scholarly journals Modeling the Efficacy of Oncolytic Adenoviruses In Vitro and In Vivo: Current and Future Perspectives

Cancers ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 619 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary K. McKenna ◽  
Amanda Rosewell-Shaw ◽  
Masataka Suzuki

Oncolytic adenoviruses (OAd) selectively target and lyse tumor cells and enhance anti- tumor immune responses. OAds have been used as promising cancer gene therapies for many years and there are a multitude of encouraging pre-clinical studies. However, translating OAd therapies to the clinic has had limited success, in part due to the lack of realistic pre-clinical models to rigorously test the efficacy of OAds. Solid tumors have a heterogenous and hostile microenvironment that provides many barriers to OAd treatment, including structural and immunosuppressive components that cannot be modeled in two-dimensional tissue culture. To replicate these characteristics and bridge the gap between pre-clinical and clinical success, studies must test OAd therapy in three-dimensional culture and animal models. This review focuses on current methods to test OAd efficacy in vitro and in vivo and the development of new model systems to test both oncolysis and immune stimulatory components of oncolytic adenovirotherapy.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shinji Iizuka ◽  
Ronald P. Leon ◽  
Kyle P. Gribbin ◽  
Ying Zhang ◽  
Jose Navarro ◽  
...  

ABSTRACTThe scaffold protein Tks5α is required for invadopodia-mediated cancer invasion both in vitro and in vivo. We have previously also revealed a role for Tks5 in tumor cell growth using three-dimensional (3D) culture model systems and mouse transplantation experiments. Here we use both 3D and high-density fibrillar collagen (HDFC) culture to demonstrate that native type I collagen, but not a form lacking the telopeptides, stimulated Tks5-dependent growth, which was dependent on the DDR collagen receptors. We used microenvironmental microarray (MEMA) technology to determine that laminin, collagen I, fibronectin and tropoelastin also stimulated invadopodia formation. A Tks5α-specific monoclonal antibody revealed its expression both on microtubules and at invadopodia. High- and super-resolution microscopy of cells in and on collagen was then used to place Tks5α at the base of invadopodia, separated from much of the actin and cortactin, but coincident with both matrix metalloprotease and cathepsin proteolytic activity. Inhibition of the Src family kinases, cathepsins or metalloproteases all reduced invadopodia length but each had distinct effects on Tks5α localization. These studies highlight the crosstalk between invadopodia and extracellular matrix components, and reveal the invadopodium to be a spatially complex structure.


Cancers ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 1098 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mirabelli ◽  
Coppola ◽  
Salvatore

Cell lines are in vitro model systems that are widely used in different fields of medical research, especially basic cancer research and drug discovery. Their usefulness is primarily linked to their ability to provide an indefinite source of biological material for experimental purposes. Under the right conditions and with appropriate controls, authenticated cancer cell lines retain most of the genetic properties of the cancer of origin. During the last few years, comparing genomic data of most cancer cell lines has corroborated this statement and those that were observed studying the tumoral tissue equivalents included in the The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. We are at the disposal of comprehensive open access cell line datasets describing their molecular and cellular alterations at an unprecedented level of accuracy. This aspect, in association with the possibility of setting up accurate culture conditions that mimic the in vivo microenvironment (e.g., three-dimensional (3D) coculture), has strengthened the importance of cancer cell lines for continuing to sustain medical research fields. However, it is important to consider that the appropriate use of cell lines needs to follow established guidelines for guaranteed data reproducibility and quality, and to prevent the occurrence of detrimental events (i.e., those that are linked to cross-contamination and mycoplasma contamination)


Author(s):  
Vicente Agulló ◽  
◽  
Raúl Domínguez-Perles ◽  
Cristina García-Viguera ◽  
◽  
...  

Nowadays, the health benefits associated with the consumption of plant-based food constitute a hot topic. To further demonstrate such benefits, related to antioxidant, anti-microbial, and anti-inflammatory activities, as well as the reduction of the risk of several pathophysiological conditions, the study of bioaccessibility and bioavailability of specific food’s constituents, which require interdisciplinary networks, is essential. In this frame, although different experimental models can be developed, the workflow described in the present work support the application of intervention trials in humans as the first option to study the truly effects on health of foods (e.g., plant-based foods), due to the safe condition of them and the realistic approach of this kind of studies, later explored in depth resorting to in vitro, ex vivo, and pre-clinical models, as the most appropriate workflow to get reliable results in the field of Food Science and Nutrition, regarding mechanisms of actions and molecular interactions. Thereby, the work described in the present review is developed in the frame of two consecutive and interconnected projects: BEBESANO (concluded) and MODELSANO (in process) that demonstrate the efficiency of the workflow proposed for research in the Food Science and Nutrition fields. In this regard, in the frame of BEBESANO, acute and longitudinal interventions in humans, devoted to set-up bioavailability of bioactive compounds, followed by functional studies in vivo upon pre-clinical models were conducted to unravel the relationship between bioactive compounds in plant-based beverages and the use of sweetener replacer. Now, most relevant findings from BEBESANO are being further explored in the newly granted project MODELSANO, which is aimed to uncover gaps of knowledge about the mechanisms behind the descriptive results obtained in BEBESANO, using more restrictive in vitro models (allowing the development of studies on the cellular and molecular pathways involved), and integrative cutting edge mathematical modelling alternatives. Keywords: In vivo; in vitro; bioavailability; bioaccessibility; bioactivity; health-promoting foods; metabolomic; mechanistic studies


