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Das S, Hilman MC, Yang F, Mourkioti F, Yang W, Cullen DK. Motor neurons and endothelial cells additively promote development and fusion of human iPSC-derived skeletal myocytes. Skelet Muscle 2024; 14:5. [PMID: 38454511 PMCID: PMC10921694 DOI: 10.1186/s13395-024-00336-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurovascular cells have wide-ranging implications on skeletal muscle biology regulating myogenesis, maturation, and regeneration. Although several in vitro studies have investigated how motor neurons and endothelial cells interact with skeletal myocytes independently, there is limited knowledge about the combined effect of neural and vascular cells on muscle maturation and development. METHODS Here, we report a triculture system comprising human-induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived skeletal myocytes, human iPSC-derived motor neurons, and primary human endothelial cells maintained under controlled media conditions. Briefly, iPSCs were differentiated to generate skeletal muscle progenitor cells (SMPCs). These SMPCs were seeded at a density of 5 × 104 cells/well in 12-well plates and allowed to differentiate for 7 days before adding iPSC-derived motor neurons at a concentration of 0.5 × 104 cells/well. The neuromuscular coculture was maintained for another 7 days in coculture media before addition of primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) also at 0.5 × 104 cells/well. The triculture was maintained for another 7 days in triculture media comprising equal portions of muscle differentiation media, coculture media, and vascular media. Extensive morphological, genetic, and molecular characterization was performed to understand the combined and individual effects of neural and vascular cells on skeletal muscle maturation. RESULTS We observed that motor neurons independently promoted myofiber fusion, upregulated neuromuscular junction genes, and maintained a molecular niche supportive of muscle maturation. Endothelial cells independently did not support myofiber fusion and downregulated expression of LRP4 but did promote expression of type II specific myosin isoforms. However, neurovascular cells in combination exhibited additive increases in myofiber fusion and length, enhanced production of Agrin, along with upregulation of several key genes like MUSK, RAPSYN, DOK-7, and SLC2A4. Interestingly, more divergent effects were observed in expression of genes like MYH8, MYH1, MYH2, MYH4, and LRP4 and secretion of key molecular factors like amphiregulin and IGFBP-4. CONCLUSIONS Neurovascular cells when cultured in combination with skeletal myocytes promoted myocyte fusion with concomitant increase in expression of various neuromuscular genes. This triculture system may be used to gain a deeper understanding of the effects of the neurovascular niche on skeletal muscle biology and pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suradip Das
- Department of Neurosurgery, Center for Brain Injury & Repair, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Center for Neurotrauma, Neurodegeneration & Restoration, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
| | - Melanie C Hilman
- Department of Neurosurgery, Center for Brain Injury & Repair, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Center for Neurotrauma, Neurodegeneration & Restoration, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Feikun Yang
- Department of Medicine, Penn Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Cardiovascular Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Foteini Mourkioti
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Musculoskeletal Program, Penn Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Wenli Yang
- Department of Medicine, Penn Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Cardiovascular Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - D Kacy Cullen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Center for Brain Injury & Repair, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Center for Neurotrauma, Neurodegeneration & Restoration, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Musculoskeletal Program, Penn Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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2
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Sibgatullina G, Al Ebrahim R, Gilizhdinova K, Tokmakova A, Malomouzh A. Differentiation of Myoblasts in Culture: Focus on Serum and Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid. Cells Tissues Organs 2023; 213:203-212. [PMID: 36871556 DOI: 10.1159/000529839] [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: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
There are many facts about the possible role of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the development and differentiation of cells not only in nervous but also in muscle tissue. In the present study, a primary culture of rat skeletal muscle myocytes was used to evaluate the correlation between the content of GABA in the cytoplasm and the processes of myocyte division and their fusion into myotubes. The effect of exogenous GABA on the processes of culture development was also estimated. Since the classical protocol for working with myocyte cultures involves the use of fetal bovine serum (FBS) to stimulate cell division (growth medium) and horse serum (HS) to activate the differentiation process (differentiation medium), the studies were carried out both in the medium with FBS and with HS. It was found that cells grown in medium supplemented with FBS contain more GABA compared to cultures growing in medium supplemented with HS. Addition of exogeneous GABA leads to a decrease in the number of myotubes formed in both media, while the addition of an amino acid to the medium supplemented with HS had a more pronounced inhibitory effect. Thus, we have obtained data indicating that GABA is able to participate in the early stages of skeletal muscle myogenesis by modulating the fusion process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guzel Sibgatullina
- Laboratory of Biophysics of Synaptic Processes, Kazan Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, FRC Kazan Scientific Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Kazan, Russian Federation
| | - Rahaf Al Ebrahim
- Department of Human and Animal Physiology, Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russian Federation
| | - Karina Gilizhdinova
- Department of Human and Animal Physiology, Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russian Federation
| | - Anna Tokmakova
- Department of Human and Animal Physiology, Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russian Federation
| | - Artem Malomouzh
- Laboratory of Biophysics of Synaptic Processes, Kazan Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, FRC Kazan Scientific Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Kazan, Russian Federation
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3
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Trossmann VT, Scheibel T. Design of Recombinant Spider Silk Proteins for Cell Type Specific Binding. Adv Healthc Mater 2022; 12:e2202660. [PMID: 36565209 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202202660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Cytophilic (cell-adhesive) materials are very important for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. However, for engineering hierarchically organized tissue structures comprising different cell types, cell-specific attachment and guidance are decisive. In this context, materials made of recombinant spider silk proteins are promising scaffolds, since they exhibit high biocompatibility, biodegradability, and the underlying proteins can be genetically functionalized. Here, previously established spider silk variants based on the engineered Araneus diadematus fibroin 4 (eADF4(C16)) are genetically modified with cell adhesive peptide sequences from extracellular matrix proteins, including IKVAV, YIGSR, QHREDGS, and KGD. Interestingly, eADF4(C16)-KGD as one of 18 tested variants is cell-selective for C2C12 mouse myoblasts, one out of 11 tested cell lines. Co-culturing with B50 rat neuronal cells confirms the cell-specificity of eADF4(C16)-KGD material surfaces for C2C12 mouse myoblast adhesion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Tanja Trossmann
- Chair of Biomaterials, Engineering Faculty, University of Bayreuth, Prof.-Rüdiger-Bormann-Straße 1, 95447, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Thomas Scheibel
- Chair of Biomaterials, Engineering Faculty, University of Bayreuth, Prof.-Rüdiger-Bormann-Straße 1, 95447, Bayreuth, Germany.,Bayreuth Center for Colloids and Interfaces (BZKG), Bavarian Polymer Institute (BPI), Bayreuth Center for Molecular Biosciences (BZMB), Bayreuth Center for Material Science (BayMAT), University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstraße 30, 95447, Bayreuth, Germany
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4
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Strickland JB, Davis-Anderson K, Micheva-Viteva S, Twary S, Iyer R, Harris JF, Solomon EA. Optimization of Application-Driven Development of In Vitro Neuromuscular Junction Models. TISSUE ENGINEERING. PART B, REVIEWS 2022; 28:1180-1191. [PMID: 35018825 PMCID: PMC9805869 DOI: 10.1089/ten.teb.2021.0204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) are specialized synapses responsible for signal transduction between motor neurons (MNs) and skeletal muscle tissue. Malfunction at this site can result from developmental disorders, toxic environmental exposures, and neurodegenerative diseases leading to severe neurological dysfunction. Exploring these conditions in human or animal subjects is restricted by ethical concerns and confounding environmental factors. Therefore, in vitro NMJ models provide exciting opportunities for advancements in tissue engineering. In the last two decades, multiple NMJ prototypes and platforms have been reported, and each model system design is strongly tied to a specific application: exploring developmental physiology, disease modeling, or high-throughput screening. Directing the differentiation of stem cells into mature MNs and/or skeletal muscle for NMJ modeling has provided critical cues to recapitulate early-stage development. Patient-derived inducible pluripotent stem cells provide a personalized approach to investigating NMJ disease, especially when disease etiology cannot be resolved down to a specific gene mutation. Having reproducible NMJ culture replicates is useful for high-throughput screening to evaluate drug toxicity and determine the impact of environmental threat exposures. Cutting-edge bioengineering techniques have propelled this field forward with innovative microfabrication and design approaches allowing both two-dimensional and three-dimensional NMJ culture models. Many of these NMJ systems require further validation for broader application by regulatory agencies, pharmaceutical companies, and the general research community. In this summary, we present a comprehensive review on the current state-of-art research in NMJ models and discuss their ability to provide valuable insight into cell and tissue interactions. Impact statement In vitro neuromuscular junction (NMJ) models reveal the specialized mechanisms of communication between neurons and muscle tissue. This site can be disrupted by developmental disorders, toxic environmental exposures, or neurodegenerative diseases, which often lead to fatal outcomes and is therefore of critical importance to the medical community. Many bioengineering approaches for in vitro NMJ modeling have been designed to mimic development and disease; other approaches include in vitro NMJ models for high-throughput toxicology screening, providing a platform to limit or replace animal testing. This review describes various NMJ applications and the bioengineering advancements allowing for human NMJ characteristics to be more accurately recapitulated. While the extensive range of NMJ device structures has hindered standardization attempts, there is still a need to harmonize these devices for broader application and to continue advancing the field of NMJ modeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie B. Strickland
- Bioscience Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico, USA
| | - Katie Davis-Anderson
- Bioscience Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico, USA
| | | | - Scott Twary
- Bioscience Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico, USA
| | - Rashi Iyer
- Information System and Modeling, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico, USA
| | | | - Emilia A. Solomon
- Bioscience Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico, USA.,Address correspondence to: Emilia A. Solomon, PhD, Bioscience Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, PO Box 1663 MS M888, Los Alamos, NM 87545, USA
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5
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Alignment of Skeletal Muscle Cells Facilitates Acetylcholine Receptor Clustering and Neuromuscular Junction Formation with Co-Cultured Human iPSC-Derived Motor Neurons. Cells 2022; 11:cells11233760. [PMID: 36497020 PMCID: PMC9738074 DOI: 10.3390/cells11233760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
In vitro neuromuscular junction (NMJ) models are powerful tools for studying neuromuscular disorders. Although linearly patterned culture surfaces have been reported to be useful for the formation of in vitro NMJ models using mouse motor neuron (MNs) and skeletal muscle (SkM) myotubes, it is unclear how the linearly patterned culture surface increases acetylcholine receptor (AChR) clustering, one of the steps in the process of NMJ formation, and whether this increases the in vitro NMJ formation efficiency of co-cultured human MNs and SkM myotubes. In this study, we investigated the effects of a linearly patterned culture surface on AChR clustering in myotubes and examined the possible mechanism of the increase in AChR clustering using gene expression analysis, as well as the effects of the patterned surface on the efficiency of NMJ formation between co-cultured human SkM myotubes and human iPSC-derived MNs. Our results suggest that better differentiation of myotubes on the patterned surface, compared to the flat surface, induced gene expression of integrin α7 and AChR ε-subunit, thereby increasing AChR clustering. Furthermore, we found that the number of NMJs between human SkM cells and MNs increased upon co-culture on the linearly patterned surface, suggesting the usefulness of the patterned surface for creating in vitro human NMJ models.
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Suslov MA, Sibgatullina GV, Samigullin DV. Simple CO2 Regulator for Laboratory Cell Incubator from Available Components. J EVOL BIOCHEM PHYS+ 2022. [DOI: 10.1134/s0022093022060382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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7
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Wells-Cembrano K, Sala-Jarque J, del Rio JA. Development of a simple and versatile in vitro method for production, stimulation, and analysis of bioengineered muscle. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0272610. [PMID: 35951605 PMCID: PMC9371355 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0272610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, 3D in vitro modeling of human skeletal muscle has emerged as a subject of increasing interest, due to its applicability in basic studies or screening platforms. These models strive to recapitulate key features of muscle architecture and function, such as cell alignment, maturation, and contractility in response to different stimuli. To this end, it is required to culture cells in biomimetic hydrogels suspended between two anchors. Currently available protocols are often complex to produce, have a high rate of breakage, or are not adapted to imaging and stimulation. Therefore, we sought to develop a simplified and reliable protocol, which still enabled versatility in the study of muscle function. In our method, we have used human immortalized myoblasts cultured in a hydrogel composed of MatrigelTM and fibrinogen, to create muscle strips suspended between two VELCROTM anchors. The resulting muscle constructs show a differentiated phenotype and contractile activity in response to electrical, chemical and optical stimulation. This activity is analyzed by two alternative methods, namely contraction analysis and calcium analysis with Fluo-4 AM. In all, our protocol provides an optimized version of previously published methods, enabling individual imaging of muscle bundles and straightforward analysis of muscle response with standard image analysis software. This system provides a start-to-finish guide on how to produce, validate, stimulate, and analyze bioengineered muscle. This ensures that the system can be quickly established by researchers with varying degrees of expertise, while maintaining reliability and similarity to native muscle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Wells-Cembrano
- Molecular and Cellular Neurobiotechnology, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Scientific Park of Barcelona, The Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Network Centre of Biomedical Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Institute of Health Carlos III, Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness, Spain
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Júlia Sala-Jarque
- Molecular and Cellular Neurobiotechnology, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Scientific Park of Barcelona, The Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Network Centre of Biomedical Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Institute of Health Carlos III, Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness, Spain
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jose A. del Rio
- Molecular and Cellular Neurobiotechnology, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Scientific Park of Barcelona, The Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Network Centre of Biomedical Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Institute of Health Carlos III, Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness, Spain
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- * E-mail:
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8
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Arjmand B, Kokabi Hamidpour S, Rabbani Z, Tayanloo-Beik A, Rahim F, Aghayan HR, Larijani B. Organ on a Chip: A Novel in vitro Biomimetic Strategy in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Modeling. Front Neurol 2022; 12:788462. [PMID: 35111126 PMCID: PMC8802668 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.788462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a pernicious neurodegenerative disorder that is associated with the progressive degeneration of motor neurons, the disruption of impulse transmission from motor neurons to muscle cells, and the development of mobility impairments. Clinically, muscle paralysis can spread to other parts of the body. Hence it may have adverse effects on swallowing, speaking, and even breathing, which serves as major problems facing these patients. According to the available evidence, no definite treatment has been found for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) that results in a significant outcome, although some pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments are currently applied that are accompanied by some positive effects. In other words, available therapies are only used to relieve symptoms without any significant treatment effects that highlight the importance of seeking more novel therapies. Unfortunately, the process of discovering new drugs with high therapeutic potential for ALS treatment is fraught with challenges. The lack of a broad view of the disease process from early to late-stage and insufficiency of preclinical studies for providing validated results prior to conducting clinical trials are other reasons for the ALS drug discovery failure. However, increasing the combined application of different fields of regenerative medicine, especially tissue engineering and stem cell therapy can be considered as a step forward to develop more novel technologies. For instance, organ on a chip is one of these technologies that can provide a platform to promote a comprehensive understanding of neuromuscular junction biology and screen candidate drugs for ALS in combination with pluripotent stem cells (PSCs). The structure of this technology is based on the use of essential components such as iPSC- derived motor neurons and iPSC-derived skeletal muscle cells on a single miniaturized chip for ALS modeling. Accordingly, an organ on a chip not only can mimic ALS complexities but also can be considered as a more cost-effective and time-saving disease modeling platform in comparison with others. Hence, it can be concluded that lab on a chip can make a major contribution as a biomimetic micro-physiological system in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders such as ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Babak Arjmand
- Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Molecular-Cellular Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- *Correspondence: Babak Arjmand
| | - Shayesteh Kokabi Hamidpour
- Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Molecular-Cellular Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Rabbani
- Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Molecular-Cellular Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Akram Tayanloo-Beik
- Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Molecular-Cellular Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fakher Rahim
- Health Research Institute, Thalassemia, and Hemoglobinopathies Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Hamid Reza Aghayan
- Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Molecular-Cellular Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bagher Larijani
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Bagher Larijani
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9
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Fralish Z, Lotz EM, Chavez T, Khodabukus A, Bursac N. Neuromuscular Development and Disease: Learning From in vitro and in vivo Models. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:764732. [PMID: 34778273 PMCID: PMC8579029 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.764732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is a specialized cholinergic synaptic interface between a motor neuron and a skeletal muscle fiber that translates presynaptic electrical impulses into motor function. NMJ formation and maintenance require tightly regulated signaling and cellular communication among motor neurons, myogenic cells, and Schwann cells. Neuromuscular diseases (NMDs) can result in loss of NMJ function and motor input leading to paralysis or even death. Although small animal models have been instrumental in advancing our understanding of the NMJ structure and function, the complexities of studying this multi-tissue system in vivo and poor clinical outcomes of candidate therapies developed in small animal models has driven the need for in vitro models of functional human NMJ to complement animal studies. In this review, we discuss prevailing models of NMDs and highlight the current progress and ongoing challenges in developing human iPSC-derived (hiPSC) 3D cell culture models of functional NMJs. We first review in vivo development of motor neurons, skeletal muscle, Schwann cells, and the NMJ alongside current methods for directing the differentiation of relevant cell types from hiPSCs. We further compare the efficacy of modeling NMDs in animals and human cell culture systems in the context of five NMDs: amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, myotonic dystrophy, and Pompe disease. Finally, we discuss further work necessary for hiPSC-derived NMJ models to function as effective personalized NMD platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary Fralish
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Ethan M Lotz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Taylor Chavez
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Alastair Khodabukus
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Nenad Bursac
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
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10
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Luttrell SM, Smith AST, Mack DL. Creating stem cell-derived neuromuscular junctions in vitro. Muscle Nerve 2021; 64:388-403. [PMID: 34328673 PMCID: PMC9292444 DOI: 10.1002/mus.27360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Recent development of novel therapies has improved mobility and quality of life for people suffering from inheritable neuromuscular disorders. Despite this progress, the majority of neuromuscular disorders are still incurable, in part due to a lack of predictive models of neuromuscular junction (NMJ) breakdown. Improvement of predictive models of a human NMJ would be transformative in terms of expanding our understanding of the mechanisms that underpin development, maintenance, and disease, and as a testbed with which to evaluate novel therapeutics. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are emerging as a clinically relevant and non‐invasive cell source to create human NMJs to study synaptic development and maturation, as well as disease modeling and drug discovery. This review will highlight the recent advances and remaining challenges to generating an NMJ capable of eliciting contraction of stem cell‐derived skeletal muscle in vitro. We explore the advantages and shortcomings of traditional NMJ culturing platforms, as well as the pioneering technologies and novel, biomimetic culturing systems currently in use to guide development and maturation of the neuromuscular synapse and extracellular microenvironment. Then, we will explore how this NMJ‐in‐a‐dish can be used to study normal assembly and function of the efferent portion of the neuromuscular arc, and how neuromuscular disease‐causing mutations disrupt structure, signaling, and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shawn M Luttrell
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Alec S T Smith
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - David L Mack
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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11
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Saini J, Faroni A, Reid AJ, Mouly V, Butler-Browne G, Lightfoot AP, McPhee JS, Degens H, Al-Shanti N. Cross-talk between motor neurons and myotubes via endogenously secreted neural and muscular growth factors. Physiol Rep 2021; 9:e14791. [PMID: 33931983 PMCID: PMC8087923 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.14791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuromuscular junction (NMJ) research is vital to advance the understanding of neuromuscular patho‐physiology and development of novel therapies for diseases associated with NM dysfunction. In vivo, the micro‐environment surrounding the NMJ has a significant impact on NMJ formation and maintenance via neurotrophic and differentiation factors that are secreted as a result of cross‐talk between muscle fibers and motor neurons. Recently we showed the formation of functional NMJs in vitro in a co‐culture of immortalized human myoblasts and motor neurons from rat‐embryo spinal‐cord explants, using a culture medium free from serum and neurotrophic or growth factors. The aim of this study was to assess how functional NMJs were established in this co‐culture devoid of exogenous neural growth factors. To investigate this, an ELISA‐based microarray was used to compare the composition of soluble endogenously secreted growth factors in this co‐culture with an a‐neural muscle culture. The levels of seven neurotrophic factors brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), glial‐cell‐line‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), insulin‐like growth factor‐binding protein‐3 (IGFBP‐3), insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1), neurotrophin‐3 (NT‐3), neurotrophin‐4 (NT‐4), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were higher (p < 0.05) in the supernatant of NMJ culture compared to those in the supernatant of the a‐neural muscle culture. This indicates that the cross‐talk between muscle and motor neurons promotes the secretion of soluble growth factors contributing to the local microenvironment thereby providing a favourable regenerative niche for NMJs formation and maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasdeep Saini
- Musculoskeletal Science & Sports Medicine Research Centre, Department of Life Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Alessandro Faroni
- Blond McIndoe Laboratories, Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK.,Dept. of Plastic Surgery & Burns, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Adam J Reid
- Blond McIndoe Laboratories, Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK.,Dept. of Plastic Surgery & Burns, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Vincent Mouly
- Center for Research in Myology, Sorbonne Université-INSERM, Paris, France
| | | | - Adam P Lightfoot
- Musculoskeletal Science & Sports Medicine Research Centre, Department of Life Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Jamie S McPhee
- Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Hans Degens
- Musculoskeletal Science & Sports Medicine Research Centre, Department of Life Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK.,Lithuanian Sports University, Institute of Sport Science and Innovations, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Nasser Al-Shanti
- Musculoskeletal Science & Sports Medicine Research Centre, Department of Life Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
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12
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Khodabukus A. Tissue-Engineered Skeletal Muscle Models to Study Muscle Function, Plasticity, and Disease. Front Physiol 2021; 12:619710. [PMID: 33716768 PMCID: PMC7952620 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.619710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Skeletal muscle possesses remarkable plasticity that permits functional adaptations to a wide range of signals such as motor input, exercise, and disease. Small animal models have been pivotal in elucidating the molecular mechanisms regulating skeletal muscle adaptation and plasticity. However, these small animal models fail to accurately model human muscle disease resulting in poor clinical success of therapies. Here, we review the potential of in vitro three-dimensional tissue-engineered skeletal muscle models to study muscle function, plasticity, and disease. First, we discuss the generation and function of in vitro skeletal muscle models. We then discuss the genetic, neural, and hormonal factors regulating skeletal muscle fiber-type in vivo and the ability of current in vitro models to study muscle fiber-type regulation. We also evaluate the potential of these systems to be utilized in a patient-specific manner to accurately model and gain novel insights into diseases such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and volumetric muscle loss. We conclude with a discussion on future developments required for tissue-engineered skeletal muscle models to become more mature, biomimetic, and widely utilized for studying muscle physiology, disease, and clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alastair Khodabukus
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
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13
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Solomon EA, Rooney AM, Rodriguez AM, Micheva-Viteva S, Bashir R, Iyer R, Harris JF. Neuromuscular Junction Model Optimized for Electrical Platforms. Tissue Eng Part C Methods 2021; 27:242-252. [PMID: 33599165 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tec.2020.0292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuromuscular junctions (NMJs), specialized synapses between motor neurons and muscle fibers, are essential for muscle activity. A simple and reproducible cell-based in vitro NMJ platform is needed to test the impact of chemicals on the neuron-muscle communication. Our platform utilizes genetically modified neurons and muscle cells, optimized culture conditions, and commercially available multielectrode array system for recording action potentials. Neuronal cells (NSC34) were optogenetically modified with channelrhodopsin chimera to allow for simultaneous, light-mediated, millisecond-precise activation of neuronal population. This signal is propagated through functional synapses to the muscle fibers. Muscle cells (C2C12) were modified by incorporating gap junction protein (Connexin-43) to improve intracellular communication without affecting muscle differentiation. This communication between muscle fibers resulted in better signal propagation and signal strength. Optimized culture medium facilitated the growth and differentiation of both cell types together. Our system was validated using vecuronium, a muscle relaxant, which abolished the muscle response. This in vitro model provides a unique tool for establishing a NMJ platform that is easy to record and analyze. Potential applications include nondestructive long-term screening of drugs affecting the NMJ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilia A Solomon
- Bioscience Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico, USA
| | - Allison M Rooney
- Bioscience Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico, USA
| | - Arasely M Rodriguez
- Bioscience Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico, USA
| | | | - Rashid Bashir
- Department of Bioengineering, Nick J. Holonyak Micro and Nanotechnology Laboratory, and Carle Illinois College of Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Rashi Iyer
- Information System and Modeling, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico, USA
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14
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Miar S, Ong JL, Bizios R, Guda T. Electrically Stimulated Tunable Drug Delivery From Polypyrrole-Coated Polyvinylidene Fluoride. Front Chem 2021; 9:599631. [PMID: 33614599 PMCID: PMC7892451 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2021.599631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Electrical stimulus-responsive drug delivery from conducting polymers such as polypyrrole (PPy) has been limited by lack of versatile polymerization techniques and limitations in drug-loading strategies. In the present study, we report an in-situ chemical polymerization technique for incorporation of biotin, as the doping agent, to establish electrosensitive drug release from PPy-coated substrates. Aligned electrospun polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) fibers were used as a substrate for the PPy-coating and basic fibroblast growth factor and nerve growth factor were the model growth factors demonstrated for potential applications in musculoskeletal tissue regeneration. It was observed that 18-h of continuous polymerization produced an optimal coating of PPy on the surface of the PVDF electrospun fibers with significantly increased hydrophilicity and no substantial changes observed in fiber orientation or individual fiber thickness. This PPy-PVDF system was used as the platform for loading the aforementioned growth factors, using streptavidin as the drug-complex carrier. The release profile of incorporated biotinylated growth factors exhibited electrosensitive release behavior while the PPy-PVDF complex proved stable for a period of 14 days and suitable as a stimulus responsive drug delivery depot. Critically, the growth factors retained bioactivity after release. In conclusion, the present study established a systematic methodology to prepare PPy coated systems with electrosensitive drug release capabilities which can potentially be used to encourage targeted tissue regeneration and other biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Teja Guda
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Chemical Engineering, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
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15
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de Jongh R, Spijkers XM, Pasteuning-Vuhman S, Vulto P, Pasterkamp RJ. Neuromuscular junction-on-a-chip: ALS disease modeling and read-out development in microfluidic devices. J Neurochem 2021; 157:393-412. [PMID: 33382092 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal and progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting upper and lower motor neurons with no cure available. Clinical and animal studies reveal that the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), a synaptic connection between motor neurons and skeletal muscle fibers, is highly vulnerable in ALS and suggest that NMJ defects may occur at the early stages of the disease. However, mechanistic insight into how NMJ dysfunction relates to the onset and progression of ALS is incomplete, which hampers therapy development. This is, in part, caused by a lack of robust in vitro models. The ability to combine microfluidic and induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technologies has opened up new avenues for studying molecular and cellular ALS phenotypes in vitro. Microfluidic devices offer several advantages over traditional culture approaches when modeling the NMJ, such as the spatial separation of different cell types and increased control over the cellular microenvironment. Moreover, they are compatible with 3D cell culture, which enhances NMJ functionality and maturity. Here, we review how microfluidic technology is currently being employed to develop more reliable in vitro NMJ models. To validate and phenotype such models, various morphological and functional read-outs have been developed. We describe and discuss the relevance of these read-outs and specifically illustrate how these read-outs have enhanced our understanding of NMJ pathology in ALS. Finally, we share our view on potential future directions and challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rianne de Jongh
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Xandor M Spijkers
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Mimetas B.V., Organ-on-a-chip Company, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Svetlana Pasteuning-Vuhman
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Paul Vulto
- Mimetas B.V., Organ-on-a-chip Company, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - R Jeroen Pasterkamp
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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16
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Saini J, Faroni A, Reid AJ, Mamchaoui K, Mouly V, Butler-Browne G, Lightfoot AP, McPhee JS, Degens H, Al-Shanti N. A Novel Bioengineered Functional Motor Unit Platform to Study Neuromuscular Interaction. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9103238. [PMID: 33050427 PMCID: PMC7599749 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9103238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: In many neurodegenerative and muscular disorders, and loss of innervation in sarcopenia, improper reinnervation of muscle and dysfunction of the motor unit (MU) are key pathogenic features. In vivo studies of MUs are constrained due to difficulties isolating and extracting functional MUs, so there is a need for a simplified and reproducible system of engineered in vitro MUs. Objective: to develop and characterise a functional MU model in vitro, permitting the analysis of MU development and function. Methods: an immortalised human myoblast cell line was co-cultured with rat embryo spinal cord explants in a serum-free/growth fact media. MUs developed and the morphology of their components (neuromuscular junction (NMJ), myotubes and motor neurons) were characterised using immunocytochemistry, phase contrast and confocal microscopy. The function of the MU was evaluated through live observations and videography of spontaneous myotube contractions after challenge with cholinergic antagonists and glutamatergic agonists. Results: blocking acetylcholine receptors with α-bungarotoxin resulted in complete, cessation of myotube contractions, which was reversible with tubocurarine. Furthermore, myotube activity was significantly higher with the application of L-glutamic acid. All these observations indicate the formed MU are functional. Conclusion: a functional nerve-muscle co-culture model was established that has potential for drug screening and pathophysiological studies of neuromuscular interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasdeep Saini
- Musculoskeletal Science & Sports Medicine Research Centre, Department of Life Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester M1 5GD, UK; (J.S.); (A.P.L.); (H.D.)
| | - Alessandro Faroni
- Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Blond McIndoe Laboratories, Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M1 7DN, UK; (A.F.); (A.J.R.)
- Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Department of Plastic Surgery & Burns, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester M23 9LT, UK
| | - Adam J. Reid
- Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Blond McIndoe Laboratories, Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M1 7DN, UK; (A.F.); (A.J.R.)
- Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Department of Plastic Surgery & Burns, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester M23 9LT, UK
| | - Kamel Mamchaoui
- Center for Research in Myology, Sorbonne Université-INSERM, 75013 Paris, France; (K.M.); (V.M.); (G.B.-B.)
| | - Vincent Mouly
- Center for Research in Myology, Sorbonne Université-INSERM, 75013 Paris, France; (K.M.); (V.M.); (G.B.-B.)
| | - Gillian Butler-Browne
- Center for Research in Myology, Sorbonne Université-INSERM, 75013 Paris, France; (K.M.); (V.M.); (G.B.-B.)
| | - Adam P. Lightfoot
- Musculoskeletal Science & Sports Medicine Research Centre, Department of Life Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester M1 5GD, UK; (J.S.); (A.P.L.); (H.D.)
| | - Jamie S. McPhee
- Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester M1 5GD, UK;
| | - Hans Degens
- Musculoskeletal Science & Sports Medicine Research Centre, Department of Life Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester M1 5GD, UK; (J.S.); (A.P.L.); (H.D.)
- Institute of Sport Science and Innovations, Lithuanian Sports University, LT-44221 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Nasser Al-Shanti
- Musculoskeletal Science & Sports Medicine Research Centre, Department of Life Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester M1 5GD, UK; (J.S.); (A.P.L.); (H.D.)
