1
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Liu Z, Fan Y, Cui M, Wang X, Zhao P. Investigation of tumour environments through advancements in microtechnology and nanotechnology. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 178:117230. [PMID: 39116787 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.117230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2024] [Revised: 07/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer has a significant negative social and economic impact on both developed and developing countries. As a result, understanding the onset and progression of cancer is critical for developing therapies that can improve the well-being and health of individuals with cancer. With time, study has revealed, the tumor microenvironment has great influence on this process. Micro and nanoscale engineering techniques can be used to study the tumor microenvironment. Nanoscale and Microscale engineering use Novel technologies and designs with small dimensions to recreate the TME. Knowing how cancer cells interact with one another can help researchers develop therapeutic approaches that anticipate and counteract cancer cells' techniques for evading detection and fighting anti-cancer treatments, such as microfabrication techniques, microfluidic devices, nanosensors, and nanodevices used to study or recreate the tumor microenvironment. Nevertheless, a complicated action just like the growth and in cancer advancement, and their intensive association along the environment around it that has to be studied in more detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Liu
- Department of Radiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, China
| | - Yan Fan
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Mengyao Cui
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Breast Surgery, General Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Xu Wang
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Breast Surgery, General Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.
| | - Pengfei Zhao
- Department of Radiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, China.
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2
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Suh YJ, Li AT, Pandey M, Nordmann CS, Huang YL, Wu M. Decoding physical principles of cell migration under controlled environment using microfluidics. BIOPHYSICS REVIEWS 2024; 5:031302. [PMID: 39091432 PMCID: PMC11290890 DOI: 10.1063/5.0199161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
Living cells can perform incredible tasks that man-made micro/nano-sized robots have not yet been able to accomplish. One example is that white blood cells can sense and move to the site of pathogen attack within minutes. The robustness and precision of cellular functions have been perfected through billions of years of evolution. In this context, we ask the question whether cells follow a set of physical principles to sense, adapt, and migrate. Microfluidics has emerged as an enabling technology for recreating well-defined cellular environment for cell migration studies, and its ability to follow single cell dynamics allows for the results to be amenable for theoretical modeling. In this review, we focus on the development of microfluidic platforms for recreating cellular biophysical (e.g., mechanical stress) and biochemical (e.g., nutrients and cytokines) environments for cell migration studies in 3D. We summarize the basic principles that cells (including bacteria, algal, and mammalian cells) use to respond to chemical gradients learned from microfluidic systems. We also discuss about novel biological insights gained from studies of cell migration under biophysical cues and the need for further quantitative studies of cell function under well-controlled biophysical environments in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Joon Suh
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA
| | - Alan T. Li
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA
| | - Mrinal Pandey
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA
| | - Cassidy S. Nordmann
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA
| | - Yu Ling Huang
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA
| | - Mingming Wu
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA
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3
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Akinpelu A, Akinsipe T, Avila LA, Arnold RD, Mistriotis P. The impact of tumor microenvironment: unraveling the role of physical cues in breast cancer progression. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024; 43:823-844. [PMID: 38238542 PMCID: PMC11156564 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-024-10166-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Metastasis accounts for the vast majority of breast cancer-related fatalities. Although the contribution of genetic and epigenetic modifications to breast cancer progression has been widely acknowledged, emerging evidence underscores the pivotal role of physical stimuli in driving breast cancer metastasis. In this review, we summarize the changes in the mechanics of the breast cancer microenvironment and describe the various forces that impact migrating and circulating tumor cells throughout the metastatic process. We also discuss the mechanosensing and mechanotransducing molecules responsible for promoting the malignant phenotype in breast cancer cells. Gaining a comprehensive understanding of the mechanobiology of breast cancer carries substantial potential to propel progress in prognosis, diagnosis, and patient treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayuba Akinpelu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Samuel Ginn College of Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Tosin Akinsipe
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Mathematics, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - L Adriana Avila
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Mathematics, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Robert D Arnold
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Harrison College of Pharmacy, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Panagiotis Mistriotis
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Samuel Ginn College of Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA.
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4
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Jackson CE, Green NH, English WR, Claeyssens F. The use of microphysiological systems to model metastatic cancer. Biofabrication 2024; 16:032002. [PMID: 38579739 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/ad3b70] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the 21st century, with metastasis of cancer attributing to 90% of cancer-related deaths. Therefore, to improve patient outcomes there is a need for better preclinical models to increase the success of translating oncological therapies into the clinic. Current traditional staticin vitromodels lack a perfusable network which is critical to overcome the diffusional mass transfer limit to provide a mechanism for the exchange of essential nutrients and waste removal, and increase their physiological relevance. Furthermore, these models typically lack cellular heterogeneity and key components of the immune system and tumour microenvironment. This review explores rapidly developing strategies utilising perfusable microphysiological systems (MPS) for investigating cancer cell metastasis. In this review we initially outline the mechanisms of cancer metastasis, highlighting key steps and identifying the current gaps in our understanding of the metastatic cascade, exploring MPS focused on investigating the individual steps of the metastatic cascade before detailing the latest MPS which can investigate multiple components of the cascade. This review then focuses on the factors which can affect the performance of an MPS designed for cancer applications with a final discussion summarising the challenges and future directions for the use of MPS for cancer models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin E Jackson
- Materials Science and Engineering, The Kroto Research Institute, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S3 7HQ, United Kingdom
- Insigneo Institute for In Silico Medicine, The Pam Liversidge Building, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S1 3JD, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola H Green
- Materials Science and Engineering, The Kroto Research Institute, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S3 7HQ, United Kingdom
- Insigneo Institute for In Silico Medicine, The Pam Liversidge Building, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S1 3JD, United Kingdom
| | - William R English
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR3 7TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Frederik Claeyssens
- Materials Science and Engineering, The Kroto Research Institute, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S3 7HQ, United Kingdom
- Insigneo Institute for In Silico Medicine, The Pam Liversidge Building, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S1 3JD, United Kingdom
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5
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Park S, Laskow TC, Chen J, Guha P, Dawn B, Kim D. Microphysiological systems for human aging research. Aging Cell 2024; 23:e14070. [PMID: 38180277 PMCID: PMC10928588 DOI: 10.1111/acel.14070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in microphysiological systems (MPS), also known as organs-on-a-chip (OoC), enable the recapitulation of more complex organ and tissue functions on a smaller scale in vitro. MPS therefore provide the potential to better understand human diseases and physiology. To date, numerous MPS platforms have been developed for various tissues and organs, including the heart, liver, kidney, blood vessels, muscle, and adipose tissue. However, only a few studies have explored using MPS platforms to unravel the effects of aging on human physiology and the pathogenesis of age-related diseases. Age is one of the risk factors for many diseases, and enormous interest has been devoted to aging research. As such, a human MPS aging model could provide a more predictive tool to understand the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying human aging and age-related diseases. These models can also be used to evaluate preclinical drugs for age-related diseases and translate them into clinical settings. Here, we provide a review on the application of MPS in aging research. First, we offer an overview of the molecular, cellular, and physiological changes with age in several tissues or organs. Next, we discuss previous aging models and the current state of MPS for studying human aging and age-related conditions. Lastly, we address the limitations of current MPS and present future directions on the potential of MPS platforms for human aging research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seungman Park
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringUniversity of Nevada, Las VegasLas VegasNevadaUSA
| | - Thomas C. Laskow
- Department of MedicineJohns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Jingchun Chen
- Nevada Institute of Personalized MedicineUniversity of Nevada, Las VegasLas VegasNevadaUSA
| | - Prasun Guha
- Nevada Institute of Personalized MedicineUniversity of Nevada, Las VegasLas VegasNevadaUSA
- School of Life SciencesUniversity of Nevada, Las VegasLas VegasNevadaUSA
| | - Buddhadeb Dawn
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kirk Kerkorian School of MedicineUniversity of Nevada, Las VegasLas VegasNevadaUSA
| | - Deok‐Ho Kim
- Department of MedicineJohns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringJohns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreMarylandUSA
- Center for Microphysiological SystemsJohns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreMarylandUSA
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6
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Mierke CT. Phenotypic Heterogeneity, Bidirectionality, Universal Cues, Plasticity, Mechanics, and the Tumor Microenvironment Drive Cancer Metastasis. Biomolecules 2024; 14:184. [PMID: 38397421 PMCID: PMC10887446 DOI: 10.3390/biom14020184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor diseases become a huge problem when they embark on a path that advances to malignancy, such as the process of metastasis. Cancer metastasis has been thoroughly investigated from a biological perspective in the past, whereas it has still been less explored from a physical perspective. Until now, the intraluminal pathway of cancer metastasis has received the most attention, while the interaction of cancer cells with macrophages has received little attention. Apart from the biochemical characteristics, tumor treatments also rely on the tumor microenvironment, which is recognized to be immunosuppressive and, as has recently been found, mechanically stimulates cancer cells and thus alters their functions. The review article highlights the interaction of cancer cells with other cells in the vascular metastatic route and discusses the impact of this intercellular interplay on the mechanical characteristics and subsequently on the functionality of cancer cells. For instance, macrophages can guide cancer cells on their intravascular route of cancer metastasis, whereby they can help to circumvent the adverse conditions within blood or lymphatic vessels. Macrophages induce microchannel tunneling that can possibly avoid mechanical forces during extra- and intravasation and reduce the forces within the vascular lumen due to vascular flow. The review article highlights the vascular route of cancer metastasis and discusses the key players in this traditional route. Moreover, the effects of flows during the process of metastasis are presented, and the effects of the microenvironment, such as mechanical influences, are characterized. Finally, the increased knowledge of cancer metastasis opens up new perspectives for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Tanja Mierke
- Faculty of Physics and Earth System Science, Peter Debye Institute of Soft Matter Physics, Biological Physics Division, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
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7
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Crawford AJ, Gomez-Cruz C, Russo GC, Huang W, Bhorkar I, Roy T, Muñoz-Barrutia A, Wirtz D, Garcia-Gonzalez D. Tumor proliferation and invasion are intrinsically coupled and unraveled through tunable spheroid and physics-based models. Acta Biomater 2024; 175:170-185. [PMID: 38160858 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.12.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Proliferation and invasion are two key drivers of tumor growth that are traditionally considered independent multicellular processes. However, these processes are intrinsically coupled through a maximum carrying capacity, i.e., the maximum spatial cell concentration supported by the tumor volume, total cell count, nutrient access, and mechanical properties of the tissue stroma. We explored this coupling of proliferation and invasion through in vitro and in silico methods where we modulated the mechanical properties of the tumor and the surrounding extracellular matrix. E-cadherin expression and stromal collagen concentration were manipulated in a tunable breast cancer spheroid to determine the overall impacts of these tumor variables on net tumor proliferation and continuum invasion. We integrated these results into a mixed-constitutive formulation to computationally delineate the influences of cellular and extracellular adhesion, stiffness, and mechanical properties of the extracellular matrix on net proliferation and continuum invasion. This framework integrates biological in vitro data into concise computational models of invasion and proliferation to provide more detailed physical insights into the coupling of these key tumor processes and tumor growth. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Tumor growth involves expansion into the collagen-rich stroma through intrinsic coupling of proliferation and invasion within the tumor continuum. These processes are regulated by a maximum carrying capacity that is determined by the total cell count, tumor volume, nutrient access, and mechanical properties of the surrounding stroma. The influences of biomechanical parameters (i.e., stiffness, cell elongation, net proliferation rate and cell-ECM friction) on tumor proliferation or invasion cannot be unraveled using experimental methods alone. By pairing a tunable spheroid system with computational modeling, we delineated the interdependencies of each system parameter on tumor proliferation and continuum invasion, and established a concise computational framework for studying tumor mechanobiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashleigh J Crawford
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, 3400N Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA; Johns Hopkins Physical Sciences-Oncology Center and Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, 3400N Charles St, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, USA
| | - Clara Gomez-Cruz
- Department of Continuum Mechanics and Structural Analysis, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Avda. de la Universidad 30, 28911 Leganes, Madrid, Spain; Departamento de Bioingenieria, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Avda. de la Universidad 30, 28911 Leganes, Madrid, Spain
| | - Gabriella C Russo
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, 3400N Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA; Johns Hopkins Physical Sciences-Oncology Center and Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, 3400N Charles St, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, USA
| | - Wilson Huang
- Johns Hopkins Physical Sciences-Oncology Center and Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, 3400N Charles St, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, USA; Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, 3400N Charles St, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, USA
| | - Isha Bhorkar
- Johns Hopkins Physical Sciences-Oncology Center and Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, 3400N Charles St, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, 3400N Charles St, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, USA
| | - Triya Roy
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, 3400N Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA; Johns Hopkins Physical Sciences-Oncology Center and Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, 3400N Charles St, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, USA
| | - Arrate Muñoz-Barrutia
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, 3400N Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA; Departamento de Bioingenieria, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Avda. de la Universidad 30, 28911 Leganes, Madrid, Spain; Area de Ingenieria Biomedica, Instituto de Investigacion Sanitaria Gregorio Maranon, Calle del Doctor Esquerdo 46, Madrid' ES 28007, Spain
| | - Denis Wirtz
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, 3400N Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA; Johns Hopkins Physical Sciences-Oncology Center and Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, 3400N Charles St, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, 3400N Charles St, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, USA; Departments of Pathology and Oncology and Sydney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 1800 Orleans St, Baltimore, MD 21215, USA.
