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Axemaker H, Plesselova S, Calar K, Jorgensen M, Wollman J, de la Puente P. Reprogramming of normal fibroblasts into ovarian cancer-associated fibroblasts via non-vesicular paracrine signaling induces an activated fibroblast phenotype. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2024; 1871:119801. [PMID: 39038611 PMCID: PMC11365755 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2024.119801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024]
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are key contributors to ovarian cancer (OC) progression and therapeutic resistance through dysregulation of the extracellular matrix (ECM). CAFs are a heterogenous population derived from different cell types through activation and reprogramming. Current studies rely on uncharacterized heterogenous primary CAFs or normal fibroblasts that fail to recapitulate CAF-like tumor behavior. Here, we present that conditioned media from ovarian cancer lines leads to an increase in the activated state of fibroblasts demonstrated by functional assays and up-regulation of known CAF-related genes and ECM pathways. Phenotypic and functional characterization demonstrated that the conditioned CAFs expressed a CAF-like phenotype, strengthened proliferation, secretory, contractility, and ECM remodeling properties when compared to resting normal fibroblasts, consistent with an activated fibroblast status. Moreover, conditioned CAFs significantly enhanced drug resistance and tumor progression. Critically, the conditioned CAFs resemble a transcriptional signature with involvement of ECM remodeling. The present study provides mechanistic and functional insights about the activation and reprogramming of CAFs in the ovarian tumor microenvironment mediated by non-vesicular paracrine signaling. Moreover, it provides a translational based approach to reprogram normal fibroblasts from both uterine and ovarian origin into CAFs using tumor-derived conditioned media. Using these resources, further development of therapeutics that possess potentiality and specificity towards CAF/ECM-mediated chemoresistance in OC are further warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hailey Axemaker
- Cancer Biology and Immunotherapies Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, USA
| | - Simona Plesselova
- Cancer Biology and Immunotherapies Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, USA
| | - Kristin Calar
- Cancer Biology and Immunotherapies Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, USA
| | - Megan Jorgensen
- Cancer Biology and Immunotherapies Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, USA
| | - Jared Wollman
- Flow Cytometry Core, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, USA
| | - Pilar de la Puente
- Cancer Biology and Immunotherapies Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, USA; Flow Cytometry Core, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine, Sioux Falls, SD 57105, USA; Department of Surgery, University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine, Sioux Falls, SD 57105, USA.
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Ostapowicz J, Ostrowska K, Golusiński W, Kulcenty K, Suchorska WM. Improving therapeutic strategies for Head and Neck Cancer: Insights from 3D hypoxic cell culture models in treatment response evaluation. Adv Med Sci 2024; 69:368-376. [PMID: 39047970 DOI: 10.1016/j.advms.2024.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Hypoxia in the tumor core negatively affects the outcome of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Nevertheless, its role in predicting treatment response requires further exploration. Typically, reduced oxygen levels in the tumor core correlate with diminished efficacy of radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy, which are commonly used for HNSCC patients' treatment. Understanding the mechanistic underpinnings of these varied treatment responses in HNSCC is crucial for enhancing therapeutic outcomes and extending patients' overall survival (OS) rates. Standard monolayer cell culture conditions have major limitations in mimicking tumor physiological features and the complexity of the tumor microenvironment. Three-dimensional (3D) cell cultures enable the recreation of the in vivo tumor attributes, encompassing oxygen and nutrient gradients, cellular morphology, and intracellular connections. It is vital to use the 3D model in treatment response studies to mimic the tumor microenvironment, as evidenced by the decreased sensitivity of 3D structures to anticancer therapy. Accordingly, the aim of the study was to delineate the utility of the 3D models of hypoxic head and neck tumors in drug screening and treatment response studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Ostapowicz
- Department of Electroradiology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland; Radiobiology Laboratory, The Greater Poland Cancer Centre, Poznan, Poland; Doctoral School, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland.
| | - Kamila Ostrowska
- Radiobiology Laboratory, The Greater Poland Cancer Centre, Poznan, Poland; Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, The Greater Poland Cancer Centre, Poznan, Poland
| | - Wojciech Golusiński
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, The Greater Poland Cancer Centre, Poznan, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Kulcenty
- Radiobiology Laboratory, The Greater Poland Cancer Centre, Poznan, Poland
| | - Wiktoria M Suchorska
- Department of Electroradiology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland; Radiobiology Laboratory, The Greater Poland Cancer Centre, Poznan, Poland
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Lu L, Zhang Q, Aladelokun O, Berardi D, Shen X, Marin A, Garcia-Milian R, Roper J, Khan SA, Johnson CH. Asparagine synthetase and G-protein coupled estrogen receptor are critical responders to nutrient supply in KRAS mutant colorectal cancer. Int J Cancer 2024. [PMID: 39039782 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.35104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024]
Abstract
Survival differences exist in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients by sex and disease stage. However, the potential molecular mechanism(s) are not well understood. Here we show that asparagine synthetase (ASNS) and G protein-coupled estrogen receptor-1 (GPER1) are critical sensors of nutrient depletion and linked to poorer outcomes for females with CRC. Using a 3D spheroid model of isogenic SW48 KRAS wild-type (WT) and G12A mutant (MT) cells grown under a restricted nutrient supply, we found that glutamine depletion inhibited cell growth in both cell lines, whereas ASNS and GPER1 expression were upregulated in KRAS MT versus WT. Estradiol decreased growth in KRAS WT but had no effect on MT cells. Selective GPER1 and ASNS inhibitors suppressed cell proliferation with increased caspase-3 activity of MT cells under glutamine depletion condition particularly in the presence of estradiol. In a clinical colon cancer cohort from The Cancer Genome Atlas, both high GPER1 and ASNS expression were associated with poorer overall survival for females only in advanced stage tumors. These results suggest KRAS MT cells have mechanisms in place that respond to decreased nutrient supply, typically observed in advanced tumors, by increasing the expression of ASNS and GPER1 to drive cell growth. Furthermore, KRAS MT cells are resistant to the protective effects of estradiol under nutrient deplete conditions. The findings indicate that GPER1 and ASNS expression, along with the interaction between nutrient supply and KRAS mutations shed additional light on the mechanisms underlying sex differences in metabolism and growth in CRC, and have clinical implications in the precision management of KRAS mutant CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingeng Lu
- Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Qian Zhang
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Oladimeji Aladelokun
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Domenica Berardi
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Xinyi Shen
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Audrey Marin
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Rolando Garcia-Milian
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Bioinformatics Support Program, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Jatin Roper
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Sajid A Khan
- Section of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, Yale Cancer Center, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Caroline H Johnson
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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Plesselova S, Calar K, Axemaker H, Sahly E, de la Puente P. Multicompartmentalized microvascularized tumor-on-a-chip to study tumor-stroma interactions and drug resistance in ovarian cancer. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.29.596456. [PMID: 38853974 PMCID: PMC11160770 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.29.596456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Introduction The majority of ovarian cancer (OC) patients receiving standard of care chemotherapy develop chemoresistance within 5 years. The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a dynamic and influential player in disease progression and therapeutic response. However, there is a lack of models that allow us to elucidate the compartmentalized nature of TME in a controllable, yet physiologically relevant manner and its critical role in modulating drug resistance. Methods We developed a 3D microvascularized multiniche tumor-on-a-chip formed by five chambers (central cancer chamber, flanked by two lateral stromal chambers and two external circulation chambers) to recapitulate OC-TME compartmentalization and study its influence on drug resistance. Stromal chambers included endothelial cells alone or cocultured with normal fibroblasts or cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF). Results The tumor-on-a-chip recapitulated spatial TME compartmentalization including vessel-like structure, stromal-mediated extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, generation of oxygen gradients, and delayed drug diffusion/penetration from the circulation chamber towards the cancer chamber. The cancer chamber mimicked metastasis-like migration and increased drug resistance to carboplatin/paclitaxel treatment in the presence of CAF when compared to normal fibroblasts. CAF-mediated drug resistance was rescued by ECM targeted therapy. Critically, these results demonstrate that cellular crosstalk recreation and spatial organization through compartmentalization are essential to determining the effect of the compartmentalized OC-TME on drug resistance. Conclusions Our results present a functionally characterized microvascularized multiniche tumor-on-a-chip able to recapitulate TME compartmentalization influencing drug resistance. This technology holds the potential to guide the design of more effective and targeted therapeutic strategies to overcome chemoresistance in OC.
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Shukla AK, Yoon S, Oh SO, Lee D, Ahn M, Kim BS. Advancement in Cancer Vasculogenesis Modeling through 3D Bioprinting Technology. Biomimetics (Basel) 2024; 9:306. [PMID: 38786516 PMCID: PMC11118135 DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics9050306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer vasculogenesis is a pivotal focus of cancer research and treatment given its critical role in tumor development, metastasis, and the formation of vasculogenic microenvironments. Traditional approaches to investigating cancer vasculogenesis face significant challenges in accurately modeling intricate microenvironments. Recent advancements in three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting technology present promising solutions to these challenges. This review provides an overview of cancer vasculogenesis and underscores the importance of precise modeling. It juxtaposes traditional techniques with 3D bioprinting technologies, elucidating the advantages of the latter in developing cancer vasculogenesis models. Furthermore, it explores applications in pathological investigations, preclinical medication screening for personalized treatment and cancer diagnostics, and envisages future prospects for 3D bioprinted cancer vasculogenesis models. Despite notable advancements, current 3D bioprinting techniques for cancer vasculogenesis modeling have several limitations. Nonetheless, by overcoming these challenges and with technological advances, 3D bioprinting exhibits immense potential for revolutionizing the understanding of cancer vasculogenesis and augmenting treatment modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arvind Kumar Shukla
- School of Biomedical Convergence Engineering, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Republic of Korea
| | - Sik Yoon
- Department of Anatomy and Convergence Medical Sciences, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 50612, Republic of Korea
- Immune Reconstitution Research Center of Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 50612, Republic of Korea
| | - Sae-Ock Oh
- Research Center for Molecular Control of Cancer Cell Diversity, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Republic of Korea
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Republic of Korea
| | - Dongjun Lee
- Department of Convergence Medicine, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 50612, Republic of Korea
| | - Minjun Ahn
- Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Republic of Korea
| | - Byoung Soo Kim
- School of Biomedical Convergence Engineering, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Republic of Korea
- Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Republic of Korea
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Debruyne A, Okkelman IA, Heymans N, Pinheiro C, Hendrix A, Nobis M, Borisov SM, Dmitriev RI. Live Microscopy of Multicellular Spheroids with the Multimodal Near-Infrared Nanoparticles Reveals Differences in Oxygenation Gradients. ACS NANO 2024; 18:12168-12186. [PMID: 38687976 PMCID: PMC11100290 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c12539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Assessment of hypoxia, nutrients, metabolite gradients, and other hallmarks of the tumor microenvironment within 3D multicellular spheroid and organoid models represents a challenging analytical task. Here, we report red/near-infrared (NIR) emitting cell staining with O2-sensitive nanoparticles, which enable measurements of spheroid oxygenation on a conventional fluorescence microscope. Nanosensor probes, termed "MMIR" (multimodal infrared), incorporate an NIR O2-sensitive metalloporphyrin (PtTPTBPF) and deep red aza-BODIPY reference dyes within a biocompatible polymer shell, allowing for oxygen gradient quantification via fluorescence ratio and phosphorescence lifetime readouts. We optimized staining techniques and evaluated the nanosensor probe characteristics and cytotoxicity. Subsequently, we applied nanosensors to the live spheroid models based on HCT116, DPSCs, and SKOV3 cells, at rest, and treated with drugs affecting cell respiration. We found that the growth medium viscosity, spheroid size, and formation method influenced spheroid oxygenation. Some spheroids produced from HCT116 and dental pulp stem cells exhibited "inverted" oxygenation gradients, with higher core oxygen levels than the periphery. This contrasted with the frequently encountered "normal" gradient of hypoxia toward the core caused by diffusion. Further microscopy analysis of spheroids with an "inverted" gradient demonstrated metabolic stratification of cells within spheroids: thus, autofluorescence FLIM of NAD(P)H indicated the formation of a glycolytic core and localization of OxPhos-active cells at the periphery. Collectively, we demonstrate a strong potential of NIR-emitting ratiometric nanosensors for advanced microscopy studies targeting live and quantitative real-time monitoring of cell metabolism and hypoxia in complex 3D tissue models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela
C. Debruyne
- Tissue
Engineering and Biomaterials Group, Department of Human Structure
and Repair, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, C. Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Irina A. Okkelman
- Tissue
Engineering and Biomaterials Group, Department of Human Structure
and Repair, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, C. Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Ghent
Light
