Reticulated hyaluronan hydrogels: a model for examining cancer cell invasion in 3D.

摘要: The extracellular polysaccharide hyaluronan (HA) controls cell migration, differentiation and proliferation, contributes to the invasiveness of human cancers. roles HA surface receptors hyaluronidases (HAses) in this process are still controversial. In order investigate their involvement cancer pathogenesis, we developed a reticulated hydrogel, three-dimensional matrix which cells can invade grow. We have studied thirteen lines, from primary tumors or metastases, that migrated into hydrogel proliferated giving rise clusters colonies. number colonies, reflects tumor invasiveness, ranged 7 193 after 5 days culture. Invasion was dependent on production HAse as well other factors. Optimal colonization occurred when released HAse, lacked HA-binding sites did not secrete HA. Moreover, describe for first time activity at physiological pH may be responding confinement enzyme structure. show here provides model investigating mechanisms involved malignant invasion.