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Dhobale AV, Adewole DO, Chan AHW, Marinov T, Serruya MD, Kraft RH, Cullen DK. Assessing functional connectivity across 3D tissue engineered axonal tracts using calcium fluorescence imaging. J Neural Eng 2018; 15:056008. [PMID: 29855432 PMCID: PMC6999858 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/aac96d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Micro-tissue engineered neural networks (micro-TENNs) are anatomically-inspired constructs designed to structurally and functionally emulate white matter pathways in the brain. These 3D neural networks feature long axonal tracts spanning discrete neuronal populations contained within a tubular hydrogel, and are being developed to reconstruct damaged axonal pathways in the brain as well as to serve as physiologically-relevant in vitro experimental platforms. The goal of the current study was to characterize the functional properties of these neuronal and axonal networks. APPROACH Bidirectional micro-TENNs were transduced to express genetically-encoded calcium indicators, and spontaneous fluorescence activity was recorded using real-time microscopy at 20 Hz from specific regions-of-interest in the neuronal populations. Network activity patterns and functional connectivity across the axonal tracts were then assessed using various techniques from statistics and information theory including Pearson cross-correlation, phase synchronization matrices, power spectral analysis, directed transfer function, and transfer entropy. MAIN RESULTS Pearson cross-correlation, phase synchronization matrices, and power spectral analysis revealed high values of correlation and synchronicity between the spatially segregated neuronal clusters connected by axonal tracts. Specifically, phase synchronization revealed high synchronicity of >0.8 between micro-TENN regions of interest. Normalized directed transfer function and transfer entropy matrices suggested robust information flow between the neuronal populations. Time varying power spectrum analysis revealed the strength of information propagation at various frequencies. Signal power strength was visible at elevated peak levels for dominant delta (1-4 Hz) and theta (4-8 Hz) frequency bands and progressively weakened at higher frequencies. These signal power strength results closely matched normalized directed transfer function analysis where near synchronous information flow was detected between frequencies of 2-5 Hz. SIGNIFICANCE To our knowledge, this is the first report using directed transfer function and transfer entropy methods based on fluorescent calcium activity to estimate functional connectivity of distinct neuronal populations via long-projecting, 3D axonal tracts in vitro. These functional data will further improve the design and optimization of implantable neural networks that could ultimately be deployed to reconstruct the nervous system to treat neurological disease and injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjali Vijay Dhobale
- The Penn State Computational Biomechanics Group, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Dayo O. Adewole
- Center for Brain Injury & Repair, Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Center for Neurotrauma, Neurodegeneration & Restoration, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Andy Ho Wing Chan
- Department of Neurology and Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Toma Marinov
- The Penn State Computational Biomechanics Group, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Mijail D. Serruya
- Center for Neurotrauma, Neurodegeneration & Restoration, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Neurology and Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Reuben H. Kraft
- The Penn State Computational Biomechanics Group, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - D. Kacy Cullen
- Center for Brain Injury & Repair, Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Center for Neurotrauma, Neurodegeneration & Restoration, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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102
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Shor E, Merdler U, Brosh I, Shoham S, Levenberg S. Induced neuro-vascular interactions robustly enhance functional attributes of engineered neural implants. Biomaterials 2018; 180:1-11. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2018.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2018] [Revised: 06/23/2018] [Accepted: 07/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Joung D, Truong V, Neitzke CC, Guo SZ, Walsh PJ, Monat JR, Meng F, Park SH, Dutton JR, Parr AM, McAlpine MC. 3D Printed Stem-Cell Derived Neural Progenitors Generate Spinal Cord Scaffolds. ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS 2018; 28:1801850. [PMID: 32595422 PMCID: PMC7319181 DOI: 10.1002/adfm.201801850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2018] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
A bioengineered spinal cord is fabricated via extrusion-based multi-material 3D bioprinting, in which clusters of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived spinal neuronal progenitor cells (sNPCs) and oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) are placed in precise positions within 3D printed biocompatible scaffolds during assembly. The location of a cluster of cells, of a single type or multiple types, is controlled using a point-dispensing printing method with a 200 μm center-to-center spacing within 150 μm wide channels. The bioprinted sNPCs differentiate and extend axons throughout microscale scaffold channels, and the activity of these neuronal networks is confirmed by physiological spontaneous calcium flux studies. Successful bioprinting of OPCs in combination with sNPCs demonstrates a multicellular neural tissue engineering approach, where the ability to direct the patterning and combination of transplanted neuronal and glial cells can be beneficial in rebuilding functional axonal connections across areas of central nervous system (CNS) tissue damage. This platform can be used to prepare novel biomimetic, hydrogel-based scaffolds modeling complex CNS tissue architecture in vitro and harnessed to develop new clinical approaches to treat neurological diseases, including spinal cord injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daeha Joung
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, USA
| | - Vincent Truong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Colin C. Neitzke
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Shuang-Zhuang Guo
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, USA
| | - Patrick J. Walsh
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Joseph R. Monat
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, USA
| | - Fanben Meng
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, USA
| | - Sung Hyun Park
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, USA
| | - James R. Dutton
- Stem Cell Institute, Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Ann M. Parr
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Michael C. McAlpine
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, USA
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104
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Wevers NR, Kasi DG, Gray T, Wilschut KJ, Smith B, van Vught R, Shimizu F, Sano Y, Kanda T, Marsh G, Trietsch SJ, Vulto P, Lanz HL, Obermeier B. A perfused human blood-brain barrier on-a-chip for high-throughput assessment of barrier function and antibody transport. Fluids Barriers CNS 2018; 15:23. [PMID: 30165870 PMCID: PMC6117964 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-018-0108-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 191] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Receptor-mediated transcytosis is one of the major routes for drug delivery of large molecules into the brain. The aim of this study was to develop a novel model of the human blood–brain barrier (BBB) in a high-throughput microfluidic device. This model can be used to assess passage of large biopharmaceuticals, such as therapeutic antibodies, across the BBB. Methods The model comprises human cell lines of brain endothelial cells, astrocytes, and pericytes in a two-lane or three-lane microfluidic platform that harbors 96 or 40 chips, respectively, in a 384-well plate format. In each chip, a perfused vessel of brain endothelial cells was grown against an extracellular matrix gel, which was patterned by means of surface tension techniques. Astrocytes and pericytes were added on the other side of the gel to complete the BBB on-a-chip model. Barrier function of the model was studied using fluorescent barrier integrity assays. To test antibody transcytosis, the lumen of the model’s endothelial vessel was perfused with an anti-transferrin receptor antibody or with a control antibody. The levels of antibody that penetrated to the basal compartment were quantified using a mesoscale discovery assay. Results The perfused BBB on-a-chip model shows presence of adherens and tight junctions and severely limits the passage of a 20 kDa FITC-dextran dye. Penetration of the antibody targeting the human transferrin receptor (MEM-189) was markedly higher than penetration of the control antibody (apparent permeability of 2.9 × 10−5 versus 1.6 × 10−5 cm/min, respectively). Conclusions We demonstrate successful integration of a human BBB microfluidic model in a high-throughput plate-based format that can be used for drug screening purposes. This in vitro model shows sufficient barrier function to study the passage of large molecules and is sensitive to differences in antibody penetration, which could support discovery and engineering of BBB-shuttle technologies. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12987-018-0108-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nienke R Wevers
- Mimetas BV, J.H. Oortweg 19, 2333 CH, Leiden, The Netherlands. .,Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Einthovenweg 20, 2333 ZC, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Dhanesh G Kasi
- Mimetas BV, J.H. Oortweg 19, 2333 CH, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Taylor Gray
- Biogen, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | | | | | - Remko van Vught
- Mimetas BV, J.H. Oortweg 19, 2333 CH, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Fumitaka Shimizu
- Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Minamikogushi, Ube, Yamaguchi, 7558505, Japan
| | - Yasuteru Sano
- Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Minamikogushi, Ube, Yamaguchi, 7558505, Japan
| | - Takashi Kanda
- Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Minamikogushi, Ube, Yamaguchi, 7558505, Japan
| | - Graham Marsh
- Biogen, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | | | - Paul Vulto
- Mimetas BV, J.H. Oortweg 19, 2333 CH, Leiden, The Netherlands
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105
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Gonçalves-Pimentel C, Moreno GMM, Trindade BS, Isaac AR, Rodrigues CG, Savariradjane M, de Albuquerque AV, de Andrade Aguiar JL, Andrade-da-Costa BLDS. Cellulose exopolysaccharide from sugarcane molasses as a suitable substrate for 2D and 3D neuron and astrocyte primary cultures. JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE. MATERIALS IN MEDICINE 2018; 29:139. [PMID: 30120571 DOI: 10.1007/s10856-018-6147-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2018] [Accepted: 08/01/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Bacteria-synthesized polysaccharides have attracted interest for biomedical applications as promising biomaterials to be used as implants and scaffolds. The present study tested the hypothesis that cellulose exopolysaccharide (CEC) produced from sugarcane molasses of low cost and adequate purity would be suitable as a template for 2D and 3D neuron and/or astrocyte primary cultures, considering its low toxicity. CEC biocompatibility in these primary cultures was evaluated with respect to cell viability, adhesion, growth and cell function (calcium imaging). Polystyrene or Matrigel® matrix were used as comparative controls. We demonstrated that the properties of this CEC in the 2D or 3D configurations are suitable for differentiation of cortical astrocytes and neurons in single or mixed cultures. No toxicity was detected in neurons that showed NMDA-induced Ca2+ influx. Unlike other polysaccharides of bacterial synthesis, the CEC was efficient as a support even in the absence of surface conjugation with extracellular matrix proteins, maintaining physiological characteristics of cultured neural cells. These observations open up the perspective for development of a novel 3D biofunctional scaffold produced from bacterial cellulose and obtained from renewable sources whose residues are not pollutants. Its low cost and possibility to be manufactured in scale are also suitable for potential applications in regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catarina Gonçalves-Pimentel
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Farmacologia, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
- Champalimaud Research, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | - Bruna Soares Trindade
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Farmacologia, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
| | - Alinny Rosendo Isaac
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Farmacologia, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
| | - Claudio Gabriel Rodrigues
- Biofísica e Radiobiologia, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Mythili Savariradjane
- INSERM, UMR-839, Institut du Fer a Moulin, Université Pierre and Marie Curie, Paris VI, Paris, France
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106
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Ranjan VD, Qiu L, Tan EK, Zeng L, Zhang Y. Modelling Alzheimer's disease: Insights from in vivo to in vitro three-dimensional culture platforms. J Tissue Eng Regen Med 2018; 12:1944-1958. [PMID: 30011422 DOI: 10.1002/term.2728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2017] [Revised: 06/21/2018] [Accepted: 07/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia and is characterized by progressive memory loss, impairment of other cognitive functions, and inability to perform activities of daily life. The key to understanding AD aetiology lies in the development of effective disease models, which should ideally recapitulate all aspects pertaining to the disease. A plethora of techniques including in vivo, in vitro, and in silico platforms have been utilized in developing disease models of AD over the years. Each of these approaches has revealed certain essential characteristics of AD; however, none have managed to fully mimic the pathological hallmarks observed in the AD human brain. In this review, we will provide details into the genesis, evolution, and significance of the principal methods currently employed in modelling AD, the advantages and limitations faced in their application, including the headways made by each approach. This review will focus primarily on two-dimensional and three-dimensional in vitro modelling of AD, which during the last few years has made significant breakthroughs in the areas of AD pathology and therapeutic screening. In addition, a glimpse into state-of-the-art neural tissue engineering techniques incorporating biomaterials and microfluidics technologies is provided, which could pave the way for the development of more accurate and comprehensive AD models in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivek Damodar Ranjan
- NTU Institute for Health Technologies, Interdisciplinary Graduate School, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.,School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.,Neural Stem Cell Research Lab, Research Department, National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore
| | - Lifeng Qiu
- Neural Stem Cell Research Lab, Research Department, National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore
| | - Eng King Tan
- Department of Neurology, National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore.,Neuroscience and Behavioral Disorders Program, DUKE-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore
| | - Li Zeng
- Neural Stem Cell Research Lab, Research Department, National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore.,Neuroscience and Behavioral Disorders Program, DUKE-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore
| | - Yilei Zhang
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
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107
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Timmerman R, Burm SM, Bajramovic JJ. An Overview of in vitro Methods to Study Microglia. Front Cell Neurosci 2018; 12:242. [PMID: 30127723 PMCID: PMC6087748 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2018.00242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 07/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammation is a common feature in neurodegenerative diseases and strategies to modulate neuroinflammatory processes are increasingly considered as therapeutic options. In such strategies, glia cells rather than neurons represent the cellular targets. Microglia, the resident macrophages of the central nervous system, are principal players in neuroinflammation and detailed cellular biological knowledge of this particular cell type is therefore of pivotal importance. The last decade has shed new light on the origin, characteristics and functions of microglia, underlining the need for specific in vitro methodology to study these cells in detail. In this review we provide a comprehensive overview of existing methodology such as cell lines, stem cell-derived microglia and primary dissociated cell cultures, as well as discuss recent developments. As there is no in vitro method available yet that recapitulates all hallmarks of adult homeostatic microglia, we also discuss the advantages and limitations of existing models across different species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raissa Timmerman
- Alternatives Unit, Biomedical Primate Research Centre, Rijswijk, Netherlands
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108
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Chen S, Li R, Li X, Xie J. Electrospinning: An enabling nanotechnology platform for drug delivery and regenerative medicine. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2018; 132:188-213. [PMID: 29729295 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2018.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 201] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2018] [Revised: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 05/01/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Electrospinning provides an enabling nanotechnology platform for generating a rich variety of novel structured materials in many biomedical applications including drug delivery, biosensing, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine. In this review article, we begin with a thorough discussion on the method of producing 1D, 2D, and 3D electrospun nanofiber materials. In particular, we emphasize on how the 3D printing technology can contribute to the improvement of traditional electrospinning technology for the fabrication of 3D electrospun nanofiber materials as drug delivery devices/implants, scaffolds or living tissue constructs. We then highlight several notable examples of electrospun nanofiber materials in specific biomedical applications including cancer therapy, guiding cellular responses, engineering in vitro 3D tissue models, and tissue regeneration. Finally, we finish with conclusions and future perspectives of electrospun nanofiber materials for drug delivery and regenerative medicine.
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109
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Abstract
Distinct micro-environmental properties have been reported to be essential for maintenance of neural precursor cells (NPCs) within the adult brain. Due to high complexity and technical limitations, the natural niche can barely be studied systematically in vivo. By reconstituting selected environmental properties (adhesiveness, proteolytic degradability, and elasticity) in geldrop cultures, we show that NPCs can be maintained stably at high density over an extended period of time (up to 8 days). In both conventional systems, neurospheres and monolayer cultures, they would expand and (in the case of neurospheres) differentiate rapidly. Further, we report a critical dualism between matrix adhesiveness and degradability. Only if both features are functional NPCs stay proliferative. Lastly, Rho-associated protein kinase was identified as part of a pivotal intracellular signaling cascade controlling cell morphology in response to environmental cues inside geldrop cultures. Our findings demonstrate that simple manipulations of the microenvironment in vitro result in an important preservation of stemness features in the cultured precursor cells.
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110
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Centeno EGZ, Cimarosti H, Bithell A. 2D versus 3D human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cultures for neurodegenerative disease modelling. Mol Neurodegener 2018; 13:27. [PMID: 29788997 PMCID: PMC5964712 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-018-0258-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Huntington's disease (HD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), affect millions of people every year and so far, there are no therapeutic cures available. Even though animal and histological models have been of great aid in understanding disease mechanisms and identifying possible therapeutic strategies, in order to find disease-modifying solutions there is still a critical need for systems that can provide more predictive and physiologically relevant results. One possible avenue is the development of patient-derived models, e.g. by reprogramming patient somatic cells into human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), which can then be differentiated into any cell type for modelling. These systems contain key genetic information from the donors, and therefore have enormous potential as tools in the investigation of pathological mechanisms underlying disease phenotype, and progression, as well as in drug testing platforms. hiPSCs have been widely cultured in 2D systems, but in order to mimic human brain complexity, 3D models have been proposed as a more advanced alternative. This review will focus on the use of patient-derived hiPSCs to model AD, PD, HD and ALS. In brief, we will cover the available stem cells, types of 2D and 3D culture systems, existing models for neurodegenerative diseases, obstacles to model these diseases in vitro, and current perspectives in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduarda G Z Centeno
- Department of Biotechnology, Federal University of Pelotas, Campus Capão do Leão, Pelotas, RS, 96160-000, Brazil.,Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Campus Trindade, Florianópolis, SC, 88040-900, Brazil
| | - Helena Cimarosti
- Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Campus Trindade, Florianópolis, SC, 88040-900, Brazil.
| | - Angela Bithell
- School of Pharmacy, University of Reading, Whiteknights Campus, Reading, RG6 6UB, UK.
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111
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Aigner TB, DeSimone E, Scheibel T. Biomedical Applications of Recombinant Silk-Based Materials. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2018; 30:e1704636. [PMID: 29436028 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201704636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2017] [Revised: 10/26/2017] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Silk is mostly known as a luxurious textile, which originates from silkworms first cultivated in China. A deeper look into the variety of silk reveals that it can be used for much more, in nature and by humanity. For medical purposes, natural silks were recognized early as a potential biomaterial for surgical threads or wound dressings; however, as biomedical engineering advances, the demand for high-performance, naturally derived biomaterials becomes more pressing and stringent. A common problem of natural materials is their large batch-to-batch variation, the quantity available, their potentially high immunogenicity, and their fast biodegradation. Some of these common problems also apply to silk; therefore, recombinant approaches for producing silk proteins have been developed. There are several research groups which study and utilize various recombinantly produced silk proteins, and many of these have also investigated their products for biomedical applications. This review gives a critical overview over of the results for applications of recombinant silk proteins in biomedical engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elise DeSimone
- University Bayreuth, Lehrstuhl Biomaterialien, Universitätsstr. 30, 95447, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Thomas Scheibel
- Bayreuther Zentrum für Kolloide und Grenzflächen (BZKG), Bayreuther Zentrum für Bio-Makromoleküle (bio-mac), Bayreuther Zentrum für Molekulare Biowissenschaften (BZMB), Bayreuther Materialzentrum (BayMAT), Bayerisches Polymerinstitut (BPI), University Bayreuth, Universitätsstr. 30, 95447, Bayreuth, Germany
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112
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Pozhilenkova EA, Lopatina OL, Komleva YK, Salmin VV, Salmina AB. Blood-brain barrier-supported neurogenesis in healthy and diseased brain. Rev Neurosci 2018; 28:397-415. [PMID: 28195555 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2016-0071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2016] [Accepted: 12/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Adult neurogenesis is one of the most important mechanisms contributing to brain development, learning, and memory. Alterations in neurogenesis underlie a wide spectrum of brain diseases. Neurogenesis takes place in highly specialized neurogenic niches. The concept of neurogenic niches is becoming widely accepted due to growing evidence of the important role of the microenvironment established in the close vicinity to stem cells in order to provide adequate control of cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Neurogenic niches represent the platform for tight integration of neurogenesis and angiogenesis supported by specific properties of cerebral microvessel endothelial cells contributing to establishment of partially compromised blood-brain barrier (BBB) for the adjustment of local conditions to the current metabolic needs of stem and progenitor cells. Here, we review up-to-date data on microvascular dynamics in activity-dependent neurogenesis, specific properties of BBB in neurogenic niches, endothelial-driven mechanisms of clonogenic activity, and future perspectives for reconstructing the neurogenic niches in vitro.
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113
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Löwa A, Jevtić M, Gorreja F, Hedtrich S. Alternatives to animal testing in basic and preclinical research of atopic dermatitis. Exp Dermatol 2018; 27:476-483. [PMID: 29356091 DOI: 10.1111/exd.13498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease of increasing prevalence, especially in industrialized countries. Roughly 25% of the children and 1%-3% of adults are affected. Although significant progress has been made in the understanding of the pathogenesis of AD, many aspects remain poorly understood. Moreover, there is a pressing need for improved therapeutic options. Studies to elucidate the pathophysiological pathways of AD and to identify novel therapeutic targets over the last few decades have been conducted almost exclusively in animal models. However, in vitro approaches such as 3D skin disease models have recently emerged due to an increasing awareness of distinct interspecies-related differences that hamper the effective translation of results from animal models to humans. In addition, there is growing political and social pressure to develop alternatives to animal models according to the 3Rs principle (reduction, refinement and replacement of animal models).
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Löwa
- Institute for Pharmacy, Pharmacology & Toxicology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Marijana Jevtić
- Institute for Pharmacy, Pharmacology & Toxicology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Frida Gorreja
- Örebro University, School of Health and Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Orebro, Sweden
| | - Sarah Hedtrich
- Institute for Pharmacy, Pharmacology & Toxicology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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114
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Tanaka A, Fujii Y, Kasai N, Okajima T, Nakashima H. Regulation of neuritogenesis in hippocampal neurons using stiffness of extracellular microenvironment. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0191928. [PMID: 29408940 PMCID: PMC5800654 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0191928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2017] [Accepted: 01/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanosensitivity of neurons in the central nervous system (CNS) is an interesting issue as regards understanding neuronal development and designing compliant materials as neural interfaces between neurons and external devices for treating CNS injuries and disorders. Although neurite initiation from a cell body is known to be the first step towards forming a functional nervous network during development or regeneration, less is known about how the mechanical properties of the extracellular microenvironment affect neuritogenesis. Here, we investigated the filamentous actin (F-actin) cytoskeletal structures of neurons, which are a key factor in neuritogenesis, on gel substrates with a stiffness-controlled substrate, to reveal the relationship between substrate stiffness and neuritogenesis. We found that neuritogenesis was significantly suppressed on a gel substrate with an elastic modulus higher than the stiffness of in vivo brain. Fluorescent images of the F-actin cytoskeletal structures showed that the F-actin organization depended on the substrate stiffness. Circumferential actin meshworks and arcs were formed at the edge of the cell body on the stiff gel substrates unlike with soft substrates. The suppression of F-actin cytoskeleton formation improved neuritogenesis. The results indicate that the organization of neuronal F-actin cytoskeletons is strongly regulated by the mechanical properties of the surrounding environment, and the mechanically-induced F-actin cytoskeletons regulate neuritogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aya Tanaka
- NTT Basic Research Laboratories NTT Corporation, Atsugi, Kanagawa, Japan
- * E-mail:
| | - Yuki Fujii
- Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Nahoko Kasai
- NTT Basic Research Laboratories NTT Corporation, Atsugi, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Takaharu Okajima
- Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Nakashima
- NTT Basic Research Laboratories NTT Corporation, Atsugi, Kanagawa, Japan
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115
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Sharif R, Priyadarsini S, Rowsey TG, Ma JX, Karamichos D. Corneal Tissue Engineering: An In Vitro Model of the Stromal-nerve Interactions of the Human Cornea. J Vis Exp 2018. [PMID: 29443018 DOI: 10.3791/56308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Tissue engineering has gained substantial recognition due to the high demand for human cornea replacements with an estimated 10 million people worldwide suffering from corneal vision loss1. To address the demand for viable human corneas, significant progress in three-dimensional (3D) tissue engineering has been made2,3,4. These cornea models range from simple monolayer systems to multilayered models, leading to 3D full-thickness corneal equivalents2. However, the use of a 3D tissue-engineered cornea in the context of in vitro disease models studied to date lacks resemblance to the multilayered 3D corneal tissue structure, function, and the networking of different cell types (i.e., nerve, epithelium, stroma, and endothelium)2,3. In addition, the demand for in vitro cornea tissue models has increased in an attempt to reduce animal testing for pharmaceutical products. Thus, more sophisticated models are required to better match systems to human physiological requirements, and the development of a model that is more relevant to the patient population is absolutely necessary. Given that multiple cell types in the cornea are affected by diseases and dystrophies, such as Keratoconus, Diabetic Keratopathy, and Fuchs, this model includes a 3D co-culture model of primary human corneal fibroblasts (HCFs) from healthy donors and neurons from the SH-SY5Y cell line. This allows us for the first time to investigate the interactions between the two cell types within the human corneal tissue. We believe that this model could potentially dissect the underlying mechanisms associated with the stromal-nerve interactions of corneal diseases that exhibit nerve damages. This 3D model mirrors the basic anatomical and physiological nature of the corneal tissue in vivo and can be used in the future as a tool for investigating corneal defects as well as screening the efficacy of various agents before animal testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rabab Sharif
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
| | - Shrestha Priyadarsini
- Department of Ophthalmology/Dean McGee Eye Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
| | - Tyler G Rowsey
- Department of Ophthalmology/Dean McGee Eye Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
| | - Jian-Xing Ma
- Department of Physiology, Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
| | - Dimitrios Karamichos
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center; Department of Ophthalmology/Dean McGee Eye Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center;
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116
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Mahumane GD, Kumar P, du Toit LC, Choonara YE, Pillay V. 3D scaffolds for brain tissue regeneration: architectural challenges. Biomater Sci 2018; 6:2812-2837. [DOI: 10.1039/c8bm00422f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Critical analysis of experimental studies on 3D scaffolds for brain tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gillian Dumsile Mahumane
- Wits Advanced Drug Delivery Platform Research Unit
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology
- School of Therapeutic Science
- Faculty of Health Sciences
- University of the Witwatersrand
| | - Pradeep Kumar
- Wits Advanced Drug Delivery Platform Research Unit
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology
- School of Therapeutic Science
- Faculty of Health Sciences
- University of the Witwatersrand
| | - Lisa Claire du Toit
- Wits Advanced Drug Delivery Platform Research Unit
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology
- School of Therapeutic Science
- Faculty of Health Sciences
- University of the Witwatersrand
| | - Yahya Essop Choonara
- Wits Advanced Drug Delivery Platform Research Unit
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology
- School of Therapeutic Science
- Faculty of Health Sciences
- University of the Witwatersrand
| | - Viness Pillay
- Wits Advanced Drug Delivery Platform Research Unit
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology
- School of Therapeutic Science
- Faculty of Health Sciences
- University of the Witwatersrand
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117
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Jorfi M, D'Avanzo C, Kim DY, Irimia D. Three-Dimensional Models of the Human Brain Development and Diseases. Adv Healthc Mater 2018; 7:10.1002/adhm.201700723. [PMID: 28845922 PMCID: PMC5762251 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201700723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2017] [Revised: 06/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Deciphering the human brain pathophysiology remains one of the greatest challenges of the 21st century. Neurological disorders represent a significant proportion of diseases burden; however, the complexity of the brain physiology makes it challenging to model its diseases. Simple in vitro models have been very useful for precise measurements in controled conditions. However, existing models are limited in their ability to replicate complex interactions between various cells in the brain. Studying human brain requires sophisticated models to reconstitute the tangled architecture and functions of brain cells. Recently, advances in the development of three-dimensional (3D) brain cell culture models have begun to recapitulate various aspects of the human brain physiology in vitro and replicate basic disease processes of Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and microcephaly. In this review, we discuss the progress, advantages, limitations, and future directions of 3D cell culture systems for modeling the human brain development and diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Jorfi
- Center for Engineering in Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts, 02129, USA
| | - Carla D'Avanzo
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts, 02129, USA
| | - Doo Yeon Kim
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts, 02129, USA
| | - Daniel Irimia
- Center for Engineering in Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts, 02129, USA
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118
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Koss KM, Churchward MA, Jeffery AF, Mushahwar VK, Elias AL, Todd KG. Improved 3D Hydrogel Cultures of Primary Glial Cells for In Vitro Modelling of Neuroinflammation. J Vis Exp 2017. [PMID: 29286415 DOI: 10.3791/56615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In the central nervous system, numerous acute injuries and neurodegenerative disorders, as well as implanted devices or biomaterials engineered to enhance function result in the same outcome: excess inflammation leads to gliosis, cytotoxicity, and/or formation of a glial scar that collectively exacerbate injury or prevent healthy recovery. With the intent of creating a system to model glial scar formation and study inflammatory processes, we have generated a 3D cell scaffold capable of housing primary cultured glial cells: microglia that regulate the foreign body response and initiate the inflammatory event, astrocytes that respond to form a fibrous scar, and oligodendrocytes that are typically vulnerable to inflammatory injury. The present work provides a detailed step-by-step method for the fabrication, culture, and microscopic characterization of a hyaluronic acid-based 3D hydrogel scaffold with encapsulated rat brain-derived glial cells. Further, protocols for characterization of cell encapsulation and the hydrogel scaffold by confocal immunofluorescence and scanning electron microscopy are demonstrated, as well as the capacity to modify the scaffold with bioactive substrates, with incorporation of a commercial basal lamina mixture to improved cell integration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle M Koss
