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Gupta P, Bermejo-Rodriguez C, Kocher H, Pérez-Mancera PA, Velliou EG. Chemotherapy Assessment in Advanced Multicellular 3D Models of Pancreatic Cancer: Unravelling the Importance of Spatiotemporal Mimicry of the Tumor Microenvironment. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2024:e2300580. [PMID: 38327154 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202300580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a challenge for global health with very low survival rate and high therapeutic resistance. Hence, advanced preclinical models for treatment screening are of paramount importance. Herein, chemotherapeutic (gemcitabine) assessment on novel (polyurethane) scaffold-based spatially advanced 3D multicellular PDAC models is carried out. Through comprehensive image-based analysis at the protein level, and expression analysis at the mRNA level, the importance of stromal cells is confirmed, primarily activated stellate cells in the chemoresistance of PDAC cells within the models. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that, in addition to the presence of activated stellate cells, the spatial architecture of the scaffolds, i.e., segregation/compartmentalization of the cancer and stromal zones, affect the cellular evolution and is necessary for the development of chemoresistance. These results highlight that, further to multicellularity, mapping the tumor structure/architecture and zonal complexity in 3D cancer models is important for better mimicry of the in vivo therapeutic response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Gupta
- Centre for 3D Models of Health and Disease, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, London, W1W 7TY, UK
| | - Camino Bermejo-Rodriguez
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Ashton Street, Liverpool, L69 3GE, UK
| | - Hemant Kocher
- Centre for Tumour Biology and Experimental Cancer Medicine, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Pedro A Pérez-Mancera
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Ashton Street, Liverpool, L69 3GE, UK
| | - Eirini G Velliou
- Centre for 3D Models of Health and Disease, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, London, W1W 7TY, UK
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Freitas de Morais E, Siquara da Rocha LDO, de Souza Santos JL, Freitas RD, Souza BSDF, Coletta RD, Gurgel Rocha CA. Use of Three-Dimensional Cell Culture Models in Drug Assays for Anti-Cancer Agents in Oral Cancer: Protocol for a Scoping Review. J Pers Med 2023; 13:1618. [PMID: 38003933 PMCID: PMC10672016 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13111618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Advances in the development of pharmacological treatment in oral cancer require tumor models capable of simulating the complex biology of the tumor microenvironment. The spread of three-dimensional models has changed the scenery of in vitro cell culture techniques, contributing to translational oncology. Still, the full extent of their application in preclinical drug trials is yet to be understood. Therefore, the present scoping review protocol was established to screen the literature on using three-dimensional cell culture models in drug-testing assays in the context of oral cancer. This scoping review will be conducted based on the guidelines established by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Review guidelines (PRISMA-ScR). We will search the PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase databases, as well as the gray literature, including peer-reviewed research articles involving 3D models applied to drug-assessment assays in oral cancer published from 1 March 2013 until 1 March 2023. Data will be charted, and findings will be described according to the predetermined questions of interest. We will present these findings in a narrative manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Everton Freitas de Morais
- Department of Oral Diagnosis, School of Dentistry, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Piracicaba 13414-903, SP, Brazil; (E.F.d.M.); (R.D.C.)
| | - Leonardo de Oliveira Siquara da Rocha
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IGM-FIOCRUZ/BA), Salvador 40296-710, BA, Brazil; (L.d.O.S.d.R.); (J.L.d.S.S.); (B.S.d.F.S.)
- Department of Pathology and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador 40110-100, BA, Brazil
| | - John Lenon de Souza Santos
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IGM-FIOCRUZ/BA), Salvador 40296-710, BA, Brazil; (L.d.O.S.d.R.); (J.L.d.S.S.); (B.S.d.F.S.)
- Department of Pathology and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador 40110-100, BA, Brazil
| | - Raíza Dias Freitas
- Department of Social and Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador 40110-150, BA, Brazil;
| | - Bruno Solano de Freitas Souza
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IGM-FIOCRUZ/BA), Salvador 40296-710, BA, Brazil; (L.d.O.S.d.R.); (J.L.d.S.S.); (B.S.d.F.S.)
- D’Or Institute for Research and Education (IDOR), Salvador 41253-190, BA, Brazil
| | - Ricardo D. Coletta
- Department of Oral Diagnosis, School of Dentistry, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Piracicaba 13414-903, SP, Brazil; (E.F.d.M.); (R.D.C.)
- Graduate Program in Oral Biology, School of Dentistry, University of Campinas, Piracicaba 13414-903, SP, Brazil
| | - Clarissa A. Gurgel Rocha
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IGM-FIOCRUZ/BA), Salvador 40296-710, BA, Brazil; (L.d.O.S.d.R.); (J.L.d.S.S.); (B.S.d.F.S.)
- Department of Pathology and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador 40110-100, BA, Brazil
- D’Or Institute for Research and Education (IDOR), Salvador 41253-190, BA, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Oral Biology, School of Dentistry, University of Campinas, Piracicaba 13414-903, SP, Brazil
- Department of Propaedeutics, School of Dentistry, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador 40110-150, BA, Brazil
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Atat OE, Farzaneh Z, Pourhamzeh M, Taki F, Abi-Habib R, Vosough M, El-Sibai M. 3D modeling in cancer studies. Hum Cell 2021; 35:23-36. [PMID: 34761350 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-021-00642-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment contributes significantly to tumor initiation, progression, and resistance to chemotherapy. Much of our understanding of the tumor and its microenvironment is developed using various methods of cell culture. Throughout the last two decades, research has increasingly shown that 3D cell culture systems can remarkably recapitulate the complexity of tumor architecture and physiology compared to traditional 2D models. Unlike the flat culture system, these novel models enabled more cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix interactions. By mimicking in vivo microenvironment, 3D culture systems promise to become accurate tools ready to be used in diagnosis, drug screening, and personalized medicine. In this review, we discussed the importance of 3D culture in simulating the tumor microenvironment and focused on the effects of cancer cell-microenvironment interactions on cancer behavior, resistance, proliferation, and metastasis. Finally, we assessed the role of 3D cell culture systems in the contexts of drug screening. 2D culture system is used to study cancer cell growth, progression, behavior, and drug response. It provides contact between cells and supports paracrine crosstalk between host cells and cancer cells. However, this system fails to simulate the architecture and the physiological aspects of in vivo tumor microenvironment due to the absence of cell-cell/ cell-ECM interactions as well as unlimited access to O2 and nutrients, and the absence of tumor heterogeneity. Recently advanced research has led researchers to generate 3D culture system that can better recapitulate the in vivo environment by providing hypoxic medium, facilitating cell-cell and cell-ECM, interactions, and recapitulating heterogeneity of the tumor. Several approaches are used to maintain and expand cancer cells in 3D culture systems such as tumor spheroids (cell aggregate that mimics the in vivo growth of tumor cells), scaffold-based approaches, bioreactors, microfluidic derives, and organoids. 3D systems are currently used for disease modeling and pre-clinical drug testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oula El Atat
- Department of Natural Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Zahra Farzaneh
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahsa Pourhamzeh
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
- Division of Neuroscience, Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatima Taki
- Department of Natural Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Ralph Abi-Habib
- Department of Natural Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Massoud Vosough
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mirvat El-Sibai
- Department of Natural Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon.
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Jung M, Han Y, Woo C, Ki CS. Pulmonary tissue-mimetic hydrogel niches for small cell lung cancer cell culture. J Mater Chem B 2021; 9:1858-1866. [PMID: 33533364 DOI: 10.1039/d0tb02609c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Although small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is characterized by early metastasis and high resistance to most anti-cancer therapeutics, resulting in poor prognosis, surgical treatment is unavailable for most patients. Instead, clinical treatment for SCLC patients relies largely on chemotherapy. Therefore, an analysis platform supporting research into the physiology of SCLC cells and novel anti-cancer drugs is strongly needed. Decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) hydrogel is a promising candidate cell-culture system that could provide a tissue-specific environment. However, dECM-based hydrogels have limited property control, poor mechanical properties, and loss of components during decellularization. In this study, porcine decellularized lung tissue and hyaluronic acid (HA) were hybridized via photopolymerization to form a pulmonary tissue-mimetic hydrogel. dECM solution was obtained by decellularization and pepsin digestion. The dECM and HA were then modified with methacrylic moieties, which produced dECM-methacrylate (dECM-MA) and HA methacrylate (HA-MA). dECM-MA/HA-MA hydrogels were fabricated by photopolymerization using a photoinitiator under UV light irradiation. The mechanical properties of the dECM-based hydrogel were compared with those of native tissue. SCLC cells (NCI-H69) were encapsulated in multiple types of dECM-based hydrogels, and they exhibited higher cell proliferation, drug resistance, and CD44 expression in the presence of dECM-MA and HA-MA than in the control condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mijung Jung
- Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Bioresources, Seoul National Univerisity, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea.
| | - Yoobin Han
- Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Bioresources, Seoul National Univerisity, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea.
| | - Changhee Woo
- Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Bioresources, Seoul National Univerisity, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea.
| | - Chang Seok Ki
- Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Bioresources, Seoul National Univerisity, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea. and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Science, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
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5
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Lee S, Ki CS. Inflammatory responses of macrophage-like RAW264.7 cells in a 3D hydrogel matrix to ultrasonicated schizophyllan. Carbohydr Polym 2020; 229:115555. [DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2019.115555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Revised: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Kim M, Lee S, Ki CS. Cellular Behavior of RAW264.7 Cells in 3D Poly(ethylene glycol) Hydrogel Niches. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2019; 5:922-932. [PMID: 33405849 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.8b01150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Although macrophages undergo dynamic cellular responses in diverse extracellular environments, macrophage research has mostly relied on conventional culture methodologies such as two-dimensional and suspension cultures. In contrast, recent efforts have revealed evidence of the characteristic cellular behaviors of macrophages in actual tissues using a three-dimensional (3D) culture matrix. In this work, we exploited a poly(ethylene glycol)-based hydrogel as a macrophage culture matrix and observed cellular behaviors in 3D by manipulating the matrix properties. In the 3D microenvironment, macrophage-like RAW264.7 cells proliferated and formed spherical clusters by degrading the surrounding hydrogel network. Interestingly, we observed the significant upregulation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) (i.e., MMP9 and MMP14) as well as M1 polarization markers (i.e., iNOS, COX2, TNF-α) in 3D, whereas M2 polarization markers (i.e., CD206, Arg1, TGF-β) were downregulated. Specifically, the expressions of both M1 and M2 markers were simultaneously increased in a stiff matrix compared to those of a soft matrix. In addition, matrix degradability significantly influenced the TNF-α secretion of encapsulated RAW264.7 cells. The MMP sensitivity of the hydrogel decreased TNF-α expression in a soft matrix, whereas it upregulated TNF-α in a stiff matrix compared to those of MMP-insensitive hydrogel. These findings suggest that the highly tunable poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogels can dictate macrophage behavior by altering the surrounding 3D microenvironment.
