Biomimetic scaffolds imitate native tissue and can take a multidimensional form. They are biocompatible and can influence cellular metabolism, making them attractive bioengineering platforms. The use of biomimetic scaffolds adds complexity to traditional cell cultivation methods. The most commonly used technique involves cultivating cells on a flat surface in a two-dimensional format due to its simplicity. A three-dimensional (3D) format can provide a microenvironment for surrounding cells. There are two main techniques for obtaining 3D structures based on the presence of scaffolding. Scaffold-free techniques consist of spheroid technologies. Meanwhile, scaffold techniques contain organoids and all constructs that use various types of scaffolds, ranging from decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) through hydrogels that are one of the most extensively studied forms of potential scaffolds for 3D culture up to 4D bioprinted biomaterials. 3D bioprinting is one of the most important techniques used to create biomimetic scaffolds. The versatility of this technique allows the use of many different types of inks, mainly hydrogels, as well as cells and inorganic substances. Increasing amounts of data provide evidence of vast potential of biomimetic scaffolds usage in tissue engineering and personalized medicine, with the main area of potential application being the regeneration of skin and musculoskeletal systems. Recent papers also indicate increasing amounts of in vivo tests of products based on biomimetic scaffolds, which further strengthen the importance of this branch of tissue engineering and emphasize the need for extensive research to provide safe for humansbiomimetic tissues and organs. In this review article, we provide a review of the recent advancements in the field of biomimetic scaffolds preceded by an overview of cell culture technologies that led to the development of biomimetic scaffold techniques as the most complex type of cell culture.

Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels from existing vasculature, is regulated by a balance between pro- and anti-angiogenic factors. In adults, this process typically occurs in response to inflammation, wound healing, and neoplastic growth. Uniquely, the female reproductive system undergoes cyclical and repetitive angiogenesis with folliculogenesis, decidualization, implantation, and embryo development throughout the reproductive cycle. Ovarian angiogenesis involves a coordinated network of signaling pathways and molecular factors. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is the primary driver of this process, supported by other regulators such as fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF). Understanding the molecular mechanisms that govern ovarian angiogenesis is essential for developing new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in reproductive medicine. Vascular dysfunction and impaired angiogenesis are key contributors to various ovarian disorders and infertility, including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Therefore, in-depth studies of ovarian vascularization are crucial for identifying the pathophysiology of these conditions and guiding the development of effective treatments. Advancing knowledge in this area holds significant potential for innovation in both medicine and biotechnology.

Birds, especially the chick and hen, have been important biomedical research models for centuries due to the accessibility of the avian embryo and the early discovery of avian viruses. Comprehension of avian tumor virology was a milestone in basic cancer research, as was that of non-viral genesis, as it enabled the discovery of oncogenes. Furthermore, studies on avian viruses provided initial insights into Kaposi’s sarcoma and EBV-induced diseases. However, the role of birds in human carcinogenesis extends beyond the realm of virology research. Utilization of CAM, the chorioallantoic membrane, an easily accessible extraembryonic tissue with rich vasculature, has enabled studies on tumor-induced angiogenesis and metastasis and the efficient screening of potential anti-cancer compounds. Also, the chick embryo alone is an effective preclinical in vivo patient-derived xenograft model, which is important for the development of personalized therapies. Furthermore, adult birds may also closely resemble human oncogenesis, as evidenced by the laying hen, which is the only animal model of a spontaneous form of ovarian cancer. Avian models may create an interesting alternative compared with mammalian models, enabling the creation of a relatively cost-effective and easy-to-maintain platform to address key questions in cancer biology.

