Chemotaxis-driven assembly of endothelial barrier in a tumor-on-a-chip platform

Lab Chip. 2016 May 21;16(10):1886-98. doi: 10.1039/c6lc00184j. Epub 2016 Apr 21.

Abstract

The integration of three-dimensional micropatterning with microfluidics provides a unique opportunity to create perfusable tissue constructs in vitro. Herein, we have used this approach to create a tumor-on-a-chip with an endothelial barrier. Specifically, we photopatterned a mixture of endothelial cells and cancer spheroids within a gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) hydrogel inside a microfluidic device. The differential motility of endothelial and cancer cells in response to a controlled morphogen gradient across the cell-laden network drove the migration of endothelial cells to the periphery while maintaining the cancer cells within the interior of the hydrogel. The resultant endothelial cell layer forming cell-cell contact via VE-cadherin junctions was found to encompass the entire GelMA hydrogel structure. Furthermore, we have also examined the potential of such a tumor-on-a-chip system as a drug screening platform using doxorubicin, a model cancer drug.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antigens, CD / metabolism
  • Cadherins / metabolism
  • Cell Culture Techniques / instrumentation*
  • Cell Culture Techniques / methods
  • Cell Movement
  • Chemotaxis*
  • Coculture Techniques / instrumentation
  • Coculture Techniques / methods
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Doxorubicin / pharmacology
  • Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor / instrumentation*
  • Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor / methods
  • Endothelial Cells
  • Gelatin / chemistry
  • Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells
  • Humans
  • Lab-On-A-Chip Devices
  • MCF-7 Cells
  • Methacrylates / chemistry
  • Microfluidics / instrumentation*
  • Spheroids, Cellular / pathology*
  • Tumor Microenvironment

Substances

  • Antigens, CD
  • Cadherins
  • Methacrylates
  • cadherin 5
  • Doxorubicin
  • Gelatin