1
|
Arnaldi P, Casarotto E, Relucenti M, Bellese G, Gagliani MC, Crippa V, Castagnola P, Cortese K. A NSC-34 cell line-derived spheroid model: Potential and challenges for in vitro evaluation of neurodegeneration. Microsc Res Tech 2024; 87:2785-2800. [PMID: 38988205 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.24651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) spheroid models aim to bridge the gap between traditional two-dimensional (2D) cultures and the complex in vivo tissue environment. These models, created by self-clustering cells to mimic a 3D environment with surrounding extracellular framework, provide a valuable research tool. The NSC-34 cell line, generated by fusing mouse spinal cord motor neurons and neuroblastoma cells, is essential for studying neurodegenerative diseases like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), where abnormal protein accumulation, such as TAR-DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43), occurs in affected nerve cells. However, NSC-34 behavior in a 3D context remains underexplored, and this study represents the first attempt to create a 3D model to determine its suitability for studying pathology. We generated NSC-34 spheroids using a nonadhesive hydrogel-based template and characterized them for 6 days. Light microscopy revealed that NSC-34 cells in 3D maintained high viability, a distinct round shape, and forming stable membrane connections. Scanning electron microscopy identified multiple tunnel-like structures, while ultrastructural analysis highlighted nuclear bending and mitochondria alterations. Using inducible GFP-TDP-43-expressing NSC-34 spheroids, we explored whether 3D structure affected TDP-43 expression, localization, and aggregation. Spheroids displayed nuclear GFP-TDP-43 expression, albeit at a reduced level compared with 2D cultures and generated both TDP-35 fragments and TDP-43 aggregates. This study sheds light on the distinctive behavior of NSC-34 in 3D culture, suggesting caution in the use of the 3D model for ALS or TDP-43 pathologies. Yet, it underscores the spheroids' potential for investigating fundamental cellular mechanisms, cell adaptation in a 3D context, future bioreactor applications, and drug penetration studies. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: 3D spheroid generation: NSC-34 spheroids, developed using a hydrogel-based template, showed high viability and distinct shapes for 6 days. Structural features: advanced microscopy identified tunnel-like structures and nuclear and mitochondrial changes in the spheroids. Protein dynamics: the study observed how 3D structures impact TDP-43 behavior, with altered expression but similar aggregation patterns to 2D cultures. Research implications: this study reveals the unique behavior of NSC-34 in 3D culture, suggests a careful approach to use this model for ALS or TDP-43 pathologies, and highlights its potential in cellular mechanism research and drug testing applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Arnaldi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Cellular Electron Microscopy Lab, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Elena Casarotto
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences "Rodolfo Paoletti", Department of Excellence 2018-2027, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Michela Relucenti
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Grazia Bellese
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Cellular Electron Microscopy Lab, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Gagliani
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Cellular Electron Microscopy Lab, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Valeria Crippa
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences "Rodolfo Paoletti", Department of Excellence 2018-2027, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Katia Cortese
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Cellular Electron Microscopy Lab, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Alwahsh M, Al-Doridee A, Jasim S, Awwad O, Hergenröder R, Hamadneh L. Cytotoxic and molecular differences of anticancer agents on 2D and 3D cell culture. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:721. [PMID: 38829450 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09669-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer and multidrug resistance are regarded as concerns related to poor health outcomes. It was found that the monolayer of 2D cancer cell cultures lacks many important features compared to Multicellular Tumor Spheroids (MCTS) or 3D cell cultures which instead have the ability to mimic more closely the in vivo tumor microenvironment. This study aimed to produce 3D cell cultures from different cancer cell lines and to examine the cytotoxic activity of anticancer medications on both 2D and 3D systems, as well as to detect alterations in the expression of certain genes levels. METHOD 3D cell culture was produced using 3D microtissue molds. The cytotoxic activities of colchicine, cisplatin, doxorubicin, and paclitaxel were tested on 2D and 3D cell culture systems obtained from different cell lines (A549, H1299, MCF-7, and DU-145). IC50 values were determined by MTT assay. In addition, gene expression levels of PIK3CA, AKT1, and PTEN were evaluated by qPCR. RESULTS Similar cytotoxic activities were observed on both 3D and 2D cell cultures, however, higher concentrations of anticancer medications were needed for the 3D system. For instance, paclitaxel showed an IC50 of 6.234 µM and of 13.87 µM on 2D and 3D H1299 cell cultures, respectively. Gene expression of PIK3CA in H1299 cells also showed a higher fold change in 3D cell culture compared to 2D system upon treatment with doxorubicin. CONCLUSION When compared to 2D cell cultures, the behavior of cells in the 3D system showed to be more resistant to anticancer treatments. Due to their shape, growth pattern, hypoxic core features, interaction between cells, biomarkers synthesis, and resistance to treatment penetration, the MCTS have the advantage of better simulating the in vivo tumor conditions. As a result, it is reasonable to conclude that 3D cell cultures may be a more promising model than the traditional 2D system, offering a better understanding of the in vivo molecular changes in response to different potential treatments and multidrug resistance development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Alwahsh
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Zaytoonah University of Jordan, Amman, 17138, Jordan.
| | - Amani Al-Doridee
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Zaytoonah University of Jordan, Amman, 17138, Jordan
| | - Suhair Jasim
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Zaytoonah University of Jordan, Amman, 17138, Jordan
| | - Oriana Awwad
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Roland Hergenröder
- Department of Bioanalytics, Leibniz-Institut für Analytische Wissenschaften-ISAS-e.V., 44139, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Lama Hamadneh
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Balqa Applied University, Al-Salt, Jordan
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Scalzone A, Imparato G, Urciuolo F, Netti PA. Bioprinting of human dermal microtissues precursors as building blocks for endogenous in vitroconnective tissue manufacturing. Biofabrication 2024; 16:035009. [PMID: 38574552 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/ad3aa5] [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: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
The advent of 3D bioprinting technologies in tissue engineering has unlocked the potential to fabricatein vitrotissue models, overcoming the constraints associated with the shape limitations of preformed scaffolds. However, achieving an accurate mimicry of complex tissue microenvironments, encompassing cellular and biochemical components, and orchestrating their supramolecular assembly to form hierarchical structures while maintaining control over tissue formation, is crucial for gaining deeper insights into tissue repair and regeneration. Building upon our expertise in developing competent three-dimensional tissue equivalents (e.g. skin, gut, cervix), we established a two-step bottom-up approach involving the dynamic assembly of microtissue precursors (μTPs) to generate macroscopic functional tissue composed of cell-secreted extracellular matrix (ECM). To enhance precision and scalability, we integrated extrusion-based bioprinting technology into our established paradigm to automate, control and guide the coherent assembly ofμTPs into predefined shapes. Compared to cell-aggregated bioink, ourμTPs represent a functional unit where cells are embedded in their specific ECM.μTPs were derived from human dermal fibroblasts dynamically seeded onto gelatin-based microbeads. After 9 days,μTPs were suspended (50% v/v) in Pluronic-F127 (30% w/v) (µTP:P30), and the obtained formulation was loaded as bioink into the syringe of the Dr.INVIVO-4D6 extrusion based bioprinter.µTP:P30 bioink showed shear-thinning behavior and temperature-dependent viscosity (gel atT> 30 °C), ensuringµTPs homogenous dispersion within the gel and optimal printability. The bioprinting involved extruding several geometries (line, circle, and square) into Pluronic-F127 (40% w/v) (P40) support bath, leveraging its shear-recovery property. P40 effectively held the bioink throughout and after the bioprinting procedure, untilµTPs fused into a continuous connective tissue.µTPs fusion dynamics was studied over 8 days of culture, while the resulting endogenous construct underwent 28 days culture. Histological, immunofluorescence analysis, and second harmonic generation reconstruction revealed an increase in endogenous collagen and fibronectin production within the bioprinted construct, closely resembling the composition of the native connective tissues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annachiara Scalzone
- Center for Advanced Biomaterials for Health Care, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Barsanti e Matteucci 53, Naples 80125, Italy
| | - Giorgia Imparato
- Center for Advanced Biomaterials for Health Care, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Barsanti e Matteucci 53, Naples 80125, Italy
| | - Francesco Urciuolo
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Industrial Production Engineering (DICMAPI), University of Naples Federico II, P.le Tecchio 80, Naples 80125, Italy
- Interdisciplinary Research Centre on Biomaterials (CRIB), University of Napoli Federico II, P.le Tecchio 80, Naples 80125, Italy
| | - Paolo A Netti
- Center for Advanced Biomaterials for Health Care, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Barsanti e Matteucci 53, Naples 80125, Italy
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Industrial Production Engineering (DICMAPI), University of Naples Federico II, P.le Tecchio 80, Naples 80125, Italy
- Interdisciplinary Research Centre on Biomaterials (CRIB), University of Napoli Federico II, P.le Tecchio 80, Naples 80125, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Heinrich MA, Huynh NT, Heinrich L, Prakash J. Understanding glioblastoma stromal barriers against NK cell attack using tri-culture 3D spheroid model. Heliyon 2024; 10:e24808. [PMID: 38317968 PMCID: PMC10838749 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), a highly aggressive tumor type with a dismal survival rate, has a poor outcome which is at least partly attributed to the crosstalk between cancer cells and cells from the tumor microenvironment such as astrocytes and microglia. We aimed to decipher the effect of these cells on GBM progression and on cell-based therapies using 3D co-cultures. Co-culturing of glioblastoma cells with patient-derived astrocytes or microglia or both formed dense and heterogeneous spheroids. Both, astrocytes and microglia, enhanced the spheroid growth rate and formed a physical barrier for macromolecules penetration, while only astrocytes enhanced the migration. Interestingly bi-/tri-cultured spheroids showed significant resistance against NK-92 cells, likely attributed to dense stroma and induced expression of immunosuppressive genes such as IDO1 or PTGES2. Altogether, our novel 3D GBM spheroid model recapitulates the cell-to-cell interactions of human glioblastoma and can serve as a suitable platform for evaluating cancer therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lena Heinrich
- Department of Advanced Organ Bioengineering & Therapeutics, Engineered Therapeutics Section, Technical Medical Centre, University of Twente, 7500AE, Enschede, the Netherlands
| | - Jai Prakash
- Department of Advanced Organ Bioengineering & Therapeutics, Engineered Therapeutics Section, Technical Medical Centre, University of Twente, 7500AE, Enschede, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Abbasi Aval N, Lahchaichi E, Tudoran O, Fayazbakhsh F, Heuchel R, Löhr M, Pettersson T, Russom A. Assessing the Layer-by-Layer Assembly of Cellulose Nanofibrils and Polyelectrolytes in Pancreatic Tumor Spheroid Formation. Biomedicines 2023; 11:3061. [PMID: 38002061 PMCID: PMC10669291 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11113061] [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: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) tumor spheroids are regarded as promising models for utilization as preclinical assessments of chemo-sensitivity. However, the creation of these tumor spheroids presents challenges, given that not all tumor cell lines are able to form consistent and regular spheroids. In this context, we have developed a novel layer-by-layer coating of cellulose nanofibril-polyelectrolyte bilayers for the generation of spheroids. This technique builds bilayers of cellulose nanofibrils and polyelectrolytes and is used here to coat two distinct 96-well plate types: nontreated/non-sterilized and Nunclon Delta. In this work, we optimized the protocol aimed at generating and characterizing spheroids on difficult-to-grow pancreatic tumor cell lines. Here, diverse parameters were explored, encompassing the bilayer count (five and ten) and multiple cell-seeding concentrations (10, 100, 200, 500, and 1000 cells per well), using four pancreatic tumor cell lines-KPCT, PANC-1, MiaPaCa-2, and CFPAC-I. The evaluation includes the quantification (number of spheroids, size, and morphology) and proliferation of the produced spheroids, as well as an assessment of their viability. Notably, our findings reveal a significant influence from both the number of bilayers and the plate type used on the successful formation of spheroids. The novel and simple layer-by-layer-based coating method has the potential to offer the large-scale production of spheroids across a spectrum of tumor cell lines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Negar Abbasi Aval
- Division of Fibre Technology, Department of Fibre and Polymer Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 10044 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ekeram Lahchaichi
- Science for Life Laboratory, Division of Nanobiotechnology, Department of Protein Science, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 17165 Solna, Sweden
| | - Oana Tudoran
- Department of Genetics, Genomics and Experimental Pathology, The Oncology Institute “Prof. Dr. I. Chiricuta”, 400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Farzaneh Fayazbakhsh
- Science for Life Laboratory, Division of Nanobiotechnology, Department of Protein Science, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 17165 Solna, Sweden
| | - Rainer Heuchel
- Pancreas Cancer Research Lab, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Matthias Löhr
- Pancreas Cancer Research Lab, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Torbjörn Pettersson
- Division of Fibre Technology, Department of Fibre and Polymer Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 10044 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Aman Russom
- Science for Life Laboratory, Division of Nanobiotechnology, Department of Protein Science, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 17165 Solna, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Slika H, Karimov Z, Alimonti P, Abou-Mrad T, De Fazio E, Alomari S, Tyler B. Preclinical Models and Technologies in Glioblastoma Research: Evolution, Current State, and Future Avenues. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16316. [PMID: 38003507 PMCID: PMC10671665 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216316] [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: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma is the most common malignant primary central nervous system tumor and one of the most debilitating cancers. The prognosis of patients with glioblastoma remains poor, and the management of this tumor, both in its primary and recurrent forms, remains suboptimal. Despite the tremendous efforts that are being put forward by the research community to discover novel efficacious therapeutic agents and modalities, no major paradigm shifts have been established in the field in the last decade. However, this does not mirror the abundance of relevant findings and discoveries made in preclinical glioblastoma research. Hence, developing and utilizing appropriate preclinical models that faithfully recapitulate the characteristics and behavior of human glioblastoma is of utmost importance. Herein, we offer a holistic picture of the evolution of preclinical models of glioblastoma. We further elaborate on the commonly used in vitro and vivo models, delving into their development, favorable characteristics, shortcomings, and areas of potential improvement, which aids researchers in designing future experiments and utilizing the most suitable models. Additionally, this review explores progress in the fields of humanized and immunotolerant mouse models, genetically engineered animal models, 3D in vitro models, and microfluidics and highlights promising avenues for the future of preclinical glioblastoma research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hasan Slika
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (H.S.); (Z.K.); (S.A.)
| | - Ziya Karimov
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (H.S.); (Z.K.); (S.A.)
- Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, 35100 Izmir, Turkey
| | - Paolo Alimonti
- School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy; (P.A.); (E.D.F.)
| | - Tatiana Abou-Mrad
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut P.O. Box 11-0236, Lebanon;
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Emerson De Fazio
- School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy; (P.A.); (E.D.F.)
| | - Safwan Alomari
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (H.S.); (Z.K.); (S.A.)
| | - Betty Tyler
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (H.S.); (Z.K.); (S.A.)
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Amereh M, Seyfoori A, Dallinger B, Azimzadeh M, Stefanek E, Akbari M. 3D-Printed Tumor-on-a-Chip Model for Investigating the Effect of Matrix Stiffness on Glioblastoma Tumor Invasion. Biomimetics (Basel) 2023; 8:421. [PMID: 37754172 PMCID: PMC10526170 DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics8050421] [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: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiform (GBM) tumor progression has been recognized to be correlated with extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness. Dynamic variation of tumor ECM is primarily regulated by a family of enzymes which induce remodeling and degradation. In this paper, we investigated the effect of matrix stiffness on the invasion pattern of human glioblastoma tumoroids. A 3D-printed tumor-on-a-chip platform was utilized to culture human glioblastoma tumoroids with the capability of evaluating the effect of stiffness on tumor progression. To induce variations in the stiffness of the collagen matrix, different concentrations of collagenase were added, thereby creating an inhomogeneous collagen concentration. To better understand the mechanisms involved in GBM invasion, an in silico hybrid mathematical model was used to predict the evolution of a tumor in an inhomogeneous environment, providing the ability to study multiple dynamic interacting variables. The model consists of a continuum reaction-diffusion model for the growth of tumoroids and a discrete model to capture the migration of single cells into the surrounding tissue. Results revealed that tumoroids exhibit two distinct patterns of invasion in response to the concentration of collagenase, namely ring-type and finger-type patterns. Moreover, higher concentrations of collagenase resulted in greater invasion lengths, confirming the strong dependency of tumor behavior on the stiffness of the surrounding matrix. The agreement between the experimental results and the model's predictions demonstrates the advantages of this approach in investigating the impact of various extracellular matrix characteristics on tumor growth and invasion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meitham Amereh
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada; (M.A.); (A.S.); (M.A.)
- Laboratory for Innovations in MicroEngineering (LiME), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada; (B.D.); (E.S.)
- Centre for Advanced Materials and Related Technologies (CAMTEC), University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2, Canada
| | - Amir Seyfoori
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada; (M.A.); (A.S.); (M.A.)
- Laboratory for Innovations in MicroEngineering (LiME), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada; (B.D.); (E.S.)
- Centre for Advanced Materials and Related Technologies (CAMTEC), University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2, Canada
| | - Briana Dallinger
- Laboratory for Innovations in MicroEngineering (LiME), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada; (B.D.); (E.S.)
| | - Mostafa Azimzadeh
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada; (M.A.); (A.S.); (M.A.)
- Laboratory for Innovations in MicroEngineering (LiME), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada; (B.D.); (E.S.)
| | - Evan Stefanek
- Laboratory for Innovations in MicroEngineering (LiME), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada; (B.D.); (E.S.)
| | - Mohsen Akbari
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada; (M.A.); (A.S.); (M.A.)
- Laboratory for Innovations in MicroEngineering (LiME), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada; (B.D.); (E.S.)
- Centre for Advanced Materials and Related Technologies (CAMTEC), University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2, Canada
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovations, Los Angeles, CA 91367, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
van Rijt A, Stefanek E, Valente K. Preclinical Testing Techniques: Paving the Way for New Oncology Screening Approaches. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4466. [PMID: 37760435 PMCID: PMC10526899 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15184466] [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: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Prior to clinical trials, preclinical testing of oncology drug candidates is performed by evaluating drug candidates with in vitro and in vivo platforms. For in vivo testing, animal models are used to evaluate the toxicity and efficacy of drug candidates. However, animal models often display poor translational results as many drugs that pass preclinical testing fail when tested with humans, with oncology drugs exhibiting especially poor acceptance rates. The FDA Modernization Act 2.0 promotes alternative preclinical testing techniques, presenting the opportunity to use higher complexity in vitro models as an alternative to in vivo testing, including three-dimensional (3D) cell culture models. Three-dimensional tissue cultures address many of the shortcomings of 2D cultures by more closely replicating the tumour microenvironment through a combination of physiologically relevant drug diffusion, paracrine signalling, cellular phenotype, and vascularization that can better mimic native human tissue. This review will discuss the common forms of 3D cell culture, including cell spheroids, organoids, organs-on-a-chip, and 3D bioprinted tissues. Their advantages and limitations will be presented, aiming to discuss the use of these 3D models to accurately represent human tissue and as an alternative to animal testing. The use of 3D culture platforms for preclinical drug development is expected to accelerate as these platforms continue to improve in complexity, reliability, and translational predictivity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonia van Rijt
- Biomedical Engineering Program, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada;
| | - Evan Stefanek
- VoxCell BioInnovation Inc., Victoria, BC V8T 5L2, Canada;
| | - Karolina Valente
- Biomedical Engineering Program, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada;
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Chang CC, Jiang SS, Tsai FY, Hsu PJ, Hsieh CC, Wang LT, Yen ML, Yen BL. Targeting Conserved Pathways in 3D Spheroid Formation of Diverse Cell Types for Translational Application: Enhanced Functional and Antioxidant Capacity. Cells 2023; 12:2050. [PMID: 37626861 PMCID: PMC10453086 DOI: 10.3390/cells12162050] [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: 07/08/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) in vitro spheroid/organoid culture increasingly appears to better mimic physiological states than standard 2D systems. The biological consequence of 3D spheroids, however, differs for different cell types: for pluripotent embryonic stem cells (ESCs), differentiation and loss of stemness occur, while the converse is true for somatic and cancer cells. Despite such diverse consequences, there are likely conserved mechanisms governing 3D spheroid formation across cell types that are unknown but could be efficiently targeted for translational application. To elucidate such processes, we performed transcriptome analysis with functional validation on 2D- and 3D-cultured mouse ESCs, mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs), and cancer cells. At both the transcriptomic and functional levels, 3D spheroid formation resulted in commitment towards known cell-specific functional outcomes. Surprisingly in all cell types, downregulation of the cholesterol synthesis pathway was found during 3D spheroid formation, with modulation concomitantly affecting 3D spheroid formation and cell-specific consequences; similar results were seen with human cell types. Furthermore, improved antioxidant capacity after 3D spheroid formation across cell types was further enhanced with modulation of the pathway. These findings demonstrate the profound cell-specific consequences and the translational value of understanding conserved mechanisms across diverse cell types after 3D spheroid formation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Chi Chang
- Graduate Institute of Life Sciences, National Defense Medical Center (NDMC), Taipei 114, Taiwan
- Regenerative Medicine Research Group, Institute of Cellular & System Medicine, National Health Research Institutes (NHRI), Zhunan 350, Taiwan
| | | | - Fang-Yu Tsai
- National Institute of Cancer Research, NHRI, Zhunan 350, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Ju Hsu
- Regenerative Medicine Research Group, Institute of Cellular & System Medicine, National Health Research Institutes (NHRI), Zhunan 350, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Chan Hsieh
- Regenerative Medicine Research Group, Institute of Cellular & System Medicine, National Health Research Institutes (NHRI), Zhunan 350, Taiwan
| | - Li-Tzu Wang
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, National Taiwan University (NTU) Hospital & College of Medicine, Taipei 100, Taiwan
| | - Men-Luh Yen
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, National Taiwan University (NTU) Hospital & College of Medicine, Taipei 100, Taiwan
| | - B. Linju Yen
- Graduate Institute of Life Sciences, National Defense Medical Center (NDMC), Taipei 114, Taiwan
- Regenerative Medicine Research Group, Institute of Cellular & System Medicine, National Health Research Institutes (NHRI), Zhunan 350, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Braun FK, Rothhammer-Hampl T, Lorenz J, Pohl S, Menevse AN, Vollmann-Zwerenz A, Bumes E, Büttner M, Zoubaa S, Proescholdt M, Schmidt NO, Hau P, Beckhove P, Winner B, Riemenschneider MJ. Scaffold-Based (Matrigel™) 3D Culture Technique of Glioblastoma Recovers a Patient-like Immunosuppressive Phenotype. Cells 2023; 12:1856. [PMID: 37508520 PMCID: PMC10378658 DOI: 10.3390/cells12141856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Conventional 2D cultures are commonly used in cancer research though they come with limitations such as the lack of microenvironment or reduced cell heterogeneity. In this study, we investigated in what respect a scaffold-based (Matrigel™) 3D culture technique can ameliorate the limitations of 2D cultures. NGS-based bulk and single-cell sequencing of matched pairs of 2D and 3D models showed an altered transcription of key immune regulatory genes in around 36% of 3D models, indicating the reoccurrence of an immune suppressive phenotype. Changes included the presentation of different HLA surface molecules as well as cellular stressors. We also investigated the 3D tumor organoids in a co-culture setting with tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). Of note, lymphocyte-mediated cell killing appeared less effective in clearing 3D models than their 2D counterparts. IFN-γ release, as well as live cell staining and proliferation analysis, pointed toward an elevated resistance of 3D models. In conclusion, we found that the scaffold-based (Matrigel™) 3D culture technique affects the transcriptional profile in a subset of GBM models. Thus, these models allow for depicting clinically relevant aspects of tumor-immune interaction, with the potential to explore immunotherapeutic approaches in an easily accessible in vitro system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Frank K Braun
- Department of Neuropathology, Regensburg University Hospital, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | | | - Julia Lorenz
- Department of Neuropathology, Regensburg University Hospital, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Sandra Pohl
- Department of Neuropathology, Regensburg University Hospital, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Ayse-Nur Menevse
- Division of Interventional Immunology, Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Arabel Vollmann-Zwerenz
- Department of Neurology and Wilhelm Sander-NeuroOncology Unit, Regensburg University Hospital, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Bumes
- Department of Neurology and Wilhelm Sander-NeuroOncology Unit, Regensburg University Hospital, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Maren Büttner
- Institute of Computational Biology, Helmholtz Center Munich, 85764 Munich, Germany
| | - Saida Zoubaa
- Department of Neuropathology, Regensburg University Hospital, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Martin Proescholdt
- Department of Neurosurgery, Regensburg University Hospital, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Nils O Schmidt
- Department of Neurosurgery, Regensburg University Hospital, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Peter Hau
- Department of Neurology and Wilhelm Sander-NeuroOncology Unit, Regensburg University Hospital, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Philipp Beckhove
- Division of Interventional Immunology, Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Beate Winner
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- IZKF Junior Research Group 3 and BMBF Research Group Neuroscience, Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Wang Y, Liu M, Zhang Y, Liu H, Han L. Recent methods of droplet microfluidics and their applications in spheroids and organoids. LAB ON A CHIP 2023; 23:1080-1096. [PMID: 36628972 DOI: 10.1039/d2lc00493c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Droplet microfluidic techniques have long been known as a high-throughput approach for cell manipulation. The capacity to compartmentalize cells into picolitre droplets in microfluidic devices has opened up a range of new ways to extract information from cells. Spheroids and organoids are crucial in vitro three-dimensional cell culture models that physiologically mimic natural tissues and organs. With the aid of developments in cell biology and materials science, droplet microfluidics has been applied to construct spheroids and organoids in numerous formats. In this article, we divide droplet microfluidic approaches for managing spheroids and organoids into three categories based on the droplet module format: liquid droplet, microparticle, and microcapsule. We discuss current advances in the use of droplet microfluidics for the generation of tumour spheroids, stem cell spheroids, and organoids, as well as the downstream applications of these methods in high-throughput screening and tissue engineering.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yihe Wang
- Institute of Marine Science and Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237 P. R. China.
| | - Mengqi Liu
- Institute of Marine Science and Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237 P. R. China.
| | - Yu Zhang
- Institute of Marine Science and Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237 P. R. China.
| | - Hong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Crystal Materials, Shandong University, Jinan, 250100 P. R. China.
| | - Lin Han
- Institute of Marine Science and Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237 P. R. China.
- Shandong Engineering Research Center of Biomarker and Artificial Intelligence Application, Jinan, 250100 P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Customized multi-stimuli nanovehicles with dissociable 'bomblets' for photothermal-enhanced synergetic tumor therapy. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2023; 222:113083. [PMID: 36542948 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2022.113083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Revised: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Recently, the therapeutic effect of chemotherapy has been obviously impaired due to premature drug release, low tumor penetration, and multidrug resistance of nanoplatforms. In this paper, a novel multiple-sensitive drug delivery system (MC-ss-CDs) was developed by gating long-wavelength emitting carbon dots (CDs) on the openings of mesoporous carbon nanoparticles (MC) through disulfide bonds. The MC with excellent photothermal transition efficiency and high drug storage capacity for doxorubicin (DOX) was used as the delivery carrier. The CDs had multiple functions, including intelligent switching to hinder unwanted release, photothermal therapy (PTT) agents to improve the heat generation effect of MCs and bioimaging trackers to monitor drug delivery. The disulfide bonds, as the linkers between MC carriers and CDs, are stable under normal physical conditions and relatively labile under high GSH concentrations in the cytoplasm of tumor cells. After arriving at the tumor microenvironment, DOX/MC-ss-CDs can rapidly break into DOX/MC and CDs under high GSH concentrations. DOX/MC could realize efficient integration of PTT and chemotherapy on the surface of the tumor by stimuli-responsive DOX release and synergetic heating of MC and CDs. The small-sized CDs with excellent penetrating ability could effectively enter the deep tumor and realize NIR-triggered photothermal ablation. The DOX/MC-ss-CDs showed a chemophotothermal effect with a combination index of 0.38 in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, the DOX/MC-ss-CDs could be employed as a trackable nanovehicle for synergistic chemotherapy and PTT at different depths.
Collapse
|
13
|
Ruiz-Garcia H, Zarco N, Watanabe F, De Araujo Farias V, Suarez-Meade P, Guerrero-Cazares H, Imitola J, Quinones-Hinojosa A, Trifiletti D. Development of Experimental Three-Dimensional Tumor Models to Study Glioblastoma Cancer Stem Cells and Tumor Microenvironment. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2572:117-127. [PMID: 36161412 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2703-7_9] [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] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and dismal primary brain tumor. Unfortunately, despite multidisciplinary treatment, most patients will perish approximately 15 months after diagnosis. For this reason, there is an urgent need to improve our understanding of GBM tumor biology and develop novel therapies that can achieve better clinical outcomes. In this setting, three-dimensional tumor models have risen as more appropriate preclinical tools when compared to traditional cell cultures, given that two-dimensional (2D) cultures have failed to accurately recapitulate tumor biology and translate preclinical findings into patient benefits. Three-dimensional cultures using neurospheres, organoids, and organotypic better resemble original tumor genetic and epigenetic profiles, maintaining tumor microenvironment characteristics and mimicking cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions. This chapter summarizes our methods to generate well-characterized glioblastoma neurospheres, organoids, and organotypics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Henry Ruiz-Garcia
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
- Brain Tumor Stem Cell Laboratory, Department of Neurological Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Natanael Zarco
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
- Neurogenesis and Brain Tumors, Department of Neurological Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Fumihiro Watanabe
- Laboratory of Neural Stem Cells and Functional Neurogenetics, Departments of Neuroscience, Neurology, Genetics and Genome Sciences, UConn Health, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Virginea De Araujo Farias
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
- Brain Tumor Stem Cell Laboratory, Department of Neurological Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Paola Suarez-Meade
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
- Brain Tumor Stem Cell Laboratory, Department of Neurological Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Hugo Guerrero-Cazares
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
- Neurogenesis and Brain Tumors, Department of Neurological Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Jaime Imitola
- Laboratory of Neural Stem Cells and Functional Neurogenetics, Departments of Neuroscience, Neurology, Genetics and Genome Sciences, UConn Health, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Alfredo Quinones-Hinojosa
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
- Brain Tumor Stem Cell Laboratory, Department of Neurological Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Daniel Trifiletti
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Banerjee D, Singh YP, Datta P, Ozbolat V, O'Donnell A, Yeo M, Ozbolat IT. Strategies for 3D bioprinting of spheroids: A comprehensive review. Biomaterials 2022; 291:121881. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2022.121881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
|
15
|
Pevná V, Máčajová M, Hovan A, Bánó G, Meta M, Bilčík B, Palková J, Huntošová V. Spheroidal Model of SKBR3 and U87MG Cancer Cells for Live Imaging of Caspase-3 during Apoptosis Induced by Singlet Oxygen in Photodynamic Therapy. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10092141. [PMID: 36140241 PMCID: PMC9495824 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10092141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspects related to the response of cells to photodynamic therapy (PDT) have been well studied in cell cultures, which often grow in monolayers. In this work, we propose a spheroidal model of U87MG and SKBR3 cells designed to mimic superficial tumor tissue, small spheroids (<500 µm) suitable for confocal fluorescence microscopy, and larger spheroids (>500 µm) that can be xenografted onto quail chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) to study the effects of PDT in real time. Hypericin was used as a model molecule for a hydrophobic photosensitizer that can produce singlet oxygen (1O2). 1O2 production by hypericin was detected in SKBR3 and U87MG spheroid models using a label-free technique. Vital fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry revealed the heterogeneity of caspase-3 distribution in the cells of the spheroids. The levels of caspase-3 and apoptosis increased in the cells of spheroids 24 h after PDT. Lactate dehydrogenase activity was evaluated in the spheroids as the most reliable assay to detect differences in phototoxicity. Finally, we demonstrated the applicability of U87MG spheroids on CAM in photodiagnostics. Overall, the variability and applicability of the prepared spheroid models were demonstrated in the PDT study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Viktória Pevná
- Department of Biophysics, Institute of Physics, Faculty of Science, P.J. Safarik University in Kosice, Jesenna 5, 041 54 Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Mariana Máčajová
- Institute of Animal Biochemistry and Genetics, Centre of Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, 840 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Andrej Hovan
- Department of Biophysics, Institute of Physics, Faculty of Science, P.J. Safarik University in Kosice, Jesenna 5, 041 54 Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Gregor Bánó
- Department of Biophysics, Institute of Physics, Faculty of Science, P.J. Safarik University in Kosice, Jesenna 5, 041 54 Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Majlinda Meta
- Institute of Animal Biochemistry and Genetics, Centre of Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, 840 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Boris Bilčík
- Institute of Animal Biochemistry and Genetics, Centre of Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, 840 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Júlia Palková
- Department of Biophysics, Institute of Physics, Faculty of Science, P.J. Safarik University in Kosice, Jesenna 5, 041 54 Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Veronika Huntošová
- Center for Interdisciplinary Biosciences, Technology and Innovation Park, P.J. Safarik University in Kosice, Jesenna 5, 041 54 Kosice, Slovakia
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Khan AH, Zhou SP, Moe M, Ortega Quesada BA, Bajgiran KR, Lassiter HR, Dorman JA, Martin EC, Pojman JA, Melvin AT. Generation of 3D Spheroids Using a Thiol-Acrylate Hydrogel Scaffold to Study Endocrine Response in ER + Breast Cancer. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2022; 8:3977-3985. [PMID: 36001134 PMCID: PMC9472224 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.2c00491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Culturing cancer cells in a three-dimensional (3D) environment
better recapitulates in vivo conditions by mimicking
cell-to-cell interactions and mass transfer limitations of metabolites,
oxygen, and drugs. Recent drug studies have suggested that a high
rate of preclinical and clinical failures results from mass transfer
limitations associated with drug entry into solid tumors that 2D model
systems cannot predict. Droplet microfluidic devices offer a promising
alternative to grow 3D spheroids from a small number of cells to reduce
intratumor heterogeneity, which is lacking in other approaches. Spheroids
were generated by encapsulating cells in novel thiol–acrylate
(TA) hydrogel scaffold droplets followed by on-chip isolation of single
droplets in a 990- or 450-member trapping array. The TA hydrogel rapidly
(∼35 min) polymerized on-chip to provide an initial scaffold
to support spheroid development followed by a time-dependent degradation.
