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Zabielska-Kaczorowska MA, Stawarska K, Kawecka A, Urbanowicz K, Smolenski RT, Kutryb-Zajac B. Nucleotide depletion in hypoxia experimental models of mouse myocardial slices. NUCLEOSIDES, NUCLEOTIDES & NUCLEIC ACIDS 2024:1-13. [PMID: 39047183 DOI: 10.1080/15257770.2024.2381791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Experimental models to test the effective protection against cardiac ischemia injury are still challenging in pre-clinical studies. The use of myocardial slices creates a special link between testing isolated cardiomyocytes and whole-heart research. In this work, we investigated the effects of oxygen deprivation in a hypoxic chamber and treatment with cobalt chloride (CoCl2) on the nucleotide profile in isolated mouse myocardial slices. METHODS 200 μm-thick left ventricle myocardial slices were obtained from 3-month-old male C57Bl/6J mice using an oscillatory microtome. Slices were then exposed to 1% O2 atmosphere or 100 μM CoCl2 at 37 °C for 45 min and used for nucleotide measurements using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography. The effects of two short-term experimental models of hypoxia were compared to 2'-deoxyglucose with oligomycin (2-DG + OLIGO) treatment, which inhibited both glycolysis and mitochondrial ATP synthesis. KEY FINDINGS A significant effect of hypoxia with 1% O2 was observed on adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and total adenine nucleotide (TAN) concentrations as well as on adenylate energy charge (AEC), ATP/ADP and ATP/AMP ratios. Oxygen deprivation caused changes almost as profound as 2-DG + OLIGO, emphasizing the critical role of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation in the energy metabolism of cultured heart slices. CoCl2 treatment that elicits hypoxia-like responses via HIF-1α stabilization only slightly affected nucleotide levels. This suggests that mechanisms induced by cobalt ions require more time to change the cardiac energy metabolism. CONCLUSIONS A short-term culture of myocardial slices in a hypoxic chamber seems to be an appropriate model of cardiac ischemia for testing new pharmacological approaches based on modulating the energy metabolism of cardiac cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Klaudia Stawarska
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Ada Kawecka
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
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2
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van Doorn ECH, Amesz JH, Sadeghi AH, de Groot NMS, Manintveld OC, Taverne YJHJ. Preclinical Models of Cardiac Disease: A Comprehensive Overview for Clinical Scientists. Cardiovasc Eng Technol 2024; 15:232-249. [PMID: 38228811 PMCID: PMC11116217 DOI: 10.1007/s13239-023-00707-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
For recent decades, cardiac diseases have been the leading cause of death and morbidity worldwide. Despite significant achievements in their management, profound understanding of disease progression is limited. The lack of biologically relevant and robust preclinical disease models that truly grasp the molecular underpinnings of cardiac disease and its pathophysiology attributes to this stagnation, as well as the insufficiency of platforms that effectively explore novel therapeutic avenues. The area of fundamental and translational cardiac research has therefore gained wide interest of scientists in the clinical field, while the landscape has rapidly evolved towards an elaborate array of research modalities, characterized by diverse and distinctive traits. As a consequence, current literature lacks an intelligible and complete overview aimed at clinical scientists that focuses on selecting the optimal platform for translational research questions. In this review, we present an elaborate overview of current in vitro, ex vivo, in vivo and in silico platforms that model cardiac health and disease, delineating their main benefits and drawbacks, innovative prospects, and foremost fields of application in the scope of clinical research incentives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa C H van Doorn
- Translational Cardiothoracic Surgery Research Lab, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Translational Electrophysiology Laboratory, Department of Cardiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jorik H Amesz
- Translational Cardiothoracic Surgery Research Lab, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Translational Electrophysiology Laboratory, Department of Cardiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Amir H Sadeghi
- Translational Cardiothoracic Surgery Research Lab, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Natasja M S de Groot
- Translational Electrophysiology Laboratory, Department of Cardiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Cardiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Yannick J H J Taverne
- Translational Cardiothoracic Surgery Research Lab, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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3
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Bottermann K, Spychala A, Eliacik A, Amin E, Moussavi-Torshizi SE, Klöcker N, Gödecke A, Heinen A. Extracellular flux analysis in intact cardiac tissue slices-A novel tool to investigate cardiac substrate metabolism in mouse myocardium. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2023; 239:e14004. [PMID: 37227741 DOI: 10.1111/apha.14004] [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: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
