Microfluidic model with air-walls reveals fibroblasts and keratinocytes modulate melanoma cell phenotype, migration, and metabolism.

ABSTRACT: Melanoma evolution is a complex process. The role epidermal keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts play in this process and the mechanisms involved in tumor-stroma interactions remain poorly understood. Here, we used a microfluidic platform to evaluate the cross-talk between human primary melanoma cells, keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts. The microfluidic device included multiple circular chambers separated by a series of narrow connection channels. The microdevice design allowed us to develop a new cell patterning method based on air-walls, removing the need for hydrogel barriers, porous membranes, or external equipment. Using this method, we co-cultured melanoma cells in the presence of keratinocytes and/or dermal fibroblasts. The results demonstrated that the presence of dermal fibrobl

SUBMITTER: Ayuso JM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7990711 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature