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Ryoo H, Kimmel H, Rondo E, Underhill GH. Advances in high throughput cell culture technologies for therapeutic screening and biological discovery applications. Bioeng Transl Med 2024; 9:e10627. [PMID: 38818120 PMCID: PMC11135158 DOI: 10.1002/btm2.10627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Cellular phenotypes and functional responses are modulated by the signals present in their microenvironment, including extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, tissue mechanical properties, soluble signals and nutrients, and cell-cell interactions. To better recapitulate and analyze these complex signals within the framework of more physiologically relevant culture models, high throughput culture platforms can be transformative. High throughput methodologies enable scientists to extract increasingly robust and broad datasets from individual experiments, screen large numbers of conditions for potential hits, better qualify and predict responses for preclinical applications, and reduce reliance on animal studies. High throughput cell culture systems require uniformity, assay miniaturization, specific target identification, and process simplification. In this review, we detail the various techniques that researchers have used to face these challenges and explore cellular responses in a high throughput manner. We highlight several common approaches including two-dimensional multiwell microplates, microarrays, and microfluidic cell culture systems as well as unencapsulated and encapsulated three-dimensional high throughput cell culture systems, featuring multiwell microplates, micromolds, microwells, microarrays, granular hydrogels, and cell-encapsulated microgels. We also discuss current applications of these high throughput technologies, namely stem cell sourcing, drug discovery and predictive toxicology, and personalized medicine, along with emerging opportunities and future impact areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyeon Ryoo
- Bioengineering DepartmentUniversity of Illinois Urbana‐ChampaignUrbanaIllinoisUSA
| | - Hannah Kimmel
- Bioengineering DepartmentUniversity of Illinois Urbana‐ChampaignUrbanaIllinoisUSA
| | - Evi Rondo
- Bioengineering DepartmentUniversity of Illinois Urbana‐ChampaignUrbanaIllinoisUSA
| | - Gregory H. Underhill
- Bioengineering DepartmentUniversity of Illinois Urbana‐ChampaignUrbanaIllinoisUSA
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Zambuto SG, Jain I, Theriault HS, Underhill GH, Harley BAC. Cell Chirality of Micropatterned Endometrial Microvascular Endothelial Cells. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2303928. [PMID: 38291861 PMCID: PMC11076162 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202303928] [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: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Chirality is an intrinsic cellular property that describes cell polarization biases along the left-right axis, apicobasal axis, or front-rear axes. Cell chirality plays a significant role in the arrangement of organs in the body as well as in the orientation of organelles, cytoskeletons, and cells. Vascular networks within the endometrium, the mucosal inner lining of the uterus, commonly display spiral architectures that rapidly form across the menstrual cycle. Herein, the role of endometrial-relevant extracellular matrix stiffness, composition, and soluble signals on endometrial endothelial cell chirality is systematically examined using a high-throughput microarray. Endometrial endothelial cells display marked patterns of chirality as individual cells and as cohorts in response to substrate stiffness and environmental cues. Vascular networks formed from endometrial endothelial cells also display shifts in chirality as a function of exogenous hormones. Changes in cellular-scale chirality correlate with changes in vascular network parameters, suggesting a critical role for cellular chirality in directing endometrial vessel network organization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha G Zambuto
- Dept. of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Ishita Jain
- Dept. of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Hannah S Theriault
- Dept. of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Gregory H Underhill
- Dept. of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Brendan A C Harley
- Dept. Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
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3
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Yan ZJ, Chen L, Wang HY. To be or not to be: The double-edged sword roles of liver progenitor cells. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:188870. [PMID: 36842766 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.188870] [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: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/28/2023]
Abstract
Given the liver's remarkable and unique regenerative capacity, researchers have long focused on liver progenitor cells (LPCs) and liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs). LPCs can differentiate into both hepatocytes and cholangiocytes. However, the mechanism underlying cell conversion and its distinct contribution to liver homeostasis and tumorigenesis remain unclear. In this review, we discuss the complicated conversions involving LPCs and LCSCs. As the critical intermediate state in malignant transformation, LPCs play double-edged sword roles. LPCs are not only involved in hepatic wound-healing responses by supplementing liver cells and bile duct cells in the damaged liver but may transform into LCSCs under dysregulation of key signaling pathways, resulting in refractory malignant liver tumors. Because LPC lineages are temporally and spatially dynamic, we discuss crucial LPC subgroups and summarize regulatory factors correlating with the trajectories of LPCs and LCSCs in the liver tumor microenvironment. This review elaborates on the double-edged sword roles of LPCs to help understand the liver's regenerative potential and tumor heterogeneity. Understanding the sources and transformations of LPCs is essential in determining how to exploit their regenerative capacity in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Jun Yan
- International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital/National Center for Liver Cancer, Shanghai 200438, PR China; Key Laboratory of Signaling Regulation and Targeting Therapy of Liver Cancer (SMMU), Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200438, PR China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary Tumor Biology (EHBH), Shanghai 200438, PR China
| | - Lei Chen
- International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital/National Center for Liver Cancer, Shanghai 200438, PR China; Key Laboratory of Signaling Regulation and Targeting Therapy of Liver Cancer (SMMU), Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200438, PR China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary Tumor Biology (EHBH), Shanghai 200438, PR China.
| | - Hong-Yang Wang
- International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital/National Center for Liver Cancer, Shanghai 200438, PR China; Key Laboratory of Signaling Regulation and Targeting Therapy of Liver Cancer (SMMU), Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200438, PR China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary Tumor Biology (EHBH), Shanghai 200438, PR China.
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Kim HJ, Kim G, Chi KY, Kim H, Jang YJ, Jo S, Lee J, Lee Y, Woo DH, Han C, Kim SK, Park HJ, Kim JH. Generation of multilineage liver organoids with luminal vasculature and bile ducts from human pluripotent stem cells via modulation of Notch signaling. Stem Cell Res Ther 2023; 14:19. [PMID: 36737811 PMCID: PMC9898924 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-023-03235-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The generation of liver organoids recapitulating parenchymal and non-parenchymal cell interplay is essential for the precise in vitro modeling of liver diseases. Although different types of multilineage liver organoids (mLOs) have been generated from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs), the assembly and concurrent differentiation of multiple cell types in individual mLOs remain a major challenge. Particularly, most studies focused on the vascularization of mLOs in host tissue after transplantation in vivo. However, relatively little information is available on the in vitro formation of luminal vasculature in mLOs themselves. METHODS The mLOs with luminal blood vessels and bile ducts were generated by assembling hepatic endoderm, hepatic stellate cell-like cells (HscLCs), and endothelial cells derived entirely from hPSCs using 96-well ultra-low attachment plates. We analyzed the effect of HscLC incorporation and Notch signaling modulation on the formation of both bile ducts and vasculature in mLOs using immunofluorescence staining, qRT-PCR, ELISA, and live-perfusion imaging. The potential use of the mLOs in fibrosis modeling was evaluated by histological and gene expression analyses after treatment with pro-fibrotic cytokines. RESULTS We found that hPSC-derived HscLCs are crucial for generating functional microvasculature in mLOs. HscLC incorporation and subsequent vascularization substantially reduced apoptotic cell death and promoted the survival and growth of mLOs with microvessels. In particular, precise modulation of Notch signaling during a specific time window in organoid differentiation was critical for generating both bile ducts and vasculature. Live-cell imaging, a series of confocal scans, and electron microscopy demonstrated that blood vessels were well distributed inside mLOs and had perfusable lumens in vitro. In addition, exposure of mLOs to pro-fibrotic cytokines induced early fibrosis-associated events, including upregulation of genes associated with fibrotic induction and endothelial cell activation (i.e., collagen I, α-SMA, and ICAM) together with destruction of tissue architecture and organoid shrinkage. CONCLUSION Our results demonstrate that mLOs can reproduce parenchymal and non-parenchymal cell interactions and suggest that their application can advance the precise modeling of liver diseases in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyo Jin Kim
- grid.222754.40000 0001 0840 2678Laboratory of Stem Cells and Tissue Regeneration, Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, 145 Anam-Ro, Seongbuk-Gu, Seoul, 02841 South Korea
| | - Gyeongmin Kim
- grid.222754.40000 0001 0840 2678Laboratory of Stem Cells and Tissue Regeneration, Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, 145 Anam-Ro, Seongbuk-Gu, Seoul, 02841 South Korea
| | - Kyun Yoo Chi
- grid.222754.40000 0001 0840 2678Laboratory of Stem Cells and Tissue Regeneration, Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, 145 Anam-Ro, Seongbuk-Gu, Seoul, 02841 South Korea
| | - Hyemin Kim
- grid.418982.e0000 0004 5345 5340Department of Predictive Toxicology, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Daejeon, 34114 South Korea
| | - Yu Jin Jang
- grid.89336.370000 0004 1936 9924Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712 USA
| | - Seongyea Jo
- grid.222754.40000 0001 0840 2678Laboratory of Stem Cells and Tissue Regeneration, Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, 145 Anam-Ro, Seongbuk-Gu, Seoul, 02841 South Korea ,grid.418982.e0000 0004 5345 5340Department of Predictive Toxicology, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Daejeon, 34114 South Korea
| | - Jihun Lee
- grid.222754.40000 0001 0840 2678Laboratory of Stem Cells and Tissue Regeneration, Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, 145 Anam-Ro, Seongbuk-Gu, Seoul, 02841 South Korea
| | - Youngseok Lee
- grid.222754.40000 0001 0840 2678Laboratory of Stem Cells and Tissue Regeneration, Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, 145 Anam-Ro, Seongbuk-Gu, Seoul, 02841 South Korea
| | - Dong-Hun Woo
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, NEXEL Co., Ltd, Seoul, 07802 South Korea
| | - Choongseong Han
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, NEXEL Co., Ltd, Seoul, 07802 South Korea
| | - Sang Kyum Kim
- grid.254230.20000 0001 0722 6377College of Pharmacy, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 34134 South Korea
| | - Han-Jin Park
- grid.418982.e0000 0004 5345 5340Department of Predictive Toxicology, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Daejeon, 34114 South Korea
| | - Jong-Hoon Kim
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Tissue Regeneration, Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, 145 Anam-Ro, Seongbuk-Gu, Seoul, 02841, South Korea.
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Brougham-Cook A, Kimmel HRC, Monckton CP, Owen D, Khetani SR, Underhill GH. Engineered matrix microenvironments reveal the heterogeneity of liver sinusoidal endothelial cell phenotypic responses. APL Bioeng 2022; 6:046102. [PMID: 36345318 PMCID: PMC9637025 DOI: 10.1063/5.0097602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is one of the hallmarks of chronic liver disease and is associated with aberrant wound healing. Changes in the composition of the liver microenvironment during fibrosis result in a complex crosstalk of extracellular cues that promote altered behaviors in the cell types that comprise the liver sinusoid, particularly liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs). Recently, it has been observed that LSECs may sustain injury before other fibrogenesis-associated cells of the sinusoid, implicating LSECs as key actors in the fibrotic cascade. A high-throughput cellular microarray platform was used to deconstruct the collective influences of defined combinations of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, substrate stiffness, and soluble factors on primary human LSEC phenotype in vitro. We observed remarkable heterogeneity in LSEC phenotype as a function of stiffness, ECM, and soluble factor context. LYVE-1 and CD-31 expressions were highest on 1 kPa substrates, and the VE-cadherin junction localization was highest on 25 kPa substrates. Also, LSECs formed distinct spatial patterns of LYVE-1 expression, with LYVE-1+ cells observed in the center of multicellular domains, and pattern size regulated by microenvironmental context. ECM composition also influenced a substantial dynamic range of expression levels for all markers, and the collagen type IV was observed to promote elevated expressions of LYVE-1, VE-cadherin, and CD-31. These studies highlight key microenvironmental regulators of LSEC phenotype and reveal unique spatial patterning of the sinusoidal marker LYVE-1. Furthermore, these data provide insight into understanding more precisely how LSECs respond to fibrotic microenvironments, which will aid drug development and identification of targets to treat liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aidan Brougham-Cook
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
| | - Hannah R. C. Kimmel
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
| | - Chase P. Monckton
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60607, USA
| | - Daniel Owen
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
| | - Salman R. Khetani
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60607, USA
| | - Gregory H. Underhill
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA,Author to whom correspondence should be addressed:. Tel.: 217–244-2169
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6
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Modulation of human iPSC-derived hepatocyte phenotype via extracellular matrix microarrays. Acta Biomater 2022; 153:216-230. [PMID: 36115650 PMCID: PMC9869484 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2022.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Revised: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
In vitro human liver models are essential for drug screening, disease modeling, and cell-based therapies. Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived hepatocyte-like cells (iHeps) mitigate sourcing limitations of primary human hepatocytes (PHHs) and enable precision medicine; however, current protocols yield iHeps with very low differentiated functions. The composition and stiffness of liver's extracellular matrix (ECM) cooperatively regulate hepatic phenotype in vivo, but such effects on iHeps remain unelucidated. Here, we utilized ECM microarrays and high content imaging to assess human iHep attachment and functions on ten major liver ECM proteins in single and two-way combinations robotically spotted onto polyacrylamide gels of liver-like stiffnesses; microarray findings were validated using hydrogel-conjugated multiwell plates. Collagen-IV supported higher iHep attachment than collagen-I over 2 weeks on 1 kPa, while laminin and its combinations with collagen-III, fibronectin, tenascin C, or hyaluronic acid led to both high iHep attachment and differentiated functions; laminin and its combination with tenascin or fibronectin led to similar albumin expression in iHeps and PHHs. Additionally, several collagen-IV-, laminin-, fibronectin-, and collagen-V-containing combinations on 1 kPa led to similar or higher CYP3A4 staining in iHeps than PHHs. Lastly, collagen-I or -III mixed with laminin, collagen-IV mixed with lumican, and collagen-V mixed with fibronectin led to high and stable functional output (albumin/urea secretions; CYP1A2/2C9/3A4 activities) in iHep cultures versus declining PHH numbers/functions for 3 weeks within multiwell plates containing 1 kPa hydrogels. Ultimately, these platforms can help elucidate ECM's role in liver diseases and serve as building blocks of engineered tissues for applications. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: We utilized high-throughput extracellular matrix (ECM) microarrays and high content imaging to assess the attachment and differentiated functions of iPSC-derived human hepatocyte-like cells (iHep) on major liver ECM protein combinations spotted onto polyacrylamide gels of liver-like stiffnesses. We observed that iHep responses are regulated in unexpected ways via the cooperation between ECM stiffness and protein composition. Using this approach, we induced mature functions in iHeps on substrates of physiological stiffness and select ECM coatings at higher levels over 3+ weeks than analogous primary human hepatocyte cultures, which is useful for building platforms for drug screening, disease modeling, and regenerative medicine.
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Zambuto SG, Jain I, Clancy KBH, Underhill GH, Harley BAC. Role of Extracellular Matrix Biomolecules on Endometrial Epithelial Cell Attachment and Cytokeratin 18 Expression on Gelatin Hydrogels. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2022; 8:3819-3830. [PMID: 35994527 PMCID: PMC9581737 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.2c00247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The endometrium undergoes profound changes in tissue architecture and composition, both during the menstrual cycle as well as in the context of pregnancy. Dynamic remodeling processes of the endometrial extracellular matrix (ECM) are a major element of endometrial homeostasis, including changes across the menstrual cycle. A critical element of this tissue microenvironment is the endometrial basement membrane, a specialized layer of proteins that separates the endometrial epithelium from the underlying endometrial ECM. Bioengineering models of the endometrial microenvironment that present an appropriate endometrial ECM and basement membrane may provide an improved environment to study endometrial epithelial cell (EEC) function. Here, we exploit a tiered approach using two-dimensional high-throughput microarrays and three-dimensional gelatin hydrogels to define patterns of EEC attachment and cytokeratin 18 (CK18) expression in response to combinations of endometrial basement membrane proteins. We identify combinations (collagen IV + tenascin C; collagen I + collagen III; hyaluronic acid + tenascin C; collagen V; collagen V + hyaluronic acid; collagen III; and collagen I) that facilitate increased EEC attachment, increased CK18 intensity, or both. We also identify significant EEC mediated remodeling of the methacrylamide-functionalized gelatin matrix environment via analysis of nascent protein deposition. Together, we report efforts to tailor the localization of basement membrane-associated proteins and proteoglycans in order to investigate tissue-engineered models of the endometrial microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha G Zambuto
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Ishita Jain
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Kathryn B H Clancy
- Department of Anthropology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science & Technology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Gregory H Underhill
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Brendan A C Harley
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Department Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
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Brougham-Cook A, Jain I, Kukla DA, Masood F, Kimmel H, Ryoo H, Khetani SR, Underhill GH. High throughput interrogation of human liver stellate cells reveals microenvironmental regulation of phenotype. Acta Biomater 2022; 138:240-253. [PMID: 34800715 PMCID: PMC8738161 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a common feature of progressive liver disease and is manifested as a dynamic series of alterations in both the biochemical and biophysical properties of the liver. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) reside within the perisinusoidal space of the liver sinusoid and are one of the main drivers of liver fibrosis, yet it remains unclear how changes to the sinusoidal microenvironment impact HSC phenotype in the context of liver fibrosis. Cellular microarrays were used to examine and deconstruct the impacts of bio-chemo-mechanical changes on activated HSCs in vitro. Extracellular matrix (ECM) composition and stiffness were found to act individually and in combination to regulate HSC fibrogenic phenotype and proliferation. Hyaluronic acid and collagen III promoted elevated collagen I expression while collagen IV mediated a decrease. Previously activated HSCs exhibited reduced lysyl oxidase (Lox) expression as array substrate stiffness increased, with less dependence on ECM composition. Collagens III and IV increased HSC proliferation, whereas hyaluronic acid had the opposite effect. Meta-analysis performed on these data revealed distinct phenotypic clusters (e.g. low fibrogenesis/high proliferation) as a direct function of their microenvironmental composition. Notably, soft microenvironments mimicking healthy tissue (1 kPa), promoted higher levels of intracellular collagen I and Lox expression in activated HSCs, compared to stiff microenvironments mimicking fibrotic tissue (25 kPa). Collectively, these data suggest potential HSC functional adaptations in response to specific bio-chemo-mechanical changes relevant towards the development of therapeutic interventions. These findings also underscore the importance of the microenvironment when interrogating HSC behavior in healthy, disease, and treatment settings. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: In this work we utilized high-throughput cellular microarray technology to systematically interrogate the complex interactions between HSCs and their microenvironment in the context of liver fibrosis. We observed that HSC phenotype is regulated by ECM composition and stiffness, and that these phenotypes can be classified into distinct clusters based on their microenvironmental context. Moreover, the range of these phenotypic responses to microenvironmental stimuli is substantial and a direct consequence of the combinatorial pairing of ECM protein and stiffness signals. We also observed a novel role for microenvironmental context in affecting HSC responses to potential fibrosis therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aidan Brougham-Cook
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Department of Bioengineering, 1406W Green St, Urbana, IL 61801, United States.
| | - Ishita Jain
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Department of Bioengineering, 1406W Green St, Urbana, IL 61801, United States.
| | - David A Kukla
- University of Illinois Chicago, Department of Bioengineering, United States.
| | - Faisal Masood
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Department of Bioengineering, 1406W Green St, Urbana, IL 61801, United States.
| | - Hannah Kimmel
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Department of Bioengineering, 1406W Green St, Urbana, IL 61801, United States.
| | - Hyeon Ryoo
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Department of Bioengineering, 1406W Green St, Urbana, IL 61801, United States.
| | - Salman R Khetani
- University of Illinois Chicago, Department of Bioengineering, United States.
| | - Gregory H Underhill
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Department of Bioengineering, 1406W Green St, Urbana, IL 61801, United States.
