1
|
Manduca N, Maccafeo E, De Maria R, Sistigu A, Musella M. 3D cancer models: One step closer to in vitro human studies. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1175503. [PMID: 37114038 PMCID: PMC10126361 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1175503] [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: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy is the great breakthrough in cancer treatment as it displayed prolonged progression-free survival over conventional therapies, yet, to date, in only a minority of patients. In order to broad cancer immunotherapy clinical applicability some roadblocks need to be overcome, first among all the lack of preclinical models that faithfully depict the local tumor microenvironment (TME), which is known to dramatically affect disease onset, progression and response to therapy. In this review, we provide the reader with a detailed overview of current 3D models developed to mimick the complexity and the dynamics of the TME, with a focus on understanding why the TME is a major target in anticancer therapy. We highlight the advantages and translational potentials of tumor spheroids, organoids and immune Tumor-on-a-Chip models in disease modeling and therapeutic response, while outlining pending challenges and limitations. Thinking forward, we focus on the possibility to integrate the know-hows of micro-engineers, cancer immunologists, pharmaceutical researchers and bioinformaticians to meet the needs of cancer researchers and clinicians interested in using these platforms with high fidelity for patient-tailored disease modeling and drug discovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicoletta Manduca
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Ester Maccafeo
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Ruggero De Maria
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario ‘A. Gemelli’ - Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Sistigu
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- *Correspondence: Martina Musella, ; ; Antonella Sistigu, ;
| | - Martina Musella
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- *Correspondence: Martina Musella, ; ; Antonella Sistigu, ;
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Fang Y, Liang S, Gao J, Wang Z, Li C, Wang R, Yu W. Extracellular matrix stiffness mediates radiosensitivity in a 3D nasopharyngeal carcinoma model. Cancer Cell Int 2022; 22:364. [PMCID: PMC9675143 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-022-02787-5] [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: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Radiotherapy is one of the essential treatment modalities for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), however, radioresistance still poses challenges. Three-dimensional (3D) tumor culture models mimic the in vivo growth conditions of cells more accurately than 2D models. This study is to compare the tumor biological behaviors of NPC cells in 2D, On-Surface 3D and Embedded 3D systems, and to investigate the correlation between radioresistance and extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness. Methods The morphology and radioresistance of the human NPC cell line CNE-1 were observed in 2D and 3D systems. The CCK-8 assay, wounding healing assays, flow cytometry, soft agar assays, and western blot analysis were used to evaluate differences in biological behaviors such as proliferation, migration, cell cycle distribution, and stem cell activity. Different ECM stiffness systems were established by co-blending collagen and alginate in varying proportions. ECM stiffness was evaluated by compressive elastic moduli measurement and colony formation assay was used to assess radioresistance of NPC cells in systems with different ECM stiffness after irradiation. Results Compared to 2D models, the morphology of NPC cells in 3D culture microenvironments has more in common with in vivo tumor cells and 3D cultured NPC cells exhibit stronger radioresistance. Integrin β1 but not the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition pathway in 3D models boost migration ability. Cell proliferation was enhanced, the proportion of tumor stem cells was increased, and G1/S phase arrest occurred in 3D models. NPC cells cultured in softer ECM systems (with low alginate proportions) exhibit striking resistance to ionizing radiation. Conclusion The tumor biological behaviors of NPC cells in 3D groups were obviously different from that of 2D. Radioresistance of NPC cells increased with the stiffness of ECM decreasing. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12935-022-02787-5.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanhua Fang
- grid.459353.d0000 0004 1800 3285The Key Laboratory of biomarker high throughput screening and target translation of breast and gastrointestinal tumor, Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University, No.6 Jiefang Street, Zhongshan District, Dalian, 116001 Liaoning China
| | - Shanshan Liang
- grid.459353.d0000 0004 1800 3285The Key Laboratory of biomarker high throughput screening and target translation of breast and gastrointestinal tumor, Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University, No.6 Jiefang Street, Zhongshan District, Dalian, 116001 Liaoning China
| | - Jianong Gao
- Outpatient Department, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, No.83 Culture Road, Shenhe District, Shengyang, 110015 Liaoning China
| | - Zhe Wang
- grid.459353.d0000 0004 1800 3285Oncology Department, Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University, No.6 Jiefang Street, Zhongshan District, Dalian, 116001 Liaoning China
| | - Cheng Li
- grid.459353.d0000 0004 1800 3285The Key Laboratory of biomarker high throughput screening and target translation of breast and gastrointestinal tumor, Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University, No.6 Jiefang Street, Zhongshan District, Dalian, 116001 Liaoning China
| | - Ruoyu Wang
- grid.459353.d0000 0004 1800 3285The Key Laboratory of biomarker high throughput screening and target translation of breast and gastrointestinal tumor, Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University, No.6 Jiefang Street, Zhongshan District, Dalian, 116001 Liaoning China ,grid.459353.d0000 0004 1800 3285Oncology Department, Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University, No.6 Jiefang Street, Zhongshan District, Dalian, 116001 Liaoning China
| | - Weiting Yu
- grid.459353.d0000 0004 1800 3285The Key Laboratory of biomarker high throughput screening and target translation of breast and gastrointestinal tumor, Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University, No.6 Jiefang Street, Zhongshan District, Dalian, 116001 Liaoning China ,grid.284723.80000 0000 8877 7471Affiliated Zhujiang Hospistal of Southern Medical University, Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University, 253 Industrial Avenue, 510280 Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Jubelin C, Muñoz-Garcia J, Griscom L, Cochonneau D, Ollivier E, Heymann MF, Vallette FM, Oliver L, Heymann D. Three-dimensional in vitro culture models in oncology research. Cell Biosci 2022; 12:155. [PMID: 36089610 PMCID: PMC9465969 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-022-00887-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractCancer is a multifactorial disease that is responsible for 10 million deaths per year. The intra- and inter-heterogeneity of malignant tumors make it difficult to develop single targeted approaches. Similarly, their diversity requires various models to investigate the mechanisms involved in cancer initiation, progression, drug resistance and recurrence. Of the in vitro cell-based models, monolayer adherent (also known as 2D culture) cell cultures have been used for the longest time. However, it appears that they are often less appropriate than the three-dimensional (3D) cell culture approach for mimicking the biological behavior of tumor cells, in particular the mechanisms leading to therapeutic escape and drug resistance. Multicellular tumor spheroids are widely used to study cancers in 3D, and can be generated by a multiplicity of techniques, such as liquid-based and scaffold-based 3D cultures, microfluidics and bioprinting. Organoids are more complex 3D models than multicellular tumor spheroids because they are generated from stem cells isolated from patients and are considered as powerful tools to reproduce the disease development in vitro. The present review provides an overview of the various 3D culture models that have been set up to study cancer development and drug response. The advantages of 3D models compared to 2D cell cultures, the limitations, and the fields of application of these models and their techniques of production are also discussed.
Collapse
|
4
|
Wishart G, Gupta P, Nisbet A, Schettino G, Velliou E. On the Evaluation of a Novel Hypoxic 3D Pancreatic Cancer Model as a Tool for Radiotherapy Treatment Screening. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:6080. [PMID: 34885188 PMCID: PMC8657010 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13236080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Tissue engineering is evolving to mimic intricate ecosystems of tumour microenvironments (TME) to more readily map realistic in vivo niches of cancerous tissues. Such advanced cancer tissue models enable more accurate preclinical assessment of treatment strategies. Pancreatic cancer is a dangerous disease with high treatment resistance that is directly associated with a highly complex TME. More specifically, the pancreatic cancer TME includes (i) complex structure and complex extracellular matrix (ECM) protein composition; (ii) diverse cell populations (e.g., stellate cells), cancer associated fibroblasts, endothelial cells, which interact with the cancer cells and promote resistance to treatment and metastasis; (iii) accumulation of high amounts of (ECM), which leads to the creation of a fibrotic/desmoplastic reaction around the tumour; and (iv) heterogeneous environmental gradients such as hypoxia, which result from vessel collapse and stiffness increase in the fibrotic/desmoplastic area of the TME. These unique hallmarks are not effectively recapitulated in traditional preclinical research despite radiotherapeutic resistance being largely connected to them. Herein, we investigate, for the first time, the impact of in vitro hypoxia (5% O2) on the radiotherapy treatment response of pancreatic cancer cells (PANC-1) in a novel polymer (polyurethane) based highly macroporous scaffold that was surface modified with proteins (fibronectin) for ECM mimicry. More specifically, PANC-1 cells were seeded in fibronectin coated macroporous scaffolds and were cultured for four weeks in in vitro normoxia (21% O2), followed by a two day exposure to either in vitro hypoxia (5% O2) or maintenance in in vitro normoxia. Thereafter, in situ post-radiation monitoring (one day, three days, seven days post-irradiation) of the 3D cell cultures took place via quantification of (i) live/dead and apoptotic profiles and (ii) ECM (collagen-I) and HIF-1a secretion by the cancer cells. Our results showed increased post-radiation viability, reduced apoptosis, and increased collagen-I and HIF-1a secretion in in vitro hypoxia compared to normoxic cultures, revealing hypoxia-induced radioprotection. Overall, this study employed a low cost, animal free model enabling (i) the possibility of long-term in vitro hypoxic 3D cell culture for pancreatic cancer, and (ii) in vitro hypoxia associated PDAC radio-protection development. Our novel platform for radiation treatment screening can be used for long-term in vitro post-treatment observations as well as for fractionated radiotherapy treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle Wishart
- Bioprocess and Biochemical Engineering Group (BioProChem), Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK; (G.W.); (P.G.)
