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Türker E, Andrade Mier MS, Faber J, Padilla Padilla SJ, Murenu N, Stahlhut P, Lang G, Lamberger Z, Weigelt J, Schaefer N, Tessmar J, Strissel PL, Blunk T, Budday S, Strick R, Villmann C. Breast Tumor Cell Survival and Morphology in a Brain-like Extracellular Matrix Depends on Matrix Composition and Mechanical Properties. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2024:e2400184. [PMID: 38971965 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202400184] [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: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most invasive type of breast cancer with high risk of brain metastasis. To better understand interactions between breast tumors with the brain extracellular matrix (ECM), a 3D cell culture model is implemented using a thiolated hyaluronic acid (HA-SH) based hydrogel. The latter is used as HA represents a major component of brain ECM. Melt-electrowritten (MEW) scaffolds of box- and triangular-shaped polycaprolactone (PCL) micro-fibers for hydrogel reinforcement are utilized. Two different molecular weight HA-SH materials (230 and 420 kDa) are used with elastic moduli of 148 ± 34 Pa (soft) and 1274 ± 440 Pa (stiff). Both hydrogels demonstrate similar porosities. The different molecular weight of HA-SH, however, significantly changes mechanical properties, e.g., stiffness, nonlinearity, and hysteresis. The breast tumor cell line MDA-MB-231 forms mainly multicellular aggregates in both HA-SH hydrogels but sustains high viability (75%). Supplementation of HA-SH hydrogels with ECM components does not affect gene expression but improves cell viability and impacts cellular distribution and morphology. The presence of other brain cell types further support numerous cell-cell interactions with tumor cells. In summary, the present 3D cell culture model represents a novel tool establishing a disease cell culture model in a systematic way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esra Türker
- Institute for Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Versbacherstr. 5, 97078, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Mateo S Andrade Mier
- Institute for Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Versbacherstr. 5, 97078, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jessica Faber
- Institute of Continuum Mechanics and Biomechanics, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, Egerlandstr. 5, 91058, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Selma J Padilla Padilla
- Department of Biomaterials, Engineering Faculty, University of Bayreuth, Prof.-Rüdiger-Bormann-Straße 1, 95447, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Nicoletta Murenu
- Institute for Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Versbacherstr. 5, 97078, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Philipp Stahlhut
- Department of Functional Materials in Medicine and Dentistry and Bavarian Polymer Institute, University Hospital Würzburg, Pleicherwall 2, 97070, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Gregor Lang
- Department of Functional Materials in Medicine and Dentistry and Bavarian Polymer Institute, University Hospital Würzburg, Pleicherwall 2, 97070, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Zan Lamberger
- Department of Functional Materials in Medicine and Dentistry and Bavarian Polymer Institute, University Hospital Würzburg, Pleicherwall 2, 97070, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jeanette Weigelt
- Department of Functional Materials in Medicine and Dentistry and Bavarian Polymer Institute, University Hospital Würzburg, Pleicherwall 2, 97070, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Natascha Schaefer
- Institute for Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Versbacherstr. 5, 97078, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jörg Tessmar
- Department of Functional Materials in Medicine and Dentistry and Bavarian Polymer Institute, University Hospital Würzburg, Pleicherwall 2, 97070, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Pamela L Strissel
- Institute of Pathology, Krankenhausstrasse 8-10, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- University Hospital Erlangen, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, Universitätsstr. 21/23, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Torsten Blunk
- Department of Trauma, Hand, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacherstr. 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Silvia Budday
- Institute of Continuum Mechanics and Biomechanics, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, Egerlandstr. 5, 91058, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Reiner Strick
- University Hospital Erlangen, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, Universitätsstr. 21/23, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Carmen Villmann
- Institute for Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Versbacherstr. 5, 97078, Würzburg, Germany
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Kim SW, Kim CW, Kim HS. Scoparone attenuates PD-L1 expression in human breast cancer cells by MKP-3 upregulation. Anim Cells Syst (Seoul) 2024; 28:55-65. [PMID: 38348341 PMCID: PMC10860470 DOI: 10.1080/19768354.2024.2315950] [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: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is a frequently occurring malignant tumor that is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in women worldwide. Monoclonal antibodies that block programed cell death 1 (PD-1)/programed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) - a typical immune checkpoint - are currently the recommended standard therapies for many advanced and metastatic tumors such as triple-negative breast cancer. However, some patients develop drug resistance, leading to unfavorable treatment outcomes. Therefore, other approaches are required for anticancer treatments, such as downregulation of PD-L1 expression and promotion of degradation of PD-L1. Scoparone (SCO) is a bioactive compound isolated from Artemisia capillaris that exhibits antitumor activity. However, the effect of SCO on PD-L1 expression in cancer has not been confirmed yet. This study aimed to evaluate the role of SCO in PD-L1 expression in breast cancer cells in vitro. Our results show that SCO downregulated PD-L1 expression in a dose-dependent manner, via AKT inhibition. Interestingly, SCO treatment did not alter PTEN expression, but increased the expression of mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase-3 (MKP-3). In addition, the SCO-induced decrease in PD-L1 expression was reversed by siRNA-mediated MKP-3 knockdown. Collectively, these findings suggest that SCO inhibited the expression of PD-L1 in breast cancer cells by upregulating MKP-3 expression. Therefore, SCO may serve as an innovative combinatorial agent for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung-Woo Kim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Inha University College of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Chan Woo Kim
- Cancer Immunotherapy Evaluation Team, Non-Clinical Evaluation Center, Osong Medical Innovation Foundation (KBIO Health), Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Hong Seok Kim
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Inha University College of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea
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Andrade Mier MS, Bakirci E, Stahlhut P, Blum R, Dalton PD, Villmann C. Primary Glial Cell and Glioblastoma Morphology in Cocultures Depends on Scaffold Design and Hydrogel Composition. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2023; 7:e2300029. [PMID: 37017512 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202300029] [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: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2023]
Abstract
3D cell cultures better replicate the in vivo environment compared to 2D models. Glioblastoma multiforme, a malignant brain tumor, highly profits from its cellular environment. Here, the U87 glioblastoma cell line in the presence/absence of primary astrocytes is studied. Thiolated hyaluronic acid (HA-SH) hydrogel reinforced with microfiber scaffolds is compared to Matrigel. Hyaluronic acid is a major extracellular matrix (ECM) component in the brain. Poly(ɛ-caprolactone) (PCL) scaffolds are written by meltelectrowriting in a box and triangular shaped design with pore sizes of 200 µm. Scaffolds are composed of 10-layers of PCL microfibers. It is found that scaffold design has an impact on cellular morphology in the absence of hydrogel. Moreover, the used hydrogels have profound influences on cellular morphology resulting in spheroid formation in HA-SH for both the tumor-derived cell line and astrocytes, while cell viability is high. Although cocultures of U87 and astrocytes exhibit cell-cell interactions, polynucleated spheroid formation is still present for U87 cells in HA-SH. Locally restricted ECM production or inability to secrete ECM proteins may underlie the observed cell morphologies. Thus, the 3D reinforced PCL-HA-SH composite with glioma-like cells and astrocytes constitutes a reproducible system to further investigate the impact of hydrogel modifications on cellular behavior and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateo S Andrade Mier
- Institute for Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Versbacherstr. 5, 97078, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Ezgi Bakirci
- Department of Functional Materials in Medicine and Dentistry and Bavarian Polymer Institute, University Hospital Würzburg, Pleicherwall 2, 97070, Würzburg, Germany
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Philipp Stahlhut
- Department of Functional Materials in Medicine and Dentistry and Bavarian Polymer Institute, University Hospital Würzburg, Pleicherwall 2, 97070, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Robert Blum
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str. 11, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Paul D Dalton
- Department of Functional Materials in Medicine and Dentistry and Bavarian Polymer Institute, University Hospital Würzburg, Pleicherwall 2, 97070, Würzburg, Germany
- Phil and Penny Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact, University of Oregon, 1505 Franklin Blvd, Eugene, OR, 97403, USA
| | - Carmen Villmann
- Institute for Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Versbacherstr. 5, 97078, Würzburg, Germany
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Zhang J, Zhang Y, Lin X, Han X, Meredith KL, Li Z. The effects of the tumor suppressor gene PTEN on the proliferation and apoptosis of breast cancer cells via AKT phosphorylation. Transl Cancer Res 2023; 12:1863-1872. [PMID: 37588750 PMCID: PMC10425639 DOI: 10.21037/tcr-23-826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Background The proliferation and apoptosis of cancer cells play important roles in breast carcinomas. However, to date, there have been few reports on the correlation between the expression of PTEN and AKT phosphorylation in breast cancer. This present study investigated the effects of the phosphatase and tensin homology deleted from chromosome 10 (PTEN) gene on the proliferation and apoptosis of breast cancer cells through protein kinase B (AKT) phosphorylation. Methods Human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells were transfected with the pcDNA3.0 control vector or the pcDNA3.0-PTEN vector for 48 hours. The Cell Counting Kit 8 (CCK-8) was used to detect cell survival rates, double staining was performed to detect apoptosis, and Western blot (WB) analysis was conducted to detect protein expression. The effects of PTEN expression on the cell cycle and apoptosis of human breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231, and on the levels of phosphorylated AKT protein were further analyzed. Moreover, the relationship between the PTEN gene and clinical features were also analyzed. Results The cell survival rate of cells transfected with pcDNA3.0-PTEN was significantly lower than that of cells transfected with the control pcDNA3.0 vector (55.65%±12.18% vs. 97.32%±12.45%, P=0.004). Compared with the pcDNA3.0 group, the apoptosis rate of the pcDNA3.0-PTEN group was significantly increased (20.65±2.18 vs. 2.32±0.45, P=0.001). The expression of PTEN protein in pcDNA3.0-PTEN group was higher than that in the pcDNA3.0 group, and the expression of the AKT and mTOR proteins was significantly lower than that in pcDNA3.0 group (P<0.05). The expression of PTEN in the lymph node metastasis positive group was significantly higher than that in the lymph node metastasis negative group (P<0.05). The expression of the AKT protein in breast cancer was higher than that in normal breast tissue, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.01). Conclusions Overexpression of the PTEN gene can promote AKT phosphorylation, increase the apoptotic index of breast cancer cells, and reduce the proliferative activity of breast cancer cells. This provided a new direction for the next treatment of breast cancer, but further clinical research is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junhua Zhang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Baoding, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Baoding, China
| | - Xiaomeng Lin
- Department of Breast Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Baoding, China
| | - Xiaoxu Han
- Department of Breast Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Baoding, China
| | | | - Zhong Li
- Department of Breast Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Baoding, China
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