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Mathew-Schmitt S, Peindl M, Neundorf P, Dandekar G, Metzger M, Nickl V, Appelt-Menzel A. Blood-tumor barrier in focus - investigation of glioblastoma-induced effects on the blood-brain barrier. J Neurooncol 2024; 170:67-77. [PMID: 39196480 PMCID: PMC11446994 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-024-04760-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most prevalent, malignant, primary brain tumor in adults, characterized by limited treatment options, frequent relapse, and short survival after diagnosis. Until now, none of the existing therapy and treatment approaches have proven to be an effective cure. The availability of predictive human blood-tumor barrier (BTB) test systems that can mimic in-vivo pathophysiology of GBM would be of great interest in preclinical research. Here, we present the establishment of a new BTB in-vitro test system combining GBM spheroids and BBB models derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs). METHODS We co-cultured hiPSC-derived brain capillary endothelial-like cells (iBCECs) with GBM spheroids derived from U87-MG and U373-MG cell lines in a cell culture insert-based format. Spheroids were monitored over 168 hours (h) of culture, characterized for GBM-specific marker expression and treated with standard chemotherapeutics to distinguish inhibitory effects between 2D mono-culture and 3D spheroids. GBM-induced changes on iBCECs barrier integrity were verified via measurement of transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER), immunocytochemical staining of tight junction (TJ) proteins claudin-5 and occludin as well as the glucose transporter-1 (Glut-1). GBM-induced secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was additionally quantified. RESULTS Our hypothesis was validated by reduced expression of TJ proteins, occludin and claudin-5 together with significant barrier breakdown in iBCECs after only 24 h of co-culture, demonstrated by reduction in TEER from 1313 ± 265 Ω*cm2 to 712 ± 299 Ω*cm2 (iBCECs + U87-MG) and 762 ± 316 Ω*cm2 (iBCECs + U373-MG). Furthermore, 3D spheroids show more resistance to standard GBM chemotherapeutics in-vitro compared to 2D cultures. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrate the establishment of a simplified, robust in-vitro BTB test system, with potential application in preclinical therapeutic screening and in studying GBM-induced pathological changes at the BBB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjana Mathew-Schmitt
- Chair Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, University Hospital Würzburg, Röntgenring 11, 97070, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Peindl
- Chair Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, University Hospital Würzburg, Röntgenring 11, 97070, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Philipp Neundorf
- Chair Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, University Hospital Würzburg, Röntgenring 11, 97070, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Gudrun Dandekar
- Chair Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, University Hospital Würzburg, Röntgenring 11, 97070, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Marco Metzger
- Chair Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, University Hospital Würzburg, Röntgenring 11, 97070, Würzburg, Germany
- Translational Centre Regenerative Therapies TLC-RT, Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research ISC, Röntgenring 11, 97070, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Vera Nickl
- Section Experimental Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Straße 11, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Antje Appelt-Menzel
- Chair Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, University Hospital Würzburg, Röntgenring 11, 97070, Würzburg, Germany.
- Translational Centre Regenerative Therapies TLC-RT, Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research ISC, Röntgenring 11, 97070, Würzburg, Germany.
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2
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Vargas R, Lizano-Barrantes C, Romero M, Valencia-Clua K, Narváez-Narváez DA, Suñé-Negre JM, Pérez-Lozano P, García-Montoya E, Martinez-Martinez N, Hernández-Munain C, Suñé C, Suñé-Pou M. The piper at the gates of brain: A systematic review of surface modification strategies on lipid nanoparticles to overcome the Blood-Brain-Barrier. Int J Pharm 2024; 665:124686. [PMID: 39265851 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2024.124686] [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: 05/22/2024] [Revised: 09/02/2024] [Accepted: 09/07/2024] [Indexed: 09/14/2024]
Abstract
The Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB) significantly impedes drug delivery to the central nervous system. Nanotechnology, especially surface-functionalized lipid nanoparticles, offers innovative approaches to overcome this barrier. However, choosing an effective functionalization strategy is challenging due to the lack of detailed comparative analysis in current literature. Our systematic review examined various functionalization strategies and their impact on BBB permeability from 2041 identified articles, of which 80 were included for data extraction. Peptides were the most common modification (18) followed by mixed strategies (12) proteins (9), antibodies (7), and other strategies (8). Interestingly, 26 studies showed BBB penetration with unmodified or modified nanoparticles using commonly applied strategies such as PEGylation or surfactant addition. Statistical analysis across 42 studies showed correlation between higher in vivo permeation improvements and nanoparticle type, size, and functionalization category. The highest ratios were found for nanostructured lipid carriers or biomimetic systems, in studies with particle sizes under 150 nm, and in those applying mixed functionalization strategies. The interstudy heterogeneity we observed highlights the importance of adopting standardized evaluation protocols to enhance comparability. Our systematic review aims to provide a comparative insight and identify future research directions in the development of more effective lipid nanoparticle systems for drug delivery to the brain to help improve the treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders and brain tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronny Vargas
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, and Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica.
| | - Catalina Lizano-Barrantes
- Department of Pharmaceutical Care and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Miquel Romero
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, and Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Kevin Valencia-Clua
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, and Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - David A Narváez-Narváez
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, and Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep Ma Suñé-Negre
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, and Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Pharmacotherapy, Pharmacogenetics and Pharmaceutical Technology Research Group Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pilar Pérez-Lozano
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, and Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Pharmacotherapy, Pharmacogenetics and Pharmaceutical Technology Research Group Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Encarna García-Montoya
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, and Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Pharmacotherapy, Pharmacogenetics and Pharmaceutical Technology Research Group Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Noelia Martinez-Martinez
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Parasitology and Biomedicine "López-Neyra" (IPBLN-CSIC), Granada, Spain
| | - Cristina Hernández-Munain
- Department of Cell Biology and Immunology, Institute of Parasitology and Biomedicine "López-Neyra" (IPBLN-CSIC), Granada, Spain
| | - Carlos Suñé
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Parasitology and Biomedicine "López-Neyra" (IPBLN-CSIC), Granada, Spain.
| | - Marc Suñé-Pou
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, and Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Pharmacotherapy, Pharmacogenetics and Pharmaceutical Technology Research Group Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Barcelona, Spain
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3
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Rahimi Darehbagh R, Seyedoshohadaei SA, Ramezani R, Rezaei N. Stem cell therapies for neurological disorders: current progress, challenges, and future perspectives. Eur J Med Res 2024; 29:386. [PMID: 39054501 PMCID: PMC11270957 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-024-01987-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Stem cell-based therapies have emerged as a promising approach for treating various neurological disorders by harnessing the regenerative potential of stem cells to restore damaged neural tissue and circuitry. This comprehensive review provides an in-depth analysis of the current state of stem cell applications in primary neurological conditions, including Parkinson's disease (PD), Alzheimer's disease (AD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), multiple sclerosis (MS), stroke, spinal cord injury (SCI), and other related disorders. The review begins with a detailed introduction to stem cell biology, discussing the types, sources, and mechanisms of action of stem cells in neurological therapies. It then critically examines the preclinical evidence from animal models and early human trials investigating the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of different stem cell types, such as embryonic stem cells (ESCs), mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), neural stem cells (NSCs), and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). While ESCs have been studied extensively in preclinical models, clinical trials have primarily focused on adult stem cells such as MSCs and NSCs, as well as iPSCs and their derivatives. We critically assess the current state of research for each cell type, highlighting their potential applications and limitations in different neurological conditions. The review synthesizes key findings from recent, high-quality studies for each neurological condition, discussing cell manufacturing, delivery methods, and therapeutic outcomes. While the potential of stem cells to replace lost neurons and directly reconstruct neural circuits is highlighted, the review emphasizes the critical role of paracrine and immunomodulatory mechanisms in mediating the therapeutic effects of stem cells in most neurological disorders. The article also explores the challenges and limitations associated with translating stem cell therapies into clinical practice, including issues related to cell sourcing, scalability, safety, and regulatory considerations. Furthermore, it discusses future directions and opportunities for advancing stem cell-based treatments, such as gene editing, biomaterials, personalized iPSC-derived therapies, and novel delivery strategies. The review concludes by emphasizing the transformative potential of stem cell therapies in revolutionizing the treatment of neurological disorders while acknowledging the need for rigorous clinical trials, standardized protocols, and multidisciplinary collaboration to realize their full therapeutic promise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramyar Rahimi Darehbagh
- Student Research Committee, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
- Nanoclub Elites Association, Tehran, Iran
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
- Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Sanandaj, Kurdistan, Iran
| | | | - Rojin Ramezani
- Student Research Committee, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Nima Rezaei
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Dr. Qarib St, Keshavarz Blvd, Tehran, 14194, Iran.
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Abdin SM, Mansel F, Hashtchin AR, Ackermann M, Hansen G, Becker B, Kick B, Pham N, Dietz H, Schaniel C, Martin U, Spreitzer I, Lachmann N. Sensor macrophages derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells to assess pyrogenic contaminations in parenteral drugs. Biofabrication 2024; 16:035017. [PMID: 38701770 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/ad4744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Ensuring the safety of parenteral drugs before injection into patients is of utmost importance. New regulations around the globe and the need to refrain from using animals however, have highlighted the need for new cell sources to be used in next-generation bioassays to detect the entire spectrum of possible contaminating pyrogens. Given the current drawbacks of the Monocyte-Activation-Test (MAT) with respect to the use of primary peripheral blood mono-nuclear cells or the use of monocytic cell lines, we here demonstrate the manufacturing of sensor monocytes/macrophages from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iMonoMac), which are fully defined and superior to current cell products. Using a modern and scalable manufacturing platform, iMonoMac showed typical macrophage-like morphology and stained positive for several Toll like receptor (TLRs) such as TLR-2, TLR-5, TLR-4. Furthermore, iMonoMac derived from the same donor were sensitive to endotoxins, non-endotoxins, and process related pyrogens at a high dynamic range and across different cellular densities. Of note, iMonoMac showed increased sensitivity and reactivity to a broad range of pyrogens, demonstrated by the detection of interleukin-6 at low concentrations of LPS and MALP-2 which could not be reached using the current MAT cell sources. To further advance the system, iMonoMac or genetically engineered iMonoMac with NF-κB-luciferase reporter cassette could reveal a specific activation response while correlating to the classical detection method employing enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to measure cytokine secretion. Thus, we present a valuable cellular tool to assess parenteral drugs safety, facilitating the future acceptance and design of regulatory-approved bioassays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shifaa M Abdin
- Department for Pediatric Pneumology, Allergology and Neonatology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Friederike Mansel
- Department for Pediatric Pneumology, Allergology and Neonatology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Anna Rafiei Hashtchin
- Department for Pediatric Pneumology, Allergology and Neonatology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Stem Cell Modelling of Development & Disease Group, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Mania Ackermann
- Department for Pediatric Pneumology, Allergology and Neonatology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine ITEM, Hannover, Germany
| | - Gesine Hansen
- Department for Pediatric Pneumology, Allergology and Neonatology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence RESIST (EXC 2155), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease Hannover (BREATH), German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Hannover, Germany
| | - Björn Becker
- Microbiological Safety, Paul-Ehrlich-Institute, Federal Institute for Vaccines and Biomedicines, Langen, Germany
| | - Benjamin Kick
- Department of Biosciences, School of Natural Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany
- Munich Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany
| | - Nhi Pham
- Department of Biosciences, School of Natural Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany
- Munich Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany
| | - Hendrik Dietz
- Department of Biosciences, School of Natural Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany
- Munich Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany
| | - Christoph Schaniel
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Tisch Cancer Institute, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Ulrich Martin
- Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease Hannover (BREATH), German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Hannover, Germany
- Leibniz Research Laboratories for Biotechnology and Artificial Organs (LEBAO), Department of Cardiothoracic, Transplantation and Vascular Surgery (HTTG), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Regenerative Biology to Reconstructive Therapy (REBIRTH), Centre for Translational and Regenerative Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Ingo Spreitzer
- Microbiological Safety, Paul-Ehrlich-Institute, Federal Institute for Vaccines and Biomedicines, Langen, Germany
| | - Nico Lachmann
- Department for Pediatric Pneumology, Allergology and Neonatology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine ITEM, Hannover, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence RESIST (EXC 2155), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease Hannover (BREATH), German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Hannover, Germany
- Regenerative Biology to Reconstructive Therapy (REBIRTH), Centre for Translational and Regenerative Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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5
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Cao Z, Kong F, Ding J, Chen C, He F, Deng W. Promoting Alzheimer's disease research and therapy with stem cell technology. Stem Cell Res Ther 2024; 15:136. [PMID: 38715083 PMCID: PMC11077895 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-024-03737-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a prevalent form of dementia leading to memory loss, reduced cognitive and linguistic abilities, and decreased self-care. Current AD treatments aim to relieve symptoms and slow disease progression, but a cure is elusive due to limited understanding of the underlying disease mechanisms. MAIN CONTENT Stem cell technology has the potential to revolutionize AD research. With the ability to self-renew and differentiate into various cell types, stem cells are valuable tools for disease modeling, drug screening, and cell therapy. Recent advances have broadened our understanding beyond the deposition of amyloidβ (Aβ) or tau proteins in AD to encompass risk genes, immune system disorders, and neuron-glia mis-communication, relying heavily on stem cell-derived disease models. These stem cell-based models (e.g., organoids and microfluidic chips) simulate in vivo pathological processes with extraordinary spatial and temporal resolution. Stem cell technologies have the potential to alleviate AD pathology through various pathways, including immunomodulation, replacement of damaged neurons, and neurotrophic support. In recent years, transplantation of glial cells like oligodendrocytes and the infusion of exosomes have become hot research topics. CONCLUSION Although stem cell-based models and therapies for AD face several challenges, such as extended culture time and low differentiation efficiency, they still show considerable potential for AD treatment and are likely to become preferred tools for AD research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zimeng Cao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Fanshu Kong
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Jiaqi Ding
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Chunxia Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China.
| | - Fumei He
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China.
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dali University, Dali, 671000, China.
| | - Wenbin Deng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China.