- Department of Physics, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK;
| | - Priyanka Gupta
- Bioprocess and Biochemical Engineering Group (BioProChem), Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK; (G.W.); (P.G.)
- Centre for 3D Models of Health and Disease, Department of Targeted Intervention, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London (UCL), London W1W 7TY, UK
| | - Andrew Nisbet
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London (UCL), London WC1E 6BT, UK;
| | - Giuseppe Schettino
- Department of Physics, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK;
- National Physical Laboratory, Teddington TW11 0LW, UK
| | - Eirini Velliou
- Bioprocess and Biochemical Engineering Group (BioProChem), Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK; (G.W.); (P.G.)
- Centre for 3D Models of Health and Disease, Department of Targeted Intervention, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London (UCL), London W1W 7TY, UK
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Wishart G, Gupta P, Nisbet A, Velliou E, Schettino G. Novel Anticancer and Treatment Sensitizing Compounds against Pancreatic Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:2940. [PMID: 34208295 PMCID: PMC8231164 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13122940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The isolation of chemical compounds from natural origins for medical application has played an important role in modern medicine with a range of novel treatments having emerged from various natural forms over the past decades. Natural compounds have been exploited for their antioxidant, antimicrobial and antitumor capabilities. Specifically, 60% of today's anticancer drugs originate from natural sources. Moreover, the combination of synthetic and natural treatments has shown applications for (i) reduced side effects, (ii) treatment sensitization and (iii) reduction in treatment resistance. This review aims to collate novel and natural compounds that are being explored for their preclinical anticancer, chemosensitizing and radiosensitizing effects on Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC), which is a lethal disease with current treatments being inefficient and causing serve side effects. Two key points are highlighted by this work: (i) the availability of a range of natural compounds for potentially new therapeutic approaches for PDAC, (ii) potential synergetic impact of natural compounds with advanced chemo- and radio-therapeutic modalities for PDAC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle Wishart
- Bioprocess and Biochemical Engineering Group (BioProChem), Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK; (G.W.); (P.G.); (E.V.)
- Department of Physics, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK
| | - Priyanka Gupta
- Bioprocess and Biochemical Engineering Group (BioProChem), Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK; (G.W.); (P.G.); (E.V.)
| | - Andrew Nisbet
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK;
| | - Eirini Velliou
- Bioprocess and Biochemical Engineering Group (BioProChem), Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK; (G.W.); (P.G.); (E.V.)
- Centre for 3D Models of Health and Disease, UCL-Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, Charles Bell House, 43-45 Foley Street, Fitzrovia, London W1W 7TY, UK
| | - Giuseppe Schettino
- Department of Physics, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK
- National Physical Laboratory, Teddington TW11 0LW, UK
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Klein S, Distel LVR, Neuhuber W, Kryschi C. Caffeic Acid, Quercetin and 5-Fluorocytidine-Functionalized Au-Fe 3O 4 Nanoheterodimers for X-ray-Triggered Drug Delivery in Breast Tumor Spheroids. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 11:1167. [PMID: 33947086 PMCID: PMC8146450 DOI: 10.3390/nano11051167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 04/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Au-Fe3O4 nanoheterodimers (NHD) were functionalized with the natural and synthetic anticancer drugs caffeic acid (CA), quercetin (Q) and 5-fluorocytidine (5FC). Their X-radiation dose-enhancing potential and chemotherapeutic efficacy for bimodal cancer therapy were investigated by designing multicellular tumor spheroids (MCTS) to in vitro avascular tumor models. MCTS were grown from the breast cancer cell lines MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, and MCF-10A. The MCF-7, MDA-MB-231 and MCF-10A MCTS were incubated with NHD-CA, NHD-Q, or NHD-5FC and then exposed to fractionated X-radiation comprising either a single 10 Gy dose, 2 daily single 5 Gy doses or 5 daily single 2 Gy doses. The NHD-CA, NHD-Q, and NHD-5FC affected the growth of X-ray irradiated and non-irradiated MCTS in a different manner. The impact of the NHDs on the glycolytic metabolism due to oxygen deprivation inside MCTS was assessed by measuring lactate secretion and glucose uptake by the MCTS. The NHD-CA and NHD-Q were found to act as X-radiation dose agents in MCF-7 MCTS and MDA-MB-231 MCTS and served as radioprotector in MCF-10A MCTS. X-ray triggered release of CA and Q inhibited lactate secretion and thereupon disturbed glycolytic reprogramming, whereas 5FC exerted their cytotoxic effects on both, healthy and tumor cells, after their release into the cytosol.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Klein
