Development of a 3D angiogenesis model to study tumour - endothelial cell interactions and the effects of anti-angiogenic drugs

Sci Rep. 2017 Jun 7;7(1):2963. doi: 10.1038/s41598-017-03010-6.

Abstract

The tumour microenvironment and tumour angiogenesis play a critical role in the development and therapy of many cancers, but in vitro models reflecting these circumstances are rare. In this study, we describe the development of a novel tri-culture model, using non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines (A549 and Colo699) in combination with a fibroblast cell line (SV 80) and two different endothelial cell lines in a hanging drop technology. Endothelial cells aggregated either in small colonies in Colo699 containing microtissues or in tube like structures mainly in the stromal compartment of microtissues containing A549. An up-regulation of hypoxia and vimentin, ASMA and a downregulation of E-cadherin were observed in co- and tri-cultures compared to monocultures. Furthermore, a morphological alteration of A549 tumour cells resembling "signet ring cells" was observed in tri-cultures. The secretion of proangiogenic growth factors like vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was measured in supernatants. Inhibition of these proangiogenic factors by using antiangiogenic drugs (bevacizumab and nindetanib) led to a significant decrease in migration of endothelial cells into microtissues. We demonstrate that our method is a promising tool for the generation of multicellular tumour microtissues and reflects in vivo conditions closer than 2D cell culture.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cell Communication*
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Movement
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Cell Survival
  • Cell Transformation, Neoplastic
  • Coculture Techniques
  • Cytokines / metabolism
  • Endothelial Cells / metabolism*
  • Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Models, Anatomic*
  • Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic* / drug therapy
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic* / metabolism
  • Oxygen / metabolism
  • Platelet Endothelial Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 / metabolism
  • Stromal Cells / metabolism
  • Tumor Microenvironment*
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / metabolism

Substances

  • Cytokines
  • Platelet Endothelial Cell Adhesion Molecule-1
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
  • Oxygen