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García-Chamé M, Wadhwani P, Pfeifer J, Schepers U, Niemeyer CM, Domínguez CM. A Versatile Microfluidic Platform for Extravasation Studies Based on DNA Origami-Cell Interactions. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202318805. [PMID: 38687094 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202318805] [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: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
The adhesion of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) to the endothelial lumen and their extravasation to surrounding tissues are crucial in the seeding of metastases and remain the most complex events of the metastatic cascade to study. Integrins expressed on CTCs are major regulators of the extravasation process. This knowledge is primarily derived from animal models and biomimetic systems based on artificial endothelial layers, but these methods have ethical or technical limitations. We present a versatile microfluidic device to study cancer cell extravasation that mimics the endothelial barrier by using a porous membrane functionalized with DNA origami nanostructures (DONs) that display nanoscale patterns of adhesion peptides to circulating cancer cells. The device simulates physiological flow conditions and allows direct visualization of cell transmigration through microchannel pores using 3D confocal imaging. Using this system, we studied integrin-specific adhesion in the absence of other adhesive events. Specifically, we show that the transmigration ability of the metastatic cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 is influenced by the type, distance, and density of adhesion peptides present on the DONs. Furthermore, studies with mixed ligand systems indicate that integrins binding to RGD (arginine-glycine-aspartic acid) and IDS (isoleucine-aspartic acid-serine) did not synergistically enhance the extravasation process of MDA-MB-231 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel García-Chamé
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Institute for Biological Interfaces 1 (IBG 1), Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz, 76344, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Parvesh Wadhwani
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Institute for Biological Interfaces 2 (IBG 2), Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz, 76344, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Juliana Pfeifer
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Institute of Functional Interfaces (IFG), Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz, 76344, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Ute Schepers
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Institute of Functional Interfaces (IFG), Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz, 76344, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Christof M Niemeyer
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Institute for Biological Interfaces 1 (IBG 1), Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz, 76344, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Carmen M Domínguez
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Institute for Biological Interfaces 1 (IBG 1), Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz, 76344, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
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2
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Vergara EJ, Tran AC, Paul MJ, Harrison T, Cooper A, Reljic R. A modified mycobacterial growth inhibition assay for the functional assessment of vaccine-mediated immunity. NPJ Vaccines 2024; 9:123. [PMID: 38956057 PMCID: PMC11219912 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-024-00906-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The Mycobacterial growth inhibition assay (MGIA) is an ex-vivo assay used to measure the overall functional immune response elicited by infection or vaccination. In tuberculosis (TB) vaccine development, MGIA is a potentially important tool for preclinical evaluation of early-stage vaccine candidates to complement existing assays, and to potentially reduce the need for lengthy and costly pathogenic Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) animal challenge experiments. The conventional method of MGIA in mice entails directly infecting mixed cell cultures, most commonly splenocytes, from immunised mice with mycobacteria. However, this direct infection of mixed cell populations may yield unreliable results and lacks sufficient sensitivity to discriminate well between different vaccines due to the low number of mycobacteria-permissive cells. Here, we modified the assay by inclusion of mycobacteria-infected congenic murine macrophage cell lines as the target cells, and by measuring the total number of killed cells rather than the relative reduction between different groups. Thus, using splenocytes from Mycobacterium bovis BCG immunised mice, and J774 and MH-S (BALB/c background) or BL/6-M (C57Bl/6 background) macrophage cell lines, we demonstrated that the modified assay resulted in at least 26-fold greater mycobacterial killing per set quantity of splenocytes as compared to the conventional method. This increased sensitivity of measuring mycobacterial killing was confirmed using both the standard culture forming unit (CFU) assay and luminescence readings of luciferase-tagged virulent and avirulent mycobacteria. We propose that the modified MGIA can be used as a highly calibrated tool for quantitating the killing capacity of immune cells in preclinical evaluation of vaccine candidates for TB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emil Joseph Vergara
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, St. George's University of London, London, UK
| | - Andy Cano Tran
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, St. George's University of London, London, UK
| | - Matthew J Paul
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, St. George's University of London, London, UK
| | - Thomas Harrison
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, St. George's University of London, London, UK
| | - Andrea Cooper
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Rajko Reljic
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, St. George's University of London, London, UK.
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3
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Baturalp TB, Bozkurt S. Design and Analysis of a Polymeric Left Ventricular Simulator via Computational Modelling. Biomimetics (Basel) 2024; 9:269. [PMID: 38786479 PMCID: PMC11117906 DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics9050269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Preclinical testing of medical devices is an essential step in the product life cycle, whereas testing of cardiovascular implants requires specialised testbeds or numerical simulations using computer software Ansys 2016. Existing test setups used to evaluate physiological scenarios and test cardiac implants such as mock circulatory systems or isolated beating heart platforms are driven by sophisticated hardware which comes at a high cost or raises ethical concerns. On the other hand, computational methods used to simulate blood flow in the cardiovascular system may be simplified or computationally expensive. Therefore, there is a need for low-cost, relatively simple and efficient test beds that can provide realistic conditions to simulate physiological scenarios and evaluate cardiovascular devices. In this study, the concept design of a novel left ventricular simulator made of latex rubber and actuated by pneumatic artificial muscles is presented. The designed left ventricular simulator is geometrically similar to a native left ventricle, whereas the basal diameter and long axis length are within an anatomical range. Finite element simulations evaluating left ventricular twisting and shortening predicted that the designed left ventricular simulator rotates approximately 17 degrees at the apex and the long axis shortens around 11 mm. Experimental results showed that the twist angle is 18 degrees and the left ventricular simulator shortens 5 mm. Twist angles and long axis shortening as in a native left ventricle show it is capable of functioning like a native left ventricle and simulating a variety of scenarios, and therefore has the potential to be used as a test platform.
