101
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Rouleau N, Murugan NJ, Kaplan DL. Toward Studying Cognition in a Dish. Trends Cogn Sci 2021; 25:294-304. [PMID: 33546973 PMCID: PMC7946736 DOI: 10.1016/j.tics.2021.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2020] [Revised: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Bioengineered neural tissues help advance our understanding of neurodevelopment, regeneration, and neural disease; however, it remains unclear whether they can replicate higher-order functions including cognition. Building upon technical achievements in the fields of biomaterials, tissue engineering, and cell biology, investigators have generated an assortment of artificial brain structures and cocultured circuits. Though they have displayed basic electrochemical signaling, their capacities to generate minimal patterns of information processing suggestive of high-order cognitive analogues have not yet been explored. Here, we review the current state of neural tissue engineering and consider the possibility of a study of cognition in vitro. We adopt a practical definition of minimal cognition, anticipate problems of measurement, and discuss solutions toward a study of cognition in a dish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Rouleau
- Department of Psychology, Algoma University, 1520 Queen Street East, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada, P6A 2G4; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Science and Technology Center, 4 Colby Street, Medford, MA 02155, USA
| | - Nirosha J Murugan
- Department of Biology, Algoma University, 1520 Queen Street East, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada, P6A 2G4
| | - David L Kaplan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Science and Technology Center, 4 Colby Street, Medford, MA 02155, USA.
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102
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Khodabukus A. Tissue-Engineered Skeletal Muscle Models to Study Muscle Function, Plasticity, and Disease. Front Physiol 2021; 12:619710. [PMID: 33716768 PMCID: PMC7952620 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.619710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Skeletal muscle possesses remarkable plasticity that permits functional adaptations to a wide range of signals such as motor input, exercise, and disease. Small animal models have been pivotal in elucidating the molecular mechanisms regulating skeletal muscle adaptation and plasticity. However, these small animal models fail to accurately model human muscle disease resulting in poor clinical success of therapies. Here, we review the potential of in vitro three-dimensional tissue-engineered skeletal muscle models to study muscle function, plasticity, and disease. First, we discuss the generation and function of in vitro skeletal muscle models. We then discuss the genetic, neural, and hormonal factors regulating skeletal muscle fiber-type in vivo and the ability of current in vitro models to study muscle fiber-type regulation. We also evaluate the potential of these systems to be utilized in a patient-specific manner to accurately model and gain novel insights into diseases such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and volumetric muscle loss. We conclude with a discussion on future developments required for tissue-engineered skeletal muscle models to become more mature, biomimetic, and widely utilized for studying muscle physiology, disease, and clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alastair Khodabukus
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
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103
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Girardi F, Taleb A, Ebrahimi M, Datye A, Gamage DG, Peccate C, Giordani L, Millay DP, Gilbert PM, Cadot B, Le Grand F. TGFβ signaling curbs cell fusion and muscle regeneration. Nat Commun 2021; 12:750. [PMID: 33531466 PMCID: PMC7854756 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-20289-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Muscle cell fusion is a multistep process involving cell migration, adhesion, membrane remodeling and actin-nucleation pathways to generate multinucleated myotubes. However, molecular brakes restraining cell-cell fusion events have remained elusive. Here we show that transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) pathway is active in adult muscle cells throughout fusion. We find TGFβ signaling reduces cell fusion, regardless of the cells' ability to move and establish cell-cell contacts. In contrast, inhibition of TGFβ signaling enhances cell fusion and promotes branching between myotubes in mouse and human. Exogenous addition of TGFβ protein in vivo during muscle regeneration results in a loss of muscle function while inhibition of TGFβR2 induces the formation of giant myofibers. Transcriptome analyses and functional assays reveal that TGFβ controls the expression of actin-related genes to reduce cell spreading. TGFβ signaling is therefore requisite to limit mammalian myoblast fusion, determining myonuclei numbers and myofiber size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Girardi
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM UMRS974, Association Institut de Myologie, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, 75013, Paris, France
| | - Anissa Taleb
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM UMRS974, Association Institut de Myologie, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, 75013, Paris, France
| | - Majid Ebrahimi
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S3G9, Canada
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, Toronto, ON, M5S3E1, Canada
| | - Asiman Datye
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S3G9, Canada
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, Toronto, ON, M5S3E1, Canada
| | - Dilani G Gamage
- Division of Molecular Cardiovascular Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Cécile Peccate
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM UMRS974, Association Institut de Myologie, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, 75013, Paris, France
| | - Lorenzo Giordani
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM UMRS974, Association Institut de Myologie, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, 75013, Paris, France
| | - Douglas P Millay
- Division of Molecular Cardiovascular Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Penney M Gilbert
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S3G9, Canada
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, Toronto, ON, M5S3E1, Canada
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S3G5, Canada
| | - Bruno Cadot
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM UMRS974, Association Institut de Myologie, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, 75013, Paris, France
| | - Fabien Le Grand
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM UMRS974, Association Institut de Myologie, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, 75013, Paris, France.
- Institut NeuroMyoGène, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS UMR 5310, INSERM U1217, 69008, Lyon, France.
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104
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de Jongh R, Spijkers XM, Pasteuning-Vuhman S, Vulto P, Pasterkamp RJ. Neuromuscular junction-on-a-chip: ALS disease modeling and read-out development in microfluidic devices. J Neurochem 2021; 157:393-412. [PMID: 33382092 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal and progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting upper and lower motor neurons with no cure available. Clinical and animal studies reveal that the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), a synaptic connection between motor neurons and skeletal muscle fibers, is highly vulnerable in ALS and suggest that NMJ defects may occur at the early stages of the disease. However, mechanistic insight into how NMJ dysfunction relates to the onset and progression of ALS is incomplete, which hampers therapy development. This is, in part, caused by a lack of robust in vitro models. The ability to combine microfluidic and induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technologies has opened up new avenues for studying molecular and cellular ALS phenotypes in vitro. Microfluidic devices offer several advantages over traditional culture approaches when modeling the NMJ, such as the spatial separation of different cell types and increased control over the cellular microenvironment. Moreover, they are compatible with 3D cell culture, which enhances NMJ functionality and maturity. Here, we review how microfluidic technology is currently being employed to develop more reliable in vitro NMJ models. To validate and phenotype such models, various morphological and functional read-outs have been developed. We describe and discuss the relevance of these read-outs and specifically illustrate how these read-outs have enhanced our understanding of NMJ pathology in ALS. Finally, we share our view on potential future directions and challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rianne de Jongh
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Xandor M Spijkers
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Mimetas B.V., Organ-on-a-chip Company, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Svetlana Pasteuning-Vuhman
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Paul Vulto
- Mimetas B.V., Organ-on-a-chip Company, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - R Jeroen Pasterkamp
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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105
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Hofemeier AD, Limon T, Muenker TM, Wallmeyer B, Jurado A, Afshar ME, Ebrahimi M, Tsukanov R, Oleksiievets N, Enderlein J, Gilbert PM, Betz T. Global and local tension measurements in biomimetic skeletal muscle tissues reveals early mechanical homeostasis. eLife 2021; 10:60145. [PMID: 33459593 PMCID: PMC7906603 DOI: 10.7554/elife.60145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Tension and mechanical properties of muscle tissue are tightly related to proper skeletal muscle function, which makes experimental access to the biomechanics of muscle tissue formation a key requirement to advance our understanding of muscle function and development. Recently developed elastic in vitro culture chambers allow for raising 3D muscle tissue under controlled conditions and to measure global tissue force generation. However, these chambers are inherently incompatible with high-resolution microscopy limiting their usability to global force measurements, and preventing the exploitation of modern fluorescence based investigation methods for live and dynamic measurements. Here, we present a new chamber design pairing global force measurements, quantified from post-deflection, with local tension measurements obtained from elastic hydrogel beads embedded in muscle tissue. High-resolution 3D video microscopy of engineered muscle formation, enabled by the new chamber, shows an early mechanical tissue homeostasis that remains stable in spite of continued myotube maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arne D Hofemeier
- Institute for Cell Biology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Tamara Limon
- Institute for Cell Biology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | | | | | - Alejandro Jurado
- Institute for Cell Biology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Mohammad Ebrahim Afshar
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Majid Ebrahimi
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Roman Tsukanov
- 3rd Institute of Physics-Biophysics, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Nazar Oleksiievets
- 3rd Institute of Physics-Biophysics, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Jörg Enderlein
- 3rd Institute of Physics-Biophysics, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Cluster of Excellence "Multiscale Bioimaging: from Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells" (MBExC), University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Penney M Gilbert
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Timo Betz
- Institute for Cell Biology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany.,3rd Institute of Physics-Biophysics, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Cluster of Excellence "Multiscale Bioimaging: from Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells" (MBExC), University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
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106
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Advances in 3D neuronal microphysiological systems: towards a functional nervous system on a chip. In Vitro Cell Dev Biol Anim 2021; 57:191-206. [PMID: 33438114 PMCID: PMC7802613 DOI: 10.1007/s11626-020-00532-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Microphysiological systems (MPS) designed to study the complexities of the peripheral and central nervous systems have made marked improvements over the years and have allowed researchers to assess in two and three dimensions the functional interconnectivity of neuronal tissues. The recent generation of brain organoids has further propelled the field into the nascent recapitulation of structural, functional, and effective connectivities which are found within the native human nervous system. Herein, we will review advances in culture methodologies, focused especially on those of human tissues, which seek to bridge the gap from 2D cultures to hierarchical and defined 3D MPS with the end goal of developing a robust nervous system-on-a-chip platform. These advances have far-reaching implications within basic science, pharmaceutical development, and translational medicine disciplines.
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107
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Feige P, Tsai EC, Rudnicki MA. Analysis of human satellite cell dynamics on cultured adult skeletal muscle myofibers. Skelet Muscle 2021; 11:1. [PMID: 33397479 PMCID: PMC7780694 DOI: 10.1186/s13395-020-00256-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maintaining stem cells in physiologically relevant states is necessary to understand cell and context-specific signalling paradigms and to understand complex interfaces between cells in situ. Understanding human stem cell function is largely based on tissue biopsies, cell culture, and transplantation into model organisms. METHODS Here, we describe a method to isolate post-mortem intact human muscle myofibers and culture muscle stem cells within the niche microenvironment to assay cellular dynamics, stem cell identity, stem cell hierarchy, and differentiation potential. RESULTS We show human myofiber culture maintains complex cell-cell contacts and extracellular niche composition during culture. Human satellite cells can be cultured at least 8 days, which represents a timepoint of activation, differentiation, and de novo human myofiber formation. We demonstrate that adult human muscle stem cells undergo apicobasal and planar cell divisions and express polarized dystrophin and EGFR. Furthermore, we validate that stimulation of the EGFR pathway stimulates the generation of myogenic progenitors and myogenic differentiation. CONCLUSIONS This method provides proof of principle evidence for the use of human muscle to evaluate satellite cell dynamics and has applications in pre-clinical evaluation of therapeutics targeting muscle repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Feige
- Sprott Center for Stem Cell Research, Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L6, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Eve C Tsai
- Sprott Center for Stem Cell Research, Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L6, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Surgery, Division of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Neuroscience Program, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Michael A Rudnicki
- Sprott Center for Stem Cell Research, Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L6, Canada.
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
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108
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Marshall KL, Farah MH. Axonal regeneration and sprouting as a potential therapeutic target for nervous system disorders. Neural Regen Res 2021; 16:1901-1910. [PMID: 33642358 PMCID: PMC8343323 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.308077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Nervous system disorders are prevalent health issues that will only continue to increase in frequency as the population ages. Dying-back axonopathy is a hallmark of many neurologic diseases and leads to axonal disconnection from their targets, which in turn leads to functional impairment. During the course of many of neurologic diseases, axons can regenerate or sprout in an attempt to reconnect with the target and restore synapse function. In amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), distal motor axons retract from neuromuscular junctions early in the disease-course before significant motor neuron death. There is evidence of compensatory motor axon sprouting and reinnervation of neuromuscular junctions in ALS that is usually quickly overtaken by the disease course. Potential drugs that enhance compensatory sprouting and encourage reinnervation may slow symptom progression and retain muscle function for a longer period of time in ALS and in other diseases that exhibit dying-back axonopathy. There remain many outstanding questions as to the impact of distinct disease-causing mutations on axonal outgrowth and regeneration, especially in regards to motor neurons derived from patient induced pluripotent stem cells. Compartmentalized microfluidic chambers are powerful tools for studying the distal axons of human induced pluripotent stem cells-derived motor neurons, and have recently been used to demonstrate striking regeneration defects in human motor neurons harboring ALS disease-causing mutations. Modeling the human neuromuscular circuit with human induced pluripotent stem cells-derived motor neurons will be critical for developing drugs that enhance axonal regeneration, sprouting, and reinnervation of neuromuscular junctions. In this review we will discuss compensatory axonal sprouting as a potential therapeutic target for ALS, and the use of compartmentalized microfluidic devices to find drugs that enhance regeneration and axonal sprouting of motor axons.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mohamed H Farah
- Department of Neurology at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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109
