Okayama University Research: 3D Tissue Model Offers Insights Into Treating Pancreatic Cancer
OKAYAMA, Japan, January 31, 2019 /PRNewswire/ --
Researchers at Okayama University show how specific cells of the pancreas can
facilitate cancer progression
Pancreatic cancer can be fatal. It is extremely difficult to treat partly because its precise growth mechanism is not clear. One of the characteristics of pancreatic cancer is the presence of fibrous structures or 'desmoplasia' that are found in conjunction with the tumour. Scientists at Okayama University have recently clarified the structure and the mechanisms underlying the emergence of desmoplasia in pancreatic cancer.
(Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/816116/PSC_Tissue_Samples.jpg )
To understand desmoplasia better it must be replicated in the laboratory. Here, the researchers first analysed desmoplasia from human samples of pancreatic cancer. Microscopy revealed that cancer cells were separated from surrounding blood vessels by fibrous desmoplasia cells. The desmoplasia layer was about 10 to 30 micrometers thick, suggesting that if a therapeutic agent were to reach cancer cells from the blood it would have to traverse this distance-a key factor determining the efficiency of drug delivery.
Next, the researchers extracted pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) from patients to create a 3D model of desmoplasia because desmoplasia is formed of these cells. Arranging PSCs in increasing numbers quickly resulted in layers at least 10 micrometers thick, accurately mimicking the desmoplasia in pancreatic cancer. The normal function of PSCs is to secrete the extracellular matrix (ECM), which is a support system that holds cells together. The composition and organization of ECM is severely altered in the desmoplasia. This led the researchers to use their 3D model to understand how ECM changes occur and the role of PSCs with respect to these changes.
The model showed the abundance of two ECM components, Fibronectin and Collagen, just as seen in patient desmoplasia. Notably, these components also act as barriers preventing drugs from reaching cancer cells. The trigger that drives the switch between normal ECM and the aberrant ECM in desmoplasia was a major pathway mediated by a pair of proteins TGF-beta/ROCK. Activation of this pathway could not only switch healthy fibrous cells into the toxic PSCs, but also result in increases of Collagen and Fibronectin. Lastly, another cancer protein, SPARC, was also found to be involved with these ECM abnormalities, further establishing its relevance to pancreatic cancer.
This was the first study to replicate a 3D model of desmoplasia in the laboratory, with relevance to clinical samples. This model successfully revealed toxic pathways that are activated in pancreatic cancer. Such a model has wide ranging implications such as deeper insights into structural and molecular aberrations that drive the disease with the possibility of discovering how to overcome the desmoplastic barrier to facilitate drug delivery to tumour cells.
This work has been carried out by a collaborative research with scientists in Tohoku University, Keio University, Osaka University, Hirosaki University, Japan Women's University, and Toyo University.
Background
Extracellular matrix (ECM): The ECM is a scaffold made up of different biochemical components. This scaffolding network that is secreted by specific kinds of cells, functions to hold and bind cells in place and facilitate communication between them. It thus acts as an external system keeping cells healthy, strong and functioning correctly. Alterations in the ECM can lead to cellular dysfunction, such as in cancer.
Reference
Hiroyoshi Y. Tanaka, Kentaro Kitahara, Naoki Sasaki, Natsumi Nakao, Kae Sato, Hirokazu Narita, Hiroshi Shimoda, Michiya Matsusaki, Hiroshi Nishihara, Atsushi Masamune, Mitsunobu R. Kano. Pancreatic stellate cells derived from human pancreatic cancer demonstrate aberrant SPARC-dependent ECM remodeling in 3D engineered fibrotic tissue of clinically relevant thickness. Biomaterials, 2019 Feb;192:355-367.
DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2018.11.023.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0142961218308007?via%3Dihub
Okayama University Medical Research Updates OU-MRU
The whole volume : OU-MRU (1- ) [https://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/eng/research/ou-mru.html ]
Vol.1 Innovative non-invasive 'liquid biopsy' method to capture circulating tumor cells from blood samples for genetic testing [http://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/eng/release/index_id210.html ]
Vol.2 Ensuring a cool recovery from cardiac arrest [http://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/eng/release/index_id248.html ]
Vol.3 Organ regeneration research leaps forward [https://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/eng/release/index_id252.html ]
Vol.4 Cardiac mechanosensitive integrator [http://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/eng/release/index_id261.html ]
Vol.5 Cell injections get to the heart of congenital defects [http://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/eng/release/index_id265.html ]
Vol.6 Fourth key molecule identified in bone development [http://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/eng/release/index_id266.html ]
Vol.7 Anticancer virus solution provides an alternative to surgery [http://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/eng/release/index_id273.html ]
Vol.8 Light-responsive dye stimulates sight in genetically blind patients [http://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/eng/release/index_id275.html ]
Vol.9 Diabetes drug helps towards immunity against cancer [http://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/eng/release/index_id282.html ]
Vol.10 Enzyme-inhibitors treat drug-resistant epilepsy [http://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/eng/release/index_id294.html ]
Vol.11 Compound-protein combination shows promise for arthritis treatment [http://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/eng/release/index_id304.html ]
Vol.12 Molecular features of the circadian clock system in fruit flies [http://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/eng/release/index_id315.html ]
Vol.13 Peptide directs artificial tissue growth [http://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/eng/release/index_id324.html ]
Vol.14 Simplified boron compound may treat brain tumours [http://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/eng/release/index_id328.html ]
Vol.15 Metamaterial absorbers for infrared inspection technologies [http://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/eng/research_highlights/index_id10.html ]
Vol.16 Epigenetics research traces how crickets restore lost limbs [http://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/eng/research_highlights/index_id12.html ]
Vol.17 Cell research shows pathway for suppressing hepatitis B virus [http://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/eng/research_highlights/index_id13.html ]
Vol.18 Therapeutic protein targets liver disease [http://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/eng/research_highlights/index_id15.html ]
Vol.19 Study links signalling protein to osteoarthritis [http://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/eng/research_highlights/index_id17.html ]
Vol.20 Lack of enzyme promotes fatty liver disease in thin patients [http://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/eng/research_highlights/index_id18.html ]
Vol.21 Combined gene transduction and light therapy targets gastric cancer [http://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/eng/research_highlights/index_id19.html ]
Vol.22 Medical supportive device for hemodialysis catheter puncture [http://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/eng/research_highlights/index_id20.html ]
Vol.23 Development of low cost oral inactivated vaccines for dysentery [http://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/eng/research_highlights/index_id25.html ]
Vol.24 Sticky molecules to tackle obesity and diabetes [http://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/eng/research_highlights/index_id26.html ]
Vol.25 Self-administered aroma foot massage may reduce symptoms of anxiety [http://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/eng/research_highlights/index_id31.html ]
Vol.26 Protein for preventing heart failure [http://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/eng/research_highlights/index_id37.html ]
Vol.27 Keeping cells in shape to fight sepsis [http://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/eng/research_highlights/index_id38.html ]
Vol.28 Viral-based therapy for bone cancer [http://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/eng/research_highlights/index_id39.html ]
Vol.29 Photoreactive compound allows protein synthesis control with light [http://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/eng/research_highlights/index_id40.html ]
Vol.30 Cancer stem cells' role in tumor growth revealed [http://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/eng/research_highlights/index_id41.html ]
Vol.31 Prevention of RNA virus replication [http://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/eng/research_highlights/index_id42.html ]
Vol.32 Enzyme target for slowing bladder cancer invasion [http://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/eng/research_highlights/index_id43.html ]
Vol.33 Attacking tumors from the inside [http://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/eng/research_highlights/index_id44.html ]
Vol.34 Novel mouse model for studying pancreatic cancer [http://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/eng/research_highlights/index_id45.html ]
Vol.35 Potential cause of Lafora disease revealed [http://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/eng/research_highlights/index_id46.html ]
Vol.36 Overloading of protein localization triggers cellular defects [http://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/eng/research_highlights/index_id47.html ]
Vol.37 Protein dosage compensation mechanism unravelled [https://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/eng/research_highlights/index_id48.html ]
Vol.38 Bioengineered tooth restoration in a large mammal [http://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/eng/research_highlights/index_id49.html ]
Vol.39 Successful test of retinal prosthesis implanted in rats [http://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/eng/research_highlights/index_id54.html ]
Vol.40 Antibodies prolong seizure latency in epileptic mice [http://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/eng/research_highlights/index_id55.html ]
Vol.41 Inorganic biomaterials for soft-tissue adhesion [http://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/eng/research_highlights/index_id56.html ]
Vol.42 Potential drug for treating chronic pain with few side effects [http://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/eng/research_highlights/index_id57.html ]
Vol.43 Potential origin of cancer-associated cells revealed [http://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/eng/research_highlights/index_id59.html ]
Vol.44 Protection from plant extracts [http://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/eng/research_highlights/index_id60.html ]
Vol.45 Link between biological-clock disturbance and brain dysfunction uncovered [http://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/eng/research_highlights/index_id61.html ]
Vol.46 New method for suppressing lung cancer oncogene [http://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/eng/research_highlights/index_id62.html ]
Vol.47 Candidate genes for eye misalignment identified [http://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/eng/research_highlights/index_id64.html ]
Vol.48 Nanotechnology-based approach to cancer virotherapy [http://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/eng/research_highlights/index_id65.html ]
Vol.49 Cell membrane as material for bone formation [http://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/eng/research_highlights/index_id66.html ]
Vol.50 Iron removal as a potential cancer therapy [http://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/eng/research_highlights/index_id67.html ]
Vol.51 Potential of 3D nanoenvironments for experimental cancer [http://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/eng/research_highlights/index_id68.html ]
Vol.52 A protein found on the surface of cells plays an integral role in tumor growth and sustenance [http://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/eng/research_highlights/index_id69.html ]
Vol.53 Successful implantation and testing of retinal prosthesis in monkey eyes with retinal degeneration [http://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/eng/research_highlights/index_id70.html ]
Vol.54 Measuring ion concentration in solutions for clinical and environmental research [http://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/eng/research_highlights/index_id71.html ]
Vol.55 Diabetic kidney disease: new biomarkers improve the prediction of the renal prognosis [http://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/eng/research_highlights/index_id72.html ]
Vol.56 New device for assisting accurate hemodialysis catheter placement [http://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/eng/research_highlights/index_id73.html ]
Vol.57 Possible link between excess chewing muscle activity and dental disease [https://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/eng/research_highlights/index_id74.html ]
Vol.58 Insights into mechanisms governing the resistance to the anti-cancer medication cetuximab [https://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/eng/research_highlights/index_id75.html ]
Vol.59 Role of commensal flora in periodontal immune response investigated [https://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/eng/research_highlights/index_id76.html ]
Vol.60 Role of commensal microbiota in bone remodeling [http://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/eng/research_highlights/index_id77.html ]
Vol.61 Mechanical stress affects normal bone development [https://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/eng/research_highlights/index_id78.html ]
About Okayama University
Okayama University is one of the largest comprehensive universities in Japan with
roots going back to the Medical Training Place sponsored by the Lord of Okayama and
established in 1870. Now with 1,300 faculty and 13,000 students, the University offers
courses in specialties ranging from medicine and pharmacy to humanities and physical
sciences. Okayama University is located in the heart of Japan approximately 3 hours west of
Tokyo by Shinkansen.
Website: http://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/index_e.html
Correspondence to
Professor Mitsunobu Kano, M.D., Ph.D.
Department of Pharmaceutical Biomedicine,
Okayama University Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and
Engineering in Health Systems, 1-1-1 Tsushima-naka, Kita-Ku,
Okayama, 700-8530, Japan.
E-mail: mitkano@okayama-u.ac.jp
Further information
Okayama University
1-1-1 Tsushima-naka , Kita-ku , Okayama 700-8530, Japan
Public Relations and Information Strategy
E-mail: www-adm@adm.okayama-u.ac.jp
Website: http://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/index_e.html Okayama Univ. e-Bulletin: http://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/user/kouhou/ebulletin About Okayama University (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDL1coqPRYI Okayama University Image Movie (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KU3hOIXS5kk
Photo:
https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/816116/PSC_Tissue_Samples.jpg
SOURCE Okayama University