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Wasielewska JM, Szostak K, McInnes LE, Quek H, Chaves JCS, Liddell JR, Koistinaho J, Oikari LE, Donnelly PS, White AR. Patient-Derived Blood-Brain Barrier Model for Screening Copper Bis(thiosemicarbazone) Complexes as Potential Therapeutics in Alzheimer's Disease. ACS Chem Neurosci 2024; 15:1432-1455. [PMID: 38477556 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00743] [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: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent cause of dementia characterized by a progressive cognitive decline. Addressing neuroinflammation represents a promising therapeutic avenue to treat AD; however, the development of effective antineuroinflammatory compounds is often hindered by their limited blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability. Consequently, there is an urgent need for accurate, preclinical AD patient-specific BBB models to facilitate the early identification of immunomodulatory drugs capable of efficiently crossing the human AD BBB. This study presents a unique approach to BBB drug permeability screening as it utilizes the familial AD patient-derived induced brain endothelial-like cell (iBEC)-based model, which exhibits increased disease relevance and serves as an improved BBB drug permeability assessment tool when compared to traditionally employed in vitro models. To demonstrate its utility as a small molecule drug candidate screening platform, we investigated the effects of diacetylbis(N(4)-methylthiosemicarbazonato)copper(II) (CuII(atsm)) and a library of metal bis(thiosemicarbazone) complexes─a class of compounds exhibiting antineuroinflammatory therapeutic potential in neurodegenerative disorders. By evaluating the toxicity, cellular accumulation, and permeability of those compounds in the AD patient-derived iBEC, we have identified 3,4-hexanedione bis(N(4)-methylthiosemicarbazonato)copper(II) (CuII(dtsm)) as a candidate with good transport across the AD BBB. Furthermore, we have developed a multiplex approach where AD patient-derived iBEC were combined with immune modulators TNFα and IFNγ to establish an in vitro model representing the characteristic neuroinflammatory phenotype at the patient's BBB. Here, we observed that treatment with CuII(dtsm) not only reduced the expression of proinflammatory cytokine genes but also reversed the detrimental effects of TNFα and IFNγ on the integrity and function of the AD iBEC monolayer. This suggests a novel pathway through which copper bis(thiosemicarbazone) complexes may exert neurotherapeutic effects on AD by mitigating BBB neuroinflammation and related BBB integrity impairment. Together, the presented model provides an effective and easily scalable in vitro BBB platform for screening AD drug candidates. Its improved translational potential makes it a valuable tool for advancing the development of metal-based compounds aimed at modulating neuroinflammation in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna M Wasielewska
- Mental Health and Neuroscience Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia
| | - Kathryn Szostak
- School of Chemistry, Bio21 Institute for Molecular Science and Biotechnology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Lachlan E McInnes
- School of Chemistry, Bio21 Institute for Molecular Science and Biotechnology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Hazel Quek
- Mental Health and Neuroscience Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia
- School of Biomedical Science, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4067, Australia
| | - Juliana C S Chaves
- Mental Health and Neuroscience Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia
| | - Jeffrey R Liddell
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Jari Koistinaho
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014,Finland
- Neuroscience Centre, Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland
| | - Lotta E Oikari
- Mental Health and Neuroscience Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia
| | - Paul S Donnelly
- School of Chemistry, Bio21 Institute for Molecular Science and Biotechnology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Anthony R White
- Mental Health and Neuroscience Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia
- School of Biomedical Science, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4067, Australia
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7
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Xavier G, Navarrete Santos A, Hartmann C, Santoro ML, Flegel N, Reinsch J, Majer A, Ehrhardt T, Pfeifer J, Simm A, Hollemann T, Belangero SI, Rujescu D, Jung M. Comparison of Extracellular Vesicles from Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Brain Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3575. [PMID: 38612385 PMCID: PMC11011287 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The pathophysiology of many neuropsychiatric disorders is still poorly understood. Identification of biomarkers for these diseases could benefit patients due to better classification and stratification. Exosomes excreted into the circulatory system can cross the blood-brain barrier and carry a cell type-specific set of molecules. Thus, exosomes are a source of potential biomarkers for many diseases, including neuropsychiatric disorders. Here, we investigated exosomal proteins produced from human-induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and iPSC-derived neural stem cells, neural progenitors, neurons, astrocytes, microglia-like cells, and brain capillary endothelial cells. Of the 31 exosome surface markers analyzed, a subset of biomarkers were significantly enriched in astrocytes (CD29, CD44, and CD49e), microglia-like cells (CD44), and neural stem cells (SSEA4). To identify molecular fingerprints associated with disease, circulating exosomes derived from healthy control (HC) individuals were compared against schizophrenia (SCZ) patients and late-onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD) patients. A significant epitope pattern was identified for LOAD (CD1c and CD2) but not for SCZ compared to HC. Thus, analysis of cell type- and disease-specific exosome signatures of iPSC-derived cell cultures may provide a valuable model system to explore proteomic biomarkers for the identification of novel disease profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Xavier
- LiNC—Laboratory of Integrative Neuroscience, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo CEP 05039-032, Brazil
- Genetics Division, Department of Morphology and Genetics, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo CEP 04023-900, Brazil
| | - Alexander Navarrete Santos
- Centre for Medical Basic Research, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Carla Hartmann
- Institute for Physiological Chemistry, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06114 Halle (Saale), Germany; (C.H.)
| | - Marcos L. Santoro
- LiNC—Laboratory of Integrative Neuroscience, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo CEP 05039-032, Brazil
- Genetics Division, Department of Morphology and Genetics, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo CEP 04023-900, Brazil
| | - Nicole Flegel
- Institute for Biochemistry, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany;
| | - Jessica Reinsch
- Institute for Physiological Chemistry, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06114 Halle (Saale), Germany; (C.H.)
| | - Annika Majer
- Institute for Physiological Chemistry, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06114 Halle (Saale), Germany; (C.H.)
| | - Toni Ehrhardt
- Institute for Physiological Chemistry, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06114 Halle (Saale), Germany; (C.H.)
| | - Jenny Pfeifer
- Institute for Physiological Chemistry, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06114 Halle (Saale), Germany; (C.H.)
| | - Andreas Simm
- Clinic for Cardiac and Thoracic Surgery, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Thomas Hollemann
- Institute for Physiological Chemistry, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06114 Halle (Saale), Germany; (C.H.)
| | - Sintia I. Belangero
- LiNC—Laboratory of Integrative Neuroscience, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo CEP 05039-032, Brazil
- Genetics Division, Department of Morphology and Genetics, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo CEP 04023-900, Brazil
| | - Dan Rujescu
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Matthias Jung
- Institute for Physiological Chemistry, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06114 Halle (Saale), Germany; (C.H.)
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8
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Jung M, Jung JS, Pfeifer J, Hartmann C, Ehrhardt T, Abid CL, Kintzel J, Puls A, Navarrete Santos A, Hollemann T, Riemann D, Rujescu D. Neuronal Stem Cells from Late-Onset Alzheimer Patients Show Altered Regulation of Sirtuin 1 Depending on Apolipoprotein E Indicating Disturbed Stem Cell Plasticity. Mol Neurobiol 2024; 61:1562-1579. [PMID: 37728850 PMCID: PMC10896791 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03633-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
Late-onset Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a complex multifactorial disease. The greatest known risk factor for late-onset AD is the E4 allele of the apolipoprotein E (APOE), while increasing age is the greatest known non-genetic risk factor. The cell type-specific functions of neural stem cells (NSCs), in particular their stem cell plasticity, remain poorly explored in the context of AD pathology. Here, we describe a new model that employs late-onset AD patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to generate NSCs and to examine the role played by APOE4 in the expression of aging markers such as sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) in comparison to healthy subjects carrying APOE3. The effect of aging was investigated by using iPSC-derived NSCs from old age subjects as healthy matched controls. Transcript and protein analysis revealed that genes were expressed differently in NSCs from late-onset AD patients, e.g., exhibiting reduced autophagy-related protein 7 (ATG7), phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), and fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2). Since SIRT1 expression differed between APOE3 and APOE4 NSCs, the suppression of APOE function in NSCs also repressed the expression of SIRT1. However, the forced expression of APOE3 by plasmids did not recover differently expressed genes. The altered aging markers indicate decreased plasticity of NSCs. Our study provides a suitable in vitro model to investigate changes in human NSCs associated with aging, APOE4, and late-onset AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Jung
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry (IPC), Faculty of Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Hollystrasse 1, 06114, Halle (Saale), Germany.
