1
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Pamplona R, González-Lana S, Ochoa I, Martín-Rapún R, Sánchez-Somolinos C. Evaluation of gelatin-based hydrogels for colon and pancreas studies using 3D in vitro cell culture. J Mater Chem B 2024; 12:3144-3160. [PMID: 38456751 DOI: 10.1039/d3tb02640j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Biomimetic 3D models emerged some decades ago to address 2D cell culture limitations in the field of replicating biological phenomena, structures or functions found in nature. The fabrication of hydrogels for cancer disease research enables the study of cell processes including growth, proliferation and migration and their 3D design is based on the encapsulation of tumoral cells within a tunable matrix. In this work, a platform of gelatin methacrylamide (GelMA)-based photocrosslinked scaffolds with embedded colorectal (HCT-116) or pancreatic (MIA PaCa-2) cancer cells is presented. Prior to cell culture, the mechanical characterization of hydrogels was assessed in terms of stiffness and swelling behavior. Modifications of the UV curing time enabled a fine tuning of the mechanical properties, which at the same time, showed susceptibility to the chemical composition and crosslinking mechanism. All scaffolds displayed excellent cytocompatibility with both tumoral cells while eliciting various cell responses depending on the microenvironment features. Individual and collective cell migration were observed for HCT-116 and MIA PaCa-2 cell lines, highlighting the ability of the colorectal cancer cells to cluster into aggregates of different sizes governed by the surrounding matrix. Additionally, metabolic activity results pointed out to the development of a more proliferative phenotype within stiffer networks. These findings confirm the suitability of the presented platform of GelMA-based hydrogels to conduct 3D cell culture experiments and explore biological processes associated with colorectal and pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Regina Pamplona
- Aragón Institute of Nanoscience and Materials (INMA), CSIC-University of Zaragoza, Department of Organic Chemistry, C/Pedro Cerbuna 12, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain.
| | - Sandra González-Lana
- BEONCHIP S.L., CEMINEM, Campus Río Ebro. C/Mariano Esquillor Gómez s/n, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain
- Tissue Microenvironment (TME) Lab. Aragón Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), University of Zaragoza, C/Mariano Esquillor s/n, 500018 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Ignacio Ochoa
- Tissue Microenvironment (TME) Lab. Aragón Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), University of Zaragoza, C/Mariano Esquillor s/n, 500018 Zaragoza, Spain
- CIBER in Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Madrid, Spain
- Institute for Health Research Aragón (IIS Aragón), Paseo de Isabel La Católica 1-3, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Rafael Martín-Rapún
- Aragón Institute of Nanoscience and Materials (INMA), CSIC-University of Zaragoza, Department of Organic Chemistry, C/Pedro Cerbuna 12, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain.
- CIBER in Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Madrid, Spain
- Universidad de Zaragoza, Facultad de Ciencias, Departamento de Química Orgánica, C/Pedro Cerbuna 12, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Carlos Sánchez-Somolinos
- CIBER in Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Madrid, Spain
- Aragón Institute of Nanoscience and Materials (INMA), CSIC-University of Zaragoza, Department of Condensed Matter Physics (Faculty of Science), C/Pedro Cerbuna 12, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain.
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2
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Delle Cave D. Emerging Therapeutic Options in Pancreatic Cancer Management. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1929. [PMID: 38339207 PMCID: PMC10855952 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a devastating disease with a 5-year survival rate of <8% [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Donatella Delle Cave
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics 'Adriano Buzzati-Traverso', CNR, 80131 Naples, Italy
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3
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Fowler MJ, Riley CO, Tomasson E, Mehta S, Grande-Allen J, Ballester L, Sandberg DI, Janssen CF, Sirianni RW. Engineering subarachnoid trabeculae with electrospun poly(caprolactone) (PCL) scaffolds to study leptomeningeal metastasis in medulloblastoma. BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES 2023; 155:213646. [PMID: 37918168 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioadv.2023.213646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Leptomeningeal metastasis (LM) occurs when cancer cells infiltrate the subarachnoid space (SAS) and metastasize to the fibrous structures that surround the brain and spinal cord. These structures include the leptomeninges (i.e., the pia mater and arachnoid mater), as well as subarachnoid trabeculae, which are collagen-rich fibers that provide mechanical structure for the SAS, support resident cells, and mediate flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Although there is a strong expectation that the presence of fibers within the SAS influences LM to be a major driver of tumor progression and lethality, exactly how trabecular architecture relates to the process of metastasis in cancer is poorly understood. This lack of understanding is likely due in part to the difficulty of accessing and manipulating this tissue compartment in vivo. Here, we utilized electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL) to produce structures bearing remarkable morphological similarity to native SAS fiber architecture. First, we profiled the native architecture of leptomeningeal and trabecular fibers collected from rhesus macaque monkeys, evaluating both qualitative and quantitative differences in fiber ultrastructure for various regions of the CNS. We then varied electrospinning parameters to produce a small library of PCL scaffolds possessing distinct architectures mimicking the range of fiber properties observed in vivo. For proof of concept, we studied the metastasis-related behaviors of human pediatric medulloblastoma cells cultured in different fiber microenvironments. These studies demonstrated that a more open, porous fiber structure facilitates DAOY cell spread across and infiltration into the meningeal mimic. Our results present a new tissue engineered model of the subarachnoid space and affirm the expectation that fiber architecture plays an important role in mediating metastasis-related behaviors in an in vitro model of pediatric medulloblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martha J Fowler
- Vivian L. Smith Department of Neurosurgery, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX, United States of America; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Colin O Riley
- Department of Neurological Surgery, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States of America
| | - Erik Tomasson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Shail Mehta
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Jane Grande-Allen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Leomar Ballester
- Department of Pathology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States of America; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, United States of America
| | - David I Sandberg
- Vivian L. Smith Department of Neurosurgery, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX, United States of America; Department of Pediatric Surgery, McGovern Medical School/UTHealth and Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital, United States of America
| | | | - Rachael W Sirianni
- Vivian L. Smith Department of Neurosurgery, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX, United States of America; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, United States of America; Department of Neurological Surgery, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States of America.
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4
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Kyriakopoulou K, Koutsakis C, Piperigkou Z, Karamanos NK. Recreating the extracellular matrix: novel 3D cell culture platforms in cancer research. FEBS J 2023; 290:5238-5247. [PMID: 36929947 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Cancer initiation and progression heavily rely on microenvironmental cues derived from various components of the niche including the extracellular matrix (ECM). ECM is a complex macromolecular network that governs cell functionality. Although the two-dimensional (2D) cell culture systems provide useful information at the molecular level and preclinical testing, they could not accurately represent the in vivo matrix microenvironmental architecture. Hence, it is no surprise that researchers in the last decade have focussed their efforts on establishing novel advanced in vitro culture models that mimic tumour and tissue-specific niches and interactions. These numerous three-dimensional (3D) culture systems that are now widely available, as well as those still under development, grant researchers with new, improved tools to study cancer progression and to explore innovative therapeutic options. Herein, we report on the emerging methods and cutting-edge technologies in 3D cell culture platforms and discuss their potential use in unveiling tumour microenvironmental cues, drug screening and personalized treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantina Kyriakopoulou
- Biochemistry, Biochemical Analysis & Matrix Pathobiology Research Group, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Patras, Greece
| | - Christos Koutsakis
- Biochemistry, Biochemical Analysis & Matrix Pathobiology Research Group, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Patras, Greece
| | - Zoi Piperigkou
- Biochemistry, Biochemical Analysis & Matrix Pathobiology Research Group, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Patras, Greece
- Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH)/Institute of Chemical Engineering Sciences (ICE-HT), Patras, Greece
| | - Nikos K Karamanos
- Biochemistry, Biochemical Analysis & Matrix Pathobiology Research Group, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Patras, Greece
- Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH)/Institute of Chemical Engineering Sciences (ICE-HT), Patras, Greece
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5
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Tavares-Valente D, Cannone S, Greco MR, Carvalho TMA, Baltazar F, Queirós O, Agrimi G, Reshkin SJ, Cardone RA. Extracellular Matrix Collagen I Differentially Regulates the Metabolic Plasticity of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Parenchymal Cell and Cancer Stem Cell. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3868. [PMID: 37568684 PMCID: PMC10417137 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15153868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has a 5-year survival rate of less than 10 percent largely due to the intense fibrotic desmoplastic reaction, characterized by high levels of extracellular matrix (ECM) collagen I that constitutes a niche for a subset of cancer cells, the cancer stem cells (CSCs). Cancer cells undergo a complex metabolic adaptation characterized by changes in metabolic pathways and biosynthetic processes. The use of the 3D organotypic model in this study allowed us to manipulate the ECM constituents and mimic the progression of PDAC from an early tumor to an ever more advanced tumor stage. To understand the role of desmoplasia on the metabolism of PDAC parenchymal (CPC) and CSC populations, we studied their basic metabolic parameters in organotypic cultures of increasing collagen content to mimic in vivo conditions. We further measured the ability of the bioenergetic modulators (BMs), 2-deoxyglucose, dichloroacetate and phenformin, to modify their metabolic dependence and the therapeutic activity of paclitaxel albumin nanoparticles (NAB-PTX). While all the BMs decreased cell viability and increased cell death in all ECM types, a distinct, collagen I-dependent profile was observed in CSCs. As ECM collagen I content increased (e.g., more aggressive conditions), the CSCs switched from glucose to mostly glutamine metabolism. All three BMs synergistically potentiated the cytotoxicity of NAB-PTX in both cell lines, which, in CSCs, was collagen I-dependent and the strongest when treated with phenformin + NAB-PTX. Metabolic disruption in PDAC can be useful both as monotherapy or combined with conventional drugs to more efficiently block tumor growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Tavares-Valente
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal;
- ICVS/3B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4805-017 Braga, Portugal
- UNIPRO—Oral Pathology and Rehabilitation Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences, CESPU, CRL, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal;
| | - Stefania Cannone
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari, 70125 Bari, Italy; (S.C.); (M.R.G.); (T.M.A.C.); (G.A.); (R.A.C.)
| | - Maria Raffaella Greco
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari, 70125 Bari, Italy; (S.C.); (M.R.G.); (T.M.A.C.); (G.A.); (R.A.C.)
| | - Tiago Miguel Amaral Carvalho
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari, 70125 Bari, Italy; (S.C.); (M.R.G.); (T.M.A.C.); (G.A.); (R.A.C.)
| | - Fátima Baltazar
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal;
- ICVS/3B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4805-017 Braga, Portugal
| | - Odília Queirós
- UNIPRO—Oral Pathology and Rehabilitation Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences, CESPU, CRL, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal;
| | - Gennaro Agrimi
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari, 70125 Bari, Italy; (S.C.); (M.R.G.); (T.M.A.C.); (G.A.); (R.A.C.)
| | - Stephan J. Reshkin
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari, 70125 Bari, Italy; (S.C.); (M.R.G.); (T.M.A.C.); (G.A.); (R.A.C.)
| | - Rosa Angela Cardone
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari, 70125 Bari, Italy; (S.C.); (M.R.G.); (T.M.A.C.); (G.A.); (R.A.C.)
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6
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Di Molfetta D, Cannone S, Greco MR, Caroppo R, Piccapane F, Carvalho TMA, Altamura C, Saltarella I, Tavares Valente D, Desaphy JF, Reshkin SJ, Cardone RA. ECM Composition Differentially Regulates Intracellular and Extracellular pH in Normal and Cancer Pancreatic Duct Epithelial Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10632. [PMID: 37445810 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Intracellular pH (pHi) regulation is a challenge for the exocrine pancreas, where the luminal secretion of bicarbonate-rich fluid is accompanied by interstitial flows of acid. This acid-base transport requires a plethora of ion transporters, including bicarbonate transporters and the Na+/H+ exchanger isoform 1 (NHE1), which are dysregulated in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC). PDAC progression is favored by a Collagen-I rich extracellular matrix (ECM) which exacerbates the physiological interstitial acidosis. In organotypic cultures of normal human pancreatic cells (HPDE), parenchymal cancer cells (CPCs) and cancer stem cells (CSCs) growing on matrices reproducing ECM changes during progression, we studied resting pHi, the pHi response to fluxes of NaHCO3 and acidosis and the role of NHE1 in pHi regulation. Our findings show that: (i) on the physiological ECM, HPDE cells have the most alkaline pHi, followed by CSCs and CPCs, while a Collagen I-rich ECM reverses the acid-base balance in cancer cells compared to normal cells; (ii) both resting pHi and pHi recovery from an acid load are reduced by extracellular NaHCO3, especially in HPDE cells on a normal ECM; (iii) cancer cell NHE1 activity is less affected by NaHCO3. We conclude that ECM composition and the fluctuations of pHe cooperate to predispose pHi homeostasis towards the presence of NaHCO3 gradients similar to that expected in the tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria Di Molfetta
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Stefania Cannone
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Maria Raffaella Greco
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Rosa Caroppo
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Francesca Piccapane
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | | | - Concetta Altamura
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Ilaria Saltarella
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Diana Tavares Valente
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Jean Francois Desaphy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Stephan J Reshkin
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Rosa Angela Cardone
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70126 Bari, Italy
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7
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Kiemen AL, Damanakis AI, Braxton AM, He J, Laheru D, Fishman EK, Chames P, Pérez CA, Wu PH, Wirtz D, Wood LD, Hruban RH. Tissue clearing and 3D reconstruction of digitized, serially sectioned slides provide novel insights into pancreatic cancer. MED 2023; 4:75-91. [PMID: 36773599 PMCID: PMC9922376 DOI: 10.1016/j.medj.2022.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is currently the third leading cause of cancer death in the United States. The clinical hallmarks of this disease include abdominal pain that radiates to the back, the presence of a hypoenhancing intrapancreatic lesion on imaging, and widespread liver metastases. Technologies such as tissue clearing and three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of digitized serially sectioned hematoxylin and eosin-stained slides can be used to visualize large (up to 2- to 3-centimeter cube) tissues at cellular resolution. When applied to human pancreatic cancers, these 3D visualization techniques have provided novel insights into the basis of a number of the clinical characteristics of this disease. Here, we describe the clinical features of pancreatic cancer, review techniques for clearing and the 3D reconstruction of digitized microscope slides, and provide examples that illustrate how 3D visualization of human pancreatic cancer at the microscopic level has revealed features not apparent in 2D microscopy and, in so doing, has closed the gap between bench and bedside. Compared with animal models and 2D microscopy, studies of human tissues in 3D can reveal the difference between what can happen and what does happen in human cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley L Kiemen
- Department of Pathology, The Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Alexander Ioannis Damanakis
- Department of Pathology, The Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; Department of General, Visceral, Cancer and Transplant Surgery, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Alicia M Braxton
- Department of Pathology, The Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Jin He
- Department of Surgery, The Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Daniel Laheru
- Department of Oncology, The Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Elliot K Fishman
- Department of Radiology, The Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Patrick Chames
- Antibody Therapeutics and Immunotargeting Team, Aix Marseille University, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, Marseille, France
| | - Cristina Almagro Pérez
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Pei-Hsun Wu
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Denis Wirtz
- Department of Pathology, The Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Laura D Wood
- Department of Pathology, The Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; Department of Oncology, The Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
| | - Ralph H Hruban
- Department of Pathology, The Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; Department of Oncology, The Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
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8
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Marangio A, Biccari A, D’Angelo E, Sensi F, Spolverato G, Pucciarelli S, Agostini M. The Study of the Extracellular Matrix in Chronic Inflammation: A Way to Prevent Cancer Initiation? Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14235903. [PMID: 36497384 PMCID: PMC9741172 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14235903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Bidirectional communication between cells and their microenvironment has a key function in normal tissue homeostasis, and in disease initiation, progression and a patient's prognosis, at the very least. The extracellular matrix (ECM), as an element of all tissues and cellular microenvironment, is a frequently overlooked component implicated in the pathogenesis and progression of several diseases. In the inflammatory microenvironment (IME), different alterations resulting from remodeling processes can affect ECM, progressively inducing cancer initiation and the passage toward a tumor microenvironment (TME). Indeed, it has been demonstrated that altered ECM components interact with a variety of surface receptors triggering intracellular signaling that affect cellular pathways in turn. This review aims to support the notion that the ECM and its alterations actively participate in the promotion of chronic inflammation and cancer initiation. In conclusion, some data obtained in cancer research with the employment of decellularized ECM (dECM) models are described. The reported results encourage the application of dECM models to investigate the short circuits contributing to the creation of distinct IME, thus representing a potential tool to avoid the progression toward a malignant lesion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asia Marangio
- General Surgery 3, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy
- Fondazione Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica, Città della Speranza, 35129 Padova, Italy
| | - Andrea Biccari
- General Surgery 3, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy
- Fondazione Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica, Città della Speranza, 35129 Padova, Italy
| | - Edoardo D’Angelo
- General Surgery 3, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy
- Fondazione Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica, Città della Speranza, 35129 Padova, Italy
| | - Francesca Sensi
- Fondazione Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica, Città della Speranza, 35129 Padova, Italy
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Gaya Spolverato
- General Surgery 3, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Salvatore Pucciarelli
- General Surgery 3, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Marco Agostini
- General Surgery 3, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy
- Fondazione Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica, Città della Speranza, 35129 Padova, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-049-964-0160
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9
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Kiemen AL, Braxton AM, Grahn MP, Han KS, Babu JM, Reichel R, Jiang AC, Kim B, Hsu J, Amoa F, Reddy S, Hong SM, Cornish TC, Thompson ED, Huang P, Wood LD, Hruban RH, Wirtz D, Wu PH. CODA: quantitative 3D reconstruction of large tissues at cellular resolution. Nat Methods 2022; 19:1490-1499. [PMID: 36280719 PMCID: PMC10500590 DOI: 10.1038/s41592-022-01650-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
A central challenge in biology is obtaining high-content, high-resolution information while analyzing tissue samples at volumes relevant to disease progression. We address this here with CODA, a method to reconstruct exceptionally large (up to multicentimeter cubed) tissues at subcellular resolution using serially sectioned hematoxylin and eosin-stained tissue sections. Here we demonstrate CODA's ability to reconstruct three-dimensional (3D) distinct microanatomical structures in pancreas, skin, lung and liver tissues. CODA allows creation of readily quantifiable tissue volumes amenable to biological research. As a testbed, we assess the microanatomy of the human pancreas during tumorigenesis within the branching pancreatic ductal system, labeling ten distinct structures to examine heterogeneity and structural transformation during neoplastic progression. We show that pancreatic precancerous lesions develop into distinct 3D morphological phenotypes and that pancreatic cancer tends to spread far from the bulk tumor along collagen fibers that are highly aligned to the 3D curves of ductal, lobular, vascular and neural structures. Thus, CODA establishes a means to transform broadly the structural study of human diseases through exploration of exhaustively labeled 3D microarchitecture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley L Kiemen
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Pathology, The Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Alicia M Braxton
- Department of Pathology, The Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mia P Grahn
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kyu Sang Han
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jaanvi Mahesh Babu
- Department of Pathology, The Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Rebecca Reichel
- Department of Pathology, The Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ann C Jiang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Bridgette Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jocelyn Hsu
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Falone Amoa
- Department of Pathology, The Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sashank Reddy
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Seung-Mo Hong
- Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Toby C Cornish
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Elizabeth D Thompson
- Department of Pathology, The Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Peng Huang
- Department of Biostatistics, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Laura D Wood
- Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Pathology, The Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ralph H Hruban
- Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Pathology, The Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Denis Wirtz
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Johns Hopkins Physical Sciences-Oncology Center, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Pathology, The Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Pei-Hsun Wu
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Johns Hopkins Physical Sciences-Oncology Center, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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10
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Allen-Coyle TJ, Niu J, Welsch E, Conlon NT, Garner W, Clynes M, O'Sullivan F, Straubinger RM, Mager DE, Roche S. FOLFIRINOX Pharmacodynamic Interactions in 2D and 3D Pancreatic Cancer Cell Cultures. AAPS J 2022; 24:108. [PMID: 36229752 DOI: 10.1208/s12248-022-00752-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The multi-drug combination regime, FOLFIRINOX, is a standard of care chemotherapeutic therapy for pancreatic cancer patients. However, systematic evaluation of potential pharmacodynamic interactions among multi-drug therapy has not been reported previously. Here, pharmacodynamic interactions of the FOLFIRINOX agents (5-fluorouracil (5-FU), oxaliplatin (Oxa) and SN-38, the active metabolite of irinotecan) were assessed across a panel of primary and established pancreatic cancer cells. Inhibition of cell proliferation was quantified for each drug, alone and in combination, to obtain quantitative, drug-specific interaction parameters and assess the nature of drug interactions. The experimental data were analysed assuming Bliss independent interactions, and nonlinear regression model fitting was conducted in SAS. Estimates of the drug interaction term, psi (ψ), revealed that the Oxa/SN-38 combination appeared synergistic in PANC-1 (ψ = 0.6, 95% CI = 0.4, 0.9) and modestly synergistic, close to additive, in MIAPaCa-2 (ψ = 0.8, 95% CI = 0.6, 1.0) in 2D assays. The triple combination was strongly synergistic in MIAPaCa-2 (ψ = 0.2, 95% CI = 0.1, 0.3) and modestly synergistic/borderline additive in PANC-1 2D (ψ = 0.8, 95% CI = 0.6, 1.0). The triple combination showed antagonistic interactions in the primary PIN-127 and 3D PANC-1 model (ψ > 1). Quantitative pharmacodynamic interactions have not been described for the FOLFIRINOX regimen; this analysis suggests a complex interplay among the three chemotherapeutic agents. Extension of this pharmacodynamic analysis approach to clinical/translational studies of the FOLFIRINOX combination could reveal additional pharmacodynamic interactions and guide further refinement of this regimen to achieve optimal clinical responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor J Allen-Coyle
- SSPC, The SFI Research Centre for Pharmaceuticals, Limerick, Ireland. .,National Institute for Cellular Biotechnology, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Jin Niu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, New York, Albany, USA
| | - Eva Welsch
- SSPC, The SFI Research Centre for Pharmaceuticals, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Neil T Conlon
- SSPC, The SFI Research Centre for Pharmaceuticals, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Weylon Garner
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, New York, Albany, USA
| | - Martin Clynes
- SSPC, The SFI Research Centre for Pharmaceuticals, Limerick, Ireland.,National Institute for Cellular Biotechnology, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland.,Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund UK (PCRF), London, UK
| | - Finbarr O'Sullivan
- SSPC, The SFI Research Centre for Pharmaceuticals, Limerick, Ireland.,National Institute for Cellular Biotechnology, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Robert M Straubinger
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, New York, Albany, USA.,Departments of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, and Cell Stress Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Donald E Mager
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, New York, Albany, USA.,Enhanced Pharmacodynamics, LLC, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Sandra Roche
- SSPC, The SFI Research Centre for Pharmaceuticals, Limerick, Ireland
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11
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Vasudevan J, Jiang K, Fernandez J, Lim CT. Extracellular matrix mechanobiology in cancer cell migration. Acta Biomater 2022; 163:351-364. [PMID: 36243367 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2022.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is pivotal in modulating tumor progression. Besides chemically stimulating tumor cells, it also offers physical support that orchestrates the sequence of events in the metastatic cascade upon dynamically modulating cell mechanosensation. Understanding this translation between matrix biophysical cues and intracellular signaling has led to rapid growth in the interdisciplinary field of cancer mechanobiology in the last decade. Substantial efforts have been made to develop novel in vitro tumor mimicking platforms to visualize and quantify the mechanical forces within the tissue that dictate tumor cell invasion and metastatic growth. This review highlights recent findings on tumor matrix biophysical cues such as fibrillar arrangement, crosslinking density, confinement, rigidity, topography, and non-linear mechanics and their implications on tumor cell behavior. We also emphasize how perturbations in these cues alter cellular mechanisms of mechanotransduction, consequently enhancing malignancy. Finally, we elucidate engineering techniques to individually emulate the mechanical properties of tumors that could help serve as toolkits for developing and testing ECM-targeted therapeutics on novel bioengineered tumor platforms. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Disrupted ECM mechanics is a driving force for transitioning incipient cells to life-threatening malignant variants. Understanding these ECM changes can be crucial as they may aid in developing several efficacious drugs that not only focus on inducing cytotoxic effects but also target specific matrix mechanical cues that support and enhance tumor invasiveness. Designing and implementing an optimal tumor mimic can allow us to predictively map biophysical cue-modulated cell behaviors and facilitate the design of improved lab-grown tumor models with accurately controlled structural features. This review focuses on the abnormal changes within the ECM during tumorigenesis and its implications on tumor cell-matrix mechanoreciprocity. Additionally, it accentuates engineering approaches to produce ECM features of varying levels of complexity which is critical for improving the efficiency of current engineered tumor tissue models.
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12
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Zhu Y, Chen S, Liu W, Xu F, Lu J, Hayashi T, Mizuno K, Hattori S, Fujisaki H, Ikejima T. IGF-1R/YAP signaling pathway is involved in collagen V-induced insulin biosynthesis and secretion in rat islet INS-1 cells. Connect Tissue Res 2022; 63:498-513. [PMID: 35129018 DOI: 10.1080/03008207.2021.2025225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Type V collagen (collagen V) is one of the important components of extracellular matrix (ECM) in pancreas. We previously reported that pre-coating collagen V on the culture dishes enhanced insulin production in INS-1 rat pancreatic β cells. In this study, we investigate the underlying mechanism. RESULTS Insulin biosynthesis and secretion are both increased in INS-1 cells cultured on collagen V-coated dishes, accompanied by the reduced nuclear translocation of Yes-associated protein (YAP), a transcriptional co-activator. YAP, the downstream effector of Hippo signaling pathway, plays an important role in the development and function of pancreas. Inhibition of YAP activation by verteporfin further up-regulates insulin biosynthesis and secretion. Silencing large tumor suppressor (LATS), a core component of Hippo pathway which inhibits activity of YAP by phosphorylation, by siRNA transfection inhibits both insulin biosynthesis and secretion. In the present study, the protein level of insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1 R), detected as the upstream molecule of YAP, is reduced in the INS-1 cells cultured on the dishes coated with collagen V. The silencing of IGF-1 R by siRNA transfection further enhances insulin biosynthesis and secretion. IGF-1 treatment reduces collagen V-induced up-regulation of insulin biosynthesis and secretion, accompanying the increased nuclear YAP. CONCLUSION Inhibition of IGF-1 R/YAP signal pathway is involved in collagen V-induced insulin biosynthesis and secretion in INS-1 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Zhu
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.,Traditional Chinese Medical College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Shuaigao Chen
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Weiwei Liu
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Fanxing Xu
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Jingyu Lu
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Toshihiko Hayashi
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.,Department of Chemistry and Life Science, School of Advanced Engineering Kogakuin University, Tokyo, Japan.,Nippi Research Institute of Biomatrix, Toride, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Kazunori Mizuno
- Nippi Research Institute of Biomatrix, Toride, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Shunji Hattori
- Nippi Research Institute of Biomatrix, Toride, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Hitomi Fujisaki
- Nippi Research Institute of Biomatrix, Toride, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Takashi Ikejima
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.,Key Laboratory of Computational Chemistry-Based Natural Antitumor Drug Research & Development, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
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13
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Cancer Associated Fibroblast (CAF) Regulation of PDAC Parenchymal (CPC) and CSC Phenotypes Is Modulated by ECM Composition. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14153737. [PMID: 35954400 PMCID: PMC9367491 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14153737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the deadliest of all cancers, having one of the lowest five-year survival rates. One of its hallmarks is a dense desmoplastic stroma consisting in the abnormal accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) components, especially Collagen I. This highly fibrotic stroma embeds the bulk cancer (parenchymal) cells (CPCs), cancer stem cells (CSCs) and the main producers of the stromal reaction, the Cancer Associated Fibroblasts (CAFs). Little is known about the role of the acellular ECM in the interplay of the CAFs with the different tumor cell types in determining their phenotypic plasticity and eventual cell fate. Methods: Here, we analyzed the role of ECM collagen I in modulating the effect of CAF-derived signals by incubating PDAC CPCs and CSCs grown on ECM mimicking early (low collagen I levels) and late (high collagen I levels) stage PDAC stroma with conditioned medium from primary cultured CAFs derived from patients with PDAC in a previously described three-dimensional (3D) organotypic model of PDAC. Results: We found that CAFs (1) reduced CPC growth while favoring CSC growth independently of the ECM; (2) increased the invasive capacity of only CPCs on the ECM mimicking the early tumor; and (3) favored vasculogenic mimicry (VM) especially of the CSCs on the ECM mimicking an early tumor. Conclusions: We conclude that the CAFs and acellular stromal components interact to modulate the tumor behaviors of the PDAC CPC and CSC cell types and drive metastatic progression by stimulating the phenotypic characteristics of each tumor cell type that contribute to metastasis
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14
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Increased Stiffness Downregulates Focal Adhesion Kinase Expression in Pancreatic Cancer Cells Cultured in 3D Self-Assembling Peptide Scaffolds. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10081835. [PMID: 36009384 PMCID: PMC9405295 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10081835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a non-receptor tyrosine kinase that participates in integrin-mediated signal transduction and contributes to different biological processes, such as cell migration, survival, proliferation and angiogenesis. Moreover, FAK can be activated by autophosphorylation at position Y397 and trigger different signaling pathways in response to increased extracellular matrix stiffness. In addition, FAK is overexpressed and/or hyperactivated in many epithelial cancers, and its expression correlates with tumor malignancy and invasion potential. One of the characteristics of solid tumors is an over deposition of ECM components, which generates a stiff microenvironment that promotes, among other features, sustained cell proliferation and survival. Researchers are, therefore, increasingly developing cell culture models to mimic the increased stiffness associated with these kinds of tumors. In the present work, we have developed a new 3D in vitro model to study the effect of matrix stiffness in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cells as this kind of tumor is characterized by a desmoplastic stroma and an increased stiffness compared to its normal counterpart. For that, we have used a synthetic self-assembling peptide nanofiber matrix, RAD16-I, which does not suffer a significant degradation in vitro, thus allowing to maintain the same local stiffness along culture time. We show that increased matrix stiffness in synthetic 3D RAD16-I gels, but not in collagen type I scaffolds, promotes FAK downregulation at a protein level in all the cell lines analyzed. Moreover, even though it has classically been described that stiff 3D matrices promote an increase in pFAKY397/FAK proteins, we found that this ratio in soft and stiff RAD16-I gels is cell-type-dependent. This study highlights how cell response to increased matrix stiffness greatly depends on the nature of the matrix used for 3D culture.
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15
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Tian H, Shi H, Yu J, Ge S, Ruan J. Biophysics Role and Biomimetic Culture Systems of ECM Stiffness in Cancer EMT. GLOBAL CHALLENGES (HOBOKEN, NJ) 2022; 6:2100094. [PMID: 35712024 PMCID: PMC9189138 DOI: 10.1002/gch2.202100094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Oncological diseases have become the second leading cause of death from noncommunicable diseases worldwide and a major threat to human health. With the continuous progress in cancer research, the mechanical cues from the tumor microenvironment environment (TME) have been found to play an irreplaceable role in the progression of many cancers. As the main extracellular mechanical signal carrier, extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness may influence cancer progression through biomechanical transduction to modify downstream gene expression, promote epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and regulate the stemness of cancer cells. EMT is an important mechanism that induces cancer cell metastasis and is closely influenced by ECM stiffness, either independently or in conjunction with other molecules. In this review, the unique role of ECM stiffness in EMT in different kinds of cancers is first summarized. By continually examining the significance of ECM stiffness in cancer progression, a biomimetic culture system based on 3D manufacturing and novel material technologies is developed to mimic ECM stiffness. The authors then look back on the novel development of the ECM stiffness biomimetic culture systems and finally provide new insights into ECM stiffness in cancer progression which can broaden the fields' horizons with a view toward developing new cancer diagnosis methods and therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Tian
- Department of OphthalmologyShanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular OncologyNinth People's HospitalShanghai JiaoTong University School of MedicineShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Hanhan Shi
- Department of OphthalmologyShanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular OncologyNinth People's HospitalShanghai JiaoTong University School of MedicineShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Jie Yu
- Department of OphthalmologyShanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular OncologyNinth People's HospitalShanghai JiaoTong University School of MedicineShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Shengfang Ge
- Department of OphthalmologyShanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular OncologyNinth People's HospitalShanghai JiaoTong University School of MedicineShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Jing Ruan
- Department of OphthalmologyShanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular OncologyNinth People's HospitalShanghai JiaoTong University School of MedicineShanghaiP. R. China
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16
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Ponomarev A, Gilazieva Z, Solovyeva V, Allegrucci C, Rizvanov A. Intrinsic and Extrinsic Factors Impacting Cancer Stemness and Tumor Progression. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:970. [PMID: 35205716 PMCID: PMC8869813 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14040970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor heterogeneity represents an important limitation to the development of effective cancer therapies. The presence of cancer stem cells (CSCs) and their differentiation hierarchies contribute to cancer complexity and confer tumors the ability to grow, resist treatment, survive unfavorable conditions, and invade neighboring and distant tissues. A large body of research is currently focusing on understanding the properties of CSCs, including their cellular and molecular origin, as well as their biological behavior in different tumor types. In turn, this knowledge informs strategies for targeting these tumor initiating cells and related cancer stemness. Cancer stemness is modulated by the tumor microenvironment, which influences CSC function and survival. Several advanced in vitro models are currently being developed to study cancer stemness in order to advance new knowledge of the key molecular pathways involved in CSC self-renewal and dormancy, as well as to mimic the complexity of patients' tumors in pre-clinical drug testing. In this review, we discuss CSCs and the modulation of cancer stemness by the tumor microenvironment, stemness factors and signaling pathways. In addition, we introduce current models that allow the study of CSCs for the development of new targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexey Ponomarev
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia; (A.P.); (Z.G.); (V.S.)
| | - Zarema Gilazieva
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia; (A.P.); (Z.G.); (V.S.)
| | - Valeriya Solovyeva
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia; (A.P.); (Z.G.); (V.S.)
| | - Cinzia Allegrucci
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science (SVMS) and Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK;
| | - Albert Rizvanov
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia; (A.P.); (Z.G.); (V.S.)
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17
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Law AMK, Rodriguez de la Fuente L, Grundy TJ, Fang G, Valdes-Mora F, Gallego-Ortega D. Advancements in 3D Cell Culture Systems for Personalizing Anti-Cancer Therapies. Front Oncol 2021; 11:782766. [PMID: 34917509 PMCID: PMC8669727 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.782766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Over 90% of potential anti-cancer drug candidates results in translational failures in clinical trials. The main reason for this failure can be attributed to the non-accurate pre-clinical models that are being currently used for drug development and in personalised therapies. To ensure that the assessment of drug efficacy and their mechanism of action have clinical translatability, the complexity of the tumor microenvironment needs to be properly modelled. 3D culture models are emerging as a powerful research tool that recapitulates in vivo characteristics. Technological advancements in this field show promising application in improving drug discovery, pre-clinical validation, and precision medicine. In this review, we discuss the significance of the tumor microenvironment and its impact on therapy success, the current developments of 3D culture, and the opportunities that advancements that in vitro technologies can provide to improve cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M K Law
- Tumour Development Group, The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia.,St. Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - Laura Rodriguez de la Fuente
- Tumour Development Group, The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia.,St. Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, Randwick, NSW, Australia.,Cancer Epigenetic Biology and Therapeutics Lab, Children's Cancer Institute, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - Thomas J Grundy
- Life Sciences, Inventia Life Science Pty Ltd, Alexandria, NSW, Australia
| | - Guocheng Fang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and IT, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | - Fatima Valdes-Mora
- Cancer Epigenetic Biology and Therapeutics Lab, Children's Cancer Institute, Randwick, NSW, Australia.,School of Women's and Children's Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - David Gallego-Ortega
- Tumour Development Group, The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia.,St. Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, Randwick, NSW, Australia.,School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and IT, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
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18
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Wishart G, Gupta P, Nisbet A, Schettino G, Velliou E. On the Evaluation of a Novel Hypoxic 3D Pancreatic Cancer Model as a Tool for Radiotherapy Treatment Screening. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:6080. [PMID: 34885188 PMCID: PMC8657010 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13236080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Tissue engineering is evolving to mimic intricate ecosystems of tumour microenvironments (TME) to more readily map realistic in vivo niches of cancerous tissues. Such advanced cancer tissue models enable more accurate preclinical assessment of treatment strategies. Pancreatic cancer is a dangerous disease with high treatment resistance that is directly associated with a highly complex TME. More specifically, the pancreatic cancer TME includes (i) complex structure and complex extracellular matrix (ECM) protein composition; (ii) diverse cell populations (e.g., stellate cells), cancer associated fibroblasts, endothelial cells, which interact with the cancer cells and promote resistance to treatment and metastasis; (iii) accumulation of high amounts of (ECM), which leads to the creation of a fibrotic/desmoplastic reaction around the tumour; and (iv) heterogeneous environmental gradients such as hypoxia, which result from vessel collapse and stiffness increase in the fibrotic/desmoplastic area of the TME. These unique hallmarks are not effectively recapitulated in traditional preclinical research despite radiotherapeutic resistance being largely connected to them. Herein, we investigate, for the first time, the impact of in vitro hypoxia (5% O2) on the radiotherapy treatment response of pancreatic cancer cells (PANC-1) in a novel polymer (polyurethane) based highly macroporous scaffold that was surface modified with proteins (fibronectin) for ECM mimicry. More specifically, PANC-1 cells were seeded in fibronectin coated macroporous scaffolds and were cultured for four weeks in in vitro normoxia (21% O2), followed by a two day exposure to either in vitro hypoxia (5% O2) or maintenance in in vitro normoxia. Thereafter, in situ post-radiation monitoring (one day, three days, seven days post-irradiation) of the 3D cell cultures took place via quantification of (i) live/dead and apoptotic profiles and (ii) ECM (collagen-I) and HIF-1a secretion by the cancer cells. Our results showed increased post-radiation viability, reduced apoptosis, and increased collagen-I and HIF-1a secretion in in vitro hypoxia compared to normoxic cultures, revealing hypoxia-induced radioprotection. Overall, this study employed a low cost, animal free model enabling (i) the possibility of long-term in vitro hypoxic 3D cell culture for pancreatic cancer, and (ii) in vitro hypoxia associated PDAC radio-protection development. Our novel platform for radiation treatment screening can be used for long-term in vitro post-treatment observations as well as for fractionated radiotherapy treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle Wishart
- Bioprocess and Biochemical Engineering Group (BioProChem), Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK; (G.W.); (P.G.)
- Department of Physics, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK;
| | - Priyanka Gupta
- Bioprocess and Biochemical Engineering Group (BioProChem), Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK; (G.W.); (P.G.)
- Centre for 3D Models of Health and Disease, Department of Targeted Intervention, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London (UCL), London W1W 7TY, UK
| | - Andrew Nisbet
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London (UCL), London WC1E 6BT, UK;
| | - Giuseppe Schettino
- Department of Physics, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK;
- National Physical Laboratory, Teddington TW11 0LW, UK
| | - Eirini Velliou
- Bioprocess and Biochemical Engineering Group (BioProChem), Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK; (G.W.); (P.G.)
- Centre for 3D Models of Health and Disease, Department of Targeted Intervention, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London (UCL), London W1W 7TY, UK
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19
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Curvello R, Kast V, Abuwarwar MH, Fletcher AL, Garnier G, Loessner D. 3D Collagen-Nanocellulose Matrices Model the Tumour Microenvironment of Pancreatic Cancer. Front Digit Health 2021; 3:704584. [PMID: 34713176 PMCID: PMC8521838 DOI: 10.3389/fdgth.2021.704584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) cancer models are invaluable tools designed to study tumour biology and new treatments. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), one of the deadliest types of cancer, has been progressively explored with bioengineered 3D approaches by deconstructing elements of its tumour microenvironment. Here, we investigated the suitability of collagen-nanocellulose hydrogels to mimic the extracellular matrix of PDAC and to promote the formation of tumour spheroids and multicellular 3D cultures with stromal cells. Blending of type I collagen fibrils and cellulose nanofibres formed a matrix of controllable stiffness, which resembled the lower profile of pancreatic tumour tissues. Collagen-nanocellulose hydrogels supported the growth of tumour spheroids and multicellular 3D cultures, with increased metabolic activity and matrix stiffness. To validate our 3D cancer model, we tested the individual and combined effects of the anti-cancer compound triptolide and the chemotherapeutics gemcitabine and paclitaxel, resulting in differential cell responses. Our blended 3D matrices with tuneable mechanical properties consistently maintain the growth of PDAC cells and its cellular microenvironment and allow the screening of anti-cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Curvello
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Verena Kast
- Max Bergmann Center of Biomaterials Dresden, Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden E.V., Dresden, Germany
| | - Mohammed H Abuwarwar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Anne L Fletcher
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Gil Garnier
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Chemical Engineering, Bioresource Processing Research Institute of Australia (BioPRIA), Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Daniela Loessner
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
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20
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Zhang Y, Arner EN, Rizvi A, Toombs JE, Huang H, Warner SL, Foulks JM, Brekken RA. AXL inhibitor TP-0903 reduces metastasis and therapy resistance in pancreatic cancer. Mol Cancer Ther 2021; 21:38-47. [PMID: 34675118 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-21-0293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is the 3rd leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States with a 5-year survival less than 5%. Resistance to standard therapy and limited response to immune checkpoint blockade due to the immunosuppressive and stroma-rich microenvironment remain major challenges in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. A key cellular program involved in therapy resistance is epithelial plasticity, which is also associated with invasion, metastasis, and evasion of immune surveillance. The receptor tyrosine kinase AXL is a key driver of tumor cell epithelial plasticity. High expression and activity of AXL is associated with poor prognosis, metastasis, and therapy resistance in multiple types of cancer including pancreatic. Here, we show that an AXL inhibitor (TP-0903), has anti-tumor and therapy sensitizing effects in pre-clinical models of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA). We demonstrate that TP-0903 as a single agent or in combination with gemcitabine and/or anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD1) antibody has anti-metastatic and anti-tumor effects in PDA tumor bearing mice, leading to increased survival. Additionally, gene expression analysis of tumors demonstrated upregulation of pro-inflammatory and immune activation genes in tumors from TP-0903-treated animals compared to the vehicle, indicating pharmacologic inhibition of AXL activation leads to an immunostimulatory microenvironment. This effect was augmented when TP-0903 was combined with gemcitabine and anti-PD1 antibody. These results provide clear rationale for evaluating TP-0903 in the treatment of pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqing Zhang
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, Dallas, TX
- Cancer Biology Graduate Program, Dallas, TX
- Department of Surgery, Dallas, TX
| | - Emily N Arner
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, Dallas, TX
- Cancer Biology Graduate Program, Dallas, TX
- Department of Surgery, Dallas, TX
| | - Ali Rizvi
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, Dallas, TX
| | - Jason E Toombs
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, Dallas, TX
- Department of Surgery, Dallas, TX
| | - Huocong Huang
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, Dallas, TX
- Department of Surgery, Dallas, TX
| | | | | | - Rolf A Brekken
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, Dallas, TX.
- Cancer Biology Graduate Program, Dallas, TX
- Department of Surgery, Dallas, TX
- Department of Pharmacology, UT Southwestern, Dallas, Texas
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21
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Tayler IM, Stowers RS. Engineering hydrogels for personalized disease modeling and regenerative medicine. Acta Biomater 2021; 132:4-22. [PMID: 33882354 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Technological innovations and advances in scientific understanding have created an environment where data can be collected, analyzed, and interpreted at scale, ushering in the era of personalized medicine. The ability to isolate cells from individual patients offers tremendous promise if those cells can be used to generate functional tissue replacements or used in disease modeling to determine optimal treatment strategies. Here, we review recent progress in the use of hydrogels to create artificial cellular microenvironments for personalized tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications, as well as to develop personalized disease models. We highlight engineering strategies to control stem cell fate through hydrogel design, and the use of hydrogels in combination with organoids, advanced imaging methods, and novel bioprinting techniques to generate functional tissues. We also discuss the use of hydrogels to study molecular mechanisms underlying diseases and to create personalized in vitro disease models to complement existing pre-clinical models. Continued progress in the development of engineered hydrogels, in combination with other emerging technologies, will be essential to realize the immense potential of personalized medicine. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: In this review, we cover recent advances in hydrogel engineering strategies with applications in personalized medicine. Specifically, we focus on material systems to expand or control differentiation of patient-derived stem cells, and hydrogels to reprogram somatic cells to pluripotent states. We then review applications of hydrogels in developing personalized engineered tissues. We also highlight the use of hydrogel systems as personalized disease models, focusing on specific examples in fibrosis and cancer, and more broadly on drug screening strategies using patient-derived cells and hydrogels. We believe this review will be a valuable contribution to the Special Issue and the readership of Acta Biomaterialia will appreciate the comprehensive overview of the utility of hydrogels in the developing field of personalized medicine.
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22
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Betriu N, Andreeva A, Semino CE. Erlotinib Promotes Ligand-Induced EGFR Degradation in 3D but Not 2D Cultures of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:4504. [PMID: 34572731 PMCID: PMC8470972 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13184504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a tyrosine kinase receptor that participates in many biological processes such as cell proliferation. In addition, EGFR is overexpressed in many epithelial cancers and therefore is a target for cancer therapy. Moreover, EGFR responds to lots of stimuli by internalizing into endosomes from where it can be recycled to the membrane or further sorted into lysosomes where it undergoes degradation. Two-dimensional cell cultures have been classically used to study EGFR trafficking mechanisms in cancer cells. However, it has been widely demonstrated that in 2D cultures cells are exposed to a non-physiological environment as compared to 3D cultures that provide the normal cellular conformation, matrix dimensionality and stiffness, as well as molecular gradients. Therefore, the microenvironment of solid tumors is better recreated in 3D culture models, and this is why they are becoming a more physiological alternative to study cancer physiology. Here, we develop a new model of EGFR internalization and degradation upon erlotinib treatment in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cells cultured in a 3D self-assembling peptide scaffold. In this work, we show that treatment with the tyrosine kinase inhibitor erlotinib promotes EGFR degradation in 3D cultures of PDAC cell lines but not in 2D cultures. We also show that this receptor degradation does not occur in normal fibroblast cells, regardless of culture dimensionality. In conclusion, we demonstrate not only that erlotinib has a distinct effect on tumor and normal cells but also that pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells respond differently to drug treatment when cultured in a 3D microenvironment. This study highlights the importance of culture systems that can more accurately mimic the in vivo tumor physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Carlos E. Semino
- Tissue Engineering Research Laboratory, Department of Bioengineering, IQS-School of Engineering, Ramon Llull University, 08017 Barcelona, Spain; (N.B.); (A.A.)
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23
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Ferrara B, Pignatelli C, Cossutta M, Citro A, Courty J, Piemonti L. The Extracellular Matrix in Pancreatic Cancer: Description of a Complex Network and Promising Therapeutic Options. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13174442. [PMID: 34503252 PMCID: PMC8430646 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13174442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The stroma is a relevant player in driving and supporting the progression of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), and a large body of evidence highlights its role in hindering the efficacy of current therapies. In fact, the dense extracellular matrix (ECM) characterizing this tumor acts as a natural physical barrier, impairing drug penetration. Consequently, all of the approaches combining stroma-targeting and anticancer therapy constitute an appealing option for improving drug penetration. Several strategies have been adopted in order to target the PDAC stroma, such as the depletion of ECM components and the targeting of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), which are responsible for the increased matrix deposition in cancer. Additionally, the leaky and collapsing blood vessels characterizing the tumor might be normalized, thus restoring blood perfusion and allowing drug penetration. Even though many stroma-targeting strategies have reported disappointing results in clinical trials, the ECM offers a wide range of potential therapeutic targets that are now being investigated. The dense ECM might be bypassed by implementing nanoparticle-based systems or by using mesenchymal stem cells as drug carriers. The present review aims to provide an overview of the principal mechanisms involved in the ECM remodeling and of new promising therapeutic strategies for PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedetta Ferrara
- Diabetes Research Institute (HSR-DRI), San Raffaele Scientific Institute, via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy; (B.F.); (C.P.); (A.C.)
| | - Cataldo Pignatelli
- Diabetes Research Institute (HSR-DRI), San Raffaele Scientific Institute, via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy; (B.F.); (C.P.); (A.C.)
| | - Mélissande Cossutta
- INSERM U955, Immunorégulation et Biothérapie, Institut Mondor de Recherche Biomédicale (IMRB), Université Paris-Est Créteil, 94010 Créteil, France; (M.C.); (J.C.)
- AP-HP, Centre d’Investigation Clinique Biothérapie, Groupe Hospitalo-Universitaire Chenevier Mondor, 94010 Créteil, France
| | - Antonio Citro
- Diabetes Research Institute (HSR-DRI), San Raffaele Scientific Institute, via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy; (B.F.); (C.P.); (A.C.)
| | - José Courty
- INSERM U955, Immunorégulation et Biothérapie, Institut Mondor de Recherche Biomédicale (IMRB), Université Paris-Est Créteil, 94010 Créteil, France; (M.C.); (J.C.)
- AP-HP, Centre d’Investigation Clinique Biothérapie, Groupe Hospitalo-Universitaire Chenevier Mondor, 94010 Créteil, France
| | - Lorenzo Piemonti
- Diabetes Research Institute (HSR-DRI), San Raffaele Scientific Institute, via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy; (B.F.); (C.P.); (A.C.)
