1
|
Dias IE, Dias IR, Franchi-Mendes T, Viegas CA, Carvalho PP. A Comprehensive Exploration of Therapeutic Strategies in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: Insights from Human and Animal Studies. Biomedicines 2024; 12:735. [PMID: 38672091 PMCID: PMC11048724 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12040735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a collective term for a group of chronic inflammatory enteropathies which are characterized by intestinal inflammation and persistent or frequent gastrointestinal signs. This disease affects more than 3.5 million humans worldwide and presents some similarities between animal species, in particular, dogs and cats. Although the underlying mechanism that triggers the disease is not yet well understood, the evidence suggests a multifactorial etiology implicating genetic causes, environmental factors, microbiota imbalance, and mucosa immune defects, both in humans and in dogs and cats. Conventional immunomodulatory drug therapies, such as glucocorticoids or immunosuppressants, are related with numerous adverse effects that limit its long-term use, creating the need to develop new therapeutic strategies. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) emerge as a promising alternative that attenuates intestinal inflammation by modulating inflammatory cytokines in inflamed tissues, and also due to their pro-angiogenic, anti-apoptotic, anti-fibrotic, regenerative, anti-tumor, and anti-microbial potential. However, this therapeutic approach may have important limitations regarding the lack of studies, namely in veterinary medicine, lack of standardized protocols, and high economic cost. This review summarizes the main differences and similarities between human, canine, and feline IBD, as well as the potential treatment and future prospects of MSCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Inês Esteves Dias
- CITAB—Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (I.E.D.); (I.R.D.)
- Inov4Agro—Institute for Innovation, Capacity Building and Sustainability of Agri-Food Production, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Isabel Ribeiro Dias
- CITAB—Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (I.E.D.); (I.R.D.)
- Inov4Agro—Institute for Innovation, Capacity Building and Sustainability of Agri-Food Production, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences (ECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- CECAV—Centre for Animal Sciences and Veterinary Studies, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- AL4AnimalS—Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Teresa Franchi-Mendes
- Department of Bioengineering and IBB—Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences at Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal;
- Associate Laboratory i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy at Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Carlos Antunes Viegas
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences (ECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- CECAV—Centre for Animal Sciences and Veterinary Studies, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- AL4AnimalS—Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- CIVG—Vasco da Gama Research Center, University School Vasco da Gama (EUVG), Campus Universitário, Av. José R. Sousa Fernandes, Lordemão, 3020-210 Coimbra, Portugal;
| | - Pedro Pires Carvalho
- CIVG—Vasco da Gama Research Center, University School Vasco da Gama (EUVG), Campus Universitário, Av. José R. Sousa Fernandes, Lordemão, 3020-210 Coimbra, Portugal;
- Vetherapy—Research and Development in Biotechnology, 3020-210 Coimbra, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Bandarra-Tavares H, Franchi-Mendes T, Ulpiano C, Morini S, Kaur N, Harris-Becker A, Vemuri MC, Cabral JMS, Fernandes-Platzgummer A, da Silva CL. Dual production of human mesenchymal stromal cells and derived extracellular vesicles in a dissolvable microcarrier-based stirred culture system. Cytotherapy 2024:S1465-3249(24)00088-4. [PMID: 38506771 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2024.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Cell therapies based on mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have gained an increasing therapeutic interest in the context of multiple disorders. Nonetheless, this field still faces important challenges, particularly concerning suitable manufacturing platforms. Here, we aimed at establishing a scalable culture system to expand umbilical cord-derived Wharton's jelly MSC (MSC(WJ)) and their derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) by using dissolvable microcarriers combined with xeno(geneic)-free culture medium. METHODS MSC(WJ) isolated from three donors were cultured at a starting density of 1 × 106 cells per spinner flask, i.e., 2.8 × 103 cells per cm2 of dissolvable microcarrier surface area. After a 6-day expansion period of MSC(WJ), extracellular vesicles (EVs) were produced for 24 h. RESULTS Taking advantage of an intermittent agitation regimen, we observed high adhesion rates to the microcarriers (over 90% at 24 h) and achieved 15.8 ± 0.7-fold expansion after 6 days of culture. Notably, dissolution of the microcarriers was achieved through a pectinase-based solution to recover the cell product, reducing the hurdles of downstream processing. MSC identity was validated by detecting the characteristic MSC immunophenotype and by multilineage differentiation assays. Considering the growing interest in MSC-derived EVs, which are known to be mediators of the therapeutic features of MSC, this platform also was evaluated for EV production. Upon a 24-h period of conditioning, secreted EVs were isolated by ultrafiltration followed by anion-exchange chromatography and exhibited the typical cup-shaped morphology, small size distribution (162.6 ± 30.2 nm) and expressed EV markers (CD63, CD9 and syntenin-1). CONCLUSIONS Taken together, we established a time-effective and robust scalable platform that complies with clinical-grade standards for the dual production of MSC(WJ) and their derived EV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hélder Bandarra-Tavares
