Photo-Cross-linked Gelatin Methacryloyl Hydrogels Enable the Growth of Primary Human Endometrial Stromal Cells and Epithelial Gland Organoids.
ACS Appl Mater Interfaces
; 16(30): 39140-39152, 2024 Jul 31.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-39022819
ABSTRACT
In vitro three-dimensional (3D) models are better able to replicate the complexity of real organs and tissues than 2D monolayer models. The human endometrium, the inner lining of the uterus, undergoes complex changes during the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. These changes occur in response to steroid hormone fluctuations and elicit crosstalk between the epithelial and stromal cell compartments, and dysregulations are associated with a variety of pregnancy disorders. Despite the importance of the endometrium in embryo implantation and pregnancy establishment, there is a lack of in vitro models that recapitulate tissue structure and function and as such a growing demand for extracellular matrix hydrogels that can support 3D cell culture. To be physiologically relevant, an in vitro model requires mechanical and biochemical cues that mimic those of the ECM found in the native tissue. We report a semisynthetic gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) hydrogel that combines the bioactive properties of natural hydrogels with the tunability and reproducibility of synthetic materials. We then describe a simple protocol whereby cells can quickly be encapsulated in GelMA hydrogels. We investigate the suitability of GelMA hydrogel to support the development of an endometrial model by culturing the main endometrial cell types stromal cells and epithelial cells. We also demonstrate how the mechanical and biochemical properties of GelMA hydrogels can be tailored to support the growth and maintenance of epithelial gland organoids that emerge upon 3D culturing of primary endometrial epithelial progenitor cells in a defined chemical medium. We furthermore demonstrate the ability of GelMA hydrogels to support the viability of stromal cells and their function measured by monitoring decidualization in response to steroid hormones. This study describes the first steps toward the development of a hydrogel matrix-based model that recapitulates the structure and function of the native endometrium and could support applications in understanding reproductive failure.
Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Banco de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Organoides
/
Células del Estroma
/
Hidrogeles
/
Endometrio
/
Células Epiteliales
/
Gelatina
/
Metacrilatos
Límite:
Female
/
Humans
Idioma:
En
Revista:
ACS Appl Mater Interfaces
Asunto de la revista:
BIOTECNOLOGIA
/
ENGENHARIA BIOMEDICA
Año:
2024
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Reino Unido