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Fallon I, Hernando H, Almacellas-Rabaiget O, Marti-Fuster B, Spadoni C, Bigner DD, Méndez E. Development of a high-throughput screening platform to identify new therapeutic agents for Medulloblastoma Group 3. SLAS DISCOVERY : ADVANCING LIFE SCIENCES R & D 2024; 29:100147. [PMID: 38355016 DOI: 10.1016/j.slasd.2024.100147] [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: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Pediatric brain tumors (PBTs) represent about 25 % of all pediatric cancers and are the most common solid tumors in children and adolescents. Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most frequently occurring malignant PBT, accounting for almost 10 % of all pediatric cancer deaths. MB Group 3 (MB G3) accounts for 25-30 % of all MB cases and has the worst outcome, particularly when associated with MYC amplification. However, no targeted treatments for this group have been developed so far. Here we describe a unique high throughput screening (HTS) platform specifically designed to identify new therapies for MB G3. The platform incorporates optimized and validated 2D and 3D efficacy and toxicity models, that account for tumor heterogenicity, limited efficacy and unacceptable toxicity from the very early stage of drug discovery. The platform has been validated by conducting a pilot HTS campaign with a 1280 lead-like compound library. Results showed 8 active compounds, targeting MB reported targets and several are currently approved or in clinical trials for pediatric patients with PBTs, including MB. Moreover, hits were combined to avoid tumor resistance, identifying 3 synergistic pairs, one of which is currently under clinical study for recurrent MB and other PBTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inés Fallon
- Oncoheroes Biosciences S.L., Barcelona, Spain; Grup d'Enginyeria de Materials, Institut Químic de Sarrià, Universitat Ramon Llull, Barcelona, 08017, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | - Darell D Bigner
- Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Eva Méndez
- Oncoheroes Biosciences S.L., Barcelona, Spain.
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Zippel S, Dilger N, Chatterjee C, Raic A, Brenner-Weiß G, Schadzek P, Rapp BE, Lee-Thedieck C. A parallelized, perfused 3D triculture model of leukemia for in vitro drug testing of chemotherapeutics. Biofabrication 2022; 14. [PMID: 35472717 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/ac6a7e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Leukemia patients undergo chemotherapy to combat the leukemic cells (LCs) in the bone marrow. During therapy not only the LCs, but also the blood-producing hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) may be destroyed. Chemotherapeutics targeting only the LCs are urgently needed to overcome this problem and minimize life-threatening side-effects. Predictive in vitro drug testing systems allowing simultaneous comparison of various experimental settings would enhance the efficiency of drug development. Here, we present a 3D human leukemic bone marrow model perfused using a magnetic, parallelized culture system to ensure media exchange. Chemotherapeutic treatment of the acute myeloid leukemia cell line KG-1a in 3D magnetic hydrogels seeded with mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) revealed a greater resistance of KG-1a compared to 2D culture. In 3D tricultures with HSPCs, MSCs and KG-1a, imitating leukemic bone marrow, HSPC proliferation decreased while KG-1a cells remained unaffected post treatment. Non-invasive metabolic profiling enabled continuous monitoring of the system. Our results highlight the importance of using biomimetic 3D platforms with proper media exchange and co-cultures for creating in vivo-like conditions to enable in vitro drug testing. This system is a step towards drug testing in biomimetic, parallelized in vitro approaches, facilitating the discovery of new anti-leukemic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Zippel
- Institute of Cell Biology and Biophysics, Leibniz Universitat Hannover, Herrenhäuser Str. 2, Hannover, 30419, GERMANY
| | - Nadine Dilger
- Institute of Cell Biology and Biophysics, Leibniz University Hanover, Herrenhäuser Str. 2, Hannover, 30419, GERMANY
| | - Chandralekha Chatterjee
- Institute of Cell Biology and Biophysics, Leibniz Universitat Hannover, Herrenhäuser Str. 2, Hannover, 30419, GERMANY
| | - Annamarija Raic
- Institute of Cell Biology and Biophysics, Leibniz Universitat Hannover, Herrenhäuser Str. 2, Hannover, 30419, GERMANY
| | - Gerald Brenner-Weiß
- Institute of Functional Interfaces, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Baden-Württemberg, 76344, GERMANY
| | - Patrik Schadzek
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Graded Implants and Regenerative Strategies, OE 8893, Laboratory for Biomechanics and Biomaterials, Hannover Medical School, Stadtfelddamm 34, Hannover, Niedersachsen, 30625, GERMANY
| | - Bastian E Rapp
- Department of Microsystems Engineering (IMTEK), Albert-Ludwigs-Universitat Freiburg, Georges-Köhler-Allee 103, Freiburg im Breisgau, Baden-Württemberg, 79110, GERMANY
| | - Cornelia Lee-Thedieck
- Institute of Cell Biology and Biophysics, Leibniz Universitat Hannover, Herrenhäuser Str. 2, Hannover, 30419, GERMANY
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Varadarajan SN, Mathew KA, Chandrasekharan A, Lupitha SS, Lekshmi A, Mini M, Darvin P, Santhoshkumar TR. Real-time visualization and quantitation of cell death and cell cycle progression in 2D and 3D cultures utilizing genetically encoded probes. J Cell Biochem 2022; 123:782-797. [PMID: 35106828 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.30222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Cancer cells grown as 3D-structures are better models for mimicking in vivo conditions than the 2D-culture systems employable in drug discovery applications. Cell cycle and cell death are important determinants for preclinical drug screening and tumor growth studies in laboratory conditions. Though several 3D-models and live-cell compatible approaches are available, a method for simultaneous real-time detection of cell cycle and cell death is required. Here we demonstrate a high-throughput adaptable method using genetically encoded fluorescent probes for the real-time quantitative detection of cell death and cell cycle. The cell-cycle indicator cdt1-Kusabira orange (KO) is stably integrated into cancer cells and further transfected with the Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer-based ECFP-DEVD-EYFP caspase activation sensor. The nuclear cdt1-KO expression serves as the readout for cell-cycle, and caspase activation is visualized by ECFP/EYFP ratiometric imaging. The image-based platform allowed imaging of growing spheres for prolonged periods in 3D-culture with excellent single-cell resolution through confocal microscopy. High-throughput screening (HTS) adaptation was achieved by targeting the caspase-sensor at the nucleus, which enabled the quantitation of cell death in 3D-models. The HTS using limited compound libraries, identified two lead compounds that induced caspase-activation both in 2D and 3D-cultures. This is the first report of an approach for noninvasive stain-free quantitative imaging of cell death and cell cycle with potential drug discovery applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Krupa Ann Mathew
- Cancer Research Program-1, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - Aneesh Chandrasekharan
- Cancer Research Program-1, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | | | - Asha Lekshmi
- Cancer Research Program-1, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - Minsa Mini
- Cancer Research Program-1, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - Pramod Darvin
- Cancer Research Program-1, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - T R Santhoshkumar
- Cancer Research Program-1, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
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The extracellular matrix of hematopoietic stem cell niches. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 181:114069. [PMID: 34838648 PMCID: PMC8860232 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.114069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Comprehensive overview of different classes of ECM molecules in the HSC niche. Overview of current knowledge on role of biophysics of the HSC niche. Description of approaches to create artificial stem cell niches for several application. Importance of considering ECM in drug development and testing.
Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are the life-long source of all types of blood cells. Their function is controlled by their direct microenvironment, the HSC niche in the bone marrow. Although the importance of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in the niche by orchestrating niche architecture and cellular function is widely acknowledged, it is still underexplored. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the ECM in HSC niches. For this purpose, we first briefly outline HSC niche biology and then review the role of the different classes of ECM molecules in the niche one by one and how they are perceived by cells. Matrix remodeling and the emerging importance of biophysics in HSC niche function are discussed. Finally, the application of the current knowledge of ECM in the niche in form of artificial HSC niches for HSC expansion or targeted differentiation as well as drug testing is reviewed.
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Abstract
3D-dynamic culture models represent an invaluable tool for a better comprehension of tumor biology and drug response, as they accurately re-create/preserve the complex multicellular organization and the dynamic interactions of the parental microenvironment, which can affect tumor fate and drug sensitivity. Hence, development of models that recapitulate tumor within its embedding microenvironment is an imperative need. This is particularly true for multiple myeloma (MM), which survives almost exclusively in the bone marrow (BM). To meet this need, we have previously exploited and validated an innovative 3D-dynamic culture technology, based on the use of the Rotary Cell Culture System (RCCS ™) bioreactor . Here, we describe, step by step, the procedures we have employed to establish two human MM ex vivo models, i.e., the culture of human BM-derived isolated cells and of MM tissues from patients.
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Camci-Unal G, Newsome D, Eustace BK, Whitesides GM. Fibroblasts Enhance Migration of Human Lung Cancer Cells in a Paper-Based Coculture System. Adv Healthc Mater 2016; 5:641-7, 626. [PMID: 26717559 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201500709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2015] [Revised: 11/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
A multilayered paper-based platform is used to investigate the interactions between human lung tumor cells and fibroblasts that are isolated from primary patient tumor samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gulden Camci-Unal
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology; Harvard University; 12 Oxford Street Cambridge MA 02138 USA
| | - David Newsome
- Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated; 50 Northern Avenue Boston MA 02210 USA
| | - Brenda K. Eustace
- Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated; 50 Northern Avenue Boston MA 02210 USA
| | - George M. Whitesides
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology; Harvard University; 12 Oxford Street Cambridge MA 02138 USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering; Harvard University; 60 Oxford Street Cambridge MA 02138 USA
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Bruce A, Evans R, Mezan R, Shi L, Moses BS, Martin KH, Gibson LF, Yang Y. Three-Dimensional Microfluidic Tri-Culture Model of the Bone Marrow Microenvironment for Study of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0140506. [PMID: 26488876 PMCID: PMC4619215 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0140506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2015] [Accepted: 09/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) initiates and progresses in the bone marrow, and as such, the marrow microenvironment is a critical regulatory component in development of this cancer. However, ALL studies were conducted mainly on flat plastic substrates, which do not recapitulate the characteristics of marrow microenvironments. To study ALL in a model of in vivo relevance, we have engineered a 3-D microfluidic cell culture platform. Biologically relevant populations of primary human bone marrow stromal cells, osteoblasts and human leukemic cells representative of an aggressive phenotype were encapsulated in 3-D collagen matrix as the minimal constituents and cultured in a microfluidic platform. The matrix stiffness and fluidic shear stress were controlled in a physiological range. The 3-D microfluidic as well as 3-D static models demonstrated coordinated cell-cell interactions between these cell types compared to the compaction of the 2-D static model. Tumor cell viability in response to an antimetabolite chemotherapeutic agent, cytarabine in tumor cells alone and tri-culture models for 2-D static, 3-D static and 3-D microfluidic models were compared. The present study showed decreased chemotherapeutic drug sensitivity of leukemic cells in 3-D tri-culture models from the 2-D models. The results indicate that the bone marrow microenvironment plays a protective role in tumor cell survival during drug treatment. The engineered 3-D microfluidic tri-culture model enables systematic investigation of effects of cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions on cancer progression and therapeutic intervention in a controllable manner, thus improving our limited comprehension of the role of microenvironmental signals in cancer biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison Bruce
- Department of Chemical Engineering, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, United States of America
| | - Rebecca Evans
- Alexander B. Osborn Hematopoietic Malignancy and Transplantation Program, Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, United States of America
| | - Ryan Mezan
- Department of Chemical Engineering, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, United States of America
| | - Lin Shi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, United States of America
| | - Blake S. Moses
- Alexander B. Osborn Hematopoietic Malignancy and Transplantation Program, Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, United States of America
| | - Karen H. Martin
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, United States of America
| | - Laura F. Gibson
- Alexander B. Osborn Hematopoietic Malignancy and Transplantation Program, Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, United States of America
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, United States of America
- * E-mail: (YY); (LFG)
| | - Yong Yang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, United States of America
- * E-mail: (YY); (LFG)
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Berenzi A, Steimberg N, Boniotti J, Mazzoleni G. MRT letter: 3D culture of isolated cells: a fast and efficient method for optimizing their histochemical and immunocytochemical analyses. Microsc Res Tech 2015; 78:249-54. [PMID: 25639567 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.22470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2014] [Accepted: 01/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The rapid development of three-dimensional (3D) culture systems and engineered cell-based tissue models gave rise to an increasing need of new techniques, allowing the microscopic observation of cell behavior/morphology in tissue-like structures, as clearly signalled by several authors during the last decennium. With samples consisting of small aggregates of isolated cells grown in suspension, it is often difficult to produce an optimal embedded preparation that can be further successfully processed for classical histochemical investigations. In this work, we describe a new, easy to use, efficient method that enables to embed an enriched "preparation" of isolated cells/small 3D cell aggregates, without any cell stress or damage. As for after tissue-embedding procedures, the cellular blocks can be further suitably processed for efficient histochemical as well as immunohistochemical analyses, rendering more informative-and attractive-studies onto 3D cell-based culture of neo-tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angiola Berenzi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Institute of Pathological Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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