Two trapping arrays were fabricated with 150 or 300 μm diameter
traps to investigate the effect of droplet size and cell seeding density
on spheroid formation and growth. Both trapping arrays were capable
of ∼99% droplet trapping efficiency with ∼90% and 55%
cellular encapsulation in trapping arrays containing 300 and 150 μm
traps, respectively. The oil phase was replaced with media ∼1
h after droplet trapping to initiate long-term spheroid culturing.
The growth and viability of MCF-7 3D spheroids were confirmed for
7 days under continuous media flow using a customized gravity-driven
system to eliminate the need for syringe pumps. It was found that
a minimum of 10 or more encapsulated cells are needed to generate
a growing spheroid while fewer than 10 parent cells produced stagnant
3D spheroids. As a proof of concept, a drug susceptibility study was
performed treating the spheroids with fulvestrant followed by interrogating
the spheroids for proliferation in the presence of estrogen. Following
fulvestrant exposure, the spheroids showed significantly less proliferation
in the presence of estrogen, confirming drug efficacy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anowar H Khan
- Department of Chemistry, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803, United States
| | - Sophia P Zhou
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
| | - Margaret Moe
- Cain Department of Chemical Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803, United States
| | - Braulio A Ortega Quesada
- Cain Department of Chemical Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803, United States
| | - Khashayar R Bajgiran
- Cain Department of Chemical Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803, United States
| | - Haley R Lassiter
- Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803, United States
| | - James A Dorman
- Cain Department of Chemical Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803, United States
| | - Elizabeth C Martin
- Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803, United States
| | - John A Pojman
- Department of Chemistry, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803, United States
| | - Adam T Melvin
- Cain Department of Chemical Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803, United States
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Aljadi Z, Aval NA, Kumar T, Qin T, Ramachandraiah H, Pettersson T, Russom A. Layer-by-Layer Cellulose Nanofibrils: A New Coating Strategy for Development and Characterization of Tumor Spheroids as a Model for In-Vitro Anti-Cancer Drug Screening. Macromol Biosci 2022; 22:e2200137. [PMID: 35899862 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202200137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Three-dimensional multicellular spheroids (MCSs) are complex structure of cellular aggregates and cell-to-matrix interaction that emulates the in-vivo microenvironment. This research field has progressively grown to develop and improve spheroid generation techniques. Here, we present a new platform for spheroid generation using Layer-by-Layer (LbL) technology. Layer-by-Layer (LbL) containing cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) assemble on a standard 96 well plate. Various LbL assembly parameters, multiple cell seeding concentration, and two tumor cell lines (HEK 293 T, HCT 116) are utilized to generate and characterize spheroids. The number and the proliferation of generated spheroids in correlation to the number of LbL-CNF bi-layers, the viability, and the response to the anti-cancer drug are examined. The spheroids are formed and proliferated on the LbL-CNF coated wells with no significant difference in connection to the number of LbL-CNF bi-layers; however, the number of formed spheroids correlates positively with the cell seeding concentration (122 ± 17) for HCT 116 and (42 ± 8) for HEK 293T cell lines at 700 cells ml-1 . The generated spheroids proliferate progressively up to (309, 663) μm of HCT 116 and HEK 293T cell lines on the 5 bi-layers coated wells respectively overtime with maintaining viability. The (HCT 116) spheroids react to the anti-cancer drug. We demonstrate a new platform (LbL-CNF) coating strategy for spheroids generation, with high performance and efficiency to test anti-cancer drugs. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zenib Aljadi
- School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health CBH, Division of Nanobiotechnology, Department of Protein Science, Science for Life Laboratory, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Negar Abbasi Aval
- Fibre and Polymer Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tharagan Kumar
- School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health CBH, Division of Nanobiotechnology, Department of Protein Science, Science for Life Laboratory, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Taoyu Qin
- School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health CBH, Division of Nanobiotechnology, Department of Protein Science, Science for Life Laboratory, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Harisha Ramachandraiah
- School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health CBH, Division of Nanobiotechnology, Department of Protein Science, Science for Life Laboratory, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Torbjörn Pettersson
- Fibre and Polymer Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Aman Russom
- School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health CBH, Division of Nanobiotechnology, Department of Protein Science, Science for Life Laboratory, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Kuo CF, Mirab F, Abidian MR, Majd S. Nanoparticle Rigidity for Brain Tumor Cell Uptake. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2022; 2022:3927-3930. [PMID: 36086372 DOI: 10.1109/embc48229.2022.9871312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Nanoparticles (NPs) have emerged as versatile and widely used platforms for a variety of biomedical applications. For delivery purposes, while some of NPs' physiochemical aspects such as size and shape have been extensively studied, their mechanical properties remain understudied. Recent studies have reported NPs' rigidity as a significant factor for their cell interactions and uptake. Here, we aim to study how NPs' rigidity affects their interactions with brain glioma tumor cells. To produce NPs with different rigidities, we encapsulate poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) of different volume ratios (0, 10, 30 v/v%) within the lumen of nanoliposomes and study the uptake of these NPs in a glioblastoma cell line U87. PEGDA with volume ratios of 10 and 30% were selected to provide a significant increase of the elastic modulus of the hydrogel (0.1 to 4 MPa) as determined by compression testing. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) and zeta potential measurements indicated that despite differences in their core formulation, all examined NPs had a similar size range (106 to 132 nm) and surface charge (-2.0 to -3.0 mV). Confocal microscopy revealed that all NP groups accumulated inside U87 cells, and flow cytometry data showed that liposomes with a gel core (10 and 30 v/v% PEGDA) had significantly higher cellular uptake (up to 9-fold), compared to liposomes with an aqueous core. Notably, we did not find any substantial difference between the uptake of liposomes with PEGDA core of 10 and 30% volume ratios. Clinical Relevance- By providing an insight into how NP rigidity influences glioma tumor cellular uptake, this work would enable development of more effective therapeutics for brain cancer.
Collapse
|
19
|
Li Y, Li P, Ke Y, Yu X, Yu W, Wen K, Shen J, Wang Z. A rare monoclonal antibody discovery based on indirect competitive screening of a single hapten-specific rabbit antibody secreting cell. Analyst 2022; 147:2942-2952. [PMID: 35674177 DOI: 10.1039/d2an00678b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
A rare antibody that is able to tolerate physio-chemical factors is preferred and highly demanded in diagnosis and therapy. Rabbit monoclonal antibodies (RmAbs) are distinguished owing to their high affinity and stability. However, the efficiency and availability of traditional methods for RmAb discovery are limited, particularly for small molecules. Here, we present an indirect competitive screening method in nanowells, named CSMN, for single rabbit antibody-secreting cells (ASCs) selection with 20.6 h and propose an efficient platform for RmAb production against small molecules within 5.8 days for the first time. Chloramphenicol (CAP) as an antibacterial agent poses a great threat to public health. We applied CSMN to select CAP-specific ASCs and produced one high-affinity RmAb, surprisingly showed extremely halophilic properties with an IC50 of 0.08 ng mL-1 in the saturated salt solution, which has not yet been seen for other antibodies. The molecular dynamic simulation showed that the negatively charged surface improved the stability of the RmAb structure with additional disulfide bonds compared with mouse antibodies. Moreover, the reduced solvent accessible surface area of the binding pocket increased the interactions of RmAb with CAP in a saturated salt solution. Furthermore, RmAb was used to develop an immunoassay for the detection of CAP in real biological samples with simple pretreatment, shorter assay time, and higher sensitivity. The results demonstrated that the practical and efficient CSMN is suitable for rare RmAb discovery against small molecules.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Detection Technology for Animal-Derived Food Safety, Beijing Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety, 100193 Beijing, People's Republic of China.
| | - Peipei Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Detection Technology for Animal-Derived Food Safety, Beijing Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety, 100193 Beijing, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yuebin Ke
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Epidemiology of Shenzhen, Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 518000 Shenzhen, China
| | - Xuezhi Yu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Detection Technology for Animal-Derived Food Safety, Beijing Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety, 100193 Beijing, People's Republic of China.
| | - Wenbo Yu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Detection Technology for Animal-Derived Food Safety, Beijing Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety, 100193 Beijing, People's Republic of China.
| | - Kai Wen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Detection Technology for Animal-Derived Food Safety, Beijing Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety, 100193 Beijing, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jianzhong Shen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Detection Technology for Animal-Derived Food Safety, Beijing Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety, 100193 Beijing, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zhanhui Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Detection Technology for Animal-Derived Food Safety, Beijing Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety, 100193 Beijing, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Langella A, Gadau SD, Serra E, Bebbere D, Ledda S. Microtubular Assessment of C6 Rat Glioma Cell Spheroids Developed in Transparent Liquid Marbles or Hanging Drops. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11040492. [PMID: 35453692 PMCID: PMC9031767 DOI: 10.3390/biology11040492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma is a brain tumour frequently used as an experimental model to exploit innovative therapeutic approaches due to its high lethality and refractoriness to therapies. Part of these innovative anticancer therapies address cytoskeletal microtubules (MTs) since specific tubulin post-translational modifications (PTMs) are considered markers of tumour plasticity. In vitro studies, which traditionally employ two-dimensional (2D) culture systems, are now being replaced by three-dimensional (3D) systems that more closely mimic in vivo physiological conditions and allow a better understanding of the signalling between cells. In this work, we compared 2 liquid base 3D methods for the generation of spheroids from C6 rat glioma cells (RGCs) using 30 µL of liquid marble (LM) or the hanging drops (HDs), which contained 2 different cell numbers (5000 or 15,000). After 24 or 48 h of in vitro culture (IVC), the morphology of the spheroids was observed and the behaviour of the two main tubulin PTMs, tyrosinated α-tubulin (Tyr-T) and acetylated α-tubulin (Ac-T), was evaluated by fluorescence and Western blot (WB). RGCs spontaneously formed spherical agglomerates more rapidly in the LM than in the HD system. Cell density influenced the size of the spheroids, which reached a larger size (> of 300 µm Ø), with 15,000 cells compared to 5000 cells (150 µm Ø). Moreover, an increase in Tyr-T and Ac-T was observed in both the HD and LM system from 24 to 48 h, with the highest values shown in the 48 h/LM spheroids of 5000 cells (p < 0.05). In conclusion, by comparing the morphology and microtubular architecture of spheroids from C6 rat glioma cells developed by LM or HD methodology, our findings demonstrate that the use of a fumed silica microbioreactor boosts the induction and maintenance of a high plasticity state in glioma cells. RGCs cultured in LM express levels of tubulin PTMs that can be used to evaluate the efficacy of new anticancer therapies.
Collapse
|
21
|
Braccini S, Tacchini C, Chiellini F, Puppi D. Polymeric Hydrogels for In Vitro 3D Ovarian Cancer Modeling. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:3265. [PMID: 35328686 PMCID: PMC8954571 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23063265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) grows and interacts constantly with a complex microenvironment, in which immune cells, fibroblasts, blood vessels, signal molecules and the extracellular matrix (ECM) coexist. This heterogeneous environment provides structural and biochemical support to the surrounding cells and undergoes constant and dynamic remodeling that actively promotes tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis. Despite the fact that traditional 2D cell culture systems have led to relevant medical advances in cancer research, 3D cell culture models could open new possibilities for the development of an in vitro tumor microenvironment more closely reproducing that observed in vivo. The implementation of materials science and technology into cancer research has enabled significant progress in the study of cancer progression and drug screening, through the development of polymeric scaffold-based 3D models closely recapitulating the physiopathological features of native tumor tissue. This article provides an overview of state-of-the-art in vitro tumor models with a particular focus on 3D OC cell culture in pre-clinical studies. The most representative OC models described in the literature are presented with a focus on hydrogel-based scaffolds, which guarantee soft tissue-like physical properties as well as a suitable 3D microenvironment for cell growth. Hydrogel-forming polymers of either natural or synthetic origin investigated in this context are described by highlighting their source of extraction, physical-chemical properties, and application for 3D ovarian cancer cell culture.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Dario Puppi
- BioLab Research Group, Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, UdR INSTM-Pisa, Via Moruzzi 13, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (S.B.); (C.T.)
