1
|
Gallo LH, Akanda N, Autar K, Patel A, Cox I, Powell HA, Grillo M, Barakat N, Morgan D, Guo X, Hickman JJ. A functional aged human iPSC-cortical neuron model recapitulates Alzheimer's disease, senescence, and the response to therapeutics. Alzheimers Dement 2024. [PMID: 39077965 DOI: 10.1002/alz.14044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The degeneration of cortical layers is associated with cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Current therapies for AD are not disease-modifying, and, despite substantial efforts, research and development for AD has faced formidable challenges. In addition, cellular senescence has emerged as a significant contributor to therapy resistance. METHODS Human iPSC-derived cortical neurons were cultured on microelectrode arrays to measure long-term potentiation (LTP) noninvasively. Neurons were treated with pathogenic amyloid-β (Aβ) to analyze senescence and response to therapeutic molecules. RESULTS Microphysiological recordings revealed Aβ dampened cortical LTP activity and accelerated neuronal senescence. Aging neurons secreted inflammatory factors previously detected in brain, plasma, and cerebral spinal fluid of AD patients, in which drugs modulated senescence-related factors. DISCUSSION This platform measures and records neuronal LTP activity in response to Aβ and therapeutic molecules in real-time. Efficacy data from similar platforms have been accepted by the FDA for neurodegenerative diseases, expediting regulatory submissions. HIGHLIGHTS This work developed a progerontic model of amyloid-β (Aβ)-driven cortical degeneration. This work measured neuronal LTP and correlated function with aging biomarkers. Aβ is a driver of neuronal senescence and cortical degeneration. Molecules rescued neuronal function but did not halt Aβ-driven senescence. Therapeutic molecules modulated secretion of inflammatory factors by aging neurons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leandro H Gallo
- Nanoscience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Nesar Akanda
- Nanoscience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Kaveena Autar
- Nanoscience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
- Hesperos Inc., Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Aakash Patel
- Nanoscience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
- Hesperos Inc., Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Ian Cox
- Nanoscience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Haley A Powell
- Nanoscience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Marcella Grillo
- Nanoscience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
- Hesperos Inc., Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Natali Barakat
- Nanoscience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Dave Morgan
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, Grand Rapids Research Center, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
| | - Xiufang Guo
- Nanoscience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - James J Hickman
- Nanoscience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
- Hesperos Inc., Orlando, Florida, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Liang Q, Chen Z, Chen X, Huang Q, Sun T. Network Bursts in 3D Neuron Clusters Cultured on Microcontact-Printed Substrates. MICROMACHINES 2023; 14:1703. [PMID: 37763866 PMCID: PMC10534818 DOI: 10.3390/mi14091703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Microcontact printing (CP) is widely used to guide neurons to form 2D networks for neuroscience research. However, it is still difficult to establish 3D neuronal cultures on the CP substrate even though 3D neuronal structures are able to recapitulate critical aspects of native tissue. Here, we demonstrate that the reduced cell-substrate adhesion caused by the CP substrate could conveniently facilitate the aggregate formation of large-scale 3D neuron cluster networks. Furthermore, based on the quantitative analysis of the calcium activity of the resulting cluster networks, the effect of cell seeding density and local restriction of the CP substrate on network dynamics was investigated in detail. The results revealed that cell aggregation degree, rather than cell number, could take on the main role of the generation of synchronized network-wide calcium oscillation (network bursts) in the 3D neuron cluster networks. This finding may provide new insights for easy and cell-saving construction of in vitro 3D pathological models of epilepsy, and into deciphering the onset and evolution of network bursts in developmental nerve systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qian Liang
- Intelligent Robotics Institute, School of Mechatronical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China; (Q.L.); (X.C.); (Q.H.)
| | - Zhe Chen
- School of Medical Technology, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China;
| | - Xie Chen
- Intelligent Robotics Institute, School of Mechatronical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China; (Q.L.); (X.C.); (Q.H.)
| | - Qiang Huang
- Intelligent Robotics Institute, School of Mechatronical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China; (Q.L.); (X.C.); (Q.H.)
| | - Tao Sun
- Intelligent Robotics Institute, School of Mechatronical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China; (Q.L.); (X.C.); (Q.H.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
McNaughton R, Huo Y, Li G, Ioschpe ADV, Yan L, Man HY, Zhang X. Regulatory Effects of Gradient Microtopographies on Synapse Formation and Neurite Growth in Hippocampal Neurons. JOURNAL OF MICROMECHANICS AND MICROENGINEERING : STRUCTURES, DEVICES, AND SYSTEMS 2022; 32:075005. [PMID: 35814808 PMCID: PMC9262107 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6439/ac73d7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Among approaches aiming toward functional nervous system restoration, those implementing microfabrication techniques allow the manufacture of platforms with distinct geometry where neurons can develop and be guided to form patterned connections in vitro. The interplay between neuronal development and the microenvironment, shaped by the physical limitations, remains largely unknown. Therefore, it is crucial to have an efficient way to quantify neuronal morphological changes induced by physical or contact guidance of the microenvironment. In this study, we first devise and assess a method to prepare anisotropic, gradient poly(dimethylsiloxane) micro-ridge/groove arrays featuring variable local pattern width. We then demonstrate the ability of this single substrate to simultaneously profile the morphologcial and synaptic connectivity changes of primary cultured hippocampal neurons reacting to variable physical conditons, throughout neurodevelopment, in vitro. The gradient microtopography enhanced adhesion within microgrooves, increasing soma density with decreasing pattern width. Decreasing pattern width also reduced dendritic arborization and increased preferential axon growth. Finally, decreasing pattern geometry inhibited presynaptic puncta architecture. Collectively, a method to examine structural development and connectivity in response to physical stimuli is established, and potentially provides insight into microfabricated geometries which promote neural regeneration and repair.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ryan McNaughton
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yuda Huo
- Department of Biology, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Guicai Li
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Lei Yan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Heng-Ye Man
- Department of Biology, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
- Center for Systems Neuroscience, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
- Photonics Center, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Hong N, Nam Y. Neurons-on-a-Chip: In Vitro NeuroTools. Mol Cells 2022; 45:76-83. [PMID: 35236782 PMCID: PMC8906998 DOI: 10.14348/molcells.2022.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurons-on-a-Chip technology has been developed to provide diverse in vitro neuro-tools to study neuritogenesis, synaptogensis, axon guidance, and network dynamics. The two core enabling technologies are soft-lithography and microelectrode array technology. Soft lithography technology made it possible to fabricate microstamps and microfluidic channel devices with a simple replica molding method in a biological laboratory and innovatively reduced the turn-around time from assay design to chip fabrication, facilitating various experimental designs. To control nerve cell behaviors at the single cell level via chemical cues, surface biofunctionalization methods and micropatterning techniques were developed. Microelectrode chip technology, which provides a functional readout by measuring the electrophysiological signals from individual neurons, has become a popular platform to investigate neural information processing in networks. Due to these key advances, it is possible to study the relationship between the network structure and functions, and they have opened a new era of neurobiology and will become standard tools in the near future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nari Hong
- Department of Information and Communication Engineering, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu 42988, Korea
| | - Yoonkey Nam
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Korea
- KAIST Institute for Institute for Health Science and Technology, KAIST, Daejeon 34141, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Autar K, Guo X, Rumsey JW, Long CJ, Akanda N, Jackson M, Narasimhan NS, Caneus J, Morgan D, Hickman JJ. A functional hiPSC-cortical neuron differentiation and maturation model and its application to neurological disorders. Stem Cell Reports 2021; 17:96-109. [PMID: 34942087 PMCID: PMC8758945 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2021.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The maturation and functional characteristics of human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-cortical neurons has not been fully documented. This study developed a phenotypic model of hiPSC-derived cortical neurons, characterized their maturation process, and investigated its application for disease modeling with the integration of multi-electrode array (MEA) technology. Immunocytochemistry analysis indicated early-stage neurons (day 21) were simultaneously positive for both excitatory (vesicular glutamate transporter 1 [VGlut1]) and inhibitory (GABA) markers, while late-stage cultures (day 40) expressed solely VGlut1, indicating a purely excitatory phenotype without containing glial cells. This maturation process was further validated utilizing patch clamp and MEA analysis. Particularly, induced long-term potentiation (LTP) successfully persisted for 1 h in day 40 cultures, but only achieved LTP in the presence of the GABAA receptor antagonist picrotoxin in day 21 cultures. This system was also applied to epilepsy modeling utilizing bicuculline and its correction utilizing the anti-epileptic drug valproic acid. Characterization of human cortical neuronal differentiation to a mature phenotype Microelectrode evaluation of development from a mixed to pure excitatory population Utilization of defined culture stage to create an epilepsy model Manipulation of immaturity with inhibitors for maintaining long-term potentiation
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kaveena Autar
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826, USA
| | - Xiufang Guo
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826, USA
| | - John W Rumsey
- Hesperos Inc., 12501 Research Parkway, Suite 100, Orlando, FL 32826, USA
| | - Christopher J Long
- Hesperos Inc., 12501 Research Parkway, Suite 100, Orlando, FL 32826, USA
| | - Nesar Akanda
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826, USA
| | - Max Jackson
- Hesperos Inc., 12501 Research Parkway, Suite 100, Orlando, FL 32826, USA
| | | | - Julbert Caneus
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826, USA
| | - Dave Morgan
- Department of Translational Science and Molecular Medicine, Michigan State University, College of Human Medicine, Grand Rapids Research Center, 400 Monroe Avenue NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - James J Hickman
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826, USA; Hesperos Inc., 12501 Research Parkway, Suite 100, Orlando, FL 32826, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Tanaka Y, Watanabe H, Shimoda K, Sakamoto K, Hondo Y, Sentoku M, Sekine R, Kikuchi T, Yasuda K. Stepwise neuronal network pattern formation in agarose gel during cultivation using non-destructive microneedle photothermal microfabrication. Sci Rep 2021; 11:14656. [PMID: 34282174 PMCID: PMC8289850 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-93988-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Conventional neuronal network pattern formation techniques cannot control the arrangement of axons and dendrites because network structures must be fixed before neurite differentiation. To overcome this limitation, we developed a non-destructive stepwise microfabrication technique that can be used to alter microchannels within agarose to guide neurites during elongation. Micropatterns were formed in thin agarose layer coating of a cultivation dish using the tip of a 0.7 [Formula: see text]-diameter platinum-coated glass microneedle heated by a focused 1064-nm wavelength infrared laser, which has no absorbance of water. As the size of the heat source was 0.7 [Formula: see text], which is smaller than the laser wavelength, the temperature fell to 45 [Formula: see text] within a distance of 7.0 [Formula: see text] from the edge of the etched agarose microchannel. We exploited the fast temperature decay property to guide cell-to-cell connection during neuronal network cultivation. The first neurite of a hippocampal cell from a microchamber was guided to a microchannel leading to the target neuron with stepwise etching of the micrometer resolution microchannel in the agarose layer, and the elongated neurites were not damaged by the heat of etching. The results indicate the potential of this new technique for fully direction-controlled on-chip neuronal network studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuhei Tanaka
- Department of Pure and Applied Physics, Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Tokyo, 169-8555, Japan
| | - Haruki Watanabe
- Department of Pure and Applied Physics, Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Tokyo, 169-8555, Japan
| | - Kenji Shimoda
- Department of Pure and Applied Physics, Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Tokyo, 169-8555, Japan
| | - Kazufumi Sakamoto
- Department of Pure and Applied Physics, Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Tokyo, 169-8555, Japan
| | - Yoshitsune Hondo
- Department of Pure and Applied Physics, Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Tokyo, 169-8555, Japan
| | - Mitsuru Sentoku
- Department of Pure and Applied Physics, Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Tokyo, 169-8555, Japan
| | - Rikuto Sekine
- Department of Physics, School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Tokyo, 169-8555, Japan
| | - Takahito Kikuchi
- Department of Pure and Applied Physics, Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Tokyo, 169-8555, Japan
| | - Kenji Yasuda
- Department of Pure and Applied Physics, Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Tokyo, 169-8555, Japan.
- Department of Physics, School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Tokyo, 169-8555, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Behm LVJ, Gerike S, Grauel MK, Uhlig K, Pfisterer F, Baumann W, Bier FF, Duschl C, Kirschbaum M. Micropatterned Thermoresponsive Cell Culture Substrates for Dynamically Controlling Neurite Outgrowth and Neuronal Connectivity in Vitro. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2019; 2:2853-2861. [DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.9b00246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Laura V. J. Behm
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Branch Potsdam IZI-BB, Am Muehlenberg 13, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Susanna Gerike
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Branch Potsdam IZI-BB, Am Muehlenberg 13, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
| | - M. Katharina Grauel
- Institute of Neurophysiology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Katja Uhlig
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Branch Potsdam IZI-BB, Am Muehlenberg 13, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Felix Pfisterer
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Branch Potsdam IZI-BB, Am Muehlenberg 13, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Werner Baumann
- Chair for Biophysics, University of Rostock, Gertrudenstr. 11a, 18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Frank F. Bier
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Branch Potsdam IZI-BB, Am Muehlenberg 13, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Claus Duschl
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Branch Potsdam IZI-BB, Am Muehlenberg 13, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Michael Kirschbaum
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Branch Potsdam IZI-BB, Am Muehlenberg 13, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Gonzalez M, Guo X, Lin M, Stancescu M, Molnar P, Spradling S, Hickman JJ. Polarity Induced in Human Stem Cell Derived Motoneurons on Patterned Self-Assembled Monolayers. ACS Chem Neurosci 2019; 10:2756-2764. [PMID: 31063682 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.8b00682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The control of polarized human neurite/axon development at the single neuron level is critical in geographically directing signal propagation in engineered neural networks, for both in vitro and in vivo applications. While there is an increasing need to exert control over axonal growth for the successful development and establishment of integrative and functional in vitro systems, controlled, polarized distribution of either human-derived neurons or motoneurons in vitro has yet to be reported. In this study, we established the polarized distribution of stem cell derived human motoneurons, using a patterned surface, and maintained the cells in a serum-free system. A surface pattern with defined polarity was developed using self-assembled monolayers (SAMs). A cell permissive SAM, DETA (trimethoxysilyl propyldiethylenetri-amine), combined with photolithography and a nonpermissive fluorinated silane, 13F (tridecafluoro-1,1,2,2-tetrahydroctyl-1-dimethylchloro-silane), generated a surface where neurons only adhered to the designed attachment sites and did so with preferred orientation. In addition, 75% of the cells attached to the patterns were motoneurons compared to their percentage in the standard unpatterned surface which was used as a control condition (20%), demonstrating the preference of these human motoneurons in adhering to the patterns. The ability to dictate the distribution and polarity of human motoneurons will be essential to the engineering of human-based functional in vitro systems in which the control of signal propagation is necessary but more importantly for cell implantation studies. Such systems will greatly benefit the study of motor function as well as aid the development of high-throughput systems for drug screening and test beds for use in preclinical studies related to conditions such as spinal cord injury, ALS, and muscular dystrophy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mercedes Gonzalez
- Hybrid Systems Lab, NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, Florida 32826, United States
| | - Xiufang Guo
- Hybrid Systems Lab, NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, Florida 32826, United States
| | - Min Lin
- Hybrid Systems Lab, NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, Florida 32826, United States
| | - Maria Stancescu
- Hybrid Systems Lab, NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, Florida 32826, United States
- Department of Chemistry, University of Central Florida, Physical Sciences Building (PS) Room 255, 4000 Central Florida Blvd., Orlando, Florida 32816-2366, United States
| | - Peter Molnar
- Hybrid Systems Lab, NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, Florida 32826, United States
| | - Severo Spradling
- Biomolecular Science Center, Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida, 12722 Research Parkway, Orlando, Florida 32826, United States
| | - James J. Hickman
- Hybrid Systems Lab, NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, Florida 32826, United States
- Department of Chemistry, University of Central Florida, Physical Sciences Building (PS) Room 255, 4000 Central Florida Blvd., Orlando, Florida 32816-2366, United States
- Biomolecular Science Center, Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida, 12722 Research Parkway, Orlando, Florida 32826, United States
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Weydert S, Girardin S, Cui X, Zürcher S, Peter T, Wirz R, Sterner O, Stauffer F, Aebersold MJ, Tanner S, Thompson-Steckel G, Forró C, Tosatti S, Vörös J. A Versatile Protein and Cell Patterning Method Suitable for Long-Term Neural Cultures. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2019; 35:2966-2975. [PMID: 30767535 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.8b03730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Herein, we present an easy-to-use protein and cell patterning method relying solely on pipetting, rinsing steps and illumination with a desktop lamp, which does not require any expensive laboratory equipment, custom-built hardware or delicate chemistry. This method is based on the adhesion promoter poly(allylamine)-grafted perfluorophenyl azide, which allows UV-induced cross-linking with proteins and the antifouling molecule poly(vinylpyrrolidone). Versatility is demonstrated by creating patterns with two different proteins and a polysaccharide directly on plastic well plates and on glass slides, and by subsequently seeding primary neurons and C2C12 myoblasts on the patterns to form islands and mini-networks. Patterning characterization is done via immunohistochemistry, Congo red staining, ellipsometry, and infrared spectroscopy. Using a pragmatic setup, patterning contrasts down to 5 μm and statistically significant long-term stability superior to the gold standard poly(l-lysine)-grafted poly(ethylene glycol) could be obtained. This simple method can be used in any laboratory or even in classrooms and its outstanding stability is especially interesting for long-term cell experiments, e.g., for bottom-up neuroscience, where well-defined microislands and microcircuits of primary neurons are studied over weeks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Serge Weydert
- Laboratory of Biosensors and Bioelectronics , ETH Zurich , Gloriastrasse 35 , 8092 Zurich , Switzerland
| | - Sophie Girardin
- Laboratory of Biosensors and Bioelectronics , ETH Zurich , Gloriastrasse 35 , 8092 Zurich , Switzerland
| | - Xinnan Cui
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering , Kyushu University , 744 Motooka , Nishi-ku, Fukuoka 819-0395 , Japan
| | - Stefan Zürcher
- SuSoS AG , Lagerstrasse 14 , 8600 Dübendorf , Switzerland
| | - Thomas Peter
- Laboratory of Biosensors and Bioelectronics , ETH Zurich , Gloriastrasse 35 , 8092 Zurich , Switzerland
| | - Ronny Wirz
- Bruker Optics GmbH , Industriestrasse 26 , 8117 Fällanden , Switzerland
| | - Olof Sterner
- SuSoS AG , Lagerstrasse 14 , 8600 Dübendorf , Switzerland
| | - Flurin Stauffer
- Laboratory of Biosensors and Bioelectronics , ETH Zurich , Gloriastrasse 35 , 8092 Zurich , Switzerland
| | - Mathias J Aebersold
- Laboratory of Biosensors and Bioelectronics , ETH Zurich , Gloriastrasse 35 , 8092 Zurich , Switzerland
| | - Stefanie Tanner
- Laboratory of Biosensors and Bioelectronics , ETH Zurich , Gloriastrasse 35 , 8092 Zurich , Switzerland
| | - Greta Thompson-Steckel
- Laboratory of Biosensors and Bioelectronics , ETH Zurich , Gloriastrasse 35 , 8092 Zurich , Switzerland
| | - Csaba Forró
- Laboratory of Biosensors and Bioelectronics , ETH Zurich , Gloriastrasse 35 , 8092 Zurich , Switzerland
| | | | - János Vörös
- Laboratory of Biosensors and Bioelectronics , ETH Zurich , Gloriastrasse 35 , 8092 Zurich , Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Oleaga C, Lavado A, Riu A, Rothemund S, Carmona-Moran CA, Persaud K, Yurko A, Lear J, Narasimhan NS, Long CJ, Sommerhage F, Bridges LR, Cai Y, Martin C, Schnepper MT, Goswami A, Note R, Langer J, Teissier S, Cotovio J, Hickman JJ. Long-Term Electrical and Mechanical Function Monitoring of a Human-on-a-Chip System. ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS 2019; 29:1805792. [PMID: 35586798 DOI: 10.1002/adfm.201970049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The goal of human-on-a-chip systems is to capture multi-organ complexity and predict the human response to compounds within physiologically relevant platforms. The generation and characterization of such systems is currently a focal point of research given the long-standing inadequacies of conventional techniques for predicting human outcome. Functional systems can measure and quantify key cellular mechanisms that correlate with the physiological status of a tissue, and can be used to evaluate therapeutic challenges utilizing many of the same endpoints used in animal experiments or clinical trials. Culturing multiple organ compartments in a platform creates a more physiologic environment (organ-organ communication). Here is reported a human 4-organ system composed of heart, liver, skeletal muscle and nervous system modules that maintains cellular viability and function over 28 days in serum-free conditions using a pumpless system. The integration of non-invasive electrical evaluation of neurons and cardiac cells and mechanical determination of cardiac and skeletal muscle contraction allows the monitoring of cellular function especially for chronic toxicity studies in vitro. The 28 day period is the minimum timeframe for animal studies to evaluate repeat dose toxicity. This technology could be a relevant alternative to animal testing by monitoring multi-organ function upon long term chemical exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carlota Oleaga
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826
| | - Andrea Lavado
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826
| | - Anne Riu
- L'Oreal Research, and Innovation Division, Aulnay-sous-Bois, France
| | - Sandra Rothemund
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826
| | - Carlos A Carmona-Moran
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826
| | - Keisha Persaud
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826
| | - Andrew Yurko
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826
| | - Jennifer Lear
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826
| | | | - Christopher J Long
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826
- Hesperos, Inc., 3259 Progress Dr, Room 158, Orlando, FL 32826
| | - Frank Sommerhage
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826
| | | | - Yunqing Cai
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826
| | - Candace Martin
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826
| | - Mark T Schnepper
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826
| | - Arindom Goswami
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826
| | - Reine Note
- L'Oreal Research, and Innovation Division, Aulnay-sous-Bois, France
| | | | - Silvia Teissier
- L'Oreal Research, and Innovation Division, Aulnay-sous-Bois, France
| | - José Cotovio
- L'Oreal Research, and Innovation Division, Aulnay-sous-Bois, France
| | - James J Hickman
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826
- Hesperos, Inc., 3259 Progress Dr, Room 158, Orlando, FL 32826
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Oleaga C, Lavado A, Riu A, Rothemund S, Carmona-Moran CA, Persaud K, Yurko A, Lear J, Narasimhan NS, Long CJ, Sommerhage F, Bridges LR, Cai Y, Martin C, Schnepper MT, Goswami A, Note R, Langer J, Teissier S, Cotovio J, Hickman JJ. Long-Term Electrical and Mechanical Function Monitoring of a Human-on-a-Chip System. ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS 2019; 29:1805792. [PMID: 35586798 PMCID: PMC9113405 DOI: 10.1002/adfm.201805792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
