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Hall E, Mendiola K, Lightsey NK, Hanjaya-Putra D. Mimicking blood and lymphatic vasculatures using microfluidic systems. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2024; 18:031502. [PMID: 38726373 PMCID: PMC11081709 DOI: 10.1063/5.0175154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
The role of the circulatory system, containing the blood and lymphatic vasculatures, within the body, has become increasingly focused on by researchers as dysfunction of either of the systems has been linked to serious complications and disease. Currently, in vivo models are unable to provide the sufficient monitoring and level of manipulation needed to characterize the fluidic dynamics of the microcirculation in blood and lymphatic vessels; thus in vitro models have been pursued as an alternative model. Microfluidic devices have the required properties to provide a physiologically relevant circulatory system model for research as well as the experimental tools to conduct more advanced research analyses of microcirculation flow. In this review paper, the physiological behavior of fluid flow and electrical communication within the endothelial cells of the systems are detailed and discussed to highlight their complexities. Cell co-culturing methods and other relevant organ-on-a-chip devices will be evaluated to demonstrate the feasibility and relevance of the in vitro microfluidic model. Microfluidic systems will be determined as a noteworthy model that can display physiologically relevant flow of the cardiovascular and lymphatic systems, which will enable researchers to investigate the systems' prevalence in diseases and identify potential therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Hall
- Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, Bioengineering Graduate Program, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, USA
| | | | - N. Keilany Lightsey
- Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, Bioengineering Graduate Program, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, USA
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2
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Ko J, Song J, Lee Y, Choi N, Kim HN. Understanding organotropism in cancer metastasis using microphysiological systems. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:1542-1556. [PMID: 38192269 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00889d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Cancer metastasis, the leading cause of cancer-related deaths, remains a complex challenge in medical science. Stephen Paget's "seed and soil theory" introduced the concept of organotropism, suggesting that metastatic success depends on specific organ microenvironments. Understanding organotropism not only offers potential for curbing metastasis but also novel treatment strategies. Microphysiological systems (MPS), especially organ-on-a-chip models, have emerged as transformative tools in this quest. These systems, blending microfluidics, biology, and engineering, grant precise control over cell interactions within organ-specific microenvironments. MPS enable real-time monitoring, morphological analysis, and protein quantification, enhancing our comprehension of cancer dynamics, including tumor migration, vascularization, and pre-metastatic niches. In this review, we explore innovative applications of MPS in investigating cancer metastasis, particularly focusing on organotropism. This interdisciplinary approach converges the field of science, engineering, and medicine, thereby illuminating a path toward groundbreaking discoveries in cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihoon Ko
- Department of BioNano Technology, Gachon University, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do 13120, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jiyoung Song
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea.
| | - Yedam Lee
- Department of BioNano Technology, Gachon University, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do 13120, Republic of Korea.
| | - Nakwon Choi
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea.
- Division of Bio-Medical Science & Technology, KIST School, Korea University of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
- KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Hong Nam Kim
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea.
- Division of Bio-Medical Science & Technology, KIST School, Korea University of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
- Yonsei-KIST Convergence Research Institute, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
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3
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Yoon H, Sabaté Del Río J, Cho SW, Park TE. Recent advances in micro-physiological systems for investigating tumor metastasis and organotropism. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:1351-1366. [PMID: 38303676 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc01033c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Tumor metastasis involves complex processes that traditional 2D cultures and animal models struggle to fully replicate. Metastatic tumors undergo a multitude of transformations, including genetic diversification, adaptation to diverse microenvironments, and modified drug responses, contributing significantly to cancer-related mortality. Micro-physiological systems (MPS) technology emerges as a promising approach to emulate the metastatic process by integrating critical biochemical, biomechanical, and geometrical cues at a microscale. These systems are particularly advantageous simulating metastasis organotropism, the phenomenon where tumors exhibit a preference for metastasizing to particular organs. Organotropism is influenced by various factors, such as tumor cell characteristics, unique organ microenvironments, and organ-specific vascular conditions, all of which can be effectively examined using MPS. This review surveys the recent developments in MPS research from the past five years, with a specific focus on their applications in replicating tumor metastasis and organotropism. Furthermore, we discuss the current limitations in MPS-based studies of organotropism and propose strategies for more accurately replicating and analyzing the intricate aspects of organ-specific metastasis, which is pivotal in the development of targeted therapeutic approaches against metastatic cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heejeong Yoon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Information and Biotechnology, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jonathan Sabaté Del Río
- Center for Algorithmic and Robotized Synthesis (CARS), Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Woo Cho
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Information and Biotechnology, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea.
