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Alves RF, Lopes C, Rocha E, Madureira TV. Estrogenic Responsiveness of Brown Trout Primary Hepatocyte Spheroids to Environmental Levels of 17α-Ethinylestradiol. J Xenobiot 2024; 14:1064-1078. [PMID: 39189175 PMCID: PMC11348032 DOI: 10.3390/jox14030060] [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: 06/21/2024] [Revised: 08/01/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) fish hepatocyte cultures are promising alternative models for replicating in vivo data. Few studies have attempted to characterise the structure and function of fish 3D liver models and illustrate their applicability. This study aimed to further characterise a previously established spheroid model obtained from juvenile brown trout (Salmo trutta) primary hepatocytes under estrogenic stimulation. The spheroids were exposed for six days to environmentally relevant concentrations of 17α-ethinylestradiol-EE2 (1-100 ng/L). The mRNA levels of peroxisome (catalase-Cat and urate oxidase-Uox), lipid metabolism (acyl-CoA long chain synthetase 1-Acsl1, apolipoprotein AI-ApoAI, and fatty acid binding protein 1-Fabp1), and estrogen-related (estrogen receptor α-ERα, estrogen receptor β-ERβ, vitellogenin A-VtgA, zona pellucida glycoprotein 2.5-ZP2.5, and zona pellucida glycoprotein 3a.2-ZP3a.2) target genes were evaluated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Immunohistochemistry was used to assess Vtg and ZP protein expressions. At the highest EE2 concentration, VtgA and ZP2.5 genes were significantly upregulated. The remaining target genes were not significantly altered by EE2. Vtg and ZP immunostaining was consistently increased in spheroids exposed to 50 and 100 ng/L of EE2, whereas lower EE2 levels resulted in a weaker signal. EE2 did not induce significant changes in the spheroids' viability and morphological parameters. This study identified EE2 effects at environmentally relevant doses in trout liver spheroids, indicating its usefulness as a proxy for in vivo impacts of xenoestrogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo F. Alves
- Team of Animal Morphology and Toxicology, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR/CIMAR), University of Porto (U.Porto), Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal; (R.F.A.); (C.L.); (E.R.)
- Laboratory of Histology and Embryology, Department of Microscopy, ICBAS—School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto (U.Porto), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Célia Lopes
- Team of Animal Morphology and Toxicology, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR/CIMAR), University of Porto (U.Porto), Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal; (R.F.A.); (C.L.); (E.R.)
- Laboratory of Histology and Embryology, Department of Microscopy, ICBAS—School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto (U.Porto), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Eduardo Rocha
- Team of Animal Morphology and Toxicology, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR/CIMAR), University of Porto (U.Porto), Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal; (R.F.A.); (C.L.); (E.R.)
- Laboratory of Histology and Embryology, Department of Microscopy, ICBAS—School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto (U.Porto), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Tânia Vieira Madureira
- Team of Animal Morphology and Toxicology, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR/CIMAR), University of Porto (U.Porto), Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal; (R.F.A.); (C.L.); (E.R.)
- Laboratory of Histology and Embryology, Department of Microscopy, ICBAS—School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto (U.Porto), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
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Mickols E, Meyer A, Handin N, Stüwe M, Eriksson J, Rudfeldt J, Blom K, Fryknäs M, Sellin ME, Lauschke VM, Karlgren M, Artursson P. OCT1 (SLC22A1) transporter kinetics and regulation in primary human hepatocyte 3D spheroids. Sci Rep 2024; 14:17334. [PMID: 39068198 PMCID: PMC11283471 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-67192-6] [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: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
3D spheroids of primary human hepatocytes (3D PHH) retain a differentiated phenotype with largely conserved metabolic function and proteomic fingerprint over weeks in culture. As a result, 3D PHH are gaining importance as a model for mechanistic liver homeostasis studies and in vitro to in vivo extrapolation (IVIVE) in drug discovery. However, the kinetics and regulation of drug transporters have not yet been assessed in 3D PHH. Here, we used organic cation transporter 1 (OCT1/SLC22A1) as a model to study both transport kinetics and the long-term regulation of transporter activity via relevant signalling pathways. The kinetics of the OCT1 transporter was studied using the fluorescent model substrate 4-(4-(dimethylamino)styryl)-N-methylpyridinium (ASP+) and known OCT1 inhibitors in individual 3D PHH. For long-term studies, 3D PHH were treated with xenobiotics for seven days, after which protein expression and OCT1 function were assessed. Global proteomic analysis was used to track hepatic phenotypes as well as prototypical changes in other regulated proteins, such as P-glycoprotein and Cytochrome P450 3A4. ASP+ kinetics indicated a fully functional OCT1 transporter with a Km value of 14 ± 4.0µM as the mean from three donors. Co-incubation with known OCT1 inhibitors decreased the uptake of ASP+ in the 3D PHH spheroids by 35-52%. The long-term exposure studies showed that OCT1 is relatively stable upon activation of nuclear receptor signalling or exposure to compounds that could induce inflammation, steatosis or liver injury. Our results demonstrate that 3D PHH spheroids express physiologically relevant levels of fully active OCT1 and that its transporter kinetics can be accurately studied in the 3D PHH configuration. We also confirm that OCT1 remains stable and functional during the activation of key metabolic pathways that alter the expression and function of other drug transporters and drug-metabolizing enzymes. These results will expand the range of studies that can be performed using 3D PHH.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alina Meyer
- Department of Pharmacy, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Niklas Handin
- Department of Pharmacy, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Malin Stüwe
- Department of Pharmacy, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jens Eriksson
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jakob Rudfeldt
- Department of Medical Sciences, Division of Cancer Pharmacology and Computational Medicine, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Kristin Blom
- Department of Medical Sciences, Division of Cancer Pharmacology and Computational Medicine, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Mårten Fryknäs
- Department of Medical Sciences, Division of Cancer Pharmacology and Computational Medicine, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Mikael E Sellin
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Volker M Lauschke
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Dr Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Stuttgart, Germany
- University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Centre of Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Maria Karlgren
- Department of Pharmacy, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Per Artursson
- Department of Pharmacy, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
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Kukla DA, Belair DG, Stresser DM. Evaluation and Optimization of a Microcavity Plate-Based Human Hepatocyte Spheroid Model for Predicting Clearance of Slowly Metabolized Drug Candidates. Drug Metab Dispos 2024; 52:797-812. [PMID: 38777596 DOI: 10.1124/dmd.124.001653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
In vitro clearance assays are routinely conducted in drug discovery to predict in vivo clearance, but low metabolic turnover compounds are often difficult to evaluate. Hepatocyte spheroids can be cultured for days, achieving higher drug turnover, but have been hindered by limitations on cell number per well. Corning Elplasia microcavity 96-well microplates enable the culture of 79 hepatocyte spheroids per well. In this study, microcavity spheroid properties (size, hepatocyte function, longevity, culturing techniques) were assessed and optimized for clearance assays, which were then compared with microsomes, hepatocyte suspensions, two-dimensional-plated hepatocytes, and macrowell spheroids cultured as one per well. Higher enzyme activity coupled with greater hepatocyte concentrations in microcavity spheroids enabled measurable turnover of all 17 test compounds, unlike the other models that exhibited less drug turnover. Microcavity spheroids also predicted intrinsic clearance (CLint) and blood clearance (CLb) within threefold for 53% [9/17; average absolute fold error (AAFE), 3.9] and 82% (14/17; AAFE, 2.6) of compounds using a linear regression correction model, respectively. An alternate method incorporating mechanistic modeling that accounts for mass transport (permeability and diffusion) within spheroids demonstrated improved predictivity for CLint (12/17; AAFE, 4.0) and CLb (14/17; AAFE, 2.1) without the need for empirical scaling factors. The estimated fraction of drug metabolized by cytochrome P450 3A4 (fm,CYP3A4) using 3 μM itraconazole was within 25% of observed values for 6 of 8 compounds, with 5 of 8 compounds within 10%. In sum, spheroid cultures in microcavity plates permit the ability to test and predict clearance as well as fm,CYP3A4 of low metabolic turnover compounds and represent a valuable complement to conventional in vitro clearance assays. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Culturing multiple spheroids in ultralow attachment microcavities permits accurate quantitation of metabolically stable compounds in substrate depletion assays, overcoming limitations with singly cultured spheroids. In turn, this permits robust estimates of intrinsic clearance, which is improved with the consideration of mass transport within the spheroid. Incubations with 3 μM itraconazole enabled assessments of CYP3A4 involvement in hepatic clearance.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Kukla
- Quantitative, Translational, and ADME Sciences, AbbVie Inc., North Chicago, Illinois
| | - David G Belair
- Quantitative, Translational, and ADME Sciences, AbbVie Inc., North Chicago, Illinois
| | - David M Stresser
- Quantitative, Translational, and ADME Sciences, AbbVie Inc., North Chicago, Illinois
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Caddeo A, Maurotti S, Kovooru L, Romeo S. 3D culture models to study pathophysiology of steatotic liver disease. Atherosclerosis 2024; 393:117544. [PMID: 38677899 DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2024.117544] [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: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
Steatotic liver disease (SLD) refers to a spectrum of diseases caused by hepatic lipid accumulation. SLD has emerged as the leading cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. Despite this burden and many years, understanding the pathophysiology of this disease is challenging due to the inaccessibility to human liver specimens. Therefore, cell-based in vitro systems are widely used as models to investigate the pathophysiology of SLD. Culturing hepatic cells in monolayers causes the loss of their hepatocyte-specific phenotype and, consequently, tissue-specific function and architecture. Hence, three-dimensional (3D) culture models allow cells to mimic the in vivo microenvironment and spatial organization of the liver unit. The utilization of 3D in vitro models minimizes the drawbacks of two-dimensional (2D) cultures and aligns with the 3Rs principles to alleviate the number of in vivo experiments. This article provides an overview of liver 3D models highlighting advantages and limitations, and culminates by discussing their applications in pharmaceutical and biomedical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Caddeo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Oncology and Molecular Pathology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Samantha Maurotti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University Magna Graecia, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Lohitesh Kovooru
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, Wallenberg Laboratory, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Stefano Romeo
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, Wallenberg Laboratory, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; Department of Cardiology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden; Clinical Nutrition Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University Magna Graecia, Catanzaro, Italy.
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5
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Sun B, Liang Z, Wang Y, Yu Y, Zhou X, Geng X, Li B. A 3D spheroid model of quadruple cell co-culture with improved liver functions for hepatotoxicity prediction. Toxicology 2024; 505:153829. [PMID: 38740170 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2024.153829] [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: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 05/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is one of the major concerns during drug development. Wide acceptance of the 3 R principles and the innovation of in-vitro techniques have introduced various novel model options, among which the three-dimensional (3D) cell spheroid cultures have shown a promising prospect in DILI prediction. The present study developed a 3D quadruple cell co-culture liver spheroid model for DILI prediction via self-assembly. Induction by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate at the concentration of 15.42 ng/mL for 48 hours with a following 24-hour rest period was used for THP-1 cell differentiation, resulting in credible macrophagic phenotypes. HepG2 cells, PUMC-HUVEC-T1 cells, THP-1-originated macrophages, and human hepatic stellate cells were selected as the components, which exhibited adaptability in the designated spheroid culture conditions. Following establishment, the characterization demonstrated the competence of the model in long-term stability reflected by the maintenance of morphology, viability, cellular integration, and cell-cell junctions for at least six days, as well as the reliable liver-specific functions including superior albumin and urea secretion, improved drug metabolic enzyme expression and CYP3A4 activity, and the expression of MRP2, BSEP, and P-GP accompanied by the bile acid efflux transport function. In the comparative testing using 22 DILI-positive and 5 DILI-negative compounds among the novel 3D co-culture model, 3D HepG2 spheroids, and 2D HepG2 monolayers, the 3D culture method significantly enhanced the model sensitivity to compound cytotoxicity compared to the 2D form. The novel co-culture liver spheroid model exhibited higher overall predictive power with margin of safety as the classifying tool. In addition, the non-parenchymal cell components could amplify the toxicity of isoniazid in the 3D model, suggesting their potential mediating role in immune-mediated toxicity. The proof-of-concept experiments demonstrated the capability of the model in replicating drug-induced lipid dysregulation, bile acid efflux inhibition, and α-SMA upregulation, which are the key features of liver steatosis and phospholipidosis, cholestasis, and fibrosis, respectively. Overall, the novel 3D quadruple cell co-culture spheroid model is a reliable and readily available option for DILI prediction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baiyang Sun
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China; National Center for Safety Evaluation of Drugs, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing Key Laboratory for Nonclinical Safety Evaluation of Drugs, Beijing 100176, China
| | - Zihe Liang
- National Center for Safety Evaluation of Drugs, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing Key Laboratory for Nonclinical Safety Evaluation of Drugs, Beijing 100176, China
| | - Yupeng Wang
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China; National Center for Safety Evaluation of Drugs, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing Key Laboratory for Nonclinical Safety Evaluation of Drugs, Beijing 100176, China
| | - Yue Yu
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China; National Center for Safety Evaluation of Drugs, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing Key Laboratory for Nonclinical Safety Evaluation of Drugs, Beijing 100176, China
| | - Xiaobing Zhou
- National Center for Safety Evaluation of Drugs, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing Key Laboratory for Nonclinical Safety Evaluation of Drugs, Beijing 100176, China
| | - Xingchao Geng
- National Center for Safety Evaluation of Drugs, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing Key Laboratory for Nonclinical Safety Evaluation of Drugs, Beijing 100176, China.
| | - Bo Li
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China; National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing 102629, China.
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Ingelman-Sundberg M, Lauschke VM. Individualized Pharmacotherapy Utilizing Genetic Biomarkers and Novel In Vitro Systems As Predictive Tools for Optimal Drug Development and Treatment. Drug Metab Dispos 2024; 52:467-475. [PMID: 38575185 DOI: 10.1124/dmd.123.001302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
In the area of drug development and clinical pharmacotherapy, a profound understanding of the pharmacokinetics and potential adverse reactions associated with the drug under investigation is paramount. Essential to this endeavor is a comprehensive understanding about interindividual variations in absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) genetics and the predictive capabilities of in vitro systems, shedding light on metabolite formation and the risk of adverse drug reactions (ADRs). Both the domains of pharmacogenomics and the advancement of in vitro systems are experiencing rapid expansion. Here we present an update on these burgeoning fields, providing an overview of their current status and illuminating potential future directions. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: There is very rapid development in the area of pharmacogenomics and in vitro systems for predicting drug pharmacokinetics and risk for adverse drug reactions. We provide an update of the current status of pharmacogenomics and developed in vitro systems on these aspects aimed to achieve a better personalized pharmacotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magnus Ingelman-Sundberg
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden (M.I.-S., V.M.L.); Dr Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Stuttgart, Germany (V.M.L.); and University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany (V.M.L.)
| | - Volker M Lauschke
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden (M.I.-S., V.M.L.); Dr Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Stuttgart, Germany (V.M.L.); and University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany (V.M.L.)
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7
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Preiss LC, Georgi K, Lauschke VM, Petersson C. Comparison of Human Long-Term Liver Models for Clearance Prediction of Slowly Metabolized Compounds. Drug Metab Dispos 2024; 52:539-547. [PMID: 38604730 DOI: 10.1124/dmd.123.001638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The accurate prediction of human clearance is an important task during drug development. The proportion of low clearance compounds has increased in drug development pipelines across the industry since such compounds may be dosed in lower amounts and at lower frequency. These type of compounds present new challenges to in vitro systems used for clearance extrapolation. In this study, we compared the accuracy of clearance predictions of suspension culture to four different long-term stable in vitro liver models, including HepaRG sandwich culture, the Hµrel stochastic co-culture, the Hepatopac micropatterned co-culture (MPCC), and a micro-array spheroid culture. Hepatocytes in long-term stable systems remained viable and active over several days of incubation. Although intrinsic clearance values were generally high in suspension culture, clearance of low turnover compounds could frequently not be determined using this method. Metabolic activity and intrinsic clearance values from HepaRG cultures were low and, consequently, many compounds with low turnover did not show significant decline despite long incubation times. Similarly, stochastic co-cultures occasionally failed to show significant turnover for multiple low and medium turnover compounds. Among the different methods, MPCCs and spheroids provided the most consistent measurements. Notably, all culture methods resulted in underprediction of clearance; this could, however, be compensated for by regression correction. Combined, the results indicate that spheroid culture as well as the MPCC system provide adequate in vitro tools for human extrapolation for compounds with low metabolic turnover. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: In this study, we compared suspension cultures, HepaRG sandwich cultures, the Hµrel liver stochastic co-cultures, the Hepatopac micropatterned co-cultures (MPCC), and micro-array spheroid cultures for low clearance determination and prediction. Overall, HepaRG and suspension cultures showed modest value for the low determination and prediction of clearance compounds. The micro-array spheroid culture resulted in the most robust clearance measurements, whereas using the MPCC resulted in the most accurate prediction for low clearance compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena C Preiss
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden (L.C.P., V.M.L.); Department of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics (DMPK), The Healthcare Business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany (L.C.P., K.G., C.P.); Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Stuttgart, Germany (V.M.L.); and University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany (V.M.L.)
| | - Katrin Georgi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden (L.C.P., V.M.L.); Department of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics (DMPK), The Healthcare Business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany (L.C.P., K.G., C.P.); Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Stuttgart, Germany (V.M.L.); and University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany (V.M.L.)
| | - Volker M Lauschke
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden (L.C.P., V.M.L.); Department of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics (DMPK), The Healthcare Business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany (L.C.P., K.G., C.P.); Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Stuttgart, Germany (V.M.L.); and University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany (V.M.L.)
| | - Carl Petersson
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden (L.C.P., V.M.L.); Department of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics (DMPK), The Healthcare Business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany (L.C.P., K.G., C.P.); Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Stuttgart, Germany (V.M.L.); and University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany (V.M.L.)
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8
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Xing C, Kemas A, Mickols E, Klein K, Artursson P, Lauschke VM. The choice of ultra-low attachment plates impacts primary human and primary canine hepatocyte spheroid formation, phenotypes, and function. Biotechnol J 2024; 19:e2300587. [PMID: 38403411 DOI: 10.1002/biot.202300587] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Organotypic three-dimensional liver spheroid cultures in which hepatic cells retain their molecular phenotype and functionality have emerged as powerful tools for preclinical drug development. In recent years a multitude of culture systems have been developed; however, a thorough side-by-side benchmarking of the different methods is lacking. Here, we compared the performance of ten different 96- and 384-well microplate types to support spheroid formation and long-term culture. Specifically, we evaluated differences in spheroid formation kinetics, viability, functionality, expression patterns, and their utility for hepatotoxicity assessments using primary human hepatocytes (PHH) and primary canine hepatocytes (PCH). All 96-well plates enabled formation of PHH liver spheroids, albeit with differences between plates in spheroid size, geometry, and reproducibility. Performance of different 384-wells was less consistent. Only 6/10 microplates supported the formation of PCH aggregates. Interestingly, even if PCH aggregates in these six microplates were more loosely packed than PHH spheroids, they maintained their function and were compatible with long-term pharmacological and toxicological assays. Overall, Corning and Biofloat plates showed the best performance in the formation of both human and canine liver spheroids with highest viability, most physiologically relevant phenotypes, superior CYP activity and lowest coefficient of variation in toxicity assays. The presented data constitutes a valuable resource that demonstrates the impacts of current ultra-low attachment plates on liver spheroid metrics and can guide evidence-based plate selection. Combined, these results have important implications for the cross-comparison of different studies and can facilitate the standardization and reproducibility of three-dimensional liver culture experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Xing
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Aurino Kemas
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Kathrin Klein
- Dr Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Stuttgart, Germany
- University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Per Artursson
- Department of Pharmacy, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Volker M Lauschke
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Dr Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Stuttgart, Germany
- University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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9
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Masimirembwa C, Ramsay M, Botha J, Ellis E, Etheredge H, Hurrell T, Kanji CR, Kapungu NN, Maher H, Mthembu B, Naidoo J, Scholefield J, Rambarran S, van der Schyff F, Smyth N, Strobele B, Thelingwani RS, Loveland J, Fabian J. The African Liver Tissue Biorepository Consortium: Capacitating Population-Appropriate Drug Metabolism, Pharmacokinetics, and Pharmacogenetics Research in Drug Discovery and Development. Drug Metab Dispos 2023; 51:1551-1560. [PMID: 37751997 DOI: 10.1124/dmd.123.001400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Pharmaceutical companies subject all new molecular entities to a series of in vitro metabolic characterizations that guide the selection and/or design of compounds predicted to have favorable pharmacokinetic properties in humans. Current drug metabolism research is based on liver tissue predominantly obtained from people of European origin, with limited access to tissue from people of African origin. Given the interindividual and interpopulation genomic variability in genes encoding drug-metabolizing enzymes, efficacy and safety of some drugs are poorly predicted for African populations. To address this gap, we have established the first comprehensive liver tissue biorepository inclusive of people of African origin. The African Liver Tissue Biorepository Consortium currently includes three institutions in South Africa and one in Zimbabwe, with plans to expand to other African countries. The program has collected 67 liver samples as of July 2023. DNA from the donors was genotyped for 120 variants in 46 pharmacogenes and revealed variants that are uniquely found in African populations, including the low-activity, African-specific CYP2C9*5 and *8 variants relevant to the metabolism of diclofenac. Larger liver tissue samples were used to isolate primary human hepatocytes. Viability of the hepatocytes and microsomal fractions was demonstrated by the activity of selected cytochrome P450s. This resource will be used to ensure the safety and efficacy of existing and new drugs in African populations. This will be done by characterizing compounds for properties such as drug clearance, metabolite and enzyme identification, and drug-drug and drug-gene interactions. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Standard optimization of the drug metabolism of new molecular entities in the pharmaceutical industry uses subcellular fractions such as microsomes and isolated primary hepatocytes, being done mainly with tissue from donors of European origin. Pharmacogenetics research has shown that variants in genes coding for drug-metabolizing enzymes have interindividual and interpopulation differences. We established an African liver tissue biorepository that will be useful in ensuring drug discovery and development research takes into account drug responses in people of African origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Collen Masimirembwa
- African institute of biomedical Science and Technology (AiBST), Harare, Zimbabwe (C.M., C.R.K., N.N.K., R.S.T.); Sydney Brenner Institute of Molecular Bioscience (SBIMB), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa (C.M., M.R., B.M., N.S.); Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre (WDGMC), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa (H.E., H.M., S.R., B.S., F.V.S., J.L., J.F.); Karolinska Institute, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Division of Transplantation Surgery, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Sweden (E.E.); Bioengineering and Integrated Genomics Group, Next Generation Health Cluster, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Pretoria, South Africa (T.H., J.N., J.S.); and Transplant Services, Intermountain Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah (J.B.)
| | - Michele Ramsay
- African institute of biomedical Science and Technology (AiBST), Harare, Zimbabwe (C.M., C.R.K., N.N.K., R.S.T.); Sydney Brenner Institute of Molecular Bioscience (SBIMB), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa (C.M., M.R., B.M., N.S.); Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre (WDGMC), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa (H.E., H.M., S.R., B.S., F.V.S., J.L., J.F.); Karolinska Institute, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Division of Transplantation Surgery, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Sweden (E.E.); Bioengineering and Integrated Genomics Group, Next Generation Health Cluster, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Pretoria, South Africa (T.H., J.N., J.S.); and Transplant Services, Intermountain Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah (J.B.)