Microscopy Core, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Nina Heymans
- Tissue
Engineering and Biomaterials Group, Department of Human Structure
and Repair, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, C. Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Cláudio Pinheiro
- Laboratory
of Experimental Cancer Research, Department of Human Structure and
Repair, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Cancer
Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - An Hendrix
- Laboratory
of Experimental Cancer Research, Department of Human Structure and
Repair, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Cancer
Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Max Nobis
- Intravital
Imaging Expertise Center, VIB Center for Cancer Biology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sergey M. Borisov
- Institute
of Analytical Chemistry and Food Chemistry, Graz University of Technology, Stremayrgasse 9, Graz 8010, Austria
| | - Ruslan I. Dmitriev
- Tissue
Engineering and Biomaterials Group, Department of Human Structure
and Repair, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, C. Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Ghent
Light
Microscopy Core, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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Przanowska RK, Labban N, Przanowski P, Hawes RB, Atkins KA, Showalter SL, Janes KA. Patient-derived response estimates from zero-passage organoids of luminal breast cancer. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.24.586432. [PMID: 38585922 PMCID: PMC10996455 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.24.586432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Background Primary luminal breast cancer cells lose their identity rapidly in standard tissue culture, which is problematic for testing hormone interventions and molecular pathways specific to the luminal subtype. Breast cancer organoids are thought to retain tumor characteristics better, but long-term viability of luminal-subtype cases is a persistent challenge. Our goal was to adapt short-term organoids of luminal breast cancer for parallel testing of genetic and pharmacologic perturbations. Methods We freshly isolated patient-derived cells from luminal tumor scrapes, miniaturized the organoid format into 5 μl replicates for increased throughput, and set an endpoint of 14 days to minimize drift. Therapeutic hormone targeting was mimicked in these "zero-passage" organoids by withdrawing β-estradiol and adding 4-hydroxytamoxifen. We also examined sulforaphane as an electrophilic stress and commercial neutraceutical with reported anti-cancer properties. Downstream mechanisms were tested genetically by lentiviral transduction of two complementary sgRNAs and Cas9 stabilization for the first week of organoid culture. Transcriptional changes were measured by RT-qPCR or RNA sequencing, and organoid phenotypes were quantified by serial brightfield imaging, digital image segmentation, and regression modeling of cellular doubling times. Results We achieved >50% success in initiating luminal breast cancer organoids from tumor scrapes and maintaining them to the 14-day zero-passage endpoint. Success was mostly independent of clinical parameters, supporting general applicability of the approach. Abundance of ESR1 and PGR in zero-passage organoids consistently remained within the range of patient variability at the endpoint. However, responsiveness to hormone withdrawal and blockade was highly variable among luminal breast cancer cases tested. Combining sulforaphane with knockout of NQO1 (a phase II antioxidant response gene and downstream effector of sulforaphane) also yielded a breadth of organoid growth phenotypes, including growth inhibition with sulforaphane, growth promotion with NQO1 knockout, and growth antagonism when combined. Conclusions Zero-passage organoids are a rapid and scalable way to interrogate properties of luminal breast cancer cells from patient-derived material. This includes testing drug mechanisms of action in different clinical cohorts. A future goal is to relate inter-patient variability of zero-passage organoids to long-term outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Róża K Przanowska
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Najwa Labban
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Piotr Przanowski
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Russell B Hawes
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Kristen A Atkins
- Department of Pathology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Shayna L Showalter
- Department of Surgery, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
- University of Virginia Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Kevin A Janes
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
- University of Virginia Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
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Kim H, Kim S, Lim H, Chung AJ. Expanding CAR-T cell immunotherapy horizons through microfluidics. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:1088-1120. [PMID: 38174732 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00622k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapies have revolutionized cancer treatment, particularly in hematological malignancies. However, their application to solid tumors is limited, and they face challenges in safety, scalability, and cost. To enhance current CAR-T cell therapies, the integration of microfluidic technologies, harnessing their inherent advantages, such as reduced sample consumption, simplicity in operation, cost-effectiveness, automation, and high scalability, has emerged as a powerful solution. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the step-by-step manufacturing process of CAR-T cells, identifies existing difficulties at each production stage, and discusses the successful implementation of microfluidics and related technologies in addressing these challenges. Furthermore, this review investigates the potential of microfluidics-based methodologies in advancing cell-based therapy across various applications, including solid tumors, next-generation CAR constructs, T-cell receptors, and the development of allogeneic "off-the-shelf" CAR products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyelee Kim
- Department of Bioengineering, Korea University, 02841 Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Interdisciplinary Program in Precision Public Health (PPH), Korea University, 02841 Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Suyeon Kim
- Department of Bioengineering, Korea University, 02841 Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Interdisciplinary Program in Precision Public Health (PPH), Korea University, 02841 Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Hyunjung Lim
- Interdisciplinary Program in Precision Public Health (PPH), Korea University, 02841 Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Aram J Chung
- Department of Bioengineering, Korea University, 02841 Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Interdisciplinary Program in Precision Public Health (PPH), Korea University, 02841 Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Korea University, 02841 Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- MxT Biotech, 04785 Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Wang S, Liu Y, Quan C, Luan S, Shi H, Wang L. A metal-organic framework-integrated composite for piezocatalysis-assisted tumour therapy: design, related mechanisms, and recent advances. Biomater Sci 2024; 12:896-906. [PMID: 38234222 DOI: 10.1039/d3bm01944f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
With the growing need for more effective tumour treatment, piezocatalytic therapy has emerged as a promising approach due to its distinctive capacities to generate ROS through stress induction and regulate the hypoxic state of the TME. MOF-based piezocatalysts not only possess the benefits of piezocatalysis but also exhibit several advantages associated with MOFs, such as tunable pore size, large specific surface area, and good biocompatibility. Therefore, they are expected to become a powerful promoter of piezocatalytic therapy. This review elaborates on the fundamental principles of piezocatalysis and summarises recent advances in the piezocatalytic therapy and combination therapies of tumours, generalising the strategies for constructing piezocatalytic systems based on MOFs. Finally, the challenges confronted and future opportunities for the design and application of piezocatalytic MOF anticancer systems have been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuteng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, P. R. China.
- School of Applied Chemistry and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, P. R. China
| | - Yifan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, P. R. China.
- School of Applied Chemistry and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, P. R. China
| | - Chunhua Quan
- Central Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin 133002, P. R. China.
| | - Shifang Luan
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, P. R. China.
- School of Applied Chemistry and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, P. R. China
| | - Hengchong Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, P. R. China.
- School of Applied Chemistry and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, P. R. China
| | - Lei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, P. R. China.
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Gu Z, Wu Q, Shang B, Zhang K, Zhang W. Organoid co-culture models of the tumor microenvironment promote precision medicine. CANCER INNOVATION 2024; 3:e101. [PMID: 38948532 PMCID: PMC11212345 DOI: 10.1002/cai2.101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, the three-dimensional (3D) culture system has emerged as a promising preclinical model for tumor research owing to its ability to replicate the tissue structure and molecular characteristics of solid tumors in vivo. This system offers several advantages, including high throughput, efficiency, and retention of tumor heterogeneity. Traditional Matrigel-submerged organoid cultures primarily support the long-term proliferation of epithelial cells. One solution for the exploration of the tumor microenvironment is a reconstitution approach involving the introduction of exogenous cell types, either in dual, triple or even multiple combinations. Another solution is a holistic approach including patient-derived tumor fragments, air-liquid interface, suspension 3D culture, and microfluidic tumor-on-chip models. Organoid co-culture models have also gained popularity for studying the tumor microenvironment, evaluating tumor immunotherapy, identifying predictive biomarkers, screening for effective drugs, and modeling infections. By leveraging these 3D culture systems, it is hoped to advance the clinical application of therapeutic approaches and improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoru Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Cancer HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Quanyou Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Cancer HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Bingqing Shang
- Department of Urology, National Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Cancer HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Kaitai Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Cancer HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Wen Zhang
- Department of Immunology, National Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Cancer HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
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Yao L, Wang Q, Ma W. Navigating the Immune Maze: Pioneering Strategies for Unshackling Cancer Immunotherapy Resistance. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5857. [PMID: 38136402 PMCID: PMC10742031 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15245857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy has ushered in a transformative era in oncology, offering unprecedented promise and opportunities. Despite its remarkable breakthroughs, the field continues to grapple with the persistent challenge of treatment resistance. This resistance not only undermines the widespread efficacy of these pioneering treatments, but also underscores the pressing need for further research. Our exploration into the intricate realm of cancer immunotherapy resistance reveals various mechanisms at play, from primary and secondary resistance to the significant impact of genetic and epigenetic factors, as well as the crucial role of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Furthermore, we stress the importance of devising innovative strategies to counteract this resistance, such as employing combination therapies, tailoring immune checkpoints, and implementing real-time monitoring. By championing these state-of-the-art methods, we anticipate a paradigm that blends personalized healthcare with improved treatment options and is firmly committed to patient welfare. Through a comprehensive and multifaceted approach, we strive to tackle the challenges of resistance, aspiring to elevate cancer immunotherapy as a beacon of hope for patients around the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liqin Yao
- Key Laboratory for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Huzhou University, Huzhou 313000, China
| | - Qingqing Wang
- Institute of Immunology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China;
| | - Wenxue Ma
- Department of Medicine, Moores Cancer Center, Sanford Stem Cell Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
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12
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Berger K, Persson E, Gregersson P, Ruiz-Martínez S, Jonasson E, Ståhlberg A, Rhost S, Landberg G. Interleukin-6 Induces Stem Cell Propagation through Liaison with the Sortilin-Progranulin Axis in Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5757. [PMID: 38136303 PMCID: PMC10741783 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15245757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Unraveling the complex network between cancer cells and their tumor microenvironment is of clinical importance, as it might allow for the identification of new targets for cancer treatment. Cytokines and growth factors secreted by various cell types present in the tumor microenvironment have the potential to affect the challenging subpopulation of cancer stem cells showing treatment-resistant properties as well as aggressive features. By using various model systems, we investigated how the breast cancer stem cell-initiating growth factor progranulin influenced the secretion of cancer-associated proteins. In monolayer cultures, progranulin induced secretion of several inflammatory-related cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-6 and -8, in a sortilin-dependent manner. Further, IL-6 increased the cancer stem fraction similarly to progranulin in the breast cancer cell lines MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 monitored by the surrogate mammosphere-forming assay. In a cohort of 63 patient-derived scaffold cultures cultured with breast cancer cells, we observed significant correlations between IL-6 and progranulin secretion, clearly validating the association between IL-6 and progranulin also in human-based microenvironments. In conclusion, the interplay between progranulin and IL-6 highlights a dual breast cancer stem cell-promoting function via sortilin, further supporting sortilin as a highly relevant therapeutic target for aggressive breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karoline Berger
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 40530 Gothenburg, Sweden; (K.B.); (E.P.); (P.G.); (S.R.-M.); (E.J.); (A.S.); (S.R.)
| | - Emma Persson
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 40530 Gothenburg, Sweden; (K.B.); (E.P.); (P.G.); (S.R.-M.); (E.J.); (A.S.); (S.R.)
| | - Pernilla Gregersson
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 40530 Gothenburg, Sweden; (K.B.); (E.P.); (P.G.); (S.R.-M.); (E.J.); (A.S.); (S.R.)
| | - Santiago Ruiz-Martínez
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 40530 Gothenburg, Sweden; (K.B.); (E.P.); (P.G.); (S.R.-M.); (E.J.); (A.S.); (S.R.)
| | - Emma Jonasson
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 40530 Gothenburg, Sweden; (K.B.); (E.P.); (P.G.); (S.R.-M.); (E.J.); (A.S.); (S.R.)
| | - Anders Ståhlberg
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 40530 Gothenburg, Sweden; (K.B.); (E.P.); (P.G.); (S.R.-M.); (E.J.); (A.S.); (S.R.)
