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Inoue Y, Ren Y, Zhang S, Bamkole M, Islam NN, Selvaraj M, Lu W, Caulfield TR, Li Y, Kanekiyo T. A novel histone deacetylase inhibitor W2A-16 improves the barrier integrity in brain vascular endothelial cells. Front Cell Neurosci 2024; 18:1368018. [PMID: 39100897 PMCID: PMC11294206 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2024.1368018] [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: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The maturation of brain microvascular endothelial cells leads to the formation of a tightly sealed monolayer, known as the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The BBB damage is associated with the pathogenesis of age-related neurodegenerative diseases including vascular cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease. Growing knowledge in the field of epigenetics can enhance the understanding of molecular profile of the BBB and has great potential for the development of novel therapeutic strategies or targets to repair a disrupted BBB. Histone deacetylases (HDACs) inhibitors are epigenetic regulators that can induce acetylation of histones and induce open chromatin conformation, promoting gene expression by enhancing the binding of DNA with transcription factors. We investigated how HDAC inhibition influences the barrier integrity using immortalized human endothelial cells (HCMEC/D3) and the human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived brain vascular endothelial cells. The endothelial cells were treated with or without a novel compound named W2A-16. W2A-16 not only activates Wnt/β-catenin signaling but also functions as a class I HDAC inhibitor. We demonstrated that the administration with W2A-16 sustained barrier properties of the monolayer of endothelial cells, as evidenced by increased trans-endothelial electrical resistance (TEER). The BBB-related genes and protein expression were also increased compared with non-treated controls. Analysis of transcript profiles through RNA-sequencing in hCMEC/D3 cells indicated that W2A-16 potentially enhances BBB integrity by influencing genes associated with the regulation of the extracellular microenvironment. These findings collectively propose that the HDAC inhibition by W2A-16 plays a facilitating role in the formation of the BBB. Pharmacological approaches to inhibit HDAC may be a potential therapeutic strategy to boost and/or restore BBB integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuteru Inoue
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States
| | - Yingxue Ren
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States
| | - Shuwen Zhang
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Michael Bamkole
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States
| | - Naeyma N. Islam
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States
| | | | - Wenyan Lu
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States
- Center for Regenerative Biotherapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States
| | | | - Yonghe Li
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States
| | - Takahisa Kanekiyo
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States
- Center for Regenerative Biotherapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States
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2
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Kim J, Yoon T, Lee S, Kim PJ, Kim Y. Reconstitution of human tissue barrier function for precision and personalized medicine. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:3347-3366. [PMID: 38895863 DOI: 10.1039/d4lc00104d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Tissue barriers in a body, well known as tissue-to-tissue interfaces represented by endothelium of the blood vessels or epithelium of organs, are essential for maintaining physiological homeostasis by regulating molecular and cellular transports. It is crucial for predicting drug response to understand physiology of tissue barriers through which drugs are absorbed, distributed, metabolized and excreted. Since the FDA Modernization Act 2.0, which prompts the inception of alternative technologies for animal models, tissue barrier chips, one of the applications of organ-on-a-chip or microphysiological system (MPS), have only recently been utilized in the context of drug development. Recent advancements in stem cell technology have brightened the prospects for the application of tissue barrier chips in personalized medicine. In past decade, designing and engineering these microfluidic devices, and demonstrating the ability to reconstitute tissue functions were main focus of this field. However, the field is now advancing to the next level of challenges: validating their utility in drug evaluation and creating personalized models using patient-derived cells. In this review, we briefly introduce key design parameters to develop functional tissue barrier chip, explore the remarkable recent progress in the field of tissue barrier chips and discuss future perspectives on realizing personalized medicine through the utilization of tissue barrier chips.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaehoon Kim
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA.
| | - Taehee Yoon
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA.
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Sungryeong Lee
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA.
| | - Paul J Kim
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - YongTae Kim
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA.
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
- Institute for Electronics and Nanotechnology, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
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3
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Ugodnikov A, Persson H, Simmons CA. Bridging barriers: advances and challenges in modeling biological barriers and measuring barrier integrity in organ-on-chip systems. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:3199-3225. [PMID: 38689569 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc01027a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Biological barriers such as the blood-brain barrier, skin, and intestinal mucosal barrier play key roles in homeostasis, disease physiology, and drug delivery - as such, it is important to create representative in vitro models to improve understanding of barrier biology and serve as tools for therapeutic development. Microfluidic cell culture and organ-on-a-chip (OOC) systems enable barrier modelling with greater physiological fidelity than conventional platforms by mimicking key environmental aspects such as fluid shear, accurate microscale dimensions, mechanical cues, extracellular matrix, and geometrically defined co-culture. As the prevalence of barrier-on-chip models increases, so does the importance of tools that can accurately assess barrier integrity and function without disturbing the carefully engineered microenvironment. In this review, we first provide a background on biological barriers and the physiological features that are emulated through in vitro barrier models. Then, we outline molecular permeability and electrical sensing barrier integrity assessment methods, and the related challenges specific to barrier-on-chip implementation. Finally, we discuss future directions in the field, as well important priorities to consider such as fabrication costs, standardization, and bridging gaps between disciplines and stakeholders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alisa Ugodnikov
- Translational Biology & Engineering Program, Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research, Toronto, ON M5G 1M1, Canada.
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Henrik Persson
- Translational Biology & Engineering Program, Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research, Toronto, ON M5G 1M1, Canada.
| | - Craig A Simmons
- Translational Biology & Engineering Program, Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research, Toronto, ON M5G 1M1, Canada.
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G9, Canada
- Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G8, Canada
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4
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Vollmuth N, Bridgers BE, Armstrong ML, Wood JF, Gildea AR, Espinal ER, Hooven TA, Barbieri G, Westermann AJ, Sauerwein T, Foerstner KU, Schubert-Unkmeir A, Kim BJ. Group B Streptococcus transcriptome when interacting with brain endothelial cells. J Bacteriol 2024; 206:e0008724. [PMID: 38771039 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00087-24] [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: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Bacterial meningitis is a life-threatening infection of the central nervous system (CNS) that occurs when bacteria are able to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) or the meningeal-cerebrospinal fluid barrier (mBCSFB). The BBB and mBCSFB comprise highly specialized brain endothelial cells (BECs) that typically restrict pathogen entry. Group B Streptococcus (GBS or Streptococcus agalactiae) is the leading cause of neonatal meningitis. Until recently, identification of GBS virulence factors has relied on genetic screening approaches. Instead, we here conducted RNA-seq analysis on GBS when interacting with induced pluripotent stem cell-derived BECs (iBECs) to pinpoint virulence-associated genes. Of the 2,068 annotated protein-coding genes of GBS, 430 transcripts displayed significant changes in expression after interacting with BECs. Notably, we found that the majority of differentially expressed GBS transcripts were downregulated (360 genes) during infection of iBECs. Interestingly, codY, encoding a pleiotropic transcriptional repressor in low-G + C Gram-positive bacteria, was identified as being highly downregulated. We conducted qPCR to confirm the codY downregulation observed via RNA-seq during the GBS-iBEC interaction and obtained codY mutants in three different GBS background parental strains. As anticipated from the RNA-seq results, the [Formula: see text]codY strains were more adherent and invasive in two in vitro BEC models. Together, this demonstrates the utility of RNA-seq during the BEC interaction to identify GBS virulence modulators. IMPORTANCE Group B Streptococcus (GBS) meningitis remains the leading cause of neonatal meningitis. Research work has identified surface factors and two-component systems that contribute to GBS disruption of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). These discoveries often relied on genetic screening approaches. Here, we provide transcriptomic data describing how GBS changes its transcriptome when interacting with brain endothelial cells. Additionally, we have phenotypically validated these data by obtaining mutants of a select regulator that is highly down-regulated during infection and testing on our BBB model. This work provides the research field with a validated data set that can provide an insight into potential pathways that GBS requires to interact with the BBB and open the door to new discoveries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Vollmuth
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
| | - Bailey E Bridgers
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
| | - Madelyn L Armstrong
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
| | - Jacob F Wood
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
| | - Abigail R Gildea
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
| | - Eric R Espinal
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
| | - Thomas A Hooven
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Richard King Mellon Institute for Pediatric Research, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Giulia Barbieri
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Alexander J Westermann
- Institute of Molecular Infection Biology (IMIB), University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
- Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research (HIRI), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Till Sauerwein
- Institute of Molecular Infection Biology (IMIB), University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
- ZB MED, Information Centre for Life Sciences, Cologne, Germany
| | - Konrad U Foerstner
- Institute of Molecular Infection Biology (IMIB), University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
- ZB MED, Information Centre for Life Sciences, Cologne, Germany
- TH Koeln, University of Applied Sciences, Cologne, Germany
| | | | - Brandon J Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
- Department of Microbiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham Heesink School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
- University of Alabama Center of Convergent Biosciences and Medicine, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
- University of Alabama Life Research, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
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5
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Dao L, You Z, Lu L, Xu T, Sarkar AK, Zhu H, Liu M, Calandrelli R, Yoshida G, Lin P, Miao Y, Mierke S, Kalva S, Zhu H, Gu M, Vadivelu S, Zhong S, Huang LF, Guo Z. Modeling blood-brain barrier formation and cerebral cavernous malformations in human PSC-derived organoids. Cell Stem Cell 2024; 31:818-833.e11. [PMID: 38754427 PMCID: PMC11162335 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2024.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
The human blood-brain barrier (hBBB) is a highly specialized structure that regulates passage across blood and central nervous system (CNS) compartments. Despite its critical physiological role, there are no reliable in vitro models that can mimic hBBB development and function. Here, we constructed hBBB assembloids from brain and blood vessel organoids derived from human pluripotent stem cells. We validated the acquisition of blood-brain barrier (BBB)-specific molecular, cellular, transcriptomic, and functional characteristics and uncovered an extensive neuro-vascular crosstalk with a spatial pattern within hBBB assembloids. When we used patient-derived hBBB assembloids to model cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs), we found that these assembloids recapitulated the cavernoma anatomy and BBB breakdown observed in patients. Upon comparison of phenotypes and transcriptome between patient-derived hBBB assembloids and primary human cavernoma tissues, we uncovered CCM-related molecular and cellular alterations. Taken together, we report hBBB assembloids that mimic the core properties of the hBBB and identify a potentially underlying cause of CCMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Dao
- Center for Stem Cell and Organoid Medicine, Division of Developmental Biology, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Zhen You
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Lu Lu
- Center for Stem Cell and Organoid Medicine, Division of Developmental Biology, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Tianyang Xu
- Shu Chien-Gene Lay Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Avijite Kumer Sarkar
- Center for Stem Cell and Organoid Medicine, Division of Developmental Biology, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Hui Zhu
- Center for Stem Cell and Organoid Medicine, Division of Developmental Biology, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Miao Liu
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Riccardo Calandrelli
- Shu Chien-Gene Lay Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - George Yoshida
- Center for Stem Cell and Organoid Medicine, Division of Developmental Biology, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Pei Lin
- Shu Chien-Gene Lay Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Yifei Miao
- Center for Stem Cell and Organoid Medicine, Division of Pulmonary Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Sarah Mierke
- Divisions of Pediatric Neurosurgery and Interventional Neuroradiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Srijan Kalva
- Center for Stem Cell and Organoid Medicine, Division of Developmental Biology, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Haining Zhu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Mingxia Gu
- Center for Stem Cell and Organoid Medicine, Division of Pulmonary Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Sudhakar Vadivelu
- Divisions of Pediatric Neurosurgery and Interventional Neuroradiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Sheng Zhong
- Shu Chien-Gene Lay Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
| | - L Frank Huang
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
| | - Ziyuan Guo
- Center for Stem Cell and Organoid Medicine, Division of Developmental Biology, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA.
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6
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Rahav N, Marrero D, Soffer A, Glickman E, Beldjilali‐Labro M, Yaffe Y, Tadmor K, Leichtmann‐Bardoogo Y, Ashery U, Maoz BM. Multi-Sensor Origami Platform: A Customizable System for Obtaining Spatiotemporally Precise Functional Readouts in 3D Models. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2305555. [PMID: 38634605 PMCID: PMC11200086 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202305555] [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: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Bioprinting technology offers unprecedented opportunities to construct in vitro tissue models that recapitulate the 3D morphology and functionality of native tissue. Yet, it remains difficult to obtain adequate functional readouts from such models. In particular, it is challenging to position sensors in desired locations within pre-fabricated 3D bioprinted structures. At the same time, bioprinting tissue directly onto a sensing device is not feasible due to interference with the printer head. As such, a multi-sensing platform inspired by origami that overcomes these challenges by "folding" around a separately fabricated 3D tissue structure is proposed, allowing for the insertion of electrodes into precise locations, which are custom-defined using computer-aided-design software. The multi-sensing origami platform (MSOP) can be connected to a commercial multi-electrode array (MEA) system for data-acquisition and processing. To demonstrate the platform, how integrated 3D MEA electrodes can record neuronal electrical activity in a 3D model of a neurovascular unit is shown. The MSOP also enables a microvascular endothelial network to be cultured separately and integrated with the 3D tissue structure. Accordingly, how impedance-based sensors in the platform can measure endothelial barrier function is shown. It is further demonstrated the device's versatility by using it to measure neuronal activity in brain organoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noam Rahav
- School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry and BiophysicsThe George S. Wise Faculty of Life SciencesTel Aviv UniversityTel Aviv69978Israel
| | - Denise Marrero
- Instituto de Microelectrónica de Barcelona (IMB‐CNM, CSIC)Campus UABBellaterraBarcelona08193Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Bioingeniería Biomateriales y NanomedicinaMadrid50018Spain
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringTel Aviv UniversityTel Aviv69978Israel
| | - Adi Soffer
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringTel Aviv UniversityTel Aviv69978Israel
| | - Emma Glickman
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringTel Aviv UniversityTel Aviv69978Israel
| | | | - Yakey Yaffe
- Sagol Center for Regenerative MedicineTel Aviv UniversityTel Aviv69978Israel
| | - Keshet Tadmor
- Sagol School of NeuroscienceTel Aviv UniversityTel Aviv69978Israel
| | | | - Uri Ashery
- School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry and BiophysicsThe George S. Wise Faculty of Life SciencesTel Aviv UniversityTel Aviv69978Israel
- Sagol Center for Regenerative MedicineTel Aviv UniversityTel Aviv69978Israel
- Sagol School of NeuroscienceTel Aviv UniversityTel Aviv69978Israel
| | - Ben M. Maoz
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringTel Aviv UniversityTel Aviv69978Israel
- Sagol Center for Regenerative MedicineTel Aviv UniversityTel Aviv69978Israel
- Sagol School of NeuroscienceTel Aviv UniversityTel Aviv69978Israel
- The Center for Nanoscience and NanotechnologyTel Aviv UniversityTel Aviv69978Israel
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Brown JA, Faley SL, Judge M, Ward P, Ihrie RA, Carson R, Armstrong L, Sahin M, Wikswo JP, Ess KC, Neely MD. Rescue of impaired blood-brain barrier in tuberous sclerosis complex patient derived neurovascular unit. J Neurodev Disord 2024; 16:27. [PMID: 38783199 PMCID: PMC11112784 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-024-09543-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a multi-system genetic disease that causes benign tumors in the brain and other vital organs. The most debilitating symptoms result from involvement of the central nervous system and lead to a multitude of severe symptoms including seizures, intellectual disability, autism, and behavioral problems. TSC is caused by heterozygous mutations of either the TSC1 or TSC2 gene and dysregulation of mTOR kinase with its multifaceted downstream signaling alterations is central to disease pathogenesis. Although the neurological sequelae of the disease are well established, little is known about how these mutations might affect cellular components and the function of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). METHODS We generated TSC disease-specific cell models of the BBB by leveraging human induced pluripotent stem cell and microfluidic cell culture technologies. RESULTS Using microphysiological systems, we demonstrate that a BBB generated from TSC2 heterozygous mutant cells shows increased permeability. This can be rescued by wild type astrocytes or by treatment with rapamycin, an mTOR kinase inhibitor. CONCLUSION Our results demonstrate the utility of microphysiological systems to study human neurological disorders and advance our knowledge of cell lineages contributing to TSC pathogenesis and informs future therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacquelyn A Brown
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, USA
- Vanderbilt Institute for Integrative Biosystems Research and Education, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, USA
| | - Shannon L Faley
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, USA
- Vanderbilt Institute for Integrative Biosystems Research and Education, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, USA
| | - Monika Judge
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, USA
- Vanderbilt Institute for Integrative Biosystems Research and Education, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, USA
| | - Patricia Ward
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, USA
- Vanderbilt Institute for Integrative Biosystems Research and Education, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, USA
| | - Rebecca A Ihrie
- Department of Cell & Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, USA
- Neurological Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, USA
| | - Robert Carson
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, USA
| | - Laura Armstrong
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, USA
| | - Mustafa Sahin
- Rosamund Stone Translational Neuroscience Center, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - John P Wikswo
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, USA
- Vanderbilt Institute for Integrative Biosystems Research and Education, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, USA
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, USA
| | - Kevin C Ess
- Neurological Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, USA.
| | - M Diana Neely
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, USA.
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8
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Gopinadhan A, Hughes JM, Conroy AL, John CC, Canfield SG, Datta D. A human pluripotent stem cell-derived in vitro model of the blood-brain barrier in cerebral malaria. Fluids Barriers CNS 2024; 21:38. [PMID: 38693577 PMCID: PMC11064301 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-024-00541-9] [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: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption is a central feature of cerebral malaria (CM), a severe complication of Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) infections. In CM, sequestration of Pf-infected red blood cells (Pf-iRBCs) to brain endothelial cells combined with inflammation, hemolysis, microvasculature obstruction and endothelial dysfunction mediates BBB disruption, resulting in severe neurologic symptoms including coma and seizures, potentially leading to death or long-term sequelae. In vitro models have advanced our knowledge of CM-mediated BBB disruption, but their physiological relevance remains uncertain. Using human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived brain microvascular endothelial cells (hiPSC-BMECs), we aimed to develop a novel in vitro model of the BBB in CM, exhibiting enhanced barrier properties. METHODS hiPSC-BMECs were co-cultured with HB3var03 strain Pf-iRBCs up to 9 h. Barrier integrity was measured using transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) and sodium fluorescein permeability assays. Localization and expression of tight junction (TJ) proteins (occludin, zonula occludens-1, claudin-5), cellular adhesion molecules (ICAM-1, VCAM-1), and endothelial surface markers (EPCR) were determined using immunofluorescence imaging (IF) and western blotting (WB). Expression of angiogenic and cell stress markers were measured using multiplex proteome profiler arrays. RESULTS After 6-h of co-culture with Pf-iRBCs, hiPSC-BMECs showed reduced TEER and increased sodium fluorescein permeability compared to co-culture with uninfected RBCs, indicative of a leaky barrier. We observed disruptions in localization of occludin, zonula occludens-1, and claudin-5 by IF, but no change in protein expression by WB in Pf-iRBC co-cultures. Expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 but not EPCR was elevated in hiPSC-BMECs with Pf-iRBC co-culture compared to uninfected RBC co-culture. In addition, there was an increase in expression of angiogenin, platelet factor-4, and phospho-heat shock protein-27 in the Pf-iRBCs co-culture compared to uninfected RBC co-culture. CONCLUSION These findings demonstrate the validity of our hiPSC-BMECs based model of the BBB, that displays enhanced barrier integrity and appropriate TJ protein localization. In the hiPSC-BMEC co-culture with Pf-iRBCs, reduced TEER, increased paracellular permeability, changes in TJ protein localization, increase in expression of adhesion molecules, and markers of angiogenesis and cellular stress all point towards a novel model with enhanced barrier properties, suitable for investigating pathogenic mechanisms underlying BBB disruption in CM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adnan Gopinadhan
- Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Disease and Global Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, R4-402D 1044 W. Walnut St., Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Jason M Hughes
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology, and Physiology, Indiana University School of Medicine, 620 Chestnut Street, Terre Haute, IN, 47809, USA
| | - Andrea L Conroy
- Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Disease and Global Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, R4-402D 1044 W. Walnut St., Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Chandy C John
- Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Disease and Global Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, R4-402D 1044 W. Walnut St., Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Scott G Canfield
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology, and Physiology, Indiana University School of Medicine, 620 Chestnut Street, Terre Haute, IN, 47809, USA.
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
| | - Dibyadyuti Datta
- Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Disease and Global Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, R4-402D 1044 W. Walnut St., Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
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9
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Aragón-González A, Shaw AC, Kok JR, Roussel FS, Santos Souza CD, Granger SM, Vetter T, de Diego Y, Meyer KC, Beal SN, Shaw PJ, Ferraiuolo L. C9ORF72 patient-derived endothelial cells drive blood-brain barrier disruption and contribute to neurotoxicity. Fluids Barriers CNS 2024; 21:34. [PMID: 38605366 PMCID: PMC11007886 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-024-00528-6] [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: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) serves as a highly intricate and dynamic interface connecting the brain and the bloodstream, playing a vital role in maintaining brain homeostasis. BBB dysfunction has been associated with multiple neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS); however, the role of the BBB in neurodegeneration is understudied. We developed an ALS patient-derived model of the BBB by using cells derived from 5 patient donors carrying C9ORF72 mutations. Brain microvascular endothelial-like cells (BMEC-like cells) derived from C9ORF72-ALS patients showed altered gene expression, compromised barrier integrity, and increased P-glycoprotein transporter activity. In addition, mitochondrial metabolic tests demonstrated that C9ORF72-ALS BMECs display a significant decrease in basal glycolysis accompanied by increased basal and ATP-linked respiration. Moreover, our study reveals that C9-ALS derived astrocytes can further affect BMECs function and affect the expression of the glucose transporter Glut-1. Finally, C9ORF72 patient-derived BMECs form leaky barriers through a cell-autonomous mechanism and have neurotoxic properties towards motor neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Aragón-González
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, 385 Glossop Road, S10 2HQ, Sheffield, UK.
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Málaga, 29010, Malaga, Spain.
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, OH 43205, Columbus, USA.
| | - Allan C Shaw
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, 385 Glossop Road, S10 2HQ, Sheffield, UK
| | - Jannigje R Kok
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, 385 Glossop Road, S10 2HQ, Sheffield, UK
| | - Florence S Roussel
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, OH 43205, Columbus, USA
| | - Cleide Dos Santos Souza
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, 385 Glossop Road, S10 2HQ, Sheffield, UK
| | - Sarah M Granger
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, 385 Glossop Road, S10 2HQ, Sheffield, UK
| | - Tatyana Vetter
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, OH 43205, Columbus, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Yolanda de Diego
- Research Group PAIDI CTS-546, Institute of Biomedical Research of Málaga (IBIMA), 29010, Malaga, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology, and Immunology, University of Córdoba, Campus Rabanales, Cordoba, Spain
| | - Kathrin C Meyer
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, OH 43205, Columbus, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Selina N Beal
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, 385 Glossop Road, S10 2HQ, Sheffield, UK
| | - Pamela J Shaw
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, 385 Glossop Road, S10 2HQ, Sheffield, UK
- NIHR Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Glossop Road, Sheffield, UK
| | - Laura Ferraiuolo
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, 385 Glossop Road, S10 2HQ, Sheffield, UK.
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10
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Crockett AM, Kebir H, Anderson SA, Jyonouchi S, Romberg N, Alvarez JI. 22q11.2 Deletion-Associated Blood-Brain Barrier Permeability Potentiates Systemic Capillary Leak Syndrome Neurologic Features. J Clin Immunol 2024; 44:87. [PMID: 38578402 DOI: 10.1007/s10875-024-01686-w] [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: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
We present a case study of a young male with a history of 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22qDS), diagnosed with systemic capillary leak syndrome (SCLS) who presented with acute onset of diffuse anasarca and sub-comatose obtundation. We hypothesized that his co-presentation of neurological sequelae might be due to blood-brain barrier (BBB) susceptibility conferred by the 22q11.2 deletion, a phenotype that we have previously identified in 22qDS. Using pre- and post-intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) patient serum, we studied circulating biomarkers of inflammation and assessed the potential susceptibility of the 22qDS BBB. We employed in vitro cultures of differentiated BBB-like endothelial cells derived from a 22qDS patient and a healthy control. We found evidence of peripheral inflammation and increased serum lipopolysaccharide (LPS) alongside endothelial cells in circulation. We report that the patient's serum significantly impairs barrier function of the 22qDS BBB compared to control. Only two other cases of pediatric SCLS with neurologic symptoms have been reported, and genetic risk factors have been suggested in both instances. As the third case to be reported, our findings are consistent with the hypothesis that genetic susceptibility of the BBB conferred by genes such as claudin-5 deleted in the 22q11.2 region promoted neurologic involvement during SCLS in this patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis M Crockett
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 380 South University Avenue, 412 Hill, Philadelphia, PA, 19104-4539, USA
| | - Hania Kebir
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 380 South University Avenue, 412 Hill, Philadelphia, PA, 19104-4539, USA
| | - Stewart A Anderson
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Soma Jyonouchi
- Division of Immunology and Allergy, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Neil Romberg
- Division of Immunology and Allergy, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
- Institute for Immunology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Jorge I Alvarez
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 380 South University Avenue, 412 Hill, Philadelphia, PA, 19104-4539, USA.
- Institute for Immunology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA.
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11
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Sidorov VY, Sidorova TN, Samson PC, Reiserer RS, Britt CM, Neely MD, Ess KC, Wikswo JP. Contractile and Genetic Characterization of Cardiac Constructs Engineered from Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells: Modeling of Tuberous Sclerosis Complex and the Effects of Rapamycin. Bioengineering (Basel) 2024; 11:234. [PMID: 38534508 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering11030234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The implementation of three-dimensional tissue engineering concurrently with stem cell technology holds great promise for in vitro research in pharmacology and toxicology and modeling cardiac diseases, particularly for rare genetic and pediatric diseases for which animal models, immortal cell lines, and biopsy samples are unavailable. It also allows for a rapid assessment of phenotype-genotype relationships and tissue response to pharmacological manipulation. Mutations in the TSC1 and TSC2 genes lead to dysfunctional mTOR signaling and cause tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), a genetic disorder that affects multiple organ systems, principally the brain, heart, skin, and kidneys. Here we differentiated healthy (CC3) and tuberous sclerosis (TSP8-15) human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) into cardiomyocytes to create engineered cardiac tissue constructs (ECTCs). We investigated and compared their mechano-elastic properties and gene expression and assessed the effects of rapamycin, a potent inhibitor of the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR). The TSP8-15 ECTCs had increased chronotropy compared to healthy ECTCs. Rapamycin induced positive inotropic and chronotropic effects (i.e., increased contractility and beating frequency, respectively) in the CC3 ECTCs but did not cause significant changes in the TSP8-15 ECTCs. A differential gene expression analysis revealed 926 up- and 439 down-regulated genes in the TSP8-15 ECTCs compared to their healthy counterparts. The application of rapamycin initiated the differential expression of 101 and 31 genes in the CC3 and TSP8-15 ECTCs, respectively. A gene ontology analysis showed that in the CC3 ECTCs, the positive inotropic and chronotropic effects of rapamycin correlated with positively regulated biological processes, which were primarily related to the metabolism of lipids and fatty and amino acids, and with negatively regulated processes, which were predominantly associated with cell proliferation and muscle and tissue development. In conclusion, this study describes for the first time an in vitro TSC cardiac tissue model, illustrates the response of normal and TSC ECTCs to rapamycin, and provides new insights into the mechanisms of TSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veniamin Y Sidorov
- Vanderbilt Institute for Integrative Biosystems Research and Education, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - Tatiana N Sidorova
- Department of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Philip C Samson
- Vanderbilt Institute for Integrative Biosystems Research and Education, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37212, USA
| | - Ronald S Reiserer
- Vanderbilt Institute for Integrative Biosystems Research and Education, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37212, USA
| | - Clayton M Britt
- Vanderbilt Institute for Integrative Biosystems Research and Education, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37212, USA
| | - M Diana Neely
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Kevin C Ess
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - John P Wikswo
- Vanderbilt Institute for Integrative Biosystems Research and Education, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37212, USA
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
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12
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Deli MA, Porkoláb G, Kincses A, Mészáros M, Szecskó A, Kocsis AE, Vigh JP, Valkai S, Veszelka S, Walter FR, Dér A. Lab-on-a-chip models of the blood-brain barrier: evolution, problems, perspectives. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:1030-1063. [PMID: 38353254 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00996c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
A great progress has been made in the development and use of lab-on-a-chip devices to model and study the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in the last decade. We present the main types of BBB-on-chip models and their use for the investigation of BBB physiology, drug and nanoparticle transport, toxicology and pathology. The selection of the appropriate cell types to be integrated into BBB-on-chip devices is discussed, as this greatly impacts the physiological relevance and translatability of findings. We identify knowledge gaps, neglected engineering and cell biological aspects and point out problems and contradictions in the literature of BBB-on-chip models, and suggest areas for further studies to progress this highly interdisciplinary field. BBB-on-chip models have an exceptional potential as predictive tools and alternatives of animal experiments in basic and preclinical research. To exploit the full potential of this technique expertise from materials science, bioengineering as well as stem cell and vascular/BBB biology is necessary. There is a need for better integration of these diverse disciplines that can only be achieved by setting clear parameters for characterizing both the chip and the BBB model parts technically and functionally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mária A Deli
- HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Institute of Biophysics, Szeged, Hungary.
| | - Gergő Porkoláb
- HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Institute of Biophysics, Szeged, Hungary.