| | - Tae-Eun Park
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Information and Biotechnology, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea.
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4
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Farahani MK, Gharibshahian M, Rezvani A, Vaez A. Breast cancer brain metastasis: from etiology to state-of-the-art modeling. J Biol Eng 2023; 17:41. [PMID: 37386445 DOI: 10.1186/s13036-023-00352-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Currently, breast carcinoma is the most common form of malignancy and the main cause of cancer mortality in women worldwide. The metastasis of cancer cells from the primary tumor site to other organs in the body, notably the lungs, bones, brain, and liver, is what causes breast cancer to ultimately be fatal. Brain metastases occur in as many as 30% of patients with advanced breast cancer, and the 1-year survival rate of these patients is around 20%. Many researchers have focused on brain metastasis, but due to its complexities, many aspects of this process are still relatively unclear. To develop and test novel therapies for this fatal condition, pre-clinical models are required that can mimic the biological processes involved in breast cancer brain metastasis (BCBM). The application of many breakthroughs in the area of tissue engineering has resulted in the development of scaffold or matrix-based culture methods that more accurately imitate the original extracellular matrix (ECM) of metastatic tumors. Furthermore, specific cell lines are now being used to create three-dimensional (3D) cultures that can be used to model metastasis. These 3D cultures satisfy the requirement for in vitro methodologies that allow for a more accurate investigation of the molecular pathways as well as a more in-depth examination of the effects of the medication being tested. In this review, we talk about the latest advances in modeling BCBM using cell lines, animals, and tissue engineering methods.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maliheh Gharibshahian
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
| | - Alireza Rezvani
- Hematology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Ahmad Vaez
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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5
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Suarez AC, Hammel JH, Munson JM. Modeling lymphangiogenesis: Pairing in vitro and in vivo metrics. Microcirculation 2023; 30:e12802. [PMID: 36760223 PMCID: PMC10121924 DOI: 10.1111/micc.12802] [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: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Lymphangiogenesis is the mechanism by which the lymphatic system develops and expands new vessels facilitating fluid drainage and immune cell trafficking. Models to study lymphangiogenesis are necessary for a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms and to identify or test new therapeutic agents that target lymphangiogenesis. Across the lymphatic literature, multiple models have been developed to study lymphangiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. In vitro, lymphangiogenesis can be modeled with varying complexity, from monolayers to hydrogels to explants, with common metrics for characterizing proliferation, migration, and sprouting of lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) and vessels. In comparison, in vivo models of lymphangiogenesis often use genetically modified zebrafish and mice, with in situ mouse models in the ear, cornea, hind leg, and tail. In vivo metrics, such as activation of LECs, number of new lymphatic vessels, and sprouting, mirror those most used in vitro, with the addition of lymphatic vessel hyperplasia and drainage. The impacts of lymphangiogenesis vary by context of tissue and pathology. Therapeutic targeting of lymphangiogenesis can have paradoxical effects depending on the pathology including lymphedema, cancer, organ transplant, and inflammation. In this review, we describe and compare lymphangiogenic outcomes and metrics between in vitro and in vivo studies, specifically reviewing only those publications in which both testing formats are used. We find that in vitro studies correlate well with in vivo in wound healing and development, but not in the reproductive tract or the complex tumor microenvironment. Considerations for improving in vitro models are to increase complexity with perfusable microfluidic devices, co-cultures with tissue-specific support cells, the inclusion of fluid flow, and pairing in vitro models of differing complexities. We believe that these changes would strengthen the correlation between in vitro and in vivo outcomes, giving more insight into lymphangiogenesis in healthy and pathological states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aileen C. Suarez
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA
- Virginia Tech-Wake Forest School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Department of Biomedical Engineering & Mechanics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
