251
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Yoon JK, Kim J, Shah Z, Awasthi A, Mahajan A, Kim Y. Advanced Human BBB-on-a-Chip: A New Platform for Alzheimer's Disease Studies. Adv Healthc Mater 2021; 10:e2002285. [PMID: 34075728 PMCID: PMC8349886 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202002285] [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: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a unique vascular structure that serves as a molecular transport gateway for the maintenance of brain homeostasis. Chronic disruption or breakdown of the BBB reportedly leads to neurodegenerative diseases. Nonetheless, research on human BBB pathophysiology and drug development remains highly dependent on studies using inherently different animals. Moreover, more studies have shown that animal models are not appropriate in modeling Alzheimer's disease (AD), underlining the importance of in vitro models of the human BBB with physiological relevance. In this review, recent advances in human BBB-on-a-chip technologies are highlighted and their potential for pathogenesis studies and drug prescreening for AD treatment are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeong-Kee Yoon
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Jaehoon Kim
- Mepsgen Co. Ltd., Seoul, 05836, Republic of Korea
| | - Zachary Shah
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Ashi Awasthi
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Advay Mahajan
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - YongTae Kim
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
- Mepsgen Co. Ltd., Seoul, 05836, Republic of Korea
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
- Institute for Electronics and Nanotechnology, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
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252
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Tukker AM, Westerink RHS. Novel test strategies for in vitro seizure liability assessment. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2021; 17:923-936. [PMID: 33595380 PMCID: PMC8367052 DOI: 10.1080/17425255.2021.1876026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The increasing incidence of mental illnesses and neurodegenerative diseases results in a high demand for drugs targeting the central nervous system (CNS). These drugs easily reach the CNS, have a high affinity for CNS targets, and are prone to cause seizures as an adverse drug reaction. Current seizure liability assessment heavily depends on in vivo or ex vivo animal models and is therefore ethically debated, labor intensive, expensive, and not always predictive for human risk. AREAS COVERED The demand for CNS drugs urges the development of alternative safety assessment strategies. Yet, the complexity of the CNS hampers reliable detection of compound-induced seizures. This review provides an overview of the requirements of in vitro seizure liability assays and highlights recent advances, including micro-electrode array (MEA) recordings using rodent and human cell models. EXPERT OPINION Successful and cost-effective replacement of in vivo and ex vivo models for seizure liability screening can reduce animal use for drug development, while increasing the predictive value of the assays, particularly if human cell models are used. However, these novel test strategies require further validation and standardization as well as additional refinements to better mimic the human in vivo situation and increase their predictive value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anke M. Tukker
- School of Health Sciences, Purdue University, Hall for Discovery and Learning Research (DLR 339), INUSA
| | - Remco H. S. Westerink
- Neurotoxicology Research Group, Toxicology Division, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, TD Utrecht, The Netherlands
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253
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Chen Y, Alba M, Tieu T, Tong Z, Minhas RS, Rudd D, Voelcker NH, Cifuentes-Rius A, Elnathan R. Engineering Micro–Nanomaterials for Biomedical Translation. ADVANCED NANOBIOMED RESEARCH 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/anbr.202100002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yaping Chen
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences Monash University 381 Royal Parade Parkville VIC 3052 Australia
- Melbourne Centre for Nanofabrication Victorian Node of the Australian National Fabrication Facility 151 Wellington Road Clayton VIC 3168 Australia
| | - Maria Alba
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences Monash University 381 Royal Parade Parkville VIC 3052 Australia
- Melbourne Centre for Nanofabrication Victorian Node of the Australian National Fabrication Facility 151 Wellington Road Clayton VIC 3168 Australia
| | - Terence Tieu
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences Monash University 381 Royal Parade Parkville VIC 3052 Australia
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) Manufacturing Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) Clayton VIC 3168 Australia
| | - Ziqiu Tong
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences Monash University 381 Royal Parade Parkville VIC 3052 Australia
| | - Rajpreet Singh Minhas
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences Monash University 381 Royal Parade Parkville VIC 3052 Australia
- Melbourne Centre for Nanofabrication Victorian Node of the Australian National Fabrication Facility 151 Wellington Road Clayton VIC 3168 Australia
| | - David Rudd
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences Monash University 381 Royal Parade Parkville VIC 3052 Australia
- Melbourne Centre for Nanofabrication Victorian Node of the Australian National Fabrication Facility 151 Wellington Road Clayton VIC 3168 Australia
| | - Nicolas H. Voelcker
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences Monash University 381 Royal Parade Parkville VIC 3052 Australia
- Melbourne Centre for Nanofabrication Victorian Node of the Australian National Fabrication Facility 151 Wellington Road Clayton VIC 3168 Australia
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering Monash University 22 Alliance Lane Clayton VIC 3168 Australia
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) Manufacturing Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) Clayton VIC 3168 Australia
- INM-Leibniz Institute for New Materials Campus D2 2 Saarbrücken 66123 Germany
| | - Anna Cifuentes-Rius
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences Monash University 381 Royal Parade Parkville VIC 3052 Australia
| | - Roey Elnathan
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences Monash University 381 Royal Parade Parkville VIC 3052 Australia
- Melbourne Centre for Nanofabrication Victorian Node of the Australian National Fabrication Facility 151 Wellington Road Clayton VIC 3168 Australia
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering Monash University 22 Alliance Lane Clayton VIC 3168 Australia
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254
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Drobny A, Ngo PA, Neurath MF, Zunke F, López-Posadas R. Molecular Communication Between Neuronal Networks and Intestinal Epithelial Cells in Gut Inflammation and Parkinson's Disease. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:655123. [PMID: 34368179 PMCID: PMC8339315 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.655123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Intestinal symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and constipation, are common in Parkinson's disease patients. These clinical signs normally appear years before the diagnosis of the neurodegenerative disease, preceding the occurrence of motor manifestations. Moreover, it is postulated that Parkinson's disease might originate in the gut, due to a response against the intestinal microbiota leading to alterations in alpha-synuclein in the intestinal autonomic nervous system. Transmission of this protein to the central nervous system is mediated potentially via the vagus nerve. Thus, deposition of aggregated alpha-synuclein in the gastrointestinal tract has been suggested as a potential prodromal diagnostic marker for Parkinson's disease. Interestingly, hallmarks of chronic intestinal inflammation in inflammatory bowel disease, such as dysbiosis and increased intestinal permeability, are also observed in Parkinson's disease patients. Additionally, alpha-synuclein accumulations were detected in the gut of Crohn's disease patients. Despite a solid association between neurodegenerative diseases and gut inflammation, it is not clear whether intestinal alterations represent cause or consequence of neuroinflammation in the central nervous system. In this review, we summarize the bidirectional communication between the brain and the gut in the context of Parkinson's disease and intestinal dysfunction/inflammation as present in inflammatory bowel disease. Further, we focus on the contribution of intestinal epithelium, the communication between intestinal epithelial cells, microbiota, immune and neuronal cells, as well as mechanisms causing alterations of epithelial integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Drobny
- Department of Molecular Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Phuong A Ngo
- Medicine 1, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Markus F Neurath
- Medicine 1, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany.,Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Friederike Zunke
- Department of Molecular Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
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255
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Vichare AS, Kamath SU, Leist M, Hayes AW, Mahadevan B. Application of the 3Rs principles in the development of pharmaceutical generics. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2021; 125:105016. [PMID: 34302895 DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2021.105016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Although the 3Rs are broadly applied in nonclinical testing, a better appreciation of the 3Rs is needed in the field of differentiated or value-added pharmaceutical generics because the minor changes in formulation, dosage form, indication, and application route often do not require additional safety testing. The US FDA and the EU EMA have comprehensive regulations for such drugs based on quality, therapeutic equivalence, and safety guidelines. However, no scientific publications on how the concept of replacement and reduction from 3Rs principles can be applied in the safety assessment of differentiated generics were found in the public domain. In this review, we discuss the application of 3Rs in nonclinical testing requirements for differentiated generics. Practical examples are provided in the form of case studies from regulated markets. We highlight the need for utilization of existing data to establish equivalence (differentiated generic vs innovator) in efficacy and safety. The case studies indicate that data requirements from animal experiments have been reduced to a large extent in some major markets without compromising quality and safety. In this context, we also highlight the problem that on a global scale, a true reduction of animal experiments will only be achieved when all countries adopt similar practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhijit S Vichare
- Global Preclinical & Product Safety, Abbott Healthcare Pvt Ltd., Mumbai, India.
| | - Sushant U Kamath
- Global Preclinical & Product Safety, Abbott Healthcare Pvt Ltd., Mumbai, India
| | - Marcel Leist
- In vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - A Wallace Hayes
- The University of South Florida, College of Public Health, Tampa, FL, USA
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256
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Wu YC, Sonninen TM, Peltonen S, Koistinaho J, Lehtonen Š. Blood-Brain Barrier and Neurodegenerative Diseases-Modeling with iPSC-Derived Brain Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:7710. [PMID: 34299328 PMCID: PMC8307585 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 07/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) regulates the delivery of oxygen and important nutrients to the brain through active and passive transport and prevents neurotoxins from entering the brain. It also has a clearance function and removes carbon dioxide and toxic metabolites from the central nervous system (CNS). Several drugs are unable to cross the BBB and enter the CNS, adding complexity to drug screens targeting brain disorders. A well-functioning BBB is essential for maintaining healthy brain tissue, and a malfunction of the BBB, linked to its permeability, results in toxins and immune cells entering the CNS. This impairment is associated with a variety of neurological diseases, including Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Here, we summarize current knowledge about the BBB in neurodegenerative diseases. Furthermore, we focus on recent progress of using human-induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived models to study the BBB. We review the potential of novel stem cell-based platforms in modeling the BBB and address advances and key challenges of using stem cell technology in modeling the human BBB. Finally, we highlight future directions in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Chieh Wu
- Neuroscience Center, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland; (Y.-C.W.); (T.-M.S.); (S.P.); (J.K.)
| | - Tuuli-Maria Sonninen
- Neuroscience Center, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland; (Y.-C.W.); (T.-M.S.); (S.P.); (J.K.)
| | - Sanni Peltonen
- Neuroscience Center, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland; (Y.-C.W.); (T.-M.S.); (S.P.); (J.K.)
| | - Jari Koistinaho
- Neuroscience Center, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland; (Y.-C.W.); (T.-M.S.); (S.P.); (J.K.)
- A.I.Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Šárka Lehtonen
- Neuroscience Center, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland; (Y.-C.W.); (T.-M.S.); (S.P.); (J.K.)
- A.I.Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
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257
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Li H, Gao L, Du J, Ma T, Ye Z, Li Z. To Better Generate Organoids, What Can We Learn From Teratomas? Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:700482. [PMID: 34336851 PMCID: PMC8324104 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.700482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The genomic profile of animal models is not completely matched with the genomic profile of humans, and 2D cultures do not represent the cellular heterogeneity and tissue architecture found in tissues of their origin. Derived from 3D culture systems, organoids establish a crucial bridge between 2D cell cultures and in vivo animal models. Organoids have wide and promising applications in developmental research, disease modeling, drug screening, precision therapy, and regenerative medicine. However, current organoids represent only single or partial components of a tissue, which lack blood vessels, native microenvironment, communication with near tissues, and a continuous dorsal-ventral axis within 3D culture systems. Although efforts have been made to solve these problems, unfortunately, there is no ideal method. Teratoma, which has been frequently studied in pathological conditions, was recently discovered as a new in vivo model for developmental studies. In contrast to organoids, teratomas have vascularized 3D structures and regions of complex tissue-like organization. Studies have demonstrated that teratomas can be used to mimic multilineage human development, enrich specific somatic progenitor/stem cells, and even generate brain organoids. These results provide unique opportunities to promote our understanding of the vascularization and maturation of organoids. In this review, we first summarize the basic characteristics, applications, and limitations of both organoids and teratomas and further discuss the possibility that in vivo teratoma systems can be used to promote the vascularization and maturation of organoids within an in vitro 3D culture system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyu Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Lixiong Gao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jinlin Du
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Tianju Ma
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zi Ye
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhaohui Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
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258
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Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is one of the most selective endothelial barriers. An understanding of its cellular, morphological, and biological properties in health and disease is necessary to develop therapeutics that can be transported from blood to brain. In vivo models have provided some insight into these features and transport mechanisms adopted at the brain, yet they have failed as a robust platform for the translation of results into clinical outcomes. In this article, we provide a general overview of major BBB features and describe various models that have been designed to replicate this barrier and neurological pathologies linked with the BBB. We propose several key parameters and design characteristics that can be employed to engineer physiologically relevant models of the blood-brain interface and highlight the need for a consensus in the measurement of fundamental properties of this barrier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Hajal
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
| | - Baptiste Le Roi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
| | - Roger D Kamm
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
| | - Ben M Maoz
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
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259
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Kang S, Park SE, Huh DD. Organ-on-a-chip technology for nanoparticle research. NANO CONVERGENCE 2021; 8:20. [PMID: 34236537 PMCID: PMC8266951 DOI: 10.1186/s40580-021-00270-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
The last two decades have witnessed explosive growth in the field of nanoengineering and nanomedicine. In particular, engineered nanoparticles have garnered great attention due to their potential to enable new capabilities such as controlled and targeted drug delivery for treatment of various diseases. With rapid progress in nanoparticle research, increasing efforts are being made to develop new technologies for in vitro modeling and analysis of the efficacy and safety of nanotherapeutics in human physiological systems. Organ-on-a-chip technology represents the most recent advance in this effort that provides a promising approach to address the limitations of conventional preclinical models. In this paper, we present a concise review of recent studies demonstrating how this emerging technology can be applied to in vitro studies of nanoparticles. The specific focus of this review is to examine the use of organ-on-a-chip models for toxicity and efficacy assessment of nanoparticles used in therapeutic applications. We also discuss challenges and future opportunities for implementing organ-on-a-chip technology for nanoparticle research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shawn Kang
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, 210 S 33rd St., Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA
| | - Sunghee Estelle Park
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, 210 S 33rd St., Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA
- NSF Science and Technology Center for Engineering Mechanobiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA
| | - Dan Dongeun Huh
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, 210 S 33rd St., Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA
- NSF Science and Technology Center for Engineering Mechanobiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA
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260
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Harschnitz O, Studer L. Human stem cell models to study host-virus interactions in the central nervous system. Nat Rev Immunol 2021; 21:441-453. [PMID: 33398129 PMCID: PMC9653304 DOI: 10.1038/s41577-020-00474-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Advancements in human pluripotent stem cell technology offer a unique opportunity for the neuroimmunology field to study host-virus interactions directly in disease-relevant cells of the human central nervous system (CNS). Viral encephalitis is most commonly caused by herpesviruses, arboviruses and enteroviruses targeting distinct CNS cell types and often leading to severe neurological damage with poor clinical outcomes. Furthermore, different neurotropic viruses will affect the CNS at distinct developmental stages, from early prenatal brain development to the aged brain. With the unique flexibility and scalability of human pluripotent stem cell technology, it is now possible to examine the molecular mechanisms underlying acute infection and latency, determine which CNS subpopulations are specifically infected, study temporal aspects of viral susceptibility, perform high-throughput chemical or genetic screens for viral restriction factors and explore complex cell-non-autonomous disease mechanisms. Therefore, human pluripotent stem cell technology has the potential to address key unanswered questions about antiviral immunity in the CNS, including emerging questions on the potential CNS tropism of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Harschnitz
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, New York (NY), USA,The Center for Stem Cell Biology, Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, New York (NY), USA,
| | - Lorenz Studer
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, New York (NY), USA,The Center for Stem Cell Biology, Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, New York (NY), USA
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261
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Staicu CE, Jipa F, Axente E, Radu M, Radu BM, Sima F. Lab-on-a-Chip Platforms as Tools for Drug Screening in Neuropathologies Associated with Blood-Brain Barrier Alterations. Biomolecules 2021; 11:916. [PMID: 34205550 PMCID: PMC8235582 DOI: 10.3390/biom11060916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Lab-on-a-chip (LOC) and organ-on-a-chip (OOC) devices are highly versatile platforms that enable miniaturization and advanced controlled laboratory functions (i.e., microfluidics, advanced optical or electrical recordings, high-throughput screening). The manufacturing advancements of LOCs/OOCs for biomedical applications and their current limitations are briefly discussed. Multiple studies have exploited the advantages of mimicking organs or tissues on a chip. Among these, we focused our attention on the brain-on-a-chip, blood-brain barrier (BBB)-on-a-chip, and neurovascular unit (NVU)-on-a-chip applications. Mainly, we review the latest developments of brain-on-a-chip, BBB-on-a-chip, and NVU-on-a-chip devices and their use as testing platforms for high-throughput pharmacological screening. In particular, we analyze the most important contributions of these studies in the field of neurodegenerative diseases and their relevance in translational personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Elena Staicu
- Department of Anatomy, Animal Physiology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 050095 Bucharest, Romania;
- Center for Advanced Laser Technologies, National Institute for Laser, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 077125 Măgurele, Romania; (F.J.); (E.A.); (F.S.)
| | - Florin Jipa
- Center for Advanced Laser Technologies, National Institute for Laser, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 077125 Măgurele, Romania; (F.J.); (E.A.); (F.S.)
| | - Emanuel Axente
- Center for Advanced Laser Technologies, National Institute for Laser, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 077125 Măgurele, Romania; (F.J.); (E.A.); (F.S.)
| | - Mihai Radu
- Department of Life and Environmental Physics, ‘Horia Hulubei’ National Institute for Physics and Nuclear Engineering, 077125 Măgurele, Romania;
| | - Beatrice Mihaela Radu
- Department of Anatomy, Animal Physiology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 050095 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Felix Sima
- Center for Advanced Laser Technologies, National Institute for Laser, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 077125 Măgurele, Romania; (F.J.); (E.A.); (F.S.)
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262
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Nguyen J, Lin YY, Gerecht S. The next generation of endothelial differentiation: Tissue-specific ECs. Cell Stem Cell 2021; 28:1188-1204. [PMID: 34081899 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2021.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Endothelial cells (ECs) sense and respond to fluid flow and regulate immune cell trafficking in all organs. Despite sharing the same mesodermal origin, ECs exhibit heterogeneous tissue-specific characteristics. Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) can potentially be harnessed to capture this heterogeneity and further elucidate endothelium behavior to satisfy the need for increased accuracy and breadth of disease models and therapeutics. Here, we review current strategies for hPSC differentiation to blood vascular ECs and their maturation into continuous, fenestrated, and sinusoidal tissues. We then discuss the contribution of hPSC-derived ECs to recent advances in organoid development and organ-on-chip approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Nguyen
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Physical Sciences-Oncology Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Ying-Yu Lin
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Physical Sciences-Oncology Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Sharon Gerecht
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Physical Sciences-Oncology Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA; Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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263
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Singh AV, Chandrasekar V, Janapareddy P, Mathews DE, Laux P, Luch A, Yang Y, Garcia-Canibano B, Balakrishnan S, Abinahed J, Al Ansari A, Dakua SP. Emerging Application of Nanorobotics and Artificial Intelligence To Cross the BBB: Advances in Design, Controlled Maneuvering, and Targeting of the Barriers. ACS Chem Neurosci 2021; 12:1835-1853. [PMID: 34008957 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.1c00087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a prime focus for clinicians to maintain the homeostatic function in health and deliver the theranostics in brain cancer and number of neurological diseases. The structural hierarchy and in situ biochemical signaling of BBB neurovascular unit have been primary targets to recapitulate into the in vitro modules. The microengineered perfusion systems and development in 3D cellular and organoid culture have given a major thrust to BBB research for neuropharmacology. In this review, we focus on revisiting the nanoparticles based bimolecular engineering to enable them to maneuver, control, target, and deliver the theranostic payloads across cellular BBB as nanorobots or nanobots. Subsequently we provide a brief outline of specific case studies addressing the payload delivery in brain tumor and neurological disorders (e.g., Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, etc.). In addition, we also address the opportunities and challenges across the nanorobots' development and design. Finally, we address how computationally powered machine learning (ML) tools and artificial intelligence (AI) can be partnered with robotics to predict and design the next generation nanorobots to interact and deliver across the BBB without causing damage, toxicity, or malfunctions. The content of this review could be references to multidisciplinary science to clinicians, roboticists, chemists, and bioengineers involved in cutting-edge pharmaceutical design and BBB research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajay Vikram Singh
- Department of Chemical and Product Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Max-Dohrn-Straße 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Poonam Janapareddy
- Department of Surgery, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), 3050 Doha, Qatar
| | - Divya Elsa Mathews
- Department of Surgery, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), 3050 Doha, Qatar
| | - Peter Laux
- Department of Chemical and Product Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Max-Dohrn-Straße 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreas Luch
- Department of Chemical and Product Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Max-Dohrn-Straße 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany
| | - Yin Yang
- College of Science and Engineering, Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), 24404 Doha, Qatar
| | | | | | - Julien Abinahed
- Department of Surgery, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), 3050 Doha, Qatar
| | - Abdulla Al Ansari
- Department of Surgery, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), 3050 Doha, Qatar
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264
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Zhang Q, Bosch-Rué È, Pérez RA, Truskey GA. Biofabrication of tissue engineering vascular systems. APL Bioeng 2021; 5:021507. [PMID: 33981941 PMCID: PMC8106537 DOI: 10.1063/5.0039628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death among persons aged 65 and older in the United States and many other developed countries. Tissue engineered vascular systems (TEVS) can serve as grafts for CVD treatment and be used as in vitro model systems to examine the role of various genetic factors during the CVD progressions. Current focus in the field is to fabricate TEVS that more closely resembles the mechanical properties and extracellular matrix environment of native vessels, which depends heavily on the advance in biofabrication techniques and discovery of novel biomaterials. In this review, we outline the mechanical and biological design requirements of TEVS and explore the history and recent advances in biofabrication methods and biomaterials for tissue engineered blood vessels and microvascular systems with special focus on in vitro applications. In vitro applications of TEVS for disease modeling are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiao Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, USA
| | - Èlia Bosch-Rué
- Bioengineering Institute of Technology (BIT), Universitat Internacional de Catalunya (UIC), Sant Cugat del Vallès 08195, Spain
| | - Román A. Pérez
- Bioengineering Institute of Technology (BIT), Universitat Internacional de Catalunya (UIC), Sant Cugat del Vallès 08195, Spain
| | - George A. Truskey
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, USA
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265
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Maulana TI, Kromidas E, Wallstabe L, Cipriano M, Alb M, Zaupa C, Hudecek M, Fogal B, Loskill P. Immunocompetent cancer-on-chip models to assess immuno-oncology therapy. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 173:281-305. [PMID: 33798643 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2020] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The advances in cancer immunotherapy come with several obstacles, limiting its widespread use and benefits so far only to a small subset of patients. One of the underlying challenges remains to be the lack of representative nonclinical models that translate to human immunity and are able to predict clinical efficacy and safety outcomes. In recent years, immunocompetent Cancer-on-Chip models emerge as an alternative human-based platform that enables the integration and manipulation of complex tumor microenvironment. In this review, we discuss novel opportunities offered by Cancer-on-Chip models to advance (mechanistic) immuno-oncology research, ranging from design flexibility to multimodal analysis approaches. We then exemplify their (potential) applications for the research and development of adoptive cell therapy, immune checkpoint therapy, cytokine therapy, oncolytic virus, and cancer vaccines.
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266
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Luo J, Li P. Human pluripotent stem cell-derived brain organoids as in vitro models for studying neural disorders and cancer. Cell Biosci 2021; 11:99. [PMID: 34049587 PMCID: PMC8161602 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-021-00617-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The sheer complexities of brain and resource limitation of human brain tissue greatly hamper our understanding of the brain disorders and cancers. Recently developed three-dimensional (3D) brain organoids (BOs) are self-organized and spontaneously differentiated from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) in vitro, which exhibit similar features with cell type diversity, structural organization, and functional connectivity as the developing human brain. Based on these characteristics, hPSC-derived BOs (hPDBOs) provide new opportunities to recapitulate the complicated processes during brain development, neurodegenerative disorders, and brain cancers in vitro. In this review, we will provide an overview of existing BO models and summarize the applications of this technology in modeling the neural disorders and cancers. Furthermore, we will discuss the challenges associated with their use as in vitro models for disease modeling and the potential future direction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Luo
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Peng Li
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China.
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267
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de Dios-Figueroa GT, Aguilera-Marquez JDR, Camacho-Villegas TA, Lugo-Fabres PH. 3D Cell Culture Models in COVID-19 Times: A Review of 3D Technologies to Understand and Accelerate Therapeutic Drug Discovery. Biomedicines 2021; 9:602. [PMID: 34073231 PMCID: PMC8226796 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9060602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last decades, emerging viruses have become a worldwide concern. The fast and extensive spread of the disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) has impacted the economy and human activity worldwide, highlighting the human vulnerability to infectious diseases and the need to develop and optimize technologies to tackle them. The three-dimensional (3D) cell culture models emulate major tissue characteristics such as the in vivo virus-host interactions. These systems may help to generate a quick response to confront new viruses, establish a reliable evaluation of the pathophysiology, and contribute to therapeutic drug evaluation in pandemic situations such as the one that humanity is living through today. This review describes different types of 3D cell culture models, such as spheroids, scaffolds, organoids, and organs-on-a-chip, that are used in virus research, including those used to understand the new severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).
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Affiliation(s)
- Guadalupe Tonantzin de Dios-Figueroa
- Department of Medical and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Centro de Investigación y Asistencia en Tecnología y Diseño del Estado de Jalisco A.C. (CIATEJ), Av. Normalistas 800, Colinas de las Normal, Guadalajara, Jalisco 44270, Mexico; (G.T.d.D.-F.); (J.d.R.A.-M.)
| | - Janette del Rocío Aguilera-Marquez
- Department of Medical and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Centro de Investigación y Asistencia en Tecnología y Diseño del Estado de Jalisco A.C. (CIATEJ), Av. Normalistas 800, Colinas de las Normal, Guadalajara, Jalisco 44270, Mexico; (G.T.d.D.-F.); (J.d.R.A.-M.)
| | - Tanya A. Camacho-Villegas
- CONACYT-Department of Medical and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Centro de Investigación y Asistencia en Tecnología y Diseño del Estado de Jalisco A.C. (CIATEJ), Av. Normalistas 800, Colinas de las Normal, Guadalajara, Jalisco 44270, Mexico;
| | - Pavel H. Lugo-Fabres
- CONACYT-Department of Medical and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Centro de Investigación y Asistencia en Tecnología y Diseño del Estado de Jalisco A.C. (CIATEJ), Av. Normalistas 800, Colinas de las Normal, Guadalajara, Jalisco 44270, Mexico;
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268
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Bossink EGBM, Zakharova M, de Bruijn DS, Odijk M, Segerink LI. Measuring barrier function in organ-on-chips with cleanroom-free integration of multiplexable electrodes. LAB ON A CHIP 2021; 21:2040-2049. [PMID: 33861228 DOI: 10.1016/j.ooc.2021.100013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Transepithelial/transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) measurements can be applied in organ-on-chips (OoCs) to estimate the barrier properties of a tissue or cell layer in a continuous, non-invasive, and label-free manner. Assessing the barrier integrity in in vitro models is valuable for studying and developing barrier targeting drugs. Several systems for measuring the TEER have been shown, but each of them having their own drawbacks. This article presents a cleanroom-free fabrication method for the integration of platinum electrodes in a polydimethylsiloxane OoC, allowing the real-time assessment of the barrier function by employing impedance spectroscopy. The proposed method and electrode arrangement allow visual inspection of the cells cultured in the device at the site of the electrodes, and multiplexing of both the electrodes in one OoC and the number of OoCs in one device. The effectiveness of our system is demonstrated by lining the OoC with intestinal epithelial cells, creating a gut-on-chip, where we monitored the formation, as well as the disruption and recovery of the cell barrier during a 21 day culture period. The application is further expanded by creating a blood-brain-barrier, to show that the proposed fabrication method can be applied to monitor the barrier formation in the OoC for different types of biological barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elsbeth G B M Bossink
- BIOS Lab on a Chip Group, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, Technical Medical Center and Max Planck Institute for Complex Fluid Dynamics, University of Twente, The Netherlands.
| | - Mariia Zakharova
- BIOS Lab on a Chip Group, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, Technical Medical Center and Max Planck Institute for Complex Fluid Dynamics, University of Twente, The Netherlands.
| | - Douwe S de Bruijn
- BIOS Lab on a Chip Group, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, Technical Medical Center and Max Planck Institute for Complex Fluid Dynamics, University of Twente, The Netherlands.
| | - Mathieu Odijk
- BIOS Lab on a Chip Group, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, Technical Medical Center and Max Planck Institute for Complex Fluid Dynamics, University of Twente, The Netherlands.
| | - Loes I Segerink
- BIOS Lab on a Chip Group, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, Technical Medical Center and Max Planck Institute for Complex Fluid Dynamics, University of Twente, The Netherlands.
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269
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Treherne JM, Langley GR. Converging global crises are forcing the rapid adoption of disruptive changes in drug discovery. Drug Discov Today 2021; 26:2489-2495. [PMID: 34015541 PMCID: PMC8129828 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2021.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 04/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Spiralling research costs combined with urgent pressures from the Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and the consequences of climate disruption are forcing changes in drug discovery. Increasing the predictive power of in vitro human assays and using them earlier in discovery would refocus resources on more successful research strategies and reduce animal studies. Increasing laboratory automation enables effective social distancing for researchers, while allowing integrated data capture from remote laboratory networks. Such disruptive changes would not only enable more cost-effective drug discovery, but could also reduce the overall carbon footprint of discovering new drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Mark Treherne
- Talisman Therapeutics Limited, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge CB22 3AT, UK.
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270
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Designing Hydrogel-Based Bone-On-Chips for Personalized Medicine. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/app11104495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The recent development of bone-on-chips (BOCs) holds the main advantage of requiring a low quantity of cells and material, compared to traditional In Vitro models. By incorporating hydrogels within BOCs, the culture system moved to a three dimensional culture environment for cells which is more representative of bone tissue matrix and function. The fundamental components of hydrogel-based BOCs, namely the cellular sources, the hydrogel and the culture chamber, have been tuned to mimic the hematopoietic niche in the bone aspirate marrow, cancer bone metastasis and osteo/chondrogenic differentiation. In this review, we examine the entire process of developing hydrogel-based BOCs to model In Vitro a patient specific situation. First, we provide bone biological understanding for BOCs design and then how hydrogel structural and mechanical properties can be tuned to meet those requirements. This is followed by a review on hydrogel-based BOCs, developed in the last 10 years, in terms of culture chamber design, hydrogel and cell source used. Finally, we provide guidelines for the definition of personalized pathological and physiological bone microenvironments. This review covers the information on bone, hydrogel and BOC that are required to develop personalized therapies for bone disease, by recreating clinically relevant scenarii in miniaturized devices.
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271
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Vatine GD, Shelest O, Barriga BK, Ofan R, Rabinski T, Mattis VB, Heuer H, Svendsen CN. Oligodendrocyte progenitor cell maturation is dependent on dual function of MCT8 in the transport of thyroid hormone across brain barriers and the plasma membrane. Glia 2021; 69:2146-2159. [PMID: 33956384 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Inactivating mutations in the thyroid hormone (TH) transporter monocarboxylate transporter 8 (MCT8) causes a rare and debilitating form of X-linked psychomotor disability known as Allan Herndon Dudley syndrome (AHDS). One of the most prominent pathophysiological symptoms of MCT8-deficiency is hypomyelination. Here, patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) were used to study the role of MCT8 and TH on the maturation of oligodendrocytes. Interestingly, neither MCT8 mutations nor reduced TH affected the in vitro differentiation of control or MCT8-deficient iPSCs into oligodendrocytes. To assess whether patient-derived iPSC-derived oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (iOPCs) could provide myelinating oligodendrocytes in vivo, cells were transplanted into the shiverer mouse corpus callosum where they survived, migrated, and matured into myelinating oligodendrocytes, though the myelination efficiency was reduced compared with control cells. When MCT8-deficient and healthy control iOPCs were transplanted into a novel hypothyroid immunodeficient triple knockout mouse (tKO, mct8-/- ; oatp1c1-/- ; rag2-/- ), they failed to provide behavioral recovery and did not mature into oligodendrocytes in the hypothyroid corpus callosum, demonstrating the critical role of TH transport across brain barriers in oligodendrocyte maturation. We conclude that MCT8 plays a cell autonomous role in oligodendrocyte maturation and that functional TH transport into the central nervous system will be required for developing an effective treatment for MCT8-deficient patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gad D Vatine
- The Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel.,The Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell (RMSC) Research Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel.,The Zlotowski Center for Neuroscience, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Oksana Shelest
- The Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Bianca K Barriga
- The Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Raz Ofan
- The Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel.,The Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell (RMSC) Research Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel.,The Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Faculty of Engineering Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Tatyana Rabinski
- The Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell (RMSC) Research Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Virginia B Mattis
- The Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA.,FUJIFILM Cellular Dynamics Inc., Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Heike Heuer
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Clive N Svendsen
- The Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
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272
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Cameron T, Bennet T, Rowe EM, Anwer M, Wellington CL, Cheung KC. Review of Design Considerations for Brain-on-a-Chip Models. MICROMACHINES 2021; 12:441. [PMID: 33921018 PMCID: PMC8071412 DOI: 10.3390/mi12040441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, the need for sophisticated human in vitro models for integrative biology has motivated the development of organ-on-a-chip platforms. Organ-on-a-chip devices are engineered to mimic the mechanical, biochemical and physiological properties of human organs; however, there are many important considerations when selecting or designing an appropriate device for investigating a specific scientific question. Building microfluidic Brain-on-a-Chip (BoC) models from the ground-up will allow for research questions to be answered more thoroughly in the brain research field, but the design of these devices requires several choices to be made throughout the design development phase. These considerations include the cell types, extracellular matrix (ECM) material(s), and perfusion/flow considerations. Choices made early in the design cycle will dictate the limitations of the device and influence the end-point results such as the permeability of the endothelial cell monolayer, and the expression of cell type-specific markers. To better understand why the engineering aspects of a microfluidic BoC need to be influenced by the desired biological environment, recent progress in microfluidic BoC technology is compared. This review focuses on perfusable blood-brain barrier (BBB) and neurovascular unit (NVU) models with discussions about the chip architecture, the ECM used, and how they relate to the in vivo human brain. With increased knowledge on how to make informed choices when selecting or designing BoC models, the scientific community will benefit from shorter development phases and platforms curated for their application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany Cameron
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada; (T.C.); (T.B.)
- Centre for Blood Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Tanya Bennet
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada; (T.C.); (T.B.)
- Centre for Blood Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Elyn M. Rowe
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada; (E.M.R.); (M.A.); (C.L.W.)
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Mehwish Anwer
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada; (E.M.R.); (M.A.); (C.L.W.)
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Cheryl L. Wellington
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada; (E.M.R.); (M.A.); (C.L.W.)
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Karen C. Cheung
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada; (T.C.); (T.B.)
- Centre for Blood Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
- Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
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273
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Browne S, Gill EL, Schultheiss P, Goswami I, Healy KE. Stem cell-based vascularization of microphysiological systems. Stem Cell Reports 2021; 16:2058-2075. [PMID: 33836144 PMCID: PMC8452487 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2021.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Microphysiological systems (MPSs) (i.e., tissue or organ chips) exploit microfluidics and 3D cell culture to mimic tissue and organ-level physiology. The advent of human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) technology has accelerated the use of MPSs to study human disease in a range of organ systems. However, in the reduction of system complexity, the intricacies of vasculature are an often-overlooked aspect of MPS design. The growing library of pluripotent stem cell-derived endothelial cell and perivascular cell protocols have great potential to improve the physiological relevance of vasculature within MPS, specifically for in vitro disease modeling. Three strategic categories of vascular MPS are outlined: self-assembled, interface focused, and 3D biofabricated. This review discusses key features and development of the native vasculature, linking that to how hiPSC-derived vascular cells have been generated, the state of the art in vascular MPSs, and opportunities arising from interdisciplinary thinking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shane Browne
- Department of Bioengineering and California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences (QB3), University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Elisabeth L Gill
- Department of Bioengineering and California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences (QB3), University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Paula Schultheiss
- Department of Bioengineering and California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences (QB3), University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Ishan Goswami
- Department of Bioengineering and California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences (QB3), University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Kevin E Healy
- Department of Bioengineering and California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences (QB3), University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA.
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274
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Lu TM, Barcia Durán JG, Houghton S, Rafii S, Redmond D, Lis R. Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Brain Endothelial Cells: Current Controversies. Front Physiol 2021; 12:642812. [PMID: 33868008 PMCID: PMC8044318 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.642812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) possess unique properties that are crucial for many functions of the blood-brain-barrier (BBB) including maintenance of brain homeostasis and regulation of interactions between the brain and immune system. The generation of a pure population of putative brain microvascular endothelial cells from human pluripotent stem cell sources (iBMECs) has been described to meet the need for reliable and reproducible brain endothelial cells in vitro. Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs), embryonic or induced, can be differentiated into large quantities of specialized cells in order to study development and model disease. These hPSC-derived iBMECs display endothelial-like properties, such as tube formation and low-density lipoprotein uptake, high transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER), and barrier-like efflux transporter activities. Over time, the de novo generation of an organotypic endothelial cell from hPSCs has aroused controversies. This perspective article highlights the developments made in the field of hPSC derived brain endothelial cells as well as where experimental data are lacking, and what concerns have emerged since their initial description.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler M Lu
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Ansary Stem Cell Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States.,Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - José Gabriel Barcia Durán
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Ansary Stem Cell Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Sean Houghton
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Ansary Stem Cell Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Shahin Rafii
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Ansary Stem Cell Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - David Redmond
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Ansary Stem Cell Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Raphaël Lis
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Ansary Stem Cell Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States.,Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
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275
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Tu C, Cunningham NJ, Zhang M, Wu JC. Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells as a Screening Platform for Drug-Induced Vascular Toxicity. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:613837. [PMID: 33790786 PMCID: PMC8006367 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.613837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Evaluation of potential vascular injury is an essential part of the safety study during pharmaceutical development. Vascular liability issues are important causes of drug termination during preclinical investigations. Currently, preclinical assessment of vascular toxicity primarily relies on the use of animal models. However, accumulating evidence indicates a significant discrepancy between animal toxicity and human toxicity, casting doubt on the clinical relevance of animal models for such safety studies. While the causes of this discrepancy are expected to be multifactorial, species differences are likely a key factor. Consequently, a human-based model is a desirable solution to this problem, which has been made possible by the advent of human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). In particular, recent advances in the field now allow the efficient generation of a variety of vascular cells (e.g., endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and pericytes) from iPSCs. Using these cells, different vascular models have been established, ranging from simple 2D cultures to highly sophisticated vascular organoids and microfluidic devices. Toxicity testing using these models can recapitulate key aspects of vascular pathology on molecular (e.g., secretion of proinflammatory cytokines), cellular (e.g., cell apoptosis), and in some cases, tissue (e.g., endothelium barrier dysfunction) levels. These encouraging data provide the rationale for continuing efforts in the exploration, optimization, and validation of the iPSC technology in vascular toxicology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengyi Tu
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Nathan J Cunningham
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Mao Zhang
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Joseph C Wu
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States.,Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States.,Department of Radiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
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276
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Shen M, Quertermous T, Fischbein MP, Wu JC. Generation of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells From Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells: Methods, Applications, and Considerations. Circ Res 2021; 128:670-686. [PMID: 33818124 PMCID: PMC10817206 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.120.318049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The developmental origin of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) has been increasingly recognized as a major determinant for regional susceptibility or resistance to vascular diseases. As a human material-based complement to animal models and human primary cultures, patient induced pluripotent stem cell iPSC-derived VSMCs have been leveraged to conduct basic research and develop therapeutic applications in vascular diseases. However, iPSC-VSMCs (induced pluripotent stem cell VSMCs) derived by most existing induction protocols are heterogeneous in developmental origins. In this review, we summarize signaling networks that govern in vivo cell fate decisions and in vitro derivation of distinct VSMC progenitors, as well as key regulators that terminally specify lineage-specific VSMCs. We then highlight the significance of leveraging patient-derived iPSC-VSMCs for vascular disease modeling, drug discovery, and vascular tissue engineering and discuss several obstacles that need to be circumvented to fully unleash the potential of induced pluripotent stem cells for precision vascular medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengcheng Shen
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine
| | - Thomas Quertermous
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine
| | | | - Joseph C. Wu
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
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277
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Stojkovic M, Han D, Jeong M, Stojkovic P, Stankovic KM. Human induced pluripotent stem cells and CRISPR/Cas-mediated targeted genome editing: Platforms to tackle sensorineural hearing loss. STEM CELLS (DAYTON, OHIO) 2021; 39:673-696. [PMID: 33586253 DOI: 10.1002/stem.3353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Hearing loss (HL) is a major global health problem of pandemic proportions. The most common type of HL is sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) which typically occurs when cells within the inner ear are damaged. Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) can be generated from any individual including those who suffer from different types of HL. The development of new differentiation protocols to obtain cells of the inner ear including hair cells (HCs) and spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) promises to expedite cell-based therapy and screening of potential pharmacologic and genetic therapies using human models. Considering age-related, acoustic, ototoxic, and genetic insults which are the most frequent causes of irreversible damage of HCs and SGNs, new methods of genome editing (GE), especially the CRISPR/Cas9 technology, could bring additional opportunities to understand the pathogenesis of human SNHL and identify novel therapies. However, important challenges associated with both hiPSCs and GE need to be overcome before scientific discoveries are correctly translated to effective and patient-safe applications. The purpose of the present review is (a) to summarize the findings from published reports utilizing hiPSCs for studies of SNHL, hence complementing recent reviews focused on animal studies, and (b) to outline promising future directions for deciphering SNHL using disruptive molecular and genomic technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miodrag Stojkovic
- Eaton Peabody Laboratories, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Dongjun Han
- Eaton Peabody Laboratories, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Minjin Jeong
- Eaton Peabody Laboratories, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Petra Stojkovic
- Eaton Peabody Laboratories, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Konstantina M Stankovic
- Eaton Peabody Laboratories, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Program in Speech and Hearing Bioscience and Technology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Program in Therapeutic Science, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
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278
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Winkelman MA, Koppes AN, Koppes RA, Dai G. Bioengineering the neurovascular niche to study the interaction of neural stem cells and endothelial cells. APL Bioeng 2021; 5:011507. [PMID: 33688617 PMCID: PMC7932757 DOI: 10.1063/5.0027211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability of mammalian neural stem cells (NSCs) to self-renew and differentiate throughout adulthood has made them ideal to study neurogenesis and attractive candidates for neurodegenerative disease therapies. In the adult mammalian brain, NSCs are maintained in the neurovascular niche (NVN) where they are found near the specialized blood vessels, suggesting that brain endothelial cells (BECs) are prominent orchestrators of NSC fate. However, most of the current knowledge of the mammalian NVN has been deduced from nonhuman studies. To circumvent the challenges of in vivo studies, in vitro models have been developed to better understand the reciprocal cellular mechanisms of human NSCs and BECs. This review will cover the current understanding of mammalian NVN biology, the effects of endothelial cell-derived signals on NSC fate, and the in vitro models developed to study the interactions between NSCs and BECs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max A Winkelman
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | | | - Ryan A Koppes
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Guohao Dai
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
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279
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Weber CM, Clyne AM. Sex differences in the blood-brain barrier and neurodegenerative diseases. APL Bioeng 2021; 5:011509. [PMID: 33758788 PMCID: PMC7968933 DOI: 10.1063/5.0035610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The number of people diagnosed with neurodegenerative diseases is on the rise. Many of these diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and motor neuron disease, demonstrate clear sexual dimorphisms. While sex as a biological variable must now be included in animal studies, sex is rarely included in in vitro models of human neurodegenerative disease. In this Review, we describe these sex-related differences in neurodegenerative diseases and the blood-brain barrier (BBB), whose dysfunction is linked to neurodegenerative disease development and progression. We explain potential mechanisms by which sex and sex hormones affect BBB integrity. Finally, we summarize current in vitro BBB bioengineered models and highlight their potential to study sex differences in BBB integrity and neurodegenerative disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Callie M Weber
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, USA
| | - Alisa Morss Clyne
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, USA
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280
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Pons-Espinal M, Blasco-Agell L, Consiglio A. Dissecting the non-neuronal cell contribution to Parkinson's disease pathogenesis using induced pluripotent stem cells. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:2081-2094. [PMID: 33210214 PMCID: PMC7966189 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-020-03700-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Revised: 10/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is an incurable age-linked neurodegenerative disease with characteristic movement impairments that are caused by the progressive loss of dopamine-containing neurons (DAn) within the substantia nigra pars compacta. It has been suggested that misfolded protein aggregates together with neuroinflammation and glial reactivity, may impact nerve cell function, leading to neurodegeneration and diseases, such as PD. However, not many studies have been able to examine the role of human glial cells in the pathogenesis of PD. With the advent of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology, it is now possible to reprogram human somatic cells to pluripotency and to generate viable human patient-specific DA neurons and glial cells, providing a tremendous opportunity for dissecting cellular and molecular pathological mechanisms occurring at early stages of PD. This reviews will report on recent work using human iPSC and 3D brain organoid models showing that iPSC technology can be used to recapitulate PD-relevant disease-associated phenotypes, including protein aggregation, cell death or loss of neurite complexity and deficient autophagic vacuoles clearance and focus on the recent co-culture systems that are revealing new insights into the complex interactions that occur between different brain cell types during neurodegeneration. Consequently, such advances are the key to improve our understanding of PD pathology and generate potential targets for new therapies aimed at curing PD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meritxell Pons-Espinal
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapeutics, Bellvitge University Hospital-IDIBELL, 08908, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain.
- Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB) of the University of Barcelona (UB), 08028, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Lucas Blasco-Agell
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapeutics, Bellvitge University Hospital-IDIBELL, 08908, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
- Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB) of the University of Barcelona (UB), 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Antonella Consiglio
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapeutics, Bellvitge University Hospital-IDIBELL, 08908, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain.
- Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB) of the University of Barcelona (UB), 08028, Barcelona, Spain.
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Piazza del Mercato, 15, 25121, Brescia, BS, Italy.
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281
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Lu TM, Houghton S, Magdeldin T, Durán JGB, Minotti AP, Snead A, Sproul A, Nguyen DHT, Xiang J, Fine HA, Rosenwaks Z, Studer L, Rafii S, Agalliu D, Redmond D, Lis R. Pluripotent stem cell-derived epithelium misidentified as brain microvascular endothelium requires ETS factors to acquire vascular fate. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2016950118. [PMID: 33542154 PMCID: PMC7923590 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2016950118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cells derived from pluripotent sources in vitro must resemble those found in vivo as closely as possible at both transcriptional and functional levels in order to be a useful tool for studying diseases and developing therapeutics. Recently, differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) into brain microvascular endothelial cells (ECs) with blood-brain barrier (BBB)-like properties has been reported. These cells have since been used as a robust in vitro BBB model for drug delivery and mechanistic understanding of neurological diseases. However, the precise cellular identity of these induced brain microvascular endothelial cells (iBMECs) has not been well described. Employing a comprehensive transcriptomic metaanalysis of previously published hPSC-derived cells validated by physiological assays, we demonstrate that iBMECs lack functional attributes of ECs since they are deficient in vascular lineage genes while expressing clusters of genes related to the neuroectodermal epithelial lineage (Epi-iBMEC). Overexpression of key endothelial ETS transcription factors (ETV2, ERG, and FLI1) reprograms Epi-iBMECs into authentic endothelial cells that are congruent with bona fide endothelium at both transcriptomic as well as some functional levels. This approach could eventually be used to develop a robust human BBB model in vitro that resembles the human brain EC in vivo for functional studies and drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler M Lu
- Ansary Stem Cell Institute, Division of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065
- Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065
| | - Sean Houghton
- Ansary Stem Cell Institute, Division of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065
| | - Tarig Magdeldin
- Department of Neurology and the Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine-New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY 10065
| | - José Gabriel Barcia Durán
- Ansary Stem Cell Institute, Division of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065
| | - Andrew P Minotti
- Developmental Biology, the Center for Stem Cell Biology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065
- The Biochemistry, Structural Biology, Cell Biology, Developmental Biology and Molecular Biology Allied Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, New York, NY 10065
| | - Amanda Snead
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032
| | - Andrew Sproul
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032
| | - Duc-Huy T Nguyen
- Ansary Stem Cell Institute, Division of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065
| | - Jenny Xiang
- Genomics Resources Core Facility, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065
| | - Howard A Fine
- Department of Neurology and the Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine-New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY 10065
| | - Zev Rosenwaks
- Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065
| | - Lorenz Studer
- The Biochemistry, Structural Biology, Cell Biology, Developmental Biology and Molecular Biology Allied Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, New York, NY 10065
| | - Shahin Rafii
- Ansary Stem Cell Institute, Division of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065
| | - Dritan Agalliu
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032
| | - David Redmond
- Ansary Stem Cell Institute, Division of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065;
| | - Raphaël Lis
- Ansary Stem Cell Institute, Division of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065;
- Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065
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282
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Kennedy CC, Brown EE, Abutaleb NO, Truskey GA. Development and Application of Endothelial Cells Derived From Pluripotent Stem Cells in Microphysiological Systems Models. Front Cardiovasc Med 2021; 8:625016. [PMID: 33659279 PMCID: PMC7917070 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.625016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The vascular endothelium is present in all organs and blood vessels, facilitates the exchange of nutrients and waste throughout different organ systems in the body, and sets the tone for healthy vessel function. Mechanosensitive in nature, the endothelium responds to the magnitude and temporal waveform of shear stress in the vessels. Endothelial dysfunction can lead to atherosclerosis and other diseases. Modeling endothelial function and dysfunction in organ systems in vitro, such as the blood–brain barrier and tissue-engineered blood vessels, requires sourcing endothelial cells (ECs) for these biomedical engineering applications. It can be difficult to source primary, easily renewable ECs that possess the function or dysfunction in question. In contrast, human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) can be sourced from donors of interest and renewed almost indefinitely. In this review, we highlight how knowledge of vascular EC development in vivo is used to differentiate induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) into ECs. We then describe how iPSC-derived ECs are being used currently in in vitro models of organ function and disease and in vivo applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Crystal C Kennedy
- University Program in Genetics and Genomics, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Erin E Brown
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Nadia O Abutaleb
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - George A Truskey
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
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283
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Ahn SI, Kim Y. Human Blood-Brain Barrier on a Chip: Featuring Unique Multicellular Cooperation in Pathophysiology. Trends Biotechnol 2021; 39:749-752. [PMID: 33602608 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2021.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Advances in stem cell engineering have opened new avenues for more accurately developing in vitro models of the human blood-brain barrier (BBB). Here, we highlight state-of-the-art human BBB-on-a-chip technologies and discuss the importance of human brain cells for better modeling the human brain pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song Ih Ahn
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA; Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA; Mepsgenlab Inc., Atlanta, GA 30309, USA
| | - YongTae Kim
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA; Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA; Mepsgenlab Inc., Atlanta, GA 30309, USA; Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA; Institute for Electronics and Nanotechnology, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA.
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284
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Holloway PM, Willaime-Morawek S, Siow R, Barber M, Owens RM, Sharma AD, Rowan W, Hill E, Zagnoni M. Advances in microfluidic in vitro systems for neurological disease modeling. J Neurosci Res 2021; 99:1276-1307. [PMID: 33583054 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 11/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Neurological disorders are the leading cause of disability and the second largest cause of death worldwide. Despite significant research efforts, neurology remains one of the most failure-prone areas of drug development. The complexity of the human brain, boundaries to examining the brain directly in vivo, and the significant evolutionary gap between animal models and humans, all serve to hamper translational success. Recent advances in microfluidic in vitro models have provided new opportunities to study human cells with enhanced physiological relevance. The ability to precisely micro-engineer cell-scale architecture, tailoring form and function, has allowed for detailed dissection of cell biology using microphysiological systems (MPS) of varying complexities from single cell systems to "Organ-on-chip" models. Simplified neuronal networks have allowed for unique insights into neuronal transport and neurogenesis, while more complex 3D heterotypic cellular models such as neurovascular unit mimetics and "Organ-on-chip" systems have enabled new understanding of metabolic coupling and blood-brain barrier transport. These systems are now being developed beyond MPS toward disease specific micro-pathophysiological systems, moving from "Organ-on-chip" to "Disease-on-chip." This review gives an outline of current state of the art in microfluidic technologies for neurological disease research, discussing the challenges and limitations while highlighting the benefits and potential of integrating technologies. We provide examples of where such toolsets have enabled novel insights and how these technologies may empower future investigation into neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul M Holloway
- Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Richard Siow
- King's British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, School of Cardiovascular Medicine & Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Melissa Barber
- King's British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, School of Cardiovascular Medicine & Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Róisín M Owens
- Department Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Anup D Sharma
- New Orleans BioInnovation Center, AxoSim Inc., New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Wendy Rowan
- Novel Human Genetics Research Unit, GSK R&D, Stevenage, UK
| | - Eric Hill
- School of Life and Health sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, UK
| | - Michele Zagnoni
- Electronic and Electrical Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
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285
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Zine A, Messat Y, Fritzsch B. A human induced pluripotent stem cell-based modular platform to challenge sensorineural hearing loss. STEM CELLS (DAYTON, OHIO) 2021; 39:697-706. [PMID: 33522002 PMCID: PMC8359331 DOI: 10.1002/stem.3346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The sense of hearing depends on a specialized sensory organ in the inner ear, called the cochlea, which contains the auditory hair cells (HCs). Noise trauma, infections, genetic factors, side effects of ototoxic drugs (ie, some antibiotics and chemotherapeutics), or simply aging lead to the loss of HCs and their associated primary neurons. This results in irreversible sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) as in mammals, including humans; the inner ear lacks the capacity to regenerate HCs and spiral ganglion neurons. SNHL is a major global health problem affecting millions of people worldwide and provides a growing concern in the aging population. To date, treatment options are limited to hearing aids and cochlear implants. A major bottleneck for development of new therapies for SNHL is associated to the lack of human otic cell bioassays. Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) can be induced in two-dimensional and three-dimensional otic cells in vitro models that can generate inner ear progenitors and sensory HCs and could be a promising preclinical platform from which to work toward restoring SNHL. We review the potential applications of hiPSCs in the various biological approaches, including disease modeling, bioengineering, drug testing, and autologous stem cell based-cell therapy, that offer opportunities to understand the pathogenic mechanisms of SNHL and identify novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azel Zine
- Laboratory of Bioengineering and Nanoscience, LBN, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Yassine Messat
- Laboratory of Bioengineering and Nanoscience, LBN, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Bernd Fritzsch
- Department of Biology, CLAS, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
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286
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Advances in modelling the human microbiome-gut-brain axis in vitro. Biochem Soc Trans 2021; 49:187-201. [PMID: 33544117 PMCID: PMC7924999 DOI: 10.1042/bst20200338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The human gut microbiome has emerged as a key player in the bidirectional communication of the gut–brain axis, affecting various aspects of homeostasis and pathophysiology. Until recently, the majority of studies that seek to explore the mechanisms underlying the microbiome–gut–brain axis cross-talk, relied almost exclusively on animal models, and particularly gnotobiotic mice. Despite the great progress made with these models, various limitations, including ethical considerations and interspecies differences that limit the translatability of data to human systems, pushed researchers to seek for alternatives. Over the past decades, the field of in vitro modelling of tissues has experienced tremendous growth, thanks to advances in 3D cell biology, materials, science and bioengineering, pushing further the borders of our ability to more faithfully emulate the in vivo situation. The discovery of stem cells has offered a new source of cells, while their use in generating gastrointestinal and brain organoids, among other tissues, has enabled the development of novel 3D tissues that better mimic the native tissue structure and function, compared with traditional assays. In parallel, organs-on-chips technology and bioengineered tissues have emerged as highly promising alternatives to animal models for a wide range of applications. Here, we discuss how recent advances and trends in this area can be applied in host–microbe and host–pathogen interaction studies. In addition, we highlight paradigm shifts in engineering more robust human microbiome-gut-brain axis models and their potential to expand our understanding of this complex system and hence explore novel, microbiome-based therapeutic approaches.