- Wallenberg Center for Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Gothenburg, 41390 Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Genetics and Genomics, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, 41346 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Sara Rhost
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 40530 Gothenburg, Sweden; (K.B.); (E.P.); (P.G.); (S.R.-M.); (E.J.); (A.S.); (S.R.)
| | - Göran Landberg
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 40530 Gothenburg, Sweden; (K.B.); (E.P.); (P.G.); (S.R.-M.); (E.J.); (A.S.); (S.R.)
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13
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Li D, Ren T, Wang X, Xiao Z, Sun G, Zhang N, Zhao L, Zhong R. Development and in vitro evaluation of carmustine delivery platform: A hypoxia-sensitive anti-drug resistant nanomicelle with BBB penetrating ability. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 167:115631. [PMID: 37804814 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioma is extremely difficult to be completely excised by surgery due to its invasive nature. Thus, chemotherapy still is the mainstay in the treatment of glioma after surgery. However, the natural blood-brain barrier (BBB) greatly restricts the penetration of chemotherapeutic agents into the central nervous system. As a front-line anti-glioma agent in clinical, carmustine (BCNU) exerts antitumor effect by inducing DNA damage at the O6 position of guanine. However, the therapeutic effect of BCNU was largely decreased because of the drug resistance mediated by O6-alkylguanine-DNA alkyltransferase (AGT) and insufficient local drug concentrations. To overcome these obstacles, we synthesized a BCNU-loaded hypoxia-responsive nano-micelle with BBB penetrating capacity and AGT inhibitory activity, named as T80-HA-AZO-BG/BCNU NPs. In this nano-system, Tween 80 (T80) serves as a functional coating on the surface of the micelle, promoting transportation across the BBB. Hyaluronic acid (HA) with active tumor-targeting capability was linked with the hydrophobic O6-benzylguanine (BG) analog via a hypoxia-sensitive azo bond. Under hypoxic tumor microenvironment, the azo bond selectively breaks to release O6-BG as AGT inhibitor and BCNU as DNA alkylating agent. The synthesized T80-HA-AZO-BG/BCNU NPs showed good stability, favorable biocompatibility and hypoxia-responsive drug-releasing ability. T80 modification improved the transportation of the micelle across an in vitro BBB model. Moreover, T80-HA-AZO-BG/BCNU NPs exhibited significantly enhanced cytotoxicity against glioma cell lines with high AGT expression compared with traditional combined medication of BCNU plus O6-BG. We expect that the tumor-targeting nano-micelle designed for chloroethylnitrosourea will provide new tools for the development of effective glioma therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duo Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental & Viral Oncology, Faculty of Environment & Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Ting Ren
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental & Viral Oncology, Faculty of Environment & Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Xiaoli Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental & Viral Oncology, Faculty of Environment & Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Zhixuan Xiao
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental & Viral Oncology, Faculty of Environment & Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Guohui Sun
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental & Viral Oncology, Faculty of Environment & Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Na Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental & Viral Oncology, Faculty of Environment & Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Lijiao Zhao
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental & Viral Oncology, Faculty of Environment & Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China.
| | - Rugang Zhong
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental & Viral Oncology, Faculty of Environment & Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
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14
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Colombani T, Rogers ZJ, Bhatt K, Sinoimeri J, Gerbereux L, Hamrangsekachaee M, Bencherif SA. Hypoxia-inducing cryogels uncover key cancer-immune cell interactions in an oxygen-deficient tumor microenvironment. Bioact Mater 2023; 29:279-295. [PMID: 37600932 PMCID: PMC10432785 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2023.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia is a major factor shaping the immune landscape, and several cancer models have been developed to emulate hypoxic tumors. However, to date, they still have several limitations, such as the lack of reproducibility, inadequate biophysical cues, limited immune cell infiltration, and poor oxygen (O2) control, leading to non-pathophysiological tumor responses. Therefore, it is essential to develop better cancer models that mimic key features of the tumor extracellular matrix and recreate tumor-associated hypoxia while allowing cell infiltration and cancer-immune cell interactions. Herein, hypoxia-inducing cryogels (HICs) have been engineered using hyaluronic acid (HA) to fabricate three-dimensional microtissues and model a hypoxic tumor microenvironment. Specifically, tumor cell-laden HICs have been designed to deplete O2 locally and induce long-standing hypoxia. HICs promoted changes in hypoxia-responsive gene expression and phenotype, a metabolic adaptation to anaerobic glycolysis, and chemotherapy resistance. Additionally, HIC-supported tumor models induced dendritic cell (DC) inhibition, revealing a phenotypic change in the plasmacytoid DC (pDC) subset and an impaired conventional DC (cDC) response in hypoxia. Lastly, our HIC-based melanoma model induced CD8+ T cell inhibition, a condition associated with the downregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion, increased expression of immunomodulatory factors, and decreased degranulation and cytotoxic capacity of T cells. Overall, these data suggest that HICs can be used as a tool to model solid-like tumor microenvironments and has great potential to deepen our understanding of cancer-immune cell relationship in low O2 conditions and may pave the way for developing more effective therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thibault Colombani
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Zachary J. Rogers
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Khushbu Bhatt
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - James Sinoimeri
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Lauren Gerbereux
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | | | - Sidi A. Bencherif
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, United States
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, United States
- Biomechanics and Bioengineering (BMBI), UTC CNRS UMR 7338, University of Technology of Compiègne, Sorbonne University, 60203 Compiègne, France
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15
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Tian H, Ren J, Mou R, Jia Y. Application of organoids in precision immunotherapy of lung cancer (Review). Oncol Lett 2023; 26:484. [PMID: 37818130 PMCID: PMC10561155 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2023.14071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
In immunotherapy, the immune system is modulated in order to treat cancer. Traditional two dimensional in vitro models and in vivo animal models are insufficient to simulate the complex tumor microenvironment (TME) in the original tumor. As tumor immunotherapy involves the immune system, additional tumor mimic models, such as patient-derived organoids, are required for the evaluation of the efficacy of immunotherapy. Furthermore, non-tumor components and host tumor cells in the TME may interact to promote cancer incidence, progression, drug resistance and metastasis. It is possible to produce organoid models for lung cancer by retaining endogenous stromal components (e.g., multiple immune cell types), supplying cancer-associated fibroblasts and exogenous immune cells, constructing tumor vasculature and adding other biological or chemical components that emulate the TME. Therefore, the lung cancer organoid culture platform may facilitate preclinical testing of immunotherapy drugs for lung cancer by mimicking immunotherapy responses. The present review summarizes current lung cancer organoid culture methods for TME modeling and discusses the use of lung cancer-derived organoids for the detection of lung cancer immunotherapy and individualized cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huichuan Tian
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 300381, P.R. China
- National Clinical Research Center of Chinese Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin 300381, P.R. China
| | - Jiajun Ren
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 300381, P.R. China
- National Clinical Research Center of Chinese Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin 300381, P.R. China
| | - Ruiyu Mou
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 300381, P.R. China
- National Clinical Research Center of Chinese Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin 300381, P.R. China
| | - Yingjie Jia
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 300381, P.R. China
- National Clinical Research Center of Chinese Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin 300381, P.R. China
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16
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Abbas ZN, Al-Saffar AZ, Jasim SM, Sulaiman GM. Comparative analysis between 2D and 3D colorectal cancer culture models for insights into cellular morphological and transcriptomic variations. Sci Rep 2023; 13:18380. [PMID: 37884554 PMCID: PMC10603139 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-45144-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug development is a time-consuming and expensive process, given the low success rate of clinical trials. Now, anticancer drug developments have shifted to three-dimensional (3D) models which are more likely to mimic tumor behavior compared to traditional two-dimensional (2D) cultures. A comparative study among different aspects was conducted between 2D and 3D cultures using colorectal cancer (CRC) cell lines, in addition, Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded (FFPE) block samples of patients with CRC were used for evaluation. Compared to the 2D culture, cells grown in 3D displayed significant (p < 0.01) differences in the pattern of cell proliferation over time, cell death phase profile, expression of tumorgenicity-related genes, and responsiveness to 5-fluorouracil, cisplatin, and doxorubicin. Epigenetically, 3D cultures and FFPE shared the same methylation pattern and microRNA expression, while 2D cells showed elevation in methylation rate and altered microRNA expression. Lastly, transcriptomic study depending on RNA sequencing and thorough bioinformatic analyses showed significant (p-adj < 0.05) dissimilarity in gene expression profile between 2D and 3D cultures involving thousands of genes (up/down-regulated) of multiple pathways for each cell line. Taken together, the study provides insights into variations in cellular morphologies between cells cultured in 2D and 3D models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaid Nsaif Abbas
- Department of Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Biotechnology, Al-Nahrain University, Jadriya, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Ali Z Al-Saffar
- Department of Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Biotechnology, Al-Nahrain University, Jadriya, Baghdad, Iraq.
| | - Saba Mahdi Jasim
- Oncology Teaching Hospital, Medical City, Ministry of Health, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Ghassan M Sulaiman
- Division of Biotechnology, Department of Applied Sciences, University of Technology, Baghdad, Iraq
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17
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Axemaker H, Plesselova S, Calar K, Jorgensen M, Wollman J, de la Puente P. Normal Uterine Fibroblast Are Reprogramed into Ovarian Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts by Ovarian Tumor-derived Conditioned Media. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.29.560158. [PMID: 37873479 PMCID: PMC10592803 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.29.560158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are key contributors to ovarian cancer (OC) progression and therapeutic resistance through dysregulation of the extracellular matrix (ECM). CAFs are a heterogenous population derived from different cell types through activation and reprogramming. Current studies rely on uncharacterized heterogenous primary CAFs or normal fibroblasts that fail to recapitulate CAF-like tumor behavior. Here, we present a translatable-based approach for the reprogramming of normal uterine fibroblasts into ovarian CAFs using ovarian tumor-derived conditioned media to establish two well-characterized ovarian conditioned CAF lines. Phenotypic and functional characterization demonstrated that the conditioned CAFs expressed a CAF-like phenotype, strengthened proliferation, secretory, contractility, and ECM remodeling properties when compared to resting normal fibroblasts, consistent with an activated fibroblast status. Moreover, conditioned CAFs significantly enhanced drug resistance and tumor progression and resembled a CAF-like subtype associated with worse prognosis. The present study provides a reproducible, cost-effective, and clinically relevant protocol to reprogram normal fibroblasts into CAFs using tumor-derived conditioned media. Using these resources, further development of therapeutics that possess potentiality and specificity towards CAF-mediated chemoresistance in OC are further warranted.
