1
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Park S, Hunter ES. Modeling the human placenta: in vitro applications in developmental and reproductive toxicology. Crit Rev Toxicol 2024; 54:431-464. [PMID: 39016688 DOI: 10.1080/10408444.2023.2295349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
During its temporary tenure, the placenta has extensive and specialized functions that are critical for pre- and post-natal development. The consequences of chemical exposure in utero can have profound effects on the structure and function of pregnancy-associated tissues and the life-long health of the birthing person and their offspring. However, the toxicological importance and critical functions of the placenta to embryonic and fetal development and maturation have been understudied. This narrative will review early placental development in humans and highlight some in vitro models currently in use that are or can be applied to better understand placental processes underlying developmental toxicity due to in utero environmental exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Park
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), Oak Ridge, TN, USA
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, ORD, US EPA, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Edward Sidney Hunter
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, ORD, US EPA, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
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2
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Wan D, Liu Y, Chang Q, Liu Z, Wang Q, Niu R, Gao B, Guan Q, Xia Y. Micro/Nanoplastic Exposure on Placental Health and Adverse Pregnancy Risks: Novel Assessment System Based upon Targeted Risk Assessment Environmental Chemicals Strategy. TOXICS 2024; 12:553. [PMID: 39195655 PMCID: PMC11359514 DOI: 10.3390/toxics12080553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2024] [Revised: 07/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/27/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024]
Abstract
Micro/nanoplastics (MNPs), as emerging pollutants, have been detected in both the maternal and fetal sides of the placenta in pregnant women, and their reproductive toxicity has been demonstrated in in vivo and in vitro experimental models. The Targeted Risk Assessment of Environmental Chemicals (TRAEC) strategy has been innovatively devised to facilitate valid risk assessment, encompassing a comprehensive evaluation of reliability, correlation, outcome fitness, and integrity across four dimensions based on the included published evidence and our own findings. This study serves as an application case of TRAEC, with 40 items of research evidence on the toxicity of MNPs to the placenta, which were rigorously screened and incorporated into the final scoring system. The final score for this TRAEC case study is 5.63, suggesting a moderate-to-low risk of reproductive toxicity associated with MNPs in the placenta, which may potentially increase with decreasing particle size. It is essential to emphasize that the findings also report original data from assays indicating that exposure to high-dose groups (100 μg/mL, 200 μg/mL) of 50 nm and 200 nm polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs) induces HTR8/SVneo cell cycle arrest and cell apoptosis, which lead to reproductive toxicity in the placenta by disrupting mitochondrial function. Overall, this study employed the TRAEC strategy to provide comprehensive insight into the potential reproductive health effects of ubiquitous MNPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danyang Wan
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China;
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; (Y.L.); (Q.C.); (Z.L.); (Q.W.); (R.N.); (B.G.)
- Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Yujie Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; (Y.L.); (Q.C.); (Z.L.); (Q.W.); (R.N.); (B.G.)
- Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Qianjing Chang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; (Y.L.); (Q.C.); (Z.L.); (Q.W.); (R.N.); (B.G.)
- Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Zhaofeng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; (Y.L.); (Q.C.); (Z.L.); (Q.W.); (R.N.); (B.G.)
- Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Qing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; (Y.L.); (Q.C.); (Z.L.); (Q.W.); (R.N.); (B.G.)
- Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Rui Niu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; (Y.L.); (Q.C.); (Z.L.); (Q.W.); (R.N.); (B.G.)
- Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Beibei Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; (Y.L.); (Q.C.); (Z.L.); (Q.W.); (R.N.); (B.G.)
- Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Quanquan Guan
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China;
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; (Y.L.); (Q.C.); (Z.L.); (Q.W.); (R.N.); (B.G.)
- Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Yankai Xia
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China;
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; (Y.L.); (Q.C.); (Z.L.); (Q.W.); (R.N.); (B.G.)
- Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
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3
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Jeong S, Fuwad A, Yoon S, Jeon TJ, Kim SM. A Microphysiological Model to Mimic the Placental Remodeling during Early Stage of Pregnancy under Hypoxia-Induced Trophoblast Invasion. Biomimetics (Basel) 2024; 9:289. [PMID: 38786499 PMCID: PMC11118815 DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics9050289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 05/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Placental trophoblast invasion is critical for establishing the maternal-fetal interface, yet the mechanisms driving trophoblast-induced maternal arterial remodeling remain elusive. To address this gap, we developed a three-dimensional microfluidic placenta-on-chip model that mimics early pregnancy placentation in a hypoxic environment. By studying human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) under oxygen-deprived conditions upon trophoblast invasion, we observed significant HUVEC artery remodeling, suggesting the critical role of hypoxia in placentation. In particular, we found that trophoblasts secrete matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) proteins under hypoxic conditions, which contribute to arterial remodeling by the degradation of extracellular matrix components. This MMP-mediated remodeling is critical for facilitating trophoblast invasion and proper establishment of the maternal-fetal interface. In addition, our platform allows real-time monitoring of HUVEC vessel contraction during trophoblast interaction, providing valuable insights into the dynamic interplay between trophoblasts and maternal vasculature. Collectively, our findings highlight the importance of MMP-mediated arterial remodeling in placental development and underscore the potential of our platform to study pregnancy-related complications and evaluate therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seorin Jeong
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Inha University, 100, Inha-ro, Michuhol-gu, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea; (S.J.); (A.F.)
| | - Ahmed Fuwad
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Inha University, 100, Inha-ro, Michuhol-gu, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea; (S.J.); (A.F.)
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering (SMME), National University of Science and Technology (NUST), Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
| | - Sunhee Yoon
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Inha University, 100, Inha-ro, Michuhol-gu, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea;
| | - Tae-Joon Jeon
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Inha University, 100, Inha-ro, Michuhol-gu, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea;
- Biohybrid Systems Research Center, Inha University, 100, Inha-ro, Michuhol-gu, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biological Engineering, Inha University, 100, Inha-ro, Michuhol-gu, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun Min Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Inha University, 100, Inha-ro, Michuhol-gu, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea; (S.J.); (A.F.)
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Inha University, 100, Inha-ro, Michuhol-gu, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea;
- Biohybrid Systems Research Center, Inha University, 100, Inha-ro, Michuhol-gu, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea
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4
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Vidal MS, Richardson LS, Kumar Kammala A, Kim S, Lam PY, Cherukuri R, Thomas TJ, Bettayeb M, Han A, Rusyn I, Menon R. Endocrine-disrupting compounds and their impact on human placental function: evidence from placenta organ-on-chip studies. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:1727-1749. [PMID: 38334486 PMCID: PMC10998263 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00998j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
The effects of endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) on the placenta, a critical gestational organ for xenobiotic protection, are well reported; however, models to determine the role of EDCs in placental disruption are limited. An advanced 2nd-trimester human placenta organ-on-chip model (2TPLA-OOC) was developed and validated, with six representative cells of the maternal and the fetal interface interconnected with microchannels. Various EDCs (150 ng mL-1 each of bisphenol A, bisphenol S, and polybrominated diphenyl ethers-47 and -99) were gradually propagated across the chip for 72 hours, and their various effects were determined. Cigarette smoke extract (CSE), an environmental risk factor, was used as a positive control. EDCs produced overall oxidative stress in the placental/decidual cells, induced cell-specific endocrine effects, caused limited (<10%) apoptosis/necrosis in trophoblasts and mesenchymal cells, induced localized inflammation but an overall anti-inflammatory shift, did not change immune cell migration from stroma to decidua, and did not affect placental nutrient transport. Overall, (1) the humanized 2TPLA-OOC recreated the placental organ and generated data distinct from the trophoblast and other cells studied in isolation, and (2) at doses associated with adverse pregnancies, EDCs produced limited and localized insults, and the whole organ compensated for the exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel S Vidal
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Texas, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
| | - Lauren S Richardson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
| | - Ananth Kumar Kammala
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
| | - Sungjin Kim
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Po Yi Lam
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Rahul Cherukuri
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Tilu Jain Thomas
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
| | - Mohammed Bettayeb
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
| | - Arum Han
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Ivan Rusyn
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Ramkumar Menon
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Texas, USA.
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5
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Lin H, Buerki-Thurnherr T, Kaur J, Wick P, Pelin M, Tubaro A, Carniel FC, Tretiach M, Flahaut E, Iglesias D, Vázquez E, Cellot G, Ballerini L, Castagnola V, Benfenati F, Armirotti A, Sallustrau A, Taran F, Keck M, Bussy C, Vranic S, Kostarelos K, Connolly M, Navas JM, Mouchet F, Gauthier L, Baker J, Suarez-Merino B, Kanerva T, Prato M, Fadeel B, Bianco A. Environmental and Health Impacts of Graphene and Other Two-Dimensional Materials: A Graphene Flagship Perspective. ACS NANO 2024; 18:6038-6094. [PMID: 38350010 PMCID: PMC10906101 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c09699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
Two-dimensional (2D) materials have attracted tremendous interest ever since the isolation of atomically thin sheets of graphene in 2004 due to the specific and versatile properties of these materials. However, the increasing production and use of 2D materials necessitate a thorough evaluation of the potential impact on human health and the environment. Furthermore, harmonized test protocols are needed with which to assess the safety of 2D materials. The Graphene Flagship project (2013-2023), funded by the European Commission, addressed the identification of the possible hazard of graphene-based materials as well as emerging 2D materials including transition metal dichalcogenides, hexagonal boron nitride, and others. Additionally, so-called green chemistry approaches were explored to achieve the goal of a safe and sustainable production and use of this fascinating family of nanomaterials. The present review provides a compact survey of the findings and the lessons learned in the Graphene Flagship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hazel Lin
- CNRS,
UPR3572, Immunology, Immunopathology and Therapeutic Chemistry, ISIS, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Tina Buerki-Thurnherr
- Empa,
Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Laboratory for Particles-Biology Interactions, 9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Jasreen Kaur
- Nanosafety
& Nanomedicine Laboratory, Institute
of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 177 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Peter Wick
- Empa,
Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Laboratory for Particles-Biology Interactions, 9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Marco Pelin
- Department
of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Aurelia Tubaro
- Department
of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | | | - Mauro Tretiach
- Department
of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Emmanuel Flahaut
- CIRIMAT,
Université de Toulouse, CNRS, INPT,
UPS, 31062 Toulouse CEDEX 9, France
| | - Daniel Iglesias
- Facultad
de Ciencias y Tecnologías Químicas, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha (UCLM), 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain
- Instituto
Regional de Investigación Científica Aplicada (IRICA), Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha (UCLM), 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Ester Vázquez
- Facultad
de Ciencias y Tecnologías Químicas, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha (UCLM), 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain
- Instituto
Regional de Investigación Científica Aplicada (IRICA), Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha (UCLM), 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Giada Cellot
- International
School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), 34136 Trieste, Italy
| | - Laura Ballerini
- International
School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), 34136 Trieste, Italy
| | - Valentina Castagnola
- Center
for
Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto
Italiano di Tecnologia, 16132 Genova, Italy
- IRCCS
Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Fabio Benfenati
- Center
for
Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto
Italiano di Tecnologia, 16132 Genova, Italy
- IRCCS
Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Andrea Armirotti
- Analytical
Chemistry Facility, Istituto Italiano di
Tecnologia, 16163 Genoa, Italy
| | - Antoine Sallustrau
- Département
Médicaments et Technologies pour la Santé (DMTS), Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, INRAE, SIMoS, Gif-sur-Yvette 91191, France
| | - Frédéric Taran
- Département
Médicaments et Technologies pour la Santé (DMTS), Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, INRAE, SIMoS, Gif-sur-Yvette 91191, France
| | - Mathilde Keck
- Département
Médicaments et Technologies pour la Santé (DMTS), Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, INRAE, SIMoS, Gif-sur-Yvette 91191, France
| | - Cyrill Bussy
- Nanomedicine
Lab, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester,
Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, National Graphene Institute, Manchester M13 9PT, United
Kingdom
| | - Sandra Vranic
- Nanomedicine
Lab, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester,
Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, National Graphene Institute, Manchester M13 9PT, United
Kingdom
| | - Kostas Kostarelos
- Nanomedicine
Lab, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester,
Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, National Graphene Institute, Manchester M13 9PT, United
Kingdom
| | - Mona Connolly
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología
Agraria
y Alimentaria (INIA), CSIC, Carretera de la Coruña Km 7,5, E-28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - José Maria Navas
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología
Agraria
y Alimentaria (INIA), CSIC, Carretera de la Coruña Km 7,5, E-28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Florence Mouchet
- Laboratoire
Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Environnement, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, INPT, UPS, 31000 Toulouse, France
| | - Laury Gauthier
- Laboratoire
Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Environnement, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, INPT, UPS, 31000 Toulouse, France
| | - James Baker
- TEMAS Solutions GmbH, 5212 Hausen, Switzerland
| | | | - Tomi Kanerva
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, 00250 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Maurizio Prato
- Center
for Cooperative Research in Biomaterials (CIC biomaGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), 20014 Donostia-San
Sebastián, Spain
- Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, 48013 Bilbao, Spain
- Department
of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Bengt Fadeel
- Nanosafety
& Nanomedicine Laboratory, Institute
of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 177 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Alberto Bianco
- CNRS,
UPR3572, Immunology, Immunopathology and Therapeutic Chemistry, ISIS, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
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Hori T, Okae H, Shibata S, Kobayashi N, Kobayashi EH, Oike A, Sekiya A, Arima T, Kaji H. Trophoblast stem cell-based organoid models of the human placental barrier. Nat Commun 2024; 15:962. [PMID: 38332125 PMCID: PMC10853531 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45279-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Human placental villi have essential roles in producing hormones, mediating nutrient and waste exchange, and protecting the fetus from exposure to xenobiotics. Human trophoblast organoids that recapitulate the structure of villi could provide an important in vitro tool to understand placental development and the transplacental passage of xenobiotics. However, such organoids do not currently exist. Here we describe the generation of trophoblast organoids using human trophoblast stem (TS) cells. Following treatment with three kinds of culture medium, TS cells form spherical organoids with a single outer layer of syncytiotrophoblast (ST) cells that display a barrier function. Furthermore, we develop a column-type ST barrier model based on the culture condition of the trophoblast organoids. The bottom membrane of the column is almost entirely covered with syndecan 1-positive ST cells. The barrier integrity and maturation levels of the model are confirmed by measuring transepithelial/transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) and the amount of human chorionic gonadotropin. Further analysis reveals that the model can be used to derive the apparent permeability coefficients of model compounds. In addition to providing a suite of tools for the study of placental development, our trophoblast models allow the evaluation of compound transfer and toxicity, which will facilitate drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Hori
- Department of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Systems Engineering, Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering (IBB), Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), 2-3-10 Kanda-Surugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 101-0062, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Okae
- Department of Informative Genetics, Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-cho, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8575, Japan
- Department of Trophoblast Research, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, 862-0973, Japan
| | - Shun Shibata
- Department of Informative Genetics, Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-cho, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8575, Japan
| | - Norio Kobayashi
- Department of Informative Genetics, Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-cho, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8575, Japan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Eri H Kobayashi
- Department of Informative Genetics, Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-cho, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8575, Japan
| | - Akira Oike
- Department of Informative Genetics, Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-cho, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8575, Japan
- Department of Trophoblast Research, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, 862-0973, Japan
| | - Asato Sekiya
- Department of Trophoblast Research, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, 862-0973, Japan
| | - Takahiro Arima
- Department of Informative Genetics, Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-cho, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8575, Japan
| | - Hirokazu Kaji
- Department of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Systems Engineering, Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering (IBB), Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), 2-3-10 Kanda-Surugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 101-0062, Japan.
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7
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Yan J, Wu T, Zhang J, Gao Y, Wu JM, Wang S. Revolutionizing the female reproductive system research using microfluidic chip platform. J Nanobiotechnology 2023; 21:490. [PMID: 38111049 PMCID: PMC10729361 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-023-02258-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Comprehensively understanding the female reproductive system is crucial for safeguarding fertility and preventing diseases concerning women's health. With the capacity to simulate the intricate physio- and patho-conditions, and provide diagnostic platforms, microfluidic chips have fundamentally transformed the knowledge and management of female reproductive health, which will ultimately promote the development of more effective assisted reproductive technologies, treatments, and drug screening approaches. This review elucidates diverse microfluidic systems in mimicking the ovary, fallopian tube, uterus, placenta and cervix, and we delve into the culture of follicles and oocytes, gametes' manipulation, cryopreservation, and permeability especially. We investigate the role of microfluidics in endometriosis and hysteromyoma, and explore their applications in ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer and cervical cancer. At last, the current status of assisted reproductive technology and integrated microfluidic devices are introduced briefly. Through delineating the multifarious advantages and challenges of the microfluidic technology, we chart a definitive course for future research in the woman health field. As the microfluidic technology continues to evolve and advance, it holds great promise for revolutionizing the diagnosis and treatment of female reproductive health issues, thus propelling us into a future where we can ultimately optimize the overall wellbeing and health of women everywhere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinfeng Yan
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis, Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
- State Key Laboratory of Materials Processing and Die & Mould Technology, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
- Engineering Research Center of Ceramic Materials for Additive Manufacturing, Ministry of Education, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Tong Wu
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis, Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Jinjin Zhang
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis, Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yueyue Gao
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis, Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Jia-Min Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Materials Processing and Die & Mould Technology, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China.
- Engineering Research Center of Ceramic Materials for Additive Manufacturing, Ministry of Education, Wuhan, 430074, China.
| | - Shixuan Wang
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis, Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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8
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Sun S, Xue X, Fu J. Modeling development using microfluidics: bridging gaps to foster fundamental and translational research. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2023; 82:102097. [PMID: 37573835 PMCID: PMC11193336 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2023.102097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
In vitro stem cell-derived embryo and organ models, termed embryoids and organoids, respectively, provide promising experimental tools to study physiological and pathological processes in mammalian development and organ formation. Most of current embryoid and organoid systems are developed using conventional three-dimensional cultures that lack controls of spatiotemporal extracellular signals. Microfluidics, an established technology for quantitative controls and quantifications of dynamic chemical and physical environments, has recently been utilized for developing next-generation embryoids and organoids in a controllable and reproducible manner. In this review, we summarize recent progress in constructing microfluidics-based embryoids and organoids. Development of these models demonstrates the successful applications of microfluidics in establishing morphogen gradients, accelerating medium transport, exerting mechanical forces, facilitating tissue coculture studies, and improving assay throughput, thus supporting using microfluidics for building next-generation embryoids and organoids for fundamental and translational research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyu Sun
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Xufeng Xue
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Jianping Fu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Cell & Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
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9
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Lermant A, Rabussier G, Lanz HL, Davidson L, Porter IM, Murdoch CE. Development of a human iPSC-derived placental barrier-on-chip model. iScience 2023; 26:107240. [PMID: 37534160 PMCID: PMC10392097 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Although recently developed placenta-on-chip systems opened promising perspectives for placental barrier modeling, they still lack physiologically relevant trophoblasts and are poorly amenable to high-throughput studies. We aimed to implement human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC)-derived trophoblasts into a multi-well microfluidic device to develop a physiologically relevant and scalable placental barrier model. When cultured in a perfused micro-channel against a collagen-based matrix, hiPSC-derived trophoblasts self-arranged into a 3D structure showing invasive behavior, fusogenic and endocrine activities, structural integrity, and expressing placental transporters. RNA-seq analysis revealed that the microfluidic 3D environment boosted expression of genes related to early placental structural development, mainly involved in mechanosensing and cell surface receptor signaling. These results demonstrated the feasibility of generating a differentiated primitive syncytium from hiPSC in a microfluidic platform. Besides expanding hiPSC-derived trophoblast scope of applications, this study constitutes an important resource to improve placental barrier models and boost research and therapeutics evaluation in pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agathe Lermant
- Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK
| | | | | | - Lindsay Davidson
- Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Facility, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Iain M. Porter
- Dundee Imaging Facility, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Colin E. Murdoch
- Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK
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10
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Elzinga FA, Khalili B, Touw DJ, Prins JR, Olinga P, Leuvenink HGD, van Goor H, Gordijn SJ, Nagelkerke A, Mian P. Placenta-on-a-Chip as an In Vitro Approach to Evaluate the Physiological and Structural Characteristics of the Human Placental Barrier upon Drug Exposure: A Systematic Review. J Clin Med 2023; 12:4315. [PMID: 37445348 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12134315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Quantification of fetal drug exposure remains challenging since sampling from the placenta or fetus during pregnancy is too invasive. Currently existing in vivo (e.g., cord blood sampling) and ex vivo (e.g., placenta perfusion) models have inherent limitations. A placenta-on-a-chip model is a promising alternative. A systematic search was performed in PubMed on 2 February 2023, and Embase on 14 March 2023. Studies were included where placenta-on-a-chip was used to investigate placental physiology, placenta in different obstetric conditions, and/or fetal exposure to maternally administered drugs. Seventeen articles were included that used comparable approaches but different microfluidic devices and/or different cultured maternal and fetal cell lines. Of these studies, four quantified glucose transfer, four studies evaluated drug transport, three studies investigated nanoparticles, one study analyzed bacterial infection and five studies investigated preeclampsia. It was demonstrated that placenta-on-a-chip has the capacity to recapitulate the key characteristics of the human placental barrier. We aimed to identify knowledge gaps and provide the first steps towards an overview of current protocols for developing a placenta-on-a-chip, that facilitates comparison of results from different studies. Although models differ, they offer a promising approach for in vitro human placental and fetal drug studies under healthy and pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Femke A Elzinga
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Behrad Khalili
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Daan J Touw
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Antonius Deunsinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jelmer R Prins
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Olinga
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Antonius Deunsinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Henri G D Leuvenink
- Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Harry van Goor
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Pathology Section, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Sanne J Gordijn
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Anika Nagelkerke
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Antonius Deunsinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Paola Mian
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
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11
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Wei W, Cardes F, Hierlemann A, Modena MM. 3D In Vitro Blood-Brain-Barrier Model for Investigating Barrier Insults. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2205752. [PMID: 36782313 PMCID: PMC10104638 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202205752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Blood-brain-barrier (BBB) disruption has been associated with a variety of central-nervous-system diseases. In vitro BBB models enable to investigate how the barrier reacts to external injury events, commonly referred to as insults. Here, a human-cell-based BBB platform with integrated, transparent electrodes to monitor barrier tightness in real time at high resolution is presented. The BBB model includes human cerebral endothelial cells and primary pericytes and astrocytes in a 3D arrangement within a pump-free, open-microfluidic platform. With this platform, this study demonstrates that oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD), which mimics the characteristics of an ischemic insult, induces a rapid remodeling of the cellular actin structures and subsequent morphological changes in the endothelial cells. High-resolution live imaging shows the formation of large actin stress-fiber bundles in the endothelial layer during OGD application, which ultimately leads to cell shrinkage and barrier breakage. Simultaneous electrical measurements evidence a rapid decrease of the barrier electrical resistance before the appearance of stress fibers, which indicates that the barrier function is compromised already before the appearance of drastic morphological changes. The results demonstrate that the BBB platform recapitulates the main barrier functions in vitro and can be used to investigate rapid reorganization of the BBB upon application of external stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wei
- ETH ZürichDepartment of Biosystems Science and EngineeringBio Engineering LaboratoryBasel4058Switzerland
| | - Fernando Cardes
- ETH ZürichDepartment of Biosystems Science and EngineeringBio Engineering LaboratoryBasel4058Switzerland
| | - Andreas Hierlemann
- ETH ZürichDepartment of Biosystems Science and EngineeringBio Engineering LaboratoryBasel4058Switzerland
| | - Mario M. Modena
- ETH ZürichDepartment of Biosystems Science and EngineeringBio Engineering LaboratoryBasel4058Switzerland
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12