| | - Daniel Garcia-Gonzalez
- Department of Continuum Mechanics and Structural Analysis, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Avda. de la Universidad 30, 28911 Leganes, Madrid, Spain.
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8
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Rahman Z, Bordoloi AD, Rouhana H, Tavasso M, van der Zon G, Garbin V, Ten Dijke P, Boukany PE. Interstitial flow potentiates TGF-β/Smad-signaling activity in lung cancer spheroids in a 3D-microfluidic chip. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:422-433. [PMID: 38087979 PMCID: PMC10826459 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00886j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
Within the tumor microenvironment (TME), cancer cells use mechanotransduction pathways to convert biophysical forces to biochemical signals. However, the underlying mechanisms and functional significance of these pathways remain largely unclear. The upregulation of mechanosensitive pathways from biophysical forces such as interstitial flow (IF), leads to the activation of various cytokines, including transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). TGF-β promotes in part via a Smad-dependent signaling pathway the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in cancer cells. The latter process is linked to increased cancer cell motility and invasion. Current research models have limited ability to investigate the combined effects of biophysical forces (such as IF) and cytokines (TGF-β) in a 3D microenvironment. We used a 3D-matrix based microfluidic platform to demonstrate the potentiating effect of IF on exogenous TGF-β induced upregulation of the Smad-signaling activity and the expression of mesenchymal marker vimentin in A549 lung cancer spheroids. To monitor this, we used stably integrated fluorescent based reporters into the A549 cancer cell genome. Our results demonstrate that IF enhances exogenous TGF-β induced Smad-signaling activity in lung cancer spheroids embedded in a matrix microenvironment. In addition, we observed an increased cell motility for A549 spheroids when exposed to IF and TGF-β. Our 3D-microfluidic model integrated with real-time imaging provides a powerful tool for investigating cancer cell signaling and motility associated with invasion characteristics in a physiologically relevant TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaid Rahman
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands.
| | - Ankur Deep Bordoloi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands.
| | - Haifa Rouhana
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands.
| | - Margherita Tavasso
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands.
| | - Gerard van der Zon
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology and Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Valeria Garbin
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands.
| | - Peter Ten Dijke
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology and Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Pouyan E Boukany
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands.
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Ji H, Hu C, Yang X, Liu Y, Ji G, Ge S, Wang X, Wang M. Lymph node metastasis in cancer progression: molecular mechanisms, clinical significance and therapeutic interventions. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:367. [PMID: 37752146 PMCID: PMC10522642 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01576-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Lymph nodes (LNs) are important hubs for metastatic cell arrest and growth, immune modulation, and secondary dissemination to distant sites through a series of mechanisms, and it has been proved that lymph node metastasis (LNM) is an essential prognostic indicator in many different types of cancer. Therefore, it is important for oncologists to understand the mechanisms of tumor cells to metastasize to LNs, as well as how LNM affects the prognosis and therapy of patients with cancer in order to provide patients with accurate disease assessment and effective treatment strategies. In recent years, with the updates in both basic and clinical studies on LNM and the application of advanced medical technologies, much progress has been made in the understanding of the mechanisms of LNM and the strategies for diagnosis and treatment of LNM. In this review, current knowledge of the anatomical and physiological characteristics of LNs, as well as the molecular mechanisms of LNM, are described. The clinical significance of LNM in different anatomical sites is summarized, including the roles of LNM playing in staging, prognostic prediction, and treatment selection for patients with various types of cancers. And the novel exploration and academic disputes of strategies for recognition, diagnosis, and therapeutic interventions of metastatic LNs are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoran Ji
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Tissue Engineering, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Chuang Hu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Tissue Engineering, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Xuhui Yang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Tissue Engineering, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Yuanhao Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Tissue Engineering, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Guangyu Ji
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Tissue Engineering, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Shengfang Ge
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Xiansong Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Tissue Engineering, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China.
| | - Mingsong Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Tissue Engineering, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China.
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Ngo H, Amartumur S, Tran VTA, Tran M, Diep YN, Cho H, Lee LP. In Vitro Tumor Models on Chip and Integrated Microphysiological Analysis Platform (MAP) for Life Sciences and High-Throughput Drug Screening. BIOSENSORS 2023; 13:231. [PMID: 36831997 PMCID: PMC9954135 DOI: 10.3390/bios13020231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The evolution of preclinical in vitro cancer models has led to the emergence of human cancer-on-chip or microphysiological analysis platforms (MAPs). Although it has numerous advantages compared to other models, cancer-on-chip technology still faces several challenges such as the complexity of the tumor microenvironment and integrating multiple organs to be widely accepted in cancer research and therapeutics. In this review, we highlight the advancements in cancer-on-chip technology in recapitulating the vital biological features of various cancer types and their applications in life sciences and high-throughput drug screening. We present advances in reconstituting the tumor microenvironment and modeling cancer stages in breast, brain, and other types of cancer. We also discuss the relevance of MAPs in cancer modeling and precision medicine such as effect of flow on cancer growth and the short culture period compared to clinics. The advanced MAPs provide high-throughput platforms with integrated biosensors to monitor real-time cellular responses applied in drug development. We envision that the integrated cancer MAPs has a promising future with regard to cancer research, including cancer biology, drug discovery, and personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huyen Ngo
- Institute of Quantum Biophysics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biophysics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
- Department of Intelligent Precision Healthcare Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Sarnai Amartumur
- Institute of Quantum Biophysics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biophysics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Van Thi Ai Tran
- Institute of Quantum Biophysics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biophysics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Minh Tran
- Institute of Quantum Biophysics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biophysics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
- Department of Intelligent Precision Healthcare Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Yen N. Diep
- Institute of Quantum Biophysics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biophysics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
- Department of Intelligent Precision Healthcare Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Hansang Cho
- Institute of Quantum Biophysics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biophysics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
- Department of Intelligent Precision Healthcare Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Luke P. Lee
- Institute of Quantum Biophysics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
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11
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Sala F, Ficorella C, Osellame R, Käs JA, Martínez Vázquez R. Microfluidic Lab-on-a-Chip for Studies of Cell Migration under Spatial Confinement. BIOSENSORS 2022; 12:bios12080604. [PMID: 36004998 PMCID: PMC9405557 DOI: 10.3390/bios12080604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Understanding cell migration is a key step in unraveling many physiological phenomena and predicting several pathologies, such as cancer metastasis. In particular, confinement has been proven to be a key factor in the cellular migration strategy choice. As our insight in the field improves, new tools are needed in order to empower biologists’ analysis capabilities. In this framework, microfluidic devices have been used to engineer the mechanical and spatial stimuli and to investigate cellular migration response in a more controlled way. In this work, we will review the existing technologies employed in the realization of microfluidic cellular migration assays, namely the soft lithography of PDMS and hydrogels and femtosecond laser micromachining. We will give an overview of the state of the art of these devices, focusing on the different geometrical configurations that have been exploited to study specific aspects of cellular migration. Our scope is to highlight the advantages and possibilities given by each approach and to envisage the future developments in in vitro migration studies under spatial confinement in microfluidic devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Sala
- Institute for Photonics and Nanotechnologies, CNR, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Carlotta Ficorella
- Peter Debye Institute for Soft Matter Physics, University of Leipzig, 04109 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Roberto Osellame
- Institute for Photonics and Nanotechnologies, CNR, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Josef A. Käs
- Peter Debye Institute for Soft Matter Physics, University of Leipzig, 04109 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Rebeca Martínez Vázquez
- Institute for Photonics and Nanotechnologies, CNR, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133 Milano, Italy
- Correspondence:
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12
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Suh YJ, Pandey M, Segall JE, Wu M. Tumor spheroid invasion in epidermal growth factor gradients revealed by a 3D microfluidic device. Phys Biol 2022; 19:10.1088/1478-3975/ac54c7. [PMID: 35158347 PMCID: PMC8957059 DOI: 10.1088/1478-3975/ac54c7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Epidermal growth factor (EGF), a potent cytokine, is known to promote tumor invasion bothin vivoandin vitro. Previously, we observed that single breast tumor cells (MDA-MB-231 cell line) embedded within a 3D collagen matrix displayed enhanced motility but no discernible chemotaxis in the presence of linear EGF gradients using a microfluidic platform. Inspired by a recent theoretical development that clustered mammalian cells respond differently to chemical gradients than single cells, we studied tumor spheroid invasion within a 3D extracellular matrix (ECM) in the presence of EGF gradients. We found that EGF gradients promoted tumor cell detachment from the spheroid core, and the position of the tumor spheroid core showed a mild chemotactic response towards the EGF gradients. For those tumor cells detached from the spheroids, they showed an enhanced motility response in contrast to previous experimental results using single cells embedded within an ECM. No discernible chemotactic response towards the EGF gradients was found for the cells outside the spheroid core. This work demonstrates that a cluster of tumor cells responds differently than single tumor cells towards EGF gradients and highlights the importance of a tumor spheroid platform for tumor invasion studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Joon Suh
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, 306 Riley-Robb Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, United States of America
| | - Mrinal Pandey
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, 306 Riley-Robb Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey E Segall
- Anatomy and Structural Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461, United States of America
| | - Mingming Wu
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, 306 Riley-Robb Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, United States of America
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13
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Russo M, Cejas CM, Pitingolo G. Advances in microfluidic 3D cell culture for preclinical drug development. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2022; 187:163-204. [PMID: 35094774 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2021.07.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Drug development is often a very long, costly, and risky process due to the lack of reliability in the preclinical studies. Traditional current preclinical models, mostly based on 2D cell culture and animal testing, are not full representatives of the complex in vivo microenvironments and often fail. In order to reduce the enormous costs, both financial and general well-being, a more predictive preclinical model is needed. In this chapter, we review recent advances in microfluidic 3D cell culture showing how its development has allowed the introduction of in vitro microphysiological systems, laying the foundation for organ-on-a-chip technology. These findings provide the basis for numerous preclinical drug discovery assays, which raise the possibility of using micro-engineered systems as emerging alternatives to traditional models, based on 2D cell culture and animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Russo
- Microfluidics, MEMS, Nanostructures (MMN), CNRS UMR 8231, Institut Pierre Gilles de Gennes (IPGG) ESPCI Paris, PSL Research University, Paris France.
| | - Cesare M Cejas
- Microfluidics, MEMS, Nanostructures (MMN), CNRS UMR 8231, Institut Pierre Gilles de Gennes (IPGG) ESPCI Paris, PSL Research University, Paris France
| | - Gabriele Pitingolo
- Bioassays, Microsystems and Optical Engineering Unit, BIOASTER, Paris France
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14
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DePalma TJ, Sivakumar H, Skardal A. Strategies for developing complex multi-component in vitro tumor models: Highlights in glioblastoma. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 180:114067. [PMID: 34822927 PMCID: PMC10560581 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.114067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, many research groups have begun to utilize bioengineered in vitro models of cancer to study mechanisms of disease progression, test drug candidates, and develop platforms to advance personalized drug treatment options. Due to advances in cell and tissue engineering over the last few decades, there are now a myriad of tools that can be used to create such in vitro systems. In this review, we describe the considerations one must take when developing model systems that accurately mimic the in vivo tumor microenvironment (TME) and can be used to answer specific scientific questions. We will summarize the importance of cell sourcing in models with one or multiple cell types and outline the importance of choosing biomaterials that accurately mimic the native extracellular matrix (ECM) of the tumor or tissue that is being modeled. We then provide examples of how these two components can be used in concert in a variety of model form factors and conclude by discussing how biofabrication techniques such as bioprinting and organ-on-a-chip fabrication can be used to create highly reproducible complex in vitro models. Since this topic has a broad range of applications, we use the final section of the review to dive deeper into one type of cancer, glioblastoma, to illustrate how these components come together to further our knowledge of cancer biology and move us closer to developing novel drugs and systems that improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J DePalma
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Hemamylammal Sivakumar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Aleksander Skardal
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; The Ohio State University and Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
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15
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Cole A, Buckler S, Marcucci J, Artemenko Y. Differential Roles of Actin Crosslinking Proteins Filamin and α-Actinin in Shear Flow-Induced Migration of Dictyostelium discoideum. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:743011. [PMID: 34485315 PMCID: PMC8415421 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.743011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Shear flow-induced migration is an important physiological phenomenon experienced by multiple cell types, including leukocytes and cancer cells. However, molecular mechanisms by which cells sense and directionally migrate in response to mechanical perturbation are not well understood. Dictyostelium discoideum social amoeba, a well-established model for studying amoeboid-type migration, also exhibits directional motility when exposed to shear flow, and this behavior is preceded by rapid and transient activation of the same signal transduction network that is activated by chemoattractants. The initial response, which can also be observed following brief 2 s stimulation with shear flow, requires an intact actin cytoskeleton; however, what aspect of the cytoskeletal network is responsible for sensing and/or transmitting the signal is unclear. We investigated the role of actin crosslinkers filamin and α-actinin by analyzing initial shear flow-stimulated responses in cells with or without these proteins. Both filamin and α-actinin showed rapid and transient relocalization from the cytosol to the cortex following shear flow stimulation. Using spatiotemporal analysis of Ras GTPase activation as a readout of signal transduction network activity, we demonstrated that lack of α-actinin did not reduce, and, in fact, slightly improved the response to acute mechanical stimulation compared to cells expressing α-actinin. In contrast, shear flow-induced Ras activation was significantly more robust in filamin-null cells rescued with filamin compared to cells expressing empty vector. Reduced responsiveness appeared to be specific to mechanical stimuli and was not due to a change in the basal activity since response to global stimulation with a chemoattractant and random migration was comparable between cells with or without filamin. Finally, while filamin-null cells rescued with filamin efficiently migrated upstream when presented with continuous flow, cells lacking filamin were defective in directional migration. Overall, our study suggests that filamin, but not α-actinin, is involved in sensing and/or transmitting mechanical stimuli that drive directed migration; however, other components of the actin cytoskeleton likely also contribute to the initial response since filamin-null cells were still able to activate the signal transduction network. These findings could have implications for our fundamental understanding of shear flow-induced migration of leukocytes, cancer cells and other amoeboid-type cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Cole
- Department of Biological Sciences, State University of New York Oswego, Oswego, NY, United States
| | - Sarah Buckler
- Department of Biological Sciences, State University of New York Oswego, Oswego, NY, United States
| | - Jack Marcucci
- Department of Biological Sciences, State University of New York Oswego, Oswego, NY, United States
| | - Yulia Artemenko
- Department of Biological Sciences, State University of New York Oswego, Oswego, NY, United States
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16
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Rezzola S, Sigmund EC, Halin C, Ronca R. The lymphatic vasculature: An active and dynamic player in cancer progression. Med Res Rev 2021; 42:576-614. [PMID: 34486138 PMCID: PMC9291933 DOI: 10.1002/med.21855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The lymphatic vasculature has been widely described and explored for its key functions in fluid homeostasis and in the organization and modulation of the immune response. Besides transporting immune cells, lymphatic vessels play relevant roles in tumor growth and tumor cell dissemination. Cancer cells that have invaded into afferent lymphatics are propagated to tumor‐draining lymph nodes (LNs), which represent an important hub for metastatic cell arrest and growth, immune modulation, and secondary dissemination to distant sites. In recent years many studies have reported new mechanisms by which the lymphatic vasculature affects cancer progression, ranging from induction of lymphangiogenesis to metastatic niche preconditioning or immune modulation. In this review, we provide an up‐to‐date description of lymphatic organization and function in peripheral tissues and in LNs and the changes induced to this system by tumor growth and progression. We will specifically focus on the reported interactions that occur between tumor cells and lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs), as well as on interactions between immune cells and LECs, both in the tumor microenvironment and in tumor‐draining LNs. Moreover, the most recent prognostic and therapeutic implications of lymphatics in cancer will be reported and discussed in light of the new immune‐modulatory roles that have been ascribed to LECs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Rezzola
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Elena C Sigmund
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Cornelia Halin
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Roberto Ronca
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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17
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Clark AM, Allbritton NL, Wells A. Integrative microphysiological tissue systems of cancer metastasis to the liver. Semin Cancer Biol 2021; 71:157-169. [PMID: 32580025 PMCID: PMC7750290 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2020.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The liver is the most commonly involved organ in metastases from a wide variety of solid tumors. The use of biologically and cellularly complex liver tissue systems have shown that tumor cell behavior and therapeutic responses are modulated within the liver microenvironment and in ways distinct from the behaviors in the primary locations. These microphysiological systems have provided unexpected and powerful insights into the tumor cell biology of metastasis. However, neither the tumor nor the liver exist in an isolated tissue situation, having to function within a complete body and respond to systemic events as well as those in other organs. To examine the influence of one organ on the function of other tissues, microphysiological systems are being linked. Herein, we discuss extending this concept to tumor metastases by integrating complex models of the primary tumor with the liver metastatic environment. In addition, inflammatory organs and the immune system can be incorporated into these multi-organ systems to probe the effects on tumor behavior and cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda M Clark
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA; VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
| | - Nancy L Allbritton
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Alan Wells
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA; VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA; Department of Computational & Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
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18
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Subia B, Dahiya UR, Mishra S, Ayache J, Casquillas GV, Caballero D, Reis RL, Kundu SC. Breast tumor-on-chip models: From disease modeling to personalized drug screening. J Control Release 2021; 331:103-120. [PMID: 33417986 PMCID: PMC8172385 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2020.12.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide being the most common cancer among women. Despite the significant progress obtained during the past years in the understanding of breast cancer pathophysiology, women continue to die from it. Novel tools and technologies are needed to develop better diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, and to better understand the molecular and cellular players involved in the progression of this disease. Typical methods employed by the pharmaceutical industry and laboratories to investigate breast cancer etiology and evaluate the efficiency of new therapeutic compounds are still based on traditional tissue culture flasks and animal models, which have certain limitations. Recently, tumor-on-chip technology emerged as a new generation of in vitro disease model to investigate the physiopathology of tumors and predict the efficiency of drugs in a native-like microenvironment. These microfluidic systems reproduce the functional units and composition of human organs and tissues, and importantly, the rheological properties of the native scenario, enabling precise control over fluid flow or local gradients. Herein, we review the most recent works related to breast tumor-on-chip for disease modeling and drug screening applications. Finally, we critically discuss the future applications of this emerging technology in breast cancer therapeutics and drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bano Subia
- Elvesys Microfluidics Innovation Centre, Paris 75011, France..
| | | | - Sarita Mishra
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, New Delhi 110025, India..
| | - Jessica Ayache
- Elvesys Microfluidics Innovation Centre, Paris 75011, France..
| | | | - David Caballero
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs-Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, University of Minho, AvePark, Barco, Guimarãaes 4805-017, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4805-017, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.
| | - Rui L Reis
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs-Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, University of Minho, AvePark, Barco, Guimarãaes 4805-017, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4805-017, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.
| | - Subhas C Kundu
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs-Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, University of Minho, AvePark, Barco, Guimarãaes 4805-017, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4805-017, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.
