Phospholipid Mediator Induced Transformation in Three-Dimensional Cultures

Several models have been developed to study cancer, such as rodent models and established cell lines. Valuable insights into carcinogenesis have been provided by studies using these models. Cell lines have provided an understanding of the deregulation of molecular signaling associated with breast tumorigenesis, while rodent models are widely used to study cellular and molecular characteristics of breast cancer in vivo. The establishment of 3D cultures of breast epithelial and cancerous cells aids in bridging the gap between in vivo and in vitro models by mimicking the in vivo conditions in vitro. This model can be used to understand the deregulation of complex molecular signaling events and the cellular characteristics during breast carcinogenesis. Here, a 3D culture system is modified to study a phospholipid mediator-induced (Platelet Activating Factor, PAF) transformation. Immunomodulators and other secreted molecules play a major role in tumor initiation and progression in the breast. In the present study, 3D acinar cultures of breast epithelial cells are exposed to PAF exhibited transformation characteristics such as loss of polarity and altered cellular characteristics. This 3D culture system will assist in shedding light on genetic and/or epigenetic perturbations induced by various small molecule entities in the tumor microenvironment. Additionally, this system will also provide a platform for the identification of novel as well as known genes that may be involved in the process of transformation.

Automated summary

Various models, such as cell lines and rodent models, have been developed for cancer research, providing valuable insights into carcinogenesis. The establishment of a 3D culture system of breast epithelial and cancerous cells allows for the study of molecular signaling events and cellular characteristics during breast carcinogenesis. This system is used to investigate the transformation induced by a phospholipid mediator, Platelet Activating Factor (PAF), and may contribute to understanding the genetic and epigenetic perturbations induced by various small molecules in the tumor microenvironment.