1
|
Ursini O, Grieco M, Sappino C, Capodilupo AL, Giannitelli SM, Mauri E, Bucciarelli A, Coricciati C, de Turris V, Gigli G, Moroni L, Cortese B. Modulation of Methacrylated Hyaluronic Acid Hydrogels Enables Their Use as 3D Cultured Model. Gels 2023; 9:801. [PMID: 37888374 PMCID: PMC10606912 DOI: 10.3390/gels9100801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Bioengineered hydrogels represent physiologically relevant platforms for cell behaviour studies in the tissue engineering and regenerative medicine fields, as well as in in vitro disease models. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is an ideal platform since it is a natural biocompatible polymer that is widely used to study cellular crosstalk, cell adhesion and cell proliferation, and is one of the major components of the extracellular matrix (ECM). We synthesised chemically modified HA with photo-crosslinkable methacrylated groups (HA-MA) in aqueous solutions and in strictly monitored pH and temperature conditions to obtain hydrogels with controlled bulk properties. The physical and chemical properties of the different HA-MA hydrogels were investigated via rheological studies, mechanical testing and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging, which allowed us to determine the optimal biomechanical properties and develop a biocompatible scaffold. The morphological evolution processes and proliferation rates of glioblastoma cells (U251-MG) cultured on HA-MA surfaces were evaluated by comparing 2D structures with 3D structures, showing that the change in dimensionality impacted cell functions and interactions. The cell viability assays and evaluation of mitochondrial metabolism showed that the hydrogels did not interfere with cell survival. In addition, morphological studies provided evidence of cell-matrix interactions that promoted cell budding from the spheroids and the invasiveness in the surrounding environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ornella Ursini
- National Research Council-Institute of Nanotechnology (CNR Nanotec), c/o Edificio Fermi, University Sapienza, Pz.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Maddalena Grieco
- National Research Council-Institute of Nanotechnology (CNR Nanotec), c/o Ecotekne, University of Salento, Via Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (M.G.); (A.L.C.); (A.B.); (C.C.); (G.G.); (L.M.)
| | - Carla Sappino
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University Rome, Pz.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Agostina Lina Capodilupo
- National Research Council-Institute of Nanotechnology (CNR Nanotec), c/o Ecotekne, University of Salento, Via Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (M.G.); (A.L.C.); (A.B.); (C.C.); (G.G.); (L.M.)
| | - Sara Maria Giannitelli
- Department of Science and Technology for Sustainable Development and One Health, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128 Rome, Italy;
| | - Emanuele Mauri
- Department of Engineering, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128 Rome, Italy;
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering “G. Natta”, Politecnico di Milano, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Alessio Bucciarelli
- National Research Council-Institute of Nanotechnology (CNR Nanotec), c/o Ecotekne, University of Salento, Via Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (M.G.); (A.L.C.); (A.B.); (C.C.); (G.G.); (L.M.)
| | - Chiara Coricciati
- National Research Council-Institute of Nanotechnology (CNR Nanotec), c/o Ecotekne, University of Salento, Via Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (M.G.); (A.L.C.); (A.B.); (C.C.); (G.G.); (L.M.)
- Department of Mathematics and Physics “Ennio De Giorgi”, University of Salento, Via Arnesano, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Valeria de Turris
- Center for Life Nano- & Neuro- Science Italian Institute of Technology (IIT), 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Giuseppe Gigli
- National Research Council-Institute of Nanotechnology (CNR Nanotec), c/o Ecotekne, University of Salento, Via Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (M.G.); (A.L.C.); (A.B.); (C.C.); (G.G.); (L.M.)
- Department of Mathematics and Physics “Ennio De Giorgi”, University of Salento, Via Arnesano, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Moroni
- National Research Council-Institute of Nanotechnology (CNR Nanotec), c/o Ecotekne, University of Salento, Via Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (M.G.); (A.L.C.); (A.B.); (C.C.); (G.G.); (L.M.)
- Department of Complex Tissue Regeneration, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Barbara Cortese
- National Research Council-Institute of Nanotechnology (CNR Nanotec), c/o Edificio Fermi, University Sapienza, Pz.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Iman H, Benjamin A, Peyton K, Habbit NL, Ahmed B, Heslin MJ, Mobley JA, Greene MW, Lipke EA. Engineered colorectal cancer tissue recapitulates key attributes of a patient-derived xenograft tumor line. Biofabrication 2022; 14:10.1088/1758-5090/ac73b6. [PMID: 35617932 PMCID: PMC9822569 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/ac73b6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The development of physiologically relevantin vitrocolorectal cancer (CRC) models is vital for advancing understanding of tumor biology. Although CRC patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) recapitulate key patient tumor characteristics and demonstrate high concordance with clinical outcomes, the use of thisin vivomodel is costly and low-throughput. Here we report the establishment and in-depth characterization of anin vitrotissue-engineered CRC model using PDX cells. To form the 3D engineered CRC-PDX (3D-eCRC-PDX) tissues, CRC PDX tumors were expandedin vivo, dissociated, and the isolated cells encapsulated within PEG-fibrinogen hydrogels. Following PEG-fibrinogen encapsulation, cells remain viable and proliferate within 3D-eCRC-PDX tissues. Tumor cell subpopulations, including human cancer and mouse stromal cells, are maintained in long-term culture (29 days); cellular subpopulations increase ratiometrically over time. The 3D-eCRC-PDX tissues mimic the mechanical stiffness of originating tumors. Extracellular matrix protein production by cells in the 3D-eCRC-PDX tissues resulted in approximately 57% of proteins observed in the CRC-PDX tumors also being present in the 3D-eCRC-PDX tissues on day 22. Furthermore, we show congruence in enriched gene ontology molecular functions and Hallmark gene sets in 3D-eCRC-PDX tissues and CRC-PDX tumors compared to normal colon tissue, while prognostic Kaplan-Meier plots for overall and relapse free survival did not reveal significant differences between CRC-PDX tumors and 3D-eCRC-PDX tissues. Our results demonstrate high batch-to-batch consistency and strong correlation between ourin vitrotissue-engineered PDX-CRC model and the originatingin vivoPDX tumors, providing a foundation for future studies of disease progression and tumorigenic mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hassani Iman
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Anbiah Benjamin
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Kuhlers Peyton
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics, and Hospitality Management, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Nicole L. Habbit
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Bulbul Ahmed
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics, and Hospitality Management, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Martin J. Heslin
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
| | - James A. Mobley
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35205-3703, USA
- Division of Molecular and Translational Biomedicine, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35205-3703, USA
| | - Michael W. Greene
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics, and Hospitality Management, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Elizabeth A. Lipke
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Preclinical models of glioblastoma: limitations of current models and the promise of new developments. Expert Rev Mol Med 2021; 23:e20. [PMID: 34852856 DOI: 10.1017/erm.2021.20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and aggressive primary brain tumour, yet little progress has been made towards providing better treatment options for patients diagnosed with this devastating condition over the last few decades. The complex nature of the disease, heterogeneity, highly invasive potential of GBM tumours and until recently, reduced investment in research funding compared with other cancer types, are contributing factors to few advancements in disease management. Survival rates remain low with less than 5% of patients surviving 5 years. Another important contributing factor is the use of preclinical models that fail to fully recapitulate GBM pathophysiology, preventing efficient translation from the lab into successful therapies in the clinic. This review critically evaluates current preclinical GBM models, highlighting advantages and disadvantages of using such models, and outlines several emerging techniques in GBM modelling using animal-free approaches. These novel approaches to a highly complex disease such as GBM show evidence of a more truthful recapitulation of GBM pathobiology with high reproducibility. The resulting advancements in this field will offer new biological insights into GBM and its aetiology with potential to contribute towards the development of much needed improved treatments for GBM in future.
Collapse
|
4
|
Goodarzi K, Rao SS. Hyaluronic acid-based hydrogels to study cancer cell behaviors. J Mater Chem B 2021; 9:6103-6115. [PMID: 34259709 DOI: 10.1039/d1tb00963j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a natural polysaccharide and a key component of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in many tissues. Therefore, HA-based biomaterials are extensively utilized to create three dimensional ECM mimics to study cell behaviors in vitro. Specifically, derivatives of HA have been commonly used to fabricate hydrogels with controllable properties. In this review, we discuss the various chemistries employed to fabricate HA-based hydrogels as a tunable matrix to mimic the cancer microenvironment and subsequently study cancer cell behaviors in vitro. These include Michael-addition reactions, photo-crosslinking, carbodiimide chemistry, and Diels-Alder chemistry. The utility of these HA-based hydrogels to examine cancer cell behaviors such as proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro in various types of cancer are highlighted. Overall, such hydrogels provide a biomimetic material-based platform to probe cell-matrix interactions in cancer cells in vitro and study the mechanisms associated with cancer progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kasra Goodarzi
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0203, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zhu D, Trinh P, Li J, Grant GA, Yang F. Gradient hydrogels for screening stiffness effects on patient-derived glioblastoma xenograft cellfates in 3D. J Biomed Mater Res A 2021; 109:1027-1035. [PMID: 32862485 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.37093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 08/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Brain cancer is a devastating disease given its extreme invasiveness and intricate location. Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the most common forms of brain cancer, and cancer progression is often correlated with significantly altered tissue stiffness. To elucidate the effect of matrix stiffness on GBM cell fates, previous research is largely limited to 2D studies using immortalized cell lines, which has limited physiological relevance. The objective of the study is to develop gradient hydrogels with brain-mimicking stiffness range as a 3Din vitro GBM model for screening of the effects of matrix stiffness on GBM. To increase the physiological relevance, patient-derived tumor xenograft (PDTX) GBM cells were used. Our gradient platform allows formation of cell-containing hydrogels with stiffness ranging from 40 Pa to 1,300 Pa within a few minutes. By focusing on a brain-mimicking stiffness range, this gradient hydrogel platform is designed for investigating brain cancer. Increasing stiffness led to decreased GBM proliferation and less spreading, which is accompanied by downregulation of matrix-metalloproteinases (MMPs). Using temozolomide (TMZ) as a model drug, we demonstrate that increasing stiffness led to higher drug resistance by PDTX GBM cells in 3D, suggesting matrix stiffness can directly modulate how GBM cells respond to drug treatment. While the current study focuses on stiffness gradient, the setup may also be adapted for screening other cancer niche cues such as how biochemical ligand gradient modulates brain cancer progression and drug responses using reduced materials and time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danqing Zhu
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Pavin Trinh
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Jianfeng Li
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Gerry A Grant
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Fan Yang
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Chang CY, Lin CC. Hydrogel Models with Stiffness Gradients for Interrogating Pancreatic Cancer Cell Fate. Bioengineering (Basel) 2021; 8:37. [PMID: 33805737 PMCID: PMC8002168 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering8030037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most common type of pancreatic cancer and has seen only modest improvements in patient survival rate over the past few decades. PDAC is highly aggressive and resistant to chemotherapy, owing to the presence of a dense and hypovascularized fibrotic tissue, which is composed of stromal cells and extracellular matrices. Increase deposition and crosslinking of matrices by stromal cells lead to a heterogeneous microenvironment that aids in PDAC development. In the past decade, various hydrogel-based, in vitro tumor models have been developed to mimic and recapitulate aspects of the tumor microenvironment in PDAC. Advances in hydrogel chemistry and engineering should provide a venue for discovering new insights regarding how matrix properties govern PDAC cell growth, migration, invasion, and drug resistance. These engineered hydrogels are ideal for understanding how variation in matrix properties contributes to the progressiveness of cancer cells, including durotaxis, the directional migration of cells in response to a stiffness gradient. This review surveys the various hydrogel-based, in vitro tumor models and the methods to generate gradient stiffness for studying migration and other cancer cell fate processes in PDAC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Yi Chang
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA;
| | - Chien-Chi Lin
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA;