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta; Alberta Innovates-Health Solutions Interdisciplinary Team in Smart Neural Prostheses (Project SMART), University of Alberta
| | - Matthew A Churchward
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta; Alberta Innovates-Health Solutions Interdisciplinary Team in Smart Neural Prostheses (Project SMART), University of Alberta
| | - Andrea F Jeffery
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta; Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Alberta
| | - Vivian K Mushahwar
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta; Alberta Innovates-Health Solutions Interdisciplinary Team in Smart Neural Prostheses (Project SMART), University of Alberta; Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Alberta
| | - Anastasia L Elias
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Alberta
| | - Kathryn G Todd
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta; Alberta Innovates-Health Solutions Interdisciplinary Team in Smart Neural Prostheses (Project SMART), University of Alberta; Centre for Neuroscience, University of Alberta;
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119
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Thomas M, Willerth SM. 3-D Bioprinting of Neural Tissue for Applications in Cell Therapy and Drug Screening. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2017; 5:69. [PMID: 29204424 PMCID: PMC5698280 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2017.00069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2017] [Accepted: 10/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases affect millions of individuals in North America and cost the health-care industry billions of dollars for treatment. Current treatment options for degenerative diseases focus on physical rehabilitation or drug therapies, which temporarily mask the effects of cell damage, but quickly lose their efficacy. Cell therapies for the central nervous system remain an untapped market due to the complexity involved in growing neural tissues, controlling their differentiation, and protecting them from the hostile environment they meet upon implantation. Designing tissue constructs for the discovery of better drug treatments are also limited due to the resolution needed for an accurate cellular representation of the brain, in addition to being expensive and difficult to translate to biocompatible materials. 3-D printing offers a streamlined solution for engineering brain tissue for drug discovery or, in the future, for implantation. New microfluidic and bioplotting devices offer increased resolution, little impact on cell viability and have been tested with several bioink materials including fibrin, collagen, hyaluronic acid, poly(caprolactone), and poly(ethylene glycol). This review details current efforts at bioprinting neural tissue and highlights promising avenues for future work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela Thomas
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Stephanie M. Willerth
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
- Centre for Biomedical Research, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), Vancouver, BC, Canada
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120
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Zhuang P, Sun AX, An J, Chua CK, Chew SY. 3D neural tissue models: From spheroids to bioprinting. Biomaterials 2017; 154:113-133. [PMID: 29120815 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2017.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 161] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2017] [Revised: 09/14/2017] [Accepted: 10/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) in vitro neural tissue models provide a better recapitulation of in vivo cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix interactions than conventional two-dimensional (2D) cultures. Therefore, the former is believed to have great potential for both mechanistic and translational studies. In this paper, we review the recent developments in 3D in vitro neural tissue models, with a particular focus on the emerging bioprinted tissue structures. We draw on specific examples to describe the merits and limitations of each model, in terms of different applications. Bioprinting offers a revolutionary approach for constructing repeatable and controllable 3D in vitro neural tissues with diverse cell types, complex microscale features and tissue level responses. Further advances in bioprinting research would likely consolidate existing models and generate complex neural tissue structures bearing higher fidelity, which is ultimately useful for probing disease-specific mechanisms, facilitating development of novel therapeutics and promoting neural regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Zhuang
- Singapore Centre for 3D Printing, School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.
| | - Alfred Xuyang Sun
- Department of Neurology, National Neuroscience Institute, 20 College Road, Singapore 169856, Singapore; Genome Institute of Singapore, 60 Biopolis Street, Singapore 138672, Singapore.
| | - Jia An
- Singapore Centre for 3D Printing, School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.
| | - Chee Kai Chua
- Singapore Centre for 3D Printing, School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.
| | - Sing Yian Chew
- School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637459, Singapore; Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 308232, Singapore.
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121
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Jiang X, Andjelkovic AV, Zhu L, Yang T, Bennett MVL, Chen J, Keep RF, Shi Y. Blood-brain barrier dysfunction and recovery after ischemic stroke. Prog Neurobiol 2017; 163-164:144-171. [PMID: 28987927 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2017.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 545] [Impact Index Per Article: 77.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2016] [Revised: 05/30/2017] [Accepted: 10/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) plays a vital role in regulating the trafficking of fluid, solutes and cells at the blood-brain interface and maintaining the homeostatic microenvironment of the CNS. Under pathological conditions, such as ischemic stroke, the BBB can be disrupted, followed by the extravasation of blood components into the brain and compromise of normal neuronal function. This article reviews recent advances in our knowledge of the mechanisms underlying BBB dysfunction and recovery after ischemic stroke. CNS cells in the neurovascular unit, as well as blood-borne peripheral cells constantly modulate the BBB and influence its breakdown and repair after ischemic stroke. The involvement of stroke risk factors and comorbid conditions further complicate the pathogenesis of neurovascular injury by predisposing the BBB to anatomical and functional changes that can exacerbate BBB dysfunction. Emphasis is also given to the process of long-term structural and functional restoration of the BBB after ischemic injury. With the development of novel research tools, future research on the BBB is likely to reveal promising potential therapeutic targets for protecting the BBB and improving patient outcome after ischemic stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Jiang
- Pittsburgh Institute of Brain Disorders & Recovery and Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Institute of Brain Sciences and Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | | | - Ling Zhu
- Pittsburgh Institute of Brain Disorders & Recovery and Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Tuo Yang
- Pittsburgh Institute of Brain Disorders & Recovery and Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Michael V L Bennett
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Institute of Brain Sciences and Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Jun Chen
- Pittsburgh Institute of Brain Disorders & Recovery and Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Institute of Brain Sciences and Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Richard F Keep
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
| | - Yejie Shi
- Pittsburgh Institute of Brain Disorders & Recovery and Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
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122
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Sun BL, Wang LH, Yang T, Sun JY, Mao LL, Yang MF, Yuan H, Colvin RA, Yang XY. Lymphatic drainage system of the brain: A novel target for intervention of neurological diseases. Prog Neurobiol 2017; 163-164:118-143. [PMID: 28903061 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2017.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2017] [Revised: 08/11/2017] [Accepted: 08/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The belief that the vertebrate brain functions normally without classical lymphatic drainage vessels has been held for many decades. On the contrary, new findings show that functional lymphatic drainage does exist in the brain. The brain lymphatic drainage system is composed of basement membrane-based perivascular pathway, a brain-wide glymphatic pathway, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage routes including sinus-associated meningeal lymphatic vessels and olfactory/cervical lymphatic routes. The brain lymphatic systems function physiological as a route of drainage for interstitial fluid (ISF) from brain parenchyma to nearby lymph nodes. Brain lymphatic drainage helps maintain water and ion balance of the ISF, waste clearance, and reabsorption of macromolecular solutes. A second physiological function includes communication with the immune system modulating immune surveillance and responses of the brain. These physiological functions are influenced by aging, genetic phenotypes, sleep-wake cycle, and body posture. The impairment and dysfunction of the brain lymphatic system has crucial roles in age-related changes of brain function and the pathogenesis of neurovascular, neurodegenerative, and neuroinflammatory diseases, as well as brain injury and tumors. In this review, we summarize the key component elements (regions, cells, and water transporters) of the brain lymphatic system and their regulators as potential therapeutic targets in the treatment of neurologic diseases and their resulting complications. Finally, we highlight the clinical importance of ependymal route-based targeted gene therapy and intranasal drug administration in the brain by taking advantage of the unique role played by brain lymphatic pathways in the regulation of CSF flow and ISF/CSF exchange.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bao-Liang Sun
- Key Laboratory of Cerebral Microcirculation in Universities of Shandong (Taishan Medical University), Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Taishan Medical University, Tai'an, Shandong 271000, China.
| | - Li-Hua Wang
- Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261031, China
| | - Tuo Yang
- Center of Cerebrovascular Disease Research, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Jing-Yi Sun
- Wonju Severance Christian Hospital, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Gangwon 220-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Lei-Lei Mao
- Key Laboratory of Cerebral Microcirculation in Universities of Shandong (Taishan Medical University), Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Taishan Medical University, Tai'an, Shandong 271000, China
| | - Ming-Feng Yang
- Key Laboratory of Cerebral Microcirculation in Universities of Shandong (Taishan Medical University), Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Taishan Medical University, Tai'an, Shandong 271000, China
| | - Hui Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Cerebral Microcirculation in Universities of Shandong (Taishan Medical University), Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Taishan Medical University, Tai'an, Shandong 271000, China
| | - Robert A Colvin
- Department of Biological Sciences, Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Molecular and Cellular Biology, Neuroscience Program, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701, USA
| | - Xiao-Yi Yang
- Key Laboratory of Cerebral Microcirculation in Universities of Shandong (Taishan Medical University), Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Taishan Medical University, Tai'an, Shandong 271000, China.
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123
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Lauschke K, Frederiksen L, Hall VJ. Paving the Way Toward Complex Blood-Brain Barrier Models Using Pluripotent Stem Cells. Stem Cells Dev 2017; 26:857-874. [PMID: 28398169 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2017.0003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
A tissue with great need to be modeled in vitro is the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The BBB is a tight barrier that covers all blood vessels in the brain and separates the brain microenvironment from the blood system. It consists of three cell types [neurovascular unit (NVU)] that contribute to the unique tightness and selective permeability of the BBB and has been shown to be disrupted in many diseases and brain disorders, such as vascular dementia, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and Alzheimer's disease. Given the progress that pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) have made in the past two decades, it is now possible to produce many cell types from the BBB and even partially recapitulate this complex tissue in vitro. In this review, we summarize the most recent developments in PSC differentiation and modeling of the BBB. We also suggest how patient-specific human-induced PSCs could be used to model BBB dysfunction in the future. Lastly, we provide perspectives on how to improve production of the BBB in vitro, for example by improving pericyte differentiation protocols and by better modeling the NVU in the dish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Lauschke
- 1 National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark , Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
- 2 Department of Micro- and Nanotechnology, Technical University of Denmark , Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Lise Frederiksen
- 3 Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen , København N, Denmark
| | - Vanessa Jane Hall
- 4 Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen , Frederiksberg C, Denmark
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124
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Ravi M, Ramesh A, Pattabhi A. Contributions of 3D Cell Cultures for Cancer Research. J Cell Physiol 2017; 232:2679-2697. [PMID: 27791270 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.25664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2016] [Accepted: 10/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Cancer cell lines have contributed immensely in understanding the complex physiology of cancers. They are excellent material for studies as they offer homogenous samples without individual variations and can be utilised with ease and flexibility. Also, the number of assays and end-points one can study is almost limitless; with the advantage of improvising, modifying or altering several variables and methods. Literally, a new dimension to cancer research has been achieved by the advent of 3Dimensional (3D) cell culture techniques. This approach increased many folds the ways in which cancer cell lines can be utilised for understanding complex cancer biology. 3D cell culture techniques are now the preferred way of using cancer cell lines to bridge the gap between the 'absolute in vitro' and 'true in vivo'. The aspects of cancer biology that 3D cell culture systems have contributed include morphology, microenvironment, gene and protein expression, invasion/migration/metastasis, angiogenesis, tumour metabolism and drug discovery, testing chemotherapeutic agents, adaptive responses and cancer stem cells. We present here, a comprehensive review on the applications of 3D cell culture systems for these aspects of cancers. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 2679-2697, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maddaly Ravi
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Technology and Research, Department of Human Genetics, Sri Ramachandra University, Porur, Chennai, India
| | - Aarthi Ramesh
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Technology and Research, Department of Human Genetics, Sri Ramachandra University, Porur, Chennai, India
| | - Aishwarya Pattabhi
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Technology and Research, Department of Human Genetics, Sri Ramachandra University, Porur, Chennai, India
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125
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O'Rourke C, Lee-Reeves C, Drake RA, Cameron GW, Loughlin AJ, Phillips JB. Adapting tissue-engineered in vitro CNS models for high-throughput study of neurodegeneration. J Tissue Eng 2017; 8:2041731417697920. [PMID: 28507726 PMCID: PMC5415290 DOI: 10.1177/2041731417697920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2017] [Accepted: 02/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative conditions remain difficult to treat, with the continuing failure to see therapeutic research successfully advance to clinical trials. One of the obstacles that must be overcome is to develop enhanced models of disease. Tissue engineering techniques enable us to create organised artificial central nervous system tissue that has the potential to improve the drug development process. This study presents a replicable model of neurodegenerative pathology through the use of engineered neural tissue co-cultures that can incorporate cells from various sources and allow degeneration and protection of neurons to be observed easily and measured, following exposure to neurotoxic compounds – okadaic acid and 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium. Furthermore, the technology has been miniaturised through development of a mould with 6 mm length that recreates the advantageous features of engineered neural tissue co-cultures at a scale suitable for commercial research and development. Integration of human-derived induced pluripotent stem cells aids more accurate modelling of human diseases, creating new possibilities for engineered neural tissue co-cultures and their use in drug screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitriona O'Rourke
- Department of Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, UCL Eastman Dental Institute, University College London, London, UK.,Department of Life, Health and Chemical Sciences, The Open University, Milton Keynes, UK
| | - Charlotte Lee-Reeves
- Department of Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, UCL Eastman Dental Institute, University College London, London, UK
| | | | | | - A Jane Loughlin
- Department of Life, Health and Chemical Sciences, The Open University, Milton Keynes, UK
| | - James B Phillips
- Department of Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, UCL Eastman Dental Institute, University College London, London, UK
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126
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Spencer KC, Sy JC, Falcón-Banchs R, Cima MJ. A three dimensional in vitro glial scar model to investigate the local strain effects from micromotion around neural implants. LAB ON A CHIP 2017; 17:795-804. [PMID: 28119969 PMCID: PMC5389738 DOI: 10.1039/c6lc01411a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Glial scar formation remains a significant barrier to the long term success of neural probes. Micromotion coupled with mechanical mismatch between the probe and tissue is believed to be a key driver of the inflammatory response. In vitro glial scar models present an intermediate step prior to conventional in vivo histology experiments as they enable cell-device interactions to be tested on a shorter timescale, with the ability to conduct broader biochemical assays. No established in vitro models have incorporated methods to assess device performance with respect to mechanical factors. In this study, we describe an in vitro glial scar model that combines high-precision linear actuators to simulate axial micromotion around neural implants with a 3D primary neural cell culture in a collagen gel. Strain field measurements were conducted to visualize the local displacement within the gel in response to micromotion. Primary brain cell cultures were found to be mechanically responsive to micromotion after one week in culture. Astrocytes, as determined by immunohistochemical staining, were found to have significantly increased in cell areas and perimeters in response to micromotion compared to static control wells. These results demonstrate the importance of micromotion when considering the chronic response to neural implants. Going forward, this model provides advantages over existing in vitro models as it will enable critical mechanical design factors of neural implants to be evaluated prior to in vivo testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin C Spencer
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
| | - Jay C Sy
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA and Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Roberto Falcón-Banchs
- University of California, Berkeley and University of California, San Francisco Graduate Program in Bioengineering, USA
| | - Michael J Cima
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA. and Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
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127
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128
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Watson PMD, Kavanagh E, Allenby G, Vassey M. Bioengineered 3D Glial Cell Culture Systems and Applications for Neurodegeneration and Neuroinflammation. SLAS DISCOVERY 2017; 22:583-601. [PMID: 28346104 DOI: 10.1177/2472555217691450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation are key features in a range of chronic central nervous system (CNS) diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, as well as acute conditions like stroke and traumatic brain injury, for which there remains significant unmet clinical need. It is now well recognized that current cell culture methodologies are limited in their ability to recapitulate the cellular environment that is present in vivo, and there is a growing body of evidence to show that three-dimensional (3D) culture systems represent a more physiologically accurate model than traditional two-dimensional (2D) cultures. Given the complexity of the environment from which cells originate, and their various cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions, it is important to develop models that can be controlled and reproducible for drug discovery. 3D cell models have now been developed for almost all CNS cell types, including neurons, astrocytes, microglia, and oligodendrocyte cells. This review will highlight a number of current and emerging techniques for the culture of astrocytes and microglia, glial cell types with a critical role in neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory conditions. We describe recent advances in glial cell culture using electrospun polymers and hydrogel macromolecules, and highlight how these novel culture environments influence astrocyte and microglial phenotypes in vitro, as compared to traditional 2D systems. These models will be explored to illuminate current trends in the techniques used to create 3D environments for application in research and drug discovery focused on astrocytes and microglial cells.
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129
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Anisotropically organized three-dimensional culture platform for reconstruction of a hippocampal neural network. Nat Commun 2017; 8:14346. [PMID: 28146148 PMCID: PMC5296669 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms14346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2016] [Accepted: 12/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In native tissues, cellular and acellular components are anisotropically organized and often aligned in specific directions, providing structural and mechanical properties for actuating biological functions. Thus, engineering alignment not only allows for emulation of native tissue structures but might also enable implementation of specific functionalities. However, achieving desired alignment is challenging, especially in three-dimensional constructs. By exploiting the elastomeric property of polydimethylsiloxane and fibrillogenesis kinetics of collagen, here we introduce a simple yet effective method to assemble and align fibrous structures in a multi-modular three-dimensional conglomerate. Applying this method, we have reconstructed the CA3–CA1 hippocampal neural circuit three-dimensionally in a monolithic gel, in which CA3 neurons extend parallel axons to and synapse with CA1 neurons. Furthermore, we show that alignment of the fibrous scaffold facilitates the establishment of functional connectivity. This method can be applied for reconstructing other neural circuits or tissue units where anisotropic organization in a multi-modular structure is desired. Alignment or anisotropic organisation within and between cells enables biological function but is challenging to engineer. Here, the authors align collagen fibres in a pre-strained polydimethylsiloxane mould to generate a 3D scaffold that guides hippocampal neuron axon growth to form CA3–CA1 neural circuits.
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130
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Terrasso AP, Silva AC, Filipe A, Pedroso P, Ferreira AL, Alves PM, Brito C. Human neuron-astrocyte 3D co-culture-based assay for evaluation of neuroprotective compounds. J Pharmacol Toxicol Methods 2017; 83:72-79. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vascn.2016.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2016] [Revised: 09/27/2016] [Accepted: 10/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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131
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Priyadarsini S, Nicholas SE, Karamichos D. 3D Stacked Construct: A Novel Substitute for Corneal Tissue Engineering. Methods Mol Biol 2017; 1697:173-180. [PMID: 28451994 DOI: 10.1007/7651_2017_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Corneal trauma/injury often results in serious complications including permanent vision loss or loss of visual acuity which demands corneal transplantations or treatment with allogenic graft tissues. There is currently a huge shortage of donor tissue worldwide and the need for human corneal equivalents increases annually. In order to meet such demand the current clinical approach of treating corneal injuries is limited and involves synthetic and allogenic materials which have various shortcomings when it comes to actual transplantations. In this study we introduce the newly developed, next generation of our previously established 3D self-assembled constructs, where multiple constructs are grown and stacked on top of each other without any other artificial product. This new technology brings our 3D in vitro model closer to what is seen in vivo and provides a solid foundation for future studies on corneal biology.Lipids are known for playing a vital role during metabolism and diseased state of various tissues and Sphingolipids are one such class of lipids which are involved in various cellular mechanisms and signaling processes. The impacts of Sphingolipids that have been documented in several human diseases often involve inflammation, neovascularization, tumorigenesis, and diabetes, but these conditions are not yet thoroughly studied. There is very little information about the exact role of Sphingolipids in the human cornea and future studies aiming at dissecting the mechanisms and pathways involved in order to develop novel therapies. We believe that our novel 3D stacked model can be used to delineate the role of Sphingolipids in the human cornea and provide new insights for understanding and treating various human corneal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shrestha Priyadarsini
- Department of Ophthalmology/Dean McGee Eye Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - Sarah E Nicholas
- Department of Ophthalmology/Dean McGee Eye Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - Dimitrios Karamichos
- Department of Ophthalmology/Dean McGee Eye Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA.
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132
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Vagaska B, Ferretti P. Toward modeling the human nervous system in a dish: recent progress and outstanding challenges. Regen Med 2016; 12:15-23. [PMID: 27900887 DOI: 10.2217/rme-2016-0106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Studying the cellular and molecular bases governing development, and normal and abnormal functions of the human CNS is hampered by its complexity and the very limited possibility of experimentally manipulating it in vivo. Development of 3D, tissue-like culture systems offers much promise for boosting our understanding of human neural development, birth defects, neurodegenerative diseases and neural injury, and for providing platforms that will more accurately predict efficacy of putative therapeutic compounds and assess responses to potentially neurotoxic agents. Although novel technological developments and a more interdisciplinary approach to modeling the human CNS are accelerating the pace of discovery, increasing the complexity of in vitro systems increases the ordeals to be overcome to establish highly reproducible models amenable to quantitative analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbora Vagaska
- Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine Section, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Patrizia Ferretti
- Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine Section, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH, UK
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133
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Sallouh M, Jarocki M, Sallouh O, Degen P, Faissner A, Weberskirch R. The Synergistic Effect of Cationic Moieties and GRGDSF-Peptides in Hydrogels on Neural Stem Cell Behavior. Macromol Biosci 2016; 17. [DOI: 10.1002/mabi.201600178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2016] [Revised: 08/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Sallouh
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Biology; Otto-Hahn Str. 6, TU Dortmund 44227 Dortmund Germany
| | - Marvin Jarocki
- Department of Cell Morphology and Molecular Neurobiology; Ruhr-University Bochum; 44801 Bochum Germany
| | - Omar Sallouh
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Biology; Otto-Hahn Str. 6, TU Dortmund 44227 Dortmund Germany
| | - Patrick Degen
- Dortmunder Elektronenspeicherringanlage (DELTA); Maria-Goeppert-Meyer Str. 2, TU Dortmund 44227 Dortmund Germany
| | - Andreas Faissner
- Department of Cell Morphology and Molecular Neurobiology; Ruhr-University Bochum; 44801 Bochum Germany
| | - Ralf Weberskirch
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Biology; Otto-Hahn Str. 6, TU Dortmund 44227 Dortmund Germany
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134
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Teixeira FG, Vasconcelos NL, Gomes ED, Marques F, Sousa JC, Sousa N, Silva NA, Assunção-Silva R, Lima R, Salgado AJ. Bioengineered cell culture systems of central nervous system injury and disease. Drug Discov Today 2016; 21:1456-1463. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2016.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2016] [Revised: 04/02/2016] [Accepted: 04/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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135
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Immortalized endothelial cell lines for in vitro blood–brain barrier models: A systematic review. Brain Res 2016; 1642:532-545. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2016.04.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2016] [Revised: 04/05/2016] [Accepted: 04/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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136
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Abstract
Salivary gland bioengineering requires understanding the interaction between salivary epithelium and surrounding tissues. An important component of salivary glands is the presence of neurons. No previous studies have investigated how neurons and salivary epithelial cells interact in an in vitro co-culture model. In this study, we describe the self-organization of neurons around salivary epithelial cells in co-culture, in a similar fashion to what occurs in native tissue. We cultured primary mouse cortical neurons (m-CN) with a salivary epithelial cell line (Par-C10) on growth factor-reduced Matrigel (GFR-MG) for 4 days. After this time, co-cultures were compared with native salivary glands using confocal microscopy. Our findings indicate that m-CN were able to self-organize basolaterally to salivary epithelial cell clusters in a similar manner to what occurs in native tissue. These results indicate that this model can be developed as a potential platform for studying neuron-salivary epithelial cell interactions for bioengineering purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salah Sommakia
- School of Dentistry, the University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Olga J Baker
- School of Dentistry, the University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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137
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Li C, Chaung W, Mozayan C, Chabra R, Wang P, Narayan RK. A New Approach for On-Demand Generation of Various Oxygen Tensions for In Vitro Hypoxia Models. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0155921. [PMID: 27219067 PMCID: PMC4878792 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0155921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2016] [Accepted: 05/06/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of in vitro disease models closely mimicking the functions of human disease has captured increasing attention in recent years. Oxygen tensions and gradients play essential roles in modulating biological systems in both physiologic and pathologic events. Thus, controlling oxygen tension is critical for mimicking physiologically relevant in vivo environments for cell, tissue and organ research. We present a new approach for on-demand generation of various oxygen tensions for in vitro hypoxia models. Proof-of-concept prototypes have been developed for conventional cell culture microplate by immobilizing a novel oxygen-consuming biomaterial on the 3D-printed insert. For the first time, rapid (~3.8 minutes to reach 0.5% O2 from 20.9% O2) and precisely controlled oxygen tensions/gradients (2.68 mmHg per 50 μm distance) were generated by exposing the biocompatible biomaterial to the different depth of cell culture media. In addition, changing the position of 3D-printed inserts with immobilized biomaterials relative to the cultured cells resulted in controllable and rapid changes in oxygen tensions (<130 seconds). Compared to the current technologies, our approach allows enhanced spatiotemporal resolution and accuracy of the oxygen tensions. Additionally, it does not interfere with the testing environment while maintaining ease of use. The elegance of oxygen tension manipulation introduced by our new approach will drastically improve control and lower the technological barrier of entry for hypoxia studies. Since the biomaterials can be immobilized in any devices, including microfluidic devices and 3D-printed tissues or organs, it will serve as the basis for a new generation of experimental models previously impossible or very difficult to implement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyan Li
- Cushing Neuromonitoring Laboratory, The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Manhasset, New York, United States of America
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hofstra Northwell School of Medicine, Manhasset, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Wayne Chaung
- Center for Translational Research, The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Manhasset, New York, United States of America
| | - Cameron Mozayan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hofstra Northwell School of Medicine, Manhasset, New York, United States of America
| | - Ranjeev Chabra
- Cushing Neuromonitoring Laboratory, The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Manhasset, New York, United States of America
| | - Ping Wang
- Center for Translational Research, The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Manhasset, New York, United States of America
| | - Raj K. Narayan
- Cushing Neuromonitoring Laboratory, The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Manhasset, New York, United States of America
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hofstra Northwell School of Medicine, Manhasset, New York, United States of America
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138
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Abstract
Diabetic neuropathy is a common secondary complication of diabetes that impacts on patient's health and well-being. Distal axon degeneration is a key feature of diabetic neuropathy, but the pathological changes which underlie axonal die-back are incompletely understood; despite decades of research a treatment has not yet been identified. Basic research must focus on understanding the complex mechanisms underlying changes that occur in the nervous system during diabetes. To this end, tissue culture techniques are invaluable as they enable researchers to examine the intricate mechanistic responses of cells to high glucose or other factors in order to better understand the pathogenesis of nerve dysfunction. This chapter describes the use of in vitro models to study a wide range of specific cellular effects pertaining to diabetic neuropathy including apoptosis, neurite outgrowth, neurodegeneration, activity, and bioenergetics. We consider problems associated with in vitro modeling and future refinement such as use of induced pluripotent stem cells and microfluidic technology.
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139
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André EM, Passirani C, Seijo B, Sanchez A, Montero-Menei CN. Nano and microcarriers to improve stem cell behaviour for neuroregenerative medicine strategies: Application to Huntington's disease. Biomaterials 2016; 83:347-62. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2015.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2015] [Revised: 12/09/2015] [Accepted: 12/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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140
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Barney LE, Jansen LE, Polio SR, Galarza S, Lynch ME, Peyton SR. The Predictive Link between Matrix and Metastasis. Curr Opin Chem Eng 2016; 11:85-93. [PMID: 26942108 DOI: 10.1016/j.coche.2016.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Cancer spread (metastasis) is responsible for 90% of cancer-related fatalities. Informing patient treatment to prevent metastasis, or kill all cancer cells in a patient's body before it becomes metastatic is extremely powerful. However, aggressive treatment for all non-metastatic patients is detrimental, both for quality of life concerns, and the risk of kidney or liver-related toxicity. Knowing when and where a patient has metastatic risk could revolutionize patient treatment and care. In this review, we attempt to summarize the key work of engineers and quantitative biologists in developing strategies and model systems to predict metastasis, with a particular focus on cell interactions with the extracellular matrix (ECM), as a tool to predict metastatic risk and tropism.
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Affiliation(s)
- L E Barney
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst Amherst, MA 01003
| | - L E Jansen
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst Amherst, MA 01003
| | - S R Polio
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst Amherst, MA 01003
| | - S Galarza
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst Amherst, MA 01003
| | - M E Lynch
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst Amherst, MA 01003; Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst Amherst, MA 01003
| | - S R Peyton
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst Amherst, MA 01003
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141
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Harris JP, Struzyna LA, Murphy PL, Adewole DO, Kuo E, Cullen DK. Advanced biomaterial strategies to transplant preformed micro-tissue engineered neural networks into the brain. J Neural Eng 2016; 13:016019. [PMID: 26760138 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2560/13/1/016019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Connectome disruption is a hallmark of many neurological diseases and trauma with no current strategies to restore lost long-distance axonal pathways in the brain. We are creating transplantable micro-tissue engineered neural networks (micro-TENNs), which are preformed constructs consisting of embedded neurons and long axonal tracts to integrate with the nervous system to physically reconstitute lost axonal pathways. APPROACH We advanced micro-tissue engineering techniques to generate micro-TENNs consisting of discrete populations of mature primary cerebral cortical neurons spanned by long axonal fascicles encased in miniature hydrogel micro-columns. Further, we improved the biomaterial encasement scheme by adding a thin layer of low viscosity carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) to enable needle-less insertion and rapid softening for mechanical similarity with brain tissue. MAIN RESULTS The engineered architecture of cortical micro-TENNs facilitated robust neuronal viability and axonal cytoarchitecture to at least 22 days in vitro. Micro-TENNs displayed discrete neuronal populations spanned by long axonal fasciculation throughout the core, thus mimicking the general systems-level anatomy of gray matter-white matter in the brain. Additionally, micro-columns with thin CMC-coating upon mild dehydration were able to withstand a force of 893 ± 457 mN before buckling, whereas a solid agarose cylinder of similar dimensions was predicted to withstand less than 150 μN of force. This thin CMC coating increased the stiffness by three orders of magnitude, enabling needle-less insertion into brain while significantly reducing the footprint of previous needle-based delivery methods to minimize insertion trauma. SIGNIFICANCE Our novel micro-TENNs are the first strategy designed for minimally invasive implantation to facilitate nervous system repair by simultaneously providing neuronal replacement and physical reconstruction of long-distance axon pathways in the brain. The micro-TENN approach may offer the ability to treat several disorders that disrupt the connectome, including Parkinson's disease, traumatic brain injury, stroke, and brain tumor excision.
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Affiliation(s)
- J P Harris
- Center for Brain Injury and Repair, Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA. Philadelphia Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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142
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Bang S, Na S, Jang JM, Kim J, Jeon NL. Engineering-Aligned 3D Neural Circuit in Microfluidic Device. Adv Healthc Mater 2016; 5:159-66. [PMID: 26332914 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201500397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2015] [Revised: 08/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The brain is one of the most important and complex organs in the human body. Although various neural network models have been proposed for in vitro 3D neuronal networks, it has been difficult to mimic functional and structural complexity of the in vitro neural circuit. Here, a microfluidic model of a simplified 3D neural circuit is reported. First, the microfluidic device is filled with Matrigel and continuous flow is delivered across the device during gelation. The fluidic flow aligns the extracellular matrix (ECM) components along the flow direction. Following the alignment of ECM fibers, neurites of primary rat cortical neurons are grown into the Matrigel at the average speed of 250 μm d(-1) and form axon bundles approximately 1500 μm in length at 6 days in vitro (DIV). Additionally, neural networks are developed from presynaptic to postsynaptic neurons at 14 DIV. The establishment of aligned 3D neural circuits is confirmed with the immunostaining of PSD-95 and synaptophysin and the observation of calcium signal transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seokyoung Bang
- Division of WCU (World Class University) Multiscale Mechanical Design, School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Institute of Advanced Machinery and Design, Seoul National University, Seoul, 151-744, South Korea
| | - Sangcheol Na
- Division of WCU (World Class University) Multiscale Mechanical Design, School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Institute of Advanced Machinery and Design, Seoul National University, Seoul, 151-744, South Korea
| | - Jae Myung Jang
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Seoul National University, Seoul, 151-744, South Korea
| | - Jinhyun Kim
- Center for Functional Connectomics, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 136-791, South Korea
| | - Noo Li Jeon
- Division of WCU (World Class University) Multiscale Mechanical Design, School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Institute of Advanced Machinery and Design, Seoul National University, Seoul, 151-744, South Korea
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143
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Simão D, Arez F, Terasso AP, Pinto C, Sousa MFQ, Brito C, Alves PM. Perfusion Stirred-Tank Bioreactors for 3D Differentiation of Human Neural Stem Cells. Methods Mol Biol 2016; 1502:129-142. [PMID: 27032948 DOI: 10.1007/7651_2016_333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Therapeutic breakthroughs in neurological disorders have been hampered by the lack of accurate central nervous system (CNS) models. The development of these models allows the study of the disease onset/progression mechanisms and the preclinical evaluation of new therapeutics. This has traditionally relied on genetically engineered animal models that often diverge considerably from the human phenotype (developmental, anatomic, and physiological) and 2D in vitro cell models, which fail to recapitulate the characteristics of the target tissue (cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions, cell polarity, etc.). Recapitulation of CNS phenotypic and functional features in vitro requires the implementation of advanced culture strategies, such as 3D culture systems, which enable to mimic the in vivo structural and molecular complexity. Models based on differentiation of human neural stem cells (hNSC) in 3D cultures have great potential as complementary tools in preclinical research, bridging the gap between human clinical studies and animal models. The development of robust and scalable processes for the 3D differentiation of hNSC can improve the accuracy of early stage development in preclinical research. In this context, the use of software-controlled stirred-tank bioreactors (STB) provides an efficient technological platform for hNSC aggregation and differentiation. This system enables to monitor and control important physicochemical parameters for hNSC culture, such as dissolved oxygen. Importantly, the adoption of a perfusion operation mode allows a stable flow of nutrients and differentiation/neurotrophic factors, while clearing the toxic by-products. This contributes to a setting closer to the physiological, by mimicking the in vivo microenvironment. In this chapter, we address the technical requirements and procedures for the implementation of 3D differentiation strategies of hNSC, by operating STB under perfusion mode for long-term cultures. This strategy is suitable for the generation of human 3D neural in vitro models, which can be used to feed high-throughput screening platforms, contributing to expand the available in vitro tools for drug screening and toxicological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Simão
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Oeiras, Portugal
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Francisca Arez
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Oeiras, Portugal
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Ana P Terasso
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Oeiras, Portugal
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Catarina Pinto
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Oeiras, Portugal
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Marcos F Q Sousa
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Oeiras, Portugal
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Catarina Brito
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Oeiras, Portugal.
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal.
| | - Paula M Alves
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Oeiras, Portugal.
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal.
