In vitro biomimetic models for glioblastoma-a promising tool for drug response studies
Tijana Stanković1, Teodora Ranđelović2, Miodrag Dragoj1
1Department of Neurobiology, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković"- National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Despota Stefana 142, 11060, Belgrade, Serbia.
Abstract:
The poor response of glioblastoma to current treatment protocols is a consequence of its intrinsic drug resistance. Resistance to chemotherapy is primarily associated with considerable cellular heterogeneity, and plasticity of glioblastoma cells, alterations in gene expression, presence of specific tumor microenvironment conditions and blood-brain barrier. In an attempt to successfully overcome chemoresistance and better understand the biological behavior of glioblastoma, numerous tri-dimensional (3D) biomimetic models were developed in the past decade. These novel advanced models are able to better recapitulate the spatial organization of glioblastoma in a real time, therefore providing more realistic and reliable evidence to the response of glioblastoma to therapy. Moreover, these models enable the fine-tuning of different tumor microenvironment conditions and facilitate studies on the effects of the tumor microenvironment on glioblastoma chemoresistance. This review outlines current knowledge on the essence of glioblastoma chemoresistance and describes the progress achieved by 3D biomimetic models. Moreover, comprehensive literature assessment regarding the influence of 3D culturing and microenvironment mimicking on glioblastoma gene expression and biological behavior is also provided. The contribution of the blood-brain barrier as well as the blood-tumor barrier to glioblastoma chemoresistance is also reviewed from the perspective of 3D biomimetic models. Finally, the role of mathematical models in predicting 3D glioblastoma behavior and drug response is elaborated. In the future, technological innovations along with mathematical simulations should create reliable 3D biomimetic systems for glioblastoma research that should facilitate the identification and possibly application in preclinical drug testing and precision medicine.
Insights
Glioblastoma
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Drug Discovery
Background:
- Glioblastoma exhibits poor treatment response due to intrinsic drug resistance.
- Cellular heterogeneity, plasticity, and the tumor microenvironment contribute to chemoresistance.
- The blood-brain barrier presents a significant challenge in glioblastoma treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the mechanisms of glioblastoma chemoresistance.
- To highlight the advancements and utility of 3D biomimetic models in studying glioblastoma.
- To assess the impact of microenvironment and blood-brain barrier on chemoresistance.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of glioblastoma chemoresistance.
- Analysis of 3D biomimetic models for glioblastoma research.
- Evaluation of mathematical models for predicting drug response.
Main Results:
- 3D biomimetic models better recapitulate glioblastoma's spatial organization and tumor microenvironment.
- These models provide more realistic data on glioblastoma response to therapy.
- 3D models facilitate studies on gene expression, biological behavior, and microenvironment effects.
Conclusions:
- 3D biomimetic models offer improved platforms for understanding glioblastoma chemoresistance.
- Integrating technological innovations and mathematical simulations will advance glioblastoma research.
- These advanced systems hold promise for preclinical drug testing and precision medicine.