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19
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Shang M, Lim SB, Jiang K, Yap YS, Khoo BL, Han J, Lim CT. Microfluidic studies of hydrostatic pressure-enhanced doxorubicin resistance in human breast cancer cells. LAB ON A CHIP 2021; 21:746-754. [PMID: 33502419 DOI: 10.1039/d0lc01103g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Acquired multidrug resistance in tumors is a big challenge in cancer therapy. As an important physical stimulus in the tumor microenvironment, elevated interstitial fluid pressure has been reported to inhibit drug delivery and promote metastasis in solid tumors. However, the direct influence of this fluid pressure on anticancer drug resistance remains unclear. Here, we develop a pressurized in vitro circulating tumor cell (CTC) culture platform for anticancer drug screening. By using human breast cancer cell line MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231, we find that doxorubicin resistance can be increased by up to 2.5 times under 30 mmHg culture condition, through ABCC1 overexpression that reduces intracellular doxorubicin concentration. A similar chemoresistance change is also observed in clinical metastatic circulating tumor cells samples. These findings provide a new insight into the chemoresistance mechanism of metastatic human breast cancer cells and elucidate the significance of abnormal hydrostatic pressure in cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Menglin Shang
- Critical Analytics for Manufacturing Personalized-Medicine (CAMP) IRG, Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART) Centre, Singapore and Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Su Bin Lim
- The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Kuan Jiang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Yoon Sim Yap
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore
| | - Bee Luan Khoo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Jongyoon Han
- Critical Analytics for Manufacturing Personalized-Medicine (CAMP) IRG, Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART) Centre, Singapore and Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA and Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA and Research Laboratory of Electronics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Chwee Teck Lim
- Critical Analytics for Manufacturing Personalized-Medicine (CAMP) IRG, Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART) Centre, Singapore and Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore. and Institute for Health Innovation and Technology, 14 Medical Drive, Singapore and Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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20
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Colombo E, Cattaneo MG. Multicellular 3D Models to Study Tumour-Stroma Interactions. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22041633. [PMID: 33562840 PMCID: PMC7915117 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Two-dimensional (2D) cell cultures have been the standard for many different applications, ranging from basic research to stem cell and cancer research to regenerative medicine, for most of the past century. Hence, almost all of our knowledge about fundamental biological processes has been provided by primary and established cell lines cultured in 2D monolayer. However, cells in tissues and organs do not exist as single entities, and life in multicellular organisms relies on the coordination of several cellular activities, which depend on cell–cell communication across different cell types and tissues. In addition, cells are embedded within a complex non-cellular structure known as the extracellular matrix (ECM), which anchors them in a three-dimensional (3D) formation. Likewise, tumour cells interact with their surrounding matrix and tissue, and the physical and biochemical properties of this microenvironment regulate cancer differentiation, proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. 2D models are unable to mimic the complex and dynamic interactions of the tumour microenvironment (TME) and ignore spatial cell–ECM and cell–cell interactions. Thus, multicellular 3D models are excellent tools to recapitulate in vitro the spatial dimension, cellular heterogeneity, and molecular networks of the TME. This review summarizes the biological significance of the cell–ECM and cell–cell interactions in the onset and progression of tumours and focuses on the requirement for these interactions to build up representative in vitro models for the study of the pathophysiology of cancer and for the design of more clinically relevant treatments.
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21
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Hooglugt A, van der Stoel MM, Boon RA, Huveneers S. Endothelial YAP/TAZ Signaling in Angiogenesis and Tumor Vasculature. Front Oncol 2021; 10:612802. [PMID: 33614496 PMCID: PMC7890025 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.612802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Solid tumors are dependent on vascularization for their growth. The hypoxic, stiff, and pro-angiogenic tumor microenvironment induces angiogenesis, giving rise to an immature, proliferative, and permeable vasculature. The tumor vessels promote tumor metastasis and complicate delivery of anti-cancer therapies. In many types of tumors, YAP/TAZ activation is correlated with increased levels of angiogenesis. In addition, endothelial YAP/TAZ activation is important for the formation of new blood and lymphatic vessels during development. Oncogenic activation of YAP/TAZ in tumor cell growth and invasion has been studied in great detail, however the role of YAP/TAZ within the tumor endothelium remains insufficiently understood, which complicates therapeutic strategies aimed at targeting YAP/TAZ in cancer. Here, we overview the upstream signals from the tumor microenvironment that control endothelial YAP/TAZ activation and explore the role of their downstream targets in driving tumor angiogenesis. We further discuss the potential for anti-cancer treatments and vascular normalization strategies to improve tumor therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aukie Hooglugt
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Physiology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Miesje M. van der Stoel
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Reinier A. Boon
- Department of Physiology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Rhein-Main, Berlin, Germany
- Institute of Cardiovascular Regeneration, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Stephan Huveneers
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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22
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Huang YL, Shiau C, Wu C, Segall JE, Wu M. The architecture of co-culture spheroids regulates tumor invasion within a 3D extracellular matrix. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 15:131-141. [PMID: 33033500 DOI: 10.1142/s1793048020500034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Tumor invasion, the process by which tumor cells break away from their primary tumor and gain access to vascular systems, is an important step in cancer metastasis. Most current 3D tumor invasion assays consisted of single tumor cells embedded within an extracellular matrix (ECM). These assays taught us much of what we know today on how key biophysical (e.g. ECM stiffness) and biochemical (e.g. cytokine gradients) parameters within the tumor microenvironment guided and regulated tumor invasion. One limitation of the single tumor cell invasion assay was that it did not account for cell-cell adhesion within the tumor. In this article, we developed a micrometer scale 3D co-culture spheroid invasion assay that was compatible with microscopic imaging. Micrometer scale co-culture spheroids (1:1 ratio of metastatic breast cancer MDA-MB-231 and non-tumorigenic epithelial MCF-10A cells) were made using an array of microwells, and then were embedded within a collagen matrix in a microfluidic platform. Real time imaging of tumor spheroid invasion revealed that the spatial distribution of the two cell types within the tumor spheroid critically regulated tumor invasion. This work linked tumor architecture with tumor invasion and highlighted the importance of the biophysical cues within the bulk of the tumor in tumor invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Ling Huang
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, 306 Riley-Robb Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
| | - Carina Shiau
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, 306 Riley-Robb Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
| | - Cindy Wu
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, 306 Riley-Robb Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
| | - Jeffrey E Segall
- Anatomy and Structural Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, New York 10461
| | - Mingming Wu
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, 306 Riley-Robb Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
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23
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Riehl BD, Kim E, Lee JS, Duan B, Yang R, Donahue HJ, Lim JY. The Role of Fluid Shear and Metastatic Potential in Breast Cancer Cell Migration. J Biomech Eng 2020; 142:101001. [PMID: 32346724 PMCID: PMC7477709 DOI: 10.1115/1.4047076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2018] [Revised: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
During the migration of cancer cells for metastasis, cancer cells can be exposed to fluid shear conditions. We examined two breast cancer cell lines, MDA-MB-468 (less metastatic) and MDA-MB-231 (more metastatic), and a benign MCF-10A epithelial cell line for their responsiveness in migration to fluid shear. We tested fluid shear at 15 dyne/cm2 that can be encountered during breast cancer cells traveling through blood vessels or metastasizing to mechanically active tissues such as bone. MCF-10A exhibited the least migration with a trend of migrating in the flow direction. Intriguingly, fluid shear played a potent role as a trigger for MDA-MB-231 cell migration, inducing directional migration along the flow with significantly increased displacement length and migration speed and decreased arrest coefficient relative to unflowed MDA-MB-231. In contrast, MDA-MB-468 cells were markedly less migratory than MDA-MB-231 cells, and responded very poorly to fluid shear. As a result, MDA-MB-468 cells did not exhibit noticeable difference in migration between static and flow conditions, as was distinct in root-mean-square (RMS) displacement-an ensemble average of all participating cells. These may suggest that the difference between more metastatic MDA-MB-231 and less metastatic MDA-MB-468 breast cancer cells could be at least partly involved with their differential responsiveness to fluid shear stimulatory cues. Our study provides new data in regard to potential crosstalk between fluid shear and metastatic potential in mediating breast cancer cell migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon D. Riehl
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588
| | - Eunju Kim
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588
| | - Jeong Soon Lee
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588
| | - Bin Duan
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588; Mary and Dick Holland Regenerative Medicine Program, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198; Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198
| | - Ruiguo Yang
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588; Mary and Dick Holland Regenerative Medicine Program, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198
| | - Henry J. Donahue
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284
| | - Jung Yul Lim
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, W317.3 Nebraska Hall Lincoln, NE 68588; Mary and Dick Holland Regenerative Medicine Program, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198
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24
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The Glycocalyx and Its Role in Vascular Physiology and Vascular Related Diseases. Cardiovasc Eng Technol 2020; 12:37-71. [PMID: 32959164 PMCID: PMC7505222 DOI: 10.1007/s13239-020-00485-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Purpose In 2007 the two senior authors wrote a review on the structure and function of the endothelial glycocalyx layer (Weinbaum in Annu Rev Biomed Eng 9:121–167, 2007). Since then there has been an explosion of interest in this hydrated gel-like structure that coats the luminal surface of endothelial cells that line our vasculature due to its important functions in (A) basic vascular physiology and (B) vascular related diseases. This review will highlight the major advances that have occurred since our 2007 paper. Methods A literature search mainly focusing on the role of the glycocalyx in the two major areas described above was performed using electronic databases. Results In part (A) of this review, the new formulation of the century old Starling principle, now referred to as the Michel–Weinbaum glycoclayx model or revised Starling hypothesis, is described including new subtleties and physiological ramifications. New insights into mechanotransduction and release of nitric oxide due to fluid shear stress sensed by the glycocalyx are elaborated. Major advances in understanding the organization and function of glycocalyx components, and new techniques for measuring both its thickness and spatio-chemical organization based on super resolution, stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (STORM) are presented. As discussed in part (B) of this review, it is now recognized that artery wall stiffness associated with hypertension and aging induces glycocalyx degradation, endothelial dysfunction and vascular disease. In addition to atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases, the glycocalyx plays an important role in lifestyle related diseases (e.g., diabetes) and cancer. Infectious diseases including sepsis, Dengue, Zika and Corona viruses, and malaria also involve the glycocalyx. Because of increasing recognition of the role of the glycocalyx in a wide range of diseases, there has been a vigorous search for methods to protect the glycocalyx from degradation or to enhance its synthesis in disease environments. Conclusion As we have seen in this review, many important developments in our basic understanding of GCX structure, function and role in diseases have been described since the 2007 paper. The future is wide open for continued GCX research.