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144
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Wang TG, Xu J, Zhu AH, Lu H, Miao ZN, Zhao P, Hui GZ, Wu WJ. Human amniotic epithelial cells combined with silk fibroin scaffold in the repair of spinal cord injury. Neural Regen Res 2016; 11:1670-1677. [PMID: 27904501 PMCID: PMC5116849 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.193249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Treatment and functional reconstruction after central nervous system injury is a major medical and social challenge. An increasing number of researchers are attempting to use neural stem cells combined with artificial scaffold materials, such as fibroin, for nerve repair. However, such approaches are challenged by ethical and practical issues. Amniotic tissue, a clinical waste product, is abundant, and amniotic epithelial cells are pluripotent, have low immunogenicity, and are not the subject of ethical debate. We hypothesized that amniotic epithelial cells combined with silk fibroin scaffolds would be conducive to the repair of spinal cord injury. To test this, we isolated and cultured amniotic epithelial cells, and constructed complexes of these cells and silk fibroin scaffolds. Implantation of the cell-scaffold complex into a rat model of spinal cord injury resulted in a smaller glial scar in the damaged cord tissue than in model rats that received a blank scaffold, or amniotic epithelial cells alone. In addition to a milder local immunological reaction, the rats showed less inflammatory cell infiltration at the transplant site, milder host-versus-graft reaction, and a marked improvement in motor function. These findings confirm that the transplantation of amniotic epithelial cells combined with silk fibroin scaffold can promote the repair of spinal cord injury. Silk fibroin scaffold can provide a good nerve regeneration microenvironment for amniotic epithelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting-Gang Wang
- Department of Neurology, Wuxi Third People's Hospital, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jie Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Wuxi Third People's Hospital, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Ai-Hua Zhu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Wuxi Third People's Hospital, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Hua Lu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Wuxi Third People's Hospital, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zong-Ning Miao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Wuxi Third People's Hospital, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Peng Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Wuxi Third People's Hospital, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Guo-Zhen Hui
- First Affiliated Hospital, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Wei-Jiang Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Wuxi Third People's Hospital, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, China
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145
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Knowlton S, Cho Y, Li XJ, Khademhosseini A, Tasoglu S. Utilizing stem cells for three-dimensional neural tissue engineering. Biomater Sci 2016; 4:768-84. [DOI: 10.1039/c5bm00324e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Three-dimensional neural tissue engineering has significantly advanced the development of neural disease models and replacement tissues for patients by leveraging the unique capabilities of stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yongku Cho
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering
- University of Connecticut
- Storrs
- USA
| | - Xue-Jun Li
- Department of Neuroscience
- University of Connecticut Health Center
- Farmington
- USA
| | - Ali Khademhosseini
- Center for Biomedical Engineering
- Department of Medicine
- Brigham and Women's Hospital Harvard Medical School
- Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Cambridge
| | - Savas Tasoglu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering
- University of Connecticut
- Storrs
- USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering
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146
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Dingle YTL, Boutin ME, Chirila AM, Livi LL, Labriola NR, Jakubek LM, Morgan JR, Darling EM, Kauer JA, Hoffman-Kim D. Three-Dimensional Neural Spheroid Culture: An In Vitro Model for Cortical Studies. Tissue Eng Part C Methods 2015; 21:1274-83. [PMID: 26414693 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tec.2015.0135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
There is a high demand for in vitro models of the central nervous system (CNS) to study neurological disorders, injuries, toxicity, and drug efficacy. Three-dimensional (3D) in vitro models can bridge the gap between traditional two-dimensional culture and animal models because they present an in vivo-like microenvironment in a tailorable experimental platform. Within the expanding variety of sophisticated 3D cultures, scaffold-free, self-assembled spheroid culture avoids the introduction of foreign materials and preserves the native cell populations and extracellular matrix types. In this study, we generated 3D spheroids with primary postnatal rat cortical cells using an accessible, size-controlled, reproducible, and cost-effective method. Neurons and glia formed laminin-containing 3D networks within the spheroids. The neurons were electrically active and formed circuitry through both excitatory and inhibitory synapses. The mechanical properties of the spheroids were in the range of brain tissue. These in vivo-like features of 3D cortical spheroids provide the potential for relevant and translatable investigations of the CNS in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Ting L Dingle
- 1 Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Physiology, and Biotechnology, Brown University , Providence, Rhode Island.,2 Center for Biomedical Engineering, Brown University , Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Molly E Boutin
- 1 Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Physiology, and Biotechnology, Brown University , Providence, Rhode Island.,2 Center for Biomedical Engineering, Brown University , Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Anda M Chirila
- 1 Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Physiology, and Biotechnology, Brown University , Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Liane L Livi
- 1 Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Physiology, and Biotechnology, Brown University , Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Nicholas R Labriola
- 1 Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Physiology, and Biotechnology, Brown University , Providence, Rhode Island.,2 Center for Biomedical Engineering, Brown University , Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Lorin M Jakubek
- 1 Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Physiology, and Biotechnology, Brown University , Providence, Rhode Island.,2 Center for Biomedical Engineering, Brown University , Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Jeffrey R Morgan
- 1 Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Physiology, and Biotechnology, Brown University , Providence, Rhode Island.,2 Center for Biomedical Engineering, Brown University , Providence, Rhode Island.,3 School of Engineering, Brown University , Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Eric M Darling
- 1 Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Physiology, and Biotechnology, Brown University , Providence, Rhode Island.,2 Center for Biomedical Engineering, Brown University , Providence, Rhode Island.,3 School of Engineering, Brown University , Providence, Rhode Island.,4 Department of Orthopedics, Brown University , Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Julie A Kauer
- 1 Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Physiology, and Biotechnology, Brown University , Providence, Rhode Island.,5 Department of Neuroscience, Brown University , Providence, Rhode Island.,6 Brown Institute for Brain Science, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Diane Hoffman-Kim
- 1 Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Physiology, and Biotechnology, Brown University , Providence, Rhode Island.,2 Center for Biomedical Engineering, Brown University , Providence, Rhode Island.,3 School of Engineering, Brown University , Providence, Rhode Island.,6 Brown Institute for Brain Science, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
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147
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Chwalek K, Tang-Schomer MD, Omenetto FG, Kaplan DL. In vitro bioengineered model of cortical brain tissue. Nat Protoc 2015; 10:1362-73. [PMID: 26270395 DOI: 10.1038/nprot.2015.091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
A bioengineered model of 3D brain-like tissue was developed using silk-collagen protein scaffolds seeded with primary cortical neurons. The scaffold design provides compartmentalized control for spatial separation of neuronal cell bodies and neural projections, which resembles the layered structure of the brain (cerebral cortex). Neurons seeded in a donut-shaped porous silk sponge grow robust neuronal projections within a collagen-filled central region, generating 3D neural networks with structural and functional connectivity. The silk scaffold preserves the mechanical stability of the engineered tissues, allowing for ease of handling, long-term culture in vitro and anchoring of the central collagen gel to avoid shrinkage, and enabling neural network maturation. This protocol describes the preparation and manipulation of silk-collagen constructs, including the isolation and seeding of primary rat cortical neurons. This 3D technique is useful for mechanical injury studies and as a drug screening tool, and it could serve as a foundation for brain-related disease models. The protocol of construct assembly takes 2 d, and the resulting tissues can be maintained in culture for several weeks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Chwalek
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Min D Tang-Schomer
- Connecticut Children's Medical Center, Departments of Pediatrics, Farmington, Connecticut, USA
| | - Fiorenzo G Omenetto
- 1] Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts, USA. [2] Department of Physics, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts, USA
| | - David L Kaplan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts, USA
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148
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Ross JD, Cullen DK, Harris JP, LaPlaca MC, DeWeerth SP. A three-dimensional image processing program for accurate, rapid, and semi-automated segmentation of neuronal somata with dense neurite outgrowth. Front Neuroanat 2015; 9:87. [PMID: 26257609 PMCID: PMC4507056 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2015.00087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2015] [Accepted: 06/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3-D) image analysis techniques provide a powerful means to rapidly and accurately assess complex morphological and functional interactions between neural cells. Current software-based identification methods of neural cells generally fall into two applications: (1) segmentation of cell nuclei in high-density constructs or (2) tracing of cell neurites in single cell investigations. We have developed novel methodologies to permit the systematic identification of populations of neuronal somata possessing rich morphological detail and dense neurite arborization throughout thick tissue or 3-D in vitro constructs. The image analysis incorporates several novel automated features for the discrimination of neurites and somata by initially classifying features in 2-D and merging these classifications into 3-D objects; the 3-D reconstructions automatically identify and adjust for over and under segmentation errors. Additionally, the platform provides for software-assisted error corrections to further minimize error. These features attain very accurate cell boundary identifications to handle a wide range of morphological complexities. We validated these tools using confocal z-stacks from thick 3-D neural constructs where neuronal somata had varying degrees of neurite arborization and complexity, achieving an accuracy of ≥95%. We demonstrated the robustness of these algorithms in a more complex arena through the automated segmentation of neural cells in ex vivo brain slices. These novel methods surpass previous techniques by improving the robustness and accuracy by: (1) the ability to process neurites and somata, (2) bidirectional segmentation correction, and (3) validation via software-assisted user input. This 3-D image analysis platform provides valuable tools for the unbiased analysis of neural tissue or tissue surrogates within a 3-D context, appropriate for the study of multi-dimensional cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- James D Ross
- Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology/Emory Atlanta, GA, USA ; School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - D Kacy Cullen
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PA, USA ; Philadelphia Veterans Affairs Medical Center Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - James P Harris
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PA, USA ; Philadelphia Veterans Affairs Medical Center Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Michelle C LaPlaca
- Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology/Emory Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Stephen P DeWeerth
- Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology/Emory Atlanta, GA, USA ; School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology Atlanta, GA, USA
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