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Linsley JW, Reisine T, Finkbeiner S. Three dimensional and four dimensional live imaging to study mechanisms of progressive neurodegeneration. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:107433. [PMID: 38825007 PMCID: PMC11261153 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are complex and progressive, posing challenges to their study and understanding. Recent advances in microscopy imaging technologies have enabled the exploration of neurons in three spatial dimensions (3D) over time (4D). When applied to 3D cultures, tissues, or animals, these technologies can provide valuable insights into the dynamic and spatial nature of neurodegenerative diseases. This review focuses on the use of imaging techniques and neurodegenerative disease models to study neurodegeneration in 4D. Imaging techniques such as confocal microscopy, two-photon microscopy, miniscope imaging, light sheet microscopy, and robotic microscopy offer powerful tools to visualize and analyze neuronal changes over time in 3D tissue. Application of these technologies to in vitro models of neurodegeneration such as mouse organotypic culture systems and human organoid models provide versatile platforms to study neurodegeneration in a physiologically relevant context. Additionally, use of 4D imaging in vivo, including in mouse and zebrafish models of neurodegenerative diseases, allows for the investigation of early dysfunction and behavioral changes associated with neurodegeneration. We propose that these studies have the power to overcome the limitations of two-dimensional monolayer neuronal cultures and pave the way for improved understanding of the dynamics of neurodegenerative diseases and the development of effective therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy W Linsley
- Center for Systems and Therapeutics, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, California, USA; Operant Biopharma, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Terry Reisine
- Independent Scientific Consultant, Santa Cruz, California, USA
| | - Steven Finkbeiner
- Center for Systems and Therapeutics, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, California, USA; Operant Biopharma, San Francisco, California, USA; Taube/Koret Center for Neurodegenerative Disease, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, California, USA; Departments of Neurology and Physiology, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA; Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA.
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2
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Bagnoli E, Trotier A, McMahon J, Quinlan LR, Biggs M, Pandit A, FitzGerald U. Prodromal Parkinson's disease and the catecholaldehyde hypothesis: Insight from olfactory bulb organotypic cultures. FASEB J 2023; 37:e23272. [PMID: 37997495 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202301253r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive, neurodegenerative disorder with an increasing incidence, unknown etiology, and is currently incurable. Advances in understanding the pathological mechanisms at a molecular level have been slow, with little attention focused on the early prodromal phase of the disease. Consequently, the development of early-acting disease-modifying therapies has been hindered. The olfactory bulb (OB), the brain region responsible for initial processing of olfactory information, is particularly affected early in PD at both functional and molecular levels but there is little information on how the cells in this region are affected by disease. Organotypic and primary OB cultures were developed and characterized. These platforms were then used to assess the effects of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetylaldehyde (DOPAL), a metabolite of dopamine present in increased levels in post-mortem PD tissue and which is thought to contribute to PD pathogenesis. Our findings showed that DOPAL exposure can recapitulate many aspects of PD pathology. Oxidative stress, depolarization of mitochondrial membranes, and neurodegeneration were all induced by DOPAL addition, as were measured transcriptomic changes consistent with those reported in PD clinical studies. These olfactory models of prodromal disease lend credence to the catecholaldehyde hypothesis of PD and provide insight into the mechanisms by which the OB may be involved in disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Bagnoli
- CÚRAM, SFI Research Centre for Medical Devices, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
- Galway Neuroscience Centre, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Alexandre Trotier
- CÚRAM, SFI Research Centre for Medical Devices, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
- Galway Neuroscience Centre, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Jill McMahon
- CÚRAM, SFI Research Centre for Medical Devices, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
- Galway Neuroscience Centre, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Leo R Quinlan
- CÚRAM, SFI Research Centre for Medical Devices, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
- Physiology, School of Medicine, Galway, Ireland
| | - Manus Biggs
- CÚRAM, SFI Research Centre for Medical Devices, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
- Galway Neuroscience Centre, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Abhay Pandit
- CÚRAM, SFI Research Centre for Medical Devices, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
- Galway Neuroscience Centre, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Una FitzGerald
- CÚRAM, SFI Research Centre for Medical Devices, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
- Galway Neuroscience Centre, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
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3
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Bryniarska-Kubiak N, Kubiak A, Trojan E, Wesołowska J, Lekka M, Basta-Kaim A. Oxygen-Glucose Deprivation in Organotypic Hippocampal Cultures Leads to Cytoskeleton Rearrangement and Immune Activation: Link to the Potential Pathomechanism of Ischaemic Stroke. Cells 2023; 12:1465. [PMID: 37296586 PMCID: PMC10252361 DOI: 10.3390/cells12111465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Ischaemic stroke is characterized by a sudden loss of blood circulation to an area of the brain, resulting in a corresponding loss of neurologic function. As a result of this process, neurons in the ischaemic core are deprived of oxygen and trophic substances and are consequently destroyed. Tissue damage in brain ischaemia results from a complex pathophysiological cascade comprising various distinct pathological events. Ischaemia leads to brain damage by stimulating many processes, such as excitotoxicity, oxidative stress, inflammation, acidotoxicity, and apoptosis. Nevertheless, less attention has been given to biophysical factors, including the organization of the cytoskeleton and the mechanical properties of cells. Therefore, in the present study, we sought to evaluate whether the oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) procedure, which is a commonly accepted experimental model of ischaemia, could affect cytoskeleton organization and the paracrine immune response. The abovementioned aspects were examined ex vivo in organotypic hippocampal cultures (OHCs) subjected to the OGD procedure. We measured cell death/viability, nitric oxide (NO) release, and hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) levels. Next, the impact of the OGD procedure on cytoskeletal organization was evaluated using combined confocal fluorescence microscopy (CFM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Concurrently, to find whether there is a correlation between biophysical properties and the immune response, we examined the impact of OGD on the levels of crucial ischaemia cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-18, TNF-α, IL-10, IL-4) and chemokines (CCL3, CCL5, CXCL10) in OHCs and calculated Pearsons' and Spearman's rank correlation coefficients. The results of the current study demonstrated that the OGD procedure intensified cell death and nitric oxide release and led to the potentiation of HIF-1α release in OHCs. Moreover, we presented significant disturbances in the organization of the cytoskeleton (actin fibers, microtubular network) and cytoskeleton-associated protein 2 (MAP-2), which is a neuronal marker. Simultaneously, our study provided new evidence that the OGD procedure leads to the stiffening of OHCs and a malfunction in immune homeostasis. A negative linear correlation between tissue stiffness and branched IBA1 positive cells after the OGD procedure suggests the pro-inflammatory polarization of microglia. Moreover, the negative correlation of pro- and positive anti-inflammatory factors with actin fibers density indicates an opposing effect of the immune mediators on the rearrangement of cytoskeleton induced by OGD procedure in OHCs. Our study constitutes a basis for further research and provides a rationale for integrating biomechanical and biochemical methods in studying the pathomechanism of stroke-related brain damage. Furthermore, presented data pointed out the interesting direction of proof-of-concept studies, in which follow-up may establish new targets for brain ischemia therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Bryniarska-Kubiak
- Laboratory of Immunoendocrinology, Department of Experimental Neuroendocrinology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna St., 31-343 Kraków, Poland
| | - Andrzej Kubiak
- Department of Biophysical Microstructures, Institute of Nuclear Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, 152 Radzikowskiego St., 31-342 Kraków, Poland
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 7 Gronostajowa St., 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Ewa Trojan
- Laboratory of Immunoendocrinology, Department of Experimental Neuroendocrinology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna St., 31-343 Kraków, Poland
| | - Julita Wesołowska
- Laboratory for In Vivo and In Vitro Imaging, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna St., 31-343 Kraków, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Lekka
- Department of Biophysical Microstructures, Institute of Nuclear Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, 152 Radzikowskiego St., 31-342 Kraków, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Basta-Kaim
- Laboratory of Immunoendocrinology, Department of Experimental Neuroendocrinology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna St., 31-343 Kraków, Poland
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4
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Moudio S, Rodin F, Albargothy NJ, Karlsson U, Reyes JF, Hallbeck M. Exposure of α-Synuclein Aggregates to Organotypic Slice Cultures Recapitulates Key Molecular Features of Parkinson's Disease. Front Neurol 2022; 13:826102. [PMID: 35309552 PMCID: PMC8925863 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.826102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The accumulation of proteinaceous deposits comprised largely of the α-synuclein protein is one of the main hallmarks of Parkinson's disease (PD) and related synucleinopathies. Their progressive development coincides with site-specific phosphorylation, oxidative stress and eventually, compromised neuronal function. However, modeling protein aggregate formation in animal or in vitro models has proven notably difficult. Here, we took advantage of a preclinical organotypic brain slice culture model to study α-synuclein aggregate formation ex vivo. We monitored the progressive and gradual changes induced by α-synuclein such as cellular toxicity, autophagy activation, mitochondrial dysfunction, cellular death as well as α-synuclein modification including site-specific phosphorylation. Our results demonstrate that organotypic brain slice cultures can be cultured for long periods of time and when cultured in the presence of aggregated α-synuclein, the molecular features of PD are recapitulated. Taken together, this ex vivo model allows for detailed modeling of the molecular features of PD, thus enabling studies on the cumulative effects of α-synuclein in a complex environment. This provides a platform to screen potential disease-modifying therapeutic candidates aimed at impeding α-synuclein aggregation and/or cellular transmission. Moreover, this model provides a robust replacement for in vivo studies that do not include behavioral experiments, thus providing a way to reduce the number of animals used in an accelerated timescale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serge Moudio
- Department of Clinical Pathology and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Fredrik Rodin
- Department of Clinical Pathology and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Nazira Jamal Albargothy
- Department of Clinical Pathology and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Urban Karlsson
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Juan F Reyes
- Department of Clinical Pathology and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Martin Hallbeck
- Department of Clinical Pathology and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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5
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Nguyen VTT, König S, Eggert S, Endres K, Kins S. The role of mycotoxins in neurodegenerative diseases: current state of the art and future perspectives of research. Biol Chem 2021; 403:3-26. [PMID: 34449171 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2021-0214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Mycotoxins are fungal metabolites that can cause various diseases in humans and animals. The adverse health effects of mycotoxins such as liver failure, immune deficiency, and cancer are well-described. However, growing evidence suggests an additional link between these fungal metabolites and neurodegenerative diseases. Despite the wealth of these initial reports, reliable conclusions are still constrained by limited access to human patients and availability of suitable cell or animal model systems. This review summarizes knowledge on mycotoxins associated with neurodegenerative diseases and the assumed underlying pathophysiological mechanisms. The limitations of the common in vivo and in vitro experiments to identify the role of mycotoxins in neurotoxicity and thereby in neurodegenerative diseases are elucidated and possible future perspectives to further evolve this research field are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vu Thu Thuy Nguyen
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Untere Zahlbacher Str. 8, D-55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Svenja König
- Department of Human Biology and Human Genetics, University of Kaiserslautern, Erwin-Schrödinger-Straße 13, D-67663 Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Simone Eggert
- Department of Human Biology and Human Genetics, University of Kaiserslautern, Erwin-Schrödinger-Straße 13, D-67663 Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Kristina Endres
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Untere Zahlbacher Str. 8, D-55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Stefan Kins
- Department of Human Biology and Human Genetics, University of Kaiserslautern, Erwin-Schrödinger-Straße 13, D-67663 Kaiserslautern, Germany
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6
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Ucar B, Kajtez J, Foidl BM, Eigel D, Werner C, Long KR, Emnéus J, Bizeau J, Lomora M, Pandit A, Newland B, Humpel C. Biomaterial based strategies to reconstruct the nigrostriatal pathway in organotypic slice co-cultures. Acta Biomater 2021; 121:250-262. [PMID: 33242639 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2020.11.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Protection or repair of the nigrostriatal pathway represents a principal disease-modifying therapeutic strategy for Parkinson's disease (PD). Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) holds great therapeutic potential for PD, but its efficacious delivery remains difficult. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of different biomaterials (hydrogels, microspheres, cryogels and microcontact printed surfaces) for reconstructing the nigrostriatal pathway in organotypic co-culture of ventral mesencephalon and dorsal striatum. The biomaterials (either alone or loaded with GDNF) were locally applied onto the brain co-slices and fiber growth between the co-slices was evaluated after three weeks in culture based on staining for tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). Collagen hydrogels loaded with GDNF slightly promoted the TH+ nerve fiber growth towards the dorsal striatum, while GDNF loaded microspheres embedded within the hydrogels did not provide an improvement. Cryogels alone or loaded with GDNF also enhanced TH+ fiber growth. Lines of GDNF immobilized onto the membrane inserts via microcontact printing also significantly improved TH+ fiber growth. In conclusion, this study shows that various biomaterials and tissue engineering techniques can be employed to regenerate the nigrostriatal pathway in organotypic brain slices. This comparison of techniques highlights the relative merits of different technologies that researchers can use/develop for neuronal regeneration strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Buket Ucar
- Laboratory of Psychiatry and Experimental Alzheimer's Research, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Janko Kajtez
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine (DTU Bioengineering), Technical University of Denmark, Denmark
| | - Bettina M Foidl
- Laboratory of Psychiatry and Experimental Alzheimer's Research, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Dimitri Eigel
- Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e.V., Max Bergmann Center of Biomaterials Dresden, Germany
| | - Carsten Werner
- Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e.V., Max Bergmann Center of Biomaterials Dresden, Germany
| | - Katherine R Long
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, United Kingdom; MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, United Kingdom
| | - Jenny Emnéus
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine (DTU Bioengineering), Technical University of Denmark, Denmark
| | - Joëlle Bizeau
- SFI Research Centre for Medical Devices (CÚRAM), National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - Mihai Lomora
- SFI Research Centre for Medical Devices (CÚRAM), National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - Abhay Pandit
- SFI Research Centre for Medical Devices (CÚRAM), National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - Ben Newland
- Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e.V., Max Bergmann Center of Biomaterials Dresden, Germany; School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Christian Humpel
- Laboratory of Psychiatry and Experimental Alzheimer's Research, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria.
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7
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Ke M, Chong CM, Zhu Q, Zhang K, Cai CZ, Lu JH, Qin D, Su H. Comprehensive Perspectives on Experimental Models for Parkinson's Disease. Aging Dis 2021; 12:223-246. [PMID: 33532138 PMCID: PMC7801282 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2020.0331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease (PD) ranks second among the most common neurodegenerative diseases, characterized by progressive and selective loss of dopaminergic neurons. Various cross-species preclinical models, including cellular models and animal models, have been established through the decades to study the etiology and mechanism of the disease from cell lines to nonhuman primates. These models are aimed at developing effective therapeutic strategies for the disease. None of the current models can replicate all major pathological and clinical phenotypes of PD. Selection of the model for PD largely relies on our interest of study. In this review, we systemically summarized experimental PD models, including cellular and animal models used in preclinical studies, to understand the pathogenesis of PD. This review is intended to provide current knowledge about the application of these different PD models, with focus on their strengths and limitations with respect to their contributions to the assessment of the molecular pathobiology of PD and identification of the therapeutic strategies for the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minjing Ke
- 1State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Cheong-Meng Chong
- 1State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Qi Zhu
- 1State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Ke Zhang
- 1State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Cui-Zan Cai
- 1State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Jia-Hong Lu
- 1State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Dajiang Qin
- 2Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,3South China Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institute of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huanxing Su
- 1State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
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AlaylioĞlu M, Dursun E, Yilmazer S, Ak DG. A Bridge Between in vitro and in vivo Studies in Neuroscience: Organotypic Brain Slice Cultures. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 57:333-337. [PMID: 33354128 DOI: 10.29399/npa.26139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
In vitro and in vivo models are efficiently used systems in neuroscience research to study the brain in normal or pathological conditions. There are many advantages to these systems, yet they also have significant limitations. In vitro cell cultures offer the opportunity to investigate the cell basics or primary response of a cell population against any treatment. However, these models do not always predict in vivo behavior. In vivo animal studies constitute the most realistic platform for research and therapeutic approaches, yet they are laborious, open to secondary complications and painful or stressful for the animals from an ethical point of view. Organotypic brain slice cultures provide an in vivo-like environment since they maintain three-dimensional cytoarchitecture of the brain thus enable to study many cell types in one system and allow precise control of the microenvironment. In this review, we will focus on the history and key features of organotypic brain slice cultures as well as its preparation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merve AlaylioĞlu
- Brain and Neurodegenerative Disorders Research Laboratory, Department of Medical Biology, Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine, İstanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Erdinç Dursun
- Brain and Neurodegenerative Disorders Research Laboratory, Department of Medical Biology, Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine, İstanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, İstanbul, Turkey.,Department of Neuroscience, Institute of Neurological Sciences, İstanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Selma Yilmazer
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, Altınbaş University, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Duygu Gezen Ak
- Brain and Neurodegenerative Disorders Research Laboratory, Department of Medical Biology, Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine, İstanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, İstanbul, Turkey
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Slanzi A, Iannoto G, Rossi B, Zenaro E, Constantin G. In vitro Models of Neurodegenerative Diseases. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:328. [PMID: 32528949 PMCID: PMC7247860 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are progressive degenerative conditions characterized by the functional deterioration and ultimate loss of neurons. These incurable and debilitating diseases affect millions of people worldwide, and therefore represent a major global health challenge with severe implications for individuals and society. Recently, several neuroprotective drugs have failed in human clinical trials despite promising pre-clinical data, suggesting that conventional cell cultures and animal models cannot precisely replicate human pathophysiology. To bridge the gap between animal and human studies, three-dimensional cell culture models have been developed from human or animal cells, allowing the effects of new therapies to be predicted more accurately by closely replicating some aspects of the brain environment, mimicking neuronal and glial cell interactions, and incorporating the effects of blood flow. In this review, we discuss the relative merits of different cerebral models, from traditional cell cultures to the latest high-throughput three-dimensional systems. We discuss their advantages and disadvantages as well as their potential to investigate the complex mechanisms of human neurodegenerative diseases. We focus on in vitro models of the most frequent age-related neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and prion disease, and on multiple sclerosis, a chronic inflammatory neurodegenerative disease affecting young adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Slanzi
- Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Giulia Iannoto
- Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Barbara Rossi
- Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Elena Zenaro
- Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Gabriela Constantin
- Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.,Center for Biomedical Computing (CBMC), University of Verona, Verona, Italy
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Abidar S, Boiangiu RS, Dumitru G, Todirascu-Ciornea E, Amakran A, Cioanca O, Hritcu L, Nhiri M. The Aqueous Extract from Ceratonia siliqua Leaves Protects Against 6-hydroxydopamine in Zebrafish: Understanding the Underlying Mechanism. Antioxidants (Basel) 2020; 9:antiox9040304. [PMID: 32276477 PMCID: PMC7222174 DOI: 10.3390/antiox9040304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Revised: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ceratonia siliqua L. is a Mediterranean medicinal plant traditionally cultivated for its ethnopharmacological benefits, such as antidiarrheal, antidiabetic, enhance acetylcholine, antioxidant, antiatherosclerotic, and for its possible anti-neurodegenerative potential. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the chemical composition, as well as the cognitive-enhancing, anxiolytic, and antioxidant activities of the aqueous extract from C. siliqua (CsAE) leaves against 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) zebrafish Parkinson’s disease (PD) model. CsAE (0.1, 0.3, and 1 mg/L) was administered by immersion to zebrafish (Danio rerio) for eight consecutive days and one hour before each behavioral test of each day, while 6-OHDA (250 µM) treatment was supplied one day before the novel tank diving test (NTT). Qualitative and quantitative analyses were performed by the ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) analysis. The memory performance was evaluated through the NTT and Y-maze tests. Additionally, the in vitro and in vivo antioxidant status and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity was also assessed. Our finds demonstrated that CsAE presented positive antioxidant and anti-AChE activities, which contributed to the improvement of cognitive function in the 6-OHDA zebrafish PD model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Abidar
- Laboratoire de Biochimie et Génétique Moléculaire, Faculté des Sciences et Techniques, Université Abdelmalek Essaadi, Tanger Principal BP 416, Morocco; (S.A.); (A.A.); (M.N.)
| | - Razvan Stefan Boiangiu
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Biology, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, 700506 Iasi, Romania; (R.S.B.); (E.T.-C.)
| | - Gabriela Dumitru
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Biology, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, 700506 Iasi, Romania; (R.S.B.); (E.T.-C.)
- Correspondence: (G.D.); (L.H.); Tel.: +40-232-201-522 (G.D.); +40-232-201-666 (L.H.)
| | - Elena Todirascu-Ciornea
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Biology, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, 700506 Iasi, Romania; (R.S.B.); (E.T.-C.)
| | - Amina Amakran
- Laboratoire de Biochimie et Génétique Moléculaire, Faculté des Sciences et Techniques, Université Abdelmalek Essaadi, Tanger Principal BP 416, Morocco; (S.A.); (A.A.); (M.N.)
| | - Oana Cioanca
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 University Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania;
| | - Lucian Hritcu
- Laboratoire de Biochimie et Génétique Moléculaire, Faculté des Sciences et Techniques, Université Abdelmalek Essaadi, Tanger Principal BP 416, Morocco; (S.A.); (A.A.); (M.N.)
- Correspondence: (G.D.); (L.H.); Tel.: +40-232-201-522 (G.D.); +40-232-201-666 (L.H.)
| | - Mohamed Nhiri
- Laboratoire de Biochimie et Génétique Moléculaire, Faculté des Sciences et Techniques, Université Abdelmalek Essaadi, Tanger Principal BP 416, Morocco; (S.A.); (A.A.); (M.N.)
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Croft CL, Futch HS, Moore BD, Golde TE. Organotypic brain slice cultures to model neurodegenerative proteinopathies. Mol Neurodegener 2019; 14:45. [PMID: 31791377 PMCID: PMC6889333 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-019-0346-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Organotypic slice cultures of brain or spinal cord have been a longstanding tool in neuroscience research but their utility for understanding Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other neurodegenerative proteinopathies has only recently begun to be evaluated. Organotypic brain slice cultures (BSCs) represent a physiologically relevant three-dimensional model of the brain. BSCs support all the central nervous system (CNS) cell types and can be produced from brain areas involved in neurodegenerative disease. BSCs can be used to better understand the induction and significance of proteinopathies underlying the development and progression of AD and other neurodegenerative disorders, and in the future may serve as bridging technologies between cell culture and in vivo experiments for the development and evaluation of novel therapeutic targets and strategies. We review the initial development and general use of BSCs in neuroscience research and highlight the advantages of these cultures as an ex vivo model. Subsequently we focus on i) BSC-based modeling of AD and other neurodegenerative proteinopathies ii) use of BSCs to understand mechanisms underlying these diseases and iii) how BSCs can serve as tools to screen for suitable therapeutics prior to in vivo investigations. Finally, we will examine i) open questions regarding the use of such cultures and ii) how emerging technologies such as recombinant adeno-associated viruses (rAAV) may be combined with these models to advance translational research relevant to neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- C L Croft
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA.,Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - H S Futch
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA.,Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - B D Moore
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA.,Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - T E Golde
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA. .,Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA. .,McKnight Brain Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA.
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12
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Gulino M, Kim D, Pané S, Santos SD, Pêgo AP. Tissue Response to Neural Implants: The Use of Model Systems Toward New Design Solutions of Implantable Microelectrodes. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:689. [PMID: 31333407 PMCID: PMC6624471 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of implantable neuroelectrodes is advancing rapidly as these tools are becoming increasingly ubiquitous in clinical practice, especially for the treatment of traumatic and neurodegenerative disorders. Electrodes have been exploited in a wide number of neural interface devices, such as deep brain stimulation, which is one of the most successful therapies with proven efficacy in the treatment of diseases like Parkinson or epilepsy. However, one of the main caveats related to the clinical application of electrodes is the nervous tissue response at the injury site, characterized by a cascade of inflammatory events, which culminate in chronic inflammation, and, in turn, result in the failure of the implant over extended periods of time. To overcome current limitations of the most widespread macroelectrode based systems, new design strategies and the development of innovative materials with superior biocompatibility characteristics are currently being investigated. This review describes the current state of the art of in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo models available for the study of neural tissue response to implantable microelectrodes. We particularly highlight new models with increased complexity that closely mimic in vivo scenarios and that can serve as promising alternatives to animal studies for investigation of microelectrodes in neural tissues. Additionally, we also express our view on the impact of the progress in the field of neural tissue engineering on neural implant research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Gulino
- i3S – Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- INEB – Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- FEUP – Faculdade de Engenharia, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Donghoon Kim
- Multi-Scale Robotics Lab (MSRL), Institute of Robotics and Intelligent Systems (IRIS), ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Salvador Pané
- Multi-Scale Robotics Lab (MSRL), Institute of Robotics and Intelligent Systems (IRIS), ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sofia Duque Santos
- i3S – Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- INEB – Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Paula Pêgo
- i3S – Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- INEB – Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- FEUP – Faculdade de Engenharia, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- ICBAS – Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
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13
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Pandamooz S, Salehi MS, Zibaii MI, Safari A, Nabiuni M, Ahmadiani A, Dargahi L. Modeling traumatic injury in organotypic spinal cord slice culture obtained from adult rat. Tissue Cell 2019; 56:90-97. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2019.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2018] [Revised: 12/04/2018] [Accepted: 01/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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14
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Wellbourne-Wood J, Chatton JY. From Cultured Rodent Neurons to Human Brain Tissue: Model Systems for Pharmacological and Translational Neuroscience. ACS Chem Neurosci 2018; 9:1975-1985. [PMID: 29847093 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.8b00098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
To investigate the enormous complexity of the functional and pathological brain there are a number of possible experimental model systems to choose from. Depending on the research question choosing the appropriate model may not be a trivial task, and given the dynamic and intricate nature of an intact living brain several models might be needed to properly address certain questions. In this review, we aim to provide an overview of neural cell and tissue culture, reflecting on historic methodological milestones and providing a brief overview of the state-of-the-art. We additionally present an example of an effective model system pipeline, composed of dissociated mouse cultures, organotypics, acute mouse brain slices, and acute human brain slices, in that order. The sequential use of these four model systems allows a balance and progression from experimental control to human applicability, and provides a meta-model that can help validate basic research findings in a translational setting. We then conclude with a few remarks regarding the necessity of an integrated approach when performing translational and neuropharmacological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel Wellbourne-Wood
- Department of Fundamental Neurosciences, University of Lausanne, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jean-Yves Chatton
- Department of Fundamental Neurosciences, University of Lausanne, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland
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15
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Beccari S, Diaz‐Aparicio I, Sierra A. Quantifying Microglial Phagocytosis of Apoptotic Cells in the Brain in Health and Disease. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 122:e49. [DOI: 10.1002/cpim.49] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sol Beccari
- Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience Leioa Bizkaia Spain
- University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU Leioa Bizkaia Spain
| | - Irune Diaz‐Aparicio
- Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience Leioa Bizkaia Spain
- University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU Leioa Bizkaia Spain
| | - Amanda Sierra
- Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience Leioa Bizkaia Spain
- University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU Leioa Bizkaia Spain
- Ikerbasque Foundation Bilbao Bizkaia Spain
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16
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André EM, Daviaud N, Sindji L, Cayon J, Perrot R, Montero-Menei CN. A novel ex vivo Huntington's disease model for studying GABAergic neurons and cell grafts by laser microdissection. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0193409. [PMID: 29505597 PMCID: PMC5837106 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0193409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2017] [Accepted: 02/09/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Organotypic brain slice cultures have been recently used to study neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s disease and Huntington’s disease (HD). They preserve brain three-dimensional architecture, synaptic connectivity and brain cells microenvironment. Here, we developed an innovative model of Huntington’s disease from coronal rat brain slices, that include all the areas involved in the pathology. HD-like neurodegeneration was obtained in only one week, in a single step, during organotypic slice preparation, without the use of neurotoxins. HD-like histopathology was analysed and after one week, a reduction of 40% of medium spiny neurons was observed. To analyse new therapeutic approaches in this innovative HD model, we developed a novel protocol of laser microdissection to isolate and analyse by RT-qPCR, grafted cells as well as surrounding tissue of fresh organotypic slices. We determined that laser microdissection could be performed on a 400μm organotypic slice after alcohol dehydration protocol, allowing the analysis of mRNA expression in the rat tissue as well as in grafted cells. In conclusion, we developed a new approach for modeling Huntington's disease ex vivo, and provided a useful innovative method for screening new potential therapies for neurodegenerative diseases especially when associated with laser microdissection.
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Affiliation(s)
- E. M. André
- CRCINA, INSERM, Université de Nantes, Université d’Angers, Angers, France
| | - N. Daviaud
- CRCINA, INSERM, Université de Nantes, Université d’Angers, Angers, France
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - L. Sindji
- CRCINA, INSERM, Université de Nantes, Université d’Angers, Angers, France
| | - J. Cayon
- PACEM, Angers University, Angers, France
| | - R. Perrot
- SCIAM, Angers University, Angers, France
| | - C. N. Montero-Menei
- CRCINA, INSERM, Université de Nantes, Université d’Angers, Angers, France
- * E-mail:
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17
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Jang S, Kim H, Kim HJ, Lee SK, Kim EW, Namkoong K, Kim E. Long-Term Culture of Organotypic Hippocampal Slice from Old 3xTg-AD Mouse: An ex vivo Model of Alzheimer's Disease. Psychiatry Investig 2018; 15:205-213. [PMID: 29475217 PMCID: PMC5900409 DOI: 10.30773/pi.2017.04.02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2017] [Revised: 03/14/2017] [Accepted: 04/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Conventional methods for organotypic hippocampal tissue slice culture (OHSC) have shown several disadvantages or limitations regarding age of animals used, duration of culture and difficulty using neurodegenerative models. Therefore, we tried to establish OHSC from old 3xTg-Alzheimer's disease (AD) mice for longer period (over 4 weeks) and to validate utility of this system as a valid platform for translational neuroscience of AD. METHODS OHSC was performed with old 3xTg-AD mice (12-14 months), old wild type mice (12-14 months) and young 3xTg-AD mice (2-4 months) using serum-free medium for 4 weeks. Hippocampal structure was evaluated by 4', 6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) intensity and neuronal metabolism was measured by Alamarblue assay. Pathologic characteristics of AD were also investigated; β-amyloid levels by ELISA, amyloid plaque deposition by Thioflavin-S staining, and glial activation by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Following 4-week culture in serum-free media, hippocampal cells and layers were well preserved in cultured slices from old AD mice as was in those from young AD and old wild type mice. On the contrary, excessive regression of total visible cells was observed in conventional serum-containing medium regardless of genotype of mice. In parallel with this well preserved structure, major pathologic characteristics of AD were also well manifested in hippocampal slices from old AD mice. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that long-term OHSC from old 3xTg-AD mouse can serve as a promising ex vivo system for studies on pathophysiology of AD, especially with the minimum number of sacrifice of experimental animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sooah Jang
- Department of Psychiatry, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunjeong Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Brain Korea 21 Plus Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye-Jin Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Su Kyoung Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Woo Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Brain Korea 21 Plus Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kee Namkoong
- Department of Psychiatry, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eosu Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Brain Korea 21 Plus Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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18
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Zhuang P, Sun AX, An J, Chua CK, Chew SY. 3D neural tissue models: From spheroids to bioprinting. Biomaterials 2017; 154:113-133. [PMID: 29120815 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2017.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 161] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2017] [Revised: 09/14/2017] [Accepted: 10/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) in vitro neural tissue models provide a better recapitulation of in vivo cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix interactions than conventional two-dimensional (2D) cultures. Therefore, the former is believed to have great potential for both mechanistic and translational studies. In this paper, we review the recent developments in 3D in vitro neural tissue models, with a particular focus on the emerging bioprinted tissue structures. We draw on specific examples to describe the merits and limitations of each model, in terms of different applications. Bioprinting offers a revolutionary approach for constructing repeatable and controllable 3D in vitro neural tissues with diverse cell types, complex microscale features and tissue level responses. Further advances in bioprinting research would likely consolidate existing models and generate complex neural tissue structures bearing higher fidelity, which is ultimately useful for probing disease-specific mechanisms, facilitating development of novel therapeutics and promoting neural regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Zhuang
- Singapore Centre for 3D Printing, School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.
| | - Alfred Xuyang Sun
- Department of Neurology, National Neuroscience Institute, 20 College Road, Singapore 169856, Singapore; Genome Institute of Singapore, 60 Biopolis Street, Singapore 138672, Singapore.
| | - Jia An
- Singapore Centre for 3D Printing, School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.
| | - Chee Kai Chua
- Singapore Centre for 3D Printing, School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.
| | - Sing Yian Chew
- School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637459, Singapore; Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 308232, Singapore.
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19
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Doussau F, Dupont JL, Neel D, Schneider A, Poulain B, Bossu JL. Organotypic cultures of cerebellar slices as a model to investigate demyelinating disorders. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2017; 12:1011-1022. [PMID: 28712329 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2017.1356285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Demyelinating disorders, characterized by a chronic or episodic destruction of the myelin sheath, are a leading cause of neurological disability in young adults in western countries. Studying the complex mechanisms involved in axon myelination, demyelination and remyelination requires an experimental model preserving the neuronal networks and neuro-glial interactions. Organotypic cerebellar slice cultures appear to be the best alternative to in vivo experiments and the most commonly used model for investigating etiology or novel therapeutic strategies in multiple sclerosis. Areas covered: This review gives an overview of slice culture techniques and focuses on the use of organotypic cerebellar slice cultures on semi-permeable membranes for studying many aspects of axon myelination and cerebellar functions. Expert opinion: Cerebellar slice cultures are probably the easiest way to faithfully reproduce all stages of axon myelination/demyelination/remyelination in a three-dimensional neuronal network. However, in the cerebellum, neurological disability in multiple sclerosis also results from channelopathies which induce changes in Purkinje cell excitability. Cerebellar cultures offer easy access to electrophysiological approaches which are largely untapped and we believe that these cultures might be of great interest when studying changes in neuronal excitability, axonal conduction or synaptic properties that likely occur during multiple sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frédéric Doussau
- a Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives, CNRS UPR 3212 , Université de Strasbourg , Strasbourg , France
| | - Jean-Luc Dupont
- a Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives, CNRS UPR 3212 , Université de Strasbourg , Strasbourg , France
| | - Dorine Neel
- a Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives, CNRS UPR 3212 , Université de Strasbourg , Strasbourg , France
| | - Aline Schneider
- a Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives, CNRS UPR 3212 , Université de Strasbourg , Strasbourg , France
| | - Bernard Poulain
- a Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives, CNRS UPR 3212 , Université de Strasbourg , Strasbourg , France
| | - Jean Louis Bossu
- a Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives, CNRS UPR 3212 , Université de Strasbourg , Strasbourg , France
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20
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Lopes FM, Bristot IJ, da Motta LL, Parsons RB, Klamt F. Mimicking Parkinson's Disease in a Dish: Merits and Pitfalls of the Most Commonly used Dopaminergic In Vitro Models. Neuromolecular Med 2017; 19:241-255. [PMID: 28721669 DOI: 10.1007/s12017-017-8454-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2017] [Accepted: 07/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder and has both unknown etiology and non-curative therapeutic options. Patients begin to present the classic motor symptoms of PD-tremor at rest, bradykinesia and rigidity-once 50-70% of the dopaminergic neurons of the nigrostriatal pathway have degenerated. As a consequence of this, it is difficult to investigate the early-stage events of disease pathogenesis. In vitro experimental models are used extensively in PD research because they present a controlled environment that enables the direct investigation of the early molecular mechanisms that are potentially involved with dopaminergic degeneration, as well as for the screening of potential therapeutic drugs. However, the establishment of PD in vitro models is a controversial issue for neuroscience research not only because it is challenging to mimic, in isolated cell systems, the physiological neuronal environment, but also the pathophysiological conditions experienced by human dopaminergic cells in vivo during the progression of the disease. Since no previous work has attempted to systematically review the literature regarding the establishment of an optimal in vitro model, and/or the features presented by available models used in the PD field, this review aims to summarize the merits and limitations of the most widely used dopaminergic in vitro models in PD research, which may help the PD researcher to choose the most appropriate model for studies directed at the elucidation of the early-stage molecular events underlying PD onset and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Martins Lopes
- Laboratório de Bioquímica Celular, Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2600, Porto Alegre, RS, 90035-003, Brazil. .,Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, King's College London, 150 Stamford Street, London, SE1 9NH, UK.
| | - Ivi Juliana Bristot
- Laboratório de Bioquímica Celular, Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2600, Porto Alegre, RS, 90035-003, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Lisbôa da Motta
- Laboratório de Bioquímica Celular, Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2600, Porto Alegre, RS, 90035-003, Brazil
| | - Richard B Parsons
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, King's College London, 150 Stamford Street, London, SE1 9NH, UK
| | - Fabio Klamt
- Laboratório de Bioquímica Celular, Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2600, Porto Alegre, RS, 90035-003, Brazil.
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21
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Joost S, Kobayashi K, Wree A, Haas SJP. Optimisation of murine organotypic slice culture preparation for a novel sagittal-frontal co-culture system. J Neurosci Methods 2017; 285:49-57. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2017.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2017] [Revised: 04/21/2017] [Accepted: 05/03/2017] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
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22
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McCaughey-Chapman A, Connor B. Rat brain sagittal organotypic slice cultures as an ex vivo dopamine cell loss system. J Neurosci Methods 2017; 277:83-87. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2016.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2016] [Revised: 12/14/2016] [Accepted: 12/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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23
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Pramanik S, Sulistio YA, Heese K. Neurotrophin Signaling and Stem Cells-Implications for Neurodegenerative Diseases and Stem Cell Therapy. Mol Neurobiol 2016; 54:7401-7459. [PMID: 27815842 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-016-0214-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2016] [Accepted: 10/11/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Neurotrophins (NTs) are members of a neuronal growth factor protein family whose action is mediated by the tropomyosin receptor kinase (TRK) receptor family receptors and the p75 NT receptor (p75NTR), a member of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor family. Although NTs were first discovered in neurons, recent studies have suggested that NTs and their receptors are expressed in various types of stem cells mediating pivotal signaling events in stem cell biology. The concept of stem cell therapy has already attracted much attention as a potential strategy for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases (NDs). Strikingly, NTs, proNTs, and their receptors are gaining interest as key regulators of stem cells differentiation, survival, self-renewal, plasticity, and migration. In this review, we elaborate the recent progress in understanding of NTs and their action on various stem cells. First, we provide current knowledge of NTs, proNTs, and their receptor isoforms and signaling pathways. Subsequently, we describe recent advances in the understanding of NT activities in various stem cells and their role in NDs, particularly Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). Finally, we compile the implications of NTs and stem cells from a clinical perspective and discuss the challenges with regard to transplantation therapy for treatment of AD and PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subrata Pramanik
- Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Hanyang University, 222 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, 133-791, Republic of Korea
| | - Yanuar Alan Sulistio
- Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Hanyang University, 222 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, 133-791, Republic of Korea
| | - Klaus Heese
- Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Hanyang University, 222 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, 133-791, Republic of Korea.
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24
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Bai R, Klaus A, Bellay T, Stewart C, Pajevic S, Nevo U, Merkle H, Plenz D, Basser PJ. Simultaneous calcium fluorescence imaging and MR of ex vivo organotypic cortical cultures: a new test bed for functional MRI. NMR IN BIOMEDICINE 2015; 28:1726-1738. [PMID: 26510537 DOI: 10.1002/nbm.3424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2015] [Revised: 09/03/2015] [Accepted: 09/06/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Recently, several new functional (f)MRI contrast mechanisms including diffusion, phase imaging, proton density, etc. have been proposed to measure neuronal activity more directly and accurately than blood-oxygen-level dependent (BOLD) fMRI. However, these approaches have proved difficult to reproduce, mainly because of the dearth of reliable and robust test systems to vet and validate them. Here we describe the development and testing of such a test bed for non-BOLD fMRI. Organotypic cortical cultures were used as a stable and reproducible biological model of neuronal activity that shows spontaneous activity similar to that of in vivo brain cortex without any hemodynamic confounds. An open-access, single-sided magnetic resonance (MR) "profiler" consisting of four permanent magnets with magnetic field of 0.32 T was used in this study to perform MR acquisition. A fluorescence microscope with long working distance objective was mounted on the top of a custom-designed chamber that keeps the organotypic culture vital, and the MR system was mounted on the bottom of the chamber to achieve real-time simultaneous calcium fluorescence optical imaging and MR acquisition on the same specimen. In this study, the reliability and performance of the proposed test bed were demonstrated by a conventional CPMG MR sequence acquired simultaneously with calcium imaging, which is a well-characterized measurement of neuronal activity. This experimental design will make it possible to correlate directly the other candidate functional MR signals to the optical indicia of neuronal activity in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiliang Bai
- Section on Tissue Biophysics and Biomimetics, PPITS, NICHD, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Biophysics Program, Institute for Physical Science and Technology, University of Maryland, College Park, USA
| | - Andreas Klaus
- Section on Critical Brain Dynamics, LSN, NIMH, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Tim Bellay
- Section on Critical Brain Dynamics, LSN, NIMH, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Craig Stewart
- Section on Critical Brain Dynamics, LSN, NIMH, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Sinisa Pajevic
- Mathematical and Statistical Computing Laboratory, Division of Computational Bioscience, Center for Information Technology, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Uri Nevo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Hellmut Merkle
- Laboratory for Functional and Molecular Imaging, NINDS, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Dietmar Plenz
- Section on Critical Brain Dynamics, LSN, NIMH, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Peter J Basser
- Section on Tissue Biophysics and Biomimetics, PPITS, NICHD, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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Pandamooz S, Nabiuni M, Miyan J, Ahmadiani A, Dargahi L. Organotypic Spinal Cord Culture: a Proper Platform for the Functional Screening. Mol Neurobiol 2015; 53:4659-74. [PMID: 26310972 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-015-9403-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2015] [Accepted: 08/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Recent improvements in organotypic slice culturing and its accompanying technological innovations have made this biological preparation increasingly useful ex vivo experimental model. Among organotypic slice cultures obtained from various central nervous regions, spinal cord slice culture is an absorbing model that represents several unique advantages over other current in vitro and in vivo models. The culture of developing spinal cord slices, as allows real-time observation of embryonic cells behaviors, is an instrumental platform for developmental investigation. Importantly, due to the ability of ex vivo models to recapitulate different aspects of corresponding in vivo conditions, these models have been subject of various manipulations to derive disease-relevant slice models. Moreover spinal cord slice cultures represent a potential platform for screening of different pharmacological agents and evaluation of cell transplantation and neuroregenerative materials. In this review, we will focus on studies carried out using the ex vivo model of spinal cord slice cultures and main advantages linked to practicality of these slices in both normal and neuropathological diseases and summarize them in different categories based on application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sareh Pandamooz
- Neuroscience Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Nabiuni
- Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Jaleel Miyan
- Neurobiology Research Group, Faculty of Life Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Abolhassan Ahmadiani
- Neuroscience Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Leila Dargahi
- NeuroBiology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Humpel C. Organotypic brain slice cultures: A review. Neuroscience 2015; 305:86-98. [PMID: 26254240 PMCID: PMC4699268 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2015.07.086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 271] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2015] [Revised: 07/24/2015] [Accepted: 07/31/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
In vitro cell cultures are an important tool for obtaining insights into cellular processes in an isolated system and a supplement to in vivo animal experiments. While primary dissociated cultures permit a single homogeneous cell population to be studied, there is a clear need to explore the function of brain cells in a three-dimensional system where the main architecture of the cells is preserved. Thus, organotypic brain slice cultures have proven to be very useful in investigating cellular and molecular processes of the brain in vitro. This review summarizes (1) the historical development of organotypic brain slices focusing on the membrane technology, (2) methodological aspects regarding culturing procedures, age of donors or media, (3) whether the cholinergic neurons serve as a model of neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s disease, (4) or the nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons as a model of Parkinson’s disease and (5) how the vascular network can be studied, especially with regard to a synthetic blood–brain barrier. This review will also highlight some limits of the model and give an outlook on future applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Humpel
- Laboratory of Psychiatry and Experimental Alzheimer's Research, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria.
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Daviaud N, Garbayo E, Sindji L, Martínez-Serrano A, Schiller PC, Montero-Menei CN. Survival, differentiation, and neuroprotective mechanisms of human stem cells complexed with neurotrophin-3-releasing pharmacologically active microcarriers in an ex vivo model of Parkinson's disease. Stem Cells Transl Med 2015; 4:670-84. [PMID: 25925835 DOI: 10.5966/sctm.2014-0139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2014] [Accepted: 03/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Stem cell-based regenerative therapies hold great potential for the treatment of degenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease (PD). We recently reported the repair and functional recovery after treatment with human marrow-isolated adult multilineage inducible (MIAMI) cells adhered to neurotrophin-3 (NT3) releasing pharmacologically active microcarriers (PAMs) in hemiparkinsonian rats. In order to comprehend this effect, the goal of the present work was to elucidate the survival, differentiation, and neuroprotective mechanisms of MIAMI cells and human neural stem cells (NSCs), both adhering to NT3-releasing PAMs in an ex vivo organotypic model of nigrostriatal degeneration made from brain sagittal slices. It was shown that PAMs led to a marked increase in MIAMI cell survival and neuronal differentiation when releasing NT3. A significant neuroprotective effect of MIAMI cells adhering to PAMs was also demonstrated. NSCs barely had a neuroprotective effect and differentiated mostly into dopaminergic neuronal cells when adhering to PAM-NT3. Moreover, those cells were able to release dopamine in a sufficient amount to induce a return to baseline levels. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay analyses identified vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and stanniocalcin-1 as potential mediators of the neuroprotective effect of MIAMI cells and NSCs, respectively. It was also shown that VEGF locally stimulated tissue vascularization, which might improve graft survival, without excluding a direct neuroprotective effect of VEGF on dopaminergic neurons. These results indicate a prospective interest of human NSC/PAM and MIAMI cell/PAM complexes in tissue engineering for PD. SIGNIFICANCE Stem cell-based regenerative therapies hold great potential for the treatment of degenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease (PD). The present work elucidates and compares the survival, differentiation, and neuroprotective mechanisms of marrow-isolated adult multilineage inducible cells and human neural stem cells both adhered to neurotrophin-3-releasing pharmacologically active microcarriers in an ex vivo organotypic model of PD made from brain sagittal slices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Daviaud
- INSERM U1066, Micro et nanomédecines biomimétiques, Angers, France; L'université Nantes, Angers, Le Mans, Angers University, Angers, France; Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology Department, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Department of Molecular Biology and Center of Molecular Biology "Severo Ochoa," Autonomous University of Madrid-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Campus Cantoblanco, Madrid, Spain; Miami Veterans Healthcare System, Department of Orthopedics, and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Elisa Garbayo
- INSERM U1066, Micro et nanomédecines biomimétiques, Angers, France; L'université Nantes, Angers, Le Mans, Angers University, Angers, France; Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology Department, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Department of Molecular Biology and Center of Molecular Biology "Severo Ochoa," Autonomous University of Madrid-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Campus Cantoblanco, Madrid, Spain; Miami Veterans Healthcare System, Department of Orthopedics, and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Laurence Sindji
- INSERM U1066, Micro et nanomédecines biomimétiques, Angers, France; L'université Nantes, Angers, Le Mans, Angers University, Angers, France; Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology Department, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Department of Molecular Biology and Center of Molecular Biology "Severo Ochoa," Autonomous University of Madrid-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Campus Cantoblanco, Madrid, Spain; Miami Veterans Healthcare System, Department of Orthopedics, and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Alberto Martínez-Serrano
- INSERM U1066, Micro et nanomédecines biomimétiques, Angers, France; L'université Nantes, Angers, Le Mans, Angers University, Angers, France; Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology Department, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Department of Molecular Biology and Center of Molecular Biology "Severo Ochoa," Autonomous University of Madrid-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Campus Cantoblanco, Madrid, Spain; Miami Veterans Healthcare System, Department of Orthopedics, and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Paul C Schiller
- INSERM U1066, Micro et nanomédecines biomimétiques, Angers, France; L'université Nantes, Angers, Le Mans, Angers University, Angers, France; Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology Department, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Department of Molecular Biology and Center of Molecular Biology "Severo Ochoa," Autonomous University of Madrid-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Campus Cantoblanco, Madrid, Spain; Miami Veterans Healthcare System, Department of Orthopedics, and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Claudia N Montero-Menei
- INSERM U1066, Micro et nanomédecines biomimétiques, Angers, France; L'université Nantes, Angers, Le Mans, Angers University, Angers, France; Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology Department, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Department of Molecular Biology and Center of Molecular Biology "Severo Ochoa," Autonomous University of Madrid-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Campus Cantoblanco, Madrid, Spain; Miami Veterans Healthcare System, Department of Orthopedics, and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
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Arsenault J, Nagy A, Henderson JT, O'Brien JA. Regioselective biolistic targeting in organotypic brain slices using a modified gene gun. J Vis Exp 2014:e52148. [PMID: 25407047 PMCID: PMC4249736 DOI: 10.3791/52148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Transfection of DNA has been invaluable for biological sciences and with recent advances to organotypic brain slice preparations, the effect of various heterologous genes could thus be investigated easily while maintaining many aspects of in vivo biology. There has been increasing interest to transfect terminally differentiated neurons for which conventional transfection methods have been fraught with difficulties such as low yields and significant losses in viability. Biolistic transfection can circumvent many of these difficulties yet only recently has this technique been modified so that it is amenable for use in mammalian tissues. New modifications to the accelerator chamber have enhanced the gene gun's firing accuracy and increased its depths of penetration while also allowing the use of lower gas pressure (50 psi) without loss of transfection efficiency as well as permitting a focused regioselective spread of the particles to within 3 mm. In addition, this technique is straight forward and faster to perform than tedious microinjections. Both transient and stable expression are possible with nanoparticle bombardment where episomal expression can be detected within 24 hr and the cell survival was shown to be better than, or at least equal to, conventional methods. This technique has however one crucial advantage: it permits the transfection to be localized within a single restrained radius thus enabling the user to anatomically isolate the heterologous gene's effects. Here we present an in-depth protocol to prepare viable adult organotypic slices and submit them to regioselective transfection using an improved gene gun.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Arsenault
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto; MRC-Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK
| | - Andras Nagy
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto
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Optimized heterologous transfection of viable adult organotypic brain slices using an enhanced gene gun. BMC Res Notes 2013; 6:544. [PMID: 24354851 PMCID: PMC3878247 DOI: 10.1186/1756-0500-6-544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2013] [Accepted: 12/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Organotypic brain slices (OTBS) are an excellent experimental compromise between the facility of working with cell cultures and the biological relevance of using animal models where anatomical, morphological, and cellular function of specific brain regions can be maintained. The biological characteristics of OTBS can subsequently be examined under well-defined conditions. They do, however, have a number of limitations; most brain slices are derived from neonatal animals, as it is difficult to properly prepare and maintain adult OTBS. There are ample problems with tissue integrity as OTBS are delicate and frequently become damaged during the preparative stages. Notwithstanding these obstacles, the introduced exogenous proteins into both neuronal cells, and cells imbedded within tissues, have been consistently difficult to achieve. Results Following the ex vivo extraction of adult mouse brains, mounted inside a medium-agarose matrix, we have exploited a precise slicing procedure using a custom built vibroslicer. To transfect these slices we used an improved biolistic transfection method using a custom made low-pressure barrel and novel DNA-coated nanoparticles (40 nm), which are drastically smaller than traditional microparticles. These nanoparticles also minimize tissue damage as seen by a significant reduction in lactate dehydrogenase activity as well as propidium iodide (PI) and dUTP labelling compared to larger traditional gold particles used on these OTBS. Furthermore, following EYFP exogene delivery by gene gun, the 40 nm treated OTBS displayed a significantly larger number of viable NeuN and EYFP positive cells. These OTBS expressed the exogenous proteins for many weeks. Conclusions Our described methodology of producing OTBS, which results in better reproducibility with less tissue damage, permits the exploitation of mature fully formed adult brains for advanced neurobiological studies. The novel 40 nm particles are ideal for the viable biolistic transfection of OTBS by reducing tissue stress while maintaining long term exogene expression.
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