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Baek S, Ha HS, Park JS, Cho MJ, Kim HS, Yu SE, Chung S, Kim C, Kim J, Lee JY, Lee Y, Kim H, Nam Y, Cho S, Lee K, Yoon JK, Choi JS, Han DH, Sung HJ. Chip collection of hepatocellular carcinoma based on O 2 heterogeneity from patient tissue. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5117. [PMID: 38879551 PMCID: PMC11180182 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49386-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma frequently recurs after surgery, necessitating personalized clinical approaches based on tumor avatar models. However, location-dependent oxygen concentrations resulting from the dual hepatic vascular supply drive the inherent heterogeneity of the tumor microenvironment, which presents challenges in developing an avatar model. In this study, tissue samples from 12 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma are cultured directly on a chip and separated based on preference of oxygen concentration. Establishing a dual gradient system with drug perfusion perpendicular to the oxygen gradient enables the simultaneous separation of cells and evaluation of drug responsiveness. The results are further cross-validated by implanting the chips into mice at various oxygen levels using a patient-derived xenograft model. Hepatocellular carcinoma cells exposed to hypoxia exhibit invasive and recurrent characteristics that mirror clinical outcomes. This chip provides valuable insights into treatment prognosis by identifying the dominant hepatocellular carcinoma type in each patient, potentially guiding personalized therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sewoom Baek
- Department of Brain Korea 21 FOUR Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
- Department of Medical Engineering, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Su Ha
- Department of Medical Engineering, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
- Division of Cardiology, Severance Cardiovascular Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Su Park
- Department of Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Jeong Cho
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Catholic University of Korea, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, 222, BanpoDaero, Seocho-gu, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye-Seon Kim
- Department of Medical Engineering, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative, and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Seung Eun Yu
- Department of Medical Engineering, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Seyong Chung
- Department of Medical Engineering, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Chansik Kim
- Department of Brain Korea 21 FOUR Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
- Department of Medical Engineering, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Jueun Kim
- Department of Brain Korea 21 FOUR Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
- Department of Medical Engineering, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Youn Lee
- Department of Brain Korea 21 FOUR Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
- Department of Medical Engineering, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Yerin Lee
- Department of Medical Engineering, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunjae Kim
- Department of Medical Engineering, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Yujin Nam
- Department of Medical Engineering, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Sungwoo Cho
- Department of Medical Engineering, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyubae Lee
- Department of Biomedical Materials, Konyang University, 158, Gwanjeodong-ro, Seo-gu, Daejeon, 35365, Republic of Korea
| | - Ja Kyung Yoon
- Department of Radiology, Severance Hospital, Research Institute of Radiological Science, Center for Clinical Imaging Data Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Sub Choi
- Department of Surgery, Division of Hepato-biliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Dai Hoon Han
- Department of Surgery, Division of Hepato-biliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea.
| | - Hak-Joon Sung
- Department of Brain Korea 21 FOUR Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Medical Engineering, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea.
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2
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Streutker EM, Devamoglu U, Vonk MC, Verdurmen WPR, Le Gac S. Fibrosis-on-Chip: A Guide to Recapitulate the Essential Features of Fibrotic Disease. Adv Healthc Mater 2024:e2303991. [PMID: 38536053 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202303991] [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: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Fibrosis, which is primarily marked by excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition, is a pathophysiological process associated with many disorders, which ultimately leads to organ dysfunction and poor patient outcomes. Despite the high prevalence of fibrosis, currently there exist few therapeutic options, and importantly, there is a paucity of in vitro models to accurately study fibrosis. This review discusses the multifaceted nature of fibrosis from the viewpoint of developing organ-on-chip (OoC) disease models, focusing on five key features: the ECM component, inflammation, mechanical cues, hypoxia, and vascularization. The potential of OoC technology is explored for better modeling these features in the context of studying fibrotic diseases and the interplay between various key features is emphasized. This paper reviews how organ-specific fibrotic diseases are modeled in OoC platforms, which elements are included in these existing models, and the avenues for novel research directions are highlighted. Finally, this review concludes with a perspective on how to address the current gap with respect to the inclusion of multiple features to yield more sophisticated and relevant models of fibrotic diseases in an OoC format.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma M Streutker
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 28, Nijmegen, 6525 GA, The Netherlands
| | - Utku Devamoglu
- Applied Microfluidics for BioEngineering Research, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnoloygy and TechMed Centre, Organ-on-Chip Centre, University of Twente, Drienerlolaan 5, Enschede, 7522 NB, The Netherlands
| | - Madelon C Vonk
- Department of Rheumatology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, PO Box 9101, Nijmegen, 6500 HB, The Netherlands
| | - Wouter P R Verdurmen
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 28, Nijmegen, 6525 GA, The Netherlands
| | - Séverine Le Gac
- Applied Microfluidics for BioEngineering Research, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnoloygy and TechMed Centre, Organ-on-Chip Centre, University of Twente, Drienerlolaan 5, Enschede, 7522 NB, The Netherlands
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3
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Lopresti L, Capitani N, Tatangelo V, Tangredi C, Boncompagni G, Frezzato F, Visentin A, Marotta G, Ciofini S, Gozzetti A, Bocchia M, Trentin L, Baldari CT, Patrussi L. p66Shc deficiency in CLL cells enhances PD-L1 expression and suppresses immune synapse formation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1297116. [PMID: 38389706 PMCID: PMC10883382 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1297116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Escape from immunosurveillance is a hallmark of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells. In the protective niche of lymphoid organs, leukemic cells suppress the ability of T lymphocytes to form the immune synapse (IS), thereby hampering T-cell mediated anti-tumoral activities. By binding its cognate receptor PD-1 at the surface of T lymphocytes, the inhibitory ligand PD-L1, which is overexpressed in CLL cells, mediates the T-cell suppressive activities of CLL cells. However, the molecular mechanism underlying PD-L1 overexpression in CLL cells remains unknown. We have previously reported a defective expression of the pro-apoptotic and pro-oxidant adaptor p66Shc in CLL cells, which is causally related to an impairment in intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and to the activation of the ROS-sensitive transcription factor NF-κB. The fact that PD-L1 expression is regulated by NF-κB suggests a mechanistic relationship between p66Shc deficiency and PD-L1 overexpression in CLL cells. Methods: 62 treatment-naive CLL patients and 43 healthy donors were included in this study. PD-L1 and p66Shc expression was quantified in B cells by flow cytometry and qRT-PCR. IS architecture and local signaling was assessed by flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. CD8+ cell killing activity was assessed by flow cytometry. Results: Here we show that residual p66Shc expression in leukemic cells isolated both from CLL patients and from the CLL mouse model Eμ-TCL1 inversely correlated with PD-L1 expression. We also show that the PD-L1 increase prevented leukemic cells from forming ISs with T lymphocytes. Reconstitution of p66Shc, but not of a ROS-defective mutant, in both CLL cells and the CLL-derived cell line MEC-1, enhanced intracellular ROS and decreased PD-L1 expression. Similar results were obtained following treatment of CLL cells with H2O2 as exogenous source of ROS, that normalized PD-L1 expression and recovered IS formation. Discussion: Our data provide direct evidence that the p66Shc-deficiency-related ROS depletion in CLL cells concurs to enhance PD-L1 expression and provides a mechanistic basis for the suppression of T cell-mediated anti-tumoral functions in the immunosuppressive lymphoid niche.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nagaja Capitani
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Federica Frezzato
- Hematology and Clinical Immunology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Andrea Visentin
- Hematology and Clinical Immunology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Marotta
- Stem Cell Transplant and Cellular Therapy Unit, University Hospital, Siena, Italy
| | - Sara Ciofini
- Department of Medical Science, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Alessandro Gozzetti
- Department of Medical Science, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Monica Bocchia
- Department of Medical Science, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Livio Trentin
- Hematology and Clinical Immunology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | | | - Laura Patrussi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
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Ghaffari-Bohlouli P, Jafari H, Okoro OV, Alimoradi H, Nie L, Jiang G, Kakkar A, Shavandi A. Gas Therapy: Generating, Delivery, and Biomedical Applications. SMALL METHODS 2024:e2301349. [PMID: 38193272 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202301349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Oxygen (O2 ), nitric oxide (NO), carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen sulfide (H2 S), and hydrogen (H2 ) with direct effects, and carbon dioxide (CO2 ) with complementary effects on the condition of various diseases are known as therapeutic gases. The targeted delivery and in situ generation of these therapeutic gases with controllable release at the site of disease has attracted attention to avoid the risk of gas poisoning and improve their performance in treating various diseases such as cancer therapy, cardiovascular therapy, bone tissue engineering, and wound healing. Stimuli-responsive gas-generating sources and delivery systems based on biomaterials that enable on-demand and controllable release are promising approaches for precise gas therapy. This work highlights current advances in the design and development of new approaches and systems to generate and deliver therapeutic gases at the site of disease with on-demand release behavior. The performance of the delivered gases in various biomedical applications is then discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pejman Ghaffari-Bohlouli
- 3BIO-BioMatter, École polytechnique de Bruxelles, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Avenue F.D. Roosevelt, 50-CP 165/61, Brussels, 1050, Belgium
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, 801 Sherbrooke Street West, Montréal, Québec, H3A 0B8, Canada
| | - Hafez Jafari
- 3BIO-BioMatter, École polytechnique de Bruxelles, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Avenue F.D. Roosevelt, 50-CP 165/61, Brussels, 1050, Belgium
| | - Oseweuba Valentine Okoro
- 3BIO-BioMatter, École polytechnique de Bruxelles, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Avenue F.D. Roosevelt, 50-CP 165/61, Brussels, 1050, Belgium
| | - Houman Alimoradi
- 3BIO-BioMatter, École polytechnique de Bruxelles, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Avenue F.D. Roosevelt, 50-CP 165/61, Brussels, 1050, Belgium
| | - Lei Nie
- 3BIO-BioMatter, École polytechnique de Bruxelles, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Avenue F.D. Roosevelt, 50-CP 165/61, Brussels, 1050, Belgium
- College of Life Sciences, Xinyang Normal University, Xinyang, 464000, China
| | - Guohua Jiang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, China
| | - Ashok Kakkar
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, 801 Sherbrooke Street West, Montréal, Québec, H3A 0B8, Canada
| | - Amin Shavandi
- 3BIO-BioMatter, École polytechnique de Bruxelles, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Avenue F.D. Roosevelt, 50-CP 165/61, Brussels, 1050, Belgium
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5
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Mahdavi R, Hashemi-Najafabadi S, Ghiass MA, Adiels CB. Microfluidic design for in-vitro liver zonation-a numerical analysis using COMSOL Multiphysics. Med Biol Eng Comput 2024; 62:121-133. [PMID: 37733153 DOI: 10.1007/s11517-023-02936-6] [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: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
The liver is one of the most important organs, with a complex physiology. Current in-vitro approaches are not accurate for disease modeling and drug toxicity research. One of those features is liver zonation, where cells display different physiological states due to different levels of oxygen and nutrient supplements. Organ-on-a-chip technology employs microfluidic platforms that enable a controlled environment for in-vitro cell culture. In this study, we propose a microfluidic design embedding a gas channel (of ambient air), creating an oxygen gradient. We numerically simulate different flow rates and cell densities with the COMSOL Multiphysics package considering cell-specific consumption rates of oxygen and glucose. We establish the cell density and flow rate for optimum oxygen and glucose distribution in the cell culture chamber. Furthermore, we show that a physiologically relevant concentration of oxygen and glucose in the chip is reached after 24 h and 30 min, respectively. The proposed microfluidic design and optimal parameters we identify in this paper provide a tool for in-vitro liver zonation studies. However, the microfluidic design is not exclusively for liver cell experiments but is foreseen to be applicable in cell studies where different gas concentration gradients are critical, e.g., studying hypoxia or toxic gas impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Mahdavi
- Biotechnology Department, Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, P.O. Box 14115-114, Iran
| | - Sameereh Hashemi-Najafabadi
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, P.O. Box 14115-114, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Adel Ghiass
- Tissue Engineering Department, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, P.O. Box 14115-114, Iran
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6
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Sasikumar S, Chameettachal S, K N V, Kingshott P, Cromer B, Pati F. Strategic Replication of the Hepatic Zonation In Vitro Employing a Biomimetic Approach. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2023; 6:5224-5234. [PMID: 38014618 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.3c00481] [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] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
The varied functions of the liver are dependent on the metabolic heterogeneity exhibited by the hepatocytes within the liver lobule spanning the porto-central axis. This complex phenomenon plays an important role in maintaining the physiological homeostasis of the liver. Standard in vitro culture models fail to mimic this spatial heterogeneity of hepatocytes, assuming a homogeneous population of cells, which leads to inaccurate translation of results. Here, we demonstrate the development of an in vitro model of hepatic zonation by mimicking the microarchitecture of the liver using a 3D printed mini bioreactor and decellularized liver matrix to provide the native microenvironmental cues. There was a differential expression of hypoxic and metabolic markers across the developed mini bioreactor, showing the establishment of gradients of oxygen, Wnt/β-catenin pathway, and other metabolic pathways. The model also showed the establishment of zone-dependent toxicity on treatment with acetaminophen. The developed model would thus be a promising avenue in the field of tissue engineering for understanding the liver physiology and pathophysiology and for drug screening to evaluate the potential of new pharmaceutical interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shyama Sasikumar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Kandi, Sangareddy 502284, Telangana, India
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Victoria 3122, Australia
| | - Shibu Chameettachal
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Kandi, Sangareddy 502284, Telangana, India
| | - Vijayasankar K N
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Kandi, Sangareddy 502284, Telangana, India
| | - Peter Kingshott
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Victoria 3122, Australia
- ARC Training Centre Training Centre in Surface Engineering for Advanced Materials (SEAM), School of Engineering, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Victoria 3122, Australia
| | - Brett Cromer
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Victoria 3122, Australia
| | - Falguni Pati
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Kandi, Sangareddy 502284, Telangana, India
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7
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Jiang Y, Huang Z, Li X, Zhou L, Zhu X, Chen F, Shi Y. Inhibition of SK2 and ER stress ameliorated inflammation and apoptosis in liver ischemia-reperfusion injury. Liver Transpl 2023; 29:1050-1062. [PMID: 37439666 DOI: 10.1097/lvt.0000000000000210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) remains a major cause of mortality and morbidity after liver surgery. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is a critical mechanism of inflammatory injury during hepatic IRI. In this study, we investigated the effect of sphingosine kinases 2 (SK2) on ER stress and hepatic IRI. We established hepatic IRI mice and hepatocellular hypoxia/reoxygenation in vitro model. We observed the SK2 and ER stress protein IRE1α expression. Then, we used an SK2 inhibitor and knocked down IRE1α/SK2, to observe the effect of SK2 during IRI. Our results showed that the expression of ER stress and SK2 was significantly elevated during hepatic IRI. Inhibition of SK2 ameliorated liver inflammation and reduced cell apoptosis in hepatic IRI mice. Consistently, we found that the inhibition of IRE1α also downregulated SK2 expression and reduced mitochondrial membrane permeability. Furthermore, the knockdown of SK2 could also reduce cell damage and reduce the expression of inflammatory factors but did not influence ER stress-related signaling pathway. Taken together, our results suggested that ER stress and SK2 played important and regulatory roles in hepatic IRI. Inhibition of ER stress and SK2 could significantly improve liver function after hepatic IRI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiya Jiang
- Abdominal Transplantation Center, General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of General Practice, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhaoshuai Huang
- Abdominal Transplantation Center, General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xianpeng Li
- Abdominal Transplantation Center, General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Liuzhi Zhou
- Department of Hepato-biliary & Pancreas Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiuping Zhu
- Department of Pharmacy, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Feng Chen
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yanjun Shi
- Abdominal Transplantation Center, General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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8
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Lee EJ, Krassin ZL, Abaci HE, Mahler GJ, Esch MB. Pumped and pumpless microphysiological systems to study (nano)therapeutics. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY 2023; 15:e1911. [PMID: 37464464 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1911] [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] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
Fluidic microphysiological systems (MPS) are microfluidic cell culture devices that are designed to mimic the biochemical and biophysical in vivo microenvironments of human tissues better than conventional petri dishes or well-plates. MPS-grown tissue cultures can be used for probing new drugs for their potential primary and secondary toxicities as well as their efficacy. The systems can also be used for assessing the effects of environmental nanoparticles and nanotheranostics, including their rate of uptake, biodistribution, elimination, and toxicity. Pumpless MPS are a group of MPS that often utilize gravity to recirculate cell culture medium through their microfluidic networks, providing some advantages, but also presenting some challenges. They can be operated with near-physiological amounts of blood surrogate (i.e., cell culture medium) that can recirculate in bidirectional or unidirectional flow patterns depending on the device configuration. Here we discuss recent advances in the design and use of both pumped and pumpless MPS with a focus on where pumpless devices can contribute to realizing the potential future role of MPS in evaluating nanomaterials. This article is categorized under: Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies Toxicology and Regulatory Issues in Nanomedicine > Toxicology of Nanomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun-Jin Lee
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, College of Computer, Mathematical and Natural Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
- Microsystems and Nanotechnology Division, Physical Measurement Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA
| | - Zachary L Krassin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York, USA
| | - Hasan Erbil Abaci
- Department of Dermatology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Gretchen J Mahler
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York, USA
| | - Mandy B Esch
- Microsystems and Nanotechnology Division, Physical Measurement Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA
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9
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Fanizza F, Boeri L, Donnaloja F, Perottoni S, Forloni G, Giordano C, Albani D. Development of an Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Based Liver-on-a-Chip Assessed with an Alzheimer's Disease Drug. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2023. [PMID: 37318190 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.3c00346] [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: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Liver-related drug metabolism is a key aspect of pharmacokinetics and possible toxicity. From this perspective, the availability of advanced in vitro models for drug testing is still an open need, also to the end of reducing the burden of in vivo experiments. In this scenario, organ-on-a-chip is gaining attention as it couples a state-of-the art in vitro approach to the recapitulation of key in vivo physiological features such as fluidodynamics and a tri-dimensional cytoarchitecture. We implemented a novel liver-on-a-chip (LoC) device based on an innovative dynamic device (MINERVA 2.0) where functional hepatocytes (iHep) have been encapsulated into a 3D hydrogel matrix interfaced through a porous membrane with endothelial cells (iEndo)]. Both lines were derived from human-induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and the LoC was functionally assessed with donepezil, a drug approved for Alzheimer's disease therapy. The presence of iEndo and a 3D microenvironment enhanced the expression of liver-specific physiologic functions as in iHep, after 7 day perfusion, we noticed an increase of albumin, urea production, and cytochrome CYP3A4 expression compared to the iHep static culture. In particular, for donepezil kinetics, a computational fluid dynamic study conducted to assess the amount of donepezil diffused into the LoC indicated that the molecule should be able to pass through the iEndo and reach the target iHep construct. Then, we performed experiments of donepezil kinetics that confirmed the numerical simulations. Overall, our iPSC-based LoC reproduced the in vivo physiological microenvironment of the liver and was suitable for potential hepatotoxic screening studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Fanizza
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering 'Giulio Natta', Politecnico di Milano, Milan 20133, Italy
| | - Lucia Boeri
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering 'Giulio Natta', Politecnico di Milano, Milan 20133, Italy
| | - Francesca Donnaloja
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering 'Giulio Natta', Politecnico di Milano, Milan 20133, Italy
| | - Simone Perottoni
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering 'Giulio Natta', Politecnico di Milano, Milan 20133, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Forloni
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan 20156, Italy
| | - Carmen Giordano
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering 'Giulio Natta', Politecnico di Milano, Milan 20133, Italy
| | - Diego Albani
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan 20156, Italy
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10
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Li C, Zhao R, Yang H, Ren L. Construction of Bone Hypoxic Microenvironment Based on Bone-on-a-Chip Platforms. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24086999. [PMID: 37108162 PMCID: PMC10139217 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24086999] [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: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The normal physiological activities and functions of bone cells cannot be separated from the balance of the oxygenation level, and the physiological activities of bone cells are different under different oxygenation levels. At present, in vitro cell cultures are generally performed in a normoxic environment, and the partial pressure of oxygen of a conventional incubator is generally set at 141 mmHg (18.6%, close to the 20.1% oxygen in ambient air). This value is higher than the mean value of the oxygen partial pressure in human bone tissue. Additionally, the further away from the endosteal sinusoids, the lower the oxygen content. It follows that the construction of a hypoxic microenvironment is the key point of in vitro experimental investigation. However, current methods of cellular research cannot realize precise control of oxygenation levels at the microscale, and the development of microfluidic platforms can overcome the inherent limitations of these methods. In addition to discussing the characteristics of the hypoxic microenvironment in bone tissue, this review will discuss various methods of constructing oxygen gradients in vitro and measuring oxygen tension from the microscale based on microfluidic technology. This integration of advantages and disadvantages to perfect the experimental study will help us to study the physiological responses of cells under more physiological-relevant conditions and provide a new strategy for future research on various in vitro cell biomedicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Li
- Key Laboratory of Flexible Electronics of Zhejiang Province, Ningbo Institute of Northwestern Polytechnical University, Ningbo 315103, China
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, China
| | - Rong Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Flexible Electronics of Zhejiang Province, Ningbo Institute of Northwestern Polytechnical University, Ningbo 315103, China
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, China
| | - Hui Yang
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, China
| | - Li Ren
- Key Laboratory of Flexible Electronics of Zhejiang Province, Ningbo Institute of Northwestern Polytechnical University, Ningbo 315103, China
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, China
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11
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Johnson A, Reimer S, Childres R, Cupp G, Kohs TCL, McCarty OJT, Kang Y(A. The Applications and Challenges of the Development of In Vitro Tumor Microenvironment Chips. Cell Mol Bioeng 2023; 16:3-21. [PMID: 36660587 PMCID: PMC9842840 DOI: 10.1007/s12195-022-00755-7] [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: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a critical, yet mechanistically elusive role in tumor development and progression, as well as drug resistance. To better understand the pathophysiology of the complex TME, a reductionist approach has been employed to create in vitro microfluidic models called "tumor chips". Herein, we review the fabrication processes, applications, and limitations of the tumor chips currently under development for use in cancer research. Tumor chips afford capabilities for real-time observation, precise control of microenvironment factors (e.g. stromal and cellular components), and application of physiologically relevant fluid shear stresses and perturbations. Applications for tumor chips include drug screening and toxicity testing, assessment of drug delivery modalities, and studies of transport and interactions of immune cells and circulating tumor cells with primary tumor sites. The utility of tumor chips is currently limited by the ability to recapitulate the nuances of tumor physiology, including extracellular matrix composition and stiffness, heterogeneity of cellular components, hypoxic gradients, and inclusion of blood cells and the coagulome in the blood microenvironment. Overcoming these challenges and improving the physiological relevance of in vitro tumor models could provide powerful testing platforms in cancer research and decrease the need for animal and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika Johnson
- Department of Mechanical, Civil, and Biomedical Engineering, George Fox University, 414 N. Meridian Street, #6088, Newberg, OR 97132 USA
| | - Samuel Reimer
- Department of Mechanical, Civil, and Biomedical Engineering, George Fox University, 414 N. Meridian Street, #6088, Newberg, OR 97132 USA
| | - Ryan Childres
- Department of Mechanical, Civil, and Biomedical Engineering, George Fox University, 414 N. Meridian Street, #6088, Newberg, OR 97132 USA
| | - Grace Cupp
- Department of Mechanical, Civil, and Biomedical Engineering, George Fox University, 414 N. Meridian Street, #6088, Newberg, OR 97132 USA
| | - Tia C. L. Kohs
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239 USA
| | - Owen J. T. McCarty
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239 USA
- Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97201 USA
| | - Youngbok (Abraham) Kang
- Department of Mechanical, Civil, and Biomedical Engineering, George Fox University, 414 N. Meridian Street, #6088, Newberg, OR 97132 USA
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12
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Mittal E, Cupp G, Kang Y(A. Simulating the Effect of Gut Microbiome on Cancer Cell Growth Using a Microfluidic Device. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:1265. [PMID: 36772305 PMCID: PMC9918942 DOI: 10.3390/s23031265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The imbalance in the gut microbiome plays a vital role in the progression of many diseases, including cancer, due to increased inflammation in the body. Since gut microbiome-induced inflammation can serve as a novel therapeutic strategy, there is an increasing need to identify novel approaches to investigate the effect of inflammation instigated by gut microbiome on cancer cells. However, there are limited biomimetic co-culture systems that allow testing of the causal relationship of the microbiome on cancer cells. Here we developed a microfluidic chip that can simulate the interaction of the gut microbiome and cancer cells to investigate the effects of bacteria and inflammatory stress on cancer cells in vitro. To test the microfluidic chip, we used colorectal cancer cells, as an increased microbiome abundance has been associated with poor outcomes in colorectal cancer. We cultured colorectal cancer cells with Bacillus bacteria or lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a purified bacterial membrane that induces a significant inflammatory response, in the microfluidic device. Our results showed that both LPS and Bacillus significantly accelerated the growth of colorectal cancer cells, therefore supporting that the increased presence of certain bacteria promotes cancer cell growth. The microfluidic device included in this study may have significant implications in identifying new treatments for various cancer types in the future.
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13
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Diprospero TJ, Brown LG, Fachko TD, Lockett MR. HepaRG cells undergo increased levels of post-differentiation patterning in physiologic conditions when maintained as 3D cultures in paper-based scaffolds. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.16.524330. [PMID: 36711996 PMCID: PMC9882149 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.16.524330] [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] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Monolayer cultures of hepatocytes lack many aspects of the liver sinusoid, including a tissue-level organization that results from extracellular matrix interactions and gradients of soluble molecules that span from the portal triad to the central vein. We measured the activity and transcript levels of drug-metabolizing enzymes in HepaRG cells maintained in three different culture configurations: as monolayers, seeded onto paper scaffolds that were pre-loaded with a collagen matrix, and when seeded directly into the paper scaffolds as a cell-laden gel. Drug metabolism was significantly decreased in the presence of the paper scaffolds compared to monolayer configurations when cells were exposed to standard culture conditions. Despite this decreased function, transcript levels suggest the cells undergo increased polarization and adopt a biliary-like character in the paper scaffolds, including the increased expression of transporter proteins (e.g., ABCB11 and SLOC1B1) and the KRT19 cholangiocyte marker. When exposed to representative periportal or perivenous culture conditions, we observed in vivo zonal-like patterns, including increased cytochrome P450 (CYP) activity and transcript levels in the perivenous condition. This increased CYP activity is more pronounced in the laden configuration, supporting the need to include multiple aspects of the liver microenvironment to observe the post-differentiation processing of hepatocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J. Diprospero
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kenan and Caudill Laboratories, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3290, United States
| | - Lauren G. Brown
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kenan and Caudill Laboratories, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3290, United States
| | - Trevor D. Fachko
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kenan and Caudill Laboratories, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3290, United States
| | - Matthew R. Lockett
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kenan and Caudill Laboratories, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3290, United States
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 37599-7295, United States
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14
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Diprospero TJ, Brown LG, Fachko TD, Lockett MR. HepaRG cells undergo increased levels of post-differentiation patterning in physiologic conditions when maintained as 3D cultures in paper-based scaffolds. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-2473387. [PMID: 36711963 PMCID: PMC9882668 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2473387/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Monolayer cultures of hepatocytes lack many aspects of the liver sinusoid, including a tissue-level organization that results from extracellular matrix interactions and gradients of soluble molecules that span from the portal triad to the central vein. We measured the activity and transcript levels of drug-metabolizing enzymes in HepaRG cells maintained in three different culture configurations: as monolayers, seeded onto paper scaffolds that were pre-loaded with a collagen matrix, and when seeded directly into the paper scaffolds as a cell-laden gel. Drug metabolism was significantly decreased in the presence of the paper scaffolds compared to monolayer configurations when cells were exposed to standard culture conditions. Despite this decreased function, transcript levels suggest the cells undergo increased polarization and adopt a biliary-like character in the paper scaffolds, including the increased expression of transporter proteins (e.g., ABCB11 and SLOC1B1) and the KRT19 cholangiocyte marker. When exposed to representative periportal or perivenous culture conditions, we observed in vivo zonal-like patterns, including increased cytochrome P450 (CYP) activity and transcript levels in the perivenous condition. This increased CYP activity is more pronounced in the laden configuration, supporting the need to include multiple aspects of the liver microenvironment to observe the post-differentiation processing of hepatocytes.
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15
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Aleemardani M, Solouk A, Akbari S, Moeini M. A hydrogel-fiber-hydrogel composite scaffold based on silk fibroin with the dual-delivery of oxygen and quercetin. Biotechnol Bioeng 2023; 120:297-311. [PMID: 36224726 DOI: 10.1002/bit.28259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Supplying sufficient oxygen within the scaffolds is one of the essential hindrances in tissue engineering that can be resolved by oxygen-generating biomaterials (OGBs). Two main issues related to OGBs are controlling oxygenation and reactive oxygen species (ROS). To address these concerns, we developed a composite scaffold entailing three layers (hydrogel-electrospun fibers-hydrogel) with antioxidant and antibacterial properties. The fibers, the middle layer, reinforced the composite structure, enhancing the mechanical strength from 4.27 ± 0.15 to 8.27 ± 0.25 kPa; also, this layer is made of calcium peroxide and silk fibroin (SF) through electrospinning, which enables oxygen delivery. The first and third layers are physical SF hydrogels to control oxygen release, containing quercetin (Q), a nonenzymatic antioxidant. This composite scaffold resulted in almost more than 40 mmHg of oxygen release for at least 13 days, and compared with similar studies is in a high range. Here, Q was used for the first time for an OGB to scavenge the possible ROS. Q delivery not only led to antioxidant activity but also stabilized oxygen release and enhanced cell viability. Based on the given results, this composite scaffold can be introduced as a safe and controllable oxygen supplier, which is promising for tissue engineering applications, particularly for bone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mina Aleemardani
- Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering Group, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Kroto Research Institute, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Atefeh Solouk
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Amirkabir University of Technology (Tehran Polytechnic), Tehran, Iran
| | - Somaye Akbari
- Department of Textile Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology (Tehran Polytechnic), Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Moeini
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Amirkabir University of Technology (Tehran Polytechnic), Tehran, Iran
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16
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Chan KWY, Navi M, Kieda J, Moran T, Hammers D, Lee S, Tsai SSH. Phase transition modulation and biophysical characterization of biomolecular condensates using microfluidics. LAB ON A CHIP 2022; 22:2647-2656. [PMID: 35616128 DOI: 10.1039/d2lc00037g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Membraneless organelles (MLOs) formed through liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) are becoming increasingly relevant to understanding viral-host interactions, neurodegenerative disease, and cancer. The modulation of LLPS involves many parameters and components. To describe these modulators, typical in vitro studies require laborious, manual sample preparation of different concentrations and costly biological reagents. Here, we introduce a minimal reagent, microfluidic platform to systematically generate samples of different concentrations and trigger phase separation. We demonstrate the platform's utility by constructing phase diagrams describing the modulation of LLPS using an aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) and an MLO-based phase separating system. We also show on-chip biophysical characterization typical of in vitro studies. We expect that this platform will be utilized by scientists to study the growing number of MLOs and inform clinical treatments for pathology related to LLPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine W Y Chan
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Engineering, Ryerson University, Toronto M5B 2K3, Canada.
