An on-chip model for investigating the interaction between neurons and cancer cells. Issue 3 (7th March 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lei, Yifeng; Li, Jun; Wang, Nuoxin; Yang, Xinglong; Hamada, Yoh; Li, Qizhai; Zheng, Wenfu; Jiang, Xingyu
• Is Part Of: Integrative biology. Volume 8:Issue 3(2016:Mar.)
• Page Start: 359
• Page End: 367
• Publication Date: 2016-03-07
• Subjects: Biology -- Periodicals; Technology -- Periodicals; Biological systems -- Periodicals; 570.5
• DOI: 10.1039/c5ib00309a
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1757-9694

Abstract

Abstract : We develop an on-chip model for investigating neuron–cancer cell interaction and associated signaling. Abstract : Emerging evidence suggests that there is extensive interaction between neurons and cancer cells. However, few model systems have been developed to investigate nerve–cancer cell interaction in vitro . Herein, a high-throughput microfluidic compartmentalized chip is developed to examine the interaction between neurons and cancer cells. The nerve bundles appear to provide a biophysical support for cancer cells and guide their directional migration. The cancers that have high levels of perineural invasion in clinical observations exhibit greater migration along neurites in the on-chip model. The on-chip model allows the screening of compounds which inhibit cancer cell migration along neurites in vitro . The interruption of neurites, the pharmacological blockade of nerve–cancer signaling, effectively attenuates the migration of cancer cells along neurites. This on-chip model provides a useful platform to investigate the dynamic interaction between cancer cells and neurons and can dramatically broaden the chemical space in screening neuron-related drugs for cancers.