51
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Frank CL, Brown JP, Wallace K, Mundy WR, Shafer TJ. From the Cover: Developmental Neurotoxicants Disrupt Activity in Cortical Networks on Microelectrode Arrays: Results of Screening 86 Compounds During Neural Network Formation. Toxicol Sci 2017; 160:121-135. [DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfx169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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52
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Kugler J, Huhse B, Tralau T, Luch A. Embryonic stem cells and the next generation of developmental toxicity testing. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2017; 13:833-841. [PMID: 28675072 DOI: 10.1080/17425255.2017.1351548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The advent of stem cell technology has seen the establishment of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) as molecular model systems and screening tools. Although ESCs are nowadays widely used in research, regulatory implementation for developmental toxicity testing is pending. Areas Covered: This review evaluates the performance of current ESC, including human (h)ESC testing systems, trying to elucidate their potential for developmental toxicity testing. It shall discuss defining parameters and mechanisms, their relevance and contemplate what can realistically be expected. Crucially this includes the question of how to ascertain the quality of currently employed cell lines and tests based thereon. Finally, the use of hESCs will raise ethical concerns which should be addressed early on. Expert Opinion: While the suitability of (h)ESCs as tools for research and development goes undisputed, any routine use for developmental toxicity testing currently still seems premature. The reasons for this comprise inherent biological deficiencies as well as cell line quality and system validation. Overcoming these issues will require collaboration of scientists, test developers and regulators. Also, validation needs to be made worthwhile for academia. Finally we have to continuously rethink existing strategies, making room for improved testing and innovative approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josephine Kugler
- a Department of Chemical & Product Safety , German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) , Berlin , Germany
| | - Bettina Huhse
- a Department of Chemical & Product Safety , German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) , Berlin , Germany
| | - Tewes Tralau
- a Department of Chemical & Product Safety , German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) , Berlin , Germany
| | - Andreas Luch
- a Department of Chemical & Product Safety , German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) , Berlin , Germany
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53
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Combination of multiple neural crest migration assays to identify environmental toxicants from a proof-of-concept chemical library. Arch Toxicol 2017; 91:3613-3632. [PMID: 28477266 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-017-1977-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2016] [Accepted: 04/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Many in vitro tests have been developed to screen for potential neurotoxicity. However, only few cell function-based tests have been used for comparative screening, and thus experience is scarce on how to confirm and evaluate screening hits. We addressed these questions for the neural crest cell migration test (cMINC). After an initial screen, a hit follow-up strategy was devised. A library of 75 compounds plus internal controls (NTP80-list), assembled by the National Toxicology Program of the USA (NTP) was used. It contained some known classes of (developmental) neurotoxic compounds. The primary screen yielded 23 confirmed hits, which comprised ten flame retardants, seven pesticides and six drug-like compounds. Comparison of concentration-response curves for migration and viability showed that all hits were specific. The extent to which migration was inhibited was 25-90%, and two organochlorine pesticides (DDT, heptachlor) were most efficient. In the second part of this study, (1) the cMINC assay was repeated under conditions that prevent proliferation; (2) a transwell migration assay was used as a different type of migration assay; (3) cells were traced to assess cell speed. Some toxicants had largely varying effects between assays, but each hit was confirmed in at least one additional test. This comparative study allows an estimate on how confidently the primary hits from a cell function-based screen can be considered as toxicants disturbing a key neurodevelopmental process. Testing of the NTP80-list in more assays will be highly interesting to assemble a test battery and to build prediction models for developmental toxicity.
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54
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Impairment of human neural crest cell migration by prolonged exposure to interferon-beta. Arch Toxicol 2017; 91:3385-3402. [PMID: 28365849 PMCID: PMC5608792 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-017-1966-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2017] [Accepted: 03/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Human cell-based toxicological assays have been used successfully to detect known toxicants, and to distinguish them from negative controls. However, there is at present little experience on how to deal with hits from screens of compounds with yet unknown hazard. As a case study to this issue, we characterized human interferon-beta (IFNβ) as potential developmental toxicant affecting neural crest cells (NCC). The protein was identified as a hit during a screen of clinically used drugs in the ‘migration inhibition of neural crest’ (MINC) assay. Concentration–response studies in the MINC combined with immunocytochemistry and mRNA quantification of cellular markers showed that IFNβ inhibited NCC migration at concentrations as low as 20 pM. The effective concentrations found here correspond to levels found in human plasma, and they were neither cytostatic nor cytotoxic nor did they did they affect the differentiation state and overall phenotype of NCC. Data from two other migration assays confirmed that picomolar concentration of IFNβ reduced the motility of NCC, while other interferons were less potent. The activation of JAK kinase by IFNβ, as suggested by bioinformatics analysis of the transcriptome changes, was confirmed by biochemical methods. The degree and duration of pathway activation correlated with the extent of migration inhibition, and pharmacological block of this signaling pathway before, or up to 6 h after exposure to the cytokine prevented the effects of IFNβ on migration. Thus, the reduction of vital functions of human NCC is a hitherto unknown potential hazard of endogenous or pharmacologically applied interferons.
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55
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Waldmann T, Grinberg M, König A, Rempel E, Schildknecht S, Henry M, Holzer AK, Dreser N, Shinde V, Sachinidis A, Rahnenführer J, Hengstler JG, Leist M. Stem Cell Transcriptome Responses and Corresponding Biomarkers That Indicate the Transition from Adaptive Responses to Cytotoxicity. Chem Res Toxicol 2016; 30:905-922. [PMID: 28001369 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.6b00259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Analysis of transcriptome changes has become an established method to characterize the reaction of cells to toxicants. Such experiments are mostly performed at compound concentrations close to the cytotoxicity threshold. At present, little information is available on concentration-dependent features of transcriptome changes, in particular, at the transition from noncytotoxic concentrations to conditions that are associated with cell death. Thus, it is unclear in how far cell death confounds the results of transcriptome studies. To explore this gap of knowledge, we treated pluripotent stem cells differentiating to human neuroepithelial cells (UKN1 assay) for short periods (48 h) with increasing concentrations of valproic acid (VPA) and methyl mercury (MeHg), two compounds with vastly different modes of action. We developed various visualization tools to describe cellular responses, and the overall response was classified as "tolerance" (minor transcriptome changes), "functional adaptation" (moderate/strong transcriptome responses, but no cytotoxicity), and "degeneration". The latter two conditions were compared, using various statistical approaches. We identified (i) genes regulated at cytotoxic, but not at noncytotoxic, concentrations and (ii) KEGG pathways, gene ontology term groups, and superordinate biological processes that were only regulated at cytotoxic concentrations. The consensus markers and processes found after 48 h treatment were then overlaid with those found after prolonged (6 days) treatment. The study highlights the importance of careful concentration selection and of controlling viability for transcriptome studies. Moreover, it allowed identification of 39 candidate "biomarkers of cytotoxicity". These could serve to provide alerts that data sets of interest may have been affected by cell death in the model system studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanja Waldmann
- In Vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, Department inaugurated by the Doerenkamp-Zbinden Chair Foundation, University of Konstanz , 78457 Konstanz, Germany
| | - Marianna Grinberg
- Department of Statistics, Technical University of Dortmund , D-44221 Dortmund, Germany
| | - André König
- Department of Statistics, Technical University of Dortmund , D-44221 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Eugen Rempel
- Department of Statistics, Technical University of Dortmund , D-44221 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Stefan Schildknecht
- In Vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, Department inaugurated by the Doerenkamp-Zbinden Chair Foundation, University of Konstanz , 78457 Konstanz, Germany
| | - Margit Henry
- Center of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Institute of Neurophysiology, University of Cologne (UKK) , D-50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Anna-Katharina Holzer
- In Vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, Department inaugurated by the Doerenkamp-Zbinden Chair Foundation, University of Konstanz , 78457 Konstanz, Germany
| | - Nadine Dreser
- In Vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, Department inaugurated by the Doerenkamp-Zbinden Chair Foundation, University of Konstanz , 78457 Konstanz, Germany
| | - Vaibhav Shinde
- Center of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Institute of Neurophysiology, University of Cologne (UKK) , D-50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Agapios Sachinidis
- Center of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Institute of Neurophysiology, University of Cologne (UKK) , D-50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Jörg Rahnenführer
- Department of Statistics, Technical University of Dortmund , D-44221 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Jan G Hengstler
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors (IfADo), Technical University of Dortmund , D-44139 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Marcel Leist
- In Vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, Department inaugurated by the Doerenkamp-Zbinden Chair Foundation, University of Konstanz , 78457 Konstanz, Germany
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56
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Persson M, Hornberg JJ. Advances in Predictive Toxicology for Discovery Safety through High Content Screening. Chem Res Toxicol 2016; 29:1998-2007. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.6b00248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mikael Persson
- Drug Safety and Metabolism, Innovative Medicines and Early Development, AstraZeneca R&D Gothenburg, Pepparedsleden 1, 431 83 Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Jorrit J. Hornberg
- Drug Safety and Metabolism, Innovative Medicines and Early Development, AstraZeneca R&D Gothenburg, Pepparedsleden 1, 431 83 Mölndal, Sweden
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57
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Brown JP, Hall D, Frank CL, Wallace K, Mundy WR, Shafer TJ. Editor's Highlight: Evaluation of a Microelectrode Array-Based Assay for Neural Network Ontogeny Using Training Set Chemicals. Toxicol Sci 2016; 154:126-139. [PMID: 27492221 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfw147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Thousands of compounds in the environment have not been characterized for developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) hazard. To address this issue, methods to screen compounds rapidly for DNT hazard evaluation are necessary and are being developed for key neurodevelopmental processes. In order to develop an assay for network formation, this study evaluated effects of a training set of chemicals on network ontogeny by measuring spontaneous electrical activity in neural networks grown on microelectrode arrays (MEAs). Rat (0-24 h old) primary cortical cells were plated in 48 well-MEA plates and exposed to 6 compounds: acetaminophen, bisindolylmaleimide-1 (Bis-1), domoic acid, mevastatin, sodium orthovanadate, and loperamide for a period of 12 days. Spontaneous network activity was recorded on days 2, 5, 7, 9, and 12 and viability was assessed using the Cell Titer Blue assay on day 12. Network activity (e.g. mean firing rate [MFR], burst rate [BR], etc), increased between days 5 and 12. Random Forest analysis indicated that across all compounds and times, temporal correlation of firing patterns (r), MFR, BR, number of active electrodes and % of spikes in a burst were the most influential parameters in separating control from treated wells. All compounds except acetaminophen (≤ 30 µM) caused concentration-related effects on one or more of these parameters. Domoic acid and sodium orthovanadate altered several of these parameters in the absence of cytotoxicity. Although cytotoxicity was observed with Bis1, mevastatin, and loperamide, some parameters were affected by these compounds at concentrations below those resulting in cytotoxicity. These results demonstrate that this assay may be suitable for screening of compounds for DNT hazard identification.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Diana Hall
- NHEERL, US EPA, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
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58