| | - Juliane-Susanne Jung
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Grosse Steinstrasse 52, 06118, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Jenny Pfeifer
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry (IPC), Faculty of Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Hollystrasse 1, 06114, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Carla Hartmann
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry (IPC), Faculty of Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Hollystrasse 1, 06114, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Toni Ehrhardt
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry (IPC), Faculty of Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Hollystrasse 1, 06114, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Chaudhry Luqman Abid
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry (IPC), Faculty of Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Hollystrasse 1, 06114, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Jenny Kintzel
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry (IPC), Faculty of Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Hollystrasse 1, 06114, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Anne Puls
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry (IPC), Faculty of Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Hollystrasse 1, 06114, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Anne Navarrete Santos
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Grosse Steinstrasse 52, 06118, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Thomas Hollemann
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry (IPC), Faculty of Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Hollystrasse 1, 06114, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Dagmar Riemann
- Department Medical Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Strasse 2, 06112, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Dan Rujescu
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Division of General Psychiatry, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
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9
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Ozgür B, Puris E, Brachner A, Appelt-Menzel A, Oerter S, Balzer V, Holst MR, Christiansen RF, Hyldig K, Buckley ST, Kristensen M, Auriola S, Jensen A, Fricker G, Nielsen MS, Neuhaus W, Brodin B. Characterization of an iPSC-based barrier model for blood-brain barrier investigations using the SBAD0201 stem cell line. Fluids Barriers CNS 2023; 20:96. [PMID: 38115090 PMCID: PMC10731806 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-023-00501-9] [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: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Blood-brain barrier (BBB) models based on primary murine, bovine, and porcine brain capillary endothelial cell cultures have long been regarded as robust models with appropriate properties to examine the functional transport of small molecules. However, species differences sometimes complicate translating results from these models to human settings. During the last decade, brain capillary endothelial-like cells (BCECs) have been generated from stem cell sources to model the human BBB in vitro. The aim of the present study was to establish and characterize a human BBB model using human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived BCECs from the hIPSC line SBAD0201. METHODS The model was evaluated using transcriptomics, proteomics, immunocytochemistry, transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) measurements, and, finally, transport assays to assess the functionality of selected transporters and receptor (GLUT-1, LAT-1, P-gp and LRP-1). RESULTS The resulting BBB model displayed an average TEER of 5474 ± 167 Ω·cm2 and cell monolayer formation with claudin-5, ZO-1, and occludin expression in the tight junction zones. The cell monolayers expressed the typical BBB markers VE-cadherin, VWF, and PECAM-1. Transcriptomics and quantitative targeted absolute proteomics analyses revealed that solute carrier (SLC) transporters were found in high abundance, while the expression of efflux transporters was relatively low. Transport assays using GLUT-1, LAT-1, and LRP-1 substrates and inhibitors confirmed the functional activities of these transporters and receptors in the model. A transport assay suggested that P-gp was not functionally expressed in the model, albeit antibody staining revealed that P-gp was localized at the luminal membrane. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, the novel SBAD0201-derived BBB model formed tight monolayers and was proven useful for studies investigating GLUT-1, LAT-1, and LRP-1 mediated transport across the BBB. However, the model did not express functional P-gp and thus is not suitable for the performance of drug efflux P-gp reletated studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Burak Ozgür
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, Copenhagen, DK-2100, Denmark
- Biotherapeutic Discovery, H. Lundbeck A/S, Valby, DK-2500, Denmark
| | - Elena Puris
- Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Ruprecht-Karls-University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Andreas Brachner
- AIT - Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Vienna, 1210, Austria
| | - Antje Appelt-Menzel
- Chair Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (TERM), University Hospital Würzburg, 97070, Würzburg, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research ISC, Translational Center Regenerative Therapies (TLC-RT) Röntgenring 11, 97070, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sabrina Oerter
- Chair Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (TERM), University Hospital Würzburg, 97070, Würzburg, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research ISC, Translational Center Regenerative Therapies (TLC-RT) Röntgenring 11, 97070, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Viktor Balzer
- Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Ruprecht-Karls-University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | | | - Kathrine Hyldig
- Biotherapeutic Discovery, H. Lundbeck A/S, Valby, DK-2500, Denmark
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, DK-8000, Denmark
| | - Stephen T Buckley
- Global Research Technologies, Novo Nordisk A/S, Måløv, DK-2760, Denmark
| | - Mie Kristensen
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, Copenhagen, DK-2100, Denmark
| | - Seppo Auriola
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Allan Jensen
- Biotherapeutic Discovery, H. Lundbeck A/S, Valby, DK-2500, Denmark
| | - Gert Fricker
- Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Ruprecht-Karls-University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Winfried Neuhaus
- AIT - Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Vienna, 1210, Austria
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Danube Private University, Krems, 3500, Austria
| | - Birger Brodin
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, Copenhagen, DK-2100, Denmark.
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10
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Khalil A, Barras A, Boukherroub R, Tseng CL, Devos D, Burnouf T, Neuhaus W, Szunerits S. Enhancing paracellular and transcellular permeability using nanotechnological approaches for the treatment of brain and retinal diseases. NANOSCALE HORIZONS 2023; 9:14-43. [PMID: 37853828 DOI: 10.1039/d3nh00306j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Paracellular permeability across epithelial and endothelial cells is, in large part, regulated by apical intercellular junctions also referred to as tight junctions (TJs). These junctions contribute to the spatial definition of different tissue compartments within organisms, separating them from the outside world as well as from inner compartments, with their primary physiological role of maintaining tissue homeostasis. TJs restrict the free, passive diffusion of ions and hydrophilic small molecules through paracellular clefts and are important for appropriate cell polarization and transporter protein localisation, supporting the controlled transcellular diffusion of smaller and larger hydrophilic as well as hydrophobic substances. This traditional diffusion barrier concept of TJs has been challenged lately, owing to a better understanding of the components that are associated with TJs. It is now well-established that mutations in TJ proteins are associated with a range of human diseases and that a change in the membrane fluidity of neighbouring cells can open possibilities for therapeutics to cross intercellular junctions. Nanotechnological approaches, exploiting ultrasound or hyperosmotic agents and permeation enhancers, are the paradigm for achieving enhanced paracellular diffusion. The other widely used transport route of drugs is via transcellular transport, allowing the passage of a variety of pro-drugs and nanoparticle-encapsulated drugs via different mechanisms based on receptors and others. For a long time, there was an expectation that lipidic nanocarriers and polymeric nanostructures could revolutionize the field for the delivery of RNA and protein-based therapeutics across different biological barriers equipped with TJs (e.g., blood-brain barrier (BBB), retina-blood barrier (RBB), corneal TJs, etc.). However, only a limited increase in therapeutic efficiency has been reported for most systems until now. The purpose of this review is to explore the reasons behind the current failures and to examine the emergence of synthetic and cell-derived nanomaterials and nanotechnological approaches as potential game-changers in enhancing drug delivery to target locations both at and across TJs using innovative concepts. Specifically, we will focus on recent advancements in various nanotechnological strategies enabling the bypassing or temporally opening of TJs to the brain and to the retina, and discuss their advantages and limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asmaa Khalil
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Univ. Polytechnique Hauts-de-France, UMR 8520 - IEMN, F-59000 Lille, France.
| | - Alexandre Barras
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Univ. Polytechnique Hauts-de-France, UMR 8520 - IEMN, F-59000 Lille, France.
| | - Rabah Boukherroub
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Univ. Polytechnique Hauts-de-France, UMR 8520 - IEMN, F-59000 Lille, France.
| | - Ching-Li Tseng
- Taipei Medical University, Graduate Institute of Biomedical Materials and Tissue Engineering (GIBMTE), New Taipei City 235603, Taiwan
- Taipei Medical University, International PhD Program in Biomedical Engineering (IPBME), New Taipei City 235603, Taiwan
| | - David Devos
- University Lille, CHU-Lille, Inserm, U1172, Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, LICEND, Lille, France
| | - Thierry Burnouf
- Taipei Medical University, Graduate Institute of Biomedical Materials and Tissue Engineering (GIBMTE), New Taipei City 235603, Taiwan
- Taipei Medical University, International PhD Program in Biomedical Engineering (IPBME), New Taipei City 235603, Taiwan
| | - Winfried Neuhaus
- AIT - Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Center Health and Bioresources, Competence Unit Molecular Diagnostics, 1210 Vienna, Austria
- Laboratory for Life Sciences and Technology (LiST), Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Danube Private University, 3500 Krems, Austria
| | - Sabine Szunerits
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Univ. Polytechnique Hauts-de-France, UMR 8520 - IEMN, F-59000 Lille, France.
