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Impact of the biophysical features of a 3D gelatin microenvironment on glioblastoma malignancy
Author(s) -
Pedron S.,
Harley B. A. C.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
journal of biomedical materials research part a
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.849
H-Index - 150
eISSN - 1552-4965
pISSN - 1549-3296
DOI - 10.1002/jbm.a.34637
Subject(s) - extracellular matrix , glioma , malignancy , fibronectin , glioblastoma , tumor microenvironment , phenotype , gelatin , materials science , cancer research , microbiology and biotechnology , biology , gene , tumor cells , biochemistry , genetics
Three‐dimensional tissue engineered constructs provide a platform to examine how the local extracellular matrix (ECM) contributes to the malignancy of cancers such as human glioblastoma multiforme. Improved resolution of how local matrix biophysical features impact glioma proliferation, genomic and signal transduction paths, as well as phenotypic malignancy markers would complement recent improvements in our understanding of molecular mechanisms associated with enhanced malignancy. Here, we report the use of a gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) platform to create libraries of three‐dimensional biomaterials to identify combinations of biophysical features that promote malignant phenotypes of human U87MG glioma cells. We noted key biophysical properties, namely matrix density, crosslinking density, and biodegradability, that significantly impact glioma cell morphology, proliferation, and motility. Gene expression profiles and secreted markers of increased malignancy, notably VEGF, MMP‐2, MMP‐9, HIF‐1, and the ECM protein fibronectin, were also significantly impacted by the local biophysical environment as well as matrix‐induced deficits in diffusion‐mediated oxygen and nutrient biotransport. Overall, this biomaterial system provides a flexible platform to explore the role biophysical factors play in the etiology, growth, and subsequent invasive spreading of gliomas. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 3404–3415, 2013.