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Urzì O, Gasparro R, Costanzo E, De Luca A, Giavaresi G, Fontana S, Alessandro R. Three-Dimensional Cell Cultures: The Bridge between In Vitro and In Vivo Models. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12046. [PMID: 37569426 PMCID: PMC10419178 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Although historically, the traditional bidimensional in vitro cell system has been widely used in research, providing much fundamental information regarding cellular functions and signaling pathways as well as nuclear activities, the simplicity of this system does not fully reflect the heterogeneity and complexity of the in vivo systems. From this arises the need to use animals for experimental research and in vivo testing. Nevertheless, animal use in experimentation presents various aspects of complexity, such as ethical issues, which led Russell and Burch in 1959 to formulate the 3R (Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement) principle, underlying the urgent need to introduce non-animal-based methods in research. Considering this, three-dimensional (3D) models emerged in the scientific community as a bridge between in vitro and in vivo models, allowing for the achievement of cell differentiation and complexity while avoiding the use of animals in experimental research. The purpose of this review is to provide a general overview of the most common methods to establish 3D cell culture and to discuss their promising applications. Three-dimensional cell cultures have been employed as models to study both organ physiology and diseases; moreover, they represent a valuable tool for studying many aspects of cancer. Finally, the possibility of using 3D models for drug screening and regenerative medicine paves the way for the development of new therapeutic opportunities for many diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ornella Urzì
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D), Section of Biology and Genetics, University of Palermo, 90133 Palermo, Italy; (O.U.); (R.G.); (E.C.); (R.A.)
| | - Roberta Gasparro
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D), Section of Biology and Genetics, University of Palermo, 90133 Palermo, Italy; (O.U.); (R.G.); (E.C.); (R.A.)
| | - Elisa Costanzo
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D), Section of Biology and Genetics, University of Palermo, 90133 Palermo, Italy; (O.U.); (R.G.); (E.C.); (R.A.)
| | - Angela De Luca
- IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, SC Scienze e Tecnologie Chirurgiche, 40136 Bologna, Italy; (A.D.L.); (G.G.)
| | - Gianluca Giavaresi
- IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, SC Scienze e Tecnologie Chirurgiche, 40136 Bologna, Italy; (A.D.L.); (G.G.)
| | - Simona Fontana
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D), Section of Biology and Genetics, University of Palermo, 90133 Palermo, Italy; (O.U.); (R.G.); (E.C.); (R.A.)
| | - Riccardo Alessandro
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D), Section of Biology and Genetics, University of Palermo, 90133 Palermo, Italy; (O.U.); (R.G.); (E.C.); (R.A.)
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Nolan J, Pearce OMT, Screen HRC, Knight MM, Verbruggen SW. Organ-on-a-Chip and Microfluidic Platforms for Oncology in the UK. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:635. [PMID: 36765593 PMCID: PMC9913518 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15030635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Organ-on-chip systems are capable of replicating complex tissue structures and physiological phenomena. The fine control of biochemical and biomechanical cues within these microphysiological systems provides opportunities for cancer researchers to build complex models of the tumour microenvironment. Interest in applying organ chips to investigate mechanisms such as metastatsis and to test therapeutics has grown rapidly, and this review draws together the published research using these microfluidic platforms to study cancer. We focus on both in-house systems and commercial platforms being used in the UK for fundamental discovery science and therapeutics testing. We cover the wide variety of cancers being investigated, ranging from common carcinomas to rare sarcomas, as well as secondary cancers. We also cover the broad sweep of different matrix microenvironments, physiological mechanical stimuli and immunological effects being replicated in these models. We examine microfluidic models specifically, rather than organoids or complex tissue or cell co-cultures, which have been reviewed elsewhere. However, there is increasing interest in incorporating organoids, spheroids and other tissue cultures into microfluidic organ chips and this overlap is included. Our review includes a commentary on cancer organ-chip models being developed and used in the UK, including work conducted by members of the UK Organ-on-a-Chip Technologies Network. We conclude with a reflection on the likely future of this rapidly expanding field of oncological research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne Nolan
- Centre for Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK
- Centre for Predictive In Vitro Models, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK
- Barts Cancer Institute, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 2AD, UK
| | - Oliver M. T. Pearce
- Barts Cancer Institute, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 2AD, UK
| | - Hazel R. C. Screen
- Centre for Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK
- Centre for Predictive In Vitro Models, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK
| | - Martin M. Knight
- Centre for Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK
- Centre for Predictive In Vitro Models, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK
| | - Stefaan W. Verbruggen
- Centre for Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK
- Centre for Predictive In Vitro Models, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, INSIGNEO Institute for In Silico Medicine, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S1 3JD, UK
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Lee J, Park NJY, Park HY, Kim WW, Kang B, Keum H, Kim HJ, Kim WH, Chae YS, Lee SJ, Lee IH, Park JY, Jung JH. Oncologic necessity for the complete removal of residual microcalcifications after neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer. Sci Rep 2022; 12:21535. [PMID: 36513704 PMCID: PMC9748126 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-24757-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The surgical range of breast cancer that shows pathologic complete response (pCR) without change in microcalcifications after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is controversial. This study examined whole breast specimens to evaluate the necessity of mastectomy in those cases. The viability of cancer cells around the residual microcalcification was assessed using prospectively collected breast samples to confirm the presence or absence of cancer cells. A total of 144 patients with breast cancer and diffuse microcalcifications were classified into the reduced mass with no change in residual microcalcification (RESMIN, n = 49) and non-RESMIN (n = 95) groups. Five specimens were prospectively evaluated to assess the presence of viable cancer cells around the microcalcification. Tumor responses to NAC were significantly better with high pCR rates in the RESMIN group (p = 0.005 and p = 0.002). The incidence of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive and triple-negative breast cancers was significantly high in the RESMIN group (p = 0.007). Although five (10.2%) patients had locoregional recurrence in the RESMIN group, no local recurrence in the breast was reported. Although pCR was highly estimated, residual cancers, including ductal carcinoma in situ, remained in 80% cases. Therefore, given the weak scientific evidence available currently, complete removal of residual microcalcifications should be considered for oncologic safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeeyeon Lee