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Physical Chemistry I and ICMM, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Egerlandstr. 3, D-91058 Erlangen, Germany;
| | - Luitpold V. R. Distel
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Universitätsstr. 27, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany;
| | - Winfried Neuhuber
- Institute of Anatomy, Chair of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Krankenhausstr. 9, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany;
| | - Carola Kryschi
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Physical Chemistry I and ICMM, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Egerlandstr. 3, D-91058 Erlangen, Germany;
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Wishart G, Gupta P, Schettino G, Nisbet A, Velliou E. 3d tissue models as tools for radiotherapy screening for pancreatic cancer. Br J Radiol 2021; 94:20201397. [PMID: 33684308 PMCID: PMC8010544 DOI: 10.1259/bjr.20201397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The efficiency of radiotherapy treatment regimes varies from tumour to tumour and from patient to patient but it is generally highly influenced by the tumour microenvironment (TME). The TME can be described as a heterogeneous composition of biological, biophysical, biomechanical and biochemical milieus that influence the tumour survival and its' response to treatment. Preclinical research faces challenges in the replication of these in vivo milieus for predictable treatment response studies. 2D cell culture is a traditional, simplistic and cost-effective approach to culture cells in vitro, however, the nature of the system fails to recapitulate important features of the TME such as structure, cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions. At the same time, the traditional use of animals (Xenografts) in cancer research allows realistic in vivo architecture, however foreign physiology, limited heterogeneity and reduced tumour mutation rates impairs relevance to humans. Furthermore, animal research is very time consuming and costly. Tissue engineering is advancing as a promising biomimetic approach, producing 3D models that capture structural, biophysical, biochemical and biomechanical features, therefore, facilitating more realistic treatment response studies for further clinical application. However, currently, the application of 3D models for radiation response studies is an understudied area of research, especially for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), a cancer with a notoriously complex microenvironment. At the same time, specific novel and/or more enhanced radiotherapy tumour-targeting techniques such as MRI-guided radiotherapy and proton therapy are emerging to more effectively target pancreatic cancer cells. However, these emerging technologies may have different biological effectiveness as compared to established photon-based radiotherapy. For example, for MRI-guided radiotherapy, the novel use of static magnetic fields (SMF) during radiation delivery is understudied and not fully understood. Thus, reliable biomimetic platforms to test new radiation delivery strategies are required to more accurately predict in vivo responses. Here, we aim to collate current 3D models for radiation response studies of PDAC, identifying the state of the art and outlines knowledge gaps. Overall, this review paper highlights the need for further research on the use of 3D models for pre-clinical radiotherapy screening including (i) 3D (re)-modeling of the PDAC hypoxic TME to allow for late effects of ionising radiation (ii) the screening of novel radiotherapy approaches and their combinations as well as (iii) a universally accepted 3D-model image quantification method for evaluating TME components in situ that would facilitate accurate post-treatment(s) quantitative comparisons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Priyanka Gupta
- Bioprocess and Biochemical Engineering Group (BioProChem), Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Liu R, Higley KA, Swat MH, Chaplain MAJ, Powathil GG, Glazier JA. Development of a coupled simulation toolkit for computational radiation biology based on Geant4 and CompuCell3D. Phys Med Biol 2021; 66:045026. [PMID: 33339019 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6560/abd4f9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Understanding and designing clinical radiation therapy is one of the most important areas of state-of-the-art oncological treatment regimens. Decades of research have gone into developing sophisticated treatment devices and optimization protocols for schedules and dosages. In this paper, we presented a comprehensive computational platform that facilitates building of the sophisticated multi-cell-based model of how radiation affects the biology of living tissue. We designed and implemented a coupled simulation method, including a radiation transport model, and a cell biology model, to simulate the tumor response after irradiation. The radiation transport simulation was implemented through Geant4 which is an open-source Monte Carlo simulation platform that provides many flexibilities for users, as well as low energy DNA damage simulation physics, Geant4-DNA. The cell biology simulation was implemented using CompuCell3D (CC3D) which is a cell biology simulation platform. In order to couple Geant4 solver with CC3D, we developed