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Affiliation(s)
- Turgut Batuhan Baturalp
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Texas Tech University, P.O. Box 41021, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA
| | - Selim Bozkurt
- School of Engineering, Ulster University, York Street, Belfast BT15 1AP, UK
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4
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Kaplan BLF, Hoberman AM, Slikker W, Smith MA, Corsini E, Knudsen TB, Marty MS, Sobrian SK, Fitzpatrick SC, Ratner MH, Mendrick DL. Protecting Human and Animal Health: The Road from Animal Models to New Approach Methods. Pharmacol Rev 2024; 76:251-266. [PMID: 38351072 PMCID: PMC10877708 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.123.000967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Animals and animal models have been invaluable for our current understanding of human and animal biology, including physiology, pharmacology, biochemistry, and disease pathology. However, there are increasing concerns with continued use of animals in basic biomedical, pharmacological, and regulatory research to provide safety assessments for drugs and chemicals. There are concerns that animals do not provide sufficient information on toxicity and/or efficacy to protect the target population, so scientists are utilizing the principles of replacement, reduction, and refinement (the 3Rs) and increasing the development and application of new approach methods (NAMs). NAMs are any technology, methodology, approach, or assay used to understand the effects and mechanisms of drugs or chemicals, with specific focus on applying the 3Rs. Although progress has been made in several areas with NAMs, complete replacement of animal models with NAMs is not yet attainable. The road to NAMs requires additional development, increased use, and, for regulatory decision making, usually formal validation. Moreover, it is likely that replacement of animal models with NAMs will require multiple assays to ensure sufficient biologic coverage. The purpose of this manuscript is to provide a balanced view of the current state of the use of animal models and NAMs as approaches to development, safety, efficacy, and toxicity testing of drugs and chemicals. Animals do not provide all needed information nor do NAMs, but each can elucidate key pieces of the puzzle of human and animal biology and contribute to the goal of protecting human and animal health. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Data from traditional animal studies have predominantly been used to inform human health safety and efficacy. Although it is unlikely that all animal studies will be able to be replaced, with the continued advancement in new approach methods (NAMs), it is possible that sometime in the future, NAMs will likely be an important component by which the discovery, efficacy, and toxicity testing of drugs and chemicals is conducted and regulatory decisions are made.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara L F Kaplan
- Center for Environmental Health Sciences, Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi (B.L.F.K.); Charles River Laboratories, Inc., Horsham, Pennsylvania (A.M.H.); Retired, National Center for Toxicological Research, Jefferson, Arkansas (W.S.); University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia (M.A.S.); Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, 'Rodolfo Paoletti' Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy (E.C.); US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina (T.B.K.); Dow, Inc., Midland, Michigan (M.S.M.); Howard University College of Medicine, Washington DC (S.K.S.); Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, US Food and Drug Administration, College Park, Maryland (S.C.F.); Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts (M.H.R.); and National Center for Toxicological Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland (D.L.M.)
| | - Alan M Hoberman
- Center for Environmental Health Sciences, Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi (B.L.F.K.); Charles River Laboratories, Inc., Horsham, Pennsylvania (A.M.H.); Retired, National Center for Toxicological Research, Jefferson, Arkansas (W.S.); University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia (M.A.S.); Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, 'Rodolfo Paoletti' Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy (E.C.); US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina (T.B.K.); Dow, Inc., Midland, Michigan (M.S.M.); Howard University College of Medicine, Washington DC (S.K.S.); Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, US Food and Drug Administration, College Park, Maryland (S.C.F.); Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts (M.H.R.); and National Center for Toxicological Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland (D.L.M.)
| | - William Slikker
- Center for Environmental Health Sciences, Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi (B.L.F.K.); Charles River Laboratories, Inc., Horsham, Pennsylvania (A.M.H.); Retired, National Center for Toxicological Research, Jefferson, Arkansas (W.S.); University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia (M.A.S.); Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, 'Rodolfo Paoletti' Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy (E.C.); US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina (T.B.K.); Dow, Inc., Midland, Michigan (M.S.M.); Howard University College of Medicine, Washington DC (S.K.S.); Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, US Food and Drug Administration, College Park, Maryland (S.C.F.); Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts (M.H.R.); and National Center for Toxicological Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland (D.L.M.)
| | - Mary Alice Smith
- Center for Environmental Health Sciences, Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi (B.L.F.K.); Charles River Laboratories, Inc., Horsham, Pennsylvania (A.M.H.); Retired, National Center for Toxicological Research, Jefferson, Arkansas (W.S.); University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia (M.A.S.); Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, 'Rodolfo Paoletti' Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy (E.C.); US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina (T.B.K.); Dow, Inc., Midland, Michigan (M.S.M.); Howard University College of Medicine, Washington DC (S.K.S.); Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, US Food and Drug Administration, College Park, Maryland (S.C.F.); Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts (M.H.R.); and National Center for Toxicological Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland (D.L.M.)
| | - Emanuela Corsini
- Center for Environmental Health Sciences, Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi (B.L.F.K.); Charles River Laboratories, Inc., Horsham, Pennsylvania (A.M.H.); Retired, National Center for Toxicological Research, Jefferson, Arkansas (W.S.); University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia (M.A.S.); Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, 'Rodolfo Paoletti' Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy (E.C.); US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina (T.B.K.); Dow, Inc., Midland, Michigan (M.S.M.); Howard University College of Medicine, Washington DC (S.K.S.); Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, US Food and Drug Administration, College Park, Maryland (S.C.F.); Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts (M.H.R.); and National Center for Toxicological Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland (D.L.M.)
| | - Thomas B Knudsen
- Center for Environmental Health Sciences, Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi (B.L.F.K.); Charles River Laboratories, Inc., Horsham, Pennsylvania (A.M.H.); Retired, National Center for Toxicological Research, Jefferson, Arkansas (W.S.); University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia (M.A.S.); Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, 'Rodolfo Paoletti' Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy (E.C.); US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina (T.B.K.); Dow, Inc., Midland, Michigan (M.S.M.); Howard University College of Medicine, Washington DC (S.K.S.); Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, US Food and Drug Administration, College Park, Maryland (S.C.F.); Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts (M.H.R.); and National Center for Toxicological Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland (D.L.M.)
| | - M Sue Marty
- Center for Environmental Health Sciences, Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi (B.L.F.K.); Charles River Laboratories, Inc., Horsham, Pennsylvania (A.M.H.); Retired, National Center for Toxicological Research, Jefferson, Arkansas (W.S.); University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia (M.A.S.); Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, 'Rodolfo Paoletti' Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy (E.C.); US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina (T.B.K.); Dow, Inc., Midland, Michigan (M.S.M.); Howard University College of Medicine, Washington DC (S.K.S.); Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, US Food and Drug Administration, College Park, Maryland (S.C.F.); Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts (M.H.R.); and National Center for Toxicological Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland (D.L.M.)
| | - Sonya K Sobrian
- Center for Environmental Health Sciences, Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi (B.L.F.K.); Charles River Laboratories, Inc., Horsham, Pennsylvania (A.M.H.); Retired, National Center for Toxicological Research, Jefferson, Arkansas (W.S.); University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia (M.A.S.); Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, 'Rodolfo Paoletti' Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy (E.C.); US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina (T.B.K.); Dow, Inc., Midland, Michigan (M.S.M.); Howard University College of Medicine, Washington DC (S.K.S.); Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, US Food and Drug Administration, College Park, Maryland (S.C.F.); Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts (M.H.R.); and National Center for Toxicological Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland (D.L.M.)
| | - Suzanne C Fitzpatrick
- Center for Environmental Health Sciences, Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi (B.L.F.K.); Charles River Laboratories, Inc., Horsham, Pennsylvania (A.M.H.); Retired, National Center for Toxicological Research, Jefferson, Arkansas (W.S.); University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia (M.A.S.); Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, 'Rodolfo Paoletti' Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy (E.C.); US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina (T.B.K.); Dow, Inc., Midland, Michigan (M.S.M.); Howard University College of Medicine, Washington DC (S.K.S.); Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, US Food and Drug Administration, College Park, Maryland (S.C.F.); Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts (M.H.R.); and National Center for Toxicological Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland (D.L.M.)
| | - Marcia H Ratner
- Center for Environmental Health Sciences, Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi (B.L.F.K.); Charles River Laboratories, Inc., Horsham, Pennsylvania (A.M.H.); Retired, National Center for Toxicological Research, Jefferson, Arkansas (W.S.); University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia (M.A.S.); Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, 'Rodolfo Paoletti' Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy (E.C.); US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina (T.B.K.); Dow, Inc., Midland, Michigan (M.S.M.); Howard University College of Medicine, Washington DC (S.K.S.); Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, US Food and Drug Administration, College Park, Maryland (S.C.F.); Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts (M.H.R.); and National Center for Toxicological Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland (D.L.M.)
| | - Donna L Mendrick
- Center for Environmental Health Sciences, Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi (B.L.F.K.); Charles River Laboratories, Inc., Horsham, Pennsylvania (A.M.H.); Retired, National Center for Toxicological Research, Jefferson, Arkansas (W.S.); University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia (M.A.S.); Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, 'Rodolfo Paoletti' Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy (E.C.); US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina (T.B.K.); Dow, Inc., Midland, Michigan (M.S.M.); Howard University College of Medicine, Washington DC (S.K.S.); Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, US Food and Drug Administration, College Park, Maryland (S.C.F.); Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts (M.H.R.); and National Center for Toxicological Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland (D.L.M.)
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5
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Roosen L, Maes D, Musetta L, Himmelreich U. Preclinical Models for Cryptococcosis of the CNS and Their Characterization Using In Vivo Imaging Techniques. J Fungi (Basel) 2024; 10:146. [PMID: 38392818 PMCID: PMC10890286 DOI: 10.3390/jof10020146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Infections caused by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii remain a challenge to our healthcare systems as they are still difficult to treat. In order to improve treatment success, in particular for infections that have disseminated to the central nervous system, a better understanding of the disease is needed, addressing questions like how it evolves from a pulmonary to a brain disease and how novel treatment approaches can be developed and validated. This requires not only clinical research and research on the microorganisms in a laboratory environment but also preclinical models in order to study cryptococci in the host. We provide an overview of available preclinical models, with particular emphasis on models of cryptococcosis in rodents. In order to further improve the characterization of rodent models, in particular the dynamic aspects of disease manifestation, development, and ultimate treatment, preclinical in vivo imaging methods are increasingly used, mainly in research for oncological, neurological, and cardiac diseases. In vivo imaging applications for fungal infections are rather sparse. A second aspect of this review is how research on models of cryptococcosis can benefit from in vivo imaging methods that not only provide information on morphology and tissue structure but also on function, metabolism, and cellular properties in a non-invasive way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Roosen
- Biomedical MRI, Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dries Maes
- Biomedical MRI, Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Luigi Musetta
- Biomedical MRI, Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Uwe Himmelreich
- Biomedical MRI, Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
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6
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Ku T, Cao J, Won SJ, Guo J, Camacho-Hernandez GA, Okorom AV, Salomon KW, Lee KH, Loland CJ, Duff HJ, Shi L, Newman AH. Series of (([1,1'-Biphenyl]-2-yl)methyl)sulfinylalkyl Alicyclic Amines as Novel and High Affinity Atypical Dopamine Transporter Inhibitors with Reduced hERG Activity. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2024; 7:515-532. [PMID: 38357284 PMCID: PMC10863442 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.3c00322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Currently, there are no FDA-approved medications for the treatment of psychostimulant use disorders (PSUD). We have previously discovered "atypical" dopamine transporter (DAT) inhibitors that do not display psychostimulant-like behaviors and may be useful as medications to treat PSUD. Lead candidates (e.g., JJC8-091, 1) have shown promising in vivo profiles in rodents; however, reducing hERG (human ether-à-go-go-related gene) activity, a predictor of cardiotoxicity, has remained a challenge. Herein, a series of 30 (([1,1'-biphenyl]-2-yl)methyl)sulfinylalkyl alicyclic amines was synthesized and evaluated for DAT and serotonin transporter (SERT) binding affinities. A subset of analogues was tested for hERG activity, and the IC50 values were compared to those predicted by our hERG QSAR models, which showed robust predictive power. Multiparameter optimization scores (MPO > 3) indicated central nervous system (CNS) penetrability. Finally, comparison of affinities in human DAT and its Y156F and Y335A mutants suggested that several compounds prefer an inward facing conformation indicating an atypical DAT inhibitor profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Therese
C. Ku
- Molecular
Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug
Abuse–Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, 333 Cassell Drive, Baltimore, Maryland 21224, United States
| | - Jianjing Cao
- Molecular
Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug
Abuse–Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, 333 Cassell Drive, Baltimore, Maryland 21224, United States
| | - Sung Joon Won
- Molecular
Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug
Abuse–Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, 333 Cassell Drive, Baltimore, Maryland 21224, United States
| | - Jiqing Guo
- Faculty
of Medicine, Libin Institute, Calgary T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Gisela A. Camacho-Hernandez
- Molecular
Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug
Abuse–Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, 333 Cassell Drive, Baltimore, Maryland 21224, United States
| | - Amarachi V. Okorom
- Molecular
Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug
Abuse–Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, 333 Cassell Drive, Baltimore, Maryland 21224, United States
| | - Kristine Walloe Salomon
- Laboratory
for Membrane Protein Dynamics, Department of Neuroscience, Faculty
of Health and Medical Sciences, University
of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kuo Hao Lee
- Molecular
Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug
Abuse–Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, 333 Cassell Drive, Baltimore, Maryland 21224, United States
| | - Claus J. Loland
- Laboratory
for Membrane Protein Dynamics, Department of Neuroscience, Faculty
of Health and Medical Sciences, University
of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Henry J. Duff
- Laboratory
for Membrane Protein Dynamics, Department of Neuroscience, Faculty
of Health and Medical Sciences, University
of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lei Shi
- Molecular
Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug
Abuse–Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, 333 Cassell Drive, Baltimore, Maryland 21224, United States
| | - Amy Hauck Newman
- Molecular
Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug
Abuse–Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, 333 Cassell Drive, Baltimore, Maryland 21224, United States
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7
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Hamzehpour H, Óskarsdóttir Á, Jónsson H, Jónsdóttir F, Sigurjónsson ÓE, Snorradottir BS. Transdermal Drug Delivery of Tazarotene: Determining Tazarotene's Potential in Local Transdermal Therapy. Pharmaceutics 2023; 16:64. [PMID: 38258075 PMCID: PMC10820539 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16010064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Retinoid-based drugs, while effective, are associated with systemic toxicity. Topical alternatives offer a safer option, and tazarotene, a third-generation synthetic retinoid, holds promise. This study investigates tazarotene's transdermal delivery potential, focusing on its application for joint-related conditions. The aim of this study was to investigate the suitability of tazarotene as a candidate for transdermal delivery into joints. In vitro permeation studies, using porcine skin, assessed tazarotene's transdermal drug delivery from solution and gel formulations. A tape-stripping analysis determined stratum corneum retention and a pilot study using porcine joints assessed tazarotene's ability to reach articular cartilage. Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled with a mass detector method was used to quantify tazarotene and tazarotenic acid permeation. The results validate that tazarotene can permeate porcine skin and accumulate in articular cartilage in detectable amounts. The detection of tazarotene and tazarotenic acid in both the in vitro permeation studies and the pilot study on porcine joints validate the drug's potential therapeutic use for hand osteoarthritis. This study lays the groundwork for future research, contributing insights into tazarotene's potential for transdermal drug delivery and guiding further exploration in topical retinoid applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Hamzehpour
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Iceland, 107 Reykjavik, Iceland; (H.H.)
| | - Ástrós Óskarsdóttir
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Iceland, 107 Reykjavik, Iceland; (H.H.)
| | - Helgi Jónsson
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, 107 Reykjavik, Iceland;
| | - Fjóla Jónsdóttir
- Faculty of Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Iceland, 107 Reykjavik, Iceland;
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Ludwig R, Malla B, Höhrhan M, Infante-Duarte C, Anderhalten L. Investigating the Mitoprotective Effects of S1P Receptor Modulators Ex Vivo Using a Novel Semi-Automated Live Imaging Set-Up. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:261. [PMID: 38203434 PMCID: PMC10778583 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010261] [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: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
In multiple sclerosis (MS), mitochondrial alterations appear to contribute to disease progression. The sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor modulator siponimod is approved for treating secondary progressive MS. Its preceding compound fingolimod was shown to prevent oxidative stress-induced alterations in mitochondrial morphology. Here, we assessed the effects of siponimod, compared to fingolimod, on neuronal mitochondria in oxidatively stressed hippocampal slices. We have also advanced the model of chronic organotypic hippocampal slices for live imaging, enabling semi-automated monitoring of mitochondrial alterations. The slices were prepared from B6.Cg-Tg(Thy1-CFP/COX8A)S2Lich/J mice that display fluorescent neuronal mitochondria. They were treated with hydrogen peroxide (oxidative stress paradigm) ± 1 nM siponimod or fingolimod for 24 h. Afterwards, mitochondrial dynamics were investigated. Under oxidative stress, the fraction of motile mitochondria decreased and mitochondria were shorter, smaller, and covered smaller distances. Siponimod partly prevented oxidatively induced alterations in mitochondrial morphology; for fingolimod, a similar trend was observed. Siponimod reduced the decrease in mitochondrial track displacement, while both compounds significantly increased track speed and preserved motility. The novel established imaging and analysis tools are suitable for assessing the dynamics of neuronal mitochondria ex vivo. Using these approaches, we showed that siponimod at 1 nM partially prevented oxidatively induced mitochondrial alterations in chronic brain slices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Ludwig
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center (ECRC), 13125 Berlin, Germany; (R.L.); (L.A.)
- Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC) in the Helmholtz Association, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Bimala Malla
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center (ECRC), 13125 Berlin, Germany; (R.L.); (L.A.)
- Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC) in the Helmholtz Association, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Maria Höhrhan
- Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- Institute for Medical Immunology, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Carmen Infante-Duarte
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center (ECRC), 13125 Berlin, Germany; (R.L.); (L.A.)
- Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC) in the Helmholtz Association, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Lina Anderhalten
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center (ECRC), 13125 Berlin, Germany; (R.L.); (L.A.)
- Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC) in the Helmholtz Association, 13125 Berlin, Germany
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9
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Lange S, Inal JM. Animal Models of Human Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15821. [PMID: 37958801 PMCID: PMC10650829 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115821] [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: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of animal models of human disease is critical for furthering our understanding of disease mechanisms, for the discovery of novel targets for treatment, and for translational research. This Special Topic entitled "Animal Models of Human Disease" aimed to collect state-of-the-art primary research studies and review articles from international experts and leading groups using animal models to study human diseases. Submissions were welcomed on a wide range of animal models and pathologies, including infectious disease, acute injury, regeneration, cancer, autoimmunity, degenerative and chronic disease. Seven participating MDPI journals supported the Special Topic, namely: Biomedicines, Cells, Current Issues in Molecular Biology, Diagnostics, Genes, the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, and the International Journal of Translational Medicine. In total, 46 papers were published in this Special Topic, with 37 full length original research papers, 2 research communications and 7 reviews. These contributions cover a wide range of clinically relevant, translatable, and comparative animal models, as well as furthering understanding of fundamental sciences, covering topics on physiological processes, on degenerative, inflammatory, infectious, autoimmune, neurological, metabolic, heamatological, hormonal and mitochondrial disorders, developmental processes and diseases, cardiology, cancer, trauma, stress, and ageing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sigrun Lange
- Tissue Architecture and Regeneration Research Group, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Westminster, London W1W 6UW, UK
- Pathobiology and Extracellular Vesicles Research Group, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Westminster, London W1W 6UW, UK
| | - Jameel M. Inal
- Cell Communication in Disease Pathology, School of Human Sciences, London Metropolitan University, London N7 8DB, UK;
- Biosciences Research Group, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield AL10 9EU, UK
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10
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Busk M, Sinning S, Alstrup AKO, Munk OL, Vendelbo MH. Nuclear Medicine Preclinical Research: The Role of Cell Cultures. Semin Nucl Med 2023; 53:558-569. [PMID: 37268499 DOI: 10.1053/j.semnuclmed.2023.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Cell lines are essential in biomedical research due to their adaptability and precise simulation of physiological and pathophysiological conditions. Cell culture techniques have greatly advanced our understanding of biology in various fields and are widely regarded as a reliable and durable tool. Their diverse applications make them indispensable in scientific research. Radiation-emitting compounds are commonly used in cell culture research to investigate biological processes. Radiolabeled compounds are utilized to study cell function, metabolism, molecular markers, receptor density, drug binding and kinetics, as well as to analyze the direct interaction of radiotracers with target organ cells. This allows for the examination of normal physiology and disease states. The In Vitro system simplifies the study and filters out nonspecific signals from the In Vivo environment, leading to more specific results. Moreover, cell cultures offer ethical advantages when evaluating new tracers and drugs in preclinical studies. While cell experiments cannot entirely replace animal experiments, they reduce the need for live animals in experimentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morten Busk
- Department of experimental clinical oncology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark; Danish Centre for Particle Therapy, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Steffen Sinning
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Aage K O Alstrup
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Ole L Munk
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Mikkel H Vendelbo
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark; Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
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11
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Betti AH, Kenna JG, Van Vleet TR, Aruselvan P, Girardi Müller L. Editorial: Advances in alternative methods in preclinical pharmacology and toxicology. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1225806. [PMID: 37538182 PMCID: PMC10395092 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1225806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Andresa Heemann Betti
- Bioanalysis Laboratory, Institute of Health Sciences, Feevale University, Novo Hamburgo, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Liz Girardi Müller
- Graduate Program in Environmental Sciences, Community University of Chapecó Region, Chapecó, Brazil
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12
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Ceci A, Conte R, Didio A, Landi A, Ruggieri L, Giannuzzi V, Bonifazi F. Target therapy for high-risk neuroblastoma treatment: integration of regulatory and scientific tools is needed. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1113460. [PMID: 37521350 PMCID: PMC10377668 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1113460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Several new active substances (ASs) targeting neuroblastoma (NBL) are under study. We aim to describe the developmental and regulatory status of a sample of ASs targeting NBL to underline the existing regulatory gaps in product development and to discuss possible improvements. Methods The developmental and regulatory statuses of the identified ASs targeting NBL were investigated by searching for preclinical studies, clinical trials (CTs), marketing authorizations, pediatric investigation plans (PIPs), waivers, orphan designations, and other regulatory procedures. Results A total of 188 ASs were identified. Of these, 55 were considered 'not under development' without preclinical or clinical studies. Preclinical studies were found for 115 ASs, of which 54 were associated with a medicinal product. A total of 283 CTs (as monotherapy or in combination) were identified for 70 ASs. Of these, 52% were at phases 1, 1/2, and 2 aimed at PK/PD/dosing activity. The remaining ones also included efficacy. Phase 3 studies were limited. Studies were completed for 14 ASs and suspended for 11. The highest rate of ASs involved in CTs was observed in the RAS-MAPK-MEK and VEGF groups. A total of 37 ASs were granted with a PIP, of which 14 involved NBL, 41 ASs with a waiver, and 18 ASs with both PIPs and waivers, with the PIP covering pediatric indications different from the adult ones. In almost all the PIPs, preclinical studies were required, together with early-phase CTs often including efficacy evaluation. Two PIPs were terminated because of negative study results, and eight PIPs are in progress. Variations in the SmPC were made for larotrectinib sulfate/Vitrakvi® and entrectinib/Rozlytrek® with the inclusion of a new indication. For both, the related PIPs are still ongoing. The orphan designation has been largely adopted, while PRIME designation has been less implemented. Discussion Several ASs entered early phase CTs but less than one out of four were included in a regulatory process, and only two were granted a pediatric indication extension. Our results confirm that it is necessary to identify a more efficient, less costly, and time-consuming "pediatric developmental model" integrating predictive preclinical study and innovative clinical study designs. Furthermore, stricter integration between scientific and regulatory efforts should be promoted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Ceci
- Research Department, Fondazione per la Ricerca Farmacologica Gianni Benzi Onlus, Bari, Italy
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13
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Fröhlich E, Loizou GD. Editorial: 3Rs-Strategies for reduction and refinement of animal studies. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1200965. [PMID: 37138851 PMCID: PMC10150041 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1200965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Eleonore Fröhlich
- Center for Medical Research, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- *Correspondence: Eleonore Fröhlich,
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14
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Mendivil-Perez M, Jimenez-Del-Rio M, Velez-Pardo C. TPEN/TPGS (T2) combo dramatically reduces Philadelphia chromosome-positive pro-lymphoblastic B leukemia in BALB/c mice. Med Oncol 2023; 40:15. [PMID: 36352172 PMCID: PMC9646590 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-022-01873-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is hematological neoplasia that affects human beings from early life to adulthood. Although ALL treatment has been effective, an important percentage of ALL patients are resilient to treatment. Therefore, there is an urgent need for testing a new combination of compounds for the treatment of this disease. Recently, combined TPEN and TPGS (T2 combo) have shown selective cytotoxic effects in vitro leukemia cells such as Jurkat, K562, and Ba/F3 cells. In this study, we aimed to test the effect of combined TPEN and TPGS agents (T2 combo) at a fixed dose (TPEN 5 mg/kg: TPGS 100 mg/kg) on leukemic Ba/F3-BCR-ABL P210 BALB-c mice model. We found that 4 successive 2-day apart intravenous injections of T2 combo showed a statistically significant reduction of Ba/F3 BCR-ABL leukemia cells (- 69%) in leukemia BALB/c mice (n = 6) compared to untreated leukemia group (n = 6). Moreover, the T2 combo was innocuous to non-leukemia BALB/c mice (n = 3) compared to untreated non-leukemia mice (control, n = 3). After treatments (day 42), all mice were left to rest until day 50. Outstandingly, the leukemia BALB/c mice treated with the T2 combo showed a lower percentage of Ba/F3-BCR-ABL P210 cells (- 84%) than untreated leukemia BALB/c mice. Furthermore, treatment of leukemia and non-leukemia mice with T2 combo showed no significant tissue alteration/damage according to the histopathological analysis of brain, heart, liver, kidney, and spleen samples; however, T2 combo significantly reduced the number of leukocytes in the bone marrow of treated leukemia mice. We conclude that the T2 combo specifically affects leukemia cells but no other tissue/organs. Therefore, we anticipate that the T2 combo might be a potential pro-oxidant combination for the treatment of leukemia patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Mendivil-Perez
- Neuroscience Research Group, Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Antioquia (UdeA), Calle 70 No. 52-21, and Calle 62 # 52-59, Building 1, Room 412, SIU, Medellin, Colombia
| | - Marlene Jimenez-Del-Rio
- Neuroscience Research Group, Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Antioquia (UdeA), Calle 70 No. 52-21, and Calle 62 # 52-59, Building 1, Room 412, SIU, Medellin, Colombia
| | - Carlos Velez-Pardo
- Neuroscience Research Group, Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Antioquia (UdeA), Calle 70 No. 52-21, and Calle 62 # 52-59, Building 1, Room 412, SIU, Medellin, Colombia
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15
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Alves SR, Calori IR, Bi H, Tedesco AC. Characterization of glioblastoma spheroid models for drug screening and phototherapy assays. OPENNANO 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.onano.2022.100116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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16
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Liu P, Roberts S, Shoemaker JT, Vukasinovic J, Tomlinson DC, Speirs V. Validation of a 3D perfused cell culture platform as a tool for humanised preclinical drug testing in breast cancer using established cell lines and patient-derived tissues. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0283044. [PMID: 36928454 PMCID: PMC10019722 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0283044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
3D cell culture models of cancer are currently being developed to recapitulate in vivo physiological conditions and to assess therapeutic responses. However, most models failed to incorporate the biochemical and biophysical stimuli from fluid flow. In this study, a three-dimensional scaffold, SeedEZ was applied within the PerfusionPal perfused culture system to investigate how perfusion, and blood-like oxygen delivery influenced breast cancer cell growth and their responses to a commonly used breast cancer drug tamoxifen. Our results showed that breast cancer cells could be maintained over 3 weeks in PerfusionPal with increased cell viability compared to static 3D culture in fully humanised conditions. This platform also supported examining the effect of tamoxifen on breast cancer cell lines and in primary patient-derived breast cancer samples. Future work is warranted to further the adaption for fully humanised assessment of drug effectiveness in a patient personalized approach with the aim to reduce the burden of animal use in cancer research and increase the degree of human pre-clinical data translation to clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Liu
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Sophie Roberts
