Novel approaches using 3-dimensional reconstructs
By developing an organotypic full skin equivalent, harboring melanoma tumor spheroids of defined sizes we have invented a cell-based model that recapitulates both the 3-d organization and multicellular complexity of an organ/tumor in vivo but at the same time accommodates systematic experimental intervention. By using this organotypic tumor model we are aiming to elucidate the impact of intra-tumoral diversity and of the surrounding host tissue on the therapeutic success. Above this, the model serves the needs of a fast and reliable tool for pre-clinical analysis of tailored combination therapies to establish individualized melanoma therapy.
Relevant own publications
Montinaro A, Zubiaur IA, Saggau J, Kretz A-L, Ferreira RMM, Hassan O, Kitzig E, Mueller I, El-Bahrawy M, von Karstedt S, Kulms D, Liccardi G, Lemke J, Walczak H: Potent pro-apoptotic combination therapy is highly effective in a broad range of cancers. Cell Death Differ, in press (2021)
- Margue C, Philippidou D, Kozar I, Cesi G, Felten P, Kulms D, Letellier E, Haan C, Kreis S: Kinase inhibitor library screening identifies synergistic drug combinations effective in sensitive and resistant melanoma cells. J Exp Clin Cancer Res, 38:56. doi: 10.1186/s13046-019-1038-x (2019);
- Müller I, Kulms D: 3D organotypic melanoma-spheroid-skin-model. J Vis Exp, (135). doi: 10.3791/57500 (2018)
- Vörsmann H, Gröber F, Walles H, Beissert S, Walczak H, Kulms D: Development of a human three-dimensional organotypic skin-melanoma spheroid model for in vitro drug testing. Cell Death Dis doi: 10.1038/cddis.2013.249. (2013)
- Kulms D, Meier F: In vitro models of melanoma. In: Skin Tissue Models, Eds.: AP Marques, RP Pirraco, MT Cerqueria, RL Reis; Elsevier Inc, Camebridge; ISBN: 978-0-12-810545-0 (2018)