- Doctoral School of Biology, University of Szeged, Hungary
| | - András Kincses
- HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Institute of Biophysics, Szeged, Hungary.
| | - Mária Mészáros
- HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Institute of Biophysics, Szeged, Hungary.
| | - Anikó Szecskó
- HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Institute of Biophysics, Szeged, Hungary.
- Doctoral School of Biology, University of Szeged, Hungary
| | - Anna E Kocsis
- HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Institute of Biophysics, Szeged, Hungary.
| | - Judit P Vigh
- HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Institute of Biophysics, Szeged, Hungary.
- Doctoral School of Biology, University of Szeged, Hungary
| | - Sándor Valkai
- HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Institute of Biophysics, Szeged, Hungary.
| | - Szilvia Veszelka
- HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Institute of Biophysics, Szeged, Hungary.
| | - Fruzsina R Walter
- HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Institute of Biophysics, Szeged, Hungary.
| | - András Dér
- HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Institute of Biophysics, Szeged, Hungary.
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13
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Vollmuth N, Sin J, Kim BJ. Host-microbe interactions at the blood-brain barrier through the lens of induced pluripotent stem cell-derived brain-like endothelial cells. mBio 2024; 15:e0286223. [PMID: 38193670 PMCID: PMC10865987 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02862-23] [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] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Microbe-induced meningoencephalitis/meningitis is a life-threatening infection of the central nervous system (CNS) that occurs when pathogens are able to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and gain access to the CNS. The BBB consists of highly specialized brain endothelial cells that exhibit specific properties to allow tight regulation of CNS homeostasis and prevent pathogen crossing. However, during meningoencephalitis/meningitis, the BBB fails to protect the CNS. Modeling the BBB remains a challenge due to the specialized characteristics of these cells. In this review, we cover the induced pluripotent stem cell-derived, brain-like endothelial cell model during host-pathogen interaction, highlighting the strengths and recent work on various pathogens known to interact with the BBB. As stem cell technologies are becoming more prominent, the stem cell-derived, brain-like endothelial cell model has been able to reveal new insights in vitro, which remain challenging with other in vitro cell-based models consisting of primary human brain endothelial cells and immortalized human brain endothelial cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Vollmuth
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
| | - Jon Sin
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
| | - Brandon J. Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
- Center for Convergent Biosciences and Medicine, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
- Alabama Life Research Institute, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
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14
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Pociūtė A, Kriaučiūnaitė K, Kaušylė A, Zablockienė B, Alčauskas T, Jelinskaitė A, Rudėnaitė A, Jančorienė L, Ročka S, Verkhratsky A, Pivoriūnas A. Plasma of COVID-19 Patients Does Not Alter Electrical Resistance of Human Endothelial Blood-Brain Barrier In Vitro. FUNCTION 2024; 5:zqae002. [PMID: 38486975 PMCID: PMC10935481 DOI: 10.1093/function/zqae002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
The pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 instigated the most serious global health crisis. Clinical presentation of COVID-19 frequently includes severe neurological and neuropsychiatric symptoms. However, it is presently unknown whether and to which extent pathological impairment of blood-brain barrier (BBB) contributes to the development of neuropathology during COVID-19 progression. In the present study, we used human induced pluripotent stem cells-derived brain endothelial cells (iBECs) to study the effects of blood plasma derived from COVID-19 patients on the BBB integrity in vitro. We also performed a comprehensive analysis of the cytokine and chemokine profiles in the plasma of COVID-19 patients, healthy and recovered individuals. We found significantly increased levels of interferon γ-induced protein 10 kDa, hepatocyte growth factor, and interleukin-18 in the plasma of COVID-19 patients. However, blood plasma from COVID-19 patients did not affect transendothelial electrical resistance in iBEC monolayers. Our results demonstrate that COVID-19-associated blood plasma inflammatory factors do not affect BBB paracellular pathway directly and suggest that pathological remodeling (if any) of BBB during COVID-19 may occur through indirect or yet unknown mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnė Pociūtė
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, LT-01102 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Karolina Kriaučiūnaitė
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, LT-01102 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Aida Kaušylė
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, LT-01102 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Birutė Zablockienė
- Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, LT-03101 Vilnius, Lithuania
- Centre of Infectious Diseases, Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos, LT-08406 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Tadas Alčauskas
- Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, LT-03101 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Augustė Jelinskaitė
- Centre of Infectious Diseases, Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos, LT-08406 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Akvilė Rudėnaitė
- Centre of Infectious Diseases, Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos, LT-08406 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Ligita Jančorienė
- Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, LT-03101 Vilnius, Lithuania
- Centre of Infectious Diseases, Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos, LT-08406 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Saulius Ročka
- Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, LT-03101 Vilnius, Lithuania
- Center of Neurosurgery, Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos, LT-08661 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Alexei Verkhratsky
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, LT-01102 Vilnius, Lithuania
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
- Achucarro Centre for Neuroscience, IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, 48011 Bilbao, Spain
- Department of Forensic Analytical Toxicology, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110052, China
| | - Augustas Pivoriūnas
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, LT-01102 Vilnius, Lithuania
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15
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Chaves JCS, Wasielewska JM, Cuní-López C, Rantanen LM, Lee S, Koistinaho J, White AR, Oikari LE. Alzheimer's disease brain endothelial-like cells reveal differential drug transporter expression and modulation by potentially therapeutic focused ultrasound. Neurotherapeutics 2024; 21:e00299. [PMID: 38241156 PMCID: PMC10903103 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurot.2023.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) has a key function in maintaining homeostasis in the brain, partly modulated by transporters, which are highly expressed in brain endothelial cells (BECs). Transporters mediate the uptake or efflux of compounds to and from the brain and they can also challenge the delivery of drugs for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Currently there is a limited understanding of changes in BBB transporters in AD. To investigate this, we generated brain endothelial-like cells (iBECs) from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) with familial AD (FAD) Presenilin 1 (PSEN1) mutation and identified AD-specific differences in transporter expression compared to control (ctrl) iBECs. We first characterized the expression levels of 12 BBB transporters in AD-, Ctrl-, and isogenic (PSEN1 corrected) iBECs to identify any AD specific differences. We then exposed the cells to focused ultrasound (FUS) in the absence (FUSonly) or presence of microbubbles (MB) (FUS+MB), which is a novel therapeutic method that can be used to transiently open the BBB to increase drug delivery into the brain, however its effects on BBB transporter expression are largely unknown. Following FUSonly and FUS+MB, we investigated whether the expression or activity of key transporters could be modulated. Our findings demonstrate that PSEN1 mutant FAD (PSEN1AD) possess phenotypical differences compared to control iBECs in BBB transporter expression and function. Additionally, we show that FUSonly and FUS+MB can modulate BBB transporter expression and functional activity in iBECs, having potential implications on drug penetration and amyloid clearance. These findings highlight the differential responses of patient cells to FUS treatment, with patient-derived models likely providing an important tool for modelling therapeutic effects of FUS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana C S Chaves
- Mental Health and Neuroscience, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, QUT, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Joanna M Wasielewska
- Mental Health and Neuroscience, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Carla Cuní-López
- Mental Health and Neuroscience, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Laura M Rantanen
- Mental Health and Neuroscience, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, QUT, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Serine Lee
- Mental Health and Neuroscience, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Jari Koistinaho
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Neuroscience Center, Kuopio, Finland; Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anthony R White
- Mental Health and Neuroscience, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, QUT, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Lotta E Oikari
- Mental Health and Neuroscience, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
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16
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Salmina AB, Alexandrova OP, Averchuk AS, Korsakova SA, Saridis MR, Illarioshkin SN, Yurchenko SO. Current progress and challenges in the development of brain tissue models: How to grow up the changeable brain in vitro? J Tissue Eng 2024; 15:20417314241235527. [PMID: 38516227 PMCID: PMC10956167 DOI: 10.1177/20417314241235527] [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: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
In vitro modeling of brain tissue is a promising but not yet resolved problem in modern neurobiology and neuropharmacology. Complexity of the brain structure and diversity of cell-to-cell communication in (patho)physiological conditions make this task almost unachievable. However, establishment of novel in vitro brain models would ultimately lead to better understanding of development-associated or experience-driven brain plasticity, designing efficient approaches to restore aberrant brain functioning. The main goal of this review is to summarize the available data on methodological approaches that are currently in use, and to identify the most prospective trends in development of neurovascular unit, blood-brain barrier, blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier, and neurogenic niche in vitro models. The manuscript focuses on the regulation of adult neurogenesis, cerebral microcirculation and fluids dynamics that should be reproduced in the in vitro 4D models to mimic brain development and its alterations in brain pathology. We discuss approaches that are critical for studying brain plasticity, deciphering the individual person-specific trajectory of brain development and aging, and testing new drug candidates in the in vitro models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alla B Salmina
- Brain Science Institute, Research Center of Neurology, Moscow, Russia
- Bauman Moscow State Technical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Olga P Alexandrova
- Brain Science Institute, Research Center of Neurology, Moscow, Russia
- Bauman Moscow State Technical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Anton S Averchuk
- Brain Science Institute, Research Center of Neurology, Moscow, Russia
- Bauman Moscow State Technical University, Moscow, Russia
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17
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Ozgür B, Puris E, Brachner A, Appelt-Menzel A, Oerter S, Balzer V, Holst MR, Christiansen RF, Hyldig K, Buckley ST, Kristensen M, Auriola S, Jensen A, Fricker G, Nielsen MS, Neuhaus W, Brodin B. Characterization of an iPSC-based barrier model for blood-brain barrier investigations using the SBAD0201 stem cell line. Fluids Barriers CNS 2023; 20:96. [PMID: 38115090 PMCID: PMC10731806 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-023-00501-9] [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: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Blood-brain barrier (BBB) models based on primary murine, bovine, and porcine brain capillary endothelial cell cultures have long been regarded as robust models with appropriate properties to examine the functional transport of small molecules. However, species differences sometimes complicate translating results from these models to human settings. During the last decade, brain capillary endothelial-like cells (BCECs) have been generated from stem cell sources to model the human BBB in vitro. The aim of the present study was to establish and characterize a human BBB model using human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived BCECs from the hIPSC line SBAD0201. METHODS The model was evaluated using transcriptomics, proteomics, immunocytochemistry, transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) measurements, and, finally, transport assays to assess the functionality of selected transporters and receptor (GLUT-1, LAT-1, P-gp and LRP-1). RESULTS The resulting BBB model displayed an average TEER of 5474 ± 167 Ω·cm2 and cell monolayer formation with claudin-5, ZO-1, and occludin expression in the tight junction zones. The cell monolayers expressed the typical BBB markers VE-cadherin, VWF, and PECAM-1. Transcriptomics and quantitative targeted absolute proteomics analyses revealed that solute carrier (SLC) transporters were found in high abundance, while the expression of efflux transporters was relatively low. Transport assays using GLUT-1, LAT-1, and LRP-1 substrates and inhibitors confirmed the functional activities of these transporters and receptors in the model. A transport assay suggested that P-gp was not functionally expressed in the model, albeit antibody staining revealed that P-gp was localized at the luminal membrane. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, the novel SBAD0201-derived BBB model formed tight monolayers and was proven useful for studies investigating GLUT-1, LAT-1, and LRP-1 mediated transport across the BBB. However, the model did not express functional P-gp and thus is not suitable for the performance of drug efflux P-gp reletated studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Burak Ozgür
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, Copenhagen, DK-2100, Denmark
- Biotherapeutic Discovery, H. Lundbeck A/S, Valby, DK-2500, Denmark
| | - Elena Puris
- Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Ruprecht-Karls-University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Andreas Brachner
- AIT - Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Vienna, 1210, Austria
| | - Antje Appelt-Menzel
- Chair Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (TERM), University Hospital Würzburg, 97070, Würzburg, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research ISC, Translational Center Regenerative Therapies (TLC-RT) Röntgenring 11, 97070, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sabrina Oerter
- Chair Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (TERM), University Hospital Würzburg, 97070, Würzburg, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research ISC, Translational Center Regenerative Therapies (TLC-RT) Röntgenring 11, 97070, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Viktor Balzer
- Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Ruprecht-Karls-University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | | | - Kathrine Hyldig
- Biotherapeutic Discovery, H. Lundbeck A/S, Valby, DK-2500, Denmark
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, DK-8000, Denmark
| | - Stephen T Buckley
- Global Research Technologies, Novo Nordisk A/S, Måløv, DK-2760, Denmark
| | - Mie Kristensen
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, Copenhagen, DK-2100, Denmark
| | - Seppo Auriola
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Allan Jensen
- Biotherapeutic Discovery, H. Lundbeck A/S, Valby, DK-2500, Denmark
| | - Gert Fricker
- Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Ruprecht-Karls-University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Winfried Neuhaus
- AIT - Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Vienna, 1210, Austria
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Danube Private University, Krems, 3500, Austria
| | - Birger Brodin
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, Copenhagen, DK-2100, Denmark.
