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Wolf HN, Guempelein L, Schikora J, Pauly D. Inter-tissue differences in oxidative stress susceptibility reveal a less stable endothelial barrier in the brain than in the retina. Exp Neurol 2024; 380:114919. [PMID: 39142370 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2024.114919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 07/22/2024] [Accepted: 08/10/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
Abstract
Oxidative stress can impair the endothelial barrier and thereby enable autoantibody migration in Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). Tissue-specific vulnerability to autoantibody-mediated damage could be explained by a differential, tissue-dependent endothelial susceptibility to oxidative stress. In this study, we aim to investigate the barrier integrity and complement profiles of brain and retinal endothelial cells under oxygen-induced oxidative stress to address the question of whether the pathomechanism of NMOSD preferentially affects the brain or the retina. Primary human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMEC) and primary human retinal endothelial cells (HREC) were cultivated at different cell densities (2.5*104 to 2*105 cells/cm2) for real-time cell analysis. Both cell types were exposed to 100, 500 and 2500 μM H2O2. Immunostaining (CD31, VE-cadherin, ZO-1) and Western blot, as well as complement protein secretion using multiplex ELISA were performed. HBMEC and HREC cell growth phases were cell type-specific. While HBMEC cell growth could be categorized into an initial peak, proliferation phase, plateau phase, and barrier breakdown phase, HREC showed no proliferation phase, but entered the plateau phase immediately after an initial peak. The plateau phase was 7 h shorter in HREC. Both cell types displayed a short-term, dose-dependent adaptive response to H2O2. Remarkably, at 100 μM H2O2, the transcellular resistance of HBMEC exceeded that of untreated cells. 500 μM H2O2 exerted a more disruptive effect on the HBMEC transcellular resistance than on HREC. Both cell types secreted complement factors H (FH) and I (FI), with FH secretion remaining stable after 2 h, but FI secretion decreasing at higher H2O2 concentrations. The observed differences in resistance to oxidative stress between primary brain and retinal endothelial cells may have implications for further studies of NMOSD and other autoimmune diseases affecting the eye and brain. These findings may open novel perspectives for the understanding and treatment of such diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Nora Wolf
- Department of Experimental Ophthalmology, University Marburg, Marburg 35043, Germany.
| | - Larissa Guempelein
- Department of Experimental Ophthalmology, University Marburg, Marburg 35043, Germany.
| | - Juliane Schikora
- Department of Experimental Ophthalmology, University Marburg, Marburg 35043, Germany.
| | - Diana Pauly
- Department of Experimental Ophthalmology, University Marburg, Marburg 35043, Germany.
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2
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Porkoláb G, Mészáros M, Szecskó A, Vigh JP, Walter FR, Figueiredo R, Kálomista I, Hoyk Z, Vizsnyiczai G, Gróf I, Jan JS, Gosselet F, Pirity MK, Vastag M, Hudson N, Campbell M, Veszelka S, Deli MA. Synergistic induction of blood-brain barrier properties. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2316006121. [PMID: 38748577 PMCID: PMC11126970 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2316006121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Blood-brain barrier (BBB) models derived from human stem cells are powerful tools to improve our understanding of cerebrovascular diseases and to facilitate drug development for the human brain. Yet providing stem cell-derived endothelial cells with the right signaling cues to acquire BBB characteristics while also retaining their vascular identity remains challenging. Here, we show that the simultaneous activation of cyclic AMP and Wnt/β-catenin signaling and inhibition of the TGF-β pathway in endothelial cells robustly induce BBB properties in vitro. To target this interaction, we present a small-molecule cocktail named cARLA, which synergistically enhances barrier tightness in a range of BBB models across species. Mechanistically, we reveal that the three pathways converge on Wnt/β-catenin signaling to mediate the effect of cARLA via the tight junction protein claudin-5. We demonstrate that cARLA shifts the gene expressional profile of human stem cell-derived endothelial cells toward the in vivo brain endothelial signature, with a higher glycocalyx density and efflux pump activity, lower rates of endocytosis, and a characteristic endothelial response to proinflammatory cytokines. Finally, we illustrate how cARLA can improve the predictive value of human BBB models regarding the brain penetration of drugs and targeted nanoparticles. Due to its synergistic effect, high reproducibility, and ease of use, cARLA has the potential to advance drug development for the human brain by improving BBB models across laboratories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gergő Porkoláb
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Research Network, SzegedH-6726, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Biology, University of Szeged, SzegedH-6720, Hungary
| | - Mária Mészáros
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Research Network, SzegedH-6726, Hungary
| | - Anikó Szecskó
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Research Network, SzegedH-6726, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Biology, University of Szeged, SzegedH-6720, Hungary
| | - Judit P. Vigh
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Research Network, SzegedH-6726, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Biology, University of Szeged, SzegedH-6720, Hungary
| | - Fruzsina R. Walter
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Research Network, SzegedH-6726, Hungary
| | | | - Ildikó Kálomista
- In Vitro Metabolism Laboratory, Gedeon Richter, BudapestH-1103, Hungary
| | - Zsófia Hoyk
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Research Network, SzegedH-6726, Hungary
| | - Gaszton Vizsnyiczai
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Research Network, SzegedH-6726, Hungary
| | - Ilona Gróf
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Research Network, SzegedH-6726, Hungary
| | - Jeng-Shiung Jan
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan70101, Taiwan
| | - Fabien Gosselet
- Laboratoire de la Barriére Hémato-Encéphalique, Université d’Artois, Lens62307, France
| | - Melinda K. Pirity
- Institute of Genetics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Research Network, SzegedH-6726, Hungary
| | - Monika Vastag
- In Vitro Metabolism Laboratory, Gedeon Richter, BudapestH-1103, Hungary
| | - Natalie Hudson
- Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, DublinD02 VF25, Ireland
| | - Matthew Campbell
- Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, DublinD02 VF25, Ireland
| | - Szilvia Veszelka
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Research Network, SzegedH-6726, Hungary
| | - Mária A. Deli
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Research Network, SzegedH-6726, Hungary
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3
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Deli MA, Porkoláb G, Kincses A, Mészáros M, Szecskó A, Kocsis AE, Vigh JP, Valkai S, Veszelka S, Walter FR, Dér A. Lab-on-a-chip models of the blood-brain barrier: evolution, problems, perspectives. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:1030-1063. [PMID: 38353254 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00996c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
A great progress has been made in the development and use of lab-on-a-chip devices to model and study the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in the last decade. We present the main types of BBB-on-chip models and their use for the investigation of BBB physiology, drug and nanoparticle transport, toxicology and pathology. The selection of the appropriate cell types to be integrated into BBB-on-chip devices is discussed, as this greatly impacts the physiological relevance and translatability of findings. We identify knowledge gaps, neglected engineering and cell biological aspects and point out problems and contradictions in the literature of BBB-on-chip models, and suggest areas for further studies to progress this highly interdisciplinary field. BBB-on-chip models have an exceptional potential as predictive tools and alternatives of animal experiments in basic and preclinical research. To exploit the full potential of this technique expertise from materials science, bioengineering as well as stem cell and vascular/BBB biology is necessary. There is a need for better integration of these diverse disciplines that can only be achieved by setting clear parameters for characterizing both the chip and the BBB model parts technically and functionally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mária A Deli
- HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Institute of Biophysics, Szeged, Hungary.
| | - Gergő Porkoláb
- HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Institute of Biophysics, Szeged, Hungary.
- Doctoral School of Biology, University of Szeged, Hungary
| | - András Kincses
- HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Institute of Biophysics, Szeged, Hungary.
| | - Mária Mészáros
- HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Institute of Biophysics, Szeged, Hungary.
| | - Anikó Szecskó
- HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Institute of Biophysics, Szeged, Hungary.
- Doctoral School of Biology, University of Szeged, Hungary
| | - Anna E Kocsis
- HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Institute of Biophysics, Szeged, Hungary.
| | - Judit P Vigh
- HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Institute of Biophysics, Szeged, Hungary.
- Doctoral School of Biology, University of Szeged, Hungary
| | - Sándor Valkai
- HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Institute of Biophysics, Szeged, Hungary.
| | - Szilvia Veszelka
- HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Institute of Biophysics, Szeged, Hungary.
| | - Fruzsina R Walter
- HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Institute of Biophysics, Szeged, Hungary.
| | - András Dér
- HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Institute of Biophysics, Szeged, Hungary.
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Sato Y, Asahi T, Kataoka K. Integrative single-cell RNA-seq analysis of vascularized cerebral organoids. BMC Biol 2023; 21:245. [PMID: 37940920 PMCID: PMC10634128 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-023-01711-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cerebral organoids are three-dimensional in vitro cultured brains that mimic the function and structure of the human brain. One of the major challenges for cerebral organoids is the lack of functional vasculature. Without perfusable vessels, oxygen and nutrient supplies may be insufficient for long-term culture, hindering the investigation of the neurovascular interactions. Recently, several strategies for the vascularization of human cerebral organoids have been reported. However, the generalizable trends and variability among different strategies are unclear due to the lack of a comprehensive characterization and comparison of these vascularization strategies. In this study, we aimed to explore the effect of different vascularization strategies on the nervous system and vasculature in human cerebral organoids. RESULTS We integrated single-cell RNA sequencing data of multiple vascularized and vascular organoids and fetal brains from publicly available datasets and assessed the protocol-dependent and culture-day-dependent effects on the cell composition and transcriptomic profiles in neuronal and vascular cells. We revealed the similarities and uniqueness of multiple vascularization strategies and demonstrated the transcriptomic effects of vascular induction on neuronal and mesodermal-like cell populations. Moreover, our data suggested that the interaction between neurons and mesodermal-like cell populations is important for the cerebrovascular-specific profile of endothelial-like cells. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights the current challenges to vascularization strategies in human cerebral organoids and offers a benchmark for the future fabrication of vascularized organoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuya Sato
- Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toru Asahi
- Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan.
- Comprehensive Research Organization, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan.
- Research Organization for Nano & Life Innovation, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Kosuke Kataoka
- Comprehensive Research Organization, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan.
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5
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Mutgan AC, Jandl K, Radic N, Valzano F, Kolb D, Hoffmann J, Foris V, Wilhelm J, Boehm PM, Hoetzenecker K, Olschewski A, Olschewski H, Heinemann A, Wygrecka M, Marsh LM, Kwapiszewska G. Pentastatin, a matrikine of the collagen IVα5, is a novel endogenous mediator of pulmonary endothelial dysfunction. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2023; 325:C1294-C1312. [PMID: 37694286 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00391.2023] [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: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Deposition of basement membrane components, such as collagen IVα5, is associated with altered endothelial cell function in pulmonary hypertension. Collagen IVα5 harbors a functionally active fragment within its C-terminal noncollageneous (NC1) domain, called pentastatin, whose role in pulmonary endothelial cell behavior remains unknown. Here, we demonstrate that pentastatin serves as a mediator of pulmonary endothelial cell dysfunction, contributing to pulmonary hypertension. In vitro, treatment with pentastatin induced transcription of immediate early genes and proinflammatory cytokines and led to a functional loss of endothelial barrier integrity in pulmonary arterial endothelial cells. Mechanistically, pentastatin leads to β1-integrin subunit clustering and Rho/ROCK activation. Blockage of the β1-integrin subunit or the Rho/ROCK pathway partially attenuated the pentastatin-induced endothelial barrier disruption. Although pentastatin reduced the viability of endothelial cells, smooth muscle cell proliferation was induced. These effects on the pulmonary vascular cells were recapitulated ex vivo in the isolated-perfused lung model, where treatment with pentastatin-induced swelling of the endothelium accompanied by occasional endothelial cell apoptosis. This was reflected by increased vascular permeability and elevated pulmonary arterial pressure induced by pentastatin. This study identifies pentastatin as a mediator of endothelial cell dysfunction, which thus might contribute to the pathogenesis of pulmonary vascular disorders such as pulmonary hypertension.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study is the first to show that pentastatin, the matrikine of the basement membrane (BM) collagen IVα5 polypeptide, triggers rapid pulmonary arterial endothelial cell barrier disruption, activation, and apoptosis in vitro and ex vivo. Mechanistically, pentastatin partially acts through binding to the β1-integrin subunit and the Rho/ROCK pathway. These findings are the first to link pentastatin to pulmonary endothelial dysfunction and, thus, suggest a major role for BM-matrikines in pulmonary vascular diseases such as pulmonary hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayse Ceren Mutgan
- Division of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Otto Loewi Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Lung Vascular Research, Graz, Austria
| | - Katharina Jandl
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Lung Vascular Research, Graz, Austria
- Division of Pharmacology, Otto Loewi Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Nemanja Radic
- Division of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Otto Loewi Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Francesco Valzano
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Lung Vascular Research, Graz, Austria
| | - Dagmar Kolb
- Core Facility Ultrastructure Analysis, Center for Medical Research, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Julia Hoffmann
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Lung Vascular Research, Graz, Austria
| | - Vasile Foris
- Division of Pulmonology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Jochen Wilhelm
- Institute for Lung Health, Member of the German Lung Center (DZL), Giessen, Germany
| | - Panja M Boehm
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Konrad Hoetzenecker
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Andrea Olschewski
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Lung Vascular Research, Graz, Austria
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Horst Olschewski
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Lung Vascular Research, Graz, Austria
- Division of Pulmonology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Akos Heinemann
- Division of Pharmacology, Otto Loewi Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Malgorzata Wygrecka
- Institute for Lung Health, Member of the German Lung Center (DZL), Giessen, Germany
- Center for Infection and Genomics of the Lung, Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center, Giessen, Germany
| | - Leigh M Marsh
- Division of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Otto Loewi Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Lung Vascular Research, Graz, Austria
| | - Grazyna Kwapiszewska
- Division of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Otto Loewi Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Lung Vascular Research, Graz, Austria
- Institute for Lung Health, Member of the German Lung Center (DZL), Giessen, Germany
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6
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Brown JC. Backup transcription factor binding sites protect human genes from mutations in the promoter. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0281569. [PMID: 37651425 PMCID: PMC10470901 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0281569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
This study was designed to test the idea that the regulatory regions of human genes have evolved to be resistant to the effects of mutations in their primary function, the control of gene expression. It is proposed that the transcription factor/transcription factor binding site (TF/TFBS) pair having the greatest effect on control of a gene is the one with the highest abundance among the regulatory elements. Other pairs would have the same effect on gene expression and would predominate in the event of a mutation in the most abundant pair. It is expected that the overall regulatory design proposed here will be highly resistant to mutagenic change that would otherwise affect expression of the gene. The idea was tested beginning with a database of 42 human genes highly specific for expression in brain. For each gene, the five most abundant TF/TFBS pairs were identified and compared in their TFBS occupancy as measured by their ChIP-seq signal. A similar signal was observed and interpreted as evidence that the TF/TFBS pairs can substitute for one another. TF/TFBS pairs were also compared in their ability to substitute for one another in their effect on the level of gene expression. The study of brain specific genes was complemented with the same analysis performed with 31 human liver specific genes. Like the study of brain genes, the liver results supported the view that TF/TFBS pairs in liver specific genes can substitute for one another in the event of mutagenic damage. Finally, the TFBSs in the brain specific and liver specific gene populations were compared with each other with the goal of identifying any brain selective or liver selective TFBSs. Of the 89 TFBSs in the pooled population, 58 were found only in brain specific but not liver specific genes, 8 only in liver specific but not brain specific genes and 23 were found in both brain and liver specific genes. The results were interpreted to emphasize the large number of TFBS in brain specific genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jay C. Brown
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
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7
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Rodak O, Mrozowska M, Rusak A, Gomułkiewicz A, Piotrowska A, Olbromski M, Podhorska-Okołów M, Ugorski M, Dzięgiel P. Targeting SOX18 Transcription Factor Activity by Small-Molecule Inhibitor Sm4 in Non-Small Lung Cancer Cell Lines. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11316. [PMID: 37511076 PMCID: PMC10379584 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor SOX18 has been shown to play a crucial role in lung cancer progression and metastasis. In this study, we investigated the effect of Sm4, a SOX18 inhibitor, on cell cycle regulation in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines LXF-289 and SK-MES-1, as well as normal human lung fibroblast cell line IMR-90. Our results demonstrated that Sm4 treatment induced cytotoxic effects on all three cell lines, with a greater effect observed in NSCLC adenocarcinoma cells. Sm4 treatment led to S-phase cell accumulation and upregulation of p21, a key regulator of the S-to-G2/M phase transition. While no significant changes in SOX7 or SOX17 protein expression were observed, Sm4 treatment resulted in a significant upregulation of SOX17 gene expression. Furthermore, our findings suggest a complex interplay between SOX18 and p21 in the context of lung cancer, with a positive correlation observed between SOX18 expression and p21 nuclear presence in clinical tissue samples obtained from lung cancer patients. These results suggest that Sm4 has the potential to disrupt the cell cycle and target cancer cell growth by modulating SOX18 activity and p21 expression. Further investigation is necessary to fully understand the relationship between SOX18 and p21 in lung cancer and to explore the therapeutic potential of SOX18 inhibition in lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Rodak
- Division of Histology and Embryology, Department of Human Morphology and Embryology, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-368 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Monika Mrozowska
- Division of Histology and Embryology, Department of Human Morphology and Embryology, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-368 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Rusak
- Division of Histology and Embryology, Department of Human Morphology and Embryology, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-368 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Gomułkiewicz
- Division of Histology and Embryology, Department of Human Morphology and Embryology, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-368 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Piotrowska
- Division of Histology and Embryology, Department of Human Morphology and Embryology, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-368 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Mateusz Olbromski
- Division of Histology and Embryology, Department of Human Morphology and Embryology, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-368 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Marzenna Podhorska-Okołów
- Division of Ultrastructural Research, Department of Human Morphology and Embryology, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-368 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Maciej Ugorski
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, 50-375 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Piotr Dzięgiel
- Division of Histology and Embryology, Department of Human Morphology and Embryology, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-368 Wroclaw, Poland
- Department of Physiotherapy, University School of Physical Education, 51-612 Wroclaw, Poland
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8
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Hashimoto Y, Greene C, Munnich A, Campbell M. The CLDN5 gene at the blood-brain barrier in health and disease. Fluids Barriers CNS 2023; 20:22. [PMID: 36978081 PMCID: PMC10044825 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-023-00424-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The CLDN5 gene encodes claudin-5 (CLDN-5) that is expressed in endothelial cells and forms tight junctions which limit the passive diffusions of ions and solutes. The blood-brain barrier (BBB), composed of brain microvascular endothelial cells and associated pericytes and end-feet of astrocytes, is a physical and biological barrier to maintain the brain microenvironment. The expression of CLDN-5 is tightly regulated in the BBB by other junctional proteins in endothelial cells and by supports from pericytes and astrocytes. The most recent literature clearly shows a compromised BBB with a decline in CLDN-5 expression increasing the risks of developing neuropsychiatric disorders, epilepsy, brain calcification and dementia. The purpose of this review is to summarize the known diseases associated with CLDN-5 expression and function. In the first part of this review, we highlight the recent understanding of how other junctional proteins as well as pericytes and astrocytes maintain CLDN-5 expression in brain endothelial cells. We detail some drugs that can enhance these supports and are being developed or currently in use to treat diseases associated with CLDN-5 decline. We then summarise mutagenesis-based studies which have facilitated a better understanding of the physiological role of the CLDN-5 protein at the BBB and have demonstrated the functional consequences of a recently identified pathogenic CLDN-5 missense mutation from patients with alternating hemiplegia of childhood. This mutation is the first gain-of-function mutation identified in the CLDN gene family with all others representing loss-of-function mutations resulting in mis-localization of CLDN protein and/or attenuated barrier function. Finally, we summarize recent reports about the dosage-dependent effect of CLDN-5 expression on the development of neurological diseases in mice and discuss what cellular supports for CLDN-5 regulation are compromised in the BBB in human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yosuke Hashimoto
- Trinity College Dublin, Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Dublin, D02 VF25, Ireland.
| | - Chris Greene
- Trinity College Dublin, Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Dublin, D02 VF25, Ireland
| | - Arnold Munnich
- Institut Imagine, INSERM UMR1163, Université Paris Cité, Paris, F-75015, France
- Departments of Pediatric Neurology and Medical Genetics, Hospital Necker Enfants Malades, Université Paris Cité, Paris, F-75015, France
| | - Matthew Campbell
- Trinity College Dublin, Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Dublin, D02 VF25, Ireland.
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9
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Du F, Shusta EV, Palecek SP. Extracellular matrix proteins in construction and function of in vitro blood-brain barrier models. FRONTIERS IN CHEMICAL ENGINEERING 2023. [DOI: 10.3389/fceng.2023.1130127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a highly impermeable barrier separating circulating blood and brain tissue. A functional BBB is critical for brain health, and BBB dysfunction has been linked to the pathophysiology of diseases such as stroke and Alzheimer’s disease. A variety of models have been developed to study the formation and maintenance of the BBB, ranging from in vivo animal models to in vitro models consisting of primary cells or cells differentiated from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs). These models must consider the composition and source of the cellular components of the neurovascular unit (NVU), including brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs), brain pericytes, astrocytes, and neurons, and how these cell types interact. In addition, the non-cellular components of the BBB microenvironment, such as the brain vascular basement membrane (BM) that is in direct contact with the NVU, also play key roles in BBB function. Here, we review how extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins in the brain vascular BM affect the BBB, with a particular focus on studies using hPSC-derived in vitro BBB models, and discuss how future studies are needed to advance our understanding of how the ECM affects BBB models to improve model performance and expand our knowledge on the formation and maintenance of the BBB.
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10
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Zhang H, Yamaguchi T, Kawabata K. The maturation of iPS cell-derived brain microvascular endothelial cells by inducible-SOX18 expression. Fluids Barriers CNS 2023; 20:10. [PMID: 36732767 PMCID: PMC9893670 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-023-00408-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) play a major role in the blood-brain barrier (BBB), and are critical for establishing an in vitro BBB model. Currently, iPSC-derived BMECs (iBMECs) have been used to construct in vitro BBB models with physiological barrier functions, such as high trans-endothelial electrical resistance (TEER) and expression of transporter proteins. However, the relatively low p-glycoprotein (P-gp) level and a decrease in the efflux ratio of its substrates in iBMECs suggest their immature nature. Therefore, more mature iBMECs by optimizing the differentiation induction protocol is beneficial for establishing a more reliable in vitro BBB model for studying central nervous system (CNS) drug transport. METHODS To identify human brain endothelial cell fate-inducing factors, HUVEC was transfected with Zic3A-, Zic3B-, and Sox18-expressing lentivirus vector. Since SOX18 was found to induce BMEC properties, we used a Dox-inducible Tet-on system to express SOX18 during iBMEC differentiation and explored the impact of SOX18 expression on iBMEC maturation. RESULTS Sox18-mediated iBMECs achieved a higher TEER value than normal iBMECs (> 3000 Ω cm2). From day 6 to day 10 (d6-10 group), the iBMECs with SOX18 expression expressed a series of tight junction markers and showed upregulation of Mfsd2a, a specific marker of the BBB. The d6-10 group also expressed SLC2A1/Glut1 at levels as high as normal iBMECs, and upregulated ABCB1/P-gp and ABCC1/MRP1 expression. Moreover, Sox18-mediated iBMECs showed higher viability than normal iBMECs after puromycin treatment, indicating that SOX18 expression could upregulate P-gp activity in iBMECs. CONCLUSIONS Inducible SOX18 expression in iBMECs gained BBB phenotypes, including high TEER values and upregulation of tight junction-related genes, endothelial cell (EC) markers, BBB transporters, and higher cell viability after treatment with puromycin. Collectively, we provide a differentiation method for the maturation of human iPS cell-derived BMECs with SOX18 expression, describing its contribution to form an in vitro BBB model for CNS drug transport studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyan Zhang
- grid.136593.b0000 0004 0373 3971Laboratory of Biomedical Innovation, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871 Japan ,grid.482562.fLaboratory of Cell Model for Drug Discovery, National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health, and Nutrition, Saito-Asagi 7-6-8, Ibaraki, Osaka 567-0085 Japan
| | - Tomoko Yamaguchi
- grid.482562.fLaboratory of Cell Model for Drug Discovery, National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health, and Nutrition, Saito-Asagi 7-6-8, Ibaraki, Osaka 567-0085 Japan
| | - Kenji Kawabata
- grid.136593.b0000 0004 0373 3971Laboratory of Biomedical Innovation, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871 Japan ,grid.482562.fLaboratory of Cell Model for Drug Discovery, National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health, and Nutrition, Saito-Asagi 7-6-8, Ibaraki, Osaka 567-0085 Japan
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11
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Girard SD, Julien-Gau I, Molino Y, Combes BF, Greetham L, Khrestchatisky M, Nivet E. High and low permeability of human pluripotent stem cell-derived blood-brain barrier models depend on epithelial or endothelial features. FASEB J 2023; 37:e22770. [PMID: 36688807 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202201422r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The search for reliable human blood-brain barrier (BBB) models represents a challenge for the development/testing of strategies aiming to enhance brain delivery of drugs. Human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) have raised hopes in the development of predictive BBB models. Differentiating strategies are thus required to generate endothelial cells (ECs), a major component of the BBB. Several hiPSC-based protocols have reported the generation of in vitro models with significant differences in barrier properties. We studied in depth the properties of iPSCs byproducts from two protocols that have been established to yield these in vitro barrier models. Our analysis/study reveals that iPSCs derivatives endowed with EC features yield high permeability models while the cells that exhibit outstanding barrier properties show principally epithelial cell-like (EpC) features. We found that models containing EpC-like cells express tight junction proteins, transporters/efflux pumps and display a high functional tightness with very low permeability, which are features commonly shared between BBB and epithelial barriers. Our study demonstrates that hiPSC-based BBB models need extensive characterization beforehand and that a reliable human BBB model containing EC-like cells and displaying low permeability is still needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stéphane D Girard
- Institute of NeuroPhysiopathology, INP, CNRS, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
- Faculty of Medicine, VECT-HORUS SAS, Marseille, France
| | | | - Yves Molino
- Faculty of Medicine, VECT-HORUS SAS, Marseille, France
| | | | - Louise Greetham
- Institute of NeuroPhysiopathology, INP, CNRS, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Michel Khrestchatisky
- Institute of NeuroPhysiopathology, INP, CNRS, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Emmanuel Nivet
- Institute of NeuroPhysiopathology, INP, CNRS, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
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12
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Garcia-Flores AE, Gross CM, Zemskov EA, Lu Q, Tieu K, Wang T, Black SM. Loss of SOX18/CLAUDIN5 disrupts the pulmonary endothelial barrier in ventilator-induced lung injury. Front Physiol 2022; 13:1066515. [PMID: 36620216 PMCID: PMC9813411 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.1066515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Mechanical strain contributes to ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI) through multi-factorial and complex mechanisms that remain unresolved. Prevailing evidence suggests that the loss of pulmonary endothelial tight junctions (TJs) plays a critical role. TJs are dynamically regulated by physiologic and hemodynamic forces to stabilize the endothelial barrier. The transcription factor sex-determining region Y-box (SOX)-18 is important in regulating blood vessel development and vascular permeability through its ability to regulate the transcription of Claudin-5, an endothelial TJ protein. Previously, we demonstrated that SOX18 expression is increased by shear stress in the pulmonary endothelium. Therefore, in this study, we investigated how mechanical strain mediated through cyclic stretch affects the SOX18/Claudin-5 regulatory axis. Our data demonstrate that SOX18 and Claudin-5 are downregulated in human lung microvascular endothelial cells (HLMVEC) exposed to cyclic stretch and the mouse lung exposed to high tidal mechanical ventilation. Overexpression of SOX18 reduced the loss of Claudin-5 expression in HLMVEC with cyclic stretch and preserved endothelial barrier function. Additionally, overexpression of Claudin-5 in HLMVEC ameliorated barrier dysfunction in HLMVEC exposed to cyclic stretch, although SOX18 expression was not enhanced. Finally, we found that the targeted overexpression of SOX18 in the pulmonary vasculature preserved Claudin-5 expression in the lungs of mice exposed to HTV. This, in turn reduced lung vascular leak, attenuated inflammatory lung injury, and preserved lung function. Together, these data suggest that enhancing SOX18 expression may prove a useful therapy to treat patients with ventilator-induced lung injury.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christine M. Gross
- Vascular Biology Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States,Department of Medicine at Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Evgeny A. Zemskov
- Florida International University, Center for Translational Science, Miami, FL, United States,Department of Cellular Biology and Pharmacology, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Qing Lu
- Florida International University, Center for Translational Science, Miami, FL, United States,Department of Cellular Biology and Pharmacology, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Kim Tieu
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Ting Wang
- Florida International University, Center for Translational Science, Miami, FL, United States,Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Stephen M. Black
- Florida International University, Center for Translational Science, Miami, FL, United States,Department of Cellular Biology and Pharmacology, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States,Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States,*Correspondence: Stephen M. Black,
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13
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Linville RM, Sklar MB, Grifno GN, Nerenberg RF, Zhou J, Ye R, DeStefano JG, Guo Z, Jha R, Jamieson JJ, Zhao N, Searson PC. Three-dimensional microenvironment regulates gene expression, function, and tight junction dynamics of iPSC-derived blood-brain barrier microvessels. Fluids Barriers CNS 2022; 19:87. [PMID: 36333694 PMCID: PMC9636829 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-022-00377-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) plays a pivotal role in brain health and disease. In the BBB, brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) are connected by tight junctions which regulate paracellular transport, and express specialized transporter systems which regulate transcellular transport. However, existing in vitro models of the BBB display variable accuracy across a wide range of characteristics including gene/protein expression and barrier function. Here, we use an isogenic family of fluorescently-labeled iPSC-derived BMEC-like cells (iBMECs) and brain pericyte-like cells (iPCs) within two-dimensional confluent monolayers (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) tissue-engineered microvessels to explore how 3D microenvironment regulates gene expression and function of the in vitro BBB. We show that 3D microenvironment (shear stress, cell-ECM interactions, and cylindrical geometry) increases BBB phenotype and endothelial identity, and alters angiogenic and cytokine responses in synergy with pericyte co-culture. Tissue-engineered microvessels incorporating junction-labeled iBMECs enable study of the real-time dynamics of tight junctions during homeostasis and in response to physical and chemical perturbations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raleigh M Linville
- Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Matthew B Sklar
- Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Gabrielle N Grifno
- Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Renée F Nerenberg
- Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Justin Zhou
- Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Robert Ye
- Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jackson G DeStefano
- Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Zhaobin Guo
- Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ria Jha
- Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - John J Jamieson
- Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Nan Zhao
- Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Peter C Searson
- Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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14
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Zhao N, Guo Z, Kulkarni S, Norman D, Zhang S, Chung TD, Nerenberg RF, Linville R, Searson P. Engineering the human blood-brain barrier at the capillary scale using a double-templating technique. ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS 2022; 32:2110289. [PMID: 36312050 PMCID: PMC9610437 DOI: 10.1002/adfm.202110289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
In vitro blood-brain barrier (BBB) models have played an important role in studying processes such as immune cell trafficking and drug delivery, as well as contributing to the understanding of mechanisms of disease progression. Many biological and pathological processes in the cerebrovasculature occur in capillaries and hence the lack of robust hierarchical models at the capillary scale is a major roadblock in BBB research. Here we report on a double-templating technique for engineering hierarchical BBB models with physiological barrier function at the capillary scale. We first demonstrate the formation of hierarchical vascular networks using human umbilical vein endothelial cells. We then characterize barrier function in a BBB model using brain microvascular endothelial-like cells (iBMECs) differentiated from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Finally, we characterize immune cell adhesion and transmigration in response to perfusion with the inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and show that we can recapitulate capillary-scale effects, such as leukocyte plugging, observed in mouse models. Our double-templated hierarchical model enables the study of a wide range of biological and pathological processes related to the human BBB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Zhao
- Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | - Zhaobin Guo
- Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | - Sarah Kulkarni
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | - Danielle Norman
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | - Sophia Zhang
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | - Tracy D. Chung
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | - Renée F. Nerenberg
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | - Raleigh Linville
- Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | - Peter Searson
- Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
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15
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Simöes Da Gama C, Morin-Brureau M. Study of BBB Dysregulation in Neuropathogenicity Using Integrative Human Model of Blood-Brain Barrier. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:863836. [PMID: 35755780 PMCID: PMC9226644 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.863836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a cellular and physical barrier with a crucial role in homeostasis of the brain extracellular environment. It controls the imports of nutrients to the brain and exports toxins and pathogens. Dysregulation of the blood-brain barrier increases permeability and contributes to pathologies, including Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, and ischemia. It remains unclear how a dysregulated BBB contributes to these different syndromes. Initial studies on the role of the BBB in neurological disorders and also techniques to permit the entry of therapeutic molecules were made in animals. This review examines progress in the use of human models of the BBB, more relevant to human neurological disorders. In recent years, the functionality and complexity of in vitro BBB models have increased. Initial efforts consisted of static transwell cultures of brain endothelial cells. Human cell models based on microfluidics or organoids derived from human-derived induced pluripotent stem cells have become more realistic and perform better. We consider the architecture of different model generations as well as the cell types used in their fabrication. Finally, we discuss optimal models to study neurodegenerative diseases, brain glioma, epilepsies, transmigration of peripheral immune cells, and brain entry of neurotrophic viruses and metastatic cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Coraly Simöes Da Gama
- Inserm, Sorbonne University, UMRS 938 Saint-Antoine Research Center, Immune System and Neuroinflammation Laboratory, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, Paris, France
| | - Mélanie Morin-Brureau
- Inserm, Sorbonne University, UMRS 938 Saint-Antoine Research Center, Immune System and Neuroinflammation Laboratory, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, Paris, France
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16
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Challenges and opportunities in the use of transcriptomics characterization for human iPSC-derived BBB models. Toxicol In Vitro 2022; 84:105424. [PMID: 35760296 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2022.105424] [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: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is localized at the brain microvascular endothelial cells. These cells form a tight barrier, limiting the access of cells, pathogens, chemicals, and toxins to the brain due to tight junctions and efflux transporters. As the BBB plays a role in the assessment of neurotoxicity and brain uptake of drugs, human in vitro BBB models are highly needed. They allow to evaluate if compounds could reach the central nervous system across the BBB or can compromise its barrier function. Past decade, multiple induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived BBB differentiation protocols emerged. These protocols can be divided in two groups, the one-step protocols, direct differentiation from iPSC to BBB cells, or the two-step protocols, differentiation for iPSC to endothelial (progenitor) cells and further induction of BBB characteristics. While the one-step differentiation protocols display good barrier properties, reports question their endothelial nature and maturation status. Therefore protocol characterization remains important. With transcriptomics becoming cheaper, this may support iPSC-derived model characterization. Because of the constraints in obtaining human brain tissue, good human reference data is scarce and would bear inter-individual variability. Additionally, comparison across studies might be challenging due to variations in sample preparation and analysis. Hopefully, increasing use of transcriptomics will allow in-depth characterization of the current iPSC-BBB models and guide researchers to generate more relevant human BBB models.
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17
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Cader Z. Human Blood-Brain-Barrier In Vitro Models: Overview and Applications. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2022; 273:205-222. [PMID: 34935086 DOI: 10.1007/164_2021_562] [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] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The human blood-brain-barrier (BBB) is a vital structure for brain health. Conversely it represents a challenge in drug development programmes that require breaching of the barrier in order to access the central nervous system. Very often brain disorders have early dysfunction of the BBB implicating an important role in pathogenesis and disease progression. The development of human in vitro models is a major advance to allow experimental studies and screening assays, although there remain outstanding questions for the field. In this chapter, the current state of the art will be reviewed, with the complementary innovative approaches to in vitro modelling described, from simple 2D-cultures to more complex multi-cell type micro-physiological systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zameel Cader
- Translational Molecular Neuroscience Group, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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18
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Ragelle H, Dernick K, Westenskow PD, Kustermann S. Retinal Microvasculature-on-a-Chip for Modeling VEGF-Induced Permeability. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2475:239-257. [PMID: 35451763 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2217-9_18] [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] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Relevant human in vitro models of the retinal microvasculature can be used to study the role of disease mediators on retinal barrier dysfunction and assess the efficacy of early drug candidates. This chapter describes an organ-on-a-chip model of the retinal microvasculature that allows for facile quantification of barrier permeability in response to leakage mediators, such as Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), and enables screening of VEGF-induced permeability inhibitors. This chapter also presents an automated confocal imaging method for the visualization of endothelial tube morphology as an additional measure of barrier integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Héloïse Ragelle
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Karen Dernick
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Peter D Westenskow
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stefan Kustermann
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland.
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19
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Kim BK, Canonica J, Roudnicky F, Westenskow PD. Preventing VEGF-Mediated Vascular Permeability by Experimentally Potentiating BBB Characteristics in Endothelial Cells. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2475:259-274. [PMID: 35451764 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2217-9_19] [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] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Difficulties with poor reproducibility and translatability of animal model-based research, along with increased efforts to abide by the 3Rs tenet of animal welfare, are driving demand for more relevant human cellular systems. This is especially true for central nervous system (CNS) vasculatures with specialized properties and barriers, namely the blood-brain and blood-retinal barriers (BBB and BRB, respectively) which are difficult to model in vitro. The BBB and BRB protect neurovascular units by regulating nutrient homeostasis, maintaining local ion levels, protecting against exposure from circulating toxins and pathogens, and restricting passage of peripheral immune factors. In this manuscript, we will describe transgenic and pharmacological-based protocols to generate relevant BBB and BRB models both from human pluripotent stem cell-derived endothelial cells (hPSC-ECs) and from primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). When followed, researchers can expect to generate well-characterized, anatomical and functional BBB and BRB EC monolayers in 36-48 h that are stable up to 90 h. The ability to generate more relevant BBB and BRB EC cultures will improve drug discovery efforts and inform future therapies for neurovascular disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Kyoung Kim
- Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jérémie Canonica
- Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Filip Roudnicky
- Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Peter D Westenskow
- Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland.
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20
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Linville RM, Searson PC. Next-generation in vitro blood-brain barrier models: benchmarking and improving model accuracy. Fluids Barriers CNS 2021; 18:56. [PMID: 34876171 PMCID: PMC8650371 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-021-00291-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
With the limitations associated with post-mortem tissue and animal models, In vitro BBB models enable precise control of independent variables and microenvironmental cues, and hence play an important role in studying the BBB. Advances in stem cell technology and tissue engineering provide the tools to create next-generation in vitro BBB models with spatial organization of different cell types in 3D microenvironments that more closely match the human brain. These models will be capable of assessing the physiological and pathological responses to different perturbations relevant to health and disease. Here, we review the factors that determine the accuracy of in vitro BBB models, and describe how these factors will guide the development of next-generation models. Improving the accuracy of cell sources and microenvironmental cues will enable in vitro BBB models with improved accuracy and specificity to study processes and phenomena associated with zonation, brain region, age, sex, ethnicity, and disease state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raleigh M Linville
- Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Peter C Searson
- Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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21
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Gastfriend BD, Nishihara H, Canfield SG, Foreman KL, Engelhardt B, Palecek SP, Shusta EV. Wnt signaling mediates acquisition of blood-brain barrier properties in naïve endothelium derived from human pluripotent stem cells. eLife 2021; 10:70992. [PMID: 34755601 PMCID: PMC8664294 DOI: 10.7554/elife.70992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Endothelial cells (ECs) in the central nervous system (CNS) acquire their specialized blood-brain barrier (BBB) properties in response to extrinsic signals, with Wnt/β-catenin signaling coordinating multiple aspects of this process. Our knowledge of CNS EC development has been advanced largely by animal models, and human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) offer the opportunity to examine BBB development in an in vitro human system. Here we show that activation of Wnt signaling in hPSC-derived naïve endothelial progenitors, but not in matured ECs, leads to robust acquisition of canonical BBB phenotypes including expression of GLUT-1, increased claudin-5, decreased PLVAP and decreased permeability. RNA-seq revealed a transcriptome profile resembling ECs with CNS-like characteristics, including Wnt-upregulated expression of LEF1, APCDD1, and ZIC3. Together, our work defines effects of Wnt activation in naïve ECs and establishes an improved hPSC-based model for interrogation of CNS barriergenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin D Gastfriend
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, United States
| | | | - Scott G Canfield
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, United States
| | - Koji L Foreman
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, United States
| | | | - Sean P Palecek
- Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, United States
| | - Eric V Shusta
- Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, United States
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22
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Appelt-Menzel A, Oerter S, Mathew S, Haferkamp U, Hartmann C, Jung M, Neuhaus W, Pless O. Human iPSC-Derived Blood-Brain Barrier Models: Valuable Tools for Preclinical Drug Discovery and Development? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 55:e122. [PMID: 32956578 DOI: 10.1002/cpsc.122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Translating basic biological knowledge into applications remains a key issue for effectively tackling neurodegenerative, neuroinflammatory, or neuroendocrine disorders. Efficient delivery of therapeutics across the neuroprotective blood-brain barrier (BBB) still poses a demanding challenge for drug development targeting central nervous system diseases. Validated in vitro models of the BBB could facilitate effective testing of drug candidates targeting the brain early in the drug discovery process during lead generation. We here review the potential of mono- or (isogenic) co-culture BBB models based on brain capillary endothelial cells (BCECs) derived from human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), and compare them to several available BBB in vitro models from primary human or non-human cells and to rodent in vivo models, as well as to classical and widely used barrier models [Caco-2, parallel artificial membrane permeability assay (PAMPA)]. In particular, we are discussing the features and predictivity of these models and how hiPSC-derived BBB models could impact future discovery and development of novel CNS-targeting therapeutics. © 2020 The Authors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antje Appelt-Menzel
- Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research ISC, Translational Center Regenerative Therapies (TLC-RT), Röntgenring 11, Würzburg, Germany.,University Hospital Würzburg, Chair Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (TERM), Röntgenring 11, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sabrina Oerter
- Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research ISC, Translational Center Regenerative Therapies (TLC-RT), Röntgenring 11, Würzburg, Germany.,University Hospital Würzburg, Chair Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (TERM), Röntgenring 11, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sanjana Mathew
- University Hospital Würzburg, Chair Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (TERM), Röntgenring 11, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Undine Haferkamp
- Fraunhofer IME ScreeningPort, Schnackenburgallee 114, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Carla Hartmann
- University Hospital Halle, University Clinic and Outpatient Clinic for Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatic Medicine, Julius-Kuehn-Strasse 7, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Matthias Jung
- University Hospital Halle, University Clinic and Outpatient Clinic for Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatic Medicine, Julius-Kuehn-Strasse 7, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Winfried Neuhaus
- AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Center Health and Bioresources, Competence Unit Molecular Diagnostics, Giefinggasse 4, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ole Pless
- Fraunhofer IME ScreeningPort, Schnackenburgallee 114, Hamburg, Germany
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23
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Li J, Zheng M, Shimoni O, Banks WA, Bush AI, Gamble JR, Shi B. Development of Novel Therapeutics Targeting the Blood-Brain Barrier: From Barrier to Carrier. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2021; 8:e2101090. [PMID: 34085418 PMCID: PMC8373165 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202101090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a highly specialized neurovascular unit, initially described as an intact barrier to prevent toxins, pathogens, and potentially harmful substances from entering the brain. An intact BBB is also critical for the maintenance of normal neuronal function. In cerebral vascular diseases and neurological disorders, the BBB can be disrupted, contributing to disease progression. While restoration of BBB integrity serves as a robust biomarker of better clinical outcomes, the restrictive nature of the intact BBB presents a major hurdle for delivery of therapeutics into the brain. Recent studies show that the BBB is actively engaged in crosstalk between neuronal and the circulatory systems, which defines another important role of the BBB: as an interfacing conduit that mediates communication between two sides of the BBB. This role has been subject to extensive investigation for brain-targeted drug delivery and shows promising results. The dual roles of the BBB make it a unique target for drug development. Here, recent developments and novel strategies to target the BBB for therapeutic purposes are reviewed, from both barrier and carrier perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Li
- School of PharmacyHenan UniversityKaifeng475001China
- Centre for Motor Neuron DiseaseDepartment of Biomedical SciencesFaculty of Medicine & Health SciencesMacquarie UniversitySydneyNew South Wales2109Australia
| | - Meng Zheng
- Henan‐Macquarie University Joint Center for Biomedical InnovationSchool of Life SciencesHenan UniversityKaifengHenan475004China
| | - Olga Shimoni
- Institute for Biomedical Materials and DevicesSchool of Mathematical and Physical SciencesFaculty of ScienceUniversity of Technology SydneySydneyNew South Wales2007Australia
| | - William A. Banks
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical CenterVeterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System and Division of Gerontology and Geriatric MedicineDepartment of MedicineUniversity of Washington School of MedicineSeattleWA98108USA
| | - Ashley I. Bush
- Melbourne Dementia Research CenterThe Florey Institute for Neuroscience and Mental HealthThe University of MelbourneParkvilleVictoria3052Australia
| | - Jennifer R. Gamble
- Center for the EndotheliumVascular Biology ProgramCentenary InstituteThe University of SydneySydneyNew South Wales2042Australia
| | - Bingyang Shi
- School of PharmacyHenan UniversityKaifeng475001China
- Centre for Motor Neuron DiseaseDepartment of Biomedical SciencesFaculty of Medicine & Health SciencesMacquarie UniversitySydneyNew South Wales2109Australia
- Henan‐Macquarie University Joint Center for Biomedical InnovationSchool of Life SciencesHenan UniversityKaifengHenan475004China
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24
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Deckmann I, Santos-Terra J, Fontes-Dutra M, Körbes-Rockenbach M, Bauer-Negrini G, Schwingel GB, Riesgo R, Bambini-Junior V, Gottfried C. Resveratrol prevents brain edema, blood-brain barrier permeability, and altered aquaporin profile in autism animal model. Int J Dev Neurosci 2021; 81:579-604. [PMID: 34196408 DOI: 10.1002/jdn.10137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder can present a plethora of clinical conditions associated with the disorder, such as greater brain volume in the first years of life in a significant percentage of patients. We aimed to evaluate the brain water content, the blood-brain barrier permeability, and the expression of aquaporin 1 and 4, and GFAP in a valproic acid-animal model, assessing the effect of resveratrol. On postnatal day 30, Wistar rats of the valproic acid group showed greater permeability of the blood-brain barrier to the Evans blue dye and a higher proportion of brain water volume, prevented both by resveratrol. Prenatal exposition to valproic acid diminished aquaporin 1 in the choroid plexus, in the primary somatosensory area, in the amygdala region, and in the medial prefrontal cortex, reduced aquaporin 4 in medial prefrontal cortex and increased aquaporin 4 levels in primary somatosensory area (with resveratrol prevention). Valproic acid exposition also increased the number of astrocytes and GFAP fluorescence in both primary somatosensory area and medial prefrontal cortex. In medial prefrontal cortex, resveratrol prevented the increased fluorescence. Finally, there was an effect of resveratrol per se on the number of astrocytes and GFAP fluorescence in the amygdala region and in the hippocampus. Thus, this work demonstrates significant changes in blood-brain barrier permeability, edema formation, distribution of aquaporin 1 and 4, in addition to astrocytes profile in the animal model of autism, as well as the use of resveratrol as a tool to investigate the mechanisms involved in the pathophysiology of autism spectrum disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iohanna Deckmann
- Translational Research Group in Autism Spectrum Disorder - GETTEA, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Department of Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,National Institute of Science and Technology in Neuroimmunomodulation - INCT-NIM, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Autism Wellbeing and Research Development - AWARD - Initiative BR-UK-CA, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK
| | - Júlio Santos-Terra
- Translational Research Group in Autism Spectrum Disorder - GETTEA, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Department of Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,National Institute of Science and Technology in Neuroimmunomodulation - INCT-NIM, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Autism Wellbeing and Research Development - AWARD - Initiative BR-UK-CA, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK
| | - Mellanie Fontes-Dutra
- Translational Research Group in Autism Spectrum Disorder - GETTEA, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Department of Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,National Institute of Science and Technology in Neuroimmunomodulation - INCT-NIM, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Autism Wellbeing and Research Development - AWARD - Initiative BR-UK-CA, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK
| | - Marília Körbes-Rockenbach
- Translational Research Group in Autism Spectrum Disorder - GETTEA, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Department of Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,National Institute of Science and Technology in Neuroimmunomodulation - INCT-NIM, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Bauer-Negrini
- Translational Research Group in Autism Spectrum Disorder - GETTEA, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Department of Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,National Institute of Science and Technology in Neuroimmunomodulation - INCT-NIM, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Autism Wellbeing and Research Development - AWARD - Initiative BR-UK-CA, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK
| | - Gustavo Brum Schwingel
- Translational Research Group in Autism Spectrum Disorder - GETTEA, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Department of Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,National Institute of Science and Technology in Neuroimmunomodulation - INCT-NIM, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Autism Wellbeing and Research Development - AWARD - Initiative BR-UK-CA, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK
| | - Rudimar Riesgo
- Translational Research Group in Autism Spectrum Disorder - GETTEA, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,National Institute of Science and Technology in Neuroimmunomodulation - INCT-NIM, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Autism Wellbeing and Research Development - AWARD - Initiative BR-UK-CA, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK.,Department of Pediatrics, Child Neurology Unit, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Victorio Bambini-Junior
- Translational Research Group in Autism Spectrum Disorder - GETTEA, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,National Institute of Science and Technology in Neuroimmunomodulation - INCT-NIM, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Autism Wellbeing and Research Development - AWARD - Initiative BR-UK-CA, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK.,School of Pharmacology and Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK
| | - Carmem Gottfried
- Translational Research Group in Autism Spectrum Disorder - GETTEA, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Department of Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,National Institute of Science and Technology in Neuroimmunomodulation - INCT-NIM, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Autism Wellbeing and Research Development - AWARD - Initiative BR-UK-CA, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK
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25
