Title:From 2D to 3D - a New Dimension for Modelling the Effect of Natural Products on Human Tissue
Volume: 21
Issue: 38
Author(s): Krzysztof Wrzesinski and Stephen J. Fey
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Natural products, 3D cell culture, metabolic equilibrium, spheroids, bioreactor, physiology, toxicology, efficacy.
Abstract: Natural products, or their synthetic derivatives are a treasure trove to find potential candidates for novel
drugs for human treatment. The selection of diamonds from the huge pile of worthless stone is a critical – and difficult
- stage in the discovery pipeline. Of all the factors to be considered, perhaps the most important, is that the
compound should have the desired effect on the tissue in vivo. Since it is not possible (or ethical) to test all compounds
in vivo one must preselect using a surrogate assay system. While animal models have the advantage of being
holistic and current 3D culture systems are reductionistic, they at least can be constructed from human cell
types.
In this review we will consider some of the evidence demonstrating that cells grown in 3D cultures have physiological
performances that mimic functions seen in human tissues significantly better than cells grown using classical
2D culture systems. We will discuss advantages and disadvantages of these new culture technologies and highlight theoretical reasons
for the differences.
3D cell culture technologies are more labour intensive than 2D culture systems and therefore their introduction is a trade-off between the
value of obtaining data that is more relevant to the human condition against their through-put. It is already clear that future in vitro 3D
systems will become more complex, using multiple cell types to more faithfully represent a particular tissue or even organ system. And
one thing is sure – the diamonds are not easy to find!