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11
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Haferkamp U, Hartmann C, Abid CL, Brachner A, Höchner A, Gerhartl A, Harwardt B, Leckzik S, Leu J, Metzger M, Nastainczyk-Wulf M, Neuhaus W, Oerter S, Pless O, Rujescu D, Jung M, Appelt-Menzel A. Human isogenic cells of the neurovascular unit exert transcriptomic cell type-specific effects on a blood-brain barrier in vitro model of late-onset Alzheimer disease. Fluids Barriers CNS 2023; 20:78. [PMID: 37907966 PMCID: PMC10617216 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-023-00471-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The function of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is impaired in late-onset Alzheimer disease (LOAD), but the associated molecular mechanisms, particularly with respect to the high-risk APOE4/4 genotype, are not well understood. For this purpose, we developed a multicellular isogenic model of the neurovascular unit (NVU) based on human induced pluripotent stem cells. METHODS The human NVU was modeled in vitro using isogenic co-cultures of astrocytes, brain capillary endothelial-like cells (BCECs), microglia-like cells, neural stem cells (NSCs), and pericytes. Physiological and pathophysiological properties were investigated as well as the influence of each single cell type on the characteristics and function of BCECs. The barriers established by BCECs were analyzed for specific gene transcription using high-throughput quantitative PCR. RESULTS Co-cultures were found to tighten the barrier of BCECs and alter its transcriptomic profile under both healthy and disease conditions. In vitro differentiation of brain cell types that constitute the NVU was not affected by the LOAD background. The supportive effect of NSCs on the barrier established by BCECs was diminished under LOAD conditions. Transcriptomes of LOAD BCECs were modulated by different brain cell types. NSCs were found to have the strongest effect on BCEC gene regulation and maintenance of the BBB. Co-cultures showed cell type-specific functional contributions to BBB integrity under healthy and LOAD conditions. CONCLUSIONS Cell type-dependent transcriptional effects on LOAD BCECs were identified. Our study suggests that different brain cell types of the NVU have unique roles in maintaining barrier integrity that vary under healthy and LOAD conditions. .
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Affiliation(s)
- Undine Haferkamp
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Discovery Research ScreeningPort, 22525, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Carla Hartmann
- Institute for Physiological Chemistry, Medical Faculty of the Martin, Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Hollystrasse 1, 06114, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Chaudhry Luqman Abid
- Institute for Physiological Chemistry, Medical Faculty of the Martin, Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Hollystrasse 1, 06114, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Andreas Brachner
- Center Health and Bioresources, Competence Unit Molecular Diagnostics, AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Vienna, 1210, Austria
| | - Alevtina Höchner
- Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research ISC, Translational Center Regenerative Therapies (TLC-RT), 97070, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Anna Gerhartl
- Center Health and Bioresources, Competence Unit Molecular Diagnostics, AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Vienna, 1210, Austria
| | - Bernadette Harwardt
- Institute for Physiological Chemistry, Medical Faculty of the Martin, Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Hollystrasse 1, 06114, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Selin Leckzik
- Institute for Physiological Chemistry, Medical Faculty of the Martin, Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Hollystrasse 1, 06114, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Jennifer Leu
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Discovery Research ScreeningPort, 22525, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Marco Metzger
- Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research ISC, Translational Center Regenerative Therapies (TLC-RT), 97070, Würzburg, Germany
- Chair Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (TERM), University Hospital Würzburg, 97070, Würzburg, Germany
| | | | - Winfried Neuhaus
- Center Health and Bioresources, Competence Unit Molecular Diagnostics, AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Vienna, 1210, Austria
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Danube Private University, Krems, 3500, Austria
| | - Sabrina Oerter
- Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research ISC, Translational Center Regenerative Therapies (TLC-RT), 97070, Würzburg, Germany
- Chair Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (TERM), University Hospital Würzburg, 97070, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Ole Pless
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Discovery Research ScreeningPort, 22525, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Dan Rujescu
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Division of General Psychiatry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, 1090, Austria
| | - Matthias Jung
- Institute for Physiological Chemistry, Medical Faculty of the Martin, Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Hollystrasse 1, 06114, Halle (Saale), Germany.
| | - Antje Appelt-Menzel
- Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research ISC, Translational Center Regenerative Therapies (TLC-RT), 97070, Würzburg, Germany.
- Chair Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (TERM), University Hospital Würzburg, 97070, Würzburg, Germany.
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12
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Reinhold AK, Hartmannsberger B, Burek M, Rittner HL. Stabilizing the neural barrier - A novel approach in pain therapy. Pharmacol Ther 2023; 249:108484. [PMID: 37390969 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2023.108484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
Chronic and neuropathic pain are a widespread burden. Incomplete understanding of underlying pathomechanisms is one crucial factor for insufficient treatment. Recently, impairment of the blood nerve barrier (BNB) has emerged as one key aspect of pain initiation and maintenance. In this narrative review, we discuss several mechanisms and putative targets for novel treatment strategies. Cells such as pericytes, local mediators like netrin-1 and specialized proresolving mediators (SPMs), will be covered as well as circulating factors including the hormones cortisol and oestrogen and microRNAs. They are crucial in either the BNB or similar barriers and associated with pain. While clinical studies are still scarce, these findings might provide valuable insight into mechanisms and nurture development of therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann-Kristin Reinhold
- University Hospital Würzburg, Department of Anaesthesiology, Intensive Care, Emergency and Pain Medicine, Oberdürrbacher Str. 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Beate Hartmannsberger
- University Hospital Würzburg, Department of Anaesthesiology, Intensive Care, Emergency and Pain Medicine, Oberdürrbacher Str. 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Malgorzata Burek
- University Hospital Würzburg, Department of Anaesthesiology, Intensive Care, Emergency and Pain Medicine, Oberdürrbacher Str. 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Heike L Rittner
- University Hospital Würzburg, Department of Anaesthesiology, Intensive Care, Emergency and Pain Medicine, Oberdürrbacher Str. 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany.
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13
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Abla KK, Mehanna MM. The battle of lipid-based nanocarriers against blood-brain barrier: a critical review. J Drug Target 2023; 31:832-857. [PMID: 37577919 DOI: 10.1080/1061186x.2023.2247583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Central nervous system integrity is the state of brain functioning across sensory, cognitive, emotional-social behaviors, and motor domains, allowing a person to realise his full potential. Thus, brain disorders seriously affect patients' quality of life. Efficient drug delivery to treat brain disorders remains a crucial challenge due to numerous brain barriers, particularly the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which greatly impacts the ultimate drug therapeutic efficacy. Lately, nanocarrier technology has made huge progress in overcoming these barriers by improving drug solubility, ameliorating its retention, reducing its toxicity, and targeting the encapsulated agents to different brain tissues. The current review primarily offers an overview of the different components of BBB and the progress, strategies, and contemporary applications of the nanocarriers, specifically lipid-based nanocarriers (LBNs), in treating various brain disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kawthar K Abla
- Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology Research Lab, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beirut Arab University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Mohammed M Mehanna
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Industrial Pharmacy Department, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
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14
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Granata A. Functional genomics in stroke: current and future applications of iPSCs and gene editing to dissect the function of risk variants. BMC Cardiovasc Disord 2023; 23:223. [PMID: 37120540 PMCID: PMC10148993 DOI: 10.1186/s12872-023-03227-6] [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: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Stroke is an important disease with unmet clinical need. To uncover novel paths for treatment, it is of critical importance to develop relevant laboratory models that may help to shed light on the pathophysiological mechanisms of stroke. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) technology has enormous potential to advance our knowledge into stroke by creating novel human models for research and therapeutic testing. iPSCs models generated from patients with specific stroke types and specific genetic predisposition in combination with other state of art technologies including genome editing, multi-omics, 3D system, libraries screening, offer the opportunity to investigate disease-related pathways and identify potential novel therapeutic targets that can then be tested in these models. Thus, iPSCs offer an unprecedented opportunity to make rapid progress in the field of stroke and vascular dementia research leading to clinical translation. This review paper summarizes some of the key areas in which patient-derived iPSCs technology has been applied to disease modelling and discusses the ongoing challenges and the future directions for the application of this technology in the field of stroke research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Granata
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Victor Phillip Dahdaleh Heart & Lung Research Institute, Papworth Road, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 0BB, UK.
