Physics (Internal)

Studying the effects of tumor microenvironment on migration, assembly and therapeutic efficacy in a 3D model of ovarian cancer

This event is part of the Biophysics/Condensed Matter Seminar Series.

Abstract:
Three-dimensional cell culture models, which more accurately reflect the mechanical and architectural properties of tumor microenvironment than traditional monolayer cultures, have recently received considerable attention as physiologically relevant systems to study tumor biology and therapeutic efficacy. We have developed a model system in which ovarian cancer cells seeded on a basement membrane matrix spontaneously migrate and assemble to form heterogeneous populations of micronodules resembling disseminated ovarian cancer. In preliminary studies of cells grown on Growth Factor Reduced Matrigel™ we have analyzed growth kinetics using custom image processing routines to obtain information on the size and shape of thousands of acini obtained from sets of sequential images. We have consistently found that 3D nodules exhibit dramatically different growth kinetics and response to treatment as compared to monolayer cells. 3D model systems also provide a unique platform to study the influence of mechanical properties of the tumor stroma on the growth and development of cancer cells. Using customizable nanofiber scaffolds we are exploring the role of specific matrix components such as laminin and fibronectin on the mechanical properties of the tumor microenvironment and the influence of these parameters on the growth, motility and response to treatment of 3D structures.