Lipid droplets and perilipins in canine osteosarcoma. Investigations on tumor tissue, 2D and 3D cell culture models

Lipid droplets were identified as important players in biological processes of various tumor types. With emphasis on lipid droplet-coating proteins (perilipins, PLINs), this study intended to shed light on the presence and formation of lipid droplets in canine osteosarcoma. For this purpose, canine osteosarcoma tissue samples ( n = 11) were analyzed via immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy for lipid droplets and lipid droplet-coating proteins (PLINs). Additionally, we used the canine osteosarcoma cell lines D-17 and COS4288 in 2D monolayer and 3D spheroid (cultivated for 7, 14, and 21 days) in vitro models, and further analyzed the samples by means of histochemistry, immunofluorescence, molecular biological techniques (RT-qPCR, Western Blot) and electron microscopical imaging. Lipid droplets, PLIN2, and PLIN3 were detected in osteosarcoma tissue samples as well as in 2D and 3D cultivated D-17 and COS4288 cells. In spheroids, specific distribution patterns of lipid droplets and perilipins were identified, taking into consideration cell line specific zonal apportionment. Upon external lipid supplementation (oleic acid), a rise of lipid droplet amount accompanied with an increase of PLIN2 expression was observed. Detailed electron microscopical analyzes revealed that lipid droplet sizes in tumor tissue were comparable to that of 3D spheroid models. Moreover, the biggest lipid droplets were found in the central zone of the spheroids at all sampling time-points, reaching their maximum size at 21 days. Thus, the 3D spheroids can be considered as a relevant in vitro model for further studies focusing on lipid droplets biology and function in osteosarcoma.