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7
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Monteiro CF, Custódio CA, Mano JF. Three-Dimensional Osteosarcoma Models for Advancing Drug Discovery and Development. ADVANCED THERAPEUTICS 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/adtp.201800108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Cátia F. Monteiro
- Department of Chemistry, CICECO; University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago; 3810-193 Aveiro Portugal
| | - Catarina A. Custódio
- Department of Chemistry, CICECO; University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago; 3810-193 Aveiro Portugal
| | - João F. Mano
- Department of Chemistry, CICECO; University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago; 3810-193 Aveiro Portugal
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8
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Lin CC, Korc M. Designer hydrogels: Shedding light on the physical chemistry of the pancreatic cancer microenvironment. Cancer Lett 2018; 436:22-27. [PMID: 30118843 PMCID: PMC6557435 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2018.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2018] [Revised: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is currently the third leading cause of cancer mortality in the United States, with a 5-year survival of ∼8%. PDAC is characterized by a dense and hypo-vascularized stroma consisting of proliferating cancer cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts, macrophages and immune cells, as well as excess matrices including collagens, fibronectin, and hyaluronic acid. In addition, PDAC has increased interstitial pressures and a hypoxic/acidic tumor microenvironment (TME) that impedes drug delivery and blocks cancer-directed immune mechanisms. In spite of increasing options in targeted therapy, PDAC has mostly remained treatment recalcitrant. Owing to its critical roles on governing PDAC progression and treatment outcome, TME and its interplay with the cancer cells are increasingly studied. In particular, three-dimensional (3D) hydrogels derived from or inspired by components in the TME are progressively developed. When properly designed, these hydrogels (e.g., Matrigel, collagen gel, hyaluronic acid-based, and semi-synthetic hydrogels) can provide pathophysiologically relevant compositions, conditions, and contexts for supporting PDAC cell fate processes. This review summarizes recent efforts in using 3D hydrogels for fundamental studies on cell-matrix or cell-cell interactions in PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chien-Chi Lin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue School of Engineering & Technology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA; Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center and the Pancreatic Cancer Signature Center, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
| | - Murray Korc
- Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center and the Pancreatic Cancer Signature Center, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA; Departments of Medicine and Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
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9
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Sokolova EA, Vodeneev VA, Deyev SM, Balalaeva IV. 3D in vitro models of tumors expressing EGFR family receptors: a potent tool for studying receptor biology and targeted drug development. Drug Discov Today 2018; 24:99-111. [PMID: 30205170 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2018.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2018] [Revised: 07/27/2018] [Accepted: 09/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Carcinomas overexpressing EGFR family receptors are of high clinical importance, because the receptors have prognostic value and are used as molecular targets for anticancer therapy. Insufficient drug efficacy necessitates further in-depth research of the receptor biology and improvement in preclinical stages of drug evaluation. Here, we review the currently used advanced 3D in vitro models of tumors, including tumor spheroids, models in natural and synthetic matrices, tumor organoids and microfluidic-based models, as a potent tool for studying EGFR biology and targeted drug development. We are especially focused on factors that affect the biology of tumor cells, causing modification in the expression and basic phosphorylation of the receptors, crosstalk with other signaling pathways and switch between downstream cascades, resulting ultimately in the resistance to antitumor agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgeniya A Sokolova
- Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, Lobachevsky University, 23 Gagarin ave., Nizhny Novgorod 603950, Russia; Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 16/10 Miklukho-Maklay St., Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Vladimir A Vodeneev
- Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, Lobachevsky University, 23 Gagarin ave., Nizhny Novgorod 603950, Russia
| | - Sergey M Deyev
- Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, Lobachevsky University, 23 Gagarin ave., Nizhny Novgorod 603950, Russia; Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 16/10 Miklukho-Maklay St., Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Irina V Balalaeva
- Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, Lobachevsky University, 23 Gagarin ave., Nizhny Novgorod 603950, Russia; I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 8-2 Trubetskaya str., Moscow 119991, Russia.
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10
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Liu HY, Korc M, Lin CC. Biomimetic and enzyme-responsive dynamic hydrogels for studying cell-matrix interactions in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Biomaterials 2018; 160:24-36. [PMID: 29353105 PMCID: PMC5815383 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2018.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2017] [Revised: 01/03/2018] [Accepted: 01/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) governs all aspects of cancer progression and in vitro 3D cell culture platforms are increasingly developed to emulate the interactions between components of the stromal tissues and cancer cells. However, conventional cell culture platforms are inadequate in recapitulating the TME, which has complex compositions and dynamically changing matrix mechanics. In this study, we developed a dynamic gelatin-hyaluronic acid hybrid hydrogel system through integrating modular thiol-norbornene photopolymerization and enzyme-triggered on-demand matrix stiffening. In particular, gelatin was dually modified with norbornene and 4-hydroxyphenylacetic acid to render this bioactive protein photo-crosslinkable (through thiol-norbornene gelation) and responsive to tyrosinase-triggered on-demand stiffening (through HPA dimerization). In addition to the modified gelatin that provides basic cell adhesive motifs and protease cleavable sequences, hyaluronic acid (HA), an essential tumor matrix, was modularly and covalently incorporated into the cell-laden gel network. We systematically characterized macromer modification, gel crosslinking, as well as enzyme-triggered stiffening and degradation. We also evaluated the influence of matrix composition and dynamic stiffening on pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cell fate in 3D. We found that either HA-containing matrix or a dynamically stiffened microenvironment inhibited PDAC cell growth. Interestingly, these two factors synergistically induced cell phenotypic changes that resembled cell migration and/or invasion in 3D. Additional mRNA expression array analyses revealed changes unique to the presence of HA, to a stiffened microenvironment, or to the combination of both. Finally, we presented immunostaining and mRNA expression data to demonstrate that these irregular PDAC cell phenotypes were a result of matrix-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT).
