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Ding L, Liu C, Yin S, Zhou Z, Chen J, Chen X, Chen L, Wang D, Liu B, Liu Y, Wei J, Li J. Engineering a dynamic three-dimensional cell culturing microenvironment using a "sandwich" structure-liked microfluidic device with 3D printing scaffold. Biofabrication 2022; 14. [PMID: 35973411 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/ac8a19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Most of in vivo tissue cells reside in 3D extracellular matrix (ECM) with fluid flow. To better study cell physiology and pathophysiology, there has been an increasing need in the development of methods for culturing cells in in vivo like microenvironments with a number of strategies currently being investigated including hydrogels, spheroids, tissue scaffolds and very promising microfluidic systems. In this paper, a "sandwich" structure-liked microfluidic device integrated with a 3D printing scaffold is proposed for three-dimensional and dynamic cell culture. The device consists of three layers, i.e. upper layer, scaffold layer and bottom layer. The upper layer is used for introducing cells and fixing scaffold, the scaffold layer mimicking ECM is used for providing 3D attachment areas, and the bottom layer mimicking blood vessels is used for supplying dynamic medium for cells. Thermally assisted electrohydrodynamic jet (TAEJ) printing technology and microfabrication technology are combined to fabricate the device. The flow field in the chamber of device is evaluated by numerical simulation and particle tracking technology to investigate the effects of scaffold on fluid microenvironment. The cell culturing processes are presented by the flow behaviours of inks with different colors. The densities and viabilities of HeLa cells are evaluated and compared after 72 h of culturing in the microfluidic devices and 48-well plate. The dose-dependent cell responses to doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX) are observed after 24 h treatment at different concentrations. These experimental results, including the evaluation of cell proliferation and in vitro cytotoxicity assessment of DOX in the devices and plate, demonstrate that the presented microfluidic device has good biocompatibility and feasibility, which have great potential in providing native microenvironments for in vitro cell studies, tissue engineering and drug screening for tumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laiqian Ding
- Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Dalian, Liaoning, 116024, CHINA
| | - Chong Liu
- Key Laboratory for Precision and Non-traditional Machining Technology of Ministry of Education, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Dalian, Liaoning, 116024, CHINA
| | - Shuqing Yin
- Key Laboratory for Micro/Nano Technology and System of Liaoning Province, Dalian University of Technology, No.2 Linggong Road, Ganjingzi District, Dalian, Liaoning, 116024, CHINA
| | - Zhanwei Zhou
- Beijing Spacecrafts Co., Ltd., Beijing, Beijing, 100094, CHINA
| | - Jing Chen
- Beijing Spacecrafts Co., Ltd., Beijing, Beijing, 100094, CHINA
| | - Xueting Chen
- Beijing Spacecrafts Co., Ltd., Beijing, Beijing, 100094, CHINA
| | - Li Chen
- Key Laboratory for Micro/Nano Technology and System of Liaoning Province, Dalian University of Technology, No. 2, Linggong Road, Ganjingzi District, Dalian, Liaoning, 116024, CHINA
| | - Dazhi Wang
- Key Laboratory for Micro/Nano Technology and System of Liaoning Province, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Dalian, Liaoning, 116024, CHINA
| | - Bo Liu
- Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Dalian, Liaoning, 116024, CHINA
| | - Yuanchang Liu
- University College London, London, London, London, WC1E 6BT, UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND
| | - Juan Wei
- Centre for Advanced Laser Manufacturing (CALM), School of Mechanical Engineering, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, Zibo, Shandong, 255049, CHINA
| | - Jingmin Li
- Lab of Biomedical Optics College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineerin, Dalian University of Technology, Key Laboratory for Micro/Nano Technology and System of Liaoning Province, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China, Dalian, 116024, CHINA
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Timsit Y, Grégoire SP. Towards the Idea of Molecular Brains. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222111868. [PMID: 34769300 PMCID: PMC8584932 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
How can single cells without nervous systems perform complex behaviours such as habituation, associative learning and decision making, which are considered the hallmark of animals with a brain? Are there molecular systems that underlie cognitive properties equivalent to those of the brain? This review follows the development of the idea of molecular brains from Darwin’s “root brain hypothesis”, through bacterial chemotaxis, to the recent discovery of neuron-like r-protein networks in the ribosome. By combining a structural biology view with a Bayesian brain approach, this review explores the evolutionary labyrinth of information processing systems across scales. Ribosomal protein networks open a window into what were probably the earliest signalling systems to emerge before the radiation of the three kingdoms. While ribosomal networks are characterised by long-lasting interactions between their protein nodes, cell signalling networks are essentially based on transient interactions. As a corollary, while signals propagated in persistent networks may be ephemeral, networks whose interactions are transient constrain signals diffusing into the cytoplasm to be durable in time, such as post-translational modifications of proteins or second messenger synthesis. The duration and nature of the signals, in turn, implies different mechanisms for the integration of multiple signals and decision making. Evolution then reinvented networks with persistent interactions with the development of nervous systems in metazoans. Ribosomal protein networks and simple nervous systems display architectural and functional analogies whose comparison could suggest scale invariance in information processing. At the molecular level, the significant complexification of eukaryotic ribosomal protein networks is associated with a burst in the acquisition of new conserved aromatic amino acids. Knowing that aromatic residues play a critical role in allosteric receptors and channels, this observation suggests a general role of π systems and their interactions with charged amino acids in multiple signal integration and information processing. We think that these findings may provide the molecular basis for designing future computers with organic processors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youri Timsit
- Aix Marseille Université, Université de Toulon, CNRS, IRD, MIO UM110, 13288 Marseille, France
- Research Federation for the Study of Global Ocean Systems Ecology and Evolution, FR2022/Tara GOSEE, 3 rue Michel-Ange, 75016 Paris, France
- Correspondence:
| | - Sergeant-Perthuis Grégoire
- Institut de Mathématiques de Jussieu—Paris Rive Gauche (IMJ-PRG), UMR 7586, CNRS-Université Paris Diderot, 75013 Paris, France;
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Bioluminescence and Photoreception in Unicellular Organisms: Light-Signalling in a Bio-Communication Perspective. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222111311. [PMID: 34768741 PMCID: PMC8582858 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Bioluminescence, the emission of light catalysed by luciferases, has evolved in many taxa from bacteria to vertebrates and is predominant in the marine environment. It is now well established that in animals possessing a nervous system capable of integrating light stimuli, bioluminescence triggers various behavioural responses and plays a role in intra- or interspecific visual communication. The function of light emission in unicellular organisms is less clear and it is currently thought that it has evolved in an ecological framework, to be perceived by visual animals. For example, while it is thought that bioluminescence allows bacteria to be ingested by zooplankton or fish, providing them with favourable conditions for growth and dispersal, the luminous flashes emitted by dinoflagellates may have evolved as an anti-predation system against copepods. In this short review, we re-examine this paradigm in light of recent findings in microorganism photoreception, signal integration and complex behaviours. Numerous studies show that on the one hand, bacteria and protists, whether autotrophs or heterotrophs, possess a variety of photoreceptors capable of perceiving and integrating light stimuli of different wavelengths. Single-cell light-perception produces responses ranging from phototaxis to more complex behaviours. On the other hand, there is growing evidence that unicellular prokaryotes and eukaryotes can perform complex tasks ranging from habituation and decision-making to associative learning, despite lacking a nervous system. Here, we focus our analysis on two taxa, bacteria and dinoflagellates, whose bioluminescence is well studied. We propose the hypothesis that similar to visual animals, the interplay between light-emission and reception could play multiple roles in intra- and interspecific communication and participate in complex behaviour in the unicellular world.
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Otálora-Luna F, Aldana E. The beauty of sensory ecology. HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHY OF THE LIFE SCIENCES 2017; 39:20. [PMID: 28799070 DOI: 10.1007/s40656-017-0149-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2017] [Accepted: 07/26/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Sensory ecology is a discipline that focuses on how living creatures use information to survive, but not to live. By trans-defining the orthodox concept of sensory ecology, a serious heterodox question arises: how do organisms use their senses to live, i.e. to enjoy or suffer life? To respond to such a query the objective (time-independent) and emotional (non-rational) meaning of symbols must be revealed. Our program is distinct from both the neo-Darwinian and the classical ecological perspective because it does not focus on survival values of phenotypes and their functions, but asks for the aesthetic effect of biological structures and their symbolism. Our message recognizes that sensing apart from having a survival value also has a beauty value. Thus, we offer a provoking and inspiring new view on the sensory relations of 'living things' and their surroundings, where the innovating power of feelings have more weight than the privative power of reason.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Otálora-Luna
- Laboratory of Sensory Ecology, Multidisciplinary Science Center, Venezuelan Institute for Scientific Research, Loma de Los Guamos, 5107, Mérida, Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.
| | - Elis Aldana
- Laboratory of Entomology "Herman Lent", Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Los Andes, Mérida, 5101, Mérida, Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela
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Glade N, Bastien O, Ballet P. Diversity and survival of artificial lifeforms under sedimentation and random motion. Theory Biosci 2017; 136:153-167. [PMID: 28721495 DOI: 10.1007/s12064-017-0254-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2017] [Accepted: 07/08/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Cellular automata are often used to explore the numerous possible scenarios of what could have occurred at the origins of life and before, during the prebiotic ages, when very simple molecules started to assemble and organise into larger catalytic or informative structures, or to simulate ecosystems. Artificial self-maintained spatial structures emerge in cellular automata and are often used to represent molecules or living organisms. They converge generally towards homogeneous stationary soups of still-life creatures. It is hard for an observer to believe they are similar to living systems, in particular because nothing is moving anymore within such simulated environments after few computation steps, because they present isotropic spatial organisation, because the diversity of self-maintained morphologies is poor, and because when stationary states are reached the creatures are immortal. Natural living systems, on the contrary, are composed of a high diversity of creatures in interaction having limited lifetimes and generally present a certain anisotropy of their spatial organisation, in particular frontiers and interfaces. In the present work, we propose that the presence of directional weak fields such as gravity may counter-balance the excess of mixing and disorder caused by Brownian motion and favour the appearance of specific regions, i.e. different strata or environmental layers, in which physical-chemical conditions favour the emergence and the survival of self-maintained spatial structures including living systems. We test this hypothesis by way of numerical simulations of a very simplified ecosystem model. We use the well-known Game of Life to which we add rules simulating both sedimentation forces and thermal agitation. We show that this leads to more active (vitality and biodiversity) and robust (survival) dynamics. This effectively suggests that coupling such physical processes to reactive systems allows the separation of environments into different milieux and could constitute a simple mechanism to form ecosystem frontiers or elementary interfaces that would protect and favour the development of fragile auto-poietic systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Glade
- TIMC-IMAG Laboratory, Université Grenoble Alpes - CNRS UMR 5525, Domaine de la Merci, 38700, La Tronche, France.
| | - Olivier Bastien
- Cell and Plant Physiology Laboratory (LPCV), CNRS UMR 5168 - CEA - Université Grenoble Alpes, Institut de Recherche en Sciences et Technologies pour le Vivant, Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique Grenoble, 38054, Grenoble Cedex 9, France
| | - Pascal Ballet
- LaTIM, INSERM UMR 1101 - Université de Bretagne Occidentale, CHRU Morvan-2, Av. Foch, 29609, Brest Cedex, France
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