Fig. 2

Characterization of BC zAvatars. a Workflow summarizing the zAvatar assay. Implantation rate at 3, 4, or 5dpi and the corresponding receptor status of the tumors from breast core needle biopsies, surgical samples, and liquids. Early: Lum A – 43,5%; Lum B, HER2- – 53%; Lum B, HER2+ – 36%; HER2+ – 50%; TN – 69%. Advanced: Lum A – 28,4%; Lum B, HER2- – 41%; TN – 40%. Mean implantation rates 47.2%. b Examples of zAvatars processed for whole-mount immunofluorescence to assess human-associated antigens (anti-human mitochondria), and BC biomarkers: PR, ER, Gata3, CK5, CK18, mesenchymal marker: VIM, stromal components: a-SMA, FAP, immune cells: CD163, CD68, CD3, angiogenesis and micrometastasis potential. ER-Estrogen Receptor, PR-Progesterone receptor, Vim-Vimentin, FAP-Fibroblast activation protein, a-SMA-alpha smooth muscle actin, CK-Cytokeratin, CHT-Caudal hematopoietic tissue. Labels with only numbers - surgical sample, B - breast biopsy, M – Metastatic (either biopsy of metastasis or liquids from metastatic patients). Darker circles represent samples used for matching patient’s response to therapy. Scale bars:50 μm, except if identified has otherwise. All images: anterior to the left, posterior to right, dorsal up, and ventral down.