- Correspondence:
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17
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Abstract
Organs-on-chips are broadly defined as microfabricated surfaces or devices designed to engineer cells into microscale tissues with native-like features and then extract physiologically relevant readouts at scale. Because they are generally compatible with patient-derived cells, these technologies can address many of the human relevance limitations of animal models. As a result, organs-on-chips have emerged as a promising new paradigm for patient-specific disease modeling and drug development. Because neuromuscular diseases span a broad range of rare conditions with diverse etiology and complex pathophysiology, they have been especially challenging to model in animals and thus are well suited for organ-on-chip approaches. In this Review, we first briefly summarize the challenges in neuromuscular disease modeling with animal models. Next, we describe a variety of existing organ-on-chip approaches for neuromuscular tissues, including a survey of cell sources for both muscle and nerve, and two- and three-dimensional neuromuscular tissue-engineering techniques. Although researchers have made tremendous advances in modeling neuromuscular diseases on a chip, the remaining challenges in cell sourcing, cell maturity, tissue assembly and readout capabilities limit their integration into the drug development pipeline today. However, as the field advances, models of healthy and diseased neuromuscular tissues on a chip, coupled with animal models, have vast potential as complementary tools for modeling multiple aspects of neuromuscular diseases and identifying new therapeutic strategies. Summary: Modeling neuromuscular diseases is challenging due to their complex etiology and pathophysiology. Here, we review the cell sources and tissue-engineering procedures that are being integrated as emerging neuromuscular disease models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey W Santoso
- Laboratory for Living Systems Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, USC Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Megan L McCain
- Laboratory for Living Systems Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, USC Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA .,Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine of USC, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
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18
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Das S, Browne KD, Laimo FA, Maggiore JC, Hilman MC, Kaisaier H, Aguilar CA, Ali ZS, Mourkioti F, Cullen DK. Pre-innervated tissue-engineered muscle promotes a pro-regenerative microenvironment following volumetric muscle loss. Commun Biol 2020; 3:330. [PMID: 32587337 PMCID: PMC7316777 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-020-1056-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2019] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Volumetric muscle loss (VML) is the traumatic or surgical loss of skeletal muscle beyond the inherent regenerative capacity of the body, generally leading to severe functional deficit. Formation of appropriate somato-motor innervations remains one of the biggest challenges for both autologous grafts as well as tissue-engineered muscle constructs. We aim to address this challenge by developing pre-innervated tissue-engineered muscle comprised of long aligned networks of spinal motor neurons and skeletal myocytes on aligned nanofibrous scaffolds. Motor neurons led to enhanced differentiation and maturation of skeletal myocytes in vitro. These pre-innervated tissue-engineered muscle constructs when implanted in a rat VML model significantly increased satellite cell density, neuromuscular junction maintenance, graft revascularization, and muscle volume over three weeks as compared to myocyte-only constructs and nanofiber scaffolds alone. These pro-regenerative effects may enhance functional neuromuscular regeneration following VML, thereby improving the levels of functional recovery following these devastating injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suradip Das
- Center for Brain Injury & Repair, Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Center for Neurotrauma, Neurodegeneration & Restoration, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Kevin D Browne
- Center for Brain Injury & Repair, Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Center for Neurotrauma, Neurodegeneration & Restoration, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Franco A Laimo
- Center for Brain Injury & Repair, Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Center for Neurotrauma, Neurodegeneration & Restoration, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Joseph C Maggiore
- Center for Neurotrauma, Neurodegeneration & Restoration, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Melanie C Hilman
- Center for Neurotrauma, Neurodegeneration & Restoration, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Halimulati Kaisaier
- Center for Neurotrauma, Neurodegeneration & Restoration, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Carlos A Aguilar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Zarina S Ali
- Center for Brain Injury & Repair, Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Foteini Mourkioti
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Penn Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Musculoskeletal Program, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - D Kacy Cullen
- Center for Brain Injury & Repair, Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Center for Neurotrauma, Neurodegeneration & Restoration, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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19
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Besser RR, Bowles AC, Alassaf A, Carbonero D, Maciel R, Saporta M, Agarwal A. A Chemically Defined Common Medium for Culture of C2C12 Skeletal Muscle and Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Derived Spinal Spheroids. Cell Mol Bioeng 2020; 13:605-619. [PMID: 33281990 DOI: 10.1007/s12195-020-00624-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Multicellular platforms and linked multi organ on chip devices are powerful tools for drug discovery, and basic mechanistic studies. Often, a critical constraint is defining a culture medium optimal for all cells present in the system. In this study, we focused on the key cells of the neuromuscular junction i.e., skeletal muscle and motor neurons. Methods Formulation of a chemically defined medium for the co-culture of C2C12 skeletal muscle cells and human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) derived spinal spheroids (SpS) was optimized. C2C12 cells in 10 experimental media conditions and 2 topographies were evaluated over a 14-day maturation period to determine the ideal medium formulation for skeletal muscle tissue development. Results During early maturation, overexpression of genes for myogenesis and myopathy was observed for several media conditions, corresponding to muscle delamination and death. Together, we identified 3 media formulations that allowed for more controlled differentiation, healthier muscle tissue, and long-term culture duration. This evidence was then used to select media formulations to culture SpS and subsequently assessed axonal growth. As axonal growth in SpS cultures was comparable in all selected media conditions, our data suggest that the neuronal basal medium with no added supplements is the ideal medium formulation for both cell types. Conclusions Optimization using both topographical cues and culture media formulations provides a comprehensive analyses of culture conditions that are vital to future applications for in vitro NMJ models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel R Besser
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, DJTMF Biomedical Nanotechnology Institute, University of Miami, 1251 Memorial Dr, MEA 203, Coral Gables, FL 33146 USA
| | - Annie C Bowles
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, DJTMF Biomedical Nanotechnology Institute, University of Miami, 1251 Memorial Dr, MEA 203, Coral Gables, FL 33146 USA
| | - Ahmad Alassaf
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, DJTMF Biomedical Nanotechnology Institute, University of Miami, 1251 Memorial Dr, MEA 203, Coral Gables, FL 33146 USA.,Department of Medical Equipment Technology, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Majmaah University, Al-Majmaah, 11952 Saudi Arabia
| | - Daniel Carbonero
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, DJTMF Biomedical Nanotechnology Institute, University of Miami, 1251 Memorial Dr, MEA 203, Coral Gables, FL 33146 USA
| | - Renata Maciel
- Department of Neurology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1120 NW 14th St, Suite 1310, Miami, FL 33136 USA
| | - Mario Saporta
- Department of Neurology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1120 NW 14th St, Suite 1310, Miami, FL 33136 USA
| | - Ashutosh Agarwal
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, DJTMF Biomedical Nanotechnology Institute, University of Miami, 1251 Memorial Dr, MEA 203, Coral Gables, FL 33146 USA
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20
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Sibgatullina GV, Malomouzh AI. GABA in developing rat skeletal muscle and motor neurons. PROTOPLASMA 2020; 257:1009-1015. [PMID: 32016594 DOI: 10.1007/s00709-020-01485-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, considerable evidence is accumulated pointing to participation of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in intercellular signaling in the peripheral nervous system, including, in particular, neuromuscular transmission. However, where in the neuromuscular synapse GABA is synthesized remains not quite clear. We used histochemical methods to detect GABA and L-glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) in developing skeletal muscle fibers and in cultured motor neurons. We found that GABA can be detected already in myocytes, but with further muscle maturation, GABA synthesis gradually attenuates and completely ceases in early postnatal development. We found also that formation of GABA in muscle tissue does not depend on activity of GAD, but presumably proceeds through some other, alternative pathways. In motor neurons, GABA and GAD can be detected at the early stage of development (prior to synapse formation). Our data support the hypothesis that GABA and GAD, which are detectable in adult neuromuscular junctions, have neuronal origin. The mechanism of GABA production and its role in developing muscle tissue need further clarification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gusel V Sibgatullina
- Kazan Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, FRC Kazan Scientific Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Kazan, 420111, Russia
| | - Artem I Malomouzh
- Kazan Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, FRC Kazan Scientific Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Kazan, 420111, Russia.
- Kazan (Volga Region) Federal University, Kazan, 420008, Russia.
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21
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Colón A, Badu-Mensah A, Guo X, Goswami A, Hickman JJ. Differentiation of Intrafusal Fibers from Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells. ACS Chem Neurosci 2020; 11:1085-1092. [PMID: 32159941 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.0c00055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Human-based "body-on-a-chip" technology provides powerful platforms in developing models for drug evaluation and disease evaluations in phenotypic models. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are ideal cell sources for generating different cell types for these in vitro functional systems and recapitulation of the neuromuscular reflex arc would allow for the study of patient specific neuromuscular diseases. Regarding relevant afferent (intrafusal fibers, sensory neurons) and efferent (extrafusal fibers, motoneurons) cells, in vitro differentiation of intrafusal fiber from human iPSCs has not been established. This work demonstrates a protocol for inducing an enrichment of intrafusal bag fibers from iPSCs using morphological analysis and immunocytochemistry. Phosphorylation of the ErbB2 receptors and S46 staining indicated a 3-fold increase of total intrafusal fibers further confirming the efficiency of the protocol. Integration of induced intrafusal fibers would enable more accurate reflex arc models and application of this protocol on patient iPSCs would allow for patient-specific disease modeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alisha Colón
- Hybrid Systems Lab, NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, Florida 32826, United States
| | - Agnes Badu-Mensah
- Hybrid Systems Lab, NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, Florida 32826, United States
| | - Xiufang Guo
- Hybrid Systems Lab, NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, Florida 32826, United States
| | - Arindom Goswami
- Hybrid Systems Lab, NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, Florida 32826, United States
| | - James J. Hickman
- Hybrid Systems Lab, NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, Florida 32826, United States
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22
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Vila OF, Qu Y, Vunjak-Novakovic G. In vitro models of neuromuscular junctions and their potential for novel drug discovery and development. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2019; 15:307-317. [PMID: 31846349 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2020.1700225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Neuromuscular Junctions (NMJs) are the synapses between motor neurons and skeletal muscle fibers, and they are responsible for voluntary motor function. NMJs are affected at early stages of numerous neurodegenerative and neuroimmunological diseases. Due to the difficulty of systematically studying and manipulating NMJs in live subjects, in vitro systems with human tissue models would provide a powerful complement to simple cell cultures and animal models for mechanistic and drug development studies.Areas covered: The authors review the latest advances in in vitro models of NMJs, from traditional cell co-culture systems to novel tissue culture approaches, with focus on disease modeling and drug testing.Expert opinion: In recent years, more sophisticated in vitro models of human NMJs have been established. The combination of human stem cell technology with advanced tissue culture systems has resulted in systems that better recapitulate the human NMJ structure and function, and thereby allow for high-throughput quantitative functional measurements under both healthy and diseased conditions. Although they still have limitations, these advanced systems are increasingly demonstrating their utility for evaluating new therapies for motoneuron and autoimmune neuromuscular diseases, and we expect them to become an integral part of the drug discovery process in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olaia F Vila
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yihuai Qu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
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23
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Najjar SA, Smith AST, Long CJ, McAleer CW, Cai Y, Srinivasan B, Martin C, Vandenburgh HH, Hickman JJ. A multiplexed in vitro assay system for evaluating human skeletal muscle functionality in response to drug treatment. Biotechnol Bioeng 2019; 117:736-747. [PMID: 31758543 DOI: 10.1002/bit.27231] [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: 06/07/2019] [Revised: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
In vitro systems that mimic organ functionality have become increasingly important tools in drug development studies. Systems that measure the functional properties of skeletal muscle are beneficial to compound screening studies and also for integration into multiorgan devices. To date, no studies have investigated human skeletal muscle responses to drug treatments at the single myotube level in vitro. This report details a microscale cantilever chip-based assay system for culturing individual human myotubes. The cantilevers, along with a laser and photo-detector system, enable measurement of myotube contractions in response to broad-field electrical stimulation. This system was used to obtain baseline functional parameters for untreated human myotubes, including peak contractile force and time-to-fatigue data. The cultured myotubes were then treated with known myotoxic compounds and the resulting functional changes were compared to baseline measurements as well as known physiological responses in vivo. The collected data demonstrate the system's capacity for screening direct effects of compound action on individual human skeletal myotubes in a reliable, reproducible, and noninvasive manner. Furthermore, it has the potential to be utilized for high-content screening, disease modeling, and exercise studies of human skeletal muscle performance utilizing iPSCs derived from specific patient populations such as the muscular dystrophies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A Najjar
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida
| | - Alexander S T Smith
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida
| | - Christopher J Long
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida
| | | | - Yunqing Cai
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida
| | - Balaji Srinivasan
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida
| | - Candace Martin
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida
| | - Herman H Vandenburgh
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - James J Hickman
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida
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Wang J, Khodabukus A, Rao L, Vandusen K, Abutaleb N, Bursac N. Engineered skeletal muscles for disease modeling and drug discovery. Biomaterials 2019; 221:119416. [PMID: 31419653 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2019.119416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2019] [Revised: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Skeletal muscle is the largest organ of human body with several important roles in everyday movement and metabolic homeostasis. The limited ability of small animal models of muscle disease to accurately predict drug efficacy and toxicity in humans has prompted the development in vitro models of human skeletal muscle that fatefully recapitulate cell and tissue level functions and drug responses. We first review methods for development of three-dimensional engineered muscle tissues and organ-on-a-chip microphysiological systems and discuss their potential utility in drug discovery research and development of new regenerative therapies. Furthermore, we describe strategies to increase the functional maturation of engineered muscle, and motivate the importance of incorporating multiple tissue types on the same chip to model organ cross-talk and generate more predictive drug development platforms. Finally, we review the ability of available in vitro systems to model diseases such as type II diabetes, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Pompe disease, and dysferlinopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | - Lingjun Rao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Keith Vandusen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Nadia Abutaleb
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Nenad Bursac
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
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Arifuzzaman M, Ito A, Ikeda K, Kawabe Y, Kamihira M. Fabricating Muscle–Neuron Constructs with Improved Contractile Force Generation. Tissue Eng Part A 2019; 25:563-574. [DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2018.0165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Md Arifuzzaman
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Akira Ito
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Kazushi Ikeda
- Graduate School of Systems Life Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Kawabe
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Masamichi Kamihira
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
- Graduate School of Systems Life Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
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Yamaoka N, Shimizu K, Imaizumi Y, Ito T, Okada Y, Honda H. Open-Chamber Co-Culture Microdevices for Single-Cell Analysis of Skeletal Muscle Myotubes and Motor Neurons with Neuromuscular Junctions. BIOCHIP JOURNAL 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s13206-018-3202-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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Singh T, Vazquez M. Time-Dependent Addition of Neuronal and Schwann Cells Increase Myotube Viability and Length in an In Vitro Tri-culture Model of the Neuromuscular Junction. REGENERATIVE ENGINEERING AND TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s40883-019-00095-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Saini J, Faroni A, Abd Al Samid M, Reid AJ, Lightfoot AP, Mamchaoui K, Mouly V, Butler-Browne G, McPhee JS, Degens H, Al-Shanti N. Simplified in vitro engineering of neuromuscular junctions between rat embryonic motoneurons and immortalized human skeletal muscle cells. STEM CELLS AND CLONING-ADVANCES AND APPLICATIONS 2019; 12:1-9. [PMID: 30863121 PMCID: PMC6388735 DOI: 10.2147/sccaa.s187655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Background Neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) consist of the presynaptic cholinergic motoneuron terminals and the corresponding postsynaptic motor endplates on skeletal muscle fibers. At the NMJ the action potential of the neuron leads, via release of acetylcholine, to muscle membrane depolarization that in turn is translated into muscle contraction and physical movement. Despite the fact that substantial NMJ research has been performed, the potential of in vivo NMJ investigations is inadequate and difficult to employ. A simple and reproducible in vitro NMJ model may provide a robust means to study the impact of neurotrophic factors, growth factors, and hormones on NMJ formation, structure, and function. Methods This report characterizes a novel in vitro NMJ model utilizing immortalized human skeletal muscle stem cells seeded on 35 mm glass-bottom dishes, cocultured and innervated with spinal cord explants from rat embryos at ED 13.5. The cocultures were fixed and stained on day 14 for analysis and assessment of NMJ formation and development. Results This unique serum- and trophic factor-free system permits the growth of cholinergic motoneurons, the formation of mature NMJs, and the development of highly differentiated contractile myotubes, which exhibit appropriate configuration of transversal triads, representative of in vivo conditions. Conclusion This coculture system provides a tool to study vital features of NMJ formation, regulation, maintenance, and repair, as well as a model platform to explore neuromuscular diseases and disorders affecting NMJs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasdeep Saini
- Musculoskeletal Science & Sports Medicine Research Centre, School of Healthcare Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK,
| | - Alessandro Faroni
- Blond McIndoe Laboratories, Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK.,Department of Plastic Surgery & Burns, University Hospitals of South Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Marwah Abd Al Samid
- Musculoskeletal Science & Sports Medicine Research Centre, School of Healthcare Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK,
| | - Adam J Reid
- Blond McIndoe Laboratories, Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK.,Department of Plastic Surgery & Burns, University Hospitals of South Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Adam P Lightfoot
- Musculoskeletal Science & Sports Medicine Research Centre, School of Healthcare Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK,
| | - Kamel Mamchaoui
- Center for Research in Myology, Sorbonne Université- INSERM, Paris, France
| | - Vincent Mouly
- Center for Research in Myology, Sorbonne Université- INSERM, Paris, France
| | | | - Jamie S McPhee
- Department of Sport and Exercise Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Hans Degens
- Musculoskeletal Science & Sports Medicine Research Centre, School of Healthcare Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK, .,Institute of Sport Science and Innovations, Lithuanian Sports University, Kaunas, Lithuania.,University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Targu Mures, Targu Mures, Romania
| | - Nasser Al-Shanti
- Musculoskeletal Science & Sports Medicine Research Centre, School of Healthcare Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK,
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Huang ML, Tota EM, Lucas TM, Godula K. Influencing Early Stages of Neuromuscular Junction Formation through Glycocalyx Engineering. ACS Chem Neurosci 2018; 9:3086-3093. [PMID: 30095249 PMCID: PMC6395550 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.8b00295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Achieving molecular control over the formation of synaptic contacts in the nervous system can provide important insights into their regulation and can offer means for creating well-defined in vitro systems to evaluate modes of therapeutic intervention. Agrin-induced clustering of acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) at postsynaptic sites is a hallmark of the formation of the neuromuscular junction, a synapse between motoneurons and muscle cells. In addition to the cognate agrin receptor LRP4 (low-density lipoprotein receptor related protein-4), muscle cell heparan sulfate (HS) glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) have also been proposed to contribute to AChR clustering by acting as agrin co-receptors. Here, we provide direct evidence for the role of HS GAGs in agrin recruitment to the surface of myotubes, as well as their functional contributions toward AChR clustering. We also demonstrate that engineering of the myotube glycocalyx using synthetic HS GAG polymers can replace native HS structures to gain control over agrin-mediated AChR clustering.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ember M. Tota
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093-0358, United States
| | - Taryn M. Lucas
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093-0358, United States
| | - Kamil Godula
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093-0358, United States
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Abd Al Samid M, McPhee JS, Saini J, McKay TR, Fitzpatrick LM, Mamchaoui K, Bigot A, Mouly V, Butler-Browne G, Al-Shanti N. A functional human motor unit platform engineered from human embryonic stem cells and immortalized skeletal myoblasts. STEM CELLS AND CLONING-ADVANCES AND APPLICATIONS 2018; 11:85-93. [PMID: 30519053 PMCID: PMC6233953 DOI: 10.2147/sccaa.s178562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Background Although considerable research on neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) has been conducted, the prospect of in vivo NMJ studies is limited and these studies are challenging to implement. Therefore, there is a clear unmet need to develop a feasible, robust, and physiologically relevant in vitro NMJ model. Objective We aimed to establish a novel functional human NMJs platform, which is serum and neural complex media/neural growth factor-free, using human immortalized myoblasts and human embryonic stem cells (hESCs)-derived neural progenitor cells (NPCs) that can be used to understand the mechanisms of NMJ development and degeneration. Methods Immortalized human myoblasts were co-cultured with hESCs derived committed NPCs. Over the course of the 7 days myoblasts differentiated into myotubes and NPCs differentiated into motor neurons. Results Neuronal axon sprouting branched to form multiple NMJ innervation sites along the myotubes and the myotubes showed extensive, spontaneous contractile activity. Choline acetyltransferase and βIII-tubulin immunostaining confirmed that the NPCs had matured into cholinergic motor neurons. Postsynaptic site of NMJs was further characterized by staining dihydropyridine receptors, ryanodine receptors, and acetylcholine receptors by α-bungarotoxin. Conclusion We established a functional human motor unit platform for in vitro investigations. Thus, this co-culture system can be used as a novel platform for 1) drug discovery in the treatment of neuromuscular disorders, 2) deciphering vital features of NMJ formation, regulation, maintenance, and repair, and 3) exploring neuromuscular diseases, age-associated degeneration of the NMJ, muscle aging, and diabetic neuropathy and myopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwah Abd Al Samid
- Healthcare Science Research Institute, School of Healthcare Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK,
| | - Jamie S McPhee
- Department of Sport and Exercise Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Jasdeep Saini
- Healthcare Science Research Institute, School of Healthcare Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK,
| | - Tristan R McKay
- Healthcare Science Research Institute, School of Healthcare Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK,
| | - Lorna M Fitzpatrick
- Healthcare Science Research Institute, School of Healthcare Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK,
| | - Kamel Mamchaoui
- Center for Research in Myology, Sorbonne Université-INSERM, Paris, France
| | - Anne Bigot
- Center for Research in Myology, Sorbonne Université-INSERM, Paris, France
| | - Vincent Mouly
- Center for Research in Myology, Sorbonne Université-INSERM, Paris, France
| | | | - Nasser Al-Shanti
- Healthcare Science Research Institute, School of Healthcare Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK,
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31
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Al Samid MA, Al-Shanti N, Odeh M. Motor Neuron-Skeletal Muscle Co Culture Model: A Potential Novel in Vitro and Computaional Platform to Investigate Cancer Cachexia. 2018 1ST INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON CANCER CARE INFORMATICS (CCI) 2018. [DOI: 10.1109/cancercare.2018.8618261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
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32
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Santhanam N, Kumanchik L, Guo X, Sommerhage F, Cai Y, Jackson M, Martin C, Saad G, McAleer CW, Wang Y, Lavado A, Long CJ, Hickman JJ. Stem cell derived phenotypic human neuromuscular junction model for dose response evaluation of therapeutics. Biomaterials 2018; 166:64-78. [PMID: 29547745 PMCID: PMC5866791 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2018.02.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2017] [Revised: 02/20/2018] [Accepted: 02/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
