1
|
Lopez-Vince E, Wilhelm C, Simon-Yarza T. Vascularized tumor models for the evaluation of drug delivery systems: a paradigm shift. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2024; 14:2216-2241. [PMID: 38619704 PMCID: PMC11208221 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-024-01580-3] [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] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
As the conversion rate of preclinical studies for cancer treatment is low, user-friendly models that mimic the pathological microenvironment and drug intake with high throughput are scarce. Animal models are key, but an alternative to reduce their use would be valuable. Vascularized tumor-on-chip models combine great versatility with scalable throughput and are easy to use. Several strategies to integrate both tumor and vascular compartments have been developed, but few have been used to assess drug delivery. Permeability, intra/extravasation, and free drug circulation are often evaluated, but imperfectly recapitulate the processes at stake. Indeed, tumor targeting and chemoresistance bypass must be investigated to design promising cancer therapeutics. In vitro models that would help the development of drug delivery systems (DDS) are thus needed. They would allow selecting good candidates before animal studies based on rational criteria such as drug accumulation, diffusion in the tumor, and potency, as well as absence of side damage. In this review, we focus on vascularized tumor models. First, we detail their fabrication, and especially the materials, cell types, and coculture used. Then, the different strategies of vascularization are described along with their classical applications in intra/extravasation or free drug assessment. Finally, current trends in DDS for cancer are discussed with an overview of the current efforts in the domain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elliot Lopez-Vince
- Laboratoire Physico Chimie Curie, PCC, CNRS UMR168, Institut Curie, Sorbonne University, PSL University, 75005, Paris, France
- Université Paris Cité, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, LVTS Inserm U1148, 75018, Paris, France
| | - Claire Wilhelm
- Laboratoire Physico Chimie Curie, PCC, CNRS UMR168, Institut Curie, Sorbonne University, PSL University, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Teresa Simon-Yarza
- Université Paris Cité, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, LVTS Inserm U1148, 75018, Paris, France.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Karras F, Kunz M. Patient-derived melanoma models. Pathol Res Pract 2024; 259:155231. [PMID: 38508996 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2024.155231] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Melanoma is a very aggressive, rapidly metastasizing tumor that has been studied intensively in the past regarding the underlying genetic and molecular mechanisms. More recently developed treatment modalities have improved response rates and overall survival of patients. However, the majority of patients suffer from secondary treatment resistance, which requires in depth analyses of the underlying mechanisms. Here, melanoma models based on patients-derived material may play an important role. Consequently, a plethora of different experimental techniques have been developed in the past years. Among these are 3D and 4D culture techniques, organotypic skin reconstructs, melanoma-on-chip models and patient-derived xenografts, Every technique has its own strengths but also weaknesses regarding throughput, reproducibility, and reflection of the human situation. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of currently used techniques and discuss their use in different experimental settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Karras
- Institute of Pathology, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Leipziger Str. 44, Magdeburg 39120, Germany.
| | - Manfred Kunz
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Leipzig, Philipp-Rosenthal-Str. 23, Leipzig 04103, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Fritschen A, Lindner N, Scholpp S, Richthof P, Dietz J, Linke P, Guttenberg Z, Blaeser A. High-Scale 3D-Bioprinting Platform for the Automated Production of Vascularized Organs-on-a-Chip. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2304028. [PMID: 38511587 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202304028] [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: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
