1
|
Deng ZM, Dai FF, Wang RQ, Deng HB, Yin TL, Cheng YX, Chen GT. Organ-on-a-chip: future of female reproductive pathophysiological models. J Nanobiotechnology 2024; 22:455. [PMID: 39085921 PMCID: PMC11290169 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-024-02651-w] [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: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The female reproductive system comprises the internal and external genitalia, which communicate through intricate endocrine pathways. Besides secreting hormones that maintain the female secondary sexual characteristics, it also produces follicles and offspring. However, the in vitro systems have been very limited in recapitulating the specific anatomy and pathophysiology of women. Organ-on-a-chip technology, based on microfluidics, can better simulate the cellular microenvironment in vivo, opening a new field for the basic and clinical research of female reproductive system diseases. This technology can not only reconstruct the organ structure but also emulate the organ function as much as possible. The precisely controlled fluidic microenvironment provided by microfluidics vividly mimics the complex endocrine hormone crosstalk among various organs of the female reproductive system, making it a powerful preclinical tool and the future of pathophysiological models of the female reproductive system. Here, we review the research on the application of organ-on-a-chip platforms in the female reproductive systems, focusing on the latest progress in developing models that reproduce the physiological functions or disease features of female reproductive organs and tissues, and highlighting the challenges and future directions in this field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Min Deng
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430060, China
| | - Fang-Fang Dai
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430060, China
| | - Rui-Qi Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430060, China
| | - Hong-Bing Deng
- Hubei International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Sustainable Resource and Energy, Hubei Key Laboratory of Biomass Resource Chemistry and Environmental Biotechnology, School of Resource and Environmental Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430060, China
| | - Tai-Lang Yin
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430060, China.
| | - Yan-Xiang Cheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430060, China.
| | - Gan-Tao Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430060, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kumar D, Nadda R, Repaka R. Advances and challenges in organ-on-chip technology: toward mimicking human physiology and disease in vitro. Med Biol Eng Comput 2024; 62:1925-1957. [PMID: 38436835 DOI: 10.1007/s11517-024-03062-7] [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: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Organs-on-chips have been tissues or three-dimensional (3D) mini-organs that comprise numerous cell types and have been produced on microfluidic chips to imitate the complicated structures and interactions of diverse cell types and organs under controlled circumstances. Several morphological and physiological distinctions exist between traditional 2D cultures, animal models, and the growing popular 3D cultures. On the other hand, animal models might not accurately simulate human toxicity because of physiological variations and interspecies metabolic capability. The on-chip technique allows for observing and understanding the process and alterations occurring in metastases. The present study aimed to briefly overview single and multi-organ-on-chip techniques. The current study addresses each platform's essential benefits and characteristics and highlights recent developments in developing and utilizing technologies for single and multi-organs-on-chips. The study also discusses the drawbacks and constraints associated with these models, which include the requirement for standardized procedures and the difficulties of adding immune cells and other intricate biological elements. Finally, a comprehensive review demonstrated that the organs-on-chips approach has a potential way of investigating organ function and disease. The advancements in single and multi-organ-on-chip structures can potentially increase drug discovery and minimize dependency on animal models, resulting in improved therapies for human diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dhiraj Kumar
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Ropar, Punjab, 140001, India
| | - Rahul Nadda
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Ropar, Punjab, 140001, India.
| | - Ramjee Repaka
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Ropar, Punjab, 140001, India
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Ropar, Punjab, 140001, India
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Park JY, Lim H, Qin J, Lee LP. Creating mini-pregnancy models in vitro with clinical perspectives. EBioMedicine 2023; 95:104780. [PMID: 37657136 PMCID: PMC10480532 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2023.104780] [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: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023] Open
Abstract
During the last decade, organs-on-chips or organoids microphysiological analysis platforms (MAP) have garnered attention in the practical applications of disease models, drug discovery, and developmental biology. Research on pregnant women has firm limitations due to ethical issues; thus, remodelling human pregnancy in vitro is highly beneficial for treatment modality development via disease remodelling or drug monitoring. This review highlights current efforts in bioengineering devices to reproduce human pregnancy and emphasises the significant convergence of biology, engineering, and maternal-foetal medicine. First, we review recent achievements in culturing cells from tissues involved in pregnancy; specifically, trophoblasts from the placenta. Second, we highlight developments in the reconstitution of pregnancy-related female reproductive organs across several structural and functional interpretations. Last, we examine research on the fundamental comprehension of pregnancy-associated diseases to find bioengineering solutions. Recreating human pregnancy through an engineered model is naturally complex; nevertheless, challenges are inevitable to progress precision medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jee Yoon Park
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University, Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Republic of Korea; Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Brigham Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Hosub Lim
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Brigham Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jianhua Qin
- Division of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Luke P Lee
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Brigham Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Bioengineering, Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA; Department of Biophysics, Institute of Quantum Biophysics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Tabatabaei Rezaei N, Kumar H, Liu H, Lee SS, Park SS, Kim K. Recent Advances in Organ-on-Chips Integrated with Bioprinting Technologies for Drug Screening. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2203172. [PMID: 36971091 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202203172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
Currently, the demand for more reliable drug screening devices has made scientists and researchers develop novel potential approaches to offer an alternative to animal studies. Organ-on-chips are newly emerged platforms for drug screening and disease metabolism investigation. These microfluidic devices attempt to recapitulate the physiological and biological properties of different organs and tissues using human-derived cells. Recently, the synergistic combination of additive manufacturing and microfluidics has shown a promising impact on improving a wide array of biological models. In this review, different methods are classified using bioprinting to achieve the relevant biomimetic models in organ-on-chips, boosting the efficiency of these devices to produce more reliable data for drug investigations. In addition to the tissue models, the influence of additive manufacturing on microfluidic chip fabrication is discussed, and their biomedical applications are reviewed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nima Tabatabaei Rezaei
- Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Hitendra Kumar
- Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1N4, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Hongqun Liu
- Liver Unit, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Samuel S Lee
- Liver Unit, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Simon S Park
- Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Keekyoung Kim
- Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1N4, Canada
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1N4, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Richardson L, Kammala AK, Kim S, Lam PY, Truong N, Radnaa E, Urrabaz-Garza R, Han A, Menon R. Development of oxidative stress-associated disease models using feto-maternal interface organ-on-a-chip. FASEB J 2023; 37:e23000. [PMID: 37249377 PMCID: PMC10259454 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202300531r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Oxidative stress (OS) and inflammation arising from cellular derangements at the fetal membrane-decidual interface (feto-maternal interface [FMi]) is a major antecedent to preterm birth (PTB). However, it is impractical to study OS-associated FMi disease state during human pregnancy, and thus it is difficult to develop strategies to reduce the incidences of PTB. A microfluidic organ-on-chip model (FMi-OOC) that mimics the in vivo structure and functions of FMi in vitro was developed to address this challenge. The FMi-OOC contained fetal (amnion epithelial, mesenchymal, and chorion) and maternal (decidua) cells cultured in four compartments interconnected by arrays of microchannels to allow independent but interconnected co-cultivation. Using this model, we tested the effects of OS and inflammation on both fetal (fetal → maternal) and maternal (maternal → fetal) sides of the FMi and determined their differential impact on PTB-associated pathways. OS was induced using cigarette smoke extract (CSE) exposure. The impacts of OS were assessed by measuring cell viability, disruption of immune homeostasis, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), development of senescence, and inflammation. CSE propagated (LC/MS-MS analysis for nicotine) over a 72-hour period from the maternal to fetal side, or vice versa. However, they caused two distinct pathological effects on the maternal and fetal cells. Specifically, fetal OS induced cellular pathologies and inflammation, whereas maternal OS caused immune intolerance. The pronounced impact produced by the fetus supports the hypothesis that fetal inflammatory response is a mechanistic trigger for parturition. The FMi disease-associated changes identified in the FMi-OOC suggest the unique capability of this in vitro model in testing in utero conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Richardson
- Division of Basic and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Ananth Kumar Kammala
- Division of Basic and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Sungjin Kim
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Po Yi Lam
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Nina Truong
- John Sealy School of Medicine at Galveston, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Enkhtuya Radnaa
- Division of Basic and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Rheanna Urrabaz-Garza
- Division of Basic and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Arum Han
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA5
| | - Ramkumar Menon
- Division of Basic and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Luconi M, Sogorb MA, Markert UR, Benfenati E, May T, Wolbank S, Roncaglioni A, Schmidt A, Straccia M, Tait S. Human-Based New Approach Methodologies in Developmental Toxicity Testing: A Step Ahead from the State of the Art with a Feto-Placental Organ-on-Chip Platform. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:15828. [PMID: 36497907 PMCID: PMC9737555 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192315828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Developmental toxicity testing urgently requires the implementation of human-relevant new approach methodologies (NAMs) that better recapitulate the peculiar nature of human physiology during pregnancy, especially the placenta and the maternal/fetal interface, which represent a key stage for human lifelong health. Fit-for-purpose NAMs for the placental-fetal interface are desirable to improve the biological knowledge of environmental exposure at the molecular level and to reduce the high cost, time and ethical impact of animal studies. This article reviews the state of the art on the available in vitro (placental, fetal and amniotic cell-based systems) and in silico NAMs of human relevance for developmental toxicity testing purposes; in addition, we considered available Adverse Outcome Pathways related to developmental toxicity. The OECD TG 414 for the identification and assessment of deleterious effects of prenatal exposure to chemicals on developing organisms will be discussed to delineate the regulatory context and to better debate what is missing and needed in the context of the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease hypothesis to significantly improve this sector. Starting from this analysis, the development of a novel human feto-placental organ-on-chip platform will be introduced as an innovative future alternative tool for developmental toxicity testing, considering possible implementation and validation strategies to overcome the limitation of the current animal studies and NAMs available in regulatory toxicology and in the biomedical field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michaela Luconi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139 Florence, Italy
- I.N.B.B. (Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture e Biosistemi), Viale Medaglie d’Oro 305, 00136 Rome, Italy
| | - Miguel A. Sogorb
- Instituto de Bioingeniería, Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche, Avenida de la Universidad s/n, 03202 Elche, Spain
| | - Udo R. Markert
- Placenta Lab, Department of Obstetrics, University Hospital Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747 Jena, Germany
| | - Emilio Benfenati
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Via Mario Negri 2, 20156 Milan, Italy
| | - Tobias May
- InSCREENeX GmbH, Inhoffenstr. 7, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Susanne Wolbank
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institut for Traumatology, The Research Center in Cooperation with AUVA, Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Donaueschingenstrasse 13, 1200 Vienna, Austria
| | - Alessandra Roncaglioni
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Via Mario Negri 2, 20156 Milan, Italy
| | - Astrid Schmidt
- Placenta Lab, Department of Obstetrics, University Hospital Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747 Jena, Germany
| | - Marco Straccia
- FRESCI by Science&Strategy SL, C/Roure Monjo 33, Vacarisses, 08233 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sabrina Tait
- Centre for Gender-Specific Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Richardson LS, K Kammala A, Costantine MM, Fortunato SJ, Radnaa E, Kim S, Taylor RN, Han A, Menon R. Testing of drugs using human feto-maternal interface organ-on-chips provide insights into pharmacokinetics and efficacy. LAB ON A CHIP 2022; 22:4574-4592. [PMID: 36322152 PMCID: PMC9682442 DOI: 10.1039/d2lc00691j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Objectives: To improve preclinical drug testing during pregnancy, we developed multiple microfluidic organ-on-chip (OOC) devices that represent the structure, functions, and responses of the two feto-maternal interfaces (FMis) in humans (fetal membrane [FMi-OOC] and placenta [PLA-OOC]). This study utilized feto-maternal interface OOCs to test the kinetics and efficacy of drugs during pregnancy. Study design: The FMi-OOC contained amnion epithelial, mesenchymal, chorion trophoblast, and decidual cells. The PLA-OOC contained cytotrophoblasts (BeWo), syncytiotrophoblasts (BeWo + forskolin), and human umbilical vein endothelial cell lines. Therapeutic concentrations of either pravastatin or rosuvastatin (200 ng mL-1), a model drug for these experiments, were applied to either decidua (in FMi-OOC) and syncytiotrophoblasts (in PLA-OOC) chambers under normal and oxidative stress conditions (induced by cigarette smoke extract [CSE 1 : 25]) to evaluate maternal drug exposure during normal pregnancy or oxidative stress (OS) associated pathologies, respectively. We determined statin pharmacokinetics and metabolism (LC-MS/MS), drug-induced cytotoxicity (LDH assay), and efficacy to reduce OS-induced inflammation (multiplex cytokine assay). Results: Both OOCs mimicked two distinct human feto-maternal interfaces. The drugs tested permeated the maternal-fetal cell layers of the FMi-OOC and PLA-OOC within 4 hours and generated cell and time-specific statin metabolites from various cell types without causing any cytotoxicity. OS-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines were effectively reduced by statins by increasing anti-inflammatory cytokine response across the FMi-OOC and PLA-OOC. Conclusion: Two distinct feto-maternal interface OOCs were developed, tested, and validated for their utility to conduct preclinical trials during pregnancy. We demonstrated that the placenta and fetal membranes-decidual interface both are able to transport and metabolize drugs and that the safety and efficacy of a drug can be determined using the anatomical structures recreated on OOCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren S Richardson
- Division of Basic and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Basic Science and Translational Medicine, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX 77555-1062, Texas, USA.
| | - Ananth K Kammala
- Division of Basic and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Basic Science and Translational Medicine, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX 77555-1062, Texas, USA.
| | - Maged M Costantine
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Stephen J Fortunato
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Ochsner Medical Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Enkhtuya Radnaa
- Division of Basic and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Basic Science and Translational Medicine, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX 77555-1062, Texas, USA.
| | - Sungjin Kim
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA.
| | - Robert N Taylor
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Arum Han
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA.
| | - Ramkumar Menon
- Division of Basic and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Basic Science and Translational Medicine, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX 77555-1062, Texas, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Driver R, Mishra S. Organ-On-A-Chip Technology: An In-depth Review of Recent Advancements and Future of Whole Body-on-chip. BIOCHIP JOURNAL 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s13206-022-00087-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
|
9
|
Richardson L, Menon R. Fetal membrane at the feto-maternal interface: An underappreciated and understudied intrauterine tissue. PLACENTA AND REPRODUCTIVE MEDICINE 2022; 1:10.54844/prm.2022.0104. [PMID: 37502422 PMCID: PMC10373051 DOI: 10.54844/prm.2022.0104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Richardson
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston 77555, TX, USA
| | - Ramkumar Menon
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston 77555, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Cx43 mediates changes in myofibroblast contraction and collagen release in human amniotic membrane defects after trauma. Sci Rep 2021; 11:16975. [PMID: 34408164 PMCID: PMC8373966 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-94767-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The wound healing capacity of the fetal membranes after spontaneous or iatrogenic membrane rupture is unclear. We examined the healing mechanisms in amniotic membrane (AM) defects after trauma. Traumatised human AM defects were cultured for 4 days. Markers for nuclear (DAPI), cell type (vimentin, αSMA) and healing (Cx43, TGFβ1, collagen) were examined by immunofluorescence (IMF) confocal microscopy, Second Harmonic Generation (SHG) imaging and RT-qPCR. After trauma, AMCs and myofibroblasts migrated to the AM wound edge. Within four days, αSMA expressing myofibroblasts showed abundant Cx43 localized in the cytoplasmic processes. The highly contractile spindle-shaped myofibroblasts were present in the defect site and released collagen. In contrast, AMCs expressed vimentin and formed Cx43 plaques between cells found in the outer edges of the wound. Whilst AMCs were absent in the defect site, αSMA expressing myofibroblasts continued to elongate and polarize the collagen fibres. Both TGFβ1 and Cx43 gene expression were significantly increased after trauma. Cx43 has differential effects on AM cell populations that increase cellularity, contraction and potentially migration to the wound edge resulting in collagen polarisation in the AM defect site. Establishing how Cx43 regulates AM cell function could be an approach to repair defects in the membranes after trauma.
Collapse
|
11
|
Radnaa E, Richardson LS, Sheller-Miller S, Baljinnyam T, de Castro Silva M, Kumar Kammala A, Urrabaz-Garza R, Kechichian T, Kim S, Han A, Menon R. Extracellular vesicle mediated feto-maternal HMGB1 signaling induces preterm birth. LAB ON A CHIP 2021; 21:1956-1973. [PMID: 34008619 PMCID: PMC8162392 DOI: 10.1039/d0lc01323d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Preterm birth (PTB; <37 weeks of gestation) impacts ∼11% of all pregnancies and contributes to 1 million neonatal deaths worldwide annually. An understanding of the feto-maternal (F-M) signals that initiate birthing (parturition) at term is critical to design strategies to prevent their premature activation, resulting in PTB. Although endocrine and immune cell signaling are well-reported, fetal-derived paracrine signals capable of transitioning quiescent uterus to an active state of labor are poorly studied. Recent reports have suggested that senescence of the fetal amnion membrane coinciding with fetal growth and maturation generates inflammatory signals capable of triggering parturition. This is by increasing the inflammatory load at the feto-maternal interface (FMi) tissues (i.e., amniochorion-decidua). High mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1), an alarmin, is one of the inflammatory signals released by senescent amnion cells via extracellular vesicles (exosomes; 40-160 nm). Increased levels of HMGB1 in the amniotic fluid, cord and maternal blood are associated with term and PTB. This study tested the hypothesis that senescent amnion cells release HMGB1, which is fetal signaling capable of increasing FMi inflammation, predisposing them to parturition. To test this hypothesis, exosomes from amnion epithelial cells (AECs) grown under normal conditions were engineered to contain HMGB1 by electroporation (eHMGB1). eHMGB1 was characterized (quantity, size, shape, markers and loading efficiency), and its propagation through FMi was tested using a four-chamber microfluidic organ-on-a-chip device (FMi-OOC) that contained four distinct cell types (amnion and chorion mesenchymal, chorion trophoblast and decidual cells) connected through microchannels. eHMGB1 propagated through the fetal cells and matrix to the maternal decidua and increased inflammation (receptor expression [RAGE and TLR4] and cytokines). Furthermore, intra-amniotic injection of eHMGB1 (containing 10 ng) into pregnant CD-1 mice on embryonic day 17 led to PTB. Injecting carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester (CFSE)-labeled eHMGB1, we determined in vivo kinetics and report that eHMGB1 trafficking resulting in PTB was associated with increased FMi inflammation. This study determined that fetal exosome mediated paracrine signaling can generate inflammation and induce parturition. Besides, in vivo functional validation of FMi-OOC experiments strengthens the reliability of such devices to test physiologic and pathologic systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Enkhtuya Radnaa
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Perinatal Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX 77555-1062, USA.
| | - Lauren S Richardson
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Perinatal Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX 77555-1062, USA. and Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Samantha Sheller-Miller
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Perinatal Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX 77555-1062, USA.
| | - Tuvshintugs Baljinnyam
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Mariana de Castro Silva
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Perinatal Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX 77555-1062, USA.
| | - Ananth Kumar Kammala
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Perinatal Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX 77555-1062, USA.
| | - Rheanna Urrabaz-Garza
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Perinatal Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX 77555-1062, USA.
| | - Talar Kechichian
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Perinatal Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX 77555-1062, USA.
| | - Sungjin Kim
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Arum Han
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Ramkumar Menon
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Perinatal Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX 77555-1062, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Winter M, Jankovic-Karasoulos T, Roberts CT, Bianco-Miotto T, Thierry B. Bioengineered Microphysiological Placental Models: Towards Improving Understanding of Pregnancy Health and Disease. Trends Biotechnol 2021; 39:1221-1235. [PMID: 33965246 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2021.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Driven by a lack of appropriate human placenta models, recent years have seen the introduction of bioengineered in vitro models to better understand placental health and disease. Thus far, the focus has been on the maternal-foetal barrier. However, there are many other physiologically and pathologically significant aspects of the placenta that would benefit from state-of-the-art bioengineered models, in particular, integrating advanced culture systems with contemporary biological concepts such as organoids. This critical review defines and discusses the key parameters required for the development of physiologically relevant in vitro models of the placenta. Specifically, it highlights the importance of cell type, mechanical forces, and culture microenvironment towards the use of physiologically relevant models to improve the understanding of human placental function and dysfunction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marnie Winter
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent BioNano Science and Technology and Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes Campus, Mawson Lakes, South Australia, 5095, Australia.
| | - Tanja Jankovic-Karasoulos
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, 5042, Australia
| | - Claire T Roberts
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, 5042, Australia
| | - Tina Bianco-Miotto
- School of Agriculture, Food, and Wine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia; Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia; Waite Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia
| | - Benjamin Thierry
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent BioNano Science and Technology and Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes Campus, Mawson Lakes, South Australia, 5095, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Miah M, Goh I, Haniffa M. Prenatal Development and Function of Human Mononuclear Phagocytes. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:649937. [PMID: 33898444 PMCID: PMC8060508 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.649937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The human mononuclear phagocyte (MP) system, which includes dendritic cells, monocytes, and macrophages, is a critical regulator of innate and adaptive immune responses. During embryonic development, MPs derive sequentially in yolk sac progenitors, fetal liver, and bone marrow haematopoietic stem cells. MPs maintain tissue homeostasis and confer protective immunity in post-natal life. Recent evidence - primarily in animal models - highlight their critical role in coordinating the remodeling, maturation, and repair of target organs during embryonic and fetal development. However, the molecular regulation governing chemotaxis, homeostasis, and functional diversification of resident MP cells in their respective organ systems during development remains elusive. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the development and functional contribution of tissue MPs during human organ development and morphogenesis and its relevance to regenerative medicine. We outline how single-cell multi-omic approaches and next-generation ex-vivo organ-on-chip models provide new experimental platforms to study the role of human MPs during development and disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohi Miah
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Issac Goh
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Muzlifah Haniffa
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom.,Department of Dermatology and NIHR Newcastle Biomedical Research Centre, Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom.,Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Tantengco OAG, Richardson LS, Medina PMB, Han A, Menon R. Organ-on-chip of the cervical epithelial layer: A platform to study normal and pathological cellular remodeling of the cervix. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21463. [PMID: 33689188 PMCID: PMC8193817 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202002590rrr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Damage to the cervical epithelial layer due to infection and inflammation is associated with preterm birth. However, the individual and/or collective roles of cervical epithelial layers in maintaining cervical integrity remain unclear during infection/inflammation. To determine the intercellular interactions, we developed an organ-on-chip of the cervical epithelial layer (CE-OOC) composed of two co-culture chambers connected by microchannels, recapitulating the ectocervical and endocervical epithelial layers. Further, we tested the interactions between cells from each distinct region and their contributions in maintaining cervical integrity in response to LPS and TNFα stimulations. The co-culture of ectocervical and endocervical cells facilitated cellular migration of both epithelial cells inside the microchannels. Compared to untreated controls, both LPS and TNFα increased apoptosis, necrosis, and senescence as well as increased pro-inflammatory cytokine productions by cervical epithelial cells. In summary, the CE-OOC established an in vitro model that can recapitulate the ectocervical and the endocervical epithelial regions of the cervix. The established CE-OOC may become a powerful tool in obstetrics and gynecology research such as in studying cervical remodeling during pregnancy and parturition and the dynamics of cervical epithelial cells in benign and malignant pathology in the cervix.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ourlad Alzeus G. Tantengco
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Perinatal Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
| | - Lauren S. Richardson
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Perinatal Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, USA
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Paul Mark B. Medina
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
| | - Arum Han
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Ramkumar Menon
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Perinatal Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Yang S, Chen Z, Cheng Y, Liu T, Pu Y, Liang G. Environmental toxicology wars: Organ-on-a-chip for assessing the toxicity of environmental pollutants. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 268:115861. [PMID: 33120150 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Environmental pollution is a widespread problem, which has seriously threatened human health and led to an increase of human diseases. Therefore, it is critical to evaluate environmental pollutants quickly and efficiently. Because of obvious inter-species differences between animals and humans, and lack of physiologically-relevant microenvironment, animal models and in vitro two-dimensional (2D) models can not accurately describe toxicological effects and predicting actual in vivo responses. To make up the limitations of conventional environmental toxicology screening, organ-on-a-chip (OOC) systems are increasingly developing. OOC systems can provide a well-organized architecture with comparable to the complex microenvironment in vivo and generate realistic responses to environmental pollutants. The feasibility, adjustability and reliability of OCC systems make it possible to offer new opportunities for environmental pollutants screening, which can study their metabolism, collective response, and fate in vivo. Further progress can address the challenges to make OCC systems better investigate and evaluate environmental pollutants with high predictive power.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Yang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China, 210009.
| | - Zaozao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China, 210096.
| | - Yanping Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China, 210009.
| | - Tong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China, 210009.
| | - Yuepu Pu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China, 210009.
| | - Geyu Liang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China, 210009.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Allwardt V, Ainscough AJ, Viswanathan P, Sherrod SD, McLean JA, Haddrick M, Pensabene V. Translational Roadmap for the Organs-on-a-Chip Industry toward Broad Adoption. Bioengineering (Basel) 2020; 7:E112. [PMID: 32947816 PMCID: PMC7552662 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering7030112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Organs-on-a-Chip (OOAC) is a disruptive technology with widely recognized potential to change the efficiency, effectiveness, and costs of the drug discovery process; to advance insights into human biology; to enable clinical research where human trials are not feasible. However, further development is needed for the successful adoption and acceptance of this technology. Areas for improvement include technological maturity, more robust validation of translational and predictive in vivo-like biology, and requirements of tighter quality standards for commercial viability. In this review, we reported on the consensus around existing challenges and necessary performance benchmarks that are required toward the broader adoption of OOACs in the next five years, and we defined a potential roadmap for future translational development of OOAC technology. We provided a clear snapshot of the current developmental stage of OOAC commercialization, including existing platforms, ancillary technologies, and tools required for the use of OOAC devices, and analyze their technology readiness levels. Using data gathered from OOAC developers and end-users, we identified prevalent challenges faced by the community, strategic trends and requirements driving OOAC technology development, and existing technological bottlenecks that could be outsourced or leveraged by active collaborations with academia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Allwardt
- Center for Innovative Technology, Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37212, USA; (V.A.); (S.D.S.); (J.A.M.)
| | | | - Priyalakshmi Viswanathan
- Medicines Discovery Catapult, Alderley Park, Alderley Edge, Macclesfield SK10 4TG, UK; (P.V.); (M.H.)
| | - Stacy D. Sherrod
- Center for Innovative Technology, Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37212, USA; (V.A.); (S.D.S.); (J.A.M.)
| | - John A. McLean
- Center for Innovative Technology, Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37212, USA; (V.A.); (S.D.S.); (J.A.M.)
- Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt Institute for Integrative Biosystems Research and Education, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - Malcolm Haddrick
- Medicines Discovery Catapult, Alderley Park, Alderley Edge, Macclesfield SK10 4TG, UK; (P.V.); (M.H.)
| | - Virginia Pensabene
- School of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, School of Medicine, Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St. James’s, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| |
Collapse
|