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18
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Brown JA, Faley SL, Judge M, Ward P, Ihrie RA, Carson R, Armstrong L, Sahin M, Wikswo JP, Ess KC, Neely MD. Rescue of Impaired Blood-Brain Barrier in Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Patient Derived Neurovascular Unit. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.15.571738. [PMID: 38168450 PMCID: PMC10760190 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.15.571738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a multi-system genetic disease that causes benign tumors in the brain and other vital organs. The most debilitating symptoms result from involvement of the central nervous system and lead to a multitude of severe symptoms including seizures, intellectual disability, autism, and behavioral problems. TSC is caused by heterozygous mutations of either the TSC1 or TSC2 gene. Dysregulation of mTOR kinase with its multifaceted downstream signaling alterations is central to disease pathogenesis. Although the neurological sequelae of the disease are well established, little is known about how these mutations might affect cellular components and the function of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). We generated disease-specific cell models of the BBB by leveraging human induced pluripotent stem cell and microfluidic cell culture technologies. Using these microphysiological systems, we demonstrate that the BBB generated from TSC2 heterozygous mutant cells shows increased permeability which can be rescued by wild type astrocytes and with treatment with rapamycin, an mTOR kinase inhibitor. Our results further demonstrate the utility of microphysiological systems to study human neurological disorders and advance our knowledge of the cell lineages contributing to TSC pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacquelyn A Brown
- Dept. of Physics and Astronomy, Vanderbilt University
- Vanderbilt Institute for Integrative Biosystems Research and Education, Vanderbilt University
| | - Shannon L Faley
- Dept. of Physics and Astronomy, Vanderbilt University
- Vanderbilt Institute for Integrative Biosystems Research and Education, Vanderbilt University
| | - Monika Judge
- Dept. of Physics and Astronomy, Vanderbilt University
- Vanderbilt Institute for Integrative Biosystems Research and Education, Vanderbilt University
| | - Patricia Ward
- Dept. of Physics and Astronomy, Vanderbilt University
- Vanderbilt Institute for Integrative Biosystems Research and Education, Vanderbilt University
| | - Rebecca A Ihrie
- Dept. of Cell & Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University
- Neurological Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
| | - Robert Carson
- Dept. of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
| | | | - Mustafa Sahin
- Rosamund Stone Translational Neuroscience Center, Dept. of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School
| | - John P Wikswo
- Dept. of Physics and Astronomy, Vanderbilt University
- Vanderbilt Institute for Integrative Biosystems Research and Education, Vanderbilt University
- Dept. of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University
- Dept. of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University
| | - Kevin C Ess
- Neurological Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Dept. of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
| | - M Diana Neely
- Dept. of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
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19
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Sela M, Poley M, Mora-Raimundo P, Kagan S, Avital A, Kaduri M, Chen G, Adir O, Rozencweig A, Weiss Y, Sade O, Leichtmann-Bardoogo Y, Simchi L, Aga-Mizrachi S, Bell B, Yeretz-Peretz Y, Zaid Or A, Choudhary A, Rosh I, Cordeiro D, Cohen-Adiv S, Berdichevsky Y, Odeh A, Shklover J, Shainsky-Roitman J, Schroeder JE, Hershkovitz D, Hasson P, Ashkenazi A, Stern S, Laviv T, Ben-Zvi A, Avital A, Ashery U, Maoz BM, Schroeder A. Brain-Targeted Liposomes Loaded with Monoclonal Antibodies Reduce Alpha-Synuclein Aggregation and Improve Behavioral Symptoms in Parkinson's Disease. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2304654. [PMID: 37753928 PMCID: PMC7615408 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202304654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) hold promise in treating Parkinson's disease (PD), although poor delivery to the brain hinders their therapeutic application. In the current study, it is demonstrated that brain-targeted liposomes (BTL) enhance the delivery of mAbs across the blood-brain-barrier (BBB) and into neurons, thereby allowing the intracellular and extracellular treatment of the PD brain. BTL are decorated with transferrin to improve brain targeting through overexpressed transferrin-receptors on the BBB during PD. BTL are loaded with SynO4, a mAb that inhibits alpha-synuclein (AS) aggregation, a pathological hallmark of PD. It is shown that 100-nm BTL cross human BBB models intact and are taken up by primary neurons. Within neurons, SynO4 is released from the nanoparticles and bound to its target, thereby reducing AS aggregation, and enhancing neuronal viability. In vivo, intravenous BTL administration results in a sevenfold increase in mAbs in brain cells, decreasing AS aggregation and neuroinflammation. Treatment with BTL also improve behavioral motor function and learning ability in mice, with a favorable safety profile. Accordingly, targeted nanotechnologies offer a valuable platform for drug delivery to treat brain neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mor Sela
- The Louis Family Laboratory for Targeted Drug Delivery and Personalized Medicine Technologies, Department of Chemical Engineering, Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 32000, Israel
| | - Maria Poley
- The Louis Family Laboratory for Targeted Drug Delivery and Personalized Medicine Technologies, Department of Chemical Engineering, Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 32000, Israel
| | - Patricia Mora-Raimundo
- The Louis Family Laboratory for Targeted Drug Delivery and Personalized Medicine Technologies, Department of Chemical Engineering, Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 32000, Israel
| | - Shaked Kagan
- The Louis Family Laboratory for Targeted Drug Delivery and Personalized Medicine Technologies, Department of Chemical Engineering, Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 32000, Israel
| | - Aviram Avital
- The Norman Seiden Multidisciplinary Program for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 32000, Israel
| | - Maya Kaduri
- The Louis Family Laboratory for Targeted Drug Delivery and Personalized Medicine Technologies, Department of Chemical Engineering, Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 32000, Israel
| | - Gal Chen
- The Louis Family Laboratory for Targeted Drug Delivery and Personalized Medicine Technologies, Department of Chemical Engineering, Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 32000, Israel
- The Interdisciplinary Program for Biotechnology, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 32000, Israel
| | - Omer Adir
- The Norman Seiden Multidisciplinary Program for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 32000, Israel
| | - Adi Rozencweig
- The Louis Family Laboratory for Targeted Drug Delivery and Personalized Medicine Technologies, Department of Chemical Engineering, Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 32000, Israel
| | - Yfat Weiss
- School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry and Biophysics, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Ofir Sade
- School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry and Biophysics, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | | | - Lilach Simchi
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
| | - Shlomit Aga-Mizrachi
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
| | - Batia Bell
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190500, Israel
| | - Yoel Yeretz-Peretz
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190500, Israel
| | - Aviv Zaid Or
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Ashwani Choudhary
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
| | - Idan Rosh
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
| | - Diogo Cordeiro
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
| | - Stav Cohen-Adiv
- The Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Yevgeny Berdichevsky
- The Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Anas Odeh
- Department of Genetics and Developmental Biology, The Rappaport Faculty of Medicine and Research Institute, Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 32000, Israel
| | - Jeny Shklover
- The Louis Family Laboratory for Targeted Drug Delivery and Personalized Medicine Technologies, Department of Chemical Engineering, Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 32000, Israel
| | - Janna Shainsky-Roitman
- The Louis Family Laboratory for Targeted Drug Delivery and Personalized Medicine Technologies, Department of Chemical Engineering, Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 32000, Israel
| | - Joshua E. Schroeder
- Spine Unit, Orthopedic Complex, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Kiryat Hadassah, POB 12000, Jerusalem 9190500, Israel
| | - Dov Hershkovitz
- Department of Pathology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Peleg Hasson
- Department of Genetics and Developmental Biology, The Rappaport Faculty of Medicine and Research Institute, Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 32000, Israel
| | - Avraham Ashkenazi
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
- The Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Shani Stern
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
| | - Tal Laviv
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Ayal Ben-Zvi
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190500, Israel
| | - Avi Avital
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
| | - Uri Ashery
- School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry and Biophysics, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Ben M. Maoz
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
- The Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
- Sagol Center for Regenerative Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Avi Schroeder
- The Louis Family Laboratory for Targeted Drug Delivery and Personalized Medicine Technologies, Department of Chemical Engineering, Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 32000, Israel
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20
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Burgio F, Gaiser C, Brady K, Gatta V, Class R, Schrage R, Suter-Dick L. A Perfused In Vitro Human iPSC-Derived Blood-Brain Barrier Faithfully Mimics Transferrin Receptor-Mediated Transcytosis of Therapeutic Antibodies. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2023; 43:4173-4187. [PMID: 37698826 PMCID: PMC10661771 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-023-01404-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
Delivering biologics to elicit a therapeutic response in the central nervous system (CNS) remains challenging due to the presence of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Receptor-mediated transcytosis is a strategy to improve brain exposure after systemic drug administration. The availability of a clinically relevant in vitro BBB model is crucial to investigate transcytosis pathways and to predict the penetration of biologics into the CNS. We created a perfused human in vitro BBB model made of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC)-derived brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMEC) for studying transferrin receptor-mediated transcytosis. iPSC-derived BMEC were seeded in the top channel of a three-lane microfluidic device (OrganoPlate®). After 2 days in culture, the established cell model exhibited relevant BBB features, including physiological transendothelial electrical resistance in a transwell setting (1500 Ω*cm2), reduced apparent permeability (Papp) to the fluorescence tracer Lucifer yellow (20-fold less than cell-free chips), expression of key BBB markers such as tight junctions proteins, transporters, receptors and functional P-gp efflux pump. Moreover, the model exhibited functional transferrin receptor-mediated uptake and transcytosis. To assess selective transferrin receptor-mediated transcytosis, a mixture of anti-human transferrin receptor (MEM-189) and control (sheep IgG anti-bovine serum albumin) antibodies was perfused in the top channel for 2 h. The Papp of MEM-189 was 11-fold higher than that of the control antibody, demonstrating facilitated receptor-mediated transcytosis. Compared to published work reporting a 2-fold ratio, this result is remarkable and establishes the suitability of our model for exploring receptor-mediated transcytosis and screening of antibodies for putative brain shuttle application. A perfused in vitro human model made of iPSC-derived BMEC with the chief characteristics (barrier tightness, functionality) of the human BBB can be applied to study transferrin receptor (TfR)-mediated transcytosis of therapeutic antibodies. This may bring critical advances in drug shuttle technology. Graphical abstract generated with biorender.com.
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Affiliation(s)
- Floriana Burgio
- University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW), Muttenz, Switzerland
| | - Carine Gaiser
- University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW), Muttenz, Switzerland
| | - Kevin Brady
- Development Sciences, UCB Biopharma SRL, Braine L'Alleud, Belgium
| | - Viviana Gatta
- Neuroscience Therapeutic Area, UCB Biopharma SRL, Braine L'Alleud, Belgium
| | - Reiner Class
- Development Sciences, UCB Biopharma SRL, Braine L'Alleud, Belgium
| | - Ramona Schrage
- Neuroscience Therapeutic Area, UCB Biopharma SRL, Braine L'Alleud, Belgium
| | - Laura Suter-Dick
- University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW), Muttenz, Switzerland.
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21
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Haferkamp U, Hartmann C, Abid CL, Brachner A, Höchner A, Gerhartl A, Harwardt B, Leckzik S, Leu J, Metzger M, Nastainczyk-Wulf M, Neuhaus W, Oerter S, Pless O, Rujescu D, Jung M, Appelt-Menzel A. Human isogenic cells of the neurovascular unit exert transcriptomic cell type-specific effects on a blood-brain barrier in vitro model of late-onset Alzheimer disease. Fluids Barriers CNS 2023; 20:78. [PMID: 37907966 PMCID: PMC10617216 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-023-00471-y] [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: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The function of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is impaired in late-onset Alzheimer disease (LOAD), but the associated molecular mechanisms, particularly with respect to the high-risk APOE4/4 genotype, are not well understood. For this purpose, we developed a multicellular isogenic model of the neurovascular unit (NVU) based on human induced pluripotent stem cells. METHODS The human NVU was modeled in vitro using isogenic co-cultures of astrocytes, brain capillary endothelial-like cells (BCECs), microglia-like cells, neural stem cells (NSCs), and pericytes. Physiological and pathophysiological properties were investigated as well as the influence of each single cell type on the characteristics and function of BCECs. The barriers established by BCECs were analyzed for specific gene transcription using high-throughput quantitative PCR. RESULTS Co-cultures were found to tighten the barrier of BCECs and alter its transcriptomic profile under both healthy and disease conditions. In vitro differentiation of brain cell types that constitute the NVU was not affected by the LOAD background. The supportive effect of NSCs on the barrier established by BCECs was diminished under LOAD conditions. Transcriptomes of LOAD BCECs were modulated by different brain cell types. NSCs were found to have the strongest effect on BCEC gene regulation and maintenance of the BBB. Co-cultures showed cell type-specific functional contributions to BBB integrity under healthy and LOAD conditions. CONCLUSIONS Cell type-dependent transcriptional effects on LOAD BCECs were identified. Our study suggests that different brain cell types of the NVU have unique roles in maintaining barrier integrity that vary under healthy and LOAD conditions. .
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Affiliation(s)
- Undine Haferkamp
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Discovery Research ScreeningPort, 22525, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Carla Hartmann
- Institute for Physiological Chemistry, Medical Faculty of the Martin, Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Hollystrasse 1, 06114, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Chaudhry Luqman Abid
- Institute for Physiological Chemistry, Medical Faculty of the Martin, Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Hollystrasse 1, 06114, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Andreas Brachner
- Center Health and Bioresources, Competence Unit Molecular Diagnostics, AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Vienna, 1210, Austria
| | - Alevtina Höchner
- Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research ISC, Translational Center Regenerative Therapies (TLC-RT), 97070, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Anna Gerhartl
- Center Health and Bioresources, Competence Unit Molecular Diagnostics, AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Vienna, 1210, Austria
| | - Bernadette Harwardt
- Institute for Physiological Chemistry, Medical Faculty of the Martin, Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Hollystrasse 1, 06114, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Selin Leckzik
- Institute for Physiological Chemistry, Medical Faculty of the Martin, Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Hollystrasse 1, 06114, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Jennifer Leu
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Discovery Research ScreeningPort, 22525, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Marco Metzger
- Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research ISC, Translational Center Regenerative Therapies (TLC-RT), 97070, Würzburg, Germany
- Chair Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (TERM), University Hospital Würzburg, 97070, Würzburg, Germany
| | | | - Winfried Neuhaus
- Center Health and Bioresources, Competence Unit Molecular Diagnostics, AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Vienna, 1210, Austria
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Danube Private University, Krems, 3500, Austria
| | - Sabrina Oerter
- Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research ISC, Translational Center Regenerative Therapies (TLC-RT), 97070, Würzburg, Germany
- Chair Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (TERM), University Hospital Würzburg, 97070, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Ole Pless
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Discovery Research ScreeningPort, 22525, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Dan Rujescu
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Division of General Psychiatry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, 1090, Austria
| | - Matthias Jung
- Institute for Physiological Chemistry, Medical Faculty of the Martin, Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Hollystrasse 1, 06114, Halle (Saale), Germany.
| | - Antje Appelt-Menzel
- Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research ISC, Translational Center Regenerative Therapies (TLC-RT), 97070, Würzburg, Germany.
