New Algae-Based Gel Is Revolutionising Breast Cancer Cell Studies, Study Finds

Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer type, particularly affecting women. The UAE National Cancer Registry reports that 11.6% of cancer-related deaths are due to breast cancer. Early detection significantly improves recovery chances, with a 95% success rate.

In 2020, Jane Baude embarked on her Ph.D. research at UC Santa Barbara. She faced a major hurdle when the gel required for her mammary epithelial cell experiments was delayed because of pandemic disruptions. Consequently, Baude and her advisor, Prof. Ryan Stowers, decided to create their own gel for cell studies.

Their innovative work resulted in an algae-based gel platform for studying mammary epithelial cells. These cells form milk-producing ducts and glands in healthy breast tissue but can also transform into cancer cells. "Not only did we create something that can mimic commercially made gels, but we were able to use what we've made to our advantage to learn more about the cells and the material," Baude said.

Their findings were published in Science Advances, showcasing that their gel supports normal mammary gland tissue development. The gel's mechanical and biochemical properties can be adjusted, enabling researchers to study how cells are influenced by their physical surroundings. This approach may offer new insights into cancer development.

The basement membrane is vital for epithelial cell environments in the body. It consists of a thin protein mesh anchoring cells while playing a key role in cell signaling. Researchers need an equivalent membrane in labs to study epithelial cell behavior accurately.

Most commercial basement-membrane products used for breast cancer research are derived from mouse tumors. While these traditional gels are common, they have limitations. Stowers noted, "Everybody knows they're not perfect." He and Baude aimed to overcome these limitations by designing a new gel with tunability and modularity.

Cells react to their surrounding physical properties both in labs and within the body. Adjusting these properties helps researchers observe how cells respond to different environments. "Cells are particularly mechanosensitive, so they can feel the difference between a soft gel and a hard gel," Stowers explained.

This sensitivity is significant because recent studies link stiffer environments with tumor development. Stowers mentioned that people often associate stiff lumps with potential malignancy: "The mammary gland is one of the softer tissues in the body, but a malignant tumor actually increases in stiffness as disease progresses."

Baude developed the synthetic basement membrane using an algae-based gel previously studied. She tested various peptide sequences until it matched Matrigel's capabilities—a commercial product for studying mammary cells.

The team modified crosslinking and polymer chain lengths to adjust stiffness and response time under force application. "We found a combination of mechanical and biochemical cues that work well," Baude said.

Their modifications allowed them to mimic matrices making cells more likely to become cancerous under certain conditions. In suitable environments, cells could create their own basement membranes; however, incorrect cues led them astray.

Stowers expressed interest in exploring how initial conditions of gels can shape cell development further—potentially growing complex tissues or organs from patient cells using this technology.

"We're hopeful," he remarked, "that by applying an engineering approach to developmental biology, we can uncover insights into how to guide the formation of complex, functional engineered tissues."

Lifestyle factors such as alcohol abuse, tobacco use, and hormonal medication increase breast cancer risk. Rates are higher in low- and middle-income countries compared to others.