Analysis of sound-induced angiogenesis in the development of a 3D tumor model

Abstract

The tumor environment arises the appearance of cells with altered mechanisms and uncontrolled growth. The use of mechanisms that result in their expansion is what allows them to grow indefinitely and evolve. Tumor angiogenesis is one of the mechanisms used by cancer cells to survive, expand and establish their own environment. Through tumor cells, several factors are secreted in response to hypoxia and the need for nutrients, resulting from the rapid growth and multiplication typical of these cells. Angiogenesis, with the formation of new blood vessels, arises not only to meet these needs, but also to create a microenvironment that facilitates the invasion and spread of cancer cells to other tissues, playing a crucial role in the growth and metastasis of tumors. By creating a 3D model where the tumor environment is present, this work aims to observe this mechanism. To do so, it uses bioacoustics, through sound waves and vibrations at a certain frequency and acceleration, to determine cellular rearrangement. Thus, through a 3D model consisting of two distinct layers, one formed by endothelial cells in combination with mesenchymal cells, and a top layer, consisting of breast cancer cells, this work aims to analyze the influence of the presence of cancer cells, namely at the level of the promotion of sprouting by endothelial cells, and thus the initiation of the angiogenic mechanism.

Date of Award	16 Jan 2025
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Michael Raghunath (Supervisor)