Frequency of CD44 positive cells in MKN45 cell line after treatment with docetaxel in two and three-dimensional cell cultures

Three-dimensional (3D) cell culture is more similar to in vivo studies and suitable for studies of interactions between cells and extracellular matrix. CD44 is a cell surface receptor that can relate with the extracellular matrix molecules. CD44 in gastric cancer (GC) is a metastatic and drug resistance marker. In this study the quantity of CD44+ cells in MKN-45 cell line in response to half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) dose of Docetaxel (DOC) was measured in 2D and 3D cultures. MKN-45 cell line was cultured in 2D and 3D environments. For 3D culture, rat gastric tissue was separated and decellularized and MKN-45 cells were injected and cultured in the prepared matrix. The frequency of CD44+ cells in 2D and 3D cultures were analyzed before and after treatment with IC50 of DOC by flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry. Despite different environmental conditions, The frequency of CD44+ cells increased significantly in 2D and 3D environments after treatment with IC50 of DOC (P < 0.05). Given the advantages of 3D, this environment seems more appropriate for study about CD44+ cells and drug resistance in GC