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Affiliation(s)
- Hung-Yi Liu
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Murray Korc
- Department of Medicine and Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center, and The Pancreatic Cancer Signature Center, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Chien-Chi Lin
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center, and The Pancreatic Cancer Signature Center, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue School of Engineering & Technology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
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11
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Shih H, Liu HY, Lin CC. Improving gelation efficiency and cytocompatibility of visible light polymerized thiol-norbornene hydrogels via addition of soluble tyrosine. Biomater Sci 2018; 5:589-599. [PMID: 28174779 DOI: 10.1039/c6bm00778c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Hydrogels immobilized with biomimetic peptides have been used widely for tissue engineering and drug delivery applications. Photopolymerization has been among the most commonly used techniques to fabricate peptide-immobilized hydrogels as it offers rapid and robust peptide immobilization within a crosslinked hydrogel network. Both chain-growth and step-growth photopolymerizations can be used to immobilize peptides within covalently crosslinked hydrogels. A previously developed visible light mediated step-growth thiol-norbornene gelation scheme has demonstrated efficient crosslinking of hydrogels composed of an inert poly(ethylene glycol)-norbornene (PEGNB) macromer and a small molecular weight bis-thiol linker, such as dithiothreitol (DTT). Compared with conventional visible light mediated chain-polymerizations where multiple initiator components are required, step-growth photopolymerized thiol-norbornene hydrogels are more cytocompatible for the in situ encapsulation of radical sensitive cells (e.g., pancreatic β-cells). This contribution explored visible light based crosslinking of various bis-cysteine containing peptides with macromer 8-arm PEGNB to form biomimetic hydrogels suitable for in situ cell encapsulation. It was found that the addition of soluble tyrosine during polymerization not only significantly accelerated gelation, but also improved the crosslinking efficiency of PEG-peptide hydrogels as evidenced by a decreased gel point and enhanced gel modulus. In addition, soluble tyrosine drastically enhanced the cytocompatibility of the resulting PEG-peptide hydrogels, as demonstrated by in situ encapsulation and culture of pancreatic MIN6 β-cells. This visible light based thiol-norbornene crosslinking mechanism provides an attractive gelation method for preparing cytocompatible PEG-peptide hydrogels for tissue engineering applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Shih
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Hung-Yi Liu
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Chien-Chi Lin
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA and Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
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12
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Shelper TB, Lovitt CJ, Avery VM. Assessing Drug Efficacy in a Miniaturized Pancreatic Cancer In Vitro 3D Cell Culture Model. Assay Drug Dev Technol 2017; 14:367-80. [PMID: 27552143 DOI: 10.1089/adt.2016.737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer continues to have one of the poorest prognoses among all cancers. The drug discovery efforts for this disease have largely failed, with no significant improvement in survival outcomes for advanced pancreatic cancer patients over the past 20 years. Traditional in vitro cell culture techniques have been used extensively in both basic and early drug discovery; however, these systems offer poor models to assess emerging therapeutics. More predictive cell-based models, which better capture the cellular heterogeneity and complexities of solid pancreatic tumors, are urgently needed not only to improve drug discovery success but also to provide insight into the tumor biology. Pancreatic tumors are characterized by a unique micro-environment that is surrounded by a dense stroma. A complex network of interactions between extracellular matrix (ECM) components and the effects of cell-to-cell contacts may enhance survival pathways within in vivo tumors. This biological and physical complexity is lost in traditional cell monolayer models. To explore the predictive potential of a more complex cellular system, a three-dimensional (3D) micro-tumor assay was evaluated. Efficacy of six current chemotherapeutics was determined against a panel of primary and metastatic pancreatic tumor cell lines in a miniaturized ECM-based 3D cell culture system. Suitability for potential use in high-throughput screening applications was assessed, including ascertaining the effects that miniaturization and automation had on assay robustness. Cellular health was determined by utilizing an indirect population-based metabolic activity assay and a direct imaging-based cell viability assay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Todd B Shelper
- Discovery Biology, Eskitis Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University , Nathan, Australia
| | - Carrie J Lovitt
- Discovery Biology, Eskitis Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University , Nathan, Australia
| | - Vicky M Avery
- Discovery Biology, Eskitis Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University , Nathan, Australia
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13
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Fabrication of schizophyllan hydrogel via orthogonal thiol-ene photopolymerization. Carbohydr Polym 2017; 167:270-279. [DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2017.03.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2017] [Revised: 02/28/2017] [Accepted: 03/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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14
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Sitarski AM, Fairfield H, Falank C, Reagan MR. 3d Tissue Engineered In Vitro Models Of Cancer In Bone. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2017; 4:324-336. [PMID: 29756030 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.7b00097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Biological models are necessary tools for gaining insight into underlying mechanisms governing complex pathologies such as cancer in the bone. Models range from in vitro tissue culture systems to in vivo models and can be used with corresponding epidemiological and clinical data to understand disease etiology, progression, driver mutations, and signaling pathways. In bone cancer, as with many other cancers, in vivo models are often too complex to study specific cell-cell interactions or protein roles, and 2D models are often too simple to accurately represent disease processes. Consequently, researchers have increasingly turned to 3D in vitro tissue engineered models as a useful compromise. In this review, tissue engineered 3D models of bone and cancer are described in depth and compared to 2D models. Biomaterials and cell types used are described, and future directions in the field of tissue engineered bone cancer models are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna M Sitarski
