O melanoma representa 4% dos tipos de neoplasias cutâneas e causa 79% de morte por doenças de pele no mundo. Um dos grandes problemas relacionados ao tratamento de melanoma advém da sua resistência às terapias convencionais e, assim, a terapia fotodinâmica surgiu como uma alternativa terapêutica promissora, devido ao seu papel no tratamento de diversos tipos de câncer, além de outras doenças de pele. Ela é baseada no acúmulo seletivo de uma molécula fotoativa no tecido alvo, seguida da iluminação por uma fonte de luz, cujo comprimento de onda é específico para a excitação dessa molécula, ocasionando no dano celular. Neste estudo, foram realizados experimentos in vitro investigando a resposta fotodinâmica em melanoma humano, através de um modelo de tumor tridimensional por levitação magnética. Inicialmente, um protocolo de obtenção dos tumores de melanoma foi desenvolvido para avaliação da terapia em diferentes doses de luz e concentrações de fotossensibilizador. Em seguida, ensaios de cinética e quantificação intracelular com dois fotossensibilizadores, Photogem® e Photodithazine®, também foram feitos com o intuito de averiguar a sua distribuição, bem como tempo de internalização nos tumores. Tendo estabelecido que a incubação por 16 horas com Photodithazine® foi o parâmetro experimental mais adequado, a terapia fotodinâmica foi realizada, em sessão única, com irradiação em 660 nm em tumores de duas diferentes espessuras. Logo, testes de citotoxicidade foram utilizados para comparar os resultados de ambas as condições, onde se notou que o aumento na espessura atenuou o dano oxidativo decorrente da terapia. Além disso, foi observado que o acréscimo na dose de luz não acarretou em mudanças muito significativas na morte celular. No entanto, o maior dano celular, de aproximadamente 90% de morte, foi obtido com 100 μg/mL de Photodithazine® e iluminação com 60 J/cm², resultando na desagregação dos tumores, efeitos promissores da terapia no melanoma. Uma possível alternativa sugerida para aprimorar a eficiência fotodinâmica, seria a aplicação de mais sessões de terapia fotodinâmica, uma vez que os experimentos realizados nesse trabalho foram com uma sessão e, esse procedimento, poderia ocasionar em maior morte celular. / Melanoma accounts for 4% of skin cancers and causes 79% of death from skin diseases worldwide. A major problem associated with melanoma treatment is due to its increasingly resistance to conventional therapies. Thus, photodynamic therapy has emerged as a promising alternative modality to several types of cancer and other skin disorders. It generally involves the selective accumulation of a photoactive molecule in target tissue, followed by illumination with light source of an appropriate wavelength, to excite this molecule, resulting in cell damage. This study sought to investigate the photodynamic response in human melanoma, through a three dimensional tumor model by magnetic levitation. Initially, a protocol to obtain melanoma tumors was developed, to evaluate the therapy at different doses of light and photosensitizer concentrations. Posteriorly, kinetic assays and intracellular quantification with two photosensitizers, Photogem® and Photodithazine®, were also carried out in order to ascertain its distribution, as well as time internalization in tumors. Having established that incubation for 16 hours with Photodithazine® was the most suitable experimental parameter, photodynamic therapy was performed in a single session, with irradiation of 660 nm in two tumors, different in thicknesses. Therefore, cytotoxicity tests were used to compare the results of both conditions, where it was noted that the increased tumor depth may attenuate oxidative damage, induced by the therapy. Furthermore, it was observed that the increase in light dose did not result in significant changes in cell death. Nevertheless, the greater cell damage, approximately 90% kill was obtained with 100 ug/mL Photodithazine® and illumination with 60 J / cm², causing tumor breakdown, which is a promising effect in melanoma therapy. An alternative suggested to enhance the photodynamic efficiency, would be to apply more sessions of photodynamic therapy, so this procedure could result in increased cell death.

O melanoma representa 4% dos tipos de neoplasias cutâneas e causa 79% de morte por doenças de pele no mundo. Um dos grandes problemas relacionados ao tratamento de melanoma advém da sua resistência às terapias convencionais e, assim, a terapia fotodinâmica surgiu como uma alternativa terapêutica promissora, devido ao seu papel no tratamento de diversos tipos de câncer, além de outras doenças de pele. Ela é baseada no acúmulo seletivo de uma molécula fotoativa no tecido alvo, seguida da iluminação por uma fonte de luz, cujo comprimento de onda é específico para a excitação dessa molécula, ocasionando no dano celular. Neste estudo, foram realizados experimentos in vitro investigando a resposta fotodinâmica em melanoma humano, através de um modelo de tumor tridimensional por levitação magnética. Inicialmente, um protocolo de obtenção dos tumores de melanoma foi desenvolvido para avaliação da terapia em diferentes doses de luz e concentrações de fotossensibilizador. Em seguida, ensaios de cinética e quantificação intracelular com dois fotossensibilizadores, Photogem® e Photodithazine®, também foram feitos com o intuito de averiguar a sua distribuição, bem como tempo de internalização nos tumores. Tendo estabelecido que a incubação por 16 horas com Photodithazine® foi o parâmetro experimental mais adequado, a terapia fotodinâmica foi realizada, em sessão única, com irradiação em 660 nm em tumores de duas diferentes espessuras. Logo, testes de citotoxicidade foram utilizados para comparar os resultados de ambas as condições, onde se notou que o aumento na espessura atenuou o dano oxidativo decorrente da terapia. Além disso, foi observado que o acréscimo na dose de luz não acarretou em mudanças muito significativas na morte celular. No entanto, o maior dano celular, de aproximadamente 90% de morte, foi obtido com 100 μg/mL de Photodithazine® e iluminação com 60 J/cm², resultando na desagregação dos tumores, efeitos promissores da terapia no melanoma. Uma possível alternativa sugerida para aprimorar a eficiência fotodinâmica, seria a aplicação de mais sessões de terapia fotodinâmica, uma vez que os experimentos realizados nesse trabalho foram com uma sessão e, esse procedimento, poderia ocasionar em maior morte celular. / Melanoma accounts for 4% of skin cancers and causes 79% of death from skin diseases worldwide. A major problem associated with melanoma treatment is due to its increasingly resistance to conventional therapies. Thus, photodynamic therapy has emerged as a promising alternative modality to several types of cancer and other skin disorders. It generally involves the selective accumulation of a photoactive molecule in target tissue, followed by illumination with light source of an appropriate wavelength, to excite this molecule, resulting in cell damage. This study sought to investigate the photodynamic response in human melanoma, through a three dimensional tumor model by magnetic levitation. Initially, a protocol to obtain melanoma tumors was developed, to evaluate the therapy at different doses of light and photosensitizer concentrations. Posteriorly, kinetic assays and intracellular quantification with two photosensitizers, Photogem® and Photodithazine®, were also carried out in order to ascertain its distribution, as well as time internalization in tumors. Having established that incubation for 16 hours with Photodithazine® was the most suitable experimental parameter, photodynamic therapy was performed in a single session, with irradiation of 660 nm in two tumors, different in thicknesses. Therefore, cytotoxicity tests were used to compare the results of both conditions, where it was noted that the increased tumor depth may attenuate oxidative damage, induced by the therapy. Furthermore, it was observed that the increase in light dose did not result in significant changes in cell death. Nevertheless, the greater cell damage, approximately 90% kill was obtained with 100 ug/mL Photodithazine® and illumination with 60 J / cm², causing tumor breakdown, which is a promising effect in melanoma therapy. An alternative suggested to enhance the photodynamic efficiency, would be to apply more sessions of photodynamic therapy, so this procedure could result in increased cell death.

