title: Three-dimensional cancer models mimic cell-matrix interactions in the tumour microenvironment.
abstract: Basic in vitro systems can be used to model and assess complex diseases, such as cancer. Recent advances in this field include the incorporation of multiple cell types and extracellular matrix proteins into three-dimensional (3D) models to recapitulate the structure, organization and functionality of live tissue in situ. Cells within such a 3D environment behave very differently from cells on two-dimensional (2D) substrates, as cell-matrix interactions trigger signalling pathways and cellular responses in 3D, which may not be observed in 2D. Thus, the use of 3D systems can be advantageous for the assessment of disease progression over 2D set-ups alone. Here, we highlight the current advantages and challenges of employing 3D systems in the study of cancer and provide an overview to guide the appropriate use of distinct models in cancer research.
authors.affiliation: Cancer Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, St. Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, NSW 2010, Sydney, Australia, Diabetes and Obesity Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, St. Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, NSW 2010, Sydney, Australia and The Beatson Institute for Cancer Research, Garscube Estate, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Herrmann
authors.affiliation: Cancer Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, St. Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, NSW 2010, Sydney, Australia, Diabetes and Obesity Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, St. Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, NSW 2010, Sydney, Australia and The Beatson Institute for Cancer Research, Garscube Estate, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK.
authors.forename: James R W
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Conway
authors.affiliation: Cancer Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, St. Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, NSW 2010, Sydney, Australia, Diabetes and Obesity Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, St. Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, NSW 2010, Sydney, Australia and The Beatson Institute for Cancer Research, Garscube Estate, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK.
authors.forename: Claire
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Vennin
authors.affiliation: Cancer Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, St. Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, NSW 2010, Sydney, Australia, Diabetes and Obesity Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, St. Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, NSW 2010, Sydney, Australia and The Beatson Institute for Cancer Research, Garscube Estate, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK.
authors.forename: Astrid
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Magenau
authors.affiliation: Diabetes and Obesity Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, St. Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, NSW 2010, Sydney, Australia and.
authors.forename: William E
authors.initials: WE
authors.lastname: Hughes
authors.affiliation: The Beatson Institute for Cancer Research, Garscube Estate, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK.
authors.forename: Jennifer P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Morton
authors.affiliation: Cancer Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, St. Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, NSW 2010, Sydney, Australia, Diabetes and Obesity Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, St. Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, NSW 2010, Sydney, Australia and The Beatson Institute for Cancer Research, Garscube Estate, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK p.timpson@garvan.org.au.
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Timpson
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002450:Cell Communication; D018920:Coculture Techniques; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D015398:Signal Transduction; D059016:Tumor Microenvironment