GRP78 blockade overcomes acquired resistance to EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors in non-small cell lung cancer
Aims: While significant upregulation of GRP78 has been documented in lung cancer patients, its association with resistance to epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) remains underexamined. Our study aimed to elucidate the functional importance of GRP78 in acquired resistance to EGFR-TKIs in nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and to evaluate its potential as […]
Recapitulating Glioma Stem Cell Niches Using 3D Spheroid Models for Glioblastoma Research
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is among the most aggressive brain cancers, and it contains glioma stem cells (GSCs) that drive tumor initiation, progression, and recurrence. These cells resist conventional therapies, contributing to high recurrence rates in GBM patients. Developing in vitro models that mimic the tumor microenvironment (TME), particularly the GSC niche, is crucial for understanding […]
Integration of nanobiosensors into organ-on- chip systems for monitoring viral infections
The integration of nanobiosensors into organ-on-chip (OoC) models offers a promising advancement in the study of viral infections and therapeutic development. Conventional research methods for studying viral infection, such as two-dimensional cell cultures and animal models, face challenges in replicating the complex and dynamic nature of human tissues. In contrast, OoC systems provide more accurate, […]
Apical-Out Tubuloids for Accurate Kidney Toxicity Studies
In kidney organoids, typically only the basal membrane is exposed, limiting toxicity assessments of apically transported drugs. Although the reversion of basal-out organoids has successfully created apical-out organoids of the intestine and airway, this method has not yet been applied to kidney organoids. Here, a technique to reverse tubuloid polarity is reported, enabling the apical […]
Bioprinting of Tumor Immune Microenvironment for Immunotherapy
Accurately simulating the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME), which consists of a tumor, extracellular matrix (ECM), vascular network, and a variety of stromal and immune cells, is crucial for advancing and testing immunotherapies such as checkpoint inhibitors, chimeric antigen receptor-T (CAR-T) cells, and cancer vaccines. Traditional models, such as animal models, are limited by their differences […]
A 3D hanging spheroid-filter plate for high-throughput drug testing and CAR T cell cytotoxicity assay
Tumour spheroids are widely used in immune cell cytotoxicity assays and anticancer drug testing, providing a physiologically relevant model replicating the tumour microenvironment. However, co-culture of immune and tumour cells complicates quantification of immune cell killing efficiency. We present a novel 3D hanging spheroid-filter plate that efficiently facilitates spheroid formation and separates unbound/dead cells during […]
Potential of bioprinted intestine-on-chip models in advancing understanding of human coronavirus infections and drug screening
Human coronaviruses, including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), contribute to both respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms, necessitating a comprehensive approach to studying viral pathogenesis. In this context, bioprinted intestine-on-chip models offer a cutting-edge technology for closely replicating the tissue architecture and microenvironment of the human intestine, providing valuable insights into viral dynamics and host […]
The extracellular matrix in solid tumor immunotherapy
The extracellular matrix (ECM) of solid tumors impacts the antitumor activities of CD8+ T and natural killer (NK) cells in a variety of ways. Cell motility is restricted by the tumor ECM which creates physical barriers. The tumor ECM directly alter the phenotypes and functions of cytotoxic lymphocytes, and indirectly influences immunological synapse-mediated interactions between […]
Deep Learning-Based Automated Analysis of NK Cell Cytotoxicity in Single Cancer Cell Arrays
The cytotoxicity assay of immune cells based on live cell imaging offers comprehensive information at the single cell-level information, but the data acquisition and analysis are labor-intensive. To overcome this limitation, we previously developed single cancer cell arrays that immobilize cancer cells in microwells as single cell arrays, thus allow high-throughput data acquisition. In this […]
Imaging-Based Efficacy Evaluation of Cancer Immunotherapy in Engineered Tumor Platforms and Tumor Organoids
Cancer immunotherapy is used to treat tumors by modulating the immune system. Although the anticancer efficacy of cancer immunotherapy has been evaluated prior to clinical trials, conventional in vivo animal and endpoint models inadequately replicate the intricate process of tumor elimination and reflect human-specific immune systems. Therefore, more sophisticated models that mimic the complex tumor-immune […]
