1
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Williamson HK, Mendes PM. An integrated perspective on measuring cytokines to inform CAR-T bioprocessing. Biotechnol Adv 2024; 75:108405. [PMID: 38997052 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2024.108405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells are emerging as a generation-defining therapeutic however their manufacture remains a major barrier to meeting increased market demand. Monitoring critical quality attributes (CQAs) and critical process parameters (CPPs) during manufacture would vastly enrich acquired information related to the process and product, providing feedback to enable real-time decision making. Here we identify specific CAR-T cytokines as value-adding analytes and discuss their roles as plausible CPPs and CQAs. High sensitivity sensing technologies which can be easily integrated into manufacture workflows are essential to implement real-time monitoring of these cytokines. We therefore present biosensors as enabling technologies and evaluate recent advancements in cytokine detection in cell cultures, offering promising translatability to CAR-T biomanufacture. Finally, we outline emerging sensing technologies with future promise, and provide an overall outlook on existing gaps to implementation and the optimal sensing platform to enable cytokine monitoring in CAR-T biomanufacture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah K Williamson
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Paula M Mendes
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.
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2
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Bettini A, Camelliti P, Stuckey DJ, Day RM. Injectable biodegradable microcarriers for iPSC expansion and cardiomyocyte differentiation. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024:e2404355. [PMID: 38900068 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202404355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Cell therapy is a potential novel treatment for cardiac regeneration and numerous studies have attempted to transplant cells to regenerate the myocardium lost during myocardial infarction. To date, only minimal improvements to cardiac function have been reported. This is likely to be the result of low cell retention and survival following transplantation. This study aimed to improve the delivery and engraftment of viable cells by using an injectable microcarrier that provides an implantable, biodegradable substrate for attachment and growth of cardiomyocytes derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC). We describe the fabrication and characterisation of Thermally Induced Phase Separation (TIPS) microcarriers and their surface modification to enable iPSC-derived cardiomyocyte attachment in xeno-free conditions is described. The selected formulation resulted in iPSC attachment, expansion, and retention of pluripotent phenotype. Differentiation of iPSC into cardiomyocytes on the microcarriers is investigated in comparison with culture on 2D tissue culture plastic surfaces. Microcarrier culture is shown to support culture of a mature cardiomyocyte phenotype, be compatible with injectable delivery, and reduce anoikis. The findings from this study demonstrate that TIPS microcarriers provide a supporting matrix for culturing iPSC and iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes in vitro and are suitable as an injectable cell-substrate for cardiac regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalisa Bettini
- Centre for Advanced Biomedical Imaging, Division of Medicine, University College London, London, WC1E 6DD, UK
- Centre for Precision Healthcare, Division of Medicine, University College London, London, WC1E 6JF, UK
| | - Patrizia Camelliti
- School of Biosciences and Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 7XH, UK
| | - Daniel J Stuckey
- Centre for Advanced Biomedical Imaging, Division of Medicine, University College London, London, WC1E 6DD, UK
| | - Richard M Day
- Centre for Precision Healthcare, Division of Medicine, University College London, London, WC1E 6JF, UK
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3
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Madrid M, Lakshmipathy U, Zhang X, Bharti K, Wall DM, Sato Y, Muschler G, Ting A, Smith N, Deguchi S, Kawamata S, Moore JC, Makovoz B, Sullivan S, Falco V, Al-Riyami AZ. Considerations for the development of iPSC-derived cell therapies: a review of key challenges by the JSRM-ISCT iPSC Committee. Cytotherapy 2024:S1465-3249(24)00730-8. [PMID: 38958627 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2024.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
Since their first production in 2007, human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have provided a novel platform for the development of various cell therapies targeting a spectrum of diseases, ranging from rare genetic eye disorders to cancer treatment. However, several challenges must be tackled for iPSC-based cell therapy to enter the market and achieve broader global adoption. This white paper, authored by the Japanese Society for Regenerative Medicine (JSRM) - International Society for Cell Therapy (ISCT) iPSC Committee delves into the hurdles encountered in the pursuit of safe and economically viable iPSC-based therapies, particularly from the standpoint of the cell therapy industry. It discusses differences in global guidelines and regulatory frameworks, outlines a series of quality control tests required to ensure the safety of the cell therapy, and provides details and important considerations around cost of goods (COGs), including the impact of automated advanced manufacturing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Kapil Bharti
- National Eye Institute of the National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, USA
| | - Dominic M Wall
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne Australia; Cell Therapies Pty Ltd, Melbourne, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Yoji Sato
- National Institute of Health Sciences, Kawasaki, Japan
| | | | | | | | - Shuhei Deguchi
- CIRA Foundation, Facility for iPS Cell Therapy (FiT), Kyoto, Japan
| | - Shin Kawamata
- Cyto-Facto Inc., Kobe, Japan; Kobe University, Kobe, Japan.
| | | | | | | | | | - Arwa Z Al-Riyami
- Department of Hematology, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, University Medical City, Muscat, Oman
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4
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Song HW, Solomon JN, Masri F, Mack A, Durand N, Cameau E, Dianat N, Hunter A, Oh S, Schoen B, Marsh M, Bravery C, Sumen C, Clarke D, Bharti K, Allickson JG, Lakshmipathy U. Bioprocessing considerations for generation of iPSCs intended for clinical application: perspectives from the ISCT Emerging Regenerative Medicine Technology working group. Cytotherapy 2024:S1465-3249(24)00731-X. [PMID: 38970614 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2024.05.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024]
Abstract
Approval of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) for the manufacture of cell therapies to support clinical trials is now becoming realized after 20 years of research and development. In 2022 the International Society for Cell and Gene Therapy (ISCT) established a Working Group on Emerging Regenerative Medicine Technologies, an area in which iPSCs-derived technologies are expected to play a key role. In this article, the Working Group surveys the steps that an end user should consider when generating iPSCs that are stable, well-characterised, pluripotent, and suitable for making differentiated cell types for allogeneic or autologous cell therapies. The objective is to provide the reader with a holistic view of how to achieve high-quality iPSCs from selection of the starting material through to cell banking. Key considerations include: (i) intellectual property licenses; (ii) selection of the raw materials and cell sources for creating iPSC intermediates and master cell banks; (iii) regulatory considerations for reprogramming methods; (iv) options for expansion in 2D vs. 3D cultures; and (v) available technologies and equipment for harvesting, washing, concentration, filling, cryopreservation, and storage. Some key process limitations are highlighted to help drive further improvement and innovation, and includes recommendations to close and automate current open and manual processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah W Song
- Center for Cellular Engineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Emmanuelle Cameau
- Cytiva, Pall Life Sciences 24-26 avenue de Winchester, CS5005, 78100 St. Germain-en-Laye, France
| | | | | | - Steve Oh
- Cellvec Pte. Ltd. 100 Pasir Panjang, #04-01/02, Singapore 118518 Singapore
| | - Brianna Schoen
- Charles River Laboratories Cell Solutions, Inc. 8500 Balboa Blvd. Suite 230 Northridge, CA 91320, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Kapil Bharti
- National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethsda, MD, USA
| | - Julie G Allickson
- Center for Regenerative Biotherapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
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5
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Louro AF, Meliciano A, Alves PM, Costa MHG, Serra M. A roadmap towards manufacturing extracellular vesicles for cardiac repair. Trends Biotechnol 2024:S0167-7799(24)00091-X. [PMID: 38653588 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2024.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
For the past two decades researchers have linked extracellular vesicle (EV)-mediated mechanisms to various physiological and pathological processes in the heart, such as immune response regulation, fibrosis, angiogenesis, and the survival and growth of cardiomyocytes. Although use of EVs has gathered momentum in the cardiac field, several obstacles in both upstream and downstream processes during EV manufacture need to be addressed before clinical success can be achieved. Low EV yields obtained in small-scale cultures deter clinical translation, as mass production is a prerequisite to meet therapeutic doses. Moreover, standardizing EV manufacture is critical given the inherent heterogeneity of EVs and the constraints of current isolation techniques. In this review, we discuss the critical steps for the large-scale manufacturing of high-potency EVs for cardiac therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana F Louro
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, 2781-901 Oeiras, Portugal; Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Ana Meliciano
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, 2781-901 Oeiras, Portugal; Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Paula M Alves
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, 2781-901 Oeiras, Portugal; Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Marta H G Costa
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, 2781-901 Oeiras, Portugal; Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Margarida Serra
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, 2781-901 Oeiras, Portugal; Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal.