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Xiao W, Wang S, Zhang R, Sohrabi A, Yu Q, Liu S, Ehsanipour A, Liang J, Bierman RD, Nathanson DA, Seidlits SK. Bioengineered scaffolds for 3D culture demonstrate extracellular matrix-mediated mechanisms of chemotherapy resistance in glioblastoma. Matrix Biol 2020; 85-86:128-146. [PMID: 31028838 PMCID: PMC6813884 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2019.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2019] [Revised: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 04/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Originating in the brain, glioblastoma (GBM) is a highly lethal and virtually incurable cancer, in large part because it readily develops resistance to treatments. While numerous studies have investigated mechanisms enabling GBM cells to evade chemotherapy-induced apoptosis, few have addressed how their surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM) acts to promote their survival. Here, we employed a biomaterial-based, 3D culture platform to investigate systematically how interactions between patient-derived GBM cells and the brain ECM promote resistance to alkylating chemotherapies - including temozolomide, which is used routinely in clinical practice. Scaffolds for 3D culture were fabricated from hyaluronic acid (HA) - a major structural and bioactive component of the brain ECM - and functionalized with the RGD (arginine-glycine-aspartic acid) tripeptide to provide sites for integrin engagement. Data demonstrate that cooperative engagement of CD44, through HA, and integrin αV, through RGD, facilitates resistance to alkylating chemotherapies through co-activation of Src, which inhibited downstream expression of BCL-2 family pro-apoptotic factors. In sum, a bioengineered, 3D culture platform was used to gain new mechanistic insights into how ECM in the brain tumor microenvironment promotes resistance to chemotherapy and suggests potential avenues for the development of novel, matrix-targeted combination therapies designed to suppress chemotherapy resistance in GBM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weikun Xiao
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Shanshan Wang
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Rongyu Zhang
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Alireza Sohrabi
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Qi Yu
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Sihan Liu
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Arshia Ehsanipour
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Jesse Liang
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Rebecca D Bierman
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - David A Nathanson
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Stephanie K Seidlits
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Broad Stem Cell Research Center, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Brain Research Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Jo H, Yoon M, Gajendiran M, Kim K. Recent Strategies in Fabrication of Gradient Hydrogels for Tissue Engineering Applications. Macromol Biosci 2019; 20:e1900300. [PMID: 31886614 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.201900300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Revised: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Hydrogels are widely used as scaffold in tissue engineering field because of their ability to mimic the cellular microenvironment. However, mimicking a completely natural cellular environment is complicated due to the differences in various physical and chemical properties of cellular environments. Recently, gradient hydrogels provide excellent heterogeneous environment to mimic the different cellular microenvironments. To create hydrogels with an anisotropic distribution, gradient hydrogels have been widely developed by adopting several gradient generation techniques. Herein, the various gradient hydrogel fabrication techniques, including dual syringe pump systems, microfluidic device, photolithography, diffusion, and bio-printing are summarized. As the effects of gradient 3D hydrogels with stems have been reviewed elsewhere, this review focuses principally on gradient hydrogel fabrication for multi-model tissue regeneration. This review provides new insights into the key points for fabrication of gradient hydrogels for multi-model tissue regeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heejung Jo
- Department of Bioengineering and Nano-Bioengineering, Incheon National University, Incheon, 22012, Republic of Korea
| | - Minhyuk Yoon
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Mani Gajendiran
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Dongguk University, Seoul, 06420, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyobum Kim
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Dongguk University, Seoul, 06420, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Hubka KM, Carson DD, Harrington DA, Farach-Carson MC. Perlecan domain I gradients establish stable biomimetic heparin binding growth factor gradients for cell migration in hydrogels. Acta Biomater 2019; 97:385-398. [PMID: 31351252 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2019.07.