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Cohen BM, Sonntag KC. Identifying the earliest-occurring clinically targetable precursors of late-onset Alzheimer's disease. EBioMedicine 2024; 106:105238. [PMID: 39002387 PMCID: PMC11284560 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2024.105238] [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: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Most cases of Alzheimer's disease (AD) are late-onset dementias (LOAD). However, research on AD is predominantly of early-onset disease (EOAD). The determinants of EOAD, gene variants of APP and presenilin proteins, are not the basic precursors of LOAD. Rather, multiple other genes and associated cellular processes underlie risk for LOAD. These determinants could be modified in individuals at risk for LOAD well before signs and symptoms appear. Studying brain cells produced from patient-derived induced-pluripotent-stem-cells (iPSC), in culture, will be instrumental in developing such interventions. This paper summarises evidence accrued from iPSC culture models identifying the earliest occurring clinically targetable determinants of LOAD. Results obtained and replicated, thus far, suggest that abnormalities of bioenergetics, lipid metabolism, digestive organelle function and inflammatory activity are primary processes underlying LOAD. The application of cell culture platforms will become increasingly important in research and also on LOAD detection, assessment, and treatment in the years ahead.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce M Cohen
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Program for Neuropsychiatric Research, McLean Hospital, 115 Mill St., Belmont, MA 02478, USA.
| | - Kai-Christian Sonntag
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Laboratory for Translational Research on Neurodegeneration, Program for Neuropsychiatric Research, McLean Hospital, 115 Mill St., Belmont, MA 02478, USA.
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2
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Cao R, Tian H, Tian Y, Fu X. A Hierarchical Mechanotransduction System: From Macro to Micro. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2302327. [PMID: 38145330 PMCID: PMC10953595 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202302327] [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: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
Mechanotransduction is a strictly regulated process whereby mechanical stimuli, including mechanical forces and properties, are sensed and translated into biochemical signals. Increasing data demonstrate that mechanotransduction is crucial for regulating macroscopic and microscopic dynamics and functionalities. However, the actions and mechanisms of mechanotransduction across multiple hierarchies, from molecules, subcellular structures, cells, tissues/organs, to the whole-body level, have not been yet comprehensively documented. Herein, the biological roles and operational mechanisms of mechanotransduction from macro to micro are revisited, with a focus on the orchestrations across diverse hierarchies. The implications, applications, and challenges of mechanotransduction in human diseases are also summarized and discussed. Together, this knowledge from a hierarchical perspective has the potential to refresh insights into mechanotransduction regulation and disease pathogenesis and therapy, and ultimately revolutionize the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Cao
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismCenter for Diabetes Metabolism ResearchState Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer CenterWest China Medical SchoolWest China HospitalSichuan University and Collaborative Innovation CenterChengduSichuan610041China
| | - Huimin Tian
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismCenter for Diabetes Metabolism ResearchState Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer CenterWest China Medical SchoolWest China HospitalSichuan University and Collaborative Innovation CenterChengduSichuan610041China
| | - Yan Tian
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismCenter for Diabetes Metabolism ResearchState Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer CenterWest China Medical SchoolWest China HospitalSichuan University and Collaborative Innovation CenterChengduSichuan610041China
| | - Xianghui Fu
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismCenter for Diabetes Metabolism ResearchState Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer CenterWest China Medical SchoolWest China HospitalSichuan University and Collaborative Innovation CenterChengduSichuan610041China
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3
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Hidalgo-Alvarez V, Madl CM. Leveraging Biomaterial Platforms to Study Aging-Related Neural and Muscular Degeneration. Biomolecules 2024; 14:69. [PMID: 38254669 PMCID: PMC10813704 DOI: 10.3390/biom14010069] [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: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Aging is a complex multifactorial process that results in tissue function impairment across the whole organism. One of the common consequences of this process is the loss of muscle mass and the associated decline in muscle function, known as sarcopenia. Aging also presents with an increased risk of developing other pathological conditions such as neurodegeneration. Muscular and neuronal degeneration cause mobility issues and cognitive impairment, hence having a major impact on the quality of life of the older population. The development of novel therapies that can ameliorate the effects of aging is currently hindered by our limited knowledge of the underlying mechanisms and the use of models that fail to recapitulate the structure and composition of the cell microenvironment. The emergence of bioengineering techniques based on the use of biomimetic materials and biofabrication methods has opened the possibility of generating 3D models of muscular and nervous tissues that better mimic the native extracellular matrix. These platforms are particularly advantageous for drug testing and mechanistic studies. In this review, we discuss the developments made in the creation of 3D models of aging-related neuronal and muscular degeneration and we provide a perspective on the future directions for the field.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christopher M. Madl
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA;
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4
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Culibrk RA, Ebbert KA, Yeisley DJ, Chen R, Qureshi FA, Hahn J, Hahn MS. Impact of Suramin on Key Pathological Features of Sporadic Alzheimer's Disease-Derived Forebrain Neurons. J Alzheimers Dis 2024; 98:301-318. [PMID: 38427475 DOI: 10.3233/jad-230600] [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: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Background Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by disrupted proteostasis and macroautophagy (hereafter "autophagy"). The pharmacological agent suramin has known autophagy modulation properties with potential efficacy in mitigating AD neuronal pathology. Objective In the present work, we investigate the impact of forebrain neuron exposure to suramin on the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, a major regulator of autophagy, in comparison with rapamycin and chloroquine. We further investigate the effect of suramin on several AD-related biomarkers in sporadic AD (sAD)-derived forebrain neurons. Methods Neurons differentiated from ReNcell neural progenitors were used to assess the impact of suramin on the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway relative to the autophagy inducer rapamycin and autophagy inhibitor chloroquine. Mature forebrain neurons were differentiated from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) sourced from a late-onset sAD patient and treated with 100μM suramin for 72 h, followed by assessments for amyloid-β, phosphorylated tau, oxidative/nitrosative stress, and synaptic puncta density. Results Suramin treatment of sAD-derived neurons partially ameliorated the increased p-Tau(S199)/Tau ratio, and fully remediated the increased glutathione to oxidized nitric oxide ratio, observed in untreated sAD-derived neurons relative to healthy controls. These positive results may be due in part to the distinct increases in Akt/mTOR pathway mediator p-p70S6K noted with suramin treatment of both ReNcell-derived and iPSC-derived neurons. Longer term neuronal markers, such as synaptic puncta density, were unaffected by suramin treatment. Conclusions These findings provide initial evidence supporting the potential of suramin to reduce the degree of dysregulation in sAD-derived forebrain neurons in part via the modulation of autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert A Culibrk
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, USA
| | - Katherine A Ebbert
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, USA
| | - Daniel J Yeisley
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, USA
| | - Rui Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, USA
| | - Fatir A Qureshi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, USA
| | - Juergen Hahn
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, USA
| | - Mariah S Hahn
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, USA
- Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, USA
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5
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Lomoio S, Pandey RS, Rouleau N, Menicacci B, Kim W, Cantley WL, Haydon PG, Bennett DA, Young-Pearse TL, Carter GW, Kaplan DL, Tesco G. 3D bioengineered neural tissue generated from patient-derived iPSCs mimics time-dependent phenotypes and transcriptional features of Alzheimer's disease. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:5390-5401. [PMID: 37365240 PMCID: PMC11164539 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02147-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Several iPSC-derived three-dimensional (3D) cultures have been generated to model Alzheimer's disease (AD). While some AD-related phenotypes have been identified across these cultures, none of them could recapitulate multiple AD-related hallmarks in one model. To date, the transcriptomic features of these 3D models have not been compared with those of human AD brains. However, these data are crucial to understanding the pertinency of these models for studying AD-related pathomechanisms over time. We developed a 3D bioengineered model of iPSC-derived neural tissue that combines a porous scaffold composed of silk fibroin protein with an intercalated collagen hydrogel to support the growth of neurons and glial cells into complex and functional networks for an extended time, a fundamental requisite for aging studies. Cultures were generated from iPSC lines obtained from two subjects carrying the familial AD (FAD) APP London mutation, two well-studied control lines, and an isogenic control. Cultures were analyzed at 2 and 4.5 months. At both time points, an elevated Aβ42/40 ratio was detected in conditioned media from FAD cultures. However, extracellular Aβ42 deposition and enhanced neuronal excitability were observed in FAD culture only at 4.5 months, suggesting that extracellular Aβ deposition may trigger enhanced network activity. Remarkably, neuronal hyperexcitability has been described in AD patients early in the disease. Transcriptomic analysis revealed the deregulation of multiple gene sets in FAD samples. Such alterations were strikingly similar to those observed in human AD brains. These data provide evidence that our patient-derived FAD model develops time-dependent AD-related phenotypes and establishes a temporal relation among them. Furthermore, FAD iPSC-derived cultures recapitulate transcriptomic features of AD patients. Thus, our bioengineered neural tissue represents a unique tool to model AD in vitro over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selene Lomoio
- Department of Neuroscience, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ravi S Pandey
- The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Nicolas Rouleau
- Department of Health Sciences, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Canada
| | - Beatrice Menicacci
- Department of Neuroscience, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - WonHee Kim
- Department of Neuroscience, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - William L Cantley
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
| | - Philip G Haydon
- Department of Neuroscience, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David A Bennett
- Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Tracy L Young-Pearse
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Gregory W Carter
- The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME, USA
| | - David L Kaplan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
| | - Giuseppina Tesco
- Department of Neuroscience, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
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6
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Liaudanskaya V, Fiore NJ, Zhang Y, Milton Y, Kelly MF, Coe M, Barreiro A, Rose VK, Shapiro MR, Mullis AS, Shevzov-Zebrun A, Blurton-Jones M, Whalen MJ, Symes AJ, Georgakoudi I, Nieland TJF, Kaplan DL. Mitochondria dysregulation contributes to secondary neurodegeneration progression post-contusion injury in human 3D in vitro triculture brain tissue model. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:496. [PMID: 37537168 PMCID: PMC10400598 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-05980-0] [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: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Traumatic Brain injury-induced disturbances in mitochondrial fission-and-fusion dynamics have been linked to the onset and propagation of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. However, cell-type-specific contributions and crosstalk between neurons, microglia, and astrocytes in mitochondria-driven neurodegeneration after brain injury remain undefined. We developed a human three-dimensional in vitro triculture tissue model of a contusion injury composed of neurons, microglia, and astrocytes and examined the contributions of mitochondrial dysregulation to neuroinflammation and progression of injury-induced neurodegeneration. Pharmacological studies presented here suggest that fragmented mitochondria released by microglia are a key contributor to secondary neuronal damage progression after contusion injury, a pathway that requires astrocyte-microglia crosstalk. Controlling mitochondrial dysfunction thus offers an exciting option for developing therapies for TBI patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Volha Liaudanskaya
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
| | - Nicholas J Fiore
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
| | - Yang Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
| | - Yuka Milton
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
| | - Marilyn F Kelly
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
| | - Marly Coe
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
| | - Ariana Barreiro
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
| | - Victoria K Rose
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
| | - Matthew R Shapiro
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
| | - Adam S Mullis
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
| | | | - Mathew Blurton-Jones
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Michael J Whalen
- Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Aviva J Symes
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Irene Georgakoudi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
| | - Thomas J F Nieland
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
| | - David L Kaplan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA.
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7
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Mullis AS, Kaplan DL. Functional bioengineered tissue models of neurodegenerative diseases. Biomaterials 2023; 298:122143. [PMID: 37146365 PMCID: PMC10209845 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2023.122143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Aging-associated neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases remain poorly understood and no disease-modifying treatments exist despite decades of investigation. Predominant in vitro (e.g., 2D cell culture, organoids) and in vivo (e.g., mouse) models of these diseases are insufficient mimics of human brain tissue structure and function and of human neurodegenerative pathobiology, and have thus contributed to this collective translational failure. This has been a longstanding challenge in the field, and new strategies are required to address both fundamental and translational needs. Bioengineered tissue culture models constitute a class of promising alternatives, as they can overcome the low cell density, poor nutrient exchange, and long term culturability limitations of existing in vitro models. Further, they can reconstruct the structural, mechanical, and biochemical cues of native brain tissue, providing a better mimic of human brain tissues for in vitro pathobiological investigation and drug development. We discuss bioengineering techniques for the generation of these neurodegenerative tissue models, including biomaterials-, organoid-, and microfluidics-based approaches, and design considerations for their construction. To aid the development of the next generation of functional neurodegenerative disease models, we discuss approaches to incorporate greater cellular diversity and simulate aging processes within bioengineered brain tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam S Mullis
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, 02155, USA.
| | - David L Kaplan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, 02155, USA; Allen Discovery Center, Tufts University, Medford, MA, 02155, USA.
