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Allen O, Knight MM, Verbruggen SW. Air Pollution and Osteoporosis. Curr Osteoporos Rep 2024:10.1007/s11914-024-00889-9. [PMID: 39302569 DOI: 10.1007/s11914-024-00889-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/11/2024] [Indexed: 09/22/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The purpose of this review is to provide a background of osteoporosis and air pollution, discussing increasing incidence of the disease with exposure to pollutants and the role that inflammation may play in this process. RECENT FINDINGS Osteoporosis-related fractures are one of the most pressing challenges for the ageing global population, with significant increases in mortality known to occur after major osteoporotic fractures in the elderly population. Recent studies have established a firm correlative link between areas of high air pollution and increased risk of osteoporosis, particularly alarming given the increasingly urban global population. While the culprit pollutants and molecular mechanisms underlying this phenomenon have not yet been elucidated, initial studies suggest a role for inflammatory cascades in this phenomenon. While much more research is required to identify the most damaging air pollutants and to delineate the specific inflammatory molecular mechanisms, it is clear from the literature that shedding light on these pathways would unveil potential therapeutic targets to treat bone diseases, including osteoporosis. Major deficiencies of current animal models highlight the need for complex human in vitro models such as organ-on-a-chip technology to better understand the impact of air pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Allen
- Centre for Predictive in vitro Models, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
- Centre for Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 4NS, UK
| | - Martin M Knight
- Centre for Predictive in vitro Models, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
- Centre for Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 4NS, UK
| | - Stefaan W Verbruggen
- Centre for Predictive in vitro Models, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK.
- Centre for Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 4NS, UK.
- Digital Environment Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK.
- INSIGNEO Institute for in silico Medicine, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.
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2
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Yuan S, Yuan H, Hay DC, Hu H, Wang C. Revolutionizing Drug Discovery: The Impact of Distinct Designs and Biosensor Integration in Microfluidics-Based Organ-on-a-Chip Technology. BIOSENSORS 2024; 14:425. [PMID: 39329800 PMCID: PMC11430660 DOI: 10.3390/bios14090425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2024] [Revised: 08/20/2024] [Accepted: 08/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/28/2024]
Abstract
Traditional drug development is a long and expensive process with high rates of failure. This has prompted the pharmaceutical industry to seek more efficient drug development frameworks, driving the emergence of organ-on-a-chip (OOC) based on microfluidic technologies. Unlike traditional animal experiments, OOC systems provide a more accurate simulation of human organ microenvironments and physiological responses, therefore offering a cost-effective and efficient platform for biomedical research, particularly in the development of new medicines. Additionally, OOC systems enable quick and real-time analysis, high-throughput experimentation, and automation. These advantages have shown significant promise in enhancing the drug development process. The success of an OOC system hinges on the integration of specific designs, manufacturing techniques, and biosensors to meet the need for integrated multiparameter datasets. This review focuses on the manufacturing, design, sensing systems, and applications of OOC systems, highlighting their design and sensing capabilities, as well as the technical challenges they currently face.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Yuan
- Centre of Biomedical Systems and Informatics, Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJU-UoE Institute), School of Medicine, International Campus, Zhejiang University, Haining 314400, China
| | - Huipu Yuan
- Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310020, China
| | - David C. Hay
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK;
| | - Huan Hu
- Zhejiang University-University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Institute (ZJU-UIUC Institute), International Campus, Zhejiang University, Haining 314400, China
| | - Chaochen Wang
- Centre of Biomedical Systems and Informatics, Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJU-UoE Institute), School of Medicine, International Campus, Zhejiang University, Haining 314400, China
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310020, China
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3
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Rutland CS. Advances in Soft Tissue and Bone Sarcoma. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2875. [PMID: 39199646 PMCID: PMC11352553 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16162875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024] Open
Abstract
This Cancers Special Issue on bone and soft tissue sarcomas highlights the latest discoveries in soft tissue and bone cancers from the laboratory through to the clinics, from bench to bedside, and beyond [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Catrin S. Rutland
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK;
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