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Revised: 07/13/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Growth factor gradients orchestrate many biological processes including organogenesis, wound healing, cancer invasion, and metastasis. Heparin-binding growth factor (HBGF) gradients are established in living systems by proteoglycans including the extracellular matrix heparan sulfate proteoglycan, perlecan/HSPG2. Three potential HBGF-binding glycosaminoglycan attachment sites occur in N-terminal domain I of perlecan's five domains. Our overarching goal was to form stable, biomimetic non-covalently bound HBGF gradients surrounding cells encapsulated in hyaluronate-based hydrogels by first establishing perlecan domain I (PlnD1) gradients. A versatile multichannel gradient maker device (MGMD) was designed and 3D printed, then used to create desired gradients of microparticles in hydrogels. Next, we used the device to covalently incorporate gradients of PEGylated PlnD1 in hydrogels with high-low-high or high-medium-low concentrations across the hydrogel width. Fluorescently-labeled fibroblast growth factor-2 was delivered to hydrogels in phosphate-buffered saline and allowed to electrostatically bind to the covalently pre-incorporated PlnD1, producing stable non-covalent HBGF gradients. To test cell viability after flow through the MGMD, delicate primary human salivary stem/progenitor cells were encapsulated in gradient hydrogels where they showed high viability and continued to grow. Next, to test migratory behavior in response to HBGF gradients, two cell types, preosteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cell line and breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 were encapsulated in or adjacent to PlnD1-modified hydrogels. Both cell lines migrated toward HBGFs bound to PlnD1. We conclude that establishing covalently-bound PlnD1 gradients in hydrogels provides a new means to establish physiologically-relevant gradients of HBGFs that are useful for a variety of applications in tissue engineering and cancer biology. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Gradients of heparin binding growth factors (HBGFs) direct cell behavior in living systems. HBGFs bind electrostatically to gradients of HS proteoglycans in the extracellular matrix creating HBGF gradients. We recreated HBGF gradients in physiological hyaluronate-based hydrogels using a 3D-printed multichannel gradient maker device (MGMD) that created gradients of HS proteoglycan-derived perlecan/HSPG2 domain I. We demonstrated the ability of a variety of cells, including primary salivary stem/progenitor cells, pre-osteoblastic cells and an invasive breast cancer cell line, to be co-encapsulated in gradient hydrogels by flowing them together through the MGMD. The versatile device and the ability to create HBGF gradients in hydrogels for a variety of applications is innovative and of broad utility in both cancer biology and tissue engineering applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kelsea M Hubka
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, MS-142, 6100 Main Street, Houston, TX 77005, USA; Department of Diagnostic and Biomedical Sciences, School of Dentistry, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 7500 Cambridge Street Room 4401, Houston, TX 77054, USA.
| | - Daniel D Carson
- Department of Biosciences, Rice University, MS-140, P.O. Box 1892, Houston, TX 77251, USA; Department of Genetics, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Daniel A Harrington
- Department of Biosciences, Rice University, MS-140, P.O. Box 1892, Houston, TX 77251, USA; Department of Diagnostic and Biomedical Sciences, School of Dentistry, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 7500 Cambridge Street Room 4401, Houston, TX 77054, USA.
| | - Mary C Farach-Carson
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, MS-142, 6100 Main Street, Houston, TX 77005, USA; Department of Biosciences, Rice University, MS-140, P.O. Box 1892, Houston, TX 77251, USA; Department of Diagnostic and Biomedical Sciences, School of Dentistry, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 7500 Cambridge Street Room 4401, Houston, TX 77054, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Hyaluronic acid-functionalized gelatin hydrogels reveal extracellular matrix signals temper the efficacy of erlotinib against patient-derived glioblastoma specimens. Biomaterials 2019; 219:119371. [PMID: 31352310 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2019.119371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Revised: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Therapeutic options to treat primary glioblastoma (GBM) tumors are scarce. GBM tumors with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations, in particular a constitutively active EGFRvIII mutant, have extremely poor clinical outcomes. GBM tumors with concurrent EGFR amplification and active phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) are sensitive to the tyrosine kinase inhibitor erlotinib, but the effect is not durable. A persistent challenge to improved treatment is the poorly understood role of cellular, metabolic, and biophysical signals from the GBM tumor microenvironment on therapeutic efficacy and acquired resistance. The intractable nature of studying GBM cell in vivo motivates tissue engineering approaches to replicate aspects of the complex GBM tumor microenvironment. Here, we profile the effect of erlotinib on two patient-derived GBM specimens: EGFR + GBM12 and EGFRvIII GBM6. We use a three-dimensional gelatin hydrogel to present brain-mimetic hyaluronic acid (HA) and evaluate the coordinated influence of extracellular matrix signals and EGFR mutation status on GBM cell migration, survival and proliferation, as well as signaling pathway activation in response to cyclic erlotinib exposure. Comparable to results observed in vivo for xenograft tumors, erlotinib exposure is not cytotoxic for GBM6 EGFRvIII specimens. We also identify a role of extracellular HA (via CD44) in altering the effect of erlotinib in GBM EGFR + cells by modifying STAT3 phosphorylation status. Taken together, we report an in vitro tissue engineered platform to monitor signaling associated with poor response to targeted inhibitors in GBM.
