A Novel Three-Dimensional Platform to Investigate Neoangiogenesis, Transendothelial Migration, and Metastasis of MDAMB-231 Breast Cancer Cells

Abstract

The authors have created a powerful tool that may have tremendous impact on furthering our understanding of cancer recurrence and metastasis, shedding light on these poorly understood phenomena.

Tissue Engineering Models for the Study of Breast Neoplastic Disease and the Tumor Microenvironment

“…The use of 3D models that incorporate patient-specific, primary cells in a biocompatible scaffold, 89 which contains vasculature for perfusion, 81 represents one significant advance in breast cancer tissue engineering, which may lead to greater efficacy in the diagnostics and therapeutics studied within them. The future of breast cancer models also includes the simulation and subsequent study of hormonal and immune stimuli on cancer cells.…”

“…98 Alternatively, collagen may house dense breast cancer cell spheroids or encapsulate homogeneously dispersed MDA-MB-231 cells in a microfluidic model to demonstrate endothelial cell permeability or transendothelial migration of breast cancer cells. 81 Additional key biological phenomena, including tubulogenesis of breast epithelial cells through contraction of floating collagen gels (by Rho and ROCK-mediated contractility), have been described. 61 Decellularized tissue.…”

“…In Hooper et al, MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells were encapsulated in a type I collagen matrix in which a lumen was created through a sacrificial method and subsequently lined with HUVEC and smooth muscle cells. 81 While some MDA-MB-231 cells developed tumor nests within the bulk, others demonstrated transendothelial migration into the engineered vessel, which contained endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells, mimicking the initial steps of in vivo metastasis. 81 Bioprinting.…”

“…81 While some MDA-MB-231 cells developed tumor nests within the bulk, others demonstrated transendothelial migration into the engineered vessel, which contained endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells, mimicking the initial steps of in vivo metastasis. 81 Bioprinting. Cell printing is an emerging approach for 3D cell patterning that provides control over spatial and temporal distribution of cell seeding.…”

Heparin-based hydrogel scaffolding alters the transcriptomic profile and increases the chemoresistance of MDA-MB-231 triple-negative breast cancer cells

“…The use of hydrogels as a biomimetic niche have shown notable changes in cell behavior. [10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17] While previous studies have introduced novel natural and synthetic materials for controlling biological and mechanical properties, they are limited in their molecular characterization of tumor cells in their microenvironment. Moreover, there is minimal control over GF presentation and delivery, which is essential for optimal cell response.…”