2015-12-17

There is a growing trend for researchers to use in vitro 3D models in cancer studies, as they can better recapitulate the complex in vivo situation. And the fact that the progression and development of tumor are closely associated to its stromal microenvironment has been increasingly recognized. The establishment of such tumor supportive niche is vital in understanding tumor progress and metastasis. The mesenchymal origin of many cells residing in the cancer niche provides the rationale to include MSCs in mimicking the niche in neuroblastoma. Here we co-encapsulate and co-culture NBCs and MSCs in a 3D in vitro model and investigate the morphology, growth kinetics and matrix remodeling in the reconstituted stromal environment. Results showed that the incorporation of MSCs in the model lead to accelerated growth of cancer cells as well as recapitulation of at least partially the tumor microenvironment in vivo. The current study therefore demonstrates the feasibility for the collagen microsphere to act as a 3D in vitro cancer model for various topics in cancer studies.

Yeung, P, Sin, HS, Chan, S, Chan, GCF, Chan, BP. (2015). Data from: Microencapsulation of Neuroblastoma Cells and Mesenchymal Stromal Cells in Collagen Microspheres: A 3D Model for Cancer Cell Niche Study. [Data File]. All relevant data are within the paper and its Supporting Information files. Click on “Linked Publications” to access the publication and access supporting information on figshare at https://figshare.com/articles/_Microencapsulation_of_Neuroblastoma_Cells_and_Mesenchymal_Stromal_Cells_in_Collagen_Microspheres_A_3D_Model_for_Cancer_Cell_Niche_Study_/1624089

cancer studies

microenvironment

msc

3 D model

Mesenchymal Stromal Cells

understanding tumor progress

3 D models

nbc

niche

3 D

vivo

reconstituted stromal environment

Cancer Cell Niche Study