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18
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Li H, Ye W, Yu B, Yan X, Lin Y, Zhan J, Chen P, Song X, Yang P, Cai Y. Supramolecular Assemblies of Glycopeptides Enhance Gap Junction Maturation of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes via Inducing Spheroids Formation to Optimize Cardiac Repair. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2300696. [PMID: 37338936 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202300696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Stem cell-based therapies have demonstrated significant potential for use in heart regeneration. An effective paradigm for heart repair in rodent and large animal models is the transplantation of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs). Despite this, the functional and phenotypical immaturity of 2D-cultured hiPSC-CMs, particularly their low electrical integration, poses a caveat for clinical translation. In this study, a supramolecular assembly of a glycopeptide containing a cell adhesion motif-RGD, and saccharide-glucose (Bio-Gluc-RGD) is designed to enable the 3D spheroid formation of hiPSC-CMs, promoting cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions that occur during spontaneous morphogenesis. HiPSC-CMs in spheroids are prone to be phenotypically mature and developed robust gap junctions via activation of the integrin/ILK/p-AKT/Gata4 pathway. Monodispersed hiPSC-CMs encapsulated in the Bio-Gluc-RGD hydrogel are more likely to form aggregates and, therefore, survive in the infarcted myocardium of mice, accompanied by more robust gap junction formation in the transplanted cells, and hiPSC-CMs delivered with the hydrogels also displayed angiogenic effect and anti-apoptosis capacity in the peri-infarct area, enhancing their overall therapeutic efficacy in myocardial infarction. Collectively, the findings illustrate a novel concept for modulating hiPSC-CM maturation by spheroid induction, which has the potential for post-MI heart regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hekai Li
- Guangdong Provincial Biomedical Engineering Technology Research Center for Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Cardiology and Laboratory of Heart Center, Sino-Japanese Cooperation Platform for Translational Research in Heart Failure, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, China
| | - Wenyu Ye
- Guangdong Provincial Biomedical Engineering Technology Research Center for Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Cardiology and Laboratory of Heart Center, Sino-Japanese Cooperation Platform for Translational Research in Heart Failure, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, China
| | - Bin Yu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, China
| | - Xin Yan
- Guangdong Provincial Biomedical Engineering Technology Research Center for Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Cardiology and Laboratory of Heart Center, Sino-Japanese Cooperation Platform for Translational Research in Heart Failure, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, China
| | - Yuhui Lin
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
| | - Jie Zhan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Guangdong Engineering and Technology Research Center for Rapid Diagnostic Biosensors, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Peier Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Biomedical Engineering Technology Research Center for Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Cardiology and Laboratory of Heart Center, Sino-Japanese Cooperation Platform for Translational Research in Heart Failure, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, China
| | - Xudong Song
- Guangdong Provincial Biomedical Engineering Technology Research Center for Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Cardiology and Laboratory of Heart Center, Sino-Japanese Cooperation Platform for Translational Research in Heart Failure, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, China
| | - Pingzhen Yang
- Guangdong Provincial Biomedical Engineering Technology Research Center for Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Cardiology and Laboratory of Heart Center, Sino-Japanese Cooperation Platform for Translational Research in Heart Failure, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, China
| | - Yanbin Cai
- Guangdong Provincial Biomedical Engineering Technology Research Center for Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Cardiology and Laboratory of Heart Center, Sino-Japanese Cooperation Platform for Translational Research in Heart Failure, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Shock and Microcirculation, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
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19
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Colombani T, Bhatt K, Epel B, Kotecha M, Bencherif SA. HIF-stabilizing biomaterials: from hypoxia-mimicking to hypoxia-inducing. MATERIALS ADVANCES 2023; 4:3084-3090. [PMID: 38013688 PMCID: PMC10388397 DOI: 10.1039/d3ma00090g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
Recent advances in our understanding of hypoxia and hypoxia-mediated mechanisms shed light on the critical implications of the hypoxic stress on cellular behavior. However, tools emulating hypoxic conditions (i.e., low oxygen tensions) for research are limited and often suffer from major shortcomings, such as lack of reliability and off-target effects, and they usually fail to recapitulate the complexity of the tissue microenvironment. Fortunately, the field of biomaterials is constantly evolving and has a central role to play in the development of new technologies for conducting hypoxia-related research in several aspects of biomedical research, including tissue engineering, cancer modeling, and modern drug screening. In this perspective, we provide an overview of several strategies that have been investigated in the design and implementation of biomaterials for simulating or inducing hypoxic conditions-a prerequisite in the stabilization of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF), a master regulator of the cellular responses to low oxygen. To this end, we discuss various advanced biomaterials, from those that integrate hypoxia-mimetic agents to artificially induce hypoxia-like responses, to those that deplete oxygen and consequently create either transient (<1 day) or sustained (>1 day) hypoxic conditions. We also aim to highlight the advantages and limitations of these emerging biomaterials for biomedical applications, with an emphasis on cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thibault Colombani
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University Boston MA 02115 USA
| | - Khushbu Bhatt
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University Boston MA 02115 USA
| | - Boris Epel
- Department of Radiation and Cellular Oncology, The University of Chicago Chicago IL 60637 USA
- Oxygen Measurement Core, O2M Technologies, LLC Chicago IL 60612 USA
| | | | - Sidi A Bencherif
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University Boston MA 02115 USA
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University Boston MA 02115 USA
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University Cambridge MA 02138 USA
- Biomechanics and Bioengineering (BMBI), UTC CNRS UMR 7338, University of Technology of Compiègne, Sorbonne University 60203 Compiègne France
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20
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Lu L, Zhang Q, Shen X, Zhen P, Marin A, Garcia-Milian R, Roper J, Khan SA, Johnson CH. Asparagine synthetase and G-protein coupled estrogen receptor are critical responders to nutrient supply in KRAS mutant colorectal cancer. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.05.539577. [PMID: 37205388 PMCID: PMC10187315 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.05.539577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
The nutrient status of the tumor microenvironment has major impacts on cell growth. Under nutrient depletion, asparagine synthetase (ASNS)-mediated asparagine production increases to sustain cell survival. G protein-coupled estrogen receptor-1 (GPER1) signaling converges via cAMP/PI3K/AKT with KRAS signaling to regulate ASNS expression. However, the role of GPER1 in CRC progression is still debated, and the effect of nutrient supply on both ASNS and GPER1 relative to KRAS genotype is not well understood. Here, we modeled a restricted nutrient supply by eliminating glutamine from growing cancer cells in a 3D spheroid model of human female SW48 KRAS wild-type (WT) and KRAS G12A mutant (MT) CRC cells, to examine effects on ASNS and GPER1 expression. Glutamine depletion significantly inhibited cell growth in both KRAS MT and WT cells; however, ASNS and GPER1 were upregulated in KRAS MT compared to WT cells. When nutrient supply was adequate, ASNS and GPER1 were not altered between cell lines. The impact of estradiol, a ligand for GPER1, was examined for any additional effects on cell growth. Under glutamine deplete conditions, estradiol decreased the growth of KRAS WT cells but had no effect on KRAS MT cells; estradiol had no additive or diminutive effect on the upregulation of ASNS or GPER1 between the cell lines. We further examined the association of GPER1 and ASNS levels with overall survival in a clinical colon cancer cohort of The Cancer Genome Atlas. Both high GPER1 and ASNS expression associated with poorer overall survival for females only in advanced stage tumors. These findings suggest that KRAS MT cells have mechanisms in place that respond to decreased nutrient supply, typically observed in advanced tumors, by increasing the expression of ASNS and GPER1 to drive cell growth. Furthermore, KRAS MT cells are resistant to the protective effects of estradiol under nutrient deplete conditions. ASNS and GPER1 may therefore be potential therapeutic targets that can be exploited to manage and control KRAS MT CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingeng Lu
- Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520-8034 USA
| | - Qian Zhang
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520-8034, USA
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital Harbin Medical University, Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Science, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province 150086, China
| | - Xinyi Shen
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520-8034, USA
| | - Pinyi Zhen
- Department of Biostatistics, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520-8034, USA
| | - Audrey Marin
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520-8034, USA
| | - Rolando Garcia-Milian
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520-8034, USA
- Bioinformatics Support Program, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Jatin Roper
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, NC 27710, USA
| | - Sajid A Khan
- Section of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, Yale Cancer Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Caroline H Johnson
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520-8034, USA
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21
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Tang Q, Sun S, Wang P, Sun L, Wang Y, Zhang L, Xu M, Chen J, Wu R, Zhang J, Gong M, Chen Q, Liang X. Genetically Engineering Cell Membrane-Coated BTO Nanoparticles for MMP2-Activated Piezocatalysis-Immunotherapy. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2300964. [PMID: 36809650 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202300964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Tumor immunotherapy based on immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) still suffers from low host response rate and non-specific distribution of immune checkpoint inhibitors, greatly compromising the therapeutic efficiency. Herein, cellular membrane stably expressing matrix metallopeptidase 2 (MMP2)-activated PD-L1 blockades is engineered to coat ultrasmall barium titanate (BTO) nanoparticle for overcoming the immunosuppressive microenvironment of tumors. The resulting M@BTO NPs can significantly promote the BTO's tumor accumulation, while the masking domains on membrane PD-L1 antibodies are cleaved when exposure to MMP2 highly expressed in tumor. With ultrasound (US) irradiation, M@BTO NPs can simultaneously generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) and O2 based on BTO mediated piezocatalysis and water splitting, significantly promoting the intratumoral infiltration of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and improving the PD-L1 blockade therapy to the tumor, resulting in effective tumor growth inhibition and lung metastasis suppression in a melanoma mouse model. This nanoplatform combines MMP2-activated genetic editing cell membrane with US responsive BTO for both immune stimulation and specific PD-L1 inhibition, providing a safe and robust strategy in enhancing immune response against tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingshuang Tang
- Department of Ultrasound, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Suhui Sun
- Department of Ultrasound, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Ping Wang
- Department of Ultrasound, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Lihong Sun
- Department of Ultrasound, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Yuan Wang
- Department of Ultrasound, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Lulu Zhang
- Department of Ultrasound, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Menghong Xu
- Department of Ultrasound, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Jing Chen
- Department of Ultrasound, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Ruiqi Wu
- Department of Ultrasound, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Jinxia Zhang
- Department of Ultrasound, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Ming Gong
- Department of Ultrasound, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Qingfeng Chen
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, 138673, Singapore
| | - Xiaolong Liang
- Department of Ultrasound, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
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22
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Ramzy GM, Norkin M, Koessler T, Voirol L, Tihy M, Hany D, McKee T, Ris F, Buchs N, Docquier M, Toso C, Rubbia-Brandt L, Bakalli G, Guerrier S, Huelsken J, Nowak-Sliwinska P. Platform combining statistical modeling and patient-derived organoids to facilitate personalized treatment of colorectal carcinoma. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2023; 42:79. [PMID: 37013646 PMCID: PMC10069117 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02650-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We propose a new approach for designing personalized treatment for colorectal cancer (CRC) patients, by combining ex vivo organoid efficacy testing with mathematical modeling of the results. METHODS The validated phenotypic approach called Therapeutically Guided Multidrug Optimization (TGMO) was used to identify four low-dose synergistic optimized drug combinations (ODC) in 3D human CRC models of cells that are either sensitive or resistant to first-line CRC chemotherapy (FOLFOXIRI). Our findings were obtained using second order linear regression and adaptive lasso. RESULTS The activity of all ODCs was validated on patient-derived organoids (PDO) from cases with either primary or metastatic CRC. The CRC material was molecularly characterized using whole-exome sequencing and RNAseq. In PDO from patients with liver metastases (stage IV) identified as CMS4/CRIS-A, our ODCs consisting of regorafenib [1 mM], vemurafenib [11 mM], palbociclib [1 mM] and lapatinib [0.5 mM] inhibited cell viability up to 88%, which significantly outperforms FOLFOXIRI administered at clinical doses. Furthermore, we identified patient-specific TGMO-based ODCs that outperform the efficacy of the current chemotherapy standard of care, FOLFOXIRI. CONCLUSIONS Our approach allows the optimization of patient-tailored synergistic multi-drug combinations within a clinically relevant timeframe.
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Affiliation(s)
- George M Ramzy
- Molecular Pharmacology Group, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, Rue Michel-Servet 1, CMU, 1211, Geneva 4, Switzerland
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, 1211, Geneva, Switzerland
- Translational Research Center in Oncohaematology, 1211, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Maxim Norkin
- Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research (ISREC), Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne-(EPFL-SV), 1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Thibaud Koessler
- Department of Oncology, Geneva University Hospitals, 1205, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Lionel Voirol
- Research Center for Statistics, Geneva School of Economics and Management, University of Geneva, 1205, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Mathieu Tihy
- Division of Clinical Pathology, Diagnostic Department, University Hospitals of Geneva (HUG), 1205, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Dina Hany
- Molecular Pharmacology Group, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, Rue Michel-Servet 1, CMU, 1211, Geneva 4, Switzerland
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, 1211, Geneva, Switzerland
- Translational Research Center in Oncohaematology, 1211, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Thomas McKee
- Division of Clinical Pathology, Diagnostic Department, University Hospitals of Geneva (HUG), 1205, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Frédéric Ris
- Translational Department of Digestive and Transplant Surgery, Geneva University Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine, 1205, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Buchs
- Translational Department of Digestive and Transplant Surgery, Geneva University Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine, 1205, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Mylène Docquier
- iGE3 Genomics Platform, University of Geneva, 1211, Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Genetics & Evolution, University of Geneva, 1211, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Christian Toso
- Department of Visceral Surgery, Geneva University Hospital, 1211, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Laura Rubbia-Brandt
- Division of Clinical Pathology, Diagnostic Department, University Hospitals of Geneva (HUG), 1205, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Gaetan Bakalli
- EMLYON Business School, Artificial Intelligence in Management Institute, Ecully, France
| | - Stéphane Guerrier
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, 1211, Geneva, Switzerland
- Research Center for Statistics, Geneva School of Economics and Management, University of Geneva, 1205, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Joerg Huelsken
- Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research (ISREC), Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne-(EPFL-SV), 1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Patrycja Nowak-Sliwinska
- Molecular Pharmacology Group, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, Rue Michel-Servet 1, CMU, 1211, Geneva 4, Switzerland.
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, 1211, Geneva, Switzerland.
- Translational Research Center in Oncohaematology, 1211, Geneva, Switzerland.
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23
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Zhou L, Liu L, Chang MA, Ma C, Chen W, Chen P. Spatiotemporal dissection of tumor microenvironment via in situ sensing and monitoring in tumor-on-a-chip. Biosens Bioelectron 2023; 225:115064. [PMID: 36680970 PMCID: PMC9918721 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2023.115064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Real-time monitoring in the tumor microenvironment provides critical insights of cancer progression and mechanistic understanding of responses to cancer treatments. However, clinical challenges and significant questions remain regarding assessment of limited clinical tissue samples, establishment of validated, controllable pre-clinical cancer models, monitoring of static versus dynamic markers, and the translation of insights gained from in vitro tumor microenvironments to systematic investigation and understanding in clinical practice. State-of-art tumor-on-a-chip strategies will be reviewed herein, and emerging real-time sensing and monitoring platforms for on-chip analysis of tumor microenvironment will also be examined. The integration of the sensors with tumor-on-a-chip platforms to provide spatiotemporal information of the tumor microenvironment and the associated challenges will be further evaluated. Though optimal integrated systems for in situ monitoring are still in evolution, great promises lie ahead that will open new paradigm for rapid, comprehensive analysis of cancer development and assist clinicians with powerful tools to guide the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment course in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lang Zhou
- Materials Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Lunan Liu
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, New York University, Brooklyn, NY, 11201, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, New York University, Brooklyn, NY, 11201, USA
| | - Muammar Ali Chang
- Materials Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Chao Ma
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, New York University, Brooklyn, NY, 11201, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, New York University, Brooklyn, NY, 11201, USA
| | - Weiqiang Chen
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, New York University, Brooklyn, NY, 11201, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, New York University, Brooklyn, NY, 11201, USA
| | - Pengyu Chen
- Materials Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA.
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24
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Smirnov A, Candi E. Take a breath: oxygen sensing of epidermal differentiation. FEBS J 2023; 290:2029-2031. [PMID: 36811892 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Skin serves as a barrier to protect our body from injury, pathogens and trans-epidermal water loss. It is the only tissue directly exposed to oxygen besides lungs. Air exposure is an essential step of in vitro generation skin graft. However, the role of oxygen in this process remains hitherto unclear. Teshima et al. unveiled the impact of the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) pathway on epidermal differentiation in three-dimensional skin models. The authors of this work describe how air-lifting of organotypic epidermal cultures impairs HIFs activity, leading to a proper terminal differentiation of keratinocytes and stratification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artem Smirnov
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Torvergata Oncoscience Research Centre of Excellence, TOR, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Eleonora Candi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Torvergata Oncoscience Research Centre of Excellence, TOR, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy.,Biochemistry Laboratory, Istituto Dermopatico Immacolata (IDI-IRCCS), Rome, Italy
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25
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Kohei M, Takizawa N, Tsutsumi R, Xu W, Kumagai N. Azo-tagged C4N4 fluorophores: unusual overcrowded structures and their application to fluorescent imaging. Org Biomol Chem 2023; 21:2889-2893. [PMID: 36744956 DOI: 10.1039/d3ob00049d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The C4N4 fluorophore is an intense fluorescence emitter featuring a 2,5-diaminopyrimidine core comprising four carbon and four nitrogen atoms. A series of C4N4 derivatives was photochemically dimerized at the 5-amino group, furnishing overcrowded ortho-tetraaryl-substituted diaryl azo compounds with a characteristic skewed structure revealed by X-ray crystallography. The photoquenched azo-C4N4s are useful for fluorescently visualizing cells under hypoxic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miki Kohei
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Keio University, 1-5-30 Shibakoen, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-8512, Japan.
| | - Naoki Takizawa
- Institute of Microbial Chemistry, 3-14-23 Kamiosaki, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 141-0021, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Tsutsumi
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Keio University, 1-5-30 Shibakoen, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-8512, Japan.
| | - Wei Xu
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Keio University, 1-5-30 Shibakoen, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-8512, Japan.
| | - Naoya Kumagai
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Keio University, 1-5-30 Shibakoen, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-8512, Japan. .,Institute of Microbial Chemistry, 3-14-23 Kamiosaki, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 141-0021, Japan
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Jiang Z, Xu Y, Fu M, Zhu D, Li N, Yang G. Genetically modified cell spheroids for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. J Control Release 2023; 354:588-605. [PMID: 36657601 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.01.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Cell spheroids offer cell-to-cell interactions and show advantages in survival rate and paracrine effect to solve clinical and biomedical inquiries ranging from tissue engineering and regenerative medicine to disease pathophysiology. Therefore, cell spheroids are ideal vehicles for gene delivery. Genetically modified spheroids can enhance specific gene expression to promote tissue regeneration. Gene deliveries to cell spheroids are via viral vectors or non-viral vectors. Some new technologies like CRISPR/Cas9 also have been used in genetically modified methods to deliver exogenous gene to the host chromosome. It has been shown that genetically modified cell spheroids had the potential to differentiate into bone, cartilage, vascular, nerve, cardiomyocytes, skin, and skeletal muscle as well as organs like the liver to replace the diseased organ in the animal and pre-clinical trials. This article reviews the recent articles about genetically modified spheroid cells and explains the fabrication, applications, development timeline, limitations, and future directions of genetically modified cell spheroid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwei Jiang
- Stomatology Hospital, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang Province, Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Yi Xu
- Stomatology Hospital, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang Province, Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Mengdie Fu
- Stomatology Hospital, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang Province, Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Danji Zhu
- Stomatology Hospital, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang Province, Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Na Li
- Stomatology Hospital, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang Province, Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Guoli Yang
- Stomatology Hospital, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang Province, Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310000, China.
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Prospects for hypoxia-based drug delivery platforms for the elimination of advanced metastatic tumors: From 3D modeling to clinical concepts. J Control Release 2023; 353:1002-1022. [PMID: 36516901 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Hypoxia is a unique characteristic of the solid tumor microenvironment. Hypoxia contributes to multi-drug resistance, metastasis and cancer relapse through numerous molecular pathways, but at the same time provides an opportunity for the development of novel drugs or modalities specifically targeting hypoxic tumor regions. Given the high significance of tumor hypoxia in therapeutic results, we here discuss a variety of hypoxia-adopted strategies, and their potential and utility in the treatment of deep-seated hypoxic tumor cells. We discuss the merits and demerits of these approaches, as well as their combination with other approaches such as photodynamic therapy. We also survey the currently available 3D hypoxia modeling systems, in particular organoid-based microfluidics. Finally, we discuss the potential and the current status of preclinical tumor hypoxia approaches in clinical trials for advanced cancer. We believe that multi-modal imaging and therapeutic hypoxia adopted drug delivery platforms could provide better efficacy and safety profiles, and more importantly personalized therapy. Determining the hypoxia status of tumors could offer a second chance for the clinical translation of hypoxia-based agents, such as hypoxia activated prodrugs (HAPs) from bench to bedside.
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28
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Marimuthu M, Gervais T. Multiplexed Viability Assays for High-Throughput Screening of Spheroids of Multiple Sizes. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2644:435-447. [PMID: 37142939 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3052-5_28] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
High-throughput (HT) drug screening is in high demand for successful drug discovery and personalized medicine. Spheroids act as a promising preclinical model for HT drug screening, which may decrease drug failures in clinical trials. Numerous spheroid-forming technological platforms are currently under development, which include synchronous, jumbo-sized, hanging drop, rotary, and nonadherent surface spheroid growth. Initial cell seeding concentration and time of culture play a vital role for spheroids to mimic the extracellular microenvironment of natural tissue, especially for HT preclinical evaluation. Hence microfluidic platforms become a potential technology to provide a confined space for the oxygen and nutrient gradients within the tissues while controlling the cell count and spheroid size in an HT manner. We describe here a microfluidic platform capable of generating spheroids of multiple sizes in a controlled manner with a predefined cell concentration for HT drug screening. Ovarian cancer spheroids grown on this microfluidic platform were evaluated for viability using a confocal microscope and flow cytometer. In addition, screening of the HT chemotherapeutic drug carboplatin was carried out on-chip to evaluate the impact of spheroid size on drug toxicity. This chapter summarizes a detailed protocol on microfluidic platform fabrication for spheroid growth, on-chip multi-sized spheroid analysis, and chemotherapeutic drug screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohana Marimuthu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Centre for Research, Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan University, Samayapuram, Trichy, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Thomas Gervais
- Department of Engineering Physics, Polytechnique Montréal, Chemin de Polytechnique, Montréal, QC, Canada.
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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Gresseau L, Roy ME, Duhamel S, Annabi B. A Signaling Crosstalk Links SNAIL to the 37/67 kDa Laminin-1 Receptor Ribosomal Protein SA and Regulates the Acquisition of a Cancer Stem Cell Molecular Signature in U87 Glioblastoma Neurospheres. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:5944. [PMID: 36497426 PMCID: PMC9738384 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14235944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Three-dimensional in vitro neurospheres cultures recapitulate stemness features associated with poor clinical outcome in glioblastoma patients. They are commonly used to address brain cancer stem cell (CSC) signal transducing biology that regulates spheroids formation and stemness phenotype, and to assess the in vitro pharmacological impact of chemotherapeutic drugs. Objective: Here, we addressed the role of a new signaling axis involved in the regulation of in vitro spheroids formation and assessed the chemopreventive ability of diet-derived epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) to impact the processes that govern the acquisition of spheroids CSC stemness traits. Methods: Neurospheres were generated from adherent human U87 glioblastoma cancer cell cultures under conditions that recapitulate stemness features. Total RNA and protein lysates were isolated for gene expression by RT-qPCR and protein expression by immunoblot. Transcriptomic analysis was performed through RNA-Seq. Results: Compared to their parental adherent cells, tumorspheres expressed increased levels of the CSC markers NANOG, SOX2, PROM1 (CD133), as well as of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers Fibronectin, SNAI1, and 37/67 kDa laminin-1 receptor ribosomal protein SA (RPSA). Increased PROM1, SOX2, Fibronectin, and RPSA transcripts level were also observed in clinical grade IV glioblastoma tissues compared to normal tissue. EGCG treatment reduced dose-dependently tumorspheres size and inhibited the transcriptional regulation of those genes. An apoptotic signature was also found in spheroids with increased signal transducing events involving GSK3α/β, RSK, and CREB. These were repressed upon RPSA gene silencing and partially by SNAI1 silencing. Conclusion: This work highlights a signaling axis linking RPSA upstream of SNAIL in neurospheres genesis and supports the chemopreventive impact that diet-derived EGCG may exert on the acquisition of CSC traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loraine Gresseau
- Laboratoire d’Oncologie Moléculaire, Département de Chimie, and CERMO-FC, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Marie-Eve Roy
- Laboratoire d’Oncologie Moléculaire, Département de Chimie, and CERMO-FC, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Stéphanie Duhamel
- Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada
| | - Borhane Annabi
- Laboratoire d’Oncologie Moléculaire, Département de Chimie, and CERMO-FC, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
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30
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Liu X, Su Q, Zhang X, Yang W, Ning J, Jia K, Xin J, Li H, Yu L, Liao Y, Zhang D. Recent Advances of Organ-on-a-Chip in Cancer Modeling Research. BIOSENSORS 2022; 12:bios12111045. [PMID: 36421163 PMCID: PMC9688857 DOI: 10.3390/bios12111045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Although many studies have focused on oncology and therapeutics in cancer, cancer remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Due to the unclear molecular mechanism and complex in vivo microenvironment of tumors, it is challenging to reveal the nature of cancer and develop effective therapeutics. Therefore, the development of new methods to explore the role of heterogeneous TME in individual patients' cancer drug response is urgently needed and critical for the effective therapeutic management of cancer. The organ-on-chip (OoC) platform, which integrates the technology of 3D cell culture, tissue engineering, and microfluidics, is emerging as a new method to simulate the critical structures of the in vivo tumor microenvironment and functional characteristics. It overcomes the failure of traditional 2D/3D cell culture models and preclinical animal models to completely replicate the complex TME of human tumors. As a brand-new technology, OoC is of great significance for the realization of personalized treatment and the development of new drugs. This review discusses the recent advances of OoC in cancer biology studies. It focuses on the design principles of OoC devices and associated applications in cancer modeling. The challenges for the future development of this field are also summarized in this review. This review displays the broad applications of OoC technique and has reference value for oncology development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingxing Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Industrial Surfactant, Institute of Chemical Engineering, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510075, China
| | - Qiuping Su
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Industrial Surfactant, Institute of Chemical Engineering, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510075, China
| | - Xiaoyu Zhang
- Research Center for Intelligent Sensing Systems, Zhejiang Laboratory, Hangzhou 311100, China
| | - Wenjian Yang
- Research Center for Intelligent Sensing Systems, Zhejiang Laboratory, Hangzhou 311100, China
| | - Junhua Ning
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Industrial Surfactant, Institute of Chemical Engineering, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510075, China
| | - Kangle Jia
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Industrial Surfactant, Institute of Chemical Engineering, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510075, China
| | - Jinlan Xin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Industrial Surfactant, Institute of Chemical Engineering, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510075, China
| | - Huanling Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Industrial Surfactant, Institute of Chemical Engineering, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510075, China
| | - Longfei Yu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Industrial Surfactant, Institute of Chemical Engineering, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510075, China
| | - Yuheng Liao
- Research Center for Intelligent Sensing Systems, Zhejiang Laboratory, Hangzhou 311100, China
| | - Diming Zhang
- Research Center for Intelligent Sensing Systems, Zhejiang Laboratory, Hangzhou 311100, China
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An R. MRTF may be the missing link in a multiscale mechanobiology approach toward macrophage dysfunction in space. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:997365. [PMID: 36172272 PMCID: PMC9510870 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.997365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Macrophages exhibit impaired phagocytosis, adhesion, migration, and cytokine production in space, hindering their ability to elicit immune responses. Considering that the combined effect of spaceflight microgravity and radiation is multiscale and multifactorial in nature, it is expected that contradictory findings are common in the field. This theory paper reanalyzes research on the macrophage spaceflight response across multiple timescales from seconds to weeks, and spatial scales from the molecular, intracellular, extracellular, to the physiological. Key findings include time-dependence of both pro-inflammatory activation and integrin expression. Here, we introduce the time-dependent, intracellular localization of MRTF-A as a hypothetical confounder of macrophage activation. We discuss the mechanosensitive MRTF-A/SRF pathway dependence on the actin cytoskeleton/nucleoskeleton, microtubules, membrane mechanoreceptors, hypoxia, oxidative stress, and intracellular/extracellular crosstalk. By adopting a multiscale perspective, this paper provides the first mechanistic answer for a three-decade-old question regarding impaired cytokine secretion in microgravity—and strengthens the connection between the recent advances in mechanobiology, microgravity, and the spaceflight immune response. Finally, we hypothesize MRTF involvement and complications in treating spaceflight-induced cardiovascular, skeletal, and immune disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocky An
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
- Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
- *Correspondence: Rocky An,
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Distinct antibody clones detect PD-1 checkpoint expression and block PD-L1 interactions on live murine melanoma cells. Sci Rep 2022; 12:12491. [PMID: 35864188 PMCID: PMC9304406 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-16776-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies (abs) targeting the programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) immune checkpoint pathway have revolutionized tumor therapy. Because T-cell-directed PD-1 blockade boosts tumor immunity, anti-PD-1 abs have been developed for examining T-cell-PD-1 functions. More recently, PD-1 expression has also been reported directly on cancer cells of various etiology, including in melanoma. Nevertheless, there is a paucity of studies validating anti-PD-1 ab clone utility in specific assay types for characterizing tumor cell-intrinsic PD-1. Here, we demonstrate reactivity of several anti-murine PD-1 ab clones and recombinant PD-L1 with live B16-F10 melanoma cells and YUMM lines using multiple independent methodologies, positive and negative PD-1-specific controls, including PD-1-overexpressing and PD-1 knockout cells. Flow cytometric analyses with two separate anti-PD-1 ab clones, 29F.1A12 and RMP1-30, revealed PD-1 surface protein expression on live murine melanoma cells, which was corroborated by marked enrichment in PD-1 gene (Pdcd1) expression. Immunoblotting, immunoprecipitation, and mass spectrometric sequencing confirmed PD-1 protein expression by B16-F10 cells. Recombinant PD-L1 also recognized melanoma cell-expressed PD-1, the blockade of which by 29F.1A12 fully abrogated PD-1:PD-L1 binding. Together, our data provides multiple lines of evidence establishing PD-1 expression by live murine melanoma cells and validates ab clones and assay systems for tumor cell-directed PD-1 pathway investigations.
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Zhang J, Tavakoli H, Ma L, Li X, Han L, Li X. Immunotherapy discovery on tumor organoid-on-a-chip platforms that recapitulate the tumor microenvironment. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 187:114365. [PMID: 35667465 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy has achieved remarkable success over the past decade by modulating patients' own immune systems and unleashing pre-existing immunity. However, only a minority of cancer patients across different cancer types are able to benefit from immunotherapy treatment; moreover, among those small portions of patients with response, intrinsic and acquired resistance remains a persistent challenge. Because the tumor microenvironment (TME) is well recognized to play a critical role in tumor initiation, progression, metastasis, and the suppression of the immune system and responses to immunotherapy, understanding the interactions between the TME and the immune system is a pivotal step in developing novel and efficient cancer immunotherapies. With unique features such as low reagent consumption, dynamic and precise fluid control, versatile structures and function designs, and 3D cell co-culture, microfluidic tumor organoid-on-a-chip platforms that recapitulate key factors of the TME and the immune contexture have emerged as innovative reliable tools to investigate how tumors regulate their TME to counteract antitumor immunity and the mechanism of tumor resistance to immunotherapy. In this comprehensive review, we focus on recent advances in tumor organoid-on-a-chip platforms for studying the interaction between the TME and the immune system. We first review different factors of the TME that recent microfluidic in vitro systems reproduce to generate advanced tools to imitate the crosstalk between the TME and the immune system. Then, we discuss their applications in the assessment of different immunotherapies' efficacy using tumor organoid-on-a-chip platforms. Finally, we present an overview and the outlook of engineered microfluidic platforms in investigating the interactions between cancer and immune systems, and the adoption of patient-on-a-chip models in clinical applications toward personalized immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Texas at El Paso, 500 W University Ave., El Paso, TX 79968, USA
| | - Hamed Tavakoli
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Texas at El Paso, 500 W University Ave., El Paso, TX 79968, USA
| | - Lei Ma
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Texas at El Paso, 500 W University Ave., El Paso, TX 79968, USA
| | - Xiaochun Li
- College of Biomedical Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan 030024, China
| | - Lichun Han
- Xi'an Daxing Hospital, Xi'an 710016, China
| | - XiuJun Li
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Texas at El Paso, 500 W University Ave., El Paso, TX 79968, USA; Border Biomedical Research Center, Forensic Science, & Environmental Science and Engineering, University of Texas at El Paso, 500 West University Ave., El Paso, TX 79968, USA.
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Acharya S, Misra R. Hypoxia responsive phytonanotheranostics: A novel paradigm towards fighting cancer. NANOMEDICINE : NANOTECHNOLOGY, BIOLOGY, AND MEDICINE 2022; 42:102549. [PMID: 35301157 DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2022.102549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Hypoxia enhances tumor aggressiveness, thereby reducing the efficacy of anticancer therapies. Phytomedicine, which is nowadays considered as the new panacea owing to its dynamic physiological properties, is often plagued by shortcomings. Incorporating these wonder drugs in nanoparticles (phytonanomedicine) for hypoxia therapy is a new prospect in the direction of cancer management. Similarly, the concept of phytonanotheranostics for the precise tumor lesion detection and treatment monitoring in the hypoxic scenario is going on a rampant speed. In the same line, smart nanoparticles which step in for "on-demand" drug release based on internal or external stimuli are also being explored as a new tool for cancer management. However, studies regarding these smart and tailor-made nanotheranostics in the hypoxic tumor microenvironment are very limited. The present review is an attempt to collate these smart stimuli-responsive phytonanotherapeutics in one place for initiating future research in this upcoming field for better cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarbari Acharya
- School of Applied Sciences, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India.
| | - Ranjita Misra
- Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
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In Vitro Human Cancer Models for Biomedical Applications. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14092284. [PMID: 35565413 PMCID: PMC9099454 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14092284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide. While numerous studies have been conducted on cancer treatment, clinical treatment options for cancers are still limited. To date, animal cancer models for cancer therapeutic studies have faced multiple challenges, including inaccuracy in the representation of human cancers, high cost and ethical concerns. Therefore, lab-grown human cancer models are being developed quickly to fulfill the increasing demand for more relevant models in order to improve knowledge of human cancers and to find novel treatments. This review summarizes the development of lab-grown human cancer models for biomedical applications, including cancer therapeutic development, assessment of human tumor biology and discovery of key cancer markers. Abstract Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and its incidence is steadily increasing. Although years of research have been conducted on cancer treatment, clinical treatment options for cancers are still limited. Animal cancer models have been widely used for studies of cancer therapeutics, but these models have been associated with many concerns, including inaccuracy in the representation of human cancers, high cost and ethical issues. Therefore, in vitro human cancer models are being developed quickly to fulfill the increasing demand for more relevant models in order to get a better knowledge of human cancers and to find novel treatments. This review summarizes the development of in vitro human cancer models for biomedical applications. We first review the latest development in the field by detailing various types of in vitro human cancer models, including transwell-based models, tumor spheroids, microfluidic tumor-microvascular systems and scaffold-based models. The advantages and limitations of each model, as well as their biomedical applications, are summarized, including therapeutic development, assessment of tumor cell migration, metastasis and invasion and discovery of key cancer markers. Finally, the existing challenges and future perspectives are briefly discussed.
