METHOD FOR PREPARING CANCER STEM CELL SPHEROIDS
20210371827 · 2021-12-02
Inventors
- Sang Yong JON (Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, KR)
- Min Suk CHOI (Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, KR)
- Sung Gap IM (Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, KR)
- Daeyoup LEE (Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, KR)
- Seung Jung YU (Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, KR)
- Yoon Jung CHOI (Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, KR)
Cpc classification
C12N2500/50
CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
C12N5/0695
CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
International classification
Abstract
The present invention relates to a method or kit for producing cancer stem cell spheroids, and a method of screening of drugs for treating cancer cell resistance using the prepared cancer stem cell spheroid, and it can conveniently produce cancer stem cell spheroids, and the prepared cancer stem cell spheroids can be effectively utilized for screening drugs for treating cancer cell resistance.
Claims
1. A method for producing cancer stem cells from cancer cells, comprising culturing cancer cells using a composition comprising albumin and a medium for cell culture.
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the cancer stem cells are in a spheroid form.
3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the albumin is comprised in the composition at a concentration of 0.1 to 500 mg/ml.
4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the albumin is provided as a serum replacement including albumin, or as a Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS) supplemented by albumin.
5. (canceled)
6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the albumin is selected from the group consisting of bovine serum albumin, human serum albumin and combinations thereof.
7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the cancer stem cells are cancer stem cells specific to an individual who the cancer cell is derived from.
8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the cancer stem cells have at least one characteristic selected from the group consisting of strengthened or enhanced cell migration, cell penetration, drug resistance and cancer-formation ability compared to the parent cancer cells.
9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the cancer stem cells express at least one marker selected from the group consisting of CD47, BMI-1, CD24, CXCR4, DLD4, GLI-1, GLI-2, PTEN, CD166, ABCG2, CD171, CD34, CD96, TIM-3, CD38, STRO-1, CD19, CD44, CD133, ALDH1A1, ALDH1A2, EpCAM, CD90, and LGR5.
10. The method according to claim 1, wherein the cancer cells are derived from ovarian cancer, breast cancer, liver cancer, brain cancer, colorectal cancer, prostate cancer, cervical cancer, lung cancer, stomach cancer, skin cancer, pancreatic cancer, oral cancer, rectal cancer, laryngeal cancer, thyroid cancer, parathyroid cancer, colon cancer, bladder cancer, peritoneal carcinoma, adrenal cancer, tongue cancer, small intestine cancer, esophageal cancer, renal pelvis cancer, renal cancer, heart cancer, duodenal cancer, ureteral cancer, urethral cancer, pharynx cancer, vaginal cancer, tonsil cancer, anal cancer, pleura cancer, thymic carcinoma or nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
11.-13. (canceled)
14. The method according to claim 1, wherein the culturing cancer cells is performed by culturing cancer cells on a cell culture substrate comprising a cyclosiloxane polymer.
15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the cell culture substrate comprising a cyclosiloxane polymer has a water contact angle of less than 90°.
16. The method according to claim 14, wherein the cyclosiloxane polymer is a homopolymer or heteropolymer comprising the monomer having the following chemical formula 1: ##STR00003## in the formula, A is ##STR00004## (n=an integer of 1-8); and R1 is independently hydrogen or C2-10 alkenyl with the proviso that at least two positions of R1 are C2-10 alkenyl; and R2 is independently of each other hydrogen, C1-10 alkyl, C2-10 alkenyl, halo group, metal element, C5-14 heterocycle, C3-10 cycloalkyl or C3-10 cycloalkenyl.
17. The method according to claim 16, wherein the compound of chemical formula 1 has n+1 or n+2 of C2-10 alkenyl at the R1 position.
18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the cyclosiloxane polymer is selected from the group consisting of 2,4,6,8-tetra(C2-10)alkenyl-2,4,6,8-tetra(C1-10)alkylcyclotetrasiloxane, 1,3,5-tri(C1-10)alkyl-1,3,5-tri(C2-10)alkenylcyclotrisiloxane, 1,3,5,7-tetra(C1-10)alkyl-1,3,5,7-tetra(C2-10)alkenylcyclotetrasiloxane, 1,3,5,7,9-penta(C1-10)alkyl-1,3,5,7,9-penta(C2-10)alkenylcyclopentasiloxane, 1,3,5-tri(C1-10)alkyl-1,3,5-tri(C2-10)alkenylcyclotrisiloxane, 1,3,5,7-tetra(C1-10)alkyl-1,3,5,7-tetra(C2-10)alkenylcyclotetrasiloxane, 1,3,5,7,9-penta(C1-10)alkyl-1,3,5,7,9-penta(C2-10)alkenylcyclopentasiloxane, 1,3,5-tri(C1-10)alkyl-1,3,5-tri(C2-10)alkenylcyclotrisiloxane, 1,3,5,7-tetra(C1-10)alkyl-1,3,5,7-tetra(C2-10)alkenylcyclotetrasiloxane, 1,3,5,7,9-penta(C1-10)alkyl-1,3,5,7,9-penta(C2-10)alkenylcyclopentasiloxane, hexa(C2-10)alkenylcyclotrisiloxane, octa(C2-10)alkenylcyclotetrasiloxane, deca(C2-10)alkenylcyclopentasiloxane, 2,4,6,8-tetravinyl-2,4,6,8,-tetramethylcyclotetrasiloxane and combinations thereof.
19. The method according to claim 16, wherein the cyclosiloxane polymer is a heteropolymer of a first monomer having chemical formula 1 and a second monomer comprising a vinyl group; and the second monomer is at least one selected from the group consisting of siloxane having a vinyl group, methacrylate-based monomers, acrylate-based monomers, aromatic vinyl-based monomers, acrylamide-based monomers, maleic anhydride, silazane or cyclosilazane having a vinyl group, C3-10 cycloalkane having a vinyl group, vinyl pyrrolidone, 2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl acetoacetate, 1-(3-aminopropyl)imidazole, vinyl imidazole, vinyl pyridine, and silane having a vinyl group.
20. The method according to claim 18, wherein the second monomer is at least one selected from the group consisting of 1,3,5-trivinyl-1,3,5-trimethylcyclotrisiloxane, 2,4,6,8-tetramethyl-2,4,6,8-tetravinylcyclotetrasiloxane (V4D4), 2,4,6,8,10-pentamethyl-2,4,6,8,10-pentavinylcyclopentasiloxane, 2,4,6,8,10,12-hexamethyl-2,4,6,8,10,12-hexavinyl-cyclohexasiloxane, octa(vinylsilasesquioxane), and 2,2,4,4,6,6,8,8,10,10,12,12-dodecamethylcyclohexasiloxane.