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Chen Y, Sun T, Liu Z, Zhang Y, Wang J. Towards Design Automation of Microfluidic Mixers: Leveraging Reinforcement Learning and Artificial Neural Networks. MICROMACHINES 2024; 15:901. [PMID: 39064412 PMCID: PMC11278837 DOI: 10.3390/mi15070901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Microfluidic mixers, a pivotal application of microfluidic technology, are primarily utilized for the rapid amalgamation of diverse samples within microscale devices. Given the intricacy of their design processes and the substantial expertise required from designers, the intelligent automation of microfluidic mixer design has garnered significant attention. This paper discusses an approach that integrates artificial neural networks (ANNs) with reinforcement learning techniques to automate the dimensional parameter design of microfluidic mixers. In this study, we selected two typical microfluidic mixer structures for testing and trained two neural network models, both highly precise and cost-efficient, as alternatives to traditional, time-consuming finite-element simulations using up to 10,000 sets of COMSOL simulation data. By defining effective state evaluation functions for the reinforcement learning agents, we utilized the trained agents to successfully validate the automated design of dimensional parameters for these mixer structures. The tests demonstrated that the first mixer model could be automatically optimized in just 0.129 s, and the second in 0.169 s, significantly reducing the time compared to manual design. The simulation results validated the potential of reinforcement learning techniques in the automated design of microfluidic mixers, offering a new solution in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Junchao Wang
- School of Integrated Circuit Science and Engineering, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou 310018, China
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Verbruggen SW, Freeman CL, Freeman FE. Utilizing 3D Models to Unravel the Dynamics of Myeloma Plasma Cells' Escape from the Bone Marrow Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:889. [PMID: 38473251 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16050889] [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: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent therapeutic advancements have markedly increased the survival rates of individuals with multiple myeloma (MM), doubling survival compared to pre-2000 estimates. This progress, driven by highly effective novel agents, suggests a growing population of MM survivors exceeding the 10-year mark post-diagnosis. However, contemporary clinical observations indicate potential trends toward more aggressive relapse phenotypes, characterized by extramedullary disease and dominant proliferative clones, despite these highly effective treatments. To build upon these advances, it is crucial to develop models of MM evolution, particularly focusing on understanding the biological mechanisms behind its development outside the bone marrow. This comprehensive understanding is essential to devising innovative treatment strategies. This review emphasizes the role of 3D models, specifically addressing the bone marrow microenvironment and development of extramedullary sites. It explores the current state-of-the-art in MM modelling, highlighting challenges in replicating the disease's complexity. Recognizing the unique demand for accurate models, the discussion underscores the potential impact of these advanced 3D models on understanding and combating this heterogeneous and still incurable disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefaan W Verbruggen
- Digital Environment Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK
- Center for Predictive In Vitro Models, School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK
- INSIGNEO Institute for In Silico Medicine, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S1 3JD, UK
| | - Ciara L Freeman
- H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Fiona E Freeman
- School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Engineering and Materials Science Centre, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
- Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
- Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, D02 PN40 Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Mechanical Manufacturing, and Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, D02 PN40 Dublin, Ireland
- Advanced Materials and Bioengineering Research Centre (AMBER), Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and Trinity College Dublin, D02 YN77 Dublin, Ireland
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Verbruggen SW, Nolan J, Duffy MP, Pearce OM, Jacobs CR, Knight MM. A Novel Primary Cilium-Mediated Mechanism Through which Osteocytes Regulate Metastatic Behavior of Both Breast and Prostate Cancer Cells. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2305842. [PMID: 37967351 PMCID: PMC10787058 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202305842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
Bone metastases are a common cause of suffering in breast and prostate cancer patients, however, the interaction between bone cells and cancer cells is poorly understood. Using a series of co-culture, conditioned media, human cancer spheroid, and organ-on-a-chip experiments, this study reveals that osteocytes suppress cancer cell proliferation and increase migration via tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) secretion. This action is regulated by osteocyte primary cilia and associated intraflagellar transport protein 88 (IFT88). Furthermore, it shows that cancer cells block this mechanism by secreting transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), which disrupts osteocyte cilia and IFT88 gene expression. This bi-directional crosstalk signaling between osteocytes and cancer cells is common to both breast and prostate cancer. This study also proposes that osteocyte inhibition of cancer cell proliferation decreases as cancer cells increase, producing more TGF-β. Hence, a positive feedback loop develops accelerating metastatic tumor growth. These findings demonstrate the importance of cancer cell-osteocyte signaling in regulating breast and prostate bone metastases and support the development of therapies targeting this pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefaan W. Verbruggen
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringColumbia University in the City of New YorkNew YorkNY10027USA
- Centre for BioengineeringSchool of Engineering and Materials ScienceQueen Mary University of LondonLondonE1 4NSUK
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and INSIGNEO Institute for in silico MedicineUniversity of SheffieldSheffieldS1 3JDUK
- Centre for Predictive in vitro ModelsQueen Mary University of LondonLondonE1 4NSUK
| | - Joanne Nolan
- Centre for BioengineeringSchool of Engineering and Materials ScienceQueen Mary University of LondonLondonE1 4NSUK
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and INSIGNEO Institute for in silico MedicineUniversity of SheffieldSheffieldS1 3JDUK
- Barts Cancer InstituteSchool of Medicine and DentistryQueen Mary University of LondonLondonEC1M 6AUUK
| | - Michael P. Duffy
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringColumbia University in the City of New YorkNew YorkNY10027USA
- Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryPerelman School of MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPA19104USA
| | - Oliver M.T. Pearce
- Barts Cancer InstituteSchool of Medicine and DentistryQueen Mary University of LondonLondonEC1M 6AUUK
| | - Christopher R. Jacobs
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringColumbia University in the City of New YorkNew YorkNY10027USA
| | - Martin M. Knight
- Centre for BioengineeringSchool of Engineering and Materials ScienceQueen Mary University of LondonLondonE1 4NSUK
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and INSIGNEO Institute for in silico MedicineUniversity of SheffieldSheffieldS1 3JDUK
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7
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Butt Z, Tinning H, O'Connell MJ, Fenn J, Alberio R, Forde N. Understanding conceptus-maternal interactions: what tools do we need to develop? Reprod Fertil Dev 2023; 36:81-92. [PMID: 38064186 DOI: 10.1071/rd23181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Communication between the maternal endometrium and developing embryo/conceptus is critical to support successful pregnancy to term. Studying the peri-implantation period of pregnancy is critical as this is when most pregnancy loss occurs in cattle. Our current understanding of these interactions is limited, due to the lack of appropriate in vitro models to assess these interactions. The endometrium is a complex and heterogeneous tissue that is regulated in a transcriptional and translational manner throughout the oestrous cycle. While there are in vitro models to study endometrial function, they are static and 2D in nature or explant models and are limited in how well they recapitulate the in vivo endometrium. Recent developments in organoid systems, microfluidic approaches, extracellular matrix biology, and in silico approaches provide a new opportunity to develop in vitro systems that better model the in vivo scenario. This will allow us to investigate in a more high-throughput manner the fundamental molecular interactions that are required for successful pregnancy in cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zenab Butt
- Discovery and Translational Sciences Department, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Haidee Tinning
- Discovery and Translational Sciences Department, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Mary J O'Connell
- Computational and Molecular Evolutionary Biology Group, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Jonathan Fenn
- Computational and Molecular Evolutionary Biology Group, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Ramiro Alberio
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Niamh Forde
- Discovery and Translational Sciences Department, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
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de Nigris F, Meo C, Palinski W. Combination of Genomic Landsscape and 3D Culture Functional Assays Bridges Sarcoma Phenotype to Target and Immunotherapy. Cells 2023; 12:2204. [PMID: 37681936 PMCID: PMC10486752 DOI: 10.3390/cells12172204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Genomic-based precision medicine has not only improved tumour therapy but has also shown its weaknesses. Genomic profiling and mutation analysis have identified alterations that play a major role in sarcoma pathogenesis and evolution. However, they have not been sufficient in predicting tumour vulnerability and advancing treatment. The relative rarity of sarcomas and the genetic heterogeneity between subtypes also stand in the way of gaining statistically significant results from clinical trials. Personalized three-dimensional tumour models that reflect the specific histologic subtype are emerging as functional assays to test anticancer drugs, complementing genomic screening. Here, we provide an overview of current target therapy for sarcomas and discuss functional assays based on 3D models that, by recapitulating the molecular pathways and tumour microenvironment, may predict patient response to treatments. This approach opens new avenues to improve precision medicine when genomic and pathway alterations are not sufficient to guide the choice of the most promising treatment. Furthermore, we discuss the aspects of the 3D culture assays that need to be improved, such as the standardisation of growth conditions and the definition of in vitro responses that can be used as a cut-off for clinical implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filomena de Nigris
- Department of Precision Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy;
| | - Concetta Meo
- Department of Precision Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy;
| | - Wulf Palinski
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA;
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Baldwin L, Jones EJ, Iles A, Carding SR, Pamme N, Dyer CE, Greenman J. Development of a dual-flow tissue perfusion device for modeling the gastrointestinal tract-brain axis. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2023; 17:054104. [PMID: 37840538 PMCID: PMC10569815 DOI: 10.1063/5.0168953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Despite the large number of microfluidic devices that have been described over the past decade for the study of tissues and organs, few have become widely adopted. There are many reasons for this lack of adoption, primarily that devices are constructed for a single purpose or because they are highly complex and require relatively expensive investment in facilities and training. Here, we describe a microphysiological system (MPS) that is simple to use and provides fluid channels above and below cells, or tissue biopsies, maintained on a disposable, poly(methyl methacrylate), carrier held between polycarbonate outer plates. All other fittings are standard Luer sizes for ease of adoption. The carrier can be coated with cells on both sides to generate membrane barriers, and the devices can be established in series to allow medium to flow from one cell layer to another. Furthermore, the carrier containing cells can be easily removed after treatment on the device and the cells can be visualized or recovered for additional off-chip analysis. A 0.4 μm membrane with cell monolayers proved most effective in maintaining separate fluid flows, allowing apical and basal surfaces to be perfused independently. A panel of different cell lines (Caco-2, HT29-MTX-E12, SH-SY5Y, and HUVEC) were successfully maintained in the MPS for up to 7 days, either alone or on devices connected in series. The presence of tight junctions and mucin was expressed as expected by Caco-2 and HT-29-MTX-E12, with Concanavalin A showing uniform staining. Addition of Annexin V and