Tyler S Larson
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kenan and Caudill Laboratories, 125 South Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3290, USA.
| | - Julie C McIntosh
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kenan and Caudill Laboratories, 125 South Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3290, USA.
| | - Melanie Sinanian
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kenan and Caudill Laboratories, 125 South Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3290, USA.
| | - Matthew R Lockett
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kenan and Caudill Laboratories, 125 South Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3290, USA.
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 450 West Davis Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7295, USA
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5
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Johnson A, Reimer S, Childres R, Cupp G, Kohs TCL, McCarty OJT, Kang Y(A. The Applications and Challenges of the Development of In Vitro Tumor Microenvironment Chips. Cell Mol Bioeng 2023; 16:3-21. [PMID: 36660587 PMCID: PMC9842840 DOI: 10.1007/s12195-022-00755-7] [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: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a critical, yet mechanistically elusive role in tumor development and progression, as well as drug resistance. To better understand the pathophysiology of the complex TME, a reductionist approach has been employed to create in vitro microfluidic models called "tumor chips". Herein, we review the fabrication processes, applications, and limitations of the tumor chips currently under development for use in cancer research. Tumor chips afford capabilities for real-time observation, precise control of microenvironment factors (e.g. stromal and cellular components), and application of physiologically relevant fluid shear stresses and perturbations. Applications for tumor chips include drug screening and toxicity testing, assessment of drug delivery modalities, and studies of transport and interactions of immune cells and circulating tumor cells with primary tumor sites. The utility of tumor chips is currently limited by the ability to recapitulate the nuances of tumor physiology, including extracellular matrix composition and stiffness, heterogeneity of cellular components, hypoxic gradients, and inclusion of blood cells and the coagulome in the blood microenvironment. Overcoming these challenges and improving the physiological relevance of in vitro tumor models could provide powerful testing platforms in cancer research and decrease the need for animal and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika Johnson
- Department of Mechanical, Civil, and Biomedical Engineering, George Fox University, 414 N. Meridian Street, #6088, Newberg, OR 97132 USA
| | - Samuel Reimer
- Department of Mechanical, Civil, and Biomedical Engineering, George Fox University, 414 N. Meridian Street, #6088, Newberg, OR 97132 USA
| | - Ryan Childres
- Department of Mechanical, Civil, and Biomedical Engineering, George Fox University, 414 N. Meridian Street, #6088, Newberg, OR 97132 USA
| | - Grace Cupp
- Department of Mechanical, Civil, and Biomedical Engineering, George Fox University, 414 N. Meridian Street, #6088, Newberg, OR 97132 USA
| | - Tia C. L. Kohs
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239 USA
| | - Owen J. T. McCarty
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239 USA
- Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97201 USA
| | - Youngbok (Abraham) Kang
- Department of Mechanical, Civil, and Biomedical Engineering, George Fox University, 414 N. Meridian Street, #6088, Newberg, OR 97132 USA
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Liu X, Su Q, Zhang X, Yang W, Ning J, Jia K, Xin J, Li H, Yu L, Liao Y, Zhang D. Recent Advances of Organ-on-a-Chip in Cancer Modeling Research. BIOSENSORS 2022; 12:bios12111045. [PMID: 36421163 PMCID: PMC9688857 DOI: 10.3390/bios12111045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Although many studies have focused on oncology and therapeutics in cancer, cancer remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Due to the unclear molecular mechanism and complex in vivo microenvironment of tumors, it is challenging to reveal the nature of cancer and develop effective therapeutics. Therefore, the development of new methods to explore the role of heterogeneous TME in individual patients' cancer drug response is urgently needed and critical for the effective therapeutic management of cancer. The organ-on-chip (OoC) platform, which integrates the technology of 3D cell culture, tissue engineering, and microfluidics, is emerging as a new method to simulate the critical structures of the in vivo tumor microenvironment and functional characteristics. It overcomes the failure of traditional 2D/3D cell culture models and preclinical animal models to completely replicate the complex TME of human tumors. As a brand-new technology, OoC is of great significance for the realization of personalized treatment and the development of new drugs. This review discusses the recent advances of OoC in cancer biology studies. It focuses on the design principles of OoC devices and associated applications in cancer modeling. The challenges for the future development of this field are also summarized in this review. This review displays the broad applications of OoC technique and has reference value for oncology development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingxing Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Industrial Surfactant, Institute of Chemical Engineering, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510075, China
| | - Qiuping Su
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Industrial Surfactant, Institute of Chemical Engineering, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510075, China
| | - Xiaoyu Zhang
- Research Center for Intelligent Sensing Systems, Zhejiang Laboratory, Hangzhou 311100, China
| | - Wenjian Yang
- Research Center for Intelligent Sensing Systems, Zhejiang Laboratory, Hangzhou 311100, China
| | - Junhua Ning
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Industrial Surfactant, Institute of Chemical Engineering, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510075, China
| | - Kangle Jia
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Industrial Surfactant, Institute of Chemical Engineering, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510075, China
| | - Jinlan Xin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Industrial Surfactant, Institute of Chemical Engineering, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510075, China
| | - Huanling Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Industrial Surfactant, Institute of Chemical Engineering, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510075, China
| | - Longfei Yu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Industrial Surfactant, Institute of Chemical Engineering, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510075, China
| | - Yuheng Liao
- Research Center for Intelligent Sensing Systems, Zhejiang Laboratory, Hangzhou 311100, China
| | - Diming Zhang
- Research Center for Intelligent Sensing Systems, Zhejiang Laboratory, Hangzhou 311100, China
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7
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Grist SM, Bennewith KL, Cheung KC. Oxygen Measurement in Microdevices. ANNUAL REVIEW OF ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY (PALO ALTO, CALIF.) 2022; 15:221-246. [PMID: 35696522 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-anchem-061020-111458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Oxygen plays a fundamental role in respiration and metabolism, and quantifying oxygen levels is essential in many environmental, industrial, and research settings. Microdevices facilitate the study of dynamic, oxygen-dependent effects in real time. This review is organized around the key needs for oxygen measurement in microdevices, including integrability into microfabricated systems; sensor dynamic range and sensitivity; spatially resolved measurements to map oxygen over two- or three-dimensional regions of interest; and compatibility with multimodal and multianalyte measurements. After a brief overview of biological readouts of oxygen, followed by oxygen sensor types that have been implemented in microscale devices and sensing mechanisms, this review presents select recent applications in organs-on-chip in vitro models and new sensor capabilities enabling oxygen microscopy, bioprocess manufacturing, and pharmaceutical industries. With the advancement of multiplexed, interconnected sensors and instruments and integration with industry workflows, intelligent microdevice-sensor systems including oxygen sensors will have further impact in environmental science, manufacturing, and medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha M Grist
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Centre for Blood Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada;
| | - Kevin L Bennewith
- Integrative Oncology Department, BC Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Karen C Cheung
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Centre for Blood Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada;
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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8
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Zhou H, Wang M, Zhang Y, Su Q, Xie Z, Chen X, Yan R, Li P, Li T, Qin X, Yang H, Wu C, You F, Li S, Liu Y. Functions and clinical significance of mechanical tumor microenvironment: cancer cell sensing, mechanobiology and metastasis. Cancer Commun (Lond) 2022; 42:374-400. [PMID: 35470988 PMCID: PMC9118059 DOI: 10.1002/cac2.12294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Dynamic and heterogeneous interaction between tumor cells and the surrounding microenvironment fuels the occurrence, progression, invasion, and metastasis of solid tumors. In this process, the tumor microenvironment (TME) fractures cellular and matrix architecture normality through biochemical and mechanical means, abetting tumorigenesis and treatment resistance. Tumor cells sense and respond to the strength, direction, and duration of mechanical cues in the TME by various mechanotransduction pathways. However, far less understood is the comprehensive perspective of the functions and mechanisms of mechanotransduction. Due to the great therapeutic difficulties brought by the mechanical changes in the TME, emerging studies have focused on targeting the adverse mechanical factors in the TME to attenuate disease rather than conventionally targeting tumor cells themselves, which has been proven to be a potential therapeutic approach. In this review, we discussed the origins and roles of mechanical factors in the TME, cell sensing, mechano‐biological coupling and signal transduction, in vitro construction of the tumor mechanical microenvironment, applications and clinical significance in the TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanying Zhou
- Department of Biophysics, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610054, P. R. China
| | - Meng Wang
- Department of Biophysics, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610054, P. R. China
| | - Yixi Zhang
- Department of Biophysics, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610054, P. R. China
| | - Qingqing Su
- Department of Biophysics, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610054, P. R. China
| | - Zhengxin Xie
- Department of Biophysics, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610054, P. R. China
| | - Xiangyan Chen
- Department of Biophysics, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610054, P. R. China
| | - Ran Yan
- Department of Biophysics, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610054, P. R. China.,Traditional Chinese Medicine Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610072, P. R. China
| | - Ping Li
- Department of Biophysics, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610054, P. R. China
| | - Tingting Li
- Department of Biophysics, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610054, P. R. China
| | - Xiang Qin
- Department of Biophysics, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610054, P. R. China
| | - Hong Yang
- Department of Biophysics, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610054, P. R. China
| | - Chunhui Wu
- Department of Biophysics, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610054, P. R. China
| | - Fengming You
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610072, P. R. China
| | - Shun Li
- Department of Biophysics, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610054, P. R. China
| | - Yiyao Liu
- Department of Biophysics, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610054, P. R. China.,Traditional Chinese Medicine Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610072, P. R. China
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9
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Head T, Cady NC. Monitoring and modulation of the tumor microenvironment for enhanced cancer modeling. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2022; 247:598-613. [PMID: 35088603 PMCID: PMC9014523 DOI: 10.1177/15353702221074293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer treatments utilizing biologic or cytotoxic drugs compose the frontline of therapy, and though gains in treatment efficacy have been persistent in recent decades, much work remains in understanding cancer progression and treatment. Compounding this situation is the low rate of success when translating preclinical drug candidates to the clinic, which raises costs and development timelines. This underperformance is due in part to the poor recapitulation of the tumor microenvironment, a critical component of cancer biology, in cancer model systems. New technologies capable of both accurately observing and manipulating the tumor microenvironment are needed to effectively model cancer response to treatment. In this review, conventional cancer models are summarized, and a primer on emerging techniques for monitoring and modulating the tumor microenvironment is presented and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tristen Head
- College of Nanoscale Science & Engineering,
State University of New York Polytechnic Institute, Albany, NY 12203, USA
| | - Nathaniel C Cady
- College of Nanoscale Science & Engineering,
State University of New York Polytechnic Institute, Albany, NY 12203, USA
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10
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Palacio-Castañeda V, Velthuijs N, Le Gac S, Verdurmen WPR. Oxygen control: the often overlooked but essential piece to create better in vitro systems. LAB ON A CHIP 2022; 22:1068-1092. [PMID: 35084420 DOI: 10.1039/d1lc00603g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Variations in oxygen levels play key roles in numerous physiological and pathological processes, but are often not properly controlled in in vitro models, introducing a significant bias in experimental outcomes. Recent developments in microfluidic technology have introduced a paradigm shift by providing new opportunities to better mimic physiological and pathological conditions, which is achieved by both regulating and monitoring oxygen levels at the micrometre scale in miniaturized devices. In this review, we first introduce the nature and relevance of oxygen-dependent pathways in both physiological and pathological contexts. Subsequently, we discuss strategies to control oxygen in microfluidic devices, distinguishing between engineering approaches that operate at the device level during its fabrication and chemical approaches that involve the active perfusion of fluids oxygenated at a precise level or supplemented with oxygen-producing or oxygen-scavenging materials. In addition, we discuss readout approaches for monitoring oxygen levels at the cellular and tissue levels, focusing on electrochemical and optical detection schemes for high-resolution measurements directly on-chip. An overview of different applications in which microfluidic devices have been utilized to answer biological research questions is then provided. In the final section, we provide our vision for further technological refinements of oxygen-controlling devices and discuss how these devices can be employed to generate new fundamental insights regarding key scientific problems that call for emulating oxygen levels as encountered in vivo. We conclude by making the case that ultimately emulating physiological or pathological oxygen levels should become a standard feature in all in vitro cell, tissue, and organ models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Palacio-Castañeda
- Department of Biochemistry, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 28, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Niels Velthuijs
- Department of Biochemistry, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 28, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Séverine Le Gac
- Applied Microfluidics for BioEngineering Research, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology & TechMed Centre, Organ-on-a-chip Centre, University of Twente, Postbus 217, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands.
| | - Wouter P R Verdurmen
- Department of Biochemistry, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 28, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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11
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Dsouza VL, Kuthethur R, Kabekkodu SP, Chakrabarty S. Organ-on-Chip platforms to study tumor evolution and chemosensitivity. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2022; 1877:188717. [PMID: 35304293 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2022.188717] [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: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Despite tremendous advancements in oncology research and therapeutics, cancer remains a primary cause of death worldwide. One of the significant factors in this critical challenge is a precise diagnosis and limited knowledge on how the tumor microenvironment (TME) behaves to the treatment and its role in chemo-resistance. Therefore, it is critical to understand the contribution of a heterogeneous TME in cancer drug response in individual patients for effective therapy management. Micro-physiological systems along with tissue engineering have facilitated the development of more physiologically relevant platforms, known as Organ-on-Chips (OoC). OoC platforms recapitulate the critical hallmarks of the TME in vitro and subsequently abet in sensitivity and efficacy testing of anti-cancer drugs before clinical trials. The OoC platforms incorporating conventional in vitro models enable researchers to control the cellular, molecular, chemical, and biophysical parameters of the TME in precise combinations while analyzing how they contribute to tumor progression and therapy response. This review discusses the application of OoC platforms integrated with conventional 2D cell lines, 3D organoids and spheroid models, and the organotypic tissue slices, including patient-derived and xenograft tumor slice cultures in cancer treatment responses. We summarize the relevance and drawbacks of conventional in vitro models in assessing cancer treatment response, challenges and limitations associated with OoC models, and future opportunities enabled by the OoC technologies towards developing personalized cancer diagnostics and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Venzil Lavie Dsouza
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka 576104, India
| | - Raviprasad Kuthethur
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka 576104, India
| | - Shama Prasada Kabekkodu
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka 576104, India
| | - Sanjiban Chakrabarty
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka 576104, India.
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12
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A Relatively Small Gradient of Extracellular pH Directs Migration of MDA-MB-231 Cells In Vitro. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21072565. [PMID: 32272744 PMCID: PMC7177698 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21072565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2020] [Revised: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Hematogenous tumor metastasis begins with the invasion and spread of primary tumor cells in the local tissue leading to intravasation. We hypothesized that tumor cells might actively migrate toward intratumor vessels with the extracellular metabolic gradient acting as a guiding cue. Here, we determined in vitro whether the extracellular gradient of pH can act as a cue for directional migration in MDA-MB-231 cells. Cell migration was determined by the wound-healing assay under gradients of extracellular pH (~0.2 units/mm) and oxygen concentration (~6% O2/mm) that were produced by a microfluidic device, gap cover glass (GCG). Without GCG, the migration of cells was spatially homogeneous; the same number of cells migrated to the rectangular wound space from the left and right boundaries. In contrast, when GCG generated pH/O2 gradients across the wound space, the number of cells migrating to the wound space from the boundary with higher pH/O2 values was considerably decreased, indicating a preferential movement of cells toward the region of higher pH/O2 in the gradient. The addition of hepes in the extracellular medium abolished both the extracellular pH gradient and the directional cell migration under GCG. We conclude that relatively small gradients of pH in the extracellular medium compared to those found in Na+/H+ exchanger-driven cell migration were sufficient to guide MDA-MB-231 cells. The directional cell migration as guided by the metabolic gradient could effectively elevate the probability of intravasation and, ultimately, hematogenous metastasis.
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13
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Metabolic Switching of Tumor Cells under Hypoxic Conditions in a Tumor-on-a-chip Model. MICROMACHINES 2020; 11:mi11040382. [PMID: 32260396 PMCID: PMC7231186 DOI: 10.3390/mi11040382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Hypoxia switches the metabolism of tumor cells and induces drug resistance. Currently, no therapeutic exists that effectively and specifically targets hypoxic cells in tumors. Development of such therapeutics critically depends on the availability of in vitro models that accurately recapitulate hypoxia as found in the tumor microenvironment. Here, we report on the design and validation of an easy-to-fabricate tumor-on-a-chip microfluidic platform that robustly emulates the hypoxic tumor microenvironment. The tumor-on-a-chip model consists of a central chamber for 3D tumor cell culture and two side channels for medium perfusion. The microfluidic device is fabricated from polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), and oxygen diffusion in the device is blocked by an embedded sheet of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). Hypoxia was confirmed using oxygen-sensitive probes and the effect on the 3D tumor cell culture investigated by a pH-sensitive dual-labeled fluorescent dextran and a fluorescently labeled glucose analogue. In contrast to control devices without PMMA, PMMA-containing devices gave rise to decreases in oxygen and pH levels as well as an increased consumption of glucose after two days of culture, indicating a rapid metabolic switch of the tumor cells under hypoxic conditions towards increased glycolysis. This platform will open new avenues for testing anti-cancer therapies targeting hypoxic areas.
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14
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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.
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15
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Wan L, Neumann CA, LeDuc PR. Tumor-on-a-chip for integrating a 3D tumor microenvironment: chemical and mechanical factors. LAB ON A CHIP 2020; 20:873-888. [PMID: 32025687 PMCID: PMC7067141 DOI: 10.1039/c9lc00550a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Tumor progression, including metastasis, is significantly influenced by factors in the tumor microenvironment (TME) such as mechanical force, shear stress, chemotaxis, and hypoxia. At present, most cancer studies investigate tumor metastasis by conventional cell culture methods and animal models, which are limited in data interpretation. Although patient tissue analysis, such as human patient-derived xenografts (PDX), can provide important clinical relevant information, they may not be feasible for functional studies as they are costly and time-consuming. Thus, in vitro three-dimensional (3D) models are rapidly being developed that mimic TME and allow functional investigations of metastatic mechanisms and drug responses. One of those new 3D models is tumor-on-a-chip technology that provides a powerful in vitro platform for cancer research, with the ability to mimic the complex physiological architecture and precise spatiotemporal control. Tumor-on-a-chip technology can provide integrated features including 3D scaffolding, multicellular culture, and a vasculature system to simulate dynamic flow in vivo. Here, we review a select set of recent achievements in tumor-on-a-chip approaches and present potential directions for tumor-on-a-chip systems in the future for areas including mechanical and chemical mimetic systems. We also discuss challenges and perspectives in both biological factors and engineering methods for tumor-on-a-chip progress. These approaches will allow in the future for the tumor-on-a-chip systems to test therapeutic approaches for individuals through using their cancerous cells gathered through approaches like biopsies, which then will contribute toward personalized medicine treatments for improving their outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Wan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213 US.
| | - C A Neumann
- Department of Pharmacology & Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Hillman Cancer Center, Magee Womens Research Institute, 204 Craft Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213 US.
| | - P R LeDuc
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213 US.
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16
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Lin Z, Luo G, Du W, Kong T, Liu C, Liu Z. Recent Advances in Microfluidic Platforms Applied in Cancer Metastasis: Circulating Tumor Cells' (CTCs) Isolation and Tumor-On-A-Chip. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2020; 16:e1903899. [PMID: 31747120 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201903899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Revised: 10/13/2019] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Cancer remains the leading cause of death worldwide despite the enormous efforts that are made in the development of cancer biology and anticancer therapeutic treatment. Furthermore, recent studies in oncology have focused on the complex cancer metastatic process as metastatic disease contributes to more than 90% of tumor-related death. In the metastatic process, isolation and analysis of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) play a vital role in diagnosis and prognosis of cancer patients at an early stage. To obtain relevant information on cancer metastasis and progression from CTCs, reliable approaches are required for CTC detection and isolation. Additionally, experimental platforms mimicking the tumor microenvironment in vitro give a better understanding of the metastatic microenvironment and antimetastatic drugs' screening. With the advancement of microfabrication and rapid prototyping, microfluidic techniques are now increasingly being exploited to study cancer metastasis as they allow precise control of fluids in small volume and rapid sample processing at relatively low cost and with high sensitivity. Recent advancements in microfluidic platforms utilized in various methods for CTCs' isolation and tumor models recapitulating the metastatic microenvironment (tumor-on-a-chip) are comprehensively reviewed. Future perspectives on microfluidics for cancer metastasis are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengjie Lin
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Guanyi Luo
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Weixiang Du
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Tiantian Kong
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Changkun Liu
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Zhou Liu
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
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17
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Koens R, Tabata Y, Serrano JC, Aratake S, Yoshino D, Kamm RD, Funamoto K. Microfluidic platform for three-dimensional cell culture under spatiotemporal heterogeneity of oxygen tension. APL Bioeng 2020; 4:016106. [PMID: 32161836 PMCID: PMC7060087 DOI: 10.1063/1.5127069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cells in a tumor microenvironment are exposed to spatial and temporal variations in oxygen tension due to hyperproliferation and immature vascularization. Such spatiotemporal oxygen heterogeneity affects the behavior of cancer cells, leading to cancer growth and metastasis, and thus, it is essential to clarify the cellular responses of cancer cells to oxygen tension. Herein, we describe a new double-layer microfluidic device allowing the control of oxygen tension and the behavior of cancer cells under spatiotemporal oxygen heterogeneity. Two parallel gas channels were located above the media and gel channels to enhance gas exchange, and a gas-impermeable polycarbonate film was embedded in the device to prevent the diffusion of atmospheric oxygen. Variations in oxygen tension in the device with the experimental parameters and design variables were investigated computationally and validated by using oxygen-sensitive nanoparticles. The present device can generate a uniform hypoxic condition at oxygen levels down to 0.3% O2, as well as a linear oxygen gradient from 3% O2 to 17% O2 across the gel channel within 15 min. Moreover, human breast cancer cells suspended in type I collagen gel were introduced in the gel channel to observe their response under controlled oxygen tension. Hypoxic exposure activated the proliferation and motility of the cells, which showed a local maximum increase at 5% O2. Under the oxygen gradient condition, the increase in the cell number was relatively high in the central mild hypoxia region. These findings demonstrate the utility of the present device to study cellular responses in an oxygen-controlled microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rei Koens
- Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, Tohoku University, 6-6-12 Aramaki-aza Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8579, Japan
| | | | - Jean C. Serrano
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
| | | | | | - Roger D. Kamm
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
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18
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SUN W, CHEN YQ, WANG MF, WANG YR, ZHANG M, ZHANG HY, HU P. Study on Drug Resistance to Tumor Cell in Oxygen Gradient and Co-culture Microfluidic Chip. CHINESE JOURNAL OF ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/s1872-2040(19)61214-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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19