2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Robin M. H. Rumney ◽  
Stuart A. Lanham ◽  
Janos M. Kanczler ◽  
Alexander P. Kao ◽  
Lalitha Thiagarajan ◽  
...  

AbstractDeficient bone vasculature is a key component in pathological conditions ranging from developmental skeletal abnormalities to impaired bone repair. Vascularisation is dependent upon vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which drives both angiogenesis and osteogenesis. The aim of this study was to examine the efficacy of blood vessel and bone formation following transfection with VEGF RNA or delivery of recombinant human VEGF165 protein (rhVEGF165) across in vitro and in vivo model systems. To quantify blood vessels within bone, an innovative approach was developed using high-resolution X-ray computed tomography (XCT) to generate quantifiable three-dimensional reconstructions. Application of rhVEGF165 enhanced osteogenesis, as evidenced by increased human osteoblast-like MG-63 cell proliferation in vitro and calvarial bone thickness following in vivo administration. In contrast, transfection with VEGF RNA triggered angiogenic effects by promoting VEGF protein secretion from MG-63VEGF165 cells in vitro, which resulted in significantly increased angiogenesis in the chorioallantoic (CAM) assay in ovo. Furthermore, direct transfection of bone with VEGF RNA in vivo increased intraosseous vascular branching. This study demonstrates the importance of continuous supply as opposed to a single high dose of VEGF on angiogenesis and osteogenesis and, illustrates the potential of XCT in delineating in 3D, blood vessel connectivity in bone.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nagasuryaprasad Kotikalapudi ◽  
Samuel Joshua Pragasam Sampath ◽  
Sinha Sukesh Narayan ◽  
Bhonde Ramesh R ◽  
Harishankar Nemani ◽  
...  

AbstractObesity (Ob) poses a significant risk factor for the onset of metabolic syndrome with associated complications, wherein the Mesenchymal Stem Cell (MSC) therapy shows pre-clinical success. Here, we explore the therapeutic applications of human Placental MSCs (P-MSCs) to address Ob-associated Insulin Resistance (IR) and its complications. In the present study, we show that intramuscular injection of P-MSCs homed more towards the visceral site, restored HOMA-IR and glucose homeostasis in the WNIN/GR-Ob (Ob-T2D) rats. P-MSC therapy was effective in re-establishing the dysregulated cytokines. We report that the P-MSCs activates PI3K-Akt signaling and regulates the Glut4-dependant glucose uptake and its utilization in WNIN/GR-Ob (Ob-T2D) rats compared to its control. Our data reinstates P-MSC treatment's potent application to alleviate IR and restores peripheral blood glucose clearance evidenced in stromal vascular fraction (SVF) derived from white adipose tissue (WAT) of the WNIN/GR-Ob rats. Gaining insights, we show the activation of the PI3K-Akt pathway by P-MSCs both in vivo and in vitro (palmitate primed 3T3-L1 cells) to restore the insulin sensitivity dysregulated adipocytes. Our findings suggest a potent application of P-MSCs in  pre-clinical/Ob-T2D management.


Endocrinology ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 159 (3) ◽  
pp. 1453-1462 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vania Vidimar ◽  
Debabrata Chakravarti ◽  
Serdar E Bulun ◽  
Ping Yin ◽  
Romana Nowak ◽  
...  

