A novel human leiomyoma tissue derived matrix for cell culture studies

Background: The composition of the matrix molecules is important in in vitro cell culture experiments of e.g. human cancer invasion and vessel formation. Currently, the mouse Engelbreth-Holm-Swarm (EHS) sarcoma -derived products, such as Matrigel (R), are the most commonly used tumor microenvironment (TME) mimicking matrices for experimental studies. However, since Matrigel (R) is non-human in origin, its molecular composition does not accurately simulate human TME. We have previously described a solid 3D organotypic myoma disc invasion assay, which is derived from human uterus benign leiomyoma tumor. Here, we describe the preparation and analyses of a processed, gelatinous leiomyoma matrix, named Myogel. Methods: A total protein extract, Myogel, was formulated from myoma. The protein contents of Myogel were characterized and its composition and properties compared with a commercial mouse Matrigel (R). Myogel was tested and compared to Matrigel (R) in human cell adhesion, migration, invasion, colony formation, spheroid culture and vessel formation experiments, as well as in a 3D hanging drop video image analysis. Results: We demonstrated that only 34 % of Myogel's molecular content was similar to Matrigel (R). All test results showed that Myogel was comparable with Matrigel (R), and when mixed with low-melting agarose (Myogel-LMA) it was superior to Matrigel (R) in in vitro Transwell (R) invasion and capillary formation assays. Conclusions: In conclusion, we have developed a novel Myogel TME matrix, which is recommended for in vitro human cell culture experiments since it closely mimics the human tumor microenvironment of solid cancers.