1
|
Kistamás K, Lamberto F, Vaiciuleviciute R, Leal F, Muenthaisong S, Marte L, Subías-Beltrán P, Alaburda A, Arvanitis DN, Zana M, Costa PF, Bernotiene E, Bergaud C, Dinnyés A. The Current State of Realistic Heart Models for Disease Modelling and Cardiotoxicity. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:9186. [PMID: 39273136 PMCID: PMC11394806 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25179186] [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: 07/31/2024] [Revised: 08/18/2024] [Accepted: 08/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
One of the many unresolved obstacles in the field of cardiovascular research is an uncompromising in vitro cardiac model. While primary cell sources from animal models offer both advantages and disadvantages, efforts over the past half-century have aimed to reduce their use. Additionally, obtaining a sufficient quantity of human primary cardiomyocytes faces ethical and legal challenges. As the practically unlimited source of human cardiomyocytes from induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC-CM) is now mostly resolved, there are great efforts to improve their quality and applicability by overcoming their intrinsic limitations. The greatest bottleneck in the field is the in vitro ageing of hiPSC-CMs to reach a maturity status that closely resembles that of the adult heart, thereby allowing for more appropriate drug developmental procedures as there is a clear correlation between ageing and developing cardiovascular diseases. Here, we review the current state-of-the-art techniques in the most realistic heart models used in disease modelling and toxicity evaluations from hiPSC-CM maturation through heart-on-a-chip platforms and in silico models to the in vitro models of certain cardiovascular diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kornél Kistamás
- BioTalentum Ltd., Aulich Lajos Str 26, H-2100 Gödöllő, Hungary
| | - Federica Lamberto
- BioTalentum Ltd., Aulich Lajos Str 26, H-2100 Gödöllő, Hungary
- Department of Physiology and Animal Health, Institute of Physiology and Animal Nutrition, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Páter Károly Str 1, H-2100 Gödöllő, Hungary
| | - Raminta Vaiciuleviciute
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, State Research Institute Innovative Medicine Centre, Santariskiu g. 5, LT-08406 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Filipa Leal
- Biofabics Lda, Rua Alfredo Allen 455, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Luis Marte
- Digital Health Unit, Eurecat-Centre Tecnològic de Catalunya, 08005 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Paula Subías-Beltrán
- Digital Health Unit, Eurecat-Centre Tecnològic de Catalunya, 08005 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Aidas Alaburda
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, State Research Institute Innovative Medicine Centre, Santariskiu g. 5, LT-08406 Vilnius, Lithuania
- Institute of Biosciences, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Sauletekio al. 7, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Dina N Arvanitis
- Laboratory for Analysis and Architecture of Systems-French National Centre for Scientific Research (LAAS-CNRS), 7 Avenue du Colonel Roche, F-31400 Toulouse, France
| | - Melinda Zana
- BioTalentum Ltd., Aulich Lajos Str 26, H-2100 Gödöllő, Hungary
| | - Pedro F Costa
- Biofabics Lda, Rua Alfredo Allen 455, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Eiva Bernotiene
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, State Research Institute Innovative Medicine Centre, Santariskiu g. 5, LT-08406 Vilnius, Lithuania
- Faculty of Fundamental Sciences, Vilnius Tech, Sauletekio al. 11, LT-10223 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Christian Bergaud
- Laboratory for Analysis and Architecture of Systems-French National Centre for Scientific Research (LAAS-CNRS), 7 Avenue du Colonel Roche, F-31400 Toulouse, France
| | - András Dinnyés
- BioTalentum Ltd., Aulich Lajos Str 26, H-2100 Gödöllő, Hungary
- Department of Physiology and Animal Health, Institute of Physiology and Animal Nutrition, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Páter Károly Str 1, H-2100 Gödöllő, Hungary
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Querio G, Antoniotti S, Levi R, Fleischmann BK, Gallo MP, Malan D. Insulin-Activated Signaling Pathway and GLUT4 Membrane Translocation in hiPSC-Derived Cardiomyocytes. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8197. [PMID: 39125765 PMCID: PMC11312081 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25158197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2024] [Revised: 07/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CM) are a cell model now widely used to investigate pathophysiological features of cardiac tissue. Given the invaluable contribution hiPSC-CM could make for studies on cardio-metabolic disorders by defining a postnatal metabolic phenotype, our work herein focused on monitoring the insulin response in CM derived from the hiPSC line UKBi015-B. Western blot analysis on total cell lysates obtained from hiPSC-CM showed increased phosphorylation of both AKT and AS160 following insulin treatment, but failed to highlight any changes in the expression dynamics of the glucose transporter GLUT4. By contrast, the Western blot analysis of membrane fractions, rather than total lysates, revealed insulin-induced plasma membrane translocation of GLUT4, which is known to also occur in postnatal CM. Thus, these findings suggest that hiPSC-derived CMs exhibit an insulin response reminiscent to that of adult CMs regarding intracellular signaling and GLUT4 translocation to the plasma membrane, representing a suitable cellular model in the cardio-metabolic research field. Moreover, our studies also demonstrate the relevance of analyzing membrane fractions rather than total lysates in order to monitor GLUT4 dynamics in response to metabolic regulators in hiPSC-CMs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Querio
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Regione Gonzole 10, 10043 Orbassano, Italy;
| | - Susanna Antoniotti
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Via Accademia Albertina 13, 10123 Turin, Italy; (S.A.); (R.L.)
| | - Renzo Levi
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Via Accademia Albertina 13, 10123 Turin, Italy; (S.A.); (R.L.)
| | - Bernd K. Fleischmann
- Institute of Physiology I, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany; (B.K.F.); (D.M.)
| | - Maria Pia Gallo
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Via Accademia Albertina 13, 10123 Turin, Italy; (S.A.); (R.L.)