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287
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Moysidou CM, Barberio C, Owens RM. Advances in Engineering Human Tissue Models. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2021; 8:620962. [PMID: 33585419 PMCID: PMC7877542 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.620962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Research in cell biology greatly relies on cell-based in vitro assays and models that facilitate the investigation and understanding of specific biological events and processes under different conditions. The quality of such experimental models and particularly the level at which they represent cell behavior in the native tissue, is of critical importance for our understanding of cell interactions within tissues and organs. Conventionally, in vitro models are based on experimental manipulation of mammalian cells, grown as monolayers on flat, two-dimensional (2D) substrates. Despite the amazing progress and discoveries achieved with flat biology models, our ability to translate biological insights has been limited, since the 2D environment does not reflect the physiological behavior of cells in real tissues. Advances in 3D cell biology and engineering have led to the development of a new generation of cell culture formats that can better recapitulate the in vivo microenvironment, allowing us to examine cells and their interactions in a more biomimetic context. Modern biomedical research has at its disposal novel technological approaches that promote development of more sophisticated and robust tissue engineering in vitro models, including scaffold- or hydrogel-based formats, organotypic cultures, and organs-on-chips. Even though such systems are necessarily simplified to capture a particular range of physiology, their ability to model specific processes of human biology is greatly valued for their potential to close the gap between conventional animal studies and human (patho-) physiology. Here, we review recent advances in 3D biomimetic cultures, focusing on the technological bricks available to develop more physiologically relevant in vitro models of human tissues. By highlighting applications and examples of several physiological and disease models, we identify the limitations and challenges which the field needs to address in order to more effectively incorporate synthetic biomimetic culture platforms into biomedical research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Róisín Meabh Owens
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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288
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Middelkamp HHT, Verboven AHA, De Sá Vivas AG, Schoenmaker C, Klein Gunnewiek TM, Passier R, Albers CA, 't Hoen PAC, Nadif Kasri N, van der Meer AD. Cell type-specific changes in transcriptomic profiles of endothelial cells, iPSC-derived neurons and astrocytes cultured on microfluidic chips. Sci Rep 2021; 11:2281. [PMID: 33500551 PMCID: PMC7838281 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-81933-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
In vitro neuronal models are essential for studying neurological physiology, disease mechanisms and potential treatments. Most in vitro models lack controlled vasculature, despite its necessity in brain physiology and disease. Organ-on-chip models offer microfluidic culture systems with dedicated micro-compartments for neurons and vascular cells. Such multi-cell type organs-on-chips can emulate neurovascular unit (NVU) physiology, however there is a lack of systematic data on how individual cell types are affected by culturing on microfluidic systems versus conventional culture plates. This information can provide perspective on initial findings of studies using organs-on-chip models, and further optimizes these models in terms of cellular maturity and neurovascular physiology. Here, we analysed the transcriptomic profiles of co-cultures of human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived neurons and rat astrocytes, as well as one-day monocultures of human endothelial cells, cultured on microfluidic chips. For each cell type, large gene expression changes were observed when cultured on microfluidic chips compared to conventional culture plates. Endothelial cells showed decreased cell division, neurons and astrocytes exhibited increased cell adhesion, and neurons showed increased maturity when cultured on a microfluidic chip. Our results demonstrate that culturing NVU cell types on microfluidic chips changes their gene expression profiles, presumably due to distinct surface-to-volume ratios and substrate materials. These findings inform further NVU organ-on-chip model optimization and support their future application in disease studies and drug testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- H H T Middelkamp
- Applied Stem Cell Technologies, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands.
- BIOS/Lab on a Chip, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands.
| | - A H A Verboven
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
- Centre for Molecular and Biomolecular Informatics, Radboudumc, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - A G De Sá Vivas
- Applied Stem Cell Technologies, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
- BIOS/Lab on a Chip, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - C Schoenmaker
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - T M Klein Gunnewiek
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - R Passier
- Applied Stem Cell Technologies, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - C A Albers
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Molecular Developmental Biology, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - P A C 't Hoen
- Centre for Molecular and Biomolecular Informatics, Radboudumc, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - N Nadif Kasri
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Cognitive Neurosciences, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - A D van der Meer
- Applied Stem Cell Technologies, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands.
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289
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Nozohouri S, Noorani B, Al-Ahmad A, Abbruscato TJ. Estimating Brain Permeability Using In Vitro Blood-Brain Barrier Models. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2367:47-72. [PMID: 32789777 DOI: 10.1007/7651_2020_311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a vital biological interface that regulates transfer of different molecules between blood and brain and, therefore, maintains the homeostatic environment of the CNS. In order to perform high-throughput screening of therapeutics in drug discovery, specific properties of the BBB are investigated within in vitro BBB platforms. In this chapter, we detail the process and steps for the iPSC to BMEC and astrocyte differentiation as well as TEER and permeability measurement in Transwell platform of in vitro BBB model. Also, advanced microfluidic iPSCs-derived BMECs on chip and permeability measurement within this model have been elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeideh Nozohouri
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX, USA
- Center for Blood-Brain Barrier Research, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX, USA
| | - Behnam Noorani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX, USA
- Center for Blood-Brain Barrier Research, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX, USA
| | - Abraham Al-Ahmad
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX, USA
- Center for Blood-Brain Barrier Research, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX, USA
| | - Thomas J Abbruscato
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX, USA.
- Center for Blood-Brain Barrier Research, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX, USA.
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290
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Ju ZH, Liang X, Ren YY, Shu LW, Yan YH, Cui X. Neurons derived from human-induced pluripotent stem cells express mu and kappa opioid receptors. Neural Regen Res 2021; 16:653-658. [PMID: 33063716 PMCID: PMC8067944 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.295341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroprotection studies have shown that induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells have the possibility to transform neuroprotection research. In the present study, iPS cells were generated from human renal epithelial cells and were then differentiated into neurons. Cells in the iPS-cell group were maintained in stem cell medium. In contrast, cells in the iPS-neuron group were first maintained in neural induction medium and expansion medium containing ROCK inhibitors, and then cultivated in neuronal differentiation medium and neuronal maturation medium to induce the neural stem cells to differentiate into neurons. The expression of relevant markers was compared at different stages of differentiation. Immunofluorescence staining revealed that cells in the iPS-neuron group expressed the neural stem cell markers SOX1 and nestin on day 11 of induction, and neuronal markers TUBB3 and NeuN on day 21 of induction. Polymerase chain reaction results demonstrated that, compared with the iPS-cell group, TUBB3 gene expression in the iPS-neuron group was increased 15.6-fold. Further research revealed that, compared with the iPS-cell group, the gene expression and immunoreactivity of mu opioid receptor in the iPS-neuron group were significantly increased (38.3-fold and 5.7-fold, respectively), but those of kappa opioid receptor had only a slight change (1.33-fold and 1.57-fold increases, respectively). Together, these data indicate that human iPS cells can be induced into mu opioid receptor- and kappa opioid receptor-expressing neurons, and that they may be useful to simulate human opioid receptor function in vitro and explore the underlying mechanisms of human conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Hai Ju
- Department of Anesthesiology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xuan Liang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yao-Yao Ren
- Department of Anesthesiology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Luo-Wa Shu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yan-Hong Yan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xu Cui
- Department of Anesthesiology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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291
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Caffrey TM, Button EB, Robert J. Toward three-dimensional in vitro models to study neurovascular unit functions in health and disease. Neural Regen Res 2021; 16:2132-2140. [PMID: 33818484 PMCID: PMC8354124 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.310671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The high metabolic demands of the brain require an efficient vascular system to be coupled with neural activity to supply adequate nutrients and oxygen. This supply is coordinated by the action of neurons, glial and vascular cells, known collectively as the neurovascular unit, which temporally and spatially regulate local cerebral blood flow through a process known as neurovascular coupling. In many neurodegenerative diseases, changes in functions of the neurovascular unit not only impair neurovascular coupling but also permeability of the blood-brain barrier, cerebral blood flow and clearance of waste from the brain. In order to study disease mechanisms, we need improved physiologically-relevant human models of the neurovascular unit. Advances towards modeling the cellular complexity of the neurovascular unit in vitro have been made using stem-cell derived organoids and more recently, vascularized organoids, enabling intricate studies of non-cell autonomous processes. Engineering and design innovations in microfluidic devices and tissue engineering are progressing our ability to interrogate the cerebrovasculature. These advanced models are being used to gain a better understanding of neurodegenerative disease processes and potential therapeutics. Continued innovation is required to build more physiologically-relevant models of the neurovascular unit encompassing both the cellular complexity and designed features to interrogate neurovascular unit functionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara M Caffrey
- Djavad Mowafaghian Center for Brain Health; Department of Pathology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Emily B Button
- Djavad Mowafaghian Center for Brain Health; Department of Pathology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jerome Robert
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry, University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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292
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Hyung S, Lee SR, Kim J, Kim Y, Kim S, Kim HN, Jeon NL. A 3D disease and regeneration model of peripheral nervous system-on-a-chip. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:eabd9749. [PMID: 33514550 PMCID: PMC7846159 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abd9749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Demyelinating diseases involve loss of myelin sheaths and eventually lead to neurological problems. Unfortunately, the precise mechanisms remain unknown, and there are no effective therapies. To overcome these limitations, a reliable and physiologically relevant in vitro model is required. Here, we present a three-dimensional peripheral nervous system (PNS) microfluidic platform that recapitulates the full spectrum of myelination, demyelination, and remyelination using primary Schwann cells (SCs) and motor neurons (MNs). The platform enables reproducible hydrogel patterning and long-term stable coculture of MNs and SCs over 40 days in vitro based on three distinct design factors. Furthermore, the on-demand detachable substrate allows in-depth biological analysis. We demonstrated the possibility of mimicking segmental demyelination by lysophosphatidylcholine, and recovery of myelin structure by application of two drugs: benzatropine or methylcobalamin. This 3D PNS disease-on-a-chip may serve as a potential platform for understanding the pathophysiology of demyelination and screening drugs for remyelination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujin Hyung
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Bio-MAX Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Ryeol Lee
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiho Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngtaek Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Suryong Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hong Nam Kim
- Center for BioMicrosystems, Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Noo Li Jeon
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Institute of Advanced Machinery and Design Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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293
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Abstract
Engineered human mini-brains, made possible by knowledge from the convergence of precision microengineering and cell biology, permit systematic studies of complex neurological processes and of pathogenesis beyond what can be done with animal models. By culturing human brain cells with physiological microenvironmental cues, human mini-brain models reconstitute the arrangement of structural tissues and some of the complex biological functions of the human brain. In this Review, we highlight the most significant developments that have led to microphysiological human mini-brain models. We introduce the history of mini-brain development, review methods for creating mini-brain models in static conditions, and discuss relevant state-of-the-art dynamic cell-culture systems. We also review human mini-brain models that reconstruct aspects of major neurological disorders under static or dynamic conditions. Engineered human mini-brains will contribute to advancing the study of the physiology and aetiology of neurological disorders, and to the development of personalized medicines for them.