AIM Cardiac pathologies are accompanied by alterations in substrate metabolism, and extracellular flux analysis is a standard tool to investigate metabolic disturbances, especially in immortalized cell lines. However, preparations of primary cells, such as adult cardiomyocytes require enzymatic dissociation and cultivation affecting metabolism. Therefore, we developed a flux analyzer-based method for the assessment of substrate metabolism in intact vibratome-sliced mouse heart tissue. METHODS Oxygen consumption rates were determined using a Seahorse XFe24-analyzer and "islet capture plates." We demonstrate that tissue slices are suitable for extracellular flux analysis and metabolize both free fatty acids (FFA) and glucose/glutamine. Functional integrity of tissue slices was proven by optical mapping-based assessment of action potentials. In a proof-of-principle approach, the sensitivity of the method was tested by analyzing substrate metabolism in the remote myocardium after myocardial infarction (I/R). RESULTS Here, I/R increased uncoupled OCR compared with sham animals indicating a stimulated metabolic capacity. This increase was caused by a higher glucose/glutamine metabolism, whereas FFA oxidation was unchanged. CONCLUSION In conclusion, we describe a novel method to analyze cardiac substrate metabolism in intact cardiac tissue slices by extracellular flux analysis. The proof-of-principle experiment demonstrated that this approach has a sensitivity allowing the investigation of pathophysiologically relevant disturbances in cardiac substrate metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Bottermann
- Institute for Pharmacology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Andre Spychala
- Institute for Cardiovascular Physiology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Asena Eliacik
- Institute for Cardiovascular Physiology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Ehsan Amin
- Institute of Neural und Sensory Physiology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - S Erfan Moussavi-Torshizi
- Institute of Neural und Sensory Physiology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Nikolaj Klöcker
- Institute of Neural und Sensory Physiology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Axel Gödecke
- Institute for Cardiovascular Physiology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Andre Heinen
- Institute for Cardiovascular Physiology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
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4
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Zoccarato A. Extending the cardiac metabolism toolkit: Bringing extracellular flux analyses to the living cardiac tissue slice. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2023; 239:e14032. [PMID: 37548383 DOI: 10.1111/apha.14032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Zoccarato
- School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine & Sciences, King's College London British Heart Foundation Centre of Excellence, London, UK
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5
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Lother A, Kohl P. The heterocellular heart: identities, interactions, and implications for cardiology. Basic Res Cardiol 2023; 118:30. [PMID: 37495826 PMCID: PMC10371928 DOI: 10.1007/s00395-023-01000-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
The heterocellular nature of the heart has been receiving increasing attention in recent years. In addition to cardiomyocytes as the prototypical cell type of the heart, non-myocytes such as endothelial cells, fibroblasts, or immune cells are coming more into focus. The rise of single-cell sequencing technologies enables identification of ever more subtle differences and has reignited the question of what defines a cell's identity. Here we provide an overview of the major cardiac cell types, describe their roles in homeostasis, and outline recent findings on non-canonical functions that may be of relevance for cardiology. We highlight modes of biochemical and biophysical interactions between different cardiac cell types and discuss the potential implications of the heterocellular nature of the heart for basic research and therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Achim Lother
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Albertstr. 25, 79104, Freiburg, Germany.
- Interdisciplinary Medical Intensive Care, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Peter Kohl
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University Heart Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- CIBSS Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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6
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Dvinskikh L, Sparks H, Brito L, MacLeod KT, Harding SE, Dunsby C. Remote-refocusing light-sheet fluorescence microscopy enables 3D imaging of electromechanical coupling of hiPSC-derived and adult cardiomyocytes in co-culture. Sci Rep 2023; 13:3342. [PMID: 36849727 PMCID: PMC9970973 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-29419-w] [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: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Improving cardiac function through stem-cell regenerative therapy requires functional and structural integration of the transplanted cells with the host tissue. Visualizing the electromechanical interaction between native and graft cells necessitates 3D imaging with high spatio-temporal resolution and low photo-toxicity. A custom light-sheet fluorescence microscope was used for volumetric imaging of calcium dynamics in co-cultures of adult rat left ventricle cardiomyocytes and human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes. Aberration-free remote refocus of the detection plane synchronously to the scanning of the light sheet along the detection axis enabled fast dual-channel 3D imaging at subcellular resolution without mechanical sample disturbance at up to 8 Hz over a ∼300 µm × 40 µm × 50 µm volume. The two cell types were found to undergo electrically stimulated and spontaneous synchronized calcium transients and contraction. Electromechanical coupling improved with co-culture duration, with 50% of adult-CM coupled after 24 h of co-culture, compared to 19% after 4 h (p = 0.0305). Immobilization with para-nitroblebbistatin did not prevent calcium transient synchronization, with 35% and 36% adult-CM coupled in control and treated samples respectively (p = 0.91), indicating that electrical coupling can be maintained independently of mechanotransduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Dvinskikh
- Department of Physics, Imperial College London, London, UK. .,National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK. .,Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, London, UK.