- Chair Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (TERM), University Hospital Würzburg, 97070, Würzburg, Germany.
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22
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Selvakumaran J, Ursu S, Bowerman M, Lu-Nguyen N, Wood MJ, Malerba A, Yáñez-Muñoz RJ. An Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Human Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB) Model to Test the Crossing by Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV) Vectors and Antisense Oligonucleotides. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2700. [PMID: 37893074 PMCID: PMC10604610 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11102700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is the specialised microvasculature system that shields the central nervous system (CNS) from potentially toxic agents. Attempts to develop therapeutic agents targeting the CNS have been hindered by the lack of predictive models of BBB crossing. In vitro models mimicking the human BBB are of great interest, and advances in induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technologies and the availability of reproducible differentiation protocols have facilitated progress. In this study, we present the efficient differentiation of three different wild-type iPSC lines into brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs). Once differentiated, cells displayed several features of BMECs and exhibited significant barrier tightness as measured by trans-endothelial electrical resistance (TEER), ranging from 1500 to >6000 Ωcm2. To assess the functionality of our BBB models, we analysed the crossing efficiency of adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors and peptide-conjugated antisense oligonucleotides, both currently used in genetic approaches for the treatment of rare diseases. We demonstrated superior barrier crossing by AAV serotype 9 compared to serotype 8, and no crossing by a cell-penetrating peptide-conjugated antisense oligonucleotide. In conclusion, our study shows that iPSC-based models of the human BBB display robust phenotypes and could be used to screen drugs for CNS penetration in culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamuna Selvakumaran
- AGCTlab, Centre of Gene and Cell Therapy, Department of Biological Sciences, School of Life Sciences and the Environment, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham TW20 0EX, UK; (J.S.); (S.U.)
| | - Simona Ursu
- AGCTlab, Centre of Gene and Cell Therapy, Department of Biological Sciences, School of Life Sciences and the Environment, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham TW20 0EX, UK; (J.S.); (S.U.)
| | - Melissa Bowerman
- School of Medicine, Keele University, Staffordshire ST4 7QB, UK;
- Wolfson Centre for Inherited Neuromuscular Disease, RJAH Orthopaedic Hospital, Oswestry SY10 7AG, UK
| | - Ngoc Lu-Nguyen
- Gene Medicine Laboratory for Rare Diseases, Centre of Gene and Cell Therapy, Department of Biological Sciences, School of Life Sciences and the Environment, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham TW20 0EX, UK; (N.L.-N.); (A.M.)
| | - Matthew J. Wood
- Department of Paediatrics, Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine (IDRM), University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7TY, UK;
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Alberto Malerba
- Gene Medicine Laboratory for Rare Diseases, Centre of Gene and Cell Therapy, Department of Biological Sciences, School of Life Sciences and the Environment, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham TW20 0EX, UK; (N.L.-N.); (A.M.)
| | - Rafael J. Yáñez-Muñoz
- AGCTlab, Centre of Gene and Cell Therapy, Department of Biological Sciences, School of Life Sciences and the Environment, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham TW20 0EX, UK; (J.S.); (S.U.)
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23
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Baringer SL, Lukacher AS, Palsa K, Kim H, Lippmann ES, Spiegelman VS, Simpson IA, Connor JR. Amyloid-β exposed astrocytes induce iron transport from endothelial cells at the blood-brain barrier by altering the ratio of apo- and holo-transferrin. J Neurochem 2023; 167:248-261. [PMID: 37667496 PMCID: PMC10592116 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
Excessive brain iron accumulation is observed early in the onset of Alzheimer's disease, notably prior to widespread proteinopathy. These findings suggest that increases in brain iron levels are due to a dysregulation of the iron transport mechanism at the blood-brain barrier. Astrocytes release signals (apo- and holo-transferrin) that communicate brain iron needs to endothelial cells in order to modulate iron transport. Here we use iPSC-derived astrocytes and endothelial cells to investigate how early-disease levels of amyloid-β disrupt iron transport signals secreted by astrocytes to stimulate iron transport from endothelial cells. We demonstrate that conditioned media from astrocytes treated with amyloid-β stimulates iron transport from endothelial cells and induces changes in iron transport pathway proteins. The mechanism underlying this response begins with increased iron uptake and mitochondrial activity by the astrocytes, which in turn increases levels of apo-transferrin in the amyloid-β conditioned astrocyte media leading to increased iron transport from endothelial cells. These novel findings offer a potential explanation for the initiation of excessive iron accumulation in early stages of Alzheimer's disease. What's more, these data provide the first example of how the mechanism of iron transport regulation by apo- and holo-transferrin becomes misappropriated in disease that can lead to iron accumulation. The clinical benefit from understanding early dysregulation in brain iron transport in AD cannot be understated. If therapeutics can target this early process, they could possibly prevent the detrimental cascade that occurs with excessive iron accumulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie L. Baringer
- Department of Neurosurgery, Penn State College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17033
| | - Avraham S. Lukacher
- Department of Neurosurgery, Penn State College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17033
| | - Kondaiah Palsa
- Department of Neurosurgery, Penn State College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17033
| | - Hyosung Kim
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, 2201 West End Ave, Nashville, TN, USA, 37235
| | - Ethan S. Lippmann
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, 2201 West End Ave, Nashville, TN, USA, 37235
| | - Vladimir S. Spiegelman
- Department of Pediatrics, Penn State College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17033
| | - Ian A. Simpson
- Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, Penn State College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17033
| | - James R. Connor
- Department of Neurosurgery, Penn State College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17033
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Sullivan MA, Lane S, Volkerling A, Engel M, Werry EL, Kassiou M. Three-dimensional bioprinting of stem cell-derived central nervous system cells enables astrocyte growth, vasculogenesis, and enhances neural differentiation/function. Biotechnol Bioeng 2023; 120:3079-3091. [PMID: 37395340 PMCID: PMC10953436 DOI: 10.1002/bit.28470] [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: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Current research tools for preclinical drug development such as rodent models and two-dimensional immortalized monocultures have failed to serve as effective translational models for human central nervous system (CNS) disorders. Recent advancements in the development of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and three-dimensional (3D) culturing can improve the in vivo-relevance of preclinical models, while generating 3D cultures though novel bioprinting technologies can offer increased scalability and replicability. As such, there is a need to develop platforms that combine iPSC-derived cells with 3D bioprinting to produce scalable, tunable, and biomimetic cultures for preclinical drug discovery applications. We report a biocompatible poly(ethylene glycol)-based matrix which incorporates Arg-Gly-Asp and Tyr-Ile-Gly-Ser-Arg peptide motifs and full-length collagen IV at a stiffness similar to the human brain (1.5 kPa). Using a high-throughput commercial bioprinter we report the viable culture and morphological development of monocultured iPSC-derived astrocytes, brain microvascular endothelial-like cells, neural progenitors, and neurons in our novel matrix. We also show that this system supports endothelial-like vasculogenesis and enhances neural differentiation and spontaneous activity. This platform forms a foundation for more complex, multicellular models to facilitate high-throughput translational drug discovery for CNS disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A. Sullivan
- School of Medical Sciences, The Faculty of Medicine and HealthThe University of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Samuel Lane
- School of Chemistry, The Faculty of ScienceThe University of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | | | - Martin Engel
- Inventia Life Science Operations Pty Ltd.AlexandriaNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Eryn L. Werry
- School of Chemistry, The Faculty of ScienceThe University of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and HealthThe University of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Michael Kassiou
- School of Chemistry, The Faculty of ScienceThe University of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
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Yan L, Dwiggins CW, Gupta U, Stroka KM. A Rapid-Patterning 3D Vessel-on-Chip for Imaging and Quantitatively Analyzing Cell-Cell Junction Phenotypes. Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:1080. [PMID: 37760182 PMCID: PMC10525190 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10091080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a dynamic interface that regulates the molecular exchanges between the brain and peripheral blood. The permeability of the BBB is primarily regulated by the junction proteins on the brain endothelial cells. In vitro BBB models have shown great potential for the investigation of the mechanisms of physiological function, pathologies, and drug delivery in the brain. However, few studies have demonstrated the ability to monitor and evaluate the barrier integrity by quantitatively analyzing the junction presentation in 3D microvessels. This study aimed to fabricate a simple vessel-on-chip, which allows for a rigorous quantitative investigation of junction presentation in 3D microvessels. To this end, we developed a rapid protocol that creates 3D microvessels with polydimethylsiloxane and microneedles. We established a simple vessel-on-chip model lined with human iPSC-derived brain microvascular endothelial-like cells (iBMEC-like cells). The 3D image of the vessel structure can then be "unwrapped" and converted to 2D images for quantitative analysis of cell-cell junction phenotypes. Our findings revealed that 3D cylindrical structures altered the phenotype of tight junction proteins, along with the morphology of cells. Additionally, the cell-cell junction integrity in our 3D models was disrupted by the tumor necrosis factor α. This work presents a "quick and easy" 3D vessel-on-chip model and analysis pipeline, together allowing for the capability of screening and evaluating the cell-cell junction integrity of endothelial cells under various microenvironment conditions and treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Yan
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA; (C.W.D.); (U.G.)
| | - Cole W. Dwiggins
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA; (C.W.D.); (U.G.)
| | - Udit Gupta
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA; (C.W.D.); (U.G.)
| | - Kimberly M. Stroka
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA; (C.W.D.); (U.G.)
- Biophysics Program, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
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Lizano P, Pong S, Santarriaga S, Bannai D, Karmacharya R. Brain microvascular endothelial cells and blood-brain barrier dysfunction in psychotic disorders. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:3698-3708. [PMID: 37730841 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02255-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Although there is convergent evidence for blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction and peripheral inflammation in schizophrenia (SZ) and bipolar disorder (BD), it is unknown whether BBB deficits are intrinsic to brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) or arise via effects of peripheral inflammatory cytokines. We examined BMEC function using stem cell-based models to identify cellular and molecular deficits associated with BBB dysfunction in SZ and BD. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from 4 SZ, 4 psychotic BD and 4 healthy control (HC) subjects were differentiated into BMEC-"like" cells. Gene expression and protein levels of tight junction proteins were assessed. Transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) and permeability were assayed to evaluate BBB function. Cytokine levels were measured from conditioned media. BMECs derived from human iPSCs in SZ and BD did not show differences in BBB integrity or permeability compared to HC BMECs. Outlier analysis using TEER revealed a BBB-deficit (n = 3) and non-deficit (n = 5) group in SZ and BD lines. Stratification based on BBB function in SZ and BD patients identified a BBB-deficit subtype with reduced barrier function, tendency for increased permeability to smaller molecules, and decreased claudin-5 (CLDN5) levels. BMECs from the BBB-deficit group show increased matrix metallopeptidase 1 (MMP1) activity, which correlated with reduced CLDN5 and worse BBB function, and was improved by tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) and MMP1 inhibition. These results show potential deficits in BMEC-like cells in psychotic disorders that result in BBB disruption and further identify TNFα and MMP1 as promising targets for ameliorating BBB deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulo Lizano
- Department of Psychiatry, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.
- Division of Translational Neuroscience, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Sovannarath Pong
- Department of Psychiatry, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Translational Neuroscience, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Stephanie Santarriaga
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutic Science Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Deepthi Bannai
- Department of Psychiatry, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Translational Neuroscience, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rakesh Karmacharya
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutic Science Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder Program, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA.
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Brandl S, Reindl M. Blood-Brain Barrier Breakdown in Neuroinflammation: Current In Vitro Models. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12699. [PMID: 37628879 PMCID: PMC10454051 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier, which is formed by tightly interconnected microvascular endothelial cells, separates the brain from the peripheral circulation. Together with other central nervous system-resident cell types, including pericytes and astrocytes, the blood-brain barrier forms the neurovascular unit. Upon neuroinflammation, this barrier becomes leaky, allowing molecules and cells to enter the brain and to potentially harm the tissue of the central nervous system. Despite the significance of animal models in research, they may not always adequately reflect human pathophysiology. Therefore, human models are needed. This review will provide an overview of the blood-brain barrier in terms of both health and disease. It will describe all key elements of the in vitro models and will explore how different compositions can be utilized to effectively model a variety of neuroinflammatory conditions. Furthermore, it will explore the existing types of models that are used in basic research to study the respective pathologies thus far.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Markus Reindl
- Clinical Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria;
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28
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Richards A, Khalil A, Friesen M, Whitfield TW, Lungjangwa T, Gehrke L, Mooney D, Jaenisch R. SARS-CoV-2 infection of human pluripotent stem cell-derived vascular cells reveals smooth muscle cells as key mediators of vascular pathology during infection. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.06.552160. [PMID: 37609322 PMCID: PMC10441287 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.06.552160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Although respiratory symptoms are the most prevalent disease manifestation of infection by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), nearly 20% of hospitalized patients are at risk for thromboembolic events 1 . This prothrombotic state is considered a key factor in the increased risk of stroke, which has been observed clinically during both acute infection and long after symptoms have cleared 2 . Here we developed a model of SARS-CoV-2 infection using human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived endothelial cells, pericytes, and smooth muscle cells to recapitulate the vascular pathology associated with SARS-CoV-2 exposure. Our results demonstrate that perivascular cells, particularly smooth muscle cells (SMCs), are a specifically susceptible vascular target for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Utilizing RNA sequencing, we characterized the transcriptomic changes accompanying SARS-CoV-2 infection of SMCs, and endothelial cells (ECs). We observed that infected human SMCs shift to a pro-inflammatory state and increase the expression of key mediators of the coagulation cascade. Further, we showed human ECs exposed to the secretome of infected SMCs produce hemostatic factors that can contribute to vascular dysfunction, despite not being susceptible to direct infection. The findings here recapitulate observations from patient sera in human COVID-19 patients and provide mechanistic insight into the unique vascular implications of SARS-CoV-2 infection at a cellular level.