Collapse
|
11
|
Sun Han Chang R, Lee JCW, Pedron S, Harley BAC, Rogers SA. Rheological Analysis of the Gelation Kinetics of an Enzyme Cross-linked PEG Hydrogel. Biomacromolecules 2019; 20:2198-2206. [PMID: 31046247 PMCID: PMC6765384 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.9b00116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The diverse requirements of hydrogels for tissue engineering motivate the development of cross-linking reactions to fabricate hydrogel networks with specific features, particularly those amenable to the activity of biological materials (e.g., cells, proteins) that do not require exposure to UV light. We describe gelation kinetics for a library of thiolated poly(ethylene glycol) sulfhydryl hydrogels undergoing enzymatic cross-linking via horseradish peroxidase, a catalyst-driven reaction activated by hydrogen peroxide. We report the use of small-amplitude oscillatory shear (SAOS) to quantify gelation kinetics as a function of reaction conditions (hydrogen peroxide and polymer concentrations). We employ a novel approach to monitor the change of viscoelastic properties of hydrogels over the course of gelation (Δ tgel) via the time derivative of the storage modulus (d G'/d t). This approach, fundamentally distinct from traditional methods for defining a gel point, quantifies the time interval over which gelation events occur. We report that gelation depends on peroxide and polymer concentrations as well as system temperature, where the effects of hydrogen peroxide tend to saturate over a critical concentration. Further, this cross-linking reaction can be reversed using l-cysteine for rapid cell isolation, and the rate of hydrogel dissolution can be monitored using SAOS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raul Sun Han Chang
- Department Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Johnny Ching-Wei Lee
- Department Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Sara Pedron
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Brendan A. C. Harley
- Department Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Simon A. Rogers
- Department Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Xiao W, Ehsanipour A, Sohrabi A, Seidlits SK. Hyaluronic-Acid Based Hydrogels for 3-Dimensional Culture of Patient-Derived Glioblastoma Cells. J Vis Exp 2018:58176. [PMID: 30199037 PMCID: PMC6231877 DOI: 10.3791/58176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common, yet most lethal, central nervous system cancer. In recent years, many studies have focused on how the extracellular matrix (ECM) of the unique brain environment, such as hyaluronic acid (HA), facilitates GBM progression and invasion. However, most in vitro culture models include GBM cells outside of the context of an ECM. Murine xenografts of GBM cells are used commonly as well. However, in vivo models make it difficult to isolate the contributions of individual features of the complex tumor microenvironment to tumor behavior. Here, we describe an HA hydrogel-based, three-dimensional (3D) culture platform that allows researchers to independently alter HA concentration and stiffness. High molecular weight HA and polyethylene glycol (PEG) comprise hydrogels, which are crosslinked via Michael-type addition in the presence of live cells. 3D hydrogel cultures of patient-derived GBM cells exhibit viability and proliferation rates as good as, or better than, when cultured as standard gliomaspheres. The hydrogel system also enables incorporation of ECM-mimetic peptides to isolate effects of specific cell-ECM interactions. Hydrogels are optically transparent so that live cells can be imaged in 3D culture. Finally, HA hydrogel cultures are compatible with standard techniques for molecular and cellular analyses, including PCR, Western blotting and cryosectioning followed by immunofluorescence staining.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weikun Xiao
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles
| | | | - Alireza Sohrabi
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Stephanie K Seidlits
- Department of Bioengineering, Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, Broad Stem Cell Research Center, Brain Research Institute, University of California, Los Angeles;