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Cecen B, Bal-Ozturk A, Yasayan G, Alarcin E, Kocak P, Tutar R, Kozaci LD, Shin SR, Miri AK. Selection of natural biomaterials for micro-tissue and organ-on-chip models. J Biomed Mater Res A 2022; 110:1147-1165. [PMID: 35102687 PMCID: PMC10700148 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.37353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The desired organ in micro-tissue models of organ-on-a-chip (OoC) devices dictates the optimum biomaterials, divided into natural and synthetic biomaterials. They can resemble biological tissues' biological functions and architectures by constructing bioactivity of macromolecules, cells, nanoparticles, and other biological agents. The inclusion of such components in OoCs allows them having biological processes, such as basic biorecognition, enzymatic cleavage, and regulated drug release. In this report, we review natural-based biomaterials that are used in OoCs and their main characteristics. We address the preparation, modification, and characterization methods of natural-based biomaterials and summarize recent reports on their applications in the design and fabrication of micro-tissue models. This article will help bioengineers select the proper biomaterials based on developing new technologies to meet clinical expectations and improve patient outcomes fusing disease modeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berivan Cecen
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Rowan University, Glassboro, New Jersey, USA
| | - Ayca Bal-Ozturk
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Istinye University, Istanbul, Turkey
- Department of Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering, Institute of Health Sciences, Istinye University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Gokcen Yasayan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Emine Alarcin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Polen Kocak
- Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Rumeysa Tutar
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Leyla Didem Kozaci
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Biochemistry, Ankara Yildirim Beyazit University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Su Ryon Shin
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Amir K. Miri
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Rowan University, Glassboro, New Jersey, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, New Jersey, USA
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Chen Z, Han S, Sanny A, Chan DLK, van Noort D, Lim W, Tan AHM, Park S. 3D hanging spheroid plate for high-throughput CAR T cell cytotoxicity assay. J Nanobiotechnology 2022; 20:30. [PMID: 35012567 PMCID: PMC8744335 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-021-01213-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Most high-throughput screening (HTS) systems studying the cytotoxic effect of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells on tumor cells rely on two-dimensional cell culture that does not recapitulate the tumor microenvironment (TME). Tumor spheroids, however, can recapitulate the TME and have been used for cytotoxicity assays of CAR T cells. But a major obstacle to the use of tumor spheroids for cytotoxicity assays is the difficulty in separating unbound CAR T and dead tumor cells from spheroids. Here, we present a three-dimensional hanging spheroid plate (3DHSP), which facilitates the formation of spheroids and the separation of unbound and dead cells from spheroids during cytotoxicity assays. Results The 3DHSP is a 24-well plate, with each well composed of a hanging dripper, spheroid wells, and waste wells. In the dripper, a tumor spheroid was formed and mixed with CAR T cells. In the 3DHSP, droplets containing the spheroids were deposited into the spheroid separation well, where unbound and dead T and tumor cells were separated from the spheroid through a gap into the waste well by tilting the 3DHSP by more than 20°. Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive tumor cells (BT474 and SKOV3) formed spheroids of approximately 300–350 μm in diameter after 2 days in the 3DHSP. The cytotoxic effects of T cells engineered to express CAR recognizing HER2 (HER2-CAR T cells) on these spheroids were directly measured by optical imaging, without the use of live/dead fluorescent staining of the cells. Our results suggest that the 3DHSP could be incorporated into a HTS system to screen for CARs that enable T cells to kill spheroids formed from a specific tumor type with high efficacy or for spheroids consisting of tumor types that can be killed efficiently by T cells bearing a specific CAR. Conclusions The results suggest that the 3DHSP could be incorporated into a HTS system for the cytotoxic effects of CAR T cells on tumor spheroids. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12951-021-01213-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenzhong Chen
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon, 16419, South Korea
| | - Seokgyu Han
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon, 16419, South Korea
| | - Arleen Sanny
- Bioprocessing Technology Institute (BTI), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, 138668, Singapore
| | - Dorothy Leung-Kwan Chan
- Bioprocessing Technology Institute (BTI), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, 138668, Singapore
| | - Danny van Noort
- Centro de Investigación en Bioingeniería, Universidad de Ingenieria y Tecnologia - UTEC, Lima 04, Peru.,Biotechnology, Linköping University, SE-581 83, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Wanyoung Lim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon, 16419, South Korea
| | - Andy Hee-Meng Tan
- Bioprocessing Technology Institute (BTI), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, 138668, Singapore.
| | - Sungsu Park
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon, 16419, South Korea. .,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon, 16419, South Korea. .,Institute of Quantum Biophysics (IQB), Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon, 16419, South Korea.
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Abstract
In vitro cancer research models require the utmost accuracy and precision to effectively investigate physiological pathways and mechanisms, as well as test the therapeutic efficacy of anticancer drugs. Although two-dimensional (2D) cell culture models have been the traditional hallmark of cancer research, increasing evidence suggests 2D tumor models cannot accurately recapitulate complex aspects of tumor cells and drug responses. Three-dimensional (3D) cell cultures, however, are more physiologically relevant in oncology as they model the cancer network and microenvironment better, allowing for development and assessment of natural products and other anticancer drugs. The present review outlines unprecedented ways in which multicellular spheroid models, organoid models, hydrogel models, microfluidic devices, microfiber scaffold models, and tissue-engineered scaffold models are used in this research. The future of cancer research lies within 3D cell cultures, and as this approach improves, cancer research will continue to advance.
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Barbosa MAG, Xavier CPR, Pereira RF, Petrikaitė V, Vasconcelos MH. 3D Cell Culture Models as Recapitulators of the Tumor Microenvironment for the Screening of Anti-Cancer Drugs. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 14:190. [PMID: 35008353 PMCID: PMC8749977 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14010190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Today, innovative three-dimensional (3D) cell culture models have been proposed as viable and biomimetic alternatives for initial drug screening, allowing the improvement of the efficiency of drug development. These models are gaining popularity, given their ability to reproduce key aspects of the tumor microenvironment, concerning the 3D tumor architecture as well as the interactions of tumor cells with the extracellular matrix and surrounding non-tumor cells. The development of accurate 3D models may become beneficial to decrease the use of laboratory animals in scientific research, in accordance with the European Union's regulation on the 3R rule (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement). This review focuses on the impact of 3D cell culture models on cancer research, discussing their advantages, limitations, and compatibility with high-throughput screenings and automated systems. An insight is also given on the adequacy of the available readouts for the interpretation of the data obtained from the 3D cell culture models. Importantly, we also emphasize the need for the incorporation of additional and complementary microenvironment elements on the design of 3D cell culture models, towards improved predictive value of drug efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mélanie A. G. Barbosa
- Cancer Drug Resistance Group, IPATIMUP—Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (M.A.G.B.); (C.P.R.X.)
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal;
| | - Cristina P. R. Xavier
- Cancer Drug Resistance Group, IPATIMUP—Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (M.A.G.B.); (C.P.R.X.)
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal;
| | - Rúben F. Pereira
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal;
- Biofabrication Group, INEB—Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- ICBAS—Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Vilma Petrikaitė
- Laboratory of Drug Targets Histopathology, Institute of Cardiology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, A. Mickevičiaus g 9, LT-44307 Kaunas, Lithuania;
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Saulėtekio al. 7, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - M. Helena Vasconcelos
- Cancer Drug Resistance Group, IPATIMUP—Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (M.A.G.B.); (C.P.R.X.)
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal;
- Department of Biological Sciences, FFUP—Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
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In-vitro 3D modelling for charged particle therapy - Uncertainties and opportunities. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 179:114018. [PMID: 34688685 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.114018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Radiation therapy is a critical component of oncologic management, with more than half of all cancer patients requiring radiotherapy at some point during their disease course. Over the last decade, there has been increasing interest in charged particle therapy due to its advantageous physical and radiobiologic properties, with the therapeutic use of proton beam therapy (PBT) expanding worldwide. However, there remain large gaps in our knowledge of the radiobiologic mechanisms that underlie key aspects of PBT, such as variations in relative biologic effectiveness (RBE), radioresistance, DNA damage response and repair pathways, as well as immunologic effects. In addition, while the emerging technique of ultra-high dose rate or FLASH radiotherapy, with its potential to further reduce normal tissue toxicities, is an exciting development, in-depth study is needed into the postulated biochemical mechanisms that underpin the FLASH effect such as the oxygen depletion hypothesis as well as the relative contributions of immune responses and the tumor microenvironment. Further investigation is also required to ensure that the FLASH effect is not diminished or lost in PBT. Current methods to evaluate the biologic effects of charged particle therapy rely heavily on 2D cell culture systems and/or animal models. However, both of these methods have well-recognized limitations which limit translatability of findings from bench to bedside. The advent of novel three-dimensional in-vitro tumor models offers a more physiologically relevant and high throughput in-vitro system for the study of tumor development as well as novel therapeutic approaches such as PBT. Advances in 3D cell culture methods, together with knowledge of disease mechanism, biomarkers, and genomic data, can be used to design personalized 3D models that most closely recapitulate tumor microenvironmental factors promoting a particular disease phenotype, moving 3D models and PBT into the age of precision medicine.
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Foglietta F, Serpe L, Canaparo R. The Effective Combination between 3D Cancer Models and Stimuli-Responsive Nanoscale Drug Delivery Systems. Cells 2021; 10:3295. [PMID: 34943803 PMCID: PMC8699241 DOI: 10.3390/cells10123295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Stimuli-responsive drug-delivery systems (DDSs) have emerged as a potential tool for applications in healthcare, mainly in the treatment of cancer where versatile nanocarriers are co-triggered by endogenous and exogenous stimuli. Two-dimensional (2D) cell cultures are the most important in vitro model used to evaluate the anticancer activity of these stimuli-responsive DDSs due to their easy manipulation and versatility. However, some limitations suggest that these in vitro models poorly predict the outcome of in vivo studies. One of the main drawbacks of 2D cell cultures is their inadequate representation of the 3D environment's physiological complexity, which sees cells interact with each other and the extracellular matrix (ECM) according to their specific cellular organization. In this regard, 3D cancer models are a promising approach that can overcome the main shortcomings of 2D cancer cell cultures, as these in vitro models possess many peculiarities by which they mimic in vivo tumors, including physiologically relevant cell-cell and cell-ECM interactions. This is, in our opinion, even more relevant when a stimuli-responsive DDS is being investigated. In this review, we therefore report and discuss endogenous and exogenous stimuli-responsive DDSs whose effectiveness has been tested using 3D cancer cell cultures.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Loredana Serpe
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Torino, Via Pietro Giuria 13, 10125 Torino, Italy; (F.F.); (R.C.)
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Liu Q, Wang X, Li J, Wang J, Sun G, Zhang N, Ren T, Zhao L, Zhong R. Development and biological evaluation of AzoBGNU: A novel hypoxia-activated DNA crosslinking prodrug with AGT-inhibitory activity. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 144:112338. [PMID: 34678728 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112338] [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: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Chloroethylnitrosoureas (CENUs) are an important family of chemotherapies in clinical treatment of cancers, which exert antitumor activity by inducing the formation of DNA interstrand crosslinks (dG-dC ICLs). However, the drug resistance mediated by O6-alkylguanine-DNA alkyltransferase (AGT) and absence of tumor-targeting ability largely decrease the antitumor efficacy of CENUs. In this study, we synthesized an azobenzene-based hypoxia-activated combi-nitrosourea prodrug, AzoBGNU, and evaluated its hypoxic selectivity and antitumor activity. The prodrug was composed of a CENU pharmacophore and an O6-benzylguanine (O6-BG) analog moiety masked by a N,N-dimethyl-4-(phenyldiazenyl)aniline segment as a hypoxia-activated trigger, which was designed to be selectively reduced via azo bond break in hypoxic tumor microenvironment, accompanied with releasing of an O6-BG analog to inhibit AGT and a chloroethylating agent to induce dG-dC ICLs. AzoBGNU exhibited significantly increased cytotoxicity and apoptosis-inducing ability toward DU145 cells under hypoxia compared with normoxia, indicating the hypoxia-responsiveness as expected. Predominant higher cytotoxicity was observed in the cells treated by AzoBGNU than those by traditional CENU chemotherapy ACNU and its combination with O6-BG. The levels of dG-dC ICLs in DU145 cells induced by AzoBGNU was remarkably enhanced under hypoxia, which was approximately 6-fold higher than those in the AzoBGNU-treated groups under normoxia and those in the ACNU-treated groups. The results demonstrated that azobenzene-based combi-nitrosourea prodrug possessed desirable tumor-hypoxia targeting ability and eliminated chemoresistance compared with the conventional CENUs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Liu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental & Viral Oncology, Faculty of Environment & Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Xiaoli Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental & Viral Oncology, Faculty of Environment & Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Jun Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental & Viral Oncology, Faculty of Environment & Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Jiaojiao Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental & Viral Oncology, Faculty of Environment & Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Guohui Sun
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental & Viral Oncology, Faculty of Environment & Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Na Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental & Viral Oncology, Faculty of Environment & Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Ting Ren
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental & Viral Oncology, Faculty of Environment & Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Lijiao Zhao
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental & Viral Oncology, Faculty of Environment & Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China.
| | - Rugang Zhong
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental & Viral Oncology, Faculty of Environment & Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
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Darrigues E, Zhao EH, De Loose A, Lee MP, Borrelli MJ, Eoff RL, Galileo DS, Penthala NR, Crooks PA, Rodriguez A. Biobanked Glioblastoma Patient-Derived Organoids as a Precision Medicine Model to Study Inhibition of Invasion. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910720. [PMID: 34639060 PMCID: PMC8509225 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 09/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is highly resistant to treatment and invasion into the surrounding brain is a cancer hallmark that leads to recurrence despite surgical resection. With the emergence of precision medicine, patient-derived 3D systems are considered potentially robust GBM preclinical models. In this study, we screened a library of 22 anti-invasive compounds (i.e., NF-kB, GSK-3-B, COX-2, and tubulin inhibitors) using glioblastoma U-251 MG cell spheroids. We evaluated toxicity and invasion inhibition using a 3D Matrigel invasion assay. We next selected three compounds that inhibited invasion and screened them in patient-derived glioblastoma organoids (GBOs). We developed a platform using available macros for FIJI/ImageJ to quantify invasion from the outer margin of organoids. Our data demonstrated that a high-throughput invasion screening can be done using both an established cell line and patient-derived 3D model systems. Tubulin inhibitor compounds had the best efficacy with U-251 MG cells, however, in ex vivo patient organoids the results were highly variable. Our results indicate that the efficacy of compounds is highly related to patient intra and inter-tumor heterogeneity. These results indicate that such models can be used to evaluate personal oncology therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Darrigues
- Department of Neurosurgery, Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA; (E.D.); (E.H.Z.); (A.D.L.); (M.P.L.)
| | - Edward H. Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA; (E.D.); (E.H.Z.); (A.D.L.); (M.P.L.)
| | - Annick De Loose
- Department of Neurosurgery, Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA; (E.D.); (E.H.Z.); (A.D.L.); (M.P.L.)
| | - Madison P. Lee
- Department of Neurosurgery, Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA; (E.D.); (E.H.Z.); (A.D.L.); (M.P.L.)
| | - Michael J. Borrelli
- Department of Radiology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA;
| | - Robert L. Eoff
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA;
| | - Deni S. Galileo
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA;
| | - Narsimha R. Penthala
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA; (N.R.P.); (P.A.C.)
| | - Peter A. Crooks
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA; (N.R.P.); (P.A.C.)
| | - Analiz Rodriguez
- Department of Neurosurgery, Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA; (E.D.); (E.H.Z.); (A.D.L.); (M.P.L.)
- Correspondence:
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Leong TKM, Lo WS, Lee WEZ, Tan B, Lee XZ, Lee LWJN, Lee JYJ, Suresh N, Loo LH, Szu E, Yeong J. Leveraging advances in immunopathology and artificial intelligence to analyze in vitro tumor models in composition and space. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 177:113959. [PMID: 34481035 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.113959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide. Unfortunately, efforts to understand this disease are confounded by the complex, heterogenous tumor microenvironment (TME). Better understanding of the TME could lead to novel diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic discoveries. One way to achieve this involves in vitro tumor models that recapitulate the in vivo TME composition and spatial arrangement. Here, we review the potential of harnessing in vitro tumor models and artificial intelligence to delineate the TME. This includes (i) identification of novel features, (ii) investigation of higher-order relationships, and (iii) analysis and interpretation of multiomics data in a (iv) holistic, objective, reproducible, and efficient manner, which surpasses previous methods of TME analysis. We also discuss limitations of this approach, namely inadequate datasets, indeterminate biological correlations, ethical concerns, and logistical constraints; finally, we speculate on future avenues of research that could overcome these limitations, ultimately translating to improved clinical outcomes.
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Kaczmarczyk JA, Roberts RR, Luke BT, Chan KC, Van Wagoner CM, Felder RA, Saul RG, Simona C, Blonder J. Comparative microsomal proteomics of a model lung cancer cell line NCI-H23 reveals distinct differences between molecular profiles of 3D and 2D cultured cells. Oncotarget 2021; 12:2022-2038. [PMID: 34611477 PMCID: PMC8487723 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.28072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the USA and worldwide. Yet, about 95% of new drug candidates validated in preclinical phase eventually fail in clinical trials. Such a high attrition rate is attributed mostly to the inability of conventional two-dimensionally (2D) cultured cancer cells to mimic native three-dimensional (3D) growth of malignant cells in human tumors. To ascertain phenotypical differences between these two distinct culture conditions, we carried out a comparative proteomic analysis of a membrane fraction obtained from 3D- and 2D-cultured NSCLC model cell line NCI-H23. This analysis revealed a map of 1,166 (24%) protein species regulated in culture dependent manner, including differential regulation of a subset of cell surface-based CD molecules. We confirmed exclusive expression of CD99, CD146 and CD239 in 3D culture. Furthermore, label-free quantitation, targeting KRas proteoform-specific peptides, revealed upregulation of both wild type and monoallelic KRas4BG12C mutant at the surface of 3D cultured cells. In order to reduce the high attrition rate of new drug candidates, the results of this study strongly suggests exploiting base-line molecular profiling of a large number of patient-derived NSCLC cell lines grown in 2D and 3D culture, prior to actual drug candidate testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan A. Kaczmarczyk
- Antibody Characterization Laboratory, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21701, USA
| | - Rhonda R. Roberts
- Antibody Characterization Laboratory, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21701, USA
| | - Brian T. Luke
- Advanced Biomedical Computational Science, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21701, USA
| | - King C. Chan
- Protein Characterization Laboratory, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21701, USA
- Current address: The Center for Cell Clearance, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Carly M. Van Wagoner
- Protein Characterization Laboratory, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21701, USA
- Current address: The Center for Cell Clearance, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Robin A. Felder
- Department of Pathology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Richard G. Saul
- Antibody Characterization Laboratory, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21701, USA
| | - Colantonio Simona
- Antibody Characterization Laboratory, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21701, USA
| | - Josip Blonder
- Antibody Characterization Laboratory, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21701, USA
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Fang K, Zhan Y, Zhu R, Wang Y, Wu C, Sun M, Qiu Y, Yuan Z, Liang X, Yin P, Xu K. Bufalin suppresses tumour microenvironment-mediated angiogenesis by inhibiting the STAT3 signalling pathway. J Transl Med 2021; 19:383. [PMID: 34496870 PMCID: PMC8424978 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-021-03058-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antiangiogenic therapy has increasingly become an important strategy for the treatment of colorectal cancer. Recent studies have shown that the tumour microenvironment (TME) promotes tumour angiogenesis. Bufalin is an active antitumour compound whose efficacy has been indicated by previous studies. However, there are very few studies on the antiangiogenic effects of bufalin. METHODS Herein, human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) tube formation, migration and adhesion tests were used to assess angiogenesis in vitro. Western blotting and quantitative PCR were used to detect relevant protein levels and mRNA expression levels. A subcutaneous xenograft tumour model and a hepatic metastasis model were established in mice to investigate the influence of bufalin on angiogenesis mediated by the TME in vivo. RESULTS We found that angiogenesis mediated by cells in the TME was significantly inhibited in the presence of bufalin. The results demonstrated that the proangiogenic genes in HUVECs, such as VEGF, PDGFA, E-selectin and P-selectin, were downregulated by bufalin and that this downregulation was mediated by inhibition of the STAT3 pathway. Overexpression of STAT3 reversed the inhibitory effects of bufalin on angiogenesis. Furthermore, there was little reduction in angiogenesis when bufalin directly acted on the cells in the tumour microenvironment. CONCLUSION Our findings demonstrate that bufalin suppresses tumour microenvironment-mediated angiogenesis by inhibiting the STAT3 signalling pathway in vascular endothelial cells, revealing that bufalin may be used as a new antiangiogenic adjuvant therapy medicine to treat colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Fang
- Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200062 China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444 China
- Interventional Cancer Institute of Chinese Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200062 China
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering & Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Rd, Shanghai, 200237 China
| | - Yueping Zhan
- Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200062 China
- Interventional Cancer Institute of Chinese Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200062 China
| | - Ruiqiu Zhu
- Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200062 China
- Interventional Cancer Institute of Chinese Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200062 China
- Shanghai Putuo Central School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 China
| | - Yuqian Wang
- Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200062 China
- Interventional Cancer Institute of Chinese Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200062 China
| | - Chengqi Wu
- Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200062 China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444 China
- Interventional Cancer Institute of Chinese Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200062 China
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering & Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Rd, Shanghai, 200237 China
| | - Min Sun
- Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200062 China
| | - Yanyan Qiu
- Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200062 China
- Interventional Cancer Institute of Chinese Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200062 China
| | - Zeting Yuan
- Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200062 China
- Interventional Cancer Institute of Chinese Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200062 China
- Shanghai Putuo Central School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 China
| | - Xin Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering & Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Rd, Shanghai, 200237 China
| | - Peihao Yin
- Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200062 China
- Interventional Cancer Institute of Chinese Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200062 China
- Shanghai Putuo Central School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 China
| | - Ke Xu
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444 China
- Interventional Cancer Institute of Chinese Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200062 China
- Shanghai Putuo Central School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 China
- Wenzhou Institute of Shanghai University, Wenzhou, 325000 China
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Advances in culture methods for acute myeloid leukemia research. Oncoscience 2021; 8:82-90. [PMID: 34368398 PMCID: PMC8336936 DOI: 10.18632/oncoscience.540] [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: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Conventional suspension cultures have been used in Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) research to study its biology as well as to screen any drug molecules, since its inception. Co-culture models of AML cells and other stromal cells as well as 3 dimensional (3D) culture models have gained much attention recently. These culture models try to recapitulate the tumour microenvironment and are found to be more suitable than suspension cultures. Though animal models are being used, they require more time, effort and facilities and hence, it is essential to develop cell culture models for high-throughput screening of drugs. Here, we discuss a new co-culture model developed by our research group involving acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells and stimulated macrophages. Other studies on co-culture systems and relevance of 3D culture in leukemic research in understanding the pathology and treatment of leukemia are also reviewed.
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Hot or cold: Bioengineering immune contextures into in vitro patient-derived tumor models. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 175:113791. [PMID: 33965462 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In the past decade, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have proven to be tremendously effective for a subset of cancer patients. However, it is difficult to predict the response of individual patients and efforts are now directed at understanding the mechanisms of ICI resistance. Current models of patient tumors poorly recapitulate the immune contexture, which describe immune parameters that are associated with patient survival. In this Review, we discuss parameters that influence the induction of different immune contextures found within tumors and how engineering strategies may be leveraged to recapitulate these contextures to develop the next generation of immune-competent patient-derived in vitro models.
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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: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [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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Visualizing Extracellular Vesicles and Their Function in 3D Tumor Microenvironment Models. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094784. [PMID: 33946403 PMCID: PMC8125158 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are cell-derived nanostructures that mediate intercellular communication by delivering complex signals in normal tissues and cancer. The cellular coordination required for tumor development and maintenance is mediated, in part, through EV transport of molecular cargo to resident and distant cells. Most studies on EV-mediated signaling have been performed in two-dimensional (2D) monolayer cell cultures, largely because of their simplicity and high-throughput screening capacity. Three-dimensional (3D) cell cultures can be used to study cell-to-cell and cell-to-matrix interactions, enabling the study of EV-mediated cellular communication. 3D cultures may best model the role of EVs in formation of the tumor microenvironment (TME) and cancer cell-stromal interactions that sustain tumor growth. In this review, we discuss EV biology in 3D culture correlates of the TME. This includes EV communication between cell types of the TME, differences in EV biogenesis and signaling associated with differing scaffold choices and in scaffold-free 3D cultures and cultivation of the premetastatic niche. An understanding of EV biogenesis and signaling within a 3D TME will improve culture correlates of oncogenesis, enable molecular control of the TME and aid development of drug delivery tools based on EV-mediated signaling.
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