a 'bridging' module, RADCELL, that extracts tumor cellular geometry of the CC3D simulation (including specification of the individual cells) and ported it to the Geant4 for radiation transport simulation. The cell dose and cell DNA damage distribution in multicellular system were obtained using Geant4. The tumor response was simulated using cell-based tissue models based on CC3D, and the cell dose and cell DNA damage information were fed back through RADCELL to CC3D for updating the cell properties. By merging two powerful and widely used modeling platforms, CC3D and Geant4, we delivered a novel tool that can give us the ability to simulate the dynamics of biological tissue in the presence of ionizing radiation, which provides a framework for quantifying the biological consequences of radiation therapy. In this introductory methods paper, we described our modeling platform in detail and showed how it can be applied to study the application of radiotherapy to a vascularized tumor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruirui Liu
- School of Nuclear Science and Engineering, Oregon State University, 100 Radiation Center, Corvallis, OR 97331, United States of America.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, United States of America
| | - Kathryn A Higley
- School of Nuclear Science and Engineering, Oregon State University, 100 Radiation Center, Corvallis, OR 97331, United States of America
| | - Maciej H Swat
- Biocomplexity Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Mark A J Chaplain
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, Mathematical Institute, University of St Andrews, St Andrews KY16 9SS, Fife, United Kingdom
| | - Gibin G Powathil
- Department of Mathematics, College of Science, Swansea University, Swansea, SA2 8PP, United Kingdom
| | - James A Glazier
- Biocomplexity Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Koch J, Mönch D, Maaß A, Gromoll C, Hehr T, Leibold T, Schlitt HJ, Dahlke MH, Renner P. Three dimensional cultivation increases chemo- and radioresistance of colorectal cancer cell lines. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0244513. [PMID: 33395433 PMCID: PMC7781370 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0244513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Although 2D cell cultures are commonly used to predict therapy response, it has become clear that 3D cultures may better mimic the in vivo situation and offer the possibility of tailoring translational clinical approaches. Here, we compared the response of 2D and 3D colorectal cancer (CRC) cell lines to irradiation and chemotherapy. Classic 2D cultures and 3D spheroids of CRC cell lines (CaCo2, Colo205, HCT116, SW480) were thoroughly established, then irradiated with doses of 1, 4, or 10 Gy, using a clinical-grade linear accelerator. The response was assessed by immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, and TUNEL assays. Upon irradiation, CRC 3D spheroids were morphologically altered. After irradiation with 10 Gy, annexin V/PI staining revealed a 1.8- to 4-fold increase in the apoptosis rate in the 2D cell cultures (95% CI 3.24±0.96), and a 1.5- to 2.4-fold increase in the 3D spheroids (95% CI 1.56±0.41). Irradiation with 1 Gy caused 3- and 4-fold increases in TUNEL positive cells in the CaCo2 and HCT116 (p = 0.01) 2D cultures, respectively, compared with a 2-fold increase in the 3D spheroids. Furthermore, the 2D and 3D cultures responded differently to chemotherapy; the 3D cultures were more resistant to 5-FU and cisplatin, but not to doxorubicin and mitomycin C, than the 2D cultures. Taken together, CRC cells cultured as 3D spheroids displayed markedly higher resistance to irradiation therapy and selected chemotherapeutic drugs than 2D cultures. This in vitro difference must be considered in future approaches for determining the ideal in vitro systems that mimic human disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jana Koch
- Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute for Clinical Pharmacology, Stuttgart, Germany
- University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Dina Mönch
- Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute for Clinical Pharmacology, Stuttgart, Germany
- University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Annika Maaß
- Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute for Clinical Pharmacology, Stuttgart, Germany
- University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Christian Gromoll
- Department of Radiation Therapy, Robert-Bosch-Krankenhaus, Stuttgart, Germany
- Department of Radiation Therapy, Marienhospital, Stuttgart, Germany
- University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Thomas Hehr
- Department of Radiation Therapy, Robert-Bosch-Krankenhaus, Stuttgart, Germany
- Department of Radiation Therapy, Marienhospital, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Tobias Leibold
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Robert-Bosch-Krankenhaus, Stuttgart, Germany
| | | | - Marc-H. Dahlke
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Robert-Bosch-Krankenhaus, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Philipp Renner
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Robert-Bosch-Krankenhaus, Stuttgart, Germany
- University Medical Centre Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Yakavets I, Francois A, Benoit A, Merlin JL, Bezdetnaya L, Vogin G. Advanced co-culture 3D breast cancer model for investigation of fibrosis induced by external stimuli: optimization study. Sci Rep 2020; 10:21273. [PMID: 33277538 PMCID: PMC7718236 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-78087-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Radiation-induced fibrosis (RIF) is the main late radiation toxicity in breast cancer patients. Most of the current 3D in vitro breast cancer models are composed by cancer cells only and are unable to reproduce the complex cellular homeostasis within the tumor microenvironment to study RIF mechanisms. In order to account complex cellular interactions within the tumor microenvironment, an advanced 3D spheroid model, consisting of the luminal breast cancer MCF-7 cells and MRC-5 fibroblasts, was developed. The spheroids were generated using the liquid overlay technique in culture media into 96-well plates previously coated with 1% agarose (m/v, in water). In total, 21 experimental setups were tested during the optimization of the model. The generated spheroids were characterized using fluorescence imaging, immunohistology and immunohistochemistry. The expression of ECM components was confirmed in co-culture spheroids. Using α-SMA staining, we confirmed the differentiation of healthy fibroblasts into myofibroblasts upon the co-culturing with cancer cells. The induction of fibrosis was studied in spheroids treated 24 h with 10 ng/mL TGF-β and/or 2 Gy irradiation. Overall, the developed advanced 3D stroma-rich in vitro model of breast cancer provides a possibility to study fibrosis mechanisms taking into account 3D arrangement of the complex tumor microenvironment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ilya Yakavets
- UMR7039 CRAN, Institut de Cancérologie de Lorraine, CNRS, Université de Lorraine, 6 Avenue de Bourgogne, 54519, Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Aurelie Francois
- UMR7039 CRAN, Institut de Cancérologie de Lorraine, CNRS, Université de Lorraine, 6 Avenue de Bourgogne, 54519, Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Alice Benoit
- UMR7039 CRAN, Institut de Cancérologie de Lorraine, CNRS, Université de Lorraine, 6 Avenue de Bourgogne, 54519, Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Jean-Louis Merlin
- UMR7039 CRAN, Institut de Cancérologie de Lorraine, CNRS, Université de Lorraine, 6 Avenue de Bourgogne, 54519, Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Lina Bezdetnaya
- UMR7039 CRAN, Institut de Cancérologie de Lorraine, CNRS, Université de Lorraine, 6 Avenue de Bourgogne, 54519, Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France.
| | - Guillaume Vogin
- UMR7039 CRAN, Institut de Cancérologie de Lorraine, CNRS, Université de Lorraine, 6 Avenue de Bourgogne, 54519, Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France.,UMR 7365 CNRS-UL, IMoPA, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France.,Centre François Baclesse, Centre National de Radiothérapie du Grand-Duché du Luxembourg, Esch Sur Alzette, Luxembourg
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Doctor A, Seifert V, Ullrich M, Hauser S, Pietzsch J. Three-Dimensional Cell Culture Systems in Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12102765. [PMID: 32993034 PMCID: PMC7600608 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12102765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In preclinical cancer research, three-dimensional (3D) cell culture systems such as multicellular spheroids and organoids are becoming increasingly important. They provide valuable information before studies on animal models begin and, in some cases, are even suitable for reducing or replacing animal experiments. Furthermore, they recapitulate microtumors, metastases, and the tumor microenvironment much better than monolayer culture systems could. Three-dimensional models show higher structural complexity and diverse cell interactions while reflecting (patho)physiological phenomena such as oxygen and nutrient gradients in the course of their growth or development. These interactions and properties are of great importance for understanding the pathophysiological importance of stromal cells and the extracellular matrix for tumor progression, treatment response, or resistance mechanisms of solid tumors. Special emphasis is placed on co-cultivation with tumor-associated cells, which further increases the predictive value of 3D models, e.g., for drug development. The aim of this overview is to shed light on selected 3D models and their advantages and disadvantages, especially from the radiopharmacist's point of view with focus on the suitability of 3D models for the radiopharmacological characterization of novel radiotracers and radiotherapeutics. Special attention is paid to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) as a predestined target for the development of new radionuclide-based theranostics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alina Doctor
- Department of Radiopharmaceutical and Chemical Biology, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, 01328 Dresden, Germany; (A.D.); (V.S.); (M.U.); (S.H.)
- School of Science, Faculty of Chemistry and Food Chemistry, Technische Universität Dresden, 01069 Dresden, Germany
| | - Verena Seifert
- Department of Radiopharmaceutical and Chemical Biology, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, 01328 Dresden, Germany; (A.D.); (V.S.); (M.U.); (S.H.)
