Prostate cancer-on-a-chip
2023
University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
The aim of this study was to develop a prostate cancer microphysiological system (PCa-MPS) model that recreates the epithelial nature of prostate cancers as well as their prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and miRNA secretion in vitro.
Androgen-sensitive (LNCaP) and androgen-insensitive (PC3) prostate cancer cells were grown in conventional and 3D cultures, both under static and dynamic conditions. Cell morphology, the secretion of PSA, and the expression of key prostate markers and microRNAs were analysed. LNCaP formed spheroids in 3D and MPS cultures, and maintained a constant PSA secretion in MPS. PC3 cells did not develop complex structures in 3D and MPS cultures.
This novel approach demonstrates that microRNA expression in prostate cancer cells is sensitive to external stimuli and that MPS can effectively promote important physiological changes in conventional prostate cancer models. The MPS model provides a new and more physiologically accurate tool for the study of PCa biomarkers for potential use in clinical practice and drug development applications.
Microfluidic‑based prostate cancer model for investigating the secretion of prostate‑specific antigen and microRNAs in vitro
Pedro Caetano Pinto
Added on: 09-11-2023
[1] https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-38834-y
