Melanoma spheroid-containing artificial dermis as an alternative approach to in vivo models

Author(s)

Monico, Danielli Azevedo ; Calori, Italo Rodrigo ; Souza, Carla ; Espreafico, Enilza Maria ; Bi, Hong ; Tedesco, Antonio Claudio

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Experimental Cell Research; v. 417, n. 1, p. 11-pg., 2022-05-20.

Abstract

Melanoma spheroid-loaded 3D skin models allow for the study of crucial tumor characteristics and factors at a superior level because the neoplastic cells are integrated into essential human skin components, permitting tumor-skin model communication. Herein, we designed a melanoma-containing artificial dermis by inserting multicellular tumor spheroids from the metastatic phase of WM 1617 melanoma cells into an artificial dermis. We cultured multicellular melanoma spheroids by hanging drop method (250 cells per drop) with a size of 420 mu m in diameter after incubation for 14 days. These spheroids were integrated into the dermal equivalents that had been previously preparedwith a type-I collagen matrix and healthy fibroblasts. The melanoma spheroid cells invaded and proliferated in the artificial dermis. Spheroids treated with a 1.0 mu mol/L aluminum chloride phthalocyanine nanoemulsion in the absence of light showed high cell viability. In contrast, under irradiation with visible red light (660 nm) at 25 J/cm(2), melanoma cells were killed and the healthy tissue was preserved, indicating that photodynamic therapy is effective in such a model. Therefore, the 3D skin melanoma model has potential to promote research in full-thickness skin model targeting optimized preclinical assays. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 20/04507-6 - HYDROGENLS CONFINED IN 3D PRINTED MATRIX TO CONTROLLED AND SITE-SPECIFIC DELIVERY OF INGENOL-3-DODECANOATE AND FLUOROCHROME FOR PHOTODIAGNOSTIC AND THERAPY OF CEREBRAL TUMORS
• Grantee: Italo Rodrigo Calori
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 13/50181-1 - Use of drugs containing nanocarriers with photosensitizers and/or other active compounds applied to cell therapy and treatment of central nervous system disorders
• Grantee: Antonio Claudio Tedesco
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 17/01272-5 - In vitro reconstituted skin models: development, damage assessment and photoprotective efficacy in the UVA and visible spectral ranges
• Grantee: Carla Souza
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral