Cell-based assays using bioelectronic sensor-chips for the dynamic analysis of tumor cell metabolism and chemosensitivity

• Applicant: Privatdozentin Dr. Angela M. Otto
• Subject Area: Medical Physics, Biomedical Technology
• Term: from 2004 to 2010
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 5437840

Understandig the modulations in energy metabolism of tumor cells in a variable microenvironment is essential not only for the diagnosis and prognoses of cancers, but also for a more efficient application of (chemo)therapeutic strategies. Towards this goal, it is the aim of this project to systematically analyze basic metabolic parameters in tumor cell cultures under a selection of defined conditions representing different tumor microenvironment, such as high acidity, and hypoxia. The experimental set-up is composed of multiparametric microsensorchips which monitor changes in pH, pO2 (representing metabolic activities) and impedance (reflecting membrane-associated properties) of cell cultures continuously and in parallel. A fluidic perfusion system not only simulates selected microphysiological conditions, but also maintains conditions for long term incubations. Two breast cancer cell lines will serve as a model for tumors of different malignancy. For chemotherapeutic modulations of tumor cell metabolisms, inhibitors of glycolysis and glutamate metabolism designated for clinical use are to be tested for their efficacy under different combinations of microenvironmental parameters. The results provide data not only for future systems biological analysis of tumor metabolism but also for developing new rationales in designing better diagnostics and more efficient therapeutic approaches in oncology. Moreover, the experience obtained with the microsensor chips should serve to refine and implement bioelectronic chip system for further applications in the functional analysis of cells.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants