3D Analysis of Multi-cellular Responses to Chemoattractant Gradients

Tae Yun Kang, David Ellison, Sung Hoon Lee, Andrew J. Ewald, Andre Levchenko

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

Various limitations of 2D cell culture systems have sparked interest in 3D cell culture and analysis platforms, which would better mimic the spatial and chemical complexity of living tissues and mimic in vivo tissue functions. Recent advances in microfabrication technologies have facilitated the development of 3D in vitro environments in which cells can be integrated into a well-defined extracellular matrix (ECM) and a defined set of soluble or matrix associated biomolecules. However, technological barriers have limited their widespread use in research laboratories. Here, we describe a method to construct simple devices for 3D culture and experimentation with cells and multicellular organoids in 3D microenvironments with a defined chemoattractant gradient. We illustrate the use of this platform for analysis of the response of epithelial cells and organoids to gradients of growth factors, such as epidermal growth factor (EGF). EGF gradients were stable in the devices for several days leading to directed branch formation in breast organoids. This analysis allowed us to conclude that collective gradient sensing by groups of cells is more sensitive vs. single cells. We also describe the fabrication method, which does not require photolithography facilities nor advanced soft lithography techniques. This method will be helpful to study 3D cellular behaviors in the context of the analysis of development and pathological states, including cancer.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article numbere59226
JournalJournal of Visualized Experiments
Volume2019
Issue number147
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2019

Keywords

  • Bioengineering
  • Issue 147
  • chemotaxis
  • development
  • extracellular matrix
  • gradient sensing
  • organoids
  • organs-on-a-chip
  • stereolithography

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Neuroscience
  • General Chemical Engineering
  • General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology
  • General Immunology and Microbiology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of '3D Analysis of Multi-cellular Responses to Chemoattractant Gradients'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this