- Maine Medical Center Research Institute, Scarborough, Maine 04074, USA.,University of Maine, Orono, Maine 04469, USA
| | - Heather Fairfield
- Maine Medical Center Research Institute, Scarborough, Maine 04074, USA.,University of Maine, Orono, Maine 04469, USA.,School of Medicine, Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts 02111, USA
| | - Carolyne Falank
- Maine Medical Center Research Institute, Scarborough, Maine 04074, USA.,University of Maine, Orono, Maine 04469, USA.,School of Medicine, Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts 02111, USA
| | - Michaela R Reagan
- Maine Medical Center Research Institute, Scarborough, Maine 04074, USA.,University of Maine, Orono, Maine 04469, USA.,School of Medicine, Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts 02111, USA
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15
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Totti S, Vernardis SI, Meira L, Pérez-Mancera PA, Costello E, Greenhalf W, Palmer D, Neoptolemos J, Mantalaris A, Velliou EG. Designing a bio-inspired biomimetic in vitro system for the optimization of ex vivo studies of pancreatic cancer. Drug Discov Today 2017; 22:690-701. [PMID: 28153670 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2017.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2016] [Revised: 12/16/2016] [Accepted: 01/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive and lethal human malignancies. Drug therapies and radiotherapy are used for treatment as adjuvants to surgery, but outcomes remain disappointing. Advances in tissue engineering suggest that 3D cultures can reflect the in vivo tumor microenvironment and can guarantee a physiological distribution of oxygen, nutrients, and drugs, making them promising low-cost tools for therapy development. Here, we review crucial structural and environmental elements that should be considered for an accurate design of an ex vivo platform for studies of pancreatic cancer. Furthermore, we propose environmental stress response biomarkers as platform readouts for the efficient control and further prediction of the pancreatic cancer response to the environmental and treatment input.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stella Totti
- Bioprocess and Biochemical Engineering Group (BioProChem), Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK
| | - Spyros I Vernardis
- Biological Systems Engineering Laboratory (BSEL), Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London, SW7 2AZ London, UK
| | - Lisiane Meira
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK
| | - Pedro A Pérez-Mancera
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool,Daulby Street, Liverpool L69 3GA, UK
| | - Eithne Costello
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool,Daulby Street, Liverpool L69 3GA, UK; NIHR Liverpool Pancreas Biomedical Research Unit, University of Liverpool,Daulby Street, Liverpool L69 3GA, UK
| | - William Greenhalf
- NIHR Liverpool Pancreas Biomedical Research Unit, University of Liverpool,Daulby Street, Liverpool L69 3GA, UK
| | - Daniel Palmer
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool,Daulby Street, Liverpool L69 3GA, UK
| | - John Neoptolemos
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool,Daulby Street, Liverpool L69 3GA, UK; NIHR Liverpool Pancreas Biomedical Research Unit, University of Liverpool,Daulby Street, Liverpool L69 3GA, UK
| | - Athanasios Mantalaris
- Biological Systems Engineering Laboratory (BSEL), Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London, SW7 2AZ London, UK
| | - Eirini G Velliou
- Bioprocess and Biochemical Engineering Group (BioProChem), Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK.
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16
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Carvalho MR, Lima D, Reis RL, Correlo VM, Oliveira JM. Evaluating Biomaterial- and Microfluidic-Based 3D Tumor Models. Trends Biotechnol 2016; 33:667-678. [PMID: 26603572 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2015.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2015] [Revised: 09/10/2015] [Accepted: 09/11/2015] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with a disease burden estimated to increase over the coming decades. Disease heterogeneity and limited information on cancer biology and disease mechanisms are aspects that 2D cell cultures fail to address. Here, we review the current ‘state-of-the-art’ in 3D tissue-engineering (TE) models developed for, and used in, cancer research. We assess the potential for scaffold-based TE models and microfluidics to fill the gap between 2D models and clinical application. We also discuss recent advances in combining the principles of 3D TE models and microfluidics, with a special focus on biomaterials and the most promising chip-based 3D models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana R Carvalho
- 3Bs Research Group (Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics), University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Taipas, Guimarães, 4806-909 Portugal; ICVS/3Bs, PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, 4806-909 Caldas das Taipas, Guimarães, Portugal; These authors contributed equally to this article
| | - Daniela Lima
- 3Bs Research Group (Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics), University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Taipas, Guimarães, 4806-909 Portugal; ICVS/3Bs, PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, 4806-909 Caldas das Taipas, Guimarães, Portugal; These authors contributed equally to this article
| | - Rui L Reis
- 3Bs Research Group (Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics), University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Taipas, Guimarães, 4806-909 Portugal; ICVS/3Bs, PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, 4806-909 Caldas das Taipas, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Vitor M Correlo
- 3Bs Research Group (Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics), University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Taipas, Guimarães, 4806-909 Portugal; ICVS/3Bs, PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, 4806-909 Caldas das Taipas, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Joaquim M Oliveira
- 3Bs Research Group (Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics), University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Taipas, Guimarães, 4806-909 Portugal; ICVS/3Bs, PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, 4806-909 Caldas das Taipas, Guimarães, Portugal.