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8
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Whitehouse C, Corbett N, Brownlees J. 3D models of neurodegeneration: implementation in drug discovery. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2023; 44:208-221. [PMID: 36822950 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2023.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
A lack of in vitro models that robustly represent the complex cellular pathologies underlying neurodegeneration has resulted in a translational gap between in vitro and in vivo results, creating a bottleneck in the development of new therapeutics. In the past decade, new and complex 3D models of the brain have been published at an exponential rate. However, many novel 3D models of neurodegeneration overlook the validation and throughput requirements for implementation in drug discovery. This therefore represents a knowledge gap that could hinder the translation of these models to drug discovery efforts. We review the recent progress in the development of 3D models of neurodegeneration, examining model design benefits and validation techniques, and discuss opportunities and standards for 3D models of neurodegeneration to be implemented in drug discovery and development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nicola Corbett
- MSD R&D Innovation Centre, 120 Moorgate, London EC2M 6UR, UK
| | - Janet Brownlees
- MSD R&D Innovation Centre, 120 Moorgate, London EC2M 6UR, UK
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9
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Rouleau N, Murugan NJ, Kaplan DL. Functional bioengineered models of the central nervous system. NATURE REVIEWS BIOENGINEERING 2023; 1:252-270. [PMID: 37064657 PMCID: PMC9903289 DOI: 10.1038/s44222-023-00027-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
The functional complexity of the central nervous system (CNS) is unparalleled in living organisms. Its nested cells, circuits and networks encode memories, move bodies and generate experiences. Neural tissues can be engineered to assemble model systems that recapitulate essential features of the CNS and to investigate neurodevelopment, delineate pathophysiology, improve regeneration and accelerate drug discovery. In this Review, we discuss essential structure-function relationships of the CNS and examine materials and design considerations, including composition, scale, complexity and maturation, of cell biology-based and engineering-based CNS models. We highlight region-specific CNS models that can emulate functions of the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, spinal cord, neural-X interfaces and other regions, and investigate a range of applications for CNS models, including fundamental and clinical research. We conclude with an outlook to future possibilities of CNS models, highlighting the engineering challenges that remain to be overcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Rouleau
- Department of Health Sciences, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Ontario Canada
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA USA
| | - Nirosha J. Murugan
- Department of Health Sciences, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Ontario Canada
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA USA
| | - David L. Kaplan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA USA
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10
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Lomoio S, Tesco G. A 3D Bioengineered Neural Tissue Model Generated from Human iPSC-Derived Neural Precursor Cells. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2683:185-192. [PMID: 37300775 PMCID: PMC11162594 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3287-1_14] [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] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Available models to study neuropathological diseases include cell cultures and animal models. Brain pathologies, however, are often poorly recapitulated in animal models. 2D cell culture systems are well established and have been used since the early 1900s to grow cells on flat dishes. However, conventional 2D neural culture systems, which lack key features of the brain's 3D microenvironment, often inaccurately represent the diversity and maturation of multiple cell types and their interaction under physiological and pathological conditions.To improve CNS modeling, we have designed a 3D bioengineered neural tissue model generated from human iPSC-derived neural precursor cells (NPCs). This NPC-derived biomaterial scaffold, composed of silk fibroin with an intercalated hydrogel, matches the mechanical properties of native brain tissue and supports the long-term differentiation of neural cells in a donut-shaped sponge within an optically clear central window. This chapter describes integrating iPSC-derived NPCs in these silk-collagen scaffolds and differentiating them into neural cells over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selene Lomoio
- Department of Neuroscience, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Giuseppina Tesco
- Department of Neuroscience, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
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11
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Snapper DM, Reginauld B, Liaudanskaya V, Fitzpatrick V, Kim Y, Georgakoudi I, Kaplan DL, Symes AJ. Development of a novel bioengineered 3D brain-like tissue for studying primary blast-induced traumatic brain injury. J Neurosci Res 2023; 101:3-19. [PMID: 36200530 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.25123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Primary blast injury is caused by the direct impact of an overpressurization wave on the body. Due to limitations of current models, we have developed a novel approach to study primary blast-induced traumatic brain injury. Specifically, we employ a bioengineered 3D brain-like human tissue culture system composed of collagen-infused silk protein donut-like hydrogels embedded with human IPSC-derived neurons, human astrocytes, and a human microglial cell line. We have utilized this system within an advanced blast simulator (ABS) to expose the 3D brain cultures to a blast wave that can be precisely controlled. These 3D cultures are enclosed in a 3D-printed surrogate skull-like material containing media which are then placed in a holder apparatus inside the ABS. This allows for exposure to the blast wave alone without any secondary injury occurring. We show that blast induces an increase in lactate dehydrogenase activity and glutamate release from the cultures, indicating cellular injury. Additionally, we observe a significant increase in axonal varicosities after blast. These varicosities can be stained with antibodies recognizing amyloid precursor protein. The presence of amyloid precursor protein deposits may indicate a blast-induced axonal transport deficit. After blast injury, we find a transient release of the known TBI biomarkers, UCHL1 and NF-H at 6 h and a delayed increase in S100B at 24 and 48 h. This in vitro model will enable us to gain a better understanding of clinically relevant pathological changes that occur following primary blast and can also be utilized for discovery and characterization of biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dustin M Snapper
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Bianca Reginauld
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Volha Liaudanskaya
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Vincent Fitzpatrick
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Yeonho Kim
- Preclinical Behavior and Modeling Core, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Irene Georgakoudi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts, USA
| | - David L Kaplan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Aviva J Symes
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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12
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Le TT, Oudin MJ. Understanding and modeling nerve-cancer interactions. Dis Model Mech 2023; 16:dmm049729. [PMID: 36621886 PMCID: PMC9844229 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049729] [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] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The peripheral nervous system plays an important role in cancer progression. Studies in multiple cancer types have shown that higher intratumoral nerve density is associated with poor outcomes. Peripheral nerves have been shown to directly regulate tumor cell properties, such as growth and metastasis, as well as affect the local environment by modulating angiogenesis and the immune system. In this Review, we discuss the identity of nerves in organs in the periphery where solid tumors grow, the known mechanisms by which nerve density increases in tumors, and the effects these nerves have on cancer progression. We also discuss the strengths and weaknesses of current in vitro and in vivo models used to study nerve-cancer interactions. Increased understanding of the mechanisms by which nerves impact tumor progression and the development of new approaches to study nerve-cancer interactions will facilitate the discovery of novel treatment strategies to treat cancer by targeting nerves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thanh T. Le
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, 200 College Avenue, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA
| | - Madeleine J. Oudin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, 200 College Avenue, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA
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13
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3D biocomposite culture enhances differentiation of dopamine-like neurons from SH-SY5Y cells: A model for studying Parkinson's disease phenotypes. Biomaterials 2022; 290:121858. [PMID: 36272218 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2022.121858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Studies of underlying neurodegenerative processes in Parkinson's Disease (PD) have traditionally utilized cell cultures grown on two-dimensional (2D) surfaces. Biomimetic three-dimensional (3D) cell culture platforms have been developed to better emulate features of the brain's natural microenvironment. We here use our bioengineered brain-like tissue model, composed of a silk-hydrogel composite, to study the 3D microenvironment's contributions on the development and performance of dopaminergic-like neurons (DLNs). Compared with 2D culture, SH-SY5Y cells differentiated in 3D microenvironments were enriched for DLNs concomitant with a reduction in proliferative capacity during the neurodevelopmental process. Additionally, the 3D DLN cultures were more sensitive to oxidative stresses elicited by the PD-related neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP). MPP induced transcriptomic profile changes specific to 3D-differentiated DLN cultures, replicating the dysfunction of neuronal signaling pathways and mitochondrial dynamics implicated in PD. Overall, this physiologically-relevant 3D platform resembles a useful tool for studying dopamine neuron biology and interrogating molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration in PD.
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14
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Sozzi E, Kajtez J, Bruzelius A, Wesseler MF, Nilsson F, Birtele M, Larsen NB, Ottosson DR, Storm P, Parmar M, Fiorenzano A. Silk scaffolding drives self-assembly of functional and mature human brain organoids. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1023279. [PMID: 36313550 PMCID: PMC9614032 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1023279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) are intrinsically able to self-organize into cerebral organoids that mimic features of developing human brain tissue. These three-dimensional structures provide a unique opportunity to generate cytoarchitecture and cell-cell interactions reminiscent of human brain complexity in a dish. However, current in vitro brain organoid methodologies often result in intra-organoid variability, limiting their use in recapitulating later developmental stages as well as in disease modeling and drug discovery. In addition, cell stress and hypoxia resulting from long-term culture lead to incomplete maturation and cell death within the inner core. Here, we used a recombinant silk microfiber network as a scaffold to drive hPSCs to self-arrange into engineered cerebral organoids. Silk scaffolding promoted neuroectoderm formation and reduced heterogeneity of cellular organization within individual organoids. Bulk and single cell transcriptomics confirmed that silk cerebral organoids display more homogeneous and functionally mature neuronal properties than organoids grown in the absence of silk scaffold. Furthermore, oxygen sensing analysis showed that silk scaffolds create more favorable growth and differentiation conditions by facilitating the delivery of oxygen and nutrients. The silk scaffolding strategy appears to reduce intra-organoid variability and enhances self-organization into functionally mature human brain organoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edoardo Sozzi
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Developmental and Regenerative Neurobiology, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Janko Kajtez
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Developmental and Regenerative Neurobiology, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Andreas Bruzelius
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Regenerative Neurophysiology, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Milan Finn Wesseler
- Department of Health Technology (DTU Health Tech), Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Fredrik Nilsson
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Developmental and Regenerative Neurobiology, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Marcella Birtele
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Developmental and Regenerative Neurobiology, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Niels B. Larsen
- Department of Health Technology (DTU Health Tech), Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Daniella Rylander Ottosson
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Regenerative Neurophysiology, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Petter Storm
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Developmental and Regenerative Neurobiology, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Malin Parmar
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Developmental and Regenerative Neurobiology, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Alessandro Fiorenzano
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Developmental and Regenerative Neurobiology, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- *Correspondence: Alessandro Fiorenzano,
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15
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Tarricone G, Carmagnola I, Chiono V. Tissue-Engineered Models of the Human Brain: State-of-the-Art Analysis and Challenges. J Funct Biomater 2022; 13:jfb13030146. [PMID: 36135581 PMCID: PMC9501967 DOI: 10.3390/jfb13030146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurological disorders affect billions of people across the world, making the discovery of effective treatments an important challenge. The evaluation of drug efficacy is further complicated because of the lack of in vitro models able to reproduce the complexity of the human brain structure and functions. Some limitations of 2D preclinical models of the human brain have been overcome by the use of 3D cultures such as cell spheroids, organoids and organs-on-chip. However, one of the most promising approaches for mimicking not only cell structure, but also brain architecture, is currently represented by tissue-engineered brain models. Both conventional (particularly electrospinning and salt leaching) and unconventional (particularly bioprinting) techniques have been exploited, making use of natural polymers or combinations between natural and synthetic polymers. Moreover, the use of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) has allowed the co-culture of different human brain cells (neurons, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, microglia), helping towards approaching the central nervous system complexity. In this review article, we explain the importance of in vitro brain modeling, and present the main in vitro brain models developed to date, with a special focus on the most recent advancements in tissue-engineered brain models making use of iPSCs. Finally, we critically discuss achievements, main challenges and future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Tarricone
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca Degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Turin, Italy
- PolitoBioMedLab, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca Degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Turin, Italy
- Interuniversity Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs Principle in Teaching and Research, Centro 3R, 56122 Pisa, Italy
- Nanobiointeractions & Nanodiagnostics, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Genova, Via Dodecaneso 31, 16146 Genova, Italy
| | - Irene Carmagnola
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca Degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Turin, Italy
- PolitoBioMedLab, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca Degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Turin, Italy
- Interuniversity Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs Principle in Teaching and Research, Centro 3R, 56122 Pisa, Italy
| | - Valeria Chiono
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca Degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Turin, Italy
- PolitoBioMedLab, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca Degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Turin, Italy
- Interuniversity Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs Principle in Teaching and Research, Centro 3R, 56122 Pisa, Italy
- Correspondence:
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16
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Fanizza F, Campanile M, Forloni G, Giordano C, Albani D. Induced pluripotent stem cell-based organ-on-a-chip as personalized drug screening tools: A focus on neurodegenerative disorders. J Tissue Eng 2022; 13:20417314221095339. [PMID: 35570845 PMCID: PMC9092580 DOI: 10.1177/20417314221095339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The Organ-on-a-Chip (OoC) technology shows great potential to revolutionize the
drugs development pipeline by mimicking the physiological environment and
functions of human organs. The translational value of OoC is further enhanced
when combined with patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to
develop more realistic disease models, paving the way for the development of a
new generation of patient-on-a-chip devices. iPSCs differentiation capacity
leads to invaluable improvements in personalized medicine. Moreover, the
connection of single-OoC into multi-OoC or body-on-a-chip allows to investigate
drug pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetics through the study of multi-organs
cross-talks. The need of a breakthrough thanks to this technology is
particularly relevant within the field of neurodegenerative diseases, where the
number of patients is increasing and the successful rate in drug discovery is
worryingly low. In this review we discuss current iPSC-based OoC as drug
screening models and their implication in development of new therapies for
neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Fanizza
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering “Giulio Natta,” Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Marzia Campanile
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering “Giulio Natta,” Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Forloni
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Carmen Giordano
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering “Giulio Natta,” Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Diego Albani
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
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17
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Abstract
Microbial communities are eubiotic ecosystems that interact dynamically and synergistically with the human body. Imbalances in these interactions may cause dysbiosis by enhancing the occurrence of inflammatory conditions, such as periodontal or inflammatory bowel diseases. However, the mechanisms that lie behind eubiosis-dysbiosis transitions are still unclear and constantly being redefined. While the societal impact of these diseases is steadily increasing, the lack of a clear understanding behind the onset of the inflammatory conditions prevents the proper clinical strategies from being formulated. Although preclinical and clinical models and short-term planar in vitro cultures represent superb research tools, they are still lacking human relevance and long-term use. Bioreactors and organs-on-a-chip have attracted interest because of their ability to recreate and sustain the physical, structural, and mechanical features of the native environment, as well as to support long-term coculture of mammalian cells and the microbiome through modulation of pH and oxygen gradients. Existing devices, however, are still under development to sustain the microbiome-host coculture over long periods of time. In this scenario, to understand disease triggers and develop therapeutics, research efforts should command the development of three-dimensional constructs that would allow the investigation of processes underlying the microbial community assembly and how microorganisms influence host traits in both acute and chronic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miryam Adelfio
- University of Massachusetts-Lowell, Department of Biomedical Engineering, One University Avenue, Lowell, Massachusetts 01854, United States
| | - Chiara Elia Ghezzi
- University of Massachusetts-Lowell, Department of Biomedical Engineering, One University Avenue, Lowell, Massachusetts 01854, United States
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18
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Bioengineered models of Parkinson's disease using patient-derived dopaminergic neurons exhibit distinct biological profiles in a 3D microenvironment. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:78. [PMID: 35044538 PMCID: PMC8908880 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-04047-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) in vitro culture systems using human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) are useful tools to model neurodegenerative disease biology in physiologically relevant microenvironments. Though many successful biomaterials-based 3D model systems have been established for other neurogenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, relatively few exist for Parkinson's disease (PD) research. We employed tissue engineering approaches to construct a 3D silk scaffold-based platform for the culture of hiPSC-dopaminergic (DA) neurons derived from healthy individuals and PD patients harboring LRRK2 G2019S or GBA N370S mutations. We then compared results from protein, gene expression, and metabolic analyses obtained from two-dimensional (2D) and 3D culture systems. The 3D platform enabled the formation of dense dopamine neuronal network architectures and developed biological profiles both similar and distinct from 2D culture systems in healthy and PD disease lines. PD cultures developed in 3D platforms showed elevated levels of α-synuclein and alterations in purine metabolite profiles. Furthermore, computational network analysis of transcriptomic networks nominated several novel molecular interactions occurring in neurons from patients with mutations in LRRK2 and GBA. We conclude that the brain-like 3D system presented here is a realistic platform to interrogate molecular mechanisms underlying PD biology.
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19
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Mitrečić D, Hribljan V, Jagečić D, Isaković J, Lamberto F, Horánszky A, Zana M, Foldes G, Zavan B, Pivoriūnas A, Martinez S, Mazzini L, Radenovic L, Milasin J, Chachques JC, Buzanska L, Song MS, Dinnyés A. Regenerative Neurology and Regenerative Cardiology: Shared Hurdles and Achievements. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:855. [PMID: 35055039 PMCID: PMC8776151 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23020855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2021] [Revised: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
From the first success in cultivation of cells in vitro, it became clear that developing cell and/or tissue specific cultures would open a myriad of new opportunities for medical research. Expertise in various in vitro models has been developing over decades, so nowadays we benefit from highly specific in vitro systems imitating every organ of the human body. Moreover, obtaining sufficient number of standardized cells allows for cell transplantation approach with the goal of improving the regeneration of injured/disease affected tissue. However, different cell types bring different needs and place various types of hurdles on the path of regenerative neurology and regenerative cardiology. In this review, written by European experts gathered in Cost European action dedicated to neurology and cardiology-Bioneca, we present the experience acquired by working on two rather different organs: the brain and the heart. When taken into account that diseases of these two organs, mostly ischemic in their nature (stroke and heart infarction), bring by far the largest burden of the medical systems around Europe, it is not surprising that in vitro models of nervous and heart muscle tissue were in the focus of biomedical research in the last decades. In this review we describe and discuss hurdles which still impair further progress of regenerative neurology and cardiology and we detect those ones which are common to both fields and some, which are field-specific. With the goal to elucidate strategies which might be shared between regenerative neurology and cardiology we discuss methodological solutions which can help each of the fields to accelerate their development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinko Mitrečić
- Laboratory for Stem Cells, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Histology and Embryology, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Valentina Hribljan
- Laboratory for Stem Cells, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Histology and Embryology, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Denis Jagečić
- Laboratory for Stem Cells, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Histology and Embryology, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | | | - Federica Lamberto
- BioTalentum Ltd., Aulich Lajos Str. 26, 2100 Gordillo, Hungary
- Department of Physiology and Animal Health, Institute of Physiology and Animal Health, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Páter Károly Str. 1, 2100 Godollo, Hungary
| | - Alex Horánszky
- BioTalentum Ltd., Aulich Lajos Str. 26, 2100 Gordillo, Hungary
- Department of Physiology and Animal Health, Institute of Physiology and Animal Health, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Páter Károly Str. 1, 2100 Godollo, Hungary
| | - Melinda Zana
- BioTalentum Ltd., Aulich Lajos Str. 26, 2100 Gordillo, Hungary
| | - Gabor Foldes
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, 1122 Budapest, Hungary
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Barbara Zavan
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Augustas Pivoriūnas
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, LT-01102 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Salvador Martinez
- Instituto de Neurociencias UMH-CSIC, 03550 San Juan de Alicante, Spain
| | - Letizia Mazzini
- ALS Center, Department of Neurology, Maggiore della Carità Hospital, University of Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Lidija Radenovic
- Center for Laser Microscopy, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Jelena Milasin
- Laboratory for Stem Cell Research, School of Dental Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Juan Carlos Chachques
- Laboratory of Biosurgical Research, Pompidou Hospital, University of Paris, 75006 Paris, France
| | - Leonora Buzanska
- Department of Stem Cell Bioengineering, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Min Suk Song
- Omnion Research International Ltd., 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - András Dinnyés
- BioTalentum Ltd., Aulich Lajos Str. 26, 2100 Gordillo, Hungary
- Department of Physiology and Animal Health, Institute of Physiology and Animal Health, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Páter Károly Str. 1, 2100 Godollo, Hungary
- HCEMM-USZ Stem Cell Research Group, Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine, University of Szeged, 6720 Szeged, Hungary
- College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
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20
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Sharma NS, Karan A, Lee D, Yan Z, Xie J. Advances in Modeling Alzheimer's Disease In Vitro. ADVANCED NANOBIOMED RESEARCH 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/anbr.202100097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Navatha Shree Sharma
- Department of Surgery-Transplant and Mary & Dick Holland Regenerative Medicine Program University of Nebraska Medical Center Omaha NE 68198 USA
| | - Anik Karan
- Department of Surgery-Transplant and Mary & Dick Holland Regenerative Medicine Program University of Nebraska Medical Center Omaha NE 68198 USA
| | - Donghee Lee
- Department of Surgery-Transplant and Mary & Dick Holland Regenerative Medicine Program University of Nebraska Medical Center Omaha NE 68198 USA
| | - Zheng Yan
- Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering and Department of Biomedical Biological and Chemical Engineering University of Missouri Columbia MO 65211 USA
| | - Jingwei Xie
- Department of Surgery-Transplant and Mary & Dick Holland Regenerative Medicine Program University of Nebraska Medical Center Omaha NE 68198 USA
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering College of Engineering University of Nebraska Lincoln Lincoln NE 68588 USA
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21
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Vignon A, Salvador-Prince L, Lehmann S, Perrier V, Torrent J. Deconstructing Alzheimer's Disease: How to Bridge the Gap between Experimental Models and the Human Pathology? Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:8769. [PMID: 34445475 PMCID: PMC8395727 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Discovered more than a century ago, Alzheimer's disease (AD) is not only still present in our societies but has also become the most common dementia, with 50 million people worldwide affected by the disease. This number is expected to double in the next generation, and no cure is currently available to slow down or stop the disease progression. Recently, some advances were made due to the approval of the aducanumab treatment by the American Food and Drug Administration. The etiology of this human-specific disease remains poorly understood, and the mechanisms of its development have not been completely clarified. Several hypotheses concerning the molecular mechanisms of AD have been proposed, but the existing studies focus primarily on the two main markers of the disease: the amyloid β peptides, whose aggregation in the brain generates amyloid plaques, and the abnormally phosphorylated tau proteins, which are responsible for neurofibrillary tangles. These protein aggregates induce neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration, which, in turn, lead to cognitive and behavioral deficits. The challenge is, therefore, to create models that best reproduce this pathology. This review aims at gathering the different existing AD models developed in vitro, in cellulo, and in vivo. Many models have already been set up, but it is necessary to identify the most relevant ones for our investigations. The purpose of the review is to help researchers to identify the most pertinent disease models, from the most often used to the most recently generated and from simple to complex, explaining their specificities and giving concrete examples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anaïs Vignon
- INM, University of Montpellier, INSERM, 34095 Montpellier, France; (A.V.); (L.S.-P.)
| | - Lucie Salvador-Prince
- INM, University of Montpellier, INSERM, 34095 Montpellier, France; (A.V.); (L.S.-P.)
| | - Sylvain Lehmann
- INM, University of Montpellier, INSERM, CHU Montpellier, 34095 Montpellier, France;
| | - Véronique Perrier
- INM, University of Montpellier, INSERM, CNRS, 34095 Montpellier, France
| | - Joan Torrent
- INM, University of Montpellier, INSERM, 34095 Montpellier, France; (A.V.); (L.S.-P.)
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22
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Ngo MT, Harley BAC. Progress in mimicking brain microenvironments to understand and treat neurological disorders. APL Bioeng 2021; 5:020902. [PMID: 33869984 PMCID: PMC8034983 DOI: 10.1063/5.0043338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurological disorders including traumatic brain injury, stroke, primary and metastatic brain tumors, and neurodegenerative diseases affect millions of people worldwide. Disease progression is accompanied by changes in the brain microenvironment, but how these shifts in biochemical, biophysical, and cellular properties contribute to repair outcomes or continued degeneration is largely unknown. Tissue engineering approaches can be used to develop in vitro models to understand how the brain microenvironment contributes to pathophysiological processes linked to neurological disorders and may also offer constructs that promote healing and regeneration in vivo. In this Perspective, we summarize features of the brain microenvironment in normal and pathophysiological states and highlight strategies to mimic this environment to model disease, investigate neural stem cell biology, and promote regenerative healing. We discuss current limitations and resulting opportunities to develop tissue engineering tools that more faithfully recapitulate the aspects of the brain microenvironment for both in vitro and in vivo applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mai T. Ngo
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
| | - Brendan A. C. Harley
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed:. Tel.: (217) 244-7112. Fax: (217) 333-5052
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23
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Kajtez J, Nilsson F, Fiorenzano A, Parmar M, Emnéus J. 3D biomaterial models of human brain disease. Neurochem Int 2021; 147:105043. [PMID: 33887378 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2021.105043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Inherent limitations of the traditional approaches to study brain function and disease, such as rodent models and 2D cell culture platforms, have led to the development of 3D in vitro cell culture systems. These systems, products of multidisciplinary efforts encompassing stem cell biology, materials engineering, and biofabrication, have quickly shown great potential to mimic biochemical composition, structural properties, and cellular morphology and diversity found in the native brain tissue. Crucial to these developments have been the advancements in stem cell technology and cell reprogramming protocols that allow reproducible generation of human subtype-specific neurons and glia in laboratory conditions. At the same time, biomaterials have been designed to provide cells in 3D with a microenvironment that mimics functional and structural aspects of the native extracellular matrix with increasing fidelity. In this article, we review the use of biomaterials in 3D in vitro models of neurological disorders with focus on hydrogel technology and with biochemical composition and physical properties of the in vivo environment as reference.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janko Kajtez
- Department of Experimental Medical Sciences, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Division of Neurobiology and Lund Stem Cell Center, BMC A11, Lund University, Lund, S-22184, Sweden.
| | - Fredrik Nilsson
- Department of Experimental Medical Sciences, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Division of Neurobiology and Lund Stem Cell Center, BMC A11, Lund University, Lund, S-22184, Sweden
| | - Alessandro Fiorenzano
- Department of Experimental Medical Sciences, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Division of Neurobiology and Lund Stem Cell Center, BMC A11, Lund University, Lund, S-22184, Sweden
| | - Malin Parmar
- Department of Experimental Medical Sciences, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Division of Neurobiology and Lund Stem Cell Center, BMC A11, Lund University, Lund, S-22184, Sweden
| | - Jenny Emnéus
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine (DTU Bioengineering), Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
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24
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Rouleau N, Cairns DM, Rusk W, Levin M, Kaplan DL. Learning and synaptic plasticity in 3D bioengineered neural tissues. Neurosci Lett 2021; 750:135799. [PMID: 33675883 PMCID: PMC7994196 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2021.135799] [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: 08/06/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Though neuroscientists have historically relied upon measurement of established nervous systems, contemporary advances in bioengineering have made it possible to design and build artificial neural tissues with which to investigate normative and diseased states [1-5] however, their potential to display features of learning and memory remains unexplored. Here, we demonstrate response patterns characteristic of habituation, a form of non-associative learning, in 3D bioengineered neural tissues exposed to repetitive injections of current to elicit evoked-potentials (EPs). A return of the evoked response following rest indicated learning was transient and partially reversible. Applying patterned current as massed or distributed pulse trains induced differential expression of immediate early genes (IEG) that are known to facilitate synaptic plasticity and participate in memory formation [6,7]. Our findings represent the first demonstration of a learning response in a bioengineered neural tissue in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Rouleau
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, United States; The Allen Discovery Center, Tufts University, United States; Initiative for Neural Science, Disease, and Engineering (INSciDE), Tufts University, United States.
| | - Dana M Cairns
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, United States; The Allen Discovery Center, Tufts University, United States; Initiative for Neural Science, Disease, and Engineering (INSciDE), Tufts University, United States.
| | - William Rusk
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, United States.
| | - Michael Levin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, United States; The Allen Discovery Center, Tufts University, United States; Department of Biology, Tufts University, United States.
| | - David L Kaplan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, United States; The Allen Discovery Center, Tufts University, United States; Initiative for Neural Science, Disease, and Engineering (INSciDE), Tufts University, United States.
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25
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Rouleau N, Murugan NJ, Kaplan DL. Toward Studying Cognition in a Dish. Trends Cogn Sci 2021; 25:294-304. [PMID: 33546973 PMCID: PMC7946736 DOI: 10.1016/j.tics.2021.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2020] [Revised: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Bioengineered neural tissues help advance our understanding of neurodevelopment, regeneration, and neural disease; however, it remains unclear whether they can replicate higher-order functions including cognition. Building upon technical achievements in the fields of biomaterials, tissue engineering, and cell biology, investigators have generated an assortment of artificial brain structures and cocultured circuits. Though they have displayed basic electrochemical signaling, their capacities to generate minimal patterns of information processing suggestive of high-order cognitive analogues have not yet been explored. Here, we review the current state of neural tissue engineering and consider the possibility of a study of cognition in vitro. We adopt a practical definition of minimal cognition, anticipate problems of measurement, and discuss solutions toward a study of cognition in a dish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Rouleau
- Department of Psychology, Algoma University, 1520 Queen Street East, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada, P6A 2G4; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Science and Technology Center, 4 Colby Street, Medford, MA 02155, USA
| | - Nirosha J Murugan
- Department of Biology, Algoma University, 1520 Queen Street East, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada, P6A 2G4
| | - David L Kaplan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Science and Technology Center, 4 Colby Street, Medford, MA 02155, USA.
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Current State-of-the-Art and Unresolved Problems in Using Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Dopamine Neurons for Parkinson's Disease Drug Development. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22073381. [PMID: 33806103 PMCID: PMC8037675 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22073381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells have the potential to give rise to a new era in Parkinson's disease (PD) research. As a unique source of midbrain dopaminergic (DA) neurons, iPS cells provide unparalleled capabilities for investigating the pathogenesis of PD, the development of novel anti-parkinsonian drugs, and personalized therapy design. Significant progress in developmental biology of midbrain DA neurons laid the foundation for their efficient derivation from iPS cells. The introduction of 3D culture methods to mimic the brain microenvironment further expanded the vast opportunities of iPS cell-based research of the neurodegenerative diseases. However, while the benefits for basic and applied studies provided by iPS cells receive widespread coverage in the current literature, the drawbacks of this model in its current state, and in particular, the aspects of differentiation protocols requiring further refinement are commonly overlooked. This review summarizes the recent data on general and subtype-specific features of midbrain DA neurons and their development. Here, we review the current protocols for derivation of DA neurons from human iPS cells and outline their general weak spots. The associated gaps in the contemporary knowledge are considered and the possible directions for future research that may assist in improving the differentiation conditions and increase the efficiency of using iPS cell-derived neurons for PD drug development are discussed.
