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Tung YT, Chen YC, Derr K, Wilson K, Song MJ, Ferrer M. A 3D Bioprinted Human Neurovascular Unit Model of Glioblastoma Tumor Growth. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2302831. [PMID: 38394389 PMCID: PMC11176035 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202302831] [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: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
A 3D bioprinted neurovascular unit (NVU) model is developed to study glioblastoma (GBM) tumor growth in a brain-like microenvironment. The NVU model includes human primary astrocytes, pericytes and brain microvascular endothelial cells, and patient-derived glioblastoma cells (JHH-520) are used for this study. Fluorescence reporters are used with confocal high content imaging to quantitate real-time microvascular network formation and tumor growth. Extensive validation of the NVU-GBM model includes immunostaining for brain relevant cellular markers and extracellular matrix components; single cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) to establish physiologically relevant transcriptomics changes; and secretion of NVU and GBM-relevant cytokines. The scRNAseq reveals changes in gene expression and cytokines secretion associated with wound healing/angiogenesis, including the appearance of an endothelial mesenchymal transition cell population. The NVU-GBM model is used to test 18 chemotherapeutics and anti-cancer drugs to assess the pharmacological relevance of the model and robustness for high throughput screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yen-Ting Tung
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Rockville, MD, 20850, USA
| | - Yu-Chi Chen
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Rockville, MD, 20850, USA
| | - Kristy Derr
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Rockville, MD, 20850, USA
| | - Kelli Wilson
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Rockville, MD, 20850, USA
| | - Min Jae Song
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Rockville, MD, 20850, USA
| | - Marc Ferrer
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Rockville, MD, 20850, USA
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Akolawala Q, Keuning F, Rovituso M, van Burik W, van der Wal E, Versteeg HH, Rondon AMR, Accardo A. Micro-Vessels-Like 3D Scaffolds for Studying the Proton Radiobiology of Glioblastoma-Endothelial Cells Co-Culture Models. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2302988. [PMID: 37944591 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202302988] [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: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is a devastating cancer of the brain with an extremely poor prognosis. While X-ray radiotherapy and chemotherapy remain the current standard, proton beam therapy is an appealing alternative as protons can damage cancer cells while sparing the surrounding healthy tissue. However, the effects of protons on in vitro GBM models at the cellular level, especially when co-cultured with endothelial cells, the building blocks of brain micro-vessels, are still unexplored. In this work, novel 3D-engineered scaffolds inspired by the geometry of brain microvasculature are designed, where GBM cells cluster and proliferate. The architectures are fabricated by two-photon polymerization (2PP), pre-cultured with endothelial cells (HUVECs), and then cultured with a human GBM cell line (U251). The micro-vessel structures enable GBM in vivo-like morphologies, and the results show a higher DNA double-strand breakage in GBM monoculture samples when compared to the U251/HUVECs co-culture, with cells in 2D featuring a larger number of DNA damage foci when compared to cells in 3D. The discrepancy in terms of proton radiation response indicates a difference in the radioresistance of the GBM cells mediated by the presence of HUVECs and the possible induction of stemness features that contribute to radioresistance and improved DNA repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qais Akolawala
- Department of Precision and Microsystems Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Mekelweg 2, 2628 CD, Delft, The Netherlands
- Holland Proton Therapy Center (HollandPTC), Huismansingel 4, 2629 JH, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Floor Keuning
- Erasmus University College, Nieuwemarkt 1A, Rotterdam, 3011 HP, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marta Rovituso
- Holland Proton Therapy Center (HollandPTC), Huismansingel 4, 2629 JH, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Wouter van Burik
- Holland Proton Therapy Center (HollandPTC), Huismansingel 4, 2629 JH, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Ernst van der Wal
- Holland Proton Therapy Center (HollandPTC), Huismansingel 4, 2629 JH, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Henri H Versteeg
- Einthoven Laboratory for Vascular and Regenerative Medicine, Division of Thrombosis and Hemostasis, Department of Internal Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Araci M R Rondon
- Einthoven Laboratory for Vascular and Regenerative Medicine, Division of Thrombosis and Hemostasis, Department of Internal Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Angelo Accardo
- Department of Precision and Microsystems Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Mekelweg 2, 2628 CD, Delft, The Netherlands
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Soeiro JF, Sousa FL, Monteiro MV, Gaspar VM, Silva NJO, Mano JF. Advances in screening hyperthermic nanomedicines in 3D tumor models. NANOSCALE HORIZONS 2024; 9:334-364. [PMID: 38204336 PMCID: PMC10896258 DOI: 10.1039/d3nh00305a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Hyperthermic nanomedicines are particularly relevant for tackling human cancer, providing a valuable alternative to conventional therapeutics. The early-stage preclinical performance evaluation of such anti-cancer treatments is conventionally performed in flat 2D cell cultures that do not mimic the volumetric heat transfer occurring in human tumors. Recently, improvements in bioengineered 3D in vitro models have unlocked the opportunity to recapitulate major tumor microenvironment hallmarks and generate highly informative readouts that can contribute to accelerating the discovery and validation of efficient hyperthermic treatments. Leveraging on this, herein we aim to showcase the potential of engineered physiomimetic 3D tumor models for evaluating the preclinical efficacy of hyperthermic nanomedicines, featuring the main advantages and design considerations under diverse testing scenarios. The most recent applications of 3D tumor models for screening photo- and/or magnetic nanomedicines will be discussed, either as standalone systems or in combinatorial approaches with other anti-cancer therapeutics. We envision that breakthroughs toward developing multi-functional 3D platforms for hyperthermia onset and follow-up will contribute to a more expedited discovery of top-performing hyperthermic therapies in a preclinical setting before their in vivo screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana F Soeiro
- Department of Chemistry, CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
- Department of Physics, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Filipa L Sousa
- Department of Chemistry, CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Maria V Monteiro
- Department of Chemistry, CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Vítor M Gaspar
- Department of Chemistry, CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Nuno J O Silva
- Department of Chemistry, CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
- Department of Physics, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - João F Mano
- Department of Chemistry, CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
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Slika H, Karimov Z, Alimonti P, Abou-Mrad T, De Fazio E, Alomari S, Tyler B. Preclinical Models and Technologies in Glioblastoma Research: Evolution, Current State, and Future Avenues. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16316. [PMID: 38003507 PMCID: PMC10671665 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216316] [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: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma is the most common malignant primary central nervous system tumor and one of the most debilitating cancers. The prognosis of patients with glioblastoma remains poor, and the management of this tumor, both in its primary and recurrent forms, remains suboptimal. Despite the tremendous efforts that are being put forward by the research community to discover novel efficacious therapeutic agents and modalities, no major paradigm shifts have been established in the field in the last decade. However, this does not mirror the abundance of relevant findings and discoveries made in preclinical glioblastoma research. Hence, developing and utilizing appropriate preclinical models that faithfully recapitulate the characteristics and behavior of human glioblastoma is of utmost importance. Herein, we offer a holistic picture of the evolution of preclinical models of glioblastoma. We further elaborate on the commonly used in vitro and vivo models, delving into their development, favorable characteristics, shortcomings, and areas of potential improvement, which aids researchers in designing future experiments and utilizing the most suitable models. Additionally, this review explores progress in the fields of humanized and immunotolerant mouse models, genetically engineered animal models, 3D in vitro models, and microfluidics and highlights promising avenues for the future of preclinical glioblastoma research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hasan Slika
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (H.S.); (Z.K.); (S.A.)
| | - Ziya Karimov
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (H.S.); (Z.K.); (S.A.)
- Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, 35100 Izmir, Turkey
| | - Paolo Alimonti
- School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy; (P.A.); (E.D.F.)
| | - Tatiana Abou-Mrad
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut P.O. Box 11-0236, Lebanon;
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Emerson De Fazio
- School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy; (P.A.); (E.D.F.)
| | - Safwan Alomari
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (H.S.); (Z.K.); (S.A.)
| | - Betty Tyler
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (H.S.); (Z.K.); (S.A.)
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Marino A, Battaglini M, Lefevre MC, Ceccarelli MC, Ziaja K, Ciofani G. Sensorization of microfluidic brain-on-a-chip devices: Towards a new generation of integrated drug screening systems. Trends Analyt Chem 2023; 168:117319. [PMID: 37915756 PMCID: PMC7615229 DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2023.117319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Brain-on-a-chip (BoC) devices show typical characteristics of brain complexity, including the presence of different cell types, separation in different compartments, tissue-like three-dimensionality, and inclusion of the extracellular matrix components. Moreover, the incorporation of a vascular system mimicking the blood-brain barrier (BBB) makes BoC particularly attractive, since they can be exploited to test the brain delivery of different drugs and nanoformulations. In this review, we introduce the main innovations in BoC and BBB-on-a-chip models, especially focusing sensorization: electrical, electrochemical, and optical biosensors permit the real-time monitoring of different biological phenomena and markers, such as the release of growth factors, the expression of specific receptors/biomarkers, the activation of immune cells, cell viability, cell-cell interactions, and BBB crossing of drugs and nanoparticles. The recent improvements in signal amplification, miniaturization, and multiplication of the sensors are discussed in an effort to highlight their benefits versus limitations and delineate future challenges in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Attilio Marino
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Smart Bio-Interfaces, Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, 56025, Pontedera, Italy
| | - Matteo Battaglini
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Smart Bio-Interfaces, Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, 56025, Pontedera, Italy
| | - Marie Celine Lefevre
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Smart Bio-Interfaces, Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, 56025, Pontedera, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Ceccarelli
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Smart Bio-Interfaces, Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, 56025, Pontedera, Italy
- Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, The Biorobotics Institute, Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, 56025, Pontedera, Italy
| | - Kamil Ziaja
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Smart Bio-Interfaces, Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, 56025, Pontedera, Italy
- Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, The Biorobotics Institute, Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, 56025, Pontedera, Italy
- University of Aveiro, Department of Chemistry, CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials, Rua de Calouste Gulbenkian 1, 3810-074, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Gianni Ciofani
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Smart Bio-Interfaces, Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, 56025, Pontedera, Italy
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