3D bioprinting possesses the potential to revolutionize contemporary methodologies for fabricating tissue models employed in pharmaceutical research and experimental investigations. This is enhanced by combining bioprinting with advanced organs-on-a-chip (OOCs), which includes a complex arrangement of multiple cell types representing organ-specific cells, connective tissue, and vasculature. However, both OOCs and bioprinting so far demand a high degree of manual intervention, thereby impeding efficiency and inhibiting scalability to meet technological requirements. Through the combination of drop-on-demand bioprinting with robotic handling of microfluidic chips, a print procedure is achieved that is proficient in managing three distinct tissue models on a chip within only a minute, as well as capable of consecutively processing numerous OOCs without manual intervention. This process rests upon the development of a post-printing sealable microfluidic chip, that is compatible with different types of 3D-bioprinters and easily connected to a perfusion system. The capabilities of the automized bioprint process are showcased through the creation of a multicellular and vascularized liver carcinoma model on the chip. The process achieves full vascularization and stable microvascular network formation over 14 days of culture time, with pronounced spheroidal cell growth and albumin secretion of HepG2 serving as a representative cell model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Fritschen
- BioMedical Printing Technology, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Darmstadt, 64289, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Nils Lindner
- BioMedical Printing Technology, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Darmstadt, 64289, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Sebastian Scholpp
- BioMedical Printing Technology, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Darmstadt, 64289, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Philipp Richthof
- BioMedical Printing Technology, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Darmstadt, 64289, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Jonas Dietz
- BioMedical Printing Technology, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Darmstadt, 64289, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Philipp Linke
- ibidi GmbH, Lochhamer Schlag 11, 82166, Gräfelfing, Germany
| | | | - Andreas Blaeser
- BioMedical Printing Technology, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Darmstadt, 64289, Darmstadt, Germany
- Centre for Synthetic Biology, Technical University of Darmstadt, 64289, Darmstadt, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Hughes CCW, Fang J, Hatch C, Andrejecsk J, Trigt WV, Juat D, Chen YH, Matsumoto S, Lee A. A Microphysiological HHT-on-a-Chip Platform Recapitulates Patient Vascular Lesions. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-4578507. [PMID: 38947000 PMCID: PMC11213165 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4578507/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT) is a rare congenital disease in which fragile vascular malformations (VM) - including small telangiectasias and large arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) - focally develop in multiple organs. There are few treatment options and no cure for HHT. Most HHT patients are heterozygous for loss-of-function mutations affecting Endoglin (ENG) or Alk1 (ACVRL1); however, why loss of these genes manifests as VMs remains poorly understood. To complement ongoing work in animal models, we have developed a fully human, cell-based microphysiological model based on our Vascularized Micro-organ (VMO) platform (the HHT-VMO) that recapitulates HHT patient VMs. Using inducible ACVRL1 -knockdown, we control timing and extent of endogenous Alk1 expression in primary human endothelial cells (EC). Resulting HHT-VMO VMs develop over several days. Interestingly, in chimera experiments AVM-like lesions can be comprised of both Alk1-intact and Alk1-deficient EC, suggesting possible cell non-autonomous effects. Single cell RNA sequencing data are consistent with microvessel pruning/regression as contributing to AVM formation, while loss of PDGFB implicates mural cell recruitment. Finally, lesion formation is blocked by the VEGFR inhibitor pazopanib, mirroring positive effects of this drug in patients. In summary, we have developed a novel HHT-on-a-chip model that faithfully reproduces HHT patient lesions and that can be used to better understand HHT disease biology and identify potential new HHT drugs. Word Count: 213 Classification. Biological Sciences, Cell Biology.
Collapse
|
5
|
Lee G, Kim SJ, Park JK. Bioprinted Multi-Composition Array Mimicking Tumor Microenvironments to Evaluate Drug Efficacy with Multivariable Analysis. Adv Healthc Mater 2024:e2303716. [PMID: 38830208 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202303716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Current organ-on-a-chip technologies confront limitations in effectively recapitulating the intricate in vivo microenvironments and accommodating diverse experimental conditions on a single device. Here, a novel approach for constructing a multi-composition tumor array on a single microfluidic device, mimicking complex transport phenomena within tumor microenvironments (TMEs) and allowing for simultaneous evaluation of drug efficacy across 12 distinct conditions is presented. The TME array formed by bioprinting on a microfluidic substrate consists of 36 individual TME models, each characterized by one of three different compositions and tested under four varying drug concentrations. Notably, the TME model exhibits precise compartmentalization, fostering the development of self-organized vascular endothelial barriers surrounding breast cancer spheroids affecting substance transport. Multivariable screening and analysis of diverse conditions, including model complexity, replicates, and drug concentrations, within a single microfluidic platform, highlight the synergistic potential of integrating bioprinting with microfluidics to evaluate drug responses across diverse TME conditions comprehensively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gihyun Lee