During oocyte maturation, granulosa cells (GCs) respond to fluctuating hormone levels in the ovary. The study aims to reveal metabolism and activity patterns of isolated and cultured GCs, reflecting in vivo processes. A downregulation of GARNL3 and ARRDC4 across all time points (48 h, 96 h, and 144 h) suggests reduced cell signaling and response to external stimuli, which may be related to the isolation and in vitro culturing of GCs from the complex ovarian microenvironment. The consistent elevation of LOX underscores its role in extracellular matrix (ECM) cross-linking, crucial for oocyte quality, whereas FN1 and ITGB3 highlight cellular adhesion and ECM interaction during adaptation to in vitro conditions. The study further demonstrates that ANKRD1 and SLC1A1 are upregulated over time in vitro, indicating cellular differentiation and metabolic alterations. Furthermore, proteoglycan and MAPK signaling pathways are identified as key players in cell-to-cell and cell-to-ECM interactions. GSEA revealed heightened activity in vasculature development, the TGF-β signaling pathway, cell development, and lipid response. The findings suggest that while GCs in vitro mimic in vivo processes related to ECM remodeling and oocyte development, they also exhibit a tendency towards aging. The research emphasizes that isolated GCs in vitro exhibit time-dependent activity shifts related to cellular differentiation, ECM remodeling, and lipid metabolism, which also have implications for the understanding of reproductive physiology and pathologies.

Ovarian cancer is one of the deadliest gynecological cancers worldwide. One promising therapeutic approach is the use of combined biomarkers. The Risk of Ovarian Malignancy Algorithm (ROMA) which combines CA125 with Human Epididymal Protein 4 (HE4) is an example of combining biomarkers to gain an optimal predictive outcome. Tumor Protein p53 (TP53) is a transcription factor with tumor suppressor properties. Mutations in TP53 constitute the most frequent genetic alterations observed in ovarian cancer. In contrast to conventional markers such as CA125, circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) provides information about tumor mutations and insights into treatment response. Analysis of ctDNA enables the identification of tumor-associated mutations. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) also influence cellular processes and act as effectors in oncogenic pathways by binding to RNA or proteins. One effector is Metastasis-Associated Lung Adenocarcinoma Transcript 1 (MALAT1), whose increased expression is associated with an aggressive tumor phenotype. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are crucial in regulating the expression of genes associated with ovarian cancer development and progression. Exosomes carrying various molecules, including miRNAs and lncRNAs, contribute to ovarian cancer progression. Adipocytokines play an important role in the regulation of metabolic and inflammatory processes. Despite their diagnostic potential, the identified biomarkers require further validation.

Granulosa cells (GCs), an element of the ovarian follicle, are crucial for oocyte maturation, folliculogenesis, and steroidogenesis. Granulosa cells play a crucial role in fertilization by providing metabolic and hormonal support to the oocyte, maintaining its quality and regulating its meiotic arrest. Oocyte quality and fertilization efficiency depend on the proper activity of GCs, especially their mutual communication, providing metabolic support and protecting against oxidative stress. When interrupted, they may take part in the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome, premature ovarian failure, primary ovarian insufficiency, and diminished ovarian reserve. GCs are enclosed in the antrum where they communicate with surrounding cells, create a dynamic microenvironment, and regulate hormone biosynthesis. To analyze molecular mechanisms regulating endogenous signaling, it is important to consider the dynamic transcriptomic response of porcine GCs during in vitro culturing over 48, 96, and 144 h. Transcriptomic analysis revealed a variable and dynamic transcriptional upregulation of genes associated with cellular response to endogenous and external stimuli, chemical compound metabolism, vascular development, and GCs migration. Also, proven by Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis, the following terms were highlighted: “cellular response to chemical stimulus” and “cellular response to organic substance”. Specific genes, such as HSD3B1, POSTN, LOX, SERPINB2, ITGB3, ANKRD1, SLC1A1, and SFRP2, exhibited significant expression changes, suggesting extensive GCs self-regulation and metabolism changes. Further analysis indicates improvements in cellular response to a cytokine stimulus, growth factor response, hormone response, enzyme-linked receptor protein signaling, and positive regulation of cell migration. These findings suggest interweaving of regulatory mechanisms underlying intercellular communication in GCs during in vitro culturing, despite the lack of signals from the native ovarian environment. Further investigating interplays of detecting pathways will provide a more comprehensive understanding and even insights into the potential clinical use of the knowledge about the role of GCs in folliculogenesis, oocyte maturation and ovulation.