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Li X, Zhu H, Gu B, Yao C, Gu Y, Xu W, Zhang J, He J, Liu X, Li D. Advancing Intelligent Organ-on-a-Chip Systems with Comprehensive In Situ Bioanalysis. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2305268. [PMID: 37688520 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202305268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
In vitro models are essential to a broad range of biomedical research, such as pathological studies, drug development, and personalized medicine. As a potentially transformative paradigm for 3D in vitro models, organ-on-a-chip (OOC) technology has been extensively developed to recapitulate sophisticated architectures and dynamic microenvironments of human organs by applying the principles of life sciences and leveraging micro- and nanoscale engineering capabilities. A pivotal function of OOC devices is to support multifaceted and timely characterization of cultured cells and their microenvironments. However, in-depth analysis of OOC models typically requires biomedical assay procedures that are labor-intensive and interruptive. Herein, the latest advances toward intelligent OOC (iOOC) systems, where sensors integrated with OOC devices continuously report cellular and microenvironmental information for comprehensive in situ bioanalysis, are examined. It is proposed that the multimodal data in iOOC systems can support closed-loop control of the in vitro models and offer holistic biomedical insights for diverse applications. Essential techniques for establishing iOOC systems are surveyed, encompassing in situ sensing, data processing, and dynamic modulation. Eventually, the future development of iOOC systems featuring cross-disciplinary strategies is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Li
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Additive Manufacturing Medical Devices, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
| | - Hui Zhu
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Additive Manufacturing Medical Devices, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
| | - Bingsong Gu
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Additive Manufacturing Medical Devices, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
| | - Cong Yao
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Additive Manufacturing Medical Devices, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
| | - Yuyang Gu
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Additive Manufacturing Medical Devices, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
| | - Wangkai Xu
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Additive Manufacturing Medical Devices, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
| | - Jia Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Additive Manufacturing Medical Devices, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
| | - Jiankang He
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Additive Manufacturing Medical Devices, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
| | - Xinyu Liu
- Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 3G8, Canada
| | - Dichen Li
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Additive Manufacturing Medical Devices, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
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Baron V, Sommer ST, Fiegle DJ, Pfeuffer AKM, Peyronnet R, Volk T, Seidel T. Effects of electro-mechanical uncouplers, hormonal stimulation and pacing rate on the stability and function of cultured rabbit myocardial slices. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2024; 12:1363538. [PMID: 38646013 PMCID: PMC11026719 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1363538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Recent advances have enabled organotypic culture of beating human myocardial slices that are stable for weeks. However, human myocardial samples are rare, exhibit high variability and frequently originate from diseased hearts. Thus, there is a need to adapt long-term slice culture for animal myocardium. When applied to animal cardiac slices, studies in healthy or genetically modified myocardium will be possible. We present the culture of slices from rabbit hearts, which resemble the human heart in microstructure, electrophysiology and excitation-contraction coupling. Methods: Left ventricular myocardium from New Zealand White rabbits was cut using a vibratome and cultured in biomimetic chambers for up to 7 days (d). Electro-mechanical uncoupling agents 2,3-butanedione monoxime (BDM) and cytochalasin D (CytoD) were added during initiation of culture and effects on myocyte survival were quantified. We investigated pacing rates (0.5 Hz, 1 Hz, and 2 Hz) and hormonal supplements (cortisol, T3, catecholamines) at physiological plasma concentrations. T3 was buffered using BSA. Contractile force was recorded continuously. Glucose consumption and lactate production were measured. Whole-slice Ca2+ transients and action potentials were recorded. Effects of culture on microstructure were investigated with confocal microscopy and image analysis. Results: Protocols for human myocardial culture resulted in sustained contracture and myocyte death in rabbit slices within 24 h, which could be prevented by transient application of a combination of BDM and CytoD. Cortisol stabilized contraction amplitude and kinetics in culture. T3 and catecholaminergic stimulation did not further improve stability. T3 and higher pacing rates increased metabolic rate and lactate production. T3 stabilized the response to β-adrenergic stimulation over 7 d. Pacing rates above 1 Hz resulted in progredient decline in contraction force. Image analysis revealed no changes in volume fractions of cardiomyocytes or measures of fibrosis over 7 d. Ca2+ transient amplitudes and responsiveness to isoprenaline were comparable after 1 d and 7 d, while Ca2+ transient duration was prolonged after 7 d in culture. Conclusions: A workflow for rabbit myocardial culture has been established, preserving function for up to 7 d. This research underscores the importance of glucocorticoid signaling in maintaining tissue function and extending culture duration. Furthermore, BDM and CytoD appear to protect from tissue damage during the initiation phase of tissue culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- V. Baron
- Institute of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - S. T. Sommer
- Institute of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - D. J. Fiegle
- Institute of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - A.-K. M. Pfeuffer
- Institute of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - R. Peyronnet
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg, Bad Krozingen, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - T. Volk
- Institute of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - T. Seidel
- Institute of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
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van Doorn ECH, Amesz JH, Sadeghi AH, de Groot NMS, Manintveld OC, Taverne YJHJ. Preclinical Models of Cardiac Disease: A Comprehensive Overview for Clinical Scientists. Cardiovasc Eng Technol 2024; 15:232-249. [PMID: 38228811 PMCID: PMC11116217 DOI: 10.1007/s13239-023-00707-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
For recent decades, cardiac diseases have been the leading cause of death and morbidity worldwide. Despite significant achievements in their management, profound understanding of disease progression is limited. The lack of biologically relevant and robust preclinical disease models that truly grasp the molecular underpinnings of cardiac disease and its pathophysiology attributes to this stagnation, as well as the insufficiency of platforms that effectively explore novel therapeutic avenues. The area of fundamental and translational cardiac research has therefore gained wide interest of scientists in the clinical field, while the landscape has rapidly evolved towards an elaborate array of research modalities, characterized by diverse and distinctive traits. As a consequence, current literature lacks an intelligible and complete overview aimed at clinical scientists that focuses on selecting the optimal platform for translational research questions. In this review, we present an elaborate overview of current in vitro, ex vivo, in vivo and in silico platforms that model cardiac health and disease, delineating their main benefits and drawbacks, innovative prospects, and foremost fields of application in the scope of clinical research incentives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa C H van Doorn
- Translational Cardiothoracic Surgery Research Lab, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Translational Electrophysiology Laboratory, Department of Cardiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jorik H Amesz
- Translational Cardiothoracic Surgery Research Lab, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Translational Electrophysiology Laboratory, Department of Cardiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Amir H Sadeghi
- Translational Cardiothoracic Surgery Research Lab, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Natasja M S de Groot
- Translational Electrophysiology Laboratory, Department of Cardiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Cardiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Yannick J H J Taverne
- Translational Cardiothoracic Surgery Research Lab, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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Pitoulis FG, Smith JJ, Pamias‐Lopez B, de Tombe PP, Hayman D, Terracciano CM. MyoLoop: Design, development and validation of a standalone bioreactor for pathophysiological electromechanical in vitro cardiac studies. Exp Physiol 2024; 109:405-415. [PMID: 37847495 PMCID: PMC10988681 DOI: 10.1113/ep091247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
Mechanical load is one of the main determinants of cardiac structure and function. Mechanical load is studied in vitro using cardiac preparations together with loading protocols (e.g., auxotonic, isometric). However, such studies are often limited by reductionist models and poorly simulated mechanical load profiles. This hinders the physiological relevance of findings. Living myocardial slices have been used to study load in vitro. Living myocardial slices (LMS) are 300-μm-thick intact organotypic preparations obtained from explanted animal or human hearts. They have preserved cellular populations and the functional, structural, metabolic and molecular profile of the tissue from which they are prepared. Using a three-element Windkessel (3EWK) model we previously showed that LMSs can be cultured while performing cardiac work loops with different preload and afterload. Under such conditions, LMSs remodel as a function of the mechanical load applied to them (physiological load, pressure or volume overload). These studies were conducted in commercially available length actuators that had to be extensively modified for culture experiments. In this paper, we demonstrate the design, development and validation of a novel device, MyoLoop. MyoLoop is a bioreactor that can pace, thermoregulate, acquire and process data, and chronically load LMSs and other cardiac tissues in vitro. In MyoLoop, load is parametrised using a 3EWK model, which can be used to recreate physiological and pathological work loops and the remodelling response to these. We believe MyoLoop is the next frontier in basic cardiovascular research enabling reductionist but physiologically relevant in vitro mechanical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jacob J. Smith
- National Heart & Lung InstituteImperial College LondonLondonUK
| | | | - Pieter P. de Tombe
- Department of Physiology and BiophysicsUniversity of Illinois at ChicagoChicagoIllinoisUSA
- Laboratoire “Physiologie Et Médecine Expérimentale du Coeur Et Des Muscles,” PhymedexpINSERM, CNRSMontpellier University, CHU Arnaud de Villeneuve
MontpellierFrance
| | - Danika Hayman
- National Heart & Lung InstituteImperial College LondonLondonUK
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Nunez-Toldra R, Del Canizo A, Secco I, Nicastro L, Giacca M, Terracciano CM. Living myocardial slices for the study of nucleic acid-based therapies. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1275945. [PMID: 37941724 PMCID: PMC10628718 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1275945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy based on viral vectors offers great potential for the study and the treatment of cardiac diseases. Here we explore the use of Living Myocardial Slices (LMS) as a platform for nucleic acid-based therapies. Rat LMS and Adeno-Associated viruses (AAV) were used to optimise and analyse gene transfer efficiency, viability, tissue functionality, and cell tropism in cardiac tissue. Human cardiac tissue from failing (dilated cardiomyopathy) hearts was also used to validate the model in a more translational setting. LMS were cultured at physiological sarcomere length for 72-h under electrical stimulation. Two recombinant AAV serotypes (AAV6 and AAV9) at different multiplicity of infection (MOI) expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) were added to the surface of rat LMS. AAV6 at 20,000 MOI proved to be the most suitable serotype without affecting LMS contractility or kinetics and showing high transduction and penetrability efficiency in rat LMS. This serotype exhibited 40% of transduction efficiency in cardiomyocytes and stromal cells while 20% of the endothelial cells were transduced. With great translational relevance, this protocol introduces the use of LMS as a model for nucleic acid-based therapies, allowing the acceleration of preclinical studies for cardiac diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- R. Nunez-Toldra
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - A. Del Canizo
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - I. Secco
- King’s College London, School of Cardiovascular Medicine and Sciences, London, United Kingdom
| | - L. Nicastro
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - M. Giacca
- King’s College London, School of Cardiovascular Medicine and Sciences, London, United Kingdom
| | - C. M. Terracciano
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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6
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Velarte A, Otin A, Giménez-Gómez P, Muñoz-Berbel X, Pueyo E. Fiber-Optic-Based System for High-Resolution Monitoring of Stretch in Excised Tissues. BIOSENSORS 2023; 13:900. [PMID: 37887093 PMCID: PMC10605064 DOI: 10.3390/bios13100900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases cause a high number of deaths nowadays. To improve these statistics, new strategies to better understand the electrical and mechanical abnormalities underlying them are urgently required. This study focuses on the development of a sensor to measure tissue stretch in excised tissues, enabling improved knowledge of biomechanical properties and allowing greater control in real time. A system made of biocompatible materials is described, which is based on two cantilevered platforms that integrate an optical fiber inside them to quantify the amount of stretch the tissues are exposed to with a precision of μm. The operating principle of the sensor is based on the variation of the optical path with the movement of the platforms onto which the samples are fixed. The conducted tests highlight that this system, based on a simple topology and technology, is capable of achieving the desired purpose (a resolution of ∼1 μm), enabling the tissue to be bathed in any medium within the system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Velarte
- Biomedical Signal Interpretation and Computational Simulation (BSICoS) Group, I3A Institute, IIS Aragón, University of Zaragoza, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain;
| | - Aranzazu Otin
- Grupo de Electrónica de Potencia y Microelectrónica (GEPM) Group, I3A Institute, University of Zaragoza, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain;
| | - Pablo Giménez-Gómez
- Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Stockholm University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden;
| | - Xavier Muñoz-Berbel
- Instituto de Microelectrónica de Barcelona (IMB-CNM), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Campus UAB, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain;
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red (CIBER) de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Esther Pueyo
- Biomedical Signal Interpretation and Computational Simulation (BSICoS) Group, I3A Institute, IIS Aragón, University of Zaragoza, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain;
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red (CIBER) de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), 28029 Madrid, Spain
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7
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Chabanovska O, Lemcke H, Lang H, Vollmar B, Dohmen PM, David R, Etz C, Neßelmann C. Sarcomeric network analysis of ex vivo cultivated human atrial appendage tissue using super-resolution microscopy. Sci Rep 2023; 13:13041. [PMID: 37563225 PMCID: PMC10415305 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-39962-1] [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: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Investigating native human cardiac tissue with preserved 3D macro- and microarchitecture is fundamental for clinical and basic research. Unfortunately, the low accessibility of the human myocardium continues to limit scientific progress. To overcome this issue, utilizing atrial appendages of the human heart may become highly beneficial. Atrial appendages are often removed during open-heart surgery and can be preserved ex vivo as living tissue with varying durability depending on the culture method. In this study, we prepared living thin myocardial slices from left atrial appendages that were cultured using an air-liquid interface system for overall 10 days. Metabolic activity of the cultured slices was assessed using a conventional methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay. To monitor the structural integrity of cardiomyocytes within the tissue, we implemented our recently described super-resolution microscopy approach that allows both qualitative and quantitative in-depth evaluation of sarcomere network based on parameters such as overall sarcomere content, filament size and orientation. Additionally, expression of mRNAs coding for key structural and functional proteins was analyzed by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Our findings demonstrate highly significant disassembly of contractile apparatus represented by degradation of [Formula: see text]-actinin filaments detected after three days in culture, while metabolic activity was constantly rising and remained high for up to seven days. However, gene expression of crucial cardiac markers strongly decreased after the first day in culture indicating an early destructive response to ex vivo conditions. Therefore, we suggest static cultivation of living myocardial slices derived from left atrial appendage and prepared according to our protocol only for short-termed experiments (e.g. medicinal drug testing), while introduction of electro-mechanical stimulation protocols may offer the possibility for long-term integrity of such constructs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oleksandra Chabanovska
- Reference and Translation Center for Cardiac Stem Cell therapy (RTC), Department of Cardiac Surgery, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057, Rostock, Germany
- Department of Life, Light, and Matter of the Interdisciplinary Faculty, Rostock University, 18059, Rostock, Germany
- Department of Operative Dentistry and Periodontology, Rostock University Medical Center, 18059, Rostock, Germany
| | - Heiko Lemcke
- Reference and Translation Center for Cardiac Stem Cell therapy (RTC), Department of Cardiac Surgery, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057, Rostock, Germany
- Department of Life, Light, and Matter of the Interdisciplinary Faculty, Rostock University, 18059, Rostock, Germany
| | - Hermann Lang
- Department of Operative Dentistry and Periodontology, Rostock University Medical Center, 18059, Rostock, Germany
| | - Brigitte Vollmar
- Rudolf-Zenker-Institute of Experimental Surgery, Rostock University Medical Center, 18059, Rostock, Germany
| | - Pascal M Dohmen
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Rostock University Medical Center, 18059, Rostock, Germany
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Faculty of Health Science, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, 9301, South Africa
| | - Robert David
- Reference and Translation Center for Cardiac Stem Cell therapy (RTC), Department of Cardiac Surgery, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057, Rostock, Germany.
- Department of Life, Light, and Matter of the Interdisciplinary Faculty, Rostock University, 18059, Rostock, Germany.
| | - Christian Etz
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Rostock University Medical Center, 18059, Rostock, Germany
| | - Catharina Neßelmann
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Rostock University Medical Center, 18059, Rostock, Germany
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8
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Poch CM, Dendorfer A, Laugwitz KL, Moretti A. Ex vivo Culture and Contractile Force Measurements of Non-human Primate Heart Slices. Bio Protoc 2023; 13:e4750. [PMID: 37456341 PMCID: PMC10338344 DOI: 10.21769/bioprotoc.4750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death and morbidity worldwide. Patient mortality has been successfully reduced by nearly half in the last four decades, mainly due to advances in minimally invasive surgery techniques and interventional cardiology methods. However, a major hurdle is still the translational gap between preclinical findings and the conversion into effective therapies, which is partly due to the use of model systems that fail to recapitulate key aspects of human physiology and disease. Large animal models such as pigs and non-human primates are highly valuable because they closely resemble humans but are costly and time intensive. Here, we provide a method for long-term ex vivo culture of non-human primate (NHP) myocardial tissue that offers a powerful alternative for a wide range of applications including electrophysiology studies, drug screening, and gene function analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine M. Poch
- First Department of Medicine, Cardiology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine and Health, Munich, Germany
| | - Andreas Dendorfer
- Walter-Brendel-Centre of Experimental Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany
- DZHK (German Centre of Cardiovascular Research) – Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
| | - Karl-Ludwig Laugwitz
- First Department of Medicine, Cardiology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine and Health, Munich, Germany
- DZHK (German Centre of Cardiovascular Research) – Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
| | - Alessandra Moretti
- First Department of Medicine, Cardiology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine and Health, Munich, Germany
- DZHK (German Centre of Cardiovascular Research) – Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
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9
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Siwczak F, Hiller C, Pfannkuche H, Schneider MR. Culture of vibrating microtome tissue slices as a 3D model in biomedical research. J Biol Eng 2023; 17:36. [PMID: 37264444 DOI: 10.1186/s13036-023-00357-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The basic idea behind the use of 3-dimensional (3D) tools in biomedical research is the assumption that the structures under study will perform at the best in vitro if cultivated in an environment that is as similar as possible to their natural in vivo embedding. Tissue slicing fulfills this premise optimally: it is an accessible, unexpensive, imaging-friendly, and technically rather simple procedure which largely preserves the extracellular matrix and includes all or at least most supportive cell types in the correct tissue architecture with little cellular damage. Vibrating microtomes (vibratomes) can further improve the quality of the generated slices because of the lateral, saw-like movement of the blade, which significantly reduces tissue pulling or tearing compared to a straight cut. In spite of its obvious advantages, vibrating microtome slices are rather underrepresented in the current discussion on 3D tools, which is dominated by methods as organoids, organ-on-chip and bioprinting. Here, we review the development of vibrating microtome tissue slices, the major technical features underlying its application, as well as its current use and potential advances, such as a combination with novel microfluidic culture chambers. Once fully integrated into the 3D toolbox, tissue slices may significantly contribute to decrease the use of laboratory animals and is likely to have a strong impact on basic and translational research as well as drug screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatina Siwczak
- Institute of Veterinary Physiology, University of Leipzig, An den Tierkliniken 7, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Charlotte Hiller
- Institute of Veterinary Physiology, University of Leipzig, An den Tierkliniken 7, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Helga Pfannkuche
- Institute of Veterinary Physiology, University of Leipzig, An den Tierkliniken 7, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Marlon R Schneider
- Institute of Veterinary Physiology, University of Leipzig, An den Tierkliniken 7, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.
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10
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Visualization of regenerating and repairing hearts. Clin Sci (Lond) 2022; 136:787-798. [PMID: 35621122 PMCID: PMC9886236 DOI: 10.1042/cs20211116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
With heart failure continuing to become more prevalent, investigating the mechanisms of heart injury and repair holds much incentive. In contrast with adult mammals, other organisms such as teleost fish, urodele amphibians, and even neonatal mammals are capable of robust cardiac regeneration to replenish lost or damaged myocardial tissue. Long-term high-resolution intravital imaging of the behaviors and interactions of different cardiac cell types in their native environment could yield unprecedented insights into heart regeneration and repair. However, this task remains challenging for the heart due to its rhythmic contraction and anatomical location. Here, we summarize recent advances in live imaging of heart regeneration and repair, discuss the advantages and limitations of current systems, and suggest future directions for novel imaging technology development.
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11
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Klumm MJ, Heim C, Fiegle DJ, Weyand M, Volk T, Seidel T. Long-Term Cultivation of Human Atrial Myocardium. Front Physiol 2022; 13:839139. [PMID: 35283779 PMCID: PMC8905341 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.839139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Organotypic culture of human ventricular myocardium is emerging in basic and translational cardiac research. However, few institutions have access to human ventricular tissue, whereas atrial tissue is more commonly available and important for studying atrial physiology. This study presents a method for long-term cultivation of beating human atrial myocardium. After written informed consent, tissues from the right-atrial appendage were obtained from patients with sinus rhythm undergoing open heart surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. Trabeculae (pectinate muscles) prepared from the samples were installed into cultivation chambers at 37°C with a diastolic preload of 500 μN. After 2 days with 0.5 Hz pacing, stimulation frequency was set to 1 Hz. Contractile force was monitored continuously. Beta-adrenergic response, refractory period (RP) and maximum captured frequency (fmax) were assessed periodically. After cultivation, viability and electromechanical function were investigated, as well as the expression of several genes important for intracellular Ca2+ cycling and electrophysiology. Tissue microstructure was analyzed by confocal microscopy. We cultivated 19 constantly beating trabeculae from 8 patient samples for 12 days and 4 trabeculae from 3 specimen for 21 days. Functional parameters were compared directly after installation (0 d) with those after 12 d in culture. Contraction force was 384 ± 69 μN at 0 d and 255 ± 90 μN at 12 d (p = 0.8, n = 22), RP 480 ± 97 ms and 408 ± 78 ms (p = 0.3, n = 9), fmax 3.0 ± 0.5 Hz and 3.8 ± 0.5 Hz (p = 0.18, n = 9), respectively. Application of 100 nM isoprenaline to 11 trabeculae at 7 d increased contraction force from 168 ± 35 μN to 361 ± 60 μN (p < 0.01), fmax from 6.4 ± 0.6 Hz to 8.5 ± 0.4 Hz (p < 0.01) and lowered RP from 319 ± 22 ms to 223 ± 15 ms. CACNA1c (L-type Ca2+ channel subunit) and GJA1 (connexin-43) mRNA expressions were not significantly altered at 12 d vs 0 d, while ATP2A (SERCA) and KCNJ4 (Kir2.3) were downregulated, and KCNJ2 (Kir2.1) was upregulated. Simultaneous Ca2+ imaging and force recording showed preserved excitation-contraction coupling in cultivated trabeculae. Confocal microscopy indicated preserved cardiomyocyte structure, unaltered amounts of extracellular matrix and gap junctions. MTT assays confirmed viability at 12 d. We established a workflow that allows for stable cultivation and functional analysis of beating human atrial myocardium for up to 3 weeks. This method may lead to novel insights into the physiology and pathophysiology of human atrial myocardium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian J Klumm
- Institute of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.,Department of Cardiac Surgery, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Christian Heim
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Dominik J Fiegle
- Institute of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Michael Weyand
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Tilmann Volk
- Institute of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Thomas Seidel
- Institute of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
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12
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Borysova L, Ng YYH, Wragg ES, Wallis LE, Fay E, Ascione R, Dora KA. High spatial and temporal resolution Ca 2+ imaging of myocardial strips from human, pig and rat. Nat Protoc 2021; 16:4650-4675. [PMID: 34400840 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-021-00590-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Ca2+ handling within cardiac myocytes underpins coordinated contractile function within the beating heart. This protocol enables high spatial and temporal Ca2+ imaging of ex vivo multicellular myocardial strips. The endocardial surface is retained, and strips of 150-300-µm thickness are dissected, loaded with Ca2+ indicators and mounted within 1.5 h. A list of the equipment and reagents used and the key methodological aspects allowing the use of this technique on strips from any chamber of the mammalian heart are described. We have successfully used this protocol on human, pig and rat biopsy samples. On use of this protocol with intact endocardial endothelium, we demonstrated that the myocytes develop asynchronous spontaneous Ca2+ events, which can be ablated by electrically evoked Ca2+ transients, and subsequently redevelop spontaneously after cessation of stimulation. This protocol thus offers a rapid and reliable method for studying the Ca2+ signaling underpinning cardiomyocyte contraction, in both healthy and diseased tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lyudmyla Borysova
- Vascular Pharmacology Group, Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Y Y Hanson Ng
- Vascular Pharmacology Group, Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Edward S Wragg
- Vascular Pharmacology Group, Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Lillian E Wallis
- Vascular Pharmacology Group, Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Emily Fay
- Vascular Pharmacology Group, Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Raimondo Ascione
- Bristol Heart Institute, Bristol Royal Infirmary, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Kim A Dora
- Vascular Pharmacology Group, Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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13
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Recent Advances in Cardiac Tissue Engineering for the Management of Myocardium Infarction. Cells 2021; 10:cells10102538. [PMID: 34685518 PMCID: PMC8533887 DOI: 10.3390/cells10102538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Myocardium Infarction (MI) is one of the foremost cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) causing death worldwide, and its case numbers are expected to continuously increase in the coming years. Pharmacological interventions have not been at the forefront in ameliorating MI-related morbidity and mortality. Stem cell-based tissue engineering approaches have been extensively explored for their regenerative potential in the infarcted myocardium. Recent studies on microfluidic devices employing stem cells under laboratory set-up have revealed meticulous events pertaining to the pathophysiology of MI occurring at the infarcted site. This discovery also underpins the appropriate conditions in the niche for differentiating stem cells into mature cardiomyocyte-like cells and leads to engineering of the scaffold via mimicking of native cardiac physiological conditions. However, the mode of stem cell-loaded engineered scaffolds delivered to the site of infarction is still a challenging mission, and yet to be translated to the clinical setting. In this review, we have elucidated the various strategies developed using a hydrogel-based system both as encapsulated stem cells and as biocompatible patches loaded with cells and applied at the site of infarction.
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14
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Fusco-Allison G, Li DK, Hunter B, Jackson D, Bannon PG, Lal S, O'Sullivan JF. Optimizing the discovery and assessment of therapeutic targets in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. ESC Heart Fail 2021; 8:3643-3655. [PMID: 34342166 PMCID: PMC8497375 DOI: 10.1002/ehf2.13504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
There is an urgent need for models that faithfully replicate heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), now recognized as the most common form of heart failure in the world. In vitro approaches have several shortcomings, most notably the immature nature of stem cell‐derived human cardiomyocytes [induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC)] and the relatively short lifespan of primary cardiomyocytes. Three‐dimensional ‘organoids’ incorporating mature iPSCs with other cell types such as endothelial cells and fibroblasts are a significant advance, but lack the complexity of true myocardium. Animal models can replicate many features of human HFpEF, and rodent models are the most common, and recent attempts to incorporate haemodynamic, metabolic, and ageing contributions are encouraging. Differences relating to species, physiology, heart rate, and heart size are major limitations for rodent models. Porcine models mitigate many of these shortcomings and approximate human physiology more closely, but cost and time considerations limit their potential for widespread use. Ex vivo analysis of failing hearts from animal models offer intriguing possibilities regarding cardiac substrate utilisation, but are ultimately subject to the same constrains as the animal models from which the hearts are obtained. Ex vivo approaches using human myocardial biopsies can uncover new insights into pathobiology leveraging myocardial energetics, substrate turnover, molecular changes, and systolic/diastolic function. In collaboration with a skilled cardiothoracic surgeon, left ventricular endomyocardial biopsies can be obtained at the time of valvular surgery in HFpEF patients. Critically, these tissues maintain their disease phenotype, preserving inter‐relationship of myocardial cells and extracellular matrix. This review highlights a novel approach, where ultra‐thin myocardial tissue slices from human HFpEF hearts can be used to assess changes in myocardial structure and function. We discuss current approaches to modelling HFpEF, describe in detail the novel tissue slice model, expand on exciting opportunities this model provides, and outline ways to improve this model further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle Fusco-Allison
- Precision Cardiovascular Laboratory, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Heart Research Institute, Newtown, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Central Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Desmond K Li
- Precision Cardiovascular Laboratory, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Heart Research Institute, Newtown, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Central Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Benjamin Hunter
- Precision Cardiovascular Laboratory, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Central Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Dan Jackson
- Precision Cardiovascular Laboratory, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Central Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Discipline of Surgery, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Paul G Bannon
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Discipline of Surgery, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sean Lal
- Precision Cardiovascular Laboratory, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Central Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Department of Cardiology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - John F O'Sullivan
- Precision Cardiovascular Laboratory, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Heart Research Institute, Newtown, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Central Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Department of Cardiology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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15
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Meki MH, Miller JM, Mohamed TMA. Heart Slices to Model Cardiac Physiology. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:617922. [PMID: 33613292 PMCID: PMC7890402 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.617922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Translational research in the cardiovascular field is hampered by the unavailability of cardiac models that can recapitulate organ-level physiology of the myocardium. Outside the body, cardiac tissue undergoes rapid dedifferentiation and maladaptation in culture. There is an ever-growing demand for preclinical platforms that allow for accurate, standardized, long-term, and rapid drug testing. Heart slices is an emerging technology that solves many of the problems with conventional myocardial culture systems. Heart slices are thin (<400 µm) slices of heart tissue from the adult ventricle. Several recent studies using heart slices have shown their ability to maintain the adult phenotype for prolonged periods in a multi cell-type environment. Here, we review the current status of cardiac culture systems and highlight the unique advantages offered by heart slices in the light of recent efforts in developing physiologically relevant heart slice culture systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moustafa H Meki
- Institute of Molecular Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States.,Department of Bioengineering, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Jessica M Miller
- Institute of Molecular Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States.,Department of Bioengineering, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Tamer M A Mohamed
- Institute of Molecular Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States.,Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
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16
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Liu Z, Klose K, Neuber S, Jiang M, Gossen M, Stamm C. Comparative analysis of adeno-associated virus serotypes for gene transfer in organotypic heart slices. J Transl Med 2020; 18:437. [PMID: 33208161 PMCID: PMC7673099 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-020-02605-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Vectors derived from adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) are widely used for gene transfer both in vitro and in vivo and have gained increasing interest as shuttle systems to deliver therapeutic genes to the heart. However, there is little information on their tissue penetration and cytotoxicity, as well as the optimal AAV serotype for transferring genes to diseased hearts. Therefore, we aimed to establish an organotypic heart slice culture system for mouse left ventricular (LV) myocardium and use this platform to analyze gene transfer efficiency, cell tropism, and toxicity of different AAV serotypes. Methods LV tissue slices, 300 µm thick, were prepared from 15- to 17-day-old transgenic alpha-myosin heavy-chain-mCherry mice using a vibrating microtome. Tissue slice viability in air-liquid culture was evaluated by calcein-acetoxymethyl ester staining, mCherry fluorescence intensity, and the tetrazolium assay. Four recombinant AAV serotypes (1, 2, 6, 8) expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) under the CAG promoter were added to the slice surface. Gene transfer efficiency was quantified as the number of GFP-positive cells per slice. AAV cell tropism was examined by comparing the number of GFP-positive cardiomyocytes (CMs) and fibroblasts within heart slices. Results Slices retained viability in in vitro culture for at least 5 days. After adding AAV particles, AAV6-infected slices showed the highest number of GFP-expressing cells, almost exclusively CMs. Slice incubation with AAV1, 2, and 8 resulted in fewer GFP-positive cells, with AAV2 having the lowest gene transfer efficiency. None of the AAV serotypes tested caused significant cytotoxicity when compared to non-infected control slices. Conclusions We have established a readily available mouse organotypic heart slice culture model and provided evidence that AAV6 may be a promising gene therapy vector for heart failure and other cardiac diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zihou Liu
- Berlin Institute of Health Center for Regenerative Therapies, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kristin Klose
- Berlin Institute of Health Center for Regenerative Therapies, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sebastian Neuber
- Berlin Institute of Health Center for Regenerative Therapies, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, German Heart Center Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,German Centre for Cardiovascular Research, Partner Site Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Meng Jiang
- Berlin Institute of Health Center for Regenerative Therapies, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Manfred Gossen
- Berlin-Brandenburg Center for Regenerative Therapies, Berlin, Germany.,Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht, Institute of Biomaterial Science, Teltow, Germany
| | - Christof Stamm
- Berlin Institute of Health Center for Regenerative Therapies, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany. .,Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, German Heart Center Berlin, Berlin, Germany. .,German Centre for Cardiovascular Research, Partner Site Berlin, Berlin, Germany. .,Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht, Institute of Biomaterial Science, Teltow, Germany.
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17
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Oliván-Viguera A, Pérez-Zabalza M, García-Mendívil L, Mountris KA, Orós-Rodrigo S, Ramos-Marquès E, Vallejo-Gil JM, Fresneda-Roldán PC, Fañanás-Mastral J, Vázquez-Sancho M, Matamala-Adell M, Sorribas-Berjón F, Bellido-Morales JA, Mancebón-Sierra FJ, Vaca-Núñez AS, Ballester-Cuenca C, Marigil MÁ, Pastor C, Ordovás L, Köhler R, Diez E, Pueyo E. Minimally invasive system to reliably characterize ventricular electrophysiology from living donors. Sci Rep 2020; 10:19941. [PMID: 33203905 PMCID: PMC7673124 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-77076-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiac tissue slices preserve the heterogeneous structure and multicellularity of the myocardium and allow its functional characterization. However, access to human ventricular samples is scarce. We aim to demonstrate that slices from small transmural core biopsies collected from living donors during routine cardiac surgery preserve structural and functional properties of larger myocardial specimens, allowing accurate electrophysiological characterization. In pigs, we compared left ventricular transmural core biopsies with transmural tissue blocks from the same ventricular region. In humans, we analyzed transmural biopsies and papillary muscles from living donors. All tissues were vibratome-sliced. By histological analysis of the transmural biopsies, we showed that tissue architecture and cellular organization were preserved. Enzymatic and vital staining methods verified viability. Optically mapped transmembrane potentials confirmed that action potential duration and morphology were similar in pig biopsies and tissue blocks. Action potential morphology and duration in human biopsies and papillary muscles agreed with published ranges. In both pigs and humans, responses to increasing pacing frequencies and β-adrenergic stimulation were similar in transmural biopsies and larger tissues. We show that it is possible to successfully collect and characterize tissue slices from human myocardial biopsies routinely extracted from living donors, whose behavior mimics that of larger myocardial preparations both structurally and electrophysiologically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aida Oliván-Viguera
- Biomedical Signal Interpretation and Computational Simulation (BSICoS) Group, Aragón, Institute of Engineering Research (I3A) and Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria (IIS) Aragón, University of Zaragoza, Edificio I+D+i, C/Mariano Esquillor s/n, 50018, Zaragoza, Spain.
| | - María Pérez-Zabalza
- Biomedical Signal Interpretation and Computational Simulation (BSICoS) Group, Aragón, Institute of Engineering Research (I3A) and Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria (IIS) Aragón, University of Zaragoza, Edificio I+D+i, C/Mariano Esquillor s/n, 50018, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Laura García-Mendívil
- Biomedical Signal Interpretation and Computational Simulation (BSICoS) Group, Aragón, Institute of Engineering Research (I3A) and Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria (IIS) Aragón, University of Zaragoza, Edificio I+D+i, C/Mariano Esquillor s/n, 50018, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Konstantinos A Mountris
- Biomedical Signal Interpretation and Computational Simulation (BSICoS) Group, Aragón, Institute of Engineering Research (I3A) and Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria (IIS) Aragón, University of Zaragoza, Edificio I+D+i, C/Mariano Esquillor s/n, 50018, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Sofía Orós-Rodrigo
- Biomedical Signal Interpretation and Computational Simulation (BSICoS) Group, Aragón, Institute of Engineering Research (I3A) and Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria (IIS) Aragón, University of Zaragoza, Edificio I+D+i, C/Mariano Esquillor s/n, 50018, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Estel Ramos-Marquès
- Biomedical Signal Interpretation and Computational Simulation (BSICoS) Group, Aragón, Institute of Engineering Research (I3A) and Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria (IIS) Aragón, University of Zaragoza, Edificio I+D+i, C/Mariano Esquillor s/n, 50018, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - José María Vallejo-Gil
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, University Hospital Miguel Servet, Zaragoza, Spain
| | | | - Javier Fañanás-Mastral
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, University Hospital Miguel Servet, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Manuel Vázquez-Sancho
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, University Hospital Miguel Servet, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Marta Matamala-Adell
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, University Hospital Miguel Servet, Zaragoza, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Laura Ordovás
- Biomedical Signal Interpretation and Computational Simulation (BSICoS) Group, Aragón, Institute of Engineering Research (I3A) and Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria (IIS) Aragón, University of Zaragoza, Edificio I+D+i, C/Mariano Esquillor s/n, 50018, Zaragoza, Spain.,Aragón Agency for Research and Development (ARAID), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Ralf Köhler
- Aragón Institute of Health Sciences (IACS), Zaragoza, Spain.,Aragón Agency for Research and Development (ARAID), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Emiliano Diez
- Institute of Experimental Medicine and Biology of Cuyo (IMBECU), CONICET, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Esther Pueyo
- Biomedical Signal Interpretation and Computational Simulation (BSICoS) Group, Aragón, Institute of Engineering Research (I3A) and Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria (IIS) Aragón, University of Zaragoza, Edificio I+D+i, C/Mariano Esquillor s/n, 50018, Zaragoza, Spain.,Biomedical Research Networking Center in Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Zaragoza, Spain
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18
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Wei L, Li W, Entcheva E, Li Z. Microfluidics-enabled 96-well perfusion system for high-throughput tissue engineering and long-term all-optical electrophysiology. LAB ON A CHIP 2020; 20:4031-4042. [PMID: 32996969 PMCID: PMC7680692 DOI: 10.1039/d0lc00615g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
This work demonstrates a novel high-throughput (HT) microfluidics-enabled uninterrupted perfusion system (HT-μUPS) and validates its use with chronic all-optical electrophysiology in human excitable cells. HT-μUPS consists of a soft multichannel microfluidic plate cover which could button on a commercial HT 96-well plate. Herein, we demonstrate the manufacturing process of the system and its usages in acute and chronic all-optical electrophysiological studies of human induced pluripotent stem-cell-derived cardiomyocytes (iPSC-CM) and engineered excitable (spiking HEK) cells. HT-μUPS perfusion maintained functional voltage and calcium responses in iPSC-CM and spiking HEK cells under spontaneous conditions and under optogenetic pacing. Long-term culture with HT-μUPS improved cell viability and optogenetically-tracked calcium responses in spiking HEK cells. The simplicity of this design and its compatibility with HT all-optical electrophysiology can empower cell-based assays for personalized medicine using patient-derived cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lai Wei
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The George Washington University, Washington DC, USA
- These authors contributed equally: Lai Wei, Weizhen Li
| | - Weizhen Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The George Washington University, Washington DC, USA
- These authors contributed equally: Lai Wei, Weizhen Li
| | - Emilia Entcheva
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The George Washington University, Washington DC, USA
- ,
| | - Zhenyu Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The George Washington University, Washington DC, USA
- ,
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19
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Jönsson A, Toppi A, Dufva M. The FAST Pump, a low-cost, easy to fabricate, SLA-3D-printed peristaltic pump for multi-channel systems in any lab. HARDWAREX 2020; 8:e00115. [PMID: 35498250 PMCID: PMC9041223 DOI: 10.1016/j.ohx.2020.e00115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
With the increasing interest in high throughput screening and parallel assays, laboratories around the world inevitably find themselves in need of driving a multitude of fluid lines to facilitate their large scale studies. The comparatively low cost and no-fluid-contact design of peristaltic pumps make them the go-to systems for such ventures, but using commercially available pumping systems this still becomes a costly endeavor at typically $250-$1000 per pump line. Here we have developed an alternative, a peristaltic pump that can be fabricated in most research laboratories using 3D-printing and readily available off-the-shelf parts. The pump features 8 parallel channels with linear ranges spanning from 0.7 µL/min to 6 mL/min. The pump can be fabricated and assembled by anyone with access to a 3D-printer at a cost of less than $45 per channel and is driven by a stepper motor that connects directly to any computer. This device has the potential to be disruptive in areas such as drug screening and assay development, as well as lab-on-a-chip applications and cell cultivation, where it significantly reduces hardware expenses and allows for construction of more comprehensive fluidic systems at a fraction of current costs.
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20
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Klak M, Bryniarski T, Kowalska P, Gomolka M, Tymicki G, Kosowska K, Cywoniuk P, Dobrzanski T, Turowski P, Wszola M. Novel Strategies in Artificial Organ Development: What Is the Future of Medicine? MICROMACHINES 2020; 11:E646. [PMID: 32629779 PMCID: PMC7408042 DOI: 10.3390/mi11070646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The technology of tissue engineering is a rapidly evolving interdisciplinary field of science that elevates cell-based research from 2D cultures through organoids to whole bionic organs. 3D bioprinting and organ-on-a-chip approaches through generation of three-dimensional cultures at different scales, applied separately or combined, are widely used in basic studies, drug screening and regenerative medicine. They enable analyses of tissue-like conditions that yield much more reliable results than monolayer cell cultures. Annually, millions of animals worldwide are used for preclinical research. Therefore, the rapid assessment of drug efficacy and toxicity in the early stages of preclinical testing can significantly reduce the number of animals, bringing great ethical and financial benefits. In this review, we describe 3D bioprinting techniques and first examples of printed bionic organs. We also present the possibilities of microfluidic systems, based on the latest reports. We demonstrate the pros and cons of both technologies and indicate their use in the future of medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Michal Wszola
- Foundation of Research and Science Development, 01-793 Warsaw, Poland; (M.K.); (T.B.); (P.K.); (M.G.); (G.T.); (K.K.); (P.C.); (T.D.); (P.T.)
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21
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Pitoulis FG, Watson SA, Perbellini F, Terracciano CM. Myocardial slices come to age: an intermediate complexity in vitro cardiac model for translational research. Cardiovasc Res 2020; 116:1275-1287. [PMID: 31868875 PMCID: PMC7243278 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvz341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Revised: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Although past decades have witnessed significant reductions in mortality of heart failure together with advances in our understanding of its cellular, molecular, and whole-heart features, a lot of basic cardiac research still fails to translate into clinical practice. In this review we examine myocardial slices, a novel model in the translational arena. Myocardial slices are living ultra-thin sections of heart tissue. Slices maintain the myocardium's native function (contractility, electrophysiology) and structure (multicellularity, extracellular matrix) and can be prepared from animal and human tissue. The discussion begins with the history and current advances in the model, the different interlaboratory methods of preparation and their potential impact on results. We then contextualize slices' advantages and limitations by comparing it with other cardiac models. Recently, sophisticated methods have enabled slices to be cultured chronically in vitro while preserving the functional and structural phenotype. This is more timely now than ever where chronic physiologically relevant in vitro platforms for assessment of therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. We interrogate the technological developments that have permitted this, their limitations, and future directions. Finally, we look into the general obstacles faced by the translational field, and how implementation of research systems utilizing slices could help in resolving these.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fotios G Pitoulis
- Laboratory of Cell Electrophysiology, Department of Myocardial Function, Imperial College London, National Heart and Lung Institute, 4th Floor ICTEM Building Hammersmith Hospital, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Samuel A Watson
- Laboratory of Cell Electrophysiology, Department of Myocardial Function, Imperial College London, National Heart and Lung Institute, 4th Floor ICTEM Building Hammersmith Hospital, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Filippo Perbellini
- Laboratory of Cell Electrophysiology, Department of Myocardial Function, Imperial College London, National Heart and Lung Institute, 4th Floor ICTEM Building Hammersmith Hospital, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
- Hannover Medical School, Institute of Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies, Hannover, Germany
| | - Cesare M Terracciano
- Laboratory of Cell Electrophysiology, Department of Myocardial Function, Imperial College London, National Heart and Lung Institute, 4th Floor ICTEM Building Hammersmith Hospital, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
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22
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Ou Q, Abouleisa RRE, Tang XL, Juhardeen HR, Meki MH, Miller JM, Giridharan G, El-Baz A, Bolli R, Mohamed TMA. Slicing and Culturing Pig Hearts under Physiological Conditions. J Vis Exp 2020. [PMID: 32250357 DOI: 10.3791/60913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Many novel drugs fail in clinical studies due to cardiotoxic side effects as the currently available in vitro assays and in vivo animal models poorly predict human cardiac liabilities, posing a multi-billion-dollar burden on the pharmaceutical industry. Hence, there is a worldwide unmet medical need for better approaches to identify drug cardiotoxicity before undertaking costly and time consuming 'first in man' trials. Currently, only immature cardiac cells (human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes [hiPSC-CMs]) are used to test therapeutic efficiency and drug toxicity as they are the only human cardiac cells that can be cultured for prolonged periods required to test drug efficacy and toxicity. However, a single cell type cannot replicate the phenotype of the complex 3D heart tissue which is formed of multiple cell types. Importantly, the effect of drugs needs to be tested on adult cardiomyocytes, which have different characteristics and toxicity responses compared to immature hiPSC-CMs. Culturing human heart slices is a promising model of intact human myocardium. This technology provides access to a complete multicellular system that mimics the human heart tissue and reflects the physiological or pathological conditions of the human myocardium. Recently, through optimization of the culture media components and the culture conditions to include continuous electrical stimulation at 1.2 Hz and intermittent oxygenation of the culture medium, we developed a new culture system setup that preserves viability and functionality of human and pig heart slices for 6 days in culture. In the current protocol, we are detailing the method for slicing and culturing pig heart as an example. The same protocol is used to culture slices from human, dog, sheep, or cat hearts. This culture system has the potential to become a powerful predictive human in situ model for acute cardiotoxicity testing that closes the gap between preclinical and clinical testing results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinghui Ou
- Institute of Molecular Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Louisville
| | - Riham R E Abouleisa
- Institute of Molecular Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Louisville
| | - Xian-Liang Tang
- Institute of Molecular Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Louisville
| | - Hamzah R Juhardeen
- Institute of Molecular Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Louisville
| | | | | | | | - Ayman El-Baz
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Louisville
| | - Roberto Bolli
- Institute of Molecular Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Louisville
| | - Tamer M A Mohamed
- Institute of Molecular Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Louisville; Diabetes and Obesity Center, Department of Medicine, University of Louisville; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville; Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Manchester; Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University;
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23
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Karbassi E, Fenix A, Marchiano S, Muraoka N, Nakamura K, Yang X, Murry CE. Cardiomyocyte maturation: advances in knowledge and implications for regenerative medicine. Nat Rev Cardiol 2020; 17:341-359. [PMID: 32015528 DOI: 10.1038/s41569-019-0331-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 382] [Impact Index Per Article: 95.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Our knowledge of pluripotent stem cell (PSC) biology has advanced to the point where we now can generate most cells of the human body in the laboratory. PSC-derived cardiomyocytes can be generated routinely with high yield and purity for disease research and drug development, and these cells are now gradually entering the clinical research phase for the testing of heart regeneration therapies. However, a major hurdle for their applications is the immature state of these cardiomyocytes. In this Review, we describe the structural and functional properties of cardiomyocytes and present the current approaches to mature PSC-derived cardiomyocytes. To date, the greatest success in maturation of PSC-derived cardiomyocytes has been with transplantation into the heart in animal models and the engineering of 3D heart tissues with electromechanical conditioning. In conventional 2D cell culture, biophysical stimuli such as mechanical loading, electrical stimulation and nanotopology cues all induce substantial maturation, particularly of the contractile cytoskeleton. Metabolism has emerged as a potent means to control maturation with unexpected effects on electrical and mechanical function. Different interventions induce distinct facets of maturation, suggesting that activating multiple signalling networks might lead to increased maturation. Despite considerable progress, we are still far from being able to generate PSC-derived cardiomyocytes with adult-like phenotypes in vitro. Future progress will come from identifying the developmental drivers of maturation and leveraging them to create more mature cardiomyocytes for research and regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaheh Karbassi
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Center for Cardiovascular Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Aidan Fenix
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Center for Cardiovascular Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Silvia Marchiano
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Center for Cardiovascular Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Naoto Muraoka
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Center for Cardiovascular Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Kenta Nakamura
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Center for Cardiovascular Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Xiulan Yang
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Center for Cardiovascular Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Charles E Murry
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA. .,Center for Cardiovascular Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA. .,Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA. .,Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA. .,Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
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24
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Ou Q, Jacobson Z, Abouleisa RRE, Tang XL, Hindi SM, Kumar A, Ivey KN, Giridharan G, El-Baz A, Brittian K, Rood B, Lin YH, Watson SA, Perbellini F, McKinsey TA, Hill BG, Jones SP, Terracciano CM, Bolli R, Mohamed TMA. Physiological Biomimetic Culture System for Pig and Human Heart Slices. Circ Res 2019; 125:628-642. [PMID: 31310161 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.119.314996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Preclinical testing of cardiotoxicity and efficacy of novel heart failure therapies faces a major limitation: the lack of an in situ culture system that emulates the complexity of human heart tissue and maintains viability and functionality for a prolonged time. OBJECTIVE To develop a reliable, easily reproducible, medium-throughput method to culture pig and human heart slices under physiological conditions for a prolonged period of time. METHODS AND RESULTS Here, we describe a novel, medium-throughput biomimetic culture system that maintains viability and functionality of human and pig heart slices (300 µm thickness) for 6 days in culture. We optimized the medium and culture conditions with continuous electrical stimulation at 1.2 Hz and oxygenation of the medium. Functional viability of these slices over 6 days was confirmed by assessing their calcium homeostasis, twitch force generation, and response to β-adrenergic stimulation. Temporal transcriptome analysis using RNAseq at day 2, 6, and 10 in culture confirmed overall maintenance of normal gene expression for up to 6 days, while over 500 transcripts were differentially regulated after 10 days. Electron microscopy demonstrated intact mitochondria and Z-disc ultra-structures after 6 days in culture under our optimized conditions. This biomimetic culture system was successful in keeping human heart slices completely viable and functionally and structurally intact for 6 days in culture. We also used this system to demonstrate the effects of a novel gene therapy approach in human heart slices. Furthermore, this culture system enabled the assessment of contraction and relaxation kinetics on isolated single myofibrils from heart slices after culture. CONCLUSIONS We have developed and optimized a reliable medium-throughput culture system for pig and human heart slices as a platform for testing the efficacy of novel heart failure therapeutics and reliable testing of cardiotoxicity in a 3-dimensional heart model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinghui Ou
- From the Department of Medicine, Institute of Molecular Cardiology (Q.O., R.R.E.A., X.-L.T., K.B., S.P.J., R.B., T.M.A.M.), University of Louisville, KY
| | - Zoë Jacobson
- Tenaya Therapeutics, South San Francisco, CA (Z.J., K.N.I.)
| | - Riham R E Abouleisa
- From the Department of Medicine, Institute of Molecular Cardiology (Q.O., R.R.E.A., X.-L.T., K.B., S.P.J., R.B., T.M.A.M.), University of Louisville, KY
| | - Xian-Liang Tang
- From the Department of Medicine, Institute of Molecular Cardiology (Q.O., R.R.E.A., X.-L.T., K.B., S.P.J., R.B., T.M.A.M.), University of Louisville, KY
| | - Sajedah M Hindi
- Departments of Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology (S.M.H., A.K.), University of Louisville, KY
| | - Ashok Kumar
- Departments of Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology (S.M.H., A.K.), University of Louisville, KY
| | - Kathryn N Ivey
- Tenaya Therapeutics, South San Francisco, CA (Z.J., K.N.I.)
| | | | - Ayman El-Baz
- Department of Bioengineering (G.G., A.E.-B.), University of Louisville, KY
| | - Kenneth Brittian
- From the Department of Medicine, Institute of Molecular Cardiology (Q.O., R.R.E.A., X.-L.T., K.B., S.P.J., R.B., T.M.A.M.), University of Louisville, KY
| | - Benjamin Rood
- Envirome Institute, Diabetes and Obesity Center, Department of Medicine (B.R., B.G.H., S.P.J., T.M.A.M.), University of Louisville, KY
| | - Ying-Hsi Lin
- Division of Cardiology and Consortium for Fibrosis Research & Translation, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora (Y.-H.L., T.A.M.)
| | - Samuel A Watson
- National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College London, United Kingdom (S.A.W., F.P., C.M.T.)
| | - Filippo Perbellini
- National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College London, United Kingdom (S.A.W., F.P., C.M.T.).,Institute of Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies (IMTTS), Hannover Medical School, Germany (F.P.)
| | - Timothy A McKinsey
- Division of Cardiology and Consortium for Fibrosis Research & Translation, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora (Y.-H.L., T.A.M.)
| | - Bradford G Hill
- Envirome Institute, Diabetes and Obesity Center, Department of Medicine (B.R., B.G.H., S.P.J., T.M.A.M.), University of Louisville, KY
| | - Steven P Jones
- From the Department of Medicine, Institute of Molecular Cardiology (Q.O., R.R.E.A., X.-L.T., K.B., S.P.J., R.B., T.M.A.M.), University of Louisville, KY.,Envirome Institute, Diabetes and Obesity Center, Department of Medicine (B.R., B.G.H., S.P.J., T.M.A.M.), University of Louisville, KY
| | - Cesare M Terracciano
- National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College London, United Kingdom (S.A.W., F.P., C.M.T.)
| | - Roberto Bolli
- From the Department of Medicine, Institute of Molecular Cardiology (Q.O., R.R.E.A., X.-L.T., K.B., S.P.J., R.B., T.M.A.M.), University of Louisville, KY
| | - Tamer M A Mohamed
- From the Department of Medicine, Institute of Molecular Cardiology (Q.O., R.R.E.A., X.-L.T., K.B., S.P.J., R.B., T.M.A.M.), University of Louisville, KY.,Envirome Institute, Diabetes and Obesity Center, Department of Medicine (B.R., B.G.H., S.P.J., T.M.A.M.), University of Louisville, KY.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology (T.M.A.M.), University of Louisville, KY.,Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Manchester, United Kingdom (T.M.A.M.).,Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Egypt (T.M.A.M.)
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25
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Long-term functional and structural preservation of precision-cut human myocardium under continuous electromechanical stimulation in vitro. Nat Commun 2019; 10:117. [PMID: 30631059 PMCID: PMC6328583 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-08003-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
In vitro models incorporating the complexity and function of adult human tissues are highly desired for translational research. Whilst vital slices of human myocardium approach these demands, their rapid degeneration in tissue culture precludes long-term experimentation. Here, we report preservation of structure and performance of human myocardium under conditions of physiological preload, compliance, and continuous excitation. In biomimetic culture, tissue slices prepared from explanted failing human hearts attain a stable state of contractility that can be monitored for up to 4 months or 2000000 beats in vitro. Cultured myocardium undergoes particular alterations in biomechanics, structure, and mRNA expression. The suitability of the model for drug safety evaluation is exemplified by repeated assessment of refractory period that permits sensitive analysis of repolarization impairment induced by the multimodal hERG-inhibitor pentamidine. Biomimetic tissue culture will provide new opportunities to study drug targets, gene functions, and cellular plasticity in adult human myocardium. Myocardial tissue undergoes steady functional decline when cultured in vitro. Here, the authors report a protocol for culture of human cardiac slices that allows maintenance of contractility for up to four months, and show that the model is suitable for evaluation of drug safety, as exemplified for drugs interfering with cardiomyocyte repolarization.
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