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo Jee Kim
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Je-Kyun Park
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
- KI for Health Science and Technology, KAIST Institutes (KI), 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
- KI for Nanocentury, KAIST Institutes (KI), 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Goto A, Moriya Y, Nakayama M, Iwasaki S, Yamamoto S. DMPK perspective on quantitative model analysis for chimeric antigen receptor cell therapy: Advances and challenges. Drug Metab Pharmacokinet 2024; 56:101003. [PMID: 38843652 DOI: 10.1016/j.dmpk.2024.101003] [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: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) cells are genetically engineered immune cells that specifically target tumor-associated antigens and have revolutionized cancer treatment, particularly in hematological malignancies, with ongoing investigations into their potential applications in solid tumors. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current status and challenges in drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics (DMPK) for CAR cell therapy, specifically emphasizing on quantitative modeling and simulation (M&S). Furthermore, the recent advances in quantitative model analysis have been reviewed, ranging from clinical data characterization to mechanism-based modeling that connects in vitro and in vivo nonclinical and clinical study data. Additionally, the future perspectives and areas for improvement in CAR cell therapy translation have been reviewed. This includes using formulation quality considerations, characterization of appropriate animal models, refinement of in vitro models for bottom-up approaches, and enhancement of quantitative bioanalytical methodology. Addressing these challenges within a DMPK framework is pivotal in facilitating the translation of CAR cell therapy, ultimately enhancing the patients' lives through efficient CAR cell therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Akihiko Goto
- Center of Excellence for Drug Metabolism, Pharmacokinetics and Modeling, Preclinical and Translational Sciences, Research, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Yuu Moriya
- Center of Excellence for Drug Metabolism, Pharmacokinetics and Modeling, Preclinical and Translational Sciences, Research, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Miyu Nakayama
- Center of Excellence for Drug Metabolism, Pharmacokinetics and Modeling, Preclinical and Translational Sciences, Research, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Shinji Iwasaki
- Center of Excellence for Drug Metabolism, Pharmacokinetics and Modeling, Preclinical and Translational Sciences, Research, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Syunsuke Yamamoto
- Center of Excellence for Drug Metabolism, Pharmacokinetics and Modeling, Preclinical and Translational Sciences, Research, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Kanagawa, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Lampejo AO, Lightsey SE, Gomes MC, Nguyen CM, Siemann DW, Sharma B, Murfee WL. A Novel Ex Vivo Tumor Spheroid-Tissue Model for Investigating Microvascular Remodeling and Lymphatic Blood Vessel Plasticity. Ann Biomed Eng 2024:10.1007/s10439-024-03535-8. [PMID: 38796670 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-024-03535-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024]
Abstract
Biomimetic tumor microenvironment models bridge the gap between in vitro and in vivo systems and serve as a useful way to address the modeling challenge of how to recreate the cell and system complexity associated with real tissues. Our laboratory has developed an ex vivo rat mesentery culture model, which allows for simultaneous investigation of blood and lymphatic microvascular network remodeling in an intact tissue environment. Given that angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis are key contributors to the progression of cancer, the objective of this study was to combine tissue and tumor spheroid culture methods to establish a novel ex vivo tumor spheroid-tissue model by verifying its use for evaluating the effects of cancer cell behavior on the local microvascular environment. H1299 or A549 tumor spheroids were formed via hanging drop culture and seeded onto rat mesenteric tissues harvested from adult male Wistar rats. Tissues with transplanted spheroids were cultured in serum-free media for 3 to 5 days. PECAM, NG2, CD11b, and αSMA labeling identified endothelial cells, pericytes, immune cells, and smooth muscle cells, respectively. Time-lapse imaging confirmed cancer cell type specific migration. In addition to increasing PECAM positive capillary sprouting and LYVE-1 positive endothelial cell extensions indicative of lymphangiogenesis, tumor spheroid presence induced the formation of lymphatic/blood vessel connections and the formation of hybrid, mosaic vessels that were characterized by discontinuous LYVE-1 labeling. The results support the application of a novel tumor spheroid microenvironment model for investigating cancer cell-microvascular interactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arinola O Lampejo
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- University of Florida Health Cancer Center, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Suzanne E Lightsey
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Maria C Gomes
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Christian M Nguyen
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Dietmar W Siemann
- University of Florida Health Cancer Center, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Florida, University of Florida Health, Gainesville, USA
| | - Blanka Sharma
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- University of Florida Health Cancer Center, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Walter L Murfee
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
- University of Florida Health Cancer Center, Gainesville, FL, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Hsu YH, Yang WC, Chen YT, Lin CY, Yang CF, Liu WW, Shivani S, Li PC. Spatially controlled diffusion range of tumor-associated angiogenic factors to develop a tumor model using a microfluidic resistive circuit. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:2644-2657. [PMID: 38576341 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00891f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Developing a tumor model with vessels has been a challenge in microfluidics. This difficulty is because cancer cells can overgrow in a co-culture system. The up-regulation of anti-angiogenic factors during the initial tumor development can hinder neovascularization. The standard method is to develop a quiescent vessel network before loading a tumor construct in an adjacent chamber, which simulates the interaction between a tumor and its surrounding vessels. Here, we present a new method that allows a vessel network and a tumor to develop simultaneously in two linked chambers. The physiological environment of these two chambers is controlled by a microfluidic resistive circuit using two symmetric long microchannels. Applying the resistive circuit, a diffusion-dominated environment with a small 2-D pressure gradient is created across the two chambers with velocity <10.9 nm s-1 and Péclet number <6.3 × 10-5. This 2-D pressure gradient creates a V-shaped velocity clamp to confine the tumor-associated angiogenic factors at pores between the two chambers, and it has two functions. At the early stage, vasculogenesis is stimulated to grow a vessel network in the vessel chamber with minimal influence from the tumor that is still developed in the adjacent chamber. At the post-tumor-development stage, the induced steep concentration gradient at pores mimics vessel-tumor interactions to stimulate angiogenesis to grow vessels toward the tumor. Applying this method, we demonstrate that vasculogenic vessels can grow first, followed by stimulating angiogenesis. Angiogenic vessels can grow into stroma tissue up to 1.3 mm long, and vessels can also grow into or wrap around a 625 μm tumor spheroid or a tumor tissue developed from a cell suspension. In summary, our study suggests that the interactions between a developing vasculature and a growing tumor must be controlled differently throughout the tissue development process, including at the early stage when vessels are still forming and at the later stage when the tumor needs to interact with the vessels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Hsiang Hsu
- Institute of Applied Mechanics, National Taiwan University, No. 1, Sec.4, Roosevelt Rd., Taipei 10617, Taiwan, R.O.C.
- Graduate School of Advanced Technology, National Taiwan University, No. 1, Sec.4, Roosevelt Rd., Taipei 10617, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Wen-Chih Yang
- Institute of Applied Mechanics, National Taiwan University, No. 1, Sec.4, Roosevelt Rd., Taipei 10617, Taiwan, R.O.C.
| | - Yi-Ting Chen
- Institute of Applied Mechanics, National Taiwan University, No. 1, Sec.4, Roosevelt Rd., Taipei 10617, Taiwan, R.O.C.
| | - Che-Yu Lin
- Institute of Applied Mechanics, National Taiwan University, No. 1, Sec.4, Roosevelt Rd., Taipei 10617, Taiwan, R.O.C.
| | - Chiou-Fong Yang
- Institute of Applied Mechanics, National Taiwan University, No. 1, Sec.4, Roosevelt Rd., Taipei 10617, Taiwan, R.O.C.
| | - Wei-Wen Liu
- Graduate Institute of Oral Biology, National Taiwan University, No. 1, Sec.4, Roosevelt Rd., Taipei 10617, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Subhashree Shivani
- Institute of Biomedical Electronics and Bioinformatics, National Taiwan University, No. 1, Sec.4, Roosevelt Rd., Taipei, 10617, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Pai-Chi Li
- Institute of Biomedical Electronics and Bioinformatics, National Taiwan University, No. 1, Sec.4, Roosevelt Rd., Taipei, 10617, Taiwan, R.O.C
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Yu T, Yang Q, Peng B, Gu Z, Zhu D. Vascularized organoid-on-a-chip: design, imaging, and analysis. Angiogenesis 2024; 27:147-172. [PMID: 38409567 DOI: 10.1007/s10456-024-09905-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Vascularized organoid-on-a-chip (VOoC) models achieve substance exchange in deep layers of organoids and provide a more physiologically relevant system in vitro. Common designs for VOoC primarily involve two categories: self-assembly of endothelial cells (ECs) to form microvessels and pre-patterned vessel lumens, both of which include the hydrogel region for EC growth and allow for controlled fluid perfusion on the chip. Characterizing the vasculature of VOoC often relies on high-resolution microscopic imaging. However, the high scattering of turbid tissues can limit optical imaging depth. To overcome this limitation, tissue optical clearing (TOC) techniques have emerged, allowing for 3D visualization of VOoC in conjunction with optical imaging techniques. The acquisition of large-scale imaging data, coupled with high-resolution imaging in whole-mount preparations, necessitates the development of highly efficient analysis methods. In this review, we provide an overview of the chip designs and culturing strategies employed for VOoC, as well as the applicable optical imaging and TOC methods. Furthermore, we summarize the vascular analysis techniques employed in VOoC, including deep learning. Finally, we discuss the existing challenges in VOoC and vascular analysis methods and provide an outlook for future development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Yu
- Britton Chance Center for Biomedical Photonics - MoE Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430074, China
- Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics - Advanced Biomedical Imaging Facility, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430074, China
| | - Qihang Yang
- Britton Chance Center for Biomedical Photonics - MoE Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430074, China
- Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics - Advanced Biomedical Imaging Facility, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430074, China
| | - Bo Peng
- Frontiers Science Center for Flexible Electronics, Xi'an Institute of Flexible Electronics (IFE) and Xi'an Institute of Biomedical Materials & Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shanxi, 710072, China
| | - Zhongze Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210096, China
- Institute of Biomaterials and Medical Devices, Southeast University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215163, China
| | - Dan Zhu
- Britton Chance Center for Biomedical Photonics - MoE Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430074, China.
- Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics - Advanced Biomedical Imaging Facility, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430074, China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Zhao N, Pessell AF, Zhu N, Searson PC. Tissue-Engineered Microvessels: A Review of Current Engineering Strategies and Applications. Adv Healthc Mater 2024:e2303419. [PMID: 38686434 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202303419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Microvessels, including arterioles, capillaries, and venules, play an important role in regulating blood flow, enabling nutrient and waste exchange, and facilitating immune surveillance. Due to their important roles in maintaining normal function in human tissues, a substantial effort has been devoted to developing tissue-engineered models to study endothelium-related biology and pathology. Various engineering strategies have been developed to recapitulate the structural, cellular, and molecular hallmarks of native human microvessels in vitro. In this review, recent progress in engineering approaches, key components, and culture platforms for tissue-engineered human microvessel models is summarized. Then, tissue-specific models, and the major applications of tissue-engineered microvessels in development, disease modeling, drug screening and delivery, and vascularization in tissue engineering, are reviewed. Finally, future research directions for the field are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nan Zhao
- Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | - Alexander F Pessell
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | - Ninghao Zhu
- Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | - Peter C Searson
- Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Gaebler D, Hachey SJ, Hughes CCW. Microphysiological systems as models for immunologically 'cold' tumors. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1389012. [PMID: 38711620 PMCID: PMC11070549 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1389012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a diverse milieu of cells including cancerous and non-cancerous cells such as fibroblasts, pericytes, endothelial cells and immune cells. The intricate cellular interactions within the TME hold a central role in shaping the dynamics of cancer progression, influencing pivotal aspects such as tumor initiation, growth, invasion, response to therapeutic interventions, and the emergence of drug resistance. In immunologically 'cold' tumors, the TME is marked by a scarcity of infiltrating immune cells, limited antigen presentation in the absence of potent immune-stimulating signals, and an abundance of immunosuppressive factors. While strategies targeting the TME as a therapeutic avenue in 'cold' tumors have emerged, there is a pressing need for novel approaches that faithfully replicate the complex cellular and non-cellular interactions in order to develop targeted therapies that can effectively stimulate immune responses and improve therapeutic outcomes in patients. Microfluidic devices offer distinct advantages over traditional in vitro 3D co-culture models and in vivo animal models, as they better recapitulate key characteristics of the TME and allow for precise, controlled insights into the dynamic interplay between various immune, stromal and cancerous cell types at any timepoint. This review aims to underscore the pivotal role of microfluidic systems in advancing our understanding of the TME and presents current microfluidic model systems that aim to dissect tumor-stromal, tumor-immune and immune-stromal cellular interactions in various 'cold' tumors. Understanding the intricacies of the TME in 'cold' tumors is crucial for devising effective targeted therapies to reinvigorate immune responses and overcome the challenges of current immunotherapy approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Gaebler
- Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Stephanie J. Hachey
- Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Christopher C. W. Hughes
- Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Streutker EM, Devamoglu U, Vonk MC, Verdurmen WPR, Le Gac S. Fibrosis-on-Chip: A Guide to Recapitulate the Essential Features of Fibrotic Disease. Adv Healthc Mater 2024:e2303991. [PMID: 38536053 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202303991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Fibrosis, which is primarily marked by excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition, is a pathophysiological process associated with many disorders, which ultimately leads to organ dysfunction and poor patient outcomes. Despite the high prevalence of fibrosis, currently there exist few therapeutic options, and importantly, there is a paucity of in vitro models to accurately study fibrosis. This review discusses the multifaceted nature of fibrosis from the viewpoint of developing organ-on-chip (OoC) disease models, focusing on five key features: the ECM component, inflammation, mechanical cues, hypoxia, and vascularization. The potential of OoC technology is explored for better modeling these features in the context of studying fibrotic diseases and the interplay between various key features is emphasized. This paper reviews how organ-specific fibrotic diseases are modeled in OoC platforms, which elements are included in these existing models, and the avenues for novel research directions are highlighted. Finally, this review concludes with a perspective on how to address the current gap with respect to the inclusion of multiple features to yield more sophisticated and relevant models of fibrotic diseases in an OoC format.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emma M Streutker
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 28, Nijmegen, 6525 GA, The Netherlands
| | - Utku Devamoglu
- Applied Microfluidics for BioEngineering Research, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnoloygy and TechMed Centre, Organ-on-Chip Centre, University of Twente, Drienerlolaan 5, Enschede, 7522 NB, The Netherlands
| | - Madelon C Vonk
- Department of Rheumatology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, PO Box 9101, Nijmegen, 6500 HB, The Netherlands
| | - Wouter P R Verdurmen
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 28, Nijmegen, 6525 GA, The Netherlands
| | - Séverine Le Gac
- Applied Microfluidics for BioEngineering Research, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnoloygy and TechMed Centre, Organ-on-Chip Centre, University of Twente, Drienerlolaan 5, Enschede, 7522 NB, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Hatch CJ, Piombo SD, Fang JS, Gach JS, Ewald ML, Van Trigt WK, Coon BG, Tong JM, Forthal DN, Hughes CCW. SARS-CoV-2 infection of endothelial cells, dependent on flow-induced ACE2 expression, drives hypercytokinemia in a vascularized microphysiological system. Front Cardiovasc Med 2024; 11:1360364. [PMID: 38576426 PMCID: PMC10991679 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2024.1360364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), responsible for COVID-19, has caused nearly 7 million deaths worldwide. Severe cases are marked by an aggressive inflammatory response known as hypercytokinemia, contributing to endothelial damage. Although vaccination has reduced hospitalizations, hypercytokinemia persists in breakthrough infections, emphasizing the need for disease models mimicking this response. Using a 3D microphysiological system (MPS), we explored the vascular role in SARS-CoV-2-induced hypercytokinemia. Methods The vascularized micro-organ (VMO) MPS, consisting of human-derived primary endothelial cells (ECs) and stromal cells within an extracellular matrix, was used to model SARS-CoV-2 infection. A non-replicative pseudotyped virus fused to GFP was employed, allowing visualization of viral entry into human ECs under physiologic flow conditions. Expression of ACE2, TMPRSS2, and AGTR1 was analyzed, and the impact of viral infection on ACE2 expression, vascular inflammation, and vascular morphology was assessed. Results The VMO platform facilitated the study of COVID-19 vasculature infection, revealing that ACE2 expression increased significantly in direct response to shear stress, thereby enhancing susceptibility to infection by pseudotyped SARS-CoV-2. Infected ECs secreted pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-6 along with coagulation factors. Cytokines released by infected cells were able to activate downstream, non-infected EC, providing an amplification mechanism for inflammation and coagulopathy. Discussion Our findings highlight the crucial role of vasculature in COVID-19 pathogenesis, emphasizing the significance of flow-induced ACE2 expression and subsequent inflammatory responses. The VMO provides a valuable tool for studying SARS-CoV-2 infection dynamics and evaluating potential therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J. Hatch
