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Ryoo H, Kimmel H, Rondo E, Underhill GH. Advances in high throughput cell culture technologies for therapeutic screening and biological discovery applications. Bioeng Transl Med 2024; 9:e10627. [PMID: 38818120 PMCID: PMC11135158 DOI: 10.1002/btm2.10627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Cellular phenotypes and functional responses are modulated by the signals present in their microenvironment, including extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, tissue mechanical properties, soluble signals and nutrients, and cell-cell interactions. To better recapitulate and analyze these complex signals within the framework of more physiologically relevant culture models, high throughput culture platforms can be transformative. High throughput methodologies enable scientists to extract increasingly robust and broad datasets from individual experiments, screen large numbers of conditions for potential hits, better qualify and predict responses for preclinical applications, and reduce reliance on animal studies. High throughput cell culture systems require uniformity, assay miniaturization, specific target identification, and process simplification. In this review, we detail the various techniques that researchers have used to face these challenges and explore cellular responses in a high throughput manner. We highlight several common approaches including two-dimensional multiwell microplates, microarrays, and microfluidic cell culture systems as well as unencapsulated and encapsulated three-dimensional high throughput cell culture systems, featuring multiwell microplates, micromolds, microwells, microarrays, granular hydrogels, and cell-encapsulated microgels. We also discuss current applications of these high throughput technologies, namely stem cell sourcing, drug discovery and predictive toxicology, and personalized medicine, along with emerging opportunities and future impact areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyeon Ryoo
- Bioengineering DepartmentUniversity of Illinois Urbana‐ChampaignUrbanaIllinoisUSA
| | - Hannah Kimmel
- Bioengineering DepartmentUniversity of Illinois Urbana‐ChampaignUrbanaIllinoisUSA
| | - Evi Rondo
- Bioengineering DepartmentUniversity of Illinois Urbana‐ChampaignUrbanaIllinoisUSA
| | - Gregory H. Underhill
- Bioengineering DepartmentUniversity of Illinois Urbana‐ChampaignUrbanaIllinoisUSA
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Kolahi Azar H, Gharibshahian M, Rostami M, Mansouri V, Sabouri L, Beheshtizadeh N, Rezaei N. The progressive trend of modeling and drug screening systems of breast cancer bone metastasis. J Biol Eng 2024; 18:14. [PMID: 38317174 PMCID: PMC10845631 DOI: 10.1186/s13036-024-00408-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Bone metastasis is considered as a considerable challenge for breast cancer patients. Various in vitro and in vivo models have been developed to examine this occurrence. In vitro models are employed to simulate the intricate tumor microenvironment, investigate the interplay between cells and their adjacent microenvironment, and evaluate the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions for tumors. The endeavor to replicate the latency period of bone metastasis in animal models has presented a challenge, primarily due to the necessity of primary tumor removal and the presence of multiple potential metastatic sites.The utilization of novel bone metastasis models, including three-dimensional (3D) models, has been proposed as a promising approach to overcome the constraints associated with conventional 2D and animal models. However, existing 3D models are limited by various factors, such as irregular cellular proliferation, autofluorescence, and changes in genetic and epigenetic expression. The imperative for the advancement of future applications of 3D models lies in their standardization and automation. The utilization of artificial intelligence exhibits the capability to predict cellular behavior through the examination of substrate materials' chemical composition, geometry, and mechanical performance. The implementation of these algorithms possesses the capability to predict the progression and proliferation of cancer. This paper reviewed the mechanisms of bone metastasis following primary breast cancer. Current models of breast cancer bone metastasis, along with their challenges, as well as the future perspectives of using these models for translational drug development, were discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanieh Kolahi Azar
- Department of Pathology, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Regenerative Medicine Group (REMED), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Maliheh Gharibshahian
- Department of Tissue Engineering, School of Medicine, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
- Regenerative Medicine Group (REMED), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammadreza Rostami
- Division of Food Safety and Hygiene, Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Food Science and Nutrition Group (FSAN), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Vahid Mansouri
- Gene Therapy Research Center, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Regenerative Medicine Group (REMED), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Leila Sabouri
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Paramedicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
- Regenerative Medicine Group (REMED), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Nima Beheshtizadeh
- Department of Tissue Engineering, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
- Regenerative Medicine Group (REMED), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.
| | - Nima Rezaei
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.
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Close DA, Johnston PA. WITHDRAWN: Detection and impact of hypoxic regions in multicellular tumor spheroid cultures formed by head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cells lines. SLAS DISCOVERY : ADVANCING LIFE SCIENCES R & D 2023; 29:130. [PMID: 38101574 DOI: 10.1016/j.slasd.2023.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- David A Close
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - Paul A Johnston
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA; University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, 15232, USA.
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Chen X, Yu Y, Zheng H, Yang M, Wang C, Cai Q, Zhang W, Jiang F, Zhu Y, Yang H, Zhang T, Zhou Z. Single-cell transcriptome analysis reveals dynamic changes of the preclinical A549 cancer models, and the mechanism of dacomitinib. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 960:176046. [PMID: 37708985 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.176046] [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: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
The in vitro A549 cells, and A549 xenografts in nude mouse, were two commonly used models for anti-cancer drug discovery. However, the biological and molecular characteristics of these two classic models, and also the dynamic transcriptome changes after dacomitinib exposure remains elusive. We performed single-cell RNA sequencing to define the transcriptome profile at single-cell resolution, and processed tumor samples for bulk RNA and protein analysis to validate the differently expressed genes. Transcriptome profiling revealed that the in vitro A549 cells are heterogeneous. The minimal subpopulation of the in vitro A549 cells, which were characterized by the signature of response to unfolded protein, became the overriding subpopulation of the xenografts. The EGFR non-activating A549 cells were resistant to dacomitinib in vitro, while A549 xenografts were comparatively sensitive as EGFR-activating HCC827 xenografts. Dacomitinib inhibited MAPK signaling pathway, and increased the immune response in the A549 xenografts. A phagocytosis checkpoint stanniocalcin-1 (STC1) was significantly inhibited in dacomitinib-treated xenografts. So here our study gives the first insight of the heterogeneity of the two classic models, and the translational potential of dacomitinib being used into a broader patient population rather than EGFR common activating mutation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Chen
- Jiading District Central Hospital Affiliated Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, 201318, China; The College of Medical Technology, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, 201318, China; Collaborative Research Center, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, 201318, China
| | - Yangziwei Yu
- Jiading District Central Hospital Affiliated Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, 201318, China; School of Health Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200093, China; Collaborative Research Center, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, 201318, China
| | - Haoyang Zheng
- Jiading District Central Hospital Affiliated Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, 201318, China; School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, 201318, China; Collaborative Research Center, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, 201318, China
| | - Mengjing Yang
- Jiading District Central Hospital Affiliated Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, 201318, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, 201318, China; Collaborative Research Center, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, 201318, China
| | - Chuqiao Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, China
| | - Qianqian Cai
- Jiading District Central Hospital Affiliated Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, 201318, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, 201318, China; Collaborative Research Center, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, 201318, China
| | - Weiguo Zhang
- Jiading District Central Hospital Affiliated Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, 201318, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, 201318, China; Collaborative Research Center, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, 201318, China
| | - Feixiang Jiang
- Jiading District Central Hospital Affiliated Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, 201318, China; School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, 201318, China; Collaborative Research Center, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, 201318, China
| | - Yanmei Zhu
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, Shenyang, 110042, China; Liaoning Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shenyang, 110042, China; Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110042, China
| | - Hedi Yang
- Collaborative Research Center, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, 201318, China
| | - Tianbiao Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, China
| | - Zhaoli Zhou
- Jiading District Central Hospital Affiliated Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, 201318, China; School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, 201318, China; Collaborative Research Center, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, 201318, China.
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Senrung A, Tripathi T, Yadav J, Janjua D, Chaudhary A, Chhokar A, Aggarwal N, Joshi U, Goswami N, Bharti AC. In vivo antiangiogenic effect of nimbolide, trans-chalcone and piperine for use against glioblastoma. BMC Cancer 2023; 23:1173. [PMID: 38036978 PMCID: PMC10691152 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-11625-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Angiogenesis is an important hallmark of Glioblastoma (GBM) marked by elevated vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) and its receptor 2 (VEGFR-2). As previously reported nimbolide (NBL), trans-chalcone (TC) and piperine (PPR) possess promising antiangiogenic activity in several cancers however, their comparative efficacy and mechanism of antiangiogenic activity in GBM against VEGFR-2 has not been elucidated. METHODS 2D and 3D spheroids cultures of U87 (Uppsala 87 Malignant Glioma) were used for evaluation of non-cytotxoic dose for anti-angiogenic activity. The antiangiogenic effect was investigated by the GBM U87 cell line bearing chick CAM model. Excised U87 xenografts were histologically examined for blood vascular density by histochemistry. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to detect the presence of avian and human VEGF-A and VEGFR-2 mRNA transcripts. RESULTS Using 2D and 3D spheroid models, the non-cytotoxic dose of NBL, TC and PPR was ≤ 11 µM. We found NBL, TC and PPR inhibit U87-induced neoangiogenesis in a dose-dependent manner in the CAM stand-alone model as well as in CAM U87 xenograft model. The results also indicate that these natural compounds inhibit the expression of notable angiogenic factors, VEGF-A and VEGFR-2. A positive correlation was found between blood vascular density and VEGF-A as well as VEGFR-2 transcripts. CONCLUSION Taken together, NBL, TC and PPR can suppress U87-induced neoangiogenesis via a reduction in VEGF-A and its receptor VEGFR-2 transcript expression at noncytotoxic concentrations. These phytochemicals showed their utility as adjuvants to GBM therapy, with Piperine demonstrating superior effectiveness among them all.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Senrung
- Department of Zoology, Molecular Oncology Laboratory, University of Delhi (North Campus), Delhi, 110007, India
- Neuropharmacology and Drug Delivery Laboratory, Daulat Ram College, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Tanya Tripathi
- Department of Zoology, Molecular Oncology Laboratory, University of Delhi (North Campus), Delhi, 110007, India
| | - Joni Yadav
- Department of Zoology, Molecular Oncology Laboratory, University of Delhi (North Campus), Delhi, 110007, India
| | - Divya Janjua
- Department of Zoology, Molecular Oncology Laboratory, University of Delhi (North Campus), Delhi, 110007, India
| | - Apoorva Chaudhary
- Department of Zoology, Molecular Oncology Laboratory, University of Delhi (North Campus), Delhi, 110007, India
| | - Arun Chhokar
- Department of Zoology, Molecular Oncology Laboratory, University of Delhi (North Campus), Delhi, 110007, India
- Deshbandhu College, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Nikita Aggarwal
- Department of Zoology, Molecular Oncology Laboratory, University of Delhi (North Campus), Delhi, 110007, India
| | - Udit Joshi
- Department of Zoology, Molecular Oncology Laboratory, University of Delhi (North Campus), Delhi, 110007, India
| | - Nidhi Goswami
- Neuropharmacology and Drug Delivery Laboratory, Daulat Ram College, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Alok Chandra Bharti
- Department of Zoology, Molecular Oncology Laboratory, University of Delhi (North Campus), Delhi, 110007, India.
