Development of a 3D Glioblastoma Model for Proteomic Analysis of Collagen Synthesis & Turnover
Faculty Mentor Information
Dr. Jonathon Reeck, Boise State University
Presentation Date
7-16-2026
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is an extremely aggressive primary brain tumor that is characterized by substantial extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling that promotes tumor growth, invasion, and therapeutic drug resistance. As the primary structural component of the ECM, collagens provide mechanical support while regulating cell migration, adhesion, and signaling, making them key contributors to the GBM tumor microenvironment. Despite the critical role of the ECM in GBM progression, the processes governing collagen synthesis and degradation remain poorly understood. 3D glioblastoma spheroid cultures are expected to more closely recapitulate the native tumor microenvironment than 2D cultures, resulting in distinct collagen turnover and extracellular matrix protein profiles. The objective of this study is to develop a physiologically relevant 3D glioblastoma model for investigating extracellular matrix remodeling and identify collagen and collagen-associated proteins through proteomic analysis. Human U87 MG cells were cultured as spheroids to better replicate the native tumor environment. Spheroid growth and morphology were monitored over time, while conditioned media and cell lysate samples were collected at various time points for downstream proteomic analysis. Preliminary proteomic analysis identified a reduction in the diversity of detected collagen subtypes in 3D cultures compared to 2D cultures, suggesting selective extracellular remodeling within the spheroid model. This work will provide insight into collagen turnover and extracellular matrix remodeling in glioblastoma while establishing a 3D model for future studies.
Development of a 3D Glioblastoma Model for Proteomic Analysis of Collagen Synthesis & Turnover
Glioblastoma (GBM) is an extremely aggressive primary brain tumor that is characterized by substantial extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling that promotes tumor growth, invasion, and therapeutic drug resistance. As the primary structural component of the ECM, collagens provide mechanical support while regulating cell migration, adhesion, and signaling, making them key contributors to the GBM tumor microenvironment. Despite the critical role of the ECM in GBM progression, the processes governing collagen synthesis and degradation remain poorly understood. 3D glioblastoma spheroid cultures are expected to more closely recapitulate the native tumor microenvironment than 2D cultures, resulting in distinct collagen turnover and extracellular matrix protein profiles. The objective of this study is to develop a physiologically relevant 3D glioblastoma model for investigating extracellular matrix remodeling and identify collagen and collagen-associated proteins through proteomic analysis. Human U87 MG cells were cultured as spheroids to better replicate the native tumor environment. Spheroid growth and morphology were monitored over time, while conditioned media and cell lysate samples were collected at various time points for downstream proteomic analysis. Preliminary proteomic analysis identified a reduction in the diversity of detected collagen subtypes in 3D cultures compared to 2D cultures, suggesting selective extracellular remodeling within the spheroid model. This work will provide insight into collagen turnover and extracellular matrix remodeling in glioblastoma while establishing a 3D model for future studies.