Mesenchymal Stem Cells Relevance in Multicellular Bioengineered 3D In Vitro Tumor Models. Issue 12 (4th September 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ferreira, Luís P.; Gaspar, Vítor M.; Henrique, Rui; Jerónimo, Carmen; Mano, João F.
• Is Part Of: Biotechnology journal. Volume 12:Issue 12(2017)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2017-09-04
• Subjects: 3D models -- co‐culture -- drug testing -- in vitro tumors -- mesenchymal stem cells; Biotechnology -- Periodicals; 660.605
• DOI: 10.1002/biot.201700079
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1860-6768

Abstract

Abstract : In vitro 3D tumor microenvironment mimicking models are gathering momentum as alternatives to traditional 2D flat monolayer cultures due to their potential for recapitulating major cancer hallmarks. To fulfill such potential, it is crucial that 3D tumor testing platforms completely emulate in vitro the complex in vivo tumor niche and its cellular constituents. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are recognized to play a pivotal multi‐modulatory role in cancer, generating interest as biological targets and as key tumor suppressing, or tumor promoting effectors. This review discusses the biological influence of different types of MSCs in the tumor microenvironment and showcases recent studies that engineer 3D MSCs‐cancer cells co‐cultures as advanced in vitro therapy testing platforms. A special focus is given to MSCs‐cancer 3D co‐culture set‐up parameters, challenges, and future opportunities. Understanding cancer‐MSCs crosstalk and their underlying effects is envisioned to support the development of advanced 3D in vitro disease models for discovery of forefront cancer treatments. Abstract : In vitro 3D tumor microenvironment mimicking models are arising as robust alternatives to traditional 2D monolayer cell cultures due to their potential for recapitulating major cancer hallmarks. Different types of cells are present in the complex tumor microenvironment and this heterogeneity must be taken into consideration for the development of more robust in vitro drug testing platforms. From the myriad of cellular components, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are evermore recognized to play a pivotal multi‐modulatory role in cancer, generating interest as biological targets and as key effectors. Understanding and exploring the biological influence of MSCs and their crosstalk with cancer cells is crucial for the development of forefront 3D tumor models that better recapitulate the in vivo scenario.