1
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Pitton M, Urzì C, Farè S, Contessi Negrini N. Visible light photo-crosslinking of biomimetic gelatin-hyaluronic acid hydrogels for adipose tissue engineering. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2024; 158:106675. [PMID: 39068848 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2024.106675] [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: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Tissue engineering (TE) of adipose tissue (AT) is a promising strategy that can provide 3D constructs to be used for in vitro modelling, overcoming the limitations of 2D cell cultures by closely replicating the complex breast tissue extracellular matrix (ECM), cell-cell, and cell-ECM interactions. However, the challenge in developing 3D constructs of AT resides in designing artificial matrices that can mimic the structural properties of native AT and support adipocytes biological functions. Herein, we developed photocrosslinkable hydrogels by employing gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) and hyaluronic acid methacrylate (HAMA) to mimic the collagenous and glycosaminoglycan components of AT microenvironment, respectively. The physico-mechanical properties of the hydrogels were tuned to target AT biomimetic properties by varying the hydrogel formulation (with or without hyaluronic acid), and the amount of photoinitiator (ruthenium/sodium persulfate) used to crosslink the hydrogels via visible light. The physical and mechanical properties of the developed hydrogels were tuned by varying the material formulation and the photoinitiator concentration. Preadipocytes were encapsulated inside the hydrogels and differentiated into mature adipocytes. Findings enlightened that HAMA addition in hybrid hydrogels boosted an increased lipid accumulation. The engineered biomimetic adipocyte-based constructs resulted promising as scaffolds or 3D in vitro models of AT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Pitton
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, Italy
| | - Christian Urzì
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, Italy
| | - Silvia Farè
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, Italy; National Interuniversity Consortium of Materials Science and Technology, Florence, Italy.
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2
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Kashyap A, Kumari M, Singh A, Mukherjee K, Maity D. Current development of theragnostic nanoparticles for women's cancer treatment. Biomed Mater 2024; 19:042001. [PMID: 38471150 DOI: 10.1088/1748-605x/ad3311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
In the biomedical industry, nanoparticles (NPs-exclusively small particles with size ranging from 1-100 nanometres) are recently employed as powerful tools due to their huge potential in sophisticated and enhanced cancer theragnostic (i.e. therapeutics and diagnostics). Cancer is a life-threatening disease caused by carcinogenic agents and mutation in cells, leading to uncontrolled cell growth and harming the body's normal functioning while affecting several factors like low levels of reactive oxygen species, hyperactive antiapoptotic mRNA expression, reduced proapoptotic mRNA expression, damaged DNA repair, and so on. NPs are extensively used in early cancer diagnosis and are functionalized to target receptors overexpressing cancer cells for effective cancer treatment. This review focuses explicitly on how NPs alone and combined with imaging techniques and advanced treatment techniques have been researched against 'women's cancer' such as breast, ovarian, and cervical cancer which are substantially occurring in women. NPs, in combination with numerous imaging techniques (like PET, SPECT, MRI, etc) have been widely explored for cancer imaging and understanding tumor characteristics. Moreover, NPs in combination with various advanced cancer therapeutics (like magnetic hyperthermia, pH responsiveness, photothermal therapy, etc), have been stated to be more targeted and effective therapeutic strategies with negligible side effects. Furthermore, this review will further help to improve treatment outcomes and patient quality of life based on the theragnostic application-based studies of NPs in women's cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ananya Kashyap
- Department of Bioengineering and Biotechnology, Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi, Jharkhand 835215, India
| | - Madhubala Kumari
- Department of Bioengineering and Biotechnology, Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi, Jharkhand 835215, India
| | - Arnika Singh
- Department of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab 144411, India
| | - Koel Mukherjee
- Department of Bioengineering and Biotechnology, Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi, Jharkhand 835215, India
| | - Dipak Maity
- Integrated Nanosystems Development Institute, Indiana University Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States of America
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Indiana University Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States of America
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3
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Guz W, Podgórski R, Aebisher D, Truszkiewicz A, Machorowska-Pieniążek A, Cieślar G, Kawczyk-Krupka A, Bartusik-Aebisher D. Utility of 1.5 Tesla MRI Scanner in the Management of Small Sample Sizes Driven from 3D Breast Cell Culture. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3009. [PMID: 38474256 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25053009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The aim of this work was to use and optimize a 1.5 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system for three-dimensional (3D) images of small samples obtained from breast cell cultures in vitro. The basis of this study was to design MRI equipment to enable imaging of MCF-7 breast cancer cell cultures (about 1 million cells) in 1.5 and 2 mL glass tubes and/or bioreactors with an external diameter of less than 20 mm. Additionally, the development of software to calculate longitudinal and transverse relaxation times is described. Imaging tests were performed using a clinical MRI scanner OPTIMA 360 manufactured by GEMS. Due to the size of the tested objects, it was necessary to design additional receiving circuits allowing for the study of MCF-7 cell cultures placed in glass bioreactors. The examined sample's volume did not exceed 2.0 mL nor did the number of cells exceed 1 million. This work also included a modification of the sequence to allow for the analysis of T1 and T2 relaxation times. The analysis was performed using the MATLAB package (produced by MathWorks). The created application is based on medical MR images saved in the DICOM3.0 standard which ensures that the data analyzed are reliable and unchangeable in an unintentional manner that could affect the measurement results. The possibility of using 1.5 T MRI systems for cell culture research providing quantitative information from in vitro studies was realized. The scanning resolution for FOV = 5 cm and the matrix was achieved at a level of resolution of less than 0.1 mm/pixel. Receiving elements were built allowing for the acquisition of data for MRI image reconstruction confirmed by images of a phantom with a known structure and geometry. Magnetic resonance sequences were modified for the saturation recovery (SR) method, the purpose of which was to determine relaxation times. An application in MATLAB was developed that allows for the analysis of T1 and T2 relaxation times. The relaxation times of cell cultures were determined over a 6-week period. In the first week, the T1 time value was 1100 ± 40 ms, which decreased to 673 ± 59 ms by the sixth week. For T2, the results were 171 ± 10 ms and 128 ± 12 ms, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wiesław Guz
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging and Nuclear Medicine, Medical College of the University of Rzeszow, 35-310 Rzeszów, Poland
| | - Rafał Podgórski
- Department of Biochemistry and General Chemistry, Medical College of the University of Rzeszow, 35-310 Rzeszów, Poland
| | - David Aebisher
- Department of Photomedicine and Physical Chemistry, Medical College of the University of Rzeszow, 35-310 Rzeszów, Poland
| | - Adrian Truszkiewicz
- Department of Photomedicine and Physical Chemistry, Medical College of the University of Rzeszow, 35-310 Rzeszów, Poland
| | | | - Grzegorz Cieślar
- Department of Internal Diseases, Angiology and Physical Medicine, Centre for Laser Diagnostics and Therapy, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Batorego 15, 41-902 Bytom, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Kawczyk-Krupka
- Department of Internal Diseases, Angiology and Physical Medicine, Centre for Laser Diagnostics and Therapy, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Batorego 15, 41-902 Bytom, Poland
| | - Dorota Bartusik-Aebisher
- Department of Biochemistry and General Chemistry, Medical College of the University of Rzeszow, 35-310 Rzeszów, Poland
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4
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Cruz-Acuña R, Kariuki SW, Sugiura K, Karaiskos S, Plaster EM, Loebel C, Efe G, Karakasheva T, Gabre JT, Hu J, Burdick JA, Rustgi AK. Engineered hydrogel reveals contribution of matrix mechanics to esophageal adenocarcinoma and identifies matrix-activated therapeutic targets. J Clin Invest 2023; 133:e168146. [PMID: 37788109 PMCID: PMC10688988 DOI: 10.1172/jci168146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Increased extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness has been implicated in esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) progression, metastasis, and resistance to therapy. However, the underlying protumorigenic pathways are yet to be defined. Additional work is needed to develop physiologically relevant in vitro 3D culture models that better recapitulate the human tumor microenvironment and can be used to dissect the contributions of matrix stiffness to EAC pathogenesis. Here, we describe a modular, tumor ECM-mimetic hydrogel platform with tunable mechanical properties, defined presentation of cell-adhesive ligands, and protease-dependent degradation that supports robust in vitro growth and expansion of patient-derived EAC 3D organoids (EAC PDOs). Hydrogel mechanical properties control EAC PDO formation, growth, proliferation, and activation of tumor-associated pathways that elicit stem-like properties in the cancer cells, as highlighted through in vitro and in vivo environments. We also demonstrate that the engineered hydrogel serves as a platform for identifying potential therapeutic targets to disrupt the contribution of protumorigenic matrix mechanics in EAC. Together, these studies show that an engineered PDO culture platform can be used to elucidate underlying matrix-mediated mechanisms of EAC and inform the development of therapeutics that target ECM stiffness in EAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Cruz-Acuña
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Secunda W. Kariuki
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Kensuke Sugiura
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Spyros Karaiskos
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Claudia Loebel
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Gizem Efe
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Tatiana Karakasheva
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Joel T. Gabre
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jianhua Hu
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jason A. Burdick
- BioFrontiers Institute and Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado, USA
| | - Anil K. Rustgi
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
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5
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Landon-Brace N, Li NT, McGuigan AP. Exploring New Dimensions of Tumor Heterogeneity: The Application of Single Cell Analysis to Organoid-Based 3D In Vitro Models. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2300903. [PMID: 37589373 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202300903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Modeling the heterogeneity of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in vitro is essential to investigating fundamental cancer biology and developing novel treatment strategies that holistically address the factors affecting tumor progression and therapeutic response. Thus, the development of new tools for both in vitro modeling, such as patient-derived organoids (PDOs) and complex 3D in vitro models, and single cell omics analysis, such as single-cell RNA-sequencing, represents a new frontier for investigating tumor heterogeneity. Specifically, the integration of PDO-based 3D in vitro models and single cell analysis offers a unique opportunity to explore the intersecting effects of interpatient, microenvironmental, and tumor cell heterogeneity on cell phenotypes in the TME. In this review, the current use of PDOs in complex 3D in vitro models of the TME is discussed and the emerging directions in the development of these models are highlighted. Next, work that has successfully applied single cell analysis to PDO-based models is examined and important experimental considerations are identified for this approach. Finally, open questions are highlighted that may be amenable to exploration using the integration of PDO-based models and single cell analysis. Ultimately, such investigations may facilitate the identification of novel therapeutic targets for cancer that address the significant influence of tumor-TME interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Landon-Brace
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 200 College Street, Toronto, M5S3E5, Canada
| | - Nancy T Li
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, 200 College St, Toronto, M5S3E5, Canada
| | - Alison P McGuigan
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 200 College St, Toronto, M5S3E5, Canada
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6
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Vakhshiteh F, Bagheri Z, Soleimani M, Ahvaraki A, Pournemat P, Alavi SE, Madjd Z. Heterotypic tumor spheroids: a platform for nanomedicine evaluation. J Nanobiotechnology 2023; 21:249. [PMID: 37533100 PMCID: PMC10398970 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-023-02021-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Nanomedicine has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach, but its translation to the clinic has been hindered by the lack of cellular models to anticipate how tumor cells will respond to therapy. Three-dimensional (3D) cell culture models are thought to more accurately recapitulate key features of primary tumors than two-dimensional (2D) cultures. Heterotypic 3D tumor spheroids, composed of multiple cell types, have become more popular than homotypic spheroids, which consist of a single cell type, as a superior model for mimicking in vivo tumor heterogeneity and physiology. The stromal interactions demonstrated in heterotypic 3D tumor spheroids can affect various aspects, including response to therapy, cancer progression, nanomedicine penetration, and drug resistance. Accordingly, to design more effective anticancer nanomedicinal therapeutics, not only tumor cells but also stromal cells (e.g., fibroblasts and immune cells) should be considered to create a more physiologically relevant in vivo microenvironment. This review aims to demonstrate current knowledge of heterotypic 3D tumor spheroids in cancer research, to illustrate current advances in utilizing these tumor models as a novel and versatile platform for in vitro evaluation of nanomedicine-based therapeutics in cancer research, and to discuss challenges, guidelines, and future directions in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faezeh Vakhshiteh
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Zeinab Bagheri
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, 1983969411, Iran.
| | - Marziye Soleimani
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, 1983969411, Iran
| | - Akram Ahvaraki
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, 1983969411, Iran
| | - Parisa Pournemat
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, 1983969411, Iran
| | - Seyed Ebrahim Alavi
- Faculty of Medicine, Frazer Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia
| | - Zahra Madjd
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran
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7
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Li W, Zhou Z, Zhou X, Khoo BL, Gunawan R, Chin YR, Zhang L, Yi C, Guan X, Yang M. 3D Biomimetic Models to Reconstitute Tumor Microenvironment In Vitro: Spheroids, Organoids, and Tumor-on-a-Chip. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2202609. [PMID: 36917657 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202202609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
Decades of efforts in engineering in vitro cancer models have advanced drug discovery and the insight into cancer biology. However, the establishment of preclinical models that enable fully recapitulating the tumor microenvironment remains challenging owing to its intrinsic complexity. Recent progress in engineering techniques has allowed the development of a new generation of in vitro preclinical models that can recreate complex in vivo tumor microenvironments and accurately predict drug responses, including spheroids, organoids, and tumor-on-a-chip. These biomimetic 3D tumor models are of particular interest as they pave the way for better understanding of cancer biology and accelerating the development of new anticancer therapeutics with reducing animal use. Here, the recent advances in developing these in vitro platforms for cancer modeling and preclinical drug screening, focusing on incorporating hydrogels are reviewed to reconstitute physiologically relevant microenvironments. The combination of spheroids/organoids with microfluidic technologies is also highlighted to better mimic in vivo tumors and discuss the challenges and future directions in the clinical translation of such models for drug screening and personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxiu Li
- Department of Precision Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology, City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Futian Research Institute, Shenzhen, 518000, China
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Tung Biomedical Sciences Centre, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, 999077, China
| | - Zhihang Zhou
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Tung Biomedical Sciences Centre, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, 999077, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Xiaoyu Zhou
- Department of Precision Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology, City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Futian Research Institute, Shenzhen, 518000, China
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Tung Biomedical Sciences Centre, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, 999077, China
| | - Bee Luan Khoo
- Department of Precision Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology, City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Futian Research Institute, Shenzhen, 518000, China
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Renardi Gunawan
- Department of Precision Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology, City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Futian Research Institute, Shenzhen, 518000, China
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Tung Biomedical Sciences Centre, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, 999077, China
| | - Y Rebecca Chin
- Department of Precision Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology, City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Futian Research Institute, Shenzhen, 518000, China
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Tung Biomedical Sciences Centre, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, 999077, China
| | - Liang Zhang
- Department of Precision Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology, City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Futian Research Institute, Shenzhen, 518000, China
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Tung Biomedical Sciences Centre, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, 999077, China
| | - Changqing Yi
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering and Technology Center of Advanced and Portable Medical Devices, School of Biomedical Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 518107, China
| | - Xinyuan Guan
- Department of Clinical Oncology, State Key Laboratory for Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, 999077, China
| | - Mengsu Yang
- Department of Precision Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology, City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Futian Research Institute, Shenzhen, 518000, China
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Tung Biomedical Sciences Centre, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, 999077, China
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8
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Zhao B, Lv Y. A biomechanical view of epigenetic tumor regulation. J Biol Phys 2023:10.1007/s10867-023-09633-3. [PMID: 37004697 PMCID: PMC10397176 DOI: 10.1007/s10867-023-09633-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The occurrence and development of tumors depend on a complex regulation by not only biochemical cues, but also biomechanical factors in tumor microenvironment. With the development of epigenetic theory, the regulation of biomechanical stimulation on tumor progress genetically is not enough to fully illustrate the mechanism of tumorigenesis. However, biomechanical regulation on tumor progress epigenetically is still in its infancy. Therefore, it is particularly important to integrate the existing relevant researches and develop the potential exploration. This work sorted out the existing researches on the regulation of tumor by biomechanical factors through epigenetic means, which contains summarizing the tumor epigenetic regulatory mode by biomechanical factors, exhibiting the influence of epigenetic regulation under mechanical stimulation, illustrating its existing applications, and prospecting the potential. This review aims to display the relevant knowledge through integrating the existing studies on epigenetic regulation in tumorigenesis under mechanical stimulation so as to provide theoretical basis and new ideas for potential follow-up research and clinical applications. Mechanical factors under physiological conditions stimulate the tumor progress through epigenetic ways, and new strategies are expected to be found with the development of epidrugs and related delivery systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boyuan Zhao
- Mechanobiology and Regenerative Medicine Laboratory, Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, People's Republic of China
| | - Yonggang Lv
- State Key Laboratory of New Textile Materials and Advanced Processing Technologies, Wuhan Textile University, No. 1 Sunshine Avenue, Jiangxia District, Wuhan, Hubei Province, 430200, People's Republic of China.
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9
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Azimian Zavareh V, Rafiee L, Sheikholeslam M, Shariati L, Vaseghi G, Savoji H, Haghjooy Javanmard S. Three-Dimensional in Vitro Models: A Promising Tool To Scale-Up Breast Cancer Research. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2022; 8:4648-4672. [PMID: 36260561 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.2c00277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Common models used in breast cancer studies, including two-dimensional (2D) cultures and animal models, do not precisely model all aspects of breast tumors. These models do not well simulate the cell-cell and cell-stromal interactions required for normal tumor growth in the body and lake tumor like microenvironment. Three-dimensional (3D) cell culture models are novel approaches to studying breast cancer. They do not have the restrictions of these conventional models and are able to recapitulate the structural architecture, complexity, and specific function of breast tumors and provide similar in vivo responses to therapeutic regimens. These models can be a link between former traditional 2D culture and in vivo models and are necessary for further studies in cancer. This review attempts to summarize the most common 3D in vitro models used in breast cancer studies, including scaffold-free (spheroid and organoid), scaffold-based, and chip-based models, particularly focused on the basic and translational application of these 3D models in drug screening and the tumor microenvironment in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vajihe Azimian Zavareh
- Applied Physiology Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 81746 73461, Iran.,Core Research Facilities (CRF), Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 81746 73461, Iran
| | - Laleh Rafiee
- Applied Physiology Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 81746 73461, Iran
| | - Mohammadali Sheikholeslam
- Department of Biomaterials, Nanotechnology and Tissue Engineering, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 81746 73461, Iran.,Biosensor Research Center, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 81746 73461, Iran
| | - Laleh Shariati
- Department of Biomaterials, Nanotechnology and Tissue Engineering, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 81746 73461, Iran.,Cancer Prevention Research Center, Omid Hospital, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 81746 73461, Iran
| | - Golnaz Vaseghi
- Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Center, Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 81746 73461, Iran
| | - Houman Savoji
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada.,Research Center, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine, Montreal, QC H3T 1C5, Canada.,Montreal TransMedTech Institute, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Shaghayegh Haghjooy Javanmard
- Applied Physiology Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 81746 73461, Iran
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10
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Sheng F, Jia RP. The design basis and application in urology of the tumor-on-a-chip platform. Urol Oncol 2022; 40:331-342. [DOI: 10.1016/j.urolonc.2022.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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11
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Recapitulating the Angiogenic Switch in a Hydrogel-Based 3D In Vitro Tumor-Stroma Model. Bioengineering (Basel) 2021; 8:bioengineering8110186. [PMID: 34821752 PMCID: PMC8614676 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering8110186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
To ensure nutrient and oxygen supply, tumors beyond a size of 1–2 mm3 need a connection to the vascular system. Thus, tumor cells modify physiological tissue homeostasis by secreting inflammatory and angiogenic cytokines. This leads to the activation of the tumor microenvironment and the turning of the angiogenic switch, resulting in tumor vascularization and growth. To inhibit tumor growth by developing efficient anti-angiogenic therapies, an in depth understanding of the molecular mechanism initiating angiogenesis is essential. Yet so far, predominantly 2D cell cultures or animal models have been used to clarify the interactions within the tumor stroma, resulting in poor transferability of the data obtained to the in vivo situation. Consequently, there is an abundant need for complex, humanized, 3D models in vitro. We established a dextran-hydrogel-based 3D organotypic in vitro model containing microtumor spheroids, macrophages, neutrophils, fibroblasts and endothelial cells, allowing for the analysis of tumor–stroma interactions in a controlled and modifiable environment. During the cultivation period of 21 days, the microtumor spheroids in the model grew in size and endothelial cells formed elongated tubular structures resembling capillary vessels, that appeared to extend towards the tumor spheroids. The tubular structures exhibited complex bifurcations and expanded without adding external angiogenic factors such as VEGF to the culture. To allow high-throughput screening of therapeutic candidates, the 3D cell culture model was successfully miniaturized to a 96-well format, while still maintaining the same level of tumor spheroid growth and vascular sprouting. The quantification of VEGF in the conditioned medium of these cultures showed a continuous increase during the cultivation period, suggesting the contribution of endogenous VEGF to the induction of the angiogenic switch and vascular sprouting. Thus, this model is highly suitable as a testing platform for novel anticancer therapeutics targeting the tumor as well as the vascular compartment.