- Department of Bioengineering and iBB - Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences at Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal; Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy at Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Teresa Franchi-Mendes
- Department of Bioengineering and iBB - Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences at Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal; Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy at Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Cristiana Ulpiano
- Department of Bioengineering and iBB - Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences at Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal; Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy at Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Sara Morini
- Department of Bioengineering and iBB - Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences at Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal; Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy at Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Navjot Kaur
- Cell and Gene Therapy, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Cell Biology, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Abigail Harris-Becker
- Cell and Gene Therapy, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Cell Biology, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Mohan C Vemuri
- Cell and Gene Therapy, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Cell Biology, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Joaquim M S Cabral
- Department of Bioengineering and iBB - Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences at Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal; Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy at Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ana Fernandes-Platzgummer
- Department of Bioengineering and iBB - Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences at Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal; Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy at Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Cláudia L da Silva
- Department of Bioengineering and iBB - Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences at Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal; Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy at Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Franchi-Mendes T, Silva M, Cartaxo AL, Fernandes-Platzgummer A, Cabral JMS, da Silva CL. Bioprocessing Considerations towards the Manufacturing of Therapeutic Skeletal and Smooth Muscle Cells. Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:1067. [PMID: 37760170 PMCID: PMC10525286 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10091067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Tissue engineering approaches within the muscle context represent a promising emerging field to address the current therapeutic challenges related with multiple pathological conditions affecting the muscle compartments, either skeletal muscle or smooth muscle, responsible for involuntary and voluntary contraction, respectively. In this review, several features and parameters involved in the bioprocessing of muscle cells are addressed. The cell isolation process is depicted, depending on the type of tissue (smooth or skeletal muscle), followed by the description of the challenges involving the use of adult donor tissue and the strategies to overcome the hurdles of reaching relevant cell numbers towards a clinical application. Specifically, the use of stem/progenitor cells is highlighted as a source for smooth and skeletal muscle cells towards the development of a cellular product able to maintain the target cell's identity and functionality. Moreover, taking into account the need for a robust and cost-effective bioprocess for cell manufacturing, the combination of muscle cells with biomaterials and the need for scale-up envisioning clinical applications are also approached.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Franchi-Mendes
- Department of Bioengineering, iBB—Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal; (T.F.-M.); (M.S.); (A.L.C.); (A.F.-P.); (J.M.S.C.)
- Associate Laboratory, i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Marília Silva
- Department of Bioengineering, iBB—Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal; (T.F.-M.); (M.S.); (A.L.C.); (A.F.-P.); (J.M.S.C.)
- Associate Laboratory, i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ana Luísa Cartaxo
- Department of Bioengineering, iBB—Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal; (T.F.-M.); (M.S.); (A.L.C.); (A.F.-P.); (J.M.S.C.)
- Associate Laboratory, i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ana Fernandes-Platzgummer
- Department of Bioengineering, iBB—Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal; (T.F.-M.); (M.S.); (A.L.C.); (A.F.-P.); (J.M.S.C.)
- Associate Laboratory, i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Joaquim M. S. Cabral
- Department of Bioengineering, iBB—Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal; (T.F.-M.); (M.S.); (A.L.C.); (A.F.-P.); (J.M.S.C.)
- Associate Laboratory, i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Cláudia L. da Silva
- Department of Bioengineering, iBB—Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal; (T.F.-M.); (M.S.); (A.L.C.); (A.F.-P.); (J.M.S.C.)