| | - Jean Botha
- African institute of biomedical Science and Technology (AiBST), Harare, Zimbabwe (C.M., C.R.K., N.N.K., R.S.T.); Sydney Brenner Institute of Molecular Bioscience (SBIMB), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa (C.M., M.R., B.M., N.S.); Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre (WDGMC), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa (H.E., H.M., S.R., B.S., F.V.S., J.L., J.F.); Karolinska Institute, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Division of Transplantation Surgery, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Sweden (E.E.); Bioengineering and Integrated Genomics Group, Next Generation Health Cluster, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Pretoria, South Africa (T.H., J.N., J.S.); and Transplant Services, Intermountain Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah (J.B.)
| | - Ewa Ellis
- African institute of biomedical Science and Technology (AiBST), Harare, Zimbabwe (C.M., C.R.K., N.N.K., R.S.T.); Sydney Brenner Institute of Molecular Bioscience (SBIMB), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa (C.M., M.R., B.M., N.S.); Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre (WDGMC), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa (H.E., H.M., S.R., B.S., F.V.S., J.L., J.F.); Karolinska Institute, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Division of Transplantation Surgery, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Sweden (E.E.); Bioengineering and Integrated Genomics Group, Next Generation Health Cluster, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Pretoria, South Africa (T.H., J.N., J.S.); and Transplant Services, Intermountain Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah (J.B.)
| | - Harriet Etheredge
- African institute of biomedical Science and Technology (AiBST), Harare, Zimbabwe (C.M., C.R.K., N.N.K., R.S.T.); Sydney Brenner Institute of Molecular Bioscience (SBIMB), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa (C.M., M.R., B.M., N.S.); Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre (WDGMC), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa (H.E., H.M., S.R., B.S., F.V.S., J.L., J.F.); Karolinska Institute, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Division of Transplantation Surgery, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Sweden (E.E.); Bioengineering and Integrated Genomics Group, Next Generation Health Cluster, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Pretoria, South Africa (T.H., J.N., J.S.); and Transplant Services, Intermountain Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah (J.B.)
| | - Tracey Hurrell
- African institute of biomedical Science and Technology (AiBST), Harare, Zimbabwe (C.M., C.R.K., N.N.K., R.S.T.); Sydney Brenner Institute of Molecular Bioscience (SBIMB), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa (C.M., M.R., B.M., N.S.); Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre (WDGMC), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa (H.E., H.M., S.R., B.S., F.V.S., J.L., J.F.); Karolinska Institute, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Division of Transplantation Surgery, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Sweden (E.E.); Bioengineering and Integrated Genomics Group, Next Generation Health Cluster, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Pretoria, South Africa (T.H., J.N., J.S.); and Transplant Services, Intermountain Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah (J.B.)
| | - Comfort Ropafadzo Kanji
- African institute of biomedical Science and Technology (AiBST), Harare, Zimbabwe (C.M., C.R.K., N.N.K., R.S.T.); Sydney Brenner Institute of Molecular Bioscience (SBIMB), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa (C.M., M.R., B.M., N.S.); Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre (WDGMC), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa (H.E., H.M., S.R., B.S., F.V.S., J.L., J.F.); Karolinska Institute, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Division of Transplantation Surgery, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Sweden (E.E.); Bioengineering and Integrated Genomics Group, Next Generation Health Cluster, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Pretoria, South Africa (T.H., J.N., J.S.); and Transplant Services, Intermountain Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah (J.B.)
| | - Nyasha Nicole Kapungu
- African institute of biomedical Science and Technology (AiBST), Harare, Zimbabwe (C.M., C.R.K., N.N.K., R.S.T.); Sydney Brenner Institute of Molecular Bioscience (SBIMB), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa (C.M., M.R., B.M., N.S.); Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre (WDGMC), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa (H.E., H.M., S.R., B.S., F.V.S., J.L., J.F.); Karolinska Institute, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Division of Transplantation Surgery, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Sweden (E.E.); Bioengineering and Integrated Genomics Group, Next Generation Health Cluster, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Pretoria, South Africa (T.H., J.N., J.S.); and Transplant Services, Intermountain Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah (J.B.)
| | - Heather Maher
- African institute of biomedical Science and Technology (AiBST), Harare, Zimbabwe (C.M., C.R.K., N.N.K., R.S.T.); Sydney Brenner Institute of Molecular Bioscience (SBIMB), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa (C.M., M.R., B.M., N.S.); Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre (WDGMC), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa (H.E., H.M., S.R., B.S., F.V.S., J.L., J.F.); Karolinska Institute, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Division of Transplantation Surgery, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Sweden (E.E.); Bioengineering and Integrated Genomics Group, Next Generation Health Cluster, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Pretoria, South Africa (T.H., J.N., J.S.); and Transplant Services, Intermountain Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah (J.B.)
| | - Busisiwe Mthembu
- African institute of biomedical Science and Technology (AiBST), Harare, Zimbabwe (C.M., C.R.K., N.N.K., R.S.T.); Sydney Brenner Institute of Molecular Bioscience (SBIMB), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa (C.M., M.R., B.M., N.S.); Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre (WDGMC), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa (H.E., H.M., S.R., B.S., F.V.S., J.L., J.F.); Karolinska Institute, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Division of Transplantation Surgery, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Sweden (E.E.); Bioengineering and Integrated Genomics Group, Next Generation Health Cluster, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Pretoria, South Africa (T.H., J.N., J.S.); and Transplant Services, Intermountain Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah (J.B.)
| | - Jerolen Naidoo
- African institute of biomedical Science and Technology (AiBST), Harare, Zimbabwe (C.M., C.R.K., N.N.K., R.S.T.); Sydney Brenner Institute of Molecular Bioscience (SBIMB), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa (C.M., M.R., B.M., N.S.); Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre (WDGMC), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa (H.E., H.M., S.R., B.S., F.V.S., J.L., J.F.); Karolinska Institute, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Division of Transplantation Surgery, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Sweden (E.E.); Bioengineering and Integrated Genomics Group, Next Generation Health Cluster, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Pretoria, South Africa (T.H., J.N., J.S.); and Transplant Services, Intermountain Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah (J.B.)
| | - Janine Scholefield
- African institute of biomedical Science and Technology (AiBST), Harare, Zimbabwe (C.M., C.R.K., N.N.K., R.S.T.); Sydney Brenner Institute of Molecular Bioscience (SBIMB), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa (C.M., M.R., B.M., N.S.); Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre (WDGMC), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa (H.E., H.M., S.R., B.S., F.V.S., J.L., J.F.); Karolinska Institute, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Division of Transplantation Surgery, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Sweden (E.E.); Bioengineering and Integrated Genomics Group, Next Generation Health Cluster, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Pretoria, South Africa (T.H., J.N., J.S.); and Transplant Services, Intermountain Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah (J.B.)
| | - Sharan Rambarran
- African institute of biomedical Science and Technology (AiBST), Harare, Zimbabwe (C.M., C.R.K., N.N.K., R.S.T.); Sydney Brenner Institute of Molecular Bioscience (SBIMB), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa (C.M., M.R., B.M., N.S.); Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre (WDGMC), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa (H.E., H.M., S.R., B.S., F.V.S., J.L., J.F.); Karolinska Institute, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Division of Transplantation Surgery, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Sweden (E.E.); Bioengineering and Integrated Genomics Group, Next Generation Health Cluster, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Pretoria, South Africa (T.H., J.N., J.S.); and Transplant Services, Intermountain Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah (J.B.)
| | - Francisca van der Schyff
- African institute of biomedical Science and Technology (AiBST), Harare, Zimbabwe (C.M., C.R.K., N.N.K., R.S.T.); Sydney Brenner Institute of Molecular Bioscience (SBIMB), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa (C.M., M.R., B.M., N.S.); Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre (WDGMC), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa (H.E., H.M., S.R., B.S., F.V.S., J.L., J.F.); Karolinska Institute, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Division of Transplantation Surgery, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Sweden (E.E.); Bioengineering and Integrated Genomics Group, Next Generation Health Cluster, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Pretoria, South Africa (T.H., J.N., J.S.); and Transplant Services, Intermountain Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah (J.B.)
| | - Natalie Smyth
- African institute of biomedical Science and Technology (AiBST), Harare, Zimbabwe (C.M., C.R.K., N.N.K., R.S.T.); Sydney Brenner Institute of Molecular Bioscience (SBIMB), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa (C.M., M.R., B.M., N.S.); Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre (WDGMC), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa (H.E., H.M., S.R., B.S., F.V.S., J.L., J.F.); Karolinska Institute, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Division of Transplantation Surgery, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Sweden (E.E.); Bioengineering and Integrated Genomics Group, Next Generation Health Cluster, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Pretoria, South Africa (T.H., J.N., J.S.); and Transplant Services, Intermountain Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah (J.B.)
| | - Bernd Strobele
- African institute of biomedical Science and Technology (AiBST), Harare, Zimbabwe (C.M., C.R.K., N.N.K., R.S.T.); Sydney Brenner Institute of Molecular Bioscience (SBIMB), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa (C.M., M.R., B.M., N.S.); Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre (WDGMC), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa (H.E., H.M., S.R., B.S., F.V.S., J.L., J.F.); Karolinska Institute, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Division of Transplantation Surgery, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Sweden (E.E.); Bioengineering and Integrated Genomics Group, Next Generation Health Cluster, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Pretoria, South Africa (T.H., J.N., J.S.); and Transplant Services, Intermountain Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah (J.B.)
| | - Roslyn Stella Thelingwani
- African institute of biomedical Science and Technology (AiBST), Harare, Zimbabwe (C.M., C.R.K., N.N.K., R.S.T.); Sydney Brenner Institute of Molecular Bioscience (SBIMB), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa (C.M., M.R., B.M., N.S.); Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre (WDGMC), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa (H.E., H.M., S.R., B.S., F.V.S., J.L., J.F.); Karolinska Institute, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Division of Transplantation Surgery, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Sweden (E.E.); Bioengineering and Integrated Genomics Group, Next Generation Health Cluster, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Pretoria, South Africa (T.H., J.N., J.S.); and Transplant Services, Intermountain Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah (J.B.)
| | - Jerome Loveland
- African institute of biomedical Science and Technology (AiBST), Harare, Zimbabwe (C.M., C.R.K., N.N.K., R.S.T.); Sydney Brenner Institute of Molecular Bioscience (SBIMB), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa (C.M., M.R., B.M., N.S.); Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre (WDGMC), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa (H.E., H.M., S.R., B.S., F.V.S., J.L., J.F.); Karolinska Institute, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Division of Transplantation Surgery, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Sweden (E.E.); Bioengineering and Integrated Genomics Group, Next Generation Health Cluster, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Pretoria, South Africa (T.H., J.N., J.S.); and Transplant Services, Intermountain Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah (J.B.)
| | - June Fabian
- African institute of biomedical Science and Technology (AiBST), Harare, Zimbabwe (C.M., C.R.K., N.N.K., R.S.T.); Sydney Brenner Institute of Molecular Bioscience (SBIMB), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa (C.M., M.R., B.M., N.S.); Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre (WDGMC), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa (H.E., H.M., S.R., B.S., F.V.S., J.L., J.F.); Karolinska Institute, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Division of Transplantation Surgery, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Sweden (E.E.); Bioengineering and Integrated Genomics Group, Next Generation Health Cluster, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Pretoria, South Africa (T.H., J.N., J.S.); and Transplant Services, Intermountain Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah (J.B.)
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10
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Ivanova A, Badertscher L, O'Driscoll G, Bergman J, Gordon E, Gunnarsson A, Johansson C, Munson MJ, Spinelli C, Torstensson S, Vilén L, Voirel A, Wiseman J, Rak J, Dekker N, Lázaro‐Ibáñez E. Creating Designer Engineered Extracellular Vesicles for Diverse Ligand Display, Target Recognition, and Controlled Protein Loading and Delivery. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2304389. [PMID: 37867228 PMCID: PMC10700174 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202304389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
Efficient and targeted delivery of therapeutic agents remains a bottleneck in modern medicine. Here, biochemical engineering approaches to advance the repurposing of extracellular vesicles (EVs) as drug delivery vehicles are explored. Targeting ligands such as the sugar GalNAc are displayed on the surface of EVs using a HaloTag-fused to a protein anchor that is enriched on engineered EVs. These EVs are successfully targeted to human primary hepatocytes. In addition, the authors are able to decorate EVs with an antibody that recognizes a GLP1 cell surface receptor by using an Fc and Fab region binding moiety fused to an anchor protein, and they show that this improves EV targeting to cells that overexpress the receptor. The authors also use two different protein-engineering approaches to improve the loading of Cre recombinase into the EV lumen and demonstrate that functional Cre protein is delivered into cells in the presence of chloroquine, an endosomal escape enhancer. Lastly, engineered EVs are well tolerated upon intravenous injection into mice without detectable signs of liver toxicity. Collectively, the data show that EVs can be engineered to improve cargo loading and specific cell targeting, which will aid their transformation into tailored drug delivery vehicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alena Ivanova
- Discovery BiologyDiscovery SciencesBioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZenecaPepparedsleden 1Mölndal431 50Sweden
| | - Lukas Badertscher
- Translational GenomicsDiscovery SciencesBioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZenecaPepparedsleden 1Mölndal431 50Sweden
- Present address:
Myllia Biotechnology GmbHAm Kanal 27Vienna1110Austria
| | - Gwen O'Driscoll
- Discovery BiologyDiscovery SciencesBioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZenecaPepparedsleden 1Mölndal431 50Sweden
- Advanced Drug DeliveryPharmaceutical SciencesBioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZenecaPepparedsleden 1Mölndal431 50Sweden
- Present address:
Division of Radiotherapy and ImagingThe Institute of Cancer ResearchLondonUK
| | - Joakim Bergman
- Medicinal ChemistryResearch and Early Development Cardiovascular, Renal and MetabolismBioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZenecaPepparedsleden 1Mölndal431 50Sweden
| | - Euan Gordon
- Discovery BiologyDiscovery SciencesBioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZenecaPepparedsleden 1Mölndal431 50Sweden
| | - Anders Gunnarsson
- Structure and BiophysicsDiscovery SciencesBioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZenecaPepparedsleden 1Mölndal431 50Sweden
| | - Camilla Johansson
- Clinical Pharmacology and Safety SciencesSweden Imaging HubBioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZenecaPepparedsleden 1Mölndal431 50Sweden
| | - Michael J. Munson
- Advanced Drug DeliveryPharmaceutical SciencesBioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZenecaPepparedsleden 1Mölndal431 50Sweden
| | - Cristiana Spinelli
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health CentreGlen SiteMcGill UniversityMontrealQuebecH4A 3J1Canada
| | - Sara Torstensson
- Translational GenomicsDiscovery SciencesBioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZenecaPepparedsleden 1Mölndal431 50Sweden
| | - Liisa Vilén
- DMPKResearch and Early Development Cardiovascular, Renal and MetabolismBioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZenecaPepparedsleden 1Mölndal431 50Sweden
| | - Andrei Voirel
- Medicinal ChemistryResearch and Early Development Cardiovascular, Renal and MetabolismBioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZenecaPepparedsleden 1Mölndal431 50Sweden
| | - John Wiseman
- Translational GenomicsDiscovery SciencesBioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZenecaPepparedsleden 1Mölndal431 50Sweden
| | - Janusz Rak
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health CentreGlen SiteMcGill UniversityMontrealQuebecH4A 3J1Canada
| | - Niek Dekker
- Discovery BiologyDiscovery SciencesBioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZenecaPepparedsleden 1Mölndal431 50Sweden
| | - Elisa Lázaro‐Ibáñez
- Discovery BiologyDiscovery SciencesBioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZenecaPepparedsleden 1Mölndal431 50Sweden
- Advanced Drug DeliveryPharmaceutical SciencesBioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZenecaPepparedsleden 1Mölndal431 50Sweden
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11
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Trossbach M, Åkerlund E, Langer K, Seashore-Ludlow B, Joensson HN. High-throughput cell spheroid production and assembly analysis by microfluidics and deep learning. SLAS Technol 2023; 28:423-432. [PMID: 36990352 DOI: 10.1016/j.slast.2023.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
3D cell culture models are important tools in translational research but have been out of reach for high-throughput screening due to complexity, requirement of large cell numbers and inadequate standardization. Microfluidics and culture model miniaturization technologies could overcome these challenges. Here, we present a high-throughput workflow to produce and characterize the formation of miniaturized spheroids using deep learning. We train a convolutional neural network (CNN) for cell ensemble morphology classification for droplet microfluidic minispheroid production, benchmark it against more conventional image analysis, and characterize minispheroid assembly determining optimal surfactant concentrations and incubation times for minispheroid production for three cell lines with different spheroid formation properties. Notably, this format is compatible with large-scale spheroid production and screening. The presented workflow and CNN offer a template for large scale minispheroid production and analysis and can be extended and re-trained to characterize morphological responses in spheroids to additives, culture conditions and large drug libraries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Trossbach
- KTH Royal Institute of Technology, and Science for Life Laboratory, Sweden.
| | - Emma Åkerlund
- Karolinska Institutet, and Science for Life Laboratory, Sweden
| | - Krzysztof Langer
- KTH Royal Institute of Technology, and Science for Life Laboratory, Sweden; Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California San Francisco, United States
| | | | - Haakan N Joensson
- KTH Royal Institute of Technology, and Science for Life Laboratory, Sweden.
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12
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Kale N, Edvall C, Ozoude C, Mallik S. In Vitro Tumor Mimetic Spheroid Model: Void Space within a Self-Detachable Cross-Linked Hydrogel. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2023; 6:4682-4693. [PMID: 37867293 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.3c00490] [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: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
The three-dimensional (3D) spheroid cell culture model is crucial in screening anticancer drugs in vitro and understanding tumor cell behavior. However, the current in vitro models require highly skilled techniques. Here, we present an in vitro, tumor-mimetic, self-detachable, cancer cell spheroid model that provides the confined space of a tumor microenvironment, convenient spheroid retrieval, immunostaining, treatment, and imaging. We formed a void space within alginate macrobeads by ionic disintegration at a specific region inside. The macrobeads were further destabilized with bovine serum albumin to retrieve the spheroid cultured within the void space. Quantitative analysis of the immunofluorescence images of the cultured spheroids showed enhanced expressions of the hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and carbonic anhydrase-9 (CA-9), like monolayer cultures of cancer cells under hypoxic conditions (0.2% oxygen). Furthermore, adding CoCl2 to the cell culture media induces even higher amounts of HIF-1α and CA-9 in the cultured spheroids. In conclusion, the present work highlighted the in vitro spheroid model, which is closer to the tumor microenvironment and has user-friendly cell seeding, spheroid retrieval, and immunostaining steps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narendra Kale
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota 58105, United States
| | - Connor Edvall
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota 58105, United States
| | - Chukwuebuka Ozoude
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota 58105, United States
| | - Sanku Mallik
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota 58105, United States
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13
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Novak M, Vajrychova M, Koutsilieri S, Sismanoglou DC, Kobrlova T, Prchal L, Svobodova B, Korabecny J, Zarybnicky T, Raisova-Stuchlikova L, Skalova L, Lauschke VM, Kučera R, Soukup O. Tacrine First-Phase Biotransformation and Associated Hepatotoxicity: A Possible Way to Avoid Quinone Methide Formation. ACS Chem Biol 2023; 18:1993-2002. [PMID: 37622522 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.3c00219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Tacrine was withdrawn from clinical use as a drug against Alzheimer's disease in 2013, mainly due to drug-induced liver injury. The culprit of tacrine-associated hepatotoxicity is believed to be the 7-OH-tacrine metabolite, a possible precursor of quinone methide (Qmeth), which binds to intracellular -SH proteins. In our study, several different animal and human models (liver microsomes, primary hepatocytes, and liver slices) were used to investigate the biotransformation and hepatotoxicity of tacrine and its 7-substituted analogues (7-methoxy-, 7-phenoxy-, and 7-OH-tacrine). Our goal was to find the most appropriate in vitro model for studying tacrine hepatotoxicity and, through rational structure modifications, to develop derivatives of tacrine that are less prone to Qmeth formation. Our results show that none of animal models tested accurately mimic human tacrine biotransformation; however, the murine model seems to be more suitable than the rat model. Tacrine metabolism was overall most accurately mimicked in three-dimensional (3D) spheroid cultures of primary human hepatocytes (PHHs). In this system, tacrine and 7-methoxytacrine were hydroxylated to 7-OH-tacrine, whereas 7-phenoxytacrine formed, as expected, only trace amounts. Surprisingly, however, our study showed that 7-OH-tacrine was the least hepatotoxic (7-OH-tacrine < tacrine < 7-methoxytacrine < 7-phenoxytacrine) even after doses had been adjusted to achieve the same intracellular concentrations. The formation of Qmeth-cysteine and Qmeth-glutathione adducts after human liver microsome incubation was confirmed by all of the studied tacrine derivatives, but these findings were not confirmed after incubation with 3D PHH spheroids. Therefore, the presented data call into question the suggested previously hypothesized mechanism of toxicity, and the results open new avenues for chemical modifications to improve the safety of novel tacrine derivatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Novak
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove, Charles University, Heyrovskeho 1203, 50005 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
- Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Sokolska 581, 50005 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Marie Vajrychova
- Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Sokolska 581, 50005 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Stefania Koutsilieri
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Tereza Kobrlova
- Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Sokolska 581, 50005 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Lukas Prchal
- Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Sokolska 581, 50005 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Barbora Svobodova
- Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Sokolska 581, 50005 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Korabecny
- Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Sokolska 581, 50005 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Tomas Zarybnicky
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove, Charles University, Heyrovskeho 1203, 50005 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Lucie Raisova-Stuchlikova
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove, Charles University, Heyrovskeho 1203, 50005 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Lenka Skalova
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove, Charles University, Heyrovskeho 1203, 50005 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Volker M Lauschke
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
- Dr Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, 70376 Stuttgart, Germany
- University of Tübingen, 72074 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Radim Kučera
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove, Charles University, Heyrovskeho 1203, 50005 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Ondrej Soukup
- Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Sokolska 581, 50005 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
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14
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Alves RF, Lopes C, Rocha E, Madureira TV. A Step Forward in the Characterization of Primary Brown Trout Hepatocytic Spheroids as Experimental Models. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2277. [PMID: 37508054 PMCID: PMC10376616 DOI: 10.3390/ani13142277] [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: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammal hepatocyte spheroids have been investigated as alternative experimental models in several contexts, since three-dimensional (3D) systems have shown the potential to mimic in vivo scenarios. The description of fish hepatocyte 3D models is still minimal. This study intends to further characterize brown trout primary hepatocyte spheroids at distinct time points up to 25 days in culture. Viability, biometry, histomorphology, and basal expression of a selection of genes (metabolism and detoxification, efflux transport, and estrogenic signalling) were considered. The gene expression of whole liver samples from the same fish donor were evaluated concurrently. After 12 days in culture, the hepatocyte spheroids exhibited biometric and morphological stability. From the 12th to the 20th day in culture, the basal expression levels for most of the selected genes did not vary. The targeted mRNA levels were higher in brown trout liver samples compared to hepatocyte spheroids. Despite that, data supported that this model resembles some in vivo features. As an experimental alternative model, it showed potential to be used in a stable time window that can be exploited for exposure tests to different xenobiotics, namely, estrogenic compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo F Alves
- Team of Animal Morphology and Toxicology, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR/CIMAR), University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
- Laboratory of Histology and Embryology, Department of Microscopy, ICBAS-School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Célia Lopes
- Team of Animal Morphology and Toxicology, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR/CIMAR), University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
- Laboratory of Histology and Embryology, Department of Microscopy, ICBAS-School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Eduardo Rocha
- Team of Animal Morphology and Toxicology, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR/CIMAR), University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
- Laboratory of Histology and Embryology, Department of Microscopy, ICBAS-School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Tânia V Madureira
- Team of Animal Morphology and Toxicology, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR/CIMAR), University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
- Laboratory of Histology and Embryology, Department of Microscopy, ICBAS-School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
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15
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Di L. Recent advances in measurement of metabolic clearance, metabolite profile and reaction phenotyping of low clearance compounds. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2023; 18:1209-1219. [PMID: 37526497 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2023.2238606] [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: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Low metabolic clearance is usually a highly desirable property of drug candidates in order to reduce dose and dosing frequency. However, measurement of low clearance can be challenging in drug discovery. A number of new tools have recently been developed to address the gaps in the measurement of intrinsic clearance, identification of metabolites, and reaction phenotyping of low clearance compounds. AREAS COVERED The new methodologies of low clearance measurements are discussed, including the hepatocyte relay, HepatoPac®, HμREL®, and spheroid systems. In addition, metabolite formation rate determination and in vivo allometric scaling approaches are covered as alternative methods for low clearance measurements. With these new methods, measurement of ~ 20-fold lower limit of intrinsic clearance can be achieved. The advantages and limitations of each approach are highlighted. EXPERT OPINION Although several novel methods have been developed in recent years to address the challenges of low clearance, these assays tend to be time and labor intensive and costly. Future innovations focusing on developing systems with high enzymatic activities, ultra-sensitive universal quantifiable detectors, and artificial intelligence will further enhance our ability to explore the low clearance space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Di
- Research Fellow, Pharmacokinetics, Dynamics and Metabolism, Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, Groton, CT, USA
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16
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Takagi M, Yamada M, Utoh R, Seki M. A multiscale, vertical-flow perfusion system with integrated porous microchambers for upgrading multicellular spheroid culture. LAB ON A CHIP 2023; 23:2257-2267. [PMID: 37038847 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00168g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Spheroid formation assisted by microengineered chambers is a versatile approach for morphology-controlled three-dimensional (3D) cell cultivation with physiological relevance to human tissues. However, the limitation in diffusion-based oxygen/nutrient transport has been a critical issue for the densely packed cells in spheroids, preventing maximization of cellular functions and thus limiting their biomedical applications. Here, we have developed a multiscale microfluidic system for the perfusion culture of spheroids, in which porous microchambers, connected with microfluidic channels, were engineered. A newly developed process of centrifugation-assisted replica molding and salt-leaching enabled the formation of single micrometer-sized pores on the chamber surface and in the substrate. The porous configuration generates a vertical flow to directly supply the medium to the spheroids, while avoiding the formation of stagnant flow regions. We created seamlessly integrated, all PDMS/silicone-based microfluidic devices with an array of microchambers. Spheroids of human liver cells (HepG2 cells) were formed and cultured under vertical-flow perfusion, and the proliferation ability and liver cell-specific functions were compared with those of cells cultured in non-porous chambers with a horizontal flow. The presented system realizes both size-controlled formation of spheroids and direct medium supply, making it suitable as a precision cell culture platform for drug development, disease modelling, and regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mai Takagi
- Department of Applied Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Chiba University, 1-33 Yayoi-cho, Inage-ku, Chiba 263-8522, Japan.
| | - Masumi Yamada
- Department of Applied Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Chiba University, 1-33 Yayoi-cho, Inage-ku, Chiba 263-8522, Japan.
| | - Rie Utoh
- Department of Applied Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Chiba University, 1-33 Yayoi-cho, Inage-ku, Chiba 263-8522, Japan.
| | - Minoru Seki
- Department of Applied Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Chiba University, 1-33 Yayoi-cho, Inage-ku, Chiba 263-8522, Japan.
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17
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Liu S, Kumari S, He H, Mishra P, Singh BN, Singh D, Liu S, Srivastava P, Li C. Biosensors integrated 3D organoid/organ-on-a-chip system: A real-time biomechanical, biophysical, and biochemical monitoring and characterization. Biosens Bioelectron 2023; 231:115285. [PMID: 37058958 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2023.115285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
As a full-fidelity simulation of human cells, tissues, organs, and even systems at the microscopic scale, Organ-on-a-Chip (OOC) has significant ethical advantages and development potential compared to animal experiments. The need for the design of new drug high-throughput screening platforms and the mechanistic study of human tissues/organs under pathological conditions, the evolving advances in 3D cell biology and engineering, etc., have promoted the updating of technologies in this field, such as the iteration of chip materials and 3D printing, which in turn facilitate the connection of complex multi-organs-on-chips for simulation and the further development of technology-composite new drug high-throughput screening platforms. As the most critical part of organ-on-a-chip design and practical application, verifying the success of organ model modeling, i.e., evaluating various biochemical and physical parameters in OOC devices, is crucial. Therefore, this paper provides a logical and comprehensive review and discussion of the advances in organ-on-a-chip detection and evaluation technologies from a broad perspective, covering the directions of tissue engineering scaffolds, microenvironment, single/multi-organ function, and stimulus-based evaluation, and provides a more comprehensive review of the progress in the significant organ-on-a-chip research areas in the physiological state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Liu
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Department of Medical Genetics, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Shikha Kumari
- School of Biochemical Engineering, IIT BHU, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Hongyi He
- West China School of Medicine & West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Parichita Mishra
- Department of Ageing Research, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Bhisham Narayan Singh
- Department of Ageing Research, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Divakar Singh
- School of Biochemical Engineering, IIT BHU, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sutong Liu
- Juxing College of Digital Economics, Haikou University of Economics, Haikou, 570100, China
| | - Pradeep Srivastava
- School of Biochemical Engineering, IIT BHU, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
| | - Chenzhong Li
- Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong(Shenzhen), Shenzhen, 518172, China.
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18
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Isin EM. Unusual Biotransformation Reactions of Drugs and Drug Candidates. Drug Metab Dispos 2023; 51:413-426. [PMID: 36653118 DOI: 10.1124/dmd.121.000744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Detailed assessment of the fate of drugs in nonclinical test species and humans is essential to ensure the safety and efficacy of medicines in patients. In this context, biotransformation of drugs and drug candidates has been an area of keen interest over many decades in the pharmaceutical industry as well as academia. Although many of the enzymes and biotransformation pathways involved in the metabolism of xenobiotics and more specifically drugs have been well characterized, each drug molecule is unique and constitutes specific challenges for the biotransformation scientist. In this mini-review written for the special issue on the occasion of the 50th Anniversary celebration of Drug Metabolism and Disposition and to celebrate contributions of F. Peter Guengerich, one of the pioneers of the drug metabolism field, recently reported "unusual" biotransformation reactions are presented. Scientific and technological advances in the "toolbox" of the biotransformation scientists are summarized. As the pharmaceutical industry continues to explore therapeutic modalities different from the traditional small molecule drugs, the new challenges confronting the biotransformation scientist as well as future opportunities are discussed. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: For the biotransformation scientists, it is essential to share and be aware of unexpected biotransformation reactions so that they can increase their confidence in predicting metabolites of drugs in humans to ensure the safety and efficacy of these metabolites before the medicines reach large numbers of patients. The purpose of this review is to highlight recent observations of "unusual" metabolites so that the scientists working in the area of drug metabolism can strengthen their readiness in expecting the unexpected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emre M Isin
- Translational Medicine, Servier, 25/27 Rue Eugène Vignat, 45000, Orléans, France
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19
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Yang S, Ooka M, Margolis RJ, Xia M. Liver three-dimensional cellular models for high-throughput chemical testing. CELL REPORTS METHODS 2023; 3:100432. [PMID: 37056374 PMCID: PMC10088249 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmeth.2023.100432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
Drug-induced hepatotoxicity is a leading cause of drug withdrawal from the market. High-throughput screening utilizing in vitro liver models is critical for early-stage liver toxicity testing. Traditionally, monolayer human hepatocytes or immortalized liver cell lines (e.g., HepG2, HepaRG) have been used to test compound liver toxicity. However, monolayer-cultured liver cells sometimes lack the metabolic competence to mimic the in vivo condition and are therefore largely appropriate for short-term toxicological testing. They may not, however, be adequate for identifying chronic and recurring liver damage caused by drugs. Recently, several three-dimensional (3D) liver models have been developed. These 3D liver models better recapitulate normal liver function and metabolic capacity. This review describes the current development of 3D liver models that can be used to test drugs/chemicals for their pharmacologic and toxicologic effects, as well as the advantages and limitations of using these 3D liver models for high-throughput screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu Yang
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Masato Ooka
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Ryan Jared Margolis
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Menghang Xia
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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20
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Cuvellier M, Rose S, Ezan F, Jarry U, De Oliveira H, Bruyère A, Drieu La Rochelle C, Legagneux V, Langouet S, Baffet G. In vitro long term differentiation and functionality of three-dimensional bioprinted primary human hepatocytes: application for in vivo engraftment. Biofabrication 2022; 14. [PMID: 35696992 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/ac7825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
In recent decades, 3D in vitro cultures of primary human hepatocytes (PHH) have been increasingly developed to establish models capable of faithfully mimicking main liver functions. The use of 3D bioprinting, capable of recreating structures composed of cells embedded in matrix with controlled microarchitectures, is an emergent key feature for tissue engineering. In this work, we used an extrusion-based system to print PHH in a methacrylated gelatin matrix (GelMa). PHH bioprinted in GelMa rapidly organized into polarized hollow spheroids and were viable for at least 28 days of culture. These PHH were highly differentiated with maintenance of liver differentiation genes over time, as demonstrated by transcriptomic analysis and functional approaches. The cells were polarized with localization of apico/canalicular regions, and displayed activities of phase I and II biotransformation enzymes that could be regulated by inducers. Furthermore, the implantation of the bioprinted structures in mice demonstrated their capability to vascularize, and their ability to maintain human hepatic specific functions for at least 28 days was illustrated by albumin secretion and debrisoquine metabolism. This model could hold great promise for human liver tissue generation and its use in future biotechnological developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Cuvellier
- Irset (Institut de recherche en santé́ environnement et travail) - UMR_S 1085, 2 Av du Pr Léon Bernard, Rennes, 35000, FRANCE
| | - Sophie Rose
- Irset (Institut de recherche en santé́ environnement et travail) - UMR_S 1085, 2 Av du pr Léon Bernard, Rennes, 35000, FRANCE
| | - Frédéric Ezan
- Irset (Institut de recherche en santé́ environnement et travail) - UMR_S 1085, 2 Av du pr Léon Bernard, Rennes, 35000, FRANCE
| | - Ulrich Jarry
- Unité de Pharmacologie Préclinique, Rennes, France, Biotrial Pharmacology, 7-9 Rue Jean-Louis Bertrand, Rennes, 35000, FRANCE
| | - Hugo De Oliveira
- , Université de Bordeaux, Bioingénierie tissulaire, rue Léo Saignat, Bordeaux, 33076, FRANCE
| | - Arnaud Bruyère
- Irset (Institut de recherche en santé́ environnement et travail) - UMR_S 1085, 2 Av. du Pr Léon Bernard, Rennes, 35000, FRANCE
| | - Christophe Drieu La Rochelle
- Unité de Pharmacologie Préclinique, Rennes, France, Biotrial Pharmacology, 7-9 Rue Jean-Louis Bertrand, Rennes, 35000, FRANCE
| | - Vincent Legagneux
- Irset (Institut de recherche en santé́ environnement et travail) - UMR_S 1085, 2 Av. du Pr Léon Bernard, Rennes, 35000, FRANCE
| | - Sophie Langouet
- Irset (Institut de recherche en santé́ environnement et travail) - UMR_S 1085, 2 Av. du Pr Léon Bernard, Rennes, 35000, FRANCE
| | - Georges Baffet
- Irset (Institut de recherche en santé́ environnement et travail) - UMR_S 1085, 2 Av. du Pr Léon Bernard, Rennes, 35000, FRANCE
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21
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Cox B, Barton P, Class R, Coxhead H, Delatour C, Gillent E, Henshall J, Isin EM, King L, Valentin JP. Setup of human liver-chips integrating 3D models, microwells and a standardized microfluidic platform as proof-of-concept study to support drug evaluation. BIOMATERIALS AND BIOSYSTEMS 2022; 7:100054. [PMID: 36824483 PMCID: PMC9934436 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbiosy.2022.100054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/29/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Human 3D liver microtissues/spheroids are powerful in vitro models to study drug-induced liver injury (DILI) but the small number of cells per spheroid limits the models' usefulness to study drug metabolism. In this work, we scale up the number of spheroids on both a plate and a standardized organ-chip platform by factor 100 using a basic method which requires only limited technical expertise. We successfully generated up to 100 spheroids using polymer-coated microwells in a 96-well plate (= liver-plate) or organ-chip (= liver-chip). Liver-chips display a comparable cellular CYP3A4 activity, viability, and biomarker expression as liver spheroids for at least one week, while liver-plate cultures display an overall reduced hepatic functionality. To prove its applicability to drug discovery and development, the liver-chip was used to test selected reference compounds. The test system could discriminate toxicity of the DILI-positive compound tolcapone from its less hepatotoxic structural analogue entacapone, using biochemical and morphological readouts. Following incubation with diclofenac, the liver-chips had an increased metabolite formation compared to standard spheroid cultures. In summary, we generated a human liver-chip model using a standardized organ-chip platform which combines up to 100 spheroids and can be used for the evaluation of both drug safety and metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benoit Cox
- Development Science, UCB Biopharma SRL, Chemin du Foriest 1, B1420 Braine-l'Alleud, Belgium,Corresponding author.
