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Wang J, Wu X, Zhao J, Ren H, Zhao Y. Developing Liver Microphysiological Systems for Biomedical Applications. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2302217. [PMID: 37983733 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202302217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Microphysiological systems (MPSs), also known as organ chips, are micro-units that integrate cells with diverse physical and biochemical environmental cues. In the field of liver MPSs, cellular components have advanced from simple planar cell cultures to more sophisticated 3D formations such as spheroids and organoids. Additionally, progress in microfluidic devices, bioprinting, engineering of matrix materials, and interdisciplinary technologies have significant promise for producing MPSs with biomimetic structures and functions. This review provides a comprehensive summary of biomimetic liver MPSs including their clinical applications and future developmental potential. First, the key components of liver MPSs, including the principal cell types and engineered structures utilized for cell cultivation, are briefly introduced. Subsequently, the biomedical applications of liver MPSs, including the creation of disease models, drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity, are discussed. Finally, the challenges encountered by MPSs are summarized, and future research directions for their development are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinglin Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Xiangyi Wu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Junqi Zhao
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Haozhen Ren
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Yuanjin Zhao
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, China
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
- Southeast University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, 518071, China
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2
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Kim R, Sung JH. Recent Advances in Gut- and Gut-Organ-Axis-on-a-Chip Models. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2302777. [PMID: 38243887 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202302777] [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: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
The human gut extracts nutrients from the diet while forming the largest barrier against the outer environment. In addition, the gut actively maintains homeostasis through intricate interactions with the gut microbes, the immune system, the enteric nervous system, and other organs. These interactions influence digestive health and, furthermore, play crucial roles in systemic health and disease. Given its primary role in absorbing and metabolizing orally administered drugs, there is significant interest in the development of preclinical in vitro model systems that can accurately emulate the intestine in vivo. A gut-on-a-chip system holds great potential as a testing and screening platform because of its ability to emulate the physiological aspects of in vivo tissues and expandability to incorporate and combine with other organs. This review aims to identify the key physiological features of the human gut that need to be incorporated to build more accurate preclinical models and highlights the recent progress in gut-on-a-chip systems and competing technologies toward building more physiologically relevant preclinical model systems. Furthermore, various efforts to construct multi-organ systems with the gut, called gut-organ-axis-on-a-chip models, are discussed. In vitro gut models with physiological relevance can provide valuable platforms for bridging the gap between preclinical and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raehyun Kim
- Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Hongik University, Sejong, 30016, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Hwan Sung
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Hongik University, Seoul, 04066, Republic of Korea
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Van Nieuwenhuyse B, Merabishvili M, Goeders N, Vanneste K, Bogaerts B, de Jode M, Ravau J, Wagemans J, Belkhir L, Van der Linden D. Phage-Mediated Digestive Decolonization in a Gut-On-A-Chip Model: A Tale of Gut-Specific Bacterial Prosperity. Viruses 2024; 16:1047. [PMID: 39066209 PMCID: PMC11281504 DOI: 10.3390/v16071047] [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: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Infections due to antimicrobial-resistant bacteria have become a major threat to global health. Some patients may carry resistant bacteria in their gut microbiota. Specific risk factors may trigger the conversion of these carriages into infections in hospitalized patients. Preventively eradicating these carriages has been postulated as a promising preventive intervention. However, previous attempts at such eradication using oral antibiotics or probiotics have led to discouraging results. Phage therapy, the therapeutic use of bacteriophage viruses, might represent a worthy alternative in this context. Taking inspiration from this clinical challenge, we built Gut-On-A-Chip (GOAC) models, which are tridimensional cell culture models mimicking a simplified gut section. These were used to better understand bacterial dynamics under phage pressure using two relevant species: Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli. Model mucus secretion was documented by ELISA assays. Bacterial dynamics assays were performed in GOAC triplicates monitored for 72 h under numerous conditions, such as pre-, per-, or post-bacterial timing of phage introduction, punctual versus continuous phage administration, and phage expression of mucus-binding properties. The potential genomic basis of bacterial phage resistance acquired in the model was investigated by variant sequencing. The bacterial "escape growth" rates under phage pressure were compared to static in vitro conditions. Our results suggest that there is specific bacterial prosperity in this model compared to other in vitro conditions. In E. coli assays, the introduction of a phage harboring unique mucus-binding properties could not shift this balance of power, contradicting previous findings in an in vivo mouse model and highlighting the key differences between these models. Genomic modifications were correlated with bacterial phage resistance acquisition in some but not all instances, suggesting that alternate ways are needed to evade phage predation, which warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brieuc Van Nieuwenhuyse
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research, Pediatric Department (IREC/PEDI), Université Catholique de Louvain—UCLouvain, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Maya Merabishvili
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Technology, Queen Astrid Military Hospital, 1120 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nathalie Goeders
- Transversal Activities in Applied Genomics, Sciensano, Juliette Wytsmanstraat 14, 1050 Brussels, Belgium (B.B.)
| | - Kevin Vanneste
- Transversal Activities in Applied Genomics, Sciensano, Juliette Wytsmanstraat 14, 1050 Brussels, Belgium (B.B.)
| | - Bert Bogaerts
- Transversal Activities in Applied Genomics, Sciensano, Juliette Wytsmanstraat 14, 1050 Brussels, Belgium (B.B.)
| | - Mathieu de Jode
- Bacterial Diseases, Sciensano, Juliette Wytsmanstraat 14, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Joachim Ravau
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research, Pediatric Department (IREC/PEDI), Université Catholique de Louvain—UCLouvain, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jeroen Wagemans
- Laboratory of Gene Technology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
| | - Leïla Belkhir
- Division of Internal Medicine and Infectious Disease, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Université Catholique de Louvain—UCLouvain, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
- Louvain Centre for Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research (IREC/LTAP), Université Catholique de Louvain—UCLouvain, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Dimitri Van der Linden
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research, Pediatric Department (IREC/PEDI), Université Catholique de Louvain—UCLouvain, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases, General Pediatrics Department, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Université Catholique de Louvain—UCLouvain, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
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Caddeo A, Maurotti S, Kovooru L, Romeo S. 3D culture models to study pathophysiology of steatotic liver disease. Atherosclerosis 2024; 393:117544. [PMID: 38677899 DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2024.117544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
Steatotic liver disease (SLD) refers to a spectrum of diseases caused by hepatic lipid accumulation. SLD has emerged as the leading cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. Despite this burden and many years, understanding the pathophysiology of this disease is challenging due to the inaccessibility to human liver specimens. Therefore, cell-based in vitro systems are widely used as models to investigate the pathophysiology of SLD. Culturing hepatic cells in monolayers causes the loss of their hepatocyte-specific phenotype and, consequently, tissue-specific function and architecture. Hence, three-dimensional (3D) culture models allow cells to mimic the in vivo microenvironment and spatial organization of the liver unit. The utilization of 3D in vitro models minimizes the drawbacks of two-dimensional (2D) cultures and aligns with the 3Rs principles to alleviate the number of in vivo experiments. This article provides an overview of liver 3D models highlighting advantages and limitations, and culminates by discussing their applications in pharmaceutical and biomedical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Caddeo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Oncology and Molecular Pathology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Samantha Maurotti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University Magna Graecia, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Lohitesh Kovooru
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, Wallenberg Laboratory, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Stefano Romeo
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, Wallenberg Laboratory, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; Department of Cardiology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden; Clinical Nutrition Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University Magna Graecia, Catanzaro, Italy.
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Wang H, Li X, Shi P, You X, Zhao G. Establishment and evaluation of on-chip intestinal barrier biosystems based on microfluidic techniques. Mater Today Bio 2024; 26:101079. [PMID: 38774450 PMCID: PMC11107260 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2024.101079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024] Open
Abstract
As a booming engineering technology, the microfluidic chip has been widely applied for replicating the complexity of human intestinal micro-physiological ecosystems in vitro. Biosensors, 3D imaging, and multi-omics have been applied to engineer more sophisticated intestinal barrier-on-chip platforms, allowing the improved monitoring of physiological processes and enhancing chip performance. In this review, we report cutting-edge advances in the microfluidic techniques applied for the establishment and evaluation of intestinal barrier platforms. We discuss different design principles and microfabrication strategies for the establishment of microfluidic gut barrier models in vitro. Further, we comprehensively cover the complex cell types (e.g., epithelium, intestinal organoids, endothelium, microbes, and immune cells) and controllable extracellular microenvironment parameters (e.g., oxygen gradient, peristalsis, bioflow, and gut-organ axis) used to recapitulate the main structural and functional complexity of gut barriers. We also present the current multidisciplinary technologies and indicators used for evaluating the morphological structure and barrier integrity of established gut barrier models in vitro. Finally, we highlight the challenges and future perspectives for accelerating the broader applications of these platforms in disease simulation, drug development, and personalized medicine. Hence, this review provides a comprehensive guide for the development and evaluation of microfluidic-based gut barrier platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Wang
- Master Lab for Innovative Application of Nature Products, National Center of Technology Innovation for Synthetic Biology, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Tianjin, 300308, China
| | - Xiangyang Li
- Henan Engineering Research Center of Food Microbiology, College of Food and Bioengineering, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471023, China
- Haihe Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, Tianjin, 300308, China
| | - Pengcheng Shi
- Henan Engineering Research Center of Food Microbiology, College of Food and Bioengineering, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471023, China
| | - Xiaoyan You
- Master Lab for Innovative Application of Nature Products, National Center of Technology Innovation for Synthetic Biology, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Tianjin, 300308, China
- Henan Engineering Research Center of Food Microbiology, College of Food and Bioengineering, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471023, China
| | - Guoping Zhao
- Master Lab for Innovative Application of Nature Products, National Center of Technology Innovation for Synthetic Biology, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Tianjin, 300308, China
- CAS-Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200032, China
- CAS-Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
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Xia M, Varmazyad M, Palacin IP, Gavlock DC, Debiasio R, LaRocca G, Reese C, Florentino R, Faccioli LAP, Brown JA, Vernetti LA, Schurdak ME, Stern AM, Gough A, Behari J, Soto-Gutierrez A, Taylor DL, Miedel M. Comparison of Wild-Type and High-risk PNPLA3 variants in a Human Biomimetic Liver Microphysiology System for Metabolic Dysfunction-associated Steatotic Liver Disease Precision Therapy. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.22.590608. [PMID: 38712213 PMCID: PMC11071381 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.22.590608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a worldwide health epidemic with a global occurrence of approximately 30%. The pathogenesis of MASLD is a complex, multisystem disorder driven by multiple factors including genetics, lifestyle, and the environment. Patient heterogeneity presents challenges for developing MASLD therapeutics, creation of patient cohorts for clinical trials and optimization of therapeutic strategies for specific patient cohorts. Implementing pre-clinical experimental models for drug development creates a significant challenge as simple in vitro systems and animal models do not fully recapitulate critical steps in the pathogenesis and the complexity of MASLD progression. To address this, we implemented a precision medicine strategy that couples the use of our liver acinus microphysiology system (LAMPS) constructed with patient-derived primary cells. We investigated the MASLD-associated genetic variant PNPLA3 rs738409 (I148M variant) in primary hepatocytes, as it is associated with MASLD progression. We constructed LAMPS with genotyped wild type and variant PNPLA3 hepatocytes together with key non-parenchymal cells and quantified the reproducibility of the model. We altered media components to mimic blood chemistries, including insulin, glucose, free fatty acids, and immune activating molecules to reflect normal fasting (NF), early metabolic syndrome (EMS) and late metabolic syndrome (LMS) conditions. Finally, we investigated the response to treatment with resmetirom, an approved drug for metabolic syndrome-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), the progressive form of MASLD. This study using primary cells serves as a benchmark for studies using patient biomimetic twins constructed with patient iPSC-derived liver cells using a panel of reproducible metrics. We observed increased steatosis, immune activation, stellate cell activation and secretion of pro-fibrotic markers in the PNPLA3 GG variant compared to wild type CC LAMPS, consistent with the clinical characterization of this variant. We also observed greater resmetirom efficacy in PNPLA3 wild type CC LAMPS compared to the GG variant in multiple MASLD metrics including steatosis, stellate cell activation and the secretion of pro-fibrotic markers. In conclusion, our study demonstrates the capability of the LAMPS platform for the development of MASLD precision therapeutics, enrichment of patient cohorts for clinical trials, and optimization of therapeutic strategies for patient subgroups with different clinical traits and disease stages.
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Giannitelli SM, Peluzzi V, Raniolo S, Roscilli G, Trombetta M, Mozetic P, Rainer A. On-chip recapitulation of the tumor microenvironment: A decade of progress. Biomaterials 2024; 306:122482. [PMID: 38301325 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2024.122482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
One of the hurdles to the development of new anticancer therapies is the lack of in vitro models which faithfully reproduce the in vivo tumor microenvironment (TME). Understanding the dynamic relationships between the components of the TME in a controllable, scalable, and reliable setting would indeed support the discovery of biological targets impacting cancer diagnosis and therapy. Cancer research is increasingly shifting from traditional two-dimensional (2D) cell culture toward three-dimensional (3D) culture models, which have been demonstrated to increase the significance and predictive value of in vitro data. In this scenario, microphysiological systems (also known as organs-on-chip) have emerged as a relevant technological platform enabling more predictive investigation of cell-cell and cell-ECM interplay in cancer, attracting a significant research effort in the last years. This review illustrates one decade of progress in the field of tumor-microenvironment-on-chip (TMOC) approaches, exploiting either cell-laden microfluidic chambers or microfluidic confined tumor spheroids to model the TME. TMOCs have been designed to recapitulate several aspects of the TME, including tumor cells, the tumor-associated stroma, the immune system, and the vascular component. Significantly, the last aspect has emerged for its pivotal role in orchestrating cellular interactions and modulating drug pharmacokinetics on-chip. A further advancement has been represented by integration of TMOCs into multi-organ microphysiological systems, with the final aim to follow the metastatic cascade to target organs and to study the effects of chemotherapies at a systemic level. We highlight that the increased degree of complexity achieved by the most advanced TMOC models has enabled scientists to shed new light on the role of microenvironmental factors in tumor progression, metastatic cascade, and response to drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Giannitelli
- Department of Science and Technology for Sustainable Development and One Health, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, via Álvaro del Portillo, 21, 00128, Rome, Italy.
| | - V Peluzzi
- Department of Engineering, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, via Álvaro del Portillo 21, 00128, Rome, Italy.
| | - S Raniolo
- Department of Science and Technology for Sustainable Development and One Health, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, via Álvaro del Portillo, 21, 00128, Rome, Italy.
| | - G Roscilli
- Takis s.r.l., Via di Castel Romano 100, 00128, Rome, Italy.
| | - M Trombetta
- Department of Science and Technology for Sustainable Development and One Health, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, via Álvaro del Portillo, 21, 00128, Rome, Italy.
| | - P Mozetic
- Institute of Nanotechnology (NANOTEC), National Research Council, via Monteroni, 73100, Lecce, Italy.
| | - A Rainer
- Department of Engineering, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, via Álvaro del Portillo 21, 00128, Rome, Italy; Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, via Álvaro del Portillo 200, 00128, Rome, Italy.
