3D in vitro model demonstrates invasive tumor dynamics in real time
3D in vitro model demonstrates invasive tumor dynamics in real time lead image
Many cancerous tumors are invasive, disseminating throughout the body either as single cells or collective groups. The tissues in the body, however, are densely packed with cells and supporting structures that the cancer cells must force their way through. The mechanics behind this invasive behavior are crucial for understanding aggressive tumors.
Nguyen et al. developed a three-dimensional microchannel network to study tumor invasion dynamics. Their model aimed to study tumor invasion independently of extracellular matrix degradation and allowed the team to observe tumor progression in real time.
The authors constructed the network out of a biocompatible hydrogel material designed to mimic a complex tumor microenvironment, complete with protein bioconjugation for cell adhesion and movement. They placed an invasive tumor mass into this environment and observed the resulting progression using in situ scanning confocal microscopy.
“Immediately, we watched that tumor go from a spherical surface to large projections and invasive movements,” said author W. Gregory Sawyer. “By doing the imaging in situ, we were able to watch collective movements, where the cells worked together, as well as single cell movements, where a lone pioneering cell migrates away over time.”
The team believes their work is a promising first step toward studying invasive tumor dynamics. They plan to further develop the model by incorporating additional cell types and environmental conditions.
“A major criticism I would have of our work is that it is very gentle, almost in ideal conditions,” said Sawyer. “What we will start to do is make it more physiologically relevant by adding stress and other components to these tumors to understand how they behave.”
Source: “Bioconjugation of COL1 protein on liquid-like solid surfaces to study tumor invasion dynamics,” by D. T. Nguyen, D. I. Pedro, A. Pepe, J. G. Rosa, J. I. Bowman, L. Trachsel, G. R. Golde, I. Suzuki, J. M. Lavrador, N. T. Y. Nguyen, M. A. Kis, R. A. Smolchek, N. Diodati, R. Liu, S. R. Phillpot, A. R. Webber, P. Castillo, E. J. Sayour, B. S. Sumerlin, and W. G. Sawyer, Biointerphases (2023). The article can be accessed at https://doi.org/10.1116/6.0002083 .
This paper is part of the Special Topic Collection: Polymeric Biointerfaces – A Collection in celebration of Nicholas D. Spencer’s career, learn more here .
