A simple liquid 3D cell culture paradigm models oxidative mitochondrial metabolism of epithelial breast cancer cells with relevance for lung metastases.

ABSTRACT: Three-dimensional (3D) cell culture systems have emerged as powerful tools to model tumor biology ex vivo. However, the diverse array of 3D culture methods available presents challenges in selecting the most appropriate model for specific research questions. This study provides a comparative analysis of breast cancer cells (SUM149, IBC-3, MDA-MB-468) in the mammosphere culture (SphC) model or an "emboli" culture (EmC) model, which enrich for cancer stem cells and epithelial features, respectively. The EmC model, designed originally for inflammatory breast cancer, is characterized by media viscosity and mechanical rocking of the culture vessel. Notably, cells in EmC showed a distinct and durable reduction in cell proliferation while demonstrating increased capacity to establish experimental

SUBMITTER: Balamurugan K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12407794 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature