Mimicking the Glioblastoma Microenvironment with an In Vitro Hydrogel Platform

In the realm of biomedical research, hydrogels have emerged as a crucial tool. Recent advancements in their production have unlocked the ability to precisely control their mechanical properties, making them invaluable for replicating both healthy and diseased neural tissues. This has paved the way for the development of in vitro models that faithfully mimic the natural extracellular matrix, revolutionizing our ability to culture a wide variety of cells, including the notoriously elusive glioblastoma cancer cells. Glioblastoma, known for its highly invasive nature and formidable treatment challenges, stands as the most lethal form of brain tumor today. Its remarkable intratumor and intertumor heterogeneity presents unparalleled obstacles. Therefore, the development of a 3D in vitro model that accurately mirrors cell-to-cell and cell-to-extracellular matrix interactions is paramount in unraveling the complexities of this enigmatic brain tumor. This project summarizes how matrix stiffness can affect cancer and neuron growth, cell differentiation, migration motility, proliferation, and phenotype.