1
|
Cerutti L, Brofiga M. Unraveling brain diseases: The promise of brain-on-a-chip models. J Neurosci Methods 2024; 405:110105. [PMID: 38460796 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2024.110105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
Brain disorders, encompassing a wide spectrum of neurological and psychiatric conditions, present a formidable challenge in modern medicine. Despite decades of research, the intricate complexity of the human brain still eludes comprehensive understanding, impeding the development of effective treatments. Recent advancements in microfluidics and tissue engineering have led to the development of innovative platforms known as "Brain-on-a-Chip" (BoC) i.e., advanced in vitro systems that aim to replicate the microenvironment of the brain with the highest possible fidelity. This technology offers a promising test-bed for studying brain disorders at the cellular and network levels, providing insights into disease mechanisms, drug screening, and, in perspective, the development of personalized therapeutic strategies. In this review, we provide an overview of the BoC models developed over the years to model and understand the onset and progression of some of the most severe neurological disorders in terms of incidence and debilitation (stroke, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and epilepsy). We also report some of the cutting-edge therapeutic approaches whose effects were evaluated by means of these technologies. Finally, we discuss potential challenges, and future perspectives of the BoC models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Letizia Cerutti
- Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics, and Systems Engineering (DIBIRS), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Martina Brofiga
- Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics, and Systems Engineering (DIBIRS), University of Genova, Genova, Italy; ScreenNeuroPharm s.r.l, Sanremo, Italy; Neurofacility, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wang S, Bai L, Hu X, Yao S, Hao Z, Zhou J, Li X, Lu H, He J, Wang L, Li D. 3D Bioprinting of Neurovascular Tissue Modeling with Collagen-Based Low-Viscosity Composites. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2300004. [PMID: 37264745 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202300004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
In vitro neurovascular unit (NVU) models are valuable for investigating brain functions and developing drugs. However, it remains challenging to recapitulate the native architectural features and ultra-soft extracellular matrix (ECM) properties of the natural NVU. Cell-laden bioprinting is promising to prepare complex living tissues, but hard to balance the fidelity and cell growth. This study proposes a novel two-stage methodology for biomanufacturing functional 3D neurovascular constructs in vitro with low modulus of ECM. At the shaping stage, a low-viscosity alginate/collagen is printed through an embedded approach; at the culturing stage, the alginate is removed through targeted lysing. The low-viscosity and rapid crosslinking properties provide a printing resolution of ≈10 µm, and the lysis processing can decrease the hydrogels' modulus to ≈1 kPa and adjust the porosity of the microstructure, providing cells with an environment closing to the brain ECM. A 3D hollow coaxial neurovascular model is fabricated, in which the endothelial cells has expressed tight junction proteins and shown selective permeability, and the astrocytes outside of the endothelial layer are found to spread out with branches and directly interact with endothelial cells. The present study offers a promising modeling method for better understanding the NVU function and screening neuro-drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sen Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing System Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710054, China
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710054, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Additive Manufacturing Medical Devices, Xi'an, 710054, China
| | - Luge Bai
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing System Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710054, China
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710054, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Additive Manufacturing Medical Devices, Xi'an, 710054, China
| | - Xiaoxuan Hu
- Institute of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, China
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Siqi Yao
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing System Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710054, China
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710054, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Additive Manufacturing Medical Devices, Xi'an, 710054, China
| | - Zhiyan Hao
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing System Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710054, China
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710054, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Additive Manufacturing Medical Devices, Xi'an, 710054, China
| | - JiaJia Zhou
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing System Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710054, China