PI showed viability of these cells to be >80% at 7 days. Bacterial extracellular vesicles (BEVs) produced by Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron and labeled with 1,1'-dioctadecyl-3,3,3',3'-tetramethylindocarbo-cyanine perchlorate (DiD) were used as a model component of the human colonic microbiota and were visualized translocating from an apical surface containing Caco-2 cells to differentiated SH-SY5Y neuronal cells cultured on the basal surface of connected devices. The newly described MPS can be easily adapted, by changing the carrier to maintain spheroids, pieces, or slices of biopsy tissue and joined in series to study a variety of cell and tissue processes. The cell layers can be made more complex through the addition of multiple cell types and/or different patterning of extracellular matrix and the ability to culture cells adjacent to one another to allow study of cell:cell transfer, e.g., passive or active drug transfer, virus or bacterial entry or BEV uptake and transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia Baldwin
- Centre of Biomedical Sciences, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Cottingham Road, Hull, HU6 7RX, United Kingdom
| | - Emily J. Jones
- Quadram Institute Bioscience, Rosalind Franklin Road, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7UQ, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander Iles
- Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Stockholm University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Nicole Pamme
- Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Stockholm University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Charlotte E. Dyer
- Centre of Biomedical Sciences, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Cottingham Road, Hull, HU6 7RX, United Kingdom
| | - John Greenman
- Centre of Biomedical Sciences, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Cottingham Road, Hull, HU6 7RX, United Kingdom
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Reyes-Aldasoro CC. Modelling the Tumour Microenvironment, but What Exactly Do We Mean by "Model"? Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3796. [PMID: 37568612 PMCID: PMC10416922 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15153796] [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: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The Oxford English Dictionary includes 17 definitions for the word "model" as a noun and another 11 as a verb. Therefore, context is necessary to understand the meaning of the word model. For instance, "model railways" refer to replicas of railways and trains at a smaller scale and a "model student" refers to an exemplary individual. In some cases, a specific context, like cancer research, may not be sufficient to provide one specific meaning for model. Even if the context is narrowed, specifically, to research related to the tumour microenvironment, "model" can be understood in a wide variety of ways, from an animal model to a mathematical expression. This paper presents a review of different "models" of the tumour microenvironment, as grouped by different definitions of the word into four categories: model organisms, in vitro models, mathematical models and computational models. Then, the frequencies of different meanings of the word "model" related to the tumour microenvironment are measured from numbers of entries in the MEDLINE database of the United States National Library of Medicine at the National Institutes of Health. The frequencies of the main components of the microenvironment and the organ-related cancers modelled are also assessed quantitatively with specific keywords. Whilst animal models, particularly xenografts and mouse models, are the most commonly used "models", the number of these entries has been slowly decreasing. Mathematical models, as well as prognostic and risk models, follow in frequency, and these have been growing in use.
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Obrecht M, Zurbruegg S, Accart N, Lambert C, Doelemeyer A, Ledermann B, Beckmann N. Magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound elastography in the context of preclinical pharmacological research: significance for the 3R principles. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1177421. [PMID: 37448960 PMCID: PMC10337591 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1177421] [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: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The 3Rs principles-reduction, refinement, replacement-are at the core of preclinical research within drug discovery, which still relies to a great extent on the availability of models of disease in animals. Minimizing their distress, reducing their number as well as searching for means to replace them in experimental studies are constant objectives in this area. Due to its non-invasive character in vivo imaging supports these efforts by enabling repeated longitudinal assessments in each animal which serves as its own control, thereby enabling to reduce considerably the animal utilization in the experiments. The repetitive monitoring of pathology progression and the effects of therapy becomes feasible by assessment of quantitative biomarkers. Moreover, imaging has translational prospects by facilitating the comparison of studies performed in small rodents and humans. Also, learnings from the clinic may be potentially back-translated to preclinical settings and therefore contribute to refining animal investigations. By concentrating on activities around the application of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound elastography to small rodent models of disease, we aim to illustrate how in vivo imaging contributes primarily to reduction and refinement in the context of pharmacological research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Obrecht
- Diseases of Aging and Regenerative Medicines, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stefan Zurbruegg
- Neurosciences Department, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Nathalie Accart
- Diseases of Aging and Regenerative Medicines, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Christian Lambert
- Diseases of Aging and Regenerative Medicines, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Arno Doelemeyer
- Diseases of Aging and Regenerative Medicines, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Birgit Ledermann
- 3Rs Leader, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Nicolau Beckmann
- Diseases of Aging and Regenerative Medicines, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
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