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Krausová M, Braun D, Buerki-Thurnherr T, Gundacker C, Schernhammer E, Wisgrill L, Warth B. Understanding the Chemical Exposome During Fetal Development and Early Childhood: A Review. Annu Rev Pharmacol Toxicol 2023; 63:517-540. [PMID: 36202091 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pharmtox-051922-113350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Early human life is considered a critical window of susceptibility to external exposures. Infants are exposed to a multitude of environmental factors, collectively referred to as the exposome. The chemical exposome can be summarized as the sum of all xenobiotics that humans are exposed to throughout a lifetime. We review different exposure classes and routes that impact fetal and infant metabolism and the potential toxicological role of mixture effects. We also discuss the progress in human biomonitoring and present possiblemodels for studying maternal-fetal transfer. Data gaps on prenatal and infant exposure to xenobiotic mixtures are identified and include natural biotoxins, in addition to commonly reported synthetic toxicants, to obtain a more holistic assessment of the chemical exposome. We highlight the lack of large-scale studies covering a broad range of xenobiotics. Several recommendations to advance our understanding of the early-life chemical exposome and the subsequent impact on health outcomes are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdaléna Krausová
- Department of Food Chemistry and Toxicology, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; , ,
| | - Dominik Braun
- Department of Food Chemistry and Toxicology, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; , ,
| | - Tina Buerki-Thurnherr
- Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Laboratory for Particles Biology Interactions, St. Gallen, Switzerland;
| | - Claudia Gundacker
- Center for Pathobiochemistry and Genetics, Institute of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; .,Exposome Austria, Research Infrastructure and National EIRENE Hub, Austria
| | - Eva Schernhammer
- Exposome Austria, Research Infrastructure and National EIRENE Hub, Austria.,Center for Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; .,Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lukas Wisgrill
- Exposome Austria, Research Infrastructure and National EIRENE Hub, Austria.,Division of Neonatology, Pediatric Intensive Care and Neuropediatrics, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Comprehensive Center for Pediatrics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria;
| | - Benedikt Warth
- Department of Food Chemistry and Toxicology, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; , , .,Exposome Austria, Research Infrastructure and National EIRENE Hub, Austria
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13
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Abdelkarim M, Perez-Davalos L, Abdelkader Y, Abostait A, Labouta HI. Critical design parameters to develop biomimetic organ-on-a-chip models for the evaluation of the safety and efficacy of nanoparticles. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2023; 20:13-30. [PMID: 36440475 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2023.2152000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Organ-on-a-chip (OOC) models are based on microfluidics and can recapitulate the healthy and diseased microstructure of organs1 and tissues and the dynamic microenvironment inside the human body. However, the use of OOC models to evaluate the safety and efficacy of nanoparticles (NPs) is still in the early stages. AREAS COVERED The different design parameters of the microfluidic chip and the mechanical forces generated by fluid flow play a pivotal role in simulating the human environment. This review discusses the role of different key parameters on the performance of OOC models. These include the flow pattern, flow rate, shear stress (magnitude, rate, and distribution), viscosity of the media, and the microchannel dimensions and shape. We also discuss how the shear stress and other mechanical forces affect the transport of NPs across biological barriers, cell uptake, and their biocompatibility. EXPERT OPINION We describe several good practices and design parameters to consider for future OOC research. We submit that following these recommendations will help realize the full potential of the OOC models in the preclinical evaluation of novel therapies, including NPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud Abdelkarim
- Biomedical Engineering, University of Manitoba, R3T 5V6, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.,College of Pharmacy, University of Manitoba, R3E 0T5, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Luis Perez-Davalos
- College of Pharmacy, University of Manitoba, R3E 0T5, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Yasmin Abdelkader
- College of Pharmacy, University of Manitoba, R3E 0T5, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.,Department of Cell Biology, Biotechnology Research Institute, National Research Centre, 12622, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Amr Abostait
- College of Pharmacy, University of Manitoba, R3E 0T5, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Hagar I Labouta
- Biomedical Engineering, University of Manitoba, R3T 5V6, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.,College of Pharmacy, University of Manitoba, R3E 0T5, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.,Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, R3E 3P4, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.,Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, 21521, Alexandria, Egypt
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14
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Mastrorocco A, Cacopardo L, Temerario L, Martino NA, Tridente F, Rizzo A, Lacalandra GM, Robbe D, Carluccio A, Dell’Aquila ME. Investigating and Modelling an Engineered Millifluidic In Vitro Oocyte Maturation System Reproducing the Physiological Ovary Environment in the Sheep Model. Cells 2022; 11:cells11223611. [PMID: 36429039 PMCID: PMC9688735 DOI: 10.3390/cells11223611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In conventional assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs), oocytes are in vitro cultured in static conditions. Instead, dynamic systems could better mimic the physiological in vivo environment. In this study, a millifluidic in vitro oocyte maturation (mIVM) system, in a transparent bioreactor integrated with 3D printed supports, was investigated and modeled thanks to computational fluid dynamic (CFD) and oxygen convection-reaction-diffusion (CRD) models. Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) from slaughtered lambs were cultured for 24 h under static (controls) or dynamic IVM in absence (native) or presence of 3D-printed devices with different shapes and assembly modes, with/without alginate filling. Nuclear chromatin configuration, mitochondria distribution patterns, and activity of in vitro matured oocytes were assessed. The native dynamic mIVM significantly reduced the maturation rate compared to the static group (p < 0.001) and metaphase II (MII) oocytes showed impaired mitochondria distribution (p < 0.05) and activity (p < 0.001). When COCs were included in a combination of concave+ring support, particularly with alginate filling, oocyte maturation and mitochondria pattern were preserved, and bioenergetic/oxidative status was improved (p < 0.05) compared to controls. Results were supported by computational models demonstrating that, in mIVM in biocompatible inserts, COCs were protected from shear stresses while ensuring physiological oxygen diffusion replicating the one occurring in vivo from capillaries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Mastrorocco
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies & Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Edoardo Orabona, 70125 Bari, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Ludovica Cacopardo
- Research Centre E. Piaggio, University of Pisa, Largo Lucio Lazzarino 1, 56122 Pisa, Italy
| | - Letizia Temerario
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies & Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Edoardo Orabona, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Nicola Antonio Martino
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies & Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Edoardo Orabona, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Federico Tridente
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies & Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Edoardo Orabona, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Annalisa Rizzo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Str. Prov. Casamassima Km. 3, 70010 Valenzano, Italy
| | - Giovanni Michele Lacalandra
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Str. Prov. Casamassima Km. 3, 70010 Valenzano, Italy
| | - Domenico Robbe
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Loc. Piano d’Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Augusto Carluccio
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Loc. Piano d’Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Maria Elena Dell’Aquila
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies & Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Edoardo Orabona, 70125 Bari, Italy
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15
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Circuit-Based Design of Microfluidic Drop Networks. MICROMACHINES 2022; 13:mi13071124. [PMID: 35888941 PMCID: PMC9315978 DOI: 10.3390/mi13071124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidic-drop networks consist of several stable drops—interconnected through microfluidic channels—in which organ models can be cultured long-term. Drop networks feature a versatile configuration and an air–liquid interface (ALI). This ALI provides ample oxygenation, rapid liquid turnover, passive degassing, and liquid-phase stability through capillary pressure. Mathematical modeling, e.g., by using computational fluid dynamics (CFD), is a powerful tool to design drop-based microfluidic devices and to optimize their operation. Although CFD is the most rigorous technique to model flow, it falls short in terms of computational efficiency. Alternatively, the hydraulic–electric analogy is an efficient “first-pass” method to explore the design and operation parameter space of microfluidic-drop networks. However, there are no direct electric analogs to a drop, due to the nonlinear nature of the capillary pressure of the ALI. Here, we present a circuit-based model of hanging- and standing-drop compartments. We show a phase diagram describing the nonlinearity of the capillary pressure of a hanging drop. This diagram explains how to experimentally ensure drop stability. We present a methodology to find flow rates and pressures within drop networks. Finally, we review several applications, where the method, outlined in this paper, was instrumental in optimizing design and operation.
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16
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Deng P, Cui K, Shi Y, Zhu Y, Wang Y, Shao X, Qin J. Fluidic Flow Enhances the Differentiation of Placental Trophoblast-Like 3D Tissue from hiPSCs in a Perfused Macrofluidic Device. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:907104. [PMID: 35845423 PMCID: PMC9280037 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.907104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The human placenta serves as a multifunctional organ to maintain the proper development of a fetus. However, our knowledge of the human placenta is limited due to the lack of appropriate experimental models. In this work, we created an in vitro placental trophoblast-like model via self-organization of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) in a perfused 3D culture macrofluidic device. This device allowed cell seeding, in situ trophoblast lineage differentiation, and formation of trophoblast-like tissues from hiPSCs in a biomimetic microenvironment. It incorporated extracellular matrix (ECM) and fluid flow in a single device. After trophoblast lineage differentiation, we were able to generate the 3D clusters with major cell types of the human placenta, including trophoblast progenitor cytotrophoblasts (CTBs), differentiated subtypes, syncytiotrophoblasts (STBs), and extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs) under long-term 3D culture (∼23 days). Moreover, the formed tissues exhibited enhanced expressions of CTB-, STB-, and EVT-related markers at the level of genes and proteins under a dynamic culture compared with static conditions. RNA-seq analysis revealed the higher expression of trophoblast-specific genes in 3D tissues, indicating the essential role of fluid flow to promote the trophoblast differentiation of hiPSCs. The established placental 3D model combined a bioengineering strategy with developmental principles, providing a promising platform for the study of placental biology in a biomimetic microenvironment in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengwei Deng
- Division of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China
- Division of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Kangli Cui
- Division of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China
- Division of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Shi
- Dalian Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Mother-child Genetics, Dalian Women and Children’s Medical Group, Dalian, China
| | - Yujuan Zhu
- Division of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China
- Division of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yaqing Wang
- Division of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China
| | - Xiaoguang Shao
- Dalian Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Mother-child Genetics, Dalian Women and Children’s Medical Group, Dalian, China
| | - Jianhua Qin
- Division of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China
- Division of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Jianhua Qin,
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17
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Manuela J, David ZJ, Nicole S, Nicole C, Paul B, Erich K, Lisa SP, Claudia M, Marcel L, Stefan K. Optimization of the TeraTox assay for preclinical teratogenicity assessment. Toxicol Sci 2022; 188:17-33. [PMID: 35485993 PMCID: PMC9237991 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfac046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Current animal-free methods to assess teratogenicity of drugs under development still deliver high numbers of false negatives. To improve the sensitivity of human teratogenicity prediction, we characterized the TeraTox test, a newly developed multilineage differentiation assay using 3D human-induced pluripotent stem cells. TeraTox produces primary output concentration-dependent cytotoxicity and altered gene expression induced by each test compound. These data are fed into an interpretable machine-learning model to perform prediction, which relates to the concentration-dependent human teratogenicity potential of drug candidates. We applied TeraTox to profile 33 approved pharmaceuticals and 12 proprietary drug candidates with known in vivo data. Comparing TeraTox predictions with known human or animal toxicity, we report an accuracy of 69% (specificity: 53%, sensitivity: 79%). TeraTox performed better than 2 quantitative structure-activity relationship models and had a higher sensitivity than the murine embryonic stem cell test (accuracy: 58%, specificity: 76%, and sensitivity: 46%) run in the same laboratory. The overall prediction accuracy could be further improved by combining TeraTox and mouse embryonic stem cell test results. Furthermore, patterns of altered gene expression revealed by TeraTox may help grouping toxicologically similar compounds and possibly deducing common modes of action. The TeraTox assay and the dataset described here therefore represent a new tool and a valuable resource for drug teratogenicity assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaklin Manuela
- Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Switzerland.,Department for In Vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine Inaugurated by the Doerenkamp-Zbinden Foundation, University of Konstanz, Germany
| | - Zhang Jitao David
- Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Switzerland
| | - Schäfer Nicole
- Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Switzerland
| | - Clemann Nicole
- Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Switzerland
| | - Barrow Paul
- Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Switzerland
| | - Küng Erich
- Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Switzerland
| | - Sach-Peltason Lisa
- Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Switzerland
| | | | - Leist Marcel
- Department for In Vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine Inaugurated by the Doerenkamp-Zbinden Foundation, University of Konstanz, Germany
| | - Kustermann Stefan
- Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Switzerland
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18
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Mason HG, Bush J, Agrawal N, Hakami RM, Veneziano R. A Microfluidic Platform to Monitor Real-Time Effects of Extracellular Vesicle Exchange between Co-Cultured Cells across Selectively Permeable Barriers. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:3534. [PMID: 35408896 PMCID: PMC8998828 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Exosomes and other extracellular vesicles (EVs) play a significant yet poorly understood role in cell-cell communication during homeostasis and various pathological conditions. Conventional in vitro and in vivo approaches for studying exosome/EV function depend on time-consuming and expensive vesicle purification methods to obtain sufficient vesicle populations. Moreover, the existence of various EV subtypes with distinct functional characteristics and submicron size makes their analysis challenging. To help address these challenges, we present here a unique chip-based approach for real-time monitoring of cellular EV exchange between physically separated cell populations. The extracellular matrix (ECM)-mimicking Matrigel is used to physically separate cell populations confined within microchannels, and mimics tissue environments to enable direct study of exosome/EV function. The submicron effective pore size of the Matrigel allows for the selective diffusion of only exosomes and other smaller EVs, in addition to soluble factors, between co-cultured cell populations. Furthermore, the use of PEGDA hydrogel with a very small pore size of 1.2 nm in lieu of Matrigel allows us to block EV migration and, therefore, differentiate EV effects from effects that may be mediated by soluble factors. This versatile platform bridges purely in vitro and in vivo assays by enabling studies of EV-mediated cellular crosstalk under physiologically relevant conditions, enabling future exosome/EV investigations across multiple disciplines through real-time monitoring of vesicle exchange.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hunter G. Mason
- School of System Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA;
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
| | - Joshua Bush
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering and Computing, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA; (J.B.); (N.A.)
| | - Nitin Agrawal
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering and Computing, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA; (J.B.); (N.A.)
| | - Ramin M. Hakami
- School of System Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA;
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
| | - Remi Veneziano
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering and Computing, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA; (J.B.); (N.A.)
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