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710054, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Additive Manufacturing Medical Devices, Xi'an, 710054, China
| | - Xiao Li
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing System Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710054, China
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710054, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Additive Manufacturing Medical Devices, Xi'an, 710054, China
| | - Haixia Lu
- Institute of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, China
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, China
- Department of Human Anatomy & Histoembryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Jiankang He
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing System Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710054, China
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710054, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Additive Manufacturing Medical Devices, Xi'an, 710054, China
| | - Ling Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing System Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710054, China
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710054, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Additive Manufacturing Medical Devices, Xi'an, 710054, China
| | - Dichen Li
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing System Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710054, China
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710054, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Additive Manufacturing Medical Devices, Xi'an, 710054, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Wang Z, Huang C, Liu H, Shi Z, Han X, Li S, Huang J, Wang Z, Yan Y, Chen Z. Two-step method fabricating a 3D nerve cell model with brain-like mechanical properties and tunable porosity vascular structures via coaxial printing. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2023; 224:113202. [PMID: 36801526 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2023.113202] [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: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) nerve cell models have been widely developed to understand the mechanisms and discover treatment methods of ischemic stroke and neurodegenerative disease. However, there is a contradiction in the production of 3D models that they should possess high modulus to ensure mechanical stability while low modulus to provide mechanical stimuli for nerve cells. In addition, it is challenging to maintain the long-term viability of 3D models when lacking vascular structures. Here, a 3D nerve cell model with brain-like mechanical properties and tunable porosity vascular structures has been fabricated. The matrix materials with brain-like low mechanical properties were favorable for promoting HT22 proliferation. The nerve cells could exchange nutrients and waste with the cultural environment through vascular structures. The vascular structures also played a supporting role, and model stability was enhanced by combining matrix materials with vascular structures. Furthermore, the porosity of vascular structure walls was adjusted by adding sacrificial materials to the tube walls during 3D coaxial printing and removing them after preparation, resulting in tunable porosity vascular structures. Finally, HT22 cells showed better cell viability and proliferation performance after culturing 7 days in the 3D models with vascular structures than in the 3D models with solid structures. All these results suggest that this 3D nerve cell model possesses good mechanical stability and long-term viability, which is expected to be used in pathological studies and drug screening for ischemic stroke and neurodegenerative diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhichao Wang
- Centre for Advanced Jet Engineering Technology (CaJET), Key Laboratory of High-efficiency and Clean Mechanical Manufacture (Ministry of Education), National Experimental Teaching Demonstration Center for Mechanical Engineering (Shandong University), School of Mechanical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan 250061, China
| | - Chuanzhen Huang
- Centre for Advanced Jet Engineering Technology (CaJET), Key Laboratory of High-efficiency and Clean Mechanical Manufacture (Ministry of Education), National Experimental Teaching Demonstration Center for Mechanical Engineering (Shandong University), School of Mechanical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan 250061, China; School of Mechanical Engineering, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao 066004, China.
| | - Hanlian Liu
- Centre for Advanced Jet Engineering Technology (CaJET), Key Laboratory of High-efficiency and Clean Mechanical Manufacture (Ministry of Education), National Experimental Teaching Demonstration Center for Mechanical Engineering (Shandong University), School of Mechanical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan 250061, China
| | - Zhenyu Shi
- Centre for Advanced Jet Engineering Technology (CaJET), Key Laboratory of High-efficiency and Clean Mechanical Manufacture (Ministry of Education), National Experimental Teaching Demonstration Center for Mechanical Engineering (Shandong University), School of Mechanical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan 250061, China.
