2D and 3D in vitro culture methods to investigate endothelial-cell enhanced tumor angiogenesis

The reciprocal interactions between endothelial cells and tumor cells to regulate angiogenesis is an important area of cancer research. However, understanding the influential role of endothelial cells on tumorigenesis is highly dependent on the culture systems utilized to study this dynamic and complex process. In contrast to 2D culture systems or the complex host environment of in vivo models, 3D in vitro cancer models have the potential to provide important insights into cellular differentiation, migration, and gene expression in a controlled and well-defined manner. Our preliminary results demonstrating increased cancer cell expression of pro-angiogenic growth factors (VEGF and ANG2) in response to 2D co-culture with endothelial cells motivated the development of a 3D co-culture system to further investigate this phenomena. Assessment of important morphological changes such as cell proliferation, migration, and vessel permeability in response to increased angiogenic activity will be better accommodated in a more physiologically relevant culture environment, therefore permitting the development of more accurate experimental conclusions.