Lithium Chloride-Induced Nuclear Envelope Remodeling in 3D Endometrial Cancer Spheroids

Area of Science:

• Cell Biology
• Cancer Research
• Structural Biology

Background:

• Nuclear architecture remodeling under stress is poorly understood in 3D cancer models.
• Lithium chloride (LiCl) is a known stressor, but its effects on nuclear structures in 3D tumor systems are unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the ultrastructural effects of LiCl on nuclear architecture in Ishikawa endometrial carcinoma spheroids.
• To characterize cellular responses, including nuclear remodeling, to LiCl-induced stress in a 3D cancer model.

Main Methods:

• Ishikawa endometrial carcinoma spheroids were treated with LiCl (10 or 50 mM) for up to 96 hours.
• Evaluated cellular responses using cell cycle analysis, BrdU incorporation, viability assays, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).

Main Results:

• LiCl induced G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and suppressed DNA synthesis without significant apoptosis or necrosis.
• TEM revealed nuclear envelope elongation, membrane reorganization, and perinuclear double-membraned structures under LiCl stress.
• Observed concurrent mitochondrial and endomembrane remodeling, indicating a broader stress adaptation response.

Conclusions:

• LiCl induces significant nucleus-associated ultrastructural remodeling in 3D endometrial cancer spheroids.
• Findings suggest stress-induced nuclear envelope remodeling, distinct from confirmed nucleophagy.
• 3D tumor models are valuable for studying stress-related architectural adaptations in cancer cells.