| | - Daniela Malan
- Institute of Physiology I, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany; (B.K.F.); (D.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Iwoń Z, Krogulec E, Kierlańczyk A, Wojasiński M, Jastrzębska E. Hypoxia and re-oxygenation effects on human cardiomyocytes cultured on polycaprolactone and polyurethane nanofibrous mats. J Biol Eng 2024; 18:37. [PMID: 38844979 PMCID: PMC11157810 DOI: 10.1186/s13036-024-00432-5] [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: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Heart diseases are caused mainly by chronic oxygen insufficiency (hypoxia), leading to damage and apoptosis of cardiomyocytes. Research into the regeneration of a damaged human heart is limited due to the lack of cellular models that mimic damaged cardiac tissue. Based on the literature, nanofibrous mats affect the cardiomyocyte morphology and stimulate the growth and differentiation of cells cultured on them; therefore, nanofibrous materials can support the production of in vitro models that faithfully mimic the 3D structure of human cardiac tissue. Nanofibrous mats were used as scaffolds for adult primary human cardiomyocytes (HCM) and immature human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (iPSC-CMs). This work focuses on understanding the effects of hypoxia and re-oxygenation on human cardiac cells cultured on polymer nanofibrous mats made of poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) and polyurethane (PU). The expression of selected genes and proteins in cardiomyocytes during hypoxia and re-oxygenation were evaluated. In addition, the type of cell death was analyzed. To the best of our knowledge, there are no studies on the effects of hypoxia on cardiomyocyte cells cultured on nanofibrous mats. The present study aimed to use nanofiber mats as scaffolds that structurally could mimic cardiac extracellular matrix. Understanding the impact of 3D structural properties in vitro cardiac models on different human cardiomyocytes is crucial for advancing cardiac tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Observing how 3D scaffolds affect cardiomyocyte function under hypoxic conditions is necessary to understand the functioning of the entire human heart.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zuzanna Iwoń
- Chair of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemistry, Warsaw University of Technology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ewelina Krogulec
- Laboratory of Cell Signaling and Metabolic Disorders, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology PAS, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Kierlańczyk
- Chair of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemistry, Warsaw University of Technology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Michał Wojasiński
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioprocess Engineering, Faculty of Chemical and Process Engineering, Warsaw University of Technology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Jastrzębska
- Chair of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemistry, Warsaw University of Technology, Warsaw, Poland.
- Centre for Advanced Materials and Technologies, CEZAMAT Warsaw University of Technology, Warsaw, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Fullenkamp DE, Willis AB, Curtin JL, Amaral AP, Dittloff KT, Harris SI, Chychula IA, Holgren CW, Burridge PW, Russell B, Demonbreun AR, McNally EM. Physiological stress improves stem cell modeling of dystrophic cardiomyopathy. Dis Model Mech 2024; 17:dmm050487. [PMID: 38050701 PMCID: PMC10820750 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.050487] [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: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Heart failure contributes to Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), which arises from mutations that ablate dystrophin, rendering the plasma membrane prone to disruption. Cardiomyocyte membrane breakdown in patients with DMD yields a serum injury profile similar to other types of myocardial injury with the release of creatine kinase and troponin isoforms. Human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) are highly useful but can be improved. We generated hiPSC-CMs from a patient with DMD and subjected these cells to equibiaxial mechanical strain to mimic in vivo stress. Compared to healthy cells, DMD hiPSC-CMs demonstrated greater susceptibility to equibiaxial strain after 2 h at 10% strain. We generated an aptamer-based profile of proteins released from hiPSC-CMs both at rest and subjected to strain and identified a strong correlation in the mechanical stress-induced proteome from hiPSC-CMs and serum from patients with DMD. We exposed hiPSC-CMs to recombinant annexin A6, a protein resealing agent, and found reduced biomarker release in DMD and control hiPSC-CMs subjected to strain. Thus, the application of mechanical strain to hiPSC-CMs produces a model that reflects an in vivo injury profile, providing a platform to assess pharmacologic intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dominic E. Fullenkamp
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Alexander B. Willis
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Jodi L. Curtin
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Ansel P. Amaral
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Kyle T. Dittloff
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Sloane I. Harris
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Ivana A. Chychula
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Cory W. Holgren
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Paul W. Burridge
- Department of Pharmacology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Brenda Russell
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Alexis R. Demonbreun
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Elizabeth M. McNally
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
van Doorn ECH, Amesz JH, Sadeghi AH, de Groot NMS, Manintveld OC, Taverne YJHJ. Preclinical Models of Cardiac Disease: A Comprehensive Overview for Clinical Scientists. Cardiovasc Eng Technol 2024; 15:232-249. [PMID: 38228811 PMCID: PMC11116217 DOI: 10.1007/s13239-023-00707-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
For recent decades, cardiac diseases have been the leading cause of death and morbidity worldwide. Despite significant achievements in their management, profound understanding of disease progression is limited. The lack of biologically relevant and robust preclinical disease models that truly grasp the molecular underpinnings of cardiac disease and its pathophysiology attributes to this stagnation, as well as the insufficiency of platforms that effectively explore novel therapeutic avenues. The area of fundamental and translational cardiac research has therefore gained wide interest of scientists in the clinical field, while the landscape has rapidly evolved towards an elaborate array of research modalities, characterized by diverse and distinctive traits. As a consequence, current literature lacks an intelligible and complete overview aimed at clinical scientists that focuses on selecting the optimal platform for translational research questions. In this review, we present an elaborate overview of current in vitro, ex vivo, in vivo and in silico platforms that model cardiac health and disease, delineating their main benefits and drawbacks, innovative prospects, and foremost fields of application in the scope of clinical research incentives.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elisa C H van Doorn
- Translational Cardiothoracic Surgery Research Lab, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Translational Electrophysiology Laboratory, Department of Cardiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jorik H Amesz
- Translational Cardiothoracic Surgery Research Lab, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Translational Electrophysiology Laboratory, Department of Cardiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Amir H Sadeghi
- Translational Cardiothoracic Surgery Research Lab, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Natasja M S de Groot
- Translational Electrophysiology Laboratory, Department of Cardiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Cardiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Yannick J H J Taverne
- Translational Cardiothoracic Surgery Research Lab, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Iwoń Z, Krogulec E, Kierlańczyk A, Baranowska P, Łopianiak I, Wojasiński M, Jastrzębska E. Improving rodents and humans cardiac cell maturity in vitrothrough polycaprolactone and polyurethane nanofibers. Biomed Mater 2024; 19:025031. [PMID: 38290152 DOI: 10.1088/1748-605x/ad240a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Currently, numerous studies are conducted using nanofibers as a scaffold for culture cardiac cells; however, there still needs to be more research evaluating the impact of the physicochemical properties of polymer nanofibers on the structure and function of cardiac cells. We have studied how poly(ϵ-caprolactone) and polyurethane nanofibrous mats with different physicochemical properties influence the viability, morphology, orientation, and maturation of cardiac cells. For this purpose, the cells taken from different species were used. They were rat ventricular cardiomyoblasts (H9c2), mouse atrial cardiomyocytes (CMs) (HL-1), and human ventricular CMs. Based on the results, it can be concluded that cardiac cells cultured on nanofibers exhibit greater maturity in terms of orientation, morphology, and gene expression levels compared to cells cultured on polystyrene plates. Additionally, the physicochemical properties of nanofibers affecting the functionality of cardiac cells from different species and different parts of the heart were evaluated. These studies can support research on understanding and explaining mechanisms leading to cellular maturity present in the heart and the selection of nanofibers that will effectively help the maturation of CMs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zuzanna Iwoń
- Chair of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemistry, Warsaw University of Technology, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Aleksandra Kierlańczyk
- Chair of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemistry, Warsaw University of Technology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Patrycja Baranowska
- Centre for Advanced Materials and Technologies, CEZAMAT Warsaw University of Technology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Iwona Łopianiak
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioprocess Engineering, Faculty of Chemical and Process Engineering, Warsaw University of Technology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Michal Wojasiński
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioprocess Engineering, Faculty of Chemical and Process Engineering, Warsaw University of Technology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Jastrzębska
- Chair of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemistry, Warsaw University of Technology, Warsaw, Poland
- Centre for Advanced Materials and Technologies, CEZAMAT Warsaw University of Technology, Warsaw, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Deir S, Mozhdehbakhsh Mofrad Y, Mashayekhan S, Shamloo A, Mansoori-Kermani A. Step-by-step fabrication of heart-on-chip systems as models for cardiac disease modeling and drug screening. Talanta 2024; 266:124901. [PMID: 37459786 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2023.124901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases are caused by hereditary factors, environmental conditions, and medication-related issues. On the other hand, the cardiotoxicity of drugs should be thoroughly examined before entering the market. In this regard, heart-on-chip (HOC) systems have been developed as a more efficient and cost-effective solution than traditional methods, such as 2D cell culture and animal models. HOCs must replicate the biology, physiology, and pathology of human heart tissue to be considered a reliable platform for heart disease modeling and drug testing. Therefore, many efforts have been made to find the best methods to fabricate different parts of HOCs and to improve the bio-mimicry of the systems in the last decade. Beating HOCs with different platforms have been developed and techniques, such as fabricating pumpless HOCs, have been used to make HOCs more user-friendly systems. Recent HOC platforms have the ability to simultaneously induce and record electrophysiological stimuli. Additionally, systems including both heart and cancer tissue have been developed to investigate tissue-tissue interactions' effect on cardiac tissue response to cancer drugs. In this review, all steps needed to be considered to fabricate a HOC were introduced, including the choice of cellular resources, biomaterials, fabrication techniques, biomarkers, and corresponding biosensors. Moreover, the current HOCs used for modeling cardiac diseases and testing the drugs are discussed. We finally introduced some suggestions for fabricating relatively more user-friendly HOCs and facilitating the commercialization process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Deir
- School of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Yasaman Mozhdehbakhsh Mofrad
- Nano-Bioengineering Lab, School of Mechanical Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran; Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Center, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shohreh Mashayekhan
- School of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Amir Shamloo
- Nano-Bioengineering Lab, School of Mechanical Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran; Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Center, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran.
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Muniyandi P, O’Hern C, Popa MA, Aguirre A. Biotechnological advances and applications of human pluripotent stem cell-derived heart models. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1214431. [PMID: 37560538 PMCID: PMC10407810 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1214431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, significant biotechnological advancements have been made in engineering human cardiac tissues and organ-like models. This field of research is crucial for both basic and translational research due to cardiovascular disease being the leading cause of death in the developed world. Additionally, drug-associated cardiotoxicity poses a major challenge for drug development in the pharmaceutical and biotechnological industries. Progress in three-dimensional cell culture and microfluidic devices has enabled the generation of human cardiac models that faithfully recapitulate key aspects of human physiology. In this review, we will discuss 3D pluripotent stem cell (PSC)-models of the human heart, such as engineered heart tissues and organoids, and their applications in disease modeling and drug screening.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Priyadharshni Muniyandi
- Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Division of Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Colin O’Hern
- Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Division of Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Mirel Adrian Popa
- Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Division of Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
- Institute of Cellular Biology and Pathology Nicolae Simionescu, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Aitor Aguirre
- Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Division of Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Correia CD, Ferreira A, Fernandes MT, Silva BM, Esteves F, Leitão HS, Bragança J, Calado SM. Human Stem Cells for Cardiac Disease Modeling and Preclinical and Clinical Applications—Are We on the Road to Success? Cells 2023; 12:1727. [DOI: https:/doi.org/10.3390/cells12131727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are pointed out by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the leading cause of death, contributing to a significant and growing global health and economic burden. Despite advancements in clinical approaches, there is a critical need for innovative cardiovascular treatments to improve patient outcomes. Therapies based on adult stem cells (ASCs) and embryonic stem cells (ESCs) have emerged as promising strategies to regenerate damaged cardiac tissue and restore cardiac function. Moreover, the generation of human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from somatic cells has opened new avenues for disease modeling, drug discovery, and regenerative medicine applications, with fewer ethical concerns than those associated with ESCs. Herein, we provide a state-of-the-art review on the application of human pluripotent stem cells in CVD research and clinics. We describe the types and sources of stem cells that have been tested in preclinical and clinical trials for the treatment of CVDs as well as the applications of pluripotent stem-cell-derived in vitro systems to mimic disease phenotypes. How human stem-cell-based in vitro systems can overcome the limitations of current toxicological studies is also discussed. Finally, the current state of clinical trials involving stem-cell-based approaches to treat CVDs are presented, and the strengths and weaknesses are critically discussed to assess whether researchers and clinicians are getting closer to success.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cátia D. Correia
- Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute (ABC-RI), Universidade do Algarve—Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), Universidade do Algarve—Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Anita Ferreira
- Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute (ABC-RI), Universidade do Algarve—Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), Universidade do Algarve—Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Mónica T. Fernandes
- Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute (ABC-RI), Universidade do Algarve—Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), Universidade do Algarve—Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- School of Health, Universidade do Algarve—Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Bárbara M. Silva
- Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute (ABC-RI), Universidade do Algarve—Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), Universidade do Algarve—Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Doctoral Program in Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Universidade do Algarve—Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Filipa Esteves
- Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute (ABC-RI), Universidade do Algarve—Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), Universidade do Algarve—Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Helena S. Leitão
- Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute (ABC-RI), Universidade do Algarve—Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), Universidade do Algarve—Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Universidade do Algarve—Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - José Bragança
- Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute (ABC-RI), Universidade do Algarve—Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), Universidade do Algarve—Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Universidade do Algarve—Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Champalimaud Research Program, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, 1400-038 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Sofia M. Calado
- Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute (ABC-RI), Universidade do Algarve—Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), Universidade do Algarve—Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Universidade do Algarve—Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Correia CD, Ferreira A, Fernandes MT, Silva BM, Esteves F, Leitão HS, Bragança J, Calado SM. Human Stem Cells for Cardiac Disease Modeling and Preclinical and Clinical Applications-Are We on the Road to Success? Cells 2023; 12:1727. [PMID: 37443761 PMCID: PMC10341347 DOI: 10.3390/cells12131727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are pointed out by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the leading cause of death, contributing to a significant and growing global health and economic burden. Despite advancements in clinical approaches, there is a critical need for innovative cardiovascular treatments to improve patient outcomes. Therapies based on adult stem cells (ASCs) and embryonic stem cells (ESCs) have emerged as promising strategies to regenerate damaged cardiac tissue and restore cardiac function. Moreover, the generation of human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from somatic cells has opened new avenues for disease modeling, drug discovery, and regenerative medicine applications, with fewer ethical concerns than those associated with ESCs. Herein, we provide a state-of-the-art review on the application of human pluripotent stem cells in CVD research and clinics. We describe the types and sources of stem cells that have been tested in preclinical and clinical trials for the treatment of CVDs as well as the applications of pluripotent stem-cell-derived in vitro systems to mimic disease phenotypes. How human stem-cell-based in vitro systems can overcome the limitations of current toxicological studies is also discussed. Finally, the current state of clinical trials involving stem-cell-based approaches to treat CVDs are presented, and the strengths and weaknesses are critically discussed to assess whether researchers and clinicians are getting closer to success.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cátia D. Correia
- Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute (ABC-RI), Universidade do Algarve—Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal; (C.D.C.); (A.F.); (M.T.F.); (B.M.S.); (F.E.); (H.S.L.); (J.B.)
- Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), Universidade do Algarve—Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Anita Ferreira
- Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute (ABC-RI), Universidade do Algarve—Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal; (C.D.C.); (A.F.); (M.T.F.); (B.M.S.); (F.E.); (H.S.L.); (J.B.)
- Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), Universidade do Algarve—Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Mónica T. Fernandes
- Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute (ABC-RI), Universidade do Algarve—Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal; (C.D.C.); (A.F.); (M.T.F.); (B.M.S.); (F.E.); (H.S.L.); (J.B.)
- Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), Universidade do Algarve—Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- School of Health, Universidade do Algarve—Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Bárbara M. Silva
- Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute (ABC-RI), Universidade do Algarve—Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal; (C.D.C.); (A.F.); (M.T.F.); (B.M.S.); (F.E.); (H.S.L.); (J.B.)
- Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), Universidade do Algarve—Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Doctoral Program in Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Universidade do Algarve—Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Filipa Esteves
- Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute (ABC-RI), Universidade do Algarve—Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal; (C.D.C.); (A.F.); (M.T.F.); (B.M.S.); (F.E.); (H.S.L.); (J.B.)
- Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), Universidade do Algarve—Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Helena S. Leitão
- Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute (ABC-RI), Universidade do Algarve—Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal; (C.D.C.); (A.F.); (M.T.F.); (B.M.S.); (F.E.); (H.S.L.); (J.B.)
- Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), Universidade do Algarve—Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Universidade do Algarve—Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - José Bragança
- Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute (ABC-RI), Universidade do Algarve—Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal; (C.D.C.); (A.F.); (M.T.F.); (B.M.S.); (F.E.); (H.S.L.); (J.B.)
- Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), Universidade do Algarve—Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Universidade do Algarve—Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Champalimaud Research Program, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, 1400-038 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Sofia M. Calado
- Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute (ABC-RI), Universidade do Algarve—Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal; (C.D.C.); (A.F.); (M.T.F.); (B.M.S.); (F.E.); (H.S.L.); (J.B.)
- Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), Universidade do Algarve—Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Universidade do Algarve—Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Gabetti S, Sileo A, Montrone F, Putame G, Audenino AL, Marsano A, Massai D. Versatile electrical stimulator for cardiac tissue engineering-Investigation of charge-balanced monophasic and biphasic electrical stimulations. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 10:1031183. [PMID: 36686253 PMCID: PMC9846083 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.1031183] [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: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The application of biomimetic physical stimuli replicating the in vivo dynamic microenvironment is crucial for the in vitro development of functional cardiac tissues. In particular, pulsed electrical stimulation (ES) has been shown to improve the functional properties of in vitro cultured cardiomyocytes. However, commercially available electrical stimulators are expensive and cumbersome devices while customized solutions often allow limited parameter tunability, constraining the investigation of different ES protocols. The goal of this study was to develop a versatile compact electrical stimulator (ELETTRA) for biomimetic cardiac tissue engineering approaches, designed for delivering controlled parallelizable ES at a competitive cost. ELETTRA is based on an open-source micro-controller running custom software and is combinable with different cell/tissue culture set-ups, allowing simultaneously testing different ES patterns on multiple samples. In particular, customized culture chambers were appositely designed and manufactured for investigating the influence of monophasic and biphasic pulsed ES on cardiac cell monolayers. Finite element analysis was performed for characterizing the spatial distributions of the electrical field and the current density within the culture chamber. Performance tests confirmed the accuracy, compliance, and reliability of the ES parameters delivered by ELETTRA. Biological tests were performed on neonatal rat cardiac cells, electrically stimulated for 4 days, by comparing, for the first time, the monophasic waveform (electric field = 5 V/cm) to biphasic waveforms by matching either the absolute value of the electric field variation (biphasic ES at ±2.5 V/cm) or the total delivered charge (biphasic ES at ±5 V/cm). Findings suggested that monophasic ES at 5 V/cm and, particularly, charge-balanced biphasic ES at ±5 V/cm were effective in enhancing electrical functionality of stimulated cardiac cells and in promoting synchronous contraction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Gabetti
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and PolitoBIOMed Lab, Politecnico di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Antonio Sileo
- Department of Surgery and Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Federica Montrone
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and PolitoBIOMed Lab, Politecnico di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Giovanni Putame
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and PolitoBIOMed Lab, Politecnico di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Alberto L. Audenino
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and PolitoBIOMed Lab, Politecnico di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Anna Marsano
- Department of Surgery and Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Diana Massai
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and PolitoBIOMed Lab, Politecnico di Torino, Turin, Italy,*Correspondence: Diana Massai,
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Challenges and opportunities for the next generation of cardiovascular tissue engineering. Nat Methods 2022; 19:1064-1071. [PMID: 36064773 DOI: 10.1038/s41592-022-01591-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Engineered cardiac tissues derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells offer unique opportunities for patient-specific disease modeling, drug discovery and cardiac repair. Since the first engineered hearts were introduced over two decades ago, human induced pluripotent stem cell-based three-dimensional cardiac organoids and heart-on-a-chip systems have now become mainstays in basic cardiovascular research as valuable platforms for investigating fundamental human pathophysiology and development. However, major obstacles remain to be addressed before the field can truly advance toward commercial and clinical translation. Here we provide a snapshot of the state-of-the-art methods in cardiac tissue engineering, with a focus on in vitro models of the human heart. Looking ahead, we discuss major challenges and opportunities in the field and suggest strategies for enabling broad acceptance of engineered cardiac tissues as models of cardiac pathophysiology and testbeds for the development of therapies.
