Establishing a Novel Model for Studying Neural Invasion in Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer

According to a study published in Gels, a 3-dimensional model of neural invasion (NI) squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is possibly suitable for studying the mechanisms underlying NI.

Researchers aimed to develop a 3-dimensional model of NI in SCC to better understand its underlying biologic mechanisms, which are still poorly understood. Combining human epidermoid carcinoma cells (hECCs) with a complete peripheral nerve segment encapsulated in a fibrin-agarose hydrogel, the researchers recreated 2 critical processes of NI: pre-invasive and invasive models.

In the pre-invasive model, hECCs were seeded on top of the nerve-enriched stroma, whereas in the invasive model, cancer cells were immersed with the nerve in the hydrogel. Histologic, histochemical, and immunohistochemical analyses validated the model, demonstrating successful integration of the hydrogel with the nerve structure and hECCs.

Results indicated that the model effectively generated an environment where tumor cells and nerve components coexisted. Importantly, the model preserved components of the neural extracellular matrix and allowed for the proliferation and migration of cells embedded in the hydrogel. These findings suggest the suitability of the model for studying the mechanisms underlying NI in SCC.

Overall, the 3-dimensional model represents a significant advancement in the understanding of NI pathogenesis by providing a platform to investigate the complex interactions between nerve and tumor cells in a controlled environment.

Reference
Ávila-Fernández P, Etayo-Escanilla M, Sánchez-Porras D, et al. A novel In vitro pathological model for studying neural invasion in non-melanoma skin cancer. Gels. Published online April 8, 2024. doi:10.3390/gels10040252