The goal of human-on-a-chip systems is to capture multi-organ complexity and predict the human response to compounds within physiologically relevant platforms. The generation and characterization of such systems is currently a focal point of research given the long-standing inadequacies of conventional techniques for predicting human outcome. Functional systems can measure and quantify key cellular mechanisms that correlate with the physiological status of a tissue, and can be used to evaluate therapeutic challenges utilizing many of the same endpoints used in animal experiments or clinical trials. Culturing multiple organ compartments in a platform creates a more physiologic environment (organ-organ communication). Here is reported a human 4-organ system composed of heart, liver, skeletal muscle and nervous system modules that maintains cellular viability and function over 28 days in serum-free conditions using a pumpless system. The integration of non-invasive electrical evaluation of neurons and cardiac cells and mechanical determination of cardiac and skeletal muscle contraction allows the monitoring of cellular function especially for chronic toxicity studies in vitro. The 28 day period is the minimum timeframe for animal studies to evaluate repeat dose toxicity. This technology could be a relevant alternative to animal testing by monitoring multi-organ function upon long term chemical exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carlota Oleaga
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826
| | - Andrea Lavado
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826
| | - Anne Riu
- L’Oreal Research, and Innovation Division, Aulnay-sous-Bois, France
| | - Sandra Rothemund
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826
| | - Carlos A. Carmona-Moran
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826
| | - Keisha Persaud
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826
| | - Andrew Yurko
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826
| | - Jennifer Lear
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826
| | | | - Christopher J. Long
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826
- Hesperos, Inc., 3259 Progress Dr, Room 158, Orlando, FL 32826
| | - Frank Sommerhage
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826
| | | | - Yunqing Cai
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826
| | - Candace Martin
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826
| | - Mark T. Schnepper
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826
| | - Arindom Goswami
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826
| | - Reine Note
- L’Oreal Research, and Innovation Division, Aulnay-sous-Bois, France
| | | | - Silvia Teissier
- L’Oreal Research, and Innovation Division, Aulnay-sous-Bois, France
| | - José Cotovio
- L’Oreal Research, and Innovation Division, Aulnay-sous-Bois, France
| | - James J. Hickman
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826
- Hesperos, Inc., 3259 Progress Dr, Room 158, Orlando, FL 32826
- Corresponding Author. Tel.: +1 407 823 1925; fax: +1 407 882 2819. (J.J. Hickman)
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Natarajan A, Smith AST, Berry B, Lambert S, Molnar P, Hickman JJ. Temporal Characterization of Neuronal Migration Behavior on Chemically Patterned Neuronal Circuits in a Defined in Vitro Environment. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2018; 4:3460-3470. [PMID: 31475239 PMCID: PMC6713422 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.8b00610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 08/27/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Directed control of neuronal migration, facilitating the correct spatial positioning of neurons, is crucial to the development of a functional nervous system. An understanding of neuronal migration and positioning on patterned surfaces in vitro would also be beneficial for investigators seeking to design culture platforms capable of mimicking the complex functional architectures of neuronal tissues for drug development as well as basic biomedical research applications. This study used coplanar self-assembled monolayer patterns of cytophilic, N-1[3-(trimethoxysilyly)propyl] diethylenetriamine (DETA) and cytophobic, tridecafluoro-1,1,2,2-tetrahydrooctyl-1-trichlorosilane (13F) to assess the migratory behavior and physiological characteristics of cultured neurons. Analysis of time-lapse microscopy data revealed a dynamic procedure underlying the controlled migration of neurons, in response to extrinsic geometric and chemical cues, to promote the formation of distinct two-neuron circuits. Immunocytochemical characterization of the neurons highlights the organization of actin filaments (phalloidin) and microtubules (β-tubulin) at each migration stage. These data have applications in the development of precise artificial neuronal networks and provide a platform for investigating neuronal migration as well as neurite identification in differentiating cultured neurons. Importantly, the cytoskeletal arrangement of these cells identifies a specific mode of neuronal migration on these in vitro surfaces characterized by a single process determining the direction of cell migration and mimicking somal translocation behavior in vivo. Such information provides valuable additional insight into the mechanisms controlling neuronal development and maturation in vitro and validates the biochemical mechanisms underlying this behavior as representative of neuronal positioning phenomena in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anupama Natarajan
- NanoScience
Technology Center, University of Central
Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, Florida 32826, United States
- Burnett
School of Biomedical Sciences, University
of Central Florida, 6900
Lake Nona Boulevard, Orlando, Florida 32827, United
States
| | - Alec S. T. Smith
- NanoScience
Technology Center, University of Central
Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, Florida 32826, United States
| | - Bonnie Berry
- NanoScience
Technology Center, University of Central
Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, Florida 32826, United States
- Burnett
School of Biomedical Sciences, University
of Central Florida, 6900
Lake Nona Boulevard, Orlando, Florida 32827, United
States
| | - Stephen Lambert
- College
of Medicine, University of Central Florida, 6900 Lake Nona Boulevard, Suite
101, Orlando, Florida 32827, United States
| | - Peter Molnar
- College
of Medicine, University of Central Florida, 6900 Lake Nona Boulevard, Suite
101, Orlando, Florida 32827, United States
- Department
of Zoology, Institute of Biology, Savaria Campus, University of West Hungary, H-9700 Szombathely, Hungary
| | - James J. Hickman
- NanoScience
Technology Center, University of Central
Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, Florida 32826, United States
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Oleaga C, Riu A, Rothemund S, Lavado A, McAleer CW, Long CJ, Persaud K, Narasimhan NS, Tran M, Roles J, Carmona-Moran CA, Sasserath T, Elbrecht DH, Kumanchik L, Bridges LR, Martin C, Schnepper MT, Ekman G, Jackson M, Wang YI, Note R, Langer J, Teissier S, Hickman JJ. Investigation of the effect of hepatic metabolism on off-target cardiotoxicity in a multi-organ human-on-a-chip system. Biomaterials 2018; 182:176-190. [PMID: 30130706 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2018.07.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2018] [Accepted: 07/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Regulation of cosmetic testing and poor predictivity of preclinical drug studies has spurred efforts to develop new methods for systemic toxicity. Current in vitro assays do not fully represent physiology, often lacking xenobiotic metabolism. Functional human multi-organ systems containing iPSC derived cardiomyocytes and primary hepatocytes were maintained under flow using a low-volume pumpless system in a serum-free medium. The functional readouts for contractile force and electrical conductivity enabled the non-invasive study of cardiac function. The presence of the hepatocytes in the system induced cardiotoxic effects from cyclophosphamide and reduced them for terfenadine due to drug metabolism, as expected from each compound's pharmacology. A computational fluid dynamics simulation enabled the prediction of terfenadine-fexofenadine pharmacokinetics, which was validated by HPLC-MS. This in vitro platform recapitulates primary aspects of the in vivo crosstalk between heart and liver and enables pharmacological studies, involving both organs in a single in vitro platform. The system enables non-invasive readouts of cardiotoxicity of drugs and their metabolites. Hepatotoxicity can also be evaluated by biomarker analysis and change in metabolic function. Integration of metabolic function in toxicology models can improve adverse effects prediction in preclinical studies and this system could also be used for chronic studies as well.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carlota Oleaga
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826, USA
| | - Anne Riu
- L'Oreal Research, and Innovation Division, Aulnay-sous-Bois, France
| | - Sandra Rothemund
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826, USA
| | - Andrea Lavado
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826, USA
| | - Christopher W McAleer
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826, USA; Hesperos, Inc., 3259 Progress Dr, Room 158, Orlando, FL 32826, USA
| | - Christopher J Long
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826, USA; Hesperos, Inc., 3259 Progress Dr, Room 158, Orlando, FL 32826, USA
| | - Keisha Persaud
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826, USA
| | | | - My Tran
- Hesperos, Inc., 3259 Progress Dr, Room 158, Orlando, FL 32826, USA
| | - Jeffry Roles
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826, USA
| | - Carlos A Carmona-Moran
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826, USA
| | - Trevor Sasserath
- Hesperos, Inc., 3259 Progress Dr, Room 158, Orlando, FL 32826, USA
| | - Daniel H Elbrecht
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826, USA; Hesperos, Inc., 3259 Progress Dr, Room 158, Orlando, FL 32826, USA
| | - Lee Kumanchik
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826, USA
| | | | - Candace Martin
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826, USA
| | - Mark T Schnepper
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826, USA
| | - Gail Ekman
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826, USA
| | - Max Jackson
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826, USA
| | - Ying I Wang
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826, USA; Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Reine Note
- L'Oreal Research, and Innovation Division, Aulnay-sous-Bois, France
| | - Jessica Langer
- L'Oreal Research, and Innovation Division, Clark, NJ, USA
| | - Silvia Teissier
- L'Oreal Research, and Innovation Division, Aulnay-sous-Bois, France
| | - James J Hickman
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Berry BJ, Smith AST, Long CJ, Martin CC, Hickman JJ. Physiological Aβ Concentrations Produce a More Biomimetic Representation of the Alzheimer's Disease Phenotype in iPSC Derived Human Neurons. ACS Chem Neurosci 2018; 9:1693-1701. [PMID: 29746089 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.8b00067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by slow, progressive neurodegeneration leading to severe neurological impairment, but current drug development efforts are limited by the lack of robust, human-based disease models. Amyloid-β (Aβ) is known to play an integral role in AD progression as it has been shown to interfere with neurological function. However, studies into AD pathology commonly apply Aβ to neurons for short durations at nonphysiological concentrations to induce an exaggerated dysfunctional phenotype. Such methods are unlikely to elucidate early stage disease dysfunction, when treatment is still possible, since damage to neurons by these high concentrations is extensive. In this study, we investigated chronic, pathologically relevant Aβ oligomer concentrations to induce an electrophysiological phenotype that is more representative of early AD progression compared to an acute high-dose application in human cortical neurons. The high, acute oligomer dose resulted in severe neuronal toxicity as well as upregulation of tau and phosphorylated tau. Chronic, low-dose treatment produced significant functional impairment without increased cell death or accumulation of tau protein. This in vitro phenotype more closely mirrors the status of early stage neural decline in AD pathology and could provide a valuable tool to further understanding of early stage AD pathophysiology and for screening potential therapeutic compounds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bonnie J. Berry
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, Florida 32826 United States
| | - Alec S. T. Smith
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, Florida 32826 United States
| | - Christopher J. Long
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, Florida 32826 United States
| | - Candace C. Martin
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, Florida 32826 United States
| | - James J. Hickman
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, Florida 32826 United States
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Edwards D, Sommerhage F, Berry B, Nummer H, Raquet M, Clymer B, Stancescu M, Hickman JJ. Comparison of NMDA and AMPA Channel Expression and Function between Embryonic and Adult Neurons Utilizing Microelectrode Array Systems. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2017; 3:3525-3533. [PMID: 29250595 PMCID: PMC5728088 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.7b00596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2017] [Accepted: 11/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Microelectrode
arrays (MEAs) are innovative tools used to perform
electrophysiological experiments for the study of electrical activity
and connectivity in populations of neurons from dissociated cultures.
Reliance upon neurons derived from embryonic tissue is a common limitation
of neuronal/MEA hybrid systems and perhaps of neuroscience research
in general, and the use of adult neurons could model fully functional
in vivo parameters more closely. Spontaneous network activity was
concurrently recorded from both embryonic and adult rat neurons cultured
on MEAs for up to 10 weeks in vitro to characterize the synaptic connections
between cell types. The cultures were exposed to synaptic transmission
antagonists against NMDA and AMPA channels, which revealed significantly
different receptor profiles of adult and embryonic networks in vitro.
In addition, both embryonic and adult neurons were evaluated for NMDA
and AMPA channel subunit expression over five weeks in vitro. The
results established that neurons derived from embryonic tissue did
not express mature synaptic channels for several weeks in vitro under
defined conditions. Consequently, the embryonic response to synaptic
antagonists was significantly different than that of neurons derived
from adult tissue sources. These results are especially significant
because most studies reported with embryonic hippocampal neurons do
not begin at two to four weeks in culture. In addition, the utilization
of MEAs in lieu of patch-clamp electrophysiology avoided a large-scale,
labor-intensive study. These results establish the utility of this
unique hybrid system derived from adult hippocampal tissue in combination
with MEAs and offer a more appropriate representation of in vivo function
for drug discovery. It has application for neuronal development and
regeneration as well as for investigations into neurodegenerative
disease, traumatic brain injury, and stroke.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Darin Edwards
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Orlando, Florida 32826, United States.,The Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida, UCF College of Medicine, 6850 Lake Nona Blvd, Orlando, Florida 32827, United States
| | - Frank Sommerhage
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Orlando, Florida 32826, United States
| | - Bonnie Berry
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Orlando, Florida 32826, United States.,The Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida, UCF College of Medicine, 6850 Lake Nona Blvd, Orlando, Florida 32827, United States
| | - Hanna Nummer
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Orlando, Florida 32826, United States
| | - Martina Raquet
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Orlando, Florida 32826, United States
| | - Brad Clymer
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Orlando, Florida 32826, United States
| | - Maria Stancescu
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Orlando, Florida 32826, United States
| | - James J Hickman
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Orlando, Florida 32826, United States.,The Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida, UCF College of Medicine, 6850 Lake Nona Blvd, Orlando, Florida 32827, United States
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Weydert S, Zürcher S, Tanner S, Zhang N, Ritter R, Peter T, Aebersold MJ, Thompson-Steckel G, Forró C, Rottmar M, Stauffer F, Valassina IA, Morgese G, Benetti EM, Tosatti S, Vörös J. Easy to Apply Polyoxazoline-Based Coating for Precise and Long-Term Control of Neural Patterns. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2017; 33:8594-8605. [PMID: 28792773 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.7b01437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Arranging cultured cells in patterns via surface modification is a tool used by biologists to answer questions in a specific and controlled manner. In the past decade, bottom-up neuroscience emerged as a new application, which aims to get a better understanding of the brain via reverse engineering and analyzing elementary circuitry in vitro. Building well-defined neural networks is the ultimate goal. Antifouling coatings are often used to control neurite outgrowth. Because erroneous connectivity alters the entire topology and functionality of minicircuits, the requirements are demanding. Current state-of-the-art coating solutions such as widely used poly(l-lysine)-g-poly(ethylene glycol) (PLL-g-PEG) fail to prevent primary neurons from making undesired connections in long-term cultures. In this study, a new copolymer with greatly enhanced antifouling properties is developed, characterized, and evaluated for its reliability, stability, and versatility. To this end, the following components are grafted to a poly(acrylamide) (PAcrAm) backbone: hexaneamine, to support spontaneous electrostatic adsorption in buffered aqueous solutions, and propyldimethylethoxysilane, to increase the durability via covalent bonding to hydroxylated culture surfaces and antifouling polymer poly(2-methyl-2-oxazoline) (PMOXA). In an assay for neural connectivity control, the new copolymer's ability to effectively prevent unwanted neurite outgrowth is compared to the gold standard, PLL-g-PEG. Additionally, its versatility is evaluated on polystyrene, glass, and poly(dimethylsiloxane) using primary hippocampal and cortical rat neurons as well as C2C12 myoblasts, and human fibroblasts. PAcrAm-g-(PMOXA, NH2, Si) consistently outperforms PLL-g-PEG with all tested culture surfaces and cell types, and it is the first surface coating which reliably prevents arranged nodes of primary neurons from forming undesired connections over the long term. Whereas the presented work focuses on the proof of concept for the new antifouling coating to successfully and sustainably prevent unwanted connectivity, it is an important milestone for in vitro neuroscience, enabling follow-up studies to engineer neurologically relevant networks. Furthermore, because PAcrAm-g-(PMOXA, NH2, Si) can be quickly applied and used with various surfaces and cell types, it is an attractive extension to the toolbox for in vitro biology and biomedical engineering.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Serge Weydert
- Laboratory of Biosensors and Bioelectronics, ETH Zurich , Gloriastrasse 35, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Stefanie Tanner
- Laboratory of Biosensors and Bioelectronics, ETH Zurich , Gloriastrasse 35, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ning Zhang
- Laboratory of Biosensors and Bioelectronics, ETH Zurich , Gloriastrasse 35, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University , 210096 Nanjing, China
| | - Rebecca Ritter
- Laboratory of Biosensors and Bioelectronics, ETH Zurich , Gloriastrasse 35, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Peter
- Laboratory of Biosensors and Bioelectronics, ETH Zurich , Gloriastrasse 35, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mathias J Aebersold
- Laboratory of Biosensors and Bioelectronics, ETH Zurich , Gloriastrasse 35, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Greta Thompson-Steckel
- Laboratory of Biosensors and Bioelectronics, ETH Zurich , Gloriastrasse 35, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Csaba Forró
- Laboratory of Biosensors and Bioelectronics, ETH Zurich , Gloriastrasse 35, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Markus Rottmar
- Laboratory for Biointerfaces, Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology , 9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Flurin Stauffer
- Laboratory of Biosensors and Bioelectronics, ETH Zurich , Gloriastrasse 35, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Giulia Morgese
- Laboratory for Surface Science and Technology, ETH Zürich , Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 5, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Edmondo M Benetti
- Laboratory for Surface Science and Technology, ETH Zürich , Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 5, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - János Vörös
- Laboratory of Biosensors and Bioelectronics, ETH Zurich , Gloriastrasse 35, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Wang YI, Oleaga C, Long CJ, Esch MB, McAleer CW, Miller PG, Hickman JJ, Shuler ML. Self-contained, low-cost Body-on-a-Chip systems for drug development. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2017; 242:1701-1713. [PMID: 29065797 DOI: 10.1177/1535370217694101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Integrated multi-organ microphysiological systems are an evolving tool for preclinical evaluation of the potential toxicity and efficacy of drug candidates. Such systems, also known as Body-on-a-Chip devices, have a great potential to increase the successful conversion of drug candidates entering clinical trials into approved drugs. Systems, to be attractive for commercial adoption, need to be inexpensive, easy to operate, and give reproducible results. Further, the ability to measure functional responses, such as electrical activity, force generation, and barrier integrity of organ surrogates, enhances the ability to monitor response to drugs. The ability to operate a system for significant periods of time (up to 28 d) will provide potential to estimate chronic as well as acute responses of the human body. Here we review progress towards a self-contained low-cost microphysiological system with functional measurements of physiological responses. Impact statement Multi-organ microphysiological systems are promising devices to improve the drug development process. The development of a pumpless system represents the ability to build multi-organ systems that are of low cost, high reliability, and self-contained. These features, coupled with the ability to measure electrical and mechanical response in addition to chemical or metabolic changes, provides an attractive system for incorporation into the drug development process. This will be the most complete review of the pumpless platform with recirculation yet written.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ying I Wang
- 1 Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Carlota Oleaga
- 2 NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32826, USA
| | - Christopher J Long
- 2 NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32826, USA.,3 Hesperos, Inc., Orlando, FL 32826, USA
| | - Mandy B Esch
- 4 Center for Nanoscale Science and Technology, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD 20899, USA
| | - Christopher W McAleer
- 2 NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32826, USA.,3 Hesperos, Inc., Orlando, FL 32826, USA
| | - Paula G Miller
- 1 Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - James J Hickman
- 2 NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32826, USA.,3 Hesperos, Inc., Orlando, FL 32826, USA
| | - Michael L Shuler
- 1 Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.,3 Hesperos, Inc., Orlando, FL 32826, USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Haglerød C, Hussain S, Nakamura Y, Xia J, Haug FMS, Ottersen OP, Henley JM, Davanger S. Presynaptic PICK1 facilitates trafficking of AMPA-receptors between active zone and synaptic vesicle pool. Neuroscience 2017; 344:102-112. [PMID: 28057533 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2016.12.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2016] [Revised: 12/09/2016] [Accepted: 12/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies have indicated that presynaptic α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionate receptors (AMPARs) contribute to the regulation of neurotransmitter release. In hippocampal synapses, the presynaptic surface expression of several AMPAR subunits, including GluA2, is regulated in a ligand-dependent manner. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the presynaptic trafficking of AMPARs are still unknown. Here, using bright-field immunocytochemistry, western blots, and quantitative immunogold electron microscopy of the hippocampal CA1 area from intact adult rat brain, we demonstrate the association of AMPA receptors with the presynaptic active zone and with small presynaptic vesicles, in Schaffer collateral synapses in CA1 of the hippocampus. Furthermore, we show that GluA2 and protein interacting with C kinase 1 (PICK1) are colocalized at presynaptic vesicles. Similar to postsynaptic mechanisms, overexpression of either PICK1 or pep2m, which inhibit the N-ethylmaleimide sensitive fusion protein (NSF)-GluA2 interaction, decreases the concentration of GluA2 in the presynaptic active zone membrane. These data suggest that the interacting proteins PICK1 and NSF act as regulators of presynaptic GluA2-containing AMPAR trafficking between the active zone and a vesicle pool that may provide the basis of presynaptic components of synaptic plasticity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Haglerød
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Anatomy, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - S Hussain
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Anatomy, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Y Nakamura
- School of Biochemistry, Centre for Synaptic Plasticity, Biomedical Sciences Building, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - J Xia
- Division of Life Science, Division of Biomedical Engineering and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - F-M S Haug
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Anatomy, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - O P Ottersen
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Anatomy, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - J M Henley
- School of Biochemistry, Centre for Synaptic Plasticity, Biomedical Sciences Building, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - S Davanger
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Anatomy, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Yu SB, Baek J, Choi M, Oh Y, Lee HR, Yu SJ, Lee E, Sohn JW, Im SG, Jon S. Polymer Thin Films with Tunable Acetylcholine-like Functionality Enable Long-Term Culture of Primary Hippocampal Neurons. ACS NANO 2016; 10:9909-9918. [PMID: 27792310 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.6b03527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
In vitro culture systems for primary neurons have served as useful tools for neuroscience research. However, conventional in vitro culture methods are still plagued by challenging problems with respect to applications to neurodegenerative disease models or neuron-based biosensors and neural chips, which commonly require long-term culture of neural cells. These impediments highlight the necessity of developing a platform capable of sustaining neural activity over months. Here, we designed a series of polymeric bilayers composed of poly(glycidyl methacrylate) (pGMA) and poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) (pDMAEMA), designated pGMA:pDMAEMA, using initiated chemical vapor deposition (iCVD). Harnessing the surface-growing characteristics of iCVD polymer films, we were able to precisely engraft acetylcholine-like functionalities (tertiary amine and quaternary ammonium) onto cell culture plates. Notably, pGD3, a pGMA:pDMAEMA preparation with the highest surface composition of quaternary ammonium, fostered the most rapid outgrowth of neural cells. Clear contrasts in neural growth and survival between pGD3 and poly-l-lysine (PLL)-coated surfaces became apparent after 30 days in vitro (DIV). Moreover, brain-derived neurotrophic factor level continuously accumulated in pGD3-cultured neurons, reaching a 3-fold increase at 50 DIV. Electrophysiological measurements at 30 DIV revealed that the pGD3 surface not only promoted healthy maturation of hippocampal neurons but also enhanced the function of hippocampal ionotropic glutamate receptors in response to synaptic glutamate release. Neurons cultured long-term on pGD3 also maintained their characteristic depolarization-induced Ca2+ influx functions. Furthermore, primary hippocampal neurons cultured on pGD3 showed long-term survival in a stable state up to 90 days-far longer than neurons on conventional PLL-coated surfaces. Taken together, our findings indicate that a polymer thin film with optimal acetylcholine-like functionality enables a long-term culture and survival of primary neurons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seungyoon B Yu
- KAIST Institute for the BioCentury, Department of Biological Sciences, ‡KAIST Institute for the NanoCentury, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, and §Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology , 291 Daehak-ro, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Jieung Baek
- KAIST Institute for the BioCentury, Department of Biological Sciences, ‡KAIST Institute for the NanoCentury, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, and §Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology , 291 Daehak-ro, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Minsuk Choi
- KAIST Institute for the BioCentury, Department of Biological Sciences, ‡KAIST Institute for the NanoCentury, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, and §Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology , 291 Daehak-ro, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Youjin Oh
- KAIST Institute for the BioCentury, Department of Biological Sciences, ‡KAIST Institute for the NanoCentury, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, and §Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology , 291 Daehak-ro, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Hak Rae Lee
- KAIST Institute for the BioCentury, Department of Biological Sciences, ‡KAIST Institute for the NanoCentury, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, and §Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology , 291 Daehak-ro, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Jung Yu
- KAIST Institute for the BioCentury, Department of Biological Sciences, ‡KAIST Institute for the NanoCentury, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, and §Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology , 291 Daehak-ro, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunjung Lee
- KAIST Institute for the BioCentury, Department of Biological Sciences, ‡KAIST Institute for the NanoCentury, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, and §Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology , 291 Daehak-ro, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong-Woo Sohn
- KAIST Institute for the BioCentury, Department of Biological Sciences, ‡KAIST Institute for the NanoCentury, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, and §Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology , 291 Daehak-ro, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Gap Im
- KAIST Institute for the BioCentury, Department of Biological Sciences, ‡KAIST Institute for the NanoCentury, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, and §Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology , 291 Daehak-ro, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Sangyong Jon
- KAIST Institute for the BioCentury, Department of Biological Sciences, ‡KAIST Institute for the NanoCentury, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, and §Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology , 291 Daehak-ro, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Neural Circuits on a Chip. MICROMACHINES 2016; 7:mi7090157. [PMID: 30404330 PMCID: PMC6190100 DOI: 10.3390/mi7090157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2016] [Revised: 08/20/2016] [Accepted: 08/29/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Neural circuits are responsible for the brain's ability to process and store information. Reductionist approaches to understanding the brain include isolation of individual neurons for detailed characterization. When maintained in vitro for several days or weeks, dissociated neurons self-assemble into randomly connected networks that produce synchronized activity and are capable of learning. This review focuses on efforts to control neuronal connectivity in vitro and construct living neural circuits of increasing complexity and precision. Microfabrication-based methods have been developed to guide network self-assembly, accomplishing control over in vitro circuit size and connectivity. The ability to control neural connectivity and synchronized activity led to the implementation of logic functions using living neurons. Techniques to construct and control three-dimensional circuits have also been established. Advances in multiple electrode arrays as well as genetically encoded, optical activity sensors and transducers enabled highly specific interfaces to circuits composed of thousands of neurons. Further advances in on-chip neural circuits may lead to better understanding of the brain.
Collapse
|
21
|
Yamamoto H, Matsumura R, Takaoki H, Katsurabayashi S, Hirano-Iwata A, Niwano M. Unidirectional signal propagation in primary neurons micropatterned at a single-cell resolution. APPLIED PHYSICS LETTERS 2016; 109:043703. [PMID: 27746482 PMCID: PMC5030838 DOI: 10.1063/1.4959836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2016] [Accepted: 07/14/2016] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The structure and connectivity of cultured neuronal networks can be controlled by using micropatterned surfaces. Here, we demonstrate that the direction of signal propagation can be precisely controlled at a single-cell resolution by growing primary neurons on micropatterns. To achieve this, we first examined the process by which axons develop and how synapses form in micropatterned primary neurons using immunocytochemistry. By aligning asymmetric micropatterns with a marginal gap, it was possible to pattern primary neurons with a directed polarization axis at the single-cell level. We then examined how synapses develop on micropatterned hippocampal neurons. Three types of micropatterns with different numbers of short paths for dendrite growth were compared. A normal development in synapse density was observed when micropatterns with three or more short paths were used. Finally, we performed double patch clamp recordings on micropatterned neurons to confirm that these synapses are indeed functional, and that the neuronal signal is transmitted unidirectionally in the intended orientation. This work provides a practical guideline for patterning single neurons to design functional neuronal networks in vitro with the direction of signal propagation being controlled.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H Yamamoto
- Frontier Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Tohoku University , 6-3 Aramaki-aza Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8578, Japan
| | - R Matsumura
- Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, Tohoku University , 6-6 Aramaki-aza Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8579, Japan
| | - H Takaoki
- Research Institute of Electrical Communication, Tohoku University , 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8577, Japan
| | - S Katsurabayashi
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fukuoka University , 8-19-1 Nanakuma, Jonan-ku, Fukuoka 814-0180, Japan
| | - A Hirano-Iwata
- Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, Tohoku University , 6-6 Aramaki-aza Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8579, Japan
| | - M Niwano
- Research Institute of Electrical Communication, Tohoku University , 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8577, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Aebersold MJ, Dermutz H, Forró C, Weydert S, Thompson-Steckel G, Vörös J, Demkó L. “Brains on a chip”: Towards engineered neural networks. Trends Analyt Chem 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2016.01.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
|
23
|