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6
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Park JW, Bae SJ, Yun JH, Kim S, Park M. Assessment of Genetic Stability in Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes by Using Droplet Digital PCR. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1101. [PMID: 38256178 PMCID: PMC10815998 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25021101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Unintended genetic modifications that occur during the differentiation and proliferation of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) can lead to tumorigenicity. This is a crucial concern in the development of stem cell-based therapies to ensure the safety and efficacy of the final product. Moreover, conventional genetic stability testing methods are limited by low sensitivity, which is an issue that remains unsolved. In this study, we assessed the genetic stability of hiPSCs and hiPSC-derived cardiomyocytes using various testing methods, including karyotyping, CytoScanHD chip analysis, whole-exome sequencing, and targeted sequencing. Two specific genetic mutations in KMT2C and BCOR were selected from the 17 gene variants identified by whole-exome and targeted sequencing methods, which were validated using droplet digital PCR. The applicability of this approach to stem cell-based therapeutic products was further demonstrated with associated validation according to the International Council for Harmonisation (ICH) guidelines, including specificity, precision, robustness, and limit of detection. Our droplet digital PCR results showed high sensitivity and accuracy for quantitatively detecting gene mutations, whereas conventional qPCR could not avoid false positives. In conclusion, droplet digital PCR is a highly sensitive and precise method for assessing the expression of mutations with tumorigenic potential for the development of stem cell-based therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Misun Park
- Advanced Bioconvergence Product Research Division, National Institute of Food and Drug Safety Evaluation, Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, Cheongju-si 28159, Republic of Korea; (J.W.P.); (S.J.B.); (J.H.Y.); (S.K.)
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7
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Selvarajah K, Tan JJ, Shaharuddin B. Corneal Epithelial Development and the Role of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells for Regeneration. Curr Stem Cell Res Ther 2024; 19:292-306. [PMID: 36915985 DOI: 10.2174/1574888x18666230313094121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
Severe corneal disorders due to infective aetiologies, trauma, chemical injuries, and chronic cicatricial inflammations, are among vision-threatening pathologies leading to permanent corneal scarring. The whole cornea or lamellar corneal transplantation is often used as a last resort to restore vision. However, limited autologous tissue sources and potential adverse post-allotransplantation sequalae urge the need for more robust and strategic alternatives. Contemporary management using cultivated corneal epithelial transplantation has paved the way for utilizing stem cells as a regenerative potential. Humaninduced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) can generate ectodermal progenitors and potentially be used for ocular surface regeneration. This review summarizes the process of corneal morphogenesis and the signaling pathways underlying the development of corneal epithelium, which is key to translating the maturation and differentiation process of hiPSCs in vitro. The current state of knowledge and methodology for driving efficient corneal epithelial cell differentiation from pluripotent stem cells are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Komathi Selvarajah
- Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Bertam, 13200, Kepala Batas, Penang, Malaysia
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Asian Institute of Medical Sciences and Technology (AIMST) University, Kedah, Malaysia
| | - Jun Jie Tan
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Asian Institute of Medical Sciences and Technology (AIMST) University, Kedah, Malaysia
| | - Bakiah Shaharuddin
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Asian Institute of Medical Sciences and Technology (AIMST) University, Kedah, Malaysia
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8
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Cuesta-Gomez N, Verhoeff K, Dadheech N, Dang T, Jasra IT, de Leon MB, Pawlick R, Marfil-Garza B, Anwar P, Razavy H, Zapata-Morin PA, Jickling G, Thiesen A, O'Gorman D, Kallos MS, Shapiro AMJ. Suspension culture improves iPSC expansion and pluripotency phenotype. Stem Cell Res Ther 2023; 14:154. [PMID: 37280707 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-023-03382-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) offer potential to revolutionize regenerative medicine as a renewable source for islets, dopaminergic neurons, retinal cells, and cardiomyocytes. However, translation of these regenerative cell therapies requires cost-efficient mass manufacturing of high-quality human iPSCs. This study presents an improved three-dimensional