title: Live-cell imaging of invasion and intravasation in an artificial microvessel platform.
abstract: Methods to visualize metastasis exist, but additional tools to better define the biologic and physical processes underlying invasion and intravasation are still needed. One difficulty in studying metastasis stems from the complexity of the interface between the tumor microenvironment and the vascular system. Here, we report the development of an investigational platform that positions tumor cells next to an artificial vessel embedded in an extracellular matrix. On this platform, we used live-cell fluorescence microscopy to analyze the complex interplay between metastatic cancer cells and a functional artificial microvessel that was lined with endothelial cells. The platform recapitulated known interactions, and its use demonstrated the capabilities for a systematic study of novel physical and biologic parameters involved in invasion and intravasation. In summary, our work offers an important new tool to advance knowledge about metastasis and candidate antimetastatic therapies.
authors: Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland. Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland.
authors: Andrew D
authors: AD
authors: Wong
authors: Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland. Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland. searson@jhu.edu.
authors: Peter C
authors: PC
authors: Searson
mesh_terms: D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging / Q000379:methods; D042783:Endothelial Cells / Q000473:pathology; D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D055806:Microvessels / Q000473:pathology*; D009361:Neoplasm Invasiveness / Q000473:pathology*; D059016:Tumor Microenvironment / Q000502:physiology