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Brofiga M, Poggio F, Callegari F, Tedesco M, Massobrio P. Modularity and neuronal heterogeneity: Two properties that influence in vitro neuropharmacological experiments. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1147381. [PMID: 37020847 PMCID: PMC10067731 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1147381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The goal of this work is to prove the relevance of the experimental model (in vitro neuronal networks in this study) when drug-delivery testing is performed. Methods We used dissociated cortical and hippocampal neurons coupled to Micro-Electrode Arrays (MEAs) arranged in different configurations characterized by modularity (i.e., the presence of interconnected sub-networks) and heterogeneity (i.e., the co-existence of neurons coming from brain districts). We delivered increasing concentrations of bicuculline (BIC), a neuromodulator acting on the GABAergic system, and we extracted the IC50 values (i.e., the effective concentration yielding a reduction in the response by 50%) of the mean firing rate for each configuration. Results We found significant lower values of the IC50 computed for modular cortical-hippocampal ensembles than isolated cortical or hippocampal ones. Discussion Although tested with a specific neuromodulator, this work aims at proving the relevance of ad hoc experimental models to perform neuropharmacological experiments to avoid errors of overestimation/underestimation leading to biased information in the characterization of the effects of a drug on neuronal networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Brofiga
- Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics, and Systems Engineering (DIBRIS), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
- ScreenNeuroPharm S.r.l., Sanremo, Italy
| | - Fabio Poggio
- Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics, and Systems Engineering (DIBRIS), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Francesca Callegari
- Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics, and Systems Engineering (DIBRIS), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | | | - Paolo Massobrio
- Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics, and Systems Engineering (DIBRIS), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
- National Institute for Nuclear Physics (INFN), Genova, Italy
- MNESYS Extended Partnership Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology, Genova, Italy
- *Correspondence: Paolo Massobrio,
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Recent advances of three-dimensional micro-environmental constructions on cell-based biosensors and perspectives in food safety. Biosens Bioelectron 2022; 216:114601. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2022.114601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Functional and Structural Biological Methods for Palytoxin Detection. JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/jmse10070916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Palytoxin (PLTX) and its analogues are marine polyethers identified in Palythoa and Zoanthus corals, Ostreopsis dinoflagellates, and Trichodesmium cyanobacteria. Humans can be exposed to these toxins by different routes with a series of adverse effects but the most severe risk is associated with poisonings by the consumption of edible marine organisms accumulating these toxins, as occurs in (sub)-tropical areas. In temperate areas, adverse effects ascribed to PLTXs have been recorded after inhalation of marine aerosols and/or cutaneous contact with seawater during Ostreopsis blooms, as well as during cleaning procedures of Palythoa-containing home aquaria. Besides instrumental analytical methods, in the last years a series of alternative or complementary methods based on biological/biochemical tools have been developed for the rapid and specific PLTX detection required for risk assessment. These methods are usually sensitive, cost- and time-effective, and do not require highly specialized operators. Among them, structural immunoassays and functional cell-based assays are reviewed. The availability of specific anti-PLTX antibodies allowed the development of different sensitive structural assays, suitable for its detection also in complex matrices, such as mussels. In addition, knowing the mechanism of PLTX action, a series of functional identification methods has been developed. Despite some of them being limited by matrix effects and specificity issues, biological methods for PLTX detection represent a feasible tool, suitable for rapid screening.
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Dobreniecki S, Mendez E, Lowit A, Freudenrich TM, Wallace K, Carpenter A, Wetmore BA, Kreutz A, Korol-Bexell E, Friedman KP, Shafer TJ. Integration of toxicodynamic and toxicokinetic new approach methods into a weight-of-evidence analysis for pesticide developmental neurotoxicity assessment: A case-study with DL- and L-glufosinate. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2022; 131:105167. [PMID: 35413399 DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2022.105167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
DL-glufosinate ammonium (DL-GLF) is a registered herbicide for which a guideline Developmental Neurotoxicity (DNT) study has been conducted. Offspring effects included altered brain morphometrics, decreased body weight, and increased motor activity. Guideline DNT studies are not available for its enriched isomers L-GLF acid and L-GLF ammonium; conducting one would be time consuming, resource-intensive, and possibly redundant given the existing DL-GLF DNT. To support deciding whether to request a guideline DNT study for the L-GLF isomers, DL-GLF and the L-GLF isomers were screened using in vitro assays for network formation and neurite outgrowth. DL-GLF and L-GLF isomers were without effects in both assays. DL-GLF and L-GLF (1-100 μM) isomers increased mean firing rate of mature networks to 120-140% of baseline. In vitro toxicokinetic assessments were used to derive administered equivalent doses (AEDs) for the in vitro testing concentrations. The AED for L-GLF was ∼3X higher than the NOAEL from the DL-GLF DNT indicating that the available guideline study would be protective of potential DNT due to L-GLF exposure. Based in part on the results of these in vitro studies, EPA is not requiring L-GLF isomer guideline DNT studies, thereby providing a case study for a useful application of DNT screening assays.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Anna Lowit
- Office of Pesticide Programs USEPA, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Theresa M Freudenrich
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Office of Research and Development. US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Kathleen Wallace
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Office of Research and Development. US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Amy Carpenter
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), Oak Ridge, TN, USA
| | - Barbara A Wetmore
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Office of Research and Development. US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Anna Kreutz
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), Oak Ridge, TN, USA
| | | | - Katie Paul Friedman
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Office of Research and Development. US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Timothy J Shafer
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Office of Research and Development. US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
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Shirakawa T, Suzuki I. Approach to Neurotoxicity using Human iPSC Neurons: Consortium for Safety Assessment using Human iPS Cells. Curr Pharm Biotechnol 2020; 21:780-786. [DOI: 10.2174/1389201020666191129103730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Revised: 10/27/2019] [Accepted: 11/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Neurotoxicity, as well as cardiotoxicity and hepatotoxicity, resulting from administration of
a test article is considered a major adverse effect both pre-clinically and clinically. Among the different
types of neurotoxicity occurring during the drug development process, seizure is one of the most serious
one. Seizure occurrence is usually assessed using in vivo animal models, the Functional Observational
Battery, the Irwin test or electroencephalograms. In in vitro studies, a number of assessments can
be performed using animal organs/cells. Interestingly, recent developments in stem cell biology, especially
the development of Human-Induced Pluripotent Stem (iPS) cells, are enabling the assessment of
neurotoxicity in human iPS cell-derived neurons. Further, a Multi-Electrode Array (MEA) using rodent
neurons is a useful tool for identifying seizure-inducing compounds. The Consortium for Safety Assessment
using Human iPS Cells (CSAHi; http://csahi.org/en/) was established in 2013 by the Japan
Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (JPMA) to verify the application of human iPS cell-derived
neuronal cells to drug safety evaluation. The Neuro Team of CSAHi has been attempting to evaluate the
seizure risk of compounds using the MEA platform. Here, we review the current status of neurotoxicity
and recent work, including problems related to the use of the MEA assay with human iPS neuronal
cell-derived neurons, and future developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takafumi Shirakawa
- Consortium for Safety Assessment using Human iPS Cells (CSAHi), Neuro Team, Japan
| | - Ikuro Suzuki
- Consortium for Safety Assessment using Human iPS Cells (CSAHi), Neuro Team, Japan
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Kosnik MB, Strickland JD, Marvel SW, Wallis DJ, Wallace K, Richard AM, Reif DM, Shafer TJ. Concentration-response evaluation of ToxCast compounds for multivariate activity patterns of neural network function. Arch Toxicol 2020; 94:469-484. [PMID: 31822930 PMCID: PMC7371233 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-019-02636-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The US Environmental Protection Agency's ToxCast program has generated toxicity data for thousands of chemicals but does not adequately assess potential neurotoxicity. Networks of neurons grown on microelectrode arrays (MEAs) offer an efficient approach to screen compounds for neuroactivity and distinguish between compound effects on firing, bursting, and connectivity patterns. Previously, single concentrations of the ToxCast Phase II library were screened for effects on mean firing rate (MFR) in rat primary cortical networks. Here, we expand this approach by retesting 384 of those compounds (including 222 active in the previous screen) in concentration-response across 43 network activity parameters to evaluate neural network function. Using hierarchical clustering and machine learning methods on the full suite of chemical-parameter response data, we identified 15 network activity parameters crucial in characterizing activity of 237 compounds that were response actives ("hits"). Recognized neurotoxic compounds in this network function assay were often more potent compared to other ToxCast assays. Of these chemical-parameter responses, we identified three k-means clusters of chemical-parameter activity (i.e., multivariate MEA response patterns). Next, we evaluated the MEA clusters for enrichment of chemical features using a subset of ToxPrint chemotypes, revealing chemical structural features that distinguished the MEA clusters. Finally, we assessed distribution of neurotoxicants with known pharmacology within the clusters and found that compounds segregated differentially. Collectively, these results demonstrate that multivariate MEA activity patterns can efficiently screen for diverse chemical activities relevant to neurotoxicity, and that response patterns may have predictive value related to chemical structural features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marissa B Kosnik
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Environmental Science and Analytical Chemistry, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jenna D Strickland
- Axion Biosystems, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Skylar W Marvel
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Dylan J Wallis
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Kathleen Wallace
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Office of Research and Development, US Environmental Protection Agency, MD B105-05, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27711, USA
| | - Ann M Richard
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Office of Research and Development, US Environmental Protection Agency, MD B105-05, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27711, USA
| | - David M Reif
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Timothy J Shafer
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Office of Research and Development, US Environmental Protection Agency, MD B105-05, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27711, USA.
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Shafer TJ. Application of Microelectrode Array Approaches to Neurotoxicity Testing and Screening. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2019; 22:275-297. [PMID: 31073941 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-11135-9_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Neurotoxicity can be defined by the ability of a drug or chemical to alter the physiology, biochemistry, or structure of the nervous system in a manner that may negatively impact the health or function of the individual. Electrophysiological approaches have been utilized to study the mechanisms underlying neurotoxic actions of drugs and chemicals for over 50 years, and in more recent decades, high-throughput patch-clamp approaches have been utilized by the pharmaceutical industry for drug development. The use of microelectrode array recordings to study neural network electrophysiology is a relatively newer approach, with commercially available systems becoming available only in the early 2000s. However, MEAs have been rapidly adopted as a useful approach for neurotoxicity testing. In this chapter, I will review the use of MEA approaches as they have been applied to the field of neurotoxicity testing, especially as they have been applied to the need to screen large numbers of chemicals for neurotoxicity and developmental neurotoxicity. In addition, I will also identify challenges for the field that when addressed will improve the utility of MEA approaches for toxicity testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy J Shafer
- Integrated Systems Toxicology Division, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory (NHEERL), US EPA, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
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Strickland JD, Martin MT, Richard AM, Houck KA, Shafer TJ. Screening the ToxCast phase II libraries for alterations in network function using cortical neurons grown on multi-well microelectrode array (mwMEA) plates. Arch Toxicol 2018; 92:487-500. [PMID: 28766123 PMCID: PMC6438628 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-017-2035-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2017] [Accepted: 07/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Methods are needed for rapid screening of environmental compounds for neurotoxicity, particularly ones that assess function. To demonstrate the utility of microelectrode array (MEA)-based approaches as a rapid neurotoxicity screening tool, 1055 chemicals from EPA's phase II ToxCast library were evaluated for effects on neural function and cell health. Primary cortical networks were grown on multi-well microelectrode array (mwMEA) plates. On day in vitro 13, baseline activity (40 min) was recorded prior to exposure to each compound (40 µM). Changes in spontaneous network activity [mean firing rate (MFR)] and cell viability (lactate dehydrogenase and CellTiter Blue) were assessed within the same well following compound exposure. Following exposure, 326 compounds altered (increased or decreased) normalized MFR beyond hit thresholds based on 2× the median absolute deviation of DMSO-treated wells. Pharmaceuticals, pesticides, fungicides, chemical intermediates, and herbicides accounted for 86% of the hits. Further, changes in MFR occurred in the absence of cytotoxicity, as only eight compounds decreased cell viability. ToxPrint chemotype analysis identified several structural domains (e.g., biphenyls and alkyl phenols) significantly enriched with MEA actives relative to the total test set. The top 5 enriched ToxPrint chemotypes were represented in 26% of the MEA hits, whereas the top 11 ToxPrints were represented in 34% of MEA hits. These results demonstrate that large-scale functional screening using neural networks on MEAs can fill a critical gap in assessment of neurotoxicity potential in ToxCast assay results. Further, a data-mining approach identified ToxPrint chemotypes enriched in the MEA-hit subset, which define initial structure-activity relationship inferences, establish potential mechanistic associations to other ToxCast assay endpoints, and provide working hypotheses for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna D Strickland
- Axion Biosystems, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Matthew T Martin
- National Center for Computational Toxicology, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, MD D143-02, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27711, USA
- Pfizer Inc, Groton, CT, USA
| | - Ann M Richard
- National Center for Computational Toxicology, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, MD D143-02, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27711, USA
| | - Keith A Houck
- National Center for Computational Toxicology, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, MD D143-02, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27711, USA
| | - Timothy J Shafer
- Integrated Systems Toxicology Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, MD105-05, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27711, USA.
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Giussani V, Asnaghi V, Pedroncini A, Chiantore M. Management of harmful benthic dinoflagellates requires targeted sampling methods and alarm thresholds. HARMFUL ALGAE 2017; 68:97-104. [PMID: 28962993 DOI: 10.1016/j.hal.2017.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2017] [Revised: 07/26/2017] [Accepted: 07/28/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Concern regarding Benthic Harmful Algal Blooms (BHABs) is increasing since some harmful benthic species have been identified in new areas. In the Mediterranean basin, the most common harmful benthic microalgae are Ostreopsis cf. ovata and Prorocentrum lima, which produce palytoxin-like compounds and okadaic acid respectively, and the need to implement monitoring activities has increased. However, a general agreement on appropriate strategies (e.g. sampling season, definition of alarm thresholds, etc.) is still lagging behind, especially for P. lima, whose proliferation dynamics are still poorly known.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Giussani
- DISTAV-University of Genoa, Corso Europa 26, 16132, Genoa, Italy; ARPAL-Dip. Biotossicologia ambientale, Via Fontevivo 21L, 19125 La Spezia, Italy.
| | - Valentina Asnaghi
- DISTAV-University of Genoa, Corso Europa 26, 16132, Genoa, Italy; CoNISMa-P.le Flaminio, 9, 00196, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Mariachiara Chiantore
- DISTAV-University of Genoa, Corso Europa 26, 16132, Genoa, Italy; CoNISMa-P.le Flaminio, 9, 00196, Rome, Italy
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