- Correspondence:
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24
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Chakraborty S, DePalma TJ, Skardal A. Increasing Accuracy of In Vitro Cancer Models: Engineering Stromal Complexity into Tumor Organoid Platforms. ADVANCED NANOBIOMED RESEARCH 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/anbr.202100061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Srija Chakraborty
- Department of Biomedical Engineering The Ohio State University 3022 Fontana Labs 140 W. 19th Avenue Columbus OH 43210 USA
| | - Thomas J. DePalma
- Department of Biomedical Engineering The Ohio State University 3022 Fontana Labs 140 W. 19th Avenue Columbus OH 43210 USA
| | - Aleksander Skardal
- Department of Biomedical Engineering The Ohio State University 3022 Fontana Labs 140 W. 19th Avenue Columbus OH 43210 USA
- Center for Cancer Engineering The Ohio State University and Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center Columbus OH 43210 USA
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25
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Candido JB, Maiques O, Boxberg M, Kast V, Peerani E, Tomás-Bort E, Weichert W, Sananes A, Papo N, Magdolen V, Sanz-Moreno V, Loessner D. Kallikrein-Related Peptidase 6 Is Associated with the Tumour Microenvironment of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13163969. [PMID: 34439122 PMCID: PMC8392253 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13163969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Kallikrein-related peptidases have tumour-biological roles and are dysregulated in many cancers. Only a few studies have reported their upregulation in pancreatic cancer and linked them to poor prognosis. By interrogating publicly available and our own datasets, we studied their expression in patient-derived tissues and pancreatic cancer cells. We found several kallikrein-related peptidases that were upregulated, in particular kallikrein-related peptidase 6 at the forefront of the tumour area. We then tested the effect of a kallikrein-related peptidase 6 inhibitor on cancer cell functions. Because the majority of patients present with inoperable disease, a targeted therapeutic intervention may have a positive impact on the survival of this patient population. Abstract As cancer-associated factors, kallikrein-related peptidases (KLKs) are components of the tumour microenvironment, which represents a rich substrate repertoire, and considered attractive targets for the development of novel treatments. Standard-of-care therapy of pancreatic cancer shows unsatisfactory results, indicating the need for alternative therapeutic approaches. We aimed to investigate the expression of KLKs in pancreatic cancer and to inhibit the function of KLK6 in pancreatic cancer cells. KLK6, KLK7, KLK8, KLK10 and KLK11 were coexpressed and upregulated in tissues from pancreatic cancer patients compared to normal pancreas. Their high expression levels correlated with each other and were linked to shorter survival compared to low KLK levels. We then validated KLK6 mRNA and protein expression in patient-derived tissues and pancreatic cancer cells. Coexpression of KLK6 with KRT19, αSMA or CD68 was independent of tumour stage, while KLK6 was coexpressed with KRT19 and CD68 in the invasive tumour area. High KLK6 levels in tumour and CD68+ cells were linked to shorter survival. KLK6 inhibition reduced KLK6 mRNA expression, cell metabolic activity and KLK6 secretion and increased the secretion of other serine and aspartic lysosomal proteases. The association of high KLK levels and poor prognosis suggests that inhibiting KLKs may be a therapeutic strategy for precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana B. Candido
- Centre for Tumour Microenvironment, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK; (J.B.C.); (O.M.); (E.P.); (E.T.-B.); (V.S.-M.)
| | - Oscar Maiques
- Centre for Tumour Microenvironment, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK; (J.B.C.); (O.M.); (E.P.); (E.T.-B.); (V.S.-M.)
| | - Melanie Boxberg
- Institute of Pathology, Technical University of Munich, 81657 Munich, Germany; (M.B.); (W.W.)
| | - Verena Kast
- Max Bergmann Center of Biomaterials Dresden, Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden e.V., Hohe Straβe 6, 01069 Dresden, Germany;
| | - Eleonora Peerani
- Centre for Tumour Microenvironment, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK; (J.B.C.); (O.M.); (E.P.); (E.T.-B.); (V.S.-M.)
| | - Elena Tomás-Bort
- Centre for Tumour Microenvironment, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK; (J.B.C.); (O.M.); (E.P.); (E.T.-B.); (V.S.-M.)
| | - Wilko Weichert
- Institute of Pathology, Technical University of Munich, 81657 Munich, Germany; (M.B.); (W.W.)
| | - Amiram Sananes
- Avram and Stella Goldstein-Goren Department of Biotechnology Engineering and The National Institute of Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel; (A.S.); (N.P.)
| | - Niv Papo
- Avram and Stella Goldstein-Goren Department of Biotechnology Engineering and The National Institute of Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel; (A.S.); (N.P.)
| | - Viktor Magdolen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany;
| | - Victoria Sanz-Moreno
- Centre for Tumour Microenvironment, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK; (J.B.C.); (O.M.); (E.P.); (E.T.-B.); (V.S.-M.)
| | - Daniela Loessner
- Centre for Tumour Microenvironment, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK; (J.B.C.); (O.M.); (E.P.); (E.T.-B.); (V.S.-M.)
- Max Bergmann Center of Biomaterials Dresden, Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden e.V., Hohe Straβe 6, 01069 Dresden, Germany;
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
- Correspondence:
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26
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Utama RH, Tan VTG, Tjandra KC, Sexton A, Nguyen DHT, O'Mahony AP, Du EY, Tian P, Ribeiro JCC, Kavallaris M, Gooding JJ. A Covalently Crosslinked Ink for Multimaterials Drop-on-Demand 3D Bioprinting of 3D Cell Cultures. Macromol Biosci 2021; 21:e2100125. [PMID: 34173320 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202100125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
In vitro 3D cell models have been accepted to better recapitulate aspects of in vivo organ environment than 2D cell culture. Currently, the production of these complex in vitro 3D cell models with multiple cell types and microenvironments remains challenging and prone to human error. Here, a versatile ink comprising a 4-arm poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-based polymer with distal maleimide derivatives as the main ink component and a bis-thiol species as the activator that crosslinks the polymer to form the hydrogel in less than a second is reported. The rapid gelation makes the polymer system compatible with 3D bioprinting. The ink is combined with a novel drop-on-demand 3D bioprinting platform, designed specifically for producing 3D cell cultures, consisting of eight independently addressable nozzles and high-throughput printing logic for creating complex 3D cell culture models. The combination of multiple nozzles and fast printing logic enables the rapid preparation of many complex 3D cell cultures comprising multiple hydrogel environments in one structure in a standard 96-well plate format. The platform's compatibility for biological applications is validated using pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cancer (PDAC) and human dermal fibroblast cells with their phenotypic responses controlled by tuning the hydrogel microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert H Utama
- School of Chemistry, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.,Australian Centre for NanoMedicine, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.,ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Vincent T G Tan
- School of Chemistry, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.,Australian Centre for NanoMedicine, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.,ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Kristel C Tjandra
- School of Chemistry, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.,Australian Centre for NanoMedicine, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.,ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Andrew Sexton
- Inventia Life Science Pty Ltd, Sydney, NSW, 2015, Australia
| | - Duyen H T Nguyen
- School of Chemistry, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.,Australian Centre for NanoMedicine, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.,ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | | | - Eric Y Du
- School of Chemistry, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.,Australian Centre for NanoMedicine, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.,ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Peilin Tian
- School of Chemistry, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.,Australian Centre for NanoMedicine, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.,ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | | | - Maria Kavallaris
- Australian Centre for NanoMedicine, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.,ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.,Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - J Justin Gooding
- School of Chemistry, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.,Australian Centre for NanoMedicine, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.,ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
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27
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IL17A critically shapes the transcriptional program of fibroblasts in pancreatic cancer and switches on their protumorigenic functions. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2020395118. [PMID: 33526692 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2020395118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A hallmark of cancer, including pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA), is a massive stromal and inflammatory reaction. Many efforts have been made to identify the anti- or protumoral role of cytokines and immune subpopulations within the stroma. Here, we investigated the role of interleukin-17A (IL17A) and its effect on tumor fibroblasts and the tumor microenvironment. We used a spontaneous PDA mouse model (KPC) crossed to IL17A knockout mice to show an extensive desmoplastic reaction, without impaired immune infiltration. Macrophages, especially CD80+ and T cells, were more abundant at the earlier time point. In T cells, a decrease in FoxP3+ cells and an increase in CD8+ T cells were observed in KPC/IL17A-/- mice. Fibroblasts isolated from IL17A+/+ and IL17A-/- KPC mice revealed very different messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein profiles. IL17A-/- fibroblasts displayed the ability to restrain tumor cell invasion by producing factors involved in extracellular matrix remodeling, increasing T cell recruitment, and producing higher levels of cytokines and chemokines favoring T helper 1 cell recruitment and activation and lower levels of those recruiting myeloid/granulocytic immune cells. Single-cell quantitative PCR on isolated fibroblasts confirmed a very divergent profile of IL17A-proficient and -deficient cells. All these features can be ascribed to increased levels of IL17F observed in the sera of IL17A-/- mice, and to the higher expression of its cognate receptor (IL17RC) specifically in IL17A-/- cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). In addition to the known effects on neoplastic cell transformation, the IL17 cytokine family uniquely affects fibroblasts, representing a suitable candidate target for combinatorial immune-based therapies in PDA.
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28
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Javadrashid D, Baghbanzadeh A, Derakhshani A, Leone P, Silvestris N, Racanelli V, Solimando AG, Baradaran B. Pancreatic Cancer Signaling Pathways, Genetic Alterations, and Tumor Microenvironment: The Barriers Affecting the Method of Treatment. Biomedicines 2021; 9:373. [PMID: 33918146 PMCID: PMC8067185 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9040373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic alterations, especially the K-Ras mutation, carry the heaviest burden in the progression of pancreatic precursor lesions into pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The tumor microenvironment is one of the challenges that hinder the therapeutic approaches from functioning sufficiently and leads to the immune evasion of pancreatic malignant cells. Mastering the mechanisms of these two hallmarks of PDAC can help us in dealing with the obstacles in the way of treatment. In this review, we have analyzed the signaling pathways involved in PDAC development and the immune system's role in pancreatic cancer and immune checkpoint inhibition as next-generation therapeutic strategy. The direct targeting of the involved signaling molecules and the immune checkpoint molecules, along with a combination with conventional therapies, have reached the most promising results in pancreatic cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darya Javadrashid
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 5166614766, Iran; (D.J.); (A.B.); (A.D.)
| | - Amir Baghbanzadeh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 5166614766, Iran; (D.J.); (A.B.); (A.D.)
| | - Afshin Derakhshani
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 5166614766, Iran; (D.J.); (A.B.); (A.D.)
- IRCCS Istituto Tumori “Giovanni Paolo II” of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy;
| | - Patrizia Leone
- Guido Baccelli Unit of Internal Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, School of Medicine, Aldo Moro University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy; (P.L.); (V.R.)
| | - Nicola Silvestris
- IRCCS Istituto Tumori “Giovanni Paolo II” of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy;
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, School of Medicine, Aldo Moro University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Vito Racanelli
- Guido Baccelli Unit of Internal Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, School of Medicine, Aldo Moro University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy; (P.L.); (V.R.)
| | - Antonio Giovanni Solimando
- IRCCS Istituto Tumori “Giovanni Paolo II” of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy;
- Guido Baccelli Unit of Internal Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, School of Medicine, Aldo Moro University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy; (P.L.); (V.R.)
| | - Behzad Baradaran
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 5166614766, Iran; (D.J.); (A.B.); (A.D.)
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 5166614766, Iran
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29
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Chang CY, Lin CC. Hydrogel Models with Stiffness Gradients for Interrogating Pancreatic Cancer Cell Fate. Bioengineering (Basel) 2021; 8:37. [PMID: 33805737 PMCID: PMC8002168 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering8030037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most common type of pancreatic cancer and has seen only modest improvements in patient survival rate over the past few decades. PDAC is highly aggressive and resistant to chemotherapy, owing to the presence of a dense and hypovascularized fibrotic tissue, which is composed of stromal cells and extracellular matrices. Increase deposition and crosslinking of matrices by stromal cells lead to a heterogeneous microenvironment that aids in PDAC development. In the past decade, various hydrogel-based, in vitro tumor models have been developed to mimic and recapitulate aspects of the tumor microenvironment in PDAC. Advances in hydrogel chemistry and engineering should provide a venue for discovering new insights regarding how matrix properties govern PDAC cell growth, migration, invasion, and drug resistance. These engineered hydrogels are ideal for understanding how variation in matrix properties contributes to the progressiveness of cancer cells, including durotaxis, the directional migration of cells in response to a stiffness gradient. This review surveys the various hydrogel-based, in vitro tumor models and the methods to generate gradient stiffness for studying migration and other cancer cell fate processes in PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Yi Chang
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA;
| | - Chien-Chi Lin
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA;
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
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30
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Delle Cave D, Rizzo R, Sainz B, Gigli G, del Mercato LL, Lonardo E. The Revolutionary Roads to Study Cell-Cell Interactions in 3D In Vitro Pancreatic Cancer Models. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:930. [PMID: 33672435 PMCID: PMC7926501 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13040930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer, the fourth most common cancer worldwide, shows a highly unsuccessful therapeutic response. In the last 10 years, neither important advancements nor new therapeutic strategies have significantly impacted patient survival, highlighting the need to pursue new avenues for drug development discovery and design. Advanced cellular models, resembling as much as possible the original in vivo tumor environment, may be more successful in predicting the efficacy of future anti-cancer candidates in clinical trials. In this review, we discuss novel bioengineered platforms for anticancer drug discovery in pancreatic cancer, from traditional two-dimensional models to innovative three-dimensional ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donatella Delle Cave
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics “A. Buzzati-Traverso”, National Research Council (CNR-IGB), Via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Riccardo Rizzo
- Institute of Nanotechnology, National Research Council (CNR-NANOTEC), c/o Campus Ecotekne, via Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (R.R.); (G.G.); (L.L.d.M.)
| | - Bruno Sainz
- Department of Cancer Biology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomedicas “Alberto Sols” (IIBM), CSIC-UAM, 28029 Madrid, Spain;
- Spain and Chronic Diseases and Cancer, Area 3-Instituto Ramon y Cajal de Investigacion Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Giuseppe Gigli
- Institute of Nanotechnology, National Research Council (CNR-NANOTEC), c/o Campus Ecotekne, via Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (R.R.); (G.G.); (L.L.d.M.)