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto M5B 2K3, Canada
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Science, and Technology (iBEST) - A partnership between Ryerson University and St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto M5B 1W8, Canada
| | - Maryam Navi
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Engineering, Ryerson University, Toronto M5B 2K3, Canada.
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto M5B 2K3, Canada
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Science, and Technology (iBEST) - A partnership between Ryerson University and St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto M5B 1W8, Canada
| | - Jennifer Kieda
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Engineering, Ryerson University, Toronto M5B 2K3, Canada.
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto M5B 2K3, Canada
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Science, and Technology (iBEST) - A partnership between Ryerson University and St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto M5B 1W8, Canada
| | - Thomas Moran
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, USA
| | - Daniel Hammers
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, USA
- Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, USA
| | - Shaun Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, USA
- Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, USA
- Institution for Precision Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, USA
| | - Scott S H Tsai
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Engineering, Ryerson University, Toronto M5B 2K3, Canada.
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto M5B 2K3, Canada
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Science, and Technology (iBEST) - A partnership between Ryerson University and St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto M5B 1W8, Canada
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Ryerson University, Toronto M5B 2K3, Canada
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17
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DiProspero TJ, Brown LG, Fachko TD, Lockett MR. HepaRG cells adopt zonal-like drug-metabolizing phenotypes under physiologically relevant oxygen tensions and Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Drug Metab Dispos 2022; 50:DMD-AR-2022-000870. [PMID: 35701181 PMCID: PMC9341261 DOI: 10.1124/dmd.122.000870] [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: 02/13/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The cellular microenvironment plays an important role in liver zonation, the spatial distribution of metabolic tasks amongst hepatocytes lining the sinusoid. Standard tissue culture practices provide an excess of oxygen and a lack of signaling molecules typically found in the liver. We hypothesized that incorporating physiologically relevant environments would promote post-differentiation patterning of hepatocytes and result in zonal-like characteristics. To test this hypothesis, we evaluated the transcriptional regulation and activity of drug-metabolizing enzymes in HepaRG cells exposed to three different oxygen tensions, in the presence or absence of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. The drug-metabolizing activity of cells exposed to representative periportal (11% O2) or perivenous (5% O2) oxygen tensions were significantly less than cells exposed to ambient oxygen. A comparison of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A2, 2D6, and 3A4 activity at PP and PV oxygen tensions showed significant increases at the lower oxygen tension. The activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway only modestly impacted CYP activity at PV oxygen tension, despite a significant increase in CYP expression under this condition. Our results suggest oxygen tension is the major contributor to zonal patterning in HepaRG cells, with the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway playing a lesser albeit important role. Our datasets also highlight the importance of including activity-based assays, as transcript data alone does not provide an accurate picture of metabolic competence. Significance Statement This work investigates the post-differentiation patterning of HepaRG cells cultured at physiologically relevant oxygen tensions, in the presence and absence of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. HepaRG cells exposed to periportal (11% O2) or perivenous (5% O2) oxygen tensions display zonation-like patterning of both cytochrome P450 (CYP) and glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) enzymes. These datasets also suggest that oxygen is a primary regulator of post-differentiation patterning, with Wnt/β-catenin having a lesser effect on activity but a significant effect on transcriptional regulation of these enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lauren G Brown
- Chemistry, Univeristy of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, United States
| | - Trevor D Fachko
- Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, United States
| | - Matthew R Lockett
- Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, United States
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18
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Abstract
FLASH radiotherapy is a novel technique that has been shown in numerous preclinical in vivo studies to have the potential to be the next important improvement in cancer treatment. However, the biological mechanisms responsible for the selective FLASH sparing effect of normal tissues are not yet known. An optimal translation of FLASH radiotherapy into the clinic would require a good understanding of the specific beam parameters that induces a FLASH effect, environmental conditions affecting the response, and the radiobiological mechanisms involved. Even though the FLASH effect has generally been considered as an in vivo effect, studies finding these answers would be difficult and ethically challenging to carry out solely in animals. Hence, suitable in vitro studies aimed towards finding these answers are needed. In this review, we describe and summarise several in vitro assays that have been used or could be used to finally elucidate the mechanisms behind the FLASH effect.
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19
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de Hoyos-Vega JM, Hong HJ, Stybayeva G, Revzin A. Hepatocyte cultures: From collagen gel sandwiches to microfluidic devices with integrated biosensors. APL Bioeng 2021; 5:041504. [PMID: 34703968 PMCID: PMC8519630 DOI: 10.1063/5.0058798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocytes are parenchymal cells of the liver responsible for drug detoxification, urea and bile production, serum protein synthesis, and glucose homeostasis. Hepatocytes are widely used for drug toxicity studies in bioartificial liver devices and for cell-based liver therapies. Because hepatocytes are highly differentiated cells residing in a complex microenvironment in vivo, they tend to lose hepatic phenotype and function in vitro. This paper first reviews traditional culture approaches used to rescue hepatic function in vitro and then discusses the benefits of emerging microfluidic-based culture approaches. We conclude by reviewing integration of hepatocyte cultures with bioanalytical or sensing approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose M. de Hoyos-Vega
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55902, USA
| | - Hye Jin Hong
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55902, USA
| | - Gulnaz Stybayeva
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55902, USA
| | - Alexander Revzin
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55902, USA
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20
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Malik M, Yang Y, Fathi P, Mahler GJ, Esch MB. Critical Considerations for the Design of Multi-Organ Microphysiological Systems (MPS). Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:721338. [PMID: 34568333 PMCID: PMC8459628 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.721338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Identification and approval of new drugs for use in patients requires extensive preclinical studies and clinical trials. Preclinical studies rely on in vitro experiments and animal models of human diseases. The transferability of drug toxicity and efficacy estimates to humans from animal models is being called into question. Subsequent clinical studies often reveal lower than expected efficacy and higher drug toxicity in humans than that seen in animal models. Microphysiological systems (MPS), sometimes called organ or human-on-chip models, present a potential alternative to animal-based models used for drug toxicity screening. This review discusses multi-organ MPS that can be used to model diseases and test the efficacy and safety of drug candidates. The translation of an in vivo environment to an in vitro system requires physiologically relevant organ scaling, vascular dimensions, and appropriate flow rates. Even small changes in those parameters can alter the outcome of experiments conducted with MPS. With many MPS devices being developed, we have outlined some established standards for designing MPS devices and described techniques to validate the devices. A physiologically realistic mimic of the human body can help determine the dose response and toxicity effects of a new drug candidate with higher predictive power.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mridu Malik
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD, United States
- Biophysical and Biomedical Measurement Group, Physical Measurement Laboratory, Microsystems and Nanotechnology Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, United States
| | - Yang Yang
- Biophysical and Biomedical Measurement Group, Physical Measurement Laboratory, Microsystems and Nanotechnology Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, United States
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD, United States
| | - Parinaz Fathi
- Department of Bioengineering, Materials Science and Engineering, and Beckman Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, United States
| | - Gretchen J. Mahler
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY, United States
| | - Mandy B. Esch
- Biophysical and Biomedical Measurement Group, Physical Measurement Laboratory, Microsystems and Nanotechnology Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, United States
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21
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Neves ER, Harley BAC, Pedron S. Microphysiological systems to study tumor-stroma interactions in brain cancer. Brain Res Bull 2021; 174:220-229. [PMID: 34166771 PMCID: PMC8324563 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2021.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Brain tumors still lack effective treatments, and the mechanisms of tumor progression and therapeutic resistance are unclear. Multiple parameters affect cancer prognosis (e.g., type and grade, age, location, size, and genetic mutations) and election of suitable treatments is based on preclinical models and clinical data. However, most candidate drugs fail in human trials due to inefficacy. Cell lines and tissue culture plates do not provide physiologically relevant environments, and animal models are not able to adequately mimic characteristics of disease in humans. Therefore, increasing technological advances are focusing on in vitro and computational modeling to increase the throughput and predicting capabilities of preclinical systems. The extensive use of these therapeutic agents requires a more profound understanding of the tumor-stroma interactions, including neural tissue, extracellular matrix, blood-brain barrier, astrocytes and microglia. Microphysiological brain tumor models offer physiologically relevant vascularized 'minitumors' that can help deciphering disease mechanisms, accelerating the drug discovery and predicting patient's response to anticancer treatments. This article reviews progress in tumor-on-a-chip platforms that are designed to comprehend the particular roles of stromal cells in the brain tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward R Neves
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Carl R Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Brendan A C Harley
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Carl R Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Sara Pedron
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Carl R Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.
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22
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Luce E, Messina A, Duclos-Vallée JC, Dubart-Kupperschmitt A. Advanced Techniques and Awaited Clinical Applications for Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Differentiation into Hepatocytes. Hepatology 2021; 74:1101-1116. [PMID: 33420753 PMCID: PMC8457237 DOI: 10.1002/hep.31705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Liver transplantation is currently the only curative treatment for several liver diseases such as acute liver failure, end-stage liver disorders, primary liver cancers, and certain genetic conditions. Unfortunately, despite improvements to transplantation techniques, including live donor transplantation, the number of organs available remains insufficient to meet patient needs. Hepatocyte transplantation has enabled some encouraging results as an alternative to organ transplantation, but primary hepatocytes are little available and cannot be amplified using traditional two-dimensional culture systems. Indeed, although recent studies have tended to show that three-dimensional culture enables long-term hepatocyte culture, it is still agreed that, like most adult primary cell types, hepatocytes remain refractory to in vitro expansion. Because of their exceptional properties, human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) can be amplified indefinitely and differentiated into any cell type, including liver cells. While many teams have worked on hepatocyte differentiation, there has been a consensus that cells obtained after hPSC differentiation have more fetal than adult hepatocyte characteristics. New technologies have been used to improve the differentiation process in recent years. This review discusses the technical improvements made to hepatocyte differentiation protocols and the clinical approaches developed to date and anticipated in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eléanor Luce
- INSERMUniversité Paris-SaclayUnité Mixte de Recherche (UMR_S) 1193VillejuifFrance.,Fédération Hospitalo-Universitaire HépatinovHôpital Paul-BrousseVillejuifFrance
| | - Antonietta Messina
- INSERMUniversité Paris-SaclayUnité Mixte de Recherche (UMR_S) 1193VillejuifFrance.,Fédération Hospitalo-Universitaire HépatinovHôpital Paul-BrousseVillejuifFrance
| | - Jean-Charles Duclos-Vallée
- INSERMUniversité Paris-SaclayUnité Mixte de Recherche (UMR_S) 1193VillejuifFrance.,Fédération Hospitalo-Universitaire HépatinovHôpital Paul-BrousseVillejuifFrance
| | - Anne Dubart-Kupperschmitt
- INSERMUniversité Paris-SaclayUnité Mixte de Recherche (UMR_S) 1193VillejuifFrance.,Fédération Hospitalo-Universitaire HépatinovHôpital Paul-BrousseVillejuifFrance
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DiProspero TJ, Dalrymple E, Lockett MR. Physiologically relevant oxygen tensions differentially regulate hepatotoxic responses in HepG2 cells. Toxicol In Vitro 2021; 74:105156. [PMID: 33811995 PMCID: PMC8111698 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2021.105156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
This study evaluates the impact of physiologically relevant oxygen tensions on the response of HepG2 cells to known inducers and hepatotoxic drugs. We compared transcriptional regulation and CYP1A activity after a 48 h exposure at atmospheric culture conditions (20% O2) with representative periportal (8% O2) and perivenous (3% O2) oxygen tensions. We evaluated cellular responses in 2D and 3D cultures at each oxygen tension in parallel, using monolayers and a paper-based culture platform that supports cells suspended in a collagen-rich environment. Our findings highlight that the toxicity, potency, and mechanism of action of drugs are dependent on both culture format and oxygen tension. HepG2 cells in 3D environments at physiologic oxygen tensions better matched primary human hepatocyte data than HepG2 cells cultured under standard conditions. Despite altered transcriptional regulation with decreasing oxygen tensions, we did not observe the zonation patterns of drug-metabolizing enzymes found in vivo. Our approach demonstrates that oxygen is an important regulator of liver function but it is not the sole regulator. It also highlights the utility of the 3D paper-based culture platform for continued mechanistic studies of microenvironmental influences on cellular responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J DiProspero
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kenan and Caudill Laboratories, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3290, United States of America
| | - Erin Dalrymple
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kenan and Caudill Laboratories, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3290, United States of America
| | - Matthew R Lockett
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kenan and Caudill Laboratories, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3290, United States of America; Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 450 West Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7295, United States of America.
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24
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Kukla DA, Khetani SR. Bioengineered Liver Models for Investigating Disease Pathogenesis and Regenerative Medicine. Semin Liver Dis 2021; 41:368-392. [PMID: 34139785 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1731016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Owing to species-specific differences in liver pathways, in vitro human liver models are utilized for elucidating mechanisms underlying disease pathogenesis, drug development, and regenerative medicine. To mitigate limitations with de-differentiated cultures, bioengineers have developed advanced techniques/platforms, including micropatterned cocultures, spheroids/organoids, bioprinting, and microfluidic devices, for perfusing cell cultures and liver slices. Such techniques improve mature functions and culture lifetime of primary and stem-cell human liver cells. Furthermore, bioengineered liver models display several features of liver diseases including infections with pathogens (e.g., malaria, hepatitis C/B viruses, Zika, dengue, yellow fever), alcoholic/nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and cancer. Here, we discuss features of bioengineered human liver models, their uses for modeling aforementioned diseases, and how such models are being augmented/adapted for fabricating implantable human liver tissues for clinical therapy. Ultimately, continued advances in bioengineered human liver models have the potential to aid the development of novel, safe, and efficacious therapies for liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Kukla
- Deparment of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Salman R Khetani
- Deparment of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
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25
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Otero J, Ulldemolins A, Farré R, Almendros I. Oxygen Biosensors and Control in 3D Physiomimetic Experimental Models. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:1165. [PMID: 34439413 PMCID: PMC8388981 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10081165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Traditional cell culture is experiencing a revolution moving toward physiomimetic approaches aiming to reproduce healthy and pathological cell environments as realistically as possible. There is increasing evidence demonstrating that biophysical and biochemical factors determine cell behavior, in some cases considerably. Alongside the explosion of these novel experimental approaches, different bioengineering techniques have been developed and improved. Increased affordability and popularization of 3D bioprinting, fabrication of custom-made lab-on-a chip, development of organoids and the availability of versatile hydrogels are factors facilitating the design of tissue-specific physiomimetic in vitro models. However, lower oxygen diffusion in 3D culture is still a critical limitation in most of these studies, requiring further efforts in the field of physiology and tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. During recent years, novel advanced 3D devices are introducing integrated biosensors capable of monitoring oxygen consumption, pH and cell metabolism. These biosensors seem to be a promising solution to better control the oxygen delivery to cells and to reproduce some disease conditions involving hypoxia. This review discusses the current advances on oxygen biosensors and control in 3D physiomimetic experimental models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Otero
- Unitat de Biofísica i Bioenginyeria, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (J.O.); (A.U.); (R.F.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, Enfermedades Repiratorias, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Institut de Nanociència i Nanotecnologia UB, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Ulldemolins
- Unitat de Biofísica i Bioenginyeria, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (J.O.); (A.U.); (R.F.)
| | - Ramon Farré
- Unitat de Biofísica i Bioenginyeria, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (J.O.); (A.U.); (R.F.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, Enfermedades Repiratorias, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Institut de Nanociència i Nanotecnologia UB, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques Agustí Pi i Sunyer, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Isaac Almendros
- Unitat de Biofísica i Bioenginyeria, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (J.O.); (A.U.); (R.F.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, Enfermedades Repiratorias, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Institut de Nanociència i Nanotecnologia UB, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques Agustí Pi i Sunyer, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
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26
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Ya S, Ding W, Li S, Du K, Zhang Y, Li C, Liu J, Li F, Li P, Luo T, He L, Xu A, Gao D, Qiu B. On-Chip Construction of Liver Lobules with Self-Assembled Perfusable Hepatic Sinusoid Networks. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:32640-32652. [PMID: 34225454 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c00794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Although various liver chips have been developed using emerging organ-on-a-chip techniques, it remains an enormous challenge to replicate the liver lobules with self-assembled perfusable hepatic sinusoid networks. Herein we develop a lifelike bionic liver lobule chip (LLC), on which the perfusable hepatic sinusoid networks are achieved using a microflow-guided angiogenesis methodology; additionally, during and after self-assembly, oxygen concentration is regulated to mimic physiologically dissolved levels supplied by actual hepatic arterioles and venules. This liver lobule design thereby produces more bionic liver microstructures, higher metabolic abilities, and longer lasting hepatocyte function than other liver-on-a-chip techniques that are able to deliver. We found that the flow through the unique micropillar design in the cell coculture zone guides the radiating assembly of the hepatic sinusoid, the oxygen concentration affects the morphology of the sinusoid by proliferation, and the oxygen gradient plays a key role in prolonging hepatocyte function. The expected breadth of applications our LLC is suited to is demonstrated by means of preliminarily testing chronic and acute hepatotoxicity of drugs and replicating growth of tumors in situ. This work provides new insights into designing more extensive bionic vascularized liver chips, while achieving longer lasting ex-vivo hepatocyte function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengnan Ya
- The Centers for Biomedical Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, China
| | - Weiping Ding
- The Centers for Biomedical Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, China
- Hefei National Lab for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, China
| | - Shibo Li
- The Centers for Biomedical Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, China
| | - Kun Du
- The Centers for Biomedical Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhang
- The Centers for Biomedical Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, China
| | - Chengpan Li
- The Centers for Biomedical Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, China
| | - Jing Liu
- School of Biology, Food and Environment Engineering, Hefei University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China
| | - Fenfen Li
- The Centers for Biomedical Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, China
- Hefei National Lab for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, China
| | - Ping Li
- Department of Chinese Integrative Medicine Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230022, China
| | - Tianzhi Luo
- School of Engineering Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, China
| | - Liqun He
- School of Engineering Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, China
| | - Ao Xu
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230001, China
| | - Dayong Gao
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Bensheng Qiu
- The Centers for Biomedical Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, China
- Hefei National Lab for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, China
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27
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Khalil NN, McCain ML. Engineering the Cellular Microenvironment of Post-infarct Myocardium on a Chip. Front Cardiovasc Med 2021; 8:709871. [PMID: 34336962 PMCID: PMC8316619 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.709871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Myocardial infarctions are one of the most common forms of cardiac injury and death worldwide. Infarctions cause immediate necrosis in a localized region of the myocardium, which is followed by a repair process with inflammatory, proliferative, and maturation phases. This repair process culminates in the formation of scar tissue, which often leads to heart failure in the months or years after the initial injury. In each reparative phase, the infarct microenvironment is characterized by distinct biochemical, physical, and mechanical features, such as inflammatory cytokine production, localized hypoxia, and tissue stiffening, which likely each contribute to physiological and pathological tissue remodeling by mechanisms that are incompletely understood. Traditionally, simplified two-dimensional cell culture systems or animal models have been implemented to elucidate basic pathophysiological mechanisms or predict drug responses following myocardial infarction. However, these conventional approaches offer limited spatiotemporal control over relevant features of the post-infarct cellular microenvironment. To address these gaps, Organ on a Chip models of post-infarct myocardium have recently emerged as new paradigms for dissecting the highly complex, heterogeneous, and dynamic post-infarct microenvironment. In this review, we describe recent Organ on a Chip models of post-infarct myocardium, including their limitations and future opportunities in disease modeling and drug screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie N Khalil
- Laboratory for Living Systems Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, USC Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Megan L McCain
- Laboratory for Living Systems Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, USC Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States.,Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine of USC, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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28
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Fritsche E, Haarmann-Stemmann T, Kapr J, Galanjuk S, Hartmann J, Mertens PR, Kämpfer AAM, Schins RPF, Tigges J, Koch K. Stem Cells for Next Level Toxicity Testing in the 21st Century. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2021; 17:e2006252. [PMID: 33354870 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202006252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The call for a paradigm change in toxicology from the United States National Research Council in 2007 initiates awareness for the invention and use of human-relevant alternative methods for toxicological hazard assessment. Simple 2D in vitro systems may serve as first screening tools, however, recent developments infer the need for more complex, multicellular organotypic models, which are superior in mimicking the complexity of human organs. In this review article most critical organs for toxicity assessment, i.e., skin, brain, thyroid system, lung, heart, liver, kidney, and intestine are discussed with regards to their functions in health and disease. Embracing the manifold modes-of-action how xenobiotic compounds can interfere with physiological organ functions and cause toxicity, the need for translation of such multifaceted organ features into the dish seems obvious. Currently used in vitro methods for toxicological applications and ongoing developments not yet arrived in toxicity testing are discussed, especially highlighting the potential of models based on embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells of human origin. Finally, the application of innovative technologies like organs-on-a-chip and genome editing point toward a toxicological paradigm change moves into action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Fritsche
- IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Düsseldorf, 40225, Germany
- Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, 40225, Germany
| | | | - Julia Kapr
- IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Düsseldorf, 40225, Germany
| | - Saskia Galanjuk
- IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Düsseldorf, 40225, Germany
| | - Julia Hartmann
- IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Düsseldorf, 40225, Germany
| | - Peter R Mertens
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Diabetes and Endocrinology, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, 39106, Germany
| | - Angela A M Kämpfer
- IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Düsseldorf, 40225, Germany
| | - Roel P F Schins
- IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Düsseldorf, 40225, Germany
| | - Julia Tigges
- IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Düsseldorf, 40225, Germany
| | - Katharina Koch
- IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Düsseldorf, 40225, Germany
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29
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Willemen NGA, Hassan S, Gurian M, Li J, Allijn IE, Shin SR, Leijten J. Oxygen-Releasing Biomaterials: Current Challenges and Future Applications. Trends Biotechnol 2021; 39:1144-1159. [PMID: 33602609 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2021.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Oxygen is essential for the survival, function, and fate of mammalian cells. Oxygen tension controls cellular behaviour via metabolic programming, which in turn controls tissue regeneration, stem cell differentiation, drug metabolism, and numerous pathologies. Thus, oxygen-releasing biomaterials represent a novel and unique strategy to gain control over a variety of in vivo processes. Consequently, numerous oxygen-generating or carrying materials have been developed in recent years, which offer innovative solutions in the field of drug efficiency, regenerative medicine, and engineered living systems. In this review, we discuss the latest trends, highlight current challenges and solutions, and provide a future perspective on the field of oxygen-releasing materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niels G A Willemen
- Department of Developmental BioEngineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, Technical Medical Centre, University of Twente, Drienerlolaan 5, 7522 NB, Enschede, The Netherlands; Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Shabir Hassan
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Melvin Gurian
- Department of Developmental BioEngineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, Technical Medical Centre, University of Twente, Drienerlolaan 5, 7522 NB, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Jinghang Li
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan Institute of Technology, Wuhan, 430205, China
| | - Iris E Allijn
- Department of Developmental BioEngineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, Technical Medical Centre, University of Twente, Drienerlolaan 5, 7522 NB, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Su Ryon Shin
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
| | - Jeroen Leijten
- Department of Developmental BioEngineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, Technical Medical Centre, University of Twente, Drienerlolaan 5, 7522 NB, Enschede, The Netherlands.