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Ngo MT, Barnhouse VR, Gilchrist AE, Mahadik BP, Hunter CJ, Hensold JN, Petrikas N, Harley BAC. Hydrogels Containing Gradients in Vascular Density Reveal Dose-Dependent Role of Angiocrine Cues on Stem Cell Behavior. ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS 2021; 31:2101541. [PMID: 35558090 PMCID: PMC9090181 DOI: 10.1002/adfm.202101541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Biomaterials that replicate patterns of microenvironmental signals from the stem cell niche offer the potential to refine platforms to regulate stem cell behavior. While significant emphasis has been placed on understanding the effects of biophysical and biochemical cues on stem cell fate, vascular-derived or angiocrine cues offer an important alternative signaling axis for biomaterial-based stem cell platforms. Elucidating dose-dependent relationships between angiocrine cues and stem cell fate are largely intractable in animal models and 2D cell cultures. In this study, microfluidic mixing devices are leveraged to generate 3D hydrogels containing lateral gradients in vascular density alongside murine hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Regional differences in vascular density can be generated via embossed gradients in cell, matrix, or growth factor density. HSCs co-cultured alongside vascular gradients reveal spatial patterns of HSC phenotype in response to angiocrine signals. Notably, decreased Akt signaling in high vessel density regions led to increased expansion of lineage-positive hematopoietic cells. This approach offers a combinatorial tool to rapidly screen a continuum of microenvironments with varying vascular, biophysical, and biochemical cues to reveal the influence of local angiocrine signals on HSC fate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mai T Ngo
- Dept. Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Victoria R Barnhouse
- Dept. Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Aidan E Gilchrist
- Dept. Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Bhushan P Mahadik
- Dept. Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Christine J Hunter
- Dept. Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Joy N Hensold
- Dept. Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Nathan Petrikas
- Dept. Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Brendan A C Harley
- Dept. Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; Dept. Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; Dept. Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
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10
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Monckton CP, Brougham-Cook A, Kaylan KB, Underhill GH, Khetani SR. Elucidating Extracellular Matrix and Stiffness Control of Primary Human Hepatocyte Phenotype Via Cell Microarrays. ADVANCED MATERIALS INTERFACES 2021; 8:2101284. [PMID: 35111564 PMCID: PMC8803000 DOI: 10.1002/admi.202101284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
How the liver's extracellular matrix (ECM) protein composition and stiffness cooperatively regulate primary human hepatocyte (PHH) phenotype is unelucidated. Here, we utilize protein microarrays and high content imaging with single-cell resolution to assess PHH attachment/functions on 10 major liver ECM proteins in single and two-way combinations robotically spotted onto polyacrylamide gels of 1 kPa or 25 kPa stiffness. Albumin, cytochrome-P450 3A4 (CYP3A4), and hepatocyte nuclear factor alpha (HNF4α) positively correlate with each other and cell density on both stiffnesses. The 25 kPa stiffness supports higher average albumin and HNF4α expression after 14 days, while ECM protein composition significantly modulates PHH functions across both stiffnesses. Unlike previous rodent data, PHH functions are highest only when collagen-IV or fibronectin are mixed with specific proteins, whereas non-collagenous proteins without mixed collagens downregulate functions. Combination of collagen-IV and hyaluronic acid retains high CYP3A4 on 1 kPa, whereas collagens-IV and -V better retain HNF4α on 25 kPa over 14 days. Adapting ECM conditions to 96-well plates containing conjugated hydrogels reveals novel regulation of other functions (urea, CYP1A2/2A6/2C9) and drug-mediated CYP induction by the ECM protein composition/stiffness. This high-throughput pipeline can be adapted to elucidate ECM's role in liver diseases and facilitate optimization of engineered tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chase P Monckton
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, 851 South Morgan Street, Chicago, Illinois, 60607, USA
| | - Aidan Brougham-Cook
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2112 Everitt Laboratory, 1406 West Green Street, Urbana, Illinois, 61801, USA
| | - Kerim B Kaylan
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2112 Everitt Laboratory, 1406 West Green Street, Urbana, Illinois, 61801, USA
| | - Gregory H Underhill
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2112 Everitt Laboratory, 1406 West Green Street, Urbana, Illinois, 61801, USA
| | - Salman R Khetani
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, 851 South Morgan Street, Chicago, Illinois, 60607, USA
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11
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Berg IC, Mohagheghian E, Habing K, Wang N, Underhill GH. Microtissue Geometry and Cell-Generated Forces Drive Patterning of Liver Progenitor Cell Differentiation in 3D. Adv Healthc Mater 2021; 10:e2100223. [PMID: 33890430 PMCID: PMC8222189 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202100223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 03/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
3D microenvironments provide a unique opportunity to investigate the impact of intrinsic mechanical signaling on progenitor cell differentiation. Using a hydrogel-based microwell platform, arrays of 3D, multicellular microtissues in constrained geometries, including toroids and cylinders are produced. These generated distinct mechanical profiles to investigate the impact of geometry and stress on early liver progenitor cell fate using a model liver development system. Image segmentation allows the tracking of individual cell fate and the characterization of distinct patterning of hepatocytic makers to the outer shell of the microtissues, and the exclusion from the inner diameter surface of the toroids. Biliary markers are distributed throughout the interior regions of micropatterned tissues and are increased in toroidal tissues when compared with those in cylindrical tissues. Finite element models of predicted stress distributions, combined with mechanical measurements, demonstrates that intercellular tension correlates with increased hepatocytic fate, while compression correlates with decreased hepatocytic and increased biliary fate. This system, which integrates microfabrication, imaging, mechanical modeling, and quantitative analysis, demonstrates how microtissue geometry can drive patterning of mechanical stresses that regulate cell differentiation trajectories. This approach may serve as a platform for further investigation of signaling mechanisms in the liver and other developmental systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian C. Berg
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Department of Bioengineering, 1102 Everitt Lab, MC-278, 1406 W. Green Street, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Erfan Mohagheghian
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Building, 1206 W. Green St. MC 244, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Krista Habing
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Department of Bioengineering, 1102 Everitt Lab, MC-278, 1406 W. Green Street, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Ning Wang
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Building, 1206 W. Green St. MC 244, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Gregory H. Underhill
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Department of Bioengineering, 1102 Everitt Lab, MC-278, 1406 W. Green Street, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
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12
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13
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Yasen A, Li W, Maimaitinijiati Y, Aini A, Ran B, Wang H, Tuxun T, Shao Y, Aji T, Wen H. Direct effects of transforming growth factor-β1 signaling on the differentiation fate of fetal hepatic progenitor cells. Regen Med 2020; 15:1719-1733. [PMID: 32772793 DOI: 10.2217/rme-2020-0002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: To investigate direct roles of TGF-β1 signaling in the differentiation process of fetal hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs). Materials & methods: Exogenous TGF-β1 and SB431542 were added into fetal HPCs. Then, SB431542 was intraperitoneally injected into pregnant mice for 8 days. Results: Fetal HPCs treated with TGF-β1 differentiated into cholangiocytes. However, hepatocyte marker was highly expressed after inhibiting TGF-β1 signaling. In vivo, hematopoietic cells were gradually replaced with liver cells and TGF-β1 expression was evidently decreased as fetal liver developed. Inhibition of TGF-β1 signaling caused increase of ALB+ cells, but CK19 expression was more obvious in control mice livers. Conclusion: TGF-β1 signaling may play decisive roles in fetal HPCs differentiation into functional hepatocytes or cholangiocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aimaiti Yasen
- Xinjiang Medical University, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Urumqi 830011, PR China.,Department of Hepatobiliary & Hydatid Disease, Digestive & Vascular Surgery Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Urumqi 830054, PR China
| | - Wending Li
- Xinjiang Medical University, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Urumqi 830011, PR China
| | | | - Abudusalamu Aini
- Xinjiang Medical University, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Urumqi 830011, PR China
| | - Bo Ran
- Department of Hepatobiliary & Hydatid Disease, Digestive & Vascular Surgery Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Urumqi 830054, PR China
| | - Hui Wang
- Clinical Medical Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Urumqi 830054, PR China
| | - Tuerhongjiang Tuxun
- Department of Liver & Laparoscopic Surgery, Digestive & Vascular Surgery Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Urumqi 830054, PR China
| | - Yingmei Shao
- Department of Hepatobiliary & Hydatid Disease, Digestive & Vascular Surgery Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Urumqi 830054, PR China
| | - Tuerganaili Aji
- Department of Hepatobiliary & Hydatid Disease, Digestive & Vascular Surgery Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Urumqi 830054, PR China
| | - Hao Wen
- Department of Hepatobiliary & Hydatid Disease, Digestive & Vascular Surgery Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Urumqi 830054, PR China.,State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention & Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Xinjiang Medical University, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, 393 Xin Yi Road, Urumqi 830011, PR China
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14
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Fabris L, Cadamuro M, Cagnin S, Strazzabosco M, Gores GJ. Liver Matrix in Benign and Malignant Biliary Tract Disease. Semin Liver Dis 2020; 40:282-297. [PMID: 32162285 DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1705109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The extracellular matrix is a highly reactive scaffold formed by a wide array of multifunctional molecules, encompassing collagens and noncollagenous glycoproteins, proteoglycans, glycosaminoglycans, and polysaccharides. Besides outlining the tissue borders, the extracellular matrix profoundly regulates the behavior of resident cells by transducing mechanical signals, and by integrating multiple cues derived from the microenvironment. Evidence is mounting that changes in the biostructure of the extracellular matrix are instrumental for biliary repair. Following biliary damage and eventually, malignant transformation, the extracellular matrix undergoes several quantitative and qualitative modifications, which direct interactions among hepatic progenitor cells, reactive ductular cells, activated myofibroblasts and macrophages, to generate the ductular reaction. Herein, we will give an overview of the main molecular factors contributing to extracellular matrix remodeling in cholangiopathies. Then, we will discuss the structural alterations in terms of biochemical composition and physical stiffness featuring the "desmoplastic matrix" of cholangiocarcinoma along with their pro-oncogenic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Fabris
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.,Liver Center, Department of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
| | | | - Silvia Cagnin
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Mario Strazzabosco
- Liver Center, Department of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Gregory J Gores
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology and the Mayo Clinic Center for Cell Signaling in Gastroenterology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Michigan
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15
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Gentile SD, Kourouklis AP, Ryoo H, Underhill GH. Integration of Hydrogel Microparticles With Three-Dimensional Liver Progenitor Cell Spheroids. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:792. [PMID: 32793571 PMCID: PMC7385057 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.00792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The study of the liver progenitor cell microenvironment has demonstrated the important roles of both biochemical and biomechanical signals in regulating the progenitor cell functions that underlie liver morphogenesis and regeneration. While controllable two-dimensional in vitro culture systems have provided key insights into the effects of growth factors and extracellular matrix composition and mechanics on liver differentiation, it remains unclear how microenvironmental signals may differentially affect liver progenitor cell responses in a three-dimensional (3D) culture context. In addition, there have only been limited efforts to engineer 3D culture models of liver progenitor cells through the tunable presentation of microenvironmental stimuli. We present an in vitro model of 3D liver progenitor spheroidal cultures with integrated polyethylene glycol hydrogel microparticles for the internal presentation of modular microenvironmental cues and the examination of the combinatorial effects with an exogenous soluble factor. In particular, treatment with the growth factor TGFβ1 directs differentiation of the spheroidal liver progenitor cells toward a biliary phenotype, a behavior which is further enhanced in the presence of hydrogel microparticles. We further demonstrate that surface modification of the hydrogel microparticles with heparin influences the behavior of liver progenitor cells toward biliary differentiation. Taken together, this liver progenitor cell culture system represents an approach for controlling the presentation of microenvironmental cues internalized within 3D spheroidal aggregate cultures. Overall, this strategy could be applied toward the engineering of instructive microenvironments that control stem and progenitor cell differentiation within a 3D context for studies in tissue engineering, drug testing, and cellular metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan D Gentile
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, United States
| | - Andreas P Kourouklis
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, United States
| | - Hyeon Ryoo
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, United States
| | - Gregory H Underhill
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, United States
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16
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Rizki-Safitri A, Shinohara M, Tanaka M, Sakai Y. Tubular bile duct structure mimicking bile duct morphogenesis for prospective in vitro liver metabolite recovery. J Biol Eng 2020; 14:11. [PMID: 32206088 PMCID: PMC7081557 DOI: 10.1186/s13036-020-0230-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Liver metabolites are used to diagnose disease and examine drugs in clinical pharmacokinetics. Therefore, development of an in vitro assay system that reproduces liver metabolite recovery would provide important benefits to pharmaceutical research. However, liver models have proven challenging to develop because of the lack of an appropriate bile duct structure for the accumulation and transport of metabolites from the liver parenchyma. Currently available bile duct models, such as the bile duct cyst-embedded extracellular matrix (ECM), lack any morphological resemblance to the tubular morphology of the living bile duct. Moreover, these systems cannot overcome metabolite recovery issues because they are established in isolated culture systems. Here, we successfully established a non-continuous tubular bile duct structure model in an open-culture system, which closely resembled an in vivo structure. This system was utilized to effectively collect liver metabolites separately from liver parenchymal cells. Results Triple-cell co-culture of primary rat hepatoblasts, rat biliary epithelial cells, and mouse embryonic fibroblasts was grown to mimic the morphogenesis of the bile duct during liver development. Overlaying the cells with ECM containing a Matrigel and collagen type I gel mixture promoted the development of a tubular bile duct structure. In this culture system, the expression of specific markers and signaling molecules related to biliary epithelial cell differentiation was highly upregulated during the ductal formation process. This bile duct structure also enabled the separate accumulation of metabolite analogs from liver parenchymal cells. Conclusions A morphogenesis-based culture system effectively establishes an advanced bile duct structure and improves the plasticity of liver models feasible for autologous in vitro metabolite-bile collection, which may enhance the performance of high-throughput liver models in cell-based assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Astia Rizki-Safitri
- 1Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.,2Center for International Research on Integrative Biomedical Systems (CIBiS), Institute of Industrial Science (IIS), The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Marie Shinohara
- 2Center for International Research on Integrative Biomedical Systems (CIBiS), Institute of Industrial Science (IIS), The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.,3Department of Chemical System Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Minoru Tanaka
- 4Laboratory of Stem Cell Regulation, Institute for Quantitative Biosciences (IQB), The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.,5Department of Regenerative Medicine, Research Institute, National Center for Global Health and Medicine (NCGM), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasuyuki Sakai
- 1Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.,2Center for International Research on Integrative Biomedical Systems (CIBiS), Institute of Industrial Science (IIS), The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.,3Department of Chemical System Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.,6Max Planck-The University of Tokyo, Center for Integrative Inflammology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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17
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Wang W, Wan L, Chen Z, Jin X, Li D. Myofibroblasts control the proliferation of fetal hepatoblasts and their differentiated cholangiocytes during the hepatoblast-to-cholangiocyte transition. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2019; 522:845-851. [PMID: 31801666 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2019.11.174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Mesenchymal cells in the liver provide the microenvironment for hepatoblasts expansion and differentiation. We have previously demonstrated that myofibroblasts (MFs) promoted hepatoblasts differentiation into cholangiocytes, whereas its role in controlling the proliferation of hepatoblasts and their differentiated cholangiocytes remains elusive. Here, we investigated the role of MFs in regulating the proliferation of hepatoblasts and their differentiated cholangiocytes using an indirect coculture system. When cocultured with hepatoblasts, MFs promoted hepatoblasts differentiation into cholangiocytes and inhibited the proliferation and stemness of hepatoblasts. However, when hepatoblasts already differentiated into cholangiocytes, MFs promoted the differentiated cholangiocytes proliferation. In addition, hepatoblast proliferation genes such as hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), insulin-like growth factor-1 and 2 (IGF-1 and 2), midkine 1 (Mdk1), and pleiotrophin (Ptn) expression in MFs were down-regulated compared with their levels in fibroblasts. Our findings uncover the role of MFs in controlling the proliferation of hepatoblasts and their differentiated cholangiocytes, potentially providing a novel therapeutic strategy for cholangiocyte regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Li Wan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhixin Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xin Jin
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Dewei Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
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18
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Lemaigre FP. Development of the Intrahepatic and Extrahepatic Biliary Tract: A Framework for Understanding Congenital Diseases. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PATHOLOGY-MECHANISMS OF DISEASE 2019; 15:1-22. [PMID: 31299162 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pathmechdis-012418-013013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The involvement of the biliary tract in the pathophysiology of liver diseases and the increased attention paid to bile ducts in the bioconstruction of liver tissue for regenerative therapy have fueled intense research into the fundamental mechanisms of biliary development. Here, I review the molecular, cellular and tissular mechanisms driving differentiation and morphogenesis of the intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts. This review focuses on the dynamics of the transcriptional and signaling modules that promote biliary development in human and mouse liver and discusses studies in which the use of zebrafish uncovered unexplored processes in mammalian biliary development. The review concludes by providing a framework for interpreting the mechanisms that may help us understand the origin of congenital biliary diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frédéric P Lemaigre
- de Duve Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, 1200 Brussels, Belgium;
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19
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Kaylan KB, Berg IC, Biehl MJ, Brougham-Cook A, Jain I, Jamil SM, Sargeant LH, Cornell NJ, Raetzman LT, Underhill GH. Spatial patterning of liver progenitor cell differentiation mediated by cellular contractility and Notch signaling. eLife 2018; 7:e38536. [PMID: 30589410 PMCID: PMC6342520 DOI: 10.7554/elife.38536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2018] [Accepted: 12/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The progenitor cells of the developing liver can differentiate toward both hepatocyte and biliary cell fates. In addition to the established roles of TGFβ and Notch signaling in this fate specification process, there is increasing evidence that liver progenitors are sensitive to mechanical cues. Here, we utilized microarrayed patterns to provide a controlled biochemical and biomechanical microenvironment for mouse liver progenitor cell differentiation. In these defined circular geometries, we observed biliary differentiation at the periphery and hepatocytic differentiation in the center. Parallel measurements obtained by traction force microscopy showed substantial stresses at the periphery, coincident with maximal biliary differentiation. We investigated the impact of downstream signaling, showing that peripheral biliary differentiation is dependent not only on Notch and TGFβ but also E-cadherin, myosin-mediated cell contractility, and ERK. We have therefore identified distinct combinations of microenvironmental cues which guide fate specification of mouse liver progenitors toward both hepatocyte and biliary fates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerim B Kaylan
- Department of BioengineeringUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-ChampaignUrbanaUnited States
| | - Ian C Berg
- Department of BioengineeringUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-ChampaignUrbanaUnited States
| | - Matthew J Biehl
- Department of Molecular and Integrative PhysiologyUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-ChampaignUrbanaUnited States
| | - Aidan Brougham-Cook
- Department of BioengineeringUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-ChampaignUrbanaUnited States
| | - Ishita Jain
- Department of BioengineeringUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-ChampaignUrbanaUnited States
| | | | | | | | - Lori T Raetzman
- Department of Molecular and Integrative PhysiologyUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-ChampaignUrbanaUnited States
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20
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Underhill GH, Khetani SR. Advances in Engineered Human Liver Platforms for Drug Metabolism Studies. Drug Metab Dispos 2018; 46:1626-1637. [PMID: 30135245 DOI: 10.1124/dmd.118.083295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2018] [Accepted: 08/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolism in the liver often determines the overall clearance rates of many pharmaceuticals. Furthermore, induction or inhibition of the liver drug metabolism enzymes by perpetrator drugs can influence the metabolism of victim drugs (drug-drug interactions). Therefore, determining liver-drug interactions is critical during preclinical drug development. Unfortunately, studies in animals are often of limited value because of significant differences in the metabolic pathways of the liver across different species. To mitigate such limitations, the pharmaceutical industry uses a continuum of human liver models, ranging from microsomes to transfected cell lines and cultures of primary human hepatocytes (PHHs). Of these models, PHHs provide a balance of high-throughput testing capabilities together with a physiologically relevant cell type that exhibits all the characteristic enzymes, cofactors, and transporters. However, PHH monocultures display a rapid decline in metabolic capacity. Consequently, bioengineers have developed several tools, such as cellular microarrays, micropatterned cocultures, self-assembled and bioprinted spheroids, and perfusion devices, to enhance and stabilize PHH functions for ≥2 weeks. Many of these platforms have been validated for drug studies, whereas some have been adapted to include liver nonparenchymal cells that can influence hepatic drug metabolism in health and disease. Here, we focus on the design features of such platforms and their representative drug metabolism validation datasets, while discussing emerging trends. Overall, the use of engineered human liver platforms in the pharmaceutical industry has been steadily rising over the last 10 years, and we anticipate that these platforms will become an integral part of drug development with continued commercialization and validation for routine screening use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory H Underhill
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois; and Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Salman R Khetani
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois; and Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
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21
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Underhill GH, Khetani SR. Bioengineered Liver Models for Drug Testing and Cell Differentiation Studies. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2018; 5:426-439.e1. [PMID: 29675458 PMCID: PMC5904032 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2017.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
In vitro models of the human liver are important for the following: (1) mitigating the risk of drug-induced liver injury to human beings, (2) modeling human liver diseases, (3) elucidating the role of single and combinatorial microenvironmental cues on liver cell function, and (4) enabling cell-based therapies in the clinic. Methods to isolate and culture primary human hepatocytes (PHHs), the gold standard for building human liver models, were developed several decades ago; however, PHHs show a precipitous decline in phenotypic functions in 2-dimensional extracellular matrix-coated conventional culture formats, which does not allow chronic treatment with drugs and other stimuli. The development of several engineering tools, such as cellular microarrays, protein micropatterning, microfluidics, biomaterial scaffolds, and bioprinting, now allow precise control over the cellular microenvironment for enhancing the function of both PHHs and induced pluripotent stem cell-derived human hepatocyte-like cells; long-term (4+ weeks) stabilization of hepatocellular function typically requires co-cultivation with liver-derived or non-liver-derived nonparenchymal cell types. In addition, the recent development of liver organoid culture systems can provide a strategy for the enhanced expansion of therapeutically relevant cell types. Here, we discuss advances in engineering approaches for constructing in vitro human liver models that have utility in drug screening and for determining microenvironmental determinants of liver cell differentiation/function. Design features and validation data of representative models are presented to highlight major trends followed by the discussion of pending issues that need to be addressed. Overall, bioengineered liver models have significantly advanced our understanding of liver function and injury, which will prove useful for drug development and ultimately cell-based therapies.
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Key Words
- 3D, 3-dimensional
- BAL, bioartificial liver
- Bioprinting
- CRP, C-reactive protein
- CYP450, cytochrome P450
- Cellular Microarrays
- DILI, drug-induced liver injury
- ECM, extracellular matrix
- HSC, hepatic stellate cell
- Hepatocytes
- IL, interleukin
- KC, Kupffer cell
- LSEC, liver sinusoidal endothelial cell
- MPCC, micropatterned co-culture
- Microfluidics
- Micropatterned Co-Cultures
- NPC, nonparenchymal cell
- PEG, polyethylene glycol
- PHH, primary human hepatocyte
- Spheroids
- iHep, induced pluripotent stem cell-derived human hepatocyte-like cell
- iPS, induced pluripotent stem
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory H. Underhill
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois
| | - Salman R. Khetani
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
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22
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Abstract
In their native environment, cells are immersed in a complex milieu of biochemical and biophysical cues. These cues may include growth factors, the extracellular matrix, cell-cell contacts, stiffness, and topography, and they are responsible for regulating cellular behaviors such as adhesion, proliferation, migration, apoptosis, and differentiation. The decision-making process used to convert these extracellular inputs into actions is highly complex and sensitive to changes both in the type of individual cue (e.g., growth factor dose/level, timing) and in how these individual cues are combined (e.g., homotypic/heterotypic combinations). In this review, we highlight recent advances in the development of engineering-based approaches to study the cellular decision-making process. Specifically, we discuss the use of biomaterial platforms that enable controlled and tailored delivery of individual and combined cues, as well as the application of computational modeling to analyses of the complex cellular decision-making networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela K Kreeger
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, USA; , .,Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health , Madison, Wisconsin 53705, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, USA.,Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin 53792, USA
| | - Laura E Strong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, USA; ,
| | - Kristyn S Masters
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, USA; , .,Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin 53792, USA.,Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin 53792, USA
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23
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Abstract
Fusion of sperm and egg generates a totipotent zygote that develops into a whole organism. Accordingly, the "immortal" germline transmits genetic and epigenetic information to subsequent generations with consequences for human health and disease. In mammals, primordial germ cells (PGCs) originate from peri-gastrulation embryos. While early human embryos are inaccessible for research, in vitro model systems using pluripotent stem cells have provided critical insights into human PGC specification, which differs from that in mice. This might stem from significant differences in early embryogenesis at the morphological and molecular levels, including pluripotency networks. Here, we discuss recent advances and experimental systems used to study mammalian germ cell development. We also highlight key aspects of germ cell disorders, as well as mitochondrial and potentially epigenetic inheritance in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoko Irie
- Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom; University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.
| | - Anastasiya Sybirna
- Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom; University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom; Wellcome Trust Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - M Azim Surani
- Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom; University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.
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24
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Meseguer-Ripolles J, Khetani SR, Blanco JG, Iredale M, Hay DC. Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Human Tissue: Platforms to Evaluate Drug Metabolism and Safety. AAPS J 2017; 20:20. [PMID: 29270863 PMCID: PMC5804345 DOI: 10.1208/s12248-017-0171-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2017] [Accepted: 11/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the improvements in drug screening, high levels of drug attrition persist. Although high-throughput screening platforms permit the testing of compound libraries, poor compound efficacy or unexpected organ toxicity are major causes of attrition. Part of the reason for drug failure resides in the models employed, most of which are not representative of normal organ biology. This same problem affects all the major organs during drug development. Hepatotoxicity and cardiotoxicity are two interesting examples of organ disease and can present in the late stages of drug development, resulting in major cost and increased risk to the patient. Currently, cell-based systems used within industry rely on immortalized or primary cell lines from donated tissue. These models possess significant advantages and disadvantages, but in general display limited relevance to the organ of interest. Recently, stem cell technology has shown promise in drug development and has been proposed as an alternative to current industrial systems. These offerings will provide the field with exciting new models to study human organ biology at scale and in detail. We believe that the recent advances in production of stem cell-derived hepatocytes and cardiomyocytes combined with cutting-edge engineering technologies make them an attractive alternative to current screening models for drug discovery. This will lead to fast failing of poor drugs earlier in the process, delivering safer and more efficacious medicines for the patient.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Salman R Khetani
- University of Illinois at Chicago, Bioengineering (MC 063) 851 S Morgan St, 218 SEO, Chicago, Illinois, 60607, USA
| | - Javier G Blanco
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Mairi Iredale
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh, EH16 4UU, UK
| | - David C Hay
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh, EH16 4UU, UK.
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25
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Raut A, Khanna A. High-throughput sequencing to identify microRNA signatures during hepatic differentiation of human umbilical cord Wharton's jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells. Hepatol Res 2017; 47:910-927. [PMID: 27653181 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.12820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2016] [Revised: 08/10/2016] [Accepted: 09/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
AIM MicroRNAs (miRNAs) constitute a class of small non-coding RNAs involved in regulation of cognate mRNAs post-transcriptionally. MicroRNAs have been implicated in regulating the stem cell differentiation process. Limited regulatory miRNAs have been reported to date during hepatic differentiation of stem cells. The present study was designed to identify the signature miRNAs implicated in hepatic differentiation of stem cells using next-generation sequencing methods. METHODS We undertook sequencing of miRNAs isolated from three different time points during hepatic differentiation of human umbilical cord Wharton's jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) from two biological replicates. RESULTS Out of a total known 2588 miRNAs (according to miRBase version 21), 880 miRNAs were identified in our study. A total of 63 significantly expressed miRNAs during hepatic differentiation, with at least 2-fold change and a false discovery rate value <0.05, were considered for further analysis. The putative target genes of significantly downregulated miRNAs during hepatic differentiation appeared to be mostly associated with biological processes that are essential for hepatic differentiation and maintenance of mature hepatic phenotype-like liver development, stem cell differentiation, Wnt receptor signaling pathway, and drug and cholesterol metabolic processes. Putative target genes of significantly upregulated miRNAs are highly enriched in regulating processes that block hepatic differentiation of hUC-MSCs like epithelial-mesenchymal transition, transforming growth factor-β receptor signaling pathway, and stem cell maintenance. CONCLUSION The study provides a new insight for investigation of miRNA-regulated pathways during the differentiation process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akshata Raut
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sunandan Divatia School of Science, Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies University, Mumbai, India
| | - Aparna Khanna
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sunandan Divatia School of Science, Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies University, Mumbai, India
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26
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Abstract
Liver regeneration is a fascinating and complex process with many medical implications. An important component of this regenerative process is the hepatic progenitor cell (HPC). These appealing cells are able to participate in the renewal of hepatocytes and cholangiocytes when the normal homeostatic regeneration is exhausted. Moreover, the HPC niche is of vital importance toward the activation, differentiation, and proliferation of the HPC. This niche provides a rich microenvironment for the regulation of the HPC, thanks to the intercellular secretion of molecules. New findings indicate that the regenerative possibilities in the liver could provide a diverse basis for therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Van Haele
