3D Dissection of Structural Membrane-Wall Contacts in Filamentous Moss Protonemata

Automated Segmentation and 3D Reconstruction of Different Membranes from Confocal Z-Stacks

Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) is an advanced microscopy technique based on fluorescence technology which produces sharp images of a specimen in a single focal plane. The optical sectioning by CLSM allows to have z-stacks which can be further processed into 3D reconstructions. These then provide the option of variable perspectives and additional precise data evaluation on structural and anatomical alterations. Here, we used CLSM to image the thylakoids of cyanobacteria and the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in moss protonemata as an example. Then, out of the confocal z-stacks, we create 3D constructions of the membranes and their alterations to present a holistic, structural view from different angles.

The 3D in vivo chorioallantoic membrane model and its role in breast cancer research

PURPOSE

We aimed to evaluate the role of the chorioallantoic membrane model (CAM) in breast cancer research.

METHODS

The following is an overview of the use of the CAM in the field of breast cancer research based on a PubMed literature query.

RESULTS

The CAM is a 3D in vivo model that can be used for the analysis of tumor growth, biology and angiogenesis of primary tumor tissue or tumor cell lines. The CAM model has been used in breast cancer research for drug testing, migration assays and the evaluation of vascularization, amongst others. The CAM model is a valuable method that offers a better imitation of the physiological phenomena compared to 2D or 3D in vitro models.

CONCLUSION

The CAM model has primarily and successfully been utilized for the assessment of the tumor biology of established breast cancer cell lines. Further, the CAM model is a promising method to analyze patient derived primary tumor material and could be used as a "patient-specific 3D-tumor-therapy-model" for the cost-efficient evaluation of anti-cancer drugs to find the optimal treatment for breast cancer patients.