- Department of Mathematics and Physics “Ennio De Giorgi”, University of Salento, via Arnesano, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Loretta L. del Mercato
- Institute of Nanotechnology, National Research Council (CNR-NANOTEC), c/o Campus Ecotekne, via Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (R.R.); (G.G.); (L.L.d.M.)
| | - Enza Lonardo
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics “A. Buzzati-Traverso”, National Research Council (CNR-IGB), Via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy;
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Gavin C, Geerts N, Cavanagh B, Haynes M, Reynolds CP, Loessner D, Ewald AJ, Piskareva O. Neuroblastoma Invasion Strategies Are Regulated by the Extracellular Matrix. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:736. [PMID: 33578855 PMCID: PMC7916632 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13040736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is a paediatric malignancy of the developing sympathetic nervous system. About half of the patients have metastatic disease at the time of diagnosis and a survival rate of less than 50%. Our understanding of the cellular processes promoting neuroblastoma metastases will be facilitated by the development of appropriate experimental models. In this study, we aimed to explore the invasion of neuroblastoma cells and organoids from patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) grown embedded in 3D extracellular matrix (ECM) hydrogels by time-lapse microscopy and quantitative image analysis. We found that the ECM composition influenced the growth, viability and local invasion of organoids. The ECM compositions induced distinct cell behaviours, with Matrigel being the preferred substratum for local organoid invasion. Organoid invasion was cell line- and PDX-dependent. We identified six distinct phenotypes in PDX-derived organoids. In contrast, NB cell lines were more phenotypically restricted in their invasion strategies, as organoids isolated from cell line-derived xenografts displayed a broader range of phenotypes compared to clonal cell line clusters. The addition of FBS and bFGF induced more aggressive cell behaviour and a broader range of phenotypes. In contrast, the repression of the prognostic neuroblastoma marker, MYCN, resulted in less aggressive cell behaviour. The combination of PDX organoids, real-time imaging and the novel 3D culture assays developed herein will enable rapid progress in elucidating the molecular mechanisms that control neuroblastoma invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cian Gavin
- Cancer Bio-Engineering Group, Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin D02 YN77, Ireland; (C.G.); (N.G.)
| | - Nele Geerts
- Cancer Bio-Engineering Group, Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin D02 YN77, Ireland; (C.G.); (N.G.)
| | - Brenton Cavanagh
- Cellular and Molecular Imaging Core, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin D02 YN77, Ireland;
| | - Meagan Haynes
- Center for Cell Dynamics, Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; (M.H.); (A.J.E.)
| | - C. Patrick Reynolds
- Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79416, USA;
- Departments of Pediatrics and Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79416, USA
| | - Daniela Loessner
- Departments of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science and Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia;
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Andrew J. Ewald
- Center for Cell Dynamics, Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; (M.H.); (A.J.E.)
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cancer Invasion and Metastasis Program, Department of Oncology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Olga Piskareva
- Cancer Bio-Engineering Group, Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin D02 YN77, Ireland; (C.G.); (N.G.)
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin D02 YN77, Ireland
- National Children’s Research Centre, Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital Crumlin, Dublin D12 8MGH, Ireland
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Masullo U, Cavallo A, Greco MR, Reshkin SJ, Mastrodonato M, Gallo N, Salvatore L, Verri T, Sannino A, Cardone RA, Madaghiele M. Semi-interpenetrating polymer network cryogels based on poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate and collagen as potential off-the-shelf platforms for cancer cell research. J Biomed Mater Res B Appl Biomater 2021; 109:1313-1326. [PMID: 33427396 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.b.34792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
In the present work, we investigated the potential of novel semi-interpenetrating polymer network (semi-IPN) cryogels, obtained through ultraviolet exposure of aqueous mixtures of poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate and type I collagen, as tunable off-the-shelf platforms for 3D cancer cell research. We synthesized semi-IPN cryogels with variable collagen amounts (0.1% and 1% w/v) and assessed the effect of collagen on key cryogel properties for cell culture, for example, porosity, degradation rate and mechanical stiffness. Then, we investigated the ability of the cryogels to sustain the long-term growth of two pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cell populations, the parenchymal Panc1 cells and their derived cancer stem cells. Results revealed that both cell lines efficiently infiltrated, attached and expanded in the cryogels over a period of 14 days. However, only when grown in the cryogels with the highest collagen concentration, both cell lines reproduced their characteristic growth pattern previously observed in collagen-enriched organotypic cultures, biomimetic of the highly fibrotic PDAC stroma. Cellular preembedding in Matrigel, that is, the classical approach to develop/grow organoids, interfered with an efficient intra-scaffold migration and growth. Although preliminary, these findings highlight the potential of the proposed cryogels as reproducible and tunable cancer cell research platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ugo Masullo
- Department of Engineering for Innovation, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Anna Cavallo
- Department of Engineering for Innovation, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Maria Raffaella Greco
- Department of Bioscience, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Stephan J Reshkin
- Department of Bioscience, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | | | - Nunzia Gallo
- Department of Engineering for Innovation, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Luca Salvatore
- Department of Engineering for Innovation, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Tiziano Verri
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Alessandro Sannino
- Department of Engineering for Innovation, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Rosa Angela Cardone
- Department of Bioscience, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Marta Madaghiele
- Department of Engineering for Innovation, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
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Forciniti S, Dalla Pozza E, Greco MR, Amaral Carvalho TM, Rolando B, Ambrosini G, Carmona-Carmona CA, Pacchiana R, Di Molfetta D, Donadelli M, Arpicco S, Palmieri M, Reshkin SJ, Dando I, Cardone RA. Extracellular Matrix Composition Modulates the Responsiveness of Differentiated and Stem Pancreatic Cancer Cells to Lipophilic Derivate of Gemcitabine. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 22:ijms22010029. [PMID: 33375106 PMCID: PMC7792955 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly lethal disease. Gemcitabine (GEM) is used as the gold standard drug in PDAC treatment. However, due to its poor efficacy, it remains urgent to identify novel strategies to overcome resistance issues. In this context, an intense stroma reaction and the presence of cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been shown to influence PDAC aggressiveness, metastatic potential, and chemoresistance. METHODS We used three-dimensional (3D) organotypic cultures grown on an extracellular matrix composed of Matrigel or collagen I to test the effect of the new potential therapeutic prodrug 4-(N)-stearoyl-GEM, called C18GEM. We analyzed C18GEM cytotoxic activity, intracellular uptake, apoptosis, necrosis, and autophagy induction in both Panc1 cell line (P) and their derived CSCs. RESULTS PDAC CSCs show higher sensitivity to C18GEM treatment when cultured in both two-dimensional (2D) and 3D conditions, especially on collagen I, in comparison to GEM. The intracellular uptake mechanisms of C18GEM are mainly due to membrane nucleoside transporters' expression and fatty acid translocase CD36 in Panc1 P cells and to clathrin-mediated endocytosis and CD36 in Panc1 CSCs. Furthermore, C18GEM induces an increase in cell death compared to GEM in both cell lines grown on 2D and 3D cultures. Finally, C18GEM stimulated protective autophagy in Panc1 P and CSCs cultured on 3D conditions. CONCLUSION We propose C18GEM together with autophagy inhibitors as a valid alternative therapeutic approach in PDAC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Forciniti
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Biochemistry Section, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (S.F.); (E.D.P.); (G.A.); (C.A.C.-C.); (R.P.); (M.D.); (M.P.)
- Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, IRCCS, Department of Gastroenterology-Laboratory of Molecular Gastroenterology, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisa Dalla Pozza
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Biochemistry Section, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (S.F.); (E.D.P.); (G.A.); (C.A.C.-C.); (R.P.); (M.D.); (M.P.)
| | - Maria Raffaella Greco
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, 70126 Bari, Italy; (M.R.G.); (T.M.A.C.); (D.D.M.); (S.J.R.); (R.A.C.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Tiago Miguel Amaral Carvalho
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, 70126 Bari, Italy; (M.R.G.); (T.M.A.C.); (D.D.M.); (S.J.R.); (R.A.C.)
| | - Barbara Rolando
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Torino, 10124 Torino, Italy; (B.R.); (S.A.)
| | - Giulia Ambrosini
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Biochemistry Section, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (S.F.); (E.D.P.); (G.A.); (C.A.C.-C.); (R.P.); (M.D.); (M.P.)
| | - Cristian Andres Carmona-Carmona
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Biochemistry Section, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (S.F.); (E.D.P.); (G.A.); (C.A.C.-C.); (R.P.); (M.D.); (M.P.)
| | - Raffaella Pacchiana
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Biochemistry Section, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (S.F.); (E.D.P.); (G.A.); (C.A.C.-C.); (R.P.); (M.D.); (M.P.)
| | - Daria Di Molfetta
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, 70126 Bari, Italy; (M.R.G.); (T.M.A.C.); (D.D.M.); (S.J.R.); (R.A.C.)
| | - Massimo Donadelli
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Biochemistry Section, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (S.F.); (E.D.P.); (G.A.); (C.A.C.-C.); (R.P.); (M.D.); (M.P.)
| | - Silvia Arpicco
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Torino, 10124 Torino, Italy; (B.R.); (S.A.)
| | - Marta Palmieri
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Biochemistry Section, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (S.F.); (E.D.P.); (G.A.); (C.A.C.-C.); (R.P.); (M.D.); (M.P.)
| | - Stephan Joel Reshkin
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, 70126 Bari, Italy; (M.R.G.); (T.M.A.C.); (D.D.M.); (S.J.R.); (R.A.C.)
| | - Ilaria Dando
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Biochemistry Section, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (S.F.); (E.D.P.); (G.A.); (C.A.C.-C.); (R.P.); (M.D.); (M.P.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Rosa Angela Cardone
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, 70126 Bari, Italy; (M.R.G.); (T.M.A.C.); (D.D.M.); (S.J.R.); (R.A.C.)
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Choi SR, Yang Y, Huang KY, Kong HJ, Flick MJ, Han B. Engineering of biomaterials for tumor modeling. MATERIALS TODAY. ADVANCES 2020; 8:100117. [PMID: 34541484 PMCID: PMC8448271 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtadv.2020.100117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Development of biomaterials mimicking tumor and its microenvironment has recently emerged for the use of drug discovery, precision medicine, and cancer biology. These biomimetic models have developed by reconstituting tumor and stroma cells within the 3D extracellular matrix. The models are recently extended to recapitulate the in vivo tumor microenvironment, including biological, chemical, and mechanical conditions tailored for specific cancer type and its microenvironment. In spite of the recent emergence of various innovative engineered tumor models, many of these models are still early stage to be adapted for cancer research. In this article, we review the current status of biomaterials engineering for tumor models considering three main aspects - cellular engineering, matrix engineering, and engineering for microenvironmental conditions. Considering cancer-specific variability in these aspects, our discussion is focused on pancreatic cancer, specifically pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). In addition, we further discussed the current challenges and future opportunities to create reliable and relevant tumor models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sae Rome Choi
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Yi Yang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Blood Research Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Kai-Yu Huang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Hyun Joon Kong
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Matthew J. Flick
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Blood Research Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Bumsoo Han
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering and Purdue Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
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35
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Doctor A, Seifert V, Ullrich M, Hauser S, Pietzsch J. Three-Dimensional Cell Culture Systems in Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12102765. [PMID: 32993034 PMCID: PMC7600608 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12102765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In preclinical cancer research, three-dimensional (3D) cell culture systems such as multicellular spheroids and organoids are becoming increasingly important. They provide valuable information before studies on animal models begin and, in some cases, are even suitable for reducing or replacing animal experiments. Furthermore, they recapitulate microtumors, metastases, and the tumor microenvironment much better than monolayer culture systems could. Three-dimensional models show higher structural complexity and diverse cell interactions while reflecting (patho)physiological phenomena such as oxygen and nutrient gradients in the course of their growth or development. These interactions and properties are of great importance for understanding the pathophysiological importance of stromal cells and the extracellular matrix for tumor progression, treatment response, or resistance mechanisms of solid tumors. Special emphasis is placed on co-cultivation with tumor-associated cells, which further increases the predictive value of 3D models, e.g., for drug development. The aim of this overview is to shed light on selected 3D models and their advantages and disadvantages, especially from the radiopharmacist's point of view with focus on the suitability of 3D models for the radiopharmacological characterization of novel radiotracers and radiotherapeutics. Special attention is paid to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) as a predestined target for the development of new radionuclide-based theranostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina Doctor
- Department of Radiopharmaceutical and Chemical Biology, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, 01328 Dresden, Germany; (A.D.); (V.S.); (M.U.); (S.H.)