21. The method according to claim 1, wherein the method of producing cancer stem cells in a spheroid does not perform artificial gene manipulation.
22. A kit for producing cancer stem cells in a spheroid comprising, a cell culture substrate comprising a cyclosiloxane polymer, and a composition comprising albumin at a concentration of 0.1 to 500 mg/ml.
23. A method for screening a therapeutic drug for cancer, comprising producing cancer stem cells by the method according to claim 1; contacting a candidate substance to the cancer stem cell; measuring viabilities of the cancer stem cells in the test group treated by the candidate substance and in the control group untreated by the candidate substance; and comparing the viabilities of cancer stem cells in the group treated by the candidate substance and in the control group untreated by the candidate substance.
24. The method according to claim 23, further comprising determining the candidate substance as a therapeutic drug for cancer, when the viability of the test group is lower than that of the control group.
25. (canceled)
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0095] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail by referential examples, comparative examples and examples. However, these referential examples, comparative examples and example are intended to exemplarily illustrate the present invention, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to these referential examples, comparative examples and examples.
Referential Example 1: Heterologous Tumor Formation Analysis
[0096] Female BALB/c nude mice (6 weeks) were obtained from Orient Bio Inc., and were stored in an aseptic condition in the animal laboratory of Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology. The mice were randomly assigned in random experimental groups. All operations were performed under isoflurane anesthesia, and for ethical procedures and scientific management, all the animal-related procedures were examined and approved by Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (KAIST-IACUC) (Approval number: KA2014-21).
[0097] In addition, to prepare a human ovarian cancer heterologous model, different series of concentrations (10.sup.6 to 10.sup.2 cells) of 2D-cultured control SKOV3 cell or SKOV3-ssiCSC isolated from a spheroid corresponding thereto was mixed with 50% Matrigel (Corning), and then was subcutaneously injected to 6-week female BALB/c nude mice. Tumor formation was monitored for 130 days at maximum, and it was recorded that tumor was formed when the tumor volume reached about 50 mm.sup.3. To prepare a human breast cancer heterologous model, different series of concentrations (10.sup.7 to 10.sup.2 cells) of 2D control cell or ssiCSC derived from MCF7-Luc cancer cell was subcutaneously injected to 6-week female BALB/c nude mice. 50 μl sesame oil (Sigma) dissolved in 0-estradiol 17-valerate (2.5 μg; Sigma) was subcutaneously administered to BALB/c nude mice through a neck every 10 days. To prepare a human glioma heterologous model, different series of concentrations (10.sup.6 to 10.sup.2 cells) of 2D control U87MG cell, ULA-cultured U87MG spheroid or pV4D4-cultured U87MG-ssiCSC cell was mixed with 50% Matrigel, and was subcutaneously injected to 6-week female BALB/c nude mice. Tumor formation from MCF7-Luc and U87MG was monitored by 90 days, and it was recorded that tumor was formed when the tumor volume reached about 50 mm.sup.3.
Referential Example 2: Cell Viability Analysis
[0098] ssiCSC spheroids prepared from different kinds of cancer cells (SKOV3, MCF-7, Hep3B and SW480) were isolated using trypsin (TrypLE Express, Gibco), and the isolated cells were washed with D-PBS twice. The ssiCSC was plated on a 96-well plate (1×10.sup.4 cells/well) and was cultured in a cell growth medium at 37° C. for 24 hours. Then, the medium was removed, and a new medium comprising various concentrations of doxorubicin was added to each well and cultured for 24 hours. Next, each well was washed with D-PBS and was replaced with a new cell growth medium of 100 μl, and then WST-1 cell proliferation reagent (Roche) of 10 μl was added and cultured for 4 hours. Then, the absorbance at 450 nm (standard wavelength, 600 nm) was measured using a microplate reader (Molecular Devices).
Referential Example 3: Histological Analysis and Immunohistochemistry
[0099] Liver biopsy samples obtained from BALB/C nude mice inoculated by the 2D control group or SKOV3-ssiCSC cancer cell were fixed with 10% formalin, dehydrated and embedded with paraffin, and cut into samples in a thickness of 5 μm, and placed on a slide. The samples were dewaxed and stained with hematoxylin % eosin (H&E) for histological evaluation with a standard optical microscope (Eclipse 80i, Nickon).
[0100] Liver metastasis was confirmed by an immunohistochemical method after embedding tissue with paraffin and fragmentating it (5 μm). The fragmented liver tissue was sterilized with 10 mM sodium citrate buffer (pH 6.0) for antigen recovery, and blocked with PBS containing 5% bovine serum albumin (BSA) and 1% goat serum, and then incubated with a rabbit anti-human TNC primary antibody at a room temperature (RT) for 1 hour (20 μg/ml; cat. no. AB19011; Millipore). After incubation, the slide was washed with D-PBS, and incubated with a biotin-attached anti-rabbit secondary antibody (1:200; Vector Laboratories) at a room temperature for 30 minutes, and then incubated with HRP (horseradish peroxidase, 1:500, Vector) at a room temperature for 30 minutes. The immunoreactive protein was visualized using a substrate, 3,3-diaminobenzidine (Vector Laboratories), and then counterstained using hematoxylin.
Referential Example 4: Western Blot Analysis
[0101] 2D control SKOV3 cells and SKOV3-ssiCSC spheroids were dissolved with RIPA dissolution buffer containing proteinase inhibition cocktail (ThermoFisher Scientific) on ice for 30 minutes. Using Bradford protein analysis kit (Bio-Rad), the protein of the lysates was quantified, and the equivalent amount of protein (50 μg) was isolated by electrophoresis using Bolt 4-12% Bis-Tris Plus polyacryl amide gel (ThermoFisher Scientific). According to the manufacturer's instructions, the gel was dry blotted on a PVDF (polyvinylidene difluoride) film using iBlot2 transfer system (ThermoFisher Scientific).
[0102] The PVDF film was immunoblotted by incubating with a primary rabbit anti-phospho-β-catenin antibody (1:1000, cat. no. 9561; Cell Signaling Technology), a mouse anti-β-catenin antibody (1:1000, cat. no. 13-8400; Invitrogen), and a rabbit anti-GAPDH antibody (1:1000, cat. no. 25778; Santa Cruz Biotechnology), and then using standard procedures, it was incubated suitably with an HRP-bound anti-rabbit IgG secondary antibody (1:5000, cat. no. 31460; Invitrogen) or an anti-mouse IgG (1:5000, cat. no. 31430; Invitrogen) secondary antibody. The protein was visualized using SuperSignal West Pico Chemiluminescent Substrate (ThermoFisher Scientific) and ChemiDoc MP system (Bio-Rad).