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Urzì O, Gasparro R, Costanzo E, De Luca A, Giavaresi G, Fontana S, Alessandro R. Three-Dimensional Cell Cultures: The Bridge between In Vitro and In Vivo Models. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12046. [PMID: 37569426 PMCID: PMC10419178 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Although historically, the traditional bidimensional in vitro cell system has been widely used in research, providing much fundamental information regarding cellular functions and signaling pathways as well as nuclear activities, the simplicity of this system does not fully reflect the heterogeneity and complexity of the in vivo systems. From this arises the need to use animals for experimental research and in vivo testing. Nevertheless, animal use in experimentation presents various aspects of complexity, such as ethical issues, which led Russell and Burch in 1959 to formulate the 3R (Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement) principle, underlying the urgent need to introduce non-animal-based methods in research. Considering this, three-dimensional (3D) models emerged in the scientific community as a bridge between in vitro and in vivo models, allowing for the achievement of cell differentiation and complexity while avoiding the use of animals in experimental research. The purpose of this review is to provide a general overview of the most common methods to establish 3D cell culture and to discuss their promising applications. Three-dimensional cell cultures have been employed as models to study both organ physiology and diseases; moreover, they represent a valuable tool for studying many aspects of cancer. Finally, the possibility of using 3D models for drug screening and regenerative medicine paves the way for the development of new therapeutic opportunities for many diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ornella Urzì
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D), Section of Biology and Genetics, University of Palermo, 90133 Palermo, Italy; (O.U.); (R.G.); (E.C.); (R.A.)
| | - Roberta Gasparro
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D), Section of Biology and Genetics, University of Palermo, 90133 Palermo, Italy; (O.U.); (R.G.); (E.C.); (R.A.)
| | - Elisa Costanzo
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D), Section of Biology and Genetics, University of Palermo, 90133 Palermo, Italy; (O.U.); (R.G.); (E.C.); (R.A.)
| | - Angela De Luca
- IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, SC Scienze e Tecnologie Chirurgiche, 40136 Bologna, Italy; (A.D.L.); (G.G.)
| | - Gianluca Giavaresi
- IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, SC Scienze e Tecnologie Chirurgiche, 40136 Bologna, Italy; (A.D.L.); (G.G.)
| | - Simona Fontana
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D), Section of Biology and Genetics, University of Palermo, 90133 Palermo, Italy; (O.U.); (R.G.); (E.C.); (R.A.)
| | - Riccardo Alessandro
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D), Section of Biology and Genetics, University of Palermo, 90133 Palermo, Italy; (O.U.); (R.G.); (E.C.); (R.A.)
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Lerma Clavero A, Boqvist PL, Ingelshed K, Bosdotter C, Sedimbi S, Jiang L, Wermeling F, Vojtesek B, Lane DP, Kannan P. MDM2 inhibitors, nutlin-3a and navtemadelin, retain efficacy in human and mouse cancer cells cultured in hypoxia. Sci Rep 2023; 13:4583. [PMID: 36941277 PMCID: PMC10027891 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-31484-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Activation of p53 by small molecule MDM2 inhibitors can induce cell cycle arrest or death in p53 wildtype cancer cells. However, cancer cells exposed to hypoxia can develop resistance to other small molecules, such as chemotherapies, that activate p53. Here, we evaluated whether hypoxia could render cancer cells insensitive to two MDM2 inhibitors with different potencies, nutlin-3a and navtemadlin. Inhibitor efficacy and potency were evaluated under short-term hypoxic conditions in human and mouse cancer cells expressing different p53 genotypes (wild-type, mutant, or null). Treatment of wild-type p53 cancer cells with MDM2 inhibitors reduced cell growth by > 75% in hypoxia through activation of the p53-p21 signaling pathway; no inhibitor-induced growth reduction was observed in hypoxic mutant or null p53 cells except at very high concentrations. The concentration of inhibitors needed to induce the maximal p53 response was not significantly different in hypoxia compared to normoxia. However, inhibitor efficacy varied by species and by cell line, with stronger effects at lower concentrations observed in human cell lines than in mouse cell lines grown as 2D and 3D cultures. Together, these results indicate that MDM2 inhibitors retain efficacy in hypoxia, suggesting they could be useful for targeting acutely hypoxic cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ada Lerma Clavero
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala University, 751 23, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Paula Lafqvist Boqvist
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Katrine Ingelshed
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Cecilia Bosdotter
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Saikiran Sedimbi
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
- Moderna Therapeutics, 200 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Long Jiang
- Department of Medicine Solna, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital and Karolinska Institutet, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Fredrik Wermeling
- Department of Medicine Solna, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital and Karolinska Institutet, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Borivoj Vojtesek
- RECAMO, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, 656 53, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - David P Lane
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Pavitra Kannan
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Oliveira AI, Pinho C, Vieira FQ, Silva R, Cruz A. Taraxacum spp. in vitro and in vivo anticancer activity – a review. J Herb Med 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hermed.2022.100612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Xiao RR, Jin L, Xie N, Luo P, Gao W, Tu P, Ai X. Establishment and large-scale validation of a three-dimensional tumor model on an array chip for anticancer drug evaluation. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1032975. [PMID: 36313330 PMCID: PMC9596801 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1032975] [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: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Two-dimensional (2D) tumor model has always poorly predicted drug response of animal model due to the lack of recapitulation of tumor microenvironment. Establishing a biomimetic, controllable, and cost-effective three-dimensional (3D) model and large-scale validation of its in vivo predictivity has shown promise in bridging the gap between the 2D tumor model and animal model. Here, we established a matrigel-based 3D micro-tumor model on an array chip for large-scale anticancer drug evaluation. Compared with the 2D tumor model, the 3D tumor model on the chip showed spheroid morphology, slower proliferation kinetics, and comparable reproducibility. Next, the results of the chemotherapeutic evaluation from 18 drugs against 27 cancer cell lines showed 17.6% of drug resistance on the 3D tumor model. Moreover, the evaluation results of targeted drugs showed expected sensitivity and higher specificity on the 3D tumor model compared with the 2D model. Finally, the evaluation results on the 3D tumor model were more consistent with the in vivo cell-derived xenograft model, and excluded 95% false-positive results from the 2D model. Overall, the matrigel-based 3D micro-tumor model on the array chip provides a promising tool to accelerate anticancer drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong-Rong Xiao
- R&D Department, Beijing Daxiang Biotech Co., Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Lei Jin
- Oncology and Immunology Unit, WuXi Biology, WuXi AppTec (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | - Nan Xie
- Oncology and Immunology Unit, WuXi Biology, WuXi AppTec (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | - Piaopiao Luo
- R&D Department, Beijing Daxiang Biotech Co., Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Wenjie Gao
- Oncology and Immunology Unit, WuXi Biology, WuXi AppTec (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | - Pengfei Tu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoni Ai
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaoni Ai,
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10
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A thermo-sensitive hydrogel composed of methylcellulose/hyaluronic acid/silk fibrin as a biomimetic extracellular matrix to simulate breast cancer malignancy. Eur Polym J 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2022.111421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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11
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Henrique RBL, Lima RRM, Monteiro CAP, Oliveira WF, Pereira G, Cabral Filho PE, Fontes A. Advances in the study of spheroids as versatile models to evaluate biological interactions of inorganic nanoparticles. Life Sci 2022; 302:120657. [PMID: 35609631 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.120657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Spheroids are in vitro three-dimensional multicellular microstructures able to mimic the biological microenvironment, including the complexity of tumor architecture. Therefore, results closer to those expected for in vivo organisms can be reached using spheroids compared to the cell culture monolayer model. Inorganic nanoparticles (NPs) have also been playing relevant roles in the comprehension of biological processes. Moreover, they have been probed as novel diagnostic and therapeutical nanosystems. In this context, in this review, we present applications, published in the last five years, which show that spheroids can be versatile models to study and evaluate biological interactions involving inorganic NPs. Applications of spheroids associated with (i) basic studies to assess the penetration profile of nanostructures, (ii) the evaluation of NP toxicity, and (iii) NP-based therapeutical approaches are described. Fundamentals of spheroids and their formation methods are also included. We hope that this review can be a reference and guide future investigations related to this interesting three-dimensional biological model, favoring advances to Nanobiotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafaella B L Henrique
- Departamento de Biofísica e Radiobiologia, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Rennan R M Lima
- Departamento de Biofísica e Radiobiologia, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Camila A P Monteiro
- Departamento de Biofísica e Radiobiologia, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Weslley F Oliveira
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Goreti Pereira
- Departamento de Química Fundamental, Centro de Ciências Exatas e da Natureza, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Paulo E Cabral Filho
- Departamento de Biofísica e Radiobiologia, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil.
| | - Adriana Fontes
- Departamento de Biofísica e Radiobiologia, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil.
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Morphometrical, Morphological, and Immunocytochemical Characterization of a Tool for Cytotoxicity Research: 3D Cultures of Breast Cell Lines Grown in Ultra-Low Attachment Plates. TOXICS 2022; 10:toxics10080415. [PMID: 35893848 PMCID: PMC9394479 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10080415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Three-dimensional cell cultures may better mimic avascular tumors. Yet, they still lack characterization and standardization. Therefore, this study aimed to (a) generate multicellular aggregates (MCAs) of four breast cell lines: MCF7, MDA-MB-231, and SKBR3 (tumoral) and MCF12A (non-tumoral) using ultra-low attachment (ULA) plates, (b) detail the methodology used for their formation and analysis, providing technical tips, and (c) characterize the MCAs using morphometry, qualitative cytology (at light and electron microscopy), and quantitative immunocytochemistry (ICC) analysis. Each cell line generated uniform MCAs with structural differences among cell lines: MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 MCAs showed an ellipsoid/discoid shape and compact structure, while MCF12A and SKBR3 MCAs were loose, more flattened, and presented bigger areas. MCF7 MCAs revealed glandular breast differentiation features. ICC showed a random distribution of the proliferating and apoptotic cells throughout the MCAs, not fitting in the traditional spheroid model. ICC for cytokeratin, vimentin, and E-cadherin showed different results according to the cell lines. Estrogen (ER) and progesterone (PR) receptors were positive only in MCF7 and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2) in SKBR3. The presented characterization of the MCAs in non-exposed conditions provided a good baseline to evaluate the cytotoxic effects of potential anticancer compounds.
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Islam S, Parker J, Dash BC, Hsia HC. Human iPSC-Vascular smooth muscle cell spheroids demonstrate size-dependent alterations in cellular viability and secretory function. J Biomed Mater Res A 2022; 110:1813-1823. [PMID: 35815599 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.37423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) and their differentiated vascular cells have been revolutionizing the field of regenerative wound healing. These cells are shown to be rejuvenated with immense potentials in secreting paracrine factors. Recently, hiPSC-derived vascular smooth muscle cells (hiPSC-VSMC) have shown regenerative wound healing ability via their paracrine secretion. The quest to modulate the secretory function of these hiPSC-VSMC is an ongoing effort and involves the use of both biochemical and biophysical stimuli. This study explores the development and optimization of a reproducible, inexpensive protocol to form hiPSC-VSMC derived spheroids to investigate the implications of spheroid size on viability and paracrine secretion. Our data show the successful formation of different sizes of spheroids using various amount of hiPSC-VSMC. The hiPSC-VSMC spheroids formed with 10,000 cells strike an ideal balance between overall cell health and maximal paracrine secretion. The conditioned medium from these spheroids was found to be bioactive in enhancing human dermal fibroblast cell proliferation and migration. This research will inform future studies on the optimal spheroid size for regenerative wound healing applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Islam
- Section of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Jackson Parker
- Section of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Biraja C Dash
- Section of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Henry C Hsia
- Section of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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Jeong JE, Han SS, Shim HE, Kim W, Lee BS, Kim YJ, Kang SW. Hyaluronic microparticle-based biomimetic artificial neighbors of cells for three-dimensional cell culture. Carbohydr Polym 2022; 294:119770. [DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2022.119770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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15
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Scaffold-free 3D culturing enhance pluripotency, immunomodulatory factors, and differentiation potential of Wharton's jelly-mesenchymal stem cells. Eur J Cell Biol 2022; 101:151245. [PMID: 35667339 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2022.151245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) show a decline in pluripotency and differentiation with increased cell culture passages in 2D cultures. The 2D monolayer culture fails to correctly imitate the architecture and microenvironments of in-vivo cell models. Alternatively, 3D culture may improve the simulations of in-vivo cell microenvironments with wide applications in cell culture and drug discovery. In the present study, we compared various 3D culturing techniques such as 3D micro-well (3D-S), hanging drop (HD), and ultra-low attachment (ULA) plate-based spheroid culture to study their effect on morphology, viability, pluripotency, cell surface markers, immunomodulatory factors, and differentiation capabilities of Wharton's jelly-mesenchymal stem cells (WJ-MSCs). The cell morphology, viability, and senescence of 3D cultured WJ-MSCs were comparable to cells in 2D culture. The expression of pluripotency markers (OCT4, SOX2, and NANOG) was enhanced upto 2-8 fold in 3D cultured WJ-MSCs when compared to 2D culture. Moreover, the immunomodulatory factors (IDO, IL-10, LIF, ANG1, and VEGF) were significantly elevated in ULA based 3D cultured WJ-MSCs. Furthermore, significant enhancement in the differentiation potential of WJ-MSCs towards adipocyte (ADP and C/EBP-α), osteocyte (OPN and RUNX2), and definitive endodermal (SOX17, FOXA2, and CXCR4) lineages in 3D culture conditions were observed. Additionally, the osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation potential of WJ-MSCs over the time points 7 days, 14 days, and 28 days was also significantly increased in 3D culture groups. Our study demonstrates that stemness properties of WJ-MSCs were significantly enhanced in 3D cultures and ULA-based culture outperformed other methods with high pluripotency gene expression and enhanced differentiation potential. This study indicates the efficacy of 3D cultures to bridge the gap between 2D cell culture and animal models in regenerative medicine.
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16
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Wei C, Yu C, Li S, Li T, Meng J, Li J. Easy-to-Operate Co-Flow Step Emulsification Device for High-Throughput Three-Dimensional Cell Culture. BIOSENSORS 2022; 12:bios12050350. [PMID: 35624651 PMCID: PMC9138713 DOI: 10.3390/bios12050350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Cell culture plays an essential role in tissue engineering and high-throughput drug screening. Compared with two-dimensional (2D) in vitro culture, three-dimensional (3D) in vitro culture can mimic cells in vivo more accurately, including complex cellular organizations, heterogeneity, and cell–extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions. This article presents a droplet-based microfluidic chip that integrates cell distribution, 3D in vitro cell culture, and in situ cell monitoring in a single device. Using the microfluidic “co-flow step emulsification” approach, we have successfully prepared close-packed droplet arrays with an ultra-high-volume fraction (72%) which can prevent cells from adhering to the chip surface so as to achieve a 3D cell culture and make scalable and high-throughput cell culture possible. The proposed device could produce droplets from 55.29 ± 1.52 to 95.64 ± 3.35 μm, enabling the diverse encapsulation of cells of different sizes and quantities. Furthermore, the cost for each microfluidic CFSE chip is approximately USD 3, making it a low-cost approach for 3D cell culture. The proposed device is successfully applied in the 3D culture of saccharomyces cerevisiae cells with an occurrence rate for proliferation of 80.34 ± 3.77%. With low-cost, easy-to-operate, high-throughput, and miniaturization characteristics, the proposed device meets the requirements for 3D in vitro cell culture and is expected to be applied in biological fields such as drug toxicology and pharmacokinetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyang Wei
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Robotic Sensing and Human-Robot Interactions, School of Mechanical Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300132, China; (C.W.); (S.L.)
| | - Chengzhuang Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Reliability and Intelligence of Electrical Equipment, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300130, China; (C.Y.); (J.M.)
| | - Shanshan Li
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Robotic Sensing and Human-Robot Interactions, School of Mechanical Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300132, China; (C.W.); (S.L.)
- State Key Laboratory of Reliability and Intelligence of Electrical Equipment, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300130, China; (C.Y.); (J.M.)
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Food Manufacturing Equipment and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Tiejun Li
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Robotic Sensing and Human-Robot Interactions, School of Mechanical Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300132, China; (C.W.); (S.L.)
- Correspondence: (T.L.); (J.L.); Tel.: +86-22-60202605 (T.L.); +86-22-60201070 (J.L.)
| | - Jiyu Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Reliability and Intelligence of Electrical Equipment, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300130, China; (C.Y.); (J.M.)
| | - Junwei Li
- Institute of Biophysics, School of Health Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, China
- Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Langfang 065000, China
- Correspondence: (T.L.); (J.L.); Tel.: +86-22-60202605 (T.L.); +86-22-60201070 (J.L.)
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Synergistic combination of PMBA and 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) in targeting mutant KRAS in 2D and 3D colorectal cancer cells. Heliyon 2022; 8:e09103. [PMID: 35445157 PMCID: PMC9014391 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e09103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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18
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Close DA, Johnston PA. Detection and impact of hypoxic regions in multicellular tumor spheroid cultures formed by head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cells lines. SLAS DISCOVERY : ADVANCING LIFE SCIENCES R & D 2022; 27:39-54. [PMID: 35058175 DOI: 10.1016/j.slasd.2021.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In solid tumors like head and neck cancer (HNC), chronic and acute hypoxia have serious adverse clinical consequences including poorer overall patient prognosis, enhanced metastasis, increased genomic instability, and resistance to radiation-, chemo-, or immuno-therapies. However, cells in the two-dimensional monolayer cultures typically used for cancer drug discovery experience 20%-21% O2 levels (normoxic) which are 4-fold higher than O2 levels in normal tissues and ≥10-fold higher than in the hypoxic regions of solid tumors. The oxygen electrodes, exogenous bio-reductive markers, and increased expression of endogenous hypoxia-regulated proteins like HIF-1α generally used to mark hypoxic regions in solid tumors are impractical in large sample numbers and longitudinal studies. We used a novel homogeneous live-cell permeant HypoxiTRAK™ (HPTK) molecular probe compatible with high content imaging detection, analysis, and throughput to identify and quantify hypoxia levels in live HNC multicellular tumor spheroid (MCTS) cultures over time. Accumulation of fluorescence HPTK metabolite in live normoxic HNC MCTS cultures correlated with hypoxia detection by both pimonidazole and HIF-1α staining. In HNC MCTSs, hypoxic cytotoxicity ratios for the hypoxia activated prodrugs (HAP) evofosfamide and tirapazamine were much smaller than have been reported for uniformly hypoxic 2D monolayers in gas chambers, and many viable cells remained after HAP exposure. Cells in solid tumors and MCTSs experience three distinct O2 microenvironments dictated by their distances from blood vessels or MCTS surfaces, respectively; oxic, hypoxic, or intermediate levels of hypoxia. These studies support the application of more physiologically relevant in vitro 3D models that recapitulate the heterogeneous microenvironments of solid tumors for preclinical cancer drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Close
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences1, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Paul A Johnston
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences1, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA.; University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Hillman Cancer Center2, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA..
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19
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Mukundan S, Bell J, Teryek M, Hernandez C, Love AC, Parekkadan B, Chan LLY. Automated Assessment of Cancer Drug Efficacy On Breast Tumor Spheroids in Aggrewell™400 Plates Using Image Cytometry. J Fluoresc 2022; 32:521-531. [PMID: 34989923 DOI: 10.1007/s10895-021-02881-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Tumor spheroid models have proven useful in the study of cancer cell responses to chemotherapeutic compounds by more closely mimicking the 3-dimensional nature of tumors in situ. Their advantages are often offset, however, by protocols that are long, complicated, and expensive. Efforts continue for the development of high-throughput assays that combine the advantages of 3D models with the convenience and simplicity of traditional 2D monolayer methods. Herein, we describe the development of a breast cancer spheroid image cytometry assay using T47D cells in Aggrewell™400 spheroid plates. Using the Celigo® automated imaging system, we developed a method to image and individually track thousands of spheroids within the Aggrewell™400 microwell plate over time. We demonstrate the use of calcein AM and propidium iodide staining to study the effects of known anti-cancer drugs Doxorubicin, Everolimus, Gemcitabine, Metformin, Paclitaxel and Tamoxifen. We use the image cytometry results to quantify the fluorescence of calcein AM and PI as well as spheroid size in a dose dependent manner for each of the drugs. We observe a dose-dependent reduction in spheroid size and find that it correlates well with the viability obtained from the CellTiter96® endpoint assay. The image cytometry method we demonstrate is a convenient and high-throughput drug-response assay for breast cancer spheroids under 400 μm in diameter, and may lay a foundation for investigating other three-dimensional spheroids, organoids, and tissue samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shilpaa Mukundan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Jordan Bell
- Department of Advanced Technology R&D, Nexcelom Bioscience LLC, Lawrence, MA, 01843, USA
| | - Matthew Teryek
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Charles Hernandez
- Department of Advanced Technology R&D, Nexcelom Bioscience LLC, Lawrence, MA, 01843, USA
| | - Andrea C Love
- Department of Advanced Technology R&D, Nexcelom Bioscience LLC, Lawrence, MA, 01843, USA
| | - Biju Parekkadan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA.,Department of Medicine, Rutgers Biomedical Health Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Leo Li-Ying Chan
- Department of Advanced Technology R&D, Nexcelom Bioscience LLC, Lawrence, MA, 01843, USA.
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20
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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: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [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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21
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Martinez A, Buckley MS, Scalise CB, Wang D, Katre AA, Birrer MJ, Berry JL, Arend RC. Utilization of a 3-D tissue engineered model to investigate the effects of perfusion on gynecologic cancer biology. J Tissue Eng 2021; 12:20417314211055015. [PMID: 34820113 PMCID: PMC8606733 DOI: 10.1177/20417314211055015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Among gynecologic malignancies, ovarian cancer (OC) has the poorest survival rate, and its clinical management remains challenging due to the high rate of recurrence and chemoresistance. Improving survival for these patients is critical, although this requires the ability to translate preclinical studies to actual patient care: bench to bedside and back. Our objective was to develop a preclinical model that accurately represents tumor biology and its microenvironment. We utilized SKOV-3, OVCAR-8, and CS-99 cell lines to show that this model was suitable for in vitro assessment of cell proliferation. We tested OC cells independently and in co-culture with cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) or immune cells. Additionally, we used patient-derived ovarian carcinoma and carcinosarcoma samples to show that the system maintains the histologic morphology of the primary tissue after 7 days. Moreover, we tested the response to chemotherapy using both cell lines and patient-derived tumor specimens and confirmed that cell death was significantly higher in the treated group compared to the vehicle group. Finally, we immune profiled the 3-D model containing patient tissue after several days in the bioreactor system and revealed that the immune populations are still present. Our data suggest that this model is a suitable preclinical model to aid in research that will ultimately impact the treatment of patients with gynecologic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba Martinez
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Molly S Buckley
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Carly B Scalise
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Dezhi Wang
- Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Ashwini A Katre
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Michael J Birrer
- Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Joel L Berry
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Rebecca C Arend
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
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22
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Chiu YJ, Tsai FJ, Bau DT, Chang LC, Hsieh MT, Lu CC, Kuo SC, Yang JS. Next‑generation sequencing analysis reveals that MTH‑3, a novel curcuminoid derivative, suppresses the invasion of MDA‑MB‑231 triple‑negative breast adenocarcinoma cells. Oncol Rep 2021; 46:133. [PMID: 34013378 PMCID: PMC8144931 DOI: 10.3892/or.2021.8084] [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: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple‑negative breast cancer (TNBC) behaves aggressively in the invasive and metastatic states. Our research group recently developed a novel curcumin derivative, (1E,3Z,6E)-3-hydroxy-5-oxohepta-1,3,6-triene-1,7-diyl)bis(2‑methoxy-4,1‑phenylene)bis(3-hydroxy2-hydroxymethyl)-2‑methyl propanoate (MTH‑3), and previous studies showed that MTH‑3 inhibits TNBC proliferation and induces apoptosis in vitro and in vivo with a superior bioavailability and absorption than curcumin. In the present study, the effects of MTH‑3 on TNBC cell invasion were examined using various assays and gelatin zymography, and western blot analysis. Treatment with MTH‑3 inhibited MDA‑MB‑231 cell invasion and migration, as shown by Transwell assay, 3D spheroid invasion assay, and wound healing assay. The results of the gelatin zymography experiments revealed that MTH‑3 decreased matrix metalloproteinase‑9 activity. The potential signaling pathways were revealed by next‑generation sequencing analysis, antibody microarray analysis and western blot analysis. In conclusion, the results of the present study show that, MTH‑3 inhibited tumor cell invasion through the MAPK/ERK/AKT signaling pathway and cell cycle regulatory cascade, providing significant information about the potential molecular mechanisms of the effects of MTH‑3 on TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Jen Chiu
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11217, Taiwan, R.O.C
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan, R.O.C
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Fuu-Jen Tsai
- Human Genetic Center, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan, R.O.C
- School of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Da-Tian Bau
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan, R.O.C
- Department of Bioinformatics and Medical Engineering, Asia University, Taichung 41354, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Ling-Chu Chang
- Chinese Medicinal Research and Development Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40402, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Min-Tsang Hsieh
- Chinese Medicinal Research and Development Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40402, Taiwan, R.O.C
- School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Chi-Cheng Lu
- Department of Sport Performance, National Taiwan University of Sport, Taichung 40402, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Sheng-Chu Kuo
- Chinese Medicinal Research and Development Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40402, Taiwan, R.O.C
- School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Jai-Sing Yang
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan, R.O.C
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23
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Fu M. Drug discovery from traditional Chinese herbal medicine using high content imaging technology. JOURNAL OF TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICAL SCIENCES 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcms.2021.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
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24
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Moccia C, Haase K. Engineering Breast Cancer On-chip-Moving Toward Subtype Specific Models. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2021; 9:694218. [PMID: 34249889 PMCID: PMC8261144 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.694218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death among women worldwide, and while hormone receptor positive subtypes have a clear and effective treatment strategy, other subtypes, such as triple negative breast cancers, do not. Development of new drugs, antibodies, or immune targets requires significant re-consideration of current preclinical models, which frequently fail to mimic the nuances of patient-specific breast cancer subtypes. Each subtype, together with the expression of different markers, genetic and epigenetic profiles, presents a unique tumor microenvironment, which promotes tumor development and progression. For this reason, personalized treatments targeting components of the tumor microenvironment have been proposed to mitigate breast cancer progression, particularly for aggressive triple negative subtypes. To-date, animal models remain the gold standard for examining new therapeutic targets; however, there is room for in vitro tools to bridge the biological gap with humans. Tumor-on-chip technologies allow for precise control and examination of the tumor microenvironment and may add to the toolbox of current preclinical models. These new models include key aspects of the tumor microenvironment (stroma, vasculature and immune cells) which have been employed to understand metastases, multi-organ interactions, and, importantly, to evaluate drug efficacy and toxicity in humanized physiologic systems. This review provides insight into advanced in vitro tumor models specific to breast cancer, and discusses their potential and limitations for use as future preclinical patient-specific tools.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kristina Haase
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Molecular Biology Laboratory Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Eckert MA, Orozco C, Xiao J, Javellana M, Lengyel E. The Effects of Chemotherapeutics on the Ovarian Cancer Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:3136. [PMID: 34201616 PMCID: PMC8268261 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13133136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [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: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 06/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is characterized by a complex and dynamic tumor microenvironment (TME) composed of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), immune cells, endothelial cells, and adipocytes. Although most approved therapies target cancer cells, a growing body of evidence suggests that chemotherapeutic agents have an important role in regulating the biology of the diverse cells that compose the TME. Understanding how non-transformed cells respond and adapt to established therapeutics is necessary to completely comprehend their action and develop novel therapeutics that interrupt undesired tumor-stroma interactions. Here, we review the effects of chemotherapeutic agents on normal cellular components of the host-derived TME focusing on CAFs. We concentrate on therapies used in the treatment of HGSOC and synthesize findings from studies focusing on other cancer types and benign tissues. Agents such as platinum derivatives, taxanes, and PARP inhibitors broadly affect the TME and promote or inhibit the pro-tumorigenic roles of CAFs by modifying the bidirectional cross-talk between tumor and stromal cells in the tumor organ. While most chemotherapy research focuses on cancer cells, these studies emphasize the need to consider all cell types within the tumor organ when evaluating chemotherapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Ernst Lengyel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology/Section of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; (M.A.E.); (C.O.); (J.X.); (M.J.)
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26
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Bae Y, Joo C, Park KH, Kang SW, Huh KM, Choi JS. Preparation and characterization of 3D human glioblastoma spheroids using an N-octanoyl glycol chitosan hydrogel. Int J Biol Macromol 2021; 185:87-97. [PMID: 34144066 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.06.083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The current 2D culture model systems developed for drug screening are not sufficient to reflect the characteristics of in vivo solid tumors. Therefore, more effective in vitro tumor model systems must be developed for translational studies on therapeutic drug screening and testing. Herein, we report a new ultra-low adhesion (ULA) hydrogel for generating 3D cancer cell spheroids as tumor models in vitro. N-octanoyl glycol chitosan (OGC) was synthesized and coated onto the surface of a typical cell culture dish. Cell spheroids were effectively formed on the OGC-coated surface, and phenotypes of the tumor cells were well maintained during culture. More importantly, U373-MG cells cultured on OGC-coated plates were more resistant to doxorubicin than cells cultured on typical plates. Our OGC-based ULA system may offer a convenient method for 3D cell culture to provide enhanced performance in cancer research, drug screening and toxicology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoonhee Bae
- Division of Applied Medicine, School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University, Busan 47392, Republic of Korea
| | - Chanyang Joo
- Departments of Polymer Science and Engineering & Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyoung Hwan Park
- Research Group for Biomimetic Advanced Technology, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Daejeon 34114, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun-Woong Kang
- Research Group for Biomimetic Advanced Technology, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Daejeon 34114, Republic of Korea; Human and Environmental Toxicology Program, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea.
| | - Kang Moo Huh
- Departments of Polymer Science and Engineering & Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea.
| | - Joon Sig Choi
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea.
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27
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Petrilli R, Pinheiro DP, de Cássia Evangelista de Oliveira F, Galvão GF, Marques LGA, Lopez RFV, Pessoa C, Eloy JO. Immunoconjugates for Cancer Targeting: A Review of Antibody-Drug Conjugates and Antibody-Functionalized Nanoparticles. Curr Med Chem 2021; 28:2485-2520. [PMID: 32484100 DOI: 10.2174/0929867327666200525161359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Targeted therapy has been recently highlighted due to the reduction of side effects and improvement in overall efficacy and survival from different types of cancers. Considering the approval of many monoclonal antibodies in the last twenty years, cancer treatment can be accomplished by the combination of monoclonal antibodies and small molecule chemotherapeutics. Thus, strategies to combine both drugs in a single administration system are relevant in the clinic. In this context, two strategies are possible and will be further discussed in this review: antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and antibody-functionalized nanoparticles. First, it is important to better understand the possible molecular targets for cancer therapy, addressing different antigens that can selectively bind to antibodies. After selecting the best target, ADCs can be prepared by attaching a cytotoxic drug to an antibody able to target a cancer cell antigen. Briefly, an ADC will be formed by a monoclonal antibody (MAb), a cytotoxic molecule (cytotoxin) and a chemical linker. Usually, surface-exposed lysine or the thiol group of cysteine residues are used as anchor sites for linker-drug molecules. Another strategy that should be considered is antibody-functionalized nanoparticles. Basically, liposomes, polymeric and inorganic nanoparticles can be attached to specific antibodies for targeted therapy. Different conjugation strategies can be used, but nanoparticles coupling between maleimide and thiolated antibodies or activation with the addition of ethyl-3-(3-dimethyl aminopropyl) carbodiimide (EDC)/ N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) (1:5) and further addition of the antibody are some of the most used strategies. Herein, molecular targets and conjugation strategies will be presented and discussed to better understand the in vitro and in vivo applications presented. Also, the clinical development of ADCs and antibody-conjugated nanoparticles are addressed in the clinical development section. Finally, due to the innovation related to the targeted therapy, it is convenient to analyze the impact on patenting and technology. Information related to the temporal evolution of the number of patents, distribution of patent holders and also the number of patents related to cancer types are presented and discussed. Thus, our aim is to provide an overview of the recent developments in immunoconjugates for cancer targeting and highlight the most important aspects for clinical relevance and innovation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Petrilli
- University for International Integration of the Afro-Brazilian Lusophony, Institute of Health Sciences, Ceara, Brazil
| | - Daniel Pascoalino Pinheiro
- Federal University of Ceara, College of Medicine, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Fortaleza, Ceara, Brazil
| | | | - Gabriela Fávero Galvão
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Av. Cafe s/n, Ribeirao Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Lana Grasiela Alves Marques
- Institute of Communication and Scientific and Technological Information in Health, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation - FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Renata Fonseca Vianna Lopez
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Av. Cafe s/n, Ribeirao Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Claudia Pessoa
- Federal University of Ceara, College of Medicine, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Fortaleza, Ceara, Brazil
| | - Josimar O Eloy
- Federal University of Ceará, College of Pharmacy, Dentistry and Nursing, Department of Pharmacy, Fortaleza, Ceara, Brazil
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DeRango-Adem EF, Blay J. Does Oral Apigenin Have Real Potential for a Therapeutic Effect in the Context of Human Gastrointestinal and Other Cancers? Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:681477. [PMID: 34084146 PMCID: PMC8167032 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.681477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Apigenin (4′, 5, 7-trihydroxyflavone) is a plant flavone that has been found to have various actions against cancer cells. We evaluated available evidence to determine whether it is feasible for apigenin to have such effects in human patients. Apigenin taken orally is systemically absorbed and recirculated by enterohepatic and local intestinal pathways. Its bioavailability is in the region of 30%. Once absorbed from the oral route it reaches maximal circulating concentration (Cmax) after a time (Tmax) of 0.5–2.5h, with an elimination half-life (T1/2) averaging 2.52 ± 0.56h. Using a circulating concentration for efficacy of 1–5μmol/L as the target, we evaluated data from both human and rodent pharmacokinetic studies to determine if a therapeutic concentration would be feasible. We find that oral intake of dietary materials would require heroic ingestion amounts and is not feasible. However, use of supplements of semi-purified apigenin in capsule form could reach target blood levels using amounts that are within the range currently acceptable for other supplements and medications. Modified formulations or parenteral injection are suitable but may not be necessary. Further work with direct studies of pharmacokinetics and clinical outcomes are necessary to fully evaluate whether apigenin will contribute to a useful clinical strategy, but given emerging evidence that it may interact beneficially with chemotherapeutic drugs, this is worthy of emphasis. In addition, more effective access to intestinal tissues from the oral route raises the possibility that apigenin may be of particular relevance to gastrointestinal disorders including colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jonathan Blay
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada.,Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
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29
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Park Y, Huh KM, Kang SW. Applications of Biomaterials in 3D Cell Culture and Contributions of 3D Cell Culture to Drug Development and Basic Biomedical Research. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:2491. [PMID: 33801273 PMCID: PMC7958286 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The process of evaluating the efficacy and toxicity of drugs is important in the production of new drugs to treat diseases. Testing in humans is the most accurate method, but there are technical and ethical limitations. To overcome these limitations, various models have been developed in which responses to various external stimuli can be observed to help guide future trials. In particular, three-dimensional (3D) cell culture has a great advantage in simulating the physical and biological functions of tissues in the human body. This article reviews the biomaterials currently used to improve cellular functions in 3D culture and the contributions of 3D culture to cancer research, stem cell culture and drug and toxicity screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujin Park
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering & Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea;
- Predictive Model Research Center, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Daejeon 34114, Korea
| | - Kang Moo Huh
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering & Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea;
| | - Sun-Woong Kang
- Predictive Model Research Center, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Daejeon 34114, Korea
- Human and Environmental Toxicology Program, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34114, Korea
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30
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Schmitz C, Potekhina E, Belousov VV, Lavrentieva A. Hypoxia Onset in Mesenchymal Stem Cell Spheroids: Monitoring With Hypoxia Reporter Cells. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2021; 9:611837. [PMID: 33614611 PMCID: PMC7892969 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.611837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The therapeutic and differentiation potential of human mesenchymal stems cells (hMSCs) makes these cells a promising candidate for cellular therapies and tissue engineering. On the path of a successful medical application of hMSC, the cultivation of cells in a three-dimensional (3D) environment was a landmark for the transition from simple two-dimensional (2D) testing platforms to complex systems that mimic physiological in vivo conditions and can improve hMSC curative potential as well as survival after implantation. A 3D arrangement of cells can be mediated by scaffold materials where cells get entrapped in pores, or by the fabrication of spheroids, scaffold-free self-organized cell aggregates that express their own extracellular matrix. Independently from the cultivation method, cells expanded in 3D experience an inhomogeneous microenvironment. Many gradients in nutrient supply, oxygen supply, and waste disposal from one hand mimic in vivo microenvironment, but also put every cell in the 3D construct in a different context. Since oxygen concentration in spheroids is compromised in a size-dependent manner, it is crucial to have a closer insight on the thresholds of hypoxic response in such systems. In this work, we want to improve our understanding of oxygen availability and consequensing hypoxia onset in hMSC spheroids. Therefore, we utilized human adipose tissue-derived MSCs (hAD-MSCs) modified with a genetical sensor construct to reveal (I) the influence of spheroid production methods and (II) hMSCs cell number per spheroid to detect the onset of hypoxia in aggregates. We could demonstrate that not only higher cell numbers of MSCs, but also spheroid formation method plays a critical role in onset of hypoxia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carola Schmitz
- Institute of Technical Chemistry, Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz University Hannover, Hanover, Germany
| | - Ekaterina Potekhina
- Department of Metabolism and Redox Biology, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Moscow, Russia
| | - Vsevolod V Belousov
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia.,Federal Center of Brain Research and Neurotechnologies, Federal Biomedical Agency, Moscow, Russia
| | - Antonina Lavrentieva
- Institute of Technical Chemistry, Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz University Hannover, Hanover, Germany
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31
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Arora D, Bhunia BK, Janani G, Mandal BB. Bioactive three-dimensional silk composite in vitro tumoroid model for high throughput screening of anticancer drugs. J Colloid Interface Sci 2021; 589:438-452. [PMID: 33485251 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2021.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 12/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
HYPOTHESIS Modeling three-dimensional (3D) in vitro culture systems recapitulating spatiotemporal characteristics of native tumor-mass has shown tremendous potential as a pre-clinical tool for drug screening. However, their applications in clinical settings are still limited due to inappropriate recapitulation of tumor topography, culture instability, and poor durability of niche support. EXPERIMENTS Here, we have fabricated a bio-active silk composite scaffold assimilating tunable silk from Bombyx mori and - arginine-glycine-aspartate (RGD) rich silk from Antheraea assama to provide a better 3D-matrix for breast (MCF 7) and liver (HepG2) tumoroids. Cellular mechanisms underlying physiological adaptations in 3D constructs and subsequent drug responses were compared with conventional monolayer and multicellular spheroid culture. FINDINGS Silk composite matrix assists prolonged growth and high metabolic activity (Cytochrome P450 reductase) in breast and liver 3D-tumoroids. Enhanced stemness expression (Cell surface adhesion receptor; CD44, Aldehyde dehydrogenase 1) and epithelial-mesenchymal-transition markers (E-cadherin, Vimentin) at transcript and protein levels demonstrate that bio-active matrix-assisted 3D environment augmenting metastatic potential in tumoroids. Together, enhanced secretion of Transforming growth factor β (TGFβ), anchorage-independency, and colony-forming potential of cells in the 3D-tumoroids further corroborates the aggressive behavior of cells. Moreover, the multilayered 3D-tumoroids exhibit decreased sensitivity to some known anticancer drugs (Doxorubicin and Paclitaxel). In conclusion, the bio-active silk composite matrix offers an advantage in developing robust and sustainable 3D tumoroids for a high-throughput drug screening platform.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepika Arora
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati 781039, Assam, India
| | - Bibhas K Bhunia
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati 781039, Assam, India
| | - G Janani
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati 781039, Assam, India
| | - Biman B Mandal
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati 781039, Assam, India; Centre for Nanotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati 781039, Assam, India.
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32
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Bhaumik S, Boyer J, Banerjee C, Clark S, Sebastiao N, Vela E, Towne P. Fluorescent multiplexing of 3D spheroids: Analysis of biomarkers using automated immunohistochemistry staining platform and multispectral imaging. J Cell Biochem 2020; 121:4974-4990. [PMID: 32692912 PMCID: PMC7689845 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.29827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Revised: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
In preclinical cancer studies, three-dimensional (3D) cell spheroids and aggregates are preferred over monolayer cell cultures due to their architectural and functional similarity to solid tumors. We performed a proof-of-concept study to generate physiologically relevant and predictive preclinical models using non-small cell lung adenocarcinoma, and colon and colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line-derived 3D spheroids and aggregates. Distinct panels were designed to determine the expression profiles of frequently studied biomarkers of the two cancer subtypes. The lung adenocarcinoma panel included ALK, EGFR, TTF-1, and CK7 biomarkers, and the colon and colorectal adenocarcinoma panel included BRAF V600E, MSH2, MSH6, and CK20. Recent advances in immunofluorescence (IF) multiplexing and imaging technology enable simultaneous detection and quantification of multiple biomarkers on a single slide. In this study, we performed IF staining of multiple biomarkers per section on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded 3D spheroids and aggregates. We optimized protocol parameters for automated IF and demonstrated staining concordance with automated chromogenic immunohistochemistry performed with validated protocols. Next, post-acquisition spectral unmixing of the captured fluorescent signals were utilized to delineate four differently stained biomarkers within a single multiplex IF image, followed by automated quantification of the expressed markers. This workflow has the potential to be adapted to preclinical high-throughput screening and drug efficacy studies utilizing 3D spheroids from cancer cell lines and patient-derived organoids. The process allows for cost, time, and resource savings through concurrent staining of several biomarkers on a single slide, the ability to study the interactions of multiple expressed proteins within a single region of interest, and enable quantitative assessment of biomarkers in cancer cells.
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33
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Corallo D, Frabetti S, Candini O, Gregianin E, Dominici M, Fischer H, Aveic S. Emerging Neuroblastoma 3D In Vitro Models for Pre-Clinical Assessments. Front Immunol 2020; 11:584214. [PMID: 33324402 PMCID: PMC7726254 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.584214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The potential of tumor three-dimensional (3D) in vitro models for the validation of existing or novel anti-cancer therapies has been largely recognized. During the last decade, diverse in vitro 3D cell systems have been proposed as a bridging link between two-dimensional (2D) cell cultures and in vivo animal models, both considered gold standards in pre-clinical settings. The latest awareness about the power of tailored therapies and cell-based therapies in eradicating tumor cells raises the need for versatile 3D cell culture systems through which we might rapidly understand the specificity of promising anti-cancer approaches. Yet, a faithful reproduction of the complex tumor microenvironment is demanding as it implies a suitable organization of several cell types and extracellular matrix components. The proposed 3D tumor models discussed here are expected to offer the required structural complexity while also assuring cost-effectiveness during pre-selection of the most promising therapies. As neuroblastoma is an extremely heterogenous extracranial solid tumor, translation from 2D cultures into innovative 3D in vitro systems is particularly challenging. In recent years, the number of 3D in vitro models mimicking native neuroblastoma tumors has been rapidly increasing. However, in vitro platforms that efficiently sustain patient-derived tumor cell growth, thus allowing comprehensive drug discovery studies on tailored therapies, are still lacking. In this review, the latest neuroblastoma 3D in vitro models are presented and their applicability for a more accurate prediction of therapy outcomes is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Corallo
- Neuroblastoma Laboratory, Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica Fondazione Città della Speranza, Padova, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Massimo Dominici
- Rigenerand srl, Modena, Italy.,Division of Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University-Hospital of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Horst Fischer
- Department of Dental Materials and Biomaterials Research, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany
| | - Sanja Aveic
- Neuroblastoma Laboratory, Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica Fondazione Città della Speranza, Padova, Italy.,Department of Dental Materials and Biomaterials Research, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany
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34
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Bellat V, Verchère A, Ashe SA, Law B. Transcriptomic insight into salinomycin mechanisms in breast cancer cell lines: synergistic effects with dasatinib and induction of estrogen receptor β. BMC Cancer 2020; 20:661. [PMID: 32678032 PMCID: PMC7364656 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-020-07134-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tumors are heterogeneous in nature, composed of different cell populations with various mutations and/or phenotypes. Using a single drug to encounter cancer progression is generally ineffective. To improve the treatment outcome, multiple drugs of distinctive mechanisms but complementary anticancer activities (combination therapy) are often used to enhance antitumor efficacy and minimize the risk of acquiring drug resistance. We report here the synergistic effects of salinomycin (a polyether antibiotic) and dasatinib (a Src kinase inhibitor). METHODS Functionally, both drugs induce cell cycle arrest, intracellular reactive oxygen species (iROS) production, and apoptosis. We rationalized that an overlapping of the drug activities should offer an enhanced anticancer effect, either through vertical inhibition of the Src-STAT3 axis or horizontal suppression of multiple pathways. We determined the toxicity induced by the drug combination and studied the kinetics of iROS production by fluorescence imaging and flow cytometry. Using genomic and proteomic techniques, including RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq), reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), and Western Blot, we subsequently identified the responsible pathways that contributed to the synergistic effects of the drug combination. RESULTS Compared to either drug alone, the drug combination showed enhanced potency against MDA-MB-468, MDA-MB-231, and MCF-7 human breast cancer (BC) cell lines and tumor spheroids. The drug combination induces both iROS generation and apoptosis in a time-dependent manner, following a 2-step kinetic profile. RNA-seq data revealed that the drug combination exhibited synergism through horizontal suppression of multiple pathways, possibly through a promotion of cell cycle arrest at the G1/S phase via the estrogen-mediated S-phase entry pathway, and partially via the BRCA1 and DNA damage response pathway. CONCLUSION Transcriptomic analyses revealed for the first time, that the estrogen-mediated S-phase entry pathway partially contributed to the synergistic effect of the drug combination. More importantly, our studies led to the discoveries of new potential therapeutic targets, such as E2F2, as well as a novel drug-induced targeting of estrogen receptor β (ESR2) approach for triple-negative breast cancer treatment, currently lacking of targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Bellat
- Molecular Imaging Innovations Institute, Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alice Verchère
- Department of Biochemistry, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sally A Ashe
- Molecular Imaging Innovations Institute, Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Benedict Law
- Molecular Imaging Innovations Institute, Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA. .,Lead contact, New York, USA.
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35
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Kang SM, Lee JH, Huh YS, Takayama S. Alginate Microencapsulation for Three-Dimensional In Vitro Cell Culture. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2020; 7:2864-2879. [PMID: 34275299 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.0c00457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Advances in microscale 3D cell culture systems have helped to elucidate cellular physiology, understand mechanisms of stem cell differentiation, produce pathophysiological models, and reveal important cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions. An important consideration for such studies is the choice of material for encapsulating cells and associated extracellular matrix (ECM). This Review focuses on the use of alginate hydrogels, which are versatile owing to their simple gelation process following an ionic cross-linking mechanism in situ, with no need for procedures that can be potentially toxic to cells, such as heating, the use of solvents, and UV exposure. This Review aims to give some perspectives, particularly to researchers who typically work more with poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS), on the use of alginate as an alternative material to construct microphysiological cell culture systems. More specifically, this Review describes how physicochemical characteristics of alginate hydrogels can be tuned with regards to their biocompatibility, porosity, mechanical strength, ligand presentation, and biodegradability. A number of cell culture applications are also described, and these are subcategorized according to whether the alginate material is used to homogeneously embed cells, to micropattern multiple cellular microenvironments, or to provide an outer shell that creates a space in the core for cells and other ECM components. The Review ends with perspectives on future challenges and opportunities for 3D cell culture applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung-Min Kang
- Wallace H Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, 30332, United States of America.,The Parker H Petit Institute of Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, 30332, United States of America.,NanoBio High-Tech Materials Research Center, Department of Biological Engineering, Inha University, 100 Inha-ro, Incheon, 22212, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Hoon Lee
- Wallace H Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, 30332, United States of America.,The Parker H Petit Institute of Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, 30332, United States of America
| | - Yun Suk Huh
- NanoBio High-Tech Materials Research Center, Department of Biological Engineering, Inha University, 100 Inha-ro, Incheon, 22212, Republic of Korea
| | - Shuichi Takayama
- Wallace H Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, 30332, United States of America.,The Parker H Petit Institute of Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, 30332, United States of America
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36
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Lin S, Schorpp K, Rothenaigner I, Hadian K. Image-based high-content screening in drug discovery. Drug Discov Today 2020; 25:1348-1361. [PMID: 32561299 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2020.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Revised: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
While target-based drug discovery strategies rely on the precise knowledge of the identity and function of the drug targets, phenotypic drug discovery (PDD) approaches allow the identification of novel drugs based on knowledge of a distinct phenotype. Image-based high-content screening (HCS) is a potent PDD strategy that characterizes small-molecule effects through the quantification of features that depict cellular changes among or within cell populations, thereby generating valuable data sets for subsequent data analysis. However, these data can be complex, making image analysis from large HCS campaigns challenging. Technological advances in image acquisition, processing, and analysis as well as machine-learning (ML) approaches for the analysis of multidimensional data sets have rendered HCS as a viable technology for small-molecule drug discovery. Here, we discuss HCS concepts, current workflows as well as opportunities and challenges of image-based phenotypic screening and data analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean Lin
- Assay Development and Screening Platform, Institute of Molecular Toxicology and Pharmacology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Ingolstaedter Landstrasse 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Kenji Schorpp
- Assay Development and Screening Platform, Institute of Molecular Toxicology and Pharmacology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Ingolstaedter Landstrasse 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Ina Rothenaigner
- Assay Development and Screening Platform, Institute of Molecular Toxicology and Pharmacology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Ingolstaedter Landstrasse 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Kamyar Hadian
- Assay Development and Screening Platform, Institute of Molecular Toxicology and Pharmacology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Ingolstaedter Landstrasse 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany.