| | - H Sparks
- Department of Physics, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - L Brito
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - K T MacLeod
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - S E Harding
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - C Dunsby
- Department of Physics, Imperial College London, London, UK
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7
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Optimized Conditions for the Long-Term Maintenance of Precision-Cut Murine Myocardium in Biomimetic Tissue Culture. Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:bioengineering10020171. [PMID: 36829664 PMCID: PMC9952453 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10020171] [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: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Organotypic heart slices from mice might provide a promising in vitro model for cardiac research because of the vast availability of genetically modified specimens, combined with the unrestricted feasibility of experimental interventions. However, murine heart slices undergo rapid degeneration in culture. Therefore, we developed optimal conditions to preserve their structure and function in culture. Mouse ventricular heart samples were transversely cut into 300 µm thick slices. Slices were then cultured under various conditions of diastolic preload, systolic compliance and medium agitation. Continuous stimulation was performed either by optical stimulation or by electrical field stimulation. Contractility was continuously measured, and cellular survival, structure and gene expression were analyzed. Significant improvements in viability and function were achieved by elastic fixation with the appropriate diastolic preload and the rapid shaking of a ß-mercaptoethanol-supplemented medium. At 1 Hz pacing, mouse heart slices maintained stable contractility for up to 48 h under optogenetic pacing and for one week under electrical pacing. In cultured slices, the native myofibril structure was well preserved, and the mRNAs of myosin light chain, titin and connexin 43 were constantly expressed. Conclusions: Adult murine heart slices can be preserved for one week and provide a new opportunity to study cardiac functions.
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8
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Zhan YJ, Zhang SW, Zhu S, Jiang N. Tissue Clearing and Its Application in the Musculoskeletal System. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:1739-1758. [PMID: 36687066 PMCID: PMC9850472 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c05180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The musculoskeletal system is an integral part of the human body. Currently, most skeletal muscle research is conducted through conventional histological sections due to technological limitations and the structure of skeletal muscles. For studying and observing bones and muscles, there is an urgent need for three-dimensional, objective imaging technologies. Optical tissue-clearing technologies seem to offer a novel and accessible approach to research of the musculoskeletal system. Using this approach, the components which cause refraction or prevent light from penetrating into the tissue are physically and chemically eliminated; then the liquid in the tissue is replaced with high-refractive-index chemicals. This innovative method, which allows three-dimensional reconstruction at the cellular and subcellular scale, significantly improves imaging depth and resolution. Nonetheless, this technology was not originally developed to image bones or muscles. When compared with brain and nerve organs which have attracted considerable attention in this field, the musculoskeletal system contains fewer lipids and has high levels of hemoglobin, collagen fibers, and inorganic hydroxyapatite crystals. Currently, three-dimensional imaging methods are widely used in the diagnosis and treatment of skeletal and muscular illnesses. In this regard, it is vitally important to review and evaluate the optical tissue-clearing technologies currently employed in the musculoskeletal system, so that researchers may make an informed decision. In the meantime, this study offers guidelines and recommendations for expanding the use of this technology in the musculoskeletal system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Jing Zhan
- State
Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center
for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Shi-Wen Zhang
- State
Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center
for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- West
China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - SongSong Zhu
- State
Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center
for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- West
China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Nan Jiang
- State
Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center
for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- West
China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
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9
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Sanchez MM, Bagdasarian IA, Darch W, Morgan JT. Organotypic cultures as aging associated disease models. Aging (Albany NY) 2022; 14:9338-9383. [PMID: 36435511 PMCID: PMC9740367 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Aging remains a primary risk factor for a host of diseases, including leading causes of death. Aging and associated diseases are inherently multifactorial, with numerous contributing factors and phenotypes at the molecular, cellular, tissue, and organismal scales. Despite the complexity of aging phenomena, models currently used in aging research possess limitations. Frequently used in vivo models often have important physiological differences, age at different rates, or are genetically engineered to match late disease phenotypes rather than early causes. Conversely, routinely used in vitro models lack the complex tissue-scale and systemic cues that are disrupted in aging. To fill in gaps between in vivo and traditional in vitro models, researchers have increasingly been turning to organotypic models, which provide increased physiological relevance with the accessibility and control of in vitro context. While powerful tools, the development of these models is a field of its own, and many aging researchers may be unaware of recent progress in organotypic models, or hesitant to include these models in their own work. In this review, we describe recent progress in tissue engineering applied to organotypic models, highlighting examples explicitly linked to aging and associated disease, as well as examples of models that are relevant to aging. We specifically highlight progress made in skin, gut, and skeletal muscle, and describe how recently demonstrated models have been used for aging studies or similar phenotypes. Throughout, this review emphasizes the accessibility of these models and aims to provide a resource for researchers seeking to leverage these powerful tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina M. Sanchez
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | | | - William Darch
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Joshua T. Morgan
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
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10
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Zhang D, Lü J, Ren Z, Zhang X, Wu H, Sa R, Wang X, Wang Y, Lin Z, Zhang B. Potential cardiotoxicity induced by Euodiae Fructus: In vivo and in vitro experiments and untargeted metabolomics research. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1028046. [PMID: 36353487 PMCID: PMC9637925 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1028046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Euodiae Fructus, a well-known herbal medicine, is widely used in Asia and has also gained in popularity in Western countries over the last decades. It has known side effects, which have been observed in clinical settings, but few studies have reported on its cardiotoxicity. Methods: In the present study, experiments using techniques of untargeted metabolomics clarify the hazardous effects of Euodiae Fructus on cardiac function and metabolism in rats in situations of overdosage and unsuitable syndrome differentiation. In vitro assays are conducted to observe the toxic effects of evodiamine and rutaecarpine, two main chemical constituents of Euodiae Fructus, in H9c2 and neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCMs), with their signaling mechanisms analyzed accordingly. Results: The cardiac cytotoxicity of evodiamine and rutaecarpine in in vivo experiments is associated with remarkable alterations in lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase, and mitochondrial membrane potential; also with increased intensity of calcium fluorescence, decreased protein expression of the cGMP-PKG pathway in H9c2 cells, and frequency of spontaneous beat in NRCMs. Additionally, the results in rats with Yin deficiency receiving a high-dosage of Euodiae Fructus suggest obvious cardiac physiological dysfunction, abnormal electrocardiogram, pathological injuries, and decreased expression of PKG protein. At the level of endogenous metabolites, the cardiac side effects of overdose and irrational usage of Euodiae Fructus relate to 34 differential metabolites and 10 metabolic pathways involving among others, the purine metabolism, the glycerophospholipid metabolism, the glycerolipid metabolism, and the sphingolipid metabolism. Conclusion: These findings shed new light on the cardiotoxicity induced by Euodiae Fructus, which might be associated with overdose and unsuitable syndrome differentiation, that comes from modulating the cGMP-PKG pathway and disturbing the metabolic pathways of purine, lipid, and amino acid. Continuing research is needed to ensure pharmacovigilance for the safe administration of Chinese herbs in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Zhang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jintao Lü
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Zhixin Ren
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaomeng Zhang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Centre for Pharmacovigilance and Rational Use of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Huanzhang Wu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Rina Sa
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiaofang Wang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Wang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Centre for Pharmacovigilance and Rational Use of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Zhijian Lin
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Centre for Pharmacovigilance and Rational Use of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Bing Zhang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Centre for Pharmacovigilance and Rational Use of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
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11
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Hachim D, Zhao J, Bhankharia J, Nuñez-Toldra R, Brito L, Seong H, Becce M, Ouyang L, Grigsby CL, Higgins SG, Terracciano CM, Stevens MM. Polysaccharide-Polyplex Nanofilm Coatings Enhance Nanoneedle-Based Gene Delivery and Transfection Efficiency. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2022; 18:e2202303. [PMID: 35770803 PMCID: PMC7615482 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202202303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Non-viral vectors represent versatile and immunologically safer alternatives for nucleic acid delivery. Nanoneedles and high-aspect ratio nanostructures are unconventional but interesting delivery systems, in which delivery is mediated by surface interactions. Herein, nanoneedles are synergistically combined with polysaccharide-polyplex nanofilms and enhanced transfection efficiency is observed, compared to polyplexes in suspension. Different polyplex-polyelectrolyte nanofilm combinations are assessed and it is found that transfection efficiency is enhanced when using polysaccharide-based polyanions, rather than being only specific for hyaluronic acid, as suggested in earlier studies. Moreover, results show that enhanced transfection is not mediated by interactions with the CD44 receptor, previously hypothesized as a major mechanism mediating enhancement via hyaluronate. In cardiac tissue, nanoneedles are shown to increase the transfection efficiency of nanofilms compared to flat substrates; while in vitro, high transfection efficiencies are observed in nanostructures where cells present large interfacing areas with the substrate. The results of this study demonstrate that surface-mediated transfection using this system is efficient and safe, requiring amounts of nucleic acid with an order of magnitude lower than standard culture transfection. These findings expand the spectrum of possible polyelectrolyte combinations that can be used for the development of suitable non-viral vectors for exploration in further clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Hachim
- Department of Materials, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Juzhi Zhao
- Department of Materials, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Jash Bhankharia
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Raquel Nuñez-Toldra
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London SW3 6LY, UK