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Huang YL, Ma Y, Wu C, Shiau C, Segall JE, Wu M. Tumor spheroids under perfusion within a 3D microfluidic platform reveal critical roles of cell-cell adhesion in tumor invasion. Sci Rep 2020; 10:9648. [PMID: 32541776 PMCID: PMC7295764 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-66528-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor invasion within the interstitial space is critically regulated by the force balance between cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) and cell-cell interactions. Interstitial flows (IFs) are present in both healthy and diseased tissues. However, the roles of IFs in modulating cell force balance and subsequently tumor invasion are understudied. In this article, we develop a microfluidic model in which tumor spheroids are embedded within 3D collagen matrices with well-defined IFs. Using co-cultured tumor spheroids (1:1 mixture of metastatic and non-tumorigenic epithelial cells), we show that IFs downregulate the cell-cell adhesion molecule E-cadherin on non-tumorigenic cells and promote tumor invasion. Our microfluidic model advances current tumor invasion assays towards a more physiologically realistic model using tumor spheroids instead of single cells under perfusion. We identify a novel mechanism by which IFs can promote tumor invasion through an influence on cell-cell adhesion within the tumor and highlight the importance of biophysical parameters in regulating tumor invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Ling Huang
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Yujie Ma
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Cindy Wu
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Carina Shiau
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Jeffrey E Segall
- Anatomy and Structural Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, 10461, New York, USA
| | - Mingming Wu
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA.
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Rahman SM, Campbell JM, Coates RN, Render KM, Byrne CE, Martin EC, Melvin AT. Evaluation of intercellular communication between breast cancer cells and adipose-derived stem cells via passive diffusion in a two-layer microfluidic device. LAB ON A CHIP 2020; 20:2009-2019. [PMID: 32379852 PMCID: PMC7331673 DOI: 10.1039/d0lc00142b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer tumorigenesis and response to therapy is regulated by cancer cell interactions with the tumor microenvironment (TME). Breast cancer signaling to the surrounding TME results in a heterogeneous and diverse tumor microenvironment, which includes the production of cancer-associated fibroblasts, macrophages, adipocytes, and stem cells. The secretory profile of these cancer-associated cell types results in elevated chemokines and growth factors that promote cell survival and proliferation within the tumor. Current co-culture approaches mostly rely on transwell chambers to study intercellular signaling between adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) and cancer cells; however, these methods are limited to endpoint measurements and lack dynamic control. In this study, a 4-channel, "flow-free" microfluidic device was developed to co-culture triple-negative MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells and ASCs to study intercellular communication between two distinct cell types found in the TME. The device consists of two layers: a top PDMS layer with four imprinted channels coupled with a bottom agarose slab enclosed in a Plexiglas chamber. For dynamic co-culture, the device geometry contained two centered, flow-free channels, which were supplied with media from two outer flow channels via orthogonal diffusion through the agarose. Continuous fresh media was provided to the cell culture channel via passive diffusion without creating any shearing effect on the cells. The device geometry also allowed for the passive diffusion of cytokines and growth factors between the two cell types cultured in parallel channels to initiate cell-to-cell crosstalk. The device was used to show that MDA-MB-231 cells co-cultured with ASCs exhibited enhanced growth, a more aggressive morphology, and polarization toward the ASCs. The MDA-MB-231 cells were found to exhibit a greater degree of resistance to the drug paclitaxel when co-cultured with ASCs when compared to single culture studies. This microfluidic device is an ideal platform to study intercellular communication for many types of cells during co-culture experiments and allows for new investigations into stromal cell-mediated drug resistance in the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharif M Rahman
- Cain Department of Chemical Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, 70803 USA.
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Griffith CM, Huang SA, Cho C, Khare TM, Rich M, Lee GH, Ligler FS, Diekman BO, Polacheck WJ. Microfluidics for the study of mechanotransduction. JOURNAL OF PHYSICS D: APPLIED PHYSICS 2020; 53:224004. [PMID: 33840837 PMCID: PMC8034607 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6463/ab78d4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Mechanical forces regulate a diverse set of biological processes at cellular, tissue, and organismal length scales. Investigating the cellular and molecular mechanisms that underlie the conversion of mechanical forces to biological responses is challenged by limitations of traditional animal models and in vitro cell culture, including poor control over applied force and highly artificial cell culture environments. Recent advances in fabrication methods and material processing have enabled the development of microfluidic platforms that provide precise control over the mechanical microenvironment of cultured cells. These devices and systems have proven to be powerful for uncovering and defining mechanisms of mechanotransduction. In this review, we first give an overview of the main mechanotransduction pathways that function at sites of cell adhesion, many of which have been investigated with microfluidics. We then discuss how distinct microfluidic fabrication methods can be harnessed to gain biological insight, with description of both monolithic and replica molding approaches. Finally, we present examples of how microfluidics can be used to apply both solid forces (substrate mechanics, strain, and compression) and fluid forces (luminal, interstitial) to cells. Throughout the review, we emphasize the advantages and disadvantages of different fabrication methods and applications of force in order to provide perspective to investigators looking to apply forces to cells in their own research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian M Griffith
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC and North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
| | - Stephanie A Huang
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC and North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
| | - Crescentia Cho
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC and North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
| | - Tanmay M Khare
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
| | - Matthew Rich
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC and North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
- Thurston Arthritis Research Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Gi-Hun Lee
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC and North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
| | - Frances S Ligler
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC and North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
| | - Brian O Diekman
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC and North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
- Thurston Arthritis Research Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - William J Polacheck
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC and North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
- McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC
- Cancer Cell Biology Program, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC
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Choi SY, Lee DW, Song B, Kim SY, Kim HJ, Shin DY, Ku B, Chung MK. A rapid quantification of invasive phenotype in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: A novel 3D pillar array system. Oral Oncol 2020; 108:104807. [PMID: 32450501 DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2020.104807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Revised: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The widely used in vitro invasion assays for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) are wound healing, transwell, and organotypic assays. However, these are still lab-intensive and time-consuming tasks. For the rapid detection and high throughput screening of invasiveness in 3D condition, we propose a novel spheroid invasion assay using commercially available pillar platform system. MATERIALS AND METHODS Using the pillar-based spheroid invasion assay, migration and invasion was evaluated in three patient-derived cells (PDCs) of HNSCC. Immunofluorescence of live cells was used for the quantitative measurement of migratory and invaded cells attached to the pillar. Expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related gene (snai1/2) was measured by qRT-PCR. We also tested the impact of drug treatments (cisplatin, docetaxel) on the changes in the invasive phenotype. RESULTS All PDCs successfully formed spheroid at 4 days and can be measured invasiveness within 7 days. Intriguingly, one PDC (#1) obtained from the advanced stage showed robust migration, invasion and higher transcription of snai1/2, compared with the other two PDCs. Furthermore, the invasion ratio of the control spheroids was about 70% while the invasion ratios of drug-treated spheroids were lower than 50%, and the difference showed statistical significance (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION The presented spheroid invasion assay using pillar array could be useful for the evaluation of cancer cell behavior and physiology in response to diverse therapeutic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung Yong Choi
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Woo Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Konyang University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Bokhyun Song
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo Yoon Kim
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Jin Kim
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Da-Yong Shin
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Bosung Ku
- Central R & D Center, Medical & Bio Decision (MBD) Co., Ltd, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Man Ki Chung
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Koens R, Tabata Y, Serrano JC, Aratake S, Yoshino D, Kamm RD, Funamoto K. Microfluidic platform for three-dimensional cell culture under spatiotemporal heterogeneity of oxygen tension. APL Bioeng 2020; 4:016106. [PMID: 32161836 PMCID: PMC7060087 DOI: 10.1063/1.5127069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cells in a tumor microenvironment are exposed to spatial and temporal variations in oxygen tension due to hyperproliferation and immature vascularization. Such spatiotemporal oxygen heterogeneity affects the behavior of cancer cells, leading to cancer growth and metastasis, and thus, it is essential to clarify the cellular responses of cancer cells to oxygen tension. Herein, we describe a new double-layer microfluidic device allowing the control of oxygen tension and the behavior of cancer cells under spatiotemporal oxygen heterogeneity. Two parallel gas channels were located above the media and gel channels to enhance gas exchange, and a gas-impermeable polycarbonate film was embedded in the device to prevent the diffusion of atmospheric oxygen. Variations in oxygen tension in the device with the experimental parameters and design variables were investigated computationally and validated by using oxygen-sensitive nanoparticles. The present device can generate a uniform hypoxic condition at oxygen levels down to 0.3% O2, as well as a linear oxygen gradient from 3% O2 to 17% O2 across the gel channel within 15 min. Moreover, human breast cancer cells suspended in type I collagen gel were introduced in the gel channel to observe their response under controlled oxygen tension. Hypoxic exposure activated the proliferation and motility of the cells, which showed a local maximum increase at 5% O2. Under the oxygen gradient condition, the increase in the cell number was relatively high in the central mild hypoxia region. These findings demonstrate the utility of the present device to study cellular responses in an oxygen-controlled microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rei Koens
- Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, Tohoku University, 6-6-12 Aramaki-aza Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8579, Japan
| | | | - Jean C. Serrano
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
| | | | | | - Roger D. Kamm
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
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Rosalem GS, Las Casas EB, Lima TP, González-Torres LA. A mechanobiological model to study upstream cell migration guided by tensotaxis. Biomech Model Mechanobiol 2020; 19:1537-1549. [PMID: 32006123 DOI: 10.1007/s10237-020-01289-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 01/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Cell migration is a process of crucial importance for the human body. It is responsible for important processes such as wound healing and tumor metastasis. Migration may occur in response to stimuli of chemical, physical and mechanical nature occurring in the cellular microenvironment. The interstitial flow (IF) can generate mechanical stimuli in cells that influence the cell behavior and interactions of the cells with the extracellular matrix (ECM). One of the phenomena is upstream migration, which is observed in some tumors. In this work, we present a new approach to study the adherent cell migration in a porous medium using a mechanobiological model, attempting to understand if upstream migration can be generated exclusively by mechanical factors. The influence of IF on the behavior of cells and the extracellular matrix was considered. The model is based on a system of coupled nonlinear differential equations solved by the finite element method. Several simulations were performed to study the upstream cell migration and evaluate the effects of pressure, permeability, ECM stiffness and cellular concentration variations on the cell velocity. The results indicated that upstream migration can occur in the presence of mechanical stimuli generated by IF and that the tested parameters have a direct influence on the cellular velocity, especially the pressure and the permeability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Santos Rosalem
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | | | - Thiago Parente Lima
- Institute of Science and Technology, Federal University of Jequitinhonha and Mucuri Valleys, Diamantina, Brazil
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31
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Follain G, Herrmann D, Harlepp S, Hyenne V, Osmani N, Warren SC, Timpson P, Goetz JG. Fluids and their mechanics in tumour transit: shaping metastasis. Nat Rev Cancer 2020; 20:107-124. [PMID: 31780785 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-019-0221-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 214] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Metastasis is a dynamic succession of events involving the dissemination of tumour cells to distant sites within the body, ultimately reducing the survival of patients with cancer. To colonize distant organs and, therefore, systemically disseminate within the organism, cancer cells and associated factors exploit several bodily fluid systems, which provide a natural transportation route. Indeed, the flow mechanics of the blood and lymphatic circulatory systems can be co-opted to improve the efficiency of cancer cell transit from the primary tumour, extravasation and metastatic seeding. Flow rates, vessel size and shear stress can all influence the survival of cancer cells in the circulation and control organotropic seeding patterns. Thus, in addition to using these fluids as a means to travel throughout the body, cancer cells exploit the underlying physical forces within these fluids to successfully seed distant metastases. In this Review, we describe how circulating tumour cells and tumour-associated factors leverage bodily fluids, their underlying forces and imposed stresses during metastasis. As the contribution of bodily fluids and their mechanics raises interesting questions about the biology of the metastatic cascade, an improved understanding of this process might provide a new avenue for targeting cancer cells in transit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gautier Follain
- INSERM UMR_S1109, Tumor Biomechanics, Strasbourg, France
- Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Strasbourg, France
| | - David Herrmann
- The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- St. Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sébastien Harlepp
- INSERM UMR_S1109, Tumor Biomechanics, Strasbourg, France
- Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Strasbourg, France
| | - Vincent Hyenne
- INSERM UMR_S1109, Tumor Biomechanics, Strasbourg, France
- Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Strasbourg, France
- CNRS SNC 505, Strasbourg, France
| | - Naël Osmani
- INSERM UMR_S1109, Tumor Biomechanics, Strasbourg, France
- Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Strasbourg, France
| | - Sean C Warren
- The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- St. Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Paul Timpson
- The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
- St. Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Jacky G Goetz
- INSERM UMR_S1109, Tumor Biomechanics, Strasbourg, France.
- Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.
- Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Strasbourg, France.
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Hubka KM, Carson DD, Harrington DA, Farach-Carson MC. Perlecan domain I gradients establish stable biomimetic heparin binding growth factor gradients for cell migration in hydrogels. Acta Biomater 2019; 97:385-398. [PMID: 31351252 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2019.07.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Revised: 07/13/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Growth factor gradients orchestrate many biological processes including organogenesis, wound healing, cancer invasion, and metastasis. Heparin-binding growth factor (HBGF) gradients are established in living systems by proteoglycans including the extracellular matrix heparan sulfate proteoglycan, perlecan/HSPG2. Three potential HBGF-binding glycosaminoglycan attachment sites occur in N-terminal domain I of perlecan's five domains. Our overarching goal was to form stable, biomimetic non-covalently bound HBGF gradients surrounding cells encapsulated in hyaluronate-based hydrogels by first establishing perlecan domain I (PlnD1) gradients. A versatile multichannel gradient maker device (MGMD) was designed and 3D printed, then used to create desired gradients of microparticles in hydrogels. Next, we used the device to covalently incorporate gradients of PEGylated PlnD1 in hydrogels with high-low-high or high-medium-low concentrations across the hydrogel width. Fluorescently-labeled fibroblast growth factor-2 was delivered to hydrogels in phosphate-buffered saline and allowed to electrostatically bind to the covalently pre-incorporated PlnD1, producing stable non-covalent HBGF gradients. To test cell viability after flow through the MGMD, delicate primary human salivary stem/progenitor cells were encapsulated in gradient hydrogels where they showed high viability and continued to grow. Next, to test migratory behavior in response to HBGF gradients, two cell types, preosteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cell line and breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 were encapsulated in or adjacent to PlnD1-modified hydrogels. Both cell lines migrated toward HBGFs bound to PlnD1. We conclude that establishing covalently-bound PlnD1 gradients in hydrogels provides a new means to establish physiologically-relevant gradients of HBGFs that are useful for a variety of applications in tissue engineering and cancer biology. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Gradients of heparin binding growth factors (HBGFs) direct cell behavior in living systems. HBGFs bind electrostatically to gradients of HS proteoglycans in the extracellular matrix creating HBGF gradients. We recreated HBGF gradients in physiological hyaluronate-based hydrogels using a 3D-printed multichannel gradient maker device (MGMD) that created gradients of HS proteoglycan-derived perlecan/HSPG2 domain I. We demonstrated the ability of a variety of cells, including primary salivary stem/progenitor cells, pre-osteoblastic cells and an invasive breast cancer cell line, to be co-encapsulated in gradient hydrogels by flowing them together through the MGMD. The versatile device and the ability to create HBGF gradients in hydrogels for a variety of applications is innovative and of broad utility in both cancer biology and tissue engineering applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsea M Hubka
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, MS-142, 6100 Main Street, Houston, TX 77005, USA; Department of Diagnostic and Biomedical Sciences, School of Dentistry, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 7500 Cambridge Street Room 4401, Houston, TX 77054, USA.
| | - Daniel D Carson
- Department of Biosciences, Rice University, MS-140, P.O. Box 1892, Houston, TX 77251, USA; Department of Genetics, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Daniel A Harrington
- Department of Biosciences, Rice University, MS-140, P.O. Box 1892, Houston, TX 77251, USA; Department of Diagnostic and Biomedical Sciences, School of Dentistry, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 7500 Cambridge Street Room 4401, Houston, TX 77054, USA.
| | - Mary C Farach-Carson
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, MS-142, 6100 Main Street, Houston, TX 77005, USA; Department of Biosciences, Rice University, MS-140, P.O. Box 1892, Houston, TX 77251, USA; Department of Diagnostic and Biomedical Sciences, School of Dentistry, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 7500 Cambridge Street Room 4401, Houston, TX 77054, USA.
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Tran QD, Gonzalez-Rodriguez D. Quantitative characterization of viscoelastic fracture induced by time-dependent intratumoral pressure in a 3D model tumor. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2019; 13:054107. [PMID: 31592302 PMCID: PMC6773595 DOI: 10.1063/1.5116851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
In the tumor environment, interstitial pressure drives interstitial flow drainage from the tumor core to the lymphatic vessels. Recent studies have highlighted the key role of interstitial pressure in tumor development and cell migration. High intratumoral pressures, up to 60 mm Hg , have been reported in cancer patients. In a previous study, we showed that such pressure levels induce fracture in an experimental tumor model consisting of a microfluidic system holding a cellular aggregate. Here, we investigate and quantify the characteristics of tumor model fracture under a range of flow conditions. Our findings suggest a strong dependence of viscoelastic fracture behavior on the loading rate exerted by flow. The aggregate exhibits fragile fracture at high loading rates and ductile fracture at lower rates. The loading rate also modifies the permeability of the cellular aggregate, as well as the persistence time of the load required to induce fracture. The quantification parameters we propose here, evaluated for an in vitro model tumor without the extracellular matrix, could be applied to characterize tumor fracture under more realistic interstitial flow conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quang D Tran
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798
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34
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Chen MB, Kamm RD, Moeendarbary E. Engineered Models of Metastasis with Application to Study Cancer Biomechanics. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1092:189-207. [PMID: 30368754 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-95294-9_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Three-dimensional complex biomechanical interactions occur from the initial steps of tumor formation to the later phases of cancer metastasis. Conventional monolayer cultures cannot recapitulate the complex microenvironment and chemical and mechanical cues that tumor cells experience during their metastatic journey, nor the complexity of their interactions with other, noncancerous cells. As alternative approaches, various engineered models have been developed to recapitulate specific features of each step of metastasis with tunable microenvironments to test a variety of mechanistic hypotheses. Here the main recent advances in the technologies that provide deeper insight into the process of cancer dissemination are discussed, with an emphasis on three-dimensional and mechanical factors as well as interactions between multiple cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle B Chen
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Roger D Kamm
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | - Emad Moeendarbary
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, London, UK
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35
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Evje S, Waldeland JO. How Tumor Cells Can Make Use of Interstitial Fluid Flow in a Strategy for Metastasis. Cell Mol Bioeng 2019; 12:227-254. [PMID: 31719912 DOI: 10.1007/s12195-019-00569-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2018] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The phenomenon of lymph node metastasis has been known for a long time. However, the underlying mechanism by which malignant tumor cells are able to break loose from the primary tumor site remains unclear. In particular, two competing fluid sensitive migration mechanisms have been reported in the experimental literature: (i) autologous chemotaxis (Shields et al. in Cancer Cell 11:526-538, 2007) which gives rise to downstream migration; (ii) an integrin-mediated and strain-induced upstream mechanism (Polacheck et al. in PNAS 108:11115-11120, 2011). How can these two competing mechanisms be used as a means for metastatic behavior in a realistic tumor setting? Excessive fluid flow is typically produced from leaky intratumoral blood vessels and collected by lymphatics in the peritumoral region giving rise to a heterogeneous fluid velocity field and a corresponding heterogeneous cell migration behavior, quite different from the experimental setup. Method In order to shed light on this issue there is a need for tools which allow one to extrapolate the observed single cell behavior in a homogeneous microfluidic environment to a more realistic, higher-dimensional tumor setting. Here we explore this issue by using a computational multiphase model. The model has been trained with data from the experimental results mentioned above which essentially reflect one-dimensional behavior. We extend the model to an envisioned idealized two-dimensional tumor setting. Result A main observation from the simulation is that the autologous chemotaxis migration mechanism, which triggers tumor cells to go with the flow in the direction of lymphatics, becomes much more aggressive and effective as a means for metastasis in the presence of realistic IF flow. This is because the outwardly directed IF flow generates upstream cell migration that possibly empowers small clusters of tumor cells to break loose from the primary tumor periphery. Without this upstream stress-mediated migration, autologous chemotaxis is inclined to move cells at the rim of the tumor in a homogeneous and collective, but space-demanding style. In contrast, inclusion of realistic IF flow generates upstream migration that allows two different aspects to be synthesized: maintain the coherency and solidity of the the primary tumor and at the same time cleave the outgoing waves of tumor cells into small clusters at the front that can move collectively in a more specific direction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steinar Evje
- Department of Energy and Petroleum, University of Stavanger, 4068 Stavanger, Norway
| | - Jahn Otto Waldeland
- Department of Energy and Petroleum, University of Stavanger, 4068 Stavanger, Norway
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Urdal J, Waldeland JO, Evje S. Enhanced cancer cell invasion caused by fibroblasts when fluid flow is present. Biomech Model Mechanobiol 2019; 18:1047-1078. [DOI: 10.1007/s10237-019-01128-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 02/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Luo T, Fan L, Zhu R, Sun D. Microfluidic Single-Cell Manipulation and Analysis: Methods and Applications. MICROMACHINES 2019; 10:E104. [PMID: 30717128 PMCID: PMC6412357 DOI: 10.3390/mi10020104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Revised: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
In a forest of a hundred thousand trees, no two leaves are alike. Similarly, no two cells in a genetically identical group are the same. This heterogeneity at the single-cell level has been recognized to be vital for the correct interpretation of diagnostic and therapeutic results of diseases, but has been masked for a long time by studying average responses from a population. To comprehensively understand cell heterogeneity, diverse manipulation and comprehensive analysis of cells at the single-cell level are demanded. However, using traditional biological tools, such as petri-dishes and well-plates, is technically challengeable for manipulating and analyzing single-cells with small size and low concentration of target biomolecules. With the development of microfluidics, which is a technology of manipulating and controlling fluids in the range of micro- to pico-liters in networks of channels with dimensions from tens to hundreds of microns, single-cell study has been blooming for almost two decades. Comparing to conventional petri-dish or well-plate experiments, microfluidic single-cell analysis offers advantages of higher throughput, smaller sample volume, automatic sample processing, and lower contamination risk, etc., which made microfluidics an ideal technology for conducting statically meaningful single-cell research. In this review, we will summarize the advances of microfluidics for single-cell manipulation and analysis from the aspects of methods and applications. First, various methods, such as hydrodynamic and electrical approaches, for microfluidic single-cell manipulation will be summarized. Second, single-cell analysis ranging from cellular to genetic level by using microfluidic technology is summarized. Last, we will also discuss the advantages and disadvantages of various microfluidic methods for single-cell manipulation, and then outlook the trend of microfluidic single-cell analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Luo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Lei Fan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Rong Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Measurement Technology and Instruments, Department of Precision Instrument, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
| | - Dong Sun
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
- Shenzhen Research Institute of City University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518057, China.
