13C NMR Spectroscopic Studies of Liver Cancer Cells and Spheroids

The use of spheroids or 3D cell culture method is an important development in pre-clinical studies as spheroids resemble closer morphology and structure to tumors than the conventional 2D cell culture. Herein, 3D cell culture or spheroid results were developed and compared using the hanging drop method. The project focused on two hepatocellular carcinoma liver cancer cell lines HepG2 and HuH-7. Preliminary 13C NMR spectroscopy studies regarding differences of cell metabolism in 2D and 3D cell models are compared. Intercellular and extracellular metabolite differences between both methods of culturing are assessed. Theories for significant differences in metabolites are addressed. Fluorescent images of liver cancer spheroids will also be presented.