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Milani N, Parrott N, Galetin A, Fowler S, Gertz M. In silico modeling and simulation of organ-on-a-chip systems to support data analysis and a priori experimental design. CPT Pharmacometrics Syst Pharmacol 2024; 13:524-543. [PMID: 38356302 PMCID: PMC11015085 DOI: 10.1002/psp4.13110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Organ-on-a-chip (OoC) systems are a promising new class of in vitro devices that can combine various tissues, cultured in different compartments, linked by media flow. The properties of these novel in vitro systems linked to increased physiological relevance of culture conditions may lead to more in vivo-relevant cell phenotypes, enabling better in vitro pharmacology and toxicology assessment. Improved cell activities combined with longer lasting cultures offer opportunities to improve the characterization of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) processes, potentially leading to more accurate prediction of human pharmacokinetics (PKs). The inclusion of barrier tissue elements and metabolically competent tissue types results in complex concentration-time profiles (in vitro PK) for test drugs and their metabolites that require appropriate mathematical modeling of in vitro data for parameter estimation. In particular, modeling is critical to estimate in vitro ADME parameters when multiple different tissues are combined in a single device. Therefore, sophisticated in silico data analysis and a priori experimental design are highly recommended for OoC experiments in a manner not needed with standard ADME screening. The design of the experiment should be optimized based on an investigation of the structural characteristics of the in vitro system, the ADME features of the test compound and any available knowledge of cell phenotypes. This tutorial aims to provide such a modeling framework to inform experimental design and refine parameter estimation in a Gut-Liver OoC (the most studied multi-organ systems to predict the oral drug PKs) to improve translatability of data generated in such complex cellular systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicoló Milani
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, Roche Pharma Research and Early DevelopmentRoche Innovation Center BaselBaselSwitzerland
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, Centre for Applied Pharmacokinetic Research, School of Health SciencesUniversity of ManchesterManchesterUK
| | - Neil Parrott
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, Roche Pharma Research and Early DevelopmentRoche Innovation Center BaselBaselSwitzerland
| | - Aleksandra Galetin
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, Centre for Applied Pharmacokinetic Research, School of Health SciencesUniversity of ManchesterManchesterUK
| | - Stephen Fowler
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, Roche Pharma Research and Early DevelopmentRoche Innovation Center BaselBaselSwitzerland
| | - Michael Gertz
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, Roche Pharma Research and Early DevelopmentRoche Innovation Center BaselBaselSwitzerland
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Liu J, Du Y, Xiao X, Tan D, He Y, Qin L. Construction of in vitro liver-on-a-chip models and application progress. Biomed Eng Online 2024; 23:33. [PMID: 38491482 PMCID: PMC10941602 DOI: 10.1186/s12938-024-01226-y] [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: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
The liver is the largest internal organ of the human body. It has a complex structure and function and plays a vital role in drug metabolism. In recent decades, extensive research has aimed to develop in vitro models that can simulate liver function to demonstrate changes in the physiological and pathological environment of the liver. Animal models and in vitro cell models are common, but the data obtained from animal models lack relevance when applied to humans, while cell models have limited predictive ability for metabolism and toxicity in humans. Recent advancements in tissue engineering, biomaterials, chip technology, and 3D bioprinting have provided opportunities for further research in in vitro models. Among them, liver-on-a-Chip (LOC) technology has made significant achievements in reproducing the in vivo behavior, physiological microenvironment, and metabolism of cells and organs. In this review, we discuss the development of LOC and its research progress in liver diseases, hepatotoxicity tests, and drug screening, as well as chip combinations. First, we review the structure and the physiological function of the liver. Then, we introduce the LOC technology, including general concepts, preparation materials, and methods. Finally, we review the application of LOC in disease modeling, hepatotoxicity tests, drug screening, and chip combinations, as well as the future challenges and directions of LOC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Liu
- Guizhou Engineering Research Center of Industrial Key-Technology for Dendrobium Nobile, School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563000, China
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563000, China
| | - Yimei Du
- Guizhou Engineering Research Center of Industrial Key-Technology for Dendrobium Nobile, School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563000, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563000, Guizhou, China
| | - Xinxin Xiao
- Guizhou Engineering Research Center of Industrial Key-Technology for Dendrobium Nobile, School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563000, China
| | - Daopeng Tan
- Guizhou Engineering Research Center of Industrial Key-Technology for Dendrobium Nobile, School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563000, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563000, Guizhou, China
| | - Yuqi He
- Guizhou Engineering Research Center of Industrial Key-Technology for Dendrobium Nobile, School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563000, China.
