Optimizing a 3D brain microvascular model to study radiation damage

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a highly aggressive brain cancer characterized by diffuse metastasis at the tumor margins leading to high rates of recurrence. Radiation therapy, a standard component of current treatment, offers potential for improved patient outcomes. However, radiation therapy has opposing effects, capable of eradicating disease while also damaging normal tissue; this damage can lead to decreased quality of life and can foster a tumor-supportive microenvironment. The perivascular niche (PVN) is a microenvironment of particular interest. The PVN plays a vital role in regulating the glioblastoma stem cell population, treatment resistance, and serves as a site for cancer recurrence and migration. Understanding the impact of radiation on the PVN can better inform radiation schemes and improve our understanding of GBM recurrence. Here we optimize a previously developed three-dimensional in vitro model of the brain perivascular niche to investigate the impact of radiation dosage and delivery. We evaluated our hydrogel formulation to allow for stability, vessel growth, and network visualization. Importantly, we demonstrate that radiation effects on vessel structure can be measured in our model. This suggests our platform can provide useful insights on the effects of radiation on a short time scale relative to in vivo experiments.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.S.

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Bioengineering

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2023

Author dc:creator

• Ivanova, Yoanna

Contributors dc:contributor

• Harley, Brendan AC

• Glioblastoma
• Tumor Microenvironment, Radiation
• Vasculature
• Hydrogel
• Perivascular Niche

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2023 Yoanna Ivanova

Language dc:language

en, eng

Handle dc:identifier

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/121276

OAI record oai:identifier

https://www.ideals.illinois.edu/oai-pmh?verb=GetRecord&metadataPrefix=etdms&identifier=oai%3Awww.ideals.illinois.edu%3A2142%2F121276