[1PS-105]
우수논문발표상 응모자Development of a 3D In Vitro Bilayer Hydrogel Platform for Inducing Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts(CAFs) from Normal Fibroblasts
발표자염은지 (연세대학교)
연구책임자고원건 (연세대학교)
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) critically influences cancer progression via interactions between cancer cells and stromal components. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) contribute to tumor growth, invasion, and resistance, but conventional 2D cultures fail to mimic complex in vivo interactions.
We developed a 3D in vitro model using a bilayer hydrogel platform: cancer cells in alginate and 3T3 fibroblasts in collagen, allowing physiologically relevant CAF induction. Radiation and drug response tests demonstrated increased resistance of cancer cells in this model, highlighting the role of CAFs in therapy resistance.
To improve CAF induction, we are incorporating cancer spheroids that better mimic TME, using composite nanofiber–PEG hydrogels and micropatterned agarose scaffolds. The incorporation of this advanced scaffold is expected to offer deeper insights into TME dynamics and aid the development of more effective targeted therapies.