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Published on: August 8, 2019
Analysis of IFNγ-Induced Invasion of Ovarian Cancer Cells Using 3D Spheroids
Bijaya Gaire1, Ivana Vancurova2
1Department of Oncological Sciences, The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA. bijaya.gaire@mssm.edu.
Abstract:
IFNγ is a type II interferon with both anti-tumor and tumor-promoting functions. Since IFNγ is produced in response to cancer chemotherapy and immunotherapy, it is critical to understand its tumor-promoting mechanisms. In ovarian cancer (OC), a short term IFNγ exposure inhibits OC cell invasion, while longer-term exposure induces OC cell invasion; the underlying mechanisms involve IFNγ-induced IL-8 expression. Here, we describe a 3D spheroid culture assay to analyze IFNγ-induced invasion in ovarian cancer cells. The main advantages of this assay include its relevance to tumor biology, reproducibility, and ease of cell manipulations and visualization.
Insights
Interferon gamma (IFNγ) can promote ovarian cancer invasion through IL-8. A new 3D spheroid assay helps study this tumor-promoting effect, offering insights into cancer progression.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Interferon gamma (IFNγ), a type II interferon, exhibits dual roles in cancer, possessing both anti-tumor and tumor-promoting functions.
- IFNγ is frequently produced during cancer chemotherapy and immunotherapy, highlighting the need to elucidate its pro-tumorigenic mechanisms.
- In ovarian cancer (OC), IFNγ exposure duration dictates its effect on cell invasion, with short-term exposure inhibiting and long-term exposure promoting invasion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanisms underlying IFNγ-induced invasion in ovarian cancer cells.
- To establish and validate a 3D spheroid culture assay for analyzing IFNγ-induced invasion in OC.
- To explore the role of IFNγ-induced IL-8 expression in mediating OC cell invasion.
Main Methods:
- Development of a 3D spheroid culture assay for ovarian cancer cells.
- Exposure of OC spheroids to IFNγ for varying durations.
- Quantification of OC cell invasion.
- Analysis of IFNγ-induced IL-8 expression.
Main Results:
- Long-term IFNγ exposure significantly increases ovarian cancer cell invasion compared to short-term exposure.
- IFNγ-induced invasion is associated with elevated IL-8 expression.
- The 3D spheroid assay demonstrated reproducibility and relevance to tumor biology.
Conclusions:
- IFNγ can promote ovarian cancer cell invasion, particularly with sustained exposure, mediated by IL-8.
- The developed 3D spheroid assay is a valuable tool for studying IFNγ-driven invasion in OC.
- Understanding IFNγ's pro-tumorigenic effects is crucial for optimizing cancer therapies.
