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Leaker BD, Wang Y, Tam J, Anderson RR. Analysis of culture and RNA isolation methods for precision-cut liver slices from cirrhotic rats. Sci Rep 2024; 14:15349. [PMID: 38961190 PMCID: PMC11222550 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-66235-2] [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: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Precision-cut liver slices (PCLS) are increasingly used as a model to investigate anti-fibrotic therapies. However, many studies use PCLS from healthy animals treated with pro-fibrotic stimuli in culture, which reflects only the early stages of fibrosis. The effects of different culture conditions on PCLS from cirrhotic animals has not been well characterized and there is no consensus on optimal methods. In this study, we report a method for the collection and culture of cirrhotic PCLS and compare the effect of common culture conditions on viability, function, and gene expression. Additionally, we compared three methods of RNA isolation and identified a protocol with high yield and purity. We observed significantly increased albumin production when cultured with insulin-transferrin-selenium and dexamethasone, and when incubated on a rocking platform. Culturing with insulin-transferrin-selenium and dexamethasone maintained gene expression closer to the levels in fresh slices. However, despite stable viability and function up to 4 days, we found significant changes in expression of key genes by day 2. Interestingly, we also observed that cirrhotic PCLS maintain viability in culture longer than slices from healthy animals. Due to the influence of matrix stiffness on fibrosis and hepatocellular function, it is important to evaluate prospective anti-fibrotic therapies in a platform that preserves tissue biomechanics. PCLS from cirrhotic animals represent a promising tool for the development of treatments for chronic liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben D Leaker
- Health Sciences and Technology, Harvard-Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Thier Research Building, MGH, 55 Blossom Street, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Yongtao Wang
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Oncologic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Liver Center, Division of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joshua Tam
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Thier Research Building, MGH, 55 Blossom Street, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Dermatology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - R Rox Anderson
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Thier Research Building, MGH, 55 Blossom Street, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Dermatology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Czuba LC, Isoherranen N. LX-2 Stellate Cells Are a Model System for Investigating the Regulation of Hepatic Vitamin A Metabolism and Respond to Tumor Necrosis Factor α and Interleukin 1 β. Drug Metab Dispos 2024; 52:442-454. [PMID: 38485281 PMCID: PMC11023816 DOI: 10.1124/dmd.124.001679] [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: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the major site of vitamin A (retinol) esterification and subsequent storage as retinyl esters within lipid droplets. However, retinyl esters become depleted in many pathophysiological states, including acute and chronic liver injuries. Recently, using a liver slice culture system as a model of acute liver injury and fibrogenesis, a time-dependent increase and decrease in the apparent formation of the bioactive retinoid all-trans-retinoic acid (atRA) and retinyl palmitate was measured, respectively. This coincided with temporal changes in the gene expression of retinoid-metabolizing enzymes and binding proteins, that preceded HSC activation. However, the underlying mechanisms that promote early changes in retinoid metabolism remain unresolved. We hypothesized that LX-2 cells could be applied to investigate differences in quiescent and activated HSC retinoid metabolism. We demonstrate that the hypermetabolic state of activated stellate cells relative to quiescent stellate cells may be attributed to induction of STRA6, RBP4, and CYP26A1, thereby reducing intracellular concentrations of atRA. We further hypothesized that paracrine and autocrine cytokine signaling regulates HSC vitamin A metabolism in both quiescent and activated cells. In quiescent cells, tumor necrosis factor α dose-dependently downregulated LRAT and CRBP1 mRNA, with EC50 values of 30-50 pg/mL. Likewise, interleukin-1β decreased LRAT and CRBP1 gene expression but with less potency. In activated stellate cells, multiple enzymes were downregulated, suggesting that the full effects of altered hepatic vitamin A metabolism in chronic conditions require both paracrine and autocrine signaling events. Further, this study suggests the potential for cell type-specific autocrine effects in hepatic retinoid signaling. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: HSCs are the major site of vitamin A storage and important determinants of retinol metabolism during liver fibrogenesis. Here, two LX-2 culture methods were applied as models of hepatic retinoid metabolism to demonstrate the effects of activation status and dose-dependent cytokine exposure on the expression of genes involved in retinoid metabolism. This study suggests that compared to quiescent cells, activated HSCs are hypermetabolic and have reduced apparent formation of retinoic acid, which may alter downstream retinoic acid signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay C Czuba
- Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Washington School of Pharmacy, Seattle, Washington (L.C.C., N.I.) and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, College of Pharmacy, Lexington, Kentucky (L.C.C.)
| | - Nina Isoherranen
- Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Washington School of Pharmacy, Seattle, Washington (L.C.C., N.I.) and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, College of Pharmacy, Lexington, Kentucky (L.C.C.)
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Wang Y, Leaker B, Qiao G, Sojoodi M, Eissa IR, Epstein ET, Eddy J, Dimowo O, Lauer GM, Chung RT, Qadan M, Lanuti M, Fuchs BC, Tanabe KK. Precision-Cut Liver Slices as an ex vivo model to evaluate antifibrotic therapies for liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.30.564772. [PMID: 37961334 PMCID: PMC10635008 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.30.564772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Background Precision-Cut Liver Slices (PCLS) are an ex vivo culture model developed to study hepatic drug metabolism. One of the main benefits of this model is that it retains the structure and cellular composition of the native liver. PCLS also represents a potential model system to study liver fibrosis in a setting that more closely approximates in vivo pathology than in vitro methods. The aim of this study was to assess whether responses to antifibrotic interventions can be detected and quantified with PCLS. Methods PCLS of 250 μm thickness were prepared from four different murine fibrotic liver models: choline-deficient, L-amino acid-defined, high-fat diet (CDAHFD), thioacetamide (TAA), diethylnitrosamine (DEN), and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). PCLS were treated with 5 μM Erlotinib for 72 hours. Histology and gene expression were then compared with in vivo murine experiments and TGF-β1 activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). These types of PCLS characterization were also evaluated in PCLS from human cirrhotic liver. Results PCLS viability in culture was stable for 72 hours. Treatment of erlotinib, an EGFR inhibitor significantly inhibited the expression of profibrogenic genes Il6, Col1a1 and Timp1 in PCLS from CDAHFD-induced cirrhotic mice, and Il6, Col1a1 and Tgfb1 in PCLS from TAA-induced cirrhotic rats. Erlotinib treatment of PCLS from DEN-induced cirrhotic rats inhibited the expression of Col1a1, Timp1, Tgfb1 and Il6, which was consistent with the impact of erlotinib on Col1a1 and Tgfb1 expression in in vivo DEN-induced cirrhosis. Erlotinib treatment of PCLS from CCl4-induced cirrhosis caused reduced expression of Timp1, Col1a1 and Tgfb1, which was consistent with the effect of erlotinib in in vivo CCl4-induced cirrhosis. In addition, in HSCs at PCLS from normal mice, TGF-β1 treatment upregulated Acta2 (αSMA), while treatment with erlotinib inhibited the expression of Acta2. Similar expression results were observed in TGF-β1 treated in vitro HSCs. Expression of MMPs and TIMPs, key regulators of fibrosis progression and regression, were also significantly altered under erlotinib treatment in PCLS. Expression changes under erlotinib treatment were also corroborated with PCLS from human cirrhosis samples. Conclusion The responses to antifibrotic interventions can be detected and quantified with PCLS at the gene expression level. The antifibrotic effects of erlotinib are consistent between PCLS models of murine cirrhosis and those observed in vivo and in vitro. Similar effects were also reproduced in PCLS derived from patients with cirrhosis. PCLS is an excellent model to assess antifibrotic therapies that is aligned with the principles of Replacement, Reduction and Refinement (3Rs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongtao Wang
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Oncologic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Liver Center, Division of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Ben Leaker
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Harvard-MIT program in Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Guoliang Qiao
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Oncologic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Mozhdeh Sojoodi
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Oncologic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Ibrahim Ragab Eissa
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Oncologic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Eliana T. Epstein
- Liver Center, Division of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jonathan Eddy
- Liver Center, Division of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Oizoshimoshiofu Dimowo
- Liver Center, Division of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Georg M. Lauer
- Liver Center, Division of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Raymond T. Chung
- Liver Center, Division of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Motaz Qadan
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Oncologic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Michael Lanuti
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Bryan C. Fuchs
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Oncologic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Kenneth K. Tanabe
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Oncologic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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Brennan PN, Elsharkawy AM, Kendall TJ, Loomba R, Mann DA, Fallowfield JA. Antifibrotic therapy in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis: time for a human-centric approach. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 20:679-688. [PMID: 37268740 PMCID: PMC10236408 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-023-00796-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) might soon become the leading cause of end-stage liver disease and indication for liver transplantation worldwide. Fibrosis severity is the only histological predictor of liver-related morbidity and mortality in NASH identified to date. Moreover, fibrosis regression is associated with improved clinical outcomes. However, despite numerous clinical trials of plausible drug candidates, an approved antifibrotic therapy remains elusive. Increased understanding of NASH susceptibility and pathogenesis, emerging human multiomics profiling, integration of electronic health record data and modern pharmacology techniques hold enormous promise in delivering a paradigm shift in antifibrotic drug development in NASH. There is a strong rationale for drug combinations to boost efficacy, and precision medicine strategies targeting key genetic modifiers of NASH are emerging. In this Perspective, we discuss why antifibrotic effects observed in NASH pharmacotherapy trials have been underwhelming and outline potential approaches to improve the likelihood of future clinical success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul N Brennan
- Institute for Regeneration & Repair, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Division of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Ahmed M Elsharkawy
- Liver Unit and NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Timothy J Kendall
- Institute for Regeneration & Repair, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Edinburgh Pathology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Rohit Loomba
- NAFLD Research Centre, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, UC San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Derek A Mann
- Fibrosis Research Group, Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK.
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, School of Medicine, Koç University, Istanbul, Turkey.
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Labadie KP, Kreuser SA, Brempelis KJ, Daniel SK, Jiang X, Sullivan KM, Utria AF, Kenerson HL, Kim TS, Crane CA, Pillarisetty VG. Production of an interleukin-10 blocking antibody by genetically engineered macrophages increases cancer cell death in human gastrointestinal tumor slice cultures. Cancer Gene Ther 2023; 30:1227-1233. [PMID: 37296315 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-023-00632-z] [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: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Although it can promote effector T-cell function, the summative effect of interleukin-10 (IL-10) in the tumor microenvironment (TME) appears to be suppressive; therefore, blocking this critical regulatory cytokine has therapeutic potential to enhance antitumor immune function. As macrophages efficiently localize to the TME, we hypothesized that they could be used as a delivery vehicle for drugs designed to block this pathway. To test our hypothesis, we created and evaluated genetically engineered macrophages (GEMs) that produce an IL-10-blocking antibody (αIL-10). Healthy donor human peripheral blood mononuclear cells were differentiated and transduced with a novel lentivirus (LV) encoding BT-063, a humanized αIL-10 antibody. The efficacy of αIL-10 GEMs was assessed in human gastrointestinal tumor slice culture models developed from resected specimens of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma primary tumors and colorectal cancer liver metastases. LV transduction led to sustained production of BT-063 by αIL-10 GEMs for at least 21 days. Transduction did not alter GEM phenotype as evaluated by flow cytometry, but αIL-10 GEMs produced measurable quantities of BT-063 in the TME that was associated with an ~5-fold higher rate of tumor cell apoptosis than control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin P Labadie
- Department of Surgery, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Shannon A Kreuser
- Ben Towne Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Katherine J Brempelis
- Ben Towne Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Sara K Daniel
- Department of Surgery, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Xiuyun Jiang
- Department of Surgery, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Kevin M Sullivan
- Department of Surgery, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Alan F Utria
- Department of Surgery, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Heidi L Kenerson
- Department of Surgery, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Teresa S Kim
- Department of Surgery, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Courtney A Crane
- Ben Towne Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Venu G Pillarisetty
- Department of Surgery, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Brotman Baty Institute for Precision Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA.
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6
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Krylov D, Rodimova S, Karabut M, Kuznetsova D. Experimental Models for Studying Structural and Functional State of the Pathological Liver (Review). Sovrem Tekhnologii Med 2023; 15:65-82. [PMID: 38434194 PMCID: PMC10902899 DOI: 10.17691/stm2023.15.4.06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver pathologies remain one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. Despite a high prevalence of liver diseases, the possibilities of diagnosing, prognosing, and treating non-alcoholic and alcoholic liver diseases still have a number of limitations and require the development of new methods and approaches. In laboratory studies, various models are used to reconstitute the pathological conditions of the liver, including cell cultures, spheroids, organoids, microfluidic systems, tissue slices. We reviewed the most commonly used in vivo, in vitro, and ex vivo models for studying non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and alcoholic liver disease, toxic liver injury, and fibrosis, described their advantages, limitations, and prospects for use. Great emphasis was placed on the mechanisms of development of pathological conditions in each model, as well as the assessment of the possibility of reconstructing various key aspects of pathogenesis for all these pathologies. There is currently no consensus on the choice of the most adequate model for studying liver pathology. The choice of a certain effective research model is determined by the specific purpose and objectives of the experiment.
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Affiliation(s)
- D.P. Krylov
- Laboratory Assistant, Scientific Laboratory of Molecular Biotechnologies, Research Institute of Experimental Oncology and Biomedical Technologies; Privolzhsky Research Medical University, 10/1 Minin and Pozharsky Square, Nizhny Novgorod, 603005, Russia; Student, Institute of Biology and Biomedicine; National Research Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, 23 Prospekt Gagarina, Nizhny Novgorod, 603022, Russia
| | - S.A. Rodimova
- Junior Researcher, Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine, Scientific Laboratory of Molecular Biotechnologies, Research Institute of Experimental Oncology and Biomedical Technologies; Privolzhsky Research Medical University, 10/1 Minin and Pozharsky Square, Nizhny Novgorod, 603005, Russia
| | - M.M. Karabut
- Researcher, Laboratory of Genomics of Adaptive Antitumor Immunity, Research Institute of Experimental Oncology and Biomedical Technologies; Privolzhsky Research Medical University, 10/1 Minin and Pozharsky Square, Nizhny Novgorod, 603005, Russia
| | - D.S. Kuznetsova
- Head of Laboratory of Molecular Biotechnologies, Research Institute of Experimental Oncology and Biomedical Technologies; Privolzhsky Research Medical University, 10/1 Minin and Pozharsky Square, Nizhny Novgorod, 603005, Russia; Head of the Research Laboratory for Molecular Genetic Researches, Institute of Clinical Medicine; National Research Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, 23 Prospekt Gagarina, Nizhny Novgorod, 603022, Russia
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Fang J, Celton-Morizur S, Desdouets C. NAFLD-Related HCC: Focus on the Latest Relevant Preclinical Models. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3723. [PMID: 37509384 PMCID: PMC10377912 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15143723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary liver cancer and one of the deadliest cancers worldwide. Despite extensive research, the biological mechanisms underlying HCC's development and progression remain only partially understood. Chronic overeating and/or sedentary-lifestyle-associated obesity, which promote Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), have recently emerged as worrying risk factors for HCC. NAFLD is characterized by excessive hepatocellular lipid accumulation (steatosis) and affects one quarter of the world's population. Steatosis progresses in the more severe inflammatory form, Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH), potentially leading to HCC. The incidence of NASH is expected to increase by up to 56% over the next 10 years. Better diagnoses and the establishment of effective treatments for NAFLD and HCC will require improvements in our understanding of the fundamental mechanisms of the disease's development. This review describes the pathogenesis of NAFLD and the mechanisms underlying the transition from NAFL/NASH to HCC. We also discuss a selection of appropriate preclinical models of NAFLD for research, from cellular models such as liver-on-a-chip models to in vivo models, focusing particularly on mouse models of dietary NAFLD-HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Fang
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, 75006 Paris, France
- Genomic Instability, Metabolism, Immunity and Liver Tumorigenesis Laboratory, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Séverine Celton-Morizur
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, 75006 Paris, France
- Genomic Instability, Metabolism, Immunity and Liver Tumorigenesis Laboratory, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Chantal Desdouets
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, 75006 Paris, France
- Genomic Instability, Metabolism, Immunity and Liver Tumorigenesis Laboratory, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, 75005 Paris, France
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8
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Wu KZ, Adine C, Mitriashkin A, Aw BJJ, Iyer NG, Fong ELS. Making In Vitro Tumor Models Whole Again. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2202279. [PMID: 36718949 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202202279] [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: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
As a reductionist approach, patient-derived in vitro tumor models are inherently still too simplistic for personalized drug testing as they do not capture many characteristics of the tumor microenvironment (TME), such as tumor architecture and stromal heterogeneity. This is especially problematic for assessing stromal-targeting drugs such as immunotherapies in which the density and distribution of immune and other stromal cells determine drug efficacy. On the other end, in vivo models are typically costly, low-throughput, and time-consuming to establish. Ex vivo patient-derived tumor explant (PDE) cultures involve the culture of resected tumor fragments that potentially retain the intact TME of the original tumor. Although developed decades ago, PDE cultures have not been widely adopted likely because of their low-throughput and poor long-term viability. However, with growing recognition of the importance of patient-specific TME in mediating drug response, especially in the field of immune-oncology, there is an urgent need to resurrect these holistic cultures. In this Review, the key limitations of patient-derived tumor explant cultures are outlined and technologies that have been developed or could be employed to address these limitations are discussed. Engineered holistic tumor explant cultures may truly realize the concept of personalized medicine for cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenny Zhuoran Wu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119276, Singapore
| | - Christabella Adine
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119276, Singapore
| | - Aleksandr Mitriashkin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119276, Singapore
| | - Benjamin Jun Jie Aw
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119276, Singapore
| | - N Gopalakrishna Iyer
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Division of Surgery and Surgical Oncology, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, 169857, Singapore
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore, 169610, Singapore
| | - Eliza Li Shan Fong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119276, Singapore
- The N.1 Institute for Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117456, Singapore
- Cancer Science Institute (CSI), National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore
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Rezvani M, Vallier L, Guillot A. Modeling Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in the Dish Using Human-Specific Platforms: Strategies and Limitations. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 15:1135-1145. [PMID: 36740045 PMCID: PMC10031472 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2023.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a chronic liver disease affecting multiple cell types of the human liver. The high prevalence of NAFLD and the lack of approved therapies increase the demand for reliable models for the preclinical discovery of drug targets. In the last decade, multiple proof-of-principle studies have demonstrated human-specific NAFLD modeling in the dish. These systems have included technologies based on human induced pluripotent stem cell derivatives, liver tissue section cultures, intrahepatic cholangiocyte organoids, and liver-on-a-chip. These platforms differ in functional maturity, multicellularity, scalability, and spatial organization. Identifying an appropriate model for a specific NAFLD-related research question is challenging. Therefore, we review different platforms for their strengths and limitations in modeling NAFLD. To define the fidelity of the current human in vitro NAFLD models in depth, we define disease hallmarks within the NAFLD spectrum that range from steatosis to severe fibroinflammatory tissue injury. We discuss how the most common methods are efficacious in modeling genetic contributions and aspects of the early NAFLD-related tissue response. We also highlight the shortcoming of current models to recapitulate the complexity of inter-organ crosstalk and the chronic process of liver fibrosis-to-cirrhosis that usually takes decades in patients. Importantly, we provide methodological overviews and discuss implementation hurdles (eg, reproducibility or costs) to help choose the most appropriate NAFLD model for the individual research focus: hepatocyte injury, ductular reaction, cellular crosstalk, or other applications. In sum, we highlight current strategies and deficiencies to model NAFLD in the dish and propose a framework for the next generation of human-specific investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milad Rezvani
- Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Nephrology and Metabolic Medicine, Berlin, Germany; Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio; Berlin Institute of Health, Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Berlin, Germany; Berlin Institute of Health, Clinician-Scientist Program, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ludovic Vallier
- Berlin Institute of Health, Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Berlin, Germany; Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany
| | - Adrien Guillot
- Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow-Klinikum and Campus Charité Mitte, Department of Hepatology & Gastroenterology, Berlin, Germany.
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10
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Anandam KY, Abad C, Synova T, Vinas-Noguera M, Bolboli B, Vokral I, Karahoda R, Staud F. Precision-cut rat placental slices as a model to study sex-dependent inflammatory response to LPS and Poly I:C. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1083248. [PMID: 36605215 PMCID: PMC9807759 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1083248] [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: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Maternal inflammation in pregnancy represents a major hallmark of several pregnancy complications and a significant risk factor for neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders in the offspring. As the interface between the mother and the fetus, the placenta plays a crucial role in fetal development and programming. Moreover, studies have suggested that the placenta responds to an inflammatory environment in a sex-biased fashion. However, placenta-mediated immunoregulatory mechanisms are still poorly understood. Methods Therefore, we have developed a model of ex vivo precision-cut placental slices from the rat term placenta to study acute inflammatory response. Rat placental slices with a precise thickness of 200 µm were generated separately from male and female placentas. Inflammation was stimulated by exposing the slices to various concentrations of LPS or Poly I:C for 4 and 18 hours. Results Treatment of placental slices with LPS significantly induced the expression and release of proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β. In contrast, Poly I:C treatment resulted in a less-pronounced inflammatory response. Interestingly, the female placenta showed higher sensitivity to LPS than male placenta. Anti-inflammatory agents, curcumin, 1α,25- dihydroxyvitamin D3, and progesterone attenuated the LPS-induced proinflammatory cytokine response at both mRNA and protein levels. Discussion We conclude that rat placental slices represent a novel alternative model to study the role of sexual dimorphism in the acute inflammatory response and immune activation in pregnancy.
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11
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Kaur S, Kidambi S, Ortega-Ribera M, Thuy LTT, Nieto N, Cogger VC, Xie WF, Tacke F, Gracia-Sancho J. In Vitro Models for the Study of Liver Biology and Diseases: Advances and Limitations. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 15:559-571. [PMID: 36442812 PMCID: PMC9868680 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2022.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
In vitro models of liver (patho)physiology, new technologies, and experimental approaches are progressing rapidly. Based on cell lines, induced pluripotent stem cells or primary cells derived from mouse or human liver as well as whole tissue (slices), such in vitro single- and multicellular models, including complex microfluidic organ-on-a-chip systems, provide tools to functionally understand mechanisms of liver health and disease. The International Society of Hepatic Sinusoidal Research (ISHSR) commissioned this working group to review the currently available in vitro liver models and describe the advantages and disadvantages of each in the context of evaluating their use for the study of liver functionality, disease modeling, therapeutic discovery, and clinical applicability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Savneet Kaur
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Srivatsan Kidambi
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska
| | - Martí Ortega-Ribera
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Le Thi Thanh Thuy
- Department of Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Natalia Nieto
- Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Victoria C Cogger
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Wei-Fen Xie
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Frank Tacke
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jordi Gracia-Sancho
- Liver Vascular Biology, IDIBAPS Biomedical Research Institute, CIBEREHD, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland; Department for BioMedical Research, Visceral Surgery and Medicine, University of Bern, Switzerland.
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12
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Hoyle H, Stenger C, Przyborski S. Design considerations of benchtop fluid flow bioreactors for bio-engineered tissue equivalents in vitro. BIOMATERIALS AND BIOSYSTEMS 2022; 8:100063. [PMID: 36824373 PMCID: PMC9934498 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbiosy.2022.100063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the major aims of bio-engineering tissue equivalents in vitro is to create physiologically relevant culture conditions to accurately recreate the cellular microenvironment. This often includes incorporation of factors such as the extracellular matrix, co-culture of multiple cell types and three-dimensional culture techniques. These advanced techniques can recapitulate some of the properties of tissue in vivo, however fluid flow is a key aspect that is often absent. Fluid flow can be introduced into cell and tissue culture using bioreactors, which are becoming increasingly common as we seek to produce increasingly accurate tissue models. Bespoke technology is continuously being developed to tailor systems for specific applications and to allow compatibility with a range of culture techniques. For effective perfusion of a tissue culture many parameters can be controlled, ranging from impacts of the fluid flow such as increased shear stress and mass transport, to potentially unwanted side effects such as temperature fluctuations. A thorough understanding of these properties and their implications on the culture model can aid with a more accurate interpretation of results. Improved and more complete characterisation of bioreactor properties will also lead to greater accuracy when reporting culture conditions in protocols, aiding experimental reproducibility, and allowing more precise comparison of results between different systems. In this review we provide an analysis of the different factors involved in the development of benchtop flow bioreactors and their potential biological impacts across a range of applications.
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Key Words
- 3D, three-dimensional
- ABS, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene
- ALI, air-liquid interface
- Bioreactors
- CFD, computational fluid dynamics
- Cell culture
- ECM, extracellular matrix
- FDM, fused deposition modelling
- Fluid flow
- PC, polycarbonate
- PET, polyethylene terephthalate
- PLA, polylactic acid
- PTFE, polytetrafluoroethylene
- SLA, stereolithography
- Tissue engineering
- UL, unstirred layer
- UV, ultraviolet light
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Affiliation(s)
- H.W. Hoyle
- Department of Biosciences, Durham University, South Road, Durham DH1 3LE, UK
| | - C.M.L. Stenger
- Department of Biosciences, Durham University, South Road, Durham DH1 3LE, UK
| | - S.A. Przyborski
- Department of Biosciences, Durham University, South Road, Durham DH1 3LE, UK,NETPark Incubator, Reprocell Europe Ltd., Thomas Wright Way, Sedgefield TS21 3FD, UK,Corresponding author at: Department of Biosciences, Durham University, South Road, Durham DH1 3LE, UK.
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13
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Three-dimensional (3D) liver cell models - a tool for bridging the gap between animal studies and clinical trials when screening liver accumulation and toxicity of nanobiomaterials. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2022; 12:2048-2074. [PMID: 35507131 PMCID: PMC9066991 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-022-01147-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Despite the exciting properties and wide-reaching applications of nanobiomaterials (NBMs) in human health and medicine, their translation from bench to bedside is slow, with a predominant issue being liver accumulation and toxicity following systemic administration. In vitro 2D cell-based assays and in vivo testing are the most popular and widely used methods for assessing liver toxicity at pre-clinical stages; however, these fall short in predicting toxicity for NBMs. Focusing on in vitro and in vivo assessment, the accurate prediction of human-specific hepatotoxicity is still a significant challenge to researchers. This review describes the relationship between NBMs and the liver, and the methods for assessing toxicity, focusing on the limitations they bring in the assessment of NBM hepatotoxicity as one of the reasons defining the poor translation for NBMs. We will then present some of the most recent advances towards the development of more biologically relevant in vitro liver methods based on tissue-mimetic 3D cell models and how these could facilitate the translation of NBMs going forward. Finally, we also discuss the low public acceptance and limited uptake of tissue-mimetic 3D models in pre-clinical assessment, despite the demonstrated technical and ethical advantages associated with them.
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14
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Dewyse L, De Smet V, Verhulst S, Eysackers N, Kunda R, Messaoudi N, Reynaert H, van Grunsven LA. Improved Precision-Cut Liver Slice Cultures for Testing Drug-Induced Liver Fibrosis. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:862185. [PMID: 35433753 PMCID: PMC9007724 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.862185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In vitro models of human liver disease often fail to mimic the complex 3D structures and cellular organizations found in vivo. Precision cut liver slices (PCLS) retain the complex physiological architecture of the native liver and therefore could be an exceptional in vitro liver model. However, the production of PCLS induces a spontaneous culture-induced fibrogenic reaction, limiting the application of PCLS to anti-fibrotic compounds. Our aim was to improve PCLS cultures to allow compound-induced fibrosis induction. Hepatotoxicity in PCLS cultures was analyzed by lactate dehydrogenase leakage and albumin secretion, while fibrogenesis was analyzed by qRT-PCR and western blot for hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation markers and collagen 6 secretion by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). We demonstrate that supplementation of 3 mm mouse PCLS cultures with valproate strongly reduces fibrosis and improves cell viability in our PCLS cultures for up to 5 days. Fibrogenesis can still be induced both directly and indirectly through exposure to TGFβ and the hepatotoxin acetaminophen, respectively. Finally, human PCLS cultures showed similar but less robust results. In conclusion, we optimized PCLS cultures to allow for drug-induced liver fibrosis modeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liza Dewyse
- Department of Basic Biomedical Sciences, Liver Cell Biology Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Vincent De Smet
- Department of Basic Biomedical Sciences, Liver Cell Biology Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Internal Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Stefaan Verhulst
- Department of Basic Biomedical Sciences, Liver Cell Biology Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nathalie Eysackers
- Department of Basic Biomedical Sciences, Liver Cell Biology Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Rastislav Kunda
- Department of Surgery, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nouredin Messaoudi
- Department of Surgery, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Hendrik Reynaert
- Department of Basic Biomedical Sciences, Liver Cell Biology Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Leo A van Grunsven
- Department of Basic Biomedical Sciences, Liver Cell Biology Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
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15
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Wu X, Roberto JB, Knupp A, Greninger AL, Truong CD, Hollingshead N, Kenerson HL, Tuefferd M, Chen A, Koelle DM, Horton H, Jerome KR, Polyak SJ, Yeung RS, Crispe IN. Response of Human Liver Tissue to Innate Immune Stimuli. Front Immunol 2022; 13:811551. [PMID: 35355993 PMCID: PMC8959492 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.811551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Precision-cut human liver slice cultures (PCLS) have become an important alternative immunological platform in preclinical testing. To further evaluate the capacity of PCLS, we investigated the innate immune response to TLR3 agonist (poly-I:C) and TLR4 agonist (LPS) using normal and diseased liver tissue. Pathological liver tissue was obtained from patients with active chronic HCV infection, and patients with former chronic HCV infection cured by recent Direct-Acting Antiviral (DAA) drug therapy. We found that hepatic innate immunity in response to TLR3 and TLR4 agonists was not suppressed but enhanced in the HCV-infected tissue, compared with the healthy controls. Furthermore, despite recent HCV elimination, DAA-cured liver tissue manifested ongoing abnormalities in liver immunity: sustained abnormal immune gene expression in DAA-cured samples was identified in direct ex vivo measurements and in TLR3 and TLR4 stimulation assays. Genes that were up-regulated in chronic HCV-infected liver tissue were mostly characteristic of the non-parenchymal cell compartment. These results demonstrated the utility of PCLS in studying both liver pathology and innate immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Wu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.,Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Jessica B Roberto
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Allison Knupp
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Alexander L Greninger
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.,Vaccine and Infectious Diseases Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Camtu D Truong
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Nicole Hollingshead
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Heidi L Kenerson
- Department of Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Marianne Tuefferd
- Infectious Diseases and Vaccines, Janssen Research and Development, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Antony Chen
- Infectious Diseases and Vaccines, Janssen Research and Development, Beerse, Belgium
| | - David M Koelle
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.,Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.,Vaccine and Infectious Diseases Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States.,Department of Translational Research, Benaroya Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States.,Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Helen Horton
- Infectious Diseases and Vaccines, Janssen Research and Development, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Keith R Jerome
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.,Vaccine and Infectious Diseases Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Stephen J Polyak
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.,Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Raymond S Yeung
- Department of Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Ian N Crispe
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
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16
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Brugger M, Laschinger M, Lampl S, Schneider A, Manske K, Esfandyari D, Hüser N, Hartmann D, Steiger K, Engelhardt S, Wohlleber D, Knolle PA. High precision-cut liver slice model to study cell-autonomous anti-viral defense of hepatocytes within their microenvironment. JHEP Rep 2022; 4:100465. [PMID: 35462860 PMCID: PMC9019249 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2022.100465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
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17
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Hasuda AL, Person E, Khoshal AK, Bruel S, Puel S, Oswald IP, Bracarense APFL, Pinton P. Deoxynivalenol induces apoptosis and inflammation in the liver: Analysis using precision-cut liver slices. Food Chem Toxicol 2022; 163:112930. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2022.112930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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18
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Berg AL, Rowson-Hodel A, Hu M, Keeling M, Wu H, VanderVorst K, Chen JJ, Hatakeyama J, Jilek J, Dreyer CA, Wheeler MR, Yu AM, Li Y, Carraway KL. The Cationic Amphiphilic Drug Hexamethylene Amiloride Eradicates Bulk Breast Cancer Cells and Therapy-Resistant Subpopulations with Similar Efficiencies. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14040949. [PMID: 35205696 PMCID: PMC8869814 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14040949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
The resistance of cancer cell subpopulations, including cancer stem cell (CSC) populations, to apoptosis-inducing chemotherapeutic agents is a key barrier to improved outcomes for cancer patients. The cationic amphiphilic drug hexamethylene amiloride (HMA) has been previously demonstrated to efficiently kill bulk breast cancer cells independent of tumor subtype or species but acts poorly toward non-transformed cells derived from multiple tissues. Here, we demonstrate that HMA is similarly cytotoxic toward breast CSC-related subpopulations that are resistant to conventional chemotherapeutic agents, but poorly cytotoxic toward normal mammary stem cells. HMA inhibits the sphere-forming capacity of FACS-sorted human and mouse mammary CSC-related cells in vitro, specifically kills tumor but not normal mammary organoids ex vivo, and inhibits metastatic outgrowth in vivo, consistent with CSC suppression. Moreover, HMA inhibits viability and sphere formation by lung, colon, pancreatic, brain, liver, prostate, and bladder tumor cell lines, suggesting that its effects may be applicable to multiple malignancies. Our observations expose a key vulnerability intrinsic to cancer stem cells and point to novel strategies for the exploitation of cationic amphiphilic drugs in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia L. Berg
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA; (A.L.B.); (A.R.-H.); (M.H.); (M.K.); (H.W.); (K.V.); (J.J.C.); (J.H.); (J.J.); (C.A.D.); (M.R.W.); (A.-M.Y.); (Y.L.)
- Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Ashley Rowson-Hodel
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA; (A.L.B.); (A.R.-H.); (M.H.); (M.K.); (H.W.); (K.V.); (J.J.C.); (J.H.); (J.J.); (C.A.D.); (M.R.W.); (A.-M.Y.); (Y.L.)
- Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Michelle Hu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA; (A.L.B.); (A.R.-H.); (M.H.); (M.K.); (H.W.); (K.V.); (J.J.C.); (J.H.); (J.J.); (C.A.D.); (M.R.W.); (A.-M.Y.); (Y.L.)
- Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Michael Keeling
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA; (A.L.B.); (A.R.-H.); (M.H.); (M.K.); (H.W.); (K.V.); (J.J.C.); (J.H.); (J.J.); (C.A.D.); (M.R.W.); (A.-M.Y.); (Y.L.)
- Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Hao Wu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA; (A.L.B.); (A.R.-H.); (M.H.); (M.K.); (H.W.); (K.V.); (J.J.C.); (J.H.); (J.J.); (C.A.D.); (M.R.W.); (A.-M.Y.); (Y.L.)
- Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Kacey VanderVorst
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA; (A.L.B.); (A.R.-H.); (M.H.); (M.K.); (H.W.); (K.V.); (J.J.C.); (J.H.); (J.J.); (C.A.D.); (M.R.W.); (A.-M.Y.); (Y.L.)
- Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Jenny J. Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA; (A.L.B.); (A.R.-H.); (M.H.); (M.K.); (H.W.); (K.V.); (J.J.C.); (J.H.); (J.J.); (C.A.D.); (M.R.W.); (A.-M.Y.); (Y.L.)
- Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Jason Hatakeyama
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA; (A.L.B.); (A.R.-H.); (M.H.); (M.K.); (H.W.); (K.V.); (J.J.C.); (J.H.); (J.J.); (C.A.D.); (M.R.W.); (A.-M.Y.); (Y.L.)
- Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Joseph Jilek
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA; (A.L.B.); (A.R.-H.); (M.H.); (M.K.); (H.W.); (K.V.); (J.J.C.); (J.H.); (J.J.); (C.A.D.); (M.R.W.); (A.-M.Y.); (Y.L.)
- Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Courtney A. Dreyer
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA; (A.L.B.); (A.R.-H.); (M.H.); (M.K.); (H.W.); (K.V.); (J.J.C.); (J.H.); (J.J.); (C.A.D.); (M.R.W.); (A.-M.Y.); (Y.L.)
- Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Madelyn R. Wheeler
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA; (A.L.B.); (A.R.-H.); (M.H.); (M.K.); (H.W.); (K.V.); (J.J.C.); (J.H.); (J.J.); (C.A.D.); (M.R.W.); (A.-M.Y.); (Y.L.)
- Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Ai-Ming Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA; (A.L.B.); (A.R.-H.); (M.H.); (M.K.); (H.W.); (K.V.); (J.J.C.); (J.H.); (J.J.); (C.A.D.); (M.R.W.); (A.-M.Y.); (Y.L.)
- Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Yuanpei Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA; (A.L.B.); (A.R.-H.); (M.H.); (M.K.); (H.W.); (K.V.); (J.J.C.); (J.H.); (J.J.); (C.A.D.); (M.R.W.); (A.-M.Y.); (Y.L.)
- Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Kermit L. Carraway
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA; (A.L.B.); (A.R.-H.); (M.H.); (M.K.); (H.W.); (K.V.); (J.J.C.); (J.H.); (J.J.); (C.A.D.); (M.R.W.); (A.-M.Y.); (Y.L.)
- Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
- Correspondence:
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19
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Ramos MJ, Bandiera L, Menolascina F, Fallowfield JA. In vitro models for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: Emerging platforms and their applications. iScience 2022; 25:103549. [PMID: 34977507 PMCID: PMC8689151 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.103549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) represents a global healthcare challenge, affecting 1 in 4 adults, and death rates are predicted to rise inexorably. The progressive form of NAFLD, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), can lead to fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. However, no medical treatments are licensed for NAFLD-NASH. Identifying efficacious therapies has been hindered by the complexity of disease pathogenesis, a paucity of predictive preclinical models and inadequate validation of pharmacological targets in humans. The development of clinically relevant in vitro models of the disease will pave the way to overcome these challenges. Currently, the combined application of emerging technologies (e.g., organ-on-a-chip/microphysiological systems) and control engineering approaches promises to unravel NAFLD biology and deliver tractable treatment candidates. In this review, we will describe advances in preclinical models for NAFLD-NASH, the recent introduction of novel technologies in this space, and their importance for drug discovery endeavors in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Jimenez Ramos
- Centre for Inflammation Research, The University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Lucia Bandiera
- Institute for Bioengineering, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK.,Synthsys - Centre for Synthetic and Systems Biology, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Filippo Menolascina
- Institute for Bioengineering, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK.,Synthsys - Centre for Synthetic and Systems Biology, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Jonathan Andrew Fallowfield
- Centre for Inflammation Research, The University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
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20
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Ramos MJ, Bandiera L, Menolascina F, Fallowfield JA. In vitro models for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: Emerging platforms and their applications. iScience 2022; 25:103549. [PMID: 34977507 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) represents a global healthcare challenge, affecting 1 in 4 adults, and death rates are predicted to rise inexorably. The progressive form of NAFLD, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), can lead to fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. However, no medical treatments are licensed for NAFLD-NASH. Identifying efficacious therapies has been hindered by the complexity of disease pathogenesis, a paucity of predictive preclinical models and inadequate validation of pharmacological targets in humans. The development of clinically relevant in vitro models of the disease will pave the way to overcome these challenges. Currently, the combined application of emerging technologies (e.g., organ-on-a-chip/microphysiological systems) and control engineering approaches promises to unravel NAFLD biology and deliver tractable treatment candidates. In this review, we will describe advances in preclinical models for NAFLD-NASH, the recent introduction of novel technologies in this space, and their importance for drug discovery endeavors in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Jimenez Ramos
- Centre for Inflammation Research, The University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Lucia Bandiera
- Institute for Bioengineering, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
- Synthsys - Centre for Synthetic and Systems Biology, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Filippo Menolascina
- Institute for Bioengineering, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
- Synthsys - Centre for Synthetic and Systems Biology, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Jonathan Andrew Fallowfield
- Centre for Inflammation Research, The University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
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21
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Chidlow SJ, Randle LE, Kelly RA. Predicting physiologically-relevant oxygen concentrations in precision-cut liver slices using mathematical modelling. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0275788. [PMID: 36322567 PMCID: PMC9629643 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0275788] [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: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Precision cut liver slices represent an encouraging ex vivo method to understand the pathogenesis of liver disease alongside drug induced liver injury. Despite being more physiologically relevant compared to in vitro models, precision cut liver slices are limited by the availability of healthy human tissue and experimental variability. Internal oxygen concentration and media composition govern the longevity and viability of the slices during the culture period and as such, a variety of approaches have been taken to maximise the appropriateness of the internal oxygen concentrations across the slice. The aim of this study was to predict whether it is possible to generate a physiologically relevant oxygen gradient of 35-65mmHg across a precision cut liver slice using mathematical modelling. Simulations explore how the internal oxygen concentration changes as a function of the diameter of the slice, the position inside the well and the external incubator oxygen concentration. The model predicts that the desired oxygen gradient may be achieved using a 5mm diameter slice at atmospheric oxygen concentrations, provided that the slice is positioned at a certain height within the well of a 12-well plate.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. J. Chidlow
- School of Computer Science and Mathematics, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - L. E. Randle
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Science, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - R. A. Kelly
- School of Computer Science and Mathematics, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Syngenta, Early-Stage Research, Jeallot’s Hill Research Centre, Bracknell, United Kingdom
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22
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de Hoyos-Vega JM, Hong HJ, Stybayeva G, Revzin A. Hepatocyte cultures: From collagen gel sandwiches to microfluidic devices with integrated biosensors. APL Bioeng 2021; 5:041504. [PMID: 34703968 PMCID: PMC8519630 DOI: 10.1063/5.0058798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocytes are parenchymal cells of the liver responsible for drug detoxification, urea and bile production, serum protein synthesis, and glucose homeostasis. Hepatocytes are widely used for drug toxicity studies in bioartificial liver devices and for cell-based liver therapies. Because hepatocytes are highly differentiated cells residing in a complex microenvironment in vivo, they tend to lose hepatic phenotype and function in vitro. This paper first reviews traditional culture approaches used to rescue hepatic function in vitro and then discusses the benefits of emerging microfluidic-based culture approaches. We conclude by reviewing integration of hepatocyte cultures with bioanalytical or sensing approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose M. de Hoyos-Vega
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55902, USA
| | - Hye Jin Hong
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55902, USA
| | - Gulnaz Stybayeva
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55902, USA
| | - Alexander Revzin
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55902, USA
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23
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Romualdo GR, Leroy K, Costa CJS, Prata GB, Vanderborght B, da Silva TC, Barbisan LF, Andraus W, Devisscher L, Câmara NOS, Vinken M, Cogliati B. In Vivo and In Vitro Models of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Current Strategies for Translational Modeling. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5583. [PMID: 34771745 PMCID: PMC8582701 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most common cancer worldwide and the third leading cause of cancer-related death globally. HCC is a complex multistep disease and usually emerges in the setting of chronic liver diseases. The molecular pathogenesis of HCC varies according to the etiology, mainly caused by chronic hepatitis B and C virus infections, chronic alcohol consumption, aflatoxin-contaminated food, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease associated with metabolic syndrome or diabetes mellitus. The establishment of HCC models has become essential for both basic and translational research to improve our understanding of the pathophysiology and unravel new molecular drivers of this disease. The ideal model should recapitulate key events observed during hepatocarcinogenesis and HCC progression in view of establishing effective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies to be translated into clinical practice. Despite considerable efforts currently devoted to liver cancer research, only a few anti-HCC drugs are available, and patient prognosis and survival are still poor. The present paper provides a state-of-the-art overview of in vivo and in vitro models used for translational modeling of HCC with a specific focus on their key molecular hallmarks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme Ribeiro Romualdo
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-270, Brazil; (G.R.R.); (C.J.S.C.); (T.C.d.S.)
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Biosciences Institute, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-689, Brazil; (G.B.P.); (L.F.B.)
- Department of Pathology, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-687, Brazil
| | - Kaat Leroy
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (K.L.); (M.V.)
| | - Cícero Júlio Silva Costa
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-270, Brazil; (G.R.R.); (C.J.S.C.); (T.C.d.S.)
| | - Gabriel Bacil Prata
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Biosciences Institute, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-689, Brazil; (G.B.P.); (L.F.B.)
- Department of Pathology, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-687, Brazil
| | - Bart Vanderborght
- Gut-Liver Immunopharmacology Unit, Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Liver Research Center Ghent, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
- Hepatology Research Unit, Internal Medicine and Paediatrics, Liver Research Center Ghent, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
| | - Tereza Cristina da Silva
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-270, Brazil; (G.R.R.); (C.J.S.C.); (T.C.d.S.)
| | - Luís Fernando Barbisan
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Biosciences Institute, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-689, Brazil; (G.B.P.); (L.F.B.)
| | - Wellington Andraus
- Department of Gastroenterology, Clinics Hospital, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo (HC-FMUSP), São Paulo 05403-000, Brazil;
| | - Lindsey Devisscher
- Hepatology Research Unit, Internal Medicine and Paediatrics, Liver Research Center Ghent, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
| | - Niels Olsen Saraiva Câmara
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences IV, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil;
| | - Mathieu Vinken
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (K.L.); (M.V.)
| | - Bruno Cogliati
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-270, Brazil; (G.R.R.); (C.J.S.C.); (T.C.d.S.)
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24
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Sükei T, Palma E, Urbani L. Interplay between Cellular and Non-Cellular Components of the Tumour Microenvironment in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5586. [PMID: 34771746 PMCID: PMC8583132 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common and lethal cancers worldwide. Currently, treatments available for advanced HCC provide dismal chances of survival, thus there is an urgent need to develop more effective therapeutic strategies. While much of the focus of recent decades has been on targeting malignant cells, promising results have emerged from targeting the tumour microenvironment (TME). The extracellular matrix (ECM) is the main non-cellular component of the TME and it profoundly changes during tumorigenesis to promote the growth and survival of malignant cells. Despite this, many in vitro models for drug testing fail to consider the TME leading to a high failure rate in clinical trials. Here, we present an overview of the function and properties of the ECM in the liver and how these change during malignant transformation. We also discuss the relationship between immune cells and ECM in the TME in HCC. Lastly, we present advanced, 3D culture techniques of cancer modelling and argue that the incorporation of TME components into these is essential to better recapitulate the complex interactions within the TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamás Sükei
- The Roger Williams Institute of Hepatology, Foundation for Liver Research, London SE5 9NT, UK; (T.S.); (E.P.)
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King’s College London, London WC2R 2LS, UK
| | - Elena Palma
- The Roger Williams Institute of Hepatology, Foundation for Liver Research, London SE5 9NT, UK; (T.S.); (E.P.)
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King’s College London, London WC2R 2LS, UK
| | - Luca Urbani
- The Roger Williams Institute of Hepatology, Foundation for Liver Research, London SE5 9NT, UK; (T.S.); (E.P.)