Berry BJ, Akanda N, Smith AST, Long CJ, Schnepper MT, Guo X, Hickman JJ. Morphological and functional characterization of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neurons (iCell Neurons) in defined culture systems. Biotechnol Prog 2015; 31:1613-22. [PMID: 26317319 DOI: 10.1002/btpr.2160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2015] [Revised: 08/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Pre-clinical testing of drug candidates in animal models is expensive, time-consuming, and often fails to predict drug effects in humans. Industry and academia alike are working to build human-based in vitro test beds and advanced high throughput screening systems to improve the translation of preclinical results to human drug trials. Human neurons derived from induced pluripotent stems cells (hiPSCs) are readily available for use within these test-beds and high throughput screens, but there remains a need to robustly evaluate cellular behavior prior to their incorporation in such systems. This study reports on the characterization of one source of commercially available hiPSC-derived neurons, iCell(®) Neurons, for their long-term viability and functional performance to assess their suitability for integration within advanced in vitro platforms. The purity, morphology, survival, identity, and functional maturation of the cells utilizing different culture substrates and medium combinations were evaluated over 28 days in vitro (DIV). Patch-clamp electrophysiological data demonstrated increased capacity for repetitive firing of action potentials across all culture conditions. Significant differences in cellular maturity, morphology, and functional performance were observed in the different conditions, highlighting the importance of evaluating different surface types and growth medium compositions for application in specific in vitro protocols.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bonnie J Berry
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, FL, 32826
| | - Nesar Akanda
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, FL, 32826
| | - Alec S T Smith
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, FL, 32826
| | - Christopher J Long
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, FL, 32826
| | - Mark T Schnepper
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, FL, 32826
| | - Xiufang Guo
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, FL, 32826
| | - James J Hickman
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, FL, 32826
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Krumpholz K, Rogal J, El Hasni A, Schnakenberg U, Bräunig P, Bui-Göbbels K. Agarose-Based Substrate Modification Technique for Chemical and Physical Guiding of Neurons In Vitro. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2015; 7:18769-18777. [PMID: 26237337 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.5b05383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
A new low cost and highly reproducible technique is presented that provides patterned cell culture substrates. These allow for selective positioning of cells and a chemically and mechanically directed guiding of their extensions. The patterned substrates consist of structured agarose hydrogels molded from reusable silicon micro templates. These templates consist of pins arranged equidistantly in squares, connected by bars, which mold corresponding wells and channels in the nonadhesive agarose hydrogel. Subsequent slice production with a standard vibratome, comprising the described template pattern, completes substrate production. Invertebrate neurons of locusts and pond snails are used for this application as they offer the advantage over vertebrate cells as being very large and suitable for cultivation in low cell density. Their neurons adhere to and grow only on the adhesive areas not covered by the agarose. Agarose slices of 50 μm thickness placed on glass, polystyrene, or MEA surfaces position and immobilize the neurons in the wells, and the channels guide their neurite outgrowth toward neighboring wells. In addition to the application with invertebrate neurons, the technique may also provide the potential for the application of a wide range of cell types. Long-term objective is the achievement of isolated low-density neuronal networks on MEAs or different culture substrates for various network analysis applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Krumpholz
- Institute for Biology II, RWTH Aachen University , Worringerweg 3, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Julia Rogal
- Institute for Biology II, RWTH Aachen University , Worringerweg 3, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Akram El Hasni
- Institute of Materials in Electrical Engineering 1, RWTH Aachen University , Sommerfeldstraße 24, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Uwe Schnakenberg
- Institute of Materials in Electrical Engineering 1, RWTH Aachen University , Sommerfeldstraße 24, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Peter Bräunig
- Institute for Biology II, RWTH Aachen University , Worringerweg 3, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Katrin Bui-Göbbels
- Institute for Biology II, RWTH Aachen University , Worringerweg 3, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
McCammon JM, Sive H. Addressing the Genetics of Human Mental Health Disorders in Model Organisms. Annu Rev Genomics Hum Genet 2015; 16:173-97. [DOI: 10.1146/annurev-genom-090314-050048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jasmine M. McCammon
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142;
| | - Hazel Sive
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142;
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Synaptic connectivity in engineered neuronal networks. Methods Mol Biol 2015; 1183:243-52. [PMID: 25023313 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-1096-0_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
We have developed a method to organize cells in dissociated cultures using engineered chemical clues on a culture surface and determined their connectivity patterns. Although almost all elements of the synaptic transmission machinery can be studied separately in single cell models in dissociated cultures, the complex physiological interactions between these elements are usually lost. Thus, factors affecting synaptic transmission are generally studied in organotypic cultures, brain slices, or in vivo where the cellular architecture generally remains intact. However, by utilizing engineered neuronal networks complex phenomenon such as synaptic transmission or synaptic plasticity can be studied in a simple, functional, cell culture-based system. We have utilized self-assembled monolayers and photolithography to create the surface templates. Embryonic hippocampal cells, plated on the resultant patterns in serum-free medium, followed the surface clues and formed the engineered neuronal networks. Basic whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology was applied to characterize the synaptic connectivity in these engineered two-cell networks. The same technology has been used to pattern other cell types such as cardiomyocytes or skeletal muscle fibers.
Collapse
|
27
|
Foroushani AN, Ghafar-Zadeh E. Toward on-chip functional neuronal networks: computational study on the effect of synaptic connectivity on neural activity. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2015; 2014:1553-6. [PMID: 25570267 DOI: 10.1109/embc.2014.6943899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
This paper presents a new unified computational-experimental approach to study the role of the synaptic activity on the activity of neurons in the small neuronal networks (NNs). In a neuronal tissue/organ, this question is investigated with higher complexities by recording action potentials from population of neurons in order to find the relationship between connectivity and the recorded activities. In this approach, we study the dynamics of very small cortical neuronal networks, which can be experimentally synthesized on chip with constrained connectivity. Multi-compartmental Hodgkin-Huxley model is used in NEURON software to reproduce cells by extracting the experimental data from the synthesized NNs. We thereafter demonstrate how the type of synaptic activity affects the network response to specific spike train using the simulation results.
Collapse
|
28
|
Dermutz H, Grüter RR, Truong AM, Demkó L, Vörös J, Zambelli T. Local polymer replacement for neuron patterning and in situ neurite guidance. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2014; 30:7037-46. [PMID: 24850409 DOI: 10.1021/la5012692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
By locally dispensing poly-L-lysine (PLL) molecules with a FluidFM onto a protein and cell resistant poly-L-lysine-graft-polyethylene glycol (PLL-g-PEG) coated substrate, the antifouling layer can be replaced under the tip aperture by the cell adhesive PLL. We used this approach for guiding the adhesion and axonal outgrowth of embryonic hippocampal neurons in situ. Cultures of hippocampal neurons were chosen because they mostly contain pyramidal neurons. The hippocampus is known to be involved in memory formation, and the stages of network development are well characterized, which is an asset to fundamental research. After fabricating diffuse PLL spots with 10-250 μm diameter, seeded hippocampal cells stick preferentially onto the spots migrating toward the spot center along the PLL gradient. Cell clusters were formed depending on the lateral size of the PLL dots and the density of seeded cells. In a second step of this protocol, the FluidFM is used to connect in situ the obtained clusters. The outgrowth of neurites, which are known to grow preferentially on adhesive substrates, is tailored by writing PLL lines. Antibody staining confirms that the outgrowing neurites are mostly axons, while the activity of the neurons is assessed by a calcium indicator, proving cell viability. The calcium signal intensity of two actively interconnected clusters showed to be correlated, corroborating the formation of vectored and polarized interconnections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Harald Dermutz
- Laboratory of Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Institute for Biomedical Engineering, ETH Zurich , CH-8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|