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
P.K. S. Saponins -Uptake and Targeting issues for brain-specific delivery for enhanced cell death induction in glioblastoma. LETT DRUG DES DISCOV 2022. [DOI: 10.2174/1570180819666220121145332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Abstract:
Saponins represent a category of diverse, natural glycoside molecules that belong to the triterpenoid or the steroid class. They vary in terms of their solubility and permeability characteristics and are classifiable based on the biopharmaceutics classification system. They have drug delivery potential as surfactants that can solubilize cholesterol in the plasma membrane of tumorigenic cells. Glioblastoma is an important malignancy that can aggressively afflict the brain of humans with a poor prognosis. Glioblastoma Stem Cells (GSCs), are an important subset of cancer cells and are major determinants for drug resistance and tumour relapse. These cells are quiescent and have been known to survive current therapeutic strategies. Certain saponins have shown potential to eliminate glioblastoma cells in a variety of model systems and hence provide a sound scientific basis for their development as a “stand-alone” drug or as part of a drug combination (from the existing arsenal of drugs) developed for the treatment of glioblastoma. However, due to their reactogenicity towards the immune system and hemolytic potential, selective delivery to the tumorigenic site is essential. Hence, nano-formulations (liposome/emulsion-based delivery systems/nano-structured lipid and calix[n]arenes-based carriers) and variants that are resistant to saponin may serve as delivery tools that can be functionalized to improve the selectivity. It is necessary to develop/validate/refine in vitro higher order models that replicate the features of the glioma microenvironment (BBB/BTB). Reproducible validation of the model as well as the drug/delivery system will help in the development of formulations that can augment cell death in this recalcitrant brain tumour.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Suresh P.K.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences
School of Biosciences & Technology
VIT, Vellore, Vellore Dt, India
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
DePalma TJ, Sivakumar H, Skardal A. Strategies for developing complex multi-component in vitro tumor models: Highlights in glioblastoma. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 180:114067. [PMID: 34822927 PMCID: PMC10560581 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.114067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, many research groups have begun to utilize bioengineered in vitro models of cancer to study mechanisms of disease progression, test drug candidates, and develop platforms to advance personalized drug treatment options. Due to advances in cell and tissue engineering over the last few decades, there are now a myriad of tools that can be used to create such in vitro systems. In this review, we describe the considerations one must take when developing model systems that accurately mimic the in vivo tumor microenvironment (TME) and can be used to answer specific scientific questions. We will summarize the importance of cell sourcing in models with one or multiple cell types and outline the importance of choosing biomaterials that accurately mimic the native extracellular matrix (ECM) of the tumor or tissue that is being modeled. We then provide examples of how these two components can be used in concert in a variety of model form factors and conclude by discussing how biofabrication techniques such as bioprinting and organ-on-a-chip fabrication can be used to create highly reproducible complex in vitro models. Since this topic has a broad range of applications, we use the final section of the review to dive deeper into one type of cancer, glioblastoma, to illustrate how these components come together to further our knowledge of cancer biology and move us closer to developing novel drugs and systems that improve patient outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J DePalma
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Hemamylammal Sivakumar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Aleksander Skardal
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; The Ohio State University and Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Nguyen HQ, Seo TS. A 3D printed size-tunable flow-focusing droplet microdevice to produce cell-laden hydrogel microspheres. Anal Chim Acta 2021; 1192:339344. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2021.339344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
|
26
|
Chibh S, Katoch V, Singh M, Prakash B, Panda JJ. Miniatured Fluidics-Mediated Modular Self-Assembly of Anticancer Drug-Amino Acid Composite Microbowls for Combined Chemo-Photodynamic Therapy in Glioma. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2021; 7:5654-5665. [PMID: 34724373 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.1c01023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
A particulate carrier with the ability to load a combination of therapeutic molecules acting via diverse modes to initiate cancer cell ablation would help heighten anticancer therapeutic outcomes and mitigate harmful side effects due to high doses of mono drug therapy. Moving a step closer, herein, we have developed doxorubicin-curcumin-amino acid-based composite microbowls (CMBs) following miniaturized fluid flow-based self-assembly. The CMBs were further exploited as dual chemo-photodynamic therapeutic agents in C6 glioma cells cultured in both two-dimensional (2D) monolayer and as three-dimensional (3D) spheroids. These CMBs showed synergistic and visible (blue)-light-sensitive cell-killing effects in both C6 cells and 3D spheroids. Furthermore, these bowl-shaped structures also demonstrated good stability and excellent in vitro cytocompatibility in C6 glioma cells. Our results indicated that CMBs with asymmetric cavities could potentially be used as a combinatorial drug carrier enabling simultaneous chemo- and phototherapy for effective cancer treatment. The use of blue light, from the visible part of the electromagnetic system, to generate the phototherapeutic effect further advocates for the ease and widespread applicability of the systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sonika Chibh
- Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Sector-81, Knowledge City, Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar 140306, Punjab, India
| | - Vibhav Katoch
- Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Sector-81, Knowledge City, Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar 140306, Punjab, India
| | - Manish Singh
- Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Sector-81, Knowledge City, Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar 140306, Punjab, India
| | - Bhanu Prakash
- Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Sector-81, Knowledge City, Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar 140306, Punjab, India
| | - Jiban Jyoti Panda
- Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Sector-81, Knowledge City, Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar 140306, Punjab, India
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Zhuang P, Chiang YH, Fernanda MS, He M. Using Spheroids as Building Blocks Towards 3D Bioprinting of Tumor Microenvironment. Int J Bioprint 2021; 7:444. [PMID: 34805601 PMCID: PMC8600307 DOI: 10.18063/ijb.v7i4.444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer still ranks as a leading cause of mortality worldwide. Although considerable efforts have been dedicated to anticancer therapeutics, progress is still slow, partially due to the absence of robust prediction models. Multicellular tumor spheroids, as a major three-dimensional (3D) culture model exhibiting features of avascular tumors, gained great popularity in pathophysiological studies and high throughput drug screening. However, limited control over cellular and structural organization is still the key challenge in achieving in vivo like tissue microenvironment. 3D bioprinting has made great strides toward tissue/organ mimicry, due to its outstanding spatial control through combining both cells and materials, scalability, and reproducibility. Prospectively, harnessing the power from both 3D bioprinting and multicellular spheroids would likely generate more faithful tumor models and advance our understanding on the mechanism of tumor progression. In this review, the emerging concept on using spheroids as a building block in 3D bioprinting for tumor modeling is illustrated. We begin by describing the context of the tumor microenvironment, followed by an introduction of various methodologies for tumor spheroid formation, with their specific merits and drawbacks. Thereafter, we present an overview of existing 3D printed tumor models using spheroids as a focus. We provide a compilation of the contemporary literature sources and summarize the overall advancements in technology and possibilities of using spheroids as building blocks in 3D printed tissue modeling, with a particular emphasis on tumor models. Future outlooks about the wonderous advancements of integrated 3D spheroidal printing conclude this review.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pei Zhuang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, 32610, USA
| | - Yi-Hua Chiang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, 32610, USA
| | | | - Mei He
- Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, 32610, USA
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Sen D, Voulgaropoulos A, Keung AJ. Effects of early geometric confinement on the transcriptomic profile of human cerebral organoids. BMC Biotechnol 2021; 21:59. [PMID: 34641840 PMCID: PMC8507123 DOI: 10.1186/s12896-021-00718-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Human cerebral organoids (hCO) are attractive systems due to their ability to model important brain regions and transcriptomics of early in vivo brain development. To date, they have been used to understand the effects of genetics and soluble factors on neurodevelopment. Interestingly, one of the main advantages of hCOs are that they provide three dimensionality that better mimics the in vivo environment; yet, despite this central feature it remains unclear how spatial and mechanical properties regulate hCO and neurodevelopment. While biophysical factors such as shape and mechanical forces are known to play crucial roles in stem cell differentiation, embryogenesis and neurodevelopment, much of this work investigated two dimensional systems or relied on correlative observations of native developing tissues in three dimensions. Using hCOs to establish links between spatial factors and neurodevelopment will require the use of new approaches and could reveal fundamental principles of brain organogenesis as well as improve hCOs as an experimental model. Results Here, we investigated the effects of early geometric confinements on transcriptomic changes during hCO differentiation. Using a custom and tunable agarose microwell platform we generated embryoid bodies (EB) of diverse shapes mimicking several structures from embryogenesis and neurodevelopment and then further differentiated those EBs to whole brain hCOs. Our results showed that the microwells did not have negative gross impacts on the ability of the hCOs to differentiate towards neural fates, and there were clear shape dependent effects on neural lineage specification. In particular we observed that non-spherical shapes showed signs of altered neurodevelopmental kinetics and favored the development of medial ganglionic eminence-associated brain regions and cell types over cortical regions. Transcriptomic analysis suggests these mechanotransducive effects may be mediated by integrin and Wnt signaling. Conclusions The findings presented here suggest a role for spatial factors in brain region specification during hCO development. Understanding these spatial patterning factors will not only improve understanding of in vivo development and differentiation, but also provide important handles with which to advance and improve control over human model systems for in vitro applications. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12896-021-00718-2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dilara Sen
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Campus Box 7905, Raleigh, NC, 27695-7905, USA
| | - Alexis Voulgaropoulos
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Campus Box 7905, Raleigh, NC, 27695-7905, USA
| | - Albert J Keung
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Campus Box 7905, Raleigh, NC, 27695-7905, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Xu X, Li L, Luo L, Shu L, Si X, Chen Z, Xia W, Huang J, Liu Y, Shao A, Ke Y. Opportunities and challenges of glioma organoids. Cell Commun Signal 2021; 19:102. [PMID: 34635112 PMCID: PMC8504127 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-021-00777-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioma is the most common primary brain tumor and its prognosis is poor. Despite surgical removal, glioma is still prone to recurrence because it grows rapidly in the brain, is resistant to chemotherapy, and is highly aggressive. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a platform to study the cell dynamics of gliomas in order to discover the characteristics of the disease and develop more effective treatments. Although 2D cell models and animal models in previous studies have provided great help for our research, they also have many defects. Recently, scientific researchers have constructed a 3D structure called Organoids, which is similar to the structure of human tissues and organs. Organoids can perfectly compensate for the shortcomings of previous glioma models and are currently the most suitable research platform for glioma research. Therefore, we review the three methods currently used to establish glioma organoids. And introduced how they play a role in the diagnosis and treatment of glioma. Finally, we also summarized the current bottlenecks and difficulties encountered by glioma organoids, and the current efforts to solve these difficulties. Video Abstract
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiangdong Xu
- The National Key Clinical Specialty, The Engineering Technology Research Center of Education Ministry of China, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory On Brain Function Repair and Regeneration, Department of Neurosurgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282, People's Republic of China
| | - Lingfei Li
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Linting Luo
- Department of Neurology, Liwan Central Hospital of GuangZhou, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Lingling Shu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China.,Department of Hematological Oncology, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoli Si
- Department of Neurology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenzhen Chen
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenqing Xia
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinyu Huang
- Department of Cardiology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Liu
- The National Key Clinical Specialty, The Engineering Technology Research Center of Education Ministry of China, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory On Brain Function Repair and Regeneration, Department of Neurosurgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282, People's Republic of China.
| | - Anwen Shao
- Department of Neurosurgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yiquan Ke
- The National Key Clinical Specialty, The Engineering Technology Research Center of Education Ministry of China, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory On Brain Function Repair and Regeneration, Department of Neurosurgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Grubb ML, Caliari SR. Fabrication approaches for high-throughput and biomimetic disease modeling. Acta Biomater 2021; 132:52-82. [PMID: 33716174 PMCID: PMC8433272 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
There is often a tradeoff between in vitro disease modeling platforms that capture pathophysiologic complexity and those that are amenable to high-throughput fabrication and analysis. However, this divide is closing through the application of a handful of fabrication approaches-parallel fabrication, automation, and flow-driven assembly-to design sophisticated cellular and biomaterial systems. The purpose of this review is to highlight methods for the fabrication of high-throughput biomaterial-based platforms and showcase examples that demonstrate their utility over a range of throughput and complexity. We conclude with a discussion of future considerations for the continued development of higher-throughput in vitro platforms that capture the appropriate level of biological complexity for the desired application. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: There is a pressing need for new biomedical tools to study and understand disease. These platforms should mimic the complex properties of the body while also permitting investigation of many combinations of cells, extracellular cues, and/or therapeutics in high-throughput. This review summarizes emerging strategies to fabricate biomimetic disease models that bridge the gap between complex tissue-mimicking microenvironments and high-throughput screens for personalized medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mackenzie L Grubb
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Unites States
| | - Steven R Caliari
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Unites States; Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Virginia, Unites States.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Conway GE, Shah UK, Llewellyn S, Cervena T, Evans SJ, Al Ali AS, Jenkins GJ, Clift MJD, Doak SH. Adaptation of the in vitro micronucleus assay for genotoxicity testing using 3D liver models supporting longer-term exposure durations. Mutagenesis 2021; 35:319-330. [PMID: 32780103 PMCID: PMC7486679 DOI: 10.1093/mutage/geaa018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Following advancements in the field of genotoxicology, it has become widely accepted that 3D models are not only more physiologically relevant but also have the capacity to elucidate more complex biological processes that standard 2D monocultures are unable to. Whilst 3D liver models have been developed to evaluate the short-term genotoxicity of chemicals, the aim of this study was to develop a 3D model that could be used with the regulatory accepted in vitro micronucleus (MN) following low-dose, longer-term (5 days) exposure to engineered nanomaterials (ENMs). A comparison study was carried out between advanced models generated from two commonly used liver cell lines, namely HepaRG and HepG2, in spheroid format. While both spheroid systems displayed good liver functionality and viability over 14 days, the HepaRG spheroids lacked the capacity to actively proliferate and, therefore, were considered unsuitable for use with the MN assay. This study further demonstrated the efficacy of the in vitro 3D HepG2 model to be used for short-term (24 h) exposures to genotoxic chemicals, aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and methyl-methanesulfonate (MMS). The 3D HepG2 liver spheroids were shown to be more sensitive to DNA damage induced by AFB1 and MMS when compared to the HepG2 2D monoculture. This 3D model was further developed to allow for longer-term (5 day) ENM exposure. Four days after seeding, HepG2 spheroids were exposed to Zinc Oxide ENM (0–2 µg/ml) for 5 days and assessed using both the cytokinesis-block MN (CBMN) version of the MN assay and the mononuclear MN assay. Following a 5-day exposure, differences in MN frequency were observed between the CBMN and mononuclear MN assay, demonstrating that DNA damage induced within the first few cell cycles is distributed across the mononucleated cell population. Together, this study demonstrates the necessity to adapt the MN assay accordingly, to allow for the accurate assessment of genotoxicity following longer-term, low-dose ENM exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gillian E Conway
- In Vitro Toxicology Group, Institute of Life Science, Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park Campus, Swansea, Wales, UK
| | - Ume-Kulsoom Shah
- In Vitro Toxicology Group, Institute of Life Science, Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park Campus, Swansea, Wales, UK
| | - Samantha Llewellyn
- In Vitro Toxicology Group, Institute of Life Science, Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park Campus, Swansea, Wales, UK
| | - Tereza Cervena
- In Vitro Toxicology Group, Institute of Life Science, Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park Campus, Swansea, Wales, UK.,Department of Nanotoxicology and Molecular Epidemiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine of the CAS, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Stephen J Evans
- In Vitro Toxicology Group, Institute of Life Science, Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park Campus, Swansea, Wales, UK
| | - Abdullah S Al Ali
- In Vitro Toxicology Group, Institute of Life Science, Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park Campus, Swansea, Wales, UK
| | - Gareth J Jenkins
- In Vitro Toxicology Group, Institute of Life Science, Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park Campus, Swansea, Wales, UK
| | - Martin J D Clift
- In Vitro Toxicology Group, Institute of Life Science, Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park Campus, Swansea, Wales, UK
| | - Shareen H Doak
- In Vitro Toxicology Group, Institute of Life Science, Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park Campus, Swansea, Wales, UK
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Li M, Fu T, Yang S, Pan L, Tang J, Chen M, Liang P, Gao Z, Guo L. Agarose-based spheroid culture enhanced stemness and promoted odontogenic differentiation potential of human dental follicle cells in vitro. In Vitro Cell Dev Biol Anim 2021; 57:620-630. [PMID: 34212339 PMCID: PMC8247612 DOI: 10.1007/s11626-021-00591-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Human dental follicle cells (HDFCs) are an ideal cell source of stem cells for dental tissue repair and regeneration and they have great potential for regenerative medicine applications. However, the conventional monolayer culture usually reduces cell proliferation and differentiation potential due to the continuous passage during in vitro expansion. In this study, primary HDFC spheroids were generated on 1% agarose, and the HDFCs spontaneously formed cell spheroids in the agarose-coated dishes. Compared with monolayer culture, the spheroid-derived HDFCs exhibited increased proliferative ability for later passage HDFCs as analysed by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8). The transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), western blot and immunofluorescence assay showed that the expression of stemness marker genes Sox2, Oct4 and Nanog was increased significantly in the HDFC spheroids. Furthermore, we found that the odontogenic differentiation capability of HDFCs was significantly improved by spheroid culture in the agarose-coated dishes. On the other hand, the osteogenic differentiation capability was weakened compared with monolayer culture. Our results suggest that spheroid formation of HDFCs in agarose-coated dishes partially restores the proliferative ability of HDFCs at later passages, enhances their stemness and improves odontogenic differentiation capability in vitro. Therefore, spheroid formation of HDFCs has great therapeutic potential for stem cell clinical therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Min Li
- Department of Stomatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 76 Linjiang Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400010, People's Republic of China
| | - Tiwei Fu
- Chongqing Medical University Stomatology College, Chongqing Key Laboratory for Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, Chongqing, 401147, People's Republic of China
| | - Sen Yang
- Stomatology Centre, Suining Central Hospital, Suining, 629000, People's Republic of China
| | - Lanlan Pan
- Department of Periodontics, Stomatology Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 401147, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Tang
- Department of Stomatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 76 Linjiang Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400010, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng Chen
- Department of Endodontics, Stomatology Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 401147, People's Republic of China
| | - Panpan Liang
- Chongqing Medical University Stomatology College, Chongqing Key Laboratory for Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, Chongqing, 401147, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhi Gao
- Department of Stomatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 76 Linjiang Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400010, People's Republic of China.
| | - Lijuan Guo
- Department of Stomatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 76 Linjiang Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400010, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Medical Cosmetology, Suining Central Hospital, Suining, 629000, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Dimitriou P, Li J, Tornillo G, McCloy T, Barrow D. Droplet Microfluidics for Tumor Drug-Related Studies and Programmable Artificial Cells. GLOBAL CHALLENGES (HOBOKEN, NJ) 2021; 5:2000123. [PMID: 34267927 PMCID: PMC8272004 DOI: 10.1002/gch2.202000123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Anticancer drug development is a crucial step toward cancer treatment, that requires realistic predictions of malignant tissue development and sophisticated drug delivery. Tumors often acquire drug resistance and drug efficacy, hence cannot be accurately predicted in 2D tumor cell cultures. On the other hand, 3D cultures, including multicellular tumor spheroids (MCTSs), mimic the in vivo cellular arrangement and provide robust platforms for drug testing when grown in hydrogels with characteristics similar to the living body. Microparticles and liposomes are considered smart drug delivery vehicles, are able to target cancerous tissue, and can release entrapped drugs on demand. Microfluidics serve as a high-throughput tool for reproducible, flexible, and automated production of droplet-based microscale constructs, tailored to the desired final application. In this review, it is described how natural hydrogels in combination with droplet microfluidics can generate MCTSs, and the use of microfluidics to produce tumor targeting microparticles and liposomes. One of the highlights of the review documents the use of the bottom-up construction methodologies of synthetic biology for the formation of artificial cellular assemblies, which may additionally incorporate both target cancer cells and prospective drug candidates, as an integrated "droplet incubator" drug assay platform.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pantelitsa Dimitriou
- Applied Microfluidic LaboratorySchool of EngineeringCardiff UniversityCardiffCF24 3AAUK
| | - Jin Li
- Applied Microfluidic LaboratorySchool of EngineeringCardiff UniversityCardiffCF24 3AAUK
| | - Giusy Tornillo
- Hadyn Ellis BuildingCardiff UniversityMaindy RoadCardiffCF24 4HQUK
| | - Thomas McCloy
- Applied Microfluidic LaboratorySchool of EngineeringCardiff UniversityCardiffCF24 3AAUK
| | - David Barrow
- Applied Microfluidic LaboratorySchool of EngineeringCardiff UniversityCardiffCF24 3AAUK
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Kim D, Lee SJ, Youn J, Hong H, Eom S, Kim DS. A deep and permeable nanofibrous oval-shaped microwell array for the stable formation of viable and functional spheroids. Biofabrication 2021; 13. [PMID: 34030141 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/ac044c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Despite the potential of a nanofibrous (NF) microwell array as a permeable microwell array to improve the viability and functions of spheroids, thanks to the superior permeability to both gases and solutes, there have still been difficulties regarding the stable formation of spheroids in the NF microwell array due to the low aspect ratio (AR) and the large interspacing between microwells. This study proposes a nanofibrous oval-shaped microwell array, named the NOVA microwell array, with both a high AR and a high well density, enabling us to not only collect cells in the microwell with a high cell seeding efficiency, but also to generate multiple viable and functional spheroids in a uniform and stable manner. To realize a deep NOVA microwell array with a high aspect ratio (AR = 0.9) and a high well density (494 wells cm-2), we developed a matched-mold thermoforming process for the fabrication of both size- and AR-controllable NOVA microwell arrays with various interspacing between microwells while maintaining the porous nature of the NF membrane. The human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cell spheroids cultured on the deep NOVA microwell array not only had uniform size and shape, with a spheroid circularity of 0.80 ± 0.03 at a cell seeding efficiency of 94.29 ± 9.55%, but also exhibited enhanced viability with a small fraction of dead cells and promoted functionality with increased albumin secretion, compared with the conventional impermeable microwell array. The superior characteristics of the deep NOVA microwell array, i.e. a high AR, a high well density, and a high permeability, pave the way to the production of various viable and functional spheroids and even organoids in a scalable manner.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dohui Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77, Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong Jin Lee
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77, Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaeseung Youn
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77, Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeonjun Hong
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77, Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Seongsu Eom
