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A User-Friendly Approach for Routine Histopathological and Morphometric Analysis of Skeletal Muscle Using CellProfiler Software. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12030561. [PMID: 35328114 PMCID: PMC8947111 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12030561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Adult skeletal muscle is capable of active and efficient differentiation in the event of injury in both physiological and pathological conditions, such as in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). DMD is characterized by different features, such as continuous cycles of degeneration/regeneration, fiber heterogeneity, chronic inflammation and fibrosis. A well-defined and standardized approach for histological and morphometric analysis of muscle samples is necessary in order to measure and quantify specific regenerative parameters in myopathies. Indeed, non-automatic methods are time-consuming and prone to error. Here, we describe a simple automatized computational approach to quantify muscle parameters with specific pipelines to be run by CellProfiler software in an open-source and well-defined fashion. Our pipelines consist of running image-processing modules in CellProfiler with the aim of quantifying different histopathological muscle hallmarks in mdx mice compared to their wild-type littermates. Specifically, we quantified the minimum Feret diameter, centrally nucleated fibers and the number of macrophages, starting from multiple images. Finally, for extracellular matrix quantification, we used Sirius red staining. Collectively, we developed reliable and easy-to-use pipelines that automatically measure parameters of muscle histology, useful for research in myobiology. These findings should simplify and shorten the time needed for the quantification of muscle histological properties, avoiding challenging manual procedures.
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Giampetraglia M, Weigelin B. Recent advances in intravital microscopy for preclinical research. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2021; 63:200-208. [PMID: 34274700 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2021.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Intravital microscopy (IVM) has revolutionized our understanding of single-cell behavior in complex tissues by enabling real-time observation of molecular and cellular processes in their natural environment. In preclinical research, IVM has emerged as a standard tool for mechanistic studies of therapy response and the rational design of new treatment strategies. Technological developments keep expanding the imaging depth and quality that can be achieved in living tissue, and the maturation of imaging modalities such as fluorescence and phosphorescence lifetime imaging facilitates co-registration of individual cell dynamics with metabolic tissue states. Correlation of IVM with mesoscopic and macroscopic imaging modalities further promotes the translation of mechanistic insights gained by IVM into clinically relevant information. This review highlights some of the recent advances in IVM that have made the transition from experimental optical techniques to practical applications in basic and preclinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Giampetraglia
- David H. Koch Center for Applied Research of Genitourinary Cancers, Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, USA
| | - Bettina Weigelin
- Werner Siemens Imaging Center, Department of Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies", University of Tübingen, Germany.
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Ballesteros A, Fitzgerald TS, Swartz KJ. Expression of a membrane-targeted fluorescent reporter disrupts auditory hair cell mechanoelectrical transduction and causes profound deafness. Hear Res 2021; 404:108212. [PMID: 33667877 PMCID: PMC8035305 DOI: 10.1016/j.heares.2021.108212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The reporter mT/mG mice expressing a membrane-targeted fluorescent protein are becoming widely used to study the auditory and vestibular system due to its versatility. Here we show that high expression levels of the fluorescent mtdTomato reporter affect the function of the sensory hair cells and the auditory performance of mT/mG transgenic mice. Auditory brainstem responses and distortion product otoacoustic emissions revealed that adult mT/mG homozygous mice are profoundly deaf, whereas heterozygous mice present high frequency loss. We explore whether this line would be useful for studying and visualizing the membrane of auditory hair cells by airyscan super-resolution confocal microscopy. Membrane localization of the reporter was observed in hair cells of the cochlea, facilitating imaging of both cell bodies and stereocilia bundles without altering cellular architecture or the expression of the integral membrane motor protein prestin. Remarkably, hair cells from mT/mG homozygous mice failed to uptake the FM1-43 dye and to locate TMC1 at the stereocilia, indicating defective mechanotransduction machinery. Our work emphasizes that precautions must be considered when working with reporter mice and highlights the potential role of the cellular membrane in maintaining functional hair cells and ensuring proper hearing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Ballesteros
- Molecular Physiology and Biophysics Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States.
| | - Tracy S Fitzgerald
- Mouse Auditory Testing Core, National Institute on Deafness and other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States
| | - Kenton J Swartz
- Molecular Physiology and Biophysics Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States.
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Salimiyan Rizi K, Aryan E, Meshkat Z, Ranjbar G, Sankian M, Ghazvini K, Farsiani H, Pourianfar HR, Rezayi M. The overview and perspectives of biosensors and Mycobacterium tuberculosis: A systematic review. J Cell Physiol 2020; 236:1730-1750. [PMID: 32930412 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB) is referred to as a "consumption" or phthisis, which has been a fatal human disease for thousands of years. Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb) might have been responsible for the death of more humans than any other bacterial pathogens. Therefore, the rapid diagnosis of this bacterial infection plays a pivotal role in the timely and appropriate treatment of the patients, as well as the prevention of disease spread. More than 98% of TB cases are reported in developing countries, and due to the lack of well-equipped and specialized diagnostic laboratories, development of effective diagnostic methods based on biosensors is essential for this bacterium. In this review, original articles published in English were retrieved from multiple databases, such as PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and Cochrane Library during January 2010-October 2019. In addition, the reference lists of the articles were also searched. Among 109 electronically searched citations, 42 articles met the inclusion criteria. The highest potential and wide usage of biosensors for the diagnosis of M. tb and its drug resistance belonged to DNA electrochemical biosensors (isoniazid and rifampin strains). Use of biosensors is expanding for the detection of resistant strains of anti-TB antibiotics with high sensitivity and accuracy, while the speed of these sensory methods is considered essential as well. Furthermore, the lowest limit of detection (0.9 fg/ml) from an electrochemical DNA biosensor was based on graphene-modified iron-oxide chitosan hybrid deposited on fluorine tin oxide for the MPT64 antigen target. According to the results, the most common methods used for M. tb detection include acid-fast staining, cultivation, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Although molecular techniques (e.g., PCR and real-time PCR) are rapid and sensitive, they require sophisticated laboratory and apparatuses, as well as skilled personnel and expertise in the commentary of the results. Biosensors are fast, valid, and cost-efficient diagnostic method, and the improvement of their quality is of paramount importance in resource-constrained settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kobra Salimiyan Rizi
- Department of Medical Bacteriology and Virology, School of Medicine, Antimicrobial Resistance Research Center, Qaem University Hospital, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Ehsan Aryan
- Department of Medical Bacteriology and Virology, School of Medicine, Antimicrobial Resistance Research Center, Qaem University Hospital, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Zahra Meshkat
- Department of Medical Bacteriology and Virology, School of Medicine, Antimicrobial Resistance Research Center, Qaem University Hospital, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Golnaz Ranjbar
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Sankian
- Division of Immunobiochemistry, Immunology Research Centre, Bu-Ali Research Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Kiarash Ghazvini
- Department of Medical Bacteriology and Virology, School of Medicine, Antimicrobial Resistance Research Center, Qaem University Hospital, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Hadi Farsiani
- Department of Medical Bacteriology and Virology, School of Medicine, Antimicrobial Resistance Research Center, Qaem University Hospital, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Hamid R Pourianfar
- Research Department of Industrial Fungi Biotechnology, Research Institute for Industrial Biotechnology, Academic Centre for Education, Culture and Research [ACECR]-Khorasan Razavi Province Branch, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Majid Rezayi
- Medical Toxicology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Department of Medical Biotechnology and Nanotechnology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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Thong T, Forté CA, Hill EM, Colacino JA. Environmental exposures, stem cells, and cancer. Pharmacol Ther 2019; 204:107398. [PMID: 31376432 PMCID: PMC6881547 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2019.107398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
An estimated 70-90% of all cancers are linked to exposure to environmental risk factors. In parallel, the number of stem cells in a tissue has been shown to be a strong predictor of risk of developing cancer in that tissue. Tumors themselves are characterized by an acquisition of "stem cell" characteristics, and a growing body of evidence points to tumors themselves being sustained and propagated by a stem cell-like population. Here, we review our understanding of the interplay between environmental exposures, stem cell biology, and cancer. We provide an overview of the role of stem cells in development, tissue homeostasis, and wound repair. We discuss the pathways and mechanisms governing stem cell plasticity and regulation of the stem cell state, and describe experimental methods for assessment of stem cells. We then review the current understanding of how environmental exposures impact stem cell function relevant to carcinogenesis and cancer prevention, with a focus on environmental and occupational exposures to chemical, physical, and biological hazards. We also highlight key areas for future research in this area, including defining whether the biological basis for cancer disparities is related to effects of complex exposure mixtures on stem cell biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tasha Thong
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Chanese A Forté
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Michigan Institute for Computational Discovery and Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Evan M Hill
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Justin A Colacino
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Center for Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
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Activation of the vitamin D receptor transcription factor stimulates the growth of definitive erythroid progenitors. Blood Adv 2019; 2:1207-1219. [PMID: 29844206 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2018017533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 04/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The pathways that regulate the growth of erythroid progenitors are incompletely understood. In a computational analysis of gene expression changes during erythroid ontogeny, the vitamin D receptor (Vdr) nuclear hormone receptor transcription factor gene was identified in fetal and adult stages, but not at the embryonic stage of development. Vdr was expressed in definitive erythroid (EryD) progenitors and was downregulated during their maturation. Activation of Vdr signaling by the vitamin D3 agonist calcitriol increased the outgrowth of EryD colonies from fetal liver and adult bone marrow, maintained progenitor potential, and delayed erythroid maturation, as revealed by clonogenic assays, suspension culture, cell surface phenotype, and gene expression analyses. The early (cKit+CD71lo/neg), but not the late (cKit+CD71hi), EryD progenitor subset of LinnegcKit+ cells was responsive to calcitriol. Culture of cKit+CD71lo/neg progenitors in the presence of both vitamin D3 and glucocorticoid receptor ligands resulted in an increase in proliferation that was at least additive compared with either ligand alone. Lentivirus shRNA-mediated knockdown of Vdr expression abrogated the stimulation of early erythroid progenitor growth by calcitriol. These findings suggest that Vdr has a cell-intrinsic function in early erythroid progenitors. Targeting of downstream components of the Vdr signaling pathway may lead to new approaches for the expansion of erythroid progenitors ex vivo.
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Jordan CJ, Xi ZX. Progress in brain cannabinoid CB 2 receptor research: From genes to behavior. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2019; 98:208-220. [PMID: 30611802 PMCID: PMC6401261 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.12.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Revised: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 12/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The type 2 cannabinoid receptor (CB2R) was initially regarded as a peripheral cannabinoid receptor. However, recent technological advances in gene detection, alongside the availability of transgenic mouse lines, indicate that CB2Rs are expressed in both neurons and glial cells in the brain under physiological and pathological conditions, and are involved in multiple functions at cellular and behavioral levels. Brain CB2Rs are inducible and neuroprotective via up-regulation in response to various insults, but display species differences in gene and receptor structures, CB2R expression, and receptor responses to various CB2R ligands. CB2R transcripts also differ between the brain and spleen. In the brain, CB2A is the major transcript isoform, while CB2A and CB2B transcripts are present at higher levels in the spleen. These new findings regarding brain versus spleen CB2R isoforms may in part explain why early studies failed to detect brain CB2R gene expression. Here, we review evidence supporting the expression and function of brain CB2R from gene and receptor levels to cellular functioning, neural circuitry, and animal behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe J Jordan
- Addiction Biology Unit, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Zheng-Xiong Xi
- Addiction Biology Unit, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA.
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Asokan P, Mitra RN, Periasamy R, Han Z, Borrás T. A Naturally Fluorescent Mgp Transgenic Mouse for Angiogenesis and Glaucoma Longitudinal Studies. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2018; 59:746-756. [PMID: 29392320 PMCID: PMC5795899 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.17-22992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2017] [Accepted: 01/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Our goal was to generate and characterize a new mouse model in which only angiogenesis- and glaucoma-relevant tissues would be naturally fluorescent. The Matrix Gla (MGP) gene is highly expressed in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) and trabecular meshwork (TM). We sought to direct our Mgp-Cre.KI mouse recombinase to VSMC/TM cells to produce their longitudinal fluorescent profiles. Methods Homozygous Mgp-Cre.KI mice were crossed with Ai9 homozygous reporter mice harboring a loxP-flanked STOP cassette preventing transcription of a DsRed fluorescent protein (tdTomato). The F1 double-heterozygous (Mgp-tdTomato) was examined by direct fluorescence, whole mount, histology, and fundus photography. Custom-made filters had 554/23 emission and 609/54 exciter nanometer wavelengths. Proof of concept of the model's usefulness was conducted by inducing guided imaging laser burns. Evaluation of a vessel's leakage and proliferation was followed by noninvasive angiography. Results The Mgp-tdTomato mouse was viable, fertile, with normal IOP and ERG. Its phenotype exhibited red paws and snout (cartilage expression), which precluded genotyping. A fluorescent red ring was seen at the limbus and confirmed to be TM expression by histology. The entire retinal vasculature was red fluorescent (VSMC) and directly visualized by fundus photography. Laser burns on the Mgp-tdTomato allowed separation of leakiness and neovascularization evaluation parameters. Conclusions The availability of a transgenic mouse naturally fluorescent in glaucoma-relevant tissues and retinal vasculature brings the unique opportunity to study a wide spectrum of single and combined glaucomatous conditions in vivo. Moreover, the Mgp-tdTomato mouse provides a new tool to study mechanisms and therapeutics of retinal angiogenesis longitudinally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyadarsini Asokan
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States
| | - Rajendra N. Mitra
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States
| | - Ramesh Periasamy
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States
| | - Zongchao Han
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States
- UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States
| | - Teresa Borrás
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States
- Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States
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Chen Y, Maeda A, Bu J, DaCosta R. Femur Window Chamber Model for In Vivo Cell Tracking in the Murine Bone Marrow. J Vis Exp 2016. [PMID: 27500928 DOI: 10.3791/54205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Bone marrow is a complex organ that contains various hematopoietic and non-hematopoietic cells. These cells are involved in many biological processes, including hematopoiesis, immune regulation and tumor regulation. Commonly used methods for understanding cellular actions in the bone marrow, such as histology and blood counts, provide static information rather than capturing the dynamic action of multiple cellular components in vivo. To complement the standard methods, a window chamber (WC)-based model was developed to enable serial in vivo imaging of cells and structures in the murine bone marrow. This protocol describes a surgical procedure for installing the WC in the femur, in order to facilitate long-term optical access to the femoral bone marrow. In particular, to demonstrate its experimental utility, this WC approach was used to image and track neutrophils within the vascular network of the femur, thereby providing a novel method to visualize and quantify immune cell trafficking and regulation in the bone marrow. This method can be applied to study various biological processes in the murine bone marrow, such as hematopoiesis, stem cell transplantation, and immune responses in pathological conditions, including cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Azusa Maeda
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre; Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto
| | | | - Ralph DaCosta
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre; Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto; Techna Institute, University Health Network;
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