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Harada Y, Tanaka T, Arai Y, Isomoto Y, Nakano A, Nakao S, Urasaki A, Watanabe Y, Kawamura T, Nakagawa O. ETS-dependent enhancers for endothelial-specific expression of serum/glucocorticoid-regulated kinase 1 during mouse embryo development. Genes Cells 2021; 26:611-626. [PMID: 34081835 DOI: 10.1111/gtc.12874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Serum/glucocorticoid-regulated kinase 1 (SGK1) is predominantly expressed in endothelial cells of mouse embryos, and Sgk1 null mice show embryonic lethality due to impaired vascular formation. However, how the SGK1 expression is controlled in developing vasculature remains unknown. In this study, we first identified a proximal endothelial enhancer through lacZ reporter mouse analyses. The mouse Sgk1 proximal enhancer was narrowed down to the 5' region of the major transcription initiation site, while a human corresponding region possessed relatively weak activity. We then searched for distal enhancer candidates using in silico analyses of publicly available databases for DNase accessibility, RNA polymerase association and chromatin modification. A region approximately 500 kb distant from the human SGK1 gene was conserved in the mouse, and the mouse and human genomic fragments drove transcription restricted to embryonic endothelial cells. Minimal fragments of both proximal and distal enhancers had consensus binding elements for the ETS transcription factors, which were essential for the responsiveness to ERG, FLI1 and ETS1 proteins in luciferase assays and the endothelial lacZ reporter expression in mouse embryos. These results suggest that endothelial SGK1 expression in embryonic vasculature is maintained through at least two ETS-regulated enhancers located in the proximal and distal regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukihiro Harada
- Department of Molecular Physiology, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Suita, Japan.,Laboratory of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Ritsumeikan University, Kusatsu, Japan
| | - Toru Tanaka
- Department of Molecular Physiology, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Suita, Japan
| | - Yuji Arai
- Department of Molecular Physiology, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Suita, Japan.,Laboratory of Animal Experiment and Medical Management, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Suita, Japan
| | - Yoshie Isomoto
- Laboratory of Animal Experiment and Medical Management, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Suita, Japan
| | - Atsushi Nakano
- Laboratory of Animal Experiment and Medical Management, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Suita, Japan
| | - Shu Nakao
- Laboratory of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Ritsumeikan University, Kusatsu, Japan
| | - Akihiro Urasaki
- Department of Molecular Physiology, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Suita, Japan
| | - Yusuke Watanabe
- Department of Molecular Physiology, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Suita, Japan
| | - Teruhisa Kawamura
- Laboratory of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Ritsumeikan University, Kusatsu, Japan
| | - Osamu Nakagawa
- Department of Molecular Physiology, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Suita, Japan
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26
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Lu TM, Barcia Durán JG, Houghton S, Rafii S, Redmond D, Lis R. Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Brain Endothelial Cells: Current Controversies. Front Physiol 2021; 12:642812. [PMID: 33868008 PMCID: PMC8044318 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.642812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) possess unique properties that are crucial for many functions of the blood-brain-barrier (BBB) including maintenance of brain homeostasis and regulation of interactions between the brain and immune system. The generation of a pure population of putative brain microvascular endothelial cells from human pluripotent stem cell sources (iBMECs) has been described to meet the need for reliable and reproducible brain endothelial cells in vitro. Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs), embryonic or induced, can be differentiated into large quantities of specialized cells in order to study development and model disease. These hPSC-derived iBMECs display endothelial-like properties, such as tube formation and low-density lipoprotein uptake, high transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER), and barrier-like efflux transporter activities. Over time, the de novo generation of an organotypic endothelial cell from hPSCs has aroused controversies. This perspective article highlights the developments made in the field of hPSC derived brain endothelial cells as well as where experimental data are lacking, and what concerns have emerged since their initial description.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler M Lu
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Ansary Stem Cell Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States.,Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - José Gabriel Barcia Durán
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Ansary Stem Cell Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Sean Houghton
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Ansary Stem Cell Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Shahin Rafii
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Ansary Stem Cell Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - David Redmond
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Ansary Stem Cell Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Raphaël Lis
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Ansary Stem Cell Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States.,Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
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27
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Lu TM, Houghton S, Magdeldin T, Durán JGB, Minotti AP, Snead A, Sproul A, Nguyen DHT, Xiang J, Fine HA, Rosenwaks Z, Studer L, Rafii S, Agalliu D, Redmond D, Lis R. Pluripotent stem cell-derived epithelium misidentified as brain microvascular endothelium requires ETS factors to acquire vascular fate. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2016950118. [PMID: 33542154 PMCID: PMC7923590 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2016950118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cells derived from pluripotent sources in vitro must resemble those found in vivo as closely as possible at both transcriptional and functional levels in order to be a useful tool for studying diseases and developing therapeutics. Recently, differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) into brain microvascular endothelial cells (ECs) with blood-brain barrier (BBB)-like properties has been reported. These cells have since been used as a robust in vitro BBB model for drug delivery and mechanistic understanding of neurological diseases. However, the precise cellular identity of these induced brain microvascular endothelial cells (iBMECs) has not been well described. Employing a comprehensive transcriptomic metaanalysis of previously published hPSC-derived cells validated by physiological assays, we demonstrate that iBMECs lack functional attributes of ECs since they are deficient in vascular lineage genes while expressing clusters of genes related to the neuroectodermal epithelial lineage (Epi-iBMEC). Overexpression of key endothelial ETS transcription factors (ETV2, ERG, and FLI1) reprograms Epi-iBMECs into authentic endothelial cells that are congruent with bona fide endothelium at both transcriptomic as well as some functional levels. This approach could eventually be used to develop a robust human BBB model in vitro that resembles the human brain EC in vivo for functional studies and drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler M Lu
- Ansary Stem Cell Institute, Division of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065
- Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065
| | - Sean Houghton
- Ansary Stem Cell Institute, Division of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065
| | - Tarig Magdeldin
- Department of Neurology and the Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine-New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY 10065
| | - José Gabriel Barcia Durán
- Ansary Stem Cell Institute, Division of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065
| | - Andrew P Minotti
- Developmental Biology, the Center for Stem Cell Biology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065
- The Biochemistry, Structural Biology, Cell Biology, Developmental Biology and Molecular Biology Allied Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, New York, NY 10065
| | - Amanda Snead
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032
| | - Andrew Sproul
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032
| | - Duc-Huy T Nguyen
- Ansary Stem Cell Institute, Division of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065
| | - Jenny Xiang
- Genomics Resources Core Facility, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065
| | - Howard A Fine
- Department of Neurology and the Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine-New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY 10065
| | - Zev Rosenwaks
- Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065
| | - Lorenz Studer
- The Biochemistry, Structural Biology, Cell Biology, Developmental Biology and Molecular Biology Allied Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, New York, NY 10065
| | - Shahin Rafii
- Ansary Stem Cell Institute, Division of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065
| | - Dritan Agalliu
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032
| | - David Redmond
- Ansary Stem Cell Institute, Division of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065;
| | - Raphaël Lis
- Ansary Stem Cell Institute, Division of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065;
- Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065
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28
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Ou A, Yung WKA, Majd N. Molecular Mechanisms of Treatment Resistance in Glioblastoma. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 22:E351. [PMID: 33396284 PMCID: PMC7794986 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 12/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma is the most common malignant primary brain tumor in adults and is almost invariably fatal. Despite our growing understanding of the various mechanisms underlying treatment failure, the standard-of-care therapy has not changed over the last two decades, signifying a great unmet need. The challenges of treating glioblastoma are many and include inadequate drug or agent delivery across the blood-brain barrier, abundant intra- and intertumoral heterogeneity, redundant signaling pathways, and an immunosuppressive microenvironment. Here, we review the innate and adaptive molecular mechanisms underlying glioblastoma's treatment resistance, emphasizing the intrinsic challenges therapeutic interventions must overcome-namely, the blood-brain barrier, tumoral heterogeneity, and microenvironment-and the mechanisms of resistance to conventional treatments, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - W. K. Alfred Yung
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Unit 431, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Nazanin Majd
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Unit 431, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
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29
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Ragelle H, Dernick K, Khemais S, Keppler C, Cousin L, Farouz Y, Louche C, Fauser S, Kustermann S, Tibbitt MW, Westenskow PD. Human Retinal Microvasculature-on-a-Chip for Drug Discovery. Adv Healthc Mater 2020; 9:e2001531. [PMID: 32975047 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202001531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Retinal cells within neurovascular units generate the blood-retinal barrier (BRB) to regulate the local retinal microenvironment and to limit access to inflammatory cells. Breakdown of the endothelial junctional complexes in the BRB negatively affects neuronal signaling and ultimately causes vision loss. As new therapeutics are being developed either to prevent barrier disruption or to restore barrier function, access to physiologically relevant human in vitro tissue models that recapitulate important features of barrier biology is essential for disease modeling, target validation, and toxicity assessment. Here, a tunable organ-on-a-chip model of the retinal microvasculature using human retinal microvascular endothelial cells with integrated flow is described. Automated imaging and image analysis methods are employed for facile screening of leakage mediators and cytokine inhibitors on barrier properties. The developed retinal microvasculature-on-a-chip will enable improved understanding of BRB biology and provide an additional tool for drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Héloïse Ragelle
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development Roche Innovation Center Basel F. Hoffmann‐La Roche Ltd. Basel 4070 Switzerland
| | - Karen Dernick
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development Roche Innovation Center Basel F. Hoffmann‐La Roche Ltd. Basel 4070 Switzerland
| | - Sonia Khemais
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development Roche Innovation Center Basel F. Hoffmann‐La Roche Ltd. Basel 4070 Switzerland
| | - Cordula Keppler
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development Roche Innovation Center Basel F. Hoffmann‐La Roche Ltd. Basel 4070 Switzerland
| | - Lucien Cousin
- Macromolecular Engineering Laboratory Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering ETH Zurich Zurich 8092 Switzerland
| | - Yohan Farouz
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development Roche Innovation Center Basel F. Hoffmann‐La Roche Ltd. Basel 4070 Switzerland
| | - Chris Louche
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development Roche Innovation Center Basel F. Hoffmann‐La Roche Ltd. Basel 4070 Switzerland
| | - Sascha Fauser
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development Roche Innovation Center Basel F. Hoffmann‐La Roche Ltd. Basel 4070 Switzerland
| | - Stefan Kustermann
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development Roche Innovation Center Basel F. Hoffmann‐La Roche Ltd. Basel 4070 Switzerland
| | - Mark W. Tibbitt
- Macromolecular Engineering Laboratory Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering ETH Zurich Zurich 8092 Switzerland
| | - Peter D. Westenskow
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development Roche Innovation Center Basel F. Hoffmann‐La Roche Ltd. Basel 4070 Switzerland
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30
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Bicker J, Alves G, Fonseca C, Falcão A, Fortuna A. Repairing blood-CNS barriers: Future therapeutic approaches for neuropsychiatric disorders. Pharmacol Res 2020; 162:105226. [PMID: 33007420 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.105226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Central nervous system (CNS) drug development faces significant difficulties that translate into high rates of failure and lack of innovation. The pathophysiology of neurological and psychiatric disorders often results in the breakdown of blood-CNS barriers, disturbing the CNS microenvironment and worsening disease progression. Therefore, restoring the integrity of blood-CNS barriers may have a beneficial influence in several CNS disorders and improve treatment outcomes. In this review, pathways that may be modulated to protect blood-CNS barriers from neuroinflammatory and oxidative insults are featured. First, the participation of the brain endothelium and glial cells in disruption processes is discussed. Then, the relevance of regulatory systems is analysed, specifically the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, the renin-angiotensin system, sleep and circadian rhythms, and glutamate neurotransmission. Lastly, compounds of endogenous and exogenous origin that are known to mediate the repair of blood-CNS barriers are presented. We believe that enhancing the protection of blood-CNS barriers is a promising therapeutic strategy to pursue in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Bicker
- University of Coimbra, Faculty of Pharmacy, Coimbra, Portugal; University of Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research, Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Gilberto Alves
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Center, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Carla Fonseca
- University of Coimbra, Faculty of Pharmacy, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Amílcar Falcão
- University of Coimbra, Faculty of Pharmacy, Coimbra, Portugal; University of Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Fortuna
- University of Coimbra, Faculty of Pharmacy, Coimbra, Portugal; University of Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research, Coimbra, Portugal
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31
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Ouali Alami N, Tang L, Wiesner D, Commisso B, Bayer D, Weishaupt J, Dupuis L, Wong P, Baumann B, Wirth T, Boeckers TM, Yilmazer-Hanke D, Ludolph A, Roselli F. Multiplexed chemogenetics in astrocytes and motoneurons restore blood-spinal cord barrier in ALS. Life Sci Alliance 2020; 3:3/11/e201900571. [PMID: 32900826 PMCID: PMC7479971 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.201900571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemogenetic motoneuron excitation and astrocyte GPCR-Gi signaling restore blood–spinal cord barrier, disrupted in four ALS mouse models, revealing its role in disease progression but not initiation. Blood–spinal cord barrier (BSCB) disruption is thought to contribute to motoneuron (MN) loss in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). It is currently unclear whether impairment of the BSCB is the cause or consequence of MN dysfunction and whether its restoration may be directly beneficial. We revealed that SOD1G93A, FUSΔNLS, TDP43G298S, and Tbk1+/− ALS mouse models commonly shared alterations in the BSCB, unrelated to motoneuron loss. We exploit PSAM/PSEM chemogenetics in SOD1G93A mice to demonstrate that the BSCB is rescued by increased MN firing, whereas inactivation worsens it. Moreover, we use DREADD chemogenetics, alone or in multiplexed form, to show that activation of Gi signaling in astrocytes restores BSCB integrity, independently of MN firing, with no effect on MN disease markers and dissociating them from BSCB disruption. We show that astrocytic levels of the BSCB stabilizers Wnt7a and Wnt5a are decreased in SOD1G93A mice and strongly enhanced by Gi signaling, although further decreased by MN inactivation. Thus, we demonstrate that BSCB impairment follows MN dysfunction in ALS pathogenesis but can be reversed by Gi-induced expression of astrocytic Wnt5a/7a.
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Affiliation(s)
- Najwa Ouali Alami
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany.,International Graduate School in Molecular Medicine Ulm, Ulm, Germany.,Department of Neurology, Clinical Neuroanatomy, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Linyun Tang
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Diana Wiesner
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Ulm, Germany
| | | | - David Bayer
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany.,CEMMA Graduate School, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | | | - Luc Dupuis
- Inserm U1118, Mécanismes Centraux et Périphériques de la Neurodégénérescence; Université de Strasbourg, Faculté de Médecine, Strasbourg, France
| | - Phillip Wong
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Bernd Baumann
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Thomas Wirth
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Tobias M Boeckers
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Ulm, Germany.,Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | | | - Albert Ludolph
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Ulm, Germany
| | - Francesco Roselli
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany .,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Ulm, Germany
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32
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Pardridge WM. The Isolated Brain Microvessel: A Versatile Experimental Model of the Blood-Brain Barrier. Front Physiol 2020; 11:398. [PMID: 32457645 PMCID: PMC7221163 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
A versatile experimental model for the investigation of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), including the neuro-vascular unit, is the isolated brain microvessel preparation. Brain microvessels are primarily comprised of endothelial cells, but also include pericytes, pre-capillary arteriolar smooth muscle cells, astrocyte foot processes, and occasional nerve endings. These microvessels can be isolated from brain with a 3 h procedure, and the microvessels are free of brain parenchyma. Brain microvessels have been isolated from fresh animal brain, fresh human brain obtained at neurosurgery, as well as fresh or frozen autopsy human brain. Brain microvessels are the starting point for isolation of brain microvessel RNA, which then enables the production of BBB cDNA libraries and a genomics analysis of the brain microvasculature. Brain microvessels, combined with quantitative targeted absolute proteomics, allow for the quantitation of specific transporters or receptors expressed at the brain microvasculature. Brain microvessels, combined with specific antibodies and immune labeling of isolated capillaries, allow for the cellular location of proteins expressed within the neuro-vascular unit. Isolated brain microvessels can be used as an “in vitro” preparation of the BBB for the study of the kinetic parameters of BBB carrier-mediated transport (CMT) systems, or for the determination of dissociation constants of peptide binding to BBB receptor-mediated transport (RMT) systems expressed at either the animal or the human BBB. This review will discuss how the isolated brain microvessel model system has advanced our understanding of the organization and functional properties of the BBB, and highlight recent renewed interest in this 50 year old model of the BBB.
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Affiliation(s)
- William M Pardridge
- Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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