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77, Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Sung Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77, Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 37673, Republic of Korea.,Department of Chemical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77, Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 37673, Republic of Korea.,Institute for Convergence Research and Education in Advanced Technology, Yonsei University, 50, Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Han SJ, Kwon S, Kim KS. Challenges of applying multicellular tumor spheroids in preclinical phase. Cancer Cell Int 2021; 21:152. [PMID: 33663530 PMCID: PMC7934264 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-021-01853-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 157] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The three-dimensional (3D) multicellular tumor spheroids (MCTs) model is becoming an essential tool in cancer research as it expresses an intermediate complexity between 2D monolayer models and in vivo solid tumors. MCTs closely resemble in vivo solid tumors in many aspects, such as the heterogeneous architecture, internal gradients of signaling factors, nutrients, and oxygenation. MCTs have growth kinetics similar to those of in vivo tumors, and the cells in spheroid mimic the physical interaction of the tumors, such as cell-to-cell and cell-to-extracellular matrix interactions. These similarities provide great potential for studying the biological properties of tumors and a promising platform for drug screening and therapeutic efficacy evaluation. However, MCTs are not well adopted as preclinical tools for studying tumor behavior and therapeutic efficacy up to now. In this review, we addressed the challenges with MCTs application and discussed various efforts to overcome the challenges.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Se Jik Han
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Korea
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Korea
| | - Sangwoo Kwon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Korea
| | - Kyung Sook Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Cham TC, Chen X, Honaramooz A. Current progress, challenges, and future prospects of testis organoids†. Biol Reprod 2021; 104:942-961. [PMID: 33550399 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenic failure is believed to be a major cause of male infertility. The establishment of a testis organoid model would facilitate the study of such pathological mechanisms and open the possibility of male fertility preservation. Because of the complex structures and cellular events occurring within the testis, the establishment of a compartmentalized testis organoid with a complete spermatogenic cycle remains a challenge in all species. Since the late 20th century, a great variety of scaffold-based and scaffold-free testis cell culture systems have been established to recapitulate de novo testis organogenesis and in vitro spermatogenesis. The utilization of the hydrogel scaffolds provides a 3D microenvironment for testis cell growth and development, facilitating the reconstruction of de novo testis tissue-like structures and spermatogenic differentiation. Using a combination of different strategies, including the use of various scaffolding biomaterials, the incorporation of the living cells with high self-assembling capacity, and the integration of the advanced fabrication techniques, a scaffold-based testis organoid with a compartmentalized structure that supports in vitro spermatogenesis may be achieved. This article briefly reviews the current progress in the development of scaffold-based testis organoids while focusing on the scaffolding biomaterials (hydrogels), cell sources, and scaffolding approaches. Key challenges in current organoid studies are also discussed along with recommendations for future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tat-Chuan Cham
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B4, Canada
| | - Xiongbiao Chen
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A9, Canada
| | - Ali Honaramooz
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B4, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Kang YJ, Holley CK, Abidian MR, Madhankumar AB, Connor J, Majd S. Tumor Targeted Delivery of an Anti-Cancer Therapeutic: An In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation. Adv Healthc Mater 2021; 10:e2001261. [PMID: 33191612 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202001261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The limited effectiveness of current therapeutics against malignant brain gliomas has led to an urgent need for development of new formulations against these tumors. Chelator Dp44mT (di-2-pyridylketone-4,4-dimethyl-3-thiosemicarbazone) presents a promising candidate to defeat gliomas due to its exceptional anti-tumor activity and its unique ability to overcome multidrug resistance. The goal of this study is to develop a targeted nano-carrier for Dp44mT delivery to glioma tumors and to assess its therapeutic efficacy in vitro and in vivo. Dp44mT is loaded into poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)ylated poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) decorated with glioma-targeting ligand Interlukin 13 (IL13). IL13-conjugation enhanced the NP uptake by glioma cells and also improved their transport across an in vitro blood-brain-barrier (BBB) model. This targeted formulation showed an outstanding toxicity towards glioma cell lines and patient-derived stem cells in vitro, with IC50 values less than 125 nM, and caused no significant death in healthy brain microvascular endothelial cells. In vivo, when tested on a xenograft mouse model, IL13-conjugated Dp44mT-NPs reduced the glioma tumor growth by ≈62% while their untargeted counterparts reduced the tumor growth by only ≈16%. Notably, this formulation does not cause any significant weight loss or kidney/liver toxicity in mice, demonstrating its great therapeutic potential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- You Jung Kang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering Pennsylvania State University University Park PA 16802 USA
| | - Claire K. Holley
- Department of Biomedical Engineering University of Houston Houston TX 77204 USA
| | | | | | - James Connor
- Department of Neurosurgery Penn State University College of Medicine Hershey PA 17033 USA
| | - Sheereen Majd
- Department of Biomedical Engineering University of Houston Houston TX 77204 USA
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Three-Dimensional Spheroids as In Vitro Preclinical Models for Cancer Research. Pharmaceutics 2020; 12:pharmaceutics12121186. [PMID: 33291351 PMCID: PMC7762220 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics12121186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 182] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 11/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Most cancer biologists still rely on conventional two-dimensional (2D) monolayer culture techniques to test in vitro anti-tumor drugs prior to in vivo testing. However, the vast majority of promising preclinical drugs have no or weak efficacy in real patients with tumors, thereby delaying the discovery of successful therapeutics. This is because 2D culture lacks cell–cell contacts and natural tumor microenvironment, important in tumor signaling and drug response, thereby resulting in a reduced malignant phenotype compared to the real tumor. In this sense, three-dimensional (3D) cultures of cancer cells that better recapitulate in vivo cell environments emerged as scientifically accurate and low cost cancer models for preclinical screening and testing of new drug candidates before moving to expensive and time-consuming animal models. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of 3D tumor systems and highlight the strategies for spheroid construction and evaluation tools of targeted therapies, focusing on their applicability in cancer research. Examples of the applicability of 3D culture for the evaluation of the therapeutic efficacy of nanomedicines are discussed.
Collapse
|
39
|
Natural and Synthetic Biomaterials for Engineering Multicellular Tumor Spheroids. Polymers (Basel) 2020; 12:polym12112506. [PMID: 33126468 PMCID: PMC7692845 DOI: 10.3390/polym12112506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The lack of in vitro models that represent the native tumor microenvironment is a significant challenge for cancer research. Two-dimensional (2D) monolayer culture has long been the standard for in vitro cell-based studies. However, differences between 2D culture and the in vivo environment have led to poor translation of cancer research from in vitro to in vivo models, slowing the progress of the field. Recent advances in three-dimensional (3D) culture have improved the ability of in vitro culture to replicate in vivo conditions. Although 3D cultures still cannot achieve the complexity of the in vivo environment, they can still better replicate the cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions of solid tumors. Multicellular tumor spheroids (MCTS) are three-dimensional (3D) clusters of cells with tumor-like features such as oxygen gradients and drug resistance, and represent an important translational tool for cancer research. Accordingly, natural and synthetic polymers, including collagen, hyaluronic acid, Matrigel®, polyethylene glycol (PEG), alginate and chitosan, have been used to form and study MCTS for improved clinical translatability. This review evaluates the current state of biomaterial-based MCTS formation, including advantages and disadvantages of the different biomaterials and their recent applications to the field of cancer research, with a focus on the past five years.
Collapse
|
40
|
Ruiz-Garcia H, Alvarado-Estrada K, Schiapparelli P, Quinones-Hinojosa A, Trifiletti DM. Engineering Three-Dimensional Tumor Models to Study Glioma Cancer Stem Cells and Tumor Microenvironment. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:558381. [PMID: 33177991 PMCID: PMC7596188 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.558381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and devastating primary brain tumor, leading to a uniform fatality after diagnosis. A major difficulty in eradicating GBM is the presence of microscopic residual infiltrating disease remaining after multimodality treatment. Glioma cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been pinpointed as the treatment-resistant tumor component that seeds ultimate tumor progression. Despite the key role of CSCs, the ideal preclinical model to study the genetic and epigenetic landmarks driving their malignant behavior while simulating an accurate interaction with the tumor microenvironment (TME) is still missing. The introduction of three-dimensional (3D) tumor platforms, such as organoids and 3D bioprinting, has allowed for a better representation of the pathophysiologic interactions between glioma CSCs and the TME. Thus, these technologies have enabled a more detailed study of glioma biology, tumor angiogenesis, treatment resistance, and even performing high-throughput screening assays of drug susceptibility. First, we will review the foundation of glioma biology and biomechanics of the TME, and then the most up-to-date insights about the applicability of these new tools in malignant glioma research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Henry Ruiz-Garcia
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States.,Department of Neurological Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States
| | | | - Paula Schiapparelli
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States
| | | | - Daniel M Trifiletti
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States.,Department of Neurological Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
|
42
|
Wu RWK, Chu ESM, Yuen JWM, Huang Z. Comparative study of FosPeg® photodynamic effect on nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells in 2D and 3D models. JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY B-BIOLOGY 2020; 210:111987. [PMID: 32801063 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2020.111987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) offers an alternative option for the treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). The utilization of 3-dimensional (3D) culture model might provide better understanding of PDT effects on NPC cells. The aim of this in vitro study was to compare PDT effect on NPC cells using 2D and 3D models. Two 3D culture models were established using liquid overlay method with agarose base (MCL) and hanging drop method (MCS). PDT was carried out using the combination of FosPeg® and 652 nm laser in 3D and conventional 2D models. The effects of 3D culture size and morphology on the uptake and distribution of sensitizer and gene expression were examined. Photocytotoxity, mode of cell death, and protein expression were compared for 2D and 3D models. Regular and irregular NPC spheroids were obtained from MCL and MCS methods, respectively. A significantly down-regulation of LMP1 mRNA were observed in MCL spheroid. The sensitizer uptake in 3D spheroids was half of 2D culture. More sensitizers were required to obtain IC50 in 3D spheroids. Apoptosis, necrosis and autophagosomes were detected in PDT treated 2D and 3D cells. Different protein expression patterns were observed in 2D and 3D models. FosPeg® PDT is effective in killing NPC cells. MCL-derived 3D spheroid model is more suitable for the evaluation of PDT killing mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ricky Wing Kei Wu
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Tung Wah College, Hong Kong, China.
| | | | - John Wai Man Yuen
- School of Nursing, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zheng Huang
- Biomedical Photonics Center, MOE Key Laboratory of Photonics Science and Technology for Medicine, School of OptoElectronic and Information Engineering, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, Hong Kong, China
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Dp44mT, an iron chelator, suppresses growth and induces apoptosis via RORA-mediated NDRG2-IL6/JAK2/STAT3 signaling in glioma. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2020; 43:461-475. [PMID: 32207044 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-020-00502-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Revised: 02/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The iron-chelating agent di-2-pyridylketone 4,4-dimethyl-3-thiosemicarbazone (Dp44mT) has been found to inhibit cell growth and to induce apoptosis in several human cancers. However, its effects and mechanism of action in glioma are unknown. METHODS Human glioma cell line LN229 and patient-derived glioma stem cells GSC-42 were applied for both in vitro and in vivo xenograft nude mouse experiments. The anti-tumor effects of Dp44mT were assessed using MTS, EdU, TUNEL, Western blotting, qRT-PCR, luciferase reporter, chromatin immunoprecipitation and immunohistochemical assays. RESULTS We found that Dp44mT can upregulate the expression of the anti-oncogene N-myc downstream-regulated gene (NDRG)2 by directly binding to and activating the RAR-related orphan receptor (ROR)A. In addition, we found that NDRG2 overexpression suppressed inflammation via activation of interleukin (IL)-6/Janus kinase (JAK)2/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)3 signaling. CONCLUSIONS Our data indicate that Dp44mT may serve as an effective drug for the treatment of glioma by targeting RORA and enhancing NDRG2-mediated IL-6/JAK2/STAT3 signaling.