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Fernández-Costa JM, Fernández-Garibay X, Velasco-Mallorquí F, Ramón-Azcón J. Bioengineered in vitro skeletal muscles as new tools for muscular dystrophies preclinical studies. J Tissue Eng 2021; 12:2041731420981339. [PMID: 33628411 PMCID: PMC7882756 DOI: 10.1177/2041731420981339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Muscular dystrophies are a group of highly disabling disorders that share degenerative muscle weakness and wasting as common symptoms. To date, there is not an effective cure for these diseases. In the last years, bioengineered tissues have emerged as powerful tools for preclinical studies. In this review, we summarize the recent technological advances in skeletal muscle tissue engineering. We identify several ground-breaking techniques to fabricate in vitro bioartificial muscles. Accumulating evidence shows that scaffold-based tissue engineering provides topographical cues that enhance the viability and maturation of skeletal muscle. Functional bioartificial muscles have been developed using human myoblasts. These tissues accurately responded to electrical and biological stimulation. Moreover, advanced drug screening tools can be fabricated integrating these tissues in electrical stimulation platforms. However, more work introducing patient-derived cells and integrating these tissues in microdevices is needed to promote the clinical translation of bioengineered skeletal muscle as preclinical tools for muscular dystrophies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan M. Fernández-Costa
- Biosensors for Bioengineering, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Xiomara Fernández-Garibay
- Biosensors for Bioengineering, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ferran Velasco-Mallorquí
- Biosensors for Bioengineering, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Javier Ramón-Azcón
- Biosensors for Bioengineering, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
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110
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Stanga S, Boido M, Kienlen-Campard P. How to Build and to Protect the Neuromuscular Junction: The Role of the Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 22:ijms22010136. [PMID: 33374485 PMCID: PMC7794999 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is at the crossroad between the nervous system (NS) and the muscle. Following neurotransmitter release from the motor neurons (MNs), muscle contraction occurs and movement is generated. Besides eliciting muscle contraction, the NMJ represents a site of chemical bidirectional interplay between nerve and muscle with the active participation of Schwann cells. Indeed, signals originating from the muscle play an important role in synapse formation, stabilization, maintenance and function, both in development and adulthood. We focus here on the contribution of the Glial cell line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (GDNF) to these processes and to its potential role in the protection of the NMJ during neurodegeneration. Historically related to the maintenance and survival of dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra, GDNF also plays a fundamental role in the peripheral NS (PNS). At this level, it promotes muscle trophism and it participates to the functionality of synapses. Moreover, compared to the other neurotrophic factors, GDNF shows unique peculiarities, which make its contribution essential in neurodegenerative disorders. While describing the known structural and functional changes occurring at the NMJ during neurodegeneration, we highlight the role of GDNF in the NMJ–muscle cross-talk and we review its therapeutic potential in counteracting the degenerative process occurring in the PNS in progressive and severe diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). We also describe functional 3D neuromuscular co-culture systems that have been recently developed as a model for studying both NMJ formation in vitro and its involvement in neuromuscular disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Stanga
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi Montalcini, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy;
- Laboratory of Brain Development and Disease, Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, University of Turin, 10043 Orbassano, Italy
- National Institute of Neuroscience (INN), 10125 Turin, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Marina Boido
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi Montalcini, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy;
- Laboratory of Brain Development and Disease, Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, University of Turin, 10043 Orbassano, Italy
- National Institute of Neuroscience (INN), 10125 Turin, Italy
| | - Pascal Kienlen-Campard
- Institute of Neuroscience (IoNS), Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), 1200 Bruxelles, Belgium;
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111
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Barbeau S, Tahraoui-Bories J, Legay C, Martinat C. Building neuromuscular junctions in vitro. Development 2020; 147:147/22/dev193920. [PMID: 33199350 DOI: 10.1242/dev.193920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The neuromuscular junction (NMJ) has been the model of choice to understand the principles of communication at chemical synapses. Following groundbreaking experiments carried out over 60 years ago, many studies have focused on the molecular mechanisms underlying the development and physiology of these synapses. This Review summarizes the progress made to date towards obtaining faithful models of NMJs in vitro We provide a historical approach discussing initial experiments investigating NMJ development and function from Xenopus to mice, the creation of chimeric co-cultures, in vivo approaches and co-culture methods from ex vivo and in vitro derived cells, as well as the most recent developments to generate human NMJs. We discuss the benefits of these techniques and the challenges to be addressed in the future for promoting our understanding of development and human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susie Barbeau
- Université de Paris, CNRS, SPPIN - Saints-Pères Paris Institute for the Neurosciences, F-75006 Paris, France
| | - Julie Tahraoui-Bories
- INSERM/UEPS UMR 861, Paris Saclay Université, I-STEM, 91100 Corbeil-Essonnes, France
| | - Claire Legay
- Université de Paris, CNRS, SPPIN - Saints-Pères Paris Institute for the Neurosciences, F-75006 Paris, France
| | - Cécile Martinat
- INSERM/UEPS UMR 861, Paris Saclay Université, I-STEM, 91100 Corbeil-Essonnes, France
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112
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Intensive Care Unit-Acquired Weakness: Not just Another Muscle Atrophying Condition. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21217840. [PMID: 33105809 PMCID: PMC7660068 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21217840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 10/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Intensive care unit-acquired weakness (ICUAW) occurs in critically ill patients stemming from the critical illness itself, and results in sustained disability long after the ICU stay. Weakness can be attributed to muscle wasting, impaired contractility, neuropathy, and major pathways associated with muscle protein degradation such as the ubiquitin proteasome system and dysregulated autophagy. Furthermore, it is characterized by the preferential loss of myosin, a distinct feature of the condition. While many risk factors for ICUAW have been identified, effective interventions to offset these changes remain elusive. In addition, our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the long-term, sustained weakness observed in a subset of patients after discharge is minimal. Herein, we discuss the various proposed pathways involved in the pathophysiology of ICUAW, with a focus on the mechanisms underpinning skeletal muscle wasting and impaired contractility, and the animal models used to study them. Furthermore, we will explore the contributions of inflammation, steroid use, and paralysis to the development of ICUAW and how it pertains to those with the corona virus disease of 2019 (COVID-19). We then elaborate on interventions tested as a means to offset these decrements in muscle function that occur as a result of critical illness, and we propose new strategies to explore the molecular mechanisms of ICUAW, including serum-related biomarkers and 3D human skeletal muscle culture models.
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113
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Fleming JW, Capel AJ, Rimington RP, Wheeler P, Leonard AN, Bishop NC, Davies OG, Lewis MP. Bioengineered human skeletal muscle capable of functional regeneration. BMC Biol 2020; 18:145. [PMID: 33081771 PMCID: PMC7576716 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-020-00884-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Skeletal muscle (SkM) regenerates following injury, replacing damaged tissue with high fidelity. However, in serious injuries, non-regenerative defects leave patients with loss of function, increased re-injury risk and often chronic pain. Progress in treating these non-regenerative defects has been slow, with advances only occurring where a comprehensive understanding of regeneration has been gained. Tissue engineering has allowed the development of bioengineered models of SkM which regenerate following injury to support research in regenerative physiology. To date, however, no studies have utilised human myogenic precursor cells (hMPCs) to closely mimic functional human regenerative physiology. RESULTS Here we address some of the difficulties associated with cell number and hMPC mitogenicity using magnetic association cell sorting (MACS), for the marker CD56, and media supplementation with fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2) and B-27 supplement. Cell sorting allowed extended expansion of myogenic cells and supplementation was shown to improve myogenesis within engineered tissues and force generation at maturity. In addition, these engineered human SkM regenerated following barium chloride (BaCl2) injury. Following injury, reductions in function (87.5%) and myotube number (33.3%) were observed, followed by a proliferative phase with increased MyoD+ cells and a subsequent recovery of function and myotube number. An expansion of the Pax7+ cell population was observed across recovery suggesting an ability to generate Pax7+ cells within the tissue, similar to the self-renewal of satellite cells seen in vivo. CONCLUSIONS This work outlines an engineered human SkM capable of functional regeneration following injury, built upon an open source system adding to the pre-clinical testing toolbox to improve the understanding of basic regenerative physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- J W Fleming
- School of Sports, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, LE11 3TU, UK
| | - A J Capel
- School of Sports, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, LE11 3TU, UK
| | - R P Rimington
- School of Sports, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, LE11 3TU, UK
| | - P Wheeler
- School of Sports, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, LE11 3TU, UK
| | - A N Leonard
- School of Sports, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, LE11 3TU, UK
| | - N C Bishop
- School of Sports, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, LE11 3TU, UK
| | - O G Davies
- School of Sports, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, LE11 3TU, UK
| | - M P Lewis
- School of Sports, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, LE11 3TU, UK.
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114
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Olie CS, van der Wal E, Cikes D, Maton L, de Greef JC, Lin IH, Chen YF, Kareem E, Penninger JM, Kessler BM, Raz V. Cytoskeletal disorganization underlies PABPN1-mediated myogenic disability. Sci Rep 2020; 10:17621. [PMID: 33077830 PMCID: PMC7572364 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-74676-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Muscle wasting and atrophy are regulated by multiple molecular processes, including mRNA processing. Reduced levels of the polyadenylation binding protein nucleus 1 (PABPN1), a multifactorial regulator of mRNA processing, cause muscle atrophy. A proteomic study in muscles with reduced PABPN1 levels suggested dysregulation of sarcomeric and cytoskeletal proteins. Here we investigated the hypothesis that reduced PABPN1 levels lead to an aberrant organization of the cytoskeleton. MURC, a plasma membrane-associated protein, was found to be more abundant in muscles with reduced PABPN1 levels, and it was found to be expressed at regions showing regeneration. A polarized cytoskeletal organization is typical for muscle cells, but muscle cells with reduced PABPN1 levels (named as shPAB) were characterized by a disorganized cytoskeleton that lacked polarization. Moreover, cell mechanical features and myogenic differentiation were significantly reduced in shPAB cells. Importantly, restoring cytoskeletal stability, by actin overexpression, was beneficial for myogenesis, expression of sarcomeric proteins and proper localization of MURC in shPAB cell cultures and in shPAB muscle bundle. We suggest that poor cytoskeletal mechanical features are caused by altered expression levels of cytoskeletal proteins and contribute to muscle wasting and atrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Erik van der Wal
- Human Genetics Department, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Domagoj Cikes
- IMBA-Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Loes Maton
- Human Genetics Department, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jessica C de Greef
- Human Genetics Department, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - I-Hsuan Lin
- VYM Genome Research Center, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Fan Chen
- College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Elsayad Kareem
- Advanced Microscopy Facility, Vienna Biocenter Core Facilities, Vienna Biocenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
| | - Josef M Penninger
- IMBA-Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Benedikt M Kessler
- Target Discovery Institute, Nuffield, Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Vered Raz
- Human Genetics Department, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.
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115
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Saini J, Faroni A, Reid AJ, Mamchaoui K, Mouly V, Butler-Browne G, Lightfoot AP, McPhee JS, Degens H, Al-Shanti N. A Novel Bioengineered Functional Motor Unit Platform to Study Neuromuscular Interaction. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9103238. [PMID: 33050427 PMCID: PMC7599749 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9103238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: In many neurodegenerative and muscular disorders, and loss of innervation in sarcopenia, improper reinnervation of muscle and dysfunction of the motor unit (MU) are key pathogenic features. In vivo studies of MUs are constrained due to difficulties isolating and extracting functional MUs, so there is a need for a simplified and reproducible system of engineered in vitro MUs. Objective: to develop and characterise a functional MU model in vitro, permitting the analysis of MU development and function. Methods: an immortalised human myoblast cell line was co-cultured with rat embryo spinal cord explants in a serum-free/growth fact media. MUs developed and the morphology of their components (neuromuscular junction (NMJ), myotubes and motor neurons) were characterised using immunocytochemistry, phase contrast and confocal microscopy. The function of the MU was evaluated through live observations and videography of spontaneous myotube contractions after challenge with cholinergic antagonists and glutamatergic agonists. Results: blocking acetylcholine receptors with α-bungarotoxin resulted in complete, cessation of myotube contractions, which was reversible with tubocurarine. Furthermore, myotube activity was significantly higher with the application of L-glutamic acid. All these observations indicate the formed MU are functional. Conclusion: a functional nerve-muscle co-culture model was established that has potential for drug screening and pathophysiological studies of neuromuscular interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasdeep Saini
- Musculoskeletal Science & Sports Medicine Research Centre, Department of Life Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester M1 5GD, UK; (J.S.); (A.P.L.); (H.D.)
| | - Alessandro Faroni
- Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Blond McIndoe Laboratories, Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M1 7DN, UK; (A.F.); (A.J.R.)
- Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Department of Plastic Surgery & Burns, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester M23 9LT, UK
| | - Adam J. Reid
- Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Blond McIndoe Laboratories, Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M1 7DN, UK; (A.F.); (A.J.R.)
- Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Department of Plastic Surgery & Burns, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester M23 9LT, UK
| | - Kamel Mamchaoui
- Center for Research in Myology, Sorbonne Université-INSERM, 75013 Paris, France; (K.M.); (V.M.); (G.B.-B.)
| | - Vincent Mouly
- Center for Research in Myology, Sorbonne Université-INSERM, 75013 Paris, France; (K.M.); (V.M.); (G.B.-B.)
| | - Gillian Butler-Browne
- Center for Research in Myology, Sorbonne Université-INSERM, 75013 Paris, France; (K.M.); (V.M.); (G.B.-B.)
| | - Adam P. Lightfoot
- Musculoskeletal Science & Sports Medicine Research Centre, Department of Life Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester M1 5GD, UK; (J.S.); (A.P.L.); (H.D.)
| | - Jamie S. McPhee
- Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester M1 5GD, UK;
| | - Hans Degens
- Musculoskeletal Science & Sports Medicine Research Centre, Department of Life Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester M1 5GD, UK; (J.S.); (A.P.L.); (H.D.)
- Institute of Sport Science and Innovations, Lithuanian Sports University, LT-44221 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Nasser Al-Shanti
- Musculoskeletal Science & Sports Medicine Research Centre, Department of Life Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester M1 5GD, UK; (J.S.); (A.P.L.); (H.D.)
- Correspondence:
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116
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Reid G, Magarotto F, Marsano A, Pozzobon M. Next Stage Approach to Tissue Engineering Skeletal Muscle. Bioengineering (Basel) 2020; 7:E118. [PMID: 33007935 PMCID: PMC7711907 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering7040118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Large-scale muscle injury in humans initiates a complex regeneration process, as not only the muscular, but also the vascular and neuro-muscular compartments have to be repaired. Conventional therapeutic strategies often fall short of reaching the desired functional outcome, due to the inherent complexity of natural skeletal muscle. Tissue engineering offers a promising alternative treatment strategy, aiming to achieve an engineered tissue close to natural tissue composition and function, able to induce long-term, functional regeneration after in vivo implantation. This review aims to summarize the latest approaches of tissue engineering skeletal muscle, with specific attention toward fabrication, neuro-angiogenesis, multicellularity and the biochemical cues that adjuvate the regeneration process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory Reid
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University Hospital Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland; (G.R.); (A.M.)
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Fabio Magarotto
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy;
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Città della Speranza, 35127 Padova, Italy
| | - Anna Marsano
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University Hospital Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland; (G.R.); (A.M.)
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Michela Pozzobon
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy;
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Città della Speranza, 35127 Padova, Italy
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117
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Abstract
Living systems have evolved to survive in a wide range of environments and safely interact with other objects and organisms. Thus, living systems have been the source of inspiration for many researchers looking to apply their mechanics and unique characteristics in engineering robotics. Moving beyond bioinspiration, biohybrid actuators, with compliance and self-healing capabilities enabled by living cells or tissue interfaced with artificial structures, have drawn great interest as ways to address challenges in soft robotics, and in particular have seen success in small-scale robotic actuation. However, macro-scale biohybrid actuators beyond the centimeter scale currently face many practical obstacles. In this perspective, we discuss the challenges in scaling up biohybrid actuators and the path to realize large-scale biohybrid soft robotics.
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118
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WANG MONAN, HAN JIALIN, YANG QIYOU. MODELING AND SIMULATION OF SKELETAL MUSCLE BASED ON METABOLISM PHYSIOLOGY. J MECH MED BIOL 2020. [DOI: 10.1142/s0219519420400187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Skeletal muscle energy metabolism plays a very important role in controlling movement of the whole body and has important theoretical guidance for making exercise training plans and losing weight. In this paper, we developed a mathematical model of skeletal muscle excitation–contraction pathway based on the energy metabolism that links excitation to contraction to explore the effects of different metabolic energy systems on calcium ion changes and the force during skeletal muscle contraction. In this paper, a membrane potential model, a calcium cycle model, a cross-bridge dynamics model and an energy metabolism model were established. Finally, the physiological phenomenon of calcium ion transport and calcium ion concentration change of the sarcoplasm was simulated. The results show that the phosphagen system has the fastest metabolic rate and the phosphagen system has the largest impact on the explosive power of skeletal muscle exercise. The specific characteristics of the three metabolic energy systems supporting skeletal muscle movement in vivo were also analyzed in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- MONAN WANG
- Key Laboratory of Medical Biomechanics and Materials of Heilongjiang Province, Harbin University of Science and Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150080, P. R. China
| | - JIALIN HAN
- Key Laboratory of Medical Biomechanics and Materials of Heilongjiang Province, Harbin University of Science and Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150080, P. R. China
| | - QIYOU YANG
- Key Laboratory of Medical Biomechanics and Materials of Heilongjiang Province, Harbin University of Science and Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150080, P. R. China
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119
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Goldsteen PA, Dolga AM, Gosens R. Advanced Modeling of Peripheral Neuro-Effector Communication and -Plasticity. Physiology (Bethesda) 2020; 35:348-357. [PMID: 32783607 DOI: 10.1152/physiol.00010.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The peripheral nervous system (PNS) plays crucial roles in physiology and disease. Neuro-effector communication and neuroplasticity of the PNS are poorly studied, since suitable models are lacking. The emergence of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) has great promise to resolve this deficit. hPSC-derived PNS neurons, integrated into organ-on-a-chip systems or organoid cultures, allow co-cultures with cells of the local microenvironment to study neuro-effector interactions and to probe mechanisms underlying neuroplasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pien A Goldsteen
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,GRIAC Research Institute, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Amalia M Dolga
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,GRIAC Research Institute, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Reinoud Gosens
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,GRIAC Research Institute, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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120
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Abstract
Stem cell technology enables the production of three-dimensional organ-like structures, but engineering multi-tissue anatomy has proven difficult. In this issue of Cell Stem Cell, Martins et al. (2020) show that generating a common progenitor cell for posterior spinal cord and muscle enables the formation of functional neuromuscular junctions in single organoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin K Ichida
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA; Eli and Edythe Broad CIRM Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research at USC, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA; Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
| | - Chien-Ping Ko
- Section of Neurobiology, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
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121
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Abstract
Organs-on-chips are broadly defined as microfabricated surfaces or devices designed to engineer cells into microscale tissues with native-like features and then extract physiologically relevant readouts at scale. Because they are generally compatible with patient-derived cells, these technologies can address many of the human relevance limitations of animal models. As a result, organs-on-chips have emerged as a promising new paradigm for patient-specific disease modeling and drug development. Because neuromuscular diseases span a broad range of rare conditions with diverse etiology and complex pathophysiology, they have been especially challenging to model in animals and thus are well suited for organ-on-chip approaches. In this Review, we first briefly summarize the challenges in neuromuscular disease modeling with animal models. Next, we describe a variety of existing organ-on-chip approaches for neuromuscular tissues, including a survey of cell sources for both muscle and nerve, and two- and three-dimensional neuromuscular tissue-engineering techniques. Although researchers have made tremendous advances in modeling neuromuscular diseases on a chip, the remaining challenges in cell sourcing, cell maturity, tissue assembly and readout capabilities limit their integration into the drug development pipeline today. However, as the field advances, models of healthy and diseased neuromuscular tissues on a chip, coupled with animal models, have vast potential as complementary tools for modeling multiple aspects of neuromuscular diseases and identifying new therapeutic strategies. Summary: Modeling neuromuscular diseases is challenging due to their complex etiology and pathophysiology. Here, we review the cell sources and tissue-engineering procedures that are being integrated as emerging neuromuscular disease models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey W Santoso
- Laboratory for Living Systems Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, USC Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Megan L McCain
- Laboratory for Living Systems Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, USC Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA .,Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine of USC, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
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122
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Das S, Gordián-Vélez WJ, Ledebur HC, Mourkioti F, Rompolas P, Chen HI, Serruya MD, Cullen DK. Innervation: the missing link for biofabricated tissues and organs. NPJ Regen Med 2020; 5:11. [PMID: 32550009 PMCID: PMC7275031 DOI: 10.1038/s41536-020-0096-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Innervation plays a pivotal role as a driver of tissue and organ development as well as a means for their functional control and modulation. Therefore, innervation should be carefully considered throughout the process of biofabrication of engineered tissues and organs. Unfortunately, innervation has generally been overlooked in most non-neural tissue engineering applications, in part due to the intrinsic complexity of building organs containing heterogeneous native cell types and structures. To achieve proper innervation of engineered tissues and organs, specific host axon populations typically need to be precisely driven to appropriate location(s) within the construct, often over long distances. As such, neural tissue engineering and/or axon guidance strategies should be a necessary adjunct to most organogenesis endeavors across multiple tissue and organ systems. To address this challenge, our team is actively building axon-based "living scaffolds" that may physically wire in during organ development in bioreactors and/or serve as a substrate to effectively drive targeted long-distance growth and integration of host axons after implantation. This article reviews the neuroanatomy and the role of innervation in the functional regulation of cardiac, skeletal, and smooth muscle tissue and highlights potential strategies to promote innervation of biofabricated engineered muscles, as well as the use of "living scaffolds" in this endeavor for both in vitro and in vivo applications. We assert that innervation should be included as a necessary component for tissue and organ biofabrication, and that strategies to orchestrate host axonal integration are advantageous to ensure proper function, tolerance, assimilation, and bio-regulation with the recipient post-implant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suradip Das
- 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
| | - Wisberty J. Gordián-Vélez
- 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
| | | | - Foteini Mourkioti
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA USA
| | - Panteleimon Rompolas
- Department of Dermatology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA USA
| | - H. Isaac Chen
- 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
| | - Mijail D. Serruya
- Center for Neurotrauma, Neurodegeneration & Restoration, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA USA
- Department of Neurology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, 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
- Axonova Medical, LLC., Philadelphia, PA USA
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123
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Kaufman CD, Liu SC, Cvetkovic C, Lee CA, Naseri Kouzehgarani G, Gillette R, Bashir R, Gillette MU. Emergence of functional neuromuscular junctions in an engineered, multicellular spinal cord-muscle bioactuator. APL Bioeng 2020; 4:026104. [PMID: 32548540 PMCID: PMC7190368 DOI: 10.1063/1.5121440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) biomimetic systems hold great promise for the study of biological systems in vitro as well as for the development and testing of pharmaceuticals. Here, we test the hypothesis that an intact segment of lumbar rat spinal cord will form functional neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) with engineered, 3D muscle tissue, mimicking the partial development of the peripheral nervous system (PNS). Muscle tissues are grown on a 3D-printed polyethylene glycol (PEG) skeleton where deflection of the backbone due to muscle contraction causes the displacement of the pillar-like "feet." We show that spinal cord explants extend a robust and complex arbor of motor neurons and glia in vitro. We then engineered a "spinobot" by innervating the muscle tissue with an intact segment of lumbar spinal cord that houses the hindlimb locomotor central pattern generator (CPG). Within 7 days of the spinal cord being introduced to the muscle tissue, functional neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) are formed, resulting in the development of an early PNS in vitro. The newly innervated muscles exhibit spontaneous contractions as measured by the displacement of pillars on the PEG skeleton. Upon chemical excitation, the spinal cord-muscle system initiated muscular twitches with a consistent frequency pattern. These sequences of contraction/relaxation suggest the action of a spinal CPG. Chemical inhibition with a blocker of neuronal glutamate receptors effectively blocked contractions. Overall, these data demonstrate that a rat spinal cord is capable of forming functional neuromuscular junctions ex vivo with an engineered muscle tissue at an ontogenetically similar timescale.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - M. U. Gillette
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed:. Tel.: 217-244-1355
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124
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Afshar ME, Abraha HY, Bakooshli MA, Davoudi S, Thavandiran N, Tung K, Ahn H, Ginsberg HJ, Zandstra PW, Gilbert PM. A 96-well culture platform enables longitudinal analyses of engineered human skeletal muscle microtissue strength. Sci Rep 2020; 10:6918. [PMID: 32332853 PMCID: PMC7181829 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-62837-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) in vitro models of human skeletal muscle mimic aspects of native tissue structure and function, thereby providing a promising system for disease modeling, drug discovery or pre-clinical validation, and toxicity testing. Widespread adoption of this research approach is hindered by the lack of easy-to-use platforms that are simple to fabricate and that yield arrays of human skeletal muscle micro-tissues (hMMTs) in culture with reproducible physiological responses that can be assayed non-invasively. Here, we describe a design and methods to generate a reusable mold to fabricate a 96-well platform, referred to as MyoTACTIC, that enables bulk production of 3D hMMTs. All 96-wells and all well features are cast in a single step from the reusable mold. Non-invasive calcium transient and contractile force measurements are performed on hMMTs directly in MyoTACTIC, and unbiased force analysis occurs by a custom automated algorithm, allowing for longitudinal studies of function. Characterizations of MyoTACTIC and resulting hMMTs confirms the capability of the device to support formation of hMMTs that recapitulate biological responses. We show that hMMT contractile force mirrors expected responses to compounds shown by others to decrease (dexamethasone, cerivastatin) or increase (IGF-1) skeletal muscle strength. Since MyoTACTIC supports hMMT long-term culture, we evaluated direct influences of pancreatic cancer chemotherapeutics agents on contraction competent human skeletal muscle myotubes. A single application of a clinically relevant dose of Irinotecan decreased hMMT contractile force generation, while clear effects on myotube atrophy were observed histologically only at a higher dose. This suggests an off-target effect that may contribute to cancer associated muscle wasting, and highlights the value of the MyoTACTIC platform to non-invasively predict modulators of human skeletal muscle function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad E Afshar
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, Toronto, Canada
| | - Haben Y Abraha
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, Toronto, Canada
| | - Mohsen A Bakooshli
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, Toronto, Canada
| | - Sadegh Davoudi
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, Toronto, Canada
| | - Nimalan Thavandiran
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, Toronto, Canada
| | - Kayee Tung
- Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Henry Ahn
- Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Howard J Ginsberg
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Peter W Zandstra
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, Toronto, Canada.,Michael Smith Laboratories and the School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Penney M Gilbert
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada. .,Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, Toronto, Canada. .,Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada. .,Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
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125
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Kim JH, Kim I, Seol YJ, Ko IK, Yoo JJ, Atala A, Lee SJ. Neural cell integration into 3D bioprinted skeletal muscle constructs accelerates restoration of muscle function. Nat Commun 2020; 11:1025. [PMID: 32094341 PMCID: PMC7039897 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-14930-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
A bioengineered skeletal muscle construct that mimics structural and functional characteristics of native skeletal muscle is a promising therapeutic option to treat extensive muscle defect injuries. We previously showed that bioprinted human skeletal muscle constructs were able to form multi-layered bundles with aligned myofibers. In this study, we investigate the effects of neural cell integration into the bioprinted skeletal muscle construct to accelerate functional muscle regeneration in vivo. Neural input into this bioprinted skeletal muscle construct shows the improvement of myofiber formation, long-term survival, and neuromuscular junction formation in vitro. More importantly, the bioprinted constructs with neural cell integration facilitate rapid innervation and mature into organized muscle tissue that restores normal muscle weight and function in a rodent model of muscle defect injury. These results suggest that the 3D bioprinted human neural-skeletal muscle constructs can be rapidly integrated with the host neural network, resulting in accelerated muscle function restoration. 3D bioprinting of skeletal muscle using primary human muscle progenitor cells results in correct muscle architecture, but functional restoration in rodent models is limited. Here the authors include human neural stem cells into bioprinted skeletal muscle and observe improved architecture and function in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Hyun Kim
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA
| | - Ickhee Kim
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA
| | - Young-Joon Seol
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA
| | - In Kap Ko
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA
| | - James J Yoo
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA
| | - Anthony Atala
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA
| | - Sang Jin Lee
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA.
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126
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Faustino Martins JM, Fischer C, Urzi A, Vidal R, Kunz S, Ruffault PL, Kabuss L, Hube I, Gazzerro E, Birchmeier C, Spuler S, Sauer S, Gouti M. Self-Organizing 3D Human Trunk Neuromuscular Organoids. Cell Stem Cell 2020; 26:172-186.e6. [PMID: 31956040 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2019.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2019] [Revised: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Neuromuscular networks assemble during early human embryonic development and are essential for the control of body movement. Previous neuromuscular junction modeling efforts using human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) generated either spinal cord neurons or skeletal muscles in monolayer culture. Here, we use hPSC-derived axial stem cells, the building blocks of the posterior body, to simultaneously generate spinal cord neurons and skeletal muscle cells that self-organize to generate human neuromuscular organoids (NMOs) that can be maintained in 3D for several months. Single-cell RNA-sequencing of individual organoids revealed reproducibility across experiments and enabled the tracking of the neural and mesodermal differentiation trajectories as organoids developed and matured. NMOs contain functional neuromuscular junctions supported by terminal Schwann cells. They contract and develop central pattern generator-like neuronal circuits. Finally, we successfully use NMOs to recapitulate key aspects of myasthenia gravis pathology, thus highlighting the significant potential of NMOs for modeling neuromuscular diseases in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge-Miguel Faustino Martins
- Stem Cell Modelling of Development & Disease Group, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Cornelius Fischer
- Scientific Genomics Platforms, Laboratory of Functional Genomics, Nutrigenomics and Systems Biology, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Alessia Urzi
- Stem Cell Modelling of Development & Disease Group, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Ramon Vidal
- Scientific Genomics Platforms, Laboratory of Functional Genomics, Nutrigenomics and Systems Biology, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Severine Kunz
- Electron Microscopy Core Facility, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Pierre-Louis Ruffault
- Developmental Biology and Signal Transduction Group, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Loreen Kabuss
- Stem Cell Modelling of Development & Disease Group, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Iris Hube
- Stem Cell Modelling of Development & Disease Group, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Elisabeta Gazzerro
- Muscle Research Unit, Experimental and Clinical Research Center (ECRC), Charité Medical Faculty, and Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Carmen Birchmeier
- Developmental Biology and Signal Transduction Group, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Simone Spuler
- Muscle Research Unit, Experimental and Clinical Research Center (ECRC), Charité Medical Faculty, and Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Sascha Sauer
- Scientific Genomics Platforms, Laboratory of Functional Genomics, Nutrigenomics and Systems Biology, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Mina Gouti
- Stem Cell Modelling of Development & Disease Group, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, 13125 Berlin, Germany.
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127
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Osaki T, Uzel SGM, Kamm RD. On-chip 3D neuromuscular model for drug screening and precision medicine in neuromuscular disease. Nat Protoc 2020; 15:421-449. [PMID: 31932771 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-019-0248-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
This protocol describes the design, fabrication and use of a 3D physiological and pathophysiological motor unit model consisting of motor neurons coupled to skeletal muscles interacting via the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) within a microfluidic device. This model facilitates imaging and quantitative functional assessment. The 'NMJ chip' enables real-time, live imaging of axonal outgrowth, NMJ formation and muscle maturation, as well as synchronization of motor neuron activity and muscle contraction under optogenetic control for the study of normal physiological events. The proposed protocol takes ~2-3 months to be implemented. Pathological behaviors associated with various neuromuscular diseases, such as regression of motor neuron axons, motor neuron death, and muscle degradation and atrophy can also be recapitulated in this system. Disease models can be created by the use of patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells to generate both the motor neurons and skeletal muscle cells used. This is demonstrated by the use of cells from a patient with sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis but can be applied more generally to models of neuromuscular disease, such as spinal muscular atrophy, NMJ disorder and muscular dystrophy. Models such as this hold considerable potential for applications in precision medicine, drug screening and disease risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatsuya Osaki
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Sebastien G M Uzel
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.,John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Roger D Kamm
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA. .,Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA. .,Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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128
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Vilquin JT, Bayer AC, Le Panse R, Berrih-Aknin S. The Muscle Is Not a Passive Target in Myasthenia Gravis. Front Neurol 2020; 10:1343. [PMID: 31920954 PMCID: PMC6930907 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2019.01343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a rare autoimmune disease mediated by pathogenic antibodies (Ab) directed against components of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), mainly the acetylcholine receptor (AChR). The etiological mechanisms are not totally elucidated, but they include a combination of genetic predisposition, triggering event(s), and hormonal components. MG disease is associated with defective immune regulation, chronic cell activation, inflammation, and the thymus is frequently abnormal. MG is characterized by muscle fatigability that is very invalidating and can be life-threatening when respiratory muscles are affected. MG is not cured, and symptomatic treatments with acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and immunosuppressors are life-long medications associated with severe side effects (especially glucocorticoids). While the muscle is the ultimate target of the autoimmune attack, its place and role are not thoroughly described, and this mini-review will focus on the cascade of pathophysiologic mechanisms taking place at the NMJ and its consequences on the muscle biology, function, and regeneration in myasthenic patients, at the histological, cellular, and molecular levels. The fine structure of the synaptic cleft is damaged by the Ab binding that is coupled to focal complement-dependent lysis in the case of MG with anti-AChR antibodies. Cellular and molecular reactions taking place in the muscle involve several cell types as well as soluble factors. Finally, the regenerative capacities of the MG muscle tissue may be altered. Altogether, the studies reported in this review demonstrate that the muscle is not a passive target in MG, but interacts dynamically with its environment in several ways, activating mechanisms of compensation that limit the pathogenic mechanisms of the autoantibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Thomas Vilquin
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Association Institut de Myologie (AIM), Paris, France
| | | | - Rozen Le Panse
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Association Institut de Myologie (AIM), Paris, France
| | - Sonia Berrih-Aknin
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Association Institut de Myologie (AIM), Paris, France
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129
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Smith LR, Meyer GA. Skeletal muscle explants: ex-vivo models to study cellular behavior in a complex tissue environment. Connect Tissue Res 2020; 61:248-261. [PMID: 31492079 PMCID: PMC8837600 DOI: 10.1080/03008207.2019.1662409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Purpose/Aim: Skeletal muscle tissue explants have been cultured and studied for nearly 100 years. These cultures, which retain complex tissue structure in an environment suited to precision manipulation and measurement, have led to seminal discoveries of the extrinsic and intrinsic mechanisms regulating contractility, metabolism and regeneration. This review discusses the two primary models of muscle explant: isolated myofiber and intact muscle.Materials and Methods: Relevant literature was reviewed and synthesized with a focus on the unique challenges and capabilities of each explant model.Results: Impactful past, current and future novel applications are discussed.Conclusions: Experiments using skeletal muscle explants have been integral to our understanding of the fundamentals of muscle physiology. As they are refined and adapted, they are poised to continue to inform the field for years to come.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas R. Smith
- Departments of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of California, Davis; Davis, CA 95616