There are currently no functional neuromuscular junction (hNMJ) systems composed of human cells that could be used for drug evaluations or toxicity testing in vitro. These systems are needed to evaluate NMJs for diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, spinal muscular atrophy or other neurodegenerative diseases or injury states. There are certainly no model systems, animal or human, that allows for isolated treatment of motoneurons or muscle capable of generating dose response curves to evaluate pharmacological activity of these highly specialized functional units. A system was developed in which human myotubes and motoneurons derived from stem cells were cultured in a serum-free medium in a BioMEMS construct. The system is composed of two chambers linked by microtunnels to enable axonal outgrowth to the muscle chamber that allows separate stimulation of each component and physiological NMJ function and MN stimulated tetanus. The muscle's contractions, induced by motoneuron activation or direct electrical stimulation, were monitored by image subtraction video recording for both frequency and amplitude. Bungarotoxin, BOTOX® and curare dose response curves were generated to demonstrate pharmacological relevance of the phenotypic screening device. This quantifiable functional hNMJ system establishes a platform for generating patient-specific NMJ models by including patient-derived iPSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Navaneetha Santhanam
- Hybrid Systems Lab, NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826, USA
| | - Lee Kumanchik
- Hybrid Systems Lab, NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826, USA
| | - Xiufang Guo
- Hybrid Systems Lab, NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826, USA
| | - Frank Sommerhage
- Hybrid Systems Lab, NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826, USA
| | - Yunqing Cai
- Hybrid Systems Lab, NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826, USA
| | - Max Jackson
- Hybrid Systems Lab, NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826, USA
| | - Candace Martin
- Hybrid Systems Lab, NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826, USA
| | - George Saad
- Hybrid Systems Lab, NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826, USA
| | - Christopher W. McAleer
- Hybrid Systems Lab, NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826, USA
| | - Ying Wang
- Hybrid Systems Lab, NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826, USA,Department of Biomedical Engineering, 305 Weill Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Andrea Lavado
- Hybrid Systems Lab, NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826, USA
| | - Christopher J. Long
- Hybrid Systems Lab, NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826, USA
| | - James J. Hickman
- Hybrid Systems Lab, NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826, USA,correspondence:
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Wang YI, Carmona C, Hickman JJ, Shuler ML. Multiorgan Microphysiological Systems for Drug Development: Strategies, Advances, and Challenges. Adv Healthc Mater 2018; 7:10.1002/adhm.201701000. [PMID: 29205920 PMCID: PMC5805562 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201701000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2017] [Revised: 09/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Traditional cell culture and animal models utilized for preclinical drug screening have led to high attrition rates of drug candidates in clinical trials due to their low predictive power for human response. Alternative models using human cells to build in vitro biomimetics of the human body with physiologically relevant organ-organ interactions hold great potential to act as "human surrogates" and provide more accurate prediction of drug effects in humans. This review is a comprehensive investigation into the development of tissue-engineered human cell-based microscale multiorgan models, or multiorgan microphysiological systems for drug testing. The evolution from traditional models to macro- and microscale multiorgan systems is discussed in regards to the rationale for recent global efforts in multiorgan microphysiological systems. Current advances in integrating cell culture and on-chip analytical technologies, as well as proof-of-concept applications for these multiorgan microsystems are discussed. Major challenges for the field, such as reproducibility and physiological relevance, are discussed with comparisons of the strengths and weaknesses of various systems to solve these challenges. Conclusions focus on the current development stage of multiorgan microphysiological systems and new trends in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying I Wang
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Carlos Carmona
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826, USA
| | - James J Hickman
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826, USA
- Hesperos, Inc., 3259 Progress Dr, Room 158, Orlando, FL 32826
| | - Michael L Shuler
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
- Hesperos, Inc., 3259 Progress Dr, Room 158, Orlando, FL 32826
- Robert Frederick Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
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Charoensook SN, Williams DJ, Chakraborty S, Leong KW, Vunjak-Novakovic G. Bioreactor model of neuromuscular junction with electrical stimulation for pharmacological potency testing. Integr Biol (Camb) 2017; 9:956-967. [PMID: 29168874 PMCID: PMC5725265 DOI: 10.1039/c7ib00144d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
In vitro models of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) are emerging as a valuable tool to study synaptogenesis, synaptic maintenance, and pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. Many models have previously been developed using a variety of cell sources for skeletal muscle and motoneurons. These models can advanced by integrating beneficial features of the native developmental milieu of the NMJ. We created a functional in vitro model of NMJ by bioreactor cultivation of transdifferentiated myocytes and stem cell-derived motoneurons, in the presence of electrical stimulation. In conjunction with a coculture medium, electrical stimulation resulted in improved maturation and function of motoneurons and myocytes, as evidenced by mature cellular structures, increased expression of neuronal and muscular genes, clusterization of acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) in the vicinity of motoneurons, and the response to glutamate stimulation. To validate the model and demonstrate its utility for pharmacological testing, we documented the potency of drugs that affect key pathways during NMJ signal transduction: (i) acetylcholine (ACh) synthesis, (ii) ACh vesicular storage, (iii) ACh synaptic release, (iv) AChR activation, and (v) ACh inactivation in the synaptic cleft. The model properly responded to the drugs in a concentration-dependent manner. We thus propose that this in vitro model of NMJ could be used as a platform in pharmacological screening and controlled studies of neuromuscular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surapon N Charoensook
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, 622 West 168th Street, VC12-234, New York, NY 10032, USA.
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Colón A, Guo X, Akanda N, Cai Y, Hickman JJ. Functional analysis of human intrafusal fiber innervation by human γ-motoneurons. Sci Rep 2017; 7:17202. [PMID: 29222416 PMCID: PMC5722897 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-17382-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Investigation of neuromuscular deficits and diseases such as SMA, as well as for next generation prosthetics, utilizing in vitro phenotypic models would benefit from the development of a functional neuromuscular reflex arc. The neuromuscular reflex arc is the system that integrates the proprioceptive information for muscle length and activity (sensory afferent), to modify motoneuron output to achieve graded muscle contraction (actuation efferent). The sensory portion of the arc is composed of proprioceptive sensory neurons and the muscle spindle, which is embedded in the muscle tissue and composed of intrafusal fibers. The gamma motoneurons (γ-MNs) that innervate these fibers regulate the intrafusal fiber's stretch so that they retain proper tension and sensitivity during muscle contraction or relaxation. This mechanism is in place to maintain the sensitivity of proprioception during dynamic muscle activity and to prevent muscular damage. In this study, a co-culture system was developed for innervation of intrafusal fibers by human γ-MNs and demonstrated by morphological and immunocytochemical analysis, then validated by functional electrophysiological evaluation. This human-based fusimotor model and its incorporation into the reflex arc allows for a more accurate recapitulation of neuromuscular function for applications in disease investigations, drug discovery, prosthetic design and neuropathic pain investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Colón
- Hybrid Systems Lab, NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, FL, 32826, USA
| | - X Guo
- Hybrid Systems Lab, NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, FL, 32826, USA
| | - N Akanda
- Hybrid Systems Lab, NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, FL, 32826, USA
| | - Y Cai
- Hybrid Systems Lab, NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, FL, 32826, USA
| | - J J Hickman
- Hybrid Systems Lab, NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, FL, 32826, USA.
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Happe CL, Tenerelli KP, Gromova AK, Kolb F, Engler AJ. Mechanically patterned neuromuscular junctions-in-a-dish have improved functional maturation. Mol Biol Cell 2017; 28:1950-1958. [PMID: 28495800 PMCID: PMC5541845 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e17-01-0046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2017] [Revised: 04/03/2017] [Accepted: 05/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Motor neuron (MN) diseases are progressive disorders resulting from degeneration of neuromuscular junctions (NMJs), which form the connection between MNs and muscle fibers. NMJ-in-a-dish models have been developed to examine human MN-associated dysfunction with disease; however such coculture models have randomly oriented myotubes with immature synapses that contract asynchronously. Mechanically patterned (MP) extracellular matrix with alternating soft and stiff stripes improves current NMJ-in-a-dish models by inducing both mouse and human myoblast durotaxis to stripes where they aligned, differentiated, and fused into patterned myotubes. Compared to conventional culture on rigid substrates or unpatterned hydrogels, MP substrates supported increased differentiation and fusion, significantly larger acetylcholine (ACh) receptor clusters, and increased expression of MuSK and Lrp4, two cell surface receptors required for NMJ formation. Robust contractions were observed when mouse myotubes were stimulated by ACh, with twitch duration and frequency most closely resembling those for mature muscle on MP substrates. Fused myotubes, when cocultured with MNs, were able to form even larger NMJs. Thus MP matrices produce more functionally active NMJs-in-a-dish, which could be used to elucidate disease pathology and facilitate drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra L Happe
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - Kevin P Tenerelli
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - Anastasia K Gromova
- Biomedical Sciences Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - Frederic Kolb
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - Adam J Engler
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
- Biomedical Sciences Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92037
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Wang YI, Oleaga C, Long CJ, Esch MB, McAleer CW, Miller PG, Hickman JJ, Shuler ML. Self-contained, low-cost Body-on-a-Chip systems for drug development. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2017; 242:1701-1713. [PMID: 29065797 DOI: 10.1177/1535370217694101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Integrated multi-organ microphysiological systems are an evolving tool for preclinical evaluation of the potential toxicity and efficacy of drug candidates. Such systems, also known as Body-on-a-Chip devices, have a great potential to increase the successful conversion of drug candidates entering clinical trials into approved drugs. Systems, to be attractive for commercial adoption, need to be inexpensive, easy to operate, and give reproducible results. Further, the ability to measure functional responses, such as electrical activity, force generation, and barrier integrity of organ surrogates, enhances the ability to monitor response to drugs. The ability to operate a system for significant periods of time (up to 28 d) will provide potential to estimate chronic as well as acute responses of the human body. Here we review progress towards a self-contained low-cost microphysiological system with functional measurements of physiological responses. Impact statement Multi-organ microphysiological systems are promising devices to improve the drug development process. The development of a pumpless system represents the ability to build multi-organ systems that are of low cost, high reliability, and self-contained. These features, coupled with the ability to measure electrical and mechanical response in addition to chemical or metabolic changes, provides an attractive system for incorporation into the drug development process. This will be the most complete review of the pumpless platform with recirculation yet written.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying I Wang
- 1 Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Carlota Oleaga
- 2 NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32826, USA
| | - Christopher J Long
- 2 NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32826, USA.,3 Hesperos, Inc., Orlando, FL 32826, USA
| | - Mandy B Esch
- 4 Center for Nanoscale Science and Technology, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD 20899, USA
| | - Christopher W McAleer
- 2 NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32826, USA.,3 Hesperos, Inc., Orlando, FL 32826, USA
| | - Paula G Miller
- 1 Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - James J Hickman
- 2 NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32826, USA.,3 Hesperos, Inc., Orlando, FL 32826, USA
| | - Michael L Shuler
- 1 Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.,3 Hesperos, Inc., Orlando, FL 32826, USA
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38
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Shadrin IY, Khodabukus A, Bursac N. Striated muscle function, regeneration, and repair. Cell Mol Life Sci 2016; 73:4175-4202. [PMID: 27271751 PMCID: PMC5056123 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-016-2285-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2016] [Revised: 05/20/2016] [Accepted: 05/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
As the only striated muscle tissues in the body, skeletal and cardiac muscle share numerous structural and functional characteristics, while exhibiting vastly different size and regenerative potential. Healthy skeletal muscle harbors a robust regenerative response that becomes inadequate after large muscle loss or in degenerative pathologies and aging. In contrast, the mammalian heart loses its regenerative capacity shortly after birth, leaving it susceptible to permanent damage by acute injury or chronic disease. In this review, we compare and contrast the physiology and regenerative potential of native skeletal and cardiac muscles, mechanisms underlying striated muscle dysfunction, and bioengineering strategies to treat muscle disorders. We focus on different sources for cellular therapy, biomaterials to augment the endogenous regenerative response, and progress in engineering and application of mature striated muscle tissues in vitro and in vivo. Finally, we discuss the challenges and perspectives in translating muscle bioengineering strategies to clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Y Shadrin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, 3000 Science Drive, Hudson Hall 136, Durham, NC, 27708-90281, USA
| | - A Khodabukus
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, 3000 Science Drive, Hudson Hall 136, Durham, NC, 27708-90281, USA
| | - N Bursac
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, 3000 Science Drive, Hudson Hall 136, Durham, NC, 27708-90281, USA.
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39
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Chal J, Al Tanoury Z, Hestin M, Gobert B, Aivio S, Hick A, Cherrier T, Nesmith AP, Parker KK, Pourquié O. Generation of human muscle fibers and satellite-like cells from human pluripotent stem cells in vitro. Nat Protoc 2016; 11:1833-50. [PMID: 27583644 DOI: 10.1038/nprot.2016.110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 163] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Progress toward finding a cure for muscle diseases has been slow because of the absence of relevant cellular models and the lack of a reliable source of muscle progenitors for biomedical investigation. Here we report an optimized serum-free differentiation protocol to efficiently produce striated, millimeter-long muscle fibers together with satellite-like cells from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) in vitro. By mimicking key signaling events leading to muscle formation in the embryo, in particular the dual modulation of Wnt and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) pathway signaling, this directed differentiation protocol avoids the requirement for genetic modifications or cell sorting. Robust myogenesis can be achieved in vitro within 1 month by personnel experienced in hPSC culture. The differentiating culture can be subcultured to produce large amounts of myogenic progenitors amenable to numerous downstream applications. Beyond the study of myogenesis, this differentiation method offers an attractive platform for the development of relevant in vitro models of muscle dystrophies and drug screening strategies, as well as providing a source of cells for tissue engineering and cell therapy approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jérome Chal
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaireet Cellulaire (IGBMC), CNRS (UMR 7104), Inserm U964, Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ziad Al Tanoury
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaireet Cellulaire (IGBMC), CNRS (UMR 7104), Inserm U964, Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France
| | - Marie Hestin
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Bénédicte Gobert
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaireet Cellulaire (IGBMC), CNRS (UMR 7104), Inserm U964, Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France
| | - Suvi Aivio
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Aurore Hick
- Anagenesis Biotechnologies, Parc d'innovation, Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France
| | - Thomas Cherrier
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaireet Cellulaire (IGBMC), CNRS (UMR 7104), Inserm U964, Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France
| | - Alexander P Nesmith
- Disease Biophysics Group, Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kevin K Parker
- Disease Biophysics Group, Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Olivier Pourquié
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaireet Cellulaire (IGBMC), CNRS (UMR 7104), Inserm U964, Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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40
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Bursac N, Juhas M, Rando TA. Synergizing Engineering and Biology to Treat and Model Skeletal Muscle Injury and Disease. Annu Rev Biomed Eng 2016; 17:217-42. [PMID: 26643021 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-bioeng-071114-040640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Although skeletal muscle is one of the most regenerative organs in our body, various genetic defects, alterations in extrinsic signaling, or substantial tissue damage can impair muscle function and the capacity for self-repair. The diversity and complexity of muscle disorders have attracted much interest from both cell biologists and, more recently, bioengineers, leading to concentrated efforts to better understand muscle pathology and develop more efficient therapies. This review describes the biological underpinnings of muscle development, repair, and disease, and discusses recent bioengineering efforts to design and control myomimetic environments, both to study muscle biology and function and to aid in the development of new drug, cell, and gene therapies for muscle disorders. The synergy between engineering-aided biological discovery and biology-inspired engineering solutions will be the path forward for translating laboratory results into clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nenad Bursac
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708;
| | - Mark Juhas
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708;
| | - Thomas A Rando
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305.,Rehabilitation Research & Development Service, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California 94304
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41
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Abstract
Salivary gland bioengineering requires understanding the interaction between salivary epithelium and surrounding tissues. An important component of salivary glands is the presence of neurons. No previous studies have investigated how neurons and salivary epithelial cells interact in an in vitro co-culture model. In this study, we describe the self-organization of neurons around salivary epithelial cells in co-culture, in a similar fashion to what occurs in native tissue. We cultured primary mouse cortical neurons (m-CN) with a salivary epithelial cell line (Par-C10) on growth factor-reduced Matrigel (GFR-MG) for 4 days. After this time, co-cultures were compared with native salivary glands using confocal microscopy. Our findings indicate that m-CN were able to self-organize basolaterally to salivary epithelial cell clusters in a similar manner to what occurs in native tissue. These results indicate that this model can be developed as a potential platform for studying neuron-salivary epithelial cell interactions for bioengineering purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salah Sommakia
- School of Dentistry, the University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Olga J Baker
- School of Dentistry, the University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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Vilmont V, Cadot B, Ouanounou G, Gomes ER. A system for studying mechanisms of neuromuscular junction development and maintenance. Development 2016; 143:2464-77. [PMID: 27226316 PMCID: PMC4958317 DOI: 10.1242/dev.130278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2015] [Accepted: 05/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The neuromuscular junction (NMJ), a cellular synapse between a motor neuron and a skeletal muscle fiber, enables the translation of chemical cues into physical activity. The development of this special structure has been subject to numerous investigations, but its complexity renders in vivo studies particularly difficult to perform. In vitro modeling of the neuromuscular junction represents a powerful tool to delineate fully the fine tuning of events that lead to subcellular specialization at the pre-synaptic and post-synaptic sites. Here, we describe a novel heterologous co-culture in vitro method using rat spinal cord explants with dorsal root ganglia and murine primary myoblasts to study neuromuscular junctions. This system allows the formation and long-term survival of highly differentiated myofibers, motor neurons, supporting glial cells and functional neuromuscular junctions with post-synaptic specialization. Therefore, fundamental aspects of NMJ formation and maintenance can be studied using the described system, which can be adapted to model multiple NMJ-associated disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valérie Vilmont
- Myology Research Center, UM76-INSERM U974-CNRS FRE 3617 Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Université Paris 06, Paris, France
| | - Bruno Cadot
- Myology Research Center, UM76-INSERM U974-CNRS FRE 3617 Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Université Paris 06, Paris, France
| | - Gilles Ouanounou
- FRE CNRS 3693 (U.N.I.C), Unité de Neuroscience, Information et Complexité CNRS, Bât. 33, 1 Ave de la Terasse, Gif sur Yvette 91198, France
| | - Edgar R Gomes
- Myology Research Center, UM76-INSERM U974-CNRS FRE 3617 Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Université Paris 06, Paris, France Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
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43
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Puttonen KA, Ruponen M, Naumenko N, Hovatta OH, Tavi P, Koistinaho J. Generation of Functional Neuromuscular Junctions from Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Lines. Front Cell Neurosci 2015; 9:473. [PMID: 26696831 PMCID: PMC4672046 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2015.00473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2015] [Accepted: 11/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Several neuromuscular diseases involve dysfunction of neuromuscular junctions (NMJs), yet there are no patient-specific human models for electrophysiological characterization of NMJ. We seeded cells of neurally-induced embryoid body-like spheres derived from induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) or embryonic stem cell (ESC) lines as monolayers without basic fibroblast factor (bFGF) and observed differentiation of neuronal as well as spontaneously contracting, multinucleated skeletal myotubes. The myotubes showed striation, immunoreactivity for myosin heavy chain, actin bundles typical for myo-oriented cells, and generated spontaneous and evoked action potentials (APs). The myogenic differentiation was associated with expression of MyoD1, myogenin and type I ryanodine receptor. Neurons formed end plate like structures with strong binding of α-bungarotoxin, a marker of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors highly expressed in the postsynaptic membrane of NMJs, and expressed SMI-32, a motoneuron marker, as well as SV2, a marker for synapses. Pharmacological stimulation of cholinergic receptors resulted in strong depolarization of myotube membrane and raised Ca2+ concentration in sarcoplasm, while electrical stimulation evoked Ca2+ transients in myotubes. Stimulation of motoneurons with N-Methyl-D-aspartate resulted in reproducible APs in myotubes and end plates displayed typical mEPPs and tonic activity depolarizing myotubes of about 10 mV. We conclude that simultaneous differentiation of neurons and myotubes from patient-specific iPSCs or ESCs results also in the development of functional NMJs. Our human model of NMJ may serve as an important tool to investigate normal development, mechanisms of diseases and novel drug targets involving NMJ dysfunction and degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja A Puttonen
- Department of Neurobiology, A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland Kuopio, Finland
| | - Marika Ruponen
- Department of Neurobiology, A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland Kuopio, Finland ; School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland Kuopio, Finland
| | - Nikolay Naumenko
- Department of Biotechnology and Molecular Medicine, A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland Kuopio, Finland
| | - Outi H Hovatta
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Pasi Tavi
- Department of Biotechnology and Molecular Medicine, A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jari Koistinaho
- Department of Neurobiology, A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland Kuopio, Finland
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44
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Back and forth in time: Directing age in iPSC-derived lineages. Brain Res 2015; 1656:14-26. [PMID: 26592774 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2015.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2015] [Revised: 10/19/2015] [Accepted: 11/10/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The advent of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) has transformed the classic approach of studying human disease, providing in vitro access to disease-relevant cells from patients for the study of disease pathogenesis and for drug screening. However, in spite of the broad repertoire of iPSC-based disease models developed in recent years, increasing evidence suggests that this technology might not be fully suitable for the study of conditions of old age, such as neurodegeneration. The difficulty in recapitulating late-stage features of disease in cells of pluripotent origin is believed to be a discrepancy between the fetal-like nature of iPSC-progeny and the advanced age of onset of neurodegenerative syndromes. In parallel to the issue of functional immaturity known to affect derivatives of pluripotent cells, latest findings suggest that reprogramming also subjects cells to a process of "rejuvenation", giving rise to cells that are too "young" to manifest phenotypes of age-related diseases. Thus, following the significant progress in manipulating cellular fate, the stem cell field will now have to face the new challenge of controlling cellular age, in order to fully harness the potential of iPSC-technology to advance the research and cure of diseases of the aging brain. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled SI: Exploiting human neurons.
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45
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Martin NRW, Passey SL, Player DJ, Mudera V, Baar K, Greensmith L, Lewis MP. Neuromuscular Junction Formation in Tissue-Engineered Skeletal Muscle Augments Contractile Function and Improves Cytoskeletal Organization. Tissue Eng Part A 2015; 21:2595-604. [PMID: 26166548 PMCID: PMC4605379 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2015.0146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuromuscular and neurodegenerative diseases are conditions that affect both motor neurons and the underlying skeletal muscle tissue. At present, the majority of neuromuscular research utilizes animal models and there is a growing need to develop novel methodologies that can be used to help understand and develop treatments for these diseases. Skeletal muscle tissue-engineered constructs exhibit many of the characteristics of the native tissue such as accurate fascicular structure and generation of active contractions. However, to date, there has been little consideration toward the integration of engineered skeletal muscle with motor neurons with the aim of neuromuscular junction (NMJ) formation, which would provide a model to investigate neuromuscular diseases and basic biology. In the present work we isolated primary embryonic motor neurons and neonatal myoblasts from Sprague-Dawley rats, and cocultured the two cell types in three-dimensional tissue-engineered fibrin hydrogels with the aim of NMJ formation. Immunohistochemistry revealed myotube formation in a fascicular arrangement and neurite outgrowth from motor neuron cell bodies toward the aligned myotubes. Furthermore, colocalization of pre- and postsynaptic proteins and chemical inhibition of spontaneous myotube twitch indicated the presence of NMJs in the innervated constructs. When electrical field stimulation was employed to evoke isometric contractions, maximal twitch and tetanic force were higher in the constructs cocultured with motor neurons, which may, in part, be explained by improved myotube cytoskeletal organization in these constructs. The fabrication of such constructs may be useful tools for investigating neuromuscular pharmaceuticals and improving the understanding of neuromuscular pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil R W Martin
- 1 Arthritis Research UK Centre for Sport, Exercise and Osteoarthritis, National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine (NCSEM), School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University , Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Samantha L Passey
- 1 Arthritis Research UK Centre for Sport, Exercise and Osteoarthritis, National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine (NCSEM), School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University , Loughborough, United Kingdom .,2 Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Melbourne , Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Darren J Player
- 1 Arthritis Research UK Centre for Sport, Exercise and Osteoarthritis, National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine (NCSEM), School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University , Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Vivek Mudera
- 3 Institute of Orthopedics and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University College London , London, United Kingdom
| | - Keith Baar
- 4 Division of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior, University of California Davis , Davis, California
| | - Linda Greensmith
- 5 The Sobell Department of Motor Neuroscience and Movement Disorders, University College London , London, United Kingdom
| | - Mark P Lewis
- 1 Arthritis Research UK Centre for Sport, Exercise and Osteoarthritis, National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine (NCSEM), School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University , Loughborough, United Kingdom
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46
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Porzionato A, Sfriso MM, Pontini A, Macchi V, Petrelli L, Pavan PG, Natali AN, Bassetto F, Vindigni V, De Caro R. Decellularized Human Skeletal Muscle as Biologic Scaffold for Reconstructive Surgery. Int J Mol Sci 2015; 16:14808-31. [PMID: 26140375 PMCID: PMC4519873 DOI: 10.3390/ijms160714808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2015] [Revised: 06/18/2015] [Accepted: 06/22/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Engineered skeletal muscle tissues have been proposed as potential solutions for volumetric muscle losses, and biologic scaffolds have been obtained by decellularization of animal skeletal muscles. The aim of the present work was to analyse the characteristics of a biologic scaffold obtained by decellularization of human skeletal muscles (also through comparison with rats and rabbits) and to evaluate its integration capability in a rabbit model with an abdominal wall defect. Rat, rabbit and human muscle samples were alternatively decellularized with two protocols: n.1, involving sodium deoxycholate and DNase I; n.2, trypsin-EDTA and Triton X-NH4OH. Protocol 2 proved more effective, removing all cellular material and maintaining the three-dimensional networks of collagen and elastic fibers. Ultrastructural analyses with transmission and scanning electron microscopy confirmed the preservation of collagen, elastic fibres, glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans. Implantation of human scaffolds in rabbits gave good results in terms of integration, although recellularization by muscle cells was not completely achieved. In conclusion, human skeletal muscles may be effectively decellularized to obtain scaffolds preserving the architecture of the extracellular matrix and showing mechanical properties suitable for implantation/integration. Further analyses will be necessary to verify the suitability of these scaffolds for in vitro recolonization by autologous cells before in vivo implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Porzionato
- Section of Human Anatomy, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Via Gabelli 65, Padova 35127, Italy.
| | - Maria Martina Sfriso
- Section of Human Anatomy, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Via Gabelli 65, Padova 35127, Italy.
| | - Alex Pontini
- Clinic of Plastic Surgery, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, Padova 35127, Italy.
| | - Veronica Macchi
- Section of Human Anatomy, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Via Gabelli 65, Padova 35127, Italy.
| | - Lucia Petrelli
- Section of Human Anatomy, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Via Gabelli 65, Padova 35127, Italy.
| | - Piero G Pavan
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padova, Via G. Marzolo 9, Padova 35131, Italy.
| | - Arturo N Natali
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padova, Via G. Marzolo 9, Padova 35131, Italy.
| | - Franco Bassetto
- Clinic of Plastic Surgery, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, Padova 35127, Italy.
| | - Vincenzo Vindigni
- Clinic of Plastic Surgery, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, Padova 35127, Italy.
| | - Raffaele De Caro
- Section of Human Anatomy, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Via Gabelli 65, Padova 35127, Italy.
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47
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McAleer CW, Rumsey JW, Stancescu M, Hickman JJ. Functional myotube formation from adult rat satellite cells in a defined serum-free system. Biotechnol Prog 2015; 31:997-1003. [PMID: 25683642 PMCID: PMC5015122 DOI: 10.1002/btpr.2063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2014] [Revised: 01/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
This manuscript describes the development of a culture system whereby mature contracting myotubes were formed from adult rat derived satellite cells. Satellite cells, extracted from the Tibialis Anterior of adult rats, were grown in defined serum-free growth and differentiation media, on a nonbiological substrate, N-1[3-trimethoxysilyl propyl] diethylenetriamine. Myotubes were evaluated morphologically and immunocytochemically, using MyHC specific antibodies, as well as functionally using patch clamp electrophysiology to measure ion channel activity. Results indicated the establishment of the rapid expression of adult myosin isoforms that contrasts to their slow development in embryonic cultures. This culture system has applications in the understanding and treatment of age-related muscle myopathy, muscular dystrophy, and for skeletal muscle engineering by providing a more relevant phenotype for both in vitro and in vivo applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher W McAleer
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, FL, 32826
| | - John W Rumsey
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, FL, 32826
| | - Maria Stancescu
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, FL, 32826
| | - James J Hickman
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, FL, 32826
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48
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Benam KH, Dauth S, Hassell B, Herland A, Jain A, Jang KJ, Karalis K, Kim HJ, MacQueen L, Mahmoodian R, Musah S, Torisawa YS, van der Meer AD, Villenave R, Yadid M, Parker KK, Ingber DE. Engineered in vitro disease models. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PATHOLOGY-MECHANISMS OF DISEASE 2015; 10:195-262. [PMID: 25621660 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pathol-012414-040418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 355] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The ultimate goal of most biomedical research is to gain greater insight into mechanisms of human disease or to develop new and improved therapies or diagnostics. Although great advances have been made in terms of developing disease models in animals, such as transgenic mice, many of these models fail to faithfully recapitulate the human condition. In addition, it is difficult to identify critical cellular and molecular contributors to disease or to vary them independently in whole-animal models. This challenge has attracted the interest of engineers, who have begun to collaborate with biologists to leverage recent advances in tissue engineering and microfabrication to develop novel in vitro models of disease. As these models are synthetic systems, specific molecular factors and individual cell types, including parenchymal cells, vascular cells, and immune cells, can be varied independently while simultaneously measuring system-level responses in real time. In this article, we provide some examples of these efforts, including engineered models of diseases of the heart, lung, intestine, liver, kidney, cartilage, skin and vascular, endocrine, musculoskeletal, and nervous systems, as well as models of infectious diseases and cancer. We also describe how engineered in vitro models can be combined with human inducible pluripotent stem cells to enable new insights into a broad variety of disease mechanisms, as well as provide a test bed for screening new therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kambez H Benam
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115;
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Ostrovidov S, Ahadian S, Ramon-Azcon J, Hosseini V, Fujie T, Parthiban SP, Shiku H, Matsue T, Kaji H, Ramalingam M, Bae H, Khademhosseini A. Three-dimensional co-culture of C2C12/PC12 cells improves skeletal muscle tissue formation and function. J Tissue Eng Regen Med 2014; 11:582-595. [PMID: 25393357 DOI: 10.1002/term.1956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2014] [Revised: 06/19/2014] [Accepted: 08/28/2014] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Engineered muscle tissues demonstrate properties far from native muscle tissue. Therefore, fabrication of muscle tissues with enhanced functionalities is required to enable their use in various applications. To improve the formation of mature muscle tissues with higher functionalities, we co-cultured C2C12 myoblasts and PC12 neural cells. While alignment of the myoblasts was obtained by culturing the cells in micropatterned methacrylated gelatin (GelMA) hydrogels, we studied the effects of the neural cells (PC12) on the formation and maturation of muscle tissues. Myoblasts cultured in the presence of neural cells showed improved differentiation, with enhanced myotube formation. Myotube alignment, length and coverage area were increased. In addition, the mRNA expression of muscle differentiation markers (Myf-5, myogenin, Mefc2, MLP), muscle maturation markers (MHC-IId/x, MHC-IIa, MHC-IIb, MHC-pn, α-actinin, sarcomeric actinin) and the neuromuscular markers (AChE, AChR-ε) were also upregulated. All these observations were amplified after further muscle tissue maturation under electrical stimulation. Our data suggest a synergistic effect on the C2C12 differentiation induced by PC12 cells, which could be useful for creating improved muscle tissue. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serge Ostrovidov
- Advanced Institute for Materials Research (WPI), Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Samad Ahadian
- Advanced Institute for Materials Research (WPI), Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Javier Ramon-Azcon
- Advanced Institute for Materials Research (WPI), Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Vahid Hosseini
- Laboratory of Applied Mechanobiology, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Toshinori Fujie
- Department of Life Science and Medical Bioscience, School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - S Prakash Parthiban
- Advanced Institute for Materials Research (WPI), Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Shiku
- Graduate School of Environmental Studies, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Tomokazu Matsue
- Advanced Institute for Materials Research (WPI), Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan.,Graduate School of Environmental Studies, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Hirokazu Kaji
- Department of Bioengineering and Robotics, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Murugan Ramalingam
- Advanced Institute for Materials Research (WPI), Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan.,Centre for Stem Cell Research, A unit of the Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Christian Medical College Campus, Vellore, India.,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U977, Faculté de Chirurgie Dentaire, Université de Strasbourg, France
| | - Hojae Bae
- College of Animal Bioscience and Technology, Department of Bioindustrial Technologies, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ali Khademhosseini
- Advanced Institute for Materials Research (WPI), Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan.,Department of Maxillofacial Biomedical Engineering and Institute of Oral Biology, School of Dentistry, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Biomaterials Innovation Research Center, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School and Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA.,Center of Nanotechnology, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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McAleer CW, Smith AST, Najjar S, Pirozzi K, Long CJ, Hickman JJ. Mechanistic investigation of adult myotube response to exercise and drug treatment in vitro using a multiplexed functional assay system. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2014; 117:1398-405. [PMID: 25301895 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00612.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The ability to accurately measure skeletal muscle functional performance at the single-cell level would be advantageous for exercise physiology studies and disease modeling applications. To that end, this study characterizes the functional response of individual skeletal muscle myotubes derived from adult rodent tissue to creatine treatment and chronic exercise. The observed improvements to functional performance in response to these treatments appear to correlate with alterations in hypertrophic and mitochondrial biogenesis pathways, supporting previously published in vivo and in vitro data, which highlights the role of these pathways in augmenting skeletal muscle output. The developed system represents a multiplexed functional in vitro assay capable of long-term assessment of contractile cellular outputs in real-time that is compatible with concomitant molecular biology analysis. Adoption of this system in drug toxicity and efficacy studies would improve understanding of compound activity on physical cellular outputs and provide more streamlined and predictive data for future preclinical analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- C W McAleer
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida
| | - A S T Smith
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida
| | - S Najjar
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida
| | - K Pirozzi
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida
| | - C J Long
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida
| | - J J Hickman
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida
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