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563000, Guizhou, China.
| | - Lin Qin
- Guizhou Engineering Research Center of Industrial Key-Technology for Dendrobium Nobile, School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563000, China.
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563000, Guizhou, China.
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Nagayama I, Kamimura K, Owaki T, Ko M, Nagoya T, Tanaka Y, Ohkoshi M, Setsu T, Sakamaki A, Yokoo T, Kamimura H, Terai S. Complementary role of peripheral and central autonomic nervous system on insulin-like growth factor-1 activation to prevent fatty liver disease. Hepatol Int 2024; 18:155-167. [PMID: 37864724 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-023-10601-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) is involved in the pathology of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and ameliorates fatty infiltration in the liver. It is activated by growth hormone (GH); however, the role of GH-IGF-1 axis in NAFLD developmental phase has not been well identified. Therefore, in this study, we focused on the effect of IGF-1 in NAFLD pathology and GH excretion activation from the pituitary gland by peripheral autonomic neural pathways relaying liver-brain-gut pathway and by central neuropeptides. METHODS GH and IGF-1 levels were assessed in wild-type and melanocortin-4 receptor knockout mice upon the development of diet-induced NAFLD. The contribution of the peripheral autonomic nervous system connecting the liver-brain-gut axis was assessed by its blockade using capsaicin and that of the central nervous system was assessed by the expression of hypothalamic brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and corticotropin-releasing factor (CRH), which activates GH release from the pituitary gland. RESULTS In the NAFLD mouse models, the levels of GH and IGF-1 increased (p < .05). Further, hepatic fatty infiltration was suppressed even under peripheral autonomic nervous system blockade (p < .001), which inhibited gastric ghrelin expression. In mice with peripheral autonomic nervous blockade, hypothalamic BDNF and CRH were inhibited (p < .05), resulting in GH and IGF-1 excretion, whereas other neuropeptides of somatostatin and cortistatin showed no changes. These complementary effects were canceled in melanocortin-4 receptor knockout mice, which diminished BDNF and CRH release control. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrates that the release of IGF-1 by the nervous system is a key factor in maintaining the pathological homeostasis of NAFLD, suggesting its therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Itsuo Nagayama
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, 1-757, Asahimachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Niigata, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan
| | - Kenya Kamimura
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, 1-757, Asahimachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Niigata, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan.
- Department of General Medicine, Niigata University School of Medicine, Niigata, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan.
| | - Takashi Owaki
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, 1-757, Asahimachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Niigata, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan
| | - Masayoshi Ko
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, 1-757, Asahimachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Niigata, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan
| | - Takuro Nagoya
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, 1-757, Asahimachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Niigata, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan
| | - Yuto Tanaka
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, 1-757, Asahimachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Niigata, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan
| | - Marina Ohkoshi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, 1-757, Asahimachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Niigata, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan
| | - Toru Setsu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, 1-757, Asahimachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Niigata, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan
| | - Akira Sakamaki
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, 1-757, Asahimachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Niigata, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan
| | - Takeshi Yokoo
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, 1-757, Asahimachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Niigata, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan
| | - Hiroteru Kamimura
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, 1-757, Asahimachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Niigata, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan
| | - Shuji Terai
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, 1-757, Asahimachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Niigata, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan
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Li Z, Li Q, Zhou C, Lu K, Liu Y, Xuan L, Wang X. Organoid-on-a-chip: Current challenges, trends, and future scope toward medicine. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2023; 17:051505. [PMID: 37900053 PMCID: PMC10613095 DOI: 10.1063/5.0171350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
Abstract
In vitro organoid models, typically defined as 3D multicellular aggregates, have been extensively used as a promising tool in drug screening, disease progression research, and precision medicine. Combined with advanced microfluidics technique, organoid-on-a-chip can flexibly replicate in vivo organs within the biomimetic physiological microenvironment by accurately regulating different parameters, such as fluid conditions and concentration gradients of biochemical factors. Since engineered organ reconstruction has opened a new paradigm in biomedicine, innovative approaches are increasingly required in micro-nano fabrication, tissue construction, and development of pharmaceutical products. In this Perspective review, the advantages and characteristics of organoid-on-a-chip are first introduced. Challenges in current organoid culture, extracellular matrix building, and device manufacturing techniques are subsequently demonstrated, followed by potential alternative approaches, respectively. The future directions and emerging application scenarios of organoid-on-a-chip are finally prospected to further satisfy the clinical demands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhangjie Li
- Department of Micro/Nano Electronics, School of Electronic Information and Electrical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Qinyu Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 999077 Hong Kong, China
| | - Chenyang Zhou
- Department of Micro/Nano Electronics, School of Electronic Information and Electrical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Kangyi Lu
- Department of Micro/Nano Electronics, School of Electronic Information and Electrical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Yijun Liu
- Department of Micro/Nano Electronics, School of Electronic Information and Electrical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Lian Xuan
- Institute of Medical Robotics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Xiaolin Wang
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed:
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Fang J, Celton-Morizur S, Desdouets C. NAFLD-Related HCC: Focus on the Latest Relevant Preclinical Models. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3723. [PMID: 37509384 PMCID: PMC10377912 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15143723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary liver cancer and one of the deadliest cancers worldwide. Despite extensive research, the biological mechanisms underlying HCC's development and progression remain only partially understood. Chronic overeating and/or sedentary-lifestyle-associated obesity, which promote Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), have recently emerged as worrying risk factors for HCC. NAFLD is characterized by excessive hepatocellular lipid accumulation (steatosis) and affects one quarter of the world's population. Steatosis progresses in the more severe inflammatory form, Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH), potentially leading to HCC. The incidence of NASH is expected to increase by up to 56% over the next 10 years. Better diagnoses and the establishment of effective treatments for NAFLD and HCC will require improvements in our understanding of the fundamental mechanisms of the disease's development. This review describes the pathogenesis of NAFLD and the mechanisms underlying the transition from NAFL/NASH to HCC. We also discuss a selection of appropriate preclinical models of NAFLD for research, from cellular models such as liver-on-a-chip models to in vivo models, focusing particularly on mouse models of dietary NAFLD-HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Fang
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, 75006 Paris, France
- Genomic Instability, Metabolism, Immunity and Liver Tumorigenesis Laboratory, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Séverine Celton-Morizur
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, 75006 Paris, France
- Genomic Instability, Metabolism, Immunity and Liver Tumorigenesis Laboratory, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Chantal Desdouets
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, 75006 Paris, France
- Genomic Instability, Metabolism, Immunity and Liver Tumorigenesis Laboratory, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, 75005 Paris, France
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Johnston A, Callanan A. Recent Methods for Modifying Mechanical Properties of Tissue-Engineered Scaffolds for Clinical Applications. Biomimetics (Basel) 2023; 8:biomimetics8020205. [PMID: 37218791 DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics8020205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The limited regenerative capacity of the human body, in conjunction with a shortage of healthy autologous tissue, has created an urgent need for alternative grafting materials. A potential solution is a tissue-engineered graft, a construct which supports and integrates with host tissue. One of the key challenges in fabricating a tissue-engineered graft is achieving mechanical compatibility with the graft site; a disparity in these properties can shape the behaviour of the surrounding native tissue, contributing to the likelihood of graft failure. The purpose of this review is to examine the means by which researchers have altered the mechanical properties of tissue-engineered constructs via hybrid material usage, multi-layer scaffold designs, and surface modifications. A subset of these studies which has investigated the function of their constructs in vivo is also presented, followed by an examination of various tissue-engineered designs which have been clinically translated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Johnston
- Institute for Bioengineering, School of Engineering, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3DW, UK
| | - Anthony Callanan
- Institute for Bioengineering, School of Engineering, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3DW, UK
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