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Xu S, Liu Y, Yang Y, Zhang K, Liang W, Xu Z, Wu Y, Luo J, Zhuang C, Cai X. Recent Progress and Perspectives on Neural Chip Platforms Integrating PDMS-Based Microfluidic Devices and Microelectrode Arrays. MICROMACHINES 2023; 14:709. [PMID: 37420942 DOI: 10.3390/mi14040709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
Recent years have witnessed a spurt of progress in the application of the encoding and decoding of neural activities to drug screening, diseases diagnosis, and brain-computer interactions. To overcome the constraints of the complexity of the brain and the ethical considerations of in vivo research, neural chip platforms integrating microfluidic devices and microelectrode arrays have been raised, which can not only customize growth paths for neurons in vitro but also monitor and modulate the specialized neural networks grown on chips. Therefore, this article reviews the developmental history of chip platforms integrating microfluidic devices and microelectrode arrays. First, we review the design and application of advanced microelectrode arrays and microfluidic devices. After, we introduce the fabrication process of neural chip platforms. Finally, we highlight the recent progress on this type of chip platform as a research tool in the field of brain science and neuroscience, focusing on neuropharmacology, neurological diseases, and simplified brain models. This is a detailed and comprehensive review of neural chip platforms. This work aims to fulfill the following three goals: (1) summarize the latest design patterns and fabrication schemes of such platforms, providing a reference for the development of other new platforms; (2) generalize several important applications of chip platforms in the field of neurology, which will attract the attention of scientists in the field; and (3) propose the developmental direction of neural chip platforms integrating microfluidic devices and microelectrode arrays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shihong Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- School of Electronic, Electrical and Communication Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yaoyao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- School of Electronic, Electrical and Communication Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- School of Electronic, Electrical and Communication Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Kui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- School of Electronic, Electrical and Communication Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Wei Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- School of Electronic, Electrical and Communication Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Zhaojie Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- School of Electronic, Electrical and Communication Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yirong Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- School of Electronic, Electrical and Communication Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jinping Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- School of Electronic, Electrical and Communication Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Chengyu Zhuang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Rujing Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Xinxia Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- School of Electronic, Electrical and Communication Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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Sympathetic neurons secrete retrogradely transported TrkA on extracellular vesicles. Sci Rep 2023; 13:3657. [PMID: 36871060 PMCID: PMC9985603 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-30728-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Proper wiring of the peripheral nervous system relies on neurotrophic signaling via nerve growth factor (NGF). NGF secreted by target organs (i.e. eye) binds to the TrkA receptor expressed on the distal axons of postganglionic neurons. Upon binding, TrkA is internalized into a signaling endosome and retrogradely trafficked back to the soma and into the dendrites to promote cell survival and postsynaptic maturation, respectively. Much progress has been made in recent years to define the fate of the retrogradely trafficked TrkA signaling endosome, yet it has not been fully characterized. Here we investigate extracellular vesicles (EVs) as a novel route of neurotrophic signaling. Using the mouse superior cervical ganglion (SCG) as a model, we isolate EVs derived from sympathetic cultures and characterize them using immunoblot assays, nanoparticle tracking analysis, and cryo-electron microscopy. Furthermore, using a compartmentalized culture system, we find that TrkA derived from endosomes originating in the distal axon can be detected on EVs secreted from the somatodendritic domain. In addition, inhibition of classic TrkA downstream pathways, specifically in somatodendritic compartments, greatly decreases TrkA packaging into EVs. Our results suggest a novel trafficking route for TrkA: it can travel long distances to the cell body, be packaged into EVs, and be secreted. Secretion of TrkA via EVs appears to be regulated by its own downstream effector cascades, raising intriguing future questions about novel functionalities associated with TrkA+ EVs.
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Varier P, Raju G, Madhusudanan P, Jerard C, Shankarappa SA. A Brief Review of In Vitro Models for Injury and Regeneration in the Peripheral Nervous System. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:816. [PMID: 35055003 PMCID: PMC8775373 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23020816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Nerve axonal injury and associated cellular mechanisms leading to peripheral nerve damage are important topics of research necessary for reducing disability and enhancing quality of life. Model systems that mimic the biological changes that occur during human nerve injury are crucial for the identification of cellular responses, screening of novel therapeutic molecules, and design of neural regeneration strategies. In addition to in vivo and mathematical models, in vitro axonal injury models provide a simple, robust, and reductionist platform to partially understand nerve injury pathogenesis and regeneration. In recent years, there have been several advances related to in vitro techniques that focus on the utilization of custom-fabricated cell culture chambers, microfluidic chamber systems, and injury techniques such as laser ablation and axonal stretching. These developments seem to reflect a gradual and natural progression towards understanding molecular and signaling events at an individual axon and neuronal-soma level. In this review, we attempt to categorize and discuss various in vitro models of injury relevant to the peripheral nervous system and highlight their strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities. Such models will help to recreate the post-injury microenvironment and aid in the development of therapeutic strategies that can accelerate nerve repair.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Sahadev A. Shankarappa
- Centre for Nanosciences & Molecular Medicine, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Center, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi 682041, India; (P.V.); (G.R.); (P.M.); (C.J.)
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Emily MF, Agrawal L, Barzaghi P, Otsuki M, Terenzio M. Use of Microfluidics Chambers to Image Axonal transport in Adult Sensory Neurons. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2431:271-288. [PMID: 35412282 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1990-2_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Transport of cargoes along axons is crucial for ensuring effective neuronal function and survival. Lysosomes, which are membrane-bound organelles responsible for the degradation of macromolecules, are among the many cargoes being transported. Compartmentalized systems that allow for the separation of the somatic compartment from the axonal network, are widely used in the field of neurobiology and in the study of axonal transport in particular. Among the various solutions available, microfluidics chambers that take advantage of fluidic separation between different compartments, have seen widespread adoption. Said chambers are made of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), a transparent, gas permeable compound, which is compatible with fluorescence microscopy, and have significantly positively impacted cellular neuroscience, drastically increasing our understanding of axonal peripheral signaling. Here we describe a two-layered microfluidics chamber, engineered to allow for the culture of adult sensory neurons. This device was designed to promote the proper placement of adult sensory neurons in the somatic chamber in proximity of the microgrooves. We detail the production of the master mold, how to fabricate and assemble the device and how to disaggregate and load the cells in it. In addition, we provide details on how to conduct and analyze an axonal transport experiment using a custom made script in MATLAB designed by our laboratory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Fransiska Emily
- Molecular Neuroscience Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Lokesh Agrawal
- Molecular Neuroscience Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Paolo Barzaghi
- Imaging Section, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Miki Otsuki
- Molecular Neuroscience Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Marco Terenzio
- Molecular Neuroscience Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Okinawa, Japan.
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Mohamed NV, Lépine P, Lacalle-Aurioles M, Sirois J, Mathur M, Reintsch W, Beitel LK, Fon EA, Durcan TM. Microfabricated disk technology: rapid scale up in midbrain organoid generation. Methods 2021; 203:465-477. [PMID: 34314827 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2021.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
By providing a three-dimensional in vitro culture system with key features of the substantia nigra region in the brain, 3D neuronal organoids derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) provide living neuronal tissue resembling the midbrain region of the brain. However, a major limitation of conventional brain organoid culture is that it is often labor-intensive, requiring highly specialized personnel for moderate throughput. Additionally, the methods published for long-term cultures require time-consuming maintenance to generate brain organoids in large numbers. With the increasing need for human midbrain organoids (hMOs) to better understand and model Parkinson's disease (PD) in a dish, there is a need to implement new workflows and methods to both generate and maintain hMOs, while minimizing batch to batch variation. In this study, we developed a method with microfabricated disks to scale up the generation of hMOs. This opens up the possibility to generate larger numbers of hMOs, in a manner that minimizes the amount of labor required, while decreasing variability and maintaining the viability of these hMOs over time. Taken together, producing hMOs in this manner opens up the potential for these to be used to further PD studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nguyen-Vi Mohamed
- Early Drug Discovery Unit (EDDU), Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, 3801 University Street, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 2B4, Canada.
| | - Paula Lépine
- Early Drug Discovery Unit (EDDU), Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, 3801 University Street, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - María Lacalle-Aurioles
- Early Drug Discovery Unit (EDDU), Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, 3801 University Street, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Julien Sirois
- Early Drug Discovery Unit (EDDU), Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, 3801 University Street, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Meghna Mathur
- Early Drug Discovery Unit (EDDU), Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, 3801 University Street, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Wolfgang Reintsch
- Early Drug Discovery Unit (EDDU), Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, 3801 University Street, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Lenore K Beitel
- Early Drug Discovery Unit (EDDU), Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, 3801 University Street, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Edward A Fon
- Early Drug Discovery Unit (EDDU), Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, 3801 University Street, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Thomas M Durcan
- Early Drug Discovery Unit (EDDU), Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, 3801 University Street, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 2B4, Canada.
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