Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 12, 2026

3D Organotypic Co-culture Model Supporting Medullary Thymic Epithelial Cell Proliferation, Differentiation and Promiscuous Gene Expression
Published on: July 30, 2015
Comparative Assay of 2D and 3D Cell Culture Models: Proliferation, Gene Expression and Anticancer Drug Response
Aline G Souza1, Isaura Beatriz B Silva1, Esther Campos-Fernandez1
1Laboratory of Nanobiotechnology, Institute of Biotechnology, Federal University of Uberlandia, MG, Uberlandia, Brazil.
Background:
In vitro tests allow establishing experimental variables. However, in vitro results cannot be extrapolated to in vivo tests. Considering that three-dimensional (3D) culture has been one of the best ways to portray the in vivo system of most cell types, it is possible to carry out assays with a great clinical relevance for the analysis of the screening, action and resistance of antitumor drugs.
Objective:
Thus, the objective of the present study was to compare between 2D and 3D cell culture forms to conclude which is the most suitable model for preclinical in vitro drug testing.
Method:
We evaluated the proliferation, genetic expression and chemoresistance of prostate tumor cell lines, PC- 3, LNCaP and DU145. Prostate tumor cell lines PC-3, LNCaP and DU145 were treated with the antineoplastic drugs paclitaxel and docetaxel and evaluated with cytotoxicity, cell proliferation and gene expression assays in 2D and magnetic 3D bioprinting cultures.
Results:
Lower cell proliferation rate, more resistance to paclitaxel and docetaxel and altered gene expression profile was shown in 3D cell culture comparing with its 2D counterpart.
Conclusion:
3D cell culture exhibited a more similar behavior to in vivo systems, being a promising and more reliable tool for the development of new drugs.
Related Concept Videos
Cell Specific Gene Expression
Cell Specific Gene Expression
What is Gene Expression?
Gene expression is the process in which DNA directs the synthesis of functional products, that is, proteins. Cells can regulate gene expression at various stages. It allows organisms to generate different cell types and enables cells to adapt to internal and external factors.
Genetic Information Flows from DNA to RNA to Protein
A gene is a stretch of DNA that serves as the blueprint for functional RNAs and proteins. Since DNA is made up of nucleotides and proteins consist of amino...
What is Gene Expression?
Chromatin Position Affects Gene Expression
Topologically Associated Domains (TADs)
The 3-dimensional positioning of chromatin in the nucleus influences the...
mRNA Stability and Gene Expression
Cis-acting Elements involved in mRNA stability