Collapse
|
13
|
Louro AF, Paiva MA, Oliveira MR, Kasper KA, Alves PM, Gomes‐Alves P, Serra M. Bioactivity and miRNome Profiling of Native Extracellular Vesicles in Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Cardiomyocyte Differentiation. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2104296. [PMID: 35322574 PMCID: PMC9130911 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202104296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EV) are an attractive therapy to boost cardiac regeneration. Nevertheless, identification of native EV and corresponding cell platform(s) suitable for therapeutic application, is still a challenge. Here, EV are isolated from key stages of the human induced pluripotent stem cell-cardiomyocyte (hiPSC-CM) differentiation and maturation, i.e., from hiPSC (hiPSC-EV), cardiac progenitors, immature and mature cardiomyocytes, with the aim of identifying a promising cell biofactory for EV production, and pinpoint the genetic signatures of bioactive EV. EV secreted by hiPSC and cardiac derivatives show a typical size distribution profile and the expression of specific EV markers. Bioactivity assays show increased tube formation and migration in HUVEC treated with hiPSC-EV compared to EV from committed cell populations. hiPSC-EV also significantly increase cell cycle activity of hiPSC-CM. Global miRNA expression profiles, obtained by small RNA-seq analysis, corroborate an EV-miRNA pattern indicative of stem cell to cardiomyocyte specification, confirming that hiPSC-EV are enriched in pluripotency-associated miRNA with higher in vitro pro-angiogenic and pro-proliferative properties. In particular, a stemness maintenance miRNA cluster upregulated in hiPSC-EV targets the PTEN/PI3K/AKT pathway, involved in cell proliferation and survival. Overall, the findings validate hiPSC as cell biofactories for EV production for cardiac regenerative applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana F. Louro
- iBETInstituto de Biologia Experimental e TecnológicaApartado 12Oeiras2781‐901Portugal
- ITQB‐NOVAInstituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António XavierUniversidade Nova de LisboaAv. da RepúblicaOeiras2780‐157Portugal
| | - Marta A. Paiva
- iBETInstituto de Biologia Experimental e TecnológicaApartado 12Oeiras2781‐901Portugal
- ITQB‐NOVAInstituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António XavierUniversidade Nova de LisboaAv. da RepúblicaOeiras2780‐157Portugal
| | - Marta R. Oliveira
- iBETInstituto de Biologia Experimental e TecnológicaApartado 12Oeiras2781‐901Portugal
- ITQB‐NOVAInstituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António XavierUniversidade Nova de LisboaAv. da RepúblicaOeiras2780‐157Portugal
| | - Katharina A. Kasper
- iBETInstituto de Biologia Experimental e TecnológicaApartado 12Oeiras2781‐901Portugal
- ITQB‐NOVAInstituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António XavierUniversidade Nova de LisboaAv. da RepúblicaOeiras2780‐157Portugal
| | - Paula M. Alves
- iBETInstituto de Biologia Experimental e TecnológicaApartado 12Oeiras2781‐901Portugal
- ITQB‐NOVAInstituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António XavierUniversidade Nova de LisboaAv. da RepúblicaOeiras2780‐157Portugal
| | - Patrícia Gomes‐Alves
- iBETInstituto de Biologia Experimental e TecnológicaApartado 12Oeiras2781‐901Portugal
- ITQB‐NOVAInstituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António XavierUniversidade Nova de LisboaAv. da RepúblicaOeiras2780‐157Portugal
| | - Margarida Serra
- iBETInstituto de Biologia Experimental e TecnológicaApartado 12Oeiras2781‐901Portugal
- ITQB‐NOVAInstituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António XavierUniversidade Nova de LisboaAv. da RepúblicaOeiras2780‐157Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Yiangou L, Blanch-Asensio A, de Korte T, Miller DC, van Meer BJ, Mol MPH, van den Brink L, Brandão KO, Mummery CL, Davis RP. Optogenetic reporters delivered as mRNA facilitate repeatable action potential and calcium handling assessment in human iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes. Stem Cells 2022; 40:655-668. [PMID: 35429386 PMCID: PMC9332902 DOI: 10.1093/stmcls/sxac029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Electrical activity and intracellular Ca 2+ transients are key features of cardiomyocytes. They can be measured using organic voltage- and Ca 2+-sensitive dyes but their photostability and phototoxicity means they are unsuitable for long-term measurements. Here, we investigated whether genetically-encoded voltage and Ca 2+ indicators (GEVIs and GECIs) delivered as modified mRNA (modRNA) into human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) would be accurate alternatives allowing measurements over long periods. These indicators were detected in hiPSC-CMs for up to 7 days after transfection and did not affect responses to proarrhythmic compounds. Furthermore, using the GEVI ASAP2f we observed action potential prolongation in long QT syndrome models, while the GECI jRCaMP1b facilitated the repeated evaluation of Ca 2+ handling responses for various tyrosine kinase inhibitors. This study demonstrated that modRNAs encoding optogenetic constructs report cardiac physiology in hiPSC-CMs without toxicity or the need for stable integration, illustrating their value as alternatives to organic dyes or other gene delivery methods for expressing transgenes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Loukia Yiangou
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, The Netherlands
| | - Albert Blanch-Asensio
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, The Netherlands
| | - Tessa de Korte
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, The Netherlands
| | - Duncan C Miller
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, The Netherlands
- Present Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC), Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Berend J van Meer
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, The Netherlands
| | - Mervyn P H Mol
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, The Netherlands
| | - Lettine van den Brink
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, The Netherlands
| | - Karina O Brandão
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, The Netherlands
| | - Christine L Mummery
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, The Netherlands
- Department of Applied Stem Cell Technologies, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Richard P Davis
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Bouten CVC, Cheng C, Vermue IM, Gawlitta D, Passier R. Cardiovascular tissue engineering and regeneration: A plead for further knowledge convergence. Tissue Eng Part A 2022; 28:525-541. [PMID: 35382591 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2021.0231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular tissue engineering and regeneration strive to provide long-term, effective solutions for a growing group of patients in need of myocardial repair, vascular (access) grafts, heart valves, and regeneration of organ microcirculation. In the past two decades, ongoing convergence of disciplines and multidisciplinary collaborations between cardiothoracic surgeons, cardiologists, bioengineers, material scientists, and cell biologists have resulted in better understanding of the problems at hand and novel regenerative approaches. As a side effect, however, the field has become strongly organized and differentiated around topical areas at risk of reinvention of technologies and repetition of approaches and across the areas. A better integration of knowledge and technologies from the individual topical areas and regenerative approaches and technologies may pave the way towards faster and more effective treatments to cure the cardiovascular system. This review summarizes the evolution of research and regenerative approaches in the areas of myocardial regeneration, heart valve and vascular tissue engineering, and regeneration of microcirculations and discusses previous and potential future integration of these individual areas and developed technologies for improved clinical impact. Finally, it provides a perspective on the further integration of research organization, knowledge implementation, and valorization as a contributor to advancing cardiovascular tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carlijn V C Bouten
- Soft Tissue Engineering and Mechanobiology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Caroline Cheng
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, Thoraxcenter Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ijsbrand M Vermue
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Debby Gawlitta
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Prosthodontics and Special Dental Care, University Medical Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Robert Passier
- Department of Applied Stem Cell Technologies, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Thomas D, de Jesus Perez VA, Sayed N. An evidence appraisal of heart organoids in a dish and commensurability to human heart development in vivo. BMC Cardiovasc Disord 2022; 22:122. [PMID: 35317745 PMCID: PMC8939187 DOI: 10.1186/s12872-022-02543-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Stem-cell derived in vitro cardiac models have provided profound insights into mechanisms in cardiac development and disease. Efficient differentiation of specific cardiac cell types from human pluripotent stem cells using a three-step Wnt signaling modulation has been one of the major discoveries that has enabled personalized cardiovascular disease modeling approaches. Generation of cardiac cell types follow key development stages during embryogenesis, they intuitively are excellent models to study cardiac tissue patterning in primitive cardiac structures. Here, we provide a brief overview of protocols that have laid the foundation for derivation of stem-cell derived three-dimensional cardiac models. Further this article highlights features and utility of the models to distinguish the advantages and trade-offs in modeling embryonic development and disease processes. Finally, we discuss the challenges in improving robustness in the current models and utilizing developmental principles to bring higher physiological relevance. In vitro human cardiac models are complimentary tools that allow mechanistic interrogation in a reductionist way. The unique advantage of utilizing patient specific stem cells and continued improvements in generating reliable organoid mimics of the heart will boost predictive power of these tools in basic and translational research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dilip Thomas
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Vinicio A de Jesus Perez
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- Vera Moulton Wall Center for Pulmonary Vascular Disease, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Nazish Sayed
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
- , Stanford, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Arslan U, Orlova VV, Mummery CL. Perspectives for Future Use of Cardiac Microtissues from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2022; 8:4605-4609. [PMID: 35315663 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.1c01296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Cardiovascular disorders remain a critical health issue worldwide. While animals have been used extensively as experimental models to investigate heart disease mechanisms and develop drugs, their inherent drawbacks have shifted focus to more human-relevant alternatives. Human embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells (hESCs and hiPSCs, collectively called hPSCs) have been identified as a source of different cardiac cells, but to date, they have rarely offered functional and structural maturity of the adult human heart. However, the combination of patient derived hPSCs with microphysiological tissue engineering approaches has presented new opportunities to study heart development and disease and identify drug targets. These models often closely mimic specific aspects of the native heart tissue including intercellular crosstalk and microenvironmental cues such that maturation occurs and relevant disease phenotypes are revealed. Most recently, organ-on-chip technology based on microfluidic devices has been combined with stem cell derived organoids and microtissues to create vascularized structures that can be subjected to fluidic flow and to which immune cells can be added to mimic inflammation of tissue postinjury. Similarly, the integration of nerve cells in these models can provide insight into how the cardiac nervous system affects heart pathology, for example, after myocardial infarction. Here, we consider these models and approaches in the context of cardiovascular disease together with their applications and readouts. We reflect on perspectives for their future implementation in understanding disease mechanisms and the drug discovery pipeline.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ulgu Arslan
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Einthovenweg 20, 2333ZC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Valeria V Orlova
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Einthovenweg 20, 2333ZC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Christine L Mummery
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Einthovenweg 20, 2333ZC Leiden, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Ribeiro MC, Rivera-Arbeláez JM, Cofiño-Fabres C, Schwach V, Slaats RH, ten Den SA, Vermeul K, van den Berg A, Pérez-Pomares JM, Segerink LI, Guadix JA, Passier R. A New Versatile Platform for Assessment of Improved Cardiac Performance in Human-Engineered Heart Tissues. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12020214. [PMID: 35207702 PMCID: PMC8877418 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12020214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiomyocytes derived from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSC-CMs) hold a great potential as human in vitro models for studying heart disease and for drug safety screening. Nevertheless, their associated immaturity relative to the adult myocardium limits their utility in cardiac research. In this study, we describe the development of a platform for generating three-dimensional engineered heart tissues (EHTs) from hPSC-CMs for the measurement of force while under mechanical and electrical stimulation. The modular and versatile EHT platform presented here allows for the formation of three tissues per well in a 12-well plate format, resulting in 36 tissues per plate. We compared the functional performance of EHTs and their histology in three different media and demonstrated that tissues cultured and maintained in maturation medium, containing triiodothyronine (T3), dexamethasone, and insulin-like growth factor-1 (TDI), resulted in a higher force of contraction, sarcomeric organization and alignment, and a higher and lower inotropic response to isoproterenol and nifedipine, respectively. Moreover, in this study, we highlight the importance of integrating a serum-free maturation medium in the EHT platform, making it a suitable tool for cardiovascular research, disease modeling, and preclinical drug testing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo C. Ribeiro
- Department of Applied Stem Cell Technologies, TechMed Centre, University of Twente, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands; (M.C.R.); (J.M.R.-A.); (C.C.-F.); (V.S.); (R.H.S.); (S.A.t.D.); (K.V.)
- River BioMedics, 7522 NB Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - José M. Rivera-Arbeláez
- Department of Applied Stem Cell Technologies, TechMed Centre, University of Twente, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands; (M.C.R.); (J.M.R.-A.); (C.C.-F.); (V.S.); (R.H.S.); (S.A.t.D.); (K.V.)
- BIOS Lab-on-a-Chip Group, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, Max Planck Institute for Complex Fluid Dynamics, University of Twente, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands; (A.v.d.B.); (L.I.S.)
| | - Carla Cofiño-Fabres
- Department of Applied Stem Cell Technologies, TechMed Centre, University of Twente, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands; (M.C.R.); (J.M.R.-A.); (C.C.-F.); (V.S.); (R.H.S.); (S.A.t.D.); (K.V.)
| | - Verena Schwach
- Department of Applied Stem Cell Technologies, TechMed Centre, University of Twente, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands; (M.C.R.); (J.M.R.-A.); (C.C.-F.); (V.S.); (R.H.S.); (S.A.t.D.); (K.V.)
| | - Rolf H. Slaats
- Department of Applied Stem Cell Technologies, TechMed Centre, University of Twente, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands; (M.C.R.); (J.M.R.-A.); (C.C.-F.); (V.S.); (R.H.S.); (S.A.t.D.); (K.V.)
| | - Simone A. ten Den
- Department of Applied Stem Cell Technologies, TechMed Centre, University of Twente, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands; (M.C.R.); (J.M.R.-A.); (C.C.-F.); (V.S.); (R.H.S.); (S.A.t.D.); (K.V.)
| | - Kim Vermeul
- Department of Applied Stem Cell Technologies, TechMed Centre, University of Twente, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands; (M.C.R.); (J.M.R.-A.); (C.C.-F.); (V.S.); (R.H.S.); (S.A.t.D.); (K.V.)
| | - Albert van den Berg
- BIOS Lab-on-a-Chip Group, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, Max Planck Institute for Complex Fluid Dynamics, University of Twente, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands; (A.v.d.B.); (L.I.S.)
| | - José M Pérez-Pomares
- Department of Animal Biology, Institute of Biomedicine of Málaga (IBIMA), Faculty of Sciences, University of Málaga, 29071 Malaga, Spain; (J.M.P.-P.); (J.A.G.)
- Andalusian Centre for Nanomedicine and Biotechnology (BIONAND), 29071 Malaga, Spain
| | - Loes I. Segerink
- BIOS Lab-on-a-Chip Group, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, Max Planck Institute for Complex Fluid Dynamics, University of Twente, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands; (A.v.d.B.); (L.I.S.)
| | - Juan A. Guadix
- Department of Animal Biology, Institute of Biomedicine of Málaga (IBIMA), Faculty of Sciences, University of Málaga, 29071 Malaga, Spain; (J.M.P.-P.); (J.A.G.)
- Andalusian Centre for Nanomedicine and Biotechnology (BIONAND), 29071 Malaga, Spain
| | - Robert Passier
- Department of Applied Stem Cell Technologies, TechMed Centre, University of Twente, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands; (M.C.R.); (J.M.R.-A.); (C.C.-F.); (V.S.); (R.H.S.); (S.A.t.D.); (K.V.)
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Centre, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Capturing the third dimension in drug discovery: Spatially-resolved tools for interrogation of complex 3D cell models. Biotechnol Adv 2021; 55:107883. [PMID: 34875362 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2021.107883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Advanced three-dimensional (3D) cell models have proven to be capable of depicting architectural and microenvironmental features of several tissues. By providing data of higher physiological and pathophysiological relevance, 3D cell models have been contributing to a better understanding of human development, pathology onset and progression mechanisms, as well as for 3D cell-based assays for drug discovery. Nonetheless, the characterization and interrogation of these tissue-like structures pose major challenges on the conventional analytical methods, pushing the development of spatially-resolved technologies. Herein, we review recent advances and pioneering technologies suitable for the interrogation of multicellular 3D models, while capable of retaining biological spatial information. We focused on imaging technologies and omics tools, namely transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics. The advantages and shortcomings of these novel methodologies are discussed, alongside the opportunities to intertwine data from the different tools.
Collapse
|
20
|
Jiang T, Yang T, Bao Q, Sun W, Yang M, Mao C. Construction of tissue-customized hydrogels from cross-linkable materials for effective tissue regeneration. J Mater Chem B 2021; 10:4741-4758. [PMID: 34812829 DOI: 10.1039/d1tb01935j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Hydrogels are prevalent scaffolds for tissue regeneration because of their hierarchical architectures along with outstanding biocompatibility and unique rheological and mechanical properties. For decades, researchers have found that many materials (natural, synthetic, or hybrid) can form hydrogels using different cross-linking strategies. Traditional strategies for fabricating hydrogels include physical, chemical, and enzymatical cross-linking methods. However, due to the diverse characteristics of different tissues/organs to be regenerated, tissue-customized hydrogels need to be developed through precisely controlled processes, making the manufacture of hydrogels reliant on novel cross-linking strategies. Thus, hybrid cross-linkable materials are proposed to tackle this challenge through hybrid cross-linking strategies. Here, different cross-linkable materials and their associated cross-linking strategies are summarized. From the perspective of the major characteristics of the target tissues/organs, we critically analyze how different cross-linking strategies are tailored to fit the regeneration of such tissues and organs. To further advance this field, more appropriate cross-linkable materials and cross-linking strategies should be investigated. In addition, some innovative technologies, such as 3D bioprinting, the internet of medical things (IoMT), and artificial intelligence (AI), are also proposed to improve the development of hydrogels for more efficient tissue regeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tongmeng Jiang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310027, P. R. China
| | - Tao Yang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310027, P. R. China
| | - Qing Bao
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310027, P. R. China
| | - Weilian Sun
- Department of Periodontology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, P. R. China.