| | - Jennifer H. Hammel
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA
- Virginia Tech-Wake Forest School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Department of Biomedical Engineering & Mechanics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
| | - Jennifer M. Munson
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA
- Virginia Tech-Wake Forest School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Department of Biomedical Engineering & Mechanics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
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6
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Azimian Zavareh V, Rafiee L, Sheikholeslam M, Shariati L, Vaseghi G, Savoji H, Haghjooy Javanmard S. Three-Dimensional in Vitro Models: A Promising Tool To Scale-Up Breast Cancer Research. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2022; 8:4648-4672. [PMID: 36260561 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.2c00277] [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] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Common models used in breast cancer studies, including two-dimensional (2D) cultures and animal models, do not precisely model all aspects of breast tumors. These models do not well simulate the cell-cell and cell-stromal interactions required for normal tumor growth in the body and lake tumor like microenvironment. Three-dimensional (3D) cell culture models are novel approaches to studying breast cancer. They do not have the restrictions of these conventional models and are able to recapitulate the structural architecture, complexity, and specific function of breast tumors and provide similar in vivo responses to therapeutic regimens. These models can be a link between former traditional 2D culture and in vivo models and are necessary for further studies in cancer. This review attempts to summarize the most common 3D in vitro models used in breast cancer studies, including scaffold-free (spheroid and organoid), scaffold-based, and chip-based models, particularly focused on the basic and translational application of these 3D models in drug screening and the tumor microenvironment in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vajihe Azimian Zavareh
- Applied Physiology Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 81746 73461, Iran.,Core Research Facilities (CRF), Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 81746 73461, Iran
| | - Laleh Rafiee
- Applied Physiology Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 81746 73461, Iran
| | - Mohammadali Sheikholeslam
- Department of Biomaterials, Nanotechnology and Tissue Engineering, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 81746 73461, Iran.,Biosensor Research Center, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 81746 73461, Iran
| | - Laleh Shariati
- Department of Biomaterials, Nanotechnology and Tissue Engineering, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 81746 73461, Iran.,Cancer Prevention Research Center, Omid Hospital, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 81746 73461, Iran
| | - Golnaz Vaseghi
- Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Center, Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 81746 73461, Iran
| | - Houman Savoji
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada.,Research Center, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine, Montreal, QC H3T 1C5, Canada.,Montreal TransMedTech Institute, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Shaghayegh Haghjooy Javanmard
- Applied Physiology Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 81746 73461, Iran
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7
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Fabrication of a Cell-Friendly Poly(dimethylsiloxane) Culture Surface via Polydopamine Coating. MICROMACHINES 2022; 13:mi13071122. [PMID: 35888939 PMCID: PMC9315764 DOI: 10.3390/mi13071122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we fabricated a poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) surface coated with polydopamine (PDA) to enhance cell adhesion. PDA is well known for improving surface adhesion on various surfaces due to the abundant reactions enabled by the phenyl, amine, and catechol groups contained within it. To confirm the successful surface coating with PDA, the water contact angle and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were analyzed. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and human-bone-marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were cultured on the PDA-coated PDMS surface to evaluate potential improvements in cell adhesion and proliferation. HUVECs were also cultured inside a cylindrical PDMS microchannel, which was constructed to mimic a human blood vessel, and their growth and performance were compared to those of cells grown inside a rectangular microchannel. This study provides a helpful perspective for building a platform that mimics in vivo environments in a more realistic manner.
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8
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Sengupta A, Roldan N, Kiener M, Froment L, Raggi G, Imler T, de Maddalena L, Rapet A, May T, Carius P, Schneider-Daum N, Lehr CM, Kruithof-de Julio M, Geiser T, Marti TM, Stucki JD, Hobi N, Guenat OT. A New Immortalized Human Alveolar Epithelial Cell Model to Study Lung Injury and Toxicity on a Breathing Lung-On-Chip System. FRONTIERS IN TOXICOLOGY 2022; 4:840606. [PMID: 35832493 PMCID: PMC9272139 DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2022.840606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The evaluation of inhalation toxicity, drug safety and efficacy assessment, as well as the investigation of complex disease pathomechanisms, are increasingly relying on in vitro lung models. This is due to the progressive shift towards human-based systems for more predictive and translational research. While several cellular models are currently available for the upper airways, modelling the distal alveolar region poses several constraints that make the standardization of reliable alveolar in vitro models relatively difficult. In this work, we present a new and reproducible alveolar in vitro model, that combines a human derived immortalized alveolar epithelial cell line (AXiAEC) and organ-on-chip technology mimicking the lung alveolar biophysical environment (AXlung-on-chip). The latter mimics key features of the in vivo alveolar milieu: breathing-like 3D cyclic stretch (10% linear strain, 0.2 Hz frequency) and an ultrathin, porous and elastic membrane. AXiAECs cultured on-chip were characterized for their alveolar epithelial cell markers by gene and protein expression. Cell barrier properties were examined by TER (Transbarrier Electrical Resistance) measurement and tight junction formation. To establish a physiological model for the distal lung, AXiAECs were cultured for long-term at air-liquid interface (ALI) on-chip. To this end, different stages of alveolar damage including inflammation (via exposure to bacterial lipopolysaccharide) and the response to a profibrotic mediator (via exposure to Transforming growth factor β1) were analyzed. In addition, the expression of relevant host cell factors involved in SARS-CoV-2 infection was investigated to evaluate its potential application for COVID-19 studies. This study shows that AXiAECs cultured on the AXlung-on-chip exhibit an enhanced in vivo-like alveolar character which is reflected into: 1) Alveolar type 1 (AT1) and 2 (AT2) cell specific phenotypes, 2) tight barrier formation (with TER above 1,000 Ω cm2) and 3) reproducible long-term preservation of alveolar characteristics in nearly physiological conditions (co-culture, breathing, ALI). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that a primary derived alveolar epithelial cell line on-chip representing both AT1 and AT2 characteristics is reported. This distal lung model thereby represents a valuable in vitro tool to study inhalation toxicity, test safety and efficacy of drug compounds and characterization of xenobiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arunima Sengupta
- Organs-on-Chip Technologies, ARTORG Center for Biomedical Engineering, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Nuria Roldan
- Alveolix AG, Swiss Organs-on-Chip Innovation, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Mirjam Kiener
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland.,Department for BioMedical Research DBMR, Urology Research Laboratory, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Laurène Froment
- Alveolix AG, Swiss Organs-on-Chip Innovation, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Giulia Raggi
- Alveolix AG, Swiss Organs-on-Chip Innovation, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Theo Imler
- Alveolix AG, Swiss Organs-on-Chip Innovation, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Aude Rapet
- Alveolix AG, Swiss Organs-on-Chip Innovation, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Patrick Carius
- Department of Drug Delivery (DDEL), Helmholtz-Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Saarbrücken, Germany.,Department of Pharmacy, Biopharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Nicole Schneider-Daum
- Department of Drug Delivery (DDEL), Helmholtz-Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Saarbrücken, Germany.,Department of Pharmacy, Biopharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Claus-Michael Lehr
- Department of Drug Delivery (DDEL), Helmholtz-Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Saarbrücken, Germany.,Department of Pharmacy, Biopharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Marianna Kruithof-de Julio
- Department for BioMedical Research DBMR, Urology Research Laboratory, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Geiser
