Integrating macrophages into organotypic co-cultures: a 3D in vitro model to study tumor-associated macrophages.

ABSTRACT: Tumor progression is controlled by signals from cellular and extra-cellular microenvironment including stromal cells and the extracellular matrix. Consequently, three-dimensional in vitro tumor models are essential to study the interaction of tumor cells with their microenvironment appropriately in a biologically relevant manner. We have previously used organotypic co-cultures to analyze the malignant growth of human squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cell lines on a stromal equivalent in vitro. In this model, SCC cell lines are grown on a collagen-I gel containing fibroblasts. Since macrophages play a critical role in the progression of many tumor types, we now have expanded this model by integrating macrophages into the collagen gel of these organotypic tumor co-cultures. This model was estab

SUBMITTER: Linde N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3391227 | biostudies-literature | 2012

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature