The Role of Desmoplasia and Stromal Fibroblasts on Anti-cancer Drug Resistance in a Microengineered Tumor Model.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are known to participate in anti-cancer drug resistance by upregulating desmoplasia and pro-survival mechanisms within the tumor microenvironment. In this regard, anti-fibrotic drugs (i.e., tranilast) have been repurposed to diminish the elastic modulus of the stromal matrix and reduce tumor growth in presence of chemotherapeutics (i.e., doxorubicin). However, the quantitative assessment on impact of these stromal targeting drugs on matrix stiffness and tumor progression is still missing in the sole presence of CAFs.

Methods

We developed a high-density 3D microengineered tumor model comprised of MDA-MB-231 (highly invasive breast cancer cells) embedded microwells, surrounded by CAFs encapsulated within collagen I hydrogel. To

SUBMITTER: Saini H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6816733 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature