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Development of a Decellularized Porcine Esophageal Matrix for Potential Applications in Cancer Modeling
Hersh Chaitin1,2, Michael L Lu2, Michael B Wallace3
1Department of Biological Science, College of Science, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA.
Cells
|May 5, 2021
Summary
Researchers developed a decellularized esophageal matrix (DEM) from porcine esophagus for cancer research. This new matrix supports cancer cell growth and shows potential for studying esophageal cancer models.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Tissue Engineering
- Oncology
Background:
- Decellularized extracellular matrix (DEM) derived organs are vital for tissue engineering and cancer models.
- Porcine esophageal DEM for biomedical applications remains under-investigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a decellularized porcine esophageal matrix (DEM) using a modified protocol.
- To characterize the DEM for cellular removal and matrix component retention.
- To evaluate the DEM's suitability for studying esophageal cancer cell growth and migration.
Main Methods:
- A modified decellularization protocol was used to prepare porcine esophageal DEM.
- Scanning electron microscopy characterized the DEM's microstructure.
- Human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and fibroblast cells (FBCs) were cultured on the DEM.
Main Results:
- The decellularization process preserved mechanical properties and key microstructural features, including blood and lymphatic vessels.
- ESCC and FBCs demonstrated robust growth on the DEM without toxicity.
- Co-culture of fibroblasts and ESCC on DEM increased periostin secretion, enhancing cell adhesion.
Conclusions:
- The modified protocol effectively produces porcine esophageal DEM with preserved microstructure and mechanical integrity.
- The developed DEM is a promising scaffold for in vitro esophageal cancer modeling, facilitating studies on cell growth and migration.