Although conventional two-dimensional (2D) cell culture is convenient for routine work, researchers are turning to three-dimensional (3D) cell culture for more accurate, physiologically representative information on the way their cells behave and respond to stimuli. Cells can now be routinely cultured in the many commercially available 3D formats. In this study, we developed non-woven scaffolds for 3D cell culture and enhanced cell function. By making use of methods that measure the behaviour of liver cells in the 3D system we were able to demonstrate, compared to standard 2D systems, significantly higher expression of key liver enzymes involved in drug metabolism and albumin production (specifically cytochrome P450). Cell proliferation on the various scaffolds was comparable to that of a commercially available hydrogel 3D cell culture system, AlgimatrixTM. When culturing cells in 3D, the means by which cells are harvested or extracted from the 3D scaffold for downstream applications is more challenging than in 2D. For this reason, many of the 3D scaffolds currently manufactured are either bio-degradable or require the use of salts to dissolve the scaffold which may negatively impact on the cells they contain. By grafting the non-woven scaffolds with the thermoresponsive polymer, poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm), we demonstrated that cells growing on the scaffolds are able to be released from the scaffold in a 3D conformation, non-enzymatically, through temperature changes. Selected thermoresponsive non-woven fabrics were also tested in an automated cell culture device for cell proliferation and thermally induced harvesting. One of the applications of a 3D cell culturing system would be in exploration of the many diseases plaguing mankind, in particular malaria which is still responsible for severe disease and mortality, especially in Africa. Most available antimalarials are designed to target the pathogenic blood stages in humans and to address the constant threat of drug resistance. However, to meet the objective of malaria eradication, medicines that block parasite transmission also need to be developed. Molecules that efficiently target the parasite stages in the liver would prevent pathogenesis, symptoms and transmission. Equipped with the knowledge that the infectious sporozoites traverse several hepatocytes prior to cell infection, it may be physiologically limiting to culture the exo-erythrocytic stage in vitro in a 2D cell culture system where the hepatocytes are in an unnatural flat conformation, distinctly different to their in vivo counterparts. Moreover, monolayer cell cultures lose their tissue-related functions rapidly, greatly impairing the predictive power of such assays. Thus, the second aim of this thesis was to establish if hepatocytes that have been cultured on 3D non-woven scaffolds improve in vitro sporozoite invasion compared to conventional 2D systems. Sporozoite invasion was detected in the conventional 2D monolayers using a TaqMan® assay but not in the hepatocytes growing in 3D. Future studies beyond the scope of this thesis will include modifications to the 3D scaffold to attempt achieving superior sporozoite invasion in this model system. / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2013. / Biochemistry / unrestricted

In recent years, the degradation and subsequent loss of tissues is an issue that has affected people worldwide. Although there are treatments addressing the degradation of tissues, such treatments involve complicated and expensive procedures, where full tissue regeneration is not achieved. For these reasons, in recent years, tissue engineering has developed cutting-edge biomaterials capable of inducing effective tissue regeneration both under cellular or acellular conditions. Peptide hydrogels are versatile biomaterials composed of the basic components of life amino acids, which act as building blocks to form hierarchical structures, which subsequently go on to form well-defined scaffolds. Biomaterials have been widely used for the culture of mammalian cells, tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, drug delivery, etc. This is thanks to their capability of providing a three-dimensional architecture to cells, which mimics the natural architecture of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Peptide- based hydrogels can be easily functionalised with active biological cues, which can direct the cellular response. It has been shown that the ionic-complementary FEFEFKFK hydrogel, succeeded to support the culture of mammalian cells such as bovine chondrocytes. In this work, we used the same FEFEFKFK hydrogel to investigate the capability of this hydrogel to support the three-dimensional culture of both human osteoblasts (hOBs), and human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) for bone regeneration applications. To achieve this goal, hOBs were cultured within both FEFEFKFK (non-functionalised) and RGD-FEFEFKFK (functionalised) gels. Then the suitability of the FEFEFKFK gels to induce cellular proliferation, synthesis of bone ECM and mineralisation was explored. In addition, taking advantage of the inherent plasticity of hMSCs, we also investigated the capability of the FEFEFKFK gel to foster the osteogenic differentiation of hMSCs, and subsequently to induce bone mineralisation in 3-D under osteogenic stimulation. Based on the results obtained in this work, the FEFEFKFK gel arises as a promising biomaterial for both bone and dental tissue regeneration applications.

