Cell-derived matrices for studying cell proliferation and directional migration in a complex 3D microenvironment

Kaukonen, Guillaume Jacquemet, Hamidi, Ivaska

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleScientificpeer-review

81 Citations (Scopus)
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Abstract

2D surfaces offer simple analysis of cells in culture, yet these often yield different cell morphologies and responses from those observed in vivo. Considerable effort has therefore been expended on the generation of more tissue-like environments for the study of cell behavior in vitro. Purified matrix proteins provide a 3D scaffold that better mimics the in vivo situation; however, these are far removed from the complex tissue composition seen in vivo. Cell-derived matrices (CDMs) offer a more physiologically relevant alternative for studying in vivo-like cell behavior in vitro. In the protocol described here, fibroblasts cultured on gelatin-coated surfaces are maintained in the presence of ascorbic acid to strengthen matrix deposition over 1-3 weeks. The resulting fibrillar CDMs are denuded of cells, and other cells are subsequently cultured on them, after which their behavior is monitored. We also demonstrate how to use CDMs as an in vivo-relevant reductionist model for studying tumor-stroma-induced changes in carcinoma cell proliferation and migration.
Original languageUndefined/Unknown
Pages (from-to)2376–2390
JournalNature Protocols
Volume12
Issue number11
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2017
MoE publication typeA1 Journal article-refereed

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