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King’s College London, London WC2R 2LS, UK
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25
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Supadmanaba IGP, Comandatore A, Morelli L, Giovannetti E, Lagerweij T. Organotypic-liver slide culture systems to explore the role of extracellular vesicles in pancreatic cancer metastatic behavior and guide new therapeutic approaches. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2021; 17:937-946. [PMID: 33945374 DOI: 10.1080/17425255.2021.1925646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Recent studies suggested that extracellular vesicles (EVs) play a role both in the metastatic niche formation and in the progression of several tumors, including pancreatic cancer. In particular, the effects of EVs on metastasis should be studied in model systems that take into account both the tumor cells and the metastatic site/tumor microenvironment. Studies with labeled EVs or EV-secreting cells in ex vivo models will reflect the physiological and pathological functions of EVs. The organotypic-tissue slide culture systems can fulfill such a role.Areas covered: This review provides an overview of available organotypic-culture slide systems. We specifically focus on the assay system of liver culture-slides in combination with pancreatic tumors, which can be modulated to test the efficacy of new therapeutic approaches.Expert opinion: The intercellular exchange of EVs has emerged as a biologically relevant phenomenon to drive cancer metastasis. However, further models need to be developed to better elucidate the functional roles of EVs. The use of novel organotypic slide culture systems provides the opportunity to explore the role of EVs in the metastatic behavior of pancreatic cancer, decreasing the use of costly and cumbersome organoid or animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Gede Putu Supadmanaba
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Pathology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Udayana, Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia
| | - Annalisa Comandatore
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- General Surgery Unit, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Luca Morelli
- General Surgery Unit, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Elisa Giovannetti
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Pharmacology Lab, AIRC Start-Up Unit, Fondazione Pisana per La Scienza, Pisa, Italy
| | - Tonny Lagerweij
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Pathology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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26
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Kukla DA, Khetani SR. Bioengineered Liver Models for Investigating Disease Pathogenesis and Regenerative Medicine. Semin Liver Dis 2021; 41:368-392. [PMID: 34139785 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1731016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Owing to species-specific differences in liver pathways, in vitro human liver models are utilized for elucidating mechanisms underlying disease pathogenesis, drug development, and regenerative medicine. To mitigate limitations with de-differentiated cultures, bioengineers have developed advanced techniques/platforms, including micropatterned cocultures, spheroids/organoids, bioprinting, and microfluidic devices, for perfusing cell cultures and liver slices. Such techniques improve mature functions and culture lifetime of primary and stem-cell human liver cells. Furthermore, bioengineered liver models display several features of liver diseases including infections with pathogens (e.g., malaria, hepatitis C/B viruses, Zika, dengue, yellow fever), alcoholic/nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and cancer. Here, we discuss features of bioengineered human liver models, their uses for modeling aforementioned diseases, and how such models are being augmented/adapted for fabricating implantable human liver tissues for clinical therapy. Ultimately, continued advances in bioengineered human liver models have the potential to aid the development of novel, safe, and efficacious therapies for liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Kukla
- Deparment of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Salman R Khetani
- Deparment of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
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27
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Li X, Hollingshead N, Lampert S, Truong CD, Li W, Niu J, Crispe IN, Soysa R. A conserved pathway of transdifferentiation in murine Kupffer cells. Eur J Immunol 2021; 51:2452-2463. [PMID: 34324208 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202049124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Abundant long-lived liver-resident macrophages, termed Kupffer cells, are activated during chronic liver injury. They secrete both pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic cytokines, which act on hepatic stellate cells causing their transdifferentiation into myofibroblasts that deposit collagen. In other tissues, wound-associated macrophages go further, and transdifferentiate into fibrocytes, secreting collagen themselves. We tested Kupffer cells for this property in two experimental models: mixed non-parenchymal cell culture, and precision-cut liver slice culture. Using the Emr1-Cre transgene as a driver and the RiboTag transgene as a reporter, we found that Kupffer cells undergo transdifferentiation under these circumstances. Over time, they lose the expression of both Kupffer cell-specific and macrophage-specific genes and the transcription factors that control their expression, and they begin to express multiple genes and proteins characteristic of either myofibroblasts or tissue fibroblasts. These effects were strongly conserved between non-parenchymal cell culture and liver tissue slice culture, arguing that such transdifferentiation is a conserved function of Kupffer cells. We conclude that in addition to supporting fibrosis through an action on stellate cells, Kupffer cells also participate in liver fibrosis through transdifferentiation into fibrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Li
- Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Nicole Hollingshead
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Sarah Lampert
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Camtu D Truong
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Wanyu Li
- Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Junqi Niu
- Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ian N Crispe
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.,Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Radika Soysa
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
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28
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Best Practices and Progress in Precision-Cut Liver Slice Cultures. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22137137. [PMID: 34281187 PMCID: PMC8267882 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22137137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Thirty-five years ago, precision-cut liver slices (PCLS) were described as a promising tool and were expected to become the standard in vitro model to study liver disease as they tick off all characteristics of a good in vitro model. In contrast to most in vitro models, PCLS retain the complex 3D liver structures found in vivo, including cell–cell and cell–matrix interactions, and therefore should constitute the most reliable tool to model and to investigate pathways underlying chronic liver disease in vitro. Nevertheless, the biggest disadvantage of the model is the initiation of a procedure-induced fibrotic response. In this review, we describe the parameters and potential of PCLS cultures and discuss whether the initially described limitations and pitfalls have been overcome. We summarize the latest advances in PCLS research and critically evaluate PCLS use and progress since its invention in 1985.
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29
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Kenerson HL, Sullivan KM, Labadie KP, Pillarisetty VG, Yeung RS. Protocol for tissue slice cultures from human solid tumors to study therapeutic response. STAR Protoc 2021; 2:100574. [PMID: 34142099 PMCID: PMC8184656 DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2021.100574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The impact of systemic therapy on the tumor microenvironment has been difficult to study in human solid tumors. Our protocol describes steps for establishing slice cultures to investigate response to chemotherapies, immunotherapies, or adoptive cell therapies. Endpoints include changes in viability, histology, live-cell imaging, and multi-omics analyses. The protocol has been applied to a broad array of gastrointestinal malignancies. Culture conditions and treatment parameters can be modified for specific experiments. The platform is highly flexible and easy to manipulate. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Kenerson et al. (2020), Jabbari et al. (2020), Brempelis et al. (2020), and Jiang et al. (2017). Organotypic tumor slice cultures (TSCs) can be utilized to study human cancer TSCs provide a model to study effects of chemo-, immuno-, and cell-based therapies Tumor response to treatment can be assessed using multiple readouts
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi L Kenerson
- University of Washington Department of Surgery, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Kevin M Sullivan
- University of Washington Department of Surgery, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Kevin P Labadie
- University of Washington Department of Surgery, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | | | - Raymond S Yeung
- University of Washington Department of Surgery, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
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30
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Czuba LC, Wu X, Huang W, Hollingshead N, Roberto JB, Kenerson HL, Yeung RS, Crispe IN, Isoherranen N. Altered vitamin A metabolism in human liver slices corresponds to fibrogenesis. Clin Transl Sci 2021; 14:976-989. [PMID: 33382909 PMCID: PMC8212748 DOI: 10.1111/cts.12962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
All-trans-retinoic acid (atRA), the active metabolite of vitamin A, has antifibrogenic properties in vitro and in animal models. Liver vitamin A homeostasis is maintained by cell-specific enzymatic activities including storage in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), secretion into circulation from hepatocytes, and formation and clearance of atRA. During chronic liver injury, HSC activation is associated with a decrease in liver retinyl esters and retinol concentrations. atRA is synthesized through two enzymatic steps from retinol, but it is unknown if the loss of retinoid stores is associated with changes in atRA formation and which cell types contribute to the metabolic changes. The aim of this study was to determine if the vitamin A metabolic flux is perturbed in acute liver injury, and if changes in atRA concentrations are associated with HSC activation and collagen expression. At basal levels, HSC and Kupffer cells expressed key genes involved in vitamin A metabolism, whereas after acute liver injury, complex changes to the metabolic flux were observed in liver slices. These changes include a reproducible spike in atRA tissue concentrations, decreased retinyl ester and atRA formation rate, and time-dependent changes to the expression of metabolizing enzymes. Kinetic simulations suggested that oxidoreductases are important in determining retinoid metabolic flux after liver injury. These early changes precede HSC activation and upregulation of profibrogenic gene expression, which were inversely correlated with atRA tissue concentrations, suggesting that HSC and Kupffer cells are key cells involved in changes to vitamin A metabolic flux and signaling after liver injury. Study Highlights WHAT IS THE CURRENT KNOWLEDGE ON THE TOPIC? Vitamin A is metabolized in the liver for storage as retinyl esters in hepatic stellate cell (HSCs) or to all-trans-retinoic acid (atRA), an active metabolite with antifibrogenic properties. Following chronic liver injury, vitamin A metabolic flux is perturbed, and HSC activation leads to diminished retinoid stores. WHAT QUESTION DID THIS STUDY ADDRESS? Do changes in the expression of vitamin A metabolizing enzymes explain changes in atRA concentrations and the regulation of fibrosis following acute liver injury? WHAT DOES THIS STUDY ADD TO OUR KNOWLEDGE? In healthy liver, both HSC and Kupffer cells may mediate vitamin A homeostasis. Following acute liver injury, complex changes in metabolizing enzyme expression/activity alter the metabolic flux of retinoids, resulting in a transient peak in atRA concentrations. The atRA concentrations are inversely correlated with profibrogenic gene expression, HSC activation, and collagen deposition. HOW MIGHT THIS CHANGE CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY OR TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE? Improved understanding of altered vitamin A metabolic flux in acute liver injury may provide insight into cell-specific contributions to vitamin A loss and lead to novel interventions in liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay C. Czuba
- Department of PharmaceuticsUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Xia Wu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and PathologyUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Weize Huang
- Department of PharmaceuticsUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Nicole Hollingshead
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and PathologyUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Jessica B. Roberto
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and PathologyUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | | | - Raymond S. Yeung
- Department of SurgeryUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Ian N. Crispe
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and PathologyUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Nina Isoherranen
- Department of PharmaceuticsUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
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31
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Rae C, Amato F, Braconi C. Patient-Derived Organoids as a Model for Cancer Drug Discovery. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22073483. [PMID: 33801782 PMCID: PMC8038043 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22073483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In the search for the ideal model of tumours, the use of three-dimensional in vitro models is advancing rapidly. These are intended to mimic the in vivo properties of the tumours which affect cancer development, progression and drug sensitivity, and take into account cell–cell interactions, adhesion and invasiveness. Importantly, it is hoped that successful recapitulation of the structure and function of the tissue will predict patient response, permitting the development of personalized therapy in a timely manner applicable to the clinic. Furthermore, the use of co-culture systems will allow the role of the tumour microenvironment and tissue–tissue interactions to be taken into account and should lead to more accurate predictions of tumour development and responses to drugs. In this review, the relative merits and limitations of patient-derived organoids will be discussed compared to other in vitro and ex vivo cancer models. We will focus on their use as models for drug testing and personalized therapy and how these may be improved. Developments in technology will also be considered, including the use of microfluidics, 3D bioprinting, cryopreservation and circulating tumour cell-derived organoids. These have the potential to enhance the consistency, accessibility and availability of these models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin Rae
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK; (C.R.); (F.A.)
| | - Francesco Amato
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK; (C.R.); (F.A.)
| | - Chiara Braconi
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK; (C.R.); (F.A.)
- Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre, Glasgow G12 0YN, UK
- Correspondence:
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32
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Kartasheva-Ebertz D, Gaston J, Lair-Mehiri L, Massault PP, Scatton O, Vaillant JC, Morozov VA, Pol S, Lagaye S. Adult human liver slice cultures: Modelling of liver fibrosis and evaluation of new anti-fibrotic drugs. World J Hepatol 2021; 13:187-217. [PMID: 33708350 PMCID: PMC7934011 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v13.i2.187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver fibrosis can result in end-stage liver failure and death.
AIM To examine human liver fibrogenesis and anti-fibrotic therapies, we evaluated the three dimensional ex vivo liver slice (LS) model.
METHODS Fibrotic liver samples (F0 to F4 fibrosis stage according to the METAVIR score) were collected from patients after liver resection. Human liver slices (HLS) were cultivated for up to 21 days. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, alcohol (ethanol stimulation) and steatosis (palmitate stimulation) were examined in fibrotic (F2 to F4) liver slices infected (or not) with HCV. F0-F1 HLS were used as controls. At day 0, either ursodeoxycholic acid (choleretic and hepatoprotective properties) and/or α-tocopherol (antioxidant properties) were added to standard of care on HLS and fibrotic liver slices, infected (or not) with HCV. Expression of the biomarkers of fibrosis and the triglyceride production were checked by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and/or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
RESULTS The cultures were viable in vitro for 21 days allowing to study fibrosis inducers and to estimate the effect of anti-fibrotic drugs. Expression of the biomarkers of fibrosis and the progression to steatosis (estimated by triglycerides production) was increased with the addition of HCV and /or ethanol or palmitate. From day 15 of the follow-up studies, a significant decrease of both transforming growth factor β-1 and Procol1A1 expression and triglycerides production was observed when a combined anti-fibrotic treatment was applied on HCV infected F2-F4 LS cultures.
CONCLUSION These results show that the human three dimensional ex vivo model effectively reflects the in vivo processes in damaged human liver (viral, alcoholic, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis liver diseases) and provides the proof of concept that the LS examined model permits a rapid evaluation of new anti-fibrotic therapies when used alone or in combination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria Kartasheva-Ebertz
- Institut Pasteur, Immunobiologie des Cellules Dendritiques, INSERM U1223, Paris 75015, France
- BioSPC, Université de Paris, Paris 75005, France
| | - Jesintha Gaston
- Institut Pasteur, Immunobiologie des Cellules Dendritiques, INSERM U1223, Paris 75015, France
- BioSPC, Université de Paris, Paris 75005, France
| | - Loriane Lair-Mehiri
- Institut Pasteur, Immunobiologie des Cellules Dendritiques, INSERM U1223, Paris 75015, France
- BioSPC, Université de Paris, Paris 75005, France
| | - Pierre-Philippe Massault
- Service de Chirurgie digestive, Hépato-biliaire et Endocrinienne, AP-HP, Groupe Hospitalier Cochin, Paris 75014, France
| | - Olivier Scatton
- Service de Chirurgie digestive et Hépato bilio pancréatique, AP-HP, Groupe Hospitalier La Pitié-Salpétrière, Medecine Sorbonne Université, Paris 75013, France
| | - Jean-Christophe Vaillant
- Service de Chirurgie digestive et Hépato bilio pancréatique, AP-HP, Groupe Hospitalier La Pitié-Salpétrière, Medecine Sorbonne Université, Paris 75013, France
| | - Vladimir Alexei Morozov
- Center for HIV and Retrovirology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin 13353, Germany
| | - Stanislas Pol
- Institut Pasteur, Immunobiologie des Cellules Dendritiques, INSERM U1223, Paris 75015, France
- Département d'Hépatologie, AP-HP, Groupe Hospitalier Cochin, Université de Paris, Paris 75014, France
| | - Sylvie Lagaye
- Institut Pasteur, Immunobiologie des Cellules Dendritiques, INSERM U1223, Paris 75015, France
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Polyak SJ, Crispe IN, Baumert TF. Liver Abnormalities after Elimination of HCV Infection: Persistent Epigenetic and Immunological Perturbations Post-Cure. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10010044. [PMID: 33430338 PMCID: PMC7825776 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10010044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2020] [Revised: 01/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) is a major cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) worldwide. While directly acting antiviral (DAA) drugs are now able to cure virtually all hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections, even in subjects with advanced liver disease, what happens to the liver and progression of the disease after DAA-induced cure of viremia is only beginning to emerge. Several large-scale clinical studies in different patient populations have shown that patients with advanced liver disease maintain a risk for developing HCC even when the original instigator, the virus, is eliminated by DAAs. Here we review emerging studies derived from multiple, complementary experimental systems involving patient liver tissues, human liver cell cultures, human liver slice cultures, and animal models, showing that HCV infection induces epigenetic, signaling, and gene expression changes in the liver associated with altered hepatic innate immunity and liver cancer risk. Of critical importance is the fact that these virus-induced abnormalities persist after DAA cure of HCV. These nascent findings portend the discovery of pathways involved in post-HCV immunopathogenesis, which may be clinically actionable targets for more comprehensive care of DAA-cured individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen J. Polyak
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Correspondence: (S.J.P.); (I.N.C.); (T.F.B.)
| | - I. Nicholas Crispe
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Correspondence: (S.J.P.); (I.N.C.); (T.F.B.)
| | - Thomas F. Baumert
- Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques, Université de Strasbourg, Inserm U1110, 67000 Strasbourg, France
- Pole Hépato-digestif, IHU, Hopitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
- Correspondence: (S.J.P.); (I.N.C.); (T.F.B.)
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34
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Hollingshead N, Wu X, Kenerson H, Chen A, Strickland I, Horton H, Yeung R, Crispe IN. Functional responses of resident human T cells in intact liver tissue. Cell Immunol 2020; 360:104275. [PMID: 33421676 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2020.104275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The liver contains a rich mix of T cells, including activated T cells, tissue-resident memory T cells and cells undergoing apoptosis. When antigens are presented in this milieu the default result is functional tolerance. T cell tolerance in the liver could be constitutive, or it could be adaptive, in which case liver cells would become unresponsive after encountering antigen in the liver context. To test this model, we evaluated the potential of human liver T cells to respond to T cell receptor ligation in liver tissue slice cultures. These T cells contained an actively motile subset of CD4+ T cells marked by CCR7 and CD62L, and fully functional subsets of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells that synthesized effector cytokines but subsequently assumed an exhausted phenotype. These data favor the model that human liver T cells are not constitutively tolerant but undergo adaptive tolerance after activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Hollingshead
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington Medical Center, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Xia Wu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington Medical Center, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Heidi Kenerson
- Department of Surgery, University of Washington Medical Center, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Antony Chen
- Janssen Research and Development, Beerse, Belgium
| | | | - Helen Horton
- Janssen Research and Development, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Raymond Yeung
- Department of Surgery, University of Washington Medical Center, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Ian N Crispe
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington Medical Center, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
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35
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Herbert J, Laskin DL, Gow AJ, Laskin JD. Chemical warfare agent research in precision-cut tissue slices-a useful alternative approach. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2020; 1480:44-53. [PMID: 32808309 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.14459] [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: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 07/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The use of chemical warfare agents (CWAs) in military conflicts and against civilians is a recurrent problem. Despite ongoing CWA research using in vitro or in vivo models, progress to elucidate mechanisms of toxicity and to develop effective therapies, decontamination procedures, and general countermeasures is still limited. Novel scientific approaches to address these questions are needed to expand perspectives on existing knowledge and gain new insights. To achieve this, the use of ex vivo techniques like precision-cut tissue slices (PCTSs) can be a valuable approach. Existing studies employing this economical and relatively easy to implement method show model suitability and comparability with the use of in vitro and in vivo models. In this article, we review research on CWAs in PCTSs to illustrate the advantages of the approach and to promote future applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Herbert
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey
| | - Debra L Laskin
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey
| | - Andrew J Gow
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey
| | - Jeffrey D Laskin
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey
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36
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Wu X, Hollingshead N, Roberto J, Knupp A, Kenerson H, Chen A, Strickland I, Horton H, Yeung R, Soysa R, Crispe IN. Human Liver Macrophage Subsets Defined by CD32. Front Immunol 2020; 11:2108. [PMID: 33101269 PMCID: PMC7546764 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.02108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Human liver myeloid cells are imperfectly defined, but it is broadly agreed that cells of stellate appearance in situ, expressing the markers CD11b and CD68, are the liver's resident macrophages, classically termed Kupffer cells. Recent investigations using single cell RNA sequencing and unsupervised clustering algorithms suggest there are two populations of cells with the characteristics of tissue macrophages in human liver. We therefore analyzed dissociated human liver tissue using the markers CD11b and CD68 to define macrophage-like cells and found within this population two subsets that differ in their expression of multiple surface markers. These subsets were FACS-sorted based on CD32 expression, and gene expression analysis identified them with human liver myeloid cell subsets that were previously defined by two independent single cell RNA sequencing studies. Using qRT-PCR we found that the two subsets differed in the expression of genes associated with T cell activation and immunosuppression, suggesting distinct roles in T cell tolerance. In addition, one subset expressed two markers, CD1C and CD11c, more often seen on classical dendritic cells. Criteria used to distinguish macrophages from dendritic cells in other tissues may need to be revised in the human liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Wu
- Departments of Pathology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Nicole Hollingshead
- Departments of Pathology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Jessica Roberto
- Departments of Pathology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Allison Knupp
- Departments of Pathology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Heidi Kenerson
- Departments of Surgery, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Antony Chen
- Janssen Research and Development, Beerse, Belgium
| | | | - Helen Horton
- Janssen Research and Development, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Raymond Yeung
- Departments of Surgery, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Radika Soysa
- Departments of Pathology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Ian N. Crispe
- Departments of Pathology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA, United States,*Correspondence: Ian N. Crispe
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Béguin J, Foloppe J, Maurey C, Laloy E, Hortelano J, Nourtier V, Pichon C, Cochin S, Cordier P, Huet H, Quemeneur E, Klonjkowski B, Erbs P. Preclinical Evaluation of the Oncolytic Vaccinia Virus TG6002 by Translational Research on Canine Breast Cancer. MOLECULAR THERAPY-ONCOLYTICS 2020; 19:57-66. [PMID: 33072863 PMCID: PMC7533293 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2020.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Oncolytic virotherapy is a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of cancer. TG6002 is a recombinant oncolytic vaccinia virus deleted in the thymidine kinase and ribonucleotide reductase genes and armed with the suicide gene FCU1, which encodes a bifunctional chimeric protein that efficiently catalyzes the direct conversion of the nontoxic 5-fluorocytosine into the toxic metabolite 5-fluorouracil. In translational research, canine tumors and especially mammary cancers are relevant surrogates for human cancers and can be used as preclinical models. Here, we report that TG6002 is able to replicate in canine tumor cell lines and is oncolytic in such cells cultured in 2D or 3D as well as canine mammary tumor explants. Furthermore, intratumoral injections of TG6002 lead to inhibition of the proliferation of canine tumor cells grafted into mice. 5-fluorocytosine treatment of mice significantly improves the anti-tumoral activity of TG6002 infection, a finding that can be correlated with its conversion into 5-fluorouracil within infected fresh canine tumor biopsies. In conclusion, our study suggests that TG6002 associated with 5-fluorocytosine is a promising therapy for human and canine cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jérémy Béguin
- UMR Virologie, INRA, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, ANSES, Université Paris-Est, Maisons-Alfort 94700, France
- Transgene S.A., 400 Boulevard Gonthier d’Andernach, Parc d’innovation, CS80166, Illkirch-Graffenstaden Cedex 67405, France
- Service de Médecine Interne, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, Université Paris-Est, Maisons-Alfort, 94700, France
- Corresponding author: Jérémy Béguin, UMR Virologie, INRA, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, ANSES, Université Paris-Est, 7 Avenue du Général de Gaulle, Maisons-Alfort 94700, France.
| | - Johann Foloppe
- Transgene S.A., 400 Boulevard Gonthier d’Andernach, Parc d’innovation, CS80166, Illkirch-Graffenstaden Cedex 67405, France
| | - Christelle Maurey
- Service de Médecine Interne, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, Université Paris-Est, Maisons-Alfort, 94700, France
| | - Eve Laloy
- UMR Virologie, INRA, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, ANSES, Université Paris-Est, Maisons-Alfort 94700, France
- Laboratoire d’Anatomo-cytopathologie, Biopôle Alfort, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, Université Paris-Est, Maisons-Alfort 94700, France
| | - Julie Hortelano
- Transgene S.A., 400 Boulevard Gonthier d’Andernach, Parc d’innovation, CS80166, Illkirch-Graffenstaden Cedex 67405, France
| | - Virginie Nourtier
- Transgene S.A., 400 Boulevard Gonthier d’Andernach, Parc d’innovation, CS80166, Illkirch-Graffenstaden Cedex 67405, France
| | - Christelle Pichon
- Transgene S.A., 400 Boulevard Gonthier d’Andernach, Parc d’innovation, CS80166, Illkirch-Graffenstaden Cedex 67405, France
| | - Sandrine Cochin
- Transgene S.A., 400 Boulevard Gonthier d’Andernach, Parc d’innovation, CS80166, Illkirch-Graffenstaden Cedex 67405, France
| | - Pascale Cordier
- Transgene S.A., 400 Boulevard Gonthier d’Andernach, Parc d’innovation, CS80166, Illkirch-Graffenstaden Cedex 67405, France
| | - Hélène Huet
- UMR Virologie, INRA, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, ANSES, Université Paris-Est, Maisons-Alfort 94700, France
- Laboratoire d’Anatomo-cytopathologie, Biopôle Alfort, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, Université Paris-Est, Maisons-Alfort 94700, France
| | - Eric Quemeneur
- Transgene S.A., 400 Boulevard Gonthier d’Andernach, Parc d’innovation, CS80166, Illkirch-Graffenstaden Cedex 67405, France
| | - Bernard Klonjkowski
- UMR Virologie, INRA, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, ANSES, Université Paris-Est, Maisons-Alfort 94700, France
| | - Philippe Erbs
- Transgene S.A., 400 Boulevard Gonthier d’Andernach, Parc d’innovation, CS80166, Illkirch-Graffenstaden Cedex 67405, France
- Corresponding author: Philippe Erbs, Transgene S.A., 400 Boulevard Gonthier d’Andernach, Parc d’innovation, CS80166, Illkirch-Graffenstaden Cedex 67405, France.
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38
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Othman A, Ehnert S, Dropmann A, Ruoß M, Nüssler AK, Hammad S. Precision-cut liver slices as an alternative method for long-term hepatotoxicity studies. Arch Toxicol 2020; 94:2889-2891. [PMID: 32683516 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-020-02861-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Amnah Othman
- Department of Traumatology, Siegfried Weller Institute, BG Clinic, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Sabrina Ehnert
- Department of Traumatology, Siegfried Weller Institute, BG Clinic, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Anne Dropmann
- Molecular Hepatology Section, Department of Medicine II, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany.,Hepatology and Bioinformatic Section, Department of Medicine II, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Marc Ruoß
- Department of Traumatology, Siegfried Weller Institute, BG Clinic, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Andreas K Nüssler
- Department of Traumatology, Siegfried Weller Institute, BG Clinic, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Seddik Hammad
- Molecular Hepatology Section, Department of Medicine II, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany. .,Department of Forensic Medicine and Veterinary Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Qena, Egypt.
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39
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Kartasheva D, Lagaye S, Pol S. Reply to "Precision-cut human liver slice cultures as an immunological platform". J Immunol Methods 2020; 497:112814. [PMID: 32592773 DOI: 10.1016/j.jim.2020.112814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Stanislas Pol
- INSERM U-1223, Pasteur Institute, Paris, France; Paris Descartes University, France; Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Cochin Hospital, Liver Department, Paris, France
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40
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Hoyle HW, Smith LA, Williams RJ, Przyborski SA. Applications of novel bioreactor technology to enhance the viability and function of cultured cells and tissues. Interface Focus 2020; 10:20190090. [PMID: 32194933 DOI: 10.1098/rsfs.2019.0090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
As the field of tissue engineering continues to advance rapidly, so too does the complexity of cell culture techniques used to generate in vitro tissue constructs, with the overall aim of mimicking the in vivo microenvironment. This complexity typically comes at a cost with regards to the size of the equipment required and associated expenses. We have developed a small, low-cost bioreactor system which overcomes some of the issues of typical bioreactor systems while retaining a suitable scale for the formation of complex tissues. Herein, we have tested this system with three cell populations/tissues: the culture of hepatocellular carcinoma cells, where an improved structure and basic metabolic function is seen; the culture of human pluripotent stem cells, in which the cultures can form more heterogeneous tissues resembling the in vivo teratoma and ex vivo liver tissue slices, in which improved maintenance of cellular viability is seen over the 3 days tested. This system has the flexibility to be used for a variety of further uses and has the potential to provide a more accessible alternative to current bioreactor technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- H W Hoyle
- Department of Biosciences, Durham University, South Road, Durham DH1 3LE, UK
| | - L A Smith
- Department of Biosciences, Durham University, South Road, Durham DH1 3LE, UK
| | - R J Williams
- Department of Engineering, Durham University, South Road, Durham DH1 3LE, UK
| | - S A Przyborski
- Department of Biosciences, Durham University, South Road, Durham DH1 3LE, UK.,Reprocell Europe Ltd, NETPark Incubator, Thomas Wright Way, Sedgefield TS21 3FD, UK
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41
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Ruoß M, Vosough M, Königsrainer A, Nadalin S, Wagner S, Sajadian S, Huber D, Heydari Z, Ehnert S, Hengstler JG, Nussler AK. Towards improved hepatocyte cultures: Progress and limitations. Food Chem Toxicol 2020; 138:111188. [PMID: 32045649 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2020.111188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2019] [Revised: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Hepatotoxicity is among the most frequent reasons for drug withdrawal from the market. Therefore, there is an urgent need for reliable predictive in vitro tests, which unfailingly identify hepatotoxic drug candidates, reduce drug development time, expenses and the number of test animals. Currently, human hepatocytes represent the gold standard. However, the use of hepatocytes is challenging since the cells are not constantly available and lose their metabolic activity in culture. To solve these problems many different approaches have been developed in the past decades. The aim of this review is to present these approaches and to discuss the possibilities and limitations as well as future opportunities and directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Ruoß
- Department of Traumatology, Siegfried Weller Institute, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Massoud Vosough
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Centre, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alfred Königsrainer
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Silvio Nadalin
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Silvia Wagner
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Sahar Sajadian
- Department of Traumatology, Siegfried Weller Institute, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Diana Huber
- Department of Traumatology, Siegfried Weller Institute, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Zahra Heydari
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Centre, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sabrina Ehnert
- Department of Traumatology, Siegfried Weller Institute, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jan G Hengstler
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors (IfADo), Technical University of Dortmund, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Andreas K Nussler
- Department of Traumatology, Siegfried Weller Institute, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
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42
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Novel patient-derived preclinical models of liver cancer. J Hepatol 2020; 72:239-249. [PMID: 31954489 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2019.09.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2019] [Revised: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 09/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Preclinical models of cancer based on the use of human cancer cell lines and mouse models have enabled discoveries that have been successfully translated into patients. And yet the majority of clinical trials fail, emphasising the urgent need to improve preclinical research to better interrogate the potential efficacy of each therapy and the patient population most likely to benefit. This is particularly important for liver malignancies, which lack highly efficient treatments and account for hundreds of thousands of deaths around the globe. Given the intricate network of genetic and environmental factors that contribute to liver cancer development and progression, the identification of new druggable targets will mainly depend on establishing preclinical models that mirror the complexity of features observed in patients. The development of new 3D cell culture systems, originating from cells/tissues isolated from patients, might create new opportunities for the generation of more specific and personalised therapies. However, these systems are unable to recapitulate the tumour microenvironment and interactions with the immune system, both proven to be critical influences on therapeutic outcomes. Patient-derived xenografts, in particular with humanised mouse models, more faithfully mimic the physiology of human liver cancer but are costly and time-consuming, which can be prohibitive for personalising therapies in the setting of an aggressive malignancy. In this review, we discuss the latest advances in the development of more accurate preclinical models to better understand liver cancer biology and identify paradigm-changing therapies, stressing the importance of a bi-directional communicative flow between clinicians and researchers to establish reliable model systems and determine how best to apply them to expanding our current knowledge.
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43
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Distler JHW, Györfi AH, Ramanujam M, Whitfield ML, Königshoff M, Lafyatis R. Shared and distinct mechanisms of fibrosis. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2019; 15:705-730. [DOI: 10.1038/s41584-019-0322-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 197] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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44
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Sivakumar R, Chan M, Shin JS, Nishida-Aoki N, Kenerson HL, Elemento O, Beltran H, Yeung R, Gujral TS. Organotypic tumor slice cultures provide a versatile platform for immuno-oncology and drug discovery. Oncoimmunology 2019; 8:e1670019. [PMID: 31741771 PMCID: PMC6844320 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2019.1670019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2019] [Revised: 08/31/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Organotypic tumor slices represent a physiologically-relevant culture system for studying the tumor microenvironment. Systematic characterization of the tumor slice culture system will enable its effective application for translational research. Here, using flow cytometry-based immunophenotyping, we performed a comprehensive characterization of the immune cell composition in organotypic tumor slices prepared from four syngeneic mouse tumor models and a human liver tumor. We found that the immune cell compositions of organotypic tumor slices prepared on the same day as the tumor cores were harvested are similar. Differences were primarily observed in the lymphocyte population of a clinical hepatocellular carcinoma case. Viable populations of immune cells persisted in the tumor slices for 7 days. Despite some changes in the immune cell populations, we showed the utility of mouse tumor slices for assessing responses to immune-modulatory agents. Further, we demonstrated the ability to use patient-derived xenograft tumor slices for assessing responses to targeted and cytotoxic drugs. Overall, tumor slices provide a broadly useful platform for studying the tumor microenvironment and evaluating the preclinical efficacy of cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramya Sivakumar
- Division of Human Biology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Marina Chan
- Division of Human Biology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jiye Stella Shin
- Division of Human Biology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Nao Nishida-Aoki
- Division of Human Biology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Heidi L Kenerson
- Department of Surgery, University of Was hington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Olivier Elemento
- Englander Institute of Precision medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, NY, USA
| | - Himisha Beltran
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Raymond Yeung
- Department of Surgery, University of Was hington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Taranjit S Gujral
- Division of Human Biology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA.,Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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45
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The application of omics-based human liver platforms for investigating the mechanism of drug-induced hepatotoxicity in vitro. Arch Toxicol 2019; 93:3067-3098. [PMID: 31586243 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-019-02585-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) complicates safety assessment for new drugs and poses major threats to both patient health and drug development in the pharmaceutical industry. A number of human liver cell-based in vitro models combined with toxicogenomics methods have been developed as an alternative to animal testing for studying human DILI mechanisms. In this review, we discuss the in vitro human liver systems and their applications in omics-based drug-induced hepatotoxicity studies. We furthermore present bioinformatic approaches that are useful for analyzing toxicogenomic data generated from these models and discuss their current and potential contributions to the understanding of mechanisms of DILI. Human pluripotent stem cells, carrying donor-specific genetic information, hold great potential for advancing the study of individual-specific toxicological responses. When co-cultured with other liver-derived non-parenchymal cells in a microfluidic device, the resulting dynamic platform enables us to study immune-mediated drug hypersensitivity and accelerates personalized drug toxicology studies. A flexible microfluidic platform would also support the assembly of a more advanced organs-on-a-chip device, further bridging gap between in vitro and in vivo conditions. The standard transcriptomic analysis of these cell systems can be complemented with causality-inferring approaches to improve the understanding of DILI mechanisms. These approaches involve statistical techniques capable of elucidating regulatory interactions in parts of these mechanisms. The use of more elaborated human liver models, in harmony with causality-inferring bioinformatic approaches will pave the way for establishing a powerful methodology to systematically assess DILI mechanisms across a wide range of conditions.