- School of Science, Faculty of Chemistry and Food Chemistry, Technische Universität Dresden, 01069 Dresden, Germany
| | - Verena Seifert
- Department of Radiopharmaceutical and Chemical Biology, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, 01328 Dresden, Germany; (A.D.); (V.S.); (M.U.); (S.H.)
- School of Science, Faculty of Chemistry and Food Chemistry, Technische Universität Dresden, 01069 Dresden, Germany
| | - Martin Ullrich
- Department of Radiopharmaceutical and Chemical Biology, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, 01328 Dresden, Germany; (A.D.); (V.S.); (M.U.); (S.H.)
| | - Sandra Hauser
- Department of Radiopharmaceutical and Chemical Biology, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, 01328 Dresden, Germany; (A.D.); (V.S.); (M.U.); (S.H.)
| | - Jens Pietzsch
- Department of Radiopharmaceutical and Chemical Biology, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, 01328 Dresden, Germany; (A.D.); (V.S.); (M.U.); (S.H.)
- School of Science, Faculty of Chemistry and Food Chemistry, Technische Universität Dresden, 01069 Dresden, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-351-260-2622
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Zhang C, Yang Z, Dong DL, Jang TS, Knowles JC, Kim HW, Jin GZ, Xuan Y. 3D culture technologies of cancer stem cells: promising ex vivo tumor models. J Tissue Eng 2020; 11:2041731420933407. [PMID: 32637062 PMCID: PMC7318804 DOI: 10.1177/2041731420933407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells have been shown to be important in tumorigenesis processes, such as tumor growth, metastasis, and recurrence. As such, many three-dimensional models have been developed to establish an ex vivo microenvironment that cancer stem cells experience under in vivo conditions. Cancer stem cells propagating in three-dimensional culture systems show physiologically related signaling pathway profiles, gene expression, cell-matrix and cell-cell interactions, and drug resistance that reflect at least some of the tumor properties seen in vivo. Herein, we discussed the presently available Cancer stem cell three-dimensional culture models that use biomaterials and engineering tools and the biological implications of these models compared to the conventional ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengye Zhang
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Yanbian University College of Medicine, Yanji, China.,Air Force Medical Center of the Chinese PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Zhaoting Yang
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Yanbian University College of Medicine, Yanji, China
| | - Da-Long Dong
- Institute of Tissue Regeneration Engineering (ITREN), Dankook University, Cheonan, Republic of Korea.,Department of Nanobiomedical Science and BK21 PLUS Global Research Center for Regenerative Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae-Su Jang
- Department of Pre-Medical Course, College of Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan, Republic of Korea
| | - Jonathan C Knowles
- Division of Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, UCL Eastman Dental Institute, University College London, London, UK
| | - Hae-Won Kim
- Institute of Tissue Regeneration Engineering (ITREN), Dankook University, Cheonan, Republic of Korea.,Department of Nanobiomedical Science and BK21 PLUS Global Research Center for Regenerative Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan, Republic of Korea.,Division of Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, UCL Eastman Dental Institute, University College London, London, UK.,Department of Biomaterials Science, College of Dentistry, Dankook University, Cheonan, Republic of Korea
| | - Guang-Zhen Jin
- Institute of Tissue Regeneration Engineering (ITREN), Dankook University, Cheonan, Republic of Korea.,Department of Nanobiomedical Science and BK21 PLUS Global Research Center for Regenerative Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan, Republic of Korea
| | - Yanhua Xuan
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Yanbian University College of Medicine, Yanji, China.,Department of Pathology, Yanbian University College of Medicine, Yanji, China
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37
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Dynamic Culture Systems and 3D Interfaces Models for Cancer Drugs Testing. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1230:137-159. [PMID: 32285369 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-36588-2_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2023]
Abstract
The mass use of biological agents for pharmaceutical purposes started with the development and distribution of vaccines, followed by the industrial production of antibiotics. The use of dynamic systems, such as bioreactors, had been already applied in the food industry in fermentation processes and started being used for the development of pharmaceutical agents from this point on. In the last decades, the use of bioreactors and microfluidic systems has been expanded in different fields. The emergence of the tissue engineering led to the development of in vitro models cultured in dynamic systems. This is particularly relevant considering the urgent reduction of the total dependence on animal disease models that is undermining the development of novel drugs, using alternatively human-based models to make the drug discovery process more reliable. The failure out coming from animal models has been more prevalent in certain types of cancer, such as glioblastoma multiform and in high-grade metastatic cancers like bone metastasis of breast or prostatic cancer. The difficulty in obtaining novel drugs for these purposes is mostly linked to the barriers around the tumors, which these bioactive molecules have to overcome to become effective. For that reason, the individualized study of each interface is paramount and is only realistic once applying human-based samples (e.g. cells or tissues) in three-dimensions for in vitro modeling under dynamic conditions. In this chapter, the most recent approaches to model these interfaces in 3D systems will be explored, highlighting their major contributions to the field. In this section, these systems' impact on increased knowledge in relevant aspects of cancer aggressiveness as invasive or motile cellular capacity, or even resistance to chemotherapeutic agents will have particular focus. The last section of this chapter will focus on the integration of the tumor interfaces in dynamic systems, particularly its application on high-throughput drug screening. The industrial translation of such platforms will be discussed, as well as the main upcoming challenges and future perspectives.
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38
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Tomás-Bort E, Kieler M, Sharma S, Candido JB, Loessner D. 3D approaches to model the tumor microenvironment of pancreatic cancer. Theranostics 2020; 10:5074-5089. [PMID: 32308769 PMCID: PMC7163433 DOI: 10.7150/thno.42441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
In tumor engineering, 3D approaches are used to model components of the tumor microenvironment and to test new treatments. Pancreatic cancers are a cancer of substantial unmet need and survival rates are lower compared to any other cancer. Bioengineering techniques are increasingly applied to understand the unique biology of pancreatic tumors and to design patient-specific models. Here we summarize how extracellular and cellular elements of the pancreatic tumor microenvironment and their interactions have been studied in 3D cell cultures. We review selected clinical trials, assess the benefits of therapies interfering with the tumor microenvironment and address their limitations and future perspectives.
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39
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Zhou S, Yang J, Wang M, Zheng D, Liu Y. Endoplasmic reticulum stress regulates epithelial‑mesenchymal transition in human lens epithelial cells. Mol Med Rep 2019; 21:173-180. [PMID: 31746423 PMCID: PMC6896292 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2019.10814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial‑to‑mesenchymal transition (EMT) of human lens epithelial cells (HLECs) serve an important role in cataract formation. The endoplasmic reticulum stress response (ER stress) has been demonstrated to regulate EMT in a number of tissues. The aim of the present study was to demonstrate the role of ER stress on EMT in HLECs. HLECs were treated with tunicamycin (TM) or thapsigargin (TG) to disturb ER homeostasis, and 4‑phenylbutyric acid (PBA) or sodium tauroursodeoxycholate (TUDCA) to restore ER homeostasis. Cell morphology was evaluated after 24 h. The long axis and aspect ratio of the cells were analyzed using ImageJ software. The results demonstrated that HLECs adopted an elongated morphology following treatment with TG, and the cellular aspect ratio increased. However, this morphological change was not observed following combination treatment with TG and PBA. Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence staining were used to measure the protein expression levels. A wound‑healing assay was performed to evaluate cell migration. Treatment with TM or TG increased the expression of the ER stress markers glucose‑regulated protein 78, phosphorylated eukaryotic initiation factor 2α, activating transcription factor (ATF)6, ATF4 and inositol‑requiring protein 1α and the EMT markers fibronectin, vimentin, α‑smooth muscle actin and neural cadherin. Furthermore, treatment with TM or TG decreased the expression of the epithelial cell marker epithelial cadherin and enhanced cell migration, which effects were inhibited following treatment with PBA or TUDCA. These results indicates that enhanced ER stress induced EMT and subsequently increased cell migration in HLECs in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat‑sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, P.R. China
| | - Jing Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat‑sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, P.R. China
| | - Mingwei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat‑sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, P.R. China
| | - Danying Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat‑sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, P.R. China
| | - Yizhi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat‑sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, P.R. China
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Arner EN, Du W, Brekken RA. Behind the Wheel of Epithelial Plasticity in KRAS-Driven Cancers. Front Oncol 2019; 9:1049. [PMID: 31681587 PMCID: PMC6798880 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.01049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cellular plasticity, a feature associated with epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), contributes to tumor cell survival, migration, invasion, and therapy resistance. Phenotypic plasticity of the epithelium is a critical feature in multiple phases of human cancer in an oncogene- and tissue-specific context. Many factors can drive epithelial plasticity, including activating mutations in KRAS, which are found in an estimated 30% of all cancers. In this review, we will introduce cellular plasticity and its effect on cancer progression and therapy resistance and then summarize the drivers of EMT with an emphasis on KRAS effector signaling. Lastly, we will discuss the contribution of cellular plasticity to metastasis and its potential clinical implications. Understanding oncogenic KRAS cellular reprogramming has the potential to reveal novel strategies to control metastasis in KRAS-driven cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily N Arner
- Cancer Biology Graduate Program, Department of Surgery and the Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Wenting Du
- Cancer Biology Graduate Program, Department of Surgery and the Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Rolf A Brekken
- Cancer Biology Graduate Program, Department of Surgery and the Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States.,Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
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Cruz VH, Arner EN, Du W, Bremauntz AE, Brekken RA. Axl-mediated activation of TBK1 drives epithelial plasticity in pancreatic cancer. JCI Insight 2019; 5:126117. [PMID: 30938713 PMCID: PMC6538328 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.126117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2018] [Accepted: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) is characterized by an activating mutation in KRAS. Direct inhibition of KRAS through pharmacological means remains a challenge; however, targeting key KRAS effectors has therapeutic potential. We investigated the contribution of TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1), a critical downstream effector of mutant active KRAS, to PDA progression. We report that TBK1 supports the growth and metastasis of KRAS-mutant PDA by driving an epithelial plasticity program in tumor cells that enhances invasive and metastatic capacity. Further, we identify that the receptor tyrosine kinase Axl induces TBK1 activity in a Ras-RalB-dependent manner. These findings demonstrate that TBK1 is central to an Axl-driven epithelial-mesenchymal transition in KRAS-mutant PDA and suggest that interruption of the Axl-TBK1 signaling cascade above or below KRAS has potential therapeutic efficacy in this recalcitrant disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria H. Cruz
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, and the Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research
| | - Emily N. Arner
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, and the Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research
| | - Wenting Du
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, and the Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research
| | | | - Rolf A. Brekken
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, and the Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
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Liu C, Chiang B, Lewin Mejia D, Luker KE, Luker GD, Lee A. Mammary fibroblasts remodel fibrillar collagen microstructure in a biomimetic nanocomposite hydrogel. Acta Biomater 2019; 83:221-232. [PMID: 30414485 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2018.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2018] [Revised: 10/30/2018] [Accepted: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Architecture and microstructure of type I collagen fibers constitute central regulators of tumor invasion with aligned fibers providing a route for migration of stromal and cancer cells. Several different aspects of fibrillar collagen, such as stiffness, density, thickness, and pore size, may regulate migration of cancer cells, but determining effects of any one parameter requires clear decoupling of physical properties of collagen networks. The objective of this work is to develop and apply an in vitro three-dimensional (3D) tumor-extra cellular matrix (ECM) model with tunable physical parameters to define how stromal fibroblasts modulate collagen microstructure to control migration of breast cancer cells. We incorporated two different types of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) nano-molecules into a collagen/alginate matrix to induce different mechanisms of gelling. The resultant biomimetic, nanocomposite hydrogels show different collagen fibrillar microstructures while maintaining constant overall matrix stiffness, density, and porosimetry. Spheroids of human mammary fibroblasts embedded in these 3D matrices remodel the collagen network to varying extents based on differences in underlying matrix microstructures. The remodeled collagen matrix shows oriented, thicker fibrillar tracks, facilitating invasion of tumor cells. By decoupling effects of matrix stiffness and architecture, our nanocomposite hydrogels serve as robust platforms to investigate how biophysical properties of tumor environments control key processes regulating tumor progression in breast cancer and other malignancies. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Our manuscript demonstrates a new type of nanocomposite hydrogel with two different gelling mechanisms, produced by incorporating two types of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) nano-molecules into a collagen/alginate matrix. The resultant biomimetic hydrogels show different fibrillar collagen microstructures while maintaining constant overall matrix stiffness, density, and porosimetry. These gels allow us to uncouple effects of matrix stiffness versus architecture on migration and invasion of breast cancer cells and stromal fibroblasts. Upon embedding spheroids of human mammary fibroblasts (HMFs) and dissociated 231 breast cancer cells, we showed that HMFs remodeled the collagen network to differing extents dependent on starting matrix microstructures in each hydrogel. The remodeled collagen matrix showed aligned collagen fibers perpendicular to the surface of a spheroid with migrating HMFs following these fibers as occurs in tumors in vivo. To our knowledge, this is the first study showing significant different fibrillar collagen microstructures with constant collagen density and gel stiffness. This study establishes a new type of nanocomposite 3D hydrogels for studies of biophysical and cellular interactions in engineered tumor environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun Liu
- Center for Molecular Imaging, Department of Radiology, University of Michigan Medical School, 109 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2200, United States
| | - Benjamin Chiang
- Center for Molecular Imaging, Department of Radiology, University of Michigan Medical School, 109 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2200, United States
| | - Daniela Lewin Mejia
- Center for Molecular Imaging, Department of Radiology, University of Michigan Medical School, 109 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2200, United States
| | - Kathryn E Luker
- Center for Molecular Imaging, Department of Radiology, University of Michigan Medical School, 109 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2200, United States
| | - Gary D Luker
- Center for Molecular Imaging, Department of Radiology, University of Michigan Medical School, 109 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2200, United States; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan Medical School, United States; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan Medical School, United States.