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294
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Abstract
In recent years, it has been revealed that Parkinson's disease pathology may begin to manifest in the gastrointestinal track at a much earlier time point than in the brain. This paradigm shift has been suggested following evidence in humans that has been reproduced in animal models. Since rodent models cannot recapitulate many of the human disease features, human induced pluripotent stem cells derived from Parkinson's patients have been used to generate brain organoids, greatly contributing to our understanding of the disease pathophysiology. To understand the multifaced aspects of Parkinson's disease, it may be desirable to expand the complexity of these models, to include different brain regions, vasculature, immune cells as well as additional diverse organ-specific organoids such as gut and intestine. Furthermore, the contribution of gut microbiota to disease progression cannot be underestimated. Recent biotechnological advances propose that such combinations may be feasible. Here we discuss how this need can be met and propose that additional brain diseases can benefit from this approach.
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295
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Ma C, Peng Y, Li H, Chen W. Organ-on-a-Chip: A New Paradigm for Drug Development. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2020; 42:119-133. [PMID: 33341248 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2020.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 213] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The pharmaceutical industry has been desperately searching for efficient drug discovery methods. Organ-on-a-Chip, a cutting-edge technology that can emulate the physiological environment and functionality of human organs on a chip for disease modeling and drug testing, shows great potential for revolutionizing the drug development pipeline. However, successful translation of this novel engineering platform into routine pharmacological and medical scenarios remains to be realized. In this review, we discuss how the Organ-on-a-Chip technology can have critical roles in different preclinical stages of drug development and highlight the current challenges in translation and commercialization of this technology for the pharmacological and medical end-users. Moreover, this review sheds light on the future developmental trends and need for a next-generation Organ-on-a-Chip platform to bridge the gap between animal studies and clinical trials for the pharmaceutical industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Ma
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, New York University, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, New York University, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA
| | - Yansong Peng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, New York University, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA
| | - Hongtong Li
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, New York University, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA
| | - Weiqiang Chen
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, New York University, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, New York University, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA; Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA.
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296
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Thompson CL, Fu S, Knight MM, Thorpe SD. Mechanical Stimulation: A Crucial Element of Organ-on-Chip Models. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:602646. [PMID: 33363131 PMCID: PMC7758201 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.602646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Organ-on-chip (OOC) systems recapitulate key biological processes and responses in vitro exhibited by cells, tissues, and organs in vivo. Accordingly, these models of both health and disease hold great promise for improving fundamental research, drug development, personalized medicine, and testing of pharmaceuticals, food substances, pollutants etc. Cells within the body are exposed to biomechanical stimuli, the nature of which is tissue specific and may change with disease or injury. These biomechanical stimuli regulate cell behavior and can amplify, annul, or even reverse the response to a given biochemical cue or drug candidate. As such, the application of an appropriate physiological or pathological biomechanical environment is essential for the successful recapitulation of in vivo behavior in OOC models. Here we review the current range of commercially available OOC platforms which incorporate active biomechanical stimulation. We highlight recent findings demonstrating the importance of including mechanical stimuli in models used for drug development and outline emerging factors which regulate the cellular response to the biomechanical environment. We explore the incorporation of mechanical stimuli in different organ models and identify areas where further research and development is required. Challenges associated with the integration of mechanics alongside other OOC requirements including scaling to increase throughput and diagnostic imaging are discussed. In summary, compelling evidence demonstrates that the incorporation of biomechanical stimuli in these OOC or microphysiological systems is key to fully replicating in vivo physiology in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clare L Thompson
- Centre for Predictive in vitro Models, School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Su Fu
- Centre for Predictive in vitro Models, School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Martin M Knight
- Centre for Predictive in vitro Models, School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen D Thorpe
- UCD School of Medicine, UCD Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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297
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Nikolakopoulou P, Rauti R, Voulgaris D, Shlomy I, Maoz BM, Herland A. Recent progress in translational engineered in vitro models of the central nervous system. Brain 2020; 143:3181-3213. [PMID: 33020798 PMCID: PMC7719033 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awaa268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The complexity of the human brain poses a substantial challenge for the development of models of the CNS. Current animal models lack many essential human characteristics (in addition to raising operational challenges and ethical concerns), and conventional in vitro models, in turn, are limited in their capacity to provide information regarding many functional and systemic responses. Indeed, these challenges may underlie the notoriously low success rates of CNS drug development efforts. During the past 5 years, there has been a leap in the complexity and functionality of in vitro systems of the CNS, which have the potential to overcome many of the limitations of traditional model systems. The availability of human-derived induced pluripotent stem cell technology has further increased the translational potential of these systems. Yet, the adoption of state-of-the-art in vitro platforms within the CNS research community is limited. This may be attributable to the high costs or the immaturity of the systems. Nevertheless, the costs of fabrication have decreased, and there are tremendous ongoing efforts to improve the quality of cell differentiation. Herein, we aim to raise awareness of the capabilities and accessibility of advanced in vitro CNS technologies. We provide an overview of some of the main recent developments (since 2015) in in vitro CNS models. In particular, we focus on engineered in vitro models based on cell culture systems combined with microfluidic platforms (e.g. 'organ-on-a-chip' systems). We delve into the fundamental principles underlying these systems and review several applications of these platforms for the study of the CNS in health and disease. Our discussion further addresses the challenges that hinder the implementation of advanced in vitro platforms in personalized medicine or in large-scale industrial settings, and outlines the existing differentiation protocols and industrial cell sources. We conclude by providing practical guidelines for laboratories that are considering adopting organ-on-a-chip technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Polyxeni Nikolakopoulou
- AIMES, Center for the Advancement of Integrated Medical and Engineering Sciences, Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Rossana Rauti
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Dimitrios Voulgaris
- Division of Micro and Nanosystems, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Iftach Shlomy
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ben M Maoz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- The Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Anna Herland
- AIMES, Center for the Advancement of Integrated Medical and Engineering Sciences, Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Division of Micro and Nanosystems, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
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298
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Ross JM, Kim C, Allen D, Crouch EE, Narsinh K, Cooke DL, Abla AA, Nowakowski TJ, Winkler EA. The Expanding Cell Diversity of the Brain Vasculature. Front Physiol 2020; 11:600767. [PMID: 33343397 PMCID: PMC7744630 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.600767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The cerebrovasculature is essential to brain health and is tasked with ensuring adequate delivery of oxygen and metabolic precursors to ensure normal neurologic function. This is coordinated through a dynamic, multi-directional cellular interplay between vascular, neuronal, and glial cells. Molecular exchanges across the blood-brain barrier or the close matching of regional blood flow with brain activation are not uniformly assigned to arteries, capillaries, and veins. Evidence has supported functional segmentation of the brain vasculature. This is achieved in part through morphologic or transcriptional heterogeneity of brain vascular cells-including endothelium, pericytes, and vascular smooth muscle. Advances with single cell genomic technologies have shown increasing cell complexity of the brain vasculature identifying previously unknown cell types and further subclassifying transcriptional diversity in cardinal vascular cell types. Cell-type specific molecular transitions or zonations have been identified. In this review, we summarize emerging evidence for the expanding vascular cell diversity in the brain and how this may provide a cellular basis for functional segmentation along the arterial-venous axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayden M. Ross
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Anatomy, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- The Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Chang Kim
- Department of Anatomy, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- The Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Denise Allen
- Department of Anatomy, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- The Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Elizabeth E. Crouch
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Kazim Narsinh
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Daniel L. Cooke
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Adib A. Abla
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Tomasz J. Nowakowski
- Department of Anatomy, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- The Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Ethan A. Winkler
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
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299
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Seo HS, Motallebnejad P, Azarin SM. Advances and opportunities for hiPSC-derived models of the blood-brain barrier. Curr Opin Chem Eng 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.coche.2020.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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300
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Lee CS, Leong KW. Advances in microphysiological blood-brain barrier (BBB) models towards drug delivery. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2020; 66:78-87. [PMID: 32711361 PMCID: PMC7744339 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2020.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Though the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is vital for the maintenance of brain homeostasis, it also accounts for a high attrition rate of therapies targeting the central nervous system (CNS). The challenge of delivery across the BBB is attributed to a combination of low permeability through an endothelium closely knit by tight and adherens junctions, extremely low rates of endothelial transcytosis, and efflux transporters. In the past decade, enormous research efforts have been spent to develop BBB penetration strategies using biochemical or physical stimuli, aided by BBB-on-chips or microphysiological BBB models to facilitate in vitro studies. Here, we discuss recent advances in BBB-chip technology that have enabled effective preclinical screenings of brain targeting therapeutics and external stimulation, such as sonoporation and electroporation, for improved BBB penetration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caleb S Lee
- Columbia University, NY, NY, 10027, United States
| | - Kam W Leong
- Columbia University, NY, NY, 10027, United States.
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