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Updated: Apr 29, 2026
Fully Human Tumor-based Matrix in Three-dimensional Spheroid Invasion Assay
Published on: May 7, 2019
Liarozole inhibits transforming growth factor-β3--mediated extracellular matrix formation in human three-dimensional
Gary Levy1, Minnie Malik2, Joy Britten2
1Program in Reproductive and Adult Endocrinology Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland.
Objective:
To investigate the impact of liarozole on transforming growth factor-β3 (TGF-β3) expression, TGF-β3 controlled profibrotic cytokines, and extracellular matrix formation in a three-dimensional (3D) leiomyoma model system.
Design:
Molecular and immunohistochemical analysis in a cell line evaluated in a three-dimensional culture.
Setting:
Laboratory study.
Patient(S):
None.
Intervention(S):
Treatment of leiomyoma and myometrial cells with liarozole and TGF-β3 in a three-dimensional culture system.
Main Outcome Measure(S):
Quantitative real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting to assess fold gene and protein expression of TGF-β3 and TGF-β3 regulated fibrotic cytokines: collagen 1A1 (COL1A1), fibronectin, and versican before and after treatment with liarozole, and confirmatory immunohistochemical stains of treated three-dimensional cultures.
Result(S):
Both TGF-β3 gene and protein expression were elevated in leiomyoma cells compared with myometrium in two-dimensional and 3D cultures. Treatment with liarozole decreased TGF-β3 gene and protein expression. Extracellular matrix components versican, COL1A1, and fibronectin were also decreased by liarozole treatment in 3D cultures. Treatment of 3D cultures with TGF-β3 increased gene expression and protein production of COL1A1, fibronectin, and versican.
Conclusion(S):
Liarozole decreased TGF-β3 and TGF-β3-mediated extracellular matrix expression in a 3D uterine leiomyoma culture system.
