Exploring the Potential of PEG-Heparin Hydrogels to Support Long-Term Ex Vivo Culture of Patient-Derived Breast Explant Tissues
Details
Publication Year 2023-06,Volume 12,Issue #14,Page e2202202
Journal Title
Advanced Healthcare Materials
Publication Type
Research article
Abstract
Breast cancer is a complex, highly heterogenous, and dynamic disease and the leading cause of cancer-related death in women worldwide. Evaluation of the heterogeneity of breast cancer and its various subtypes is crucial to identify novel treatment strategies that can overcome the limitations of currently available options. Explant cultures of human mammary tissue have been known to provide important insights for the study of breast cancer structure and phenotype as they include the context of the surrounding microenvironment, allowing for the comprehensive exploration of patient heterogeneity. However, the major limitation of currently available techniques remains the short-term viability of the tissue owing to loss of structural integrity. Here, an ex vivo culture model using star-shaped poly(ethylene glycol) and maleimide-functionalized heparin (PEG-HM) hydrogels to provide structural support to the explant cultures is presented. The mechanical support allows the culture of the human mammary tissue for up to 3 weeks and prevent disintegration of the cellular structures including the epithelium and surrounding stromal tissue. Further, maintenance of epithelial phenotype and hormonal receptors is observed for up to 2 weeks of culture which makes them relevant for testing therapeutic interventions. Through this study, the importance of donor-to-donor variability and intra-patient tissue heterogeneity is reiterated.
Publisher
Wiley
Keywords
Humans; Female; *Heparin/pharmacology; Hydrogels/pharmacology/chemistry; *Breast Neoplasms/drug therapy; Polyethylene Glycols/pharmacology/chemistry; Biocompatible Materials; Tumor Microenvironment; breast cancer; ex vivo cultures; hydrogels; patient-derived explants
Department(s)
Pathology
PubMed ID
36527735
Open Access at Publisher's Site
https://doi.org/10.1002/adhm.202202202
Terms of Use/Rights Notice
Refer to copyright notice on published article.


Creation Date: 2023-09-05 07:38:07
Last Modified: 2023-09-05 07:38:18

© 2024 The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research. Access to this website is subject to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use

An error has occurred. This application may no longer respond until reloaded. Reload 🗙