| | - Liliana Brito
- Department of Materials, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Hyejeong Seong
- Department of Materials, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Michele Becce
- Department of Materials, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Liliang Ouyang
- Department of Materials, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Christopher L. Grigsby
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm 171 65, Sweden
| | - Stuart G. Higgins
- Department of Materials, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | | | - Molly M. Stevens
- Department of Materials, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
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12
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A Novel Three-Dimensional Imaging System Based on Polysaccharide Staining for Accurate Histopathological Diagnosis of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 14:905-924. [PMID: 35835392 PMCID: PMC9500441 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2022.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Tissue-clearing and three-dimensional (3D) imaging techniques aid clinical histopathological evaluation; however, further methodological developments are required before use in clinical practice. METHODS We sought to develop a novel fluorescence staining method based on the classical periodic acid-Schiff stain. We further attempted to develop a 3D imaging system based on this staining method and evaluated whether the system can be used for quantitative 3D pathological evaluation and deep learning-based automatic diagnosis of inflammatory bowel diseases. RESULTS We successfully developed a novel periodic acid-FAM hydrazide (PAFhy) staining method for 3D imaging when combined with a tissue-clearing technique (PAFhy-3D). This strategy enabled clear and detailed imaging of the 3D architectures of crypts in human colorectal mucosa. PAFhy-3D imaging also revealed abnormal architectural changes in crypts in ulcerative colitis tissues and identified the distributions of neutrophils in cryptitis and crypt abscesses. PAFhy-3D revealed novel pathological findings including spiral staircase-like crypts specific to inflammatory bowel diseases. Quantitative analysis of crypts based on 3D morphologic changes enabled differential diagnosis of ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, and non-inflammatory bowel disease; such discrimination could not be achieved by pathologists. Furthermore, a deep learning-based system using PAFhy-3D images was used to distinguish these diseases The accuracies were excellent (macro-average area under the curve = 0.94; F1 scores = 0.875 for ulcerative colitis, 0.717 for Crohn's disease, and 0.819 for non-inflammatory bowel disease). CONCLUSIONS PAFhy staining and PAFhy-3D imaging are promising approaches for next-generation experimental and clinical histopathology.
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13
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Fusco-Allison G, Li DK, Hunter B, Jackson D, Bannon PG, Lal S, O'Sullivan JF. Optimizing the discovery and assessment of therapeutic targets in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. ESC Heart Fail 2021; 8:3643-3655. [PMID: 34342166 PMCID: PMC8497375 DOI: 10.1002/ehf2.13504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
There is an urgent need for models that faithfully replicate heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), now recognized as the most common form of heart failure in the world. In vitro approaches have several shortcomings, most notably the immature nature of stem cell‐derived human cardiomyocytes [induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC)] and the relatively short lifespan of primary cardiomyocytes. Three‐dimensional ‘organoids’ incorporating mature iPSCs with other cell types such as endothelial cells and fibroblasts are a significant advance, but lack the complexity of true myocardium. Animal models can replicate many features of human HFpEF, and rodent models are the most common, and recent attempts to incorporate haemodynamic, metabolic, and ageing contributions are encouraging. Differences relating to species, physiology, heart rate, and heart size are major limitations for rodent models. Porcine models mitigate many of these shortcomings and approximate human physiology more closely, but cost and time considerations limit their potential for widespread use. Ex vivo analysis of failing hearts from animal models offer intriguing possibilities regarding cardiac substrate utilisation, but are ultimately subject to the same constrains as the animal models from which the hearts are obtained. Ex vivo approaches using human myocardial biopsies can uncover new insights into pathobiology leveraging myocardial energetics, substrate turnover, molecular changes, and systolic/diastolic function. In collaboration with a skilled cardiothoracic surgeon, left ventricular endomyocardial biopsies can be obtained at the time of valvular surgery in HFpEF patients. Critically, these tissues maintain their disease phenotype, preserving inter‐relationship of myocardial cells and extracellular matrix. This review highlights a novel approach, where ultra‐thin myocardial tissue slices from human HFpEF hearts can be used to assess changes in myocardial structure and function. We discuss current approaches to modelling HFpEF, describe in detail the novel tissue slice model, expand on exciting opportunities this model provides, and outline ways to improve this model further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle Fusco-Allison
- Precision Cardiovascular Laboratory, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Heart Research Institute, Newtown, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Central Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Desmond K Li
- Precision Cardiovascular Laboratory, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Heart Research Institute, Newtown, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Central Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Benjamin Hunter
- Precision Cardiovascular Laboratory, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Central Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Dan Jackson
- Precision Cardiovascular Laboratory, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Central Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Discipline of Surgery, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Paul G Bannon
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Discipline of Surgery, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sean Lal
- Precision Cardiovascular Laboratory, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Central Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Department of Cardiology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - John F O'Sullivan
- Precision Cardiovascular Laboratory, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Heart Research Institute, Newtown, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Central Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Department of Cardiology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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14
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Orsolits B, Kovács Z, Kriston-Vizi J, Merkely B, Földes G. New Modalities of 3D Pluripotent Stem Cell-Based Assays in Cardiovascular Toxicity. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:603016. [PMID: 33854431 PMCID: PMC8039822 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.603016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The substantial progress of the human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) technologies over the last decade has provided us with new opportunities for cardiovascular drug discovery, regenerative medicine, and disease modeling. The combination of hiPSC with 3D culture techniques offers numerous advantages for generating and studying physiological and pathophysiological cardiac models. Cells grown in 3D can overcome many limitations of 2D cell cultures and animal models. Furthermore, it enables the investigation in an architecturally appropriate, complex cellular environment in vitro. Yet, generation and study of cardiac organoids-which may contain versatile cardiovascular cell types differentiated from hiPSC-remain a challenge. The large-scale and high-throughput applications require accurate and standardised models with highly automated processes in culturing, imaging and data collection. Besides the compound spatial structure of organoids, their biological processes also possess different temporal dynamics which require other methods and technologies to detect them. In this review, we summarise the possibilities and challenges of acquiring relevant information from 3D cardiovascular models. We focus on the opportunities during different time-scale processes in dynamic pharmacological experiments and discuss the putative steps toward one-size-fits-all assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Orsolits
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University Budapest, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsófia Kovács
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University Budapest, Budapest, Hungary
| | - János Kriston-Vizi
- Bioinformatics Image Core (BIONIC), MRC Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Béla Merkely
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University Budapest, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gábor Földes
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University Budapest, Budapest, Hungary
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial Centre for Experimental and Translational Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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15
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Liu Z, Klose K, Neuber S, Jiang M, Gossen M, Stamm C. Comparative analysis of adeno-associated virus serotypes for gene transfer in organotypic heart slices. J Transl Med 2020; 18:437. [PMID: 33208161 PMCID: PMC7673099 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-020-02605-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Vectors derived from adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) are widely used for gene transfer both in vitro and in vivo and have gained increasing interest as shuttle systems to deliver therapeutic genes to the heart. However, there is little information on their tissue penetration and cytotoxicity, as well as the optimal AAV serotype for transferring genes to diseased hearts. Therefore, we aimed to establish an organotypic heart slice culture system for mouse left ventricular (LV) myocardium and use this platform to analyze gene transfer efficiency, cell tropism, and toxicity of different AAV serotypes. Methods LV tissue slices, 300 µm thick, were prepared from 15- to 17-day-old transgenic alpha-myosin heavy-chain-mCherry mice using a vibrating microtome. Tissue slice viability in air-liquid culture was evaluated by calcein-acetoxymethyl ester staining, mCherry fluorescence intensity, and the tetrazolium assay. Four recombinant AAV serotypes (1, 2, 6, 8) expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) under the CAG promoter were added to the slice surface. Gene transfer efficiency was quantified as the number of GFP-positive cells per slice. AAV cell tropism was examined by comparing the number of GFP-positive cardiomyocytes (CMs) and fibroblasts within heart slices. Results Slices retained viability in in vitro culture for at least 5 days. After adding AAV particles, AAV6-infected slices showed the highest number of GFP-expressing cells, almost exclusively CMs. Slice incubation with AAV1, 2, and 8 resulted in fewer GFP-positive cells, with AAV2 having the lowest gene transfer efficiency. None of the AAV serotypes tested caused significant cytotoxicity when compared to non-infected control slices. Conclusions We have established a readily available mouse organotypic heart slice culture model and provided evidence that AAV6 may be a promising gene therapy vector for heart failure and other cardiac diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zihou Liu
- Berlin Institute of Health Center for Regenerative Therapies, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kristin Klose
- Berlin Institute of Health Center for Regenerative Therapies, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sebastian Neuber
- Berlin Institute of Health Center for Regenerative Therapies, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, German Heart Center Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,German Centre for Cardiovascular Research, Partner Site Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Meng Jiang
- Berlin Institute of Health Center for Regenerative Therapies, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Manfred Gossen
- Berlin-Brandenburg Center for Regenerative Therapies, Berlin, Germany.,Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht, Institute of Biomaterial Science, Teltow, Germany
| | - Christof Stamm
- Berlin Institute of Health Center for Regenerative Therapies, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany. .,Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, German Heart Center Berlin, Berlin, Germany. .,German Centre for Cardiovascular Research, Partner Site Berlin, Berlin, Germany. .,Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht, Institute of Biomaterial Science, Teltow, Germany.
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16
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Watson SA, Dendorfer A, Thum T, Perbellini F. A practical guide for investigating cardiac physiology using living myocardial slices. Basic Res Cardiol 2020; 115:61. [PMID: 32914360 PMCID: PMC7496048 DOI: 10.1007/s00395-020-00822-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Ex vivo multicellular preparations are essential tools to study tissue physiology. Among them, the recent methodological and technological developments in living myocardial slices (LMS) are attracting increasing interest by the cardiac research field. Despite this, this research model remains poorly perceived and utilized by most research laboratories. Here, we provide a practical guide on how to use LMS to interrogate multiple aspects of cardiac function, structure and biochemistry. We discuss issues that should be considered to conduct successful experiments, including experimental design, sample preparation, data collection and analysis. We describe how laboratory setups can be adapted to accommodate and interrogate this multicellular research model. These adaptations can often be achieved at a reasonable cost with off-the-shelf components and operated reliably using well-established protocols and freely available software, which is essential to broaden the utilization of this method. We will also highlight how current measurements can be improved to further enhance data quality and reliability to ensure inter-laboratory reproducibility. Finally, we summarize the most promising biomedical applications and envision how living myocardial slices can lead to further breakthroughs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - A Dendorfer
- Walter-Brendel-Centre of Experimental Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - T Thum
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies (IMTTS), Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany. .,National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK.
| | - F Perbellini
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies (IMTTS), Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany.
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17
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Pitoulis FG, Watson SA, Perbellini F, Terracciano CM. Myocardial slices come to age: an intermediate complexity in vitro cardiac model for translational research. Cardiovasc Res 2020; 116:1275-1287. [PMID: 31868875 PMCID: PMC7243278 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvz341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Revised: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Although past decades have witnessed significant reductions in mortality of heart failure together with advances in our understanding of its cellular, molecular, and whole-heart features, a lot of basic cardiac research still fails to translate into clinical practice. In this review we examine myocardial slices, a novel model in the translational arena. Myocardial slices are living ultra-thin sections of heart tissue. Slices maintain the myocardium's native function (contractility, electrophysiology) and structure (multicellularity, extracellular matrix) and can be prepared from animal and human tissue. The discussion begins with the history and current advances in the model, the different interlaboratory methods of preparation and their potential impact on results. We then contextualize slices' advantages and limitations by comparing it with other cardiac models. Recently, sophisticated methods have enabled slices to be cultured chronically in vitro while preserving the functional and structural phenotype. This is more timely now than ever where chronic physiologically relevant in vitro platforms for assessment of therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. We interrogate the technological developments that have permitted this, their limitations, and future directions. Finally, we look into the general obstacles faced by the translational field, and how implementation of research systems utilizing slices could help in resolving these.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fotios G Pitoulis
- Laboratory of Cell Electrophysiology, Department of Myocardial Function, Imperial College London, National Heart and Lung Institute, 4th Floor ICTEM Building Hammersmith Hospital, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Samuel A Watson
- Laboratory of Cell Electrophysiology, Department of Myocardial Function, Imperial College London, National Heart and Lung Institute, 4th Floor ICTEM Building Hammersmith Hospital, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Filippo Perbellini
- Laboratory of Cell Electrophysiology, Department of Myocardial Function, Imperial College London, National Heart and Lung Institute, 4th Floor ICTEM Building Hammersmith Hospital, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
- Hannover Medical School, Institute of Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies, Hannover, Germany
| | - Cesare M Terracciano
- Laboratory of Cell Electrophysiology, Department of Myocardial Function, Imperial College London, National Heart and Lung Institute, 4th Floor ICTEM Building Hammersmith Hospital, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
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18
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Gintant G, Traebert M. The roles of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes in drug discovery: managing in vitro safety study expectations. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2020; 15:719-729. [PMID: 32129680 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2020.1736549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocyte (hiPSC-CM) preparations are increasingly employed in in vitro cardiac safety studies to support candidate drug selection and regulatory submissions. The value of hiPSC-CM-based approaches depends on their ability to recapitulate the cellular mechanisms responsible for cardiotoxicity as well as overall assay characteristics (thus defining model performance). Different expectations at different drug development stages define the utility of these human-derived models. AREAS COVERED Herein, the authors review the importance of understanding the functional characteristics of the evolving spectrum of simpler (2D) and more complex (co-cultures, 3D constructs, and engineered tissues) human-derived cardiac preparations, and how their performance may be evaluated based on analytical sensitivity, variability, and reproducibility in order to correctly match preparations with expectations of different safety assays. The need for consensus clinical examples of electrophysiologic, contractile, and structural cardiotoxicities essential for benchmarking human-derived models is also discussed. EXPERT OPINION It is helpful (but not essential) that hiPSC-CMs preparations fully recapitulate pharmacological responses of native adult human ventricular myocytes when evaluating cardiotoxicity in vitro. Further calibration and model standardization (aligning concordance with clinical findings) are necessary to understand the role of hiPSC-CMs in guiding cardiotoxicity assessments in early drug discovery efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary Gintant
- Department of Integrative Pharmacology (ZR13), AP-9A-LL, AbbVie Inc. , North Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Martin Traebert
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research , Safety Pharmacology, Basel, Switzerland
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19
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Grieve DJ. Special Issue: British Society for Cardiovascular Research : Introduction. Cardiovasc Drugs Ther 2020; 33:201. [PMID: 30895487 DOI: 10.1007/s10557-019-06877-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- David J Grieve
- Centre for Experimental Medicine, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 7AE, UK.
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20
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Wright PT, Tsui SF, Francis AJ, MacLeod KT, Marston SB. Approaches to High-Throughput Analysis of Cardiomyocyte Contractility. Front Physiol 2020; 11:612. [PMID: 32733259 PMCID: PMC7362994 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The measurement of the contractile behavior of single cardiomyocytes has made a significant contribution to our understanding of the physiology and pathophysiology of the myocardium. However, the isolation of cardiomyocytes introduces various technical and statistical issues. Traditional video and fluorescence microscopy techniques based around conventional microscopy systems result in low-throughput experimental studies, in which single cells are studied over the course of a pharmacological or physiological intervention. We describe a new approach to these experiments made possible with a new piece of instrumentation, the CytoCypher High-Throughput System (CC-HTS). We can assess the shortening of sarcomeres, cell length, Ca2+ handling, and cellular morphology of almost 4 cells per minute. This increase in productivity means that batch-to-batch variation can be identified as a major source of variability. The speed of acquisition means that sufficient numbers of cells in each preparation can be assessed for multiple conditions reducing these batch effects. We demonstrate the different temporal scales over which the CC-HTS can acquire data. We use statistical analysis methods that compensate for the hierarchical effects of clustering within heart preparations and demonstrate a significant false-positive rate, which is potentially present in conventional studies. We demonstrate a more stringent way to perform these tests. The baseline morphological and functional characteristics of rat, mouse, guinea pig, and human cells are explored. Finally, we show data from concentration response experiments revealing the usefulness of the CC-HTS in such studies. We specifically focus on the effects of agents that directly or indirectly affect the activity of the motor proteins involved in the production of cardiomyocyte contraction. A variety of myocardial preparations with differing levels of complexity are in use (e.g., isolated muscle bundles, thin slices, perfused dual innervated isolated heart, and perfused ventricular wedge). All suffer from low throughput but can be regarded as providing independent data points in contrast to the clustering problems associated with isolated cell studies. The greater productivity and sampling power provided by CC-HTS may help to reestablish the utility of isolated cell studies, while preserving the unique insights provided by studying the contribution of the fundamental, cellular unit of myocardial contractility.
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21
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He S, Wen Q, O’Shea C, Mu-u-min R, Kou K, Grassam-Rowe A, Liu Y, Fan Z, Tan X, Ou X, Camelliti P, Pavlovic D, Lei M. A Protocol for Transverse Cardiac Slicing and Optical Mapping in Murine Heart. Front Physiol 2019; 10:755. [PMID: 31293436 PMCID: PMC6603341 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Thin living tissue slices have recently emerged as a new tissue model for cardiac electrophysiological research. Slices can be produced from human cardiac tissue, in addition to small and large mammalian hearts, representing a powerful in vitro model system for preclinical and translational heart research. In the present protocol, we describe a detailed mouse heart transverse slicing and optical imaging methodology. The use of this technology for high-throughput optical imaging allows study of electrophysiology of murine hearts in an organotypic pseudo two-dimensional model. The slices are cut at right angles to the long axis of the heart, permitting robust interrogation of transmembrane potential (Vm) and calcium transients (CaT) throughout the entire heart with exceptional regional precision. This approach enables the use of a series of slices prepared from the ventricles to measure Vm and CaT with high temporal and spatial resolution, allowing (i) comparison of successive slices which form a stack representing the original geometry of the heart; (ii) profiling of transmural and regional gradients in Vm and CaT in the ventricle; (iii) characterization of transmural and regional profiles of action potential and CaT alternans under stress (e.g., high frequency pacing or β-adrenergic stimulation) or pathological conditions (e.g., hypertrophy). Thus, the protocol described here provides a powerful platform for innovative research on electrical and calcium handling heterogeneity within the heart. It can be also combined with optogenetic technology to carry out optical stimulation; aiding studies of cellular Vm and CaT in a cell type specific manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. He
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of Ministry of Education and Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Q. Wen
- Institute of Cardiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - C. O’Shea
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - R. Mu-u-min
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - K. Kou
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of Ministry of Education and Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - A. Grassam-Rowe
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Y. Liu
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Z. Fan
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - X. Tan
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of Ministry of Education and Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - X. Ou
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of Ministry of Education and Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - P. Camelliti
- School of Biosciences and Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - D. Pavlovic
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - M. Lei
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of Ministry of Education and Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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