- Liver Research Unit, Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven and University Hospitals Leuven, Minderbroederstraat 12, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tania Roskams
- Liver Research Unit, Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven and University Hospitals Leuven, Minderbroederstraat 12, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
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27
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Kaylan KB, Kourouklis AP, Underhill GH. A High-throughput Cell Microarray Platform for Correlative Analysis of Cell Differentiation and Traction Forces. J Vis Exp 2017:55362. [PMID: 28287589 PMCID: PMC5408965 DOI: 10.3791/55362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Microfabricated cellular microarrays, which consist of contact-printed combinations of biomolecules on an elastic hydrogel surface, provide a tightly controlled, high-throughput engineered system for measuring the impact of arrayed biochemical signals on cell differentiation. Recent efforts using cell microarrays have demonstrated their utility for combinatorial studies in which many microenvironmental factors are presented in parallel. However, these efforts have focused primarily on investigating the effects of biochemical cues on cell responses. Here, we present a cell microarray platform with tunable material properties for evaluating both cell differentiation by immunofluorescence and biomechanical cell-substrate interactions by traction force microscopy. To do so, we have developed two different formats utilizing polyacrylamide hydrogels of varying Young's modulus fabricated on either microscope slides or glass-bottom Petri dishes. We provide best practices and troubleshooting for the fabrication of microarrays on these hydrogel substrates, the subsequent cell culture on microarrays, and the acquisition of data. This platform is well-suited for use in investigations of biological processes for which both biochemical (e.g., extracellular matrix composition) and biophysical (e.g., substrate stiffness) cues may play significant, intersecting roles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerim B Kaylan
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
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28
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Lukacs-Kornek V, Lammert F. The progenitor cell dilemma: Cellular and functional heterogeneity in assistance or escalation of liver injury. J Hepatol 2017; 66:619-630. [PMID: 27826058 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2016.10.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2016] [Revised: 10/18/2016] [Accepted: 10/31/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Liver progenitor cells (LPCs) are quiescent cells that are activated during liver injury and thought to give rise to hepatocytes and cholangiocytes in order to support liver regeneration and tissue restitution. While hepatocytes are capable of self-renewal, during most chronic injuries the proliferative capacity of hepatocytes is inhibited, thus LPCs provide main source for regeneration. Despite extensive lineage tracing studies, their role and involvement in these processes are often controversial. Additionally, increasing evidence suggests that the LPC compartment consists of heterogeneous cell populations that are actively involved in cellular interactions with myeloid and lymphoid cells during regeneration. On the other hand, LPC expansion has been associated with an increased fibrogenic response, raising concerns about the therapeutic use of these cells. This review aims to summarize the current understanding of the identity, the cellular interactions and the key pathways affecting the biology of LPCs. Understanding the regulatory circuits and the specific role of LPCs is especially important as it could provide novel therapeutic platforms for the treatment of liver inflammation, fibrosis and regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Lukacs-Kornek
- Department of Medicine II, Saarland University Medical Center, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany.
| | - Frank Lammert
- Department of Medicine II, Saarland University Medical Center, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
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29
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Gérard C, Tys J, Lemaigre FP. Gene regulatory networks in differentiation and direct reprogramming of hepatic cells. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2016; 66:43-50. [PMID: 27979774 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2016.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2016] [Accepted: 12/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Liver development proceeds by sequential steps during which gene regulatory networks (GRNs) determine differentiation and maturation of hepatic cells. Characterizing the architecture and dynamics of these networks is essential for understanding how cell fate decisions are made during development, and for recapitulating these processes during in vitro production of liver cells for toxicology studies, disease modelling and regenerative therapy. Here we review the GRNs that control key steps of liver development and lead to differentiation of hepatocytes and cholangiocytes in mammals. We focus on GRNs determining cell fate decisions and analyse subcircuitry motifs that may confer specific dynamic properties to the networks. Finally, we put our analysis in the perspective of recent attempts to directly reprogram cells to hepatocytes by forced expression of transcription factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claude Gérard
- Université catholique de Louvain, de Duve Institute, Avenue Hippocrate 75, 1200 Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Janne Tys
- Université catholique de Louvain, de Duve Institute, Avenue Hippocrate 75, 1200 Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Frédéric P Lemaigre
- Université catholique de Louvain, de Duve Institute, Avenue Hippocrate 75, 1200 Brussels, Belgium.
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30
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Dalilottojari A, Delalat B, Harding FJ, Cockshell MP, Bonder CS, Voelcker NH. Porous Silicon-Based Cell Microarrays: Optimizing Human Endothelial Cell-Material Surface Interactions and Bioactive Release. Biomacromolecules 2016; 17:3724-3731. [PMID: 27744681 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.6b01248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Porous silicon (pSi) substrates are a promising platform for cell expansion, since pore size and chemistry can be tuned to control cell behavior. In addition, a variety of bioactives can be loaded into the pores and subsequently released to act on cells adherent to the substrate. Here, we construct a cell microarray on a plasma polymer coated pSi substrate that enables the simultaneous culture of human endothelial cells on printed immobilized protein factors, while a second soluble growth factor is released from the same substrate. This allows three elements of candidate pSi scaffold materials-topography, surface functionalization, and controlled factor release-to be assessed simultaneously in high throughput. We show that protein conjugation within printed microarray spots is more uniform on the pSi substrate than on flat glass or silicon surfaces. Active growth factors are released from the pSi surface over a period of several days. Using an endothelial progenitor cell line, we investigate changes in cell behavior in response to the microenvironment. This platform facilitates the design of advanced functional biomaterials, including scaffolds, and carriers for regenerative medicine and cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adel Dalilottojari
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia , GPO Box 2471, Adelaide South Australia 5001, Australia
| | - Bahman Delalat
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia , GPO Box 2471, Adelaide South Australia 5001, Australia
| | - Frances J Harding
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia , GPO Box 2471, Adelaide South Australia 5001, Australia
| | - Michaelia P Cockshell
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology , Adelaide South Australia 5001, South Australia
| | - Claudine S Bonder
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology , Adelaide South Australia 5001, South Australia
| | - Nicolas H Voelcker
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia , GPO Box 2471, Adelaide South Australia 5001, Australia
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31
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Abstract
Under normal homeostatic conditions, hepatocyte renewal is a slow process and complete turnover likely takes at least a year. Studies of hepatocyte regeneration after a two-thirds partial hepatectomy (2/3 PH) have strongly suggested that periportal hepatocytes are the driving force behind regenerative re-population, but recent murine studies have brought greater complexity to the issue. Although periportal hepatocytes are still considered pre-eminent in the response to 2/3 PH, new studies suggest that normal homeostatic renewal is driven by pericentral hepatocytes under the control of Wnts, while pericentral injury provokes the clonal expansion of a subpopulation of periportal hepatocytes expressing low levels of biliary duct genes such as
Sox9 and
osteopontin. Furthermore, some clarity has been given to the debate on the ability of biliary-derived hepatic progenitor cells to generate physiologically meaningful numbers of hepatocytes in injury models, demonstrating that under appropriate circumstances these cells can re-populate the whole liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malcolm R Alison
- Centre for Tumour Biology, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, UK
| | - Wey-Ran Lin
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; Department of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
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