An on-chip model for investigating the interaction between neurons and cancer cells

Integr Biol (Camb). 2016 Mar 14;8(3):359-67. doi: 10.1039/c5ib00309a.

Abstract

Emerging evidence suggests that there is extensive interaction between neurons and cancer cells. However, few model systems have been developed to investigate nerve-cancer cell interaction in vitro. Herein, a high-throughput microfluidic compartmentalized chip is developed to examine the interaction between neurons and cancer cells. The nerve bundles appear to provide a biophysical support for cancer cells and guide their directional migration. The cancers that have high levels of perineural invasion in clinical observations exhibit greater migration along neurites in the on-chip model. The on-chip model allows the screening of compounds which inhibit cancer cell migration along neurites in vitro. The interruption of neurites, the pharmacological blockade of nerve-cancer signaling, effectively attenuates the migration of cancer cells along neurites. This on-chip model provides a useful platform to investigate the dynamic interaction between cancer cells and neurons and can dramatically broaden the chemical space in screening neuron-related drugs for cancers.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biophysical Phenomena
  • Cell Communication / physiology*
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Movement
  • Coculture Techniques
  • Equipment Design
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lab-On-A-Chip Devices*
  • MCF-7 Cells
  • Male
  • Microtechnology
  • Neoplasms / pathology
  • Neoplasms / physiopathology*
  • Neurites / physiology
  • Neurons / cytology
  • Neurons / physiology*
  • Rats
  • Signal Transduction