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Boyce MW, Simke WC, Kenney RM, Lockett MR. Generating linear oxygen gradients across 3D cell cultures with block-layered oxygen controlled chips (BLOCCs). ANALYTICAL METHODS : ADVANCING METHODS AND APPLICATIONS 2020; 12:18-24. [PMID: 32190125 PMCID: PMC7079814 DOI: 10.1039/c9ay01690b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Oxygen is a transcriptional regulator responsible for tissue homeostasis and maintenance. Studies relating cellular phenotype with oxygen tension often use hypoxia chambers, which expose cells to a single, static oxygen tension. Despite their ease of use, these chambers are unable to replicate the oxygen gradients found in healthy and diseased tissues. Microfabricated devices capable of imposing an oxygen gradient across tissue-like structures are a promising tool for these studies, as they can provide a high density of information in a single experimental setup. We describe the fabrication and characterization of a modular device, which leverages the gas-permeability of silicone to impose gradients of oxygen across cell-containing regions, assembled by layering sheets of laser cut acrylic and silicone rubber. The silicone also acts as a barrier, separating the flowing gases from the cell culture medium, preventing evaporation or bubble formation in experiments that require prolonged periods of incubation. The acrylic components provide a rigid framework to provide a sterile culture environment. Using oxygen-sensing films, we show the device can support gradients of different ranges and steepness by simply changing the composition of the gases flowing through the silicone components of the BLOCC. Using a cell-based reporter assay, we demonstrate that cellular responses to hypoxia are proportional to oxygen tension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew W Boyce
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kenan and Caudill Laboratories, 125 South Road, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-3290, USA
| | - William C Simke
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kenan and Caudill Laboratories, 125 South Road, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-3290, USA
| | - Rachael M Kenney
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kenan and Caudill Laboratories, 125 South Road, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-3290, USA
| | - Matthew R Lockett
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kenan and Caudill Laboratories, 125 South Road, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-3290, USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 450 West Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7295, USA
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20
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Saxena K, Jolly MK. Acute vs. Chronic vs. Cyclic Hypoxia: Their Differential Dynamics, Molecular Mechanisms, and Effects on Tumor Progression. Biomolecules 2019; 9:E339. [PMID: 31382593 PMCID: PMC6722594 DOI: 10.3390/biom9080339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Revised: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia has been shown to increase the aggressiveness and severity of tumor progression. Along with chronic and acute hypoxic regions, solid tumors contain regions of cycling hypoxia (also called intermittent hypoxia or IH). Cyclic hypoxia is mimicked in vitro and in vivo by periodic exposure to cycles of hypoxia and reoxygenation (H-R cycles). Compared to chronic hypoxia, cyclic hypoxia has been shown to augment various hallmarks of cancer to a greater extent: angiogenesis, immune evasion, metastasis, survival etc. Cycling hypoxia has also been shown to be the major contributing factor in increasing the risk of cancer in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients. Here, we first compare and contrast the effects of acute, chronic and intermittent hypoxia in terms of molecular pathways activated and the cellular processes affected. We highlight the underlying complexity of these differential effects and emphasize the need to investigate various combinations of factors impacting cellular adaptation to hypoxia: total duration of hypoxia, concentration of oxygen (O2), and the presence of and frequency of H-R cycles. Finally, we summarize the effects of cycling hypoxia on various hallmarks of cancer highlighting their dependence on the abovementioned factors. We conclude with a call for an integrative and rigorous analysis of the effects of varying extents and durations of hypoxia on cells, including tools such as mechanism-based mathematical modelling and microfluidic setups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kritika Saxena
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 560012, India
| | - Mohit Kumar Jolly
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 560012, India.
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21
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Rivera KR, Yokus MA, Erb PD, Pozdin VA, Daniele M. Measuring and regulating oxygen levels in microphysiological systems: design, material, and sensor considerations. Analyst 2019; 144:3190-3215. [PMID: 30968094 PMCID: PMC6564678 DOI: 10.1039/c8an02201a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
As microfabrication techniques and tissue engineering methods improve, microphysiological systems (MPS) are being engineered that recapitulate complex physiological and pathophysiological states to supplement and challenge traditional animal models. Although MPS provide unique microenvironments that transcend common 2D cell culture, without proper regulation of oxygen content, MPS often fail to provide the biomimetic environment necessary to activate and investigate fundamental pathways of cellular metabolism and sub-cellular level. Oxygen exists in the human body in various concentrations and partial pressures; moreover, it fluctuates dramatically depending on fasting, exercise, and sleep patterns. Regulating oxygen content inside MPS necessitates a sensitive biological sensor to quantify oxygen content in real-time. Measuring oxygen in a microdevice is a non-trivial requirement for studies focused on understanding how oxygen impacts cellular processes, including angiogenesis and tumorigenesis. Quantifying oxygen inside a microdevice can be achieved via an array of technologies, with each method having benefits and limitations in terms of sensitivity, limits of detection, and invasiveness that must be considered and optimized. This article will review oxygen physiology in organ systems and offer comparisons of organ-specific MPS that do and do not consider oxygen microenvironments. Materials used in microphysiological models will also be analyzed in terms of their ability to control oxygen. Finally, oxygen sensor technologies are critically compared and evaluated for use in MPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina R Rivera
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 911 Oval Dr., Raleigh, NC 27695, USA.
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22
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Campillo N, Falcones B, Otero J, Colina R, Gozal D, Navajas D, Farré R, Almendros I. Differential Oxygenation in Tumor Microenvironment Modulates Macrophage and Cancer Cell Crosstalk: Novel Experimental Setting and Proof of Concept. Front Oncol 2019; 9:43. [PMID: 30788287 PMCID: PMC6373430 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.00043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia is a common characteristic of many solid tumors that has been associated with tumor aggressiveness. Limited diffusion of oxygen generates a gradient of oxygen availability from the blood vessel to the interstitial space and may underlie the recruitment of macrophages fostering cancer progression. However, the available data based on the recruitment of circulating cells to the tumor microenvironment has been so far carried out by conventional co-culture systems which ignore the hypoxic gradient between the vessel to the tumor interstitium. Here, we have designed a novel easy-to-build cell culture device that enables evaluation of cellular cross-talk and cell migration while they are being simultaneously exposed to different oxygenation environments. As a proof-of-concept of the potential role of differential oxygenation among interacting cells we have evaluated the activation and recruitment of macrophages in response to hypoxic melanoma, breast, and kidney cancer cells. We found that hypoxic melanoma and breast cancer cells co-cultured with normoxic macrophages enhanced their directional migration. By contrast, hypoxic kidney cells were not able to increase their recruitment. We also identified well-described hypoxia-induced pathways which could contribute in the immune cell recruitment (VEGFA and PTGS2 genes). Moreover, melanoma and breast cancer increased their proliferation. However, oxygenation levels affected neither kidney cancer cell proliferation nor gene expression, which in turn resulted in no significant changes in macrophage migration and polarization. Therefore, the cell culture device presented here provides an excellent opportunity for researchers to reproduce the in vivo hypoxic gradients in solid tumors and to study their role in recruiting circulating cells to the tumor in specific types of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noelia Campillo
- Unitat de Biofísica i Bioenginyeria, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,CIBER de Enfermedades Respiratorias, Madrid, Spain
| | - Bryan Falcones
- Unitat de Biofísica i Bioenginyeria, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,CIBER de Enfermedades Respiratorias, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jordi Otero
- Unitat de Biofísica i Bioenginyeria, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,CIBER de Enfermedades Respiratorias, Madrid, Spain
| | - Roser Colina
- Unitat de Biofísica i Bioenginyeria, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - David Gozal
- Department of Child Health, University of Missouri-School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Daniel Navajas
- Unitat de Biofísica i Bioenginyeria, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,CIBER de Enfermedades Respiratorias, Madrid, Spain.,Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ramon Farré
- Unitat de Biofísica i Bioenginyeria, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,CIBER de Enfermedades Respiratorias, Madrid, Spain.,Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Isaac Almendros
- Unitat de Biofísica i Bioenginyeria, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,CIBER de Enfermedades Respiratorias, Madrid, Spain.,Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, Barcelona, Spain
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23
