Air-liquid organotypic assays to investigate cellular crosstalk in the tumor microenvironment of cancer cells

STAR Protoc. 2022 Aug 18;3(3):101635. doi: 10.1016/j.xpro.2022.101635. eCollection 2022 Sep 16.

Abstract

Air-liquid organotypic culture models enable the study of the cellular crosstalk in the tumor microenvironment. This 3D assay recapitulates the tumor niche more faithfully than 2D culture systems and represents a versatile platform that can be easily adapted to different types of cancer cells, stromal components, or ECM composition. Here, we detail the steps to build an organotypic culture including the preparation of the organotypic structure, organotypic gels, cell seeding, gel casting, membrane processing, and image and data analysis. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Linares et al. (2022).

Keywords: Biotechnology and bioengineering; Cancer; Cell Biology; Cell culture; Tissue Engineering.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Neoplasms*
  • Tumor Microenvironment*