京都大学 / 新制・課程博士 / 博士(医学) / 甲第23602号 / 医博第4789号 / 新制||医||1055(附属図書館) / 京都大学大学院医学研究科医学専攻 / (主査)教授 長船 健二, 教授 川口 義弥, 教授 大森 孝一 / 学位規則第4条第1項該当 / Doctor of Medical Science / Kyoto University / DFAM

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a expressão dos fenótipos fibroblástico e osteoblástico em culturas tridimensionais na presença ou não de partículas de vidro bioativo. Fibroblastos derivados do ligamento periodontal humano (hPDLF) e células osteogênicas da calvária de rato recém-nascidos foram plaqueadas em superfícies bidimensionais - lamínulas de plástico ThermanoxTM (controle); superfícies colágenas bidimensionais - ThermanoxTM revestidas por colágeno I sem partículas de vidro bioativo (2D) e com partículas de vidro bioativo (2D+VB); e em gel colágeno tridimensional sem vidro bioativo (3D) e com partículas (3D+VB). Foram avaliados: Viabilidade celular (MTT) nos tempos 3, 7 e 10 dias; Atividade de fosfatase alcalina (ALP) normalizada pelo conteúdo de proteína total em 7 e 14 dias; Immunolocalização de proteínas da matriz não-colágena (ALP e OPN em células hPDLF aos 7 e 14 dias e OPN e BSP em células osteogênicas aos 7 dias) por imunofluorescência indireta; Expressão quantitativa (PCR em tempo real) dos genes Periostina (PRT), Calcium-Binding Protein (S100A4) e Fibromodulina (FBM), marcadores do fenótipo fibroblástico, em células hPDLF e Fosfatase Alcalina (ALP), Osteopontina (OPN), Sialoproteína Óssea (BSP), Osteocalcina (OC), Colágeno I (COL I) e Runx2, marcadores osteoblásticos, em ambos os tipos celulares; e Mineralização (coloração por vermelho de Alizarina). Os resultados obtidos nas culturas de hPDLF mostraram que aos 3 dias a viabilidade celular em 2D+VB foi maior que no controle (p<0,05) e nenhuma diferença significante entre os grupos foi observada aos 7 e 10 dias. O conteúdo de proteína total aos 7 e 14 dias foi maior nas culturas 3D e 3D+VB, sendo aos 7 dias significantemente diferente de 2D+VB (p<0,05) e controle (p<0,05) e aos 14 dias observou-se diferença significativa entre 3D e 2D. A atividade de ALP aos 7 dias foi maior nos grupos 2D e 2D+VB comparados com 3D (p<0,05) e 3D+VB (p<0,05); e em 3D+VB menor que no controle (p<0,05). Entretanto, aos 14 dias 3D e 3D+VB apresentaram maior atividade de ALP que o controle (p<0,05). Imunomarcações para OPN e ALP foram observadas nas células em 3D em ambos os períodos avaliados, e em 2D, 2D+VB, e controle apenas aos 14 dias. A expressão de RNAm para PRT aos 7 dias apresentou um perfil upregulated em 3D e 3D+VB comparados ao controle (p<0,05); para FBM a expressão gênica foi maior em 3D e 2D que em 3D+VB (p<0,05), e menor em 3D+VB comparado ao controle (p<0,05). As células em 2D exibiram maiores níveis de expressão de RNAm para S100A4 que as cultivadas em 2D+VB (p<0,05) e controle (p<0,05). Os níveis de RNAm para COL I e ALP em 2D+VB e 3D, para RUNX2 e OPN em 3D e 2D, e para OC em 2D apresentaram-se upregulated em relação ao controle (p<0,05). Em 2D o nível de expressão de OC foi maior que em 2D+VB (p<0,05). Aos 14 dias houve uma diminuição da expressão de todos os genes analisados em relação às análises de 7 dias. Células em 3D+VB expressaram menores níveis de PRT que em 2D+VB (p<0,05). A expressão de RNAm para FBM foi maior em 2D e 2D+VB e para S100A4 maior em 2D comparado com 3D (p<0,05), nos quais os níveis de S100A4 ficaram downregulated com relação ao controle. COL I e ALP apresentaram-se downregulated em 3D (p<0,05) e 3D+VB (p<0,05) em relação ao controle. Entre 2D+VB e 3D+VB também foi observada diferença significativa para ALP. A expressão de RUNX2 foi maior em 3D que em 3D+VB (p<0,05) e de OC maior no controle. Nos grupos com VB foi observada maior formação de matriz calcificada aos 10 e 14 dias. Aos 10 dias não foram observadas áreas coradas por Alizarina através da microscopia, mas a quantidade de mineralização em 2D+VB e 3D+VB foi significativamente maior que no controle (p<0,05), 2D (p<0,05) e 3D (p<0,05). Aos 14 dias marcações mais extensas foram observadas nas culturas com VB, porém os nódulos mineralizados apresentavam-se independentes das partículas. 2D+VB e 3D+VB foram significativamente diferentes do controle (p<0,05) e 2D (p<0,05). As culturas de células osteogênicas mostraram que aos 7 dias as células crescidas sobre os arcabouços 3D+VB e 3D exibiram menores índices de viabilidade. Diferenças significativas foram observadas quando 3D+VB foi comparado aos grupos 2D+VB (p<0,05) e controle (p<0,05); e entre 2D e 3D (p<0,05). Aos 3 e 10 dias não foram encontradas diferenças significativas na viabilidade celular entre os grupos. O conteúdo de proteína total foi maior em 3D+VB que em 2D+VB (p<0,05) e no controle (p<0,05) aos 7 e 14 dias. Diferenças significantes também foram observadas entre 3D e 2D (p<0,05) aos 14 dias. A atividade de ALP aos 7 dias foi maior em 2D+VB e 3D+VB. Diferenças significantes foram encontradas entre 2D e 2D+VB (p<0,05), 3D e 3D+VB (p<0,05) e entre 3D e controle (p<0,05). Entretanto, aos 14 dias, 3D e 3D+VB apresentaram os menores valores de atividade de ALP, sendo a significantemente diferentes de 2D (p<0,05) e 2D+VB (p<0,05). Imunomarcações para OPN e BSP foram observadas aos 7 dias em 2D, 2D+VB, 3D e controle. Aos 7 dias os níveis expressão do RNAm para ALP, COL I e RUNX2 foram maiores em 3D e 3D+VB. Os genes OPN, OC e BSP exibiram níveis de expressão mais altos em 2D+VB. A expressão de COL I foi maior em 3D+VB que em 2D+VB (p<0,05). As células em 2D+VB apresentaram maiores níveis de expressão de OPN e OC que em 2D (p<0,05) e 3D+VB (p<0,05), nos quais a expressão desses genes e de BSP estavam downregulated em relação ao grupo controle. Aos 10 e 14 dias áreas coradas por vermelho de Alizarina foram observadas em todos os grupos, sendo mais extensas nos grupos que continham VB. Aos 10 dias a quantidade de cálcio em 3D+VB foi maior que no controle (p<0,05); e maior em 2D+VB comparado com 2D (p<0,05) e controle (p<0,05). Aos 14 dias 2D+VB e 3D+VB apresentaram uma quantidade de cálcio significativamente maior que no controle (p<0,05) e em 2D (p<0,05). Em conclusão, este estudo demonstrou que os arcabouços tridimensionais colágenos são capazes de suportar a viabilidade, proliferação e diferenciação celular se in vitro de hPDLF e células osteogênicas derivadas de calvária de rato recém-nascidos e de favorecerem a expressão dos fenótipos fibroblástico e osteoblástico em hPDLF. As partículas de VB em ambos os tipos celulares também contribuiram para viabilidade, diferenciação, formação de matriz mineralizada e expressão fenotípica. / The aim of this study was to analyze the fibroblastic and osteoblastic phenotypes expression on three-dimensional cultures in the presence or not of bioactive glass particles. Fibroblasts derived from human periodontal ligament (hPDLF) and osteogenic cells from newborn rat calvaria were cultured on bi-dimensional surfaces - plastic coverslips ThermanoxTM (control), bi-dimensional collagen surfaces - ThermanoxTM coated with collagen I without bioactive glass particles (2D) and with bioactive glass particles (2D+BG), on three-dimensional collagen gel without bioactive glass (3D) and with particles (3D+BG). Were evaluated: Cell viability (MTT) in 3 days, 7 and 10 days; Phosphatase alkaline activity (ALP) normalized by total protein content at 7 and 14 days; Immunolocalization of non-matrix proteins collagen (ALP and OPN in hPDLF at 7 and 14 days, OPN and BSP in osteogenic cells at 7 days) by indirect immunofluorescence; Genes expression (real-time PCR) for Periostin (PRT), Calcium-Binding Protein (S100A4) and Fibromodulin (FBM): fibroblastic markers in hPDLF, and Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Osteopontin (OPN), Bone sialoprotein (BSP), Osteocalcin (OC), Collagen I (COL I) and RUNX2: osteoblastic markers in both cell types; and Mineralization (staining with Alizarin red). The results obtained on hPDLF cultures showed that cell viability on 2D+BG was higher than on control at 3 days (p<0.05), and no significant difference between groups was observed at 7 and 10 days. The total protein content at 7 and 14 days was higher on 3D and 3D+BG cultures compared those on 2D+BG (p<0.05) and control (p<0.05) at 7 days. Significant difference was also observed between 3D and 2D at 14 days. The ALP activity at 7 days was higher on 2D and 2D+BG compared with 3D (p<0.05) and 3D+BG (p<0.05), it was also lower on 3D+BG than on control (p<0.05). However, at 14 days 3D and 3D+BG showed higher ALP activity than control (p<0.05). Immunolabeling for OPN and ALP were observed in cells on 3D at both periods and on 2D, 2D+ BG and control only at 14 days. At 7 days, the expression of mRNA for PRT was upregulated on 3D and 3D+BG compared with control (p<0.05), for the FBM it was higher on 3D and 2D than on 3D+BG (p<0,05), but it was lower on 3D+BG than on control (p<0.05). Cells on 2D exhibited higher levels of S100A4 mRNA expression than those grown on 2D+BG (p<0.05) and control (p<0.05). The mRNA levels expression for COL I and ALP on 2D+BG and 3D, and for RUNX2 and OPN on 3D and 2D, and for OC on 2D presented upregulated compared with control (p<0.05). Also, cells on 2D showed the level expression of OC higher than those on and 2D+BG (p<0.05). At 14 days, there was a decrease in all evaluated genes expression compared with 7 days analyses. Cells on 2D+BG expressed higher levels of PRT than on 3D+BG (p<0.05). 2D and 2D+BG showed the highest levels of mRNA expression for FBM. Gene expression of S100A4 on 2D was higher than on 3D (p<0.05) and 3D+BG (p<0.05), in which the levels of S100A4 were downregulated compared to control. COL I and ALP were downregulated on 3D (p<0.05) and on 3D+BG (p<0.05) compared with control. There was also a significant difference between 2D+BG and 3D+BG for mRNA ALP expression. RUNX2 expression was higher on 3D than on 3D+BG (p<0.05), and OC expression was higher on control. Calcified matrix formation was observed on BG cultures at 10 and 14 days. At 10 days, areas stained by Alizarin were no observed by microscopy, but the amount of mineralization on 2D+BG and 3D+BG was significantly higher than on control (p<0.05), 2D (p<0.05) and 3D (p<0.05). At 14 days, more extensive staining was observed on cultures with BG, but the mineralized nodules formation was independent of the particles. Calcium content on 2D+BG and 3D+BG was significantly higher than control (p<0.05) and 2D (p<0.05). Osteogenic cell cultures showed that cells grown on 3D and 3D+BG surfaces exhibited the lowest levels of cell viability. Significant differences were observed when 3D+BG was compared with 2D+BG (p<0.05) and control (p<0.05) and also between 2D and 3D (p<0.05). At 3 and 10 days, there were no significant differences for cell viabililty between the cultures. The total protein content was higher on 3D+BG than on the control (p<0.05) and 2D+BG (p<0.05) at 7 and 14 days. Significant differences were also observed between 3D and 2D (p<0.05) at 14 days. ALP activity at 7 days was higher on 2D+BG and 3D+BG. Significant differences were found between 2D and 2D+BG (p<0.05), 3D and 3D+BG (p<0.05), and between 3D and control (p<0.05). However, at 14 days 3D and 3D+BG had the lowest levels of ALP activity, significantly different from 2D (p<0.05) and 2D+BG (p<0.05). Immunolabeling for OPN and BSP were observed at 7 days on 2D, 2D+BG, 3D and control. At 7 days, the expression levels of mRNA for ALP, COL I and RUNX2 were higher on 3D and 3D+BG. OPN, BSP and OC exhibited higher expression levels on 2D+BG. COL I expression was higher on 3D+BG than on 2D+BG (p<0.05). Cells on 2D+BG showed higher expression levels of OPN and OC than those on 2D (p<0.05) and 3D+BG (p<0.05), in which both of these genes and BSP expression were downregulated compared with control. At 10 and 14 days areas stained with Alizarin red were observed all evaluated groups, especially on BG cultures. At 10 days the amount of calcium on 3D+BG was higher than on control (p<0.05), and it was also higher on 2D+BG compared with 2D (p<0.05) and control (p<0.05). At 14 days, 2D+BG and 3D+BG showed greater calcium amount than control (p<0.05) and 2D (p<0.05). In conclusion, this study demonstrated that in vitro 3D cultures of hPDLF and osteogenic cells from newborn rats calvaria were able of support cell viability, differentiation, and to contribute to expression of fibroblastic and osteoblastic phenotype in hPDLF. The BG particles also favored the viability, differentiation, mineralized matrix formation and phenotypic expression in both cell types.

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No. of bitstreams: 1 TeseAMF.pdf: 4750654 bytes, checksum: f48dd93469cee1d3b92bc7a4295b054d (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-11-07 / Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) / Cancer is a leading cause of death, according to World Health Organization, preceding diseases as diabetes and tuberculosis, conditions as malnutrition and even though interpersonal violence. Many types of cancer are also correlated to major risk factors associated to mortality and morbidity, such as obesity, alcohol abuse and smoking. In 2012 14.1 millions of new cases of cancer arisen with 8.2 million of deaths worldwide. Ginger rhizome (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) is word know use as spice on cooking and widely use as medicinal herb in preparations. Several studies describe its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-emetic activities. Much of the ginger bioactivity is due to its phenolic compounds [6], [8], and [10]- gingerol, which have anti-proliferative and antiangiogenic action on tumor cells, as demonstrated by several in vivo and in vitro studies. Several studies have revealed advantages of three-dimensional culture techniques (3D) over traditional two-dimensional monolayer cultures (2D). 3D cultures better mimic the tumor microenvironment found in vivo, as well as the interaction of cells with the extracellular matrix (ECM). Three-dimensional culture has produced different responses compared to those found in 2D cultures, such as increased resistance of tumor cells to various drugs, and increased selective sensitivity to tumor cells in relation to normal cells. On this work, techniques for three-dimensional culture were used to test the effects of [10]-gingerol on breast tumor cells. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of [10]-gingerol in different hallmarks of malignancy correlated with metastatic process, such as adhesion, proliferation, migration, invasion and also its effects on apoptosis, both in 2D and 3D. Results demonstrated that [10]-gingerol changes the morphology of MDA-MB-231 malignant cells in lower concentrations and shorter times when compared to nonmalignant MCF-10A cells, suggesting an specific and concentration-dependent action for [10]-gingerol on malignant cells. [10]-gingerol was also able to inhibit migration and invasion of MDA-MB- 231 cells at low concentrations and to induce apoptosis at higher concentrations. We observed that [10]-gingerol presented higher IC50 in proliferation assays with MCF-10A non tumor cells compared to tumor cells. The compound also inhibited migration of non-tumor cell lines at higher concentrations compared to tumor cells. Moreover, [10]-gingerol inhibited MDA-MB- 231 cell adhesion to different ECM components, such as laminin, fibronectin and vitronectin, even at low concentrations. Western blotting and real time quantitative PCR assays suggested that [10]-gingerol was able to act by the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis, increasing Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and caspase-9 and caspase-3 mRNA and protein levels in MDA-MB-231 cells. On 3D assays the results showed selectivity of [10]-gingerol against the malignant T4-2 lineage. The compound was also able to revert the malignant phenotype and to induce apoptosis in this cell line. These results suggest that [10]-gingerol has potential to be a new anticancer drug in the future. / O câncer é uma das principais causas de morte no mundo, segundo dados da Organização Mundial da Saúde, estando à frente de doenças como o diabetes e a tuberculose, de condições como a desnutrição e até mesmo da violência interpessoal. Diversos tipos de câncer estão ainda relacionados aos principais fatores de risco associados à mortalidade e morbidade no mundo, tais como a obesidade, o consumo excessivo de álcool e o tabagismo. Em 2012 foram 14,1 milhões de casos novos de câncer com 8,2 milhões de mortes no mundo. O rizoma do gengibre (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) é utilizado no mundo todo como especiaria culinária e como erva medicinal em diversas preparações. Existem muitas pesquisas descrevendo suas propriedades antieméticas, antimicrobianas, anti-inflamatórias, antioxidantes e antitumorais. Os compostos farmacologicamente ativos do gengibre são os compostos fenólicos pungentes [6]-gingerol, [8]- gingerol e [10]-gingerol, os principais componentes do seu extrato bruto. Tais compostos são os responsáveis pela bioatividade do gengibre e por seus efeitos sobre células tumorais, demonstrados em diversos modelos de câncer, em estudos in vivo e in vitro. Muitas pesquisas revelam vantagens das técnicas de cultura tridimensional (3D) sobre as culturas tradicionais em monocamada. Culturas em 3D mimetizam melhor o microambiente tumoral encontrado in vivo, bem como a interação das células com a matriz extracelular (MEC). Em culturas 3D já foram observadas respostas diferentes das encontradas em culturas bidimensionais (2D), como a maior resistência de células tumorais a diversas drogas, além de sensibilidade seletiva aumentada para células tumorais em relação às células normais. Neste trabalho, técnicas de cultura tridimensional foram aplicadas em testes utilizando a molécula de [10]-gingerol em células tumorais de mama. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos do [10]-gingerol em diferentes marcadores de malignidade, importantes no processo metastático, como adesão, proliferação, migração, invasão, bem como seus efeitos sobre a apoptose, tanto em cultura 2D, quanto 3D. Os resultados mostraram que o [10]-gingerol altera a morfologia de células tumorais da linhagem MDA-MB-231 em concentrações e tempos menores que a de células não tumorais de mama da linhagem MCF-10A, o que sugere uma ação seletiva do [10]-gingerol dependente de concentração e tempo de tratamento. O [10]-gingerol também inibiu a migração e a invasão das células da linhagem MDA-MB-231 em baixas concentrações e induziu apoptose em concentrações mais altas. Observamos que o [10]-gingerol apresentou, em ensaios de proliferação com células não tumorais da linhagem MCF-10A, um IC50 maior comparado com as células tumorais. O composto também inibiu a migração das células não tumorais em concentrações maiores comparado às células tumorais. Além disso, o [10]-gingerol diminuiu a capacidade de adesão das células MDA-MB-231 a diferentes componentes da MEC, como laminina, fibronectina e vitronectina mesmo em baixas concentrações. Ainda, confirmamos sua capacidade de causar danos ao DNA e induzir apoptose. Ensaios de western blotting e qPCR sugerem que o [10]-gingerol atua pela via intrínseca da apoptose, aumentando a razão Bax/Bcl- 2 e ativando as caspases-9 e -3. Com relação aos ensaios em 3D, os resultados demonstraram que o composto [10]-gingerol age seletivamente sobre células tumorais, sendo capaz de reverter o fenótipo maligno e induzir apoptose nas células da linhagem T4-2. Estes resultados sugerem que o [10]-gingerol tem potencial para futuramente se tornar uma nova droga antitumoral. / FAPESP: 2012/18908-6 / FAPESP: 2015/08146-0

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a expressão dos fenótipos fibroblástico e osteoblástico em culturas tridimensionais na presença ou não de partículas de vidro bioativo. Fibroblastos derivados do ligamento periodontal humano (hPDLF) e células osteogênicas da calvária de rato recém-nascidos foram plaqueadas em superfícies bidimensionais - lamínulas de plástico ThermanoxTM (controle); superfícies colágenas bidimensionais - ThermanoxTM revestidas por colágeno I sem partículas de vidro bioativo (2D) e com partículas de vidro bioativo (2D+VB); e em gel colágeno tridimensional sem vidro bioativo (3D) e com partículas (3D+VB). Foram avaliados: Viabilidade celular (MTT) nos tempos 3, 7 e 10 dias; Atividade de fosfatase alcalina (ALP) normalizada pelo conteúdo de proteína total em 7 e 14 dias; Immunolocalização de proteínas da matriz não-colágena (ALP e OPN em células hPDLF aos 7 e 14 dias e OPN e BSP em células osteogênicas aos 7 dias) por imunofluorescência indireta; Expressão quantitativa (PCR em tempo real) dos genes Periostina (PRT), Calcium-Binding Protein (S100A4) e Fibromodulina (FBM), marcadores do fenótipo fibroblástico, em células hPDLF e Fosfatase Alcalina (ALP), Osteopontina (OPN), Sialoproteína Óssea (BSP), Osteocalcina (OC), Colágeno I (COL I) e Runx2, marcadores osteoblásticos, em ambos os tipos celulares; e Mineralização (coloração por vermelho de Alizarina). Os resultados obtidos nas culturas de hPDLF mostraram que aos 3 dias a viabilidade celular em 2D+VB foi maior que no controle (p<0,05) e nenhuma diferença significante entre os grupos foi observada aos 7 e 10 dias. O conteúdo de proteína total aos 7 e 14 dias foi maior nas culturas 3D e 3D+VB, sendo aos 7 dias significantemente diferente de 2D+VB (p<0,05) e controle (p<0,05) e aos 14 dias observou-se diferença significativa entre 3D e 2D. A atividade de ALP aos 7 dias foi maior nos grupos 2D e 2D+VB comparados com 3D (p<0,05) e 3D+VB (p<0,05); e em 3D+VB menor que no controle (p<0,05). Entretanto, aos 14 dias 3D e 3D+VB apresentaram maior atividade de ALP que o controle (p<0,05). Imunomarcações para OPN e ALP foram observadas nas células em 3D em ambos os períodos avaliados, e em 2D, 2D+VB, e controle apenas aos 14 dias. A expressão de RNAm para PRT aos 7 dias apresentou um perfil upregulated em 3D e 3D+VB comparados ao controle (p<0,05); para FBM a expressão gênica foi maior em 3D e 2D que em 3D+VB (p<0,05), e menor em 3D+VB comparado ao controle (p<0,05). As células em 2D exibiram maiores níveis de expressão de RNAm para S100A4 que as cultivadas em 2D+VB (p<0,05) e controle (p<0,05). Os níveis de RNAm para COL I e ALP em 2D+VB e 3D, para RUNX2 e OPN em 3D e 2D, e para OC em 2D apresentaram-se upregulated em relação ao controle (p<0,05). Em 2D o nível de expressão de OC foi maior que em 2D+VB (p<0,05). Aos 14 dias houve uma diminuição da expressão de todos os genes analisados em relação às análises de 7 dias. Células em 3D+VB expressaram menores níveis de PRT que em 2D+VB (p<0,05). A expressão de RNAm para FBM foi maior em 2D e 2D+VB e para S100A4 maior em 2D comparado com 3D (p<0,05), nos quais os níveis de S100A4 ficaram downregulated com relação ao controle. COL I e ALP apresentaram-se downregulated em 3D (p<0,05) e 3D+VB (p<0,05) em relação ao controle. Entre 2D+VB e 3D+VB também foi observada diferença significativa para ALP. A expressão de RUNX2 foi maior em 3D que em 3D+VB (p<0,05) e de OC maior no controle. Nos grupos com VB foi observada maior formação de matriz calcificada aos 10 e 14 dias. Aos 10 dias não foram observadas áreas coradas por Alizarina através da microscopia, mas a quantidade de mineralização em 2D+VB e 3D+VB foi significativamente maior que no controle (p<0,05), 2D (p<0,05) e 3D (p<0,05). Aos 14 dias marcações mais extensas foram observadas nas culturas com VB, porém os nódulos mineralizados apresentavam-se independentes das partículas. 2D+VB e 3D+VB foram significativamente diferentes do controle (p<0,05) e 2D (p<0,05). As culturas de células osteogênicas mostraram que aos 7 dias as células crescidas sobre os arcabouços 3D+VB e 3D exibiram menores índices de viabilidade. Diferenças significativas foram observadas quando 3D+VB foi comparado aos grupos 2D+VB (p<0,05) e controle (p<0,05); e entre 2D e 3D (p<0,05). Aos 3 e 10 dias não foram encontradas diferenças significativas na viabilidade celular entre os grupos. O conteúdo de proteína total foi maior em 3D+VB que em 2D+VB (p<0,05) e no controle (p<0,05) aos 7 e 14 dias. Diferenças significantes também foram observadas entre 3D e 2D (p<0,05) aos 14 dias. A atividade de ALP aos 7 dias foi maior em 2D+VB e 3D+VB. Diferenças significantes foram encontradas entre 2D e 2D+VB (p<0,05), 3D e 3D+VB (p<0,05) e entre 3D e controle (p<0,05). Entretanto, aos 14 dias, 3D e 3D+VB apresentaram os menores valores de atividade de ALP, sendo a significantemente diferentes de 2D (p<0,05) e 2D+VB (p<0,05). Imunomarcações para OPN e BSP foram observadas aos 7 dias em 2D, 2D+VB, 3D e controle. Aos 7 dias os níveis expressão do RNAm para ALP, COL I e RUNX2 foram maiores em 3D e 3D+VB. Os genes OPN, OC e BSP exibiram níveis de expressão mais altos em 2D+VB. A expressão de COL I foi maior em 3D+VB que em 2D+VB (p<0,05). As células em 2D+VB apresentaram maiores níveis de expressão de OPN e OC que em 2D (p<0,05) e 3D+VB (p<0,05), nos quais a expressão desses genes e de BSP estavam downregulated em relação ao grupo controle. Aos 10 e 14 dias áreas coradas por vermelho de Alizarina foram observadas em todos os grupos, sendo mais extensas nos grupos que continham VB. Aos 10 dias a quantidade de cálcio em 3D+VB foi maior que no controle (p<0,05); e maior em 2D+VB comparado com 2D (p<0,05) e controle (p<0,05). Aos 14 dias 2D+VB e 3D+VB apresentaram uma quantidade de cálcio significativamente maior que no