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17
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Pradhan S, Hassani I, Clary JM, Lipke EA. Polymeric Biomaterials for In Vitro Cancer Tissue Engineering and Drug Testing Applications. TISSUE ENGINEERING PART B-REVIEWS 2016; 22:470-484. [PMID: 27302080 DOI: 10.1089/ten.teb.2015.0567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Biomimetic polymers and materials have been widely used in tissue engineering for regeneration and replication of diverse types of both normal and diseased tissues. Cancer, being a prevalent disease throughout the world, has initiated substantial interest in the creation of tissue-engineered models for anticancer drug testing. The development of these in vitro three-dimensional (3D) culture models using novel biomaterials has facilitated the investigation of tumorigenic and associated biological phenomena with a higher degree of complexity and physiological context than that provided by established two-dimensional culture models. In this review, an overview of a wide range of natural, synthetic, and hybrid biomaterials used for 3D cancer cell culture and investigation of cancer cell behavior is presented. The role of these materials in modulating cell-matrix interactions and replicating specific tumorigenic characteristics is evaluated. In addition, recent advances in biomaterial design, synthesis, and fabrication are also assessed. Finally, the advantages of incorporating polymeric biomaterials in 3D cancer models for obtaining efficacy data in anticancer drug testing applications are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shantanu Pradhan
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Auburn University , Auburn, Alabama
| | - Iman Hassani
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Auburn University , Auburn, Alabama
| | - Jacob M Clary
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Auburn University , Auburn, Alabama
| | - Elizabeth A Lipke
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Auburn University , Auburn, Alabama
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18
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Rijal G, Li W. 3D scaffolds in breast cancer research. Biomaterials 2016; 81:135-156. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2015.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2015] [Revised: 12/12/2015] [Accepted: 12/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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19
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Liu Z, Vunjak-Novakovic G. Modeling tumor microenvironments using custom-designed biomaterial scaffolds. Curr Opin Chem Eng 2016; 11:94-105. [PMID: 27152253 PMCID: PMC4852888 DOI: 10.1016/j.coche.2016.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The dominant roles of the tumor microenvironment in regulating tumor formation, progression, and metastasis have driven the application of tissue engineering strategies in cancer biology. Highly dynamic and reciprocal communication of tumor cells with their surroundings suggests that studying cancer in custom-designed biomaterial scaffolds may lead to novel therapeutic targets and therapeutic regimens more reliably than traditional monolayer tissue culture models. As tissue engineering becomes progressively more successful in recapitulating the native tumor environment, critical insights into mechanisms of tumor resistance may be elucidated, to impact clinical practice, drug development, and biological research. We review here the recent developments in the use of custom-designed biomaterial scaffolds for modeling human tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zen Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University in the City of New York
| | - Gordana Vunjak-Novakovic
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University in the City of New York
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University in the City of New York
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20
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Fabrication of PEG–carboxymethylcellulose hydrogel by thiol-norbornene photo-click chemistry. Int J Biol Macromol 2016; 83:1-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2015.11.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2015] [Revised: 10/30/2015] [Accepted: 11/18/2015] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
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21
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22
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Ryu S, Kim HH, Park YH, Lin CC, Um IC, Ki CS. Dual mode gelation behavior of silk fibroin microgel embedded poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogels. J Mater Chem B 2016; 4:4574-4584. [DOI: 10.1039/c6tb00896h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Hydrogel formation by more than two cross-linking mechanisms is preferred for the sophisticated manipulation of hydrogel properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Ryu
- Department of Biosystems and Biomaterials Science and Engineering
- Seoul National University
- Seoul 08826
- Republic of Korea
| | - H. H. Kim
- Department of Biosystems and Biomaterials Science and Engineering
- Seoul National University
- Seoul 08826
- Republic of Korea
| | - Y. H. Park
- Department of Biosystems and Biomaterials Science and Engineering
- Seoul National University
- Seoul 08826
- Republic of Korea
| | - C.-C. Lin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering
- Purdue School of Engineering and Technology
- Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis
- Indianapolis
- USA
| | - I. C. Um
- Department of Bio-fibers and Materials Science
- Kyungpook National University
- Daegu 41566
- Republic of Korea
| | - C. S. Ki
- Department of Biosystems and Biomaterials Science and Engineering
- Seoul National University
- Seoul 08826
- Republic of Korea
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23
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Greene T, Lin CC. Modular Cross-Linking of Gelatin-Based Thiol–Norbornene Hydrogels for in Vitro 3D Culture of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2015; 1:1314-1323. [DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.5b00436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tanja Greene
- Department
of Biomedical
Engineering, Indiana University—Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46202 United States
| | - Chien-Chi Lin
- Department
of Biomedical
Engineering, Indiana University—Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46202 United States
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24