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Schmidt BZ, Lehmann M, Gutbier S, Nembo E, Noel S, Smirnova L, Forsby A, Hescheler J, Avci HX, Hartung T, Leist M, Kobolák J, Dinnyés A. In vitro acute and developmental neurotoxicity screening: an overview of cellular platforms and high-throughput technical possibilities. Arch Toxicol 2016; 91:1-33. [PMID: 27492622 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-016-1805-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2016] [Accepted: 07/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Neurotoxicity and developmental neurotoxicity are important issues of chemical hazard assessment. Since the interpretation of animal data and their extrapolation to man is challenging, and the amount of substances with information gaps exceeds present animal testing capacities, there is a big demand for in vitro tests to provide initial information and to prioritize for further evaluation. During the last decade, many in vitro tests emerged. These are based on animal cells, human tumour cell lines, primary cells, immortalized cell lines, embryonic stem cells, or induced pluripotent stem cells. They differ in their read-outs and range from simple viability assays to complex functional endpoints such as neural crest cell migration. Monitoring of toxicological effects on differentiation often requires multiomics approaches, while the acute disturbance of neuronal functions may be analysed by assessing electrophysiological features. Extrapolation from in vitro data to humans requires a deep understanding of the test system biology, of the endpoints used, and of the applicability domains of the tests. Moreover, it is important that these be combined in the right way to assess toxicity. Therefore, knowledge on the advantages and disadvantages of all cellular platforms, endpoints, and analytical methods is essential when establishing in vitro test systems for different aspects of neurotoxicity. The elements of a test, and their evaluation, are discussed here in the context of comprehensive prediction of potential hazardous effects of a compound. We summarize the main cellular characteristics underlying neurotoxicity, present an overview of cellular platforms and read-out combinations assessing distinct parts of acute and developmental neurotoxicology, and highlight especially the use of stem cell-based test systems to close gaps in the available battery of tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Béla Z Schmidt
- BioTalentum Ltd., Gödöllő, Hungary.,Stem Cell Biology and Embryology Unit, Department of Development and Regeneration, Stem Cell Institute Leuven, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Martin Lehmann
- BioTalentum Ltd., Gödöllő, Hungary.,Institute of Neurophysiology and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Simon Gutbier
- Doerenkamp-Zbinden Chair for In Vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, University of Konstanz, Constance, Germany
| | - Erastus Nembo
- BioTalentum Ltd., Gödöllő, Hungary.,Institute of Neurophysiology and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Sabrina Noel
- Louvain Centre for Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lena Smirnova
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Anna Forsby
- Swedish Toxicology Research Center (Swetox), Södertälje, Sweden.,Department of Neurochemistry, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jürgen Hescheler
- Institute of Neurophysiology and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Hasan X Avci
- BioTalentum Ltd., Gödöllő, Hungary.,Department of Medical Chemistry, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Thomas Hartung
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Marcel Leist
- Doerenkamp-Zbinden Chair for In Vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, University of Konstanz, Constance, Germany
| | | | - András Dinnyés
- BioTalentum Ltd., Gödöllő, Hungary. .,Molecular Animal Biotechnology Laboratory, Szent István University, Gödöllő, 2100, Hungary.
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59
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Aschner M, Ceccatelli S, Daneshian M, Fritsche E, Hasiwa N, Hartung T, Hogberg HT, Leist M, Li A, Mundi WR, Padilla S, Piersma AH, Bal-Price A, Seiler A, Westerink RH, Zimmer B, Lein PJ. Reference compounds for alternative test methods to indicate developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) potential of chemicals: example lists and criteria for their selection and use. ALTEX-ALTERNATIVES TO ANIMAL EXPERIMENTATION 2016; 34:49-74. [PMID: 27452664 PMCID: PMC5250586 DOI: 10.14573/altex.1604201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2016] [Accepted: 07/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
There is a paucity of information concerning the developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) hazard posed by industrial and environmental chemicals. New testing approaches will most likely be based on batteries of alternative and complementary (non-animal) tests. As DNT is assumed to result from the modulation of fundamental neurodevelopmental processes (such as neuronal differentiation, precursor cell migration or neuronal network formation) by chemicals, the first generation of alternative DNT tests target these processes. The advantage of such types of assays is that they capture toxicants with multiple targets and modes-of-action. Moreover, the processes modelled by the assays can be linked to toxicity endophenotypes, i.e. alterations in neural connectivity that form the basis for neurofunctional deficits in man. The authors of this review convened in a workshop to define criteria for the selection of positive/negative controls, to prepare recommendations on their use, and to initiate the setup of a directory of reference chemicals. For initial technical optimization of tests, a set of >50 endpoint-specific control compounds was identified. For further test development, an additional “test” set of 33 chemicals considered to act directly as bona fide DNT toxicants is proposed, and each chemical is annotated to the extent it fulfills these criteria. A tabular compilation of the original literature used to select the test set chemicals provides information on statistical procedures, and toxic/non-toxic doses (both for pups and dams). Suggestions are provided on how to use the >100 compounds (including negative controls) compiled here to address specificity, adversity and use of alternative test systems.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mardas Daneshian
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing-Europe (CAAT-Europe), University of Konstanz, Germany
| | - Ellen Fritsche
- Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine (IUF), Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Nina Hasiwa
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing-Europe (CAAT-Europe), University of Konstanz, Germany
| | - Thomas Hartung
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing-Europe (CAAT-Europe), University of Konstanz, Germany.,Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT), The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Helena T Hogberg
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT), The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Marcel Leist
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing-Europe (CAAT-Europe), University of Konstanz, Germany.,In vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, Dept inaugurated by the Doerenkamp-Zbinden Foundation at the University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany.,Konstanz Research School Chemical Biology (KoRS-CB), Konstanz University
| | - Abby Li
- Exponent Inc.,San Francisco, USA
| | - William R Mundi
- United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), NHEERL, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Stephanie Padilla
- United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), NHEERL, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Aldert H Piersma
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands.,Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Anna Bal-Price
- European Commission Joint Research Centre, Institute for Health and Consumer Protection, Ispra, Italy
| | - Andrea Seiler
- Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany
| | - Remco H Westerink
- Neurotoxicology Research Group, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Pamela J Lein
- Center for Research on Occupational and Environmental Toxicology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, USA.,Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of California, Davis, USA
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60
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Shinde V, Hoelting L, Srinivasan SP, Meisig J, Meganathan K, Jagtap S, Grinberg M, Liebing J, Bluethgen N, Rahnenführer J, Rempel E, Stoeber R, Schildknecht S, Förster S, Godoy P, van Thriel C, Gaspar JA, Hescheler J, Waldmann T, Hengstler JG, Leist M, Sachinidis A. Definition of transcriptome-based indices for quantitative characterization of chemically disturbed stem cell development: introduction of the STOP-Tox ukn and STOP-Tox ukk tests. Arch Toxicol 2016; 91:839-864. [PMID: 27188386 PMCID: PMC5306084 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-016-1741-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2016] [Accepted: 05/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Stem cell-based in vitro test systems can recapitulate specific phases of human development. In the UKK test system, human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) randomly differentiate into cells of the three germ layers and their derivatives. In the UKN1 test system, hPSCs differentiate into early neural precursor cells. During the normal differentiation period (14 days) of the UKK system, 570 genes [849 probe sets (PSs)] were regulated >fivefold; in the UKN1 system (6 days), 879 genes (1238 PSs) were regulated. We refer to these genes as 'developmental genes'. In the present study, we used genome-wide expression data of 12 test substances in the UKK and UKN1 test systems to understand the basic principles of how chemicals interfere with the spontaneous transcriptional development in both test systems. The set of test compounds included six histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACis), six mercury-containing compounds ('mercurials') and thalidomide. All compounds were tested at the maximum non-cytotoxic concentration, while valproic acid and thalidomide were additionally tested over a wide range of concentrations. In total, 242 genes (252 PSs) in the UKK test system and 793 genes (1092 PSs) in the UKN1 test system were deregulated by the 12 test compounds. We identified sets of 'diagnostic genes' appropriate for the identification of the influence of HDACis or mercurials. Test compounds that interfered with the expression of developmental genes usually antagonized their spontaneous development, meaning that up-regulated developmental genes were suppressed and developmental genes whose expression normally decreases were induced. The fraction of compromised developmental genes varied widely between the test compounds, and it reached up to 60 %. To quantitatively describe disturbed development on a genome-wide basis, we recommend a concept of two indices, 'developmental potency' (D p) and 'developmental index' (D i), whereby D p is the fraction of all developmental genes that are up- or down-regulated by a test compound, and D i is the ratio of overrepresentation of developmental genes among all genes deregulated by a test compound. The use of D i makes hazard identification more sensitive because some compounds compromise the expression of only a relatively small number of genes but have a high propensity to deregulate developmental genes specifically, resulting in a low D p but a high D i. In conclusion, the concept based on the indices D p and D i offers the possibility to quantitatively express the propensity of test compounds to interfere with normal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vaibhav Shinde
- Institute of Neurophysiology and Centre for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne (UKK), Robert-Koch-Str. 39, 50931, Cologne, Germany
| | - Lisa Hoelting
- Doerenkamp-Zbinden Chair for In Vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, University of Konstanz, Box: M657, 78457, Constance, Germany.,Konstanz Graduate School Chemical Biology KORS-CB, University of Konstanz, 78457, Constance, Germany
| | - Sureshkumar Perumal Srinivasan
- Institute of Neurophysiology and Centre for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne (UKK), Robert-Koch-Str. 39, 50931, Cologne, Germany
| | - Johannes Meisig
- Institute of Pathology, Charité Universitätsmedizin, 10117, Berlin, Germany.,Integrative Research Institute for the Life Sciences, Institute for Theoretical Biology, Humboldt Universität, 10115, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kesavan Meganathan
- Institute of Neurophysiology and Centre for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne (UKK), Robert-Koch-Str. 39, 50931, Cologne, Germany
| | - Smita Jagtap
- Institute of Neurophysiology and Centre for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne (UKK), Robert-Koch-Str. 39, 50931, Cologne, Germany
| | | | - Julia Liebing
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors at the Technical, University of Dortmund (IfADo), Ardeystrasse 67, 44139, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Nils Bluethgen
- Institute of Pathology, Charité Universitätsmedizin, 10117, Berlin, Germany.,Integrative Research Institute for the Life Sciences, Institute for Theoretical Biology, Humboldt Universität, 10115, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Eugen Rempel
- Department of Statistics, TU Dortmund University, Dortmund, Germany.,Centre for Organismal Studies, Heidelberg University, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Regina Stoeber
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors at the Technical, University of Dortmund (IfADo), Ardeystrasse 67, 44139, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Stefan Schildknecht
- Doerenkamp-Zbinden Chair for In Vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, University of Konstanz, Box: M657, 78457, Constance, Germany
| | - Sunniva Förster
- Doerenkamp-Zbinden Chair for In Vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, University of Konstanz, Box: M657, 78457, Constance, Germany
| | - Patricio Godoy
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors at the Technical, University of Dortmund (IfADo), Ardeystrasse 67, 44139, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Christoph van Thriel
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors at the Technical, University of Dortmund (IfADo), Ardeystrasse 67, 44139, Dortmund, Germany
| | - John Antonydas Gaspar
- Institute of Neurophysiology and Centre for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne (UKK), Robert-Koch-Str. 39, 50931, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jürgen Hescheler
- Institute of Neurophysiology and Centre for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne (UKK), Robert-Koch-Str. 39, 50931, Cologne, Germany
| | - Tanja Waldmann
- Doerenkamp-Zbinden Chair for In Vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, University of Konstanz, Box: M657, 78457, Constance, Germany
| | - Jan G Hengstler
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors at the Technical, University of Dortmund (IfADo), Ardeystrasse 67, 44139, Dortmund, Germany.
