Understanding Calcium Signaling Pathways in 3D Microfluidic Models of Glioblastoma Multiforme

Understanding Calcium Signaling Pathways in 3D Microfluidic Models of Glioblastoma Multiforme

Presenter(s)

Jenna Abdelhamed

Comments

1:20-1:40, Kennedy Union 207

Description

Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) is one of the most malignant types of brain cancer and, therefore, highly fatal. Current lines of treatment include surgical resection, radiation, and chemotherapy, all of which GBM resists due to the complexity of GBM tumors, cells, and their microenvironment. Numerous research studies have been conducted to understand the oncogenesis, invasion mechanisms, and cellular characteristics of GBM. One specific mechanism that has caught the attention of researchers is calcium signaling, which plays a significant role in cell proliferation, resistance to treatment, and metastatic-related processes. Emerging targets for calcium signaling include transient receptor potential channels (TRP), a family of channels that mediate Ca2+ signaling and play a role in GBM development and invasion. This study examines and compares calcium signaling in non-invasive and invasive phenotypes of GBM. This will be done by generating a migrating cell model consisting of GBM spheroids placed into a Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microfluidic device, where I can observe the cells sprouting from the spheroid and traveling through microchannels, monitor migration, and measure cytosolic calcium levels using dye for both the non-invasive and invasive phenotypes. It was hypothesized that more calcium would be associated with the invasive GBM model than the non-invasive one. This hypothesis was tested using spheroids from four different GBM cell lines: A-172, U118MG, LN229, and U-87MG. This allows for the examination of common invasion responses and characteristics across GBM cell lines. This project lays the groundwork for new therapies to limit GBM migration and prevent further metastasis of this cancer by targeting the calcium signaling pathways.

Publication Date

4-23-2025

Project Designation

Honors Thesis

Primary Advisor

Loan T. Bui

Primary Advisor's Department

Biology

Keywords

Stander Symposium, College of Arts and Sciences

Institutional Learning Goals

Scholarship

Understanding Calcium Signaling Pathways in 3D Microfluidic Models of Glioblastoma Multiforme

Share

COinS