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15
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Hall V, Bendtsen KMS. Getting closer to modeling the gut-brain axis using induced pluripotent stem cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1146062. [PMID: 37065853 PMCID: PMC10102862 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1146062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The gut microbiome (GM), the gut barrier, and the blood-brain barrier (BBB) are key elements of the gut-brain axis (GBA). The advances in organ-on-a-chip and induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSCs) technology might enable more physiological gut-brain-axis-on-a-chip models. The ability to mimic complex physiological functions of the GBA is needed in basic mechanistic research as well as disease research of psychiatric, neurodevelopmental, functional, and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. These brain disorders have been associated with GM dysbiosis, which may affect the brain via the GBA. Although animal models have paved the way for the breakthroughs and progression in the understanding of the GBA, the fundamental questions of exactly when, how, and why still remain unanswered. The research of the complex GBA have relied on equally complex animal models, but today's ethical knowledge and responsibilities demand interdisciplinary development of non-animal models to study such systems. In this review we briefly describe the gut barrier and BBB, provide an overview of current cell models, and discuss the use of iPSCs in these GBA elements. We highlight the perspectives of producing GBA chips using iPSCs and the challenges that remain in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Katja Maria Sahlgren Bendtsen
- Group of Brain Development and Disease, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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16
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Girard SD, Julien-Gau I, Molino Y, Combes BF, Greetham L, Khrestchatisky M, Nivet E. High and low permeability of human pluripotent stem cell-derived blood-brain barrier models depend on epithelial or endothelial features. FASEB J 2023; 37:e22770. [PMID: 36688807 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202201422r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The search for reliable human blood-brain barrier (BBB) models represents a challenge for the development/testing of strategies aiming to enhance brain delivery of drugs. Human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) have raised hopes in the development of predictive BBB models. Differentiating strategies are thus required to generate endothelial cells (ECs), a major component of the BBB. Several hiPSC-based protocols have reported the generation of in vitro models with significant differences in barrier properties. We studied in depth the properties of iPSCs byproducts from two protocols that have been established to yield these in vitro barrier models. Our analysis/study reveals that iPSCs derivatives endowed with EC features yield high permeability models while the cells that exhibit outstanding barrier properties show principally epithelial cell-like (EpC) features. We found that models containing EpC-like cells express tight junction proteins, transporters/efflux pumps and display a high functional tightness with very low permeability, which are features commonly shared between BBB and epithelial barriers. Our study demonstrates that hiPSC-based BBB models need extensive characterization beforehand and that a reliable human BBB model containing EC-like cells and displaying low permeability is still needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stéphane D Girard
- Institute of NeuroPhysiopathology, INP, CNRS, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
- Faculty of Medicine, VECT-HORUS SAS, Marseille, France
| | | | - Yves Molino
- Faculty of Medicine, VECT-HORUS SAS, Marseille, France
| | | | - Louise Greetham
- Institute of NeuroPhysiopathology, INP, CNRS, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Michel Khrestchatisky
- Institute of NeuroPhysiopathology, INP, CNRS, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Emmanuel Nivet
- Institute of NeuroPhysiopathology, INP, CNRS, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
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17
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Choi J, Mathew S, Oerter S, Appelt-Menzel A, Hansmann J, Schmitz T. Online Measurement System for Dynamic Flow Bioreactors to Study Barrier Integrity of hiPSC-Based Blood-Brain Barrier In Vitro Models. Bioengineering (Basel) 2022; 9:bioengineering9010039. [PMID: 35049748 PMCID: PMC8773345 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering9010039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is a noninvasive, reliable, and efficient method to analyze the barrier integrity of in vitro tissue models. This well-established tool is used most widely to quantify the transendothelial/epithelial resistance (TEER) of Transwell-based models cultured under static conditions. However, dynamic culture in bioreactors can achieve advanced cell culture conditions that mimic a more tissue-specific environment and stimulation. This requires the development of culture systems that also allow for the assessment of barrier integrity under dynamic conditions. Here, we present a bioreactor system that is capable of the automated, continuous, and non-invasive online monitoring of cellular barrier integrity during dynamic culture. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) casting and 3D printing were used for the fabrication of the bioreactors. Additionally, attachable electrodes based on titanium nitride (TiN)-coated steel tubes were developed to perform EIS measurements. In order to test the monitored bioreactor system, blood–brain barrier (BBB) in vitro models derived from human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) were cultured for up to 7 days. We applied equivalent electrical circuit fitting to quantify the electrical parameters of the cell layer and observed that TEER gradually decreased over time from 2513 Ω·cm2 to 285 Ω·cm2, as also specified in the static control culture. Our versatile system offers the possibility to be used for various dynamic tissue cultures that require a non-invasive monitoring system for barrier integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihyoung Choi
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, University Hospital Würzburg, Röntgenring 11, 97070 Würzburg, Germany; (S.M.); (J.H.); (T.S.)
- Correspondence: (J.C.); (A.A.-M.)
| | - Sanjana Mathew
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, University Hospital Würzburg, Röntgenring 11, 97070 Würzburg, Germany; (S.M.); (J.H.); (T.S.)
| | - Sabrina Oerter
- Translational Center for Regenerative Therapies, Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research, Röntgenring 11, 97070 Würzburg, Germany;
| | - Antje Appelt-Menzel
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, University Hospital Würzburg, Röntgenring 11, 97070 Würzburg, Germany; (S.M.); (J.H.); (T.S.)
- Translational Center for Regenerative Therapies, Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research, Röntgenring 11, 97070 Würzburg, Germany;
- Correspondence: (J.C.); (A.A.-M.)
| | - Jan Hansmann
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, University Hospital Würzburg, Röntgenring 11, 97070 Würzburg, Germany; (S.M.); (J.H.); (T.S.)
- Faculty of Electronics, University of Applied Science Würzburg-Schweinfurt, Ignaz-Schön-Straße 11, 97421 Schweinfurt, Germany
| | - Tobias Schmitz
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, University Hospital Würzburg, Röntgenring 11, 97070 Würzburg, Germany; (S.M.); (J.H.); (T.S.)