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Lin CC, Ki CS, Shih H. Thiol-norbornene photo-click hydrogels for tissue engineering applications. J Appl Polym Sci 2015; 132:41563. [PMID: 25558088 PMCID: PMC4280501 DOI: 10.1002/app.41563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Thiol-norbornene (thiol-ene) photo-click hydrogels have emerged as a diverse material system for tissue engineering applications. These hydrogels are cross-linked through light mediated orthogonal reactions between multi-functional norbornene-modified macromers (e.g., poly(ethylene glycol), hyaluronic acid, gelatin) and sulfhydryl-containing linkers (e.g., dithiothreitol, PEG-dithiol, bis-cysteine peptides) using low concentration of photoinitiator. The gelation of thiol-norbornene hydrogels can be initiated by long-wave UV light or visible light without additional co-initiator or co-monomer. The cross-linking and degradation behaviors of thiol-norbornene hydrogels are controlled through material selections, whereas the biophysical and biochemical properties of the gels are easily and independently tuned owing to the orthogonal reactivity between norbornene and thiol moieties. Uniquely, the cross-linking of step-growth thiol-norbornene hydrogels is not oxygen-inhibited, therefore the gelation is much faster and highly cytocompatible compared with chain-growth polymerized hydrogels using similar gelation conditions. These hydrogels have been prepared as tunable substrates for 2D cell culture, as microgels or bulk gels for affinity-based or protease-sensitive drug delivery, and as scaffolds for 3D cell culture. Reports from different laboratories have demonstrated the broad utility of thiol-norbornene hydrogels in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications, including valvular and vascular tissue engineering, liver and pancreas-related tissue engineering, neural regeneration, musculoskeletal (bone and cartilage) tissue regeneration, stem cell culture and differentiation, as well as cancer cell biology. This article provides an up-to-date overview on thiol-norbornene hydrogel cross-linking and degradation mechanisms, tunable material properties, as well as the use of thiol-norbornene hydrogels in drug delivery and tissue engineering applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chien-Chi Lin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue School of Engineering and Technology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN. 46202, USA
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN. 47907, USA
| | - Chang Seok Ki
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue School of Engineering and Technology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN. 46202, USA
- Department of Biosystems and Biomaterials Science and Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul. 151-742 Republic of Korea
| | - Han Shih
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue School of Engineering and Technology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN. 46202, USA
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN. 47907, USA
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25
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Xu X, Farach-Carson MC, Jia X. Three-dimensional in vitro tumor models for cancer research and drug evaluation. Biotechnol Adv 2014; 32:1256-1268. [PMID: 25116894 PMCID: PMC4171250 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2014.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 292] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2014] [Revised: 06/20/2014] [Accepted: 07/28/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Cancer occurs when cells acquire genomic instability and inflammation, produce abnormal levels of epigenetic factors/proteins and tumor suppressors, reprogram the energy metabolism and evade immune destruction, leading to the disruption of cell cycle/normal growth. An early event in carcinogenesis is loss of polarity and detachment from the natural basement membrane, allowing cells to form distinct three-dimensional (3D) structures that interact with each other and with the surrounding microenvironment. Although valuable information has been accumulated from traditional in vitro studies in which cells are grown on flat and hard plastic surfaces (2D culture), this culture condition does not reflect the essential features of tumor tissues. Further, fundamental understanding of cancer metastasis cannot be obtained readily from 2D studies because they lack the complex and dynamic cell-cell communications and cell-matrix interactions that occur during cancer metastasis. These shortcomings, along with lack of spatial depth and cell connectivity, limit the applicability of 2D cultures to accurate testing of pharmacologically active compounds, free or sequestered in nanoparticles. To recapitulate features of native tumor microenvironments, various biomimetic 3D tumor models have been developed to incorporate cancer and stromal cells, relevant matrix components, and biochemical and biophysical cues, into one spatially and temporally integrated system. In this article, we review recent advances in creating 3D tumor models employing tissue engineering principles. We then evaluate the utilities of these novel models for the testing of anticancer drugs and their delivery systems. We highlight the profound differences in responses from 3D in vitro tumors and conventional monolayer cultures. Overall, strategic integration of biological principles and engineering approaches will both improve understanding of tumor progression and invasion and support discovery of more personalized first line treatments for cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xian Xu
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Mary C Farach-Carson
- Departments of Biochemistry and Cell Biology and Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX 77251, USA; Center for Translational Cancer Research, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Xinqiao Jia
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA; Center for Translational Cancer Research, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA; Biomedical Engineering Program, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA.
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26
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Thiol-ene hydrogels as desmoplasia-mimetic matrices for modeling pancreatic cancer cell growth, invasion, and drug resistance. Biomaterials 2014; 35:9668-77. [PMID: 25176061 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2014.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2014] [Accepted: 08/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The development of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is heavily influenced by local stromal tissues, or desmoplasia. Biomimetic hydrogels capable of mimicking tumor niches are particularly useful for discovering the role of independent matrix cues on cancer cell development. Here, we report a photo-curable and bio-orthogonal thiol-ene (i.e., cross-linked by mutually reactive norbornene and thiol groups via photoinitiation) hydrogel platform for studying the growth, morphogenesis, drug resistance, and cancer stem cell marker expression in PDAC cells cultured in 3D. The hydrogels were prepared from multi-arm poly(ethylene glycol)-norbornene cross-linked with protease-sensitive peptide to permit cell-mediated matrix remodeling. Collagen 1 fibrils were incorporated into the covalent network while cytokines (e.g., EGF and TGF-β1) were supplemented in the culture media for controlling cell fate. We found that the presence of collagen 1 enhanced cell proliferation and Yes-associated protein (YAP) translocation to cell nuclei. Cytokines and collagen 1 synergistically up-regulated MT1-MMP expression and induced cell spreading, suggestive of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in the encapsulated cells. Furthermore, PDAC cells cultured in 3D developed chemo-resistance even in the absence of collagen 1 and cytokines. This phenotype is likely a consequence of the enrichment of pancreatic cancer stem cells that expressed high levels of CD24, sonic hedgehog (SHH), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).
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27
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Shan J, Chi Q, Wang H, Huang Q, Yang L, Yu G, Zou X. Mechanosensing of cells in 3D gel matrices based on natural and synthetic materials. Cell Biol Int 2014; 38:1233-43. [DOI: 10.1002/cbin.10325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2014] [Accepted: 05/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jieling Shan
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering; Chongqing University; Chongqing China
| | - Qingjia Chi
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology (Chongqing University); Ministry of Education; Bioengineering College; Chongqing University; Chongqing 400044 P. R. China
| | - Hongbing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology (Chongqing University); Ministry of Education; Bioengineering College; Chongqing University; Chongqing 400044 P. R. China
| | - Qiping Huang
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology (Chongqing University); Ministry of Education; Bioengineering College; Chongqing University; Chongqing 400044 P. R. China
| | - Li Yang
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology (Chongqing University); Ministry of Education; Bioengineering College; Chongqing University; Chongqing 400044 P. R. China
| | - Guanglei Yu
- College of Mathematics and Statistics; Chongqing University; Chongqing China
| | - Xiaobing Zou
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering; Chongqing University; Chongqing China
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28
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Manipulating hepatocellular carcinoma cell fate in orthogonally cross-linked hydrogels. Biomaterials 2014; 35:6898-906. [PMID: 24857292 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2014.04.118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2014] [Accepted: 04/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
De-differentiation and loss of function in hepatocytes during two-dimensional (2D) tissue culture significantly hinders the progress of liver research. An ideal three-dimensional (3D) in vitro liver parenchymal cell culture platform should restore cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions, as well as normal hepatocyte polarity. Here, we report an orthogonal thiol-ene hydrogel system for culturing liver cell lines (e.g. Huh7 and HepG2). The hydrogels were prepared by a radical-mediated orthogonal thiol-norbornene photo-click chemistry using poly(ethylene glycol)-tetra-norbornene (PEG4NB) macromer and di-thiol containing linker (e.g., dithiothreitol (DTT) or bis-cysteine matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-sensitive peptide). This system also allows facile incorporation of bioactive peptides (e.g., fibronectin-derived RGDS) to improve cell-matrix interactions. Encapsulated Huh7 and HepG2 cells showed elevated urea secretion and CYP3A4 enzymatic activities, as well as up-regulated mRNA levels of multiple hepatocyte genes (e.g., CYP3A4, BESP, and NTCP). Importantly, this is the first 3D hydrogel system that up-regulates the expression of NCTP in encapsulated Huh7 and HepG2 cell lines without any genetic modification or the addition of growth factors and chemical additives. Furthermore, the encapsulated cells displayed hepatocyte-like polarity distinctively different from the polarity displayed in 2D culture. These characteristics not only allow the study of hepatology in 3D using inexpensive cell lines, but also permit large-scale small-molecule screening. The up-regulation of NTCP expression and restoration of hepatocyte-like polarity in our hydrogels also shed light on future study of hepatitis B virus infection in vitro.
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29
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Fraser AK, Ki CS, Lin CC. PEG-Based Microgels Formed by Visible-Light-Mediated Thiol-Ene Photo-Click Reactions. MACROMOL CHEM PHYS 2014. [DOI: 10.1002/macp.201300731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew K. Fraser
- 723 W. Michigan St. SL220K, Department of Biomedical Engineering; Purdue School of Engineering and Technology; Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis; Indianapolis IN 46202 USA
| | - Chang Seok Ki
- 723 W. Michigan St. SL220K, Department of Biomedical Engineering; Purdue School of Engineering and Technology; Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis; Indianapolis IN 46202 USA
| | - Chien-Chi Lin
- 723 W. Michigan St. SL220K, Department of Biomedical Engineering; Purdue School of Engineering and Technology; Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis; Indianapolis IN 46202 USA
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30
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Qin XH, Gruber P, Markovic M, Plochberger B, Klotzsch E, Stampfl J, Ovsianikov A, Liska R. Enzymatic synthesis of hyaluronic acid vinyl esters for two-photon microfabrication of biocompatible and biodegradable hydrogel constructs. Polym Chem 2014. [DOI: 10.1039/c4py00792a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
A novel class of photopolymerizable hydrogel system based on hyaluronan vinyl esters has been developed for two-photon 3D microfabrication of biocompatible hydrogel constructs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Hua Qin
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration
- Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry
- Vienna University of Technology
- 1060 Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Gruber
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration
- Institute of Materials Science and Technology
- Vienna University of Technology
- A-1040 Vienna, Austria
| | - Marica Markovic
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration
- Institute of Materials Science and Technology
- Vienna University of Technology
- A-1040 Vienna, Austria
| | - Birgit Plochberger
- Institute of Applied Physics
- Vienna University of Technology
- 1040 Vienna, Austria
| | - Enrico Klotzsch
- Institute of Applied Physics
- Vienna University of Technology
- 1040 Vienna, Austria
| | - Jürgen Stampfl
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration
- Institute of Materials Science and Technology
- Vienna University of Technology
- A-1040 Vienna, Austria
| | - Aleksandr Ovsianikov
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration
- Institute of Materials Science and Technology
- Vienna University of Technology
- A-1040 Vienna, Austria
| | - Robert Liska
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration
- Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry
- Vienna University of Technology
- 1060 Vienna, Austria
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