- Associate Laboratory, i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
da Mata S, Franchi-Mendes T, Abreu S, Filipe B, Morgado S, Mesquita M, Albuquerque C, Fonseca R, Santo VE, Boghaert ER, Rosa I, Brito C. Patient-Derived Explants of Colorectal Cancer: Histopathological and Molecular Analysis of Long-Term Cultures. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13184695. [PMID: 34572922 PMCID: PMC8465429 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13184695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer type among men and women. Prescription of medical treatments for cancer often relies on a process of trial and potential error, more recently guided by patient stratification based on biomarkers. Nonetheless, available biomarkers do not accurately predict patient response and there is a need for predictive and translational models to provide proper clinical information on treatment guidance. Herein, we developed an ex vivo model of colorectal cancer, using fresh tumour samples to establish explant cultures, taking advantage of agitation-based culture systems. We performed a thorough characterisation over one month in culture and observed preservation of original tumour genetic features and partial preservation of architecture and non-malignant cells that compose the tumour microenvironment. Our findings highlight the importance of detailed model characterisation and support the applicability of our model in pre- and co-clinical settings. Abstract Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide. Although short-term cultures of tumour sections and xenotransplants have been used to determine drug efficacy, the results frequently fail to confer clinically useful information. Biomarker discovery has changed the paradigm for advanced CRC, though the presence of a biomarker does not necessarily translate into therapeutic success. To improve clinical outcomes, translational models predictive of drug response are needed. We describe a simple method for the fast establishment of CRC patient-derived explant (CRC-PDE) cultures from different carcinogenesis pathways, employing agitation-based platforms. A total of 26 CRC-PDE were established and a subset was evaluated for viability (n = 23), morphology and genetic key alterations (n = 21). CRC-PDE retained partial tumor glandular architecture and microenvironment features were partially lost over 4 weeks of culture. Key proteins (p53 and Mismatch repair) and oncogenic driver mutations of the original tumours were sustained throughout the culture. Drug challenge (n = 5) revealed differential drug response from distinct CRC-PDE cases. These findings suggest an adequate representation of the original tumour and highlight the importance of detailed model characterisation. The preservation of key aspects of the CRC microenvironment and genetics supports CRC-PDE potential applicability in pre- and co-clinical settings, as long as temporal dynamics are considered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara da Mata
- Serviço de Anatomia Patológica, Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil (IPOLFG, EPE), Rua Prof. Lima Basto, 1099-023 Lisboa, Portugal; (S.d.M.); (S.M.); (M.M.); (R.F.)
- NOVA Medical School, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Campo dos Mártires da Pátria 130, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Teresa Franchi-Mendes
- Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, 2780-901 Oeiras, Portugal; (T.F.-M.); (S.A.); (V.E.S.)
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Sofia Abreu
- Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, 2780-901 Oeiras, Portugal; (T.F.-M.); (S.A.); (V.E.S.)
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Bruno Filipe
- Unidade de Investigação em Patobiologia Molecular (UIPM), Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil (IPOLFG, EPE), Rua Prof. Lima Basto, 1099-023 Lisboa, Portugal; (B.F.); (C.A.)
| | - Sónia Morgado
- Serviço de Anatomia Patológica, Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil (IPOLFG, EPE), Rua Prof. Lima Basto, 1099-023 Lisboa, Portugal; (S.d.M.); (S.M.); (M.M.); (R.F.)
| | - Marta Mesquita
- Serviço de Anatomia Patológica, Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil (IPOLFG, EPE), Rua Prof. Lima Basto, 1099-023 Lisboa, Portugal; (S.d.M.); (S.M.); (M.M.); (R.F.)
| | - Cristina Albuquerque
- Unidade de Investigação em Patobiologia Molecular (UIPM), Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil (IPOLFG, EPE), Rua Prof. Lima Basto, 1099-023 Lisboa, Portugal; (B.F.); (C.A.)
| | - Ricardo Fonseca
- Serviço de Anatomia Patológica, Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil (IPOLFG, EPE), Rua Prof. Lima Basto, 1099-023 Lisboa, Portugal; (S.d.M.); (S.M.); (M.M.); (R.F.)
- Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Prof. Egas Moniz MB, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Vítor E. Santo
- Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, 2780-901 Oeiras, Portugal; (T.F.-M.); (S.A.); (V.E.S.)
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Erwin R. Boghaert
- Abbvie Inc., 1 North Waukegan Road, North Chicago, IL 60064-6098, USA;
| | - Isadora Rosa
- Serviço de Gastrenterologia, Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil (IPOLFG, EPE), Rua Prof. Lima Basto, 1099-023 Lisboa, Portugal
- Correspondence: (I.R.); (C.B.)
| | - Catarina Brito
- Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, 2780-901 Oeiras, Portugal; (T.F.-M.); (S.A.); (V.E.S.)