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18
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Cader Z. Human Blood-Brain-Barrier In Vitro Models: Overview and Applications. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2022; 273:205-222. [PMID: 34935086 DOI: 10.1007/164_2021_562] [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: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The human blood-brain-barrier (BBB) is a vital structure for brain health. Conversely it represents a challenge in drug development programmes that require breaching of the barrier in order to access the central nervous system. Very often brain disorders have early dysfunction of the BBB implicating an important role in pathogenesis and disease progression. The development of human in vitro models is a major advance to allow experimental studies and screening assays, although there remain outstanding questions for the field. In this chapter, the current state of the art will be reviewed, with the complementary innovative approaches to in vitro modelling described, from simple 2D-cultures to more complex multi-cell type micro-physiological systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zameel Cader
- Translational Molecular Neuroscience Group, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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19
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Harberts J, Bours K, Siegmund M, Hedrich C, Glatza M, Schöler HR, Haferkamp U, Pless O, Zierold R, Blick RH. Culturing human iPSC-derived neural progenitor cells on nanowire arrays: mapping the impact of nanowire length and array pitch on proliferation, viability, and membrane deformation. NANOSCALE 2021; 13:20052-20066. [PMID: 34842880 DOI: 10.1039/d1nr04352h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Nanowire arrays used as cell culture substrates build a potent tool for advanced biological applications such as cargo delivery and biosensing. The unique topography of nanowire arrays, however, renders them a challenging growth environment for cells and explains why only basic cell lines have been employed in existing studies. Here, we present the culturing of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neural progenitor cells on rectangularly arranged nanowire arrays: In detail, we mapped the impact on proliferation, viability, and topography-induced membrane deformation across a multitude of array pitches (1, 3, 5, 10 μm) and nanowire lengths (1.5, 3, 5 μm). Against the intuitive expectation, a reduced proliferation was found on the arrays with the smallest array pitch of 1 μm and long NWs. Typically, cells settle in a fakir-like state on such densely-spaced nanowires and thus experience no substantial stress caused by nanowires indenting the cell membrane. However, imaging of F-actin showed a distinct reorganization of the cytoskeleton along the nanowire tips in the case of small array pitches interfering with regular proliferation. For larger pitches, the cell numbers depend on the NW lengths but proliferation generally continued although heavy deformations of the cell membrane were observed caused by the encapsulation of the nanowires. Moreover, we noticed a strong interaction of the nanowires with the nucleus in terms of squeezing and indenting. Remarkably, the cell viability is maintained at about 85% despite the massive deformation of the cells. Considering the enormous potential of human induced stem cells to study neurodegenerative diseases and the high cellular viability combined with a strong interaction with nanowire arrays, we believe that our results pave the way to apply nanowire arrays to human stem cells for future applications in stem cell research and regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jann Harberts
- Center for Hybrid Nanostructures (CHyN), Universität Hamburg, Luruper Chaussee 149, 22761 Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Katja Bours
- Center for Hybrid Nanostructures (CHyN), Universität Hamburg, Luruper Chaussee 149, 22761 Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Malte Siegmund
- Center for Hybrid Nanostructures (CHyN), Universität Hamburg, Luruper Chaussee 149, 22761 Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Carina Hedrich
- Center for Hybrid Nanostructures (CHyN), Universität Hamburg, Luruper Chaussee 149, 22761 Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Michael Glatza
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Röntgenstraße 20, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Hans R Schöler
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Röntgenstraße 20, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Undine Haferkamp
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology (ITMP), ScreeningPort, Schnackenburgallee 114, 22525 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ole Pless
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology (ITMP), ScreeningPort, Schnackenburgallee 114, 22525 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Robert Zierold
- Center for Hybrid Nanostructures (CHyN), Universität Hamburg, Luruper Chaussee 149, 22761 Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Robert H Blick
- Center for Hybrid Nanostructures (CHyN), Universität Hamburg, Luruper Chaussee 149, 22761 Hamburg, Germany.
- Material Science and Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, USA
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20
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Lynch MJ, Gobbo OL. Advances in Non-Animal Testing Approaches towards Accelerated Clinical Translation of Novel Nanotheranostic Therapeutics for Central Nervous System Disorders. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 11:2632. [PMID: 34685073 PMCID: PMC8538557 DOI: 10.3390/nano11102632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Nanotheranostics constitute a novel drug delivery system approach to improving systemic, brain-targeted delivery of diagnostic imaging agents and pharmacological moieties in one rational carrier platform. While there have been notable successes in this field, currently, the clinical translation of such delivery systems for the treatment of neurological disorders has been limited by the inadequacy of correlating in vitro and in vivo data on blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeation and biocompatibility of nanomaterials. This review aims to identify the most contemporary non-invasive approaches for BBB crossing using nanotheranostics as a novel drug delivery strategy and current non-animal-based models for assessing the safety and efficiency of such formulations. This review will also address current and future directions of select in vitro models for reducing the cumbersome and laborious mandate for testing exclusively in animals. It is hoped these non-animal-based modelling approaches will facilitate researchers in optimising promising multifunctional nanocarriers with a view to accelerating clinical testing and authorisation applications. By rational design and appropriate selection of characterised and validated models, ranging from monolayer cell cultures to organ-on-chip microfluidics, promising nanotheranostic particles with modular and rational design can be screened in high-throughput models with robust predictive power. Thus, this article serves to highlight abbreviated research and development possibilities with clinical translational relevance for developing novel nanomaterial-based neuropharmaceuticals for therapy in CNS disorders. By generating predictive data for prospective nanomedicines using validated in vitro models for supporting clinical applications in lieu of requiring extensive use of in vivo animal models that have notable limitations, it is hoped that there will be a burgeoning in the nanotherapy of CNS disorders by virtue of accelerated lead identification through screening, optimisation through rational design for brain-targeted delivery across the BBB and clinical testing and approval using fewer animals. Additionally, by using models with tissue of human origin, reproducible therapeutically relevant nanomedicine delivery and individualised therapy can be realised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark J. Lynch
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panoz Building, Trinity College Dublin, D02 PN40 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Oliviero L. Gobbo
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panoz Building, Trinity College Dublin, D02 PN40 Dublin, Ireland
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21
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Harberts J, Siegmund M, Schnelle M, Zhang T, Lei Y, Yu L, Zierold R, Blick RH. Robust neuronal differentiation of human iPSC-derived neural progenitor cells cultured on densely-spaced spiky silicon nanowire arrays. Sci Rep 2021; 11:18819. [PMID: 34552130 PMCID: PMC8458299 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-97820-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Nanostructured cell culture substrates featuring nanowire (NW) arrays have been applied to a variety of basic cell lines and rodent neurons to investigate cellular behavior or to stimulate cell responses. However, patient-derived human neurons-a prerequisite for studying e.g. neurodegenerative diseases efficiently-are rarely employed due to sensitive cell culture protocols and usually long culturing periods. Here, we present human patient induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neurons cultured on densely-spaced spiky silicon NW arrays (600 NWs/ 100 µm[Formula: see text] with NW lengths of 1 µm) which show mature electrophysiological characteristics after only 20 days of culturing. Exemplary neuronal growth and network formation on the NW arrays are demonstrated using scanning electron microscopy and immunofluorescence microscopy. The cells and neurites rest in a fakir-like settling state on the NWs only in contact with the very NW tips shown by cross-sectional imaging of the cell/NW interface using focused ion beam milling and confocal laser scanning microscopy. Furthermore, the NW arrays promote the cell culture by slightly increasing the share of differentiated neurons determined by the quantification of immunofluorescence microscopy images. The electrophysiological functionality of the neurons is confirmed with patch-clamp recordings showing the excellent capability to fire action potentials. We believe that the short culturing time to obtain functional human neurons generated from patient-derived neural progenitor cells and the robustness of this differentiation protocol to produce these neurons on densely-spaced spiky nanowire arrays open up new pathways for stem cell characterization and neurodegenerative disease studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jann Harberts
- Center for Hybrid Nanostructures, Universität Hamburg, Luruper Chaussee 149, 22761, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Malte Siegmund