Referential Example 5: Flow Cytometry
[0103] Flow cytometry was performed as follows. Specifically, after treating 2D control cancer cells and ssiCSC spheroids corresponding thereto, which were cultured as a single layer (cultured for 8 days) with trypsin, the cells were isolated with buffer [D-PBS containing 1% FBS (fetal bovine serum)], respectively. SKOV3, MCF-7, Hep3B, and SW480 cancer cells were stained with an APC (allophycocyanin)-conjugated anti-CD133 primary antibody (1:100; eBioScience), an FITC-conjugated anti-CD44 primary antibody (1:200; BD Biosciences), an PE (phycoerythrin)-conjugated anti-CD90 primary antibody (1:100, MACS; Miltenyi Biotec), and an FITC-conjugated anti-CD133 primary antibody (1:100; Miltenyi Biotec), and were analyzed using a flow cytometry system (BD Calibur and BD LSR Fortessa).
[0104] In addition, for side population assays, 2D control cancer cells and ssiCSCs were isolated using trypsin, and stained with Hoechst 33342 (ThermoFisher Scientific) in DMEM containing 2% FBS and 10 mM HEPES buffer at 37° C. for 90 minutes. Then, the cells were washed with HBSS containing 2% FBS and analyzed using a flow cytometry system (BD LSR Fortessa). The flow cytometry data histogram and plot were analyzed using FlowJo software (Tree Star Inc.).
Referential Example 6: Live Cell Imaging
[0105] ssiCSC spheroids were imaged using LumaScope 620 system (Etaluma) allowing live ell imaging in a standard incubator (humidification 5% carbon dioxide, 37° C.). Phase difference images were observed using a 10× object lens every 2.5 minutes for 24 hours.
Referential Example 7: RNA Extraction and mRNA Sequencing
[0106] According to the manufacturer's protocol, mRNA was extracted from SKOV3 spheroids and 2D control SKOV3 cells which were cultured on an pV4D4-coated plate for 8 days, using a magnetic mRNA separation kit (NEB). As described in the manufacturer's protocol, using DNase-treated mRNA and NEXTflex Rapid Directional mRNA-Seq kit (BIOO), libraries were manufactured. Each library was sequenced using a single-end method (50-bp reads) in HiSeq2500 system. The sequenced result was compared with human genome (Hg19 version) using STAR aligner (v.2.4.0) 61.
[0107] In addition, to investigate DEG, HOMER software algorithm and DESeq R package were used. Heatmap and MA plot were visualized using pheatmap function and plotMA function of R statistical programming language v.3.3.0 (http://www.r-project.org/), respectively.
Referential Example 8: Immune Staining Method for Immunocytochemistry
[0108] SKOV3 spheroids were transferred from ULA plate and pV4D4 plate to a 1.5-ml tube, and incubated in 4% paraformaldehyde solution (Sigma) at a room temperature for 30 minutes to fix the spheroids. The fixed spheroids were incubated in D-PBS (Dulbecco's phosphate-buffered saline) solution containing 0.25% (w/v) Triton X-100 (Sigma) at a room temperature for 10 minutes, and washed with D-PBS, and then for blocking, incubated with D-PBS containing 3% BSA.
[0109] To staining the spheroids with laminin, the fixed spheroids were incubated with an anti-human laminin primary rabbit antibody (1:100, cat. no. 11575; Abcam) at 4° C. for 12 hours. Then, after washing with D-PBS, obtained spheroids were incubated with a rhodamine red-X-conjugated anti-rabbit secondary antibody (1:500, cat. no. R6394; Invitrogen) at a room temperature for 1 hour, and then incubated with Hoechst 33342 for 10 minutes.
[0110] In addition, for TNC staining, SKOV3 2D control group or SKOV3 spheroids were incubated with an anti-human TNC primary rabbit antibody (20 μg/ml, cat. no. AB19011; Millipore) at 4° C. for 12 hours. Then, after washing with D-PBS, the cells and spheroids were incubated with an FITC-conjugated anti-rabbit secondary antibody (1:500, cat. no. sc-2012; Santa Cruz) at a room temperature for 1 hour. Then, they were incubated with Hoechst 33342 for 10 minutes.
[0111] For β-catenin staining, SKOV3 2D control group and SKOV3-ssiCSCs were incubated with a mouse anti-human β-catenin primary antibody (1:100, cat. no. 13-8400; Invitrogen) at a room temperature for 1 hour. Then, after washing with D-PBS, the cells were incubated with a TRITC-conjugated anti-mouse secondary antibody (1:1000, cat. no. ab6786; Abcam) at a room temperature for 1 hour, and then incubated with Hoechst 33342 for 10 minutes. All fluorescent images were visualized using a confocal laser-scanning microscope (LSM 780, Carl Zeiss).
Referential Example 9: Statistical Analysis and Data Reference
[0112] Data were represented by mean±standard deviation (s.d.). Using unpaired Student's t-test of GraphPad Prism software (La Jolla), statistical analysis was performed. P value<0.05 was considered as statistically significant.
[0113] In addition, GSE106848 RNA sequencing data of Gene Expression Omnibus data storage of NCBI were used.
Example 1: Production of Cell Culture Substrate or Cover Glass Comprising Cyclosiloxane Polymer
[0114] 1-1: Production of PTF Cell Culture Substrate or Cover Glass Through iCVD Process
[0115] A polymer thin film (PTF) comprising a polymer formed by a cyclosiloxane compound was prepared by the following method.
[0116] At first, pV4D4 [poly(2,4,6,8-tetravinyl-2,4,6,8-tetramethyl cyclotetrasiloxane) polymer thin film (PTF) was prepared. Specifically, for evaporation of monomers, V4D4 [2,4,6,8-tetravinyl-2,4,6,8-tetramethyl cyclotetrasiloxane] (99%; Gelest) and tert-butyl peroxide (TBPO, 98%; Aldrich) were heated to 70 and 30, respectively. The evaporated V4D4 and TBPO were introduced into iCVD chamber (Daeki Hi-Tech Co. Ltd.) at a flow rate of 1.5 and 1 standard cm.sup.3/min (sccm). The substrate temperature was maintained at 40, and the filament temperature was maintained at 200, and the pressure of the iCVD chamber was set to 180 mTorr. The deposition rate of pV4D4 film was estimated to be 1.8 nm/min. The thickness of the pV4D4 film was monitored at the position using an He—Ne laser (JDS Uniphase) interferometer system.
[0117] 1-2: Production of Cell Culture Substrate Comprising Various Cyclosiloxane Polymers
[0118] To produce cell culture substrates comprising various cyclosiloxane compounds, using 1,3,5-trivinyl-1,3,5-trimethylcyclotrisiloxane, 2,4,6,8-tetramethyl-2,4,6,8-tetravinylcyclotetrasiloxane (V4D4), 2,4,6,8,10-pentamethyl-2,4,6,8,10-pentavinylcyclopentasoxane, 2,4,6,8,10,12-hexamethyl-2,4,6,8,10,12-hexavinyl-cyclohexasiloxane, octa(vinylsilasesquioxane), and 2,2,4,4,6,6,8,8,10,10,12,12-dodecamethylcyclohexasiloxane, copolymer substrates were formed at a ratio of 1:9 with pV4D4, respectively. The chemical structures of the various cyclosiloxane compounds were shown in
[0119]
[0120] 1-3: Analysis Method
[0121] Fourier-transform infrared spectrums (FT-IR) of the V4D4 monomer and pV4D4 polymer were obtained using 64 mean scans and 0.085 cm.sup.−1 optical resolution in a normal absorbance mode using ALPHA FTIR spectrometer (Bruker Optics, USA). Each spectrum was calibrated at baseline and recorded in the 400-4000 cm.sup.−1 range.
[0122] The chemical composition of the pV4D4 PTF surface was analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS; K-alpha, Thermo VG Scientific Inc.) under the atmospheric pressure of 2.0×10.sup.−9 mbar. The XPS spectrum was recorded in the 100-1100 eV range using a monochromatic Al Kα radiation X-ray source with kinetic energy (KE) of 12 kV and 1486.6 eV.
[0123] The surface topography in the 45×45 μm region was analyzed by an atomic force microscope (AFM; PSIA XE-100, Park Systems) at a scan rate of 0.5 Hz in a non-contact mode.
[0124] The water contact angles for the Si wafer, pV4D4-coated Si wafer, tissue culture substrate and pV4D4-coated substrate were measured using a contact angle analyzer (Phoenix 150; Surface Electro Optics, Inc.) by dropping 10 μl deionized water on the corresponding surface.
Example 2: Formation of Cancer Cell-Derived Spheroids Using Various Polymer Thin Films (PTF)
[0125] 2-1: Preparation of Various Human Cancer Cell Lines
[0126] Human ovarian cancer cell lines (SKOV3, OVCAR3), human breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7, T47D, BT-474), human hepatocarcinoma cell lines (Hep3B, HepG2), human glioblastoma cell lines (U87MG, U251), human colorectal cancer cell lines (SW480, HT-29, HCT116, Caco-2), human lung cancer cell lines (A549, NCIH358, NCI-H460) and a human prostate cancer cell line (22RV1), a human cervical cancer cell line (HeLa), a human melanoma cell line (A375), and a human stomach cancer cell line (NCI-N87) were purchased from Korean Cell Line Bank (KCLB). It was confirmed that all cancer cells had no mycoplasma using e-Myco mycoplasma PCR detection kit (iNtRON Biotechnology).
[0127] 2-2: Method for Forming Spheroids
[0128] Cancer cells (1×10.sup.6) were inoculated on carious polymer thin film substrates, and cultured appropriately in RPMI-1640 medium, DMEM (Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium) medium, or MEM (Minimal Essential Medium) medium, comprising 10% (v/v) serum replacement (SR, Gibco), 1% (v/v) penicillin/streptomycin (P/S, Gibco) and L-glutamine, under the humidified 5% CO2 atmosphere of 37° C.
[0129] Specifically, SKOV3, T47D, BT-474, SW480, HT29,22RV1, A549, NCI-H358, NCI-N87, OVCAR3, NCI-H460, and HCT116 cell lines were cultured in RPMI-1640 medium (Gibco) comprising 10% (v/v) SR, 1% (v/v) P/S, and 25 mM HEPES (Gibco). MCF-7, Hep3B, HeLa, U251, and A375 cell lines were cultured in DMEM comprising 10% (v/v) SR and 1% (v/v) P/S(Gibco). HepG2, U87MG, and Caco-2 cell lines were cultured in MEM comprising 10% (v/v) SR and 1% (v/v) P/S (Gibco). In addition, for optimal growth of spheroids, the medium was replaced ever 2-3 days.
[0130] 2-3: Confirmation of Specificity of Spheroid Formation of Cyclosiloxane Polymer Thin Films
[0131] To introduce various surface functionality on a cell culture substrate, a library of polymer thin films (PTFs) was constructed on conventional tissue culture plates (TCP) from various monomers using iCVD (initiated chemical vapor deposition) process, and the manufacturing capacity of cancer-forming spheroids of each PTF was confirmed (
[0132] As a result, it was confirmed that a very large number of multicellular spheroids were formed within 24 hours only on pV4D4 [poly(2,4,6,8-tetravinyl-2,4,6,8-tetramethyl cyclotetrasiloxane)] PTF prepared by a cyclosiloxane compound polymer. In contrast thereto, SKOV3 grown on other PTFs showed a form of spreading by being attached similarly to cells grown on TCP (
Example 3: Confirmation of Possibility of Spheroid Formation of Substrate Comprising Various Cyclosiloxane Compounds
[0133] To confirm whether spheroids are formed on a cell culture substrate comprising various cyclosiloxane compounds, SKOV3 cells were inoculated on the cell culture substrate produced in Example 1-2 and in 24 hours, whether spheroids were formed was confirmed.
[0134] Specifically, as the result of confirming whether spheroids were formed on the cell culture substrate comprising various cyclosiloxane compounds of
[0135]
Example 4: Formation of Possibility of Spheroid Formation Using Various Cancer Cell Lines
[0136] Whether PTFs comprising a cyclosiloxane compound polymer had spheroid-forming enhancing ability even in other cancer cell lines other than the human ovarian cancer cell line SKOV3 was confirmed.
[0137] As a result, multicellular spheroids (˜50-300 μm diameter) were formed in most of human cancer cell lines within 24 hours regardless of roots or origins, and showed high efficiency and reproducibility (
Comparative Example 1: Conventional Method for Forming Spheroids
[0138] To form spheroids by conventional methods, it was performed as follows.
[0139] Specifically, Hanging-drop 96-well plate (3D Biomatrix), U-bottom 96-well plate (SBio), and ultra-low-attachment (ULA) 6-well plate (Corning) were used. Cells were inoculated on hanging drop plate at a density of 1×10.sup.4 cells/50 μl, and inoculated on U-bottom plate at a density of 5×10.sup.4 cells/2 ml, and inoculated on ULA plate at a density of 5×10.sup.5 cells/2 ml. For optimal growth of spheroids, the medium was replaced every 2-3 days.
Example 5: Analysis of Characteristics of Prepared Cancer Stem Cell Spheroids
[0140] 5-1: Characteristic of Forming Cancer Cell-Derived Spheroids of Cyclosiloxane Compound Polymer Substrate
[0141] In the process of spheroid formation of Example 2-3, each cancer cell was attached on pV4D4 surface at first, but immediately multicellular spheroids were formed simultaneously by intercellular interaction. The activated intercellular interaction on the pV4D4 is a phenomenon which is not observed in other spheroid-forming technology, dependent on simple physical or mechanical contact-based binding.
[0142] Different from the conventional hydrophilic ULA (ultra-low-attachment) surface, the pV4D4 PTF surface (
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 2 Atoms Measured value [%] Theoretical value [%] C 59.08 60 O 21.49 20 Si 19.42 20 Total 100 100
[0143] In addition, pV4D4 was deposited on TCP with a thickness of 10, 50, 100, 200 and 300 nm using an He—Ne laser (JDS Uniphase) interferometer system to produce pV4D4 PTFs with various thickness, and the correlation of the thickness and spheroid formation ability was confirmed, and the change of thickness of pV4D4 PTFs in the range of 50 to 300 nm did not affect the spheroid formation ability at all (
[0144] These results suggest that cell culture substrates comprising a polymer formed by cyclosiloxane compound can form 3D spheroids having a specific property from cancer cells.
[0145] 5-2: Analysis of Shapes of Prepared Cancer Stem Cell Spheroids
[0146] At first, characteristics of cancer cell spheroids prepared by culturing in the pV4D4 PTF for 4 to 8 days were compared with spheroids prepared by conventional other spheroid-forming method prepared in 1-2.
[0147] As a result, SKOV3 cancer cell formed one big aggregated spheroid by the hanging-drop method and U-bottom method, but formed several small spheroids on the ULA and pV4D4 surface, and the spheroids formed on the pV4D4 were more homogeneous and slightly smaller than the spheroids formed on the ULA (
[0148] Based on the result, it is shown that the spheroids prepared by culturing in pV4D4 of the present invention are not cancer cell aggregates such as spheroids prepared using the conventional method, and repeat the ECM-mediated multicellular structure of tumor tissue in vivo. It is shown that the ECM plays a critical role in the development of drug resistance, self-regeneration and cancer-formation ability in the tumor microenvironment.
Example 6: Preparation of Cancer Stem Cell Spheroids Using Albumin
[0149] 6-1: Preparation of Cancer Stem Cell Spheroids
[0150] To form cancer stem cell spheroids, SKOV3 cells (1×10.sup.6) were inoculated on a substrate coated by pV4D4, and suitably cultured on RPMI-1640 comprising 10% (v/v) serum replacement (SR, Gibco), 1% (v/v) penicillin/streptomycin (P/S, Gibco) and L-glutamine under the humidified 5% CO2 atmosphere of 37° C. For optimal growth of spheroids, the medium was replaced every 2-3 days, and spheroids were obtained. The albumin concentration of the serum replacement was 1 mg/ml or more, and was higher than the concentration of the albumin comprised in FBS (fetal bovine serum) serum.
[0151] 6-2: Confirmation of Cancer Stem Cell Spheroid Formation Through Confirmation of CSC-Related Gene Expression
[0152] To confirm whether spheroids prepared in Example 6-1 have properties of cancer stem cells, expression of CSC-related genes was confirmed using qRT-PCR and RT-PCR. As a control group, spheroids formed by the conventional method of Comparative example 1 was used.
[0153] Specifically, to perform qRT-PCR, according to the manufacturer's instructions, total RNA was isolated from 2D-cultured control cancer cells and ssiCSC spheroids. The isolated total RNA was mixed with AccuPower RT PreMix (Bioneer) and was under reverse transcription to cDNA using Rotor-Gene Q thermocycler (Qiagen). The qRT-PCR experiment was performed with 50 ng RNA using Rotor-Gene Q thermocycler (Qiagen) and KAPA SYBR FAST Universal qPCR kit (Kapa Biosystems) according to the manufacturer's instructions.
[0154] In addition, to analyze the expression level of CD44, CD133, ALDH1A1, ALDH1A2 and EpCAM that are cancer stem cell marker genes using RT-PCR, 30 cycle program was performed using HyperScript One-step RT-PCR kit (GeneAll Biotechnology Co. Ltd.) according to the manufacturer's instructions. β-actin was used as an internal control.
[0155] The sequences of primers for performing qRT-PCR and RT-PCR were shown in the following Table 1.
TABLE-US-00002 Gene (Accession number) Primer pair Primer sequence SEQ ID NO. Human β-actin Forward primer GTCTTCCCCTCCATCGTG 1 (NM_001101.3) Reverse primer AGGTGTGGTGCCAGATTTTC 2 Human ALDH1A1 Forward primer CGCCAGACTTACCTGTCCTA 3 (NM_000689.4) Reverse primer GTCAACATCCTCCTTATCTCCT 4 Human ALDH1A2 Forward primer CAGCTTTGTGCTGTGGCAAT 5 (NM_003888.3) Reverse primer GGAAAGCCAGCCTCCTTGAT 6 Human EpCAM Forward primer AGTTGGTGCACAAAATACTGTCAT 7 (NM_002354.2) Reverse primer TCCCAAGTTTTGAGCCATTC 8 Human CD44 Forward primer TCCAACACCTCCCAGTATGA 9 (NM_006718390.3) Reverse primer GGCAGGTCTGTGACTGATGT 10 Human CD90 Forward primer AGAGACTTGGATGAGGAG 11 (NM_001311162.1) Reverse primer CTGAGAATGCTGGAGATG 12 Human CD133 Forward primer ACCAGGTAAGAACCCGGATCAA 13 (NM_006713974.3) Reverse primer CAAGAATTCCGCCTCCTAGCACT 14 Human LGR5 Forward primer CCTGCTTGACTTTGAGGAAGACC 15 (NM_001277227.1) Reverse primer CCAGCCATCAAGCAGGTGTTCA 16 Human Oct3/4 Forward primer CTTGCTGCAGAAGTGGGTGGAGGAA 17 (NM_001285987.1) Reverse primer CTGCAGTGTGGGTTTCGGGCA 18 Human Sox2 Forward primer CATCACCCACAGCAAATGACA 19 (NM_003106.3) Reverse primer GCTCCTACCGTACCACTAGAACTT 20 Human Nanog Forward primer AATACCTCAGCCTCCAGCAGATG 21 (NM_011520852.1) Reverse primer TGCGTCACACCATTGCTATTCTTC 22 Human ABCB1 Forward primer TGACATTTATTCAAAGTTAAAAGCA 23 (NM_001348946.1) Reverse primer TAGACACTTTATGCAAACATTTCAA 24 Human ABCB2 Forward primer CGTTGTCAGTTATGCAGCGG 25 (NM_000593.5) Reverse primer ATAGATCCCGTCACCCACGA 26 Human ABCB5 Forward primer CACAAAAGGCCATTCAGGCT 27 (NM_011515367.2) Reverse primer GCTGAGGAATCCACCCAATCT 28 Human ABCC1 Forward primer GGAATACCAGCAACCCCGACTT 29 (NM_017023243.1) Reverse primer TTTTGGTTTTGTTGAGAGGTGTC 30 Human ABCG2 Forward primer TCATGTTAGGATTGAAGCCAAAGGC 31 (NM_001348989.1) Reverse primer TGTGAGATTGACCAACAGACCTGA 32 Human DKK1 Forward primer TCCCCTGTGATTGCAGTAAA 33 (NM_012242.2) Reverse primer TCCAAGAGATCCTTGCGTTC 34 Human β-catenin Forward primer ACAGCTCGTTGTACCGCTGG 35 (NM_001330729.1) Reverse primer AGCTTGGGGTCCACCACTAG 36 Human AXIN2 Forward primer AGTGTGAGGTCCACGGAAAC 37 (NM_017025194.1) Reverse primer CTTCACACTGCGATGCATTT 38 Human MMP-2 Forward primer TCTCCTGACATTGACCTTGGC 39 (NM_001302510.1) Reverse primer CAAGGTGCTGGCTGAGTAGATC 40
[0156] As a result, it was confirmed that the expression of ALDH1A1 (aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 family member A1) known as a CSC marker was largely increased only in SKOV3 spheroids prepared by culturing in pV4D4, among various spheroid forming methods through quantitative real-time PCR (quantitative real-time PCR polymerase chain reaction; qRT-PCR) analysis (
[0157] 6-3: Confirmation of Cancer Stem Cell Inducing Function of Albumin
[0158] To confirm that the cancer stem cell (CSC) characteristics of spheroids were induced by albumin, the following experiment was performed.
[0159] At first, when various kinds of FBSs and serum replacements (SR) were used, to confirm the expression level of CSC marker genes, the following experiment was performed. Specifically, after culturing U87MG plated on the pV4D4 PTF in 3 kinds (Welgene, Hyclone, GIBCO) of FBSs and SRs for 6 days, the expression level of the CSC markers, CD133 and CD44 was confirmed by flow cytometry. As a result, it was confirmed that the expression level of CD133 and CD44 in case that SR was added was excellent than 3 kinds of FBS (
[0160] As a result, it was confirmed that spheroids were formed in a BSA-comprising medium, and it was confirmed that the CSC marker, CD133 was expressed (
[0161] In addition, when U87MG, SKOV3, and MCF7 were cultured in a serum-free medium (SFM) comprising FBS, SR or 40 mg/ml BSA in TCP and pV4D4 PTF, the expression level of the CSC marker, CD133 was confirmed by flow cytometry, and represented by a chart (
[0162] Based on the result, it could be seen that albumin could induce cancer stem cells, and when cultured on the pV4D4 PTF, culturing by comprising albumin at a specific concentration or higher in a serum-free medium (SFM) could induce cancer stem cells efficiently.
[0163] 6-4: Confirmation of Cancer Stem Cell Characteristics of Spheroids Prepared in Substrates Comprising Various Cyclosiloxane Compounds
[0164] To confirm whether spheroids prepared in substrates comprising various cyclosiloxane compounds have cancer stem cell characteristics, the expression level of the cancer stem cell marker gene, CD133 was measured, and the result was shown in
[0165] Specifically, using pV4D4 and 6 kinds of cyclosiloxane compounds of
[0166] In the axis of
[0167] Thus, it could be confirmed that cancer stem cell characteristics could be induced even when other cyclosiloxane compounds other than pV4D4 were used.
Example 7: Cancer Stem Cell Spheroids at Various Albumin Concentrations
[0168] 7-1: Confirmation of Spheroid Formation at Various Albumin Concentrations
[0169] The medium was composed by adding BSA so that the concentration of albumin was 0, 0.01 mg/ml, 0.1 mg/ml, 1 mg/ml, 2 mg/ml, 5 mg/ml, and 10 mg/ml to an SFM medium, and by culturing cancer cells in a substrate comprising a cyclosiloxane compound and a TCP substrate, whether spheroids were formed was confirmed.
[0170] As a result, as could be seen in
[0171] 7-2: Confirmation of Cancer Stem Cell Markers of Spheroids
[0172] The medium was composed by adding BSA so that the concentration of albumin was 0, 0.01 mg/ml, 0.1 mg/ml, 1 mg/ml, 10 mg/ml, 100 mg/ml, 200 mg/ml, 400 mg/ml to an SFM medium, and by culturing cancer cells in a substrate comprising a cyclosiloxane compound, whether spheroids were formed was confirmed.
[0173] As a result, as could be seen in
[0174] Taking the results together, it can be seen that one example of polymers formed by cyclosiloxane compounds, the pV4D4 surface provides a specific stimulus which activates and modifies SKOV3 cancer cells to induce formation of spheroids of cancer cells, and albumin induces their cancer stem cell characteristics, thereby forming spheroids comprising a significantly large amount of CSC-like cells. Accordingly, the CSC-like cells were named surface-stimuli-induced cancer stem cells (ssiCSCs).
Example 8: Confirmation of Cancer Stem Cell Spheroid Formation Ability Using Various Cancer Cell Lines
[0175] To confirm the possibility of generalization of the method for preparing spheroids using the pV4D4, ssiCSC spheroids derived from various cancer cell lines were prepared, and the CSC-related characteristics were confirmed. For this, 4 kinds of human cancer cell lines derived from various tissues were selected: SKOV3, MCF-7 (human breast cancer), Hep3B (human liver cancer) and SW480 (human colorectal cancer). In addition, estimated CSC characteristics for each cell line were confirmed using specific surface markers by each cell line: SKOV331-ALDH1A1; MCF-7-CD44 (cluster of differentiation 44); Hep3B36-CD90; and SW48037-LGR5 (leucine-rich repeat-containing G-proteincoupled receptor 5). Furthermore, CD133 was used as a general estimated CSC marker for all cell lines. The expression of CSC marker genes was confirmed by confirming ssiCSC spheroids cultured on the pV4D4 surface for 4 days and 8 days by qRT-PCR, and the expression of the corresponding 2D control group cultured with TCP and the CSC marker genes were compared.
[0176] As a result, each cell-type specific CSC marker gene was significantly upregulated in each spheroid, and the expression of the common marker, CD133 was increased in all ssiCSC spheroids (
[0177] Then, fractions of the CSC-marker-positive cancer cells estimated in spheroids prepared by culturing on the pV4D4 surface for 8 days were quantified by flow cytometry. As a result, it was shown that the expression of cell-type-specific CSC-related surface markers (indicated by gene counts) was increased approximately 10 times in ssiCSC spheroids of SKOV3, Hep3B and SW480, compared to the 2D-cultured control group, and in case of CD44 of MCF-7 cell, it was increased less than 10 times (
[0178] Such results suggest that ssiCSC spheroids prepared using pV4D4 have properties similar to CSC.
Example 9: Wound Healing Assay, Invasion Assay and Spheroid Formation Analysis of Prepared Cancer Stem Cell Spheroids
[0179] 9-1: Analysis Method
[0180] SKOV3 cells were cultured in the pV4D4-coated substrate for 8 days. After confirming SKOV3-spheroid formation, the ssiCSC spheroids were isolated with trypsin (TrypLE Express; Gibco) and the isolated cells were washed with D-PBS twice.
[0181] Wound healing assay was conducted by densely culturing SKOV3 cells and SKOV3-ssiCSCs in a 6-well plate in a single layer, and then synchronizing the cells in a 1% FBS-containing medium for 24 hours. Then, “wound” was made by uniformly scratching the cell single layer with a standard 200 μl pipette tip. Dropped cells were removed by washing with D-PBS twice, and then a serum-free medium was added. The movement of the cells to the wound region was observed using a phase difference microscope (LumaScope 620, Etaluma) right after the wound was made (0 h), in 12 hours (12 h) and in 24 hours (24 h) after it was made.
[0182] Invasion assay was conducted by culturing SKOV3 cells and SKOV3-ssiCSCs cells in a serum-free medium for 24 hours at first, and then culturing in Transwell chamber (Corning). Cells (1×10.sup.5 cells/well) were plated in the upper chamber of the transparent PET film (8.0 μm pore size) coated with Matrigel (200 μg/ml; Corning), and allowed to penetrate the lower chamber filled with a medium comprising 10% FBS. The cells were cultured for 24 hours and fixed with 4% formaldehyde (Sigma). Cells which did not penetrate on the upper chamber of the film were removed using a cotton swab. Moving cells on the lower surface of the film were stained with Hoechst 33342 (ThermoFisher Scientific), and the nuclei of penetrated cells were counted using a fluorescence microscope (Eclipse 80i, Nikon). Penetration was calculated by the mean cell number per 5 fields of each film.
[0183] For spheroid formation assay, SKOV3 cells and SKOV3-ssiCSCs were cultured in DMEM/F12 (1:1, Gibco) comprising B27 (Invitrogen), 20 ng/ml EGF (epidermal growth factor, Gibco), 10 ng/ml LIF (leukemia inhibitory factor, Invitrogen) and 20 ng/ml bFGF (basic fibroblast growth factor, Invitrogen). The formation of spheroids was observed by images in 1 hour and 24 hours using a phase difference microscope (LumaScope 620; Etaluma).
[0184] 9-2: Result
[0185] In the wound healing assay, it was confirmed that cancer cells isolated from SKOV3 spheroids prepared by culturing in pV4D4 for 8 days migrated faster than 2D-cultured control cells and filled the gap (
Example 10: Confirmation of Maintenance of CSC Characteristics of Prepared Cancer Stem Cell Spheroids
[0186] By culturing cancer cells in conventional TCPs, which is isolated from SKOV3 cancer stem cell spheroids prepared by culturing in pV4D4 for 8 days to single cells, “spheroid formation ability” was evaluated. The drawing confirming formation of spheroids by the SKOV3-ssiCSCs and U87MG-ssiCSCs was shown in
[0187] As can be seen in
Example 11: Confirmation of Drug Resistance of ssiCSC
[0188] One of other important characteristics of CSC is having immanent or acquired drug resistance for chemotherapeutic agents due to the ability of pushing drugs out. Regarding this, the drug-release ability of each cancer cell isolated from spheroids prepared by culturing on the pV4D4 surface for 8 days was confirmed through Hoechst-dye-based side-population assay. As a result, it was confirmed that fractions of the drug release-positive cell were significantly increased in the ssiCSC prepared from 4 kinds of cancer cell lines compared to the 2D-cultured control group. Specifically, the drug release-positive fractions were increased 0% to 13.8% in SKOV3 cell, 0.59% to 9.6% in MCF-7 cell, 0.58% to 9.2% in Hep3B cell, and 0.1% to 10% in Hep3B cell (
[0189] In addition, the drug resistance of ssiCSC for doxorubicin (DOX) known as an anticancer agent was confirmed. Specifically, ssiCSC spheroids prepared by culturing on the pV4D4 surface for 8 days were isolated to single cells, and the cell was cultured on the conventional TCP surface to a 2D single layer, and then DOX at various concentrations was treated for 24 hours. As the result of measuring the cell viability using WST-1 analysis method, ssiCSC had higher resistance even to Dox of 50 μM compared to the 2D control group (
[0190] The drug-release ability is known to be mediated by ATP-binding cassette (ABC) protein family. Accordingly, using qRT-PCR, in SKOV3-ssiCSC, the expression of multi-drug resistance (MDR) genes, the ABCB1, ABCB2, ABCB5, ABCC1 and ABCG2 panel was analyzed. It was confirmed that in the 5 all MDR-related genes, compared to the 2D-cultured control group, ssiCSC was highly upregulated. In particular, in case of ABCB1 and ABCB5 genes, the level of upregulation was remarkable (
[0191] As the result of synthesizing molecular or functional analysis of ssiCSC spheroids of the 4 kinds of type cells, it was confirmed that cancer cells were transformed into CSC-like cells which strongly expressed CSC-related genes and had intensive drug resistance, when exposed to a specific stimulus present on the pV4D4 surface.
Example 12: Confirmation of In Vivo Cancer-Formation Ability of ssiCSC Spheroids
[0192] The cancer-formation ability of ssiCSC in vivo was confirmed. Specifically, SKOV3-derived ssiCSC spheroids were isolated to single cells, and the cells at a series of different concentrations (10.sup.2 to 10.sup.6 cells) were mixed with Matrigel and subcutaneously injected to BALB/c nude mice (
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 I Tumor formation and metstasis of SKOV3 in BALB/c nude mice..sup.a Tumor formation Liver metastasis Cell number.sup.b 2D control ssiCSC 2D control ssiCSC 100 0/5 0/5 0/5 4/5 1,000 0/5 1/5 0/5 4/5 10,000 0/5 4/5 0/5 4/5 100,000 0/5 3/5 0/5 5/5 1,000,000 2/4 — 0/4 — .sup.aTumor formation and mestasis were monitored up to 120 days. .sup.bAll cells were dissociated into single cells and counted with a hemocytometer before subcutaneous injection.
[0193] As a result, it was confirmed that the 2D control group did not form tumor at a cell dose of 10.sup.5 or less (0/5 mouse), and could form tumor at 50% frequency at a cell dose of 10.sup.6 (2/4 mice) (Table 3). In contrast thereto, ssiCSC-derived cells could form tumor at higher frequency than the control group even at a very small dose. Specifically, the tumor-forming frequency was 60% (3/5 mice) in case of 10.sup.5 cell dose, 80% (4/5 mice) in case of 10.sup.4 cell dose, and 20% (1/5 mouse) in case of 10.sup.3 cell dose (Table 3). Considering how difficult to obtain heterologous tumor of human ovarian cells (SKOV3) from athymic nude mice without using severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mice in general, it could be confirmed that the cancer-formation ability of SKOV3-ssiCSC in vivo was excellent through the result.
[0194] In addition, metastatic nodules which were markedly abnormal were found in the liver of ssiCSC-inoculated mice, whereas the liver of 2D SKOV3 control group-inoculated mice appeared normal (
[0195] Then, the cancer-formation ability of ssiCSCs derived from various cancer cell lines was confirmed. As a result, ssiCSCs derived from luciferase-introduced MCF-7 (MCF7-Luc) cell and U87MG human glioblastoma cell had significantly increased cancer-formation ability compared to the 2D-cultured control cell (Tables 4 and 5).
TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 I Tumor formation of MCF-7-Luc in BALB/c nude mice..sup.a Cell number 2D control ssiCSC 100 — 0/5 1,000 — 2/5 10,000 — 2/5 100,000 0/5 4/5 1,000,000 0/5 — 10,000,000 1/5 — .sup.aTumor formation was monitored up to 90 days.
TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 I Tumor formation of U87MG in BALB/c nude mice..sup.a Cell number 2D control ULA ssiCSC 100 — 0/5 1/5 1,000 — 0/5 2/5 10,000 1/4 0/5 3/5 100,000 2/4 — — 1,000,000 4/4 — — .sup.aTumor formation was monitored up to 90 days.
[0196] Specifically, the 2D-cultured MCF7-Luc cell did not form tumor even if inoculated at a cell dose of 10.sup.6 per mouse, but the MCF7-Luc-ssiCSC formed tumor at a high frequency (4/5 mice) even if inoculated at a cell dose of 10.sup.5 per mouse (Table 4). Similar thereto, when U87MG-ssiCSCs were inoculated at a cell dose of 10.sup.4, tumor was formed at 60% frequency (3/5 mice), whereas there was no tumor formed when U87MG spheroids cultured on the ULA surface were inoculated, and this shows that the difference of the cancer-formation ability of spheroids cultured in ULA- and pV4D4- is distinct.
[0197] Taking the result together, it can be seen that the pV4D4-based PTF may be used as a platform capable of preparing cancer-forming spheroids and may be used for preparation of various human heterologous tumor models which are difficult to be prepared in athymic nude mice.
Example 13: Confirmation of Cancer-Formation Ability and Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling of ssiCSC Spheroids
[0198] To confirm cellular and molecular mechanisms related to stem cell-like characteristics of ssiCSCs, several important signaling pathways related to the cancer-formation ability and stem cell of CSCs like Notch, Hedgehog and Wnt/β-catenin were confirmed.
[0199] At first, an experiment to confirm whether the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway was activated and the expression of Wnt target genes (n=46) was increased in SKOV3-ssiCSCs was performed. As a result, it was confirmed that the expression of 30 genes of 46 Wnt/β-catenin target genes was increased 1.5 times in SKOV3-ssiCSC, and the expression of the core inhibitory factor of the Wnt signaling pathway, Dickkopf-related protein 1 (DKK1) was significantly reduced (
[0200] Then, upstream signals causing significant reduction of DKK1 in ssiCSC spheroids was confirmed. As a result, it was confirmed that TNC related to the liver metastasis (
[0201] In addition, ssiCSC obtained from MCF-7, Hep3B and SW480 spheroids showed significant expression of TNC (
[0202] Taking the result together, activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways mediated by TNC-DKK1 shows that cancer cells can be converted into cancer-forming CSC-like phenotypes due to the pV4D4 surface.
Example 14: Formation of Cancer Stem Cell Spheroids in FBS Medium with Increased Albumin Concentration
[0203] Cancer cells were cultured in a medium to which BSA was added so that the albumin concentration in the FBS medium was higher than a certain level, to confirm whether cancer stem cell spheroids were formed.
[0204] Specifically, after adding BSA to the FBS medium so that the albumin concentration was 5 mg/ml, 10 mg/ml, SKOV3 cells were cultured on the pV4D4 substrate. As a control group, an FBS medium to which BSA was not added was used.
[0205] As a result, as could be seen in
[0206] In addition, as the result of measuring the expression level of DKK1 of cancer cells cultured like this and showing it based on Beta-actin (