| | - Marcel Leist
- Doerenkamp-Zbinden Chair for In Vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, University of Konstanz, Box: M657, 78457, Constance, Germany.
| | - Agapios Sachinidis
- Institute of Neurophysiology and Centre for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne (UKK), Robert-Koch-Str. 39, 50931, Cologne, Germany.
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61
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Colaianna M, Ilmjärv S, Peterson H, Kern I, Julien S, Baquié M, Pallocca G, Bosgra S, Sachinidis A, Hengstler JG, Leist M, Krause KH. Fingerprinting of neurotoxic compounds using a mouse embryonic stem cell dual luminescence reporter assay. Arch Toxicol 2016; 91:365-391. [PMID: 27015953 PMCID: PMC5225183 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-016-1690-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2015] [Accepted: 03/10/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Identification of neurotoxic drugs and environmental chemicals is an important challenge. However, only few tools to address this topic are available. The aim of this study was to develop a neurotoxicity/developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) test system, using the pluripotent mouse embryonic stem cell line CGR8 (ESCs). The test system uses ESCs at two differentiation stages: undifferentiated ESCs and ESC-derived neurons. Under each condition, concentration–response curves were obtained for three parameters: activity of the tubulin alpha 1 promoter (typically activated in early neurons), activity of the elongation factor 1 alpha promoter (active in all cells), and total DNA content (proportional to the number of surviving cells). We tested 37 compounds from the ESNATS test battery, which includes polypeptide hormones, environmental pollutants (including methylmercury), and clinically used drugs (including valproic acid and tyrosine kinase inhibitors). Different classes of compounds showed distinct concentration–response profiles. Plotting of the lowest observed adverse effect concentrations (LOAEL) of the neuronal promoter activity against the general promoter activity or against cytotoxicity, allowed the differentiation between neurotoxic/DNT substances and non-neurotoxic controls. Reporter activity responses in neurons were more susceptible to neurotoxic compounds than the reporter activities in ESCs from which they were derived. To relate the effective/toxic concentrations found in our study to relevant in vivo concentrations, we used a reverse pharmacokinetic modeling approach for three exemplary compounds (teriflunomide, geldanamycin, abiraterone). The dual luminescence reporter assay described in this study allows high-throughput, and should be particularly useful for the prioritization of the neurotoxic potential of a large number of compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilena Colaianna
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sten Ilmjärv
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Ilse Kern
- Department of Pediatrics, Geneva University Hospital, Geneva, Switzerland.,Department of Genetic and Laboratory Medicine, Geneva University Hospital, Centre Medical Universitaire, Rue Michel-Servet, 1211, Geneva 4, Switzerland
| | - Stephanie Julien
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Giorgia Pallocca
- Doerenkamp-Zbinden Chair for In Vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, University of Konstanz, Constance, Germany
| | - Sieto Bosgra
- TNO, Zeist, The Netherlands.,BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc., Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Agapios Sachinidis
- Institute of Neurophysiology and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jan G Hengstler
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors (IfADo), Technical University of Dortmund, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Marcel Leist
- Doerenkamp-Zbinden Chair for In Vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, University of Konstanz, Constance, Germany
| | - Karl-Heinz Krause
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland. .,Department of Genetic and Laboratory Medicine, Geneva University Hospital, Centre Medical Universitaire, Rue Michel-Servet, 1211, Geneva 4, Switzerland.
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Hoelting L, Klima S, Karreman C, Grinberg M, Meisig J, Henry M, Rotshteyn T, Rahnenführer J, Blüthgen N, Sachinidis A, Waldmann T, Leist M. Stem Cell-Derived Immature Human Dorsal Root Ganglia Neurons to Identify Peripheral Neurotoxicants. Stem Cells Transl Med 2016; 5:476-87. [PMID: 26933043 DOI: 10.5966/sctm.2015-0108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2015] [Accepted: 11/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Safety sciences and the identification of chemical hazards have been seen as one of the most immediate practical applications of human pluripotent stem cell technology. Protocols for the generation of many desirable human cell types have been developed, but optimization of neuronal models for toxicological use has been astonishingly slow, and the wide, clinically important field of peripheral neurotoxicity is still largely unexplored. A two-step protocol to generate large lots of identical peripheral human neuronal precursors was characterized and adapted to the measurement of peripheral neurotoxicity. High content imaging allowed an unbiased assessment of cell morphology and viability. The computational quantification of neurite growth as a functional parameter highly sensitive to disturbances by toxicants was used as an endpoint reflecting specific neurotoxicity. The differentiation of cells toward dorsal root ganglia neurons was tracked in relation to a large background data set based on gene expression microarrays. On this basis, a peripheral neurotoxicity (PeriTox) test was developed as a first toxicological assay that harnesses the potential of human pluripotent stem cells to generate cell types/tissues that are not otherwise available for the prediction of human systemic organ toxicity. Testing of more than 30 chemicals showed that human neurotoxicants and neurite growth enhancers were correctly identified. Various classes of chemotherapeutic agents causing human peripheral neuropathies were identified, and they were missed when tested on human central neurons. The PeriTox test we established shows the potential of human stem cells for clinically relevant safety testing of drugs in use and of new emerging candidates. SIGNIFICANCE The generation of human cells from pluripotent stem cells has aroused great hopes in biomedical research and safety sciences. Neurotoxicity testing is a particularly important application for stem cell-derived somatic cells, as human neurons are hardly available otherwise. Also, peripheral neurotoxicity has become of major concern in drug development for chemotherapy. The first neurotoxicity test method was established based on human pluripotent stem cell-derived peripheral neurons. The strategies exemplified in the present study of reproducible cell generation, cell function-based test system establishment, and assay validation provide the basis for a drug safety assessment on cells not available otherwise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Hoelting
- Doerenkamp-Zbinden Lab for In Vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany Konstanz Graduate School Chemical Biology KORS-CB, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Stefanie Klima
- Doerenkamp-Zbinden Lab for In Vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Christiaan Karreman
- Doerenkamp-Zbinden Lab for In Vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | | | - Johannes Meisig
- Institute of Pathology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany Integrative Research Institute for the Life Sciences and Institute for Theoretical Biology, Humboldt Universität, Berlin, Germany
| | - Margit Henry
- Institute of Neurophysiology and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Tamara Rotshteyn
- Institute of Neurophysiology and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | | | - Nils Blüthgen
- Institute of Pathology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany Integrative Research Institute for the Life Sciences and Institute for Theoretical Biology, Humboldt Universität, Berlin, Germany
| | - Agapios Sachinidis
- Institute of Neurophysiology and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Tanja Waldmann
- Doerenkamp-Zbinden Lab for In Vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Marcel Leist
- Doerenkamp-Zbinden Lab for In Vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
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63
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Neurite outgrowth in human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neurons as a high-throughput screen for developmental neurotoxicity or neurotoxicity. Neurotoxicology 2016; 53:271-281. [PMID: 26854185 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2016.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2015] [Revised: 02/01/2016] [Accepted: 02/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Due to the increasing prevalence of neurological disorders and the large number of untested compounds in the environment, there is a need to develop reliable and efficient screening tools to identify environmental chemicals that could potentially affect neurological development. Herein, we report on a library of 80 compounds screened for their ability to inhibit neurite outgrowth, a process by which compounds may elicit developmental neurotoxicity, in a high-throughput, high-content assay using human neurons derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC). The library contains a diverse set of compounds including those that have been known to be associated with developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) and/or neurotoxicity (NT), environmental compounds with unknown neurotoxic potential (e.g., polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and flame retardants (FRs)), as well as compounds with no documented neurotoxic potential. Neurons were treated for 72h across a 6-point concentration range (∼0.3-100μM) in 384-well plates. Effects on neurite outgrowth were assessed by quantifying total outgrowth, branches, and processes. We also assessed the number ofviable cells per well. Concentration-response profiles were evaluated using a Hill model to derive benchmark concentration (BMC) values. Assay performance was evaluated using positive and negative controls and test replicates. Compounds were ranked by activity and selectivity (i.e., specific effects on neurite outgrowth in the absence of concomitant cytotoxicity) and repeat studies were conducted to confirm selectivity. Among the 80 compounds tested, 38 compounds were active, of which 16 selectively inhibited neurite outgrowth. Of these 16 compounds, 12 were known to cause DNT/NT and the remaining 4 compounds included 3 PAHs and 1 FR. In independent repeat studies, 14/16 selective compounds were reproducibly active in the assay, of which only 6 were selective for inhibition of neurite outgrowth. These 6 compounds were previously shown in the literature to be neurotoxic. These studies shed light on the current status of human iPSCs in DNT/NT screening and their utility in identifying, ranking, and prioritizing compounds with DNT/NT potential for further in vivo testing.
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Pallocca G, Grinberg M, Henry M, Frickey T, Hengstler JG, Waldmann T, Sachinidis A, Rahnenführer J, Leist M. Identification of transcriptome signatures and biomarkers specific for potential developmental toxicants inhibiting human neural crest cell migration. Arch Toxicol 2015; 90:159-80. [PMID: 26705709 PMCID: PMC4710658 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-015-1658-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2015] [Accepted: 12/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The in vitro test battery of the European research consortium ESNATS (‘novel stem cell-based test systems’) has been used to screen for potential human developmental toxicants. As part of this effort, the migration of neural crest (MINC) assay has been used to evaluate chemical effects on neural crest function. It identified some drug-like compounds in addition to known environmental toxicants. The hits included the HSP90 inhibitor geldanamycin, the chemotherapeutic arsenic trioxide, the flame-retardant PBDE-99, the pesticide triadimefon and the histone deacetylase inhibitors valproic acid and trichostatin A. Transcriptome changes triggered by these substances in human neural crest cells were recorded and analysed here to answer three questions: (1) can toxicants be individually identified based on their transcript profile; (2) how can the toxicity pattern reflected by transcript changes be compacted/dimensionality-reduced for practical regulatory use; (3) how can a reduced set of biomarkers be selected for large-scale follow-up? Transcript profiling allowed clear separation of different toxicants and the identification of toxicant types in a blinded test study. We also developed a diagrammatic system to visualize and compare toxicity patterns of a group of chemicals by giving a quantitative overview of altered superordinate biological processes (e.g. activation of KEGG pathways or overrepresentation of gene ontology terms). The transcript data were mined for potential markers of toxicity, and 39 transcripts were selected to either indicate general developmental toxicity or distinguish compounds with different modes-of-action in read-across. In summary, we found inclusion of transcriptome data to largely increase the information from the MINC phenotypic test.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Pallocca
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, University of Konstanz, Box 657, 78457, Constance, Germany.
| | - Marianna Grinberg
- Department of Statistics, TU Dortmund University, 44139, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Margit Henry
- Center of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Institute of Neurophysiology, University of Cologne, 50931, Cologne, Germany
| | - Tancred Frickey
- Department of Bioinformatics, University of Konstanz, 78457, Constance, Germany
| | - Jan G Hengstler
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors (IfADo), Technical University of Dortmund, 44139, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Tanja Waldmann
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, University of Konstanz, Box 657, 78457, Constance, Germany
| | - Agapios Sachinidis
- Department of Bioinformatics, University of Konstanz, 78457, Constance, Germany
| | - Jörg Rahnenführer
- Department of Statistics, TU Dortmund University, 44139, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Marcel Leist
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, University of Konstanz, Box 657, 78457, Constance, Germany
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Smirnova L, Harris G, Delp J, Valadares M, Pamies D, Hogberg HT, Waldmann T, Leist M, Hartung T. A LUHMES 3D dopaminergic neuronal model for neurotoxicity testing allowing long-term exposure and cellular resilience analysis. Arch Toxicol 2015; 90:2725-2743. [PMID: 26647301 PMCID: PMC5065586 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-015-1637-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2015] [Accepted: 11/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Several shortcomings of current Parkinson’s disease (PD) models limit progress in identification of environmental contributions to disease pathogenesis. The conditionally immortalized cell line LUHMES promises to make human dopaminergic neuronal cultures more easily available, but these cells are difficult to culture for extended periods of time. We overcame this problem by culturing them in 3D with minor medium modifications. The 3D neuronal aggregates allowed penetration by small molecules and sufficient oxygen and nutrient supply for survival of the innermost cells. Using confocal microscopy, gene expression, and flow cytometry, we characterized the 3D model and observed a highly reproducible differentiation process. Visualization and quantification of neurites in aggregates was achieved by adding 2 % red fluorescent protein-transfected LUHMES cells. The mitochondrial toxicants and established experimental PD agents, rotenone and MPP+, perturbed genes involved in one-carbon metabolism and transsulfuration pathways (ASS1, CTH, and SHTM2) as in 2D cultures. We showed, for the first time in LUHMES, down-regulation of mir-7, a miRNA known to target alpha-synuclein and to be involved in PD. This was observed as early as 12 h after rotenone exposure, when pro-apoptotic mir-16 and rotenone-sensitive mir-210 were not yet significantly perturbed. Finally, washout experiments demonstrated that withdrawal of rotenone led to counter-regulation of mir-7 and ASS1, CTH, and SHTM2 genes. This suggests a possible role of these genes in direct cellular response to the toxicant, and the model appears to be suitable to address the processes of resilience and recovery in neurotoxicology and Parkinson’s disease in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Smirnova
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT), Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA.
| | - G Harris
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT), Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA
| | - J Delp
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT), Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - M Valadares
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT), Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA
| | - D Pamies
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT), Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA
| | - H T Hogberg
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT), Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA
| | - T Waldmann
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT), Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - M Leist
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT), Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - T Hartung
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT), Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT), Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
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66
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Epigenetic Research of Neurodegenerative Disorders Using Patient iPSC-Based Models. Stem Cells Int 2015; 2016:9464591. [PMID: 26697081 PMCID: PMC4677257 DOI: 10.1155/2016/9464591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2015] [Accepted: 06/18/2015] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms play a role in human disease but their involvement in pathologies from the central nervous system has been hampered by the complexity of the brain together with its unique cellular architecture and diversity. Until recently, disease targeted neural types were only available as postmortem materials after many years of disease evolution. Current in vitro systems of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) generated by cell reprogramming of somatic cells from patients have provided valuable disease models recapitulating key pathological molecular events. Yet whether cell reprogramming on itself implies a truly epigenetic reprogramming, the epigenetic mechanisms governing this process are only partially understood. Moreover, elucidating epigenetic regulation using patient-specific iPSC-derived neural models is expected to have a great impact to unravel the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases and to hopefully expand future therapeutic possibilities. Here we will critically review current knowledge of epigenetic involvement in neurodegenerative disorders focusing on the potential of iPSCs as a promising tool for epigenetic research of these diseases.
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67
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Hunsberger JG, Efthymiou AG, Malik N, Behl M, Mead IL, Zeng X, Simeonov A, Rao M. Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Models to Enable In Vitro Models for Screening in the Central Nervous System. Stem Cells Dev 2015; 24:1852-64. [PMID: 25794298 PMCID: PMC4533087 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2014.0531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2014] [Accepted: 03/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
There is great need to develop more predictive drug discovery tools to identify new therapies to treat diseases of the central nervous system (CNS). Current nonpluripotent stem cell-based models often utilize non-CNS immortalized cell lines and do not enable the development of personalized models of disease. In this review, we discuss why in vitro models are necessary for translational research and outline the unique advantages of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-based models over those of current systems. We suggest that iPSC-based models can be patient specific and isogenic lines can be differentiated into many neural cell types for detailed comparisons. iPSC-derived cells can be combined to form small organoids, or large panels of lines can be developed that enable new forms of analysis. iPSC and embryonic stem cell-derived cells can be readily engineered to develop reporters for lineage studies or mechanism of action experiments further extending the utility of iPSC-based systems. We conclude by describing novel technologies that include strategies for the development of diversity panels, novel genomic engineering tools, new three-dimensional organoid systems, and modified high-content screens that may bring toxicology into the 21st century. The strategic integration of these technologies with the advantages of iPSC-derived cell technology, we believe, will be a paradigm shift for toxicology and drug discovery efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nasir Malik
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Mamta Behl
- National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Ivy L. Mead
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Xianmin Zeng
- Buck Institute for Age Research, Novato, California
| | - Anton Simeonov
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Rockville, Maryland
| | - Mahendra Rao
- New York Stem Cell Foundation, New York, New York
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68
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Rempel E, Hoelting L, Waldmann T, Balmer NV, Schildknecht S, Grinberg M, Das Gaspar JA, Shinde V, Stöber R, Marchan R, van Thriel C, Liebing J, Meisig J, Blüthgen N, Sachinidis A, Rahnenführer J, Hengstler JG, Leist M. A transcriptome-based classifier to identify developmental toxicants by stem cell testing: design, validation and optimization for histone deacetylase inhibitors. Arch Toxicol 2015; 89:1599-618. [PMID: 26272509 PMCID: PMC4551554 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-015-1573-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2015] [Accepted: 07/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Test systems to identify developmental toxicants are urgently needed. A combination of human stem cell technology and transcriptome analysis was to provide a proof of concept that toxicants with a related mode of action can be identified and grouped for read-across. We chose a test system of developmental toxicity, related to the generation of neuroectoderm from pluripotent stem cells (UKN1), and exposed cells for 6 days to the histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) valproic acid, trichostatin A, vorinostat, belinostat, panobinostat and entinostat. To provide insight into their toxic action, we identified HDACi consensus genes, assigned them to superordinate biological processes and mapped them to a human transcription factor network constructed from hundreds of transcriptome data sets. We also tested a heterogeneous group of ‘mercurials’ (methylmercury, thimerosal, mercury(II)chloride, mercury(II)bromide, 4-chloromercuribenzoic acid, phenylmercuric acid). Microarray data were compared at the highest non-cytotoxic concentration for all 12 toxicants. A support vector machine (SVM)-based classifier predicted all HDACi correctly. For validation, the classifier was applied to legacy data sets of HDACi, and for each exposure situation, the SVM predictions correlated with the developmental toxicity. Finally, optimization of the classifier based on 100 probe sets showed that eight genes (F2RL2, TFAP2B, EDNRA, FOXD3, SIX3, MT1E, ETS1 and LHX2) are sufficient to separate HDACi from mercurials. Our data demonstrate how human stem cells and transcriptome analysis can be combined for mechanistic grouping and prediction of toxicants. Extension of this concept to mechanisms beyond HDACi would allow prediction of human developmental toxicity hazard of unknown compounds with the UKN1 test system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugen Rempel
- Department of Statistics, TU Dortmund University, 44139, Dortmund, Germany
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Radio NM, Breier JM, Reif DM, Judson RS, Martin M, Houck KA, Mundy WR, Shafer TJ. Use of Neural Models of Proliferation and Neurite Outgrowth to Screen Environmental Chemicals in the ToxCast Phase I Library. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015. [DOI: 10.1089/aivt.2014.0009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas M. Radio
- Integrated Systems Toxicology Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Joseph M. Breier
- Integrated Systems Toxicology Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - David M. Reif
- National Center for Computational Toxicology, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Richard S. Judson
- National Center for Computational Toxicology, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Matthew Martin
- National Center for Computational Toxicology, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Keith A. Houck
- National Center for Computational Toxicology, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - William R. Mundy
- Integrated Systems Toxicology Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Timothy J. Shafer
- Integrated Systems Toxicology Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
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Smirnova L, Hogberg HT, Leist M, Hartung T. Developmental neurotoxicity - challenges in the 21st century and in vitro opportunities. ALTEX-ALTERNATIVES TO ANIMAL EXPERIMENTATION 2015; 31:129-56. [PMID: 24687333 DOI: 10.14573/altex.1403271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2014] [Accepted: 03/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
In recent years neurodevelopmental problems in children have increased at a rate that suggests lifestyle factors and chemical exposures as likely contributors. When environmental chemicals contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) becomes an enormous concern. But how can it be tackled? Current animal test- based guidelines are prohibitively expensive, at $ 1.4 million per substance, while their predictivity for human health effects may be limited, and mechanistic data that would help species extrapolation are not available. A broader screening for substances of concern requires a reliable testing strategy, applicable to larger numbers of substances, and sufficiently predictive to warrant further testing. This review discusses the evidence for possible contributions of environmental chemicals to DNT, limitations of the current test paradigm, emerging concepts and technologies pertinent to in vitro DNT testing and assay evaluation, as well as the prospect of a paradigm shift based on 21st century technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Smirnova