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Ekert JE, Deakyne J, Pribul-Allen P, Terry R, Schofield C, Jeong CG, Storey J, Mohamet L, Francis J, Naidoo A, Amador A, Klein JL, Rowan W. Recommended Guidelines for Developing, Qualifying, and Implementing Complex In Vitro Models (CIVMs) for Drug Discovery. SLAS DISCOVERY 2020; 25:1174-1190. [PMID: 32495689 DOI: 10.1177/2472555220923332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The pharmaceutical industry is continuing to face high research and development (R&D) costs and low overall success rates of clinical compounds during drug development. There is an increasing demand for development and validation of healthy or disease-relevant and physiological human cellular models that can be implemented in early-stage discovery, thereby shifting attrition of future therapeutics to a point in discovery at which the costs are significantly lower. There needs to be a paradigm shift in the early drug discovery phase (which is lengthy and costly), away from simplistic cellular models that show an inability to effectively and efficiently reproduce healthy or human disease-relevant states to steer target and compound selection for safety, pharmacology, and efficacy questions. This perspective article covers the various stages of early drug discovery from target identification (ID) and validation to the hit/lead discovery phase, lead optimization, and preclinical safety. We outline key aspects that should be considered when developing, qualifying, and implementing complex in vitro models (CIVMs) during these phases, because criteria such as cell types (e.g., cell lines, primary cells, stem cells, and tissue), platform (e.g., spheroids, scaffolds or hydrogels, organoids, microphysiological systems, and bioprinting), throughput, automation, and single and multiplexing endpoints will vary. The article emphasizes the need to adequately qualify these CIVMs such that they are suitable for various applications (e.g., context of use) of drug discovery and translational research. The article ends looking to the future, in which there is an increase in combining computational modeling, artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML), and CIVMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason E Ekert
- In Vitro In Vivo Translation, Research, Pharmaceutical R&D, GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, PA, USA
| | - Julianna Deakyne
- In Vitro In Vivo Translation, Research, Pharmaceutical R&D, GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, PA, USA
| | - Philippa Pribul-Allen
- In Vitro In Vivo Translation, Research, Pharmaceutical R&D, GlaxoSmithKline, Ware, UK
| | - Rebecca Terry
- In Vitro In Vivo Translation, Research, Pharmaceutical R&D, GlaxoSmithKline, Ware, UK
| | - Christopher Schofield
- Functional Genomics, Medicinal Science and Technology, Pharmaceutical R&D, GlaxoSmithKline, Stevenage, UK
| | | | - Joanne Storey
- Research Office of Animal Welfare, Ethics and Strategy, Research, Pharmaceutical R&D, GlaxoSmithKline, Stevenage, UK
| | - Lisa Mohamet
- Functional Genomics, Medicinal Science and Technology, Pharmaceutical R&D, GlaxoSmithKline, Stevenage, UK
| | - Jo Francis
- Screening Profiling and Mechanistic Biology, Medicinal Science and Technology, Pharmaceutical R&D, GlaxoSmithKline, Stevenage, UK
| | - Anita Naidoo
- In Vitro In Vivo Translation, Research, Pharmaceutical R&D, GlaxoSmithKline, Ware, UK
| | - Alejandro Amador
- Functional Genomics, Medicinal Science and Technology, Pharmaceutical R&D, GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, PA, USA
| | - Jean-Louis Klein
- Novel Human Genetics, Research, Pharmaceutical R&D, GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, PA, USA
| | - Wendy Rowan
- Novel Human Genetics, Research, Pharmaceutical R&D, GlaxoSmithKline, Stevenage, UK
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Calpe B, Kovacs WJ. High-throughput screening in multicellular spheroids for target discovery in the tumor microenvironment. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2020; 15:955-967. [PMID: 32364413 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2020.1756769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Solid tumors are highly influenced by a complex tumor microenvironment (TME) that cannot be modeled with conventional two-dimensional (2D) cell culture. In addition, monolayer culture conditions tend to induce undesirable molecular and phenotypic cellular changes. The discrepancy between in vitro and in vivo is an important factor accounting for the high failure rate in drug development. Three-dimensional (3D) multicellular tumor spheroids (MTS) more closely resemble the in vivo situation in avascularized tumors. AREAS COVERED This review describes the use of MTS for anti-cancer drug discovery, with an emphasis on high-throughput screening (HTS) compatible assays. In particular, we focus on how these assays can be used for target discovery in the context of the TME. EXPERT OPINION Arrayed MTS in microtiter plates are HTS compatible but remain more expensive and time consuming than their 2D culture counterpart. It is therefore imperative to use assays with multiplexed readouts, in order to maximize the information that can be gained with the screen. In this context, high-content screening allowing to uncover microenvironmental dependencies is the true added value of MTS-based screening compared to 2D culture-based screening. Hit translation in animal models will, however, be key to allow a broader use of MTS-based screening in industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blaise Calpe
- Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, ETH Zurich , Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Biology, Debiopharm , Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Werner J Kovacs
- Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, ETH Zurich , Zurich, Switzerland
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Kochanek SJ, Close DA, Camarco DP, Johnston PA. Maximizing the Value of Cancer Drug Screening in Multicellular Tumor Spheroid Cultures: A Case Study in Five Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cell Lines. SLAS DISCOVERY 2020; 25:329-349. [PMID: 31983262 DOI: 10.1177/2472555219896999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
With approval rates <5% and the probability of success in oncology clinical trials of 3.4%, more physiologically relevant in vitro three-dimensional models are being deployed during lead generation to select better drug candidates for solid tumors. Multicellular tumor spheroids (MCTSs) resemble avascular tumor nodules, micrometastases, or the intervascular regions of large solid tumors with respect to morphology, cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix contacts, and volume growth kinetics. MCTSs develop gradients of nutrient and oxygen concentration resulting in diverse microenvironments with differential proliferation and drug distribution zones. We produced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) MCTSs in 384-well U-bottom ultra-low-attachment microtiter plates and used metabolic viability and imaging methods to measure morphologies, growth phenotypes and the effects of 19 anticancer drugs. We showed that cell viability measurements underestimated the impact of drug exposure in HNSCC MCTS cultures, but that incorporating morphology and dead-cell staining analyses increased the number of drugs judged to have substantially impacted MCTS cultures. A cumulative multiparameter drug impact score enabled us to stratify MCTS drug responses into high-, intermediate-, and low-impact tiers, and maximized the value of these more physiologically relevant tumor cultures. It is conceivable that the viable cells present in MCTS cultures after drug exposure arise from drug-resistant populations that could represent a source of drug failure and recurrence. Long-term monitoring of treated MCTS cultures could provide a strategy to determine whether these drug-resistant populations represent circumstances where tumor growth is delayed and may ultimately give rise to regrowth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanton J Kochanek
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - David A Close
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Daniel P Camarco
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Paul A Johnston
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Nashimoto Y, Okada R, Hanada S, Arima Y, Nishiyama K, Miura T, Yokokawa R. Vascularized cancer on a chip: The effect of perfusion on growth and drug delivery of tumor spheroid. Biomaterials 2019; 229:119547. [PMID: 31710953 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2019.119547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 174] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Revised: 10/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Tumor vasculature creates a hostile tumor microenvironment (TME) in vivo and nourishes cancers, resulting in cancer progression and drug resistance. To mimic the biochemical and biomechanical environments of tumors in vitro, several models integrated with a vascular network have been reported. However, the tumor responses to biochemical and biomechanical stimuli were evaluated under static conditions and failed to incorporate the effects of blood flow to tumors. In this study, we present a tumor-on-a-chip platform that enables the evaluation of tumor activities with intraluminal flow in an engineered tumor vascular network. The fibroblasts in the tumor spheroid induced angiogenic sprouts, which constructed a perfusable vascular network in a tumor spheroid. The perfusability of the engineered vascular network was preserved during the culture. Moreover, perfusion for over 24 h significantly increased the proliferation activities of tumor cells and decreased cell death in the spheroid. Drug administration under perfusion condition did not show the dose-dependent effects of anticancer drugs on tumor activities in contrast to the results under static conditions. Our results demonstrate the importance of flow in a vascular network for the evaluation of tumor activities in a drug screening platform.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuji Nashimoto
- Department of Micro Engineering, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 615-8540, Japan; Frontier Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Sciences (FRIS), Tohoku University, Miyagi, 980-8578, Japan; Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, Miyagi, 980-8579, Japan
| | - Ryu Okada
- Department of Micro Engineering, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 615-8540, Japan
| | - Sanshiro Hanada
- International Research Center for Medical Sciences (IRCMS), Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, 860-0811, Japan
| | - Yuichiro Arima
- International Research Center for Medical Sciences (IRCMS), Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, 860-0811, Japan
| | - Koichi Nishiyama
- International Research Center for Medical Sciences (IRCMS), Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, 860-0811, Japan
| | - Takashi Miura
- Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Ryuji Yokokawa
- Department of Micro Engineering, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 615-8540, Japan.
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Xin X, Yang ST. A Dual Fluorescent 3-D Multicellular Coculture of Breast Cancer MCF-7 and Fibroblast NIH-3T3 Cells for High Throughput Cancer Drug Screening. Biochem Eng J 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bej.2019.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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42
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Zhou L, Weng Q, Zheng Y, Zhou Y, Li Q, Li F. Uptake and efflux of FL118 and two FL118 derivatives in 3D cell model. Cytotechnology 2019; 71:785-795. [PMID: 31309350 PMCID: PMC6663949 DOI: 10.1007/s10616-019-00322-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Accepted: 06/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug uptake and efflux are two of the critical factors required in order to be able to define drug efficacy. This study aims to investigate cytotoxicity and uptake mechanisms of two FL118 analogues (7-Q20 and val-FL118) in parallel with FL118 in three-dimensional multi-cellular spheroids model. The influence of compound concentration, time, temperature, cell lines, and the inhibitors of P-gp, BCRP and LAT1 on drug uptake and efflux were investigated. In vitro cytotoxicity studies revealed that FL118, 7-Q20 and val-FL118 exhibited sensitive cytotoxicity to the HCT-116 cell line and the water-soluble compound 7-Q20 showed the lowest IC50. Cellular uptake and efflux of FL118 was independent of efflux pump proteins. Uptake and efflux of 7-Q20 were affected by P-gp, which was one of reasons that caused a lower uptake at 37 °C than at 4 °C. The carrier protein LAT1 played a role in the cellular intakes of val-FL118. These findings provided basic information for FL118 and the two novel FL118 derivatives for further development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leilei Zhou
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Region Green Pharmaceuticals, Zhejiang University of Technology, No. 18 Chaowang Road, Hangzhou City, 310014, China
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qi Weng
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yixin Zheng
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuqin Zhou
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qingyong Li
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Region Green Pharmaceuticals, Zhejiang University of Technology, No. 18 Chaowang Road, Hangzhou City, 310014, China.
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Fengzhi Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
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Nakamura H, Koziolová E, Chytil P, Etrych T, Haratake M, Maeda H. Superior Penetration and Cytotoxicity of HPMA Copolymer Conjugates of Pirarubicin in Tumor Cell Spheroid. Mol Pharm 2019; 16:3452-3459. [PMID: 31294568 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.9b00248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
N-(2-Hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide copolymer conjugates of pirarubicin (THP), P-THP, accumulates selectively in solid tumor tissue by the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect. Despite of high accumulation in solid tumors, some macromolecular antitumor agents show poor therapeutic outcome because of poor tissue diffusion into the tumor as well as obstructed tumor blood flow. Here, we confirmed that cellular uptake of P-THP was 25 times less than that of free THP at 1-4 h incubation time in vitro. The passage of P-THP through the confluent tight-monolayer cells junction was 12 times higher than free THP, and P-THP penetrated deeper into the tumor cell spheroid (1.3-1.7-fold) than free THP in 4 h. In addition, P-THP showed cytotoxicity comparable to that of free THP to tumor-cells in spheroid form, despite of 7 times lower cytotoxicity of P-THP to the monolayer cells to that of free THP in vitro. These results indicate that P-THP administration can exhibit deeper diffusion into the tumor cell spheroid than free THP. As a consequence, P-THP exhibits more efficient antitumor activity than free THP in vivo, which is also supported by better pharmacokinetics and tumor accumulation of P-THP than free THP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideaki Nakamura
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Sojo University , Ikeda 4-22-1, Nishi-ku , Kumamoto 860-0082 , Japan
| | - Eva Koziolová
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry , Czech Academy of Sciences , Heyrovsky Sq. 2 , 162 06 Prague 6 , Czech Republic
| | - Petr Chytil
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry , Czech Academy of Sciences , Heyrovsky Sq. 2 , 162 06 Prague 6 , Czech Republic
| | - Tomáš Etrych
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry , Czech Academy of Sciences , Heyrovsky Sq. 2 , 162 06 Prague 6 , Czech Republic
| | - Mamoru Haratake
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Sojo University , Ikeda 4-22-1, Nishi-ku , Kumamoto 860-0082 , Japan
| | - Hiroshi Maeda
- Department of Microbiology , Kumamoto University School of Medical Sciences , Kumamoto , Japan.,BioDynamics Research Foundation , Kuwamizu 1-24-6, Chuo-ku , Kumamoto 862-0954 , Japan
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PLA Electrospun Scaffolds for Three-Dimensional Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cell Culture. Polymers (Basel) 2019; 11:polym11050916. [PMID: 31126035 PMCID: PMC6572693 DOI: 10.3390/polym11050916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Revised: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) systems provide a suitable environment for cells cultured in vitro since they reproduce the physiological conditions that traditional cell culture supports lack. Electrospinning is a cost-effective technology useful to manufacture scaffolds with nanofibers that resemble the extracellular matrix that surround cells in the organism. Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is a synthetic polymer suitable for biomedical applications. The main objective of this study is to evaluate electrospun (ES)-PLA scaffolds to be used for culturing cancer cells. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive breast cancer subtype with no validated targeted therapy and a high relapse rate. MDA-MB-231 TNBC cells were grown in scaffolds from two different PLA concentrations (12% and 15% w/v). The appropriateness of ES-PLA scaffolds was evaluated using a cell proliferation assay. EGFR and STAT3 gene expression and protein levels were compared in cells grown in 2D versus in 3D cultures. An increase in STAT3 activation was shown, which is related to self-renewal of cancer stem cells (CSCs). Therefore, the enrichment of the breast CSC (BCSC) population was tested using a mammosphere-forming assay and gene expression of BCSC-related stemness and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition markers. Based on the results obtained, ES-PLA scaffolds are useful for 3D cultures in short culture periods with no BCSC-enrichment.
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45
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A Novel 3D In Vitro Platform for Pre-Clinical Investigations in Drug Testing, Gene Therapy, and Immuno-oncology. Sci Rep 2019; 9:7154. [PMID: 31073193 PMCID: PMC6509120 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-43613-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2018] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumors develop within complex cell-to-cell interactions, with accessory cells playing a relevant role starting in the early phases of cancer progression. This event occurs in a three-dimensional (3D) environment, which to date, has been difficult to reproduce in vitro due to its complexity. While bi-dimensional cultures have generated substantial data, there is a progressive awareness that 3D culture strategies may rapidly increase the understanding of tumor development and be used in anti-cancer compound screening and for predicting response to new drugs utilizing personalized approaches. However, simple systems capable of rapidly rebuilding cancer tissues ex-vivo in 3D are needed and could be used for a variety of applications. Therefore, we developed a flat, handheld and versatile 3D cell culture bioreactor that can be loaded with tumor and/or normal cells in combination which can be monitored using a variety of read-outs. This biocompatible device sustained 3D growth of tumor cell lines representative of various cancers, such as pancreatic and breast adenocarcinoma, sarcoma, and glioblastoma. The cells repopulated the thin matrix which was completely separated from the outer space by two gas-permeable membranes and was monitored in real-time using both microscopy and luminometry, even after transportation. The device was tested in 3D cytotoxicity assays to investigate the anti-cancer potential of chemotherapy, biologic agents, and cell-based therapy in co-cultures. The addition of luciferase in target cancer cells is suitable for comparative studies that may also involve parallel in vivo investigations. Notably, the system was challenged using primary tumor cells harvested from lung cancer patients as an innovative predictive functional assay for cancer responsiveness to checkpoint inhibitors, such as nivolumab. This bioreactor has several novel features in the 3D-culture field of research, representing a valid tool useful for cancer investigations, drug screenings, and other toxicology approaches.
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Zoetemelk M, Rausch M, Colin DJ, Dormond O, Nowak-Sliwinska P. Short-term 3D culture systems of various complexity for treatment optimization of colorectal carcinoma. Sci Rep 2019; 9:7103. [PMID: 31068603 PMCID: PMC6506470 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-42836-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2018] [Accepted: 04/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) cultures have the potential to increase the predictive value of pre-clinical drug research and bridge the gap towards anticipating clinical outcome of proposed treatments. However, their implementation in more advanced drug-discovery programs is still in its infancy due to the lack of reproducibility and low time- and cost effectiveness. HCT116, SW620 and DLD1 cells, cell lines with distinct mutations, grade and origin, were co-cultured with fibroblasts and endothelial cells (EC) in 3D spheroids. Clinically relevant drugs, i.e. 5-fluorouracil (5−FU), regorafenib and erlotinib, were administered individually to in CRC cell cultures. In this study, we established a robust, low-cost and reproducible short-term 3D culture system addressing the various complexities of the colorectal carcinoma (CRC) microenvironment. We observed a dose-dependent increase of erlotinib sensitivity in 3D (co-)cultures compared to 2D cultures. Furthermore, we compared the drug combination efficacy and drug-drug interactions administered in 2D, 3D and 3D co-cultures. We observed that synergistic/additive drug-drug interactions for drug combinations administered at low doses shifted towards additive and antagonistic when applied at higher doses in metastatic CRC cells. The addition of fibroblasts at various ratios and EC increased the resistance to some drug combinations in SW620 and DLD1 cells, but not in HCT116. Retreatment of SW620 3D co-cultures with a low-dose 3-drug combination was as active (88% inhibition, relative to control) as 5-FU treatment at high dose (100 μM). Moreover, 3D and 3D co-cultures responded variably to the drug combination treatments, and also signalling pathways were differently regulated, probably due to the influence of fibroblasts and ECs on cancer cells. The short-term 3D co-culture system developed here is a powerful platform for screening (combination) therapies. Understanding of signalling in 3D co-cultures versus 3D cultures and the responses in the 3D models upon drug treatment might be beneficial for designing anti-cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marloes Zoetemelk
- Molecular Pharmacology Group, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, University of Lausanne, 1211, Geneva 4, Switzerland.,Translational Research Center in Oncohaematology, 1211, Geneva 4, Switzerland
| | - Magdalena Rausch
- Molecular Pharmacology Group, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, University of Lausanne, 1211, Geneva 4, Switzerland.,Translational Research Center in Oncohaematology, 1211, Geneva 4, Switzerland
| | - Didier J Colin
- Centre for BioMedical Imaging (CIBM), University Hospitals and University of Geneva, 1211, Geneva 4, Switzerland
| | - Olivier Dormond
- Department of Visceral Surgery, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Patrycja Nowak-Sliwinska
- Molecular Pharmacology Group, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, University of Lausanne, 1211, Geneva 4, Switzerland. .,Translational Research Center in Oncohaematology, 1211, Geneva 4, Switzerland.
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Booij TH, Price LS, Danen EHJ. 3D Cell-Based Assays for Drug Screens: Challenges in Imaging, Image Analysis, and High-Content Analysis. SLAS DISCOVERY 2019; 24:615-627. [PMID: 30817892 PMCID: PMC6589915 DOI: 10.1177/2472555219830087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The introduction of more relevant cell models in early preclinical drug discovery, combined with high-content imaging and automated analysis, is expected to increase the quality of compounds progressing to preclinical stages in the drug development pipeline. In this review we discuss the current switch to more relevant 3D cell culture models and associated challenges for high-throughput screening and high-content analysis. We propose that overcoming these challenges will enable front-loading the drug discovery pipeline with better biology, extracting the most from that biology, and, in general, improving translation between in vitro and in vivo models. This is expected to reduce the proportion of compounds that fail in vivo testing due to a lack of efficacy or to toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tijmen H Booij
- 1 Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands.,2 NEXUS Personalized Health Technologies, ETH Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Leo S Price
- 1 Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands.,3 OcellO B.V., Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Erik H J Danen
- 1 Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Xin X, Wu Y, Zang R, Yang ST. A fluorescent 3D cell culture assay for high throughput screening of cancer drugs down-regulating survivin. J Biotechnol 2019; 289:80-87. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2018.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2018] [Revised: 11/09/2018] [Accepted: 11/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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50
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Kochanek SJ, Close DA, Johnston PA. High Content Screening Characterization of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Multicellular Tumor Spheroid Cultures Generated in 384-Well Ultra-Low Attachment Plates to Screen for Better Cancer Drug Leads. Assay Drug Dev Technol 2018; 17:17-36. [PMID: 30592624 DOI: 10.1089/adt.2018.896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Multicellular tumor spheroid (MCTS) cultures represent more physiologically relevant in vitro cell tumor models that recapitulate the microenvironments and cell-cell or cell-extracellular matrix interactions which occur in solid tumors. We characterized the morphologies, viability, and growth behaviors of MCTSs produced by 11 different head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cell lines seeded into and cultured in ultra-low attachment microtiter plates (ULA-plates) over extended periods of time. HNSCC MCTS cultures developed microenvironments, which resulted in differences in proliferation rates, metabolic activity, and mitochondrial functional activity between cells located in the outer layers of the MCTS and cells in the interior. HNSCC MCTS cultures exhibited drug penetration and distribution gradients and some developed necrotic cores. Perhaps the most profound effect of culturing HNSCC cell lines in MCTS cultures was their dramatically altered and varied growth phenotypes. Instead of the exponential growth that are characteristic of two-dimensional HNSCC growth inhibition assays, some MCTS cultures displayed linear growth rates, categorized as rapid, moderate, or slow, dormant MCTSs remained viable but did not grow, and some MCTSs exhibited death phenotypes that were either progressive and slow or rapid. The ability of MCTS cultures to develop microenvironments and to display a variety of different growth phenotypes provides in vitro models that are more closely aligned with solid tumors in vivo. We anticipate that the implementation MCTS models to screen for new cancer drugs for solid tumors like HNSCC will produce leads that will translate better in in vivo animal models and patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanton J Kochanek
- 1 Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - David A Close
- 1 Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Paul A Johnston
- 1 Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.,2 University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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