A Model of mammary microvasculature: evaluating hormone responsiveness and luminal-like tumor integration

This thesis aims to fill gaps in the research on breast microvasculature by creating a perfusable microvasculature system within a microfluidic platform. For the first time, we co-cultured primary breast endothelial cells and fibroblasts to establish mammary-specific microvessels. Using this system,...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autor: Moccia, Carmen
Tipo de recurso: tesis doctoral
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2024
País:España
Institución:CBUC, CESCA
Repositorio:TDR. Tesis Doctorales en Red
OAI Identifier:oai:www.tdx.cat:10803/694422
Acceso en línea:http://hdl.handle.net/10803/694422
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Mammary gland
Microvasculature
Sex hormones
Breast cancer
Microfluidic technology
Glándula mamaria
Microvasculatura
Hormonas sexuales
Cáncer de mama
Tecnología microfluídica
576
Descripción
Sumario:This thesis aims to fill gaps in the research on breast microvasculature by creating a perfusable microvasculature system within a microfluidic platform. For the first time, we co-cultured primary breast endothelial cells and fibroblasts to establish mammary-specific microvessels. Using this system, the two main aims are to explore dose-dependent responses of breast microvasculature to sex hormones and integrate luminal-like breast cancer. To achieve the first objective, we simulate different phases of the menstrual cycle by combining varying concentrations of estrogen and progesterone. The evaluation encompasses vascular remodeling, barrier function, and the release of angiogenic factors within the mammary microvasculature. Tissue specificity is ensured by comparing the breast-specific microvasculature with an alternative model using endothelial cells from a different source and breast fibroblasts. In the second aim, a mammary epithelial layer is integrated, mimicking a lactiferous duct. This setup enables us to investigate the barrier properties of the mammary duct, including the influence of hormonal fluctuations and the effects of tamoxifen. Ultimately, luminal-like breast cancer is incorporated into the system alongside the epithelial mammary layer, simulating ductal carcinoma. This addition contributes to a distinctive 3D model and enhances our comprehension of drug delivery dynamics.