- School of Science, Faculty of Chemistry and Food Chemistry, Technische Universität Dresden, 01069 Dresden, Germany
| | - Martin Ullrich
- Department of Radiopharmaceutical and Chemical Biology, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, 01328 Dresden, Germany; (A.D.); (V.S.); (M.U.); (S.H.)
| | - Sandra Hauser
- Department of Radiopharmaceutical and Chemical Biology, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, 01328 Dresden, Germany; (A.D.); (V.S.); (M.U.); (S.H.)
| | - Jens Pietzsch
- Department of Radiopharmaceutical and Chemical Biology, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, 01328 Dresden, Germany; (A.D.); (V.S.); (M.U.); (S.H.)
- School of Science, Faculty of Chemistry and Food Chemistry, Technische Universität Dresden, 01069 Dresden, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-351-260-2622
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Gupta P, Pérez-Mancera PA, Kocher H, Nisbet A, Schettino G, Velliou EG. A Novel Scaffold-Based Hybrid Multicellular Model for Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma-Toward a Better Mimicry of the in vivo Tumor Microenvironment. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:290. [PMID: 32391339 PMCID: PMC7193232 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.00290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
With a very low survival rate, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a deadly disease. This has been primarily attributed to (i) its late diagnosis and (ii) its high resistance to current treatment methods. The latter specifically requires the development of robust, realistic in vitro models of PDAC, capable of accurately mimicking the in vivo tumor niche. Advancements in the field of tissue engineering (TE) have helped the development of such models for PDAC. Herein, we report for the first time a novel hybrid, polyurethane (PU) scaffold-based, long-term, multicellular (tri-culture) model of pancreatic cancer involving cancer cells, endothelial cells, and stellate cells. Recognizing the importance of ECM proteins for optimal growth of different cell types, the model consists of two different zones/compartments: an inner tumor compartment consisting of cancer cells [fibronectin (FN)-coated] and a surrounding stromal compartment consisting of stellate and endothelial cells [collagen I (COL)-coated]. Our developed novel hybrid, tri-culture model supports the proliferation of all different cell types for 35 days (5 weeks), which is the longest reported timeframe in vitro. Furthermore, the hybrid model showed extensive COL production by the cells, mimicking desmoplasia, one of PDAC's hallmark features. Fibril alignment of the stellate cells was observed, which attested to their activated state. All three cell types expressed various cell-specific markers within the scaffolds, throughout the culture period and showed cellular migration between the two zones of the hybrid scaffold. Our novel model has great potential as a low-cost tool for in vitro studies of PDAC, as well as for treatment screening.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Gupta
- Bioprocess and Biochemical Engineering Group (BioProChem), Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - Pedro A. Pérez-Mancera
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Hemant Kocher
- Centre for Tumour Biology and Experimental Cancer Medicine, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Nisbet
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Giuseppe Schettino
- Department of Physics, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
- Medical Radiation Science Group, The National Physical Laboratory, Teddington, United Kingdom
| | - Eirini G. Velliou
- Bioprocess and Biochemical Engineering Group (BioProChem), Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Krüger M, Melnik D, Kopp S, Buken C, Sahana J, Bauer J, Wehland M, Hemmersbach R, Corydon TJ, Infanger M, Grimm D. Fighting Thyroid Cancer with Microgravity Research. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20102553. [PMID: 31137658 PMCID: PMC6566201 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20102553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Revised: 05/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Microgravity in space or simulated by special ground-based devices provides an unusual but unique environment to study and influence tumour cell processes. By investigating thyroid cancer cells in microgravity for nearly 20 years, researchers got insights into tumour biology that had not been possible under normal laboratory conditions: adherently growing cancer cells detach from their surface and form three-dimensional structures. The cells included in these multicellular spheroids (MCS) were not only altered but behave also differently to those grown in flat sheets in normal gravity, more closely mimicking the conditions in the human body. Therefore, MCS became an invaluable model for studying metastasis and developing new cancer treatment strategies via drug targeting. Microgravity intervenes deeply in processes such as apoptosis and in structural changes involving the cytoskeleton and the extracellular matrix, which influence cell growth. Most interestingly, follicular thyroid cancer cells grown under microgravity conditions were shifted towards a less-malignant phenotype. Results from microgravity research can be used to rethink conventional cancer research and may help to pinpoint the cellular changes that cause cancer. This in turn could lead to novel therapies that will enhance the quality of life for patients or potentially develop new preventive countermeasures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Krüger
- Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Otto von Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany.
| | - Daniela Melnik
- Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Otto von Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany.
| | - Sascha Kopp
- Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Otto von Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany.
| | - Christoph Buken
- Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Otto von Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany.
