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Brooks A, Zhang Y, Chen J, Zhao CX. Cancer Metastasis-on-a-Chip for Modeling Metastatic Cascade and Drug Screening. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2302436. [PMID: 38224141 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202302436] [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: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Microfluidic chips are valuable tools for studying intricate cellular and cell-microenvironment interactions. Traditional in vitro cancer models lack accuracy in mimicking the complexities of in vivo tumor microenvironment. However, cancer-metastasis-on-a-chip (CMoC) models combine the advantages of 3D cultures and microfluidic technology, serving as powerful platforms for exploring cancer mechanisms and facilitating drug screening. These chips are able to compartmentalize the metastatic cascade, deepening the understanding of its underlying mechanisms. This article provides an overview of current CMoC models, focusing on distinctive models that simulate invasion, intravasation, circulation, extravasation, and colonization, and their applications in drug screening. Furthermore, challenges faced by CMoC and microfluidic technologies are discussed, while exploring promising future directions in cancer research. The ongoing development and integration of these models into cancer studies are expected to drive transformative advancements in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Brooks
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, 5005, Australia
| | - Yali Zhang
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, 5005, Australia
| | - Jiezhong Chen
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, 5005, Australia
| | - Chun-Xia Zhao
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, 5005, Australia
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Mika T, Kalnins M, Spalvins K. The use of droplet-based microfluidic technologies for accelerated selection of Yarrowia lipolytica and Phaffia rhodozyma yeast mutants. Biol Methods Protoc 2024; 9:bpae049. [PMID: 39114747 PMCID: PMC11303513 DOI: 10.1093/biomethods/bpae049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Microorganisms are widely used for the industrial production of various valuable products, such as pharmaceuticals, food and beverages, biofuels, enzymes, amino acids, vaccines, etc. Research is constantly carried out to improve their properties, mainly to increase their productivity and efficiency and reduce the cost of the processes. The selection of microorganisms with improved qualities takes a lot of time and resources (both human and material); therefore, this process itself needs optimization. In the last two decades, microfluidics technology appeared in bioengineering, which allows for manipulating small particles (from tens of microns to nanometre scale) in the flow of liquid in microchannels. The technology is based on small-volume objects (microdroplets from nano to femtolitres), which are manipulated using a microchip. The chip is made of an optically transparent inert to liquid medium material and contains a series of channels of small size (<1 mm) of certain geometry. Based on the physical and chemical properties of microparticles (like size, weight, optical density, dielectric constant, etc.), they are separated using microsensors. The idea of accelerated selection of microorganisms is the application of microfluidic technologies to separate mutants with improved qualities after mutagenesis. This article discusses the possible application and practical implementation of microfluidic separation of mutants, including yeasts like Yarrowia lipolytica and Phaffia rhodozyma after chemical mutagenesis will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taras Mika
- Institute of Energy Systems and Environment, Riga Technical University, 12 – K1 Āzene street, Riga, LV-1048, Latvia
| | - Martins Kalnins
- Institute of Energy Systems and Environment, Riga Technical University, 12 – K1 Āzene street, Riga, LV-1048, Latvia
| | - Kriss Spalvins
- Institute of Energy Systems and Environment, Riga Technical University, 12 – K1 Āzene street, Riga, LV-1048, Latvia
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Sharkey C, White R, Finocchiaro M, Thomas J, Estevam J, Konry T. Advancing Point-of-Care Applications with Droplet Microfluidics: From Single-Cell to Multicellular Analysis. Annu Rev Biomed Eng 2024; 26:119-139. [PMID: 38316063 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-bioeng-110222-102142] [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: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Recent advances in single-cell and multicellular microfluidics technology have provided powerful tools for studying cancer biology and immunology. The ability to create controlled microenvironments, perform high-throughput screenings, and monitor cellular interactions at the single-cell level has significantly advanced our understanding of tumor biology and immune responses. We discuss cutting-edge multicellular and single-cell microfluidic technologies and methodologies utilized to investigate cancer-immune cell interactions and assess the effectiveness of immunotherapies. We explore the advantages and limitations of the wide range of 3D spheroid and single-cell microfluidic models recently developed, highlighting the various approaches in device generation and applications in immunotherapy screening for potential opportunities for point-of-care approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Sharkey
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA;
- Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Rachel White
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA;
| | - Michael Finocchiaro
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA;
| | - Judene Thomas
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA;
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jose Estevam
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA;
| | - Tania Konry
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA;
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Xu W, Ye J, Cao Z, Zhao Y, Zhu Y, Li L. Glucocorticoids in lung cancer: Navigating the balance between immunosuppression and therapeutic efficacy. Heliyon 2024; 10:e32357. [PMID: 39022002 PMCID: PMC11252876 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GCs), a class of hormones secreted by the adrenal glands, are released into the bloodstream to maintain homeostasis and modulate responses to various stressors. These hormones function by binding to the widely expressed GC receptor (GR), thereby regulating a wide range of pathophysiological processes, especially in metabolism and immunity. The role of GCs in the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) of lung cancer (LC) has been a focal point of research. As immunosuppressive agents, GCs exert a crucial impact on the occurrence, progression, and treatment of LC. In the TIME of LC, GCs act as a constantly swinging pendulum, simultaneously offering tumor-suppressive properties while diminishing the efficacy of immune-based therapies. The present study reviews the role and mechanisms of GCs in the TIME of LC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Zhendong Cao
- Department of Respiration, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Jiangsu Second Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210017, China
| | - Yupei Zhao
- Department of Respiration, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Jiangsu Second Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210017, China
| | - Yimin Zhu
- Department of Respiration, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Jiangsu Second Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210017, China
| | - Lei Li
- Department of Respiration, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Jiangsu Second Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210017, China
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Landon‐Brace N, Li NT, McGuigan AP. Exploring New Dimensions of Tumor Heterogeneity: The Application of Single Cell Analysis to Organoid-Based 3D In Vitro Models. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2300903. [PMID: 37589373 PMCID: PMC11468421 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202300903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Modeling the heterogeneity of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in vitro is essential to investigating fundamental cancer biology and developing novel treatment strategies that holistically address the factors affecting tumor progression and therapeutic response. Thus, the development of new tools for both in vitro modeling, such as patient-derived organoids (PDOs) and complex 3D in vitro models, and single cell omics analysis, such as single-cell RNA-sequencing, represents a new frontier for investigating tumor heterogeneity. Specifically, the integration of PDO-based 3D in vitro models and single cell analysis offers a unique opportunity to explore the intersecting effects of interpatient, microenvironmental, and tumor cell heterogeneity on cell phenotypes in the TME. In this review, the current use of PDOs in complex 3D in vitro models of the TME is discussed and the emerging directions in the development of these models are highlighted. Next, work that has successfully applied single cell analysis to PDO-based models is examined and important experimental considerations are identified for this approach. Finally, open questions are highlighted that may be amenable to exploration using the integration of PDO-based models and single cell analysis. Ultimately, such investigations may facilitate the identification of novel therapeutic targets for cancer that address the significant influence of tumor-TME interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Landon‐Brace
- Institute of Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of Toronto200 College StreetTorontoM5S3E5Canada
| | - Nancy T. Li
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied ChemistryUniversity of Toronto200 College StTorontoM5S3E5Canada
| | - Alison P. McGuigan
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied ChemistryInstitute of Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of Toronto200 College StTorontoM5S3E5Canada
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Dal Collo G, Takam Kamga P. Unlocking the Potential of Biomarkers for Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Cancer Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4503. [PMID: 37760473 PMCID: PMC10526481 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15184503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are pharmaceutical agents capable of disrupting immune checkpoint signaling, leading to T-cell activation and a robust anti-tumor response [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Giada Dal Collo
- Department of Immunology, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Paul Takam Kamga
- EA4340 BECCOH, Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ92100 Boulogne-Billancourt, France
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Verderio P, Lecchi M, Ciniselli CM, Shishmani B, Apolone G, Manenti G. 3Rs Principle and Legislative Decrees to Achieve High Standard of Animal Research. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13020277. [PMID: 36670818 PMCID: PMC9854901 DOI: 10.3390/ani13020277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Animal experimentation is a vast ecosystem that tries to make different issues such as legislative, ethical and scientific coexist. Research in animal experimentation has made many strides thanks to the 3Rs principle and the attached legislative decrees, but for this very reason, it needs to be evenly implemented both among the countries that have adhered to the decrees and among the team members who design and execute the experimental practice. In this article, we emphasize the importance of the 3Rs principle's application, with a particular focus on the concept of Reduction and related key aspects that can best be handled with the contribution of experts from different fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Verderio
- Unit of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, 20133 Milan, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-02-2390-3201
| | - Mara Lecchi
- Unit of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Maura Ciniselli
- Unit of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Bjorn Shishmani
- Unit of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanni Apolone
- Scientific Directorate, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Giacomo Manenti
- Unit of Animal Health and Welfare, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, 20133 Milan, Italy
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