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
- The Discoveries Centre for Regenerative and Precision Medicine, Lisbon Campus, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
- Correspondence: (I.R.); (C.B.)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Franchi-Mendes T, Eduardo R, Domenici G, Brito C. 3D Cancer Models: Depicting Cellular Crosstalk within the Tumour Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:4610. [PMID: 34572836 PMCID: PMC8468887 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13184610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumour microenvironment plays a critical role in tumour progression and drug resistance processes. Non-malignant cell players, such as fibroblasts, endothelial cells, immune cells and others, interact with each other and with the tumour cells, shaping the disease. Though the role of each cell type and cell communication mechanisms have been progressively studied, the complexity of this cellular network and its role in disease mechanism and therapeutic response are still being unveiled. Animal models have been mainly used, as they can represent systemic interactions and conditions, though they face recognized limitations in translational potential due to interspecies differences. In vitro 3D cancer models can surpass these limitations, by incorporating human cells, including patient-derived ones, and allowing a range of experimental designs with precise control of each tumour microenvironment element. We summarize the role of each tumour microenvironment component and review studies proposing 3D co-culture strategies of tumour cells and non-malignant cell components. Moreover, we discuss the potential of these modelling approaches to uncover potential therapeutic targets in the tumour microenvironment and assess therapeutic efficacy, current bottlenecks and perspectives.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Franchi-Mendes
- iBET—Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, 2781-901 Oeiras, Portugal; (T.F.-M.); (R.E.); (G.D.)
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Rodrigo Eduardo
- iBET—Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, 2781-901 Oeiras, Portugal; (T.F.-M.); (R.E.); (G.D.)
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Giacomo Domenici
- iBET—Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, 2781-901 Oeiras, Portugal; (T.F.-M.); (R.E.); (G.D.)
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Catarina Brito
- iBET—Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, 2781-901 Oeiras, Portugal; (T.F.-M.); (R.E.); (G.D.)
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
- The Discoveries Centre for Regenerative and Precision Medicine, Lisbon Campus, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Franchi-Mendes T, Lopes N, Brito C. Heterotypic Tumor Spheroids in Agitation-Based Cultures: A Scaffold-Free Cell Model That Sustains Long-Term Survival of Endothelial Cells. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2021; 9:649949. [PMID: 34178955 PMCID: PMC8219978 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.649949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Endothelial cells (ECs) are an important component of the tumor microenvironment, playing key roles in tumor development and progression that span from angiogenesis to immune regulation and drug resistance. Heterotypic tumor spheroids are one of the most widely used in vitro tumor microenvironment models, presenting improved recapitulation of tumor microenvironments compared to 2D cultures, in a simple and low-cost setup. Heterotypic tumor spheroid models incorporating endothelial cells have been proposed but present multiple limitations, such as the short culture duration typically obtained, the use of animal-derived matrices, and poor reproducibility; the diversity of culture conditions employed hinders comparison between studies and standardization of relevant culture parameters. Herein, we developed long-term cultures of triple heterotypic spheroids composed of the HCC1954 tumor cell line, human fibroblasts, and ECs. We explored culture parameters potentially relevant for EC maintenance, such as tumor cell line, seeding cell number, cell ratio, and agitation vs. static culture. In HCC1954-based spheroids, we observed maintenance of viable EC for up to 1 month of culture in agitation, with retention of the identity markers CD31 and von Willebrand factor. At the optimized tumor cell:fibroblast:EC ratio of 1:3:10, HCC1954-based spheroids had a higher EC area/total spheroid area at 1 month of culture than the other cell ratios tested. EC maintenance was tumor cell line-dependent, and in HCC1954-based spheroids it was also dependent on the presence of fibroblasts and agitation. Moreover, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) supplementation was not required for maintenance of EC, as the factor was endogenously produced. ECs co-localized with fibroblasts, which accumulated preferentially in the core of the spheroids and secreted EC-relevant extracellular matrix proteins, such as collagen I and IV. This simple model setup does not rely on artificial or animal-derived scaffolds and can serve as a useful tool to explore the culture parameters influencing heterotypic spheroids, contributing to model standardization, as well as to explore molecular cross talk of ECs within the tumor microenvironment, and potentially its effects on drug response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Franchi-Mendes
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Oeiras, Portugal.,Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Nuno Lopes
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Oeiras, Portugal.,Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Catarina Brito
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Oeiras, Portugal.,Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal.,The Discoveries Centre for Regenerative and Precision Medicine, Oeiras, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|