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.
| | - Jayashree Sahana
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.
| | - Johann Bauer
- Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, 82152 Martinsried, Germany.
| | - Markus Wehland
- Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Otto von Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany.
| | - Ruth Hemmersbach
- Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Gravitational Biology, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Linder Höhe, 51147 Cologne, Germany.
| | - Thomas J Corydon
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.
- Department of Ophthalmology, Aarhus University Hospital, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark.
| | - Manfred Infanger
- Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Otto von Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany.
| | - Daniela Grimm
- Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Otto von Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany.
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.
- Gravitational Biology and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Mechanical Engineering, Otto von Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Low dose photodynamic therapy harmonizes with radiation therapy to induce beneficial effects on pancreatic heterocellular spheroids. Oncotarget 2019; 10:2625-2643. [PMID: 31080554 PMCID: PMC6499000 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.26780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 02/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has seen long standing interest as a therapy for resistant cancers, but the main Achilles’ heel for its successful clinical exploitation is the use of poorly penetrating visible light. This limitation could be overcome by using radioluminescent nanoparticles, which can be excited during radiation therapy (RT) with penetrating X-rays. When infused in tumors, X-ray activated-nanoscintillators act as internal light sources and excite nearby photosensitizers. Recent studies demonstrated that it is realistic to achieve low dose PDT with current nanoscintillators. However, as the origin of enhanced RT efficacy with nanoscintillators may have varying origins, we aimed to answer the basic question: Is a combination of low-dose PDT beneficial to the RT efficacy in clinically relevant models of cancer? Pancreatic cancer (PanCa) remains a lethal disease for which RT is part of the palliative care and for which PDT demonstrated promising results in clinical trial. We thus evaluated the combination of low-dose PDT and RT delivered in absence of nanoscintillators on various heterocellular spheroid models that recapitulate the clinical heterogeneity of PanCa. Although therapeutic effects emerged at different timepoints in each model, the RT/PDT combination uniformly achieved favorable outcomes. With RT providing stunted tumor growth while PDT drove adjuvant apoptotic and necrotic cell death, the combination produced significantly smaller and less viable PanCa spheroids. In conclusion, the beneficial RT/PDT treatment outcomes encourage the further development of nanoscinitillators for X-ray-activated PDT. Assessment of such combination treatments should encompass multiparametric and temporally-spaced assessment of treatment effects in preclinical cancer models.
Collapse
|
15
|
Bresciani G, Hofland LJ, Dogan F, Giamas G, Gagliano T, Zatelli MC. Evaluation of Spheroid 3D Culture Methods to Study a Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasm Cell Line. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:682. [PMID: 31636608 PMCID: PMC6787167 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasms (pNEN) are rare tumors which treatment still represent an important clinical problem, due to the paucity of medical treatments. Due to tumor complexity, techniques as 3D cultures are important to study drug activity in a more realistic model. This study aims to compare three different 3D culture methods in order to understand which one can be considered the best option in terms of experimental easiness and reproducibility in studying the efficacy of a target drug on pNEN. The BON1 cell line was used as a pNEN model and the well-known Receptor Tyrosine Kinase inhibitor Sunitinib was used in order to better investigate the different features of each method. The investigated methods are: (1) 96-well hanging drop plates (HD plates), (2) 24-well plates with a cell-repellent surface, and (3) ultra-low attachment 96-well plates with clear round bottom (ULA plates). The evaluated parameters during the study were: cell seeding, easiness in spheroids formation, morphology, culture maintenance, medium change, spheroids monitoring, picture quality, spheroid perimeter measurement reproducibility error, possibility to perform assays into the seeding plate, overall time of the experiment. Moreover, we investigated how culture methods can influence experimental outcomes evaluating perimeter changes, cell viability and immunohistochemistry of spheroids treated with different Sunitinib concentrations. Results showed that each method has weak and strong points but, considering the easiness of spheroids maintenance and reproducibility results, ULA plates method appears to be the best approach to culture BON1 spheroids and, therefore, to study pNEN.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Bresciani
- Section of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine, Department of Medial Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Leo J. Hofland
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Fadime Dogan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Georgios Giamas
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedicine, School of Life Science, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Teresa Gagliano
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedicine, School of Life Science, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Maria Chiara Zatelli
- Section of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine, Department of Medial Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- *Correspondence: Maria Chiara Zatelli
| |
Collapse
|