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30
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Brevini T, Tysoe OC, Sampaziotis F. Tissue engineering of the biliary tract and modelling of cholestatic disorders. J Hepatol 2020; 73:918-932. [PMID: 32535061 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2020.05.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Our insight into the pathogenesis of cholestatic liver disease remains limited, partly owing to challenges in capturing the multitude of factors that contribute to disease pathogenesis in vitro. Tissue engineering could address this challenge by combining cells, materials and fabrication strategies into dynamic modelling platforms, recapitulating the multifaceted aetiology of cholangiopathies. Herein, we review the advantages and limitations of platforms for bioengineering the biliary tree, looking at how these can be applied to model biliary disorders, as well as exploring future directions for the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Brevini
- Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Olivia C Tysoe
- Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK; Department of Surgery, University of Cambridge and NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge, UK
| | - Fotios Sampaziotis
- Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK; Department of Hepatology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK; Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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31
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Choi JH, Loarca L, De Hoyos-Vega JM, Dadgar N, Loutherback K, Shah VH, Stybayeva G, Revzin A. Microfluidic confinement enhances phenotype and function of hepatocyte spheroids. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2020; 319:C552-C560. [PMID: 32697600 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00094.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
A number of cell culture approaches have been described for maintenance of primary hepatocytes. Forming hepatocytes into three-dimensional (3-D) spheroids is one well-accepted method for extending epithelial phenotype of these cells. Our laboratory has previously observed enhanced function of two-dimensional (2-D, monolayer) hepatocyte cultures in microfluidic devices due to increased production of several hepato-inductive growth factors, including hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). In the present study, we wanted to test a hypothesis that culturing hepatocyte spheroids (3-D) in microfluidic devices will also result in enhanced phenotype and function. To test this hypothesis, we fabricated devices with small and large volumes. Both types of devices included a microstructured floor containing arrays of pyramidal wells to promote assembly of hepatocytes into spheroids with individual diameters of ~100 µm. The hepatocyte spheroids were found to be more functional, as evidenced by higher level of albumin synthesis, bile acid production, and hepatic enzyme expression, in low-volume compared with large-volume devices. Importantly, high functionality of spheroid cultures correlated with elevated levels of HGF secretion. Although decay of hepatic function (albumin secretion) was observed over the course 3 wk, this behavior could be abrogated by inhibiting TGF-β1 signaling. With TGF-β1 inhibitor, microfluidic hepatocyte spheroid cultures maintained high and stable levels of albumin synthesis over the course of 4 wk. To further highlight utility of this culture platform for liver disease modeling, we carried out alcohol injury experiments in microfluidic devices and tested protective effects of interleukin-22: a potential therapy for alcoholic hepatitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jong Hoon Choi
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Lorena Loarca
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Jose M De Hoyos-Vega
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Neda Dadgar
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Kevin Loutherback
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Vijay H Shah
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Gulnaz Stybayeva
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Alexander Revzin
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
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32
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Liu H, Bolonduro OA, Hu N, Ju J, Rao AA, Duffy BM, Huang Z, Black LD, Timko BP. Heart-on-a-Chip Model with Integrated Extra- and Intracellular Bioelectronics for Monitoring Cardiac Electrophysiology under Acute Hypoxia. NANO LETTERS 2020; 20:2585-2593. [PMID: 32092276 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.0c00076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
We demonstrated a bioelectronic heart-on-a-chip model for studying the effects of acute hypoxia on cardiac function. A microfluidic channel enabled rapid modulation of medium oxygenation, which mimicked the regimes induced by a temporary coronary occlusion and reversibly activated hypoxia-related transduction pathways in HL-1 cardiac model cells. Extracellular bioelectronics provided continuous readouts demonstrating that hypoxic cells experienced an initial period of tachycardia followed by a reduction in beat rate and eventually arrhythmia. Intracellular bioelectronics consisting of Pt nanopillars temporarily entered the cytosol following electroporation, yielding action potential (AP)-like readouts. We found that APs narrowed during hypoxia, consistent with proposed mechanisms by which oxygen deficits activate ATP-dependent K+ channels that promote membrane repolarization. Significantly, both extra- and intracellular devices could be multiplexed, enabling mapping capabilities unachievable by other electrophysiological tools. Our platform represents a significant advance toward understanding electrophysiological responses to hypoxia and could be applicable to disease modeling and drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haitao Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, United States
- School of Materials Science and Technology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Materials Utilization of Nonmetallic Minerals and Solid Wastes, National Laboratory of Mineral Materials, China University of Geosciences, Beijing 100083, PR China
| | - Olurotimi A Bolonduro
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, United States
| | - Ning Hu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, United States
- State Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials and Technologies, School of Electronics and Information Technology, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Display Material and Technology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, PR China
| | - Jie Ju
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, United States
| | - Akshita A Rao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, United States
| | - Breanna M Duffy
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, United States
| | - Zhaohui Huang
- School of Materials Science and Technology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Materials Utilization of Nonmetallic Minerals and Solid Wastes, National Laboratory of Mineral Materials, China University of Geosciences, Beijing 100083, PR China
| | - Lauren D Black
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, United States
- Department of Cell, Molecular & Developmental Biology, School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts 02111, United States
| | - Brian P Timko
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, United States
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33
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Metabolic Switching of Tumor Cells under Hypoxic Conditions in a Tumor-on-a-chip Model. MICROMACHINES 2020; 11:mi11040382. [PMID: 32260396 PMCID: PMC7231186 DOI: 10.3390/mi11040382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Hypoxia switches the metabolism of tumor cells and induces drug resistance. Currently, no therapeutic exists that effectively and specifically targets hypoxic cells in tumors. Development of such therapeutics critically depends on the availability of in vitro models that accurately recapitulate hypoxia as found in the tumor microenvironment. Here, we report on the design and validation of an easy-to-fabricate tumor-on-a-chip microfluidic platform that robustly emulates the hypoxic tumor microenvironment. The tumor-on-a-chip model consists of a central chamber for 3D tumor cell culture and two side channels for medium perfusion. The microfluidic device is fabricated from polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), and oxygen diffusion in the device is blocked by an embedded sheet of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). Hypoxia was confirmed using oxygen-sensitive probes and the effect on the 3D tumor cell culture investigated by a pH-sensitive dual-labeled fluorescent dextran and a fluorescently labeled glucose analogue. In contrast to control devices without PMMA, PMMA-containing devices gave rise to decreases in oxygen and pH levels as well as an increased consumption of glucose after two days of culture, indicating a rapid metabolic switch of the tumor cells under hypoxic conditions towards increased glycolysis. This platform will open new avenues for testing anti-cancer therapies targeting hypoxic areas.
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