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Mieville V, Griffioen AW, Benamran D, Nowak-Sliwinska P. Advanced in vitro models for renal cell carcinoma therapy design. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:188942. [PMID: 37343729 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.188942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and its principal subtype, clear cell RCC, are the most diagnosed kidney cancer. Despite substantial improvement over the last decades, current pharmacological intervention still fails to achieve long-term therapeutic success. RCC is characterized by a high intra- and inter-tumoral heterogeneity and is heavily influenced by the crosstalk of the cells composing the tumor microenvironment, such as cancer-associated fibroblasts, endothelial cells and immune cells. Moreover, multiple physicochemical properties such as pH, interstitial pressure or oxygenation may also play an important role. These elements are often poorly recapitulated in in vitro models used for drug development. This inadequate recapitulation of the tumor is partially responsible for the current lack of an effective and curative treatment. Therefore, there are needs for more complex in vitro or ex vivo drug screening models. In this review, we discuss the current state-of-the-art of RCC models and suggest strategies for their further development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentin Mieville
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University of Geneva, Switzerland; Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland; Translational Research Center in Oncohaematology, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Arjan W Griffioen
- Angiogenesis Laboratory, Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Daniel Benamran
- Division of Urology, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Patrycja Nowak-Sliwinska
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University of Geneva, Switzerland; Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland; Translational Research Center in Oncohaematology, Geneva, Switzerland.
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2
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Wang X, Shen Y, Shang M, Liu X, Munn LL. Endothelial mechanobiology in atherosclerosis. Cardiovasc Res 2023; 119:1656-1675. [PMID: 37163659 PMCID: PMC10325702 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvad076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a serious health challenge, causing more deaths worldwide than cancer. The vascular endothelium, which forms the inner lining of blood vessels, plays a central role in maintaining vascular integrity and homeostasis and is in direct contact with the blood flow. Research over the past century has shown that mechanical perturbations of the vascular wall contribute to the formation and progression of atherosclerosis. While the straight part of the artery is exposed to sustained laminar flow and physiological high shear stress, flow near branch points or in curved vessels can exhibit 'disturbed' flow. Clinical studies as well as carefully controlled in vitro analyses have confirmed that these regions of disturbed flow, which can include low shear stress, recirculation, oscillation, or lateral flow, are preferential sites of atherosclerotic lesion formation. Because of their critical role in blood flow homeostasis, vascular endothelial cells (ECs) have mechanosensory mechanisms that allow them to react rapidly to changes in mechanical forces, and to execute context-specific adaptive responses to modulate EC functions. This review summarizes the current understanding of endothelial mechanobiology, which can guide the identification of new therapeutic targets to slow or reverse the progression of atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Wang
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
- Department of Cardiology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310020, China
| | - Yang Shen
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Min Shang
- Department of Cardiology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310020, China
| | - Xiaoheng Liu
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Lance L Munn
- Steele Laboratories, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
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Valle NME, Nucci MP, Alves AH, Rodrigues LD, Mamani JB, Oliveira FA, Lopes CS, Lopes AT, Carreño MNP, Gamarra LF. Advances in Concentration Gradient Generation Approaches in a Microfluidic Device for Toxicity Analysis. Cells 2022; 11:cells11193101. [PMID: 36231063 PMCID: PMC9563958 DOI: 10.3390/cells11193101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
This systematic review aimed to analyze the development and functionality of microfluidic concentration gradient generators (CGGs) for toxicological evaluation of different biological organisms. We searched articles using the keywords: concentration gradient generator, toxicity, and microfluidic device. Only 33 of the 352 articles found were included and examined regarding the fabrication of the microdevices, the characteristics of the CGG, the biological model, and the desired results. The main fabrication method was soft lithography, using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) material (91%) and SU-8 as the mold (58.3%). New technologies were applied to minimize shear and bubble problems, reduce costs, and accelerate prototyping. The Christmas tree CGG design and its variations were the most reported in the studies, as well as the convective method of generation (61%). Biological models included bacteria and nematodes for antibiotic screening, microalgae for pollutant toxicity, tumor and normal cells for, primarily, chemotherapy screening, and Zebrafish embryos for drug and metal developmental toxicity. The toxic effects of each concentration generated were evaluated mostly with imaging and microscopy techniques. This study showed an advantage of CGGs over other techniques and their applicability for several biological models. Even with soft lithography, PDMS, and Christmas tree being more popular in their respective categories, current studies aim to apply new technologies and intricate architectures to improve testing effectiveness and reduce common microfluidics problems, allowing for high applicability of toxicity tests in different medical and environmental models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole M. E. Valle
- Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo 05652-000, Brazil
- Pontifícia Universidade Católica de São Paulo, São Paulo 01303-050, Brazil
| | - Mariana P. Nucci
- Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo 05652-000, Brazil
- LIM44—Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05403-000, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Caique S. Lopes
- Pontifícia Universidade Católica de São Paulo, São Paulo 01303-050, Brazil
| | - Alexandre T. Lopes
- Departamento de Engenharia de Sistema Eletrônicos, Escola Politécnica, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-010, Brazil
| | - Marcelo N. P. Carreño
- Departamento de Engenharia de Sistema Eletrônicos, Escola Politécnica, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-010, Brazil
| | - Lionel F. Gamarra
- Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo 05652-000, Brazil
- Pontifícia Universidade Católica de São Paulo, São Paulo 01303-050, Brazil
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-11-2151-0243
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De Stefano P, Bianchi E, Dubini G. The impact of microfluidics in high-throughput drug-screening applications. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2022; 16:031501. [PMID: 35646223 PMCID: PMC9142169 DOI: 10.1063/5.0087294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Drug discovery is an expensive and lengthy process. Among the different phases, drug discovery and preclinical trials play an important role as only 5-10 of all drugs that begin preclinical tests proceed to clinical trials. Indeed, current high-throughput screening technologies are very expensive, as they are unable to dispense small liquid volumes in an accurate and quick way. Moreover, despite being simple and fast, drug screening assays are usually performed under static conditions, thus failing to recapitulate tissue-specific architecture and biomechanical cues present in vivo even in the case of 3D models. On the contrary, microfluidics might offer a more rapid and cost-effective alternative. Although considered incompatible with high-throughput systems for years, technological advancements have demonstrated how this gap is rapidly reducing. In this Review, we want to further outline the role of microfluidics in high-throughput drug screening applications by looking at the multiple strategies for cell seeding, compartmentalization, continuous flow, stimuli administration (e.g., drug gradients or shear stresses), and single-cell analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola De Stefano
- Laboratory of Biological Structure Mechanics, Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering “G. Natta,” Politecnico di Milano, Italy
| | - Elena Bianchi
- Laboratory of Biological Structure Mechanics, Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering “G. Natta,” Politecnico di Milano, Italy
| | - Gabriele Dubini
- Laboratory of Biological Structure Mechanics, Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering “G. Natta,” Politecnico di Milano, Italy
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Organ-on-a-Chip: Design and Simulation of Various Microfluidic Channel Geometries for the Influence of Fluid Dynamic Parameters. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/app12083829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Shear stress, pressure, and flow rate are fluid dynamic parameters that can lead to changes in the morphology, proliferation, function, and survival of many cell types and have a determinant impact on tissue function and viability. Microfluidic devices are promising tools to investigate these parameters and fluid behaviour within different microchannel geometries. This study discusses and analyses different designed microfluidic channel geometries regarding the influence of fluid dynamic parameters on their microenvironment at specified fluidic parameters. The results demonstrate that in the circular microchamber, the velocity and shear stress profiles assume a parabolic shape with a maximum velocity occurring in the centre of the chamber and a minimum velocity at the walls. The longitudinal microchannel shows a uniform velocity and shear stress profile throughout the microchannel. Simulation studies for the two geometries with three parallel microchannels showed that in proximity to the micropillars, the velocity and shear stress profiles decreased. Moreover, the pressure is inversely proportional to the width and directly proportional to the flow rate within the microfluidic channels. The simulations showed that the velocity and wall shear stress indicated different values at different flow rates. It was also found that the width and height of the microfluidic channels could affect both velocity and shear stress profiles, contributing to the control of shear stress. The study has demonstrated strategies to predict and control the effects of these forces and the potential as an alternative to conventional cell culture as well as to recapitulate the cell- and organ-specific microenvironment.
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Fallon ME, Mathews R, Hinds MT. In Vitro Flow Chamber Design for the Study of Endothelial Cell (Patho)Physiology. J Biomech Eng 2022; 144:020801. [PMID: 34254640 PMCID: PMC8628846 DOI: 10.1115/1.4051765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
In the native vasculature, flowing blood produces a frictional force on vessel walls that affects endothelial cell function and phenotype. In the arterial system, the vasculature's local geometry directly influences variations in flow profiles and shear stress magnitudes. Straight arterial sections with pulsatile shear stress have been shown to promote an athero-protective endothelial phenotype. Conversely, areas with more complex geometry, such as arterial bifurcations and branch points with disturbed flow patterns and lower, oscillatory shear stress, typically lead to endothelial dysfunction and the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. Many studies have investigated the regulation of endothelial responses to various shear stress environments. Importantly, the accurate in vitro simulation of in vivo hemodynamics is critical to the deeper understanding of mechanotransduction through the proper design and use of flow chamber devices. In this review, we describe several flow chamber apparatuses and their fluid mechanics design parameters, including parallel-plate flow chambers, cone-and-plate devices, and microfluidic devices. In addition, chamber-specific design criteria and relevant equations are defined in detail for the accurate simulation of shear stress environments to study endothelial cell responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan E. Fallon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health & Science University, 3303 S Bond Ave CH13B, Portland, OR 97239
| | - Rick Mathews
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health & Science University, 3303 S Bond Ave CH13B, Portland, OR 97239
| | - Monica T. Hinds
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health & Science University, 3303 S Bond Ave CH13B, Portland, OR 97239
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Abstract
Recently, we introduced magnetophoretic circuits, composed of overlaid magnetic and metallic layers, as a novel single-cell analysis (SCA) tool. We showed the ability of these circuits in organizing large single-particle and particle-pair arrays. Assembling the cells in microarrays is performed with the ultimate goal of running temporal phenotypic analyses. However, for long-term studies, a suitable microenvironment for the cells to normally grow and differentiate is needed. Towards this goal, in this study, we run required biocompatibility tests, based on which we make the magnetophoretic-based microchip a suitable home for the cells to grow. The results confirm the ability of these chips in cell handling and show no unwanted cell behavior alteration due to the applied shear stress on them, the magnetic labeling, or the microenvironment. After this achievement, this tool would be ready for running important single-cell studies in oncology, virology, and medicine.
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A Review of Electrical Impedance Characterization of Cells for Label-Free and Real-Time Assays. BIOCHIP JOURNAL 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s13206-019-3401-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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An S, Han SY, Cho SW. Hydrogel-integrated Microfluidic Systems for Advanced Stem Cell Engineering. BIOCHIP JOURNAL 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s13206-019-3402-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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