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Michael Marti
- Department of General Thoracic Surgery, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Janick D Stucki
- Alveolix AG, Swiss Organs-on-Chip Innovation, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Nina Hobi
- Alveolix AG, Swiss Organs-on-Chip Innovation, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Olivier T Guenat
- Organs-on-Chip Technologies, ARTORG Center for Biomedical Engineering, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland.,Department of General Thoracic Surgery, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
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9
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An C, Wang X, Song F, Hu J, Li L. Insights into intercellular receptor-ligand binding kinetics in cell communication. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:953353. [PMID: 35837553 PMCID: PMC9273785 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.953353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell-cell communication is crucial for cells to sense, respond and adapt to environmental cues and stimuli. The intercellular communication process, which involves multiple length scales, is mediated by the specific binding of membrane-anchored receptors and ligands. Gaining insight into two-dimensional receptor-ligand binding kinetics is of great significance for understanding numerous physiological and pathological processes, and stimulating new strategies in drug design and discovery. To this end, extensive studies have been performed to illuminate the underlying mechanisms that control intercellular receptor-ligand binding kinetics via experiment, theoretical analysis and numerical simulation. It has been well established that the cellular microenvironment where the receptor-ligand interaction occurs plays a vital role. In this review, we focus on the advances regarding the regulatory effects of three factors including 1) protein-membrane interaction, 2) biomechanical force, and 3) bioelectric microenvironment to summarize the relevant experimental observations, underlying mechanisms, as well as their biomedical significances and applications. Meanwhile, we introduce modeling methods together with experiment technologies developed for dealing with issues at different scales. We also outline future directions to advance the field and highlight that building up systematic understandings for the coupling effects of these regulatory factors can greatly help pharmaceutical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenyi An
- School of Biology and Engineering, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- Department of Cell Biology and Department of Cardiology of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaohuan Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Fan Song
- State Key Laboratory of Nonlinear Mechanics and Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Engineering Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jinglei Hu
- Kuang Yaming Honors School and Institute for Brain Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Jinglei Hu, ; Long Li,
| | - Long Li
- State Key Laboratory of Nonlinear Mechanics and Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Jinglei Hu, ; Long Li,
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10
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Recent advances for cancer detection and treatment by microfluidic technology, review and update. Biol Proced Online 2022; 24:5. [PMID: 35484481 PMCID: PMC9052508 DOI: 10.1186/s12575-022-00166-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Numerous cancer-associated deaths are owing to a lack of effective diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Microfluidic systems for analyzing a low volume of samples offer a precise, quick, and user-friendly technique for cancer diagnosis and treatment. Microfluidic devices can detect many cancer-diagnostic factors from biological fluids and also generate appropriate nanoparticles for drug delivery. Thus, microfluidics may be valuable in the cancer field due to its high sensitivity, high throughput, and low cost. In the present article, we aim to review recent achievements in the application of microfluidic systems for the diagnosis and treatment of various cancers. Although microfluidic platforms are not yet used in the clinic, they are expected to become the main technology for cancer diagnosis and treatment. Microfluidic systems are proving to be more sensitive and accurate for the detection of cancer biomarkers and therapeutic strategies than common assays. Microfluidic lab-on-a-chip platforms have shown remarkable potential in the designing of novel procedures for cancer detection, therapy, and disease follow-up as well as the development of new drug delivery systems for cancer treatment.
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11
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Manore SG, Doheny DL, Wong GL, Lo HW. IL-6/JAK/STAT3 Signaling in Breast Cancer Metastasis: Biology and Treatment. Front Oncol 2022; 12:866014. [PMID: 35371975 PMCID: PMC8964978 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.866014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women. Metastasis is the primary cause of mortality for breast cancer patients. Multiple mechanisms underlie breast cancer metastatic dissemination, including the interleukin-6 (IL-6)-mediated signaling pathway. IL-6 is a pleiotropic cytokine that plays an important role in multiple physiological processes including cell proliferation, immune surveillance, acute inflammation, metabolism, and bone remodeling. IL-6 binds to the IL-6 receptor (IL-6Rα) which subsequently binds to the glycoprotein 130 (gp130) receptor creating a signal transducing hexameric receptor complex. Janus kinases (JAKs) are recruited and activated; activated JAKs, in turn, phosphorylate signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) for activation, leading to gene regulation. Constitutively active IL-6/JAK/STAT3 signaling drives cancer cell proliferation and invasiveness while suppressing apoptosis, and STAT3 enhances IL-6 signaling to promote a vicious inflammatory loop. Aberrant expression of IL-6 occurs in multiple cancer types and is associated with poor clinical prognosis and metastasis. In breast cancer, the IL-6 pathway is frequently activated, which can promote breast cancer metastasis while simultaneously suppressing the anti-tumor immune response. Given these important roles in human cancers, multiple components of the IL-6 pathway are promising targets for cancer therapeutics and are currently being evaluated preclinically and clinically for breast cancer. This review covers the current biological understanding of the IL-6 signaling pathway and its impact on breast cancer metastasis, as well as, therapeutic interventions that target components of the IL-6 pathway including: IL-6, IL-6Rα, gp130 receptor, JAKs, and STAT3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara G Manore
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Daniel L Doheny
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Grace L Wong
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Hui-Wen Lo
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States.,Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
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12
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Zhang X, Karim M, Hasan MM, Hooper J, Wahab R, Roy S, Al-Hilal TA. Cancer-on-a-Chip: Models for Studying Metastasis. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14030648. [PMID: 35158914 PMCID: PMC8833392 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14030648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Microfluidic-based cancer-on-a-chip models are powerful tools to study the tumor microenvironment (TME). Two-dimensional cell culture cannot recapitulate TME. In vivo animal models can better represent the TME, but their physiology is vastly different from that of humans. Although three-dimensional tumor models can bridge the gap between in vitro and in vivo examination, they are still unable to test many crucial cues from the TME, such as mechanical cues, cell–cell, and cell–extracellular interactions. Cancer-on-a-chip platforms enable studying the metastatic process in a step-wise manner with precise control. We present an overview of the recent advances in cancer-on-a-chip models on metastasis including models that mimic mechanical cues. This review article will provide knowledge of the latest progress made on cancer-on-a-chip models. Abstract The microfluidic-based cancer-on-a-chip models work as a powerful tool to study the tumor microenvironment and its role in metastasis. The models recapitulate and systematically simplify the in vitro tumor microenvironment. This enables the study of a metastatic process in unprecedented detail. This review examines the development of cancer-on-a-chip microfluidic platforms at the invasion/intravasation, extravasation, and angiogenesis steps over the last three years. The on-chip modeling of mechanical cues involved in the metastasis cascade are also discussed. Finally, the popular design of microfluidic chip models for each step are discussed along with the challenges and perspectives of cancer-on-a-chip models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojun Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA; (X.Z.); (M.K.); (M.M.H.); (R.W.)
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA; (J.H.); (S.R.)
| | - Mazharul Karim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA; (X.Z.); (M.K.); (M.M.H.); (R.W.)
- Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, College of Science, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
| | - Md Mahedi Hasan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA; (X.Z.); (M.K.); (M.M.H.); (R.W.)
- Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, College of Science, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
| | - Jacob Hooper
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA; (J.H.); (S.R.)
| | - Riajul Wahab
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA; (X.Z.); (M.K.); (M.M.H.); (R.W.)
| | - Sourav Roy
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA; (J.H.); (S.R.)
- Border Biomedical Research Center, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
| | - Taslim A. Al-Hilal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA; (X.Z.); (M.K.); (M.M.H.); (R.W.)
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA; (J.H.); (S.R.)
- Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, College of Science, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-915-747-8390
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Application of Microfluidic Systems for Breast Cancer Research. MICROMACHINES 2022; 13:mi13020152. [PMID: 35208277 PMCID: PMC8877872 DOI: 10.3390/mi13020152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is a disease in which cells in the body grow out of control; breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the United States. Due to early screening and advancements in therapeutic interventions, deaths from breast cancer have declined over time, although breast cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer death among women. Most deaths are due to metastasis, as cancer cells from the primary tumor in the breast form secondary tumors in remote sites in distant organs. Over many years, the basic biological mechanisms of breast cancer initiation and progression, as well as the subsequent metastatic cascade, have been studied using cell cultures and animal models. These models, although extremely useful for delineating cellular mechanisms, are poor predictors of physiological responses, primarily due to lack of proper microenvironments. In the last decade, microfluidics has emerged as a technology that could lead to a paradigm shift in breast cancer research. With the introduction of the organ-on-a-chip concept, microfluidic-based systems have been developed to reconstitute the dominant functions of several organs. These systems enable the construction of 3D cellular co-cultures mimicking in vivo tissue-level microenvironments, including that of breast cancer. Several reviews have been presented focusing on breast cancer formation, growth and metastasis, including invasion, intravasation, and extravasation. In this review, realizing that breast cancer can recur decades following post-treatment disease-free survival, we expand the discussion to account for microfluidic applications in the important areas of breast cancer detection, dormancy, and therapeutic development. It appears that, in the future, the role of microfluidics will only increase in the effort to eradicate breast cancer.
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Xie H, Appelt JW, Jenkins RW. Going with the Flow: Modeling the Tumor Microenvironment Using Microfluidic Technology. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13236052. [PMID: 34885161 PMCID: PMC8656483 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13236052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The clinical success of cancer immunotherapy targeting immune checkpoints (e.g., PD-1, CTLA-4) has ushered in a new era of cancer therapeutics aimed at promoting antitumor immunity in hopes of offering durable clinical responses for patients with advanced, metastatic cancer. This success has also reinvigorated interest in developing tumor model systems that recapitulate key features of antitumor immune responses to complement existing in vivo tumor models. Patient-derived tumor models have emerged in recent years to facilitate study of tumor–immune dynamics. Microfluidic technology has enabled development of microphysiologic systems (MPSs) for the evaluation of the tumor microenvironment, which have shown early promise in studying tumor–immune dynamics. Further development of microfluidic-based “tumor-on-a-chip” MPSs to study tumor–immune interactions may overcome several key challenges currently facing tumor immunology. Abstract Recent advances in cancer immunotherapy have led a paradigm shift in the treatment of multiple malignancies with renewed focus on the host immune system and tumor–immune dynamics. However, intrinsic and acquired resistance to immunotherapy limits patient benefits and wider application. Investigations into the mechanisms of response and resistance to immunotherapy have demonstrated key tumor-intrinsic and tumor-extrinsic factors. Studying complex interactions with multiple cell types is necessary to understand the mechanisms of response and resistance to cancer therapies. The lack of model systems that faithfully recapitulate key features of the tumor microenvironment (TME) remains a challenge for cancer researchers. Here, we review recent advances in TME models focusing on the use of microfluidic technology to study and model the TME, including the application of microfluidic technologies to study tumor–immune dynamics and response to cancer therapeutics. We also discuss the limitations of current systems and suggest future directions to utilize this technology to its highest potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyan Xie
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (H.X.); (J.W.A.)
| | - Jackson W. Appelt
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (H.X.); (J.W.A.)
| | - Russell W. Jenkins
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (H.X.); (J.W.A.)
