Collaboration of 3D Context and Extracellular Matrix in the Development of Glioma Stemness in a 3D Model

This work illustrates that different laminin isoforms have specific effects in promoting the stemness of glioma cells, in collaboration with a 3D context. U251 glioblastoma cells were cultured on electrospun polystyrene (ESPS) scaffolds coated with 7 different laminin isoforms (LAMscreen kit) to provide a 3D model for stem cell-related genes and proteins expression studies. The results indicate the influence of 3D (versus 2D) context on stemness markers and integrin expression, specifically, the upregulation of the laminin-binding integrins a6b4. By a colony-forming assay, we showed enhanced clonogenicity of cells grown on ESPS scaffolds in collaboration with laminins 411, 421, 511 and 521. The present results demonstrate how 3D versus 2D context profoundly affects ECM signaling, leading to stemness.