Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in a 3D Engineered Tissue Model Induce Tumor-like Matrix Stiffening and EMT Transition.

ABSTRACT: A tumor microenvironment is characterized by its altered mechanical properties. However, most models remain unable to faithfully recreate the mechanical properties of a tumor. Engineered models based on the self-assembly method have the potential to better recapitulate the stroma architecture and composition. Here, we used the self-assembly method based on a bladder tissue model to engineer a tumor-like environment. The tissue-engineered tumor models were reconstituted from stroma-derived healthy primary fibroblasts (HFs) induced into cancer-associated fibroblast cells (iCAFs) along with an urothelium overlay. The iCAFs-derived extracellular matrix (ECM) composition was found to be stiffer, with increased ECM deposition and remodeling. The urothelial cells overlaid on the iCAFs-derived ECM

SUBMITTER: Millet M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9367573 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature