Modelling adipose tissue-cancer crosstalk: a three-dimensional perspective

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Cancer Research
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Three-dimensional (3D) systems better mimic in vivo cell environments than traditional models.
• Adipose tissue, once solely linked to energy storage, is now recognized as a dynamic endocrine organ influencing carcinogenesis.
• Obesity-associated adipose tissue dysfunction is a significant risk factor for various cancers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current state of 3D model technologies for studying adipose tissue-cancer interactions.
• To highlight the potential of 3D systems in preclinical research for cancer and obesity-related diseases.
• To provide a perspective on adipose tissue-cancer crosstalk within advanced in vitro models.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing 3D modeling platforms.
• Analysis of studies focusing on adipose tissue and cancer co-culture systems.
• Evaluation of the biological relevance of 3D models in recapitulating in vivo conditions.

Main Results:

• A gap exists in current 3D platforms for complex adipose tissue-cancer models.
• 3D models show promise for investigating the crosstalk between adipose tissue and cancer.
• These models offer a more biologically relevant approach to studying obesity-driven carcinogenesis.

Conclusions:

• Advanced 3D systems are essential for accurately modeling the in vivo tumor microenvironment.
• There is a need for more sophisticated 3D models to study adipose tissue-cancer dynamics.
• 3D technologies can significantly advance our understanding of obesity-related cancer development and progression.