Vertical-Wheel® bioreactor (3D suspension) cell expansion protocol with comparison to a two-dimensional (2D planar) protocol. METHODS Sendai virus transfection of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells was used to establish mycoplasma and virus free iPSC lines without common genetic duplications or deletions. iPSCs were then expanded under 2D planar and 3D suspension culture conditions. We comparatively evaluated cell expansion capacity, genetic integrity, pluripotency phenotype, and in vitro and in vivo pluripotency potential of iPSCs. RESULTS Expansion of iPSCs using Vertical-Wheel® bioreactors achieved 93.8-fold (IQR 30.2) growth compared to 19.1 (IQR 4.0) in 2D (p < 0.0022), the largest expansion potential reported to date over 5 days. 0.5 L Vertical-Wheel® bioreactors achieved similar expansion and further reduced iPSC production cost. 3D suspension expanded cells had increased proliferation, measured as Ki67+ expression using flow cytometry (3D: 69.4% [IQR 5.5%] vs. 2D: 57.4% [IQR 10.9%], p = 0.0022), and had a higher frequency of pluripotency marker (Oct4+Nanog+Sox2+) expression (3D: 94.3 [IQR 1.4] vs. 2D: 52.5% [IQR 5.6], p = 0.0079). q-PCR genetic analysis demonstrated a lack of duplications or deletions at the 8 most commonly mutated regions within iPSC lines after long-term passaging (> 25). 2D-cultured cells displayed a primed pluripotency phenotype, which transitioned to naïve after 3D-culture. Both 2D and 3D cells were capable of trilineage differentiation and following teratoma, 2D-expanded cells generated predominantly solid teratomas, while 3D-expanded cells produced more mature and predominantly cystic teratomas with lower Ki67+ expression within teratomas (3D: 16.7% [IQR 3.2%] vs.. 2D: 45.3% [IQR 3.0%], p = 0.002) in keeping with a naïve phenotype. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates nearly 100-fold iPSC expansion over 5-days using our 3D suspension culture protocol in Vertical-Wheel® bioreactors, the largest cell growth reported to date. 3D expanded cells showed enhanced in vitro and in vivo pluripotency phenotype that may support more efficient scale-up strategies and safer clinical implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nerea Cuesta-Gomez
- Alberta Diabetes Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2T9, Canada
- Department of Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2B7, Canada
| | - Kevin Verhoeff
- Alberta Diabetes Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2T9, Canada
- Department of Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2B7, Canada
| | - Nidheesh Dadheech
- Alberta Diabetes Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2T9, Canada.
- Department of Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2B7, Canada.
| | - Tiffany Dang
- Pharmaceutical Production Research Facility (PPRF), Schulich School of Engineering, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N1N4, Canada
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Schulich School of Engineering, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N1N4, Canada
| | - Ila Tewari Jasra
- Alberta Diabetes Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2T9, Canada
- Department of Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2B7, Canada
| | - Mario Bermudez de Leon
- Department of Molecular Biology, Centro de Investigación Biomédica del Noreste, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, 64720, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico
| | - Rena Pawlick
- Alberta Diabetes Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2T9, Canada
- Department of Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2B7, Canada
| | - Braulio Marfil-Garza
- Alberta Diabetes Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2T9, Canada
- National Institute of Medical Sciences and Nutrition Salvador Zubiran, 14080, Mexico City, Mexico
- CHRISTUS-LatAm Hub - Excellence and Innovation Center, 66260, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Perveen Anwar
- Alberta Diabetes Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2T9, Canada
- Department of Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2B7, Canada
| | - Haide Razavy
- Alberta Diabetes Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2T9, Canada
- Department of Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2B7, Canada
| | - Patricio Adrián Zapata-Morin
- Laboratory of Mycology and Phytopathology, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, 66451, San Nicolás de los Garza, Nuevo León, Mexico
| | - Glen Jickling
- Department of Medicine, Division of Neurology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Aducio Thiesen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2B7, Canada
| | - Doug O'Gorman
- Clinical Islet Transplant Program, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2J3, Canada
| | - Michael S Kallos
- Pharmaceutical Production Research Facility (PPRF), Schulich School of Engineering, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N1N4, Canada
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Schulich School of Engineering, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N1N4, Canada
| | - A M James Shapiro
- Alberta Diabetes Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2T9, Canada.
- Department of Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2B7, Canada.
- Clinical Islet Transplant Program, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2J3, Canada.
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9
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Benavides OR, Gibbs HC, White BP, Kaunas R, Gregory CA, Walsh AJ, Maitland KC. Volumetric imaging of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) for non-destructive quantification of 3D cell culture growth. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0282298. [PMID: 36976801 PMCID: PMC10047548 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0282298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The adoption of cell-based therapies into the clinic will require tremendous large-scale expansion to satisfy future demand, and bioreactor-microcarrier cultures are best suited to meet this challenge. The use of spherical microcarriers, however, precludes in-process visualization and monitoring of cell number, morphology, and culture health. The development of novel expansion methods also motivates the advancement of analytical methods used to characterize these microcarrier cultures. A robust optical imaging and image-analysis assay to non-destructively quantify cell number and cell volume was developed. This method preserves 3D cell morphology and does not require membrane lysing, cellular detachment, or exogenous labeling. Complex cellular networks formed in microcarrier aggregates were imaged and analyzed in toto. Direct cell enumeration of large aggregates was performed in toto for the first time. This assay was successfully applied to monitor cellular growth of mesenchymal stem cells attached to spherical hydrogel microcarriers over time. Elastic scattering and fluorescence lightsheet microscopy were used to quantify cell volume and cell number at varying spatial scales. The presented study motivates the development of on-line optical imaging and image analysis systems for robust, automated, and non-destructive monitoring of bioreactor-microcarrier cell cultures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar R. Benavides
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Holly C. Gibbs
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
- Microscopy and Imaging Center, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Berkley P. White
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Roland Kaunas
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Carl A. Gregory
- School of Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas, United States of America
| | - Alex J. Walsh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Kristen C. Maitland
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
- Microscopy and Imaging Center, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
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10
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Mesquita FCP, Leite ES, Morrissey J, Freitas C, Coelho-Sampaio T, Hochman-Mendez C. Polymerized Laminin-521: A Feasible Substrate for Expanding Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells at a Low Protein Concentration. Cells 2022; 11:cells11243955. [PMID: 36552719 PMCID: PMC9777247 DOI: 10.3390/cells11243955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Laminins (LNs) play a central role in the self-assembly and maintenance of basement membranes and are involved in critical interactions between cells and other extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. Among the defined, xeno-free ECM culture matrices, LNs-namely LN521-have emerged as promising coating systems for the large-scale expansion of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). The biologic activity of LNs is enhanced by their acidification-induced self-polymerization into a cell-associated network called polylaminin (polyLN), which can recapitulate the native-like polymeric array in a cell-free system. Here, we show for the first time to our knowledge that polyLN521 displays a native-like hexagonal-like structure and that, at basal and low concentrations, it permits the large-scale expansion of human iPSCs. Human iPSCs expanded with polyLN521 maintained the pluripotent state and showed no impairment of karyotype stability or telomere length. These results suggest that low-concentration polyLN521 is a stable and cost-effective coating for large-scale iPSC expansion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda C. P. Mesquita
- Department of Regenerative Medicine Research, The Texas Heart Institute, 6770 Bertner Avenue, MC 1-135, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Eliel S. Leite
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho B1-011, 373, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Jacquelynn Morrissey
- Department of Regenerative Medicine Research, The Texas Heart Institute, 6770 Bertner Avenue, MC 1-135, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Catarina Freitas
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho B1-011, 373, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Tatiana Coelho-Sampaio
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho B1-011, 373, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Camila Hochman-Mendez
- Department of Regenerative Medicine Research, The Texas Heart Institute, 6770 Bertner Avenue, MC 1-135, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Correspondence:
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