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Ge A, Wang X, Ge M, Hu L, Feng X, Du W, Liu BF. Profile analysis of C. elegans rheotaxis behavior using a microfluidic device. LAB ON A CHIP 2019; 19:475-483. [PMID: 30601555 DOI: 10.1039/c8lc01087k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The directed motility of organisms in response to fluid velocity, which is called rheotaxis, is important in the life cycle of C. elegans, enabling them to navigate their environment and maintain their positions in the presence of adverse flow. Thus, to study the mechanism underlying rheotaxis behavior and reveal information on parasitic diseases, the profile analysis of the rheotaxis response in worm populations with high resolution in well-defined fluid environments is highly desirable. In this work, we presented a rapid and robust microfluidic approach to quantitatively analyze the rheotaxis behavior of worms in response to velocity. The flow-based microfluidic chip contained six helical spline microchannels for generating six flow streams with different flow velocities. Since the worms loaded in the chip would swim upstream into channels, the distribution of the worms in response to the different flow velocities was successfully monitored for the quantitative analysis of their rheotaxis behavior using this microfluidic chip. The results indicated that the rate range of around 50 μm s-1 was the most favorable flow velocity for the wild-type worms. Further, we analyzed ASH neuron-blocked worms and found that the functionally defective ASH neurons inhibited their sensitivity to flow rate. In addition, the rheotaxis analysis of the mutant worms indicated that TRP mechanosensory channels and serotonin signals also play a regulatory role in the rheotaxis response of these worms. Thus, our microfluidic method provides a useful platform to study the rheotaxis behaviors in C. elegans and can be further applied for anti-parasitic drug tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anle Ge
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics - Hubei Bioinformatics & Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Systems Biology Theme, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China.
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Shang M, Soon RH, Lim CT, Khoo BL, Han J. Microfluidic modelling of the tumor microenvironment for anti-cancer drug development. LAB ON A CHIP 2019; 19:369-386. [PMID: 30644496 DOI: 10.1039/c8lc00970h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide. The complex and disorganized tumor microenvironment makes it very difficult to treat this disease. The most common in vitro drug screening method now is based on 2D culture models which poorly represent actual tumors. Therefore, many 3D tumor models which are more physiologically relevant have been developed to conduct in vitro drug screening and alleviate this situation. Among all these models, the microfluidic tumor model has the unique advantage of recapitulating the tumor microenvironment in a comparatively easier and representative fashion. While there are many review papers available on the related topic of microfluidic tumor models, in this review we aim to focus more on the possibility of generating "clinically actionable information" from these microfluidic systems, besides scientific insight. Our topics cover the tumor microenvironment, conventional 2D and 3D cultures, animal models, and microfluidic tumor models, emphasizing their link to anti-cancer drug discovery and personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Menglin Shang
- BioSystems and Micromechanics (BioSyM) IRG, Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART) Centre, 1, Create Way, Enterprise Wing, 138602, Singapore.
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Rauch AD, Vuong AT, Yoshihara L, Wall WA. A coupled approach for fluid saturated poroelastic media and immersed solids for modeling cell-tissue interactions. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR NUMERICAL METHODS IN BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING 2018; 34:e3139. [PMID: 30070046 DOI: 10.1002/cnm.3139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Revised: 07/20/2018] [Accepted: 07/20/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
In this paper, we propose a finite element-based immersed method to treat the mechanical coupling between a deformable porous medium model (PM) and an immersed solid model (ISM). The PM is formulated as a homogenized, volume-coupled two-field model, comprising a nearly incompressible solid phase that interacts with an incompressible Darcy-Brinkman flow. The fluid phase is formulated with respect to the Lagrangian finite element mesh, following the solid phase deformation. The ISM is discretized with an independent Lagrangian mesh and may behave arbitrarily complex (it may, eg, be compressible, grow, and perform active deformations). We model two distinct types of interactions, namely, (1) the immersed fluid-structure interaction (FSI) between the ISM and the fluid phase in the PM and (2) the immersed structure-structure interaction (SSI) between the ISM and the solid phase in the PM. Within each time step, we solve both FSI and SSI, employing strongly coupled partitioned schemes. This novel finite element method establishes a main building block of an evolving computational framework for modeling and simulating complex biomechanical problems, with focus on key phenomena during cell migration. Cell movement is strongly influenced by mechanical interactions between the cell body and the surrounding tissue, ie, the extracellular matrix (ECM). In this context, the PM represents the ECM, ie, a fibrous scaffold of structural proteins interacting with interstitial flow, and the ISM represents the cell body. The FSI models the influence of fluid drag, and the SSI models the force transmission between cell and ECM at adhesions sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas D Rauch
- Institute for Computational Mechanics, Technical University of Munich, München, Germany
| | - Anh-Tu Vuong
- Institute for Computational Mechanics, Technical University of Munich, München, Germany
| | - Lena Yoshihara
- Institute for Computational Mechanics, Technical University of Munich, München, Germany
| | - Wolfgang A Wall
- Institute for Computational Mechanics, Technical University of Munich, München, Germany
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Kingsmore KM, Vaccari A, Abler D, Cui SX, Epstein FH, Rockne RC, Acton ST, Munson JM. MRI analysis to map interstitial flow in the brain tumor microenvironment. APL Bioeng 2018; 2:031905. [PMID: 30456343 PMCID: PMC6238644 DOI: 10.1063/1.5023503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM), a highly aggressive form of brain tumor, is a disease marked by extensive invasion into the surrounding brain. Interstitial fluid flow (IFF), or the movement of fluid within the spaces between cells, has been linked to increased invasion of GBM cells. Better characterization of IFF could elucidate underlying mechanisms driving this invasion in vivo. Here, we develop a technique to noninvasively measure interstitial flow velocities in the glioma microenvironment of mice using dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a common clinical technique. Using our in vitro model as a phantom "tumor" system and in silico models of velocity vector fields, we show we can measure average velocities and accurately reconstruct velocity directions. With our combined MR and analysis method, we show that velocity magnitudes are similar across four human GBM cell line xenograft models and the direction of fluid flow is heterogeneous within and around the tumors, and not always in the outward direction. These values were not linked to the tumor size. Finally, we compare our flow velocity magnitudes and the direction of flow to a classical marker of vessel leakage and bulk fluid drainage, Evans blue. With these data, we validate its use as a marker of high and low IFF rates and IFF in the outward direction from the tumor border in implanted glioma models. These methods show, for the first time, the nature of interstitial fluid flow in models of glioma using a technique that is translatable to clinical and preclinical models currently using contrast-enhanced MRI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn M. Kingsmore
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22904, USA
| | - Andrea Vaccari
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science, Charlottesville, Virginia 22904, USA
| | - Daniel Abler
- Division of Mathematical Oncology, City of Hope, Duarte, California 91010, USA
| | - Sophia X. Cui
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22904, USA
| | - Frederick H. Epstein
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22904, USA
| | - Russell C. Rockne
- Division of Mathematical Oncology, City of Hope, Duarte, California 91010, USA
| | - Scott T. Acton
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science, Charlottesville, Virginia 22904, USA
| | - Jennifer M. Munson
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed: . Tel.: (540)-231-7896
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Tran QD, Gonzalez-Rodriguez D. Permeability and viscoelastic fracture of a model tumor under interstitial flow. SOFT MATTER 2018; 14:6386-6392. [PMID: 30033472 DOI: 10.1039/c8sm00844b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Interstitial flow in tumors is a key mechanism leading to cancer metastasis. Tumor growth is accompanied by the development of a leaky vasculature, which increases intratumoral pressure and generates an outward interstitial flow. This flow promotes tumor cell migration away from the tumor. The nature of such interstitial flow depends on the coupling between hydrodynamic conditions and material properties of the tumor, such as porosity and deformability. Here we investigate this coupling by means of a microfluidic model of interstitial flow through a tumor, which is represented by a tumor cell aggregate. For a weak intratumoral pressure, the model tumor behaves as a viscoelastic material of low permeability, which we estimate by means of a newly developed microfluidic device. As intratumoral pressure is raised, the model tumor deforms and its permeability increases. For a high enough pressure, localized intratumoral fracture occurs, which creates preferential flow paths and causes tumor cell detachment. The energy required to fracture depends on the rate of variation of intratumoral pressure, as explained here by a theoretical model originally derived to describe polymer adhesion. Besides the well-established picture of individual tumor cells migrating away under interstitial flow, our findings suggest that intratumoral pressures observed in tumors can suffice to detach tumor fragments, which may thus be an important mechanism to release cancer cells and initiate metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quang D Tran
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.