- grid.258803.40000 0001 0661 1556Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea ,grid.258803.40000 0001 0661 1556Kyungpook National University Chilgok Hospital, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Nora Jee-Young Park
- grid.258803.40000 0001 0661 1556Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea ,grid.258803.40000 0001 0661 1556Kyungpook National University Chilgok Hospital, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Ho Yong Park
- grid.258803.40000 0001 0661 1556Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea ,grid.258803.40000 0001 0661 1556Kyungpook National University Chilgok Hospital, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Wan Wook Kim
- grid.258803.40000 0001 0661 1556Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea ,grid.258803.40000 0001 0661 1556Kyungpook National University Chilgok Hospital, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Byeongju Kang
- grid.258803.40000 0001 0661 1556Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea ,grid.258803.40000 0001 0661 1556Kyungpook National University Chilgok Hospital, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Heejung Keum
- grid.258803.40000 0001 0661 1556Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea ,grid.258803.40000 0001 0661 1556Kyungpook National University Chilgok Hospital, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Jung Kim
- grid.258803.40000 0001 0661 1556Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea ,grid.258803.40000 0001 0661 1556Kyungpook National University Chilgok Hospital, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Won Hwa Kim
- grid.258803.40000 0001 0661 1556Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea ,grid.258803.40000 0001 0661 1556Kyungpook National University Chilgok Hospital, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Yee Soo Chae
- grid.258803.40000 0001 0661 1556Department of Hematology/Oncology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea ,grid.258803.40000 0001 0661 1556Kyungpook National University Chilgok Hospital, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo Jung Lee
- grid.258803.40000 0001 0661 1556Department of Hematology/Oncology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea ,grid.258803.40000 0001 0661 1556Kyungpook National University Chilgok Hospital, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - In Hee Lee
- grid.258803.40000 0001 0661 1556Department of Hematology/Oncology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea ,grid.258803.40000 0001 0661 1556Kyungpook National University Chilgok Hospital, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Young Park
- grid.258803.40000 0001 0661 1556Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea ,grid.258803.40000 0001 0661 1556Kyungpook National University Chilgok Hospital, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Hyang Jung
- grid.258803.40000 0001 0661 1556Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea ,grid.258803.40000 0001 0661 1556Kyungpook National University Chilgok Hospital, Daegu, Republic of Korea
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Wu Q, Xu Y, Li X, Liu H, You T, Cai T, Yang F. YB-1 promotes cell proliferation and metastasis by targeting cell-intrinsic PD-1/PD-L1 pathway in breast cancer. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2022; 153:106314. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2022.106314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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From mesenchymal niches to engineered in vitro model systems: Exploring and exploiting biomechanical regulation of vertebrate hedgehog signalling. Mater Today Bio 2022; 17:100502. [PMID: 36457847 PMCID: PMC9707069 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2022.100502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Tissue patterning is the result of complex interactions between transcriptional programs and various mechanical cues that modulate cell behaviour and drive morphogenesis. Vertebrate Hedgehog signalling plays key roles in embryogenesis and adult tissue homeostasis, and is central to skeletal development and the osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells. The expression of several components of the Hedgehog signalling pathway have been reported to be mechanically regulated in mesodermal tissue patterning and osteogenic differentiation in response to external stimulation. Since a number of bone developmental defects and skeletal diseases, such as osteoporosis, are directly linked to aberrant Hedgehog signalling, a better knowledge of the regulation of Hedgehog signalling in the mechanosensitive bone marrow-residing mesenchymal stromal cells will present novel avenues for modelling these diseases and uncover novel opportunities for extracellular matrix-targeted therapies. In this review, we present a brief overview of the key molecular players involved in Hedgehog signalling and the basic concepts of mechanobiology, with a focus on bone development and regeneration. We also highlight the correlation between the activation of the Hedgehog signalling pathway in response to mechanical cues and osteogenesis in bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells. Finally, we propose different tissue engineering strategies to apply the expanding knowledge of 3D material-cell interactions in the modulation of Hedgehog signalling in vitro for fundamental and translational research applications.
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Gargalionis AN, Papavassiliou KA, Papavassiliou AG. Mechanobiology of solid tumors. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2022; 1868:166555. [PMID: 36150659 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2022.166555] [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: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Mechanical features of cancer cells emerge as a distinct trait during development and progression of solid tumors. Herein, we discuss recent key findings regarding the impact of various types of mechanical stresses on cancer cell properties. Data suggest that different mechanical forces, alterations of matrix rigidity and tumor microenvironment facilitate cancer hallmarks, especially invasion and metastasis. Moreover, a subset of mechanosensory proteins are responsible for mediating mechanically induced oncogenic signaling and response to chemotherapy. Delineating cancer dynamics and decoding of respective signal transduction mechanisms will provide new therapeutic strategies against solid tumors in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonios N Gargalionis
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens 11527, Greece.
| | - Kostas A Papavassiliou
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens 11527, Greece
| | - Athanasios G Papavassiliou
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens 11527, Greece.
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