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12
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The Snakeskin Gourami (Trichopodus pectoralis) Tends to Exhibit XX/XY Sex Determination. FISHES 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/fishes6040043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The snakeskin gourami (Trichopodus pectoralis) has a high meat yield and is one of the top five aquaculture freshwater fishes in Thailand. The species is not externally sexually dimorphic, and its sex determination system is unknown. Understanding the sex determination system of this species will contribute to its full-scale commercialization. In this study, a cytogenetic analysis did not reveal any between-sex differences in chromosomal patterns. However, we used genotyping-by-sequencing to identify 4 male-linked loci and 1 female-linked locus, indicating that the snakeskin gourami tends to exhibit an XX/XY sex determination system. However, we did not find any male-specific loci after filtering the loci for a ratio of 100:0 ratio of males:females. This suggests that the putative Y chromosome is young and that the sex determination region is cryptic. This approach provides solid information that can help identify the sex determination mechanism and potential sex determination regions in the snakeskin gourami, allowing further investigation of genetic improvements in the species.
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13
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Amens JN, Bahçecioglu G, Zorlutuna P. Immune System Effects on Breast Cancer. Cell Mol Bioeng 2021; 14:279-292. [PMID: 34295441 PMCID: PMC8280260 DOI: 10.1007/s12195-021-00679-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in women, with the ability to metastasize to secondary organs, which is the main cause of cancer-related deaths. Understanding how breast tumors progress is essential for developing better treatment strategies against breast cancer. Until recently, it has been considered that breast cancer elicits a small immune response. However, it is now clear that breast tumor progression is either prevented by the action of antitumor immunity or exacerbated by proinflammatory cytokines released mainly by the immune cells. In this comprehensive review we first explain antitumor immunity, then continue with how the tumor suppresses and evades the immune response, and next, outline the role of inflammation in breast tumor initiation and progression. We finally review the current immunotherapeutic and immunoengineering strategies against breast cancer as a promising emerging approach for the discovery and design of immune system-based strategies for breast cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jensen N. Amens
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556 USA
| | - Gökhan Bahçecioglu
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556 USA
| | - Pinar Zorlutuna
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556 USA
- Bioengineering Graduate Program, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556 USA
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556 USA
- Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556 USA
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14
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Pozzi S, Scomparin A, Israeli Dangoor S, Rodriguez Ajamil D, Ofek P, Neufeld L, Krivitsky A, Vaskovich-Koubi D, Kleiner R, Dey P, Koshrovski-Michael S, Reisman N, Satchi-Fainaro R. Meet me halfway: Are in vitro 3D cancer models on the way to replace in vivo models for nanomedicine development? Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 175:113760. [PMID: 33838208 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The complexity and diversity of the biochemical processes that occur during tumorigenesis and metastasis are frequently over-simplified in the traditional in vitro cell cultures. Two-dimensional cultures limit researchers' experimental observations and frequently give rise to misleading and contradictory results. Therefore, in order to overcome the limitations of in vitro studies and bridge the translational gap to in vivo applications, 3D models of cancer were developed in the last decades. The three dimensions of the tumor, including its cellular and extracellular microenvironment, are recreated by combining co-cultures of cancer and stromal cells in 3D hydrogel-based growth factors-inclusive scaffolds. More complex 3D cultures, containing functional blood vasculature, can integrate in the system external stimuli (e.g. oxygen and nutrient deprivation, cytokines, growth factors) along with drugs, or other therapeutic compounds. In this scenario, cell signaling pathways, metastatic cascade steps, cell differentiation and self-renewal, tumor-microenvironment interactions, and precision and personalized medicine, are among the wide range of biological applications that can be studied. Here, we discuss a broad variety of strategies exploited by scientists to create in vitro 3D cancer models that resemble as much as possible the biology and patho-physiology of in vivo tumors and predict faithfully the treatment outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabina Pozzi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Anna Scomparin
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Turin, Via P. Giuria 9, 10125 Turin, Italy
| | - Sahar Israeli Dangoor
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Daniel Rodriguez Ajamil
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Paula Ofek
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Lena Neufeld
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Adva Krivitsky
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Daniella Vaskovich-Koubi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Ron Kleiner
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Pradip Dey
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Shani Koshrovski-Michael
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Noa Reisman
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Ronit Satchi-Fainaro
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel; Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel.
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15
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Ma P, Chen Y, Lai X, Zheng J, Ye E, Loh XJ, Zhao Y, Parikh BH, Su X, You M, Wu YL, Li Z. The Translational Application of Hydrogel for Organoid Technology: Challenges and Future Perspectives. Macromol Biosci 2021; 21:e2100191. [PMID: 34263547 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202100191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Human organoids mimic the physiology and tissue architecture of organs and are of great significance for promoting the study of human diseases. Traditionally, organoid cultures rely predominantly on animal or tumor-derived extracellular matrix (ECM), resulting in poor reproducibility. This limits their utility in for large-scale drug screening and application for regenerative medicine. Recently, synthetic polymeric hydrogels, with high biocompatibility and biodegradability, stability, uniformity of compositions, and high throughput properties, have emerged as potential materials for achieving 3D architectures for organoid cultures. Compared to conventional animal or tumor-derived organoids, these newly engineered hydrogel-based organoids more closely resemble human organs, as they are able to mimic native structural and functional properties observed in-situ. In this review, recent developments in hydrogel-based organoid culture will be summarized, emergent hydrogel technology will be highlighted, and future challenges in applying them to organoid culture will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panqin Ma
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Ying Chen
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Xiyu Lai
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Jie Zheng
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering, A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research), 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis, #08-03, Singapore, 138634, Singapore
| | - Enyi Ye
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering, A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research), 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis, #08-03, Singapore, 138634, Singapore
| | - Xian Jun Loh
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering, A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research), 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis, #08-03, Singapore, 138634, Singapore
| | - Yi Zhao
- BayRay Innovation Center, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory (SZBL), Shenzhen, 518132, China
| | - Bhav Harshad Parikh
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 61 Biopolis, Drive, Proteos, Singapore, 138673, Singapore.,Department of Ophthalmology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 10 Medical Dr, Singapore, 117597, Singapore
| | - Xinyi Su
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 61 Biopolis, Drive, Proteos, Singapore, 138673, Singapore.,Department of Ophthalmology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 10 Medical Dr, Singapore, 117597, Singapore.,Singapore Eye Research Institute (SERI), The Academia, 20 College Road Discovery Tower Level 6, Singapore, 169856, Singapore.,Department of Ophthalmology, National University Hospital, Singapore, 119074, Singapore
| | - Mingliang You
- Hangzhou Cancer Institute, Key Laboratory of Clinical Cancer Pharmacology and Toxicology Research of Zhejiang Province, Affiliated Hangzhou Cancer Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310002, China
| | - Yun-Long Wu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Zibiao Li
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering, A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research), 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis, #08-03, Singapore, 138634, Singapore.,Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117574, Singapore
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16
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Goodarzi K, Rao SS. Hyaluronic acid-based hydrogels to study cancer cell behaviors. J Mater Chem B 2021; 9:6103-6115. [PMID: 34259709 DOI: 10.1039/d1tb00963j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a natural polysaccharide and a key component of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in many tissues. Therefore, HA-based biomaterials are extensively utilized to create three dimensional ECM mimics to study cell behaviors in vitro. Specifically, derivatives of HA have been commonly used to fabricate hydrogels with controllable properties. In this review, we discuss the various chemistries employed to fabricate HA-based hydrogels as a tunable matrix to mimic the cancer microenvironment and subsequently study cancer cell behaviors in vitro. These include Michael-addition reactions, photo-crosslinking, carbodiimide chemistry, and Diels-Alder chemistry. The utility of these HA-based hydrogels to examine cancer cell behaviors such as proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro in various types of cancer are highlighted. Overall, such hydrogels provide a biomimetic material-based platform to probe cell-matrix interactions in cancer cells in vitro and study the mechanisms associated with cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasra Goodarzi
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0203, USA.