| | - Mingying Yang
- Institute of Applied Bioresource Research, College of Animal Science, Zhejiang University, Yuhangtang Road 866, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, P. R. China.
| | - Chuanbin Mao
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Klontzas ME, Protonotarios A. High-Resolution Imaging for the Analysis and Reconstruction of 3D Microenvironments for Regenerative Medicine: An Application-Focused Review. Bioengineering (Basel) 2021; 8:182. [PMID: 34821748 PMCID: PMC8614770 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering8110182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The rapid evolution of regenerative medicine and its associated scientific fields, such as tissue engineering, has provided great promise for multiple applications where replacement and regeneration of damaged or lost tissue is required. In order to evaluate and optimise the tissue engineering techniques, visualisation of the material of interest is crucial. This includes monitoring of the cellular behaviour, extracellular matrix composition, scaffold structure, and other crucial elements of biomaterials. Non-invasive visualisation of artificial tissues is important at all stages of development and clinical translation. A variety of preclinical and clinical imaging methods-including confocal multiphoton microscopy, optical coherence tomography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and computed tomography (CT)-have been used for the evaluation of artificial tissues. This review attempts to present the imaging methods available to assess the composition and quality of 3D microenvironments, as well as their integration with human tissues once implanted in the human body. The review provides tissue-specific application examples to demonstrate the applicability of such methods on cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, and neural tissue engineering.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michail E. Klontzas
- Department of Medical Imaging, University Hospital of Heraklion, 71110, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
- Computational Biomedicine Laboratory, Institute of Computer Science, Foundation for Research and Technology (FORTH), 70013 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Voutes Campus, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
What can biofabrication do for space and what can space do for biofabrication? Trends Biotechnol 2021; 40:398-411. [PMID: 34544616 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2021.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Biofabrication in space is one of the novel promising and prospective research directions in the rapidly emerging field of space STEM. There are several advantages of biofabrication in space. Under microgravity, it is possible to engineer constructs using more fluidic channels and thus more biocompatible bioinks. Microgravity enables biofabrication of tissue and organ constructs of more complex geometries, thus facilitating novel scaffold-, label-, and nozzle-free technologies based on multi-levitation principles. However, when exposed to microgravity and cosmic radiation, biofabricated tissues could be used to study pathophysiological phenomena that will be useful on Earth and for deep space manned missions. Here, we provide leading concepts about the potential mutual benefits of the application of biofabrication technologies in space.
Collapse
|
23
|
Abstract
Cardiac congenital disabilities are the most common organ malformations, but we still do not understand how they arise in the human embryo. Moreover, although cardiovascular disease is the most common cause of death globally, the development of new therapies is lagging compared with other fields. One major bottleneck hindering progress is the lack of self-organizing human cardiac models that recapitulate key aspects of human heart development, physiology and disease. Current in vitro cardiac three-dimensional systems are either engineered constructs or spherical aggregates of cardiomyocytes and other cell types. Although tissue engineering enables the modeling of some electro-mechanical properties, it falls short of mimicking heart development, morphogenetic defects and many clinically relevant aspects of cardiomyopathies. Here, we review different approaches and recent efforts to overcome these challenges in the field using a new generation of self-organizing embryonic and cardiac organoids.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Hofbauer
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna Biocenter, Dr. Bohr Gasse 3, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Stefan M Jahnel
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna Biocenter, Dr. Bohr Gasse 3, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Sasha Mendjan
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna Biocenter, Dr. Bohr Gasse 3, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Lu H, Zhang J, Chen YE, Garcia-Barrio MT. Integration of Transformative Platforms for the Discovery of Causative Genes in Cardiovascular Diseases. Cardiovasc Drugs Ther 2021; 35:637-654. [PMID: 33856594 PMCID: PMC8216854 DOI: 10.1007/s10557-021-07175-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) are powerful epidemiological tools to find genes and variants associated with cardiovascular diseases while follow-up biological studies allow to better understand the etiology and mechanisms of disease and assign causality. Improved methodologies and reduced costs have allowed wider use of bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing, human-induced pluripotent stem cells, organoids, metabolomics, epigenomics, and novel animal models in conjunction with GWAS. In this review, we feature recent advancements relevant to cardiovascular diseases arising from the integration of genetic findings with multiple enabling technologies within multidisciplinary teams to highlight the solidifying transformative potential of this approach. Well-designed workflows integrating different platforms are greatly improving and accelerating the unraveling and understanding of complex disease processes while promoting an effective way to find better drug targets, improve drug design and repurposing, and provide insight towards a more personalized clinical practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haocheng Lu
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical Center, 2800 Plymouth Rd, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-2800, USA
| | - Jifeng Zhang
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical Center, 2800 Plymouth Rd, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-2800, USA
- Center for Advanced Models for Translational Sciences and Therapeutics, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Y Eugene Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical Center, 2800 Plymouth Rd, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-2800, USA.
- Center for Advanced Models for Translational Sciences and Therapeutics, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
| | - Minerva T Garcia-Barrio
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical Center, 2800 Plymouth Rd, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-2800, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Jahnel SM, Mendjan S. Taking Heart Development to the Next Level. Cell Stem Cell 2021; 28:180-181. [PMID: 33545075 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2021.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Current in vitro systems are powerful tools for studying early heart specification but lack the ability to model morphological events. Reporting in this issue of Cell Stem Cell, Rossi et al. (2021) present a patterned embryonic organoid model (gastruloid) that mimics aspects of early cardiogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefan M Jahnel
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology (IMBA), Vienna Biocenter (VBC), Dr. Bohr-Gasse 3, 1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sasha Mendjan
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology (IMBA), Vienna Biocenter (VBC), Dr. Bohr-Gasse 3, 1030, Vienna, Austria.
| |
Collapse
|