Collapse
|
44
|
Chao C, Ngo Le P, Engelward BP. SpheroidChip: Patterned Agarose Microwell Compartments Harboring HepG2 Spheroids are Compatible with Genotoxicity Testing. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2020; 6:2427-2439. [PMID: 33145399 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.9b01951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Three-dimensional tissue culture models are emerging as effective alternatives to animal testing. They are especially beneficial for liver toxicity studies, enabling hepatocytes to display improved levels of liver-specific functions. One common model is hepatocyte spheroids, which are spontaneously formed cell aggregates. Techniques for spheroid formation include the use of ultralow attachment plates and the hanging drop method, both of which are technically challenging and relatively low throughput. Here, we describe a simple-to-use platform that improves spheroid production and is compatible with genotoxicity testing by the comet assay. To achieve this, we created a chip containing a microwell array where dozens of spheroids are contained within a single well of a 96-well plate. The microwells are made from agarose, a nontoxic material suitable for cell growth and spheroid formation. HepG2 cells loaded into customizable microwells formed spheroids through agarose-assisted aggregation within one to two days. In addition, the agarose matrix allows the same platform to be used in DNA damage analysis. Specifically, the comet assay enables quantification of DNA breaks based on the increased migration of damaged DNA through agarose during electrophoresis. Here, we developed a modified comet assay and show that intact HepG2 spheroids cultured in microwells can be electrophoresed to reveal the extent of DNA damage following exposure to inflammatory chemicals (H2O2 and SIN-1). With this SpheroidChip analysis method, we detected a dose-dependent increase in DNA damage and observed rapid repair of H2O2-induced DNA damage. In summary, we utilized an agarose microarray to condense what had required an entire 96-well plate into a single well, enabling analysis techniques that were cumbersome or impossible under conditions of a single spheroid per well of a 96-well plate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christy Chao
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - P Ngo Le
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Bevin P Engelward
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Holley CK, Kang YJ, Kuo CF, Abidian MR, Majd S. Development and in vitro assessment of an anti-tumor nano-formulation. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2019; 184:110481. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2019.110481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2019] [Revised: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
|
46
|
Nakod PS, Kim Y, Rao SS. Three-dimensional biomimetic hyaluronic acid hydrogels to investigate glioblastoma stem cell behaviors. Biotechnol Bioeng 2019; 117:511-522. [PMID: 31691953 DOI: 10.1002/bit.27219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Revised: 10/24/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the deadliest form of primary brain tumor. GBM tumors are highly heterogeneous, being composed of tumor cells as well as glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs) that contribute to drug resistance and tumor recurrence following treatment. To develop therapeutic strategies, an improved understanding of GSC behavior in their microenvironment is critical. Herein, we have employed three-dimensional (3D) hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogels that allow the incorporation of brain microenvironmental cues to investigate GSC behavior. U87 cell line and patient-derived D456 cells were cultured as suspension cultures (serum-free) and adherently (in the presence of serum) and were then encapsulated in HA hydrogels. We observed that all the seeded single cells expanded and formed spheres, and the size of the spheres increased with time. Increasing the initial cell seeding density of cells influenced the sphere size distribution. Interestingly, clonal expansion of serum-free grown tumor cells in HA hydrogels was observed. Also, stemness marker expression of serum and/or serum-free grown cells was altered when cultured in HA hydrogels. Finally, we demonstrated that HA hydrogels can support long-term GSC culture (up to 60 days) with retention of stemness markers. Overall, such biomimetic culture systems could further our understanding of the microenvironmental regulation of GSC phenotypes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pinaki S Nakod
- Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama
| | - Yonghyun Kim
- Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama
| | - Shreyas S Rao
- Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Wolf KJ, Chen J, Coombes J, Aghi MK, Kumar S. Dissecting and rebuilding the glioblastoma microenvironment with engineered materials. NATURE REVIEWS. MATERIALS 2019; 4:651-668. [PMID: 32647587 PMCID: PMC7347297 DOI: 10.1038/s41578-019-0135-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive and common form of primary brain cancer. Several decades of research have provided great insight into GBM progression; however, the prognosis remains poor with a median patient survival time of ~ 15 months. The tumour microenvironment (TME) of GBM plays a crucial role in mediating tumour progression and thus is being explored as a therapeutic target. Progress in the development of treatments targeting the TME is currently limited by a lack of model systems that can accurately recreate the distinct extracellular matrix composition and anatomic features of the brain, such as the blood-brain barrier and axonal tracts. Biomaterials can be applied to develop synthetic models of the GBM TME to mimic physiological and pathophysiological features of the brain, including cellular and ECM composition, mechanical properties, and topography. In this Review, we summarize key features of the GBM microenvironment and discuss different strategies for the engineering of GBM TME models, including 2D and 3D models featuring chemical and mechanical gradients, interfaces and fluid flow. Finally, we highlight the potential of engineered TME models as platforms for mechanistic discovery and drug screening as well as preclinical testing and precision medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kayla J. Wolf
- University of California, Berkeley – University of California, San Francisco Graduate Program in Bioengineering, Berkeley, California, 94720, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, 94720, USA
| | - Joseph Chen
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, 94720, USA
| | - Jason Coombes
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, 94720, USA
- Division of Transplantation Immunology and Mucosal Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Manish K. Aghi
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of California San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, California, 94158
| | - Sanjay Kumar
- University of California, Berkeley – University of California, San Francisco Graduate Program in Bioengineering, Berkeley, California, 94720, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, 94720, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, 94720, USA
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Trujillo-de Santiago G, Flores-Garza BG, Tavares-Negrete JA, Lara-Mayorga IM, González-Gamboa I, Zhang YS, Rojas-Martínez A, Ortiz-López R, Álvarez MM. The Tumor-on-Chip: Recent Advances in the Development of Microfluidic Systems to Recapitulate the Physiology of Solid Tumors. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2019; 12:E2945. [PMID: 31514390 PMCID: PMC6766252 DOI: 10.3390/ma12182945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Revised: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The ideal in vitro recreation of the micro-tumor niche-although much needed for a better understanding of cancer etiology and development of better anticancer therapies-is highly challenging. Tumors are complex three-dimensional (3D) tissues that establish a dynamic cross-talk with the surrounding tissues through complex chemical signaling. An extensive body of experimental evidence has established that 3D culture systems more closely recapitulate the architecture and the physiology of human solid tumors when compared with traditional 2D systems. Moreover, conventional 3D culture systems fail to recreate the dynamics of the tumor niche. Tumor-on-chip systems, which are microfluidic devices that aim to recreate relevant features of the tumor physiology, have recently emerged as powerful tools in cancer research. In tumor-on-chip systems, the use of microfluidics adds another dimension of physiological mimicry by allowing a continuous feed of nutrients (and pharmaceutical compounds). Here, we discuss recently published literature related to the culture of solid tumor-like tissues in microfluidic systems (tumor-on-chip devices). Our aim is to provide the readers with an overview of the state of the art on this particular theme and to illustrate the toolbox available today for engineering tumor-like structures (and their environments) in microfluidic devices. The suitability of tumor-on-chip devices is increasing in many areas of cancer research, including the study of the physiology of solid tumors, the screening of novel anticancer pharmaceutical compounds before resourcing to animal models, and the development of personalized treatments. In the years to come, additive manufacturing (3D bioprinting and 3D printing), computational fluid dynamics, and medium- to high-throughput omics will become powerful enablers of a new wave of more sophisticated and effective tumor-on-chip devices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Grissel Trujillo-de Santiago
- Centro de Biotecnología-FEMSA, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Monterrey, Nuevo León CP 64849, Mexico.
- Departamento de Ingeniería Mecátrónica y Eléctrica, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Monterrey, Nuevo León CP 64849, Mexico.
| | | | | | - Itzel Montserrat Lara-Mayorga
- Centro de Biotecnología-FEMSA, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Monterrey, Nuevo León CP 64849, Mexico
- Departamento de Ingeniería Mecátrónica y Eléctrica, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Monterrey, Nuevo León CP 64849, Mexico
| | - Ivonne González-Gamboa
- Centro de Biotecnología-FEMSA, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Monterrey, Nuevo León CP 64849, Mexico
| | - Yu Shrike Zhang
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Augusto Rojas-Martínez
- Centro de Investigación y Transferencia en Salud, Hospital San José, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Monterrey, Nuevo León CP 64849, Mexico
| | - Rocío Ortiz-López
- Centro de Investigación y Transferencia en Salud, Hospital San José, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Monterrey, Nuevo León CP 64849, Mexico
| | - Mario Moisés Álvarez
- Centro de Biotecnología-FEMSA, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Monterrey, Nuevo León CP 64849, Mexico.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Multi-stimuli responsive nanosystem modified by tumor-targeted carbon dots for chemophototherapy synergistic therapy. J Colloid Interface Sci 2019; 552:639-650. [PMID: 31173992 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2019.05.085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2019] [Revised: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
In this work, a tumor-targeted and multi-stimuli responsive drug delivery system combining infrared thermal imaging of cells with thermo-chemotherapy was developed. Oxidized mesoporous carbon nanoparticles (MCNs-COOH) with high photothermal conversion ability (photothermal transduction efficiency η = 27.4%) in near-infrared (NIR) region were utilized to encapsulate doxorubicin (DOX). The outer surfaces of MCNs-COOH were capped with multifunctional carbon dots (CDHA) as simultaneous smart gatekeepers, a tumor targeting moiety and a fluorescent probe. NIR laser irradiation killed cancer cells through NIR-light induced hyperthermia, facilitated chemotherapeutic drug release and enhanced the sensitivity of tumor cells to drugs. The therapeutic efficacy in two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) cells demonstrated that MC-CDHA loading DOX (MC-CDHA/DOX) had good chemo-photothermal synergistic antitumor effects (combination index of CI = 0.448). The biodistribution and pharmacodynamics experiments of MC-CDHA/DOX in the 4T1 tumor model indicated that MCNs-COOH prolonged the residence time of DOX in tumor tissues and therefore actualized effective synergistic photothermal chemotherapy. By combining these excellent capabilities, the tumor-targeted and multi-stimuli responsive drug delivery system can be utilized as a visible nanoplatform for chemophotothermal synergistic therapy.
Collapse
|
50
|
Loss of cell-matrix contact increases hypoxia-inducible factor-dependent transcriptional activity in glioma cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2019; 515:77-84. [PMID: 31128911 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2019.05.115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Accepted: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
In a variety of malignomas, the acquisition of a mesenchymal phenotype has been linked with anchorage-independent growth and invasiveness. To some extent, glioma cells are able to survive a loss of cell-matrix contact. We here describe that non-adherent culture of glioma cells was accompanied by an increase in hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-dependent, but not β-catenin/TCF-induced transcription. Levels of reactive oxygen species decreased in suspension and knockdown of HIF-1α enhanced cell death following detachment. By promoting the adaptation to non-adherent conditions, mechanisms driven by HIF-1α may considerably contribute to the biology and aggressiveness of glioblastoma.
Collapse
|