| | - Patrick Barton
- Development Science, UCB Biopharma SRL, 216 Bath Rd, Slough, Berkshire SL1 3WE, UK
| | - Reiner Class
- Development Science, UCB Biopharma SRL, Chemin du Foriest 1, B1420 Braine-l'Alleud, Belgium
| | - Hannah Coxhead
- Development Science, UCB Biopharma SRL, Chemin du Foriest 1, B1420 Braine-l'Alleud, Belgium
| | - Claude Delatour
- Development Science, UCB Biopharma SRL, Chemin du Foriest 1, B1420 Braine-l'Alleud, Belgium
| | - Eric Gillent
- Development Science, UCB Biopharma SRL, Chemin du Foriest 1, B1420 Braine-l'Alleud, Belgium
| | - Jamie Henshall
- Development Science, UCB Biopharma SRL, 216 Bath Rd, Slough, Berkshire SL1 3WE, UK
| | - Emre M. Isin
- Development Science, UCB Biopharma SRL, Chemin du Foriest 1, B1420 Braine-l'Alleud, Belgium
| | - Lloyd King
- Development Science, UCB Biopharma SRL, 216 Bath Rd, Slough, Berkshire SL1 3WE, UK
| | - Jean-Pierre Valentin
- Development Science, UCB Biopharma SRL, Chemin du Foriest 1, B1420 Braine-l'Alleud, Belgium
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22
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He T, Qiao S, Ma C, Peng Z, Wu Z, Ma C, Han L, Deng Q, Zhang T, Zhu Y, Pan G. FEK self-assembled peptide hydrogels facilitate primary hepatocytes culture and pharmacokinetics screening. J Biomed Mater Res B Appl Biomater 2022; 110:2015-2027. [PMID: 35301798 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.b.35056] [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: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
A FEFEFKFK (FEK, F, phenylalaninyl; E, glutamyl; K, lysinyl)-based self-assembling peptide hydrogel (FEK-SAPH) was developed to replace sandwich culture (SC) for improved culture of primary hepatocytes in vitro. Under neutral conditions, FEK self-assembles to form β-sheet nanofibers, which in turn form FEK-SAPH. For the culture of rat primary hepatocytes (RPH), the use of FEK-SAPH simplified operation steps and promoted excellent cell-cell interactions while maintaining the SC-related RPH polarity trend. Compared with SC, FEK-SAPH cultured RPH for 14 days, the bile duct network was formed, the secretion of albumin and urea was improved, and the metabolic clearance rate based on cytochrome P450 (CYPs) was comparable. In FEK-SAPH culture, the expression level of the biliary efflux transporter bile salt export pump increased by 230.7%, while the biliary excretion index value of deuterium-labeled sodium taurocholate (d8-TCA) differed slightly from the SC value (72% and 77%, respectively, p = .0195). The inhibitory effect of cholestasis drugs on FEK-SAPH was significantly higher than that of SC. In FEK-SAPH, hepatoprotective drugs were more effective in antagonizing hepatotoxicity induced by lithocholic acid (LCA). FEK-SAPH cultured RPH with hepatoprotective drugs can better recover from LCA-induced damage. In summary, FEK-SAPH can be used as a substitute for SC for pharmacokinetic screening to evaluate the drug absorption, disposition, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) in hepatocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting He
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, China.,Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Shida Qiao
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chen Ma
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhaoliang Peng
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhitao Wu
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Chenhui Ma
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Li Han
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qiangqiang Deng
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Tianwei Zhang
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yishen Zhu
- College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, China
| | - Guoyu Pan
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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23
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Docci L, Milani N, Ramp T, Romeo AA, Godoy P, Franyuti DO, Krähenbühl S, Gertz M, Galetin A, Parrott N, Fowler S. Exploration and application of a liver-on-a-chip device in combination with modelling and simulation for quantitative drug metabolism studies. LAB ON A CHIP 2022; 22:1187-1205. [PMID: 35107462 DOI: 10.1039/d1lc01161h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Microphysiological systems (MPS) are complex and more physiologically realistic cellular in vitro tools that aim to provide more relevant human in vitro data for quantitative prediction of clinical pharmacokinetics while also reducing the need for animal testing. The PhysioMimix liver-on-a-chip integrates medium flow with hepatocyte culture and has the potential to be adopted for in vitro studies investigating the hepatic disposition characteristics of drug candidates. The current study focusses on liver-on-a-chip system exploration for multiple drug metabolism applications. Characterization of cytochrome P450 (CYP), UDP-glucuronosyl transferase (UGT) and aldehyde oxidase (AO) activities was performed using 15 drugs and in vitro to in vivo extrapolation (IVIVE) was assessed for 12 of them. Next, the utility of the liver-on-a-chip for estimation of the fraction metabolized (fm) via specific biotransformation pathways of quinidine and diclofenac was established. Finally, the metabolite identification opportunities were also explored using efavirenz as an example drug with complex primary and secondary metabolism involving a combination of CYP, UGT and sulfotransferase enzymes. A key aspect of these investigations was the application of mathematical modelling for improved parameter calculation. Such approaches will be required for quantitative assessment of metabolism and/or transporter processes in systems where medium flow and system compartments result in non-homogeneous drug concentrations. In particular, modelling was used to explore the effect of evaporation from the medium and it was found that the intrinsic clearance (CLint) might be underestimated by up to 40% for low clearance compounds if evaporation is not accounted for. Modelling of liver-on-a-chip in vitro data also enhanced the approach to fm estimation allowing objective assessment of metabolism models of different complexity. The resultant diclofenac fm,UGT of 0.64 was highly comparable with values reported previously in the literature. The current study demonstrates the integration of mathematical modelling with experimental liver-on-a-chip studies and illustrates how this approach supports generation of high quality of data from complex in vitro cellular systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Docci
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070, Basel, Switzerland.
- Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology, University Hospital, Schanzenstrasse 55, 4031, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Nicolò Milani
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070, Basel, Switzerland.
- Centre for Applied Pharmacokinetic Research, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, UK
| | - Thomas Ramp
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Andrea A Romeo
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Patricio Godoy
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Daniela Ortiz Franyuti
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Stephan Krähenbühl
- Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology, University Hospital, Schanzenstrasse 55, 4031, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Michael Gertz
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Aleksandra Galetin
- Centre for Applied Pharmacokinetic Research, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, UK
| | - Neil Parrott
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Stephen Fowler
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070, Basel, Switzerland.
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24
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Preiss LC, Lauschke VM, Georgi K, Petersson C. Multi-Well Array Culture of Primary Human Hepatocyte Spheroids for Clearance Extrapolation of Slowly Metabolized Compounds. AAPS J 2022; 24:41. [PMID: 35277751 DOI: 10.1208/s12248-022-00689-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Accurate prediction of human pharmacokinetics using in vitro tools is an important task during drug development. Albeit, currently used in vitro systems for clearance extrapolation such as microsomes and primary human hepatocytes in suspension culture show reproducible turnover, the utility of these systems is limited by a rapid decline of activity of drug metabolizing enzymes. In this study, a multi-well array culture of primary human hepatocyte spheroids was compared to suspension and single spheroid cultures from the same donor. Multi-well spheroids remained viable and functional over the incubation time of 3 days, showing physiological excretion of albumin and α-AGP. Their metabolic activity was similar compared to suspension and single spheroid cultures. This physiological activity, the high cell concentration, and the prolonged incubation time resulted in significant turnover of all tested low clearance compounds (n = 8). In stark contrast, only one or none of the compounds showed significant turnover when single spheroid or suspension cultures were used. Using multi-well spheroids and a regression offset approach (log(CLint) = 1.1 × + 0.85), clearance was predicted within 3-fold for 93% (13/14) of the tested compounds. Thus, multi-well spheroids represent a novel and valuable addition to the ADME in vitro tool kit for the determination of low clearance and overall clearance prediction. Graphical Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena C Preiss
- Department of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics (DMPK), The Healthcare Business of Merck KGaA, Frankfurter Str. 250, 64293, Darmstadt, Germany.,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Volker M Lauschke
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Dr Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Stuttgart, Germany.,University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Katrin Georgi
- Department of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics (DMPK), The Healthcare Business of Merck KGaA, Frankfurter Str. 250, 64293, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Carl Petersson
- Department of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics (DMPK), The Healthcare Business of Merck KGaA, Frankfurter Str. 250, 64293, Darmstadt, Germany.
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25
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Establishment of large canine hepatocyte spheroids by mixing vascular endothelial cells and canine adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells. Regen Ther 2022; 19:1-8. [PMID: 35024388 PMCID: PMC8728312 DOI: 10.1016/j.reth.2021.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Differentiation of hepatocytes and culture methods have been investigated in dogs as a tool to establish liver transplant and drug metabolism examination systems. However, mass culture techniques for canine hepatocytes (cHep) have not been investigated, and it is necessary to construct a suitable culture system. Recently, a protocol called Bud production has attracted attention, and a mixed culture of human and mouse hepatocytes, stem cells, and artificial blood vessels significantly improved the size and formation ratio of spheroids. The purpose of this study was to investigate and improve the in vitro culture of cHep by mixing canine adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (cASCs) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Methods Spheroid formation ratio and histological examination were evaluated among four culture methods, including cHep alone, two-mix (cHep + cASCs and cHep + HUVEC), and three-mix (cHep + HUVEC + cASCs), on days 0, 4, and 7. Expression levels of liver-related genes (ALB, AFP, α1-AT, CDH1, CYP2E1, CYP3A12, and TAT) were evaluated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Protein expression of albumin, vimentin, and von Willebrand Factor (vWF) was investigated to confirm the location of the hepatocytes. Results The ratio of spheroid formation was 60.2% in the three-mix culture and was significantly improved compared with cHep alone (5.9%) and two-mix; cHep + cASCs (36.2%) and cHep + HUVEC (26.4%) (P < 0.001). Histological evaluation revealed that the three-mix spheroids formed large canine hepatocyte spheroids (LcHS), and hepatocytes were distributed in the center of the spheroids. Quantitative gene expression analysis of LcHS showed that liver-related genes expression were maintained the same levels with that of a culture of cHep alone from days 4-7. Conclusion These results revealed that the three-mix culture method using cHep, HUVECs, and cASCs was capable of promoting LcHS without impairing liver function in cHep, suggesting that LcHS could be used for the application of high-volume culture techniques in dogs.
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Key Words
- 3D, three-dimensions
- AFP, α-fetoprotein
- ALB, albumin
- CD, cluster of differentiation
- CDH1, cadherin-1 (epithelital-cadherin)
- CYP, cytochrome
- Canine
- DILI, drug induced liver injury
- EGM, endothelial cell growth medium
- FBS, fetal bovine serum
- HGM, hepatocyte growth medium
- HTM, hepatocyte thawing medium
- HUVEC, human umbilical vein endothelial cells
- Hepatocyte
- LcHS, large canine hepatocyte spheroids
- MSCGM, mesenchymal stem cell growth medium
- Mesenchymal stem cells
- PBS, phosphate-buffered saline
- SF-HGM, hepatocyte growth medium for spheroid formation
- Spheroids
- TAT, tyrosine aminotransferase
- Three-dimensions
- cASC, canine adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells
- cHep, canine primary-cultured hepatocytes
- hFGF, human fibroblast growth factor
- iPSC, induced pluripotent stem cells
- rf-HGF, recombinant ferine hepatocyte growth factor
- α1-AT, α1-antitrypsin
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26
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Youhanna S, Kemas AM, Preiss L, Zhou Y, Shen JX, Cakal SD, Paqualini FS, Goparaju SK, Shafagh RZ, Lind JU, Sellgren CM, Lauschke VM. Organotypic and Microphysiological Human Tissue Models for Drug Discovery and Development-Current State-of-the-Art and Future Perspectives. Pharmacol Rev 2022; 74:141-206. [PMID: 35017176 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.120.000238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The number of successful drug development projects has been stagnant for decades despite major breakthroughs in chemistry, molecular biology, and genetics. Unreliable target identification and poor translatability of preclinical models have been identified as major causes of failure. To improve predictions of clinical efficacy and safety, interest has shifted to three-dimensional culture methods in which human cells can retain many physiologically and functionally relevant phenotypes for extended periods of time. Here, we review the state of the art of available organotypic culture techniques and critically review emerging models of human tissues with key importance for pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and toxicity. In addition, developments in bioprinting and microfluidic multiorgan cultures to emulate systemic drug disposition are summarized. We close by highlighting important trends regarding the fabrication of organotypic culture platforms and the choice of platform material to limit drug absorption and polymer leaching while supporting the phenotypic maintenance of cultured cells and allowing for scalable device fabrication. We conclude that organotypic and microphysiological human tissue models constitute promising systems to promote drug discovery and development by facilitating drug target identification and improving the preclinical evaluation of drug toxicity and pharmacokinetics. There is, however, a critical need for further validation, benchmarking, and consolidation efforts ideally conducted in intersectoral multicenter settings to accelerate acceptance of these novel models as reliable tools for translational pharmacology and toxicology. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Organotypic and microphysiological culture of human cells has emerged as a promising tool for preclinical drug discovery and development that might be able to narrow the translation gap. This review discusses recent technological and methodological advancements and the use of these systems for hit discovery and the evaluation of toxicity, clearance, and absorption of lead compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Youhanna
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden (S.Y., A.M.K., L.P., Y.Z., J.X.S., S.K.G., R.Z.S., C.M.S., V.M.L.); Department of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics (DMPK), Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany (L.P.); Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark (S.D.C., J.U.L.); Synthetic Physiology Laboratory, Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy (F.S.P.); Division of Micro- and Nanosystems, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden (Z.S.); and Dr Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Stuttgart, Germany (V.M.L.)
| | - Aurino M Kemas
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden (S.Y., A.M.K., L.P., Y.Z., J.X.S., S.K.G., R.Z.S., C.M.S., V.M.L.); Department of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics (DMPK), Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany (L.P.); Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark (S.D.C., J.U.L.); Synthetic Physiology Laboratory, Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy (F.S.P.); Division of Micro- and Nanosystems, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden (Z.S.); and Dr Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Stuttgart, Germany (V.M.L.)
| | - Lena Preiss
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden (S.Y., A.M.K., L.P., Y.Z., J.X.S., S.K.G., R.Z.S., C.M.S., V.M.L.); Department of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics (DMPK), Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany (L.P.); Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark (S.D.C., J.U.L.); Synthetic Physiology Laboratory, Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy (F.S.P.); Division of Micro- and Nanosystems, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden (Z.S.); and Dr Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Stuttgart, Germany (V.M.L.)
| | - Yitian Zhou
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden (S.Y., A.M.K., L.P., Y.Z., J.X.S., S.K.G., R.Z.S., C.M.S., V.M.L.); Department of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics (DMPK), Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany (L.P.); Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark (S.D.C., J.U.L.); Synthetic Physiology Laboratory, Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy (F.S.P.); Division of Micro- and Nanosystems, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden (Z.S.); and Dr Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Stuttgart, Germany (V.M.L.)
| | - Joanne X Shen
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden (S.Y., A.M.K., L.P., Y.Z., J.X.S., S.K.G., R.Z.S., C.M.S., V.M.L.); Department of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics (DMPK), Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany (L.P.); Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark (S.D.C., J.U.L.); Synthetic Physiology Laboratory, Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy (F.S.P.); Division of Micro- and Nanosystems, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden (Z.S.); and Dr Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Stuttgart, Germany (V.M.L.)
| | - Selgin D Cakal
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden (S.Y., A.M.K., L.P., Y.Z., J.X.S., S.K.G., R.Z.S., C.M.S., V.M.L.); Department of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics (DMPK), Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany (L.P.); Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark (S.D.C., J.U.L.); Synthetic Physiology Laboratory, Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy (F.S.P.); Division of Micro- and Nanosystems, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden (Z.S.); and Dr Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Stuttgart, Germany (V.M.L.)
| | - Francesco S Paqualini
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden (S.Y., A.M.K., L.P., Y.Z., J.X.S., S.K.G., R.Z.S., C.M.S., V.M.L.); Department of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics (DMPK), Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany (L.P.); Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark (S.D.C., J.U.L.); Synthetic Physiology Laboratory, Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy (F.S.P.); Division of Micro- and Nanosystems, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden (Z.S.); and Dr Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Stuttgart, Germany (V.M.L.)
| | - Sravan K Goparaju
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden (S.Y., A.M.K., L.P., Y.Z., J.X.S., S.K.G., R.Z.S., C.M.S., V.M.L.); Department of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics (DMPK), Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany (L.P.); Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark (S.D.C., J.U.L.); Synthetic Physiology Laboratory, Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy (F.S.P.); Division of Micro- and Nanosystems, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden (Z.S.); and Dr Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Stuttgart, Germany (V.M.L.)
| | - Reza Zandi Shafagh
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden (S.Y., A.M.K., L.P., Y.Z., J.X.S., S.K.G., R.Z.S., C.M.S., V.M.L.); Department of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics (DMPK), Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany (L.P.); Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark (S.D.C., J.U.L.); Synthetic Physiology Laboratory, Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy (F.S.P.); Division of Micro- and Nanosystems, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden (Z.S.); and Dr Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Stuttgart, Germany (V.M.L.)
| | - Johan Ulrik Lind
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden (S.Y., A.M.K., L.P., Y.Z., J.X.S., S.K.G., R.Z.S., C.M.S., V.M.L.); Department of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics (DMPK), Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany (L.P.); Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark (S.D.C., J.U.L.); Synthetic Physiology Laboratory, Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy (F.S.P.); Division of Micro- and Nanosystems, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden (Z.S.); and Dr Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Stuttgart, Germany (V.M.L.)
| | - Carl M Sellgren
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden (S.Y., A.M.K., L.P., Y.Z., J.X.S., S.K.G., R.Z.S., C.M.S., V.M.L.); Department of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics (DMPK), Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany (L.P.); Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark (S.D.C., J.U.L.); Synthetic Physiology Laboratory, Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy (F.S.P.); Division of Micro- and Nanosystems, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden (Z.S.); and Dr Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Stuttgart, Germany (V.M.L.)
| | - Volker M Lauschke
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden (S.Y., A.M.K., L.P., Y.Z., J.X.S., S.K.G., R.Z.S., C.M.S., V.M.L.); Department of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics (DMPK), Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany (L.P.); Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark (S.D.C., J.U.L.); Synthetic Physiology Laboratory, Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy (F.S.P.); Division of Micro- and Nanosystems, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden (Z.S.); and Dr Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Stuttgart, Germany (V.M.L.)
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27
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Ménochet K, Yu H, Wang B, Tibbitts J, Hsu CP, Kamath AV, Richter WF, Baumann A. Non-human primates in the PKPD evaluation of biologics: Needs and options to reduce, refine, and replace. A BioSafe White Paper. MAbs 2022; 14:2145997. [PMID: 36418217 PMCID: PMC9704389 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2022.2145997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) deliver great benefits to patients with chronic and/or severe diseases thanks to their strong specificity to the therapeutic target. As a result of this specificity, non-human primates (NHP) are often the only preclinical species in which therapeutic antibodies cross-react with the target. Here, we highlight the value and limitations that NHP studies bring to the design of safe and efficient early clinical trials. Indeed, data generated in NHPs are integrated with in vitro information to predict the concentration/effect relationship in human, and therefore the doses to be tested in first-in-human trials. The similarities and differences in the systems defining the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics (PKPD) of mAbs in NHP and human define the nature and the potential of the preclinical investigations performed in NHPs. Examples have been collated where the use of NHP was either pivotal to the design of the first-in-human trial or, inversely, led to the termination of a project prior to clinical development. The potential impact of immunogenicity on the results generated in NHPs is discussed. Strategies to optimize the use of NHPs for PKPD purposes include the addition of PD endpoints in safety assessment studies and the potential re-use of NHPs after non-terminal studies or cassette dosing several therapeutic agents of interest. Efforts are also made to reduce the use of NHPs in the industry through the use of in vitro systems, alternative in vivo models, and in silico approaches. In the case of prediction of ocular PK, the body of evidence gathered over the last two decades renders the use of NHPs obsolete. Expert perspectives, advantages, and pitfalls with these alternative approaches are shared in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hongbin Yu
- R&D Project Management and Development Strategies, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc, Ridgefield, CT, USA
| | - Bonnie Wang
- Nonclinical Disposition and Bioanalysis, Bristol Myers Squibb, Inc, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Jay Tibbitts
- Nonclinical Development, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Cheng-Pang Hsu
- Preclinical Development and Clinical Pharmacology, AskGene Pharma Inc, Camarillo, CA, USA
| | - Amrita V. Kamath
- Preclinical and Translational Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics, Genentech Inc, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Wolfgang F. Richter
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation, Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Baumann
- R&D, Bayer Pharma AG, Berlin, Germany & Non-clinical Biotech Consulting, Potsdam, Germany °(° present affiliation)
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28
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Zhang Y, Liu L, Li N, Wang Y, Yue X. 3D scaffold fabricated with composite material for cell culture and its derived platform for safety evaluation of drugs. Toxicology 2021; 466:153066. [PMID: 34919984 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2021.153066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
In order to overcome the weakness of conventional approaches for cell culture, and provide cells with more in vivo-like microenvironment for studying hepatotoxicity of drugs, "multiple-in-one" strategy was adopted to fabricate a 3D scaffold of silk fibroin/hydroxyapatite/poly lacticco-glycolic acid (SF/HA/PLGA), where HepG2 cells were cultivated and the toxicity of drugs to the cells was investigated. The prepared 3D scaffold proves to bear proper porosity, excellent mechanical property, steady pH environment and good biocompatibility for cell culture. Furthermore, the validity of the developed 3D-SF/HA/PLGA-scaffold based platform was verified by probing the toxicity of a known drug-induced liver injury (DILI) concern acetaminophen (APAP) to HepG2 cells. Eventually, an application of the platform to dioscin (a medicinal plant extract) reveals the hepatotoxicity of dioscin, which involves the inhibition of the expression of CYP3A4 mRNA in the cells. The developed 3D-SF/HA/PLGA-scaffold platform may become a universal avenue for safety evaluation of drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanni Zhang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Development of Endangered Crude Drugs in Northwest China, The Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry, The Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710062, China.
| | - Le Liu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Development of Endangered Crude Drugs in Northwest China, The Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry, The Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710062, China
| | - Na Li
- National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Development of Endangered Crude Drugs in Northwest China, The Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry, The Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710062, China
| | - Yihua Wang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Development of Endangered Crude Drugs in Northwest China, The Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry, The Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710062, China
| | - Xuanfeng Yue
- Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science of Shaanxi Province, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering of Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710062, China.