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James’s, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Darren C Tomlinson
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Valerie Speirs
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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17
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Barui S, Ghosh D, Laurencin CT. Osteochondral regenerative engineering: challenges, state-of-the-art and translational perspectives. Regen Biomater 2022; 10:rbac109. [PMID: 36683736 PMCID: PMC9845524 DOI: 10.1093/rb/rbac109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite quantum leaps, the biomimetic regeneration of cartilage and osteochondral regeneration remains a major challenge, owing to the complex and hierarchical nature of compositional, structural and functional properties. In this review, an account of the prevailing challenges in biomimicking the gradients in porous microstructure, cells and extracellular matrix (ECM) orientation is presented. Further, the spatial arrangement of the cues in inducing vascularization in the subchondral bone region while maintaining the avascular nature of the adjacent cartilage layer is highlighted. With rapid advancement in biomaterials science, biofabrication tools and strategies, the state-of-the-art in osteochondral regeneration since the last decade has expansively elaborated. This includes conventional and additive manufacturing of synthetic/natural/ECM-based biomaterials, tissue-specific/mesenchymal/progenitor cells, growth factors and/or signaling biomolecules. Beyond the laboratory-based research and development, the underlying challenges in translational research are also provided in a dedicated section. A new generation of biomaterial-based acellular scaffold systems with uncompromised biocompatibility and osteochondral regenerative capability is necessary to bridge the clinical demand and commercial supply. Encompassing the basic elements of osteochondral research, this review is believed to serve as a standalone guide for early career researchers, in expanding the research horizon to improve the quality of life of osteoarthritic patients affordably.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srimanta Barui
- Connecticut Convergence Institute for Translation in Regenerative Engineering, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
| | - Debolina Ghosh
- Connecticut Convergence Institute for Translation in Regenerative Engineering, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
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18
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Pezzanite LM, Chow L, Phillips J, Griffenhagen GM, Moore AR, Schaer TP, Engiles JB, Werpy N, Gilbertie J, Schnabel LV, Antczak D, Miller D, Dow S, Goodrich LR. TLR-activated mesenchymal stromal cell therapy and antibiotics to treat multi-drug resistant Staphylococcal septic arthritis in an equine model. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2022; 10:1157. [PMID: 36467344 PMCID: PMC9708491 DOI: 10.21037/atm-22-1746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rapid development of antibiotic resistance necessitates advancement of novel therapeutic strategies to treat infection. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) possess antimicrobial and immunomodulatory properties, mediated through antimicrobial peptide secretion and recruitment of innate immune cells including neutrophils and monocytes. TLR-3 activation of human, canine and equine MSC has been shown to enhance bacterial killing and clearance in vitro, in rodent Staphylococcal biofilm infection models and dogs with spontaneous multi-drug-resistant infections. The objective of this study was to determine if intra-articular (IA) TLR-3-activated MSC with antibiotics improved clinical parameters and reduced bacterial counts and inflammatory cytokine concentrations in synovial fluid (SF) of horses with induced septic arthritis. METHODS Eight horses were inoculated in one tarsocrural joint with multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). Bone marrow-derived MSC from three unrelated donors were activated with TLR-3 agonist polyinosinic, polycytidylic acid (pIC). Recipient horses received MSC plus vancomycin (TLR-MSC-VAN), or vancomycin (VAN) alone, on days 1, 4, 7 post-inoculation and systemic gentamicin. Pain scores, quantitative bacterial counts (SF, synovium), SF analyses, complete blood counts, cytokine concentrations (SF, plasma), imaging changes (MRI, ultrasound, radiographs), macroscopic joint scores and histologic changes were assessed. Results were reported as mean ± SEM. RESULTS Pain scores (d7, P=0.01, 15.2±0.2 vs. 17.9±0.5), ultrasound (d7, P=0.03, 9.0±0.6 vs. 11.8±0.5), quantitative bacterial counts (SF d7, P=0.02, 0±0 vs. 3.4±0.4; synovium P=0.003, 0.4±0.4 vs. 162.7±18.4), systemic neutrophil (d4, P=0.03, 4.6±0.6 vs. 7.8±0.6) and serum amyloid A (SAA) (d4, P=0.01, 1,106.0±659.0 vs. 2,858.8±141.3; d7, P=0.02, 761.8±746.2 vs. 2,357.3±304.3), and SF lactate (d7, P<0.0001, 5.4±0.2 vs. 15.0±0.3), SAA (endterm, P=0.01, 0.0 vs. 2,094.0±601.6), IL-6 (P=0.03, 313.0±119.2 vs. 1,328.2±208.9), and IL-18 (P=0.02, 11.1±0.5 vs. 13.3±3.8) were improved in TLR-MSC-VAN vs. VAN horses. Study limitations include the small horse sample size, short study duration, and lack of additional control groups. CONCLUSIONS Combined TLR-activated MSC with antibiotic therapy may be a promising approach to manage joint infections with drug resistant bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynn M. Pezzanite
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Lyndah Chow
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Jennifer Phillips
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Gregg M. Griffenhagen
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - A. Russell Moore
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Thomas P. Schaer
- Department of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square, PA, USA
| | - Julie B. Engiles
- Department of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square, PA, USA
- Department of Pathobiology, New Bolton Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square, PA, USA
| | | | - Jessica Gilbertie
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Lauren V. Schnabel
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Doug Antczak
- Baker Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Donald Miller
- Baker Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Steven Dow
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Laurie R. Goodrich
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
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In vitro cultivation methods for coccidian parasite research. Int J Parasitol 2022:S0020-7519(22)00153-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2022.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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20
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Ergir E, Oliver-De La Cruz J, Fernandes S, Cassani M, Niro F, Pereira-Sousa D, Vrbský J, Vinarský V, Perestrelo AR, Debellis D, Vadovičová N, Uldrijan S, Cavalieri F, Pagliari S, Redl H, Ertl P, Forte G. Generation and maturation of human iPSC-derived 3D organotypic cardiac microtissues in long-term culture. Sci Rep 2022; 12:17409. [PMID: 36257968 PMCID: PMC9579206 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-22225-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death worldwide; hence there is an increasing focus on developing physiologically relevant in vitro cardiovascular tissue models suitable for studying personalized medicine and pre-clinical tests. Despite recent advances, models that reproduce both tissue complexity and maturation are still limited. We have established a scaffold-free protocol to generate multicellular, beating human cardiac microtissues in vitro from hiPSCs-namely human organotypic cardiac microtissues (hOCMTs)-that show some degree of self-organization and can be cultured for long term. This is achieved by the differentiation of hiPSC in 2D monolayer culture towards cardiovascular lineage, followed by further aggregation on low-attachment culture dishes in 3D. The generated hOCMTs contain multiple cell types that physiologically compose the heart and beat without external stimuli for more than 100 days. We have shown that 3D hOCMTs display improved cardiac specification, survival and metabolic maturation as compared to standard monolayer cardiac differentiation. We also confirmed the functionality of hOCMTs by their response to cardioactive drugs in long-term culture. Furthermore, we demonstrated that they could be used to study chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity. Due to showing a tendency for self-organization, cellular heterogeneity, and functionality in our 3D microtissues over extended culture time, we could also confirm these constructs as human cardiac organoids (hCOs). This study could help to develop more physiologically-relevant cardiac tissue models, and represent a powerful platform for future translational research in cardiovascular biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ece Ergir
- grid.412752.70000 0004 0608 7557Center for Translational Medicine (CTM), International Clinical Research Centre (FNUSA-ICRC), St. Anne’s University Hospital, Studentská 812/6, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic ,grid.5329.d0000 0001 2348 4034Faculty of Technical Chemistry, Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry and Institute of Chemical Technologies and Analytics, Vienna University of Technology, 1040 Vienna, Austria
| | - Jorge Oliver-De La Cruz
- grid.412752.70000 0004 0608 7557Center for Translational Medicine (CTM), International Clinical Research Centre (FNUSA-ICRC), St. Anne’s University Hospital, Studentská 812/6, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Soraia Fernandes
- grid.412752.70000 0004 0608 7557Center for Translational Medicine (CTM), International Clinical Research Centre (FNUSA-ICRC), St. Anne’s University Hospital, Studentská 812/6, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Marco Cassani
- grid.412752.70000 0004 0608 7557Center for Translational Medicine (CTM), International Clinical Research Centre (FNUSA-ICRC), St. Anne’s University Hospital, Studentská 812/6, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Francesco Niro
- grid.412752.70000 0004 0608 7557Center for Translational Medicine (CTM), International Clinical Research Centre (FNUSA-ICRC), St. Anne’s University Hospital, Studentská 812/6, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic ,grid.10267.320000 0001 2194 0956Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Masaryk University, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Daniel Pereira-Sousa
- grid.412752.70000 0004 0608 7557Center for Translational Medicine (CTM), International Clinical Research Centre (FNUSA-ICRC), St. Anne’s University Hospital, Studentská 812/6, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic ,grid.10267.320000 0001 2194 0956Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Masaryk University, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Vrbský
- grid.412752.70000 0004 0608 7557Center for Translational Medicine (CTM), International Clinical Research Centre (FNUSA-ICRC), St. Anne’s University Hospital, Studentská 812/6, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Vladimír Vinarský
- grid.412752.70000 0004 0608 7557Center for Translational Medicine (CTM), International Clinical Research Centre (FNUSA-ICRC), St. Anne’s University Hospital, Studentská 812/6, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Ana Rubina Perestrelo
- grid.412752.70000 0004 0608 7557Center for Translational Medicine (CTM), International Clinical Research Centre (FNUSA-ICRC), St. Anne’s University Hospital, Studentská 812/6, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Doriana Debellis
- grid.25786.3e0000 0004 1764 2907Electron Microscopy Facility, Fondazione Istituto Italiano Di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, 16163 Genoa, Italy
| | - Natália Vadovičová
- grid.10267.320000 0001 2194 0956Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Masaryk University, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Stjepan Uldrijan
- grid.10267.320000 0001 2194 0956Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Masaryk University, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Francesca Cavalieri
- grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XDepartment of Chemical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010 Australia ,grid.6530.00000 0001 2300 0941Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche, Università degli Studi di Roma Tor Vergata, via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Pagliari
- grid.412752.70000 0004 0608 7557Center for Translational Medicine (CTM), International Clinical Research Centre (FNUSA-ICRC), St. Anne’s University Hospital, Studentská 812/6, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Heinz Redl
- grid.454388.6Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology, AUVA Research Center, 1200 Vienna, Austria ,grid.511951.8Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, 1200 Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Ertl
- grid.5329.d0000 0001 2348 4034Faculty of Technical Chemistry, Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry and Institute of Chemical Technologies and Analytics, Vienna University of Technology, 1040 Vienna, Austria ,grid.511951.8Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, 1200 Vienna, Austria
| | - Giancarlo Forte
- grid.412752.70000 0004 0608 7557Center for Translational Medicine (CTM), International Clinical Research Centre (FNUSA-ICRC), St. Anne’s University Hospital, Studentská 812/6, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic ,grid.1374.10000 0001 2097 1371Department of Biomaterials Science, Institute of Dentistry, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland
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21
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Seliger B, Al-Samadi A, Yang B, Salo T, Wickenhauser C. In vitro models as tools for screening treatment options of head and neck cancer. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:971726. [PMID: 36160162 PMCID: PMC9489836 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.971726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Various in vitro models using primary and established 2- and 3-dimensional cultures, multicellular tumor spheroids, standardized tumor slice cultures, tumor organoids, and microfluidic systems obtained from tumor lesions/biopsies of head and neck cancer (HNC) have been employed for exploring and monitoring treatment options. All of these in vitro models are to a different degree able to capture the diversity of tumors, recapitulate the disease genetically, histologically, and functionally and retain their tumorigenic potential upon xenotransplantation. The models were used for the characterization of the malignant features of the tumors and for in vitro screens of drugs approved for the treatment of HNC, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy as well as recently developed targeted therapies and immunotherapies, or for novel treatments not yet licensed for these tumor entities. The implementation of the best suitable model will enlarge our knowledge of the oncogenic properties of HNC, expand the drug repertoire and help to develop individually tailored treatment strategies resulting in the translation of these findings into the clinic. This review summarizes the different approaches using preclinical in vitro systems with their advantages and disadvantages and their implementation as preclinical platforms to predict disease course, evaluate biomarkers and test therapy efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Seliger
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Leipzig, Germany
- *Correspondence: Barbara Seliger,
| | - Ahmed Al-Samadi
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases, Clinicum, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Translational Immunology Research Program, Research Program Unit, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Bo Yang
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Tuula Salo
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases, Clinicum, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Translational Immunology Research Program, Research Program Unit, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Cancer Research and Translational Medicine Research Unit, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- Medical Research Center Oulu, Oulu University Hospital, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Claudia Wickenhauser
- Institute of Pathology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
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22
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Singh D, Deosarkar SP, Cadogan E, Flemington V, Bray A, Zhang J, Reiserer RS, Schaffer DK, Gerken GB, Britt CM, Werner EM, Gibbons FD, Kostrzewski T, Chambers CE, Davies EJ, Montoya AR, Fok JHL, Hughes D, Fabre K, Wagoner MP, Wikswo JP, Scott CW. A microfluidic system that replicates pharmacokinetic (PK) profiles in vitro improves prediction of in vivo efficacy in preclinical models. PLoS Biol 2022; 20:e3001624. [PMID: 35617197 PMCID: PMC9135222 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3001624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Test compounds used on in vitro model systems are conventionally delivered to cell culture wells as fixed concentration bolus doses; however, this poorly replicates the pharmacokinetic (PK) concentration changes seen in vivo and reduces the predictive value of the data. Herein, proof-of-concept experiments were performed using a novel microfluidic device, the Microformulator, which allows in vivo like PK profiles to be applied to cells cultured in microtiter plates and facilitates the investigation of the impact of PK on biological responses. We demonstrate the utility of the device in its ability to reproduce in vivo PK profiles of different oncology compounds over multiweek experiments, both as monotherapy and drug combinations, comparing the effects on tumour cell efficacy in vitro with efficacy seen in in vivo xenograft models. In the first example, an ERK1/2 inhibitor was tested using fixed bolus dosing and Microformulator-replicated PK profiles, in 2 cell lines with different in vivo sensitivities. The Microformulator-replicated PK profiles were able to discriminate between cell line sensitivities, unlike the conventional fixed bolus dosing. In a second study, murine in vivo PK profiles of multiple Poly(ADP-Ribose) Polymerase 1/2 (PARP) and DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) inhibitor combinations were replicated in a FaDu cell line resulting in a reduction in cell growth in vitro with similar rank ordering to the in vivo xenograft model. Additional PK/efficacy insight into theoretical changes to drug exposure profiles was gained by using the Microformulator to expose FaDu cells to the DNA-PK inhibitor for different target coverage levels and periods of time. We demonstrate that the Microformulator enables incorporating PK exposures into cellular assays to improve in vitro-in vivo translation understanding for early therapeutic insight.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sudhir P. Deosarkar
- Oncology Safety, Clinical Pharmacology & Safety Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Elaine Cadogan
- Bioscience, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Vikki Flemington
- Bioscience, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Alysha Bray
- CN Bio Innovations Limited, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Jingwen Zhang
- Bioscience, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Ronald S. Reiserer
- Department of Physics and Astronomy and the Vanderbilt Institute for Integrative Biosystems Research and Education, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - David K. Schaffer
- Department of Physics and Astronomy and the Vanderbilt Institute for Integrative Biosystems Research and Education, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Gregory B. Gerken
- Department of Physics and Astronomy and the Vanderbilt Institute for Integrative Biosystems Research and Education, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Clayton M. Britt
- Department of Physics and Astronomy and the Vanderbilt Institute for Integrative Biosystems Research and Education, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Erik M. Werner
- Department of Physics and Astronomy and the Vanderbilt Institute for Integrative Biosystems Research and Education, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Francis D. Gibbons
- DMPK, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | | | | | - Emma J. Davies
- Bioscience, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - David Hughes
- CN Bio Innovations Limited, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Kristin Fabre
- MPS Center of Excellence, Clinical Pharmacology & Safety Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Matthew P. Wagoner
- Oncology Safety, Clinical Pharmacology & Safety Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - John P. Wikswo
- Department of Physics and Astronomy and the Vanderbilt Institute for Integrative Biosystems Research and Education, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering and Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Clay W. Scott
- Oncology Safety, Clinical Pharmacology & Safety Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
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23
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Proof-of-Concept Preclinical Use of Drosophila melanogaster in the Initial Screening of Immunomodulators. Sci Pharm 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/scipharm90010011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug discovery is a complex process, and the use of a comprehensive approach is deemed necessary to discover new chemical entities with novel mechanisms of action. This research was carried out to determine whether Drosophila melanogaster can serve as an appropriate model organism in the initial screening of drug candidates with immunomodulatory activities. To test this, we performed phenotypic assay and molecular analysis to investigate the immunomodulatory activities of aspirin, dexamethasone, curcumin, and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), that have been reported to yield such effects in the mammalian model system. In vivo survival analysis demonstrated that all drugs/compounds were relatively safe at the tested concentrations. In the infection assay, curcumin and EGCG showed a protective signature to bacterial infection in flies lacking Toll-mediated immune responses. Furthermore, dexamethasone and aspirin, drugs with immunosuppressive activity, could improve the survival of PGRP-LBΔ mutant flies with hyperactivated immune system. These phenotypes were supported by RT-qPCR-based molecular analysis, revealing that drugs/compounds used in this study could modulate the expression level of genes related to the immune system. In conclusion, while curcumin and EGCG could promote the improvement of fly survival against infection, aspirin and dexamethasone were able to suppress overactivation of immune responses in D. melanogaster. These results are in line with the ones observed in the mammalian model system, further emphasizing the notion that flies would serve as a prospective model organism in the initial screening of drug candidates for their immunomodulatory activities prior to further checking in the mammalian animal models. In the end, this will reduce the use of mammalian animal models for preliminary experiments in an effort to discover/repurpose drugs with immunomodulatory activity.
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24
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Monczor F, Genaro A. South American special issue: Editorial. Pharmacol Res Perspect 2021; 9:e00868. [PMID: 34609071 PMCID: PMC8491458 DOI: 10.1002/prp2.868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Federico Monczor
- Facultad de Farmacia y BioquímicaInstituto de Investigaciones Farmacológicas (ININFA‐UBA‐CONICET)Universidad de Buenos AiresBuenos AiresArgentina
| | - Ana Genaro
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (UCA‐CONICET)Buenos AiresArgentina
- Departamento de FarmacologíaFacultad de MedicinaUBA ParaguayBuenos AiresArgentina
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25
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Lauffer MC. Organ-on-a-chip technologies to study neuromuscular disorders: possibilities, limitations, and future hopes. MED GENET-BERLIN 2021; 33:261-267. [PMID: 38835702 PMCID: PMC11006322 DOI: 10.1515/medgen-2021-2085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Neuromuscular disorders are a heterogeneous group of diseases ranging from mild to devastating phenotypes depending on the disorder's origin. Pathophysiologies for many of these disorders are not fully understood and efficient therapies are urgently needed. Recent advances in the field of induced pluripotent stem cells and organ-on-a-chip technologies have brought enormous improvement in modeling neuromuscular diseases. Even complex units, like the neuromuscular junction, can now be built, enabling researchers to study each component of the motor unit by itself or interacting with others, allowing the identification of disease mechanisms. This article aims to introduce these new modeling systems to study neuromuscular disorders and the possibilities of organ-on-a-chip platforms to shed light on disease pathologies and their use for therapy development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlen C Lauffer
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Cologne, Kerpener Str. 34, 50931 Cologne, Germany
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