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Koroleva A, Deiwick A, El-Tamer A, Koch L, Shi Y, Estévez-Priego E, Ludl AA, Soriano J, Guseva D, Ponimaskin E, Chichkov B. In Vitro Development of Human iPSC-Derived Functional Neuronal Networks on Laser-Fabricated 3D Scaffolds. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:7839-7853. [PMID: 33559469 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c16616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Neural progenitor cells generated from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) are the forefront of ″brain-on-chip″ investigations. Viable and functional hiPSC-derived neuronal networks are shaping powerful in vitro models for evaluating the normal and abnormal formation of cortical circuits, understanding the underlying disease mechanisms, and investigating the response to drugs. They therefore represent a desirable instrument for both the scientific community and the pharmacological industry. However, culture conditions required for the full functional maturation of individual neurons and networks are still unidentified. It has been recognized that three-dimensional (3D) culture conditions can better emulate in vivo neuronal tissue development compared to 2D cultures and thus provide a more desirable in vitro approach. In this paper, we present the design and implementation of a 3D scaffold platform that supports and promotes intricate neuronal network development. 3D scaffolds were produced through direct laser writing by two-photon polymerization (2PP), a high-resolution 3D laser microstructuring technology, using the biocompatible and nondegradable photoreactive resin Dental LT Clear (DClear). Neurons developed and interconnected on a 3D environment shaped by vertically stacked scaffold layers. The developed networks could support different cell types. Starting at the day 50 of 3D culture, neuronal progenitor cells could develop into cortical projection neurons (CNPs) of all six layers, different types of inhibitory neurons, and glia. Additionally and in contrast to 2D conditions, 3D scaffolds supported the long-term culturing of neuronal networks over the course of 120 days. Network health and functionality were probed through calcium imaging, which revealed a strong spontaneous neuronal activity that combined individual and collective events. Taken together, our results highlight advanced microstructured 3D scaffolds as a reliable platform for the 3D in vitro modeling of neuronal functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Koroleva
- Institute of Quantum Optics, Leibniz University Hannover, 30167 Hannover, Germany
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
- Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V., 30419 Hannover, Germany
| | - Andrea Deiwick
- Institute of Quantum Optics, Leibniz University Hannover, 30167 Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Lothar Koch
- Institute of Quantum Optics, Leibniz University Hannover, 30167 Hannover, Germany
| | - Yichen Shi
- Axol Bioscience Ltd., CB10 1XL Cambridge, UK
| | - Estefanía Estévez-Priego
- Departament de Física de la Matèria Condensada, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat de Barcelona Institute of Complex Systems (UBICS), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Adriaan-Alexander Ludl
- Departament de Física de la Matèria Condensada, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat de Barcelona Institute of Complex Systems (UBICS), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Computational Biology Unit, Department of Informatics, University of Bergen, 5020 Bergen, Norway
| | - Jordi Soriano
- Departament de Física de la Matèria Condensada, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat de Barcelona Institute of Complex Systems (UBICS), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Daria Guseva
- Cellular Neurophysiology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
- Department of Nutritional Medicine, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Evgeni Ponimaskin
- Cellular Neurophysiology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Boris Chichkov
- Institute of Quantum Optics, Leibniz University Hannover, 30167 Hannover, Germany
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28
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Moysidou CM, Barberio C, Owens RM. Advances in Engineering Human Tissue Models. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2021; 8:620962. [PMID: 33585419 PMCID: PMC7877542 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.620962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Research in cell biology greatly relies on cell-based in vitro assays and models that facilitate the investigation and understanding of specific biological events and processes under different conditions. The quality of such experimental models and particularly the level at which they represent cell behavior in the native tissue, is of critical importance for our understanding of cell interactions within tissues and organs. Conventionally, in vitro models are based on experimental manipulation of mammalian cells, grown as monolayers on flat, two-dimensional (2D) substrates. Despite the amazing progress and discoveries achieved with flat biology models, our ability to translate biological insights has been limited, since the 2D environment does not reflect the physiological behavior of cells in real tissues. Advances in 3D cell biology and engineering have led to the development of a new generation of cell culture formats that can better recapitulate the in vivo microenvironment, allowing us to examine cells and their interactions in a more biomimetic context. Modern biomedical research has at its disposal novel technological approaches that promote development of more sophisticated and robust tissue engineering in vitro models, including scaffold- or hydrogel-based formats, organotypic cultures, and organs-on-chips. Even though such systems are necessarily simplified to capture a particular range of physiology, their ability to model specific processes of human biology is greatly valued for their potential to close the gap between conventional animal studies and human (patho-) physiology. Here, we review recent advances in 3D biomimetic cultures, focusing on the technological bricks available to develop more physiologically relevant in vitro models of human tissues. By highlighting applications and examples of several physiological and disease models, we identify the limitations and challenges which the field needs to address in order to more effectively incorporate synthetic biomimetic culture platforms into biomedical research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Róisín Meabh Owens
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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29
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Dingle YTL, Bonzanni M, Liaudanskaya V, Nieland TJ, Kaplan DL. Integrated functional neuronal network analysis of 3D silk-collagen scaffold-based mouse cortical culture. STAR Protoc 2021; 2:100292. [PMID: 33537680 PMCID: PMC7841403 DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2020.100292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Bioengineered 3D tunable neuronal constructs are a versatile platform for studying neuronal network functions, offering numerous advantages over existing technologies and providing for the discovery of new biological insights. Functional neural networks can be evaluated using calcium imaging and quantitatively described using network science. This protocol includes instructions for fabricating protein-based composite scaffolds, 3D in vitro culture of embryonic mouse cortical neurons, virally induced expression of GCaMP6f, wide-field calcium imaging, and computational analysis with open-source software and custom MATLAB code. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Dingle et al. (2020).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Ting L. Dingle
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA
- Corresponding author
| | - Mattia Bonzanni
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA
| | - Volha Liaudanskaya
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA
| | - Thomas J.F. Nieland
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA
| | - David L. Kaplan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA
- Corresponding author
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30
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Venkataraman L, Fair SR, McElroy CA, Hester ME, Fu H. Modeling neurodegenerative diseases with cerebral organoids and other three-dimensional culture systems: focus on Alzheimer's disease. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2020; 18:696-717. [PMID: 33180261 PMCID: PMC7658915 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-020-10068-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Many neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, frontotemporal dementia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Huntington’s disease, are characterized by the progressive accumulation of abnormal proteinaceous assemblies in specific cell types and regions of the brain, leading to cellular dysfunction and brain damage. Although animal- and in vitro-based studies of NDs have provided the field with an extensive understanding of some of the mechanisms underlying these diseases, findings from these studies have not yielded substantial progress in identifying treatment options for patient populations. This necessitates the development of complementary model systems that are better suited to recapitulate human-specific features of ND pathogenesis. Three-dimensional (3D) culture systems, such as cerebral organoids generated from human induced pluripotent stem cells, hold significant potential to model NDs in a complex, tissue-like environment. In this review, we discuss the advantages of 3D culture systems and 3D modeling of NDs, especially AD and FTD. We also provide an overview of the challenges and limitations of the current 3D culture systems. Finally, we propose a few potential future directions in applying state-of-the-art technologies in 3D culture systems to understand the mechanisms of NDs and to accelerate drug discovery. Graphical abstract ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Lalitha Venkataraman
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, 616 Biomedical Research Tower, 460 W. 12th Ave, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Summer R Fair
- The Steve and Cindy Rasmussen Institute for Genomic Medicine, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, 575 Children's Crossroad, Columbus, OH, 43215, USA
- College of Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Craig A McElroy
- College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Mark E Hester
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, 616 Biomedical Research Tower, 460 W. 12th Ave, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.
- The Steve and Cindy Rasmussen Institute for Genomic Medicine, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, 575 Children's Crossroad, Columbus, OH, 43215, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA.
| | - Hongjun Fu
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, 616 Biomedical Research Tower, 460 W. 12th Ave, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.
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31
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Dingle YTL, Liaudanskaya V, Finnegan LT, Berlind KC, Mizzoni C, Georgakoudi I, Nieland TJF, Kaplan DL. Functional Characterization of Three-Dimensional Cortical Cultures for In Vitro Modeling of Brain Networks. iScience 2020; 23:101434. [PMID: 32805649 PMCID: PMC7452433 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.101434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Revised: 06/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) in vitro cultures recapitulate key features of the brain including morphology, cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix interactions, gradients of factors, and mechanical properties. However, there remains a need for experimental and computational tools to investigate network functions in these 3D models. To address this need, we present an experimental system based on 3D scaffold-based cortical neuron cultures in which we expressed the genetically encoded calcium indicator GCaMP6f to record neuronal activity at the millimeter-scale. Functional neural network descriptors were computed with graph-theory-based network analysis methods, showing the formation of functional networks at 3 weeks of culture. Changes to the functional network properties upon perturbations to glutamatergic neurotransmission or GABAergic neurotransmission were quantitatively characterized. The results illustrate the applicability of our 3D experimental system for the study of brain network development, function, and disruption in a biomimetic microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Ting L Dingle
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 200 College Avenue, Medford, MA 02155, USA
| | - Volha Liaudanskaya
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 200 College Avenue, Medford, MA 02155, USA
| | - Liam T Finnegan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 200 College Avenue, Medford, MA 02155, USA
| | - Kyler C Berlind
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 200 College Avenue, Medford, MA 02155, USA
| | - Craig Mizzoni
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 200 College Avenue, Medford, MA 02155, USA
| | - Irene Georgakoudi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 200 College Avenue, Medford, MA 02155, USA
| | - Thomas J F Nieland
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 200 College Avenue, Medford, MA 02155, USA
| | - David L Kaplan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 200 College Avenue, Medford, MA 02155, USA.
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32
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Rouleau N, Bonzanni M, Erndt-Marino JD, Sievert K, Ramirez CG, Rusk W, Levin M, Kaplan DL. A 3D Tissue Model of Traumatic Brain Injury with Excitotoxicity That Is Inhibited by Chronic Exposure to Gabapentinoids. Biomolecules 2020; 10:E1196. [PMID: 32824600 PMCID: PMC7463727 DOI: 10.3390/biom10081196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Revised: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Injury progression associated with cerebral laceration is insidious. Following the initial trauma, brain tissues become hyperexcitable, begetting further damage that compounds the initial impact over time. Clinicians have adopted several strategies to mitigate the effects of secondary brain injury; however, higher throughput screening tools with modular flexibility are needed to expedite mechanistic studies and drug discovery that will contribute to the enhanced protection, repair, and even the regeneration of neural tissues. Here we present a novel bioengineered cortical brain model of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that displays characteristics of primary and secondary injury, including an outwardly radiating cell death phenotype and increased glutamate release with excitotoxic features. DNA content and tissue function were normalized by high-concentration, chronic administrations of gabapentinoids. Additional experiments suggested that the treatment effects were likely neuroprotective rather than regenerative, as evidenced by the drug-mediated decreases in cell excitability and an absence of drug-induced proliferation. We conclude that the present model of traumatic brain injury demonstrates validity and can serve as a customizable experimental platform to assess the individual contribution of cell types on TBI progression, as well as to screen anti-excitotoxic and pro-regenerative compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Rouleau
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Technology Center, 4 Colby Street, School of Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA; (N.R.); (M.B.); (J.D.E.-M.); (K.S.); (C.G.R.); (W.R.)
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Initiative for Neural Science, Disease, and Engineering (INSciDE), Science & Engineering Complex, 200 College Avenue, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA
- Department of Biology, Allen Discovery Center at Tufts University, Science & Engineering Complex, 200 College, Avenue, Medford, MA 021553, USA;
| | - Mattia Bonzanni
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Technology Center, 4 Colby Street, School of Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA; (N.R.); (M.B.); (J.D.E.-M.); (K.S.); (C.G.R.); (W.R.)
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Initiative for Neural Science, Disease, and Engineering (INSciDE), Science & Engineering Complex, 200 College Avenue, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA
- Department of Biology, Allen Discovery Center at Tufts University, Science & Engineering Complex, 200 College, Avenue, Medford, MA 021553, USA;
| | - Joshua D. Erndt-Marino
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Technology Center, 4 Colby Street, School of Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA; (N.R.); (M.B.); (J.D.E.-M.); (K.S.); (C.G.R.); (W.R.)
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Initiative for Neural Science, Disease, and Engineering (INSciDE), Science & Engineering Complex, 200 College Avenue, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA
- Department of Biology, Allen Discovery Center at Tufts University, Science & Engineering Complex, 200 College, Avenue, Medford, MA 021553, USA;
| | - Katja Sievert
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Technology Center, 4 Colby Street, School of Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA; (N.R.); (M.B.); (J.D.E.-M.); (K.S.); (C.G.R.); (W.R.)
| | - Camila G. Ramirez
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Technology Center, 4 Colby Street, School of Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA; (N.R.); (M.B.); (J.D.E.-M.); (K.S.); (C.G.R.); (W.R.)
| | - William Rusk
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Technology Center, 4 Colby Street, School of Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA; (N.R.); (M.B.); (J.D.E.-M.); (K.S.); (C.G.R.); (W.R.)
| | - Michael Levin
- Department of Biology, Allen Discovery Center at Tufts University, Science & Engineering Complex, 200 College, Avenue, Medford, MA 021553, USA;
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - David L. Kaplan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Technology Center, 4 Colby Street, School of Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA; (N.R.); (M.B.); (J.D.E.-M.); (K.S.); (C.G.R.); (W.R.)
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Initiative for Neural Science, Disease, and Engineering (INSciDE), Science & Engineering Complex, 200 College Avenue, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA
- Department of Biology, Allen Discovery Center at Tufts University, Science & Engineering Complex, 200 College, Avenue, Medford, MA 021553, USA;
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33
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Rouleau N, Murugan NJ, Rusk W, Koester C, Kaplan DL. Matrix Deformation with Ectopic Cells Induced by Rotational Motion in Bioengineered Neural Tissues. Ann Biomed Eng 2020; 48:2192-2203. [PMID: 32671625 PMCID: PMC7405955 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-020-02561-6] [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: 03/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The brain's extracellular matrix (ECM) is a dynamic protein-based scaffold within which neural networks can form, self-maintain, and re-model. When the brain incurs injuries, microscopic tissue tears and active ECM re-modelling give way to abnormal brain structure and function including the presence of ectopic cells. Post-mortem and neuroimaging data suggest that the brains of jet pilots and astronauts, who are exposed to rotational forces, accelerations, and microgravity, display brain anomalies which could be indicative of a mechanodisruptive pathology. Here we present a model of non-impact-based brain injury induced by matrix deformation following mechanical shaking. Using a bioengineered 3D neural tissue platform, we designed a repetitive shaking paradigm to simulate subtle rotational acceleration. Our results indicate shaking induced ectopic cell clustering that could be inhibited by physically restraining tissue movement. Imaging revealed that the collagen substrate surrounding cells was deformed following shaking. Applied to neonatal rat brains, shaking induced deformation of extracellular spaces within the cerebral cortices and reduced the number of cell bodies at higher accelerations. We hypothesize that ECM deformation may represent a more significant role in brain injury progression than previously assumed and that the present model system contributes to its understanding as a phenomenon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Rouleau
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Science & Technology Center, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
- Initiative for Neural Science, Disease, and Engineering (INSciDE), Tufts University, Medford, USA
- The Allen Discovery Center, Tufts University, Medford, USA
| | - Nirosha J Murugan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Science & Technology Center, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
- The Allen Discovery Center, Tufts University, Medford, USA
- Department of Biology, Tufts University, Medford, USA
| | - William Rusk
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Science & Technology Center, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
| | - Cole Koester
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Science & Technology Center, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
| | - David L Kaplan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Science & Technology Center, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA.
- Initiative for Neural Science, Disease, and Engineering (INSciDE), Tufts University, Medford, USA.
- The Allen Discovery Center, Tufts University, Medford, USA.
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