controle (p<0,05) e em 2D (p<0,05). Em conclusão, este estudo demonstrou que os arcabouços tridimensionais colágenos são capazes de suportar a viabilidade, proliferação e diferenciação celular se in vitro de hPDLF e células osteogênicas derivadas de calvária de rato recém-nascidos e de favorecerem a expressão dos fenótipos fibroblástico e osteoblástico em hPDLF. As partículas de VB em ambos os tipos celulares também contribuiram para viabilidade, diferenciação, formação de matriz mineralizada e expressão fenotípica. / The aim of this study was to analyze the fibroblastic and osteoblastic phenotypes expression on three-dimensional cultures in the presence or not of bioactive glass particles. Fibroblasts derived from human periodontal ligament (hPDLF) and osteogenic cells from newborn rat calvaria were cultured on bi-dimensional surfaces - plastic coverslips ThermanoxTM (control), bi-dimensional collagen surfaces - ThermanoxTM coated with collagen I without bioactive glass particles (2D) and with bioactive glass particles (2D+BG), on three-dimensional collagen gel without bioactive glass (3D) and with particles (3D+BG). Were evaluated: Cell viability (MTT) in 3 days, 7 and 10 days; Phosphatase alkaline activity (ALP) normalized by total protein content at 7 and 14 days; Immunolocalization of non-matrix proteins collagen (ALP and OPN in hPDLF at 7 and 14 days, OPN and BSP in osteogenic cells at 7 days) by indirect immunofluorescence; Genes expression (real-time PCR) for Periostin (PRT), Calcium-Binding Protein (S100A4) and Fibromodulin (FBM): fibroblastic markers in hPDLF, and Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Osteopontin (OPN), Bone sialoprotein (BSP), Osteocalcin (OC), Collagen I (COL I) and RUNX2: osteoblastic markers in both cell types; and Mineralization (staining with Alizarin red). The results obtained on hPDLF cultures showed that cell viability on 2D+BG was higher than on control at 3 days (p<0.05), and no significant difference between groups was observed at 7 and 10 days. The total protein content at 7 and 14 days was higher on 3D and 3D+BG cultures compared those on 2D+BG (p<0.05) and control (p<0.05) at 7 days. Significant difference was also observed between 3D and 2D at 14 days. The ALP activity at 7 days was higher on 2D and 2D+BG compared with 3D (p<0.05) and 3D+BG (p<0.05), it was also lower on 3D+BG than on control (p<0.05). However, at 14 days 3D and 3D+BG showed higher ALP activity than control (p<0.05). Immunolabeling for OPN and ALP were observed in cells on 3D at both periods and on 2D, 2D+ BG and control only at 14 days. At 7 days, the expression of mRNA for PRT was upregulated on 3D and 3D+BG compared with control (p<0.05), for the FBM it was higher on 3D and 2D than on 3D+BG (p<0,05), but it was lower on 3D+BG than on control (p<0.05). Cells on 2D exhibited higher levels of S100A4 mRNA expression than those grown on 2D+BG (p<0.05) and control (p<0.05). The mRNA levels expression for COL I and ALP on 2D+BG and 3D, and for RUNX2 and OPN on 3D and 2D, and for OC on 2D presented upregulated compared with control (p<0.05). Also, cells on 2D showed the level expression of OC higher than those on and 2D+BG (p<0.05). At 14 days, there was a decrease in all evaluated genes expression compared with 7 days analyses. Cells on 2D+BG expressed higher levels of PRT than on 3D+BG (p<0.05). 2D and 2D+BG showed the highest levels of mRNA expression for FBM. Gene expression of S100A4 on 2D was higher than on 3D (p<0.05) and 3D+BG (p<0.05), in which the levels of S100A4 were downregulated compared to control. COL I and ALP were downregulated on 3D (p<0.05) and on 3D+BG (p<0.05) compared with control. There was also a significant difference between 2D+BG and 3D+BG for mRNA ALP expression. RUNX2 expression was higher on 3D than on 3D+BG (p<0.05), and OC expression was higher on control. Calcified matrix formation was observed on BG cultures at 10 and 14 days. At 10 days, areas stained by Alizarin were no observed by microscopy, but the amount of mineralization on 2D+BG and 3D+BG was significantly higher than on control (p<0.05), 2D (p<0.05) and 3D (p<0.05). At 14 days, more extensive staining was observed on cultures with BG, but the mineralized nodules formation was independent of the particles. Calcium content on 2D+BG and 3D+BG was significantly higher than control (p<0.05) and 2D (p<0.05). Osteogenic cell cultures showed that cells grown on 3D and 3D+BG surfaces exhibited the lowest levels of cell viability. Significant differences were observed when 3D+BG was compared with 2D+BG (p<0.05) and control (p<0.05) and also between 2D and 3D (p<0.05). At 3 and 10 days, there were no significant differences for cell viabililty between the cultures. The total protein content was higher on 3D+BG than on the control (p<0.05) and 2D+BG (p<0.05) at 7 and 14 days. Significant differences were also observed between 3D and 2D (p<0.05) at 14 days. ALP activity at 7 days was higher on 2D+BG and 3D+BG. Significant differences were found between 2D and 2D+BG (p<0.05), 3D and 3D+BG (p<0.05), and between 3D and control (p<0.05). However, at 14 days 3D and 3D+BG had the lowest levels of ALP activity, significantly different from 2D (p<0.05) and 2D+BG (p<0.05). Immunolabeling for OPN and BSP were observed at 7 days on 2D, 2D+BG, 3D and control. At 7 days, the expression levels of mRNA for ALP, COL I and RUNX2 were higher on 3D and 3D+BG. OPN, BSP and OC exhibited higher expression levels on 2D+BG. COL I expression was higher on 3D+BG than on 2D+BG (p<0.05). Cells on 2D+BG showed higher expression levels of OPN and OC than those on 2D (p<0.05) and 3D+BG (p<0.05), in which both of these genes and BSP expression were downregulated compared with control. At 10 and 14 days areas stained with Alizarin red were observed all evaluated groups, especially on BG cultures. At 10 days the amount of calcium on 3D+BG was higher than on control (p<0.05), and it was also higher on 2D+BG compared with 2D (p<0.05) and control (p<0.05). At 14 days, 2D+BG and 3D+BG showed greater calcium amount than control (p<0.05) and 2D (p<0.05). In conclusion, this study demonstrated that in vitro 3D cultures of hPDLF and osteogenic cells from newborn rats calvaria were able of support cell viability, differentiation, and to contribute to expression of fibroblastic and osteoblastic phenotype in hPDLF. The BG particles also favored the viability, differentiation, mineralized matrix formation and phenotypic expression in both cell types.