- Center for Hybrid Nanostructures, Universität Hamburg, Luruper Chaussee 149, 22761, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Matteo Schnelle
- Center for Hybrid Nanostructures, Universität Hamburg, Luruper Chaussee 149, 22761, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ting Zhang
- School of Electronics Science and Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Yakui Lei
- School of Electronics Science and Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Linwei Yu
- School of Electronics Science and Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Robert Zierold
- Center for Hybrid Nanostructures, Universität Hamburg, Luruper Chaussee 149, 22761, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Robert H Blick
- Center for Hybrid Nanostructures, Universität Hamburg, Luruper Chaussee 149, 22761, Hamburg, Germany
- Material Science and Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
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22
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Skowronek D, Pilz RA, Schwefel K, Much CD, Felbor U, Rath M. Bringing CCM into a dish: cell culture models for cerebral cavernous malformations. MED GENET-BERLIN 2021; 33:251-259. [PMID: 38835694 PMCID: PMC11006332 DOI: 10.1515/medgen-2021-2091] [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: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) are vascular lesions that can cause severe neurological complications due to intracranial hemorrhage. Although the CCM disease genes, CCM1, CCM2, and CCM3, have been known for more than 15 years now, our understanding of CCM pathogenesis is still incomplete. CCM research currently focuses on three main disease mechanisms: (1) clonal expansion of endothelial cells with biallelic inactivation of CCM1, CCM2, or CCM3, (2) recruitment of cells with preserved CCM protein expression into the growing lesion, and (3) disruption of endothelial cell-cell junctions in CCMs. We here describe novel CRISPR/Cas9-based in vitro models of CCM and discuss their strengths and limitations in the context of high-throughput drug screening and repurposing approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dariush Skowronek
- Department of Human Genetics, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
- Interfaculty Institute of Genetics and Functional Genomics, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Robin A Pilz
- Department of Human Genetics, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
- Interfaculty Institute of Genetics and Functional Genomics, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Konrad Schwefel
- Department of Human Genetics, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
- Interfaculty Institute of Genetics and Functional Genomics, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Christiane D Much
- Department of Human Genetics, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
- Interfaculty Institute of Genetics and Functional Genomics, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Ute Felbor
- Department of Human Genetics, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
- Interfaculty Institute of Genetics and Functional Genomics, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Matthias Rath
- Department of Human Genetics, University Medicine Greifswald, Fleischmannstraße 43, D-17475 Greifswald, Germany
- Interfaculty Institute of Genetics and Functional Genomics, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
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23
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Wellens S, Dehouck L, Chandrasekaran V, Singh P, Loiola RA, Sevin E, Exner T, Jennings P, Gosselet F, Culot M. Evaluation of a human iPSC-derived BBB model for repeated dose toxicity testing with cyclosporine A as model compound. Toxicol In Vitro 2021; 73:105112. [PMID: 33631201 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2021.105112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a highly restrictive barrier that preserves central nervous system homeostasis and ensures optimal brain functioning. Using BBB cell assays makes it possible to investigate whether a compound is likely to compromise BBBs functionality, thereby probably resulting in neurotoxicity. Recently, several protocols to obtain human brain-like endothelial cells (BLECs) from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have been reported. Within the framework of the European MSCA-ITN in3 project, we explored the possibility to use an iPSC-derived BBB model to assess the effects of repeated dose treatment with chemicals, using Cyclosporine A (CsA) as a model compound. The BLECs were found to exhibit important BBB characteristics up to 15 days after the end of the differentiation and could be used to assess the effects of repeated dose treatment. Although BLECs were still undergoing transcriptional changes over time, a targeted transcriptome analysis (TempO-Seq) indicated a time and concentration dependent activation of ATF4, XBP1, Nrf2 and p53 stress response pathways under CsA treatment. Taken together, these results demonstrate that this iPSC-derived BBB model and iPSC-derived models in general hold great potential to study the effects of repeated dose exposure with chemicals, allowing personalized and patient-specific studies in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Wellens
- University of Artois, UR 2465, Laboratoire de la Barrière Hémato-Encéphalique (LBHE), Faculté des sciences Jean Perrin, Rue Jean Souvraz SP18, F-62300 Lens, France
| | - Lucie Dehouck
- University of Artois, UR 2465, Laboratoire de la Barrière Hémato-Encéphalique (LBHE), Faculté des sciences Jean Perrin, Rue Jean Souvraz SP18, F-62300 Lens, France
| | - Vidya Chandrasekaran
- Division of Molecular and Computational Toxicology, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Amsterdam Institute for Molecules, Medicines and Systems, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1108, 1081HZ Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Pranika Singh
- Edelweiss Connect GmbH, Technology Park Basel, Hochbergerstrasse 60C, 4057 Basel, Switzerland; Division of Molecular and Systems Toxicology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Rodrigo Azevedo Loiola
- University of Artois, UR 2465, Laboratoire de la Barrière Hémato-Encéphalique (LBHE), Faculté des sciences Jean Perrin, Rue Jean Souvraz SP18, F-62300 Lens, France
| | - Emmanuel Sevin
- University of Artois, UR 2465, Laboratoire de la Barrière Hémato-Encéphalique (LBHE), Faculté des sciences Jean Perrin, Rue Jean Souvraz SP18, F-62300 Lens, France
| | - Thomas Exner
- Edelweiss Connect GmbH, Technology Park Basel, Hochbergerstrasse 60C, 4057 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Paul Jennings
- Division of Molecular and Computational Toxicology, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Amsterdam Institute for Molecules, Medicines and Systems, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1108, 1081HZ Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Fabien Gosselet
- University of Artois, UR 2465, Laboratoire de la Barrière Hémato-Encéphalique (LBHE), Faculté des sciences Jean Perrin, Rue Jean Souvraz SP18, F-62300 Lens, France
| | - Maxime Culot
- University of Artois, UR 2465, Laboratoire de la Barrière Hémato-Encéphalique (LBHE), Faculté des sciences Jean Perrin, Rue Jean Souvraz SP18, F-62300 Lens, France.
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24
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Williams-Medina A, Deblock M, Janigro D. In vitro Models of the Blood-Brain Barrier: Tools in Translational Medicine. FRONTIERS IN MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY 2021; 2:623950. [PMID: 35047899 PMCID: PMC8757867 DOI: 10.3389/fmedt.2020.623950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Medical progress has historically depended on scientific discoveries. Until recently, science was driven by technological advancements that, once translated to the clinic, fostered new treatments and interventions. More recently, technology-driven medical progress has often outpaced laboratory research. For example, intravascular devices, pacemakers for the heart and brain, spinal cord stimulators, and surgical robots are used routinely to treat a variety of diseases. The rapid expansion of science into ever more advanced molecular and genetic mechanisms of disease has often distanced laboratory-based research from day-to-day clinical realities that remain based on evidence and outcomes. A recognized reason for this hiatus is the lack of laboratory tools that recapitulate the clinical reality faced by physicians and surgeons. To overcome this, the NIH and FDA have in the recent past joined forces to support the development of a "human-on-a-chip" that will allow research scientists to perform experiments on a realistic replica when testing the effectiveness of novel experimental therapies. The development of a "human-on-a-chip" rests on the capacity to grow in vitro various organs-on-a-chip, connected with appropriate vascular supplies and nerves, and our ability to measure and perform experiments on these virtually invisible organs. One of the tissue structures to be scaled down on a chip is the human blood-brain barrier. This review gives a historical perspective on in vitro models of the BBB and summarizes the most recent 3D models that attempt to fill the gap between research modeling and patient care. We also present a summary of how these in vitro models of the BBB can be applied to study human brain diseases and their treatments. We have chosen NeuroAIDS, COVID-19, multiple sclerosis, and Alzheimer's disease as examples of in vitro model application to neurological disorders. Major insight pertaining to these illnesses as a consequence of more profound understanding of the BBB can reveal new avenues for the development of diagnostics, more efficient therapies, and definitive clarity of disease etiology and pathological progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Williams-Medina
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Flocel, Inc., Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Michael Deblock
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Damir Janigro
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Flocel, Inc., Cleveland, OH, United States
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Besser D. Advancing Stem Cell Technologies and Applications: A Special Collection from the PluriCore Network in the German Stem Cell Network (GSCN). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 55:e129. [PMID: 32956522 DOI: 10.1002/cpsc.129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Current Protocols in Stem Cell Biology is publishing a special collection of eight articles from members of the PluriCore Network in the German Stem Cell Network. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.
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