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Magariños AM, Pedron S, Creixell M, Kilinc M, Tabansky I, Pfaff DW, Harley BAC. The Feasibility of Encapsulated Embryonic Medullary Reticular Cells to Grow and Differentiate Into Neurons in Functionalized Gelatin-Based Hydrogels. FRONTIERS IN MATERIALS 2018; 5:40. [PMID: 30687706 PMCID: PMC6345411 DOI: 10.3389/fmats.2018.00040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The study of the behavior of embryonic neurons in controlled in vitro conditions require methodologies that take advantage of advanced tissue engineering approaches to replicate elements of the developing brain extracellular matrix. We report here a series of experiments that explore the potential of photo-polymerized gelatin hydrogels to culture primary embryonic neurons. We employed large medullary reticular neurons whose activity is essential for brain arousal as well as a library of gelatin hydrogels that span a range of mechanical properties, inclusion of brain-mimetic hyaluronic acid, and adhesion peptides. These hydrogel platforms showed inherent capabilities to sustain neuronal viability and were permissive for neuronal differentiation, resulting in the development of neurite outgrowth under specific conditions. The maturation of embryonic medullary reticular cells took place in the absence of growth factors or other exogenous bioactive molecules. Immunocytochemistry labeling of neuron-specific tubulin confirmed the initiation of neural differentiation. Thus, this methodology provides an important validation for future studies of nerve cell growth and maintenance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana M. Magariños
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Behavior, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Sara Pedron
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - Marc Creixell
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Behavior, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Murat Kilinc
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Behavior, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Inna Tabansky
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Behavior, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Donald W. Pfaff
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Behavior, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Brendan A. C. Harley
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Chen JWE, Pedron S, Shyu P, Hu Y, Sarkaria JN, Harley BAC. Influence of Hyaluronic Acid Transitions in Tumor Microenvironment on Glioblastoma Malignancy and Invasive Behavior. FRONTIERS IN MATERIALS 2018; 5:39. [PMID: 30581816 PMCID: PMC6300158 DOI: 10.3389/fmats.2018.00039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is critical in tumor growth and invasive potential of cancer cells. In glioblastoma tumors, some components of the native brain ECM such as hyaluronic acid (HA) have been suggested as key regulators of processes associated with poor patient outlook such as invasion and therapeutic resistance. Given the importance of cell-mediated remodeling during invasion, it is likely that the molecular weight of available HA polymer may strongly influence GBM progression. Biomaterial platforms therefore provide a unique opportunity to systematically examine the influence of the molecular weight distribution of HA on GBM cell activity. Here we report the relationship between the molecular weight of matrix-bound HA within a methacrylamidefunctionalized gelatin (GelMA) hydrogel, the invasive phenotype of a patient-derived xenograft GBM population that exhibits significant in vivo invasivity, and the local production of soluble HA during GBM cell invasion. Hyaluronic acid of different molecular weights spanning a range associated with cell-mediated remodeling (10, 60, and 500 kDa) was photopolymerized into GelMA hydrogels, with cell activity compared to GelMA only conditions (-HA). Polymerization conditions were tuned to create a homologous series of GelMA hydrogels with conserved poroelastic properties (i.e., shear modulus, Poisson's ratio, and diffusivity). GBM migration was strongly influenced by HA molecular weight; while markers associated with active remodeling of HA (hyaluronan synthase and hyaluronidase) were found to be uninfluenced. These results provide new information regarding the importance of local hyaluronic acid content on the invasive phenotype of GBM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jee-Wei E. Chen
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - Sara Pedron
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - Peter Shyu
- Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - Yuhang Hu
- Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - Jann N. Sarkaria
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Brendan A. C. Harley
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
| |
Collapse
|