- Centers for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT) at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, USA
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71
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Using Pluripotent Stem Cells and Their Progeny as an In VitroModel to Assess (Developmental) Neurotoxicity. METHODS AND PRINCIPLES IN MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY 2014. [DOI: 10.1002/9783527674183.ch13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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72
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Hausherr V, van Thriel C, Krug A, Leist M, Schöbel N. Impairment of glutamate signaling in mouse central nervous system neurons in vitro by tri-ortho-cresyl phosphate at noncytotoxic concentrations. Toxicol Sci 2014; 142:274-84. [PMID: 25199799 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfu174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Occupational and environmental exposure to tri-cresyl phosphates (TCPs) may cause various types of neurotoxicity. Among the TCP isomers, tri-ortho-cresyl phosphate is a well-studied organophosphate (OP) known to cause OP-induced delayed neuropathy (OPIDN). Clinically, OPIDN is characterized by limb paralysis caused by the inhibition of neuropathy target esterase. Like other OPs, TOCP may also trigger acute toxicity by yet unknown mechanisms. Neurotoxic effects of TCPs, including TOCP, on central nervous system functions have not been studied in depth, and such non-OPIDN mechanisms might be related to the aerotoxic syndrome. To identify alternative mechanisms of TOCP neurotoxicity, we conducted an in vitro study using primary cortical neurons isolated from mouse embryos (E 16.5). After 24 h or 6 days in vitro (DIV), cell cultures were treated with different TOCP concentrations for 24 h. On DIV 2 and 7, we investigated three different endpoints--general cytotoxicity, neurite outgrowth, and glutamatergic signaling. At both time points, the EC50 for TOCP-induced cell death was 90 μM, however, neurite outgrowth was already significantly affected at TOCP concentrations of 10 μM. The number of cells responding to glutamate, as well as the corresponding mean response amplitudes were reduced with TOCP concentrations as low as 100 nM. For the first time, functional neurotoxicity is observed with very low TOCP concentrations, and in the absence of structural damages. Our proposed mechanism is that TOCP exposure may lead to cognitive deficits relevant in aerotoxic syndrome by inhibiting the signaling of glutamate, the most abundant excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Hausherr
- IfADo - Leibniz Research Center for Working Environment and Human Factors, 44139 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Christoph van Thriel
- IfADo - Leibniz Research Center for Working Environment and Human Factors, 44139 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Anne Krug
- Doerenkamp-Zbinden Chair for in vitro toxicology and biomedicine, University of Konstanz, 78462 Konstanz, Germany
| | - Marcel Leist
- Doerenkamp-Zbinden Chair for in vitro toxicology and biomedicine, University of Konstanz, 78462 Konstanz, Germany
| | - Nicole Schöbel
- IfADo - Leibniz Research Center for Working Environment and Human Factors, 44139 Dortmund, Germany Department of Animal Physiology, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany
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73
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Weng MK, Natarajan K, Scholz D, Ivanova VN, Sachinidis A, Hengstler JG, Waldmann T, Leist M. Lineage-specific regulation of epigenetic modifier genes in human liver and brain. PLoS One 2014; 9:e102035. [PMID: 25054330 PMCID: PMC4108363 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0102035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2014] [Accepted: 06/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite an abundance of studies on chromatin states and dynamics, there is an astonishing dearth of information on the expression of genes responsible for regulating histone and DNA modifications. We used here a set of 156 defined epigenetic modifier genes (EMG) and profiled their expression pattern in cells of different lineages. As reference value, expression data from human embryonic stem cells (hESC) were used. Hepatocyte-like cells were generated from hESC, and their EMG expression was compared to primary human liver cells. In parallel, we generated postmitotic human neurons (Lu d6), and compared their relative EMG expression to human cortex (Ctx). Clustering analysis of all cell types showed that neuronal lineage samples grouped together (94 similarly regulated EMG), as did liver cells (61 similarly-regulated), while the two lineages were clearly distinct. The general classification was followed by detailed comparison of the major EMG groups; genes that were higher expressed in differentiated cells than in hESC included the acetyltransferase KAT2B and the methyltransferase SETD7. Neuro-specific EMGs were the histone deacetylases HDAC5 and HDAC7, and the arginine-methyltransferase PRMT8. Comparison of young (Lu d6) and more aged (Ctx) neuronal samples suggested a maturation-dependent switch in the expression of functionally homologous proteins. For instance, the ratio of the histone H3 K27 methyltransfereases, EZH1 to EZH2, was high in Ctx and low in Lu d6. The same was observed for the polycomb repressive complex 1 (PRC1) subunits CBX7 and CBX8. A large proportion of EMGs in differentiated cells was very differently expressed than in hESC, and absolute levels were significantly higher in neuronal samples than in hepatic cells. Thus, there seem to be distinct qualitative and quantitative differences in EMG expression between cell lineages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias K. Weng
- Doerenkamp-Zbinden Chair for In Vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Karthick Natarajan
- Center of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Institute of Neurophysiology, University of Cologne (UKK), Cologne, Germany
| | - Diana Scholz
- Doerenkamp-Zbinden Chair for In Vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Violeta N. Ivanova
- Nycomed-Chair for Bioinformatics and Information Mining, Dept. of Computer and Information Science, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Agapios Sachinidis
- Center of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Institute of Neurophysiology, University of Cologne (UKK), Cologne, Germany
| | - Jan G. Hengstler
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors (IfADo), Technical University of Dortmund, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Tanja Waldmann
- Doerenkamp-Zbinden Chair for In Vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Marcel Leist
- Doerenkamp-Zbinden Chair for In Vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
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74
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Alépée N, Bahinski A, Daneshian M, De Wever B, Fritsche E, Goldberg A, Hansmann J, Hartung T, Haycock J, Hogberg H, Hoelting L, Kelm JM, Kadereit S, McVey E, Landsiedel R, Leist M, Lübberstedt M, Noor F, Pellevoisin C, Petersohn D, Pfannenbecker U, Reisinger K, Ramirez T, Rothen-Rutishauser B, Schäfer-Korting M, Zeilinger K, Zurich MG. State-of-the-art of 3D cultures (organs-on-a-chip) in safety testing and pathophysiology. ALTEX-ALTERNATIVES TO ANIMAL EXPERIMENTATION 2014. [PMID: 25027500 DOI: 10.14573/altex1406111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Integrated approaches using different in vitro methods in combination with bioinformatics can (i) increase the success rate and speed of drug development; (ii) improve the accuracy of toxicological risk assessment; and (iii) increase our understanding of disease. Three-dimensional (3D) cell culture models are important building blocks of this strategy which has emerged during the last years. The majority of these models are organotypic, i.e., they aim to reproduce major functions of an organ or organ system. This implies in many cases that more than one cell type forms the 3D structure, and often matrix elements play an important role. This review summarizes the state of the art concerning commonalities of the different models. For instance, the theory of mass transport/metabolite exchange in 3D systems and the special analytical requirements for test endpoints in organotypic cultures are discussed in detail. In the next part, 3D model systems for selected organs--liver, lung, skin, brain--are presented and characterized in dedicated chapters. Also, 3D approaches to the modeling of tumors are presented and discussed. All chapters give a historical background, illustrate the large variety of approaches, and highlight up- and downsides as well as specific requirements. Moreover, they refer to the application in disease modeling, drug discovery and safety assessment. Finally, consensus recommendations indicate a roadmap for the successful implementation of 3D models in routine screening. It is expected that the use of such models will accelerate progress by reducing error rates and wrong predictions from compound testing.
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75
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Sisnaiske J, Hausherr V, Krug AK, Zimmer B, Hengstler JG, Leist M, van Thriel C. Acrylamide alters neurotransmitter induced calcium responses in murine ESC-derived and primary neurons. Neurotoxicology 2014; 43:117-126. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2014.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2013] [Revised: 03/18/2014] [Accepted: 03/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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76
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Zimmer B, Pallocca G, Dreser N, Foerster S, Waldmann T, Westerhout J, Julien S, Krause KH, van Thriel C, Hengstler JG, Sachinidis A, Bosgra S, Leist M. Profiling of drugs and environmental chemicals for functional impairment of neural crest migration in a novel stem cell-based test battery. Arch Toxicol 2014; 88:1109-26. [PMID: 24691702 PMCID: PMC3996367 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-014-1231-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2013] [Accepted: 03/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Developmental toxicity in vitro assays have hitherto been established as stand-alone systems, based on a limited number of toxicants. Within the embryonic stem cell-based novel alternative tests project, we developed a test battery framework that allows inclusion of any developmental toxicity assay and that explores the responses of such test systems to a wide range of drug-like compounds. We selected 28 compounds, including several biologics (e.g., erythropoietin), classical pharmaceuticals (e.g., roflumilast) and also six environmental toxicants. The chemical, toxicological and clinical data of this screen library were compiled. In order to determine a non-cytotoxic concentration range, cytotoxicity data were obtained for all compounds from HEK293 cells and from murine embryonic stem cells. Moreover, an estimate of relevant exposures was provided by literature data mining. To evaluate feasibility of the suggested test framework, we selected a well-characterized assay that evaluates ‘migration inhibition of neural crest cells.’ Screening at the highest non-cytotoxic concentration resulted in 11 hits (e.g., geldanamycin, abiraterone, gefitinib, chlorpromazine, cyproconazole, arsenite). These were confirmed in concentration–response studies. Subsequent pharmacokinetic modeling indicated that triadimefon exerted its effects at concentrations relevant to the in vivo situation, and also interferon-β and polybrominated diphenyl ether showed effects within the same order of magnitude of concentrations that may be reached in humans. In conclusion, the test battery framework can identify compounds that disturb processes relevant for human development and therefore may represent developmental toxicants. The open structure of the strategy allows rich information to be generated on both the underlying library, and on any contributing assay.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Zimmer
- Center for Stem Cell Biology, Sloan-Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, New York City, NY, USA
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77
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Balmer NV, Leist M. Epigenetics and transcriptomics to detect adverse drug effects in model systems of human development. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2014; 115:59-68. [PMID: 24476462 DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.12203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2013] [Accepted: 01/16/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Prenatal exposure to environmental chemicals or drugs has been associated with functional or structural deficits and the development of diseases in later life. For example, developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) is triggered by lead, and this compound may predispose to neurodegenerative diseases in later life. The molecular memory for such late consequences of early exposure is not known, but epigenetic mechanisms (modification of the chromatin structure) could take this role. Examples and underlying mechanisms have been compiled here for the field of DNT. Moreover, we addressed the question as to what readout is suitable for addressing drug memory effects. We summarize how complex developmental processes can be modelled in vitro by using the differentiation of human stem cells. Although cellular models can never replicate the final human DNT phenotype, they can model the adverse effect that a chemical has on key biological processes essential for organ formation and function. Highly information-rich transcriptomics data may inform on these changes and form the bridge from in vitro models to human prediction. We compiled data showing that transcriptome analysis can indicate toxicity patterns of drugs. A crucial question to be answered in our systems is when and how transcriptome changes indicate adversity (as opposed to transient adaptive responses), and how drug-induced changes are perpetuated over time even after washout of the drug. We present evidence for the hypothesis that changes in the histone methylation pattern could represent the persistence detector of an early insult that is transformed to an adverse effect at later time-points in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina V Balmer
- Doerenkamp-Zbinden Chair for In Vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
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78
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Waldmann T, Rempel E, Balmer NV, König A, Kolde R, Gaspar JA, Henry M, Hescheler J, Sachinidis A, Rahnenführer J, Hengstler JG, Leist M. Design principles of concentration-dependent transcriptome deviations in drug-exposed differentiating stem cells. Chem Res Toxicol 2014; 27:408-20. [PMID: 24383497 PMCID: PMC3958134 DOI: 10.1021/tx400402j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
![]()
Information on design principles
governing transcriptome changes
upon transition from safe to hazardous drug concentrations or from
tolerated to cytotoxic drug levels are important for the application
of toxicogenomics data in developmental toxicology. Here, we tested
the effect of eight concentrations of valproic acid (VPA; 25–1000
μM) in an assay that recapitulates the development of human
embryonic stem cells to neuroectoderm. Cells were exposed to the drug
during the entire differentiation process, and the number of differentially
regulated genes increased continuously over the concentration range
from zero to about 3000. We identified overrepresented transcription
factor binding sites (TFBS) as well as superordinate cell biological
processes, and we developed a gene ontology (GO) activation profiler,
as well as a two-dimensional teratogenicity index. Analysis of the
transcriptome data set by the above biostatistical and systems biology
approaches yielded the following insights: (i) tolerated (≤25
μM), deregulated/teratogenic (150–550 μM), and
cytotoxic (≥800 μM) concentrations could be differentiated.
(ii) Biological signatures related to the mode of action of VPA, such
as protein acetylation, developmental changes, and cell migration,
emerged from the teratogenic concentrations range. (iii) Cytotoxicity
was not accompanied by signatures of newly emerging canonical cell
death/stress indicators, but by catabolism and decreased expression
of cell cycle associated genes. (iv) Most, but not all of the GO groups
and TFBS seen at the highest concentrations were already overrepresented
at 350–450 μM. (v) The teratogenicity index reflected
this behavior, and thus differed strongly from cytotoxicity. Our findings
suggest the use of the highest noncytotoxic drug concentration for
gene array toxicogenomics studies, as higher concentrations possibly
yield wrong information on the mode of action, and lower drug levels
result in decreased gene expression changes and thus a reduced power
of the study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanja Waldmann
- Doerenkamp-Zbinden Chair for in Vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, University of Konstanz , 78457 Konstanz, Germany
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79
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Alépée N, Bahinski A, Daneshian M, De Wever B, Fritsche E, Goldberg A, Hansmann J, Hartung T, Haycock J, Hogberg HT, Hoelting L, Kelm JM, Kadereit S, McVey E, Landsiedel R, Leist M, Lübberstedt M, Noor F, Pellevoisin C, Petersohn D, Pfannenbecker U, Reisinger K, Ramirez T, Rothen-Rutishauser B, Schäfer-Korting M, Zeilinger K, Zurich MG. State-of-the-art of 3D cultures (organs-on-a-chip) in safety testing and pathophysiology. ALTEX 2014; 31:441-77. [PMID: 25027500 PMCID: PMC4783151 DOI: 10.14573/altex.1406111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2014] [Accepted: 06/30/2014] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Integrated approaches using different in vitro methods in combination with bioinformatics can (i) increase the success rate and speed of drug development; (ii) improve the accuracy of toxicological risk assessment; and (iii) increase our understanding of disease. Three-dimensional (3D) cell culture models are important building blocks of this strategy which has emerged during the last years. The majority of these models are organotypic, i.e., they aim to reproduce major functions of an organ or organ system. This implies in many cases that more than one cell type forms the 3D structure, and often matrix elements play an important role. This review summarizes the state of the art concerning commonalities of the different models. For instance, the theory of mass transport/metabolite exchange in 3D systems and the special analytical requirements for test endpoints in organotypic cultures are discussed in detail. In the next part, 3D model systems for selected organs--liver, lung, skin, brain--are presented and characterized in dedicated chapters. Also, 3D approaches to the modeling of tumors are presented and discussed. All chapters give a historical background, illustrate the large variety of approaches, and highlight up- and downsides as well as specific requirements. Moreover, they refer to the application in disease modeling, drug discovery and safety assessment. Finally, consensus recommendations indicate a roadmap for the successful implementation of 3D models in routine screening. It is expected that the use of such models will accelerate progress by reducing error rates and wrong predictions from compound testing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anthony Bahinski
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, USA
| | - Mardas Daneshian
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing – Europe (CAAT-Europe), University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | | | - Ellen Fritsche
- Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Alan Goldberg
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT), Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA
| | - Jan Hansmann
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Hartung
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing – Europe (CAAT-Europe), University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany,Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT), Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA
| | - John Haycock
- Department of Materials Science of Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Helena T. Hogberg
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT), Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA
| | - Lisa Hoelting
- Doerenkamp-Zbinden Chair of in vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | | | - Suzanne Kadereit
- Doerenkamp-Zbinden Chair of in vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Emily McVey
- Board for the Authorization of Plant Protection Products and Biocides, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Marcel Leist
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing – Europe (CAAT-Europe), University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany,Doerenkamp-Zbinden Chair of in vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Marc Lübberstedt
- Bioreactor Group, Berlin-Brandenburg Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Charité Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Berlin, Germany
| | - Fozia Noor
- Biochemical Engineering, Saarland University, Saarbruecken, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | - Tzutzuy Ramirez
- BASF SE, Experimental Toxicology and Ecology, Ludwigshafen, Germany
| | | | - Monika Schäfer-Korting
- Institute for Pharmacy (Pharmacology and Toxicology), Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Katrin Zeilinger
- Bioreactor Group, Berlin-Brandenburg Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Charité Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Berlin, Germany
| | - Marie-Gabriele Zurich
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland,Swiss Center for Applied Human Toxicology (SCAHT), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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80
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Hayess K, Riebeling C, Pirow R, Steinfath M, Sittner D, Slawik B, Luch A, Seiler AEM. The DNT-EST: a predictive embryonic stem cell-based assay for developmental neurotoxicity testing in vitro. Toxicology 2013; 314:135-47. [PMID: 24096155 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2013.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2013] [Revised: 09/20/2013] [Accepted: 09/21/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
As the developing brain is exquisitely vulnerable to chemical disturbances, testing for developmental neurotoxicity of a substance is an important aspect of characterizing its tissue specific toxicity. Mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) can be differentiated toward a neural phenotype, and this can be used as a model for early brain development. We developed a new in vitro assay using mESCs to predict adverse effects of chemicals and other compounds on neural development - the so-called DNT-EST. After treatment of differentiating stem cells for 48h or 72h, at two key developmental stages endpoint for neural differentiation, viability, and proliferation were assessed. As a reference, we similarly treated undifferentiated stem cells 2 days after plating for 48h or 72h in parallel to the differentiating stem cells. Here, we show that chemical testing of a training set comprising nine substances (six substances of known developmental toxicity and three without specific developmental neurotoxicity) enabled a mathematical prediction model to be formulated that provided 100% predictivity and accuracy for the given substances, including in leave-one-out cross-validation. The described test method can be performed within two weeks, including data analysis, and provides a prediction of the developmental neurotoxicity potency of a substance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Hayess
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Department of Experimental Toxicology and ZEBET, Max-Dohrn-Strasse 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany
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81
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miRNA expression profiling in a human stem cell-based model as a tool for developmental neurotoxicity testing. Cell Biol Toxicol 2013; 29:239-57. [PMID: 23903816 DOI: 10.1007/s10565-013-9250-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2013] [Accepted: 06/20/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The main aim of this study was to evaluate whether microRNA (miRNA) profiling could be a useful tool for in vitro developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) testing. Therefore, to identify the possible DNT biomarkers among miRNAs, we have studied the changes in miRNA expressions in a mixed neuronal/glial culture derived from carcinoma pluripotent stem cells (NT2 cell line) after exposure to methyl mercury chloride (MeHgCl) during the process of neuronal differentiation (2-36 days in vitro (DIV1)). The neuronal differentiation triggered by exposure to retinoic acid (RA) was characterized in the control culture by mRNA expression analysis of neuronal specific markers such as MAP2, NF-200, Tubulin βIII, MAPT-tau, synaptophysin as well as excitatory (NMDA, AMPA) and inhibitory (GABA) receptors. The results obtained from the miRNA expression analysis have identified the presence of a miRNA signature which is specific for neural differentiation in the control culture and another for the response to MeHgCl-induced toxicity. In differentiated neuronal control cultures, we observed the downregulation of the stemness phenotype-linked miR-302 cluster and the overexpression of several miRNAs specific for neuronal differentiation (e.g. let-7, miR-125b and miR-132). In the cultures exposed to MeHgCl (400 nM), we observed an overexpression of a signature composed of five miRNAs (miR-302b, miR-367, miR-372, miR-196b and miR-141) that are known to be involved in the regulation of developmental processes and cellular stress response mechanisms. Using gene ontology term and pathway enrichment analysis of the validated targets of the miRNAs deregulated by the toxic treatment, the possible effect of MeHgCl exposure on signalling pathways involved in axon guidance and learning and memory processes was revealed. The obtained data suggest that miRNA profiling could provide simplified functional evaluation of the toxicity pathways involved in developmental neurotoxicity in comparison with the transcriptomics studies.
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82
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Clotworthy M, Archibald K. Advances in the development and use of human tissue-based techniques for drug toxicity testing. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2013; 9:1155-69. [PMID: 23687950 DOI: 10.1517/17425255.2013.802770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Unacceptable failure rates in clinical trials are largely responsible for the high costs of bringing successful drugs to market - costs that are passed on to patients, insurers or healthcare providers. Furthermore, failures in clinical trials deny patients much-needed new drugs and potentially expose them to unnecessary risk. With so many medicines reaching their patent expiry date, pressure is on the pharmaceutical industry to not only increase its output of effective medicines but also improve its ability to minimise safety issues. AREAS COVERED This review focuses on the availability and use of human tissues and their derivatives to explore potential toxicity problems of new drugs. The growth in the number and quality of human material-based assays and enabling technologies is reviewed, followed by a discussion of the application of such assays to identify specific toxicities, using specific examples. EXPERT OPINION Although human tissues are now beginning to be seen as playing an important role in evaluating the potential for toxicity of new drugs in the clinic, their importance deserves to be more widely recognised and their use in the identification of toxicity issues as early as possible in the drug development life cycle should be significantly increased.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret Clotworthy
- Human Focused Testing, 50 the Barns, Littleport, Cambs CB6 1GG, England, UK.
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83
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Krug AK, Balmer NV, Matt F, Schönenberger F, Merhof D, Leist M. Evaluation of a human neurite growth assay as specific screen for developmental neurotoxicants. Arch Toxicol 2013; 87:2215-31. [PMID: 23670202 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-013-1072-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2013] [Accepted: 05/02/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Organ-specific in vitro toxicity assays are often highly sensitive, but they lack specificity. We evaluated here examples of assay features that can affect test specificity, and some general procedures are suggested on how positive hits in complex biological assays may be defined. Differentiating human LUHMES cells were used as potential model for developmental neurotoxicity testing. Forty candidate toxicants were screened, and several hits were obtained and confirmed. Although the cells had a definitive neuronal phenotype, the use of a general cell death endpoint in these cultures did not allow specific identification of neurotoxicants. As alternative approach, neurite growth was measured as an organ-specific functional endpoint. We found that neurite extension of developing LUHMES was specifically inhibited by diverse compounds such as colchicine, vincristine, narciclasine, rotenone, cycloheximide, or diquat. These compounds reduced neurite growth at concentrations that did not compromise cell viability, and neurite growth was affected more potently than the integrity of developed neurites of mature neurons. A ratio of the EC50 values of neurite growth inhibition and cell death of >4 provided a robust classifier for compounds associated with a developmental neurotoxic hazard. Screening of unspecific toxicants in the test system always yielded ratios <4. The assay identified also compounds that accelerated neurite growth, such as the rho kinase pathway modifiers blebbistatin or thiazovivin. The negative effects of colchicine or rotenone were completely inhibited by a rho kinase inhibitor. In summary, we suggest that assays using functional endpoints (neurite growth) can specifically identify and characterize (developmental) neurotoxicants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne K Krug
- Doerenkamp-Zbinden Chair for In Vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, University of Konstanz, Universitätsstr. 10, Box 657, 78457, Constance, Germany,
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84
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Human induced pluripotent stem cells and their use in drug discovery for toxicity testing. Toxicol Lett 2013; 219:49-58. [PMID: 23470867 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2013.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2012] [Revised: 02/21/2013] [Accepted: 02/23/2013] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Predicting human safety risks of novel xenobiotics remains a major challenge, partly due to the limited availability of human cells to evaluate tissue-specific toxicity. Recent progress in the production of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) may fill this gap. hiPSCs can be continuously expanded in culture in an undifferentiated state and then differentiated to form most cell types. Thus, it is becoming technically feasible to generate large quantities of human cell types and, in combination with relatively new detection methods, to develop higher-throughput in vitro assays that quantify tissue-specific biological properties. Indeed, the first wave of large scale hiSC-differentiated cell types including patient-derived hiPSCS are now commercially available. However, significant improvements in hiPSC production and differentiation processes are required before cell-based toxicity assays that accurately reflect mature tissue phenotypes can be delivered and implemented in a cost-effective manner. In this review, we discuss the promising alignment of hiPSCs and recently emerging technologies to quantify tissue-specific functions. We emphasize liver, cardiovascular, and CNS safety risks and highlight limitations that must be overcome before routine screening for toxicity pathways in hiSC-derived cells can be established.
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85
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Aung KH, Kurihara R, Nakashima S, Maekawa F, Nohara K, Kobayashi T, Tsukahara S. Inhibition of neurite outgrowth and alteration of cytoskeletal gene expression by sodium arsenite. Neurotoxicology 2013; 34:226-35. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2012.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2012] [Revised: 09/07/2012] [Accepted: 09/17/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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86
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Krug AK, Kolde R, Gaspar JA, Rempel E, Balmer NV, Meganathan K, Vojnits K, Baquié M, Waldmann T, Ensenat-Waser R, Jagtap S, Evans RM, Julien S, Peterson H, Zagoura D, Kadereit S, Gerhard D, Sotiriadou I, Heke M, Natarajan K, Henry M, Winkler J, Marchan R, Stoppini L, Bosgra S, Westerhout J, Verwei M, Vilo J, Kortenkamp A, Hescheler J, Hothorn L, Bremer S, van Thriel C, Krause KH, Hengstler JG, Rahnenführer J, Leist M, Sachinidis A. Human embryonic stem cell-derived test systems for developmental neurotoxicity: a transcriptomics approach. Arch Toxicol 2012. [PMID: 23179753 PMCID: PMC3535399 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-012-0967-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 179] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) and many forms of reproductive toxicity (RT) often manifest themselves in functional deficits that are not necessarily based on cell death, but rather on minor changes relating to cell differentiation or communication. The fields of DNT/RT would greatly benefit from in vitro tests that allow the identification of toxicant-induced changes of the cellular proteostasis, or of its underlying transcriptome network. Therefore, the ‘human embryonic stem cell (hESC)-derived novel alternative test systems (ESNATS)’ European commission research project established RT tests based on defined differentiation protocols of hESC and their progeny. Valproic acid (VPA) and methylmercury (MeHg) were used as positive control compounds to address the following fundamental questions: (1) Does transcriptome analysis allow discrimination of the two compounds? (2) How does analysis of enriched transcription factor binding sites (TFBS) and of individual probe sets (PS) distinguish between test systems? (3) Can batch effects be controlled? (4) How many DNA microarrays are needed? (5) Is the highest non-cytotoxic concentration optimal and relevant for the study of transcriptome changes? VPA triggered vast transcriptional changes, whereas MeHg altered fewer transcripts. To attenuate batch effects, analysis has been focused on the 500 PS with highest variability. The test systems differed significantly in their responses (<20 % overlap). Moreover, within one test system, little overlap between the PS changed by the two compounds has been observed. However, using TFBS enrichment, a relatively large ‘common response’ to VPA and MeHg could be distinguished from ‘compound-specific’ responses. In conclusion, the ESNATS assay battery allows classification of human DNT/RT toxicants on the basis of their transcriptome profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne K. Krug
- Department of Biology, University of Konstanz (UKN), 78457 Constance, Germany
| | - Raivo Kolde
- OÜ Quretec (Qure), Limited Liability Company, 51003 Tartu, Estonia
- Institute of Computer Science, University of Tartu, 50409 Tartu, Estonia
| | - John A. Gaspar
- Center of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Institute of Neurophysiology, University of Cologne (UKK), Robert-Koch-Str. 39, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Eugen Rempel
- Department of Statistics, TU Dortmund University , 44221 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Nina V. Balmer
- Department of Biology, University of Konstanz (UKN), 78457 Constance, Germany
| | - Kesavan Meganathan
- Center of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Institute of Neurophysiology, University of Cologne (UKK), Robert-Koch-Str. 39, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Kinga Vojnits
- Commission of the European Communities (JRC) Joint Research Centre, 1049 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Mathurin Baquié
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Geneva Medical Faculty, University of Geneva (UNIGE), 1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland
| | - Tanja Waldmann
- Department of Biology, University of Konstanz (UKN), 78457 Constance, Germany
| | - Roberto Ensenat-Waser
- Commission of the European Communities (JRC) Joint Research Centre, 1049 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Smita Jagtap
- Center of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Institute of Neurophysiology, University of Cologne (UKK), Robert-Koch-Str. 39, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | | | - Stephanie Julien
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Geneva Medical Faculty, University of Geneva (UNIGE), 1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland
| | - Hedi Peterson
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Geneva Medical Faculty, University of Geneva (UNIGE), 1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland
| | - Dimitra Zagoura
- Commission of the European Communities (JRC) Joint Research Centre, 1049 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Suzanne Kadereit
- Department of Biology, University of Konstanz (UKN), 78457 Constance, Germany
| | - Daniel Gerhard
- Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz University (LUH), Institute for Biostatistics, 30167 Hannover, Germany
| | - Isaia Sotiriadou
- Center of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Institute of Neurophysiology, University of Cologne (UKK), Robert-Koch-Str. 39, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Michael Heke
- Center of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Institute of Neurophysiology, University of Cologne (UKK), Robert-Koch-Str. 39, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Karthick Natarajan
- Center of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Institute of Neurophysiology, University of Cologne (UKK), Robert-Koch-Str. 39, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Margit Henry
- Center of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Institute of Neurophysiology, University of Cologne (UKK), Robert-Koch-Str. 39, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Johannes Winkler
- Center of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Institute of Neurophysiology, University of Cologne (UKK), Robert-Koch-Str. 39, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Rosemarie Marchan
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors (IfADo), Technical University of Dortmund, 44139 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Luc Stoppini
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Geneva Medical Faculty, University of Geneva (UNIGE), 1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland
| | - Sieto Bosgra
- Nederlandse Organisatie voor Toegepast Natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek (TNO), 2628 VK Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Joost Westerhout
- Nederlandse Organisatie voor Toegepast Natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek (TNO), 2628 VK Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Miriam Verwei
- Nederlandse Organisatie voor Toegepast Natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek (TNO), 2628 VK Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Jaak Vilo
- OÜ Quretec (Qure), Limited Liability Company, 51003 Tartu, Estonia
- Institute of Computer Science, University of Tartu, 50409 Tartu, Estonia
| | | | - Jürgen Hescheler
- Center of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Institute of Neurophysiology, University of Cologne (UKK), Robert-Koch-Str. 39, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Ludwig Hothorn
- Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz University (LUH), Institute for Biostatistics, 30167 Hannover, Germany
| | - Susanne Bremer
- Commission of the European Communities (JRC) Joint Research Centre, 1049 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Christoph van Thriel
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors (IfADo), Technical University of Dortmund, 44139 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Karl-Heinz Krause
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Geneva Medical Faculty, University of Geneva (UNIGE), 1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland
| | - Jan G. Hengstler
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors (IfADo), Technical University of Dortmund, 44139 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Jörg Rahnenführer
- Department of Statistics, TU Dortmund University , 44221 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Marcel Leist
- Department of Biology, University of Konstanz (UKN), 78457 Constance, Germany
| | - Agapios Sachinidis
- Center of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Institute of Neurophysiology, University of Cologne (UKK), Robert-Koch-Str. 39, 50931 Cologne, Germany
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87
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de Groot MWGDM, Westerink RHS, Dingemans MML. Don't judge a neuron only by its cover: neuronal function in in vitro developmental neurotoxicity testing. Toxicol Sci 2012; 132:1-7. [PMID: 22961093 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfs269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Classical cases of developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) in humans and advances in risk assessment methods did not prevent the emergence of new chemicals with (suspected) DNT potential. Exposure to these chemicals may be related to the increased worldwide incidence of learning and neurodevelopmental disorders in children. DNT is often investigated in a traditional manner (in vivo using large numbers of experimental animals), whereas development of in vitro methods for DNT reduces animal use and increases insight into cellular and molecular mechanisms of DNT. Several essential neurodevelopmental processes, including proliferation, migration, differentiation, formation of axons and dendrites, synaptogenesis, and apoptosis, are already being evaluated in vitro using biochemical and morphological endpoints. Yet, investigation of chemical-induced effects on the development of functional neuronal networks, including network formation, inter- and intracellular signaling and neuronal network function, is underrepresented in DNT testing. This view therefore focuses on in vitro models and innovative experimental approaches for functional DNT testing, ranging from optical and electrophysiological measurements of intra- and intercellular signaling in neural stem/progenitor cells to measurements of network activity in neuronal networks using multielectrode arrays. The development of functional DNT assays will strongly support the decision-making process for measures to prevent potential chemical-induced adverse effects on neurodevelopment and cognition in humans. We therefore argue that for risk assessment, biochemical and morphological approaches should be complemented with investigations of neuronal (network) functionality.
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88
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Zimmer B, Lee G, Balmer NV, Meganathan K, Sachinidis A, Studer L, Leist M. Evaluation of developmental toxicants and signaling pathways in a functional test based on the migration of human neural crest cells. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2012; 120:1116-1122. [PMID: 22571897 PMCID: PMC3440079 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.1104489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2011] [Accepted: 05/09/2012] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Information on the potential developmental toxicity (DT) of the majority of chemicals is scarce, and test capacities for further animal-based testing are limited. Therefore, new approaches with higher throughput are required. A screening strategy based on the use of relevant human cell types has been proposed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and others. Because impaired neural crest (NC) function is one of the known causes for teratologic effects, testing of toxicant effects on NC cells is desirable for a DT test battery. OBJECTIVE We developed a robust and widely applicable human-relevant NC function assay that would allow for sensitive screening of environmental toxicants and defining toxicity pathways. METHODS We generated NC cells from human embryonic stem cells, and after establishing a migration assay of NC cells (MINC assay), we tested environmental toxicants as well as inhibitors of physiological signal transduction pathways. RESULTS Methylmercury (50 nM), valproic acid (> 10 µM), and lead-acetate [Pb(CH3CO2)4] (1 µM) affected the migration of NC cells more potently than migration of other cell types. The MINC assay correctly identified the NC toxicants triadimefon and triadimenol. Additionally, it showed different sensitivities to various organic and inorganic mercury compounds. Using the MINC assay and applying classic pharmacologic inhibitors and large-scale microarray gene expression profiling, we found several signaling pathways that are relevant for the migration of NC cells. CONCLUSIONS The MINC assay faithfully models human NC cell migration, and it reveals impairment of this function by developmental toxicants with good sensitivity and specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bastian Zimmer
- Doerenkamp-Zbinden Chair of In Vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
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89
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Neurite outgrowth and differentiation of rat cortex progenitor cells are sensitive to lithium chloride at non-cytotoxic exposures. Neurotoxicology 2012; 33:1170-9. [PMID: 22771960 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2012.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2011] [Revised: 06/20/2012] [Accepted: 06/25/2012] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Neuron-specific in vitro screening strategies have the potential to accelerate the evaluation of chemicals for neurotoxicity. We examined neurite outgrowth as a measure of neuronal response with a commercially available rat cortex progenitor cell model, where cells were exposed to a chemical during a period of cell differentiation. In control cultures, the fraction of beta-III-tubulin positive neurons and their neurite length increased significantly with time, indicating differentiation of the progenitor cells. Expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein, an astrocyte marker, also increased significantly with time. By seeding progenitor cells at varying densities, we demonstrated that neurite length was influenced by cell-cell spacing. After ten days, cultures seeded at densities of 1000 cells/mm(2) or lower had significantly shorter neurites than cultures seeded at densities of 1250 cells/mm(2) or higher. Progenitor cells were exposed to lithium, a neuroactive chemical with diverse modes of action. Cultures exposed to 30 mmol/L or 10 mmol/L lithium chloride (LiCl) had significantly lower metabolic activity than control cultures, as reported by adenosine triphosphate content, and no neurons were observed after ten days of exposure. Cultures exposed to 3 mmol/L, 1 mmol/L, or 0.3 mmol/L LiCl, which encompass lithium's therapeutic range, had metabolic activity similar to control cultures. These cultures exhibited concentration-dependent decreases in neurite outgrowth after ten days of LiCl exposure. Neurite outgrowth results were relatively robust, regardless of the evaluation methodology. This work demonstrates that measurement of neurite outgrowth in differentiating progenitor cell cultures can be a sensitive endpoint for neuronal response under non-cytotoxic exposure conditions.
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90
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Balmer NV, Weng MK, Zimmer B, Ivanova VN, Chambers SM, Nikolaeva E, Jagtap S, Sachinidis A, Hescheler J, Waldmann T, Leist M. Epigenetic changes and disturbed neural development in a human embryonic stem cell-based model relating to the fetal valproate syndrome. Hum Mol Genet 2012; 21:4104-14. [DOI: 10.1093/hmg/dds239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
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91
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Leist M, Hasiwa N, Daneshian M, Hartung T. Validation and quality control of replacement alternatives – current status and future challenges. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2012. [DOI: 10.1039/c2tx20011b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Alternatives to animal testing have been developed mainly in the fields of toxicology and vaccine testing. Typical examples are the evaluation of phototoxicity, eye irritation or skin corrosion/irritation of cosmetics and industrial chemicals. However, examples can also be found in other biomedical areas, such the control of the quality of drug preparations for pyrogens or for the control of the production process of biologics, such as botulinum neurotoxin. For regulatory purposes, the quality, transferability and predictivity of an alternative method needs to be evaluated. This procedure is called the “validation process” of a new method. It follows defined rules, and several governmental institutions have been established to perform, supervise or advise on this process. As this often results in a delay of method implementation, different alternatives for the evaluation of a method's suitability and quality are under discussion. We describe here the principles of model development and quality control. We also give an overview on methods that have undergone validation. Strengths and shortcomings of traditional approaches are discussed, and new developments and challenges are outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcel Leist
- Doerenkamp-Zbinden Chair for In-vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine and Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing in Europe (CAAT-Europe), University of Konstanz, D-78467 Konstanz, Germany
| | - Nina Hasiwa
- Doerenkamp-Zbinden Chair for In-vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine and Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing in Europe (CAAT-Europe), University of Konstanz, D-78467 Konstanz, Germany
| | - Mardas Daneshian
- Doerenkamp-Zbinden Chair for In-vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine and Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing in Europe (CAAT-Europe), University of Konstanz, D-78467 Konstanz, Germany
| | - Thomas Hartung
- Doerenkamp-Zbinden Chair for In-vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine and Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing in Europe (CAAT-Europe), University of Konstanz, D-78467 Konstanz, Germany
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92
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Control of Aβ release from human neurons by differentiation status and RET signaling. Neurobiol Aging 2012; 34:184-99. [PMID: 22534065 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2012.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2011] [Revised: 02/14/2012] [Accepted: 03/24/2012] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Few studies have compared the processing of endogenous human amyloid precursor protein (APP) in younger and older neurons. Here, we characterized LUHMES cells as a human model to study Alzheimer's disease-related processes during neuronal maturation and aging. Differentiated LUHMES expressed and spontaneously processed APP via the secretase pathways, and they secreted amyloid β (Aβ) peptide. This was inhibited by cholesterol depletion or secretase inhibition, but not by block of tau phosphorylation. In vitro aged cells increased Aβ secretion without upregulation of APP or secretases. We identified the medium constituent glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) as responsible for this effect. GDNF-triggered Aβ release was associated with rapid upregulation of the GDNF coreceptor "rearranged during transfection" (RET). Other direct (neurturin) or indirect (nerve growth factor) RET activators also increased Aβ, whereas different neurotrophins were ineffective. Downstream of RET, we found activation of protein kinase B (AKT) to be involved. Accordingly, inhibitors of the AKT regulator phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase completely blocked GDNF-triggered AKT phosphorylation and Aβ increase. This suggests that RET signaling affects Aβ release from aging neurons.
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93
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van Thriel C, Westerink RHS, Beste C, Bale AS, Lein PJ, Leist M. Translating neurobehavioural endpoints of developmental neurotoxicity tests into in vitro assays and readouts. Neurotoxicology 2011; 33:911-24. [PMID: 22008243 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2011.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2011] [Accepted: 10/04/2011] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The developing nervous system is particularly vulnerable to chemical insults. Exposure to chemicals can result in neurobehavioural alterations, and these have been used as sensitive readouts to assess neurotoxicity in animals and man. Deconstructing neurobehaviour into relevant cellular and molecular components may allow for detection of specific neurotoxic effects in cell-based systems, which in turn may allow an easier examination of neurotoxic pathways and modes of actions and eventually inform the regulatory assessment of chemicals with potential developmental neurotoxicity. Here, current developments towards these goals are reviewed. Imaging genetics (CB) provides new insights into the neurobiological correlates of cognitive function that are being used to delineate neurotoxic mechanisms. The gaps between in vivo neurobehaviour and real-time in vitro measurements of neuronal function are being bridged by ex vivo measurements of synaptic plasticity (RW). An example of solvent neurotoxicity demonstrates how an in vivo neurological defect can be linked via the N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA)-glutamate receptor as a common target to in vitro readouts (AB). Axonal and dendritic morphology in vitro proved to be good correlates of neuronal connectivity and neurobehaviour in animals exposed to polychlorinated biphenyls and organophosphorus pesticides (PJL). Similarly, chemically induced changes in neuronal morphology affected the formation of neuronal networks on structured surfaces. Such network formation may become an important readout for developmental neurotoxicity in vitro (CvT), especially when combined with human neurons derived from embryonic stem cells (ML). We envision that future in vitro test systems for developmental neurotoxicity will combine the above approaches with exposure information, and we suggest a strategy for test system development and cell-based risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph van Thriel
- Neurobehavioural Toxicology and Chemosensation, IfADo - Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors, Dortmund, Germany.
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