| | - Xu Han
- Centre for Advanced Jet Engineering Technology (CaJET), Key Laboratory of High-efficiency and Clean Mechanical Manufacture (Ministry of Education), National Experimental Teaching Demonstration Center for Mechanical Engineering (Shandong University), School of Mechanical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan 250061, China
| | - Shuying Li
- Centre for Advanced Jet Engineering Technology (CaJET), Key Laboratory of High-efficiency and Clean Mechanical Manufacture (Ministry of Education), National Experimental Teaching Demonstration Center for Mechanical Engineering (Shandong University), School of Mechanical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan 250061, China
| | - Jun Huang
- Centre for Advanced Jet Engineering Technology (CaJET), Key Laboratory of High-efficiency and Clean Mechanical Manufacture (Ministry of Education), National Experimental Teaching Demonstration Center for Mechanical Engineering (Shandong University), School of Mechanical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan 250061, China
| | - Zhen Wang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao 066004, China
| | - Yonggan Yan
- Centre for Advanced Jet Engineering Technology (CaJET), Key Laboratory of High-efficiency and Clean Mechanical Manufacture (Ministry of Education), National Experimental Teaching Demonstration Center for Mechanical Engineering (Shandong University), School of Mechanical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan 250061, China
| | - Zhuang Chen
- Centre for Advanced Jet Engineering Technology (CaJET), Key Laboratory of High-efficiency and Clean Mechanical Manufacture (Ministry of Education), National Experimental Teaching Demonstration Center for Mechanical Engineering (Shandong University), School of Mechanical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan 250061, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zheng J, Hu X, Gao X, Liu Y, Zhao S, Chen L, He G, Zhang J, Wei L, Yang Y. Convenient tumor 3D spheroid arrays manufacturing via acoustic excited bubbles for in situ drug screening. LAB ON A CHIP 2023; 23:1593-1602. [PMID: 36752157 DOI: 10.1039/d2lc00973k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The quick and convenient fabrication of in vitro tumor spheroids models has been pursued for clinical drug discovery and personalized therapy. Here, uniform three-dimensional (3D) tumor spheroids are quickly constructed by acoustically excited bubble arrays in a microfluidic chip and performed drug response testing in situ. In detail, bubble oscillation excited by acoustic waves induces second radiation force, resulting in the cells rotating and aggregating into tumor spheroids, which obtain controllable sizes ranging from 30 to 300 μm. These spherical tumor models are located in microfluidic networks, where drug solutions with gradient concentrations are generated from 0 to 18 mg mL-1, so that the cell spheroids response to drugs can be monitored conveniently and efficiently. This one-step tumor spheroids manufacturing method significantly reduces the model construction time to less than 15 s and increases efficiency by eliminating additional transfer processes. These significant advantages of convenience and high-throughput manufacturing make the tumor models promising for use in tumor treatment and point-of-care diagnosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Zheng
- School of Physics & Technology, Key Laboratory of Artificial Micro- and Nano-Structures of Ministry of Education, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Institute of Medicine and Physics, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.
- Shenzhen Research Institute, Wuhan University, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Xuejia Hu
- Department of Electronic Engineering, School of Electronic Science and Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Xiaoqi Gao
- School of Physics & Technology, Key Laboratory of Artificial Micro- and Nano-Structures of Ministry of Education, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Institute of Medicine and Physics, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.
- Shenzhen Research Institute, Wuhan University, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Yantong Liu
- School of Physics & Technology, Key Laboratory of Artificial Micro- and Nano-Structures of Ministry of Education, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Institute of Medicine and Physics, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.
- Shenzhen Research Institute, Wuhan University, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Shukun Zhao
- School of Physics & Technology, Key Laboratory of Artificial Micro- and Nano-Structures of Ministry of Education, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Institute of Medicine and Physics, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.
- Shenzhen Research Institute, Wuhan University, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Longfei Chen
- School of Physics & Technology, Key Laboratory of Artificial Micro- and Nano-Structures of Ministry of Education, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Institute of Medicine and Physics, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.
- Shenzhen Research Institute, Wuhan University, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Guoqing He
- School of Physics & Technology, Key Laboratory of Artificial Micro- and Nano-Structures of Ministry of Education, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Institute of Medicine and Physics, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.
- Shenzhen Research Institute, Wuhan University, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Jingwei Zhang
- Department of Breast & Thyroid Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Lei Wei
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Yi Yang
- School of Physics & Technology, Key Laboratory of Artificial Micro- and Nano-Structures of Ministry of Education, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Institute of Medicine and Physics, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.
- Shenzhen Research Institute, Wuhan University, Shenzhen 518000, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Rouleau N, Murugan NJ, Kaplan DL. Functional bioengineered models of the central nervous system. NATURE REVIEWS BIOENGINEERING 2023; 1:252-270. [PMID: 37064657 PMCID: PMC9903289 DOI: 10.1038/s44222-023-00027-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
The functional complexity of the central nervous system (CNS) is unparalleled in living organisms. Its nested cells, circuits and networks encode memories, move bodies and generate experiences. Neural tissues can be engineered to assemble model systems that recapitulate essential features of the CNS and to investigate neurodevelopment, delineate pathophysiology, improve regeneration and accelerate drug discovery. In this Review, we discuss essential structure-function relationships of the CNS and examine materials and design considerations, including composition, scale, complexity and maturation, of cell biology-based and engineering-based CNS models. We highlight region-specific CNS models that can emulate functions of the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, spinal cord, neural-X interfaces and other regions, and investigate a range of applications for CNS models, including fundamental and clinical research. We conclude with an outlook to future possibilities of CNS models, highlighting the engineering challenges that remain to be overcome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Rouleau
- Department of Health Sciences, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Ontario Canada
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA USA
| | - Nirosha J. Murugan
- Department of Health Sciences, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Ontario Canada
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA USA
| | - David L. Kaplan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Tevlek A, Kecili S, Ozcelik OS, Kulah H, Tekin HC. Spheroid Engineering in Microfluidic Devices. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:3630-3649. [PMID: 36743071 PMCID: PMC9893254 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c06052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Two-dimensional (2D) cell culture techniques are commonly employed to investigate biophysical and biochemical cellular responses. However, these culture methods, having monolayer cells, lack cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix interactions, mimicking the cell microenvironment and multicellular organization. Three-dimensional (3D) cell culture methods enable equal transportation of nutrients, gas, and growth factors among cells and their microenvironment. Therefore, 3D cultures show similar cell proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation properties to in vivo. A spheroid is defined as self-assembled 3D cell aggregates, and it closely mimics a cell microenvironment in vitro thanks to cell-cell/matrix interactions, which enables its use in several important applications in medical and clinical research. To fabricate a spheroid, conventional methods such as liquid overlay, hanging drop, and so forth are available. However, these labor-intensive methods result in low-throughput fabrication and uncontrollable spheroid sizes. On the other hand, microfluidic methods enable inexpensive and rapid fabrication of spheroids with high precision. Furthermore, fabricated spheroids can also be cultured in microfluidic devices for controllable cell perfusion, simulation of fluid shear effects, and mimicking of the microenvironment-like in vivo conditions. This review focuses on recent microfluidic spheroid fabrication techniques and also organ-on-a-chip applications of spheroids, which are used in different disease modeling and drug development studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Atakan Tevlek
- METU
MEMS Research and Application Center, Ankara 06800, Turkey
| | - Seren Kecili
- The
Department of Bioengineering, Izmir Institute
of Technology, Urla, Izmir 35430, Turkey
| | - Ozge S. Ozcelik
- The
Department of Bioengineering, Izmir Institute
of Technology, Urla, Izmir 35430, Turkey
| | - Haluk Kulah
- METU
MEMS Research and Application Center, Ankara 06800, Turkey
- The
Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Middle East Technical University, Ankara 06800, Turkey
| | - H. Cumhur Tekin
- METU
MEMS Research and Application Center, Ankara 06800, Turkey
- The
Department of Bioengineering, Izmir Institute
of Technology, Urla, Izmir 35430, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
De Paola M, Pischiutta F, Comolli D, Mariani A, Kelk J, Lisi I, Cerovic M, Fumagalli S, Forloni G, Zanier ER. Neural cortical organoids from self-assembling human iPSC as a model to investigate neurotoxicity in brain ischemia. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2023; 43:680-693. [PMID: 36655331 PMCID: PMC10108182 DOI: 10.1177/0271678x231152023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Brain ischemia is a common acute injury resulting from impaired blood flow to the brain. Translation of effective drug candidates from experimental models to patients has systematically failed. The use of human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) offers new opportunities to gain translational insights into diseases including brain ischemia. We used a human 3D self-assembling iPSC-derived model (human cortical organoids, hCO) to characterize the effects of ischemia caused by oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD). hCO exposed to 2 h or 8 h of OGD had neuronal death and impaired neuronal network complexity, measured in whole-mounting microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP-2) immunostaining. Neuronal vulnerability was reflected by a reduction in MAP-2 mRNA levels, and increased release of neurofilament light chain (NfL) in culture media, proportional to OGD severity. Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) gene or protein levels did not change in hCO, but their release in medium increased after prolonged OGD. In conclusion, this human 3D iPSC-based in vitro model of brain ischemic injury is characterized by marked neuronal injury reflected by the release of the translational biomarker NfL which is relevant for testing neuroprotective strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Massimiliano De Paola