| | - Andre Lee
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Michigan State University, United States.
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Coetzee A, Grose R, Kocher H. Pancreatic Cancer Organotypic Models. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2019; 430:183-198. [PMID: 30790075 DOI: 10.1007/82_2019_155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer has a dismal prognosis for patients due to late diagnosis and ineffective treatment options. There is a desperate need for more accurate disease models to enable improved therapies and diagnostic tests to reach the clinic. Pancreatic tumours have a high content of desmoplastic stroma, which forms a stiff, hypoxic tumour mass and contributes significantly to tumour development and metastatic spread. Therefore, 2D cell culture is not sufficient for understanding the complex biology of this disease. 3D in vitro models offer a more representative method of culturing cells for research in the laboratory. There are many different 3D models that can be used in research, organoids formed from patient or murine tumours are grown embedded in collagen or matrigel matrices, giving the potential for screening treatment options and personalised therapy in the future. Also, organotypic models using pancreatic cancer cell lines and stromal cells can be easily manipulated to study different aspects of pancreatic cancer and new therapeutic options in the laboratory. There are new emerging pancreatic cancer 3D models being developed, including microchip technology or synthetic scaffolds instead collagen and matrigel. All of these 3D culturing methods give an advantage over traditional 2D cell culture and could lead to improved understanding of this disease, translating to a better prognosis for patients in the clinic.
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Lin CC, Korc M. Designer hydrogels: Shedding light on the physical chemistry of the pancreatic cancer microenvironment. Cancer Lett 2018; 436:22-27. [PMID: 30118843 PMCID: PMC6557435 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2018.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2018] [Revised: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is currently the third leading cause of cancer mortality in the United States, with a 5-year survival of ∼8%. PDAC is characterized by a dense and hypo-vascularized stroma consisting of proliferating cancer cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts, macrophages and immune cells, as well as excess matrices including collagens, fibronectin, and hyaluronic acid. In addition, PDAC has increased interstitial pressures and a hypoxic/acidic tumor microenvironment (TME) that impedes drug delivery and blocks cancer-directed immune mechanisms. In spite of increasing options in targeted therapy, PDAC has mostly remained treatment recalcitrant. Owing to its critical roles on governing PDAC progression and treatment outcome, TME and its interplay with the cancer cells are increasingly studied. In particular, three-dimensional (3D) hydrogels derived from or inspired by components in the TME are progressively developed. When properly designed, these hydrogels (e.g., Matrigel, collagen gel, hyaluronic acid-based, and semi-synthetic hydrogels) can provide pathophysiologically relevant compositions, conditions, and contexts for supporting PDAC cell fate processes. This review summarizes recent efforts in using 3D hydrogels for fundamental studies on cell-matrix or cell-cell interactions in PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chien-Chi Lin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue School of Engineering & Technology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA; Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center and the Pancreatic Cancer Signature Center, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
| | - Murray Korc
- Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center and the Pancreatic Cancer Signature Center, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA; Departments of Medicine and Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
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Puls TJ, Tan X, Husain M, Whittington CF, Fishel ML, Voytik-Harbin SL. Development of a Novel 3D Tumor-tissue Invasion Model for High-throughput, High-content Phenotypic Drug Screening. Sci Rep 2018; 8:13039. [PMID: 30158688 PMCID: PMC6115445 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-31138-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
While much progress has been made in the war on cancer, highly invasive cancers such as pancreatic cancer remain difficult to treat and anti-cancer clinical trial success rates remain low. One shortcoming of the drug development process that underlies these problems is the lack of predictive, pathophysiologically relevant preclinical models of invasive tumor phenotypes. While present-day 3D spheroid invasion models more accurately recreate tumor invasion than traditional 2D models, their shortcomings include poor reproducibility and inability to interface with automated, high-throughput systems. To address this gap, a novel 3D tumor-tissue invasion model which supports rapid, reproducible setup and user-definition of tumor and surrounding tissue compartments was developed. High-cell density tumor compartments were created using a custom-designed fabrication system and standardized oligomeric type I collagen to define and modulate ECM physical properties. Pancreatic cancer cell lines used within this model showed expected differential invasive phenotypes. Low-passage, patient-derived pancreatic cancer cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts were used to increase model pathophysiologic relevance, yielding fibroblast-mediated tumor invasion and matrix alignment. Additionally, a proof-of-concept multiplex drug screening assay was applied to highlight this model's ability to interface with automated imaging systems and showcase its potential as a predictive tool for high-throughput, high-content drug screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- T J Puls
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Xiaohong Tan
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Mahera Husain
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Catherine F Whittington
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
- Department of Oncology, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN, 46285, USA
| | - Melissa L Fishel
- Department of Pediatrics, Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
- Pancreatic Cancer Signature Center, Indiana University Simon Cancer Center, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Sherry L Voytik-Harbin
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.
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Čunderlíková B, Filová B, Kajo K, Vallová M, Balázsiová Z, Trnka M, Mateašík A. Extracellular matrix affects different aspects of cell behaviour potentially involved in response to aminolevulinic acid-based photoinactivation. JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY B-BIOLOGY 2018; 189:283-291. [PMID: 30439643 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2018.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2018] [Revised: 07/17/2018] [Accepted: 08/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Two-dimensional cell cultures do not seem to be reliable models for anticancer drug discovery and validation. Numerous in vitro tumour models of different complexity have been evaluated with the aim to enhance anticancer drug development, but whether all these models could be considered as physiologically relevant is a question. Even type of the extracellular matrix may markedly influence experimental results and supposedly also clinical treatment outcome. By using three human oesophageal cell lines and three-dimensional cultures based on collagen type I, abundant component of stromal tissue, and Matrigel, a surrogate of basement membrane, we tested the impact of extracellular matrix on different aspects of cell behaviour. We applied live cell fluorescence confocal microscopy in combination with image analysis and supplemented it with immunohistochemical analysis of differentiation markers in fixed samples. We found that cell morphogenesis, differentiation, extracellular vesicle formation, protoporphyrin IX production from aminolevulinic acid and response to subsequent photodynamic intervention induced by red light may be affected by the type of extracellular matrix and these modifications occur in a cell-type dependent manner. Our results demonstrate that the choice of the correct extracellular matrix for in vitro tumour models is crucial for gathering clinically relevant information from in vitro experimental studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beata Čunderlíková
- Institute of Medical Physics, Biophysics, Informatics and Telemedicine, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia; International Laser Centre, Bratislava, Slovakia.
| | - Barbora Filová
- Institute of Medical Physics, Biophysics, Informatics and Telemedicine, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Karol Kajo
- Department of Pathology, St. Elisabeth Cancer Institute, Bratislava, Slovakia; Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Miroslava Vallová
- Department of Pathology, St. Elisabeth Cancer Institute, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Zuzana Balázsiová
- Institute of Medical Physics, Biophysics, Informatics and Telemedicine, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Michal Trnka
- Institute of Medical Physics, Biophysics, Informatics and Telemedicine, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
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Functional Role of Non-Coding RNAs during Epithelial-To-Mesenchymal Transition. Noncoding RNA 2018; 4:ncrna4020014. [PMID: 29843425 PMCID: PMC6027143 DOI: 10.3390/ncrna4020014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2018] [Revised: 05/22/2018] [Accepted: 05/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a key biological process involved in a multitude of developmental and pathological events. It is characterized by the progressive loss of cell-to-cell contacts and actin cytoskeletal rearrangements, leading to filopodia formation and the progressive up-regulation of a mesenchymal gene expression pattern enabling cell migration. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition is already observed in early embryonic stages such as gastrulation, when the epiblast undergoes an EMT process and therefore leads to the formation of the third embryonic layer, the mesoderm. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition is pivotal in multiple embryonic processes, such as for example during cardiovascular system development, as valve primordia are formed and the cardiac jelly is progressively invaded by endocardium-derived mesenchyme or as the external cardiac cell layer is established, i.e., the epicardium and cells detached migrate into the embryonic myocardial to form the cardiac fibrous skeleton and the coronary vasculature. Strikingly, the most important biological event in which EMT is pivotal is cancer development and metastasis. Over the last years, understanding of the transcriptional regulatory networks involved in EMT has greatly advanced. Several transcriptional factors such as Snail, Slug, Twist, Zeb1 and Zeb2 have been reported to play fundamental roles in EMT, leading in most cases to transcriptional repression of cell⁻cell interacting proteins such as ZO-1 and cadherins and activation of cytoskeletal markers such as vimentin. In recent years, a fundamental role for non-coding RNAs, particularly microRNAs and more recently long non-coding RNAs, has been identified in normal tissue development and homeostasis as well as in several oncogenic processes. In this study, we will provide a state-of-the-art review of the functional roles of non-coding RNAs, particularly microRNAs, in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in both developmental and pathological EMT.
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Langhans SA. Three-Dimensional in Vitro Cell Culture Models in Drug Discovery and Drug Repositioning. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:6. [PMID: 29410625 PMCID: PMC5787088 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 848] [Impact Index Per Article: 141.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2017] [Accepted: 01/03/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug development is a lengthy and costly process that proceeds through several stages from target identification to lead discovery and optimization, preclinical validation and clinical trials culminating in approval for clinical use. An important step in this process is high-throughput screening (HTS) of small compound libraries for lead identification. Currently, the majority of cell-based HTS is being carried out on cultured cells propagated in two-dimensions (2D) on plastic surfaces optimized for tissue culture. At the same time, compelling evidence suggests that cells cultured in these non-physiological conditions are not representative of cells residing in the complex microenvironment of a tissue. This discrepancy is thought to be a significant contributor to the high failure rate in drug discovery, where only a low percentage of drugs investigated ever make it through the gamut of testing and approval to the market. Thus, three-dimensional (3D) cell culture technologies that more closely resemble in vivo cell environments are now being pursued with intensity as they are expected to accommodate better precision in drug discovery. Here we will review common approaches to 3D culture, discuss the significance of 3D cultures in drug resistance and drug repositioning and address some of the challenges of applying 3D cell cultures to high-throughput drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sigrid A. Langhans
- Nemours Center for Childhood Cancer Research and Nemours Center for Neuroscience Research, Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE, United States
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