Prostate epithelial cell lines form spheroids with evidence of glandular differentiation in three-dimensional Matrigel cultures
2001
Prostate Cancer Cell Growth in 3D Cultures
publication
Author Information
Author(s): Lang S H, Sharrard R M, Stark M, Villette J M, Maitland N J
Primary Institution: Department of Biology, University of York
Hypothesis
Matrigel culture influences the morphology and differentiation of prostate epithelial cell lines.
Conclusion
Matrigel culture can induce morphological differentiation of prostate cancer cells that initially had a basal phenotype.
Supporting Evidence
- PNT2-C2 cells showed typical round/cuboidal morphology in monolayer but formed smooth spheroids in Matrigel.
- PC-3 cells had an epithelial/mesenchyme morphology in monolayer and formed irregular spheroids in Matrigel.
- Matrigel influenced the expression of key prostate cancer markers like PSA and PSMA.
Takeaway
When prostate cancer cells are grown in a special gel, they change shape and become more like normal cells.
Methodology
Prostate cell lines were grown in Matrigel and compared to monolayer cultures to observe changes in morphology and phenotype.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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