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17
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Basara G, Ozcebe SG, Ellis BW, Zorlutuna P. Tunable Human Myocardium Derived Decellularized Extracellular Matrix for 3D Bioprinting and Cardiac Tissue Engineering. Gels 2021; 7:70. [PMID: 34208210 PMCID: PMC8293197 DOI: 10.3390/gels7020070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The generation of 3D tissue constructs with multiple cell types and matching mechanical properties remains a challenge in cardiac tissue engineering. Recently, 3D bioprinting has become a powerful tool to achieve these goals. Decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) is a common scaffold material due to providing a native biochemical environment. Unfortunately, dECM's low mechanical stability prevents usage for bioprinting applications alone. In this study, we developed bioinks composed of decellularized human heart ECM (dhECM) with either gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) or GelMA-methacrylated hyaluronic acid (MeHA) hydrogels dual crosslinked with UV light and microbial transglutaminase (mTGase). We characterized the bioinks' mechanical, rheological, swelling, printability, and biocompatibility properties. Composite GelMA-MeHA-dhECM (GME) hydrogels demonstrated improved mechanical properties by an order of magnitude compared to the GelMA-dhECM (GE) hydrogels. All hydrogels were extrudable and compatible with human induced pluripotent stem cell derived cardiomyocytes (iCMs) and human cardiac fibroblasts (hCFs). Tissue-like beating of the printed constructs with striated sarcomeric alpha-actinin and connexin 43 expression was observed. The order of magnitude difference between the elastic modulus of these hydrogel composites offers applications in in vitro modeling of the myocardial infarct boundary. Here, as a proof of concept, we created an infarct boundary region with control over the mechanical properties along with the cellular and macromolecular content through printing iCMs with GE bioink and hCFs with GME bioink.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gozde Basara
- Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA;
| | - S. Gulberk Ozcebe
- Bioengineering Graduate Program, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA; (S.G.O.); (B.W.E.)
| | - Bradley W. Ellis
- Bioengineering Graduate Program, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA; (S.G.O.); (B.W.E.)
| | - Pinar Zorlutuna
- Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA;
- Bioengineering Graduate Program, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA; (S.G.O.); (B.W.E.)
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18
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Cruz-Acuña R, Vunjak-Novakovic G, Burdick JA, Rustgi AK. Emerging technologies provide insights on cancer extracellular matrix biology and therapeutics. iScience 2021; 24:102475. [PMID: 34027324 PMCID: PMC8131321 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.102475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent engineering technologies have transformed traditional perspectives of cancer to include the important role of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in recapitulating the malignant behaviors of cancer cells. Novel biomaterials and imaging technologies have advanced our understanding of the role of ECM density, structure, mechanics, and remodeling in tumor cell-ECM interactions in cancer biology and have provided new approaches in the development of cancer therapeutics. Here, we review emerging technologies in cancer ECM biology and recent advances in engineered systems for evaluating cancer therapeutics and provide new perspectives on how engineering tools present an opportunity for advancing the modeling and treatment of cancer. This review offers the cell biology and cancer cell biology communities insight into how engineering tools can improve our understanding of cancer ECM biology and therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Cruz-Acuña
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Jason A. Burdick
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Anil K. Rustgi
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
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19
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Han SJ, Kwon S, Kim KS. Challenges of applying multicellular tumor spheroids in preclinical phase. Cancer Cell Int 2021; 21:152. [PMID: 33663530 PMCID: PMC7934264 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-021-01853-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 157] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The three-dimensional (3D) multicellular tumor spheroids (MCTs) model is becoming an essential tool in cancer research as it expresses an intermediate complexity between 2D monolayer models and in vivo solid tumors. MCTs closely resemble in vivo solid tumors in many aspects, such as the heterogeneous architecture, internal gradients of signaling factors, nutrients, and oxygenation. MCTs have growth kinetics similar to those of in vivo tumors, and the cells in spheroid mimic the physical interaction of the tumors, such as cell-to-cell and cell-to-extracellular matrix interactions. These similarities provide great potential for studying the biological properties of tumors and a promising platform for drug screening and therapeutic efficacy evaluation. However, MCTs are not well adopted as preclinical tools for studying tumor behavior and therapeutic efficacy up to now. In this review, we addressed the challenges with MCTs application and discussed various efforts to overcome the challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Se Jik Han
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Korea
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Korea
| | - Sangwoo Kwon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Korea
| | - Kyung Sook Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Korea.
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20
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Miar S, Ong JL, Bizios R, Guda T. Electrically Stimulated Tunable Drug Delivery From Polypyrrole-Coated Polyvinylidene Fluoride. Front Chem 2021; 9:599631. [PMID: 33614599 PMCID: PMC7892451 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2021.599631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Electrical stimulus-responsive drug delivery from conducting polymers such as polypyrrole (PPy) has been limited by lack of versatile polymerization techniques and limitations in drug-loading strategies. In the present study, we report an in-situ chemical polymerization technique for incorporation of biotin, as the doping agent, to establish electrosensitive drug release from PPy-coated substrates. Aligned electrospun polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) fibers were used as a substrate for the PPy-coating and basic fibroblast growth factor and nerve growth factor were the model growth factors demonstrated for potential applications in musculoskeletal tissue regeneration. It was observed that 18-h of continuous polymerization produced an optimal coating of PPy on the surface of the PVDF electrospun fibers with significantly increased hydrophilicity and no substantial changes observed in fiber orientation or individual fiber thickness. This PPy-PVDF system was used as the platform for loading the aforementioned growth factors, using streptavidin as the drug-complex carrier. The release profile of incorporated biotinylated growth factors exhibited electrosensitive release behavior while the PPy-PVDF complex proved stable for a period of 14 days and suitable as a stimulus responsive drug delivery depot. Critically, the growth factors retained bioactivity after release. In conclusion, the present study established a systematic methodology to prepare PPy coated systems with electrosensitive drug release capabilities which can potentially be used to encourage targeted tissue regeneration and other biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Teja Guda
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Chemical Engineering, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
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21
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Blanco‐Fernandez B, Gaspar VM, Engel E, Mano JF. Proteinaceous Hydrogels for Bioengineering Advanced 3D Tumor Models. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2021; 8:2003129. [PMID: 33643799 PMCID: PMC7887602 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202003129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
The establishment of tumor microenvironment using biomimetic in vitro models that recapitulate key tumor hallmarks including the tumor supporting extracellular matrix (ECM) is in high demand for accelerating the discovery and preclinical validation of more effective anticancer therapeutics. To date, ECM-mimetic hydrogels have been widely explored for 3D in vitro disease modeling owing to their bioactive properties that can be further adapted to the biochemical and biophysical properties of native tumors. Gathering on this momentum, herein the current landscape of intrinsically bioactive protein and peptide hydrogels that have been employed for 3D tumor modeling are discussed. Initially, the importance of recreating such microenvironment and the main considerations for generating ECM-mimetic 3D hydrogel in vitro tumor models are showcased. A comprehensive discussion focusing protein, peptide, or hybrid ECM-mimetic platforms employed for modeling cancer cells/stroma cross-talk and for the preclinical evaluation of candidate anticancer therapies is also provided. Further development of tumor-tunable, proteinaceous or peptide 3D microtesting platforms with microenvironment-specific biophysical and biomolecular cues will contribute to better mimic the in vivo scenario, and improve the predictability of preclinical screening of generalized or personalized therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Blanco‐Fernandez
- Department of Chemistry, CICECO – Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of AveiroCampus Universitário de SantiagoAveiro3810‐193Portugal
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC)The Barcelona Institute of Science and TechnologyBaldiri Reixac 10–12Barcelona08028Spain
| | - Vítor M. Gaspar
- Department of Chemistry, CICECO – Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of AveiroCampus Universitário de SantiagoAveiro3810‐193Portugal
| | - Elisabeth Engel
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC)The Barcelona Institute of Science and TechnologyBaldiri Reixac 10–12Barcelona08028Spain
- Materials Science and Metallurgical EngineeringPolytechnical University of Catalonia (UPC)Eduard Maristany 16Barcelona08019Spain
- CIBER en BioingenieríaBiomateriales y NanomedicinaCIBER‐BBNMadrid28029Spain
| | - João F. Mano
- Department of Chemistry, CICECO – Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of AveiroCampus Universitário de SantiagoAveiro3810‐193Portugal
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22
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Kang SM, Kim D, Lee JH, Takayama S, Park JY. Engineered Microsystems for Spheroid and Organoid Studies. Adv Healthc Mater 2021; 10:e2001284. [PMID: 33185040 PMCID: PMC7855453 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202001284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
3D in vitro model systems such as spheroids and organoids provide an opportunity to extend the physiological understanding using recapitulated tissues that mimic physiological characteristics of in vivo microenvironments. Unlike 2D systems, 3D in vitro systems can bridge the gap between inadequate 2D cultures and the in vivo environments, providing novel insights on complex physiological mechanisms at various scales of organization, ranging from the cellular, tissue-, to organ-levels. To satisfy the ever-increasing need for highly complex and sophisticated systems, many 3D in vitro models with advanced microengineering techniques have been developed to answer diverse physiological questions. This review summarizes recent advances in engineered microsystems for the development of 3D in vitro model systems. The relationship between the underlying physics behind the microengineering techniques, and their ability to recapitulate distinct 3D cellular structures and functions of diverse types of tissues and organs are highlighted and discussed in detail. A number of 3D in vitro models and their engineering principles are also introduced. Finally, current limitations are summarized, and perspectives for future directions in guiding the development of 3D in vitro model systems using microengineering techniques are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung-Min Kang
- Department of Green Chemical Engineering, Sangmyung University, Cheonan, Chungnam, 31066, Republic of Korea
| | - Daehan Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, 06974, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Hoon Lee
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
- The Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Shuichi Takayama
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
- The Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Joong Yull Park
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, 06974, Republic of Korea
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23
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Li Y, Wang Y, Shen C, Meng Q. Non-swellable F127-DA hydrogel with concave microwells for formation of uniform-sized vascular spheroids. RSC Adv 2020; 10:44494-44502. [PMID: 35517174 PMCID: PMC9058638 DOI: 10.1039/d0ra06188c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Hydrogels with concave microwells are one of the simplest means to obtain uniform-sized cellular spheroids. However, the inherent swelling of hydrogels leads to reduced mechanical strength and thus deforms the structure of the microwells. In this study, we developed a hydrogel with microwells for formation of vascular spheroids via non-swellable di-acrylated Pluronic F127 (F127-DA), which showed higher mechanical strength than a conventional di-acrylated polyethylene glycol (PEG-DA) hydrogel. The uniform-sized vascular spheroids were spontaneously generated by human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and fibroblasts in the microwells. The endothelial functions of vascular spheroids were about 1-fold higher than those in two-dimensional (2D) culture, as indicated by secretion of nitric oxide (NO), prostacyclin (PGI2) and tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI). Interestingly, the vascular spheroids with large diameter showed higher sensitivity to ethanol toxicity than those with small diameter, possibly due to the higher endothelial functions of large spheroids. Hence, F127-DA hydrogel with concave microwells provides a convenient way of forming uniform-sized spheroids that are useful for high throughput screening of drug/food toxicity. Hydrogels with concave microwells are one of the simplest means to obtain uniform-sized cellular spheroids.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingjun Li
- College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University Hangzhou 310027 China
| | - Ying Wang
- College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University Hangzhou 310027 China
| | - Chong Shen
- College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University Hangzhou 310027 China
| | - Qin Meng
- College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University Hangzhou 310027 China
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24
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Manzoor AA, Romita L, Hwang DK. A review on microwell and microfluidic geometric array fabrication techniques and its potential applications in cellular studies. CAN J CHEM ENG 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/cjce.23875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Ali Manzoor
- Department of Chemical Engineering Ryerson University Toronto Ontario Canada
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science St. Michael's Hospital Toronto Ontario Canada
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering Science and Technology (iBEST) A partnership between Ryerson University and St. Michael's Hospital Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Lauren Romita
- Department of Chemical Engineering Ryerson University Toronto Ontario Canada
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science St. Michael's Hospital Toronto Ontario Canada
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering Science and Technology (iBEST) A partnership between Ryerson University and St. Michael's Hospital Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Dae Kun Hwang
- Department of Chemical Engineering Ryerson University Toronto Ontario Canada
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science St. Michael's Hospital Toronto Ontario Canada
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering Science and Technology (iBEST) A partnership between Ryerson University and St. Michael's Hospital Toronto Ontario Canada
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25
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Yang J, Bahcecioglu G, Zorlutuna P. The Extracellular Matrix and Vesicles Modulate the Breast Tumor Microenvironment. Bioengineering (Basel) 2020; 7:E124. [PMID: 33050609 PMCID: PMC7712041 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering7040124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence has shown multiple roles of the tumor microenvironment (TME) components, specifically the extracellular matrix (ECM), in breast cancer development, progression, and metastasis. Aside from the biophysical properties and biochemical composition of the breast ECM, the signaling molecules are extremely important in maintaining homeostasis, and in the breast TME, they serve as the key components that facilitate tumor progression and immune evasion. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), the mediators that convey messages between the cells and their microenvironment through signaling molecules, have just started to capture attention in breast cancer research. In this comprehensive review, we first provide an overview of the impact of ECM in breast cancer progression as well as the alterations occurring in the TME during this process. The critical importance of EVs and their biomolecular contents in breast cancer progression and metastasis are also discussed. Finally, we discuss the potential biomedical or clinical applications of these extracellular components, as well as how they impact treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Yang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA;
| | - Gokhan Bahcecioglu
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA;
| | - Pinar Zorlutuna
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA;
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA;
- Bioengineering Graduate Program, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
- Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
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26
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Allen R, Ivtchenko E, Thuamsang B, Sangsuwan R, Lewis JS. Polymer-loaded hydrogels serve as depots for lactate and mimic "cold" tumor microenvironments. Biomater Sci 2020; 8:6056-6068. [PMID: 33000781 DOI: 10.1039/d0bm01196g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The burgeoning field of biomaterials for immunotherapy has aided in the understanding of foundational mechanisms of cancer immunology. In particular, implantable biomaterials can be engineered to investigate specific aspects of the tumor microenvironment either singularly or in combination. Of note, the metabolite - lactate, a byproduct of anaerobic glycolysis, is known to reprogram immune cells, resulting in increased tumor survival. An adequate model that can recapitulate intratumoral lactate concentrations does not exist. In this study, we demonstrate that a simple biomaterial platform could be developed as an instructive tool to decipher the effects of lactate in vivo. Briefly, we demonstrate that a peptide hydrogel loaded with granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor and poly-(lactic-co-glycolic acid)/(lactic acid) microparticles can generate the localized lactate concentrations (∼2-22 mM) and cellular makeup of the tumor microenvironment, following subcutaneous implantation in mice. Furthermore, infiltrating immune cells adopt phenotypes similar to those seen in other in vitro and in vivo cancer models, including immunosupressive dendritic cells. This hydrogel system is a framework to interrogate immune cell modulation in cancer-like environments using safe and degradable biomaterials. Moreover, this system can be multifaceted, as incorporation of other cancer tumor environmental factors or chemotherapeutic drugs is facile and could be insightful in developing or improving immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riley Allen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California (Davis), Davis, CA 95616, USA.
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27
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Sarkar J, Kumar A. Recent Advances in Biomaterial-Based High-Throughput Platforms. Biotechnol J 2020; 16:e2000288. [PMID: 32914497 DOI: 10.1002/biot.202000288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2020] [Revised: 08/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
High-throughput systems allow screening and analysis of large number of samples simultaneously under same conditions. Over recent years, high-throughput systems have found applications in fields other than drug discovery like bioprocess industries, pollutant detection, material microarrays, etc. With the introduction of materials in such HT platforms, the screening system has been enabled for solid phases apart from conventional solution phase. The use of biomaterials has further facilitated cell-based assays in such platforms. Here, the authors have focused on the recent developments in biomaterial-based platforms including the fabricationusing contact and non-contact methods and utilization of such platforms for discovery of novel biomaterials exploiting interaction of biological entities with surface and bulk properties. Finally, the authors have elaborated on the application of the biomaterial-based high-throughput platforms in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, cancer and stem cell studies. The studies show encouraging applications of biomaterial microarrays. However, success in clinical applicability still seems to be a far off task majorly due to absence of robust characterization and analysis techniques. Extensive focus is required for developing personalized medicine, analytical tools and storage/shelf-life of cell laden microarrays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joyita Sarkar
- Institute of Chemical Technology Mumbai, Marathwada Campus, Jalna, BT-6/7, Biotechnology Park, Additional MIDC Area, Aurangabad Road, Jalna, Maharashtra, 43120, India.,Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, 208016, India
| | - Ashok Kumar
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, 208016, India.,Centre for Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, 208016, India.,Centre for Nanosciences, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, 208016, India
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28
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Hacker BC, Rafat M. Organoids as Complex In Vitro Models for Studying Radiation-Induced Cell Recruitment. Cell Mol Bioeng 2020; 13:341-357. [PMID: 32952734 PMCID: PMC7479086 DOI: 10.1007/s12195-020-00625-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) typically receive chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy. Although this treatment improves prognosis for most patients, some patients continue to experience recurrence within 5 years. Preclinical studies have shown that immune cell infiltration at the irradiated site may play a significant role in tumor cell recruitment; however, little is known about the mechanisms that govern this process. This lack of knowledge highlights the need to evaluate radiation-induced cell infiltration with models that have controllable variables and maintain biological integrity. Mammary organoids are multicellular three-dimensional (3D) in vitro models, and they have been used to examine many aspects of mammary development and tumorigenesis. Organoids are also emerging as a powerful tool to investigate normal tissue radiation damage. In this review, we evaluate recent advances in mammary organoid technology, consider the advantages of using organoids to study radiation response, and discuss future directions for the applications of this technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin C. Hacker
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN USA
| | - Marjan Rafat
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN USA
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29
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Wechsler ME, Shevchuk M, Peppas NA. Developing a Multidisciplinary Approach for Engineering Stem Cell Organoids. Ann Biomed Eng 2020; 48:1895-1904. [PMID: 31659603 PMCID: PMC7186139 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-019-02391-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Recent advances in stem cell biology, synthetic biology, bioengineering, and biotechnology have included significant work leading to the development of stem cell-derived organoids. The growing popularity of organoid research and use of organoids is widely due to the fact that these three-dimensional cellular structures better model human physiology compared to traditional in vitro and in vivo methods by recapitulating many biologically relevant parameters. Organoids show great promise for a wide range of applications, such as for use in disease modeling, drug discovery, and regenerative medicine. However, many challenges associated with reproducibility and scale up still remain. Identification of the conditions which generate a robust environment that predictably promotes cellular self-assembly and organization leading to organoid formation is critical and requires a multidisciplinary approach. To accomplish this we need to identify a cellular source, engineer a matrix to stimulate cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions, and provide the biochemical and biophysical cues which mimic that of the in vivo environment. Discussion of the components needed for organoid development and formation is reviewed herein, as well as specific organoid examples and the promise of this research for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marissa E Wechsler
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
- Institute for Biomaterials, Drug Delivery, and Regenerative Medicine, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Mariya Shevchuk
- Institute for Biomaterials, Drug Delivery, and Regenerative Medicine, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
- McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Nicholas A Peppas
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA.
- Institute for Biomaterials, Drug Delivery, and Regenerative Medicine, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA.
- McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA.
- Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA.
- Department of Surgery and Perioperative Care, and Department of Pediatrics, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA.
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30
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Application of star poly(ethylene glycol) derivatives in drug delivery and controlled release. J Control Release 2020; 323:565-577. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2020.04.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Revised: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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31
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Yang Z, Xu H, Zhao X. Designer Self-Assembling Peptide Hydrogels to Engineer 3D Cell Microenvironments for Cell Constructs Formation and Precise Oncology Remodeling in Ovarian Cancer. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2020; 7:1903718. [PMID: 32382486 PMCID: PMC7201262 DOI: 10.1002/advs.201903718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Revised: 02/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Designer self-assembling peptides form the entangled nanofiber networks in hydrogels by ionic-complementary self-assembly. This type of hydrogel has realistic biological and physiochemical properties to serve as biomimetic extracellular matrix (ECM) for biomedical applications. The advantages and benefits are distinct from natural hydrogels and other synthetic or semisynthetic hydrogels. Designer peptides provide diverse alternatives of main building blocks to form various functional nanostructures. The entangled nanofiber networks permit essential compositional complexity and heterogeneity of engineering cell microenvironments in comparison with other hydrogels, which may reconstruct the tumor microenvironments (TMEs) in 3D cell cultures and tissue-specific modeling in vitro. Either ovarian cancer progression or recurrence and relapse are involved in the multifaceted TMEs in addition to mesothelial cells, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, pericytes, immune cells, adipocytes, and the ECM. Based on the progress in common hydrogel products, this work focuses on the diverse designer self-assembling peptide hydrogels for instructive cell constructs in tissue-specific modeling and the precise oncology remodeling for ovarian cancer, which are issued by several research aspects in a 3D context. The advantages and significance of designer peptide hydrogels are discussed, and some common approaches and coming challenges are also addressed in current complex tumor diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zehong Yang
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic MedicineSichuan UniversityChengduSichuan610041P. R. China
- Institute for Nanobiomedical Technology and Membrane BiologyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduSichuan610041P. R. China
| | - Hongyan Xu
- GL Biochem (Shanghai) Ltd.519 Ziyue Rd.Shanghai200241P. R. China
| | - Xiaojun Zhao
- Institute for Nanobiomedical Technology and Membrane BiologyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduSichuan610041P. R. China
- Wenzhou InstituteUniversity of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Wenzhou Institute of Biomaterials & Engineering)WenzhouZhejiang325001P. R. China
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32
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Fisher MF, Rao SS. Three‐dimensional culture models to study drug resistance in breast cancer. Biotechnol Bioeng 2020; 117:2262-2278. [DOI: 10.1002/bit.27356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Madeline F. Fisher
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa Alabama
| | - Shreyas S. Rao
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa Alabama
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33
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Bahcecioglu G, Basara G, Ellis BW, Ren X, Zorlutuna P. Breast cancer models: Engineering the tumor microenvironment. Acta Biomater 2020; 106:1-21. [PMID: 32045679 PMCID: PMC7185577 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2020.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Revised: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The mechanisms behind cancer initiation and progression are not clear. Therefore, development of clinically relevant models to study cancer biology and drug response in tumors is essential. In vivo models are very valuable tools for studying cancer biology and for testing drugs; however, they often suffer from not accurately representing the clinical scenario because they lack either human cells or a functional immune system. On the other hand, two-dimensional (2D) in vitro models lack the three-dimensional (3D) network of cells and extracellular matrix (ECM) and thus do not represent the tumor microenvironment (TME). As an alternative approach, 3D models have started to gain more attention, as such models offer a platform with the ability to study cell-cell and cell-material interactions parametrically, and possibly include all the components present in the TME. Here, we first give an overview of the breast cancer TME, and then discuss the current state of the pre-clinical breast cancer models, with a focus on the engineered 3D tissue models. We also highlight two engineering approaches that we think are promising in constructing models representative of human tumors: 3D printing and microfluidics. In addition to giving basic information about the TME in the breast tissue, this review article presents the state-of-the-art tissue engineered breast cancer models. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Involvement of biomaterials and tissue engineering fields in cancer research enables realistic mimicry of the cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions in the tumor microenvironment (TME), and thus creation of better models that reflect the tumor response against drugs. Engineering the 3D in vitro models also requires a good understanding of the TME. Here, an overview of the breast cancer TME is given, and the current state of the pre-clinical breast cancer models, with a focus on the engineered 3D tissue models is discussed. This review article is useful not only for biomaterials scientists aiming to engineer 3D in vitro TME models, but also for cancer researchers willing to use these models for studying cancer biology and drug testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gokhan Bahcecioglu
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, United States
| | - Gozde Basara
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, United States
| | - Bradley W Ellis
- Bioengineering Graduate Program, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, United States
| | - Xiang Ren
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, United States
| | - Pinar Zorlutuna
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, United States; Bioengineering Graduate Program, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, United States; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, United States; Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, United States.
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34
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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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35
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Jo H, Yoon M, Gajendiran M, Kim K. Recent Strategies in Fabrication of Gradient Hydrogels for Tissue Engineering Applications. Macromol Biosci 2019; 20:e1900300. [PMID: 31886614 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.201900300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Revised: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Hydrogels are widely used as scaffold in tissue engineering field because of their ability to mimic the cellular microenvironment. However, mimicking a completely natural cellular environment is complicated due to the differences in various physical and chemical properties of cellular environments. Recently, gradient hydrogels provide excellent heterogeneous environment to mimic the different cellular microenvironments. To create hydrogels with an anisotropic distribution, gradient hydrogels have been widely developed by adopting several gradient generation techniques. Herein, the various gradient hydrogel fabrication techniques, including dual syringe pump systems, microfluidic device, photolithography, diffusion, and bio-printing are summarized. As the effects of gradient 3D hydrogels with stems have been reviewed elsewhere, this review focuses principally on gradient hydrogel fabrication for multi-model tissue regeneration. This review provides new insights into the key points for fabrication of gradient hydrogels for multi-model tissue regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heejung Jo
- Department of Bioengineering and Nano-Bioengineering, Incheon National University, Incheon, 22012, Republic of Korea
| | - Minhyuk Yoon
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Mani Gajendiran
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Dongguk University, Seoul, 06420, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyobum Kim
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Dongguk University, Seoul, 06420, Republic of Korea
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36
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Fan DY, Tian Y, Liu ZJ. Injectable Hydrogels for Localized Cancer Therapy. Front Chem 2019; 7:675. [PMID: 31681729 PMCID: PMC6797556 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2019.00675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Traditional intravenous chemotherapy is relative to many systemic side effects, including myelosuppression, liver or kidney dysfunction, and neurotoxicity. As an alternative method, the injectable hydrogel can efficiently avoid these problems by releasing drugs topically at the tumor site. With advantages of localized drug toxicity in the tumor site, proper injectable hydrogel as the drug delivery system has become a research hotspot. Based on different types and stages of cancer, a variety of hydrogel drug delivery systems were developed, including thermosensitive, pH-sensitive, photosensitive, and dual-sensitive hydrogel. In this review, the latest developments of these hydrogels and related drug delivery systems were summarized. In summary, our increasing knowledge of injectable hydrogel for localized cancer therapy ensures us that it is a more durable and effective approach than traditional chemotherapy. Smart release system reacting to different stimuli at different time according to the micro-environment changes in the tumor site is a promising tendency for further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dao-Yang Fan
- Department of Orthopedics, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yun Tian
- Department of Orthopedics, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhong-Jun Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
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37
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Hapach LA, Mosier JA, Wang W, Reinhart-King CA. Engineered models to parse apart the metastatic cascade. NPJ Precis Oncol 2019; 3:20. [PMID: 31453371 PMCID: PMC6704099 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-019-0092-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
While considerable progress has been made in studying genetic and cellular aspects of metastasis with in vitro cell culture and in vivo animal models, the driving mechanisms of each step of metastasis are still relatively unclear due to their complexity. Moreover, little progress has been made in understanding how cellular fitness in one step of the metastatic cascade correlates with ability to survive other subsequent steps. Engineered models incorporate tools such as tailored biomaterials and microfabrication to mimic human disease progression, which when coupled with advanced quantification methods permit comparisons to human patient samples and in vivo studies. Here, we review novel tools and techniques that have been recently developed to dissect key features of the metastatic cascade using primary patient samples and highly representative microenvironments for the purposes of advancing personalized medicine and precision oncology. Although improvements are needed to increase tractability and accessibility while faithfully simulating the in vivo microenvironment, these models are powerful experimental platforms for understanding cancer biology, furthering drug screening, and facilitating development of therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren A. Hapach
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853 USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235 USA
| | - Jenna A. Mosier
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235 USA
| | - Wenjun Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235 USA
| | - Cynthia A. Reinhart-King
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853 USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235 USA
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38
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Liu T, Yao R, Pang Y, Sun W. Review on biofabrication and applications of heterogeneous tumor models. J Tissue Eng Regen Med 2019; 13:2101-2120. [PMID: 31359625 DOI: 10.1002/term.2949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Revised: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Resolving the origin and development of tumor heterogeneity has proven to be a crucial challenge in cancer research. In vitro tumor models have been widely used for both scientific and clinical research. Currently, tumor models based on 2D cell culture, animal models, and 3D cell-laden constructs are widely used. Heterogeneous tumor models, which consist of more than one cell type and mimic cell-cell as well as cell-matrix interactions, are attracting increasing attention. Heterogeneous tumor models can serve as pathological models to study the microenvironment and tumor development such as tumorigenesis, invasiveness, and malignancy. They also provide disease models for drug screening and personalized therapy. In this review, the current techniques, models, and oncological applications regarding 3D heterogeneous tumor models are summarized and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiankun Liu
- Tsinghua University, Biomanufacturing and Rapid Forming Technology Key Laboratory of Beijing, Beijing, People's Republic of China.,Biomanufacturing Center, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, People's Republic of China.,Tsinghua University, 111 "Biomanufacturing and Engineering Living Systems" Innovation International Talents Base, Beijing, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Advanced Forming and Manufacturing, Ministry of Education, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Rui Yao
- Tsinghua University, Biomanufacturing and Rapid Forming Technology Key Laboratory of Beijing, Beijing, People's Republic of China.,Biomanufacturing Center, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, People's Republic of China.,Tsinghua University, 111 "Biomanufacturing and Engineering Living Systems" Innovation International Talents Base, Beijing, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Advanced Forming and Manufacturing, Ministry of Education, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan Pang
- Tsinghua University, Biomanufacturing and Rapid Forming Technology Key Laboratory of Beijing, Beijing, People's Republic of China.,Biomanufacturing Center, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, People's Republic of China.,Tsinghua University, 111 "Biomanufacturing and Engineering Living Systems" Innovation International Talents Base, Beijing, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Advanced Forming and Manufacturing, Ministry of Education, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Sun
- Tsinghua University, Biomanufacturing and Rapid Forming Technology Key Laboratory of Beijing, Beijing, People's Republic of China.,Biomanufacturing Center, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, People's Republic of China.,Tsinghua University, 111 "Biomanufacturing and Engineering Living Systems" Innovation International Talents Base, Beijing, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Advanced Forming and Manufacturing, Ministry of Education, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, People's Republic of China.,Department of Mechanical Engineering, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA
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39
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Sawicki LA, Ovadia EM, Pradhan L, Cowart JE, Ross KE, Wu CH, Kloxin AM. Tunable synthetic extracellular matrices to investigate breast cancer response to biophysical and biochemical cues. APL Bioeng 2019; 3:016101. [PMID: 31069334 PMCID: PMC6481819 DOI: 10.1063/1.5064596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2018] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is thought to play a critical role in the progression of breast cancer. In this work, we have designed a photopolymerizable, biomimetic synthetic matrix for the controlled, 3D culture of breast cancer cells and, in combination with imaging and bioinformatics tools, utilized this system to investigate the breast cancer cell response to different matrix cues. Specifically, hydrogel-based matrices of different densities and modified with receptor-binding peptides derived from ECM proteins [fibronectin/vitronectin (RGDS), collagen (GFOGER), and laminin (IKVAV)] were synthesized to mimic key aspects of the ECM of different soft tissue sites. To assess the breast cancer cell response, the morphology and growth of breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231 and T47D) were monitored in three dimensions over time, and differences in their transcriptome were assayed using next generation sequencing. We observed increased growth in response to GFOGER and RGDS, whether individually or in combination with IKVAV, where binding of integrin β1 was key. Importantly, in matrices with GFOGER, increased growth was observed with increasing matrix density for MDA-MB-231s. Further, transcriptomic analyses revealed increased gene expression and enrichment of biological processes associated with cell-matrix interactions, proliferation, and motility in matrices rich in GFOGER relative to IKVAV. In sum, a new approach for investigating breast cancer cell-matrix interactions was established with insights into how microenvironments rich in collagen promote breast cancer growth, a hallmark of disease progression in vivo, with opportunities for future investigations that harness the multidimensional property control afforded by this photopolymerizable system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa A. Sawicki
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, USA
| | - Elisa M. Ovadia
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, USA
| | - Lina Pradhan
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, USA
| | - Julie E. Cowart
- Center for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19711, USA
| | - Karen E. Ross
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Cellular Biology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Cathy H. Wu
- Center for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19711, USA
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40
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Cruz-Acuña R, García AJ. Engineered materials to model human intestinal development and cancer using organoids. Exp Cell Res 2019; 377:109-114. [PMID: 30794801 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2019.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Revised: 01/27/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Human organoids provide constructive in vitro models of human development and disease, as these recapitulate important morphogenetic and functional features of the tissue and species of origin. However, organoid culture technologies often involve the use of biologically-derived materials (e.g. Matrigel™) that do not allow dissection of the independent contributions of the biochemical and biophysical matrix properties to organoid development. Additionally, their inherent lot-to-lot variability and, in the case of Matrigel™, tumor-derived nature limits their applicability as platforms for drug and tissue transplantation therapies. Here, we highlight recent studies that overcome these limitations through engineering of novel biomaterial platforms that (1) allow to study the independent contributions of physicochemical matrix properties to organoid development and their potential for translational therapies, and (2) better recreate the tumor microenvironment for high-throughput, pre-clinical drug development. These studies illustrate how innovative biomaterial constructs can contribute to the modeling of human development and disease using organoids, and as platforms for development of organoid-based therapies. Finally, we discuss the current limitations of the organoid field and how they can potentially be addressed using engineered biomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Cruz-Acuña
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, United States; Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, United States; George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, United States
| | - Andrés J García
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, United States; George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, United States.
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41
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Mason DE, Collins JM, Dawahare JH, Nguyen TD, Lin Y, Voytik-Harbin SL, Zorlutuna P, Yoder MC, Boerckel JD. YAP and TAZ limit cytoskeletal and focal adhesion maturation to enable persistent cell motility. J Cell Biol 2019; 218:1369-1389. [PMID: 30737263 PMCID: PMC6446844 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201806065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Revised: 11/29/2018] [Accepted: 01/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The importance of transcription during cell motility is controversial. Mason et al. show that YAP/TAZ-mediated transcription is required to limit cytoskeletal tension generation and permit persistent cell motility. This pathway is defined as a negative feedback loop whereby Rho-ROCK-myosin activate YAP and TAZ, which limit myosin activation through NUAK2 expression. Cell migration initiates by traction generation through reciprocal actomyosin tension and focal adhesion reinforcement, but continued motility requires adaptive cytoskeletal remodeling and adhesion release. Here, we asked whether de novo gene expression contributes to this cytoskeletal feedback. We found that global inhibition of transcription or translation does not impair initial cell polarization or migration initiation, but causes eventual migratory arrest through excessive cytoskeletal tension and over-maturation of focal adhesions, tethering cells to their matrix. The transcriptional coactivators YAP and TAZ mediate this feedback response, modulating cell mechanics by limiting cytoskeletal and focal adhesion maturation to enable persistent cell motility and 3D vasculogenesis. Motile arrest after YAP/TAZ ablation was partially rescued by depletion of the YAP/TAZ-dependent myosin phosphatase regulator, NUAK2, or by inhibition of Rho-ROCK-myosin II. Together, these data establish a transcriptional feedback axis necessary to maintain a responsive cytoskeletal equilibrium and persistent migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devon E Mason
- McKay Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA.,Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA.,Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN
| | - Joseph M Collins
- McKay Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA.,Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - James H Dawahare
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN
| | - Trung Dung Nguyen
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN.,Department of Engineering and Computer Science, Seattle Pacific University, Seattle, WA
| | - Yang Lin
- Herman B. Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Sherry L Voytik-Harbin
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN.,Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
| | - Pinar Zorlutuna
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN
| | - Mervin C Yoder
- Herman B. Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Joel D Boerckel
- McKay Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA .,Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA.,Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN
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42
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Nguyen DT, Nagarajan N, Zorlutuna P. Effect of Substrate Stiffness on Mechanical Coupling and Force Propagation at the Infarct Boundary. Biophys J 2018; 115:1966-1980. [PMID: 30473015 PMCID: PMC6303235 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2018.08.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2017] [Revised: 07/15/2018] [Accepted: 08/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Heterogeneous intercellular coupling plays a significant role in mechanical and electrical signal transmission in the heart. Although many studies have investigated the electrical signal conduction between myocytes and nonmyocytes within the heart muscle tissue, there are not many that have looked into the mechanical counterpart. This study aims to investigate the effect of substrate stiffness and the presence of cardiac myofibroblasts (CMFs) on mechanical force propagation across cardiomyocytes (CMs) and CMFs in healthy and heart-attack-mimicking matrix stiffness conditions. The contractile forces generated by the CMs and their propagation across the CMFs were measured using a bio-nanoindenter integrated with fluorescence microscopy for fast calcium imaging. Our results showed that softer substrates facilitated stronger and further signal transmission. Interestingly, the presence of the CMFs attenuated the signal propagation in a stiffness-dependent manner. Stiffer substrates with CMFs present attenuated the signal ∼24-32% more compared to soft substrates with CMFs, indicating a synergistic detrimental effect of increased matrix stiffness and increased CMF numbers after myocardial infarction on myocardial function. Furthermore, the beating pattern of the CMF movement at the CM-CMF boundary also depended on the substrate stiffness, thereby influencing the waveform of the propagation of CM-generated contractile forces. We performed computer simulations to further understand the occurrence of different force transmission patterns and showed that cell-matrix focal adhesions assembled at the CM-CMF interfaces, which differs depending on the substrates stiffness, play important roles in determining the efficiency and mechanism of signal transmission. In conclusion, in addition to substrate stiffness, the degree and type of cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions, affected by the substrate stiffness, influence mechanical signal conduction between myocytes and nonmyocytes in the heart muscle tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dung Trung Nguyen
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana
| | - Neerajha Nagarajan
- Bioengineering Graduate Program, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana
| | - Pinar Zorlutuna
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana; Bioengineering Graduate Program, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana.
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43
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Seyfoori A, Samiei E, Jalili N, Godau B, Rahmanian M, Farahmand L, Majidzadeh-A K, Akbari M. Self-filling microwell arrays (SFMAs) for tumor spheroid formation. LAB ON A CHIP 2018; 18:3516-3528. [PMID: 30357219 DOI: 10.1039/c8lc00708j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Tumor spheroid formation in microwell arrays is a promising approach for high-throughput screening of chemotherapeutic agents. This method offers the advantage of better mimicking the complexities of tumors as compared to conventional monolayer culture systems. However, using these technologies to their full potential is hindered by the inability to seed the cells within the wells uniformly and with high yield and reproducibility. Moreover, standard manufacturing approaches for fabrication of microwell arrays rely on lithography and etching techniques, which are costly, labor-intensive, and time-consuming. Herein, we report on the development of self-filling microwell arrays (SFMAs) in which cells are directed from a loading chamber to microwells using inclined guiding channels. The SFMAs are fabricated by replica molding of three-dimensionally (3D) printed molds in agarose. We characterize the fabrication process, demonstrate the ability to culture breast adenocarcinoma MCF-7 and glioma U87 in SFMAs and perform drug toxicity studies. We envision that the proposed innovative approach opens avenues of opportunities for high-throughput three-dimensional cell culture for drug screening and disease modeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Seyfoori
- Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering Department, Breast Cancer Research Center, Motamed Cancer Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
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44
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Lee D, Lee K, Cha C. Microfluidics‐Assisted Fabrication of Microtissues with Tunable Physical Properties for Developing an In Vitro Multiplex Tissue Model. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/adbi.201800236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Dongjin Lee
- School of Materials Science and EngineeringUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) 50 UNIST‐gil Ulju‐gun Ulsan 44919 Korea
| | - Kangseok Lee
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringSchool of Life SciencesUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) Ulsan 44919 Korea
| | - Chaenyung Cha
- School of Materials Science and EngineeringUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) 50 UNIST‐gil Ulju‐gun Ulsan 44919 Korea
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringSchool of Life SciencesUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) Ulsan 44919 Korea
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45
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Mi S, Du Z, Xu Y, Sun W. The crossing and integration between microfluidic technology and 3D printing for organ-on-chips. J Mater Chem B 2018; 6:6191-6206. [PMID: 32254609 DOI: 10.1039/c8tb01661e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Organ-on-chips were designed to simulate the real tissue or organ microenvironment by precise control of the cells, the extracellular matrix and other micro-environmental factors to clarify physiological or pathological mechanisms. The organ chip is mainly based on the poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) microfluidic devices, whereas the conventional soft lithography requires a cumbersome manufacturing process, and the complex on-chip tissue or organ chip also depends on the complicated loading process of the cells and biomaterials. 3D printing can efficiently design and automatically print micrometre-scale devices, while bio-printing can also precisely manipulate cells and biomaterials to create complex organ or tissue structures. In recent years, the popularization of 3D printing has provided more possibilities for its application to 3D printed organ-on-chips. The combination of 3D printing and microfluidic technology in organ-on-chips provides a more efficient choice for building complex flow channels or chambers, as well as the ability to create biological structures with a 3D cell distribution, heterogeneity and tissue-specific function. The fabrication of complex, heterogeneous 3D printable biomaterials based on microfluidics also provides new assistance for building complex organ-on-chips. Here, we discuss the recent advances and potential applications of 3D printing in combination with microfluidics to organ-on-chips and provide outlooks on the integration of the two technologies in building efficient, automated, modularly integrated, and customizable organ-on-chips.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengli Mi
- Biomanufacturing Engineering Laboratory, Advanced Manufacturing Division, Graduate School at Shenzhen, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, P. R. China.
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46
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Macdougall LJ, Wiley KL, Kloxin AM, Dove AP. Design of synthetic extracellular matrices for probing breast cancer cell growth using robust cyctocompatible nucleophilic thiol-yne addition chemistry. Biomaterials 2018; 178:435-447. [PMID: 29773227 PMCID: PMC6699181 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2018.04.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Revised: 03/27/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Controlled, three-dimensional (3D) cell culture systems are of growing interest for both tissue regeneration and disease, including cancer, enabling hypothesis testing about the effects of microenvironment cues on a variety of cellular processes, including aspects of disease progression. In this work, we encapsulate and culture in three dimensions different cancer cell lines in a synthetic extracellular matrix (ECM), using mild and efficient chemistry. Specifically, harnessing the nucleophilic addition of thiols to activated alkynes, we have created hydrogel-based materials with multifunctional poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and select biomimetic peptides. These materials have definable, controlled mechanical properties (G' = 4-10 kPa) and enable facile incorporation of pendant peptides for cell adhesion, relevant for mimicking soft tissues, where polymer architecture allows tuning of matrix degradation. These matrices rapidly formed in the presence of sensitive breast cancer cells (MCF-7) for successful encapsulation with high cell viability, greatly improved relative to that observed with the more widely used radically-initiated thiol-ene crosslinking chemistry. Furthermore, controlled matrix degradation by both bulk and local mechanisms, ester hydrolysis of the polymer network and cell-driven enzymatic hydrolysis of cell-degradable peptide, allowed cell proliferation and the formation of cell clusters within these thiol-yne hydrogels. These studies demonstrate the importance of chemistry in ECM mimics and the potential thiol-yne chemistry has as a crosslinking reaction for the encapsulation and culture of cells, including those sensitive to radical crosslinking pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura J Macdougall
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Gibbet Hill Road, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Katherine L Wiley
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - April M Kloxin
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA; Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Andrew P Dove
- School of Chemistry, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.
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47
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Yue X, Nguyen TD, Zellmer V, Zhang S, Zorlutuna P. Stromal cell-laden 3D hydrogel microwell arrays as tumor microenvironment model for studying stiffness dependent stromal cell-cancer interactions. Biomaterials 2018; 170:37-48. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2018.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2018] [Revised: 03/28/2018] [Accepted: 04/01/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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48
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Song K, Wang Z, Liu R, Chen G, Liu L. Microfabrication-Based Three-Dimensional (3-D) Extracellular Matrix Microenvironments for Cancer and Other Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:E935. [PMID: 29561794 PMCID: PMC5979294 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19040935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2017] [Revised: 01/18/2018] [Accepted: 01/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Exploring the complicated development of tumors and metastases needs a deep understanding of the physical and biological interactions between cancer cells and their surrounding microenvironments. One of the major challenges is the ability to mimic the complex 3-D tissue microenvironment that particularly influences cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis in relation to the extracellular matrix (ECM). Traditional cell culture is unable to create 3-D cell scaffolds resembling tissue complexity and functions, and, in the past, many efforts were made to realize the goal of obtaining cell clusters in hydrogels. However, the available methods still lack a precise control of cell external microenvironments. Recently, the rapid development of microfabrication techniques, such as 3-D printing, microfluidics, and photochemistry, has offered great advantages in reconstructing 3-D controllable cancer cell microenvironments in vitro. Consequently, various biofunctionalized hydrogels have become the ideal candidates to help the researchers acquire some new insights into various diseases. Our review will discuss some important studies and the latest progress regarding the above approaches for the production of 3-D ECM structures for cancer and other diseases. Especially, we will focus on new discoveries regarding the impact of the ECM on different aspects of cancer metastasis, e.g., collective invasion, enhanced intravasation by stress and aligned collagen fibers, angiogenesis regulation, as well as on drug screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kena Song
- College of Physics, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China.
| | - Zirui Wang
- College of Physics, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China.
| | - Ruchuan Liu
- College of Physics, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China.
| | - Guo Chen
- College of Physics, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China.
| | - Liyu Liu
- College of Physics, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China.
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49
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Brooks EA, Jansen LE, Gencoglu MF, Yurkevicz AM, Peyton SR. Complementary, Semiautomated Methods for Creating Multidimensional PEG-Based Biomaterials. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2018; 4:707-718. [PMID: 33418758 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.7b00737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Tunable biomaterials that mimic selected features of the extracellular matrix (ECM) such as its stiffness, protein composition, and dimensionality are increasingly popular for studying how cells sense and respond to ECM cues. In the field, there exists a significant trade-off for how complex and how well these biomaterials represent the in vivo microenvironment versus how easy they are to make and how adaptable they are to automated fabrication techniques. To address this need to integrate more complex biomaterials design with high-throughput screening approaches, we present several methods to fabricate synthetic biomaterials in 96-well plates and demonstrate that they can be adapted to semiautomated liquid handling robotics. These platforms include (1) glass bottom plates with covalently attached ECM proteins and (2) hydrogels with tunable stiffness and protein composition with either cells seeded on the surface or (3) laden within the three-dimensional hydrogel matrix. This study includes proof-of-concept results demonstrating control over breast cancer cell line phenotypes via these ECM cues in a semiautomated fashion. We foresee the use of these methods as a mechanism to bridge the gap between high-throughput cell-matrix screening and engineered ECM-mimicking biomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Brooks
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, N540 Life Sciences Laboratories, 240 Thatcher Road, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003-9364, United States
| | - Lauren E Jansen
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, N540 Life Sciences Laboratories, 240 Thatcher Road, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003-9364, United States
| | - Maria F Gencoglu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, N540 Life Sciences Laboratories, 240 Thatcher Road, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003-9364, United States
| | - Annali M Yurkevicz
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, N540 Life Sciences Laboratories, 240 Thatcher Road, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003-9364, United States
| | - Shelly R Peyton
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, N540 Life Sciences Laboratories, 240 Thatcher Road, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003-9364, United States
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50
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Sepantafar M, Maheronnaghsh R, Mohammadi H, Radmanesh F, Hasani-Sadrabadi MM, Ebrahimi M, Baharvand H. Engineered Hydrogels in Cancer Therapy and Diagnosis. Trends Biotechnol 2017; 35:1074-1087. [PMID: 28734545 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2017.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2017] [Revised: 06/19/2017] [Accepted: 06/22/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Over the last decade, numerous investigations have attempted to clarify the intricacies of tumor development to propose effective approaches for cancer treatment. Thanks to the unique properties of hydrogels, researchers have made significant progress in tumor model reconstruction, tumor diagnosis, and associated therapies. Notably, hydrogel-based systems can be adjusted to respond to cancer-specific hallmarks and/or external stimuli. These well-known drug reservoirs can be used as smart carriers for multiple cargos, including both naked and nanoparticle-encapsulated chemotherapeutics, genes, and radioisotopes. Recent works have attempted to specialize hydrogels for cancer research; we comprehensively review this topic for the first time, synthesizing past results and defining paths for future work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammadmajid Sepantafar
- Department of Cell Engineering, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reihan Maheronnaghsh
- Department of Genetics, Tehran Medical Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Mohammadi
- School of Materials and Mineral Resources Engineering, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Engineering Campus, 14300 Nibong Tebal, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Fatemeh Radmanesh
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Mahdi Hasani-Sadrabadi
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, G.W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering and School of Materials Science and Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Marzieh Ebrahimi
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Baharvand
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran; Department of Developmental Biology, University of Science and Culture, Tehran, Iran.
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