Development of Methodology to Maintain Primary Cultures of Normal and Malignant Human Prostatic Epithelial Cell In Vivo

摘要

Our objective is to develop a realistic preclinical model of prostate cancer by developing methodology that supports the survival, growth and differentiation of primary cultures of prostate cells in mice. We hypothesize that implantation under the highly vascularized renal capsule of cells cultured on gas permeable OptiCell membranes will achieve this purpose. In year one, we accomplished our goal of determining the optimal conditions for growing prostatic epithelial and stromal cells, individually or in co-culture, or OptiCell membranes in vitro. We also accomplished our goal of characterizing the phenotypes of cells culture in this manner. Finally, we implanted cells grown on OptiCell membranes under the renal capsule of mice and recovered and characterized the cells grown in vivo. We concluded that OptiCell membranes induce an inflammatory reaction and scar formation and will not provide a suitable platform for implantation of primary cultures. Next year, we will investigate other means of implantation, and in particular will explore novel materials being developed for tissue bioengineering. Our hypothesis remains viable and, although OptiCell membranes did not perform as anticipated, there are other alternate approaches to achieving our original aims.