- Laboratory of Systems Pharmacology, Harvard Program in Therapeutic Sciences, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +617-726-9372; Fax: +844-542-5959
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Modeling Tumor: Lymphatic Interactions in Lymphatic Metastasis of Triple Negative Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13236044. [PMID: 34885152 PMCID: PMC8656640 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13236044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Lymphatic metastasis is a critical prognostic factor of breast cancer aggressiveness and patient survival. Since existing therapeutic approaches have shown limited efficacy, new strategies to identify effective therapeutic targets for reducing breast cancer lymphatic metastasis are needed. We have used novel culture chambers, designed and fabricated by our group, to develop 3D models in which we can study spat ial interactions between breast cancer cells and lymphatic cells as they occur in real-time. This approach provides information on the complex cell–cell interactions involved in lymphatic metastasis of breast cancers. Factors in the secretome of the lymphatic cells promote invasive outgrowths from 3D cultures of breast cancer cells, suggesting that targeting interactions between breast cancer cells and lymphatic cells could be a potential therapeutic approach for the prevention of lymphatic metastasis. Abstract Breast cancer frequently metastasizes to lymphatics and the presence of breast cancer cells in regional lymph nodes is an important prognostic factor. Delineating the mechanisms by which breast cancer cells disseminate and spatiotemporal aspects of interactions between breast cancer cells and lymphatics is needed to design new therapies to prevent lymphatic metastases. As triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has a high incidence of lymphatic metastasis, we used a three-dimensional (3D) coculture model of human TNBC cells and human microvascular lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) to analyze TNBC:LEC interactions. Non-invasive analyses such as live-cell imaging in real-time and collection of conditioned media for secretomic analysis were facilitated by our novel microfluidic chambers. The volumes of 3D structures formed in TNBC:LEC cocultures are greater than that of 3D structures formed by either LEC or TNBC monocultures. Over 4 days of culture there is an increase in multicellular invasive outgrowths from TNBC spheroids and an association of TNBC spheroids with LEC networks. The increase in invasive phenotype also occurred when TNBC spheroids were cultured in LEC-conditioned media and in wells linked to ones containing LEC networks. Our results suggest that modeling spatiotemporal interactions between TNBC and LECs may reveal paracrine signaling that could be targeted to reduce lymphatic metastasis.
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Cho HY, Choi JH, Lim J, Lee SN, Choi JW. Microfluidic Chip-Based Cancer Diagnosis and Prediction of Relapse by Detecting Circulating Tumor Cells and Circulating Cancer Stem Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:1385. [PMID: 33803846 PMCID: PMC8003176 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13061385] [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: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Detecting circulating tumor cells (CTCs) has been considered one of the best biomarkers in liquid biopsy for early diagnosis and prognosis monitoring in cancer. A major challenge of using CTCs is detecting extremely low-concentrated targets in the presence of high noise factors such as serum and hematopoietic cells. This review provides a selective overview of the recent progress in the design of microfluidic devices with optical sensing tools and their application in the detection and analysis of CTCs and their small malignant subset, circulating cancer stem cells (CCSCs). Moreover, discussion of novel strategies to analyze the differentiation of circulating cancer stem cells will contribute to an understanding of metastatic cancer, which can help clinicians to make a better assessment. We believe that the topic discussed in this review can provide brief guideline for the development of microfluidic-based optical biosensors in cancer prognosis monitoring and clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyeon-Yeol Cho
- Department of Bio & Fermentation Convergence Technology, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Korea;
- Interdisciplinary Program for Bio-health Convergence, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Korea
| | - Jin-Ha Choi
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Sogang University, Seoul 04107, Korea; (J.-H.C.); (J.L.)
- School of Chemical Engineering, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju 54896, Korea
| | - Joungpyo Lim
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Sogang University, Seoul 04107, Korea; (J.-H.C.); (J.L.)
| | - Sang-Nam Lee
- Uniance Gene Inc., 1107 Teilhard Hall, 35 Baekbeom-Ro, Mapo-Gu, Seoul 04107, Korea
| | - Jeong-Woo Choi
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Sogang University, Seoul 04107, Korea; (J.-H.C.); (J.L.)
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