Abstract Desmoglein 3 (Dsg3) is an adhesion receptor in desmosomes, but relatively little is known about its role in cancer. In this study, the function of Dsg3 was investigated in oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cell lines in vitro using locally established human leiomyoma tumor microenvironment (TME) matrices. Since Dsg3 has been identified as a key regulator in cell adhesion, we hypothesized that it may play a role in oral SCC cells adhesion and motility. Thus, one aim of the study was to explore this hypothesis by both gain and loss of function methods in four human buccal mucosa SCC SqCC/Y1 cell lines: transduction of vector control (Ct), full-length (FL) or two different C-terminally truncated Dsg3 mutants (&#916;238 and &#916;560). Live cell imaging was performed for 2D migration and 3D sandwich, alongside other assays. In 3D sandwich, we tested the effects of the monoclonal antibody, AK23, targeting the extracellular domain of Dsg3 in SqCC/Y1 cells. Our results showed that loss of Dsg3 disrupted cell adhesion and protein expression. In 2D assays, FL and Dsg3 mutants migrated faster with higher accumulated distances than Ct. In contrast with 2D, mutants showed accelerated invasion over the Ct in 3D models. The AK23 antibody inhibited only the invasion of FL cells. The TME in vivo consists of cellular and matrix elements playing a leading role in carcinoma progression. To study carcinoma cells invasion in vitro, mouse Matrigel® and rat type 1 collagen are the most commonly used matrices in 3D models. Since they are non-human in origin, they do not perfectly mimic human TME. To address this, we have developed a solid organotypic myoma disc model derived from human uterus leiomyoma tumor. Here, we introduce a novel Myogel, prepared from leiomyoma similar to Matrigel®. We validated Myogel for cell-TME interactions in 3D models, using SqCC/Y1 and HSC-3 cell lines. Compared with Matrigel® and type I collagen, oral SCC cell lines invaded more efficiently in Myogel containing matrices. This study describes promising 3D models using human TME mimicking Myogel which is suitable to analyze oral SCC cells both in carcinoma monocultures and in co-cultures, such as with TME fibroblasts. We also introduce a possible novel therapeutic target against Dsg3 to suppress cancer cell invasion. / Tiivistelmä Desmogleiini 3 (Dsg3) on desmosomien adheesioreseptori, jonka merkityksestä syövässä tiedetään vähän. Koska Dsg3 on tärkeä epiteelisolujen välisissä liitoksissa, oletimme sillä olevan vaikutusta myös suun karsinoomasolujen tarttumisessa ja niiden liikkuvuudessa. Testasimme hypoteesiamme muuttamalla Dsg3:n toimintaa ihmisen posken karsinoomasolulinjassa SqCC/Y1, josta oli aiemmin valmistettu neljä erilaista muunnosta: tyhjän vektorin sisältävä kontrollisolulinja (Ct), kokopitkää Dsg3 tuottava solulinja (FL), sekä kaksi Dsg3 C-päästä lyhennettyä mutanttisolulinjaa (&#916;238 ja &#916;560). Immunofluoresenssi-menetelmää käyttäen analysoimme solulinjoissamme solujen välisiä liitoksia. Lisäksi mittasimme solujen liikkeitä 2D-migraatio- ja 3D-sandwich-kokeissa. Testasimme myös Dsg3:n solunulkoista osaa tunnistavan monoklonaalisen vasta-aineen (AK23) vaikutusta solujen invaasioon. Osoitimme, että Dsg3:n rakenteen muuttaminen ja toiminnan estyminen häiritsi solujen tarttumista. 2D-kokeissa sekä FL että mutanttilinjat (&#916;238 ja &#916;560) migroivat kontrollisoluja nopeammin ja pidemmälle, mutta 3D-kokeissa vain mutanttilinjat invasoituivat kontrollisoluja tehokkaammin. AK23-vasta-aine esti vain FL-solujen invaasiota. Syöpäsolujen 3D-invaasiota mittaavissa kokeissa käytetään yleensä hiiren kasvaimesta valmistettua kaupallista Matrigeeliä® tai rotan kudoksista eristettyä tyypin I kollageenia. Tutkimusryhmämme on jo aiemmin kehittänyt organotyyppisen myoomamallin, jossa valmistamme myoomakudosnapit ihmisen kohdun leiomyoomakasvaimista. Tässä työssä valmistimme leiomyoomasta Myogeelia, vertasimme sitä Matrigeeliin®, sekä tutkimme tarkemmin Myogeeli-valmisteen soveltuvuutta 3D-tutkimuksiin. Totesimme, että kielen (HSC-3) ja posken (SqCC/Y1) karsinoomasolut invasoituivat tehokkaimmin Myogeeli-pitoisissa matrikseissa kuin Matrigeeliä® tai kollageeniä sisältävissä kasvatusalustoissa. Tutkimustulostemme perusteella Myogeeli-pohjaiset 3D-mallit soveltuvat hyvin sekä syöpäsolulinjojen invaasiotutkimuksiin että yhteisviljelmiin, joissa syöpäsoluja viljellään yhdessä syöpäkasvaimen ympärillä olevien solujen, kuten fibroblastien, kanssa.