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43
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Ma YHV, Middleton K, You L, Sun Y. A review of microfluidic approaches for investigating cancer extravasation during metastasis. MICROSYSTEMS & NANOENGINEERING 2018; 4:17104. [PMID: 0 DOI: 10.1038/micronano.2017.104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2017] [Revised: 10/18/2017] [Accepted: 11/19/2017] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
AbstractMetastases, or migration of cancers, are common and severe cancer complications. Although the 5-year survival rates of primary tumors have greatly improved, those of metastasis remain below 30%, highlighting the importance of investigating specific mechanisms and therapeutic approaches for metastasis. Microfluidic devices have emerged as a powerful platform for drug target identification and drug response screening and allow incorporation of complex interactions in the metastatic microenvironment as well as manipulation of individual factors. In this work, we review microfluidic devices that have been developed to study cancer cell migration and extravasation in response to mechanical (section ‘Microfluidic investigation of mechanical factors in cancer cell migration’), biochemical (section ‘Microfluidic investigation of biochemical signals in cancer cell invasion’), and cellular (section ‘Microfluidic metastasis-on-a-chip models for investigation of cancer extravasation’) signals. We highlight the device characteristics, discuss the discoveries enabled by these devices, and offer perspectives on future directions for microfluidic investigations of cancer metastasis, with the ultimate aim of identifying the essential factors for a ‘metastasis-on-a-chip’ platform to pursue more efficacious treatment approaches for cancer metastasis.
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Sleeboom JJF, Eslami Amirabadi H, Nair P, Sahlgren CM, den Toonder JMJ. Metastasis in context: modeling the tumor microenvironment with cancer-on-a-chip approaches. Dis Model Mech 2018; 11:11/3/dmm033100. [PMID: 29555848 PMCID: PMC5897732 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.033100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Most cancer deaths are not caused by the primary tumor, but by secondary tumors formed through metastasis, a complex and poorly understood process. Cues from the tumor microenvironment, such as the biochemical composition, cellular population, extracellular matrix, and tissue (fluid) mechanics, have been indicated to play a pivotal role in the onset of metastasis. Dissecting the role of these cues from the tumor microenvironment in a controlled manner is challenging, but essential to understanding metastasis. Recently, cancer-on-a-chip models have emerged as a tool to study the tumor microenvironment and its role in metastasis. These models are based on microfluidic chips and contain small chambers for cell culture, enabling control over local gradients, fluid flow, tissue mechanics, and composition of the local environment. Here, we review the recent contributions of cancer-on-a-chip models to our understanding of the role of the tumor microenvironment in the onset of metastasis, and provide an outlook for future applications of this emerging technology. Summary: This Review evaluates the recent contributions of cancer-on-a-chip models to our understanding of the tumor microenvironment and its role in the onset of metastasis. The authors also provide an outlook for future applications of this emerging technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelle J F Sleeboom
- Microsystems Group, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Gemini-Zuid, Groene Loper 15, 5612AZ, Eindhoven, The Netherlands.,Soft Tissue Engineering & Mechanobiology, Eindhoven University of Technology, Gemini-Zuid, Groene Loper 15, 5612AZ, Eindhoven, The Netherlands.,Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Gemini-Zuid, Groene Loper 15, 5612AZ, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Hossein Eslami Amirabadi
- Microsystems Group, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Gemini-Zuid, Groene Loper 15, 5612AZ, Eindhoven, The Netherlands.,Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Gemini-Zuid, Groene Loper 15, 5612AZ, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Poornima Nair
- Microsystems Group, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Gemini-Zuid, Groene Loper 15, 5612AZ, Eindhoven, The Netherlands.,Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Gemini-Zuid, Groene Loper 15, 5612AZ, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Cecilia M Sahlgren
- Soft Tissue Engineering & Mechanobiology, Eindhoven University of Technology, Gemini-Zuid, Groene Loper 15, 5612AZ, Eindhoven, The Netherlands.,Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Gemini-Zuid, Groene Loper 15, 5612AZ, Eindhoven, The Netherlands.,Turku Centre for Biotechnology, Åbo Akademi University, Domkyrkotorget 3, FI-20500, Turku, Finland
| | - Jaap M J den Toonder
- Microsystems Group, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Gemini-Zuid, Groene Loper 15, 5612AZ, Eindhoven, The Netherlands .,Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Gemini-Zuid, Groene Loper 15, 5612AZ, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
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Svensson CM, Medyukhina A, Belyaev I, Al-Zaben N, Figge MT. Untangling cell tracks: Quantifying cell migration by time lapse image data analysis. Cytometry A 2017; 93:357-370. [DOI: 10.1002/cyto.a.23249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Carl-Magnus Svensson
- Applied Systems Biology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knöll Institute (HKI); Jena Germany
| | - Anna Medyukhina
- Applied Systems Biology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knöll Institute (HKI); Jena Germany
| | - Ivan Belyaev
- Applied Systems Biology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knöll Institute (HKI); Jena Germany
- Friedrich Schiller University; Jena Germany
| | - Naim Al-Zaben
- Applied Systems Biology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knöll Institute (HKI); Jena Germany
- Friedrich Schiller University; Jena Germany
| | - Marc Thilo Figge
- Applied Systems Biology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knöll Institute (HKI); Jena Germany
- Friedrich Schiller University; Jena Germany
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Huang YL, Segall JE, Wu M. Microfluidic modeling of the biophysical microenvironment in tumor cell invasion. LAB ON A CHIP 2017; 17:3221-3233. [PMID: 28805874 PMCID: PMC6007858 DOI: 10.1039/c7lc00623c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Tumor cell invasion, whether penetrating through the extracellular matrix (ECM) or crossing a vascular endothelium, is a critical step in the cancer metastatic cascade. Along the way from a primary tumor to a distant metastatic site, tumor cells interact actively with the microenvironment either via biomechanical (e. g. ECM stiffness) or biochemical (e.g. secreted cytokines) signals. Increasingly, it is recognized that the tumor microenvironment (TME) is a critical player in tumor cell invasion. A main challenge for the mechanistic understanding of tumor cell-TME interactions comes from the complexity of the TME, which consists of extracellular matrices, fluid flows, cytokine gradients and other cell types. It is difficult to control TME parameters in conventional in vitro experimental designs such as Boyden chambers or in vivo such as in mouse models. Microfluidics has emerged as an enabling tool for exploring the TME parameter space because of its ease of use in recreating a complex and physiologically realistic three dimensional TME with well-defined spatial and temporal control. In this perspective, we will discuss designing principles for modeling the biophysical microenvironment (biological flows and ECM) for tumor cells using microfluidic devices and the potential microfluidic technology holds in recreating a physiologically realistic tumor microenvironment. The focus will be on applications of microfluidic models in tumor cell invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Ling Huang
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, 306 Riley-Robb Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
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47
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Advanced biomaterials and microengineering technologies to recapitulate the stepwise process of cancer metastasis. Biomaterials 2017; 133:176-207. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2017.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2016] [Revised: 04/04/2017] [Accepted: 04/12/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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Du L, Ning Z, Zhang H, Liu F. Corepressor metastasis-associated protein 3 modulates epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and metastasis. CHINESE JOURNAL OF CANCER 2017; 36:28. [PMID: 28279208 PMCID: PMC5345190 DOI: 10.1186/s40880-017-0193-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2016] [Accepted: 02/22/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Worldwide, metastasis is the leading cause of more than 90% of cancer-related deaths. Currently, no specific therapies effectively impede metastasis. Metastatic processes are controlled by complex regulatory networks and transcriptional hierarchy. Corepressor metastasis-associated protein 3 (MTA3) has been confirmed as a novel component of nucleosome remodeling and histone deacetylation (NuRD). Increasing evidence supports the theory that, in the recruitment of transcription factors, coregulators function as master regulators rather than passive passengers. As a master regulator, MTA3 governs the target selection for NuRD and functions as a transcriptional repressor. MTA3 dysregulation is associated with tumor progression, invasion, and metastasis in various cancers. MTA3 is also a key regulator of E-cadherin expression and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Elucidating the functions of MTA3 might help to find additional therapeutic approaches for targeting components of NuRD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Du
- Cancer Research Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515031 Guangdong P. R. China
| | - Zhifeng Ning
- Basic Medicine College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, 437100 Hubei P. R. China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Cancer Research Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515031 Guangdong P. R. China
- Department of Biotherapy, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515031 Guangdong P. R. China
| | - Fuxing Liu
- Basic Medicine College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, 437100 Hubei P. R. China
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Tanja Mierke C. Physical role of nuclear and cytoskeletal confinements in cell migration mode selection and switching. AIMS BIOPHYSICS 2017. [DOI: 10.3934/biophy.2017.4.615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
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50
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Piotrowski-Daspit AS, Tien J, Nelson CM. Interstitial fluid pressure regulates collective invasion in engineered human breast tumors via Snail, vimentin, and E-cadherin. Integr Biol (Camb) 2016; 8:319-31. [PMID: 26853861 DOI: 10.1039/c5ib00282f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Many solid tumors exhibit elevated interstitial fluid pressure (IFP). This elevated pressure within the core of the tumor results in outward flow of interstitial fluid to the tumor periphery. We previously found that the directionality of IFP gradients modulates collective invasion from the surface of patterned three-dimensional (3D) aggregates of MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells. Here, we used this 3D engineered tumor model to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying IFP-induced changes in invasive phenotype. We found that IFP alters the expression of genes associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Specifically, the levels of Snail, vimentin, and E-cadherin were increased under pressure conditions that promoted collective invasion. These changes in gene expression were sufficient to direct collective invasion in response to IFP. Furthermore, we found that IFP modulates the motility and persistence of individual cells within the aggregates, which are also influenced by the expression levels of EMT markers. Together, these data provide insight into the molecular mechanisms that guide collective invasion from primary tumors in response to IFP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra S Piotrowski-Daspit
- Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering, Princeton University, 303 Hoyt Laboratory, William Street, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA.
| | - Joe Tien
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA and Division of Materials Science and Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Celeste M Nelson
- Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering, Princeton University, 303 Hoyt Laboratory, William Street, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA. and Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
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