| | - Gretchen A. Meyer
- Program in Physical Therapy and Departments of Neurology, Biomedical Engineering and Orthopaedic Surgery, Washington University in St. Louis; St. Louis, MO 63110
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130
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Fusto A, Moyle LA, Gilbert PM, Pegoraro E. Cored in the act: the use of models to understand core myopathies. Dis Model Mech 2019; 12:dmm041368. [PMID: 31874912 PMCID: PMC6955215 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.041368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The core myopathies are a group of congenital myopathies with variable clinical expression - ranging from early-onset skeletal-muscle weakness to later-onset disease of variable severity - that are identified by characteristic 'core-like' lesions in myofibers and the presence of hypothonia and slowly or rather non-progressive muscle weakness. The genetic causes are diverse; central core disease is most often caused by mutations in ryanodine receptor 1 (RYR1), whereas multi-minicore disease is linked to pathogenic variants of several genes, including selenoprotein N (SELENON), RYR1 and titin (TTN). Understanding the mechanisms that drive core development and muscle weakness remains challenging due to the diversity of the excitation-contraction coupling (ECC) proteins involved and the differential effects of mutations across proteins. Because of this, the use of representative models expressing a mature ECC apparatus is crucial. Animal models have facilitated the identification of disease progression mechanisms for some mutations and have provided evidence to help explain genotype-phenotype correlations. However, many unanswered questions remain about the common and divergent pathological mechanisms that drive disease progression, and these mechanisms need to be understood in order to identify therapeutic targets. Several new transgenic animals have been described recently, expanding the spectrum of core myopathy models, including mice with patient-specific mutations. Furthermore, recent developments in 3D tissue engineering are expected to enable the study of core myopathy disease progression and the effects of potential therapeutic interventions in the context of human cells. In this Review, we summarize the current landscape of core myopathy models, and assess the hurdles and opportunities of future modeling strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurora Fusto
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Padua, Padua 35128, Italy
| | - Louise A Moyle
- Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S3E1, Canada
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biochemical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S3G9, Canada
| | - Penney M Gilbert
- Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S3E1, Canada
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biochemical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S3G9, Canada
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S3G5, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S1A8, Canada
| | - Elena Pegoraro
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Padua, Padua 35128, Italy
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131
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Vila OF, Qu Y, Vunjak-Novakovic G. In vitro models of neuromuscular junctions and their potential for novel drug discovery and development. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2019; 15:307-317. [PMID: 31846349 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2020.1700225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Neuromuscular Junctions (NMJs) are the synapses between motor neurons and skeletal muscle fibers, and they are responsible for voluntary motor function. NMJs are affected at early stages of numerous neurodegenerative and neuroimmunological diseases. Due to the difficulty of systematically studying and manipulating NMJs in live subjects, in vitro systems with human tissue models would provide a powerful complement to simple cell cultures and animal models for mechanistic and drug development studies.Areas covered: The authors review the latest advances in in vitro models of NMJs, from traditional cell co-culture systems to novel tissue culture approaches, with focus on disease modeling and drug testing.Expert opinion: In recent years, more sophisticated in vitro models of human NMJs have been established. The combination of human stem cell technology with advanced tissue culture systems has resulted in systems that better recapitulate the human NMJ structure and function, and thereby allow for high-throughput quantitative functional measurements under both healthy and diseased conditions. Although they still have limitations, these advanced systems are increasingly demonstrating their utility for evaluating new therapies for motoneuron and autoimmune neuromuscular diseases, and we expect them to become an integral part of the drug discovery process in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olaia F Vila
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yihuai Qu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
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132
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Wang J, Khodabukus A, Rao L, Vandusen K, Abutaleb N, Bursac N. Engineered skeletal muscles for disease modeling and drug discovery. Biomaterials 2019; 221:119416. [PMID: 31419653 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2019.119416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2019] [Revised: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Skeletal muscle is the largest organ of human body with several important roles in everyday movement and metabolic homeostasis. The limited ability of small animal models of muscle disease to accurately predict drug efficacy and toxicity in humans has prompted the development in vitro models of human skeletal muscle that fatefully recapitulate cell and tissue level functions and drug responses. We first review methods for development of three-dimensional engineered muscle tissues and organ-on-a-chip microphysiological systems and discuss their potential utility in drug discovery research and development of new regenerative therapies. Furthermore, we describe strategies to increase the functional maturation of engineered muscle, and motivate the importance of incorporating multiple tissue types on the same chip to model organ cross-talk and generate more predictive drug development platforms. Finally, we review the ability of available in vitro systems to model diseases such as type II diabetes, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Pompe disease, and dysferlinopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | - Lingjun Rao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Keith Vandusen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Nadia Abutaleb
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Nenad Bursac
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
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133
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Natarajan A, Sethumadhavan A, Krishnan UM. Toward Building the Neuromuscular Junction: In Vitro Models To Study Synaptogenesis and Neurodegeneration. ACS OMEGA 2019; 4:12969-12977. [PMID: 31460423 PMCID: PMC6682064 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.9b00973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2019] [Accepted: 07/04/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is a unique, specialized chemical synapse that plays a crucial role in transmitting and amplifying information from spinal motor neurons to skeletal muscles. NMJ complexity ensures closely intertwined interactions between numerous synaptic vesicles, signaling molecules, ion channels, motor neurons, glia, and muscle fibers, making it difficult to dissect the underlying mechanisms and factors affecting neurodegeneration and muscle loss. Muscle fiber or motor neuron cell death followed by rapid axonal degeneration due to injury or disease has a debilitating effect on movement and behavior, which adversely affects the quality of life. It thus becomes imperative to study the synapse and intercellular signaling processes that regulate plasticity at the NMJ and elucidate mechanisms and pathways at the cellular level. Studies using in vitro 2D cell cultures have allowed us to gain a fundamental understanding of how the NMJ functions. However, they do not provide information on the intricate signaling networks that exist between NMJs and the biological environment. The advent of 3D cell cultures and microfluidic lab-on-a-chip technologies has opened whole new avenues to explore the NMJ. In this perspective, we look at the challenges involved in building a functional NMJ and the progress made in generating models for studying the NMJ, highlighting the current and future applications of these models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anupama Natarajan
- Centre
for Nanotechnology & Advanced Biomaterials (CeNTAB), School of Chemical
& Biotechnology, and School of Arts, Science & Humanities, SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur 613 401, India
| | - Anjali Sethumadhavan
- Centre
for Nanotechnology & Advanced Biomaterials (CeNTAB), School of Chemical
& Biotechnology, and School of Arts, Science & Humanities, SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur 613 401, India
| | - Uma Maheswari Krishnan
- Centre
for Nanotechnology & Advanced Biomaterials (CeNTAB), School of Chemical
& Biotechnology, and School of Arts, Science & Humanities, SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur 613 401, India
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