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Farré R, Almendros I, Montserrat JM, Gozal D, Navajas D. Gas Partial Pressure in Cultured Cells: Patho-Physiological Importance and Methodological Approaches. Front Physiol 2018; 9:1803. [PMID: 30618815 PMCID: PMC6300470 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.01803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [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: 07/26/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Gas partial pressures within the cell microenvironment are one of the key modulators of cell pathophysiology. Indeed, respiratory gases (O2 and CO2) are usually altered in respiratory diseases and gasotransmitters (CO, NO, H2S) have been proposed as potential therapeutic agents. Investigating the pathophysiology of respiratory diseases in vitro mandates that cultured cells are subjected to gas partial pressures similar to those experienced by each cell type in its native microenvironment. For instance, O2 partial pressures range from ∼13% in the arterial endothelium to values as low as 2-5% in cells of other healthy tissues and to less than 1% in solid tumor cells, clearly much lower values than those used in conventional cell culture research settings (∼19%). Moreover, actual cell O2 partial pressure in vivo changes with time, at considerably different timescales as illustrated by tumors, sleep apnea, or mechanical ventilation. Unfortunately, the conventional approach to modify gas concentrations at the above culture medium precludes the tight and exact control of intra-cellular gas levels to realistically mimic the natural cell microenvironment. Interestingly, well-controlled cellular application of gas partial pressures is currently possible through commercially available silicone-like material (PDMS) membranes, which are biocompatible and have a high permeability to gases. Cells are seeded on one side of the membrane and tailored gas concentrations are circulated on the other side of the membrane. Using thin membranes (50-100 μm) the value of gas concentration is instantaneously (<0.5 s) transmitted to the cell microenvironment. As PDMS is transparent, cells can be concurrently observed by conventional or advanced microscopy. This procedure can be implemented in specific-purpose microfluidic devices and in settings that do not require expensive or complex technologies, thus making the procedure readily implementable in any cell biology laboratory. This review describes the gas composition requirements for a cell culture in respiratory research, the limitations of current experimental settings, and also suggests new approaches to better control gas partial pressures in a cell culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramon Farré
- Unitat de Biofísica i Bioenginyeria, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Respiratorias, Madrid, Spain
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Isaac Almendros
- Unitat de Biofísica i Bioenginyeria, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Respiratorias, Madrid, Spain
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep M. Montserrat
- CIBER de Enfermedades Respiratorias, Madrid, Spain
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, Barcelona, Spain
- Sleep Lab, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - David Gozal
- Department of Child Health, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Daniel Navajas
- Unitat de Biofísica i Bioenginyeria, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Respiratorias, Madrid, Spain
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
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24
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Yao M, Sattler T, Rabbani ZN, Pulliam T, Walker G, Gamcsik MP. Mixing and delivery of multiple controlled oxygen environments to a single multiwell culture plate. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2018; 315:C766-C775. [PMID: 30183322 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00276.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Precise oxygen control is critical to evaluating cell growth, molecular content, and stress response in cultured cells. We have designed, fabricated, and characterized a 96-well plate-based device that is capable of delivering eight static or dynamically changing oxygen environments to different rows on a single plate. The device incorporates a gas-mixing tree that combines two input gases to generate the eight gas mixtures that supply each row of the plate with a different gas atmosphere via a removable manifold. Using air and nitrogen as feed gases, a single 96-well plate can culture cells in applied gas atmospheres with Po2 levels ranging from 1 to 135 mmHg. Human cancer cell lines MCF-7, PANC-1, and Caco-2 were grown on a single plate under this range of oxygen levels. Only cells grown in wells exposed to Po2 ≤37 mmHg express the endogenous hypoxia markers hypoxia-inducible factor-1α and carbonic anhydrase IX. This design is amenable to multiwell plate-based molecular assays or drug dose-response studies in static or cycling hypoxia conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Yao
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, North Carolina State University , Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - Tyler Sattler
- University of North Carolina/North Carolina State University Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University , Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - Zahid N Rabbani
- University of North Carolina/North Carolina State University Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University , Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - Thomas Pulliam
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University , Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - Glenn Walker
- University of North Carolina/North Carolina State University Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University , Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - Michael P Gamcsik
- University of North Carolina/North Carolina State University Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University , Raleigh, North Carolina
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25
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Abstract
Over the past six decades the inflation-adjusted cost to bring a new drug to market has been increasing constantly and doubles every 9 years - now reaching in excess of $2.5 billion. Overall, the likelihood of FDA approval for a drug (any disease indication) that has entered phase I clinical trials is a mere 9.6%, with the approval rate for oncology far below average at only 5.1%. Lack of efficacy or toxicity is often not revealed until the later stages of clinical trials, despite promising preclinical data. This indicates that the current in vitro systems for drug screening need to be improved for better predictability of in vivo outcomes. Microphysiological systems (MPS), or bioengineered 3D microfluidic tissue and organ constructs that mimic physiological and pathological processes in vitro, can be leveraged across preclinical research and clinical trial stages to transform drug development and clinical management for a range of diseases. Here we review the current state-of-the-art in 3D tissue-engineering models developed for cancer research, with a focus on tumor-on-a-chip, or tumor chip, models. From our viewpoint, tumor chip systems can advance innovative medicine to ameliorate the high failure rates in anti-cancer drug development and clinical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie J Hachey
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA.
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26
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Xu H, Liu X, Le W. Recent advances in microfluidic models for cancer metastasis research. Trends Analyt Chem 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2018.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Rivera KR, Pozdin VA, Young AT, Erb PD, Wisniewski NA, Magness ST, Daniele M. Integrated phosphorescence-based photonic biosensor (iPOB) for monitoring oxygen levels in 3D cell culture systems. Biosens Bioelectron 2018; 123:131-140. [PMID: 30060990 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2018.07.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2018] [Revised: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Physiological processes, such as respiration, circulation, digestion, and many pathologies alter oxygen concentration in the blood and tissue. When designing culture systems to recapitulate the in vivo oxygen environment, it is important to integrate systems for monitoring and controlling oxygen concentration. Herein, we report the design and engineering of a system to remotely monitor and control oxygen concentration inside a device for 3D cell culture. We integrate a photonic oxygen biosensor into the 3D tissue scaffold and regulate oxygen concentration via the control of purging gas flow. The integrated phosphorescence-based oxygen biosensor employs the quenching of palladium-benzoporphyrin by molecular oxygen to transduce the local oxygen concentration in the 3D tissue scaffold. The system is validated by testing the effects of normoxic and hypoxic culture conditions on healthy and tumorigenic breast epithelial cells, MCF-10A cells and BT474 cells, respectively. Under hypoxic conditions, both cell types exhibited upregulation of downstream target genes for the hypoxia marker gene, hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF1A). Lastly, by monitoring the real-time fluctuation of oxygen concentration, we illustrated the formation of hypoxic culture conditions due to limited diffusion of oxygen through 3D tissue scaffolds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina R Rivera
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 911 Oval Dr., Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Vladimir A Pozdin
- Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, North Carolina State University, 890 Oval Dr., Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Ashlyn T Young
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 911 Oval Dr., Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Patrick D Erb
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 911 Oval Dr., Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | | | - Scott T Magness
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 911 Oval Dr., Raleigh, NC 27695, USA; Department of Cell Biology & Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Michael Daniele
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 911 Oval Dr., Raleigh, NC 27695, USA; Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, North Carolina State University, 890 Oval Dr., Raleigh, NC 27695, USA.
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28
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Hunyor I, Cook KM. Models of intermittent hypoxia and obstructive sleep apnea: molecular pathways and their contribution to cancer. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2018; 315:R669-R687. [PMID: 29995459 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00036.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is common and linked to a variety of poor health outcomes. A key modulator of this disease is nocturnal intermittent hypoxia. There is striking epidemiological evidence that patients with OSA have higher rates of cancer and cancer mortality. Small-animal models demonstrate an important role for systemic intermittent hypoxia in tumor growth and metastasis, yet the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Emerging data indicate that intermittent hypoxia activates the hypoxic response and inflammatory pathways in a manner distinct from chronic hypoxia. However, there is significant heterogeneity in published methods for modeling hypoxic conditions, which are often lacking in physiological relevance. This is particularly important for studying key transcriptional mediators of the hypoxic and inflammatory responses such as hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) and NF-κB. The relationship between HIF, the molecular clock, and circadian rhythm may also contribute to cancer risk in OSA. Building accurate in vitro models of intermittent hypoxia reflective of OSA is challenging but necessary to better elucidate underlying molecular pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imre Hunyor
- Department of Cardiology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital , Sydney, New South Wales , Australia.,Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney School of Medicine , Sydney, New South Wales , Australia
| | - Kristina M Cook
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney School of Medicine , Sydney, New South Wales , Australia.,Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney , Sydney, New South Wales , Australia
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29
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Sreepadmanabh M, Toley BJ. Investigations into the cancer stem cell niche using in-vitro 3-D tumor models and microfluidics. Biotechnol Adv 2018; 36:1094-1110. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2018.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2017] [Revised: 03/15/2018] [Accepted: 03/15/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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30
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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.
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31
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Martewicz S, Gabrel G, Campesan M, Canton M, Di Lisa F, Elvassore N. Live Cell Imaging in Microfluidic Device Proves Resistance to Oxygen/Glucose Deprivation in Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes. Anal Chem 2018; 90:5687-5695. [PMID: 29595056 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.7b05347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Analyses of cellular responses to fast oxygen dynamics are challenging and require ad hoc technological solutions, especially when decoupling from liquid media composition is required. In this work, we present a microfluidic device specifically designed for culture analyses with high resolution and magnification objectives, providing full optical access to the cell culture chamber. This feature allows fluorescence-based assays, photoactivated surface chemistry, and live cell imaging under tightly controlled pO2 environments. The device has a simple design, accommodates three independent cell cultures, and can be employed by users with basic cell culture training in studies requiring fast oxygen dynamics, defined media composition, and in-line data acquisition with optical molecular probes. We apply this technology to produce an oxygen/glucose deprived (OGD) environment and analyze cell mortality in murine and human cardiac cultures. Neonatal rat ventricular cardiomyocytes show an OGD time-dependent sensitivity, resulting in a robust and reproducible 66 ± 5% death rate after 3 h of stress. Applying an equivalent stress to human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPS-CMs) provides direct experimental evidence for fetal-like OGD-resistant phenotype. Investigation on the nature of such phenotype exposed large glycogen deposits. We propose a culture strategy aimed at depleting these intracellular energy stores and concurrently activate positive regulation of aerobic metabolic molecular markers. The observed process, however, is not sufficient to induce an OGD-sensitive phenotype in hiPS-CMs, highlighting defective development of mature aerobic metabolism in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Martewicz
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies (SIAIS) , Shanghai Tech University , Shanghai , China.,Department of Industrial Engineering , University of Padova , via Marzolo 9 , 35131 Padova , Italy.,Venetian Institute of Molecular Medicine , via Orus 2 , 35129 Padova , Italy
| | - Giulia Gabrel
- Department of Industrial Engineering , University of Padova , via Marzolo 9 , 35131 Padova , Italy
| | - Marika Campesan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences , University of Padova , via Bassi 58/B , 35121 Padova , Italy
| | - Marcella Canton
- Department of Biomedical Sciences , University of Padova , via Bassi 58/B , 35121 Padova , Italy
| | - Fabio Di Lisa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences , University of Padova , via Bassi 58/B , 35121 Padova , Italy
| | - Nicola Elvassore
- Stem Cells & Regenerative Medicine Section , UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health , 30 Guilford Street , London WC1N 1EH , U.K.,Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies (SIAIS) , Shanghai Tech University , Shanghai , China.,Department of Industrial Engineering , University of Padova , via Marzolo 9 , 35131 Padova , Italy.,Venetian Institute of Molecular Medicine , via Orus 2 , 35129 Padova , Italy
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Sleeboom JJF, Eslami Amirabadi H, Nair P, Sahlgren CM, den Toonder JMJ. Metastasis in context: modeling the tumor microenvironment with cancer-on-a-chip approaches. Dis Model Mech 2018; 11:11/3/dmm033100. [PMID: 29555848 PMCID: PMC5897732 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.033100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Most cancer deaths are not caused by the primary tumor, but by secondary tumors formed through metastasis, a complex and poorly understood process. Cues from the tumor microenvironment, such as the biochemical composition, cellular population, extracellular matrix, and tissue (fluid) mechanics, have been indicated to play a pivotal role in the onset of metastasis. Dissecting the role of these cues from the tumor microenvironment in a controlled manner is challenging, but essential to understanding metastasis. Recently, cancer-on-a-chip models have emerged as a tool to study the tumor microenvironment and its role in metastasis. These models are based on microfluidic chips and contain small chambers for cell culture, enabling control over local gradients, fluid flow, tissue mechanics, and composition of the local environment. Here, we review the recent contributions of cancer-on-a-chip models to our understanding of the role of the tumor microenvironment in the onset of metastasis, and provide an outlook for future applications of this emerging technology. Summary: This Review evaluates the recent contributions of cancer-on-a-chip models to our understanding of the tumor microenvironment and its role in the onset of metastasis. The authors also provide an outlook for future applications of this emerging technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelle J F Sleeboom
- Microsystems Group, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Gemini-Zuid, Groene Loper 15, 5612AZ, Eindhoven, The Netherlands.,Soft Tissue Engineering & Mechanobiology, Eindhoven University of Technology, Gemini-Zuid, Groene Loper 15, 5612AZ, Eindhoven, The Netherlands.,Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Gemini-Zuid, Groene Loper 15, 5612AZ, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Hossein Eslami Amirabadi
- Microsystems Group, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Gemini-Zuid, Groene Loper 15, 5612AZ, Eindhoven, The Netherlands.,Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Gemini-Zuid, Groene Loper 15, 5612AZ, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Poornima Nair
- Microsystems Group, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Gemini-Zuid, Groene Loper 15, 5612AZ, Eindhoven, The Netherlands.,Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Gemini-Zuid, Groene Loper 15, 5612AZ, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Cecilia M Sahlgren
- Soft Tissue Engineering & Mechanobiology, Eindhoven University of Technology, Gemini-Zuid, Groene Loper 15, 5612AZ, Eindhoven, The Netherlands.,Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Gemini-Zuid, Groene Loper 15, 5612AZ, Eindhoven, The Netherlands.,Turku Centre for Biotechnology, Åbo Akademi University, Domkyrkotorget 3, FI-20500, Turku, Finland
| | - Jaap M J den Toonder
- Microsystems Group, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Gemini-Zuid, Groene Loper 15, 5612AZ, Eindhoven, The Netherlands .,Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Gemini-Zuid, Groene Loper 15, 5612AZ, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
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33
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Kenney RM, Lloyd CC, Whitman NA, Lockett MR. 3D cellular invasion platforms: how do paper-based cultures stack up? Chem Commun (Camb) 2018. [PMID: 28621775 DOI: 10.1039/c7cc02357j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Cellular invasion is the gateway to metastasis, which is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Invasion is driven by a number of chemical and mechanical stresses that arise in the tumor microenvironment. In vitro assays are needed for the systematic study of cancer progress. To be truly predictive, these assays must generate tissue-like environments that can be experimentally controlled and manipulated. While two-dimensional (2D) monolayer cultures are easily assembled and evaluated, they lack the extracellular components needed to assess invasion. Three-dimensional (3D) cultures are better suited for invasion studies because they generate cellular phenotypes that are more representative of those found in vivo. This feature article provides an overview of four invasion platforms. We focus on paper-based cultures, an emerging 3D culture platform capable of generating tissue-like structures and quantifying cellular invasion. Paper-based cultures are as easily assembled and analyzed as monolayers, but provide an experimentally powerful platform capable of supporting: co-cultures and representative extracellular environments; experimentally controlled gradients; readouts capable of quantifying, discerning, and separating cells based on their invasiveness. With a series of examples we highlight the potential of paper-based cultures, and discuss how they stack up against other invasion platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachael M Kenney
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kenan and Caudill Laboratories, 125 South Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3290, USA.
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34
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Tsai HF, Trubelja A, Shen AQ, Bao G. Tumour-on-a-chip: microfluidic models of tumour morphology, growth and microenvironment. J R Soc Interface 2018. [PMID: 28637915 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2017.0137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death, albeit enormous efforts to cure the disease. To overcome the major challenges in cancer therapy, we need to have a better understanding of the tumour microenvironment (TME), as well as a more effective means to screen anti-cancer drug leads; both can be achieved using advanced technologies, including the emerging tumour-on-a-chip technology. Here, we review the recent development of the tumour-on-a-chip technology, which integrates microfluidics, microfabrication, tissue engineering and biomaterials research, and offers new opportunities for building and applying functional three-dimensional in vitro human tumour models for oncology research, immunotherapy studies and drug screening. In particular, tumour-on-a-chip microdevices allow well-controlled microscopic studies of the interaction among tumour cells, immune cells and cells in the TME, of which simple tissue cultures and animal models are not amenable to do. The challenges in developing the next-generation tumour-on-a-chip technology are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsieh-Fu Tsai
- Micro/Bio/Nanofluidics Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Onna-son, Okinawa 904-0495, Japan
| | - Alen Trubelja
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Amy Q Shen
- Micro/Bio/Nanofluidics Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Onna-son, Okinawa 904-0495, Japan
| | - Gang Bao
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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35
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Um E, Oh JM, Granick S, Cho YK. Cell migration in microengineered tumor environments. LAB ON A CHIP 2017; 17:4171-4185. [PMID: 28971203 DOI: 10.1039/c7lc00555e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Recent advances in microengineered cell migration platforms are discussed critically with a focus on how cell migration is influenced by engineered tumor microenvironments, the medical relevance being to understand how tumor microenvironments may promote or suppress the progression of cancer. We first introduce key findings in cancer cell migration under the influence of the physical environment, which is systematically controlled by microengineering technology, followed by multi-cues of physico-chemical factors, which represent the complexity of the tumor environment. Recognizing that cancer cells constantly communicate not only with each other but also with tumor-associated cells such as vascular, fibroblast, and immune cells, and also with non-cellular components, it follows that cell motility in tumor microenvironments, especially metastasis via the invasion of cancer cells into the extracellular matrix and other tissues, is closely related to the malignancy of cancer-related mortality. Medical relevance of forefront research realized in microfabricated devices, such as single cell sorting based on the analysis of cell migration behavior, may assist personalized theragnostics based on the cell migration phenotype. Furthermore, we urge development of theory and numerical understanding of single or collective cell migration in microengineered platforms to gain new insights in cancer metastasis and in therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eujin Um
- Center for Soft and Living Matter, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea
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36
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Bunge F, Driesche SVD, Vellekoop MJ. Microfluidic Platform for the Long-Term On-Chip Cultivation of Mammalian Cells for Lab-On-A-Chip Applications. SENSORS 2017; 17:s17071603. [PMID: 28698531 PMCID: PMC5539486 DOI: 10.3390/s17071603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2017] [Revised: 07/04/2017] [Accepted: 07/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Lab-on-a-Chip (LoC) applications for the long-term analysis of mammalian cells are still very rare due to the lack of convenient cell cultivation devices. The difficulties are the integration of suitable supply structures, the need of expensive equipment like an incubator and sophisticated pumps as well as the choice of material. The presented device is made out of hard, but non-cytotoxic materials (silicon and glass) and contains two vertical arranged membranes out of hydrogel. The porous membranes are used to separate the culture chamber from two supply channels for gases and nutrients. The cells are fed continuously by diffusion through the membranes without the need of an incubator and low requirements on the supply of medium to the assembly. The diffusion of oxygen is modelled in order to find the optimal dimensions of the chamber. The chip is connected via 3D-printed holders to the macroscopic world. The holders are coated with Parlyene C to ensure that only biocompatible materials are in contact with the culture medium. The experiments with MDCK-cells show the successful seeding inside the chip, culturing and passaging. Consequently, the presented platform is a step towards Lab-on-a-Chip applications that require long-term cultivation of mammalian cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Bunge
- Institute for Microsensors, -actuators and -systems (IMSAS), University of Bremen, 28359 Bremen, Germany.
- Microsystems Center Bremen (MCB), University of Bremen, 28359 Bremen, Germany.
| | - Sander van den Driesche
- Institute for Microsensors, -actuators and -systems (IMSAS), University of Bremen, 28359 Bremen, Germany.
- Microsystems Center Bremen (MCB), University of Bremen, 28359 Bremen, Germany.
| | - Michael J Vellekoop
- Institute for Microsensors, -actuators and -systems (IMSAS), University of Bremen, 28359 Bremen, Germany.
- Microsystems Center Bremen (MCB), University of Bremen, 28359 Bremen, Germany.
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37
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Advanced biomaterials and microengineering technologies to recapitulate the stepwise process of cancer metastasis. Biomaterials 2017; 133:176-207. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2017.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2016] [Revised: 04/04/2017] [Accepted: 04/12/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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38
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Portillo-Lara R, Annabi N. Microengineered cancer-on-a-chip platforms to study the metastatic microenvironment. LAB ON A CHIP 2016; 16:4063-4081. [PMID: 27605305 DOI: 10.1039/c6lc00718j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
More than 90% of cancer-related deaths can be attributed to the occurrence of metastatic diseases. Recent studies have highlighted the importance of the multicellular, biochemical and biophysical stimuli from the tumor microenvironment during carcinogenesis, treatment failure, and metastasis. Therefore, there is a need for experimental platforms that are able to recapitulate the complex pathophysiological features of the metastatic microenvironment. Recent advancements in biomaterials, microfluidics, and tissue engineering have led to the development of living multicellular microculture systems, which are maintained in controllable microenvironments and function with organ level complexity. The applications of these "on-chip" technologies for detection, separation, characterization and three dimensional (3D) propagation of cancer cells have been extensively reviewed in previous works. In this contribution, we focus on integrative microengineered platforms that allow the study of multiple aspects of the metastatic microenvironment, including the physicochemical cues from the tumor associated stroma, the heterocellular interactions that drive trans-endothelial migration and angiogenesis, the environmental stresses that metastatic cancer cells encounter during migration, and the physicochemical gradients that direct cell motility and invasion. We discuss the application of these systems as in vitro assays to elucidate fundamental mechanisms of cancer metastasis, as well as their use as human relevant platforms for drug screening in biomimetic microenvironments. We then conclude with our commentaries on current progress and future perspectives of microengineered systems for fundamental and translational cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Portillo-Lara
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, 451 Snell Engineering Building, 360 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA. and Centro de Biotecnología-FEMSA, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - N Annabi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, 451 Snell Engineering Building, 360 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA. and Biomaterials Innovation Research Center, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA and Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
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Campillo N, Jorba I, Schaedel L, Casals B, Gozal D, Farré R, Almendros I, Navajas D. A Novel Chip for Cyclic Stretch and Intermittent Hypoxia Cell Exposures Mimicking Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Front Physiol 2016; 7:319. [PMID: 27524971 PMCID: PMC4965455 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2016.00319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2016] [Accepted: 07/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Intermittent hypoxia (IH), a hallmark of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of OSA-associated morbidities, especially in the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Oxidative stress and inflammation induced by IH are suggested as main contributors of end-organ dysfunction in OSA patients and animal models. Since the molecular mechanisms underlying these in vivo pathological responses remain poorly understood, implementation of experimental in vitro cell-based systems capable of inducing high-frequency IH would be highly desirable. Here, we describe the design, fabrication, and validation of a versatile chip for subjecting cultured cells to fast changes in gas partial pressure and to cyclic stretch. The chip is fabricated with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and consists of a cylindrical well-covered by a thin membrane. Cells cultured on top of the membrane can be subjected to fast changes in oxygen concentration (equilibrium time ~6 s). Moreover, cells can be subjected to cyclic stretch at cardiac or respiratory frequencies independently or simultaneously. Rat bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) exposed to IH mimicking OSA and cyclic stretch at cardiac frequencies revealed that hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) expression was increased in response to both stimuli. Thus, the chip provides a versatile tool for the study of cellular responses to cyclical hypoxia and stretch.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noelia Campillo
- Unitat de Biofísica i Bioenginyeria, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat de BarcelonaBarcelona, Spain; Cellular and Respiratory Biomechanics, Institute for Bioengineering of CataloniaBarcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades RespiratoriasMadrid, Spain
| | - Ignasi Jorba
- Unitat de Biofísica i Bioenginyeria, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat de BarcelonaBarcelona, Spain; Cellular and Respiratory Biomechanics, Institute for Bioengineering of CataloniaBarcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades RespiratoriasMadrid, Spain
| | - Laura Schaedel
- Unitat de Biofísica i Bioenginyeria, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat de BarcelonaBarcelona, Spain; Cellular and Respiratory Biomechanics, Institute for Bioengineering of CataloniaBarcelona, Spain
| | - Blai Casals
- Unitat de Biofísica i Bioenginyeria, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat de BarcelonaBarcelona, Spain; Cellular and Respiratory Biomechanics, Institute for Bioengineering of CataloniaBarcelona, Spain
| | - David Gozal
- Biological Sciences Division, Department of Pediatrics, Pritzker School of Medicine, The University of Chicago Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ramon Farré
- Unitat de Biofísica i Bioenginyeria, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat de BarcelonaBarcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades RespiratoriasMadrid, Spain; Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i SunyerBarcelona, Spain
| | - Isaac Almendros
- Unitat de Biofísica i Bioenginyeria, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat de BarcelonaBarcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades RespiratoriasMadrid, Spain; Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i SunyerBarcelona, Spain
| | - Daniel Navajas
- Unitat de Biofísica i Bioenginyeria, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat de BarcelonaBarcelona, Spain; Cellular and Respiratory Biomechanics, Institute for Bioengineering of CataloniaBarcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades RespiratoriasMadrid, Spain
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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.
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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
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Boyce MW, Kenney RM, Truong AS, Lockett MR. Quantifying oxygen in paper-based cell cultures with luminescent thin film sensors. Anal Bioanal Chem 2015; 408:2985-92. [DOI: 10.1007/s00216-015-9189-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2015] [Revised: 11/08/2015] [Accepted: 11/11/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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Gozal D, Farré R, Nieto FJ. Obstructive sleep apnea and cancer: Epidemiologic links and theoretical biological constructs. Sleep Med Rev 2015; 27:43-55. [PMID: 26447849 DOI: 10.1016/j.smrv.2015.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2015] [Revised: 05/21/2015] [Accepted: 05/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Sleep disorders have emerged as highly prevalent conditions in the last 50-75 y. Along with improved understanding of such disorders, the realization that perturbations in sleep architecture and continuity may initiate, exacerbate or modulate the phenotypic expression of multiple diseases including cancer has gained increased attention. Furthermore, the intermittent hypoxia that is attendant to sleep disordered breathing, has recently been implicated in increased incidence and more adverse prognosis of cancer. The unifying conceptual framework linking these associations proposes that increased sympathetic activity and/or alterations in immune function, particularly affecting innate immune cellular populations, underlie the deleterious effects of sleep disorders on tumor biology. In this review, the epidemiological evidence linking disrupted sleep and intermittent hypoxia to oncological outcomes, and the potential biological underpinnings of such associations as illustrated by experimental murine models will be critically appraised. The overarching conclusion appears supportive in the formulation of an hypothetical framework, in which fragmented sleep and intermittent hypoxia may promote changes in multiple signalosomes and transcription factors that can not only initiate malignant transformation, but will also alter the tumor microenvironment, disrupt immunosurveillance, and thus hasten tumor proliferation and increase local and metastatic invasion. Future bench-based experimental studies as well as carefully conducted and controlled clinical epidemiological studies appear justified for further exploration of these hypotheses.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Gozal
- Department of Pediatrics, Pritzker School of Medicine, Biological Sciences Division, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Ramon Farré
- Unitat de Biofísica i Bioenginyeria, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat de Barcelona-IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain; CIBER de Enfermedades Respiratorias, Madrid, Spain
| | - F Javier Nieto
- Department of Population Health Sciences, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
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Acosta MA, Jiang X, Huang PK, Cutler KB, Grant CS, Walker GM, Gamcsik MP. A microfluidic device to study cancer metastasis under chronic and intermittent hypoxia. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2014; 8:054117. [PMID: 25584114 PMCID: PMC4290574 DOI: 10.1063/1.4898788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2014] [Accepted: 10/08/2014] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Metastatic cancer cells must traverse a microenvironment ranging from extremely hypoxic, within the tumor, to highly oxygenated, within the host's vasculature. Tumor hypoxia can be further characterized by regions of both chronic and intermittent hypoxia. We present the design and characterization of a microfluidic device that can simultaneously mimic the oxygenation conditions observed within the tumor and model the cell migration and intravasation processes. This device can generate spatial oxygen gradients of chronic hypoxia and produce dynamically changing hypoxic microenvironments in long-term culture of cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel A Acosta
- UNC/NCSU Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University , 4206D Engineering Building III, 911 Oval Drive, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695-7115, USA
| | - Xiao Jiang
- UNC/NCSU Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University , 4206D Engineering Building III, 911 Oval Drive, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695-7115, USA
| | - Pin-Kang Huang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology , No. 43, Sec. 4, Keelung Road, Da'an District, Taipei City 106, Taiwan
| | - Kyle B Cutler
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Beckman Laser Institute, University of California Irvine , 1002 Health Services Road, Irvine, California 92617, USA
| | - Christine S Grant
- UNC/NCSU Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University , 4206D Engineering Building III, 911 Oval Drive, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695-7115, USA
| | - Glenn M Walker
- UNC/NCSU Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University , 4206D Engineering Building III, 911 Oval Drive, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695-7115, USA
| | - Michael P Gamcsik
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology , No. 43, Sec. 4, Keelung Road, Da'an District, Taipei City 106, Taiwan
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