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Paish HL, Reed LH, Brown H, Bryan MC, Govaere O, Leslie J, Barksby BS, Garcia Macia M, Watson A, Xu X, Zaki MY, Greaves L, Whitehall J, French J, White SA, Manas DM, Robinson SM, Spoletini G, Griffiths C, Mann DA, Borthwick LA, Drinnan MJ, Mann J, Oakley F. A Bioreactor Technology for Modeling Fibrosis in Human and Rodent Precision-Cut Liver Slices. Hepatology 2019; 70:1377-1391. [PMID: 30963615 PMCID: PMC6852483 DOI: 10.1002/hep.30651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Precision cut liver slices (PCLSs) retain the structure and cellular composition of the native liver and represent an improved system to study liver fibrosis compared to two-dimensional mono- or co-cultures. The aim of this study was to develop a bioreactor system to increase the healthy life span of PCLSs and model fibrogenesis. PCLSs were generated from normal rat or human liver, or fibrotic rat liver, and cultured in our bioreactor. PCLS function was quantified by albumin enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Fibrosis was induced in PCLSs by transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFβ1) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGFββ) stimulation ± therapy. Fibrosis was assessed by gene expression, picrosirius red, and α-smooth muscle actin staining, hydroxyproline assay, and soluble ELISAs. Bioreactor-cultured PCLSs are viable, maintaining tissue structure, metabolic activity, and stable albumin secretion for up to 6 days under normoxic culture conditions. Conversely, standard static transwell-cultured PCLSs rapidly deteriorate, and albumin secretion is significantly impaired by 48 hours. TGFβ1/PDGFββ stimulation of rat or human PCLSs induced fibrogenic gene expression, release of extracellular matrix proteins, activation of hepatic myofibroblasts, and histological fibrosis. Fibrogenesis slowly progresses over 6 days in cultured fibrotic rat PCLSs without exogenous challenge. Activin receptor-like kinase 5 (Alk5) inhibitor (Alk5i), nintedanib, and obeticholic acid therapy limited fibrogenesis in TGFβ1/PDGFββ-stimulated PCLSs, and Alk5i blunted progression of fibrosis in fibrotic PCLS. Conclusion: We describe a bioreactor technology that maintains functional PCLS cultures for 6 days. Bioreactor-cultured PCLSs can be successfully used to model fibrogenesis and demonstrate efficacy of antifibrotic therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah L. Paish
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Faculty of Medical SciencesNewcastle UniversityNewcastle upon TyneUnited Kingdom
| | - Lee H. Reed
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Faculty of Medical SciencesNewcastle UniversityNewcastle upon TyneUnited Kingdom
| | - Helen Brown
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Faculty of Medical SciencesNewcastle UniversityNewcastle upon TyneUnited Kingdom
| | - Mark C. Bryan
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Faculty of Medical SciencesNewcastle UniversityNewcastle upon TyneUnited Kingdom
| | - Olivier Govaere
- Liver Research Group, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Faculty of Medical SciencesNewcastle UniversityNewcastle upon TyneUnited Kingdom
| | - Jack Leslie
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Faculty of Medical SciencesNewcastle UniversityNewcastle upon TyneUnited Kingdom
| | - Ben S. Barksby
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Faculty of Medical SciencesNewcastle UniversityNewcastle upon TyneUnited Kingdom
| | - Marina Garcia Macia
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Faculty of Medical SciencesNewcastle UniversityNewcastle upon TyneUnited Kingdom
| | - Abigail Watson
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Faculty of Medical SciencesNewcastle UniversityNewcastle upon TyneUnited Kingdom
| | - Xin Xu
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Faculty of Medical SciencesNewcastle UniversityNewcastle upon TyneUnited Kingdom
| | - Marco Y.W. Zaki
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Faculty of Medical SciencesNewcastle UniversityNewcastle upon TyneUnited Kingdom
| | - Laura Greaves
- Newcastle University LLHW Centre for Ageing and VitalityNewcastle UniversityNewcastle upon TyneUnited Kingdom
- Wellcome Centre for Mitochondrial Research, Institute of NeuroscienceNewcastle UniversityNewcastle upon TyneUnited Kingdom
| | - Julia Whitehall
- Newcastle University LLHW Centre for Ageing and VitalityNewcastle UniversityNewcastle upon TyneUnited Kingdom
| | - Jeremy French
- Department of Hepatobiliary SurgeryNewcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustNewcastle upon TyneUnited Kingdom
| | - Steven A. White
- Department of Hepatobiliary SurgeryNewcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustNewcastle upon TyneUnited Kingdom
| | - Derek M. Manas
- Department of Hepatobiliary SurgeryNewcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustNewcastle upon TyneUnited Kingdom
| | - Stuart M. Robinson
- Department of Hepatobiliary SurgeryNewcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustNewcastle upon TyneUnited Kingdom
| | - Gabriele Spoletini
- Department of Hepatobiliary SurgeryNewcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustNewcastle upon TyneUnited Kingdom
| | - Clive Griffiths
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Faculty of Medical SciencesNewcastle UniversityNewcastle upon TyneUnited Kingdom
| | - Derek A. Mann
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Faculty of Medical SciencesNewcastle UniversityNewcastle upon TyneUnited Kingdom
| | - Lee A. Borthwick
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Faculty of Medical SciencesNewcastle UniversityNewcastle upon TyneUnited Kingdom
| | - Michael J. Drinnan
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Faculty of Medical SciencesNewcastle UniversityNewcastle upon TyneUnited Kingdom
| | - Jelena Mann
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Faculty of Medical SciencesNewcastle UniversityNewcastle upon TyneUnited Kingdom
| | - Fiona Oakley
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Faculty of Medical SciencesNewcastle UniversityNewcastle upon TyneUnited Kingdom
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Zárybnický T, Matoušková P, Ambrož M, Šubrt Z, Skálová L, Boušová I. The Selection and Validation of Reference Genes for mRNA and microRNA Expression Studies in Human Liver Slices Using RT-qPCR. Genes (Basel) 2019; 10:genes10100763. [PMID: 31569378 PMCID: PMC6826422 DOI: 10.3390/genes10100763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Revised: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The selection of a suitable combination of reference genes (RGs) for data normalization is a crucial step for obtaining reliable and reproducible results from transcriptional response analysis using a reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. This is especially so if a three-dimensional multicellular model prepared from liver tissues originating from biologically diverse human individuals is used. The mRNA and miRNA RGs stability were studied in thirty-five human liver tissue samples and twelve precision-cut human liver slices (PCLS) treated for 24 h with dimethyl sulfoxide (controls) and PCLS treated with β-naphthoflavone (10 µM) or rifampicin (10 µM) as cytochrome P450 (CYP) inducers. Validation of RGs was performed by an expression analysis of CYP3A4 and CYP1A2 on rifampicin and β-naphthoflavone induction, respectively. Regarding mRNA, the best combination of RGs for the controls was YWHAZ and B2M, while YWHAZ and ACTB were selected for the liver samples and treated PCLS. Stability of all candidate miRNA RGs was comparable or better than that of generally used short non-coding RNA U6. The best combination for the control PCLS was miR-16-5p and miR-152-3p, in contrast to the miR-16-5b and miR-23b-3p selected for the treated PCLS. Our results showed that the candidate RGs were rather stable, especially for miRNA in human PCLS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomáš Zárybnický
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Charles University, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové, 500 05 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic.
| | - Petra Matoušková
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Charles University, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové, 500 05 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic.
| | - Martin Ambrož
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Charles University, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové, 500 05 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic.
| | - Zdeněk Šubrt
- Department of General Surgery, Third Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Královské Vinohrady, Charles University, 100 34 Prague, Czech Republic.
- Department of Surgery, University Hospital Hradec Králové, 500 05 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic.
| | - Lenka Skálová
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Charles University, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové, 500 05 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic.
| | - Iva Boušová
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Charles University, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové, 500 05 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic.
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Harvey TN, Sandve SR, Jin Y, Vik JO, Torgersen JS. Liver slice culture as a model for lipid metabolism in fish. PeerJ 2019; 7:e7732. [PMID: 31576253 PMCID: PMC6753922 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.7732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic lipid metabolism is traditionally investigated in vitro using hepatocyte monocultures lacking the complex three-dimensional structure and interacting cell types essential liver function. Precision cut liver slice (PCLS) culture represents an alternative in vitro system, which benefits from retention of tissue architecture. Here, we present the first comprehensive evaluation of the PCLS method in fish (Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L.) and validate it in the context of lipid metabolism using feeding trials, extensive transcriptomic data, and fatty acid measurements. We observe an initial period of post-slicing global transcriptome adjustment, which plateaued after 3 days in major metabolic pathways and stabilized through 9 days. PCLS fed alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and insulin responded in a liver-like manner, increasing lipid biosynthesis gene expression. We identify interactions between insulin and ALA, where two PUFA biosynthesis genes that were induced by insulin or ALA alone, were highly down-regulated when insulin and ALA were combined. We also find that transcriptomic profiles of liver slices are exceedingly more similar to whole liver than hepatocyte monocultures, both for lipid metabolism and liver marker genes. PCLS culture opens new avenues for high throughput experimentation on the effect of “novel feed composition” and represent a promising new strategy for studying genotype-specific molecular features of metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas N Harvey
- Centre for Integrative Genetics, Department of Animal and Aquacultural Sciences, Faculty of Biosciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
| | - Simen R Sandve
- Centre for Integrative Genetics, Department of Animal and Aquacultural Sciences, Faculty of Biosciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
| | - Yang Jin
- Centre for Integrative Genetics, Department of Animal and Aquacultural Sciences, Faculty of Biosciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
| | - Jon Olav Vik
- Centre for Integrative Genetics, Department of Animal and Aquacultural Sciences, Faculty of Biosciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
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Weinhart M, Hocke A, Hippenstiel S, Kurreck J, Hedtrich S. 3D organ models-Revolution in pharmacological research? Pharmacol Res 2019; 139:446-451. [PMID: 30395949 PMCID: PMC7129286 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2018.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Revised: 10/30/2018] [Accepted: 11/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
3D organ models have gained increasing attention as novel preclinical test systems and alternatives to animal testing. Over the years, many excellent in vitro tissue models have been developed. In parallel, microfluidic organ-on-a-chip tissue cultures have gained increasing interest for their ability to house several organ models on a single device and interlink these within a human-like environment. In contrast to these advancements, the development of human disease models is still in its infancy. Although major advances have recently been made, efforts still need to be intensified. Human disease models have proven valuable for their ability to closely mimic disease patterns in vitro, permitting the study of pathophysiological features and new treatment options. Although animal studies remain the gold standard for preclinical testing, they have major drawbacks such as high cost and ongoing controversy over their predictive value for several human conditions. Moreover, there is growing political and social pressure to develop alternatives to animal models, clearly promoting the search for valid, cost-efficient and easy-to-handle systems lacking interspecies-related differences. In this review, we discuss the current state of the art regarding 3D organ as well as the opportunities, limitations and future implications of their use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Weinhart
- Freie Universität Berlin, Institute for Chemistry and Biochemistry, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreas Hocke
- Dept. of Infectious and Respiratory Diseases, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Germany
| | - Stefan Hippenstiel
- Dept. of Infectious and Respiratory Diseases, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Germany
| | - Jens Kurreck
- Technical University Berlin, Institute for Biotechnology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sarah Hedtrich
- Freie Universität Berlin, Institute for Pharmacy, Pharmacology & Toxicology, Königin-Luise-Str. 2-4, Berlin, 14195, Germany.
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Palma E, Doornebal EJ, Chokshi S. Precision-cut liver slices: a versatile tool to advance liver research. Hepatol Int 2018; 13:51-57. [PMID: 30515676 PMCID: PMC6513823 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-018-9913-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Human precision-cut liver slices represent a robust and versatile ex vivo model which retains the complex and multi-cellular histoarchitecture of the hepatic environment. As such, they represent an ideal model to investigate the mechanisms of liver injury and for the identification of novel therapeutic targets. Schematic overview to highlight the utility of precision-cut liver slices as a relevant and versatile ex-vivo model of liver disease. Top panel; Precision cut liver slices (PCLS) exposed to ethanol develop mega-mitochondria, a classical hallmark of Alcoholic Liver Disease (ALD). Right panel; PCLS from liver tumours can be used as a model for liver cancer and can be used to investigate cancer-immune cell interactions by co-culturing with matched immune cells. Bottom panel; Exposure to a mixture of oleic and linoleic acids can simulate Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). Left panel; PCLS can be infected with Hepatitis B and C virus and used as a model to study viral infection and replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Palma
- Institute of Hepatology London, Foundation for Liver Research, London, UK.,Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Ewald Jan Doornebal
- Institute of Hepatology London, Foundation for Liver Research, London, UK.,Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Shilpa Chokshi
- Institute of Hepatology London, Foundation for Liver Research, London, UK. .,Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK.
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