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Yan L, Dwiggins CW, Moriarty RA, Jung JW, Gupta U, Brandon KD, Stroka KM. Matrix stiffness regulates the tight junction phenotypes and local barrier properties in tricellular regions in an iPSC-derived BBB model. Acta Biomater 2023:S1742-7061(23)00327-6. [PMID: 37302732 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) can respond to various mechanical cues such as shear stress and substrate stiffness. In the human brain, the compromised barrier function of the BBB is closely associated with a series of neurological disorders that are often also accompanied by the alteration of brain stiffness. In many types of peripheral vasculature, higher matrix stiffness decreases barrier function of endothelial cells through mechanotransduction pathways that alter cell-cell junction integrity. However, human brain endothelial cells are specialized endothelial cells that largely resist changes in cell morphology and key BBB markers. Therefore, it has remained an open question how matrix stiffness affects barrier integrity in the human BBB. To gain insight into the effects of matrix stiffness on BBB permeability, we differentiated brain microvascular endothelial-like cells from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iBMEC-like cells) and cultured the cells on extracellular matrix-coated hydrogels of varying stiffness. We first detected and quantified the junction presentation of key tight junction (TJ) proteins. Our results show matrix-dependent junction phenotypes in iBMEC-like cells, where cells on softer gels (1 kPa) have significantly lower continuous and total TJ coverages. We also determined that these softer gels also lead to decreased barrier function in a local permeability assay. Furthermore, we found that matrix stiffness regulates the local permeability of iBMEC-like cells through the balance of continuous ZO-1 TJs and no junction regions ZO-1 in tricellular regions. Together, these findings provide valuable insights into the effects of matrix stiffness on TJ phenotypes and local permeability of iBMEC-like cells. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Brain mechanical properties, including stiffness, are particularly sensitive indicators for pathophysiological changes in neural tissue. The compromised function of the blood-brain barrier is closely associated with a series of neurological disorders often accompanied by altered brain stiffness. In this study, we use polymeric biomaterials and provide new evidence that biomaterial stiffness regulates the local permeability in iPSC-derived brain endothelial cells in tricellular regions through the tight junction protein ZO-1. Our findings provide valuable insights into the changes in junction architecture and barrier permeability in response to different substrate stiffnesses. Since BBB dysfunction has been linked to many diseases, understanding the influence of substrate stiffness on junction presentations and barrier permeability could lead to the development of new treatments for diseases associated with BBB dysfunction or drug delivery across BBB systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Yan
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA.
| | - Cole W Dwiggins
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Rebecca A Moriarty
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Jae W Jung
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Udit Gupta
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Ken D Brandon
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Kimberly M Stroka
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA; Biophysics Program, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA; Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
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Zhang W, Zhao X, Qi X, Kimber SJ, Hooper NM, Wang T. Induced pluripotent stem cell model revealed impaired neurovascular interaction in genetic small vessel disease Cerebral Autosomal Dominant Arteriopathy with Subcortical Infarcts and Leukoencephalopathy. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1195470. [PMID: 37361999 PMCID: PMC10285224 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1195470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Cerebral Autosomal Dominant Arteriopathy with Subcortical Infarcts and Leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) is the most common genetic small vessel disease caused by variants in the NOTCH3 gene. Patients with CADASIL experience recurrent strokes, developing into cognitive defect and vascular dementia. CADASIL is a late-onset vascular condition, but migraine and brain MRI lesions appear in CADASIL patients as early as their teens and twenties, suggesting an abnormal neurovascular interaction at the neurovascular unit (NVU) where microvessels meet the brain parenchyma. Methods To understand the molecular mechanisms of CADASIL, we established induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) models from CADASIL patients and differentiated the iPSCs into the major NVU cell types including brain microvascular endothelial-like cells (BMECs), vascular mural cells (MCs), astrocytes and cortical projection neurons. We then built an in vitro NVU model by co-culturing different neurovascular cell types in Transwells and evaluated the blood brain barrier (BBB) function by measuring transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER). Results Results showed that, while the wild-type MCs, astrocytes and neurons could all independently and significantly enhance TEER of the iPSC-BMECs, such capability of MCs from iPSCs of CADASIL patients was significantly impaired. Additionally, the barrier function of the BMECs from CADASIL iPSCs was significantly decreased, accompanied with disorganized tight junctions in iPSC-BMECs, which could not be rescued by the wild-type MCs or sufficiently rescued by the wild-type astrocytes and neurons. Discussion Our findings provide new insight into early disease pathologies on the neurovascular interaction and BBB function at the molecular and cellular levels for CADASIL, which helps inform future therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjun Zhang
- Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Xiangjun Zhao
- Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Xuewei Qi
- Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Susan J. Kimber
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Nigel M. Hooper
- Division of Neuroscience, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Geoffrey Jefferson Brain Research Centre, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Northern Care Alliance NHS Group, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Tao Wang
- Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Geoffrey Jefferson Brain Research Centre, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Northern Care Alliance NHS Group, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
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Baringer SL, Palsa K, Spiegelman VS, Simpson IA, Connor JR. Apo- and holo-transferrin differentially interact with hephaestin and ferroportin in a novel mechanism of cellular iron release regulation. J Biomed Sci 2023; 30:36. [PMID: 37277838 PMCID: PMC10243088 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-023-00934-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Apo- (iron free) and holo- (iron bound) transferrin (Tf) participate in precise regulation of brain iron uptake at endothelial cells of the blood-brain barrier. Apo-Tf indicates an iron-deficient environment and stimulates iron release, while holo-Tf indicates an iron sufficient environment and suppresses additional iron release. Free iron is exported through ferroportin, with hephaestin as an aid to the process. Until now, the molecular mechanisms of apo- and holo-Tf influence on iron release was largely unknown. METHODS Here we use a variety of cell culture techniques, including co-immunoprecipitation and proximity ligation assay, in iPSC-derived endothelial cells and HEK 293 cells to investigate the mechanism by which apo- and holo-Tf influence cellular iron release. Given the established role of hepcidin in regulating cellular iron release, we further explored the relationship of hepcidin to transferrin in this model. RESULTS We demonstrate that holo-Tf induces the internalization of ferroportin through the established ferroportin degradation pathway. Furthermore, holo-Tf directly interacts with ferroportin, whereas apo-Tf directly interacts with hephaestin. Only pathophysiological levels of hepcidin disrupt the interaction between holo-Tf and ferroportin, but similar hepcidin levels are unable to interfere with the interaction between apo-Tf and hephaestin. The disruption of the holo-Tf and ferroportin interaction by hepcidin is due to hepcidin's ability to more rapidly internalize ferroportin compared to holo-Tf. CONCLUSIONS These novel findings provide a molecular mechanism for apo- and holo-Tf regulation of iron release from endothelial cells. They further demonstrate how hepcidin impacts these protein-protein interactions, and offer a model for how holo-Tf and hepcidin cooperate to suppress iron release. These results expand on our previous reports on mechanisms mediating regulation of brain iron uptake to provide a more thorough understanding of the regulatory mechanisms mediating cellular iron release in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie L Baringer
- Department of Neurosurgery, Penn State College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA, 17033, USA
| | - Kondaiah Palsa
- Department of Neurosurgery, Penn State College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA, 17033, USA
| | | | - Ian A Simpson
- Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - James R Connor
- Department of Neurosurgery, Penn State College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA, 17033, USA.
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Watson LA, Meharena HS. From neurodevelopment to neurodegeneration: utilizing human stem cell models to gain insight into Down syndrome. Front Genet 2023; 14:1198129. [PMID: 37323671 PMCID: PMC10267712 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1198129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS), caused by triplication of chromosome 21, is the most frequent aneuploidy observed in the human population and represents the most common genetic form of intellectual disability and early-onset Alzheimer's disease (AD). Individuals with DS exhibit a wide spectrum of clinical presentation, with a number of organs implicated including the neurological, immune, musculoskeletal, cardiac, and gastrointestinal systems. Decades of DS research have illuminated our understanding of the disorder, however many of the features that limit quality of life and independence of individuals with DS, including intellectual disability and early-onset dementia, remain poorly understood. This lack of knowledge of the cellular and molecular mechanisms leading to neurological features of DS has caused significant roadblocks in developing effective therapeutic strategies to improve quality of life for individuals with DS. Recent technological advances in human stem cell culture methods, genome editing approaches, and single-cell transcriptomics have provided paradigm-shifting insights into complex neurological diseases such as DS. Here, we review novel neurological disease modeling approaches, how they have been used to study DS, and what questions might be addressed in the future using these innovative tools.
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Baringer SL, Lukacher AS, Palsa K, Kim H, Lippmann ES, Spiegelman VS, Simpson IA, Connor JR. Amyloid-β exposed astrocytes induce iron transport from endothelial cells at the blood-brain barrier by altering the ratio of apo- and holo-transferrin. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.15.540795. [PMID: 37292926 PMCID: PMC10245582 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.15.540795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Excessive brain iron accumulation is observed in early in the onset of Alzheimer's disease, notably prior to widespread proteinopathy. These findings suggest that increases in brain iron levels are due to a dysregulation of the iron transport mechanism at the blood-brain barrier. Astrocytes release signals (apo- and holo-transferrin) that communicate brain iron needs to endothelial cells in order to modulate iron transport. Here we use iPSC-derived astrocytes and endothelial cells to investigate how early-disease levels of amyloid-β disrupt iron transport signals secreted by astrocytes to stimulate iron transport from endothelial cells. We demonstrate that conditioned media from astrocytes treated with amyloid-β stimulates iron transport from endothelial cells and induces changes in iron transport pathway protein levels. The mechanism underlying this response begins with increased iron uptake and mitochondrial activity by the astrocytes which in turn increases levels of apo-transferrin in the amyloid-β conditioned astrocyte media leading to increased iron transport from endothelial cells. These novel findings offer a potential explanation for the initiation of excessive iron accumulation in early stages of Alzheimer's disease. What's more, these data provide the first example of how the mechanism of iron transport regulation by apo- and holo-transferrin becomes misappropriated in disease to detrimental ends. The clinical benefit from understanding early dysregulation in brain iron transport in AD cannot be understated. If therapeutics can target this early process, they could possibly prevent the detrimental cascade that occurs with excessive iron accumulation. Significance Statement Excessive brain iron accumulation is hallmark pathology of Alzheimer's disease that occurs early in the disease staging and before widespread proteinopathy deposition. This overabundance of brain iron has been implicated to contribute to disease progression, thus understandingthe mechanism of early iron accumulation has significant therapeutic potential to slow to halt disease progression. Here, we show that in response to low levels of amyloid-β exposure, astrocytes increase their mitochondrial activity and iron uptake, resulting in iron deficient conditions. Elevated levels of apo (iron free)-transferrin stimulate iron release from endothelial cells. These data are the first to propose a mechanism for the initiation of iron accumulation and the misappropriation of iron transport signaling leading to dysfunctional brain iron homeostasis and resultant disease pathology.
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Kriaučiūnaitė K, Pociūtė A, Kaušylė A, Verkhratsky A, Pivoriūnas A. Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor Opens and Closes the Endothelial Blood-Brain Barrier in a Concentration-Dependent Manner. Neurochem Res 2023; 48:1211-1221. [PMID: 35859077 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-022-03678-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Multiple paracrine factors are implicated in the regulation of barrier properties of human brain endothelial cells (BECs) in different physiologic and pathologic settings. We have recently demonstrated that autocrine secretion of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) by BECs is necessary for the establishment of endothelial barrier (as demonstrated by high trans-endothelial electric resistance, TEER), whereas exogenous bFGF inhibits TEER in a concentration-dependent manner. In the present study we analysed the contribution of MAPK/ERK and STAT3 signalling pathways to the inhibitory effects of exogenous bFGF. Treatment with bFGF (8 ng/ml) for 3 days increased phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and STAT3. Treatment with FGF receptor 1 (FGFR1) inhibitor PD173074 (15 μM) suppressed both basal and bFGF-induced activation of ERK1/2 and STAT3. Suppression of STAT signalling with Janus kinase inhibitor JAKi (15 nM) alone or in the presence of bFGF did not change TEER in BEC monolayers. Exposure to JAKi affected neither proliferation, nor expression and distribution of tight junction (TJ) proteins claudin-5, occludin and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1). In contrast, treatment with MEK 1/2 inhibitor U0126 (10 μM) partially neutralised inhibitory effect of bFGF thus increasing TEER, whereas U0126 alone did not affect resistance of endothelial barrier. Our findings demonstrate that MAPK/ERK signalling pathway does not affect autocrine bFGF signalling-dependent BECs barrier function but is largely responsible for the disruptive effects of the exogenous bFGF. We speculate that bFGF may (depending on concentration and possibly origin) dynamically regulate permeability of the endothelial blood-brain barrier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Kriaučiūnaitė
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, 01102, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Agnė Pociūtė
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, 01102, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Aida Kaušylė
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, 01102, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Alexei Verkhratsky
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, 01102, Vilnius, Lithuania.
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK.
- IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Achucarro Centre for Neuroscience, 48011, Bilbao, Spain.
| | - Augustas Pivoriūnas
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, 01102, Vilnius, Lithuania.
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Hudecz D, McCloskey MC, Vergo S, Christensen S, McGrath JL, Nielsen MS. Modelling a Human Blood-Brain Barrier Co-Culture Using an Ultrathin Silicon Nitride Membrane-Based Microfluidic Device. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:5624. [PMID: 36982697 PMCID: PMC10058651 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065624] [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: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the vesicular trafficking of receptors and receptor ligands in the brain capillary endothelium is essential for the development of the next generations of biologics targeting neurodegenerative diseases. Such complex biological questions are often approached by in vitro models in combination with various techniques. Here, we present the development of a stem cell-based human in vitro blood-brain barrier model composed of induced brain microvascular endothelial cells (iBMECs) on the modular µSiM (a microdevice featuring a silicon nitride membrane) platform. The µSiM was equipped with a 100 nm thick nanoporous silicon nitride membrane with glass-like imaging quality that allowed the use of high-resolution in situ imaging to study the intracellular trafficking. As a proof-of-concept experiment, we investigated the trafficking of two monoclonal antibodies (mAb): an anti-human transferrin receptor mAb (15G11) and an anti-basigin mAb (#52) using the µSiM-iBMEC-human astrocyte model. Our results demonstrated effective endothelial uptake of the selected antibodies; however, no significant transcytosis was observed when the barrier was tight. In contrast, when the iBMECs did not form a confluent barrier on the µSiM, the antibodies accumulated inside both the iBMECs and astrocytes, demonstrating that the cells have an active endocytic and subcellular sorting machinery and that the µSiM itself does not hinder antibody transport. In conclusion, our µSiM-iBMEC-human astrocyte model provides a tight barrier with endothelial-like cells, which can be used for high-resolution in situ imaging and for studying receptor-mediated transport and transcytosis in a physiological barrier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Hudecz
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Molly C. McCloskey
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, USA
| | - Sandra Vergo
- Biotherapeutic Discovery, H. Lundbeck A/S, Valby, 2500 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Søren Christensen
- Biotherapeutic Discovery, H. Lundbeck A/S, Valby, 2500 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - James L. McGrath
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, USA
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Du F, Shusta EV, Palecek SP. Extracellular matrix proteins in construction and function of in vitro blood-brain barrier models. FRONTIERS IN CHEMICAL ENGINEERING 2023. [DOI: 10.3389/fceng.2023.1130127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a highly impermeable barrier separating circulating blood and brain tissue. A functional BBB is critical for brain health, and BBB dysfunction has been linked to the pathophysiology of diseases such as stroke and Alzheimer’s disease. A variety of models have been developed to study the formation and maintenance of the BBB, ranging from in vivo animal models to in vitro models consisting of primary cells or cells differentiated from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs). These models must consider the composition and source of the cellular components of the neurovascular unit (NVU), including brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs), brain pericytes, astrocytes, and neurons, and how these cell types interact. In addition, the non-cellular components of the BBB microenvironment, such as the brain vascular basement membrane (BM) that is in direct contact with the NVU, also play key roles in BBB function. Here, we review how extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins in the brain vascular BM affect the BBB, with a particular focus on studies using hPSC-derived in vitro BBB models, and discuss how future studies are needed to advance our understanding of how the ECM affects BBB models to improve model performance and expand our knowledge on the formation and maintenance of the BBB.