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Handin N, Mickols E, Ölander M, Rudfeldt J, Blom K, Nyberg F, Senkowski W, Urdzik J, Maturi V, Fryknäs M, Artursson P. Conditions for maintenance of hepatocyte differentiation and function in 3D cultures. iScience 2021; 24:103235. [PMID: 34746700 PMCID: PMC8551077 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.103235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Spheroid cultures of primary human hepatocytes (PHH) are used in studies of hepatic drug metabolism and toxicity. The cultures are maintained under different conditions, with possible confounding results. We performed an in-depth analysis of the influence of various culture conditions to find the optimal conditions for the maintenance of an in vivo like phenotype. The formation, protein expression, and function of PHH spheroids were followed for three weeks in a high-throughput 384-well format. Medium composition affected spheroid histology, global proteome profile, drug metabolism and drug-induced toxicity. No epithelial-mesenchymal transition was observed. Media with fasting glucose and insulin levels gave spheroids with phenotypes closest to normal PHH. The most expensive medium resulted in PHH features most divergent from that of native PHH. Our results provide a protocol for culture of healthy PHH with maintained function - a prerequisite for studies of hepatocyte homeostasis and more reproducible hepatocyte research. 3D spheroid cultures were established in 384-well format Eight different media variants were used to optimize the 3D cultures Optimized William's medium was as good as expensive commercial medium The 3D cultures were used to study drug metabolism and toxicity
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Affiliation(s)
- Niklas Handin
- Department of Pharmacy, Uppsala University, 75123 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Evgeniya Mickols
- Department of Pharmacy, Uppsala University, 75123 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Magnus Ölander
- Department of Pharmacy, Uppsala University, 75123 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jakob Rudfeldt
- Department of Medical Sciences, Division of Cancer Pharmacology and Computational Medicine, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Kristin Blom
- Department of Medical Sciences, Division of Cancer Pharmacology and Computational Medicine, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Frida Nyberg
- Department of Medical Sciences, Division of Cancer Pharmacology and Computational Medicine, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Wojciech Senkowski
- Department of Medical Sciences, Division of Cancer Pharmacology and Computational Medicine, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.,Biotech Research & Innovation Centre (BRIC) and Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Biology (DanStem), University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Jozef Urdzik
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Varun Maturi
- Department of Pharmacy, Uppsala University, 75123 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Mårten Fryknäs
- Department of Medical Sciences, Division of Cancer Pharmacology and Computational Medicine, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Per Artursson
- Department of Pharmacy, Uppsala University, 75123 Uppsala, Sweden
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Smutny T, Bernhauerova V, Smutna L, Tebbens JD, Pavek P. Expression dynamics of pregnane X receptor-controlled genes in 3D primary human hepatocyte spheroids. Arch Toxicol 2021; 96:195-210. [PMID: 34689256 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-021-03177-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The pregnane X receptor (PXR) is a ligand-activated nuclear receptor controlling hepatocyte expression of numerous genes. Although expression changes in xenobiotic-metabolizing, lipogenic, gluconeogenic and bile acid synthetic genes have been described after PXR activation, the temporal dynamics of their expression is largely unknown. Recently, 3D spheroids of primary human hepatocytes (PHHs) have been characterized as the most phenotypically relevant hepatocyte model. We used 3D PHHs to assess time-dependent expression profiles of 12 prototypic PXR-controlled genes in the time course of 168 h of rifampicin treatment (1 or 10 µM). We observed a similar bell-shaped time-induction pattern for xenobiotic-handling genes (CYP3A4, CYP2C9, CYP2B6, and MDR1). However, we observed either biphasic profiles for genes involved in endogenous metabolism (FASN, GLUT2, G6PC, PCK1, and CYP7A1), a decrease for SHP or oscillation for PDK4 and PXR. The rifampicin concentration determined the expression profiles for some genes. Moreover, we calculated half-lives of CYP3A4 and CYP2C9 mRNA under induced or basal conditions and we used a mathematical model to describe PXR-mediated regulation of CYP3A4 expression employing 3D PHHs. The study shows the importance of long-term time-expression profiling of PXR target genes in phenotypically stable 3D PHHs and provides insight into PXR function in liver beyond our knowledge from conventional 2D in vitro models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomas Smutny
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove, Charles University, Akademika Heyrovskeho 1203, Hradec Kralove, 500 05, Czech Republic.
| | - Veronika Bernhauerova
- Department of Biophysics and Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove, Charles University, Akademika Heyrovskeho 1203, Hradec Kralove, 500 05, Czech Republic
| | - Lucie Smutna
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove, Charles University, Akademika Heyrovskeho 1203, Hradec Kralove, 500 05, Czech Republic
| | - Jurjen Duintjer Tebbens
- Department of Biophysics and Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove, Charles University, Akademika Heyrovskeho 1203, Hradec Kralove, 500 05, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Pavek
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove, Charles University, Akademika Heyrovskeho 1203, Hradec Kralove, 500 05, Czech Republic
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31
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Three-Dimensional Liver Culture Systems to Maintain Primary Hepatic Properties for Toxicological Analysis In Vitro. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910214. [PMID: 34638555 PMCID: PMC8508724 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is the major reason for failures in drug development and withdrawal of approved drugs from the market. Two-dimensional cultures of hepatocytes often fail to reliably predict DILI: hepatoma cell lines such as HepG2 do not reflect important primary-like hepatic properties and primary human hepatocytes (pHHs) dedifferentiate quickly in vitro and are, therefore, not suitable for long-term toxicity studies. More predictive liver in vitro models are urgently required in drug development and compound safety evaluation. This review discusses available human hepatic cell types for in vitro toxicology analysis and their usage in established and emerging three-dimensional (3D) culture systems. Generally, 3D cultures maintain or improve primary hepatic functions (including expression of drug-metabolizing enzymes) of different liver cells for several weeks of culture, thus allowing long-term and repeated-dose toxicity studies. Spheroid cultures of pHHs have been comprehensively tested, but also other cell types such as HepaRG benefit from 3D culture systems. Emerging 3D culture techniques include usage of induced pluripotent stem-cell-derived hepatocytes and primary-like upcyte cells, as well as advanced culture techniques such as microfluidic liver-on-a-chip models. In-depth characterization of existing and emerging 3D hepatocyte technologies is indispensable for successful implementation of such systems in toxicological analysis.
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32
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Gajula SNR, Nadimpalli N, Sonti R. Drug metabolic stability in early drug discovery to develop potential lead compounds. Drug Metab Rev 2021; 53:459-477. [PMID: 34406889 DOI: 10.1080/03602532.2021.1970178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Knowledge of the metabolic stability of a new drug substance eliminated by biotransformation is essential for envisaging the pharmacokinetic parameters required for deciding drug dosing and frequency. Strategies aimed at modifying lead compounds may improve metabolic stability, thereby reducing the drug dosing frequency. Replacement of selective hydrogens with deuterium can effectively enhance the drug's metabolic stability by increasing the biological half-life. Further, cyclization, change in ring size, and chirality can substantially improve the metabolic stability of drugs. The microsomal t1/2 approach for measuring drug in vitro intrinsic clearance by automated LC-MS/MS offers sensitive high-throughput screens with reliable data. The obtained in vitro intrinsic clearance from metabolic stability data helps predict the drug's in vivo total clearance using different scaling factors and hepatic clearance models. This review summarizes all the recent approaches and technological advancements in metabolic stability studies for narrowing down the potential lead compounds in drug discovery. Further, we summarized the potential pitfalls and assumptions made during the in vivo intrinsic clearance estimation from in vitro intrinsic clearance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siva Nageswara Rao Gajula
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, India
| | - Nimisha Nadimpalli
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, India
| | - Rajesh Sonti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, India
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33
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Polidoro MA, Ferrari E, Marzorati S, Lleo A, Rasponi M. Experimental liver models: From cell culture techniques to microfluidic organs-on-chip. Liver Int 2021; 41:1744-1761. [PMID: 33966344 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The liver is one of the most studied organs of the human body owing to its central role in xenobiotic and drug metabolism. In recent decades, extensive research has aimed at developing in vitro liver models able to mimic liver functions to study pathophysiological clues in high-throughput and reproducible environments. Two-dimensional (2D) models have been widely used in screening potential toxic compounds but have failed to accurately reproduce the three-dimensionality (3D) of the liver milieu. To overcome these limitations, improved 3D culture techniques have been developed to recapitulate the hepatic native microenvironment. These models focus on reproducing the liver architecture, representing both parenchymal and nonparenchymal cells, as well as cell interactions. More recently, Liver-on-Chip (LoC) models have been developed with the aim of providing physiological fluid flow and thus achieving essential hepatic functions. Given their unprecedented ability to recapitulate critical features of the liver cellular environments, LoC have been extensively adopted in pathophysiological modelling and currently represent a promising tool for tissue engineering and drug screening applications. In this review, we discuss the evolution of experimental liver models, from the ancient 2D hepatocyte models, widely used for liver toxicity screening, to 3D and LoC culture strategies adopted for mirroring a more physiological microenvironment for the study of liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Anna Polidoro
- Hepatobiliary Immunopathology Laboratory, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Erika Ferrari
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Simona Marzorati
- Hepatobiliary Immunopathology Laboratory, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Ana Lleo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy.,Division of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Department of Gastroenterology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Rasponi
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
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Yadav J, El Hassani M, Sodhi J, Lauschke VM, Hartman JH, Russell LE. Recent developments in in vitro and in vivo models for improved translation of preclinical pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics data. Drug Metab Rev 2021; 53:207-233. [PMID: 33989099 DOI: 10.1080/03602532.2021.1922435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Improved pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics (PK/PD) prediction in the early stages of drug development is essential to inform lead optimization strategies and reduce attrition rates. Recently, there have been significant advancements in the development of new in vitro and in vivo strategies to better characterize pharmacokinetic properties and efficacy of drug leads. Herein, we review advances in experimental and mathematical models for clearance predictions, advancements in developing novel tools to capture slowly metabolized drugs, in vivo model developments to capture human etiology for supporting drug development, limitations and gaps in these efforts, and a perspective on the future in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaydeep Yadav
- Department of Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics, and Drug Metabolism, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Jasleen Sodhi
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, Schools of Pharmacy and Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Volker M Lauschke
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jessica H Hartman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
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35
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Ingelman-Sundberg M, Lauschke VM. 3D human liver spheroids for translational pharmacology and toxicology. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2021; 130 Suppl 1:5-15. [PMID: 33872466 DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.13587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Drug development is a failure-prone endeavour, and more than 85% of drugs fail during clinical development, showcasing that current preclinical systems for compound selection are clearly inadequate. Liver toxicity remains a major reason for safety failures. Furthermore, all efforts to develop pharmacological therapies for a variety of chronic liver diseases, such as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and fibrosis, remain unsuccessful. Considering the time and expense of clinical trials, as well as the substantial burden on patients, new strategies are thus of paramount importance to increase clinical success rates. To this end, human liver spheroids are becoming increasingly utilized as they allow to preserve patient-specific phenotypes and functions for multiple weeks in culture. We here review the recent application of such systems for i) predictive and mechanistic analyses of drug hepatotoxicity, ii) the evaluation of hepatic disposition and metabolite formation of low clearance drugs and iii) the development of drugs for metabolic and infectious liver diseases, including NASH, fibrosis, malaria and viral hepatitis. We envision that with increasing dissemination, liver spheroids might become the new gold standard for such applications in translational pharmacology and toxicology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Volker M Lauschke
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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