Abstract A deeper understanding of the pathways that drive uterine leiomyoma (ULM) growth and survival requires model systems that more closely mimic the in vivo tumors. This would provide new insights into developing effective therapeutic strategies for these common benign tumors of childbearing-aged women. In this study, we examined the role of BCL-2 in mediating ULM survival in the context of increased protein kinase B (AKT) and oxidative stress using a three-dimensional (3D), spheroid-based model that more closely resembles the native ULM tumor microenvironment. Human primary cells from matched myometrium (MM) and ULM tissues were used to establish spheroid cultures in vitro. Histological and immunohistochemical methods were used to assess the spheroid architecture and characteristics. Viability assays for 3D cultures were used to evaluate their response to BH3 mimetics and the superoxide inducer, paraquat (PQ). Primary MM and ULM cells formed spheroids in culture. Notably, ULM spheroids exhibited low proliferation, increased oxidative stress, and secretion of interstitial collagen. Knockdown studies revealed that AKT sustained BCL-2 expression in ULM. The targeting of BCL-2 with BH3 mimetics effectively reduced viability and induced apoptosis in a subset of ULM spheroids. ULM spheroids that did not respond to BH3 mimetics alone responded to combination treatment with PQ. In conclusion, BCL-2 mediates AKT survival of ULM, providing compelling evidence for further evaluation of BH3 mimetics for ULM treatment. ULM spheroids recapitulated intrinsic features of the native ULM tumor microenvironment and can be used as a model for preclinical testing of potential therapeutic options for ULM.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (23) ◽  
pp. 12618
Author(s):  
Nkune Williams Nkune ◽  
Nokuphila Winifred Nompumelelo Simelane ◽  
Hanieh Montaseri ◽  
Heidi Abrahamse

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising non-invasive phototherapeutic approach for cancer therapy that can eliminate local tumor cells and produce systemic antitumor immune responses. In recent years, significant efforts have been made in developing strategies to further investigate the immune mechanisms triggered by PDT. The majority of in vitro experimental models still rely on the two-dimensional (2D) cell cultures that do not mimic a three-dimensional (3D) cellular environment in the human body, such as cellular heterogeneity, nutrient gradient, growth mechanisms, and the interaction between cells as well as the extracellular matrix (ECM) and therapeutic resistance to anticancer treatments. In addition, in vivo animal studies are highly expensive and time consuming, which may also show physiological discrepancies between animals and humans. In this sense, there is growing interest in the utilization of 3D tumor models, since they precisely mimic different features of solid tumors. This review summarizes the characteristics and techniques for 3D tumor model generation. Furthermore, we provide an overview of innate and adaptive immune responses induced by PDT in several in vitro and in vivo tumor models. Future perspectives are highlighted for further enhancing PDT immune responses as well as ideal experimental models for antitumor immune response studies.


Author(s):  
D. Reis ◽  
B. Vian ◽  
J. C. Roland

Wall morphogenesis in higher plants is a problem still open to controversy. Until now the possibility of a transmembrane control and the involvement of microtubules were mostly envisaged. Self-assembly processes have been observed in the case of walls of Chlamydomonas and bacteria. Spontaneous gelling interactions between xanthan and galactomannan from Ceratonia have been analyzed very recently. The present work provides indications that some processes of spontaneous aggregation could occur in higher plants during the formation and expansion of cell wall.Observations were performed on hypocotyl of mung bean (Phaseolus aureus) for which growth characteristics and wall composition have been previously defined.In situ, the walls of actively growing cells (primary walls) show an ordered three-dimensional organization (fig. 1). The wall is typically polylamellate with multifibrillar layers alternately transverse and longitudinal. Between these layers intermediate strata exist in which the orientation of microfibrils progressively rotates. Thus a progressive change in the morphogenetic activity occurs.


2018 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 246-255 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lara Termini ◽  
Enrique Boccardo

In vitro culture of primary or established cell lines is one of the leading techniques in many areas of basic biological research. The use of pure or highly enriched cultures of specific cell types obtained from different tissues and genetics backgrounds has greatly contributed to our current understanding of normal and pathological cellular processes. Cells in culture are easily propagated generating an almost endless source of material for experimentation. Besides, they can be manipulated to achieve gene silencing, gene overexpression and genome editing turning possible the dissection of specific gene functions and signaling pathways. However, monolayer and suspension cultures of cells do not reproduce the cell type diversity, cell-cell contacts, cell-matrix interactions and differentiation pathways typical of the three-dimensional environment of tissues and organs from where they were originated. Therefore, different experimental animal models have been developed and applied to address these and other complex issues in vivo. However, these systems are costly and time consuming. Most importantly the use of animals in scientific research poses moral and ethical concerns facing a steadily increasing opposition from different sectors of the society. Therefore, there is an urgent need for the development of alternative in vitro experimental models that accurately reproduce the events observed in vivo to reduce the use of animals. Organotypic cultures combine the flexibility of traditional culture systems with the possibility of culturing different cell types in a 3D environment that reproduces both the structure and the physiology of the parental organ. Here we present a summarized description of the use of epithelial organotypic for the study of skin physiology, human papillomavirus biology and associated tumorigenesis.


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