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Khamis ZI, Sarker DB, Xue Y, Al-Akkary N, James VD, Zeng C, Li Y, Sang QXA. Modeling Human Brain Tumors and the Microenvironment Using Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15041253. [PMID: 36831595 PMCID: PMC9954701 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15041253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain cancer is a group of diverse and rapidly growing malignancies that originate in the central nervous system (CNS) and have a poor prognosis. The complexity of brain structure and function makes brain cancer modeling extremely difficult, limiting pathological studies and therapeutic developments. Advancements in human pluripotent stem cell technology have opened a window of opportunity for brain cancer modeling, providing a wealth of customizable methods to simulate the disease in vitro. This is achieved with the advent of genome editing and genetic engineering technologies that can simulate germline and somatic mutations found in human brain tumors. This review investigates induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-based approaches to model human brain cancer. The applications of iPSCs as renewable sources of individual brain cell types, brain organoids, blood-brain barrier (BBB), and brain tumor models are discussed. The brain tumor models reviewed are glioblastoma and medulloblastoma. The iPSC-derived isogenic cells and three-dimensional (3D) brain cancer organoids combined with patient-derived xenografts will enhance future compound screening and drug development for these deadly human brain cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahraa I. Khamis
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
- Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32310, USA
- High-Performance Materials Institute, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32310, USA
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Molecular Immunology, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences-I, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Drishty B. Sarker
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | - Yu Xue
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | - Nancy Al-Akkary
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Molecular Immunology, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences-I, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Viviana D. James
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | - Changchun Zeng
- Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32310, USA
- High-Performance Materials Institute, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32310, USA
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
- Institute of Molecular Biophysics, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | - Qing-Xiang Amy Sang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
- Institute of Molecular Biophysics, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-850-644-8683; Fax: +1-850-644-8281
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Girard SD, Julien-Gau I, Molino Y, Combes BF, Greetham L, Khrestchatisky M, Nivet E. High and low permeability of human pluripotent stem cell-derived blood-brain barrier models depend on epithelial or endothelial features. FASEB J 2023; 37:e22770. [PMID: 36688807 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202201422r] [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: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The search for reliable human blood-brain barrier (BBB) models represents a challenge for the development/testing of strategies aiming to enhance brain delivery of drugs. Human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) have raised hopes in the development of predictive BBB models. Differentiating strategies are thus required to generate endothelial cells (ECs), a major component of the BBB. Several hiPSC-based protocols have reported the generation of in vitro models with significant differences in barrier properties. We studied in depth the properties of iPSCs byproducts from two protocols that have been established to yield these in vitro barrier models. Our analysis/study reveals that iPSCs derivatives endowed with EC features yield high permeability models while the cells that exhibit outstanding barrier properties show principally epithelial cell-like (EpC) features. We found that models containing EpC-like cells express tight junction proteins, transporters/efflux pumps and display a high functional tightness with very low permeability, which are features commonly shared between BBB and epithelial barriers. Our study demonstrates that hiPSC-based BBB models need extensive characterization beforehand and that a reliable human BBB model containing EC-like cells and displaying low permeability is still needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stéphane D Girard
- Institute of NeuroPhysiopathology, INP, CNRS, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
- Faculty of Medicine, VECT-HORUS SAS, Marseille, France
| | | | - Yves Molino
- Faculty of Medicine, VECT-HORUS SAS, Marseille, France
| | | | - Louise Greetham
- Institute of NeuroPhysiopathology, INP, CNRS, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Michel Khrestchatisky
- Institute of NeuroPhysiopathology, INP, CNRS, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Emmanuel Nivet
- Institute of NeuroPhysiopathology, INP, CNRS, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
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Palsa K, Baringer SL, Shenoy G, Spiegelman VS, Simpson IA, Connor JR. Exosomes are involved in iron transport from human blood-brain barrier endothelial cells and are modified by endothelial cell iron status. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:102868. [PMID: 36603765 PMCID: PMC9929479 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Revised: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Iron is essential for normal brain development and function. Hence, understanding the mechanisms of iron efflux at the blood-brain barrier and their regulation are critical for the establishment of brain iron homeostasis. Here, we have investigated the role of exosomes in mediating the transfer of H-ferritin (FTH1)- or transferrin (Tf)-bound iron across the blood-brain barrier endothelial cells (BBBECs). Our study used ECs derived from human-induced pluripotent stem cells that are grown in bicameral chambers. When cells were exposed to 55Fe-Tf or 55Fe-FTH1, the 55Fe activity in the exosome fraction in the basal chamber was significantly higher compared to the supernatant fraction. Furthermore, we determined that the release of endogenous Tf, FTH1, and exosome number is regulated by the iron concentration of the endothelial cells. Moreover, the release of exogenously added Tf or FTH1 to the basal side via exosomes was significantly higher when ECs were iron loaded compared to when they were iron deficient. The release of exosomes containing iron bound to Tf or FTH1 was independent of hepcidin regulation, indicating this mechanism by-passes a major iron regulatory pathway. A potent inhibitor of exosome formation, GW4869, reduced exosomes released from the ECs and also decreased the Tf- and FTH1-bound iron within the exosomes. Collectively, these results indicate that iron transport across the blood-brain barrier is mediated via the exosome pathway and is modified by the iron status of the ECs, providing evidence for a novel alternate mechanism of iron transport into the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kondaiah Palsa
- Department of Neurosurgery, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Stephanie L Baringer
- Department of Neurosurgery, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ganesh Shenoy
- Department of Neurosurgery, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Vladimir S Spiegelman
- Department of Pediatrics, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ian A Simpson
- Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - James R Connor
- Department of Neurosurgery, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA.
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Baringer S, Palsa K, Simpson IA, Connor JR. Apo- and holo- transferrin differentially interact with ferroportin and hephaestin to regulate iron release at the blood-brain barrier. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-2429356. [PMID: 36711476 PMCID: PMC9882672 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2429356/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Background : Apo- (iron free) and holo- (iron bound) transferrin (Tf) participate in precise regulation of brain iron uptake at endothelial cells of the blood-brain barrier. Apo-Tf indicates an iron deficient environment and stimulates iron release, while holo-Tf indicates an iron sufficient environment and suppresses additional iron release. Free iron is exported through ferroportin, with hephaestin as an aid to the process. Until now, the molecular mechanism of apo- and holo-Tf's influence on iron release was largely unknown. Methods : Here we use a variety of cell culture techniques, including co-immunoprecipitation and proximity ligation assay, in iPSC-derived endothelial cells and HEK 293 cells to investigate the mechanism of apo- and holo-Tf's influence over iron release. We placed our findings in physiological context by further deciphering how hepcidin played a role in this mechanism as well. Results : We demonstrate that holo-Tf induces the internalization of ferroportin through the established ferroportin degradation pathway. Furthermore, holo-Tf directly binds to ferroportin, whereas apo-Tf directly binds to hephaestin. Only pathological levels of hepcidin disrupt the interaction between holo-Tf and ferroportin, and no amount of hepcidin disrupts the interaction between apo-Tf and hephaestin. The disruption of the holo-Tf and ferroportin interaction by hepcidin is due to hepcidin's ability to rapidly internalize ferroportin compared to holo-Tf. Conclusions : These novel findings provide a molecular mechanism for apo- and holo-Tf regulation of iron release from endothelial cells. They further demonstrate how hepcidin impacts these protein-protein interactions, and offer a model for how holo-Tf and hepcidin corporate to suppress iron release. We have established a more thorough understanding of the mechanisms behind iron release regulation with great clinical impact for a variety of neurological conditions in which iron release is dysregulated.
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Baringer SL, Palsa K, Simpson IA, Connor JR. Apo- and holo- transferrin differentially interact with ferroportin and hephaestin to regulate iron release at the blood-brain barrier. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.10.522344. [PMID: 36712094 PMCID: PMC9882075 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.10.522344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Background Apo- (iron free) and holo- (iron bound) transferrin (Tf) participate in precise regulation of brain iron uptake at endothelial cells of the blood-brain barrier. Apo-Tf indicates an iron deficient environment and stimulates iron release, while holo-Tf indicates an iron sufficient environment and suppresses additional iron release. Free iron is exported through ferroportin, with hephaestin as an aid to the process. Until now, the molecular mechanism of apo- and holo-Tf's influence on iron release was largely unknown. Methods Here we use a variety of cell culture techniques, including co-immunoprecipitation and proximity ligation assay, in iPSC-derived endothelial cells and HEK 293 cells to investigate the mechanism of apo- and holo-Tf's influence over iron release. We placed our findings in physiological context by further deciphering how hepcidin played a role in this mechanism as well. Results We demonstrate that holo-Tf induces the internalization of ferroportin through the established ferroportin degradation pathway. Furthermore, holo-Tf directly binds to ferroportin, whereas apo-Tf directly binds to hephaestin. Only pathological levels of hepcidin disrupt the interaction between holo-Tf and ferroportin, and no amount of hepcidin disrupts the interaction between apo-Tf and hephaestin. The disruption of the holo-Tf and ferroportin interaction by hepcidin is due to hepcidin's ability to rapidly internalize ferroportin compared to holo-Tf. Conclusions These novel findings provide a molecular mechanism for apo- and holo-Tf regulation of iron release from endothelial cells. They further demonstrate how hepcidin impacts these protein-protein interactions, and offer a model for how holo-Tf and hepcidin corporate to suppress iron release. We have established a more thorough understanding of the mechanisms behind iron release regulation with great clinical impact for a variety of neurological conditions in which iron release is dysregulated.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kondaiah Palsa
- Department of Neurosurgery, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Ian A. Simpson
- Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - James R. Connor
- Department of Neurosurgery, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
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Foreman KL, Shusta EV, Palecek SP. Defined Differentiation of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells to Brain Microvascular Endothelial-Like Cells for Modeling the Blood-Brain Barrier. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2683:113-133. [PMID: 37300771 PMCID: PMC10389759 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3287-1_10] [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] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) comprises brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) that form a high-resistance cellular interface that separates the blood compartment from the brain parenchyma. An intact BBB is pivotal to maintaining brain homeostasis but also impedes the entry of neurotherapeutics. There are limited options for human-specific BBB permeability testing, however. Human pluripotent stem cell models offer a powerful tool for dissecting components of this barrier in vitro, including understanding mechanisms of BBB function, and developing strategies to improve the permeability of molecular and cellular therapeutics targeting the brain. Here, we provide a detailed, step-by-step protocol for differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) to cells exhibiting key characteristics of BMECs, including paracellular and transcellular transport resistance and transporter function that enable modeling the human BBB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koji L Foreman
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Eric V Shusta
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
| | - Sean P Palecek
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
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Weber CM, Moiz B, Zic SM, Alpízar Vargas V, Li A, Clyne AM. Induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cells model brain microvascular endothelial cell glucose metabolism. Fluids Barriers CNS 2022; 19:98. [PMID: 36494870 PMCID: PMC9733016 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-022-00395-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Glucose transport from the blood into the brain is tightly regulated by brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMEC), which also use glucose as their primary energy source. To study how BMEC glucose transport contributes to cerebral glucose hypometabolism in diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, it is essential to understand how these cells metabolize glucose. Human primary BMEC (hpBMEC) can be used for BMEC metabolism studies; however, they have poor barrier function and may not recapitulate in vivo BMEC function. iPSC-derived BMEC-like cells (hiBMEC) are readily available and have good barrier function but may have an underlying epithelial signature. In this study, we examined differences between hpBMEC and hiBMEC glucose metabolism using a combination of dynamic metabolic measurements, metabolic mass spectrometry, RNA sequencing, and Western blots. hiBMEC had decreased glycolytic flux relative to hpBMEC, and the overall metabolomes and metabolic enzyme levels were different between the two cell types. However, hpBMEC and hiBMEC had similar glucose metabolism, including nearly identical glucose labeled fractions of glycolytic and TCA cycle metabolites. Treatment with astrocyte conditioned media and high glucose increased glycolysis in both hpBMEC and hiBMEC, though hpBMEC decreased glycolysis in response to fluvastatin while hiBMEC did not. Together, these results suggest that hiBMEC can be used to model cerebral vascular glucose metabolism, which expands their use beyond barrier models.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bilal Moiz
- University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Sophia M Zic
- University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | | | - Andrew Li
- University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
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Gupta R, Chauhan A, Kaur T, Kuanr BK, Sharma D. Transmigration of magnetite nanoparticles across the blood-brain barrier in a rodent model: influence of external and alternating magnetic fields. NANOSCALE 2022; 14:17589-17606. [PMID: 36409463 DOI: 10.1039/d2nr02210a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Despite advances in neurology, drug delivery to the central nervous system is considered a challenge due to the presence of the blood brain barrier (BBB). In this study, the role of magnetic hyperthermia induced by exposure of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) to an alternating magnetic field (AMF) in synergy with an external magnetic field (EMF) was investigated to transiently increase the permeability of the MNPs across the BBB. A dual magnetic targeting approach was employed by first dragging the MNPs by an EMF for an intended enhanced cellular association with the brain endothelial cells and then activating the MNPs by an AMF for the temporary disruption of the tight junctions of BBB. The efficacy of the BBB permeability for the MNPs under the influence of dual magnetic targeting was evaluated in vitro using transwell models developed by co-culturing murine brain endothelial cells with astrocytes, as well as in vivo in mouse models. The in vitro results revealed that the exposure to AMF transiently opened the tight junctions at the BBB, which, after 3 h of treatment, were observed to recover back to their comparable control levels. A biodistribution analysis of nanoparticles confirmed targeted accumulation of MNPs in the brain following dual targeting. This dual targeting approach was observed to open the tight junctions, thus increasing the transport of MNPs into the brain with higher specificity as compared to using EMF targeting alone, suggesting that a dual magnetic targeting-induced transport of MNPs across the BBB is an effective measure for delivery of therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruby Gupta
- Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Knowledge City, Sector 81, Mohali, Punjab-140306, India.
| | - Anjali Chauhan
- Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Knowledge City, Sector 81, Mohali, Punjab-140306, India.
- Special Centre for Nanoscience, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi-110067, India
| | - Tashmeen Kaur
- Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Knowledge City, Sector 81, Mohali, Punjab-140306, India.
| | - Bijoy K Kuanr
- Special Centre for Nanoscience, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi-110067, India
| | - Deepika Sharma
- Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Knowledge City, Sector 81, Mohali, Punjab-140306, India.
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Kim H, Leng K, Park J, Sorets AG, Kim S, Shostak A, Embalabala RJ, Mlouk K, Katdare KA, Rose IVL, Sturgeon SM, Neal EH, Ao Y, Wang S, Sofroniew MV, Brunger JM, McMahon DG, Schrag MS, Kampmann M, Lippmann ES. Reactive astrocytes transduce inflammation in a blood-brain barrier model through a TNF-STAT3 signaling axis and secretion of alpha 1-antichymotrypsin. Nat Commun 2022; 13:6581. [PMID: 36323693 PMCID: PMC9630454 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-34412-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are critical components of the neurovascular unit that support blood-brain barrier (BBB) function. Pathological transformation of astrocytes to reactive states can be protective or harmful to BBB function. Here, using a human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived BBB co-culture model, we show that tumor necrosis factor (TNF) transitions astrocytes to an inflammatory reactive state that causes BBB dysfunction through activation of STAT3 and increased expression of SERPINA3, which encodes alpha 1-antichymotrypsin (α1ACT). To contextualize these findings, we correlated astrocytic STAT3 activation to vascular inflammation in postmortem human tissue. Further, in murine brain organotypic cultures, astrocyte-specific silencing of Serpina3n reduced vascular inflammation after TNF challenge. Last, treatment with recombinant Serpina3n in both ex vivo explant cultures and in vivo was sufficient to induce BBB dysfunction-related molecular changes. Overall, our results define the TNF-STAT3-α1ACT signaling axis as a driver of an inflammatory reactive astrocyte signature that contributes to BBB dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyosung Kim
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Kun Leng
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jinhee Park
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Alexander G Sorets
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Suil Kim
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Alena Shostak
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | | | - Kate Mlouk
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Ketaki A Katdare
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Indigo V L Rose
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Sarah M Sturgeon
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Emma H Neal
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Yan Ao
- Department of Neurobiology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Shinong Wang
- Department of Neurobiology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Michael V Sofroniew
- Department of Neurobiology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jonathan M Brunger
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Douglas G McMahon
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Matthew S Schrag
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Memory and Alzheimer's Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Martin Kampmann
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ethan S Lippmann
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Vanderbilt Memory and Alzheimer's Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
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Leng K, Rose IVL, Kim H, Xia W, Romero-Fernandez W, Rooney B, Koontz M, Li E, Ao Y, Wang S, Krawczyk M, Tcw J, Goate A, Zhang Y, Ullian EM, Sofroniew MV, Fancy SPJ, Schrag MS, Lippmann ES, Kampmann M. CRISPRi screens in human iPSC-derived astrocytes elucidate regulators of distinct inflammatory reactive states. Nat Neurosci 2022; 25:1528-1542. [PMID: 36303069 PMCID: PMC9633461 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-022-01180-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes become reactive in response to insults to the central nervous system by adopting context-specific cellular signatures and outputs, but a systematic understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms is lacking. In this study, we developed CRISPR interference screening in human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived astrocytes coupled to single-cell transcriptomics to systematically interrogate cytokine-induced inflammatory astrocyte reactivity. We found that autocrine-paracrine IL-6 and interferon signaling downstream of canonical NF-κB activation drove two distinct inflammatory reactive signatures, one promoted by STAT3 and the other inhibited by STAT3. These signatures overlapped with those observed in other experimental contexts, including mouse models, and their markers were upregulated in human brains in Alzheimer's disease and hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. Furthermore, we validated that markers of these signatures were regulated by STAT3 in vivo using a mouse model of neuroinflammation. These results and the platform that we established have the potential to guide the development of therapeutics to selectively modulate different aspects of inflammatory astrocyte reactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Leng
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Indigo V L Rose
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Hyosung Kim
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Wenlong Xia
- Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Brendan Rooney
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Mark Koontz
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Emmy Li
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Yan Ao
- Department of Neurobiology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Shinong Wang
- Department of Neurobiology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Mitchell Krawczyk
- Interdepartmental PhD Program in Neuroscience, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Julia Tcw
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Nash Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alison Goate
- Nash Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ye Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Erik M Ullian
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Michael V Sofroniew
- Department of Neurobiology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Stephen P J Fancy
- Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Matthew S Schrag
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Memory and Alzheimer's Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Ethan S Lippmann
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Memory and Alzheimer's Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Martin Kampmann
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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Endres LM, Jungblut M, Divyapicigil M, Sauer M, Stigloher C, Christodoulides M, Kim BJ, Schubert-Unkmeir A. Development of a multicellular in vitro model of the meningeal blood-CSF barrier to study Neisseria meningitidis infection. Fluids Barriers CNS 2022; 19:81. [PMID: 36289516 PMCID: PMC9597984 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-022-00379-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Bacterial meningitis is a life-threatening disease that occurs when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis cross the meningeal blood cerebrospinal fluid barrier (mBCSFB) and infect the meninges. Due to the human-specific nature of N. meningitidis, previous research investigating this complex host–pathogen interaction has mostly been done in vitro using immortalized brain endothelial cells (BECs) alone, which often do not retain relevant barrier properties in culture. Here, we developed physiologically relevant mBCSFB models using BECs in co-culture with leptomeningeal cells (LMCs) to examine N. meningitidis interaction. Methods We used BEC-like cells derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iBECs) or hCMEC/D3 cells in co-culture with LMCs derived from tumor biopsies. We employed TEM and structured illumination microscopy to characterize the models as well as bacterial interaction. We measured TEER and sodium fluorescein (NaF) permeability to determine barrier tightness and integrity. We then analyzed bacterial adherence and penetration of the cell barrier and examined changes in host gene expression of tight junctions as well as chemokines and cytokines in response to infection. Results Both cell types remained distinct in co-culture and iBECs showed characteristic expression of BEC markers including tight junction proteins and endothelial markers. iBEC barrier function as determined by TEER and NaF permeability was improved by LMC co-culture and remained stable for seven days. BEC response to N. meningitidis infection was not affected by LMC co-culture. We detected considerable amounts of BEC-adherent meningococci and a relatively small number of intracellular bacteria. Interestingly, we discovered bacteria traversing the BEC-LMC barrier within the first 24 h post-infection, when barrier integrity was still high, suggesting a transcellular route for N. meningitidis into the CNS. Finally, we observed deterioration of barrier properties including loss of TEER and reduced expression of cell-junction components at late time points of infection. Conclusions Here, we report, for the first time, on co-culture of human iPSC derived BECs or hCMEC/D3 with meningioma derived LMCs and find that LMC co-culture improves barrier properties of iBECs. These novel models allow for a better understanding of N. meningitidis interaction at the mBCSFB in a physiologically relevant setting. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12987-022-00379-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leo M. Endres
- grid.8379.50000 0001 1958 8658Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Strasse 2, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Marvin Jungblut
- grid.8379.50000 0001 1958 8658Department of Biotechnology and Biophysics, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Mustafa Divyapicigil
- grid.411015.00000 0001 0727 7545Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL USA ,grid.265892.20000000106344187Department of Microbiology Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL USA ,grid.411015.00000 0001 0727 7545Center for Convergent Biosciences & Medicine, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL USA ,grid.411015.00000 0001 0727 7545Alabama Life Research Institute, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL USA
| | - Markus Sauer
- grid.8379.50000 0001 1958 8658Department of Biotechnology and Biophysics, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Christian Stigloher
- grid.8379.50000 0001 1958 8658Imaging Core Facility, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Myron Christodoulides
- grid.5491.90000 0004 1936 9297Molecular Microbiology, School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, UK
| | - Brandon J. Kim
- grid.411015.00000 0001 0727 7545Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL USA ,grid.265892.20000000106344187Department of Microbiology Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL USA ,grid.411015.00000 0001 0727 7545Center for Convergent Biosciences & Medicine, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL USA ,grid.411015.00000 0001 0727 7545Alabama Life Research Institute, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL USA
| | - Alexandra Schubert-Unkmeir
- grid.8379.50000 0001 1958 8658Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Strasse 2, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
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The next frontier in ADME science: Predicting transporter-based drug disposition, tissue concentrations and drug-drug interactions in humans. Pharmacol Ther 2022; 238:108271. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2022.108271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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Petrosyan A, Montali F, Peloso A, Citro A, Byers LN, La Pointe C, Suleiman M, Marchetti A, Mcneill EP, Speer AL, Ng WH, Ren X, Bussolati B, Perin L, Di Nardo P, Cardinale V, Duisit J, Monetti AR, Savino JR, Asthana A, Orlando G. Regenerative medicine technologies applied to transplant medicine.an update. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:1015628. [PMID: 36263358 PMCID: PMC9576214 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.1015628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Regenerative medicine (RM) is changing how we think and practice transplant medicine. In regenerative medicine, the aim is to develop and employ methods to regenerate, restore or replace damaged/diseased tissues or organs. Regenerative medicine investigates using tools such as novel technologies or techniques, extracellular vesicles, cell-based therapies, and tissue-engineered constructs to design effective patient-specific treatments. This review illustrates current advancements in regenerative medicine that may pertain to transplant medicine. We highlight progress made and various tools designed and employed specifically for each tissue or organ, such as the kidney, heart, liver, lung, vasculature, gastrointestinal tract, and pancreas. By combing both fields of transplant and regenerative medicine, we can harbor a successful collaboration that would be beneficial and efficacious for the repair and design of de novo engineered whole organs for transplantations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Astgik Petrosyan
- GOFARR Laboratory for Organ Regenerative Research and Cell Therapeutics in Urology, Saban Research Institute, Division of Urology, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Filippo Montali
- Department of General Surgery, di Vaio Hospital, Fidenza, Italy
| | - Andrea Peloso
- Visceral Surgery Division, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Antonio Citro
- San Raffaele Diabetes Research Institute, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Lori N. Byers
- Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC, United States
| | | | - Mara Suleiman
- Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC, United States
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Alice Marchetti
- Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC, United States
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Eoin P. Mcneill
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Allison L Speer
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Wai Hoe Ng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Xi Ren
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Benedetta Bussolati
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Laura Perin
- GOFARR Laboratory for Organ Regenerative Research and Cell Therapeutics in Urology, Saban Research Institute, Division of Urology, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Paolo Di Nardo
- Centro Interdipartimentale per la Medicina Rigenerativa (CIMER), Università Degli Studi di Roma Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Cardinale
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Jerome Duisit
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, CHU Rennes, University of Rennes I, Rennes, France
| | | | | | - Amish Asthana
- Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC, United States
| | - Giuseppe Orlando
- Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC, United States
- *Correspondence: Giuseppe Orlando,
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Shi Y, Kim H, Hamann CA, Rhea EM, Brunger JM, Lippmann ES. Nuclear receptor ligand screening in an iPSC-derived in vitro blood-brain barrier model identifies new contributors to leptin transport. Fluids Barriers CNS 2022; 19:77. [PMID: 36131285 PMCID: PMC9494897 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-022-00375-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The hormone leptin exerts its function in the brain to reduce food intake and increase energy expenditure to prevent obesity. However, most obese subjects reflect the resistance to leptin even with elevated serum leptin. Considering that leptin must cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in several regions to enter the brain parenchyma, altered leptin transport through the BBB might play an important role in leptin resistance and other biological conditions. Here, we report the use of a human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived BBB model to explore mechanisms that influence leptin transport. METHODS iPSCs were differentiated into brain microvascular endothelial cell (BMEC)-like cells using standard methods. BMEC-like cells were cultured in Transwell filters, treated with ligands from a nuclear receptor agonist library, and assayed for leptin transport using an enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay. RNA sequencing was further used to identify differentially regulated genes and pathways. The role of a select hit in leptin transport was tested with the competitive substrate assay and after gene knockdown using CRISPR techniques. RESULTS Following a screen of 73 compounds, 17β-estradiol was identified as a compound that could significantly increase leptin transport. RNA sequencing revealed many differentially expressed transmembrane transporters after 17β-estradiol treatment. Of these, cationic amino acid transporter-1 (CAT-1, encoded by SLC7A1) was selected for follow-up analyses due to its high and selective expression in BMECs in vivo. Treatment of BMEC-like cells with CAT-1 substrates, as well as knockdown of CAT-1 expression via CRISPR-mediated epigenome editing, yielded significant increases in leptin transport. CONCLUSIONS A major female sex hormone, as well as an amino acid transporter, were revealed as regulators of leptin BBB transport in the iPSC-derived BBB model. Outcomes from this work provide insights into regulation of hormone transport across the BBB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yajuan Shi
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Hyosung Kim
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Catherine A Hamann
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Elizabeth M Rhea
- Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jonathan M Brunger
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.,Vanderbilt Center for Stem Cell Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Ethan S Lippmann
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA. .,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA. .,Vanderbilt Center for Stem Cell Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA. .,Interdisciplinary Materials Science Program, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA. .,Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA. .,Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA. .,Vanderbilt Memory and Alzheimer's Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
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