Introduction:
In earlier findings we and others could show that the SDF1alpha-CXCR4-axis might be
a crucial key pathway in the interactions between cancer stem cells (CSC) and their
surrounding supportive cells, the so-called cancer stem cell niche. Our recent works
are focusing on suitable methods to investigate the cell-cell interactions in the
CSC niche of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) in vitro.
Methods:
A 3D cell culture model was established to investigate the interactions between potential
CSC and their supportive niche in HNSCC. CSC were determined as CD44+ ALDH1A1+ via
immunohistochemistry from human tissue samples of HNSCC. As a mediator of the SDF1alpha-CXCR4-axis
marking of CXCR4 was used.
Results:
CD44+ ALDH1A1+ cells and surrounding supportive cells from human HNSCC tissue samples
could be cultured in a 3D cell culture model. Potential interactions via the SDF1alpha-CXCR4-axis
could be determined by CXCR4 staining.
Discussion:
The 3D cell culture reflects the tumor architecture including its supportive niche
in vitro better than 2D cell culture models. There is growing evidence that tumor
cell aggregates exhibit several physiological traits including similar morphology
and formation of cell-cell bonds. Therefore, a 3D tumor cell culture model is a suitable
approach to study interactions in the CSC niche in HNSCC.