- Biology of Neurodegenerative Diseases Lab, Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milano, Italy
| | - Francesca Pischiutta
- Acute Brain Injury and Therapeutic Strategies Lab, Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milano, Italy
| | - Davide Comolli
- Biology of Neurodegenerative Diseases Lab, Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milano, Italy
| | - Alessandro Mariani
- Biology of Neurodegenerative Diseases Lab, Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milano, Italy
| | - Joe Kelk
- Biology of Neurodegenerative Diseases Lab, Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milano, Italy
| | - Ilaria Lisi
- Acute Brain Injury and Therapeutic Strategies Lab, Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milano, Italy
| | - Milica Cerovic
- Biology of Neurodegenerative Diseases Lab, Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milano, Italy
| | - Stefano Fumagalli
- Biology of Neurodegenerative Diseases Lab, Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milano, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Forloni
- Biology of Neurodegenerative Diseases Lab, Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milano, Italy
| | - Elisa R Zanier
- Acute Brain Injury and Therapeutic Strategies Lab, Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milano, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Ischemic Stroke, Lessons from the Past towards Effective Preclinical Models. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10102561. [PMID: 36289822 PMCID: PMC9599148 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10102561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Ischemic stroke is a leading cause of death worldwide, mainly in western countries. So far, approved therapies rely on reperfusion of the affected brain area, by intravenous thrombolysis or mechanical thrombectomy. The last approach constitutes a breakthrough in the field, by extending the therapeutic window to 16-24 h after stroke onset and reducing stroke mortality. The combination of pharmacological brain-protective strategies with reperfusion is the future of stroke therapy, aiming to reduce brain cell death and decrease patients' disabilities. Recently, a brain-protective drug-nerinetide-reduced brain infarct and stroke mortality, and improved patients' functional outcomes in clinical trials. The success of new therapies relies on bringing preclinical studies and clinical practice close together, by including a functional outcome assessment similar to clinical reality. In this review, we focused on recent upgrades of in vitro and in vivo stroke models for more accurate and effective evaluation of therapeutic strategies: from spheroids to organoids, in vitro models that include all brain cell types and allow high throughput drug screening, to advancements in in vivo preclinical mouse stroke models to mimic the clinical reality in surgical procedures, postsurgical care, and functional assessment.
Collapse
|
9
|
Van Breedam E, Ponsaerts P. Promising Strategies for the Development of Advanced In Vitro Models with High Predictive Power in Ischaemic Stroke Research. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23137140. [PMID: 35806146 PMCID: PMC9266337 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23137140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Although stroke is one of the world’s leading causes of death and disability, and more than a thousand candidate neuroprotective drugs have been proposed based on extensive in vitro and animal-based research, an effective neuroprotective/restorative therapy for ischaemic stroke patients is still missing. In particular, the high attrition rate of neuroprotective compounds in clinical studies should make us question the ability of in vitro models currently used for ischaemic stroke research to recapitulate human ischaemic responses with sufficient fidelity. The ischaemic stroke field would greatly benefit from the implementation of more complex in vitro models with improved physiological relevance, next to traditional in vitro and in vivo models in preclinical studies, to more accurately predict clinical outcomes. In this review, we discuss current in vitro models used in ischaemic stroke research and describe the main factors determining the predictive value of in vitro models for modelling human ischaemic stroke. In light of this, human-based 3D models consisting of multiple cell types, either with or without the use of microfluidics technology, may better recapitulate human ischaemic responses and possess the potential to bridge the translational gap between animal-based in vitro and in vivo models, and human patients in clinical trials.
Collapse
|