Animal models are widely used in cancer research to test drug or dosage. In vitro models are an alternative to those. However, 2D cell cultures are not sufficient, because they do not recapitulate the tumor microenvironment. We are therefore developing 3D cancer models that mimic the most significant aspect of tumors and their microenvironment, to be able to use them for future drug testing platforms. We are focusing on skin squamous cell carcinoma. We use hydrogels with defined biophysical and biochemical properties that mimic the skin architecture and allow for tumor growth and invasion.

Funding: SNSF (NRP79)

Mechanical memory is a phenomenon of loss of cell plasticity due to prolonged mechanical stress. It has been observed first on stem cells and fibroblasts cultured for multiple passages on stiff substrates. The phenotype that cells acquired on stiff substrates are maintained after passage to softer substrates. We are now investigating how 3D hydrogels lead to memory or phenotypic bias of the initial cell population

We are developing 3D models of skin tissue, focusing on the dermal layer. For this, we use different types of hydrogels, in which we encapsulate fibroblasts sparsely. We then subject these 3D systems to mechanical stresses (hydrostatic pressure, osmotic pressure) to determine what the cellular stress response is. 

We also develop specific disease models, e.g., a model of fibrosis in which stiffening of the tissue causes dysfunction.

Funding: SNSF, ETHZ