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Sebastian D. Piombo
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Institute for Clinical and Translational Science, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Jennifer S. Fang
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Johannes S. Gach
- Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Makena L. Ewald
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - William K. Van Trigt
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Brian G. Coon
- Cardiovascular Biology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| | - Jay M. Tong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Donald N. Forthal
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States
- Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Christopher C. W. Hughes
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Fang JS, Hatch CJ, Andrejecsk J, Trigt WV, Juat DJ, Chen YH, Matsumoto S, Lee AP, Hughes CCW. A Microphysiological HHT-on-a-Chip Platform Recapitulates Patient Vascular Lesions. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.11.584490. [PMID: 38559155 PMCID: PMC10979959 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.11.584490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT) is a rare congenital disease in which fragile vascular malformations focally develop in multiple organs. These can be small (telangiectasias) or large (arteriovenous malformations, AVMs) and may rupture leading to frequent, uncontrolled bleeding. There are few treatment options and no cure for HHT. Most HHT patients are heterozygous for loss-of-function mutations for Endoglin (ENG) or Alk1 (ACVRL1), however, why loss of these genes manifests as vascular malformations remains poorly understood. To complement ongoing work in animal models, we have developed a microphysiological system model of HHT. Based on our existing vessel-on-a-chip (VMO) platform, our fully human cell-based HHT-VMO recapitulates HHT patient vascular lesions. Using inducible ACVRL1 (Alk1)-knockdown, we control timing and extent of endogenous Alk1 expression in primary human endothelial cells (EC) in the HHT-VMO. HHT-VMO vascular lesions develop over several days, and are dependent upon timing of Alk1 knockdown. Interestingly, in chimera experiments AVM-like lesions can be comprised of both Alk1-intact and Alk1-deficient EC, suggesting possible cell non-autonomous effects. Single cell RNA sequencing data are consistent with microvessel pruning/regression as contributing to AVM formation, while loss of PDGFB expression implicates mural cell recruitment. Finally, lesion formation is blocked by the VEGFR inhibitor pazopanib, mirroring the positive effects of this drug in patients. In summary, we have developed a novel HHT-on-a-chip model that faithfully reproduces HHT patient lesions and that is sensitive to a treatment effective in patients. The VMO-HHT can be used to better understand HHT disease biology and identify potential new HHT drugs. Significance This manuscript describes development of an organ-on-a-chip model of Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT), a rare genetic disease involving development of vascular malformations. Our VMO-HHT model produces vascular malformations similar to those seen in human HHT patients, including small (telangiectasias) and large (arteriovenous malformations) lesions. We show that VMO-HHT lesions are sensitive to a drug, pazopanib, that appears to be effective in HHT human patients. We further use the VMO-HHT platform to demonstrate that there is a critical window during vessel formation in which the HHT gene, Alk1, is required to prevent vascular malformation. Lastly, we show that lesions in the VMO-HHT model are comprised of both Alk1-deficient and Alk1-intact endothelial cells.
Collapse
|
16
|
Ko J, Song J, Lee Y, Choi N, Kim HN. Understanding organotropism in cancer metastasis using microphysiological systems. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:1542-1556. [PMID: 38192269 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00889d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Cancer metastasis, the leading cause of cancer-related deaths, remains a complex challenge in medical science. Stephen Paget's "seed and soil theory" introduced the concept of organotropism, suggesting that metastatic success depends on specific organ microenvironments. Understanding organotropism not only offers potential for curbing metastasis but also novel treatment strategies. Microphysiological systems (MPS), especially organ-on-a-chip models, have emerged as transformative tools in this quest. These systems, blending microfluidics, biology, and engineering, grant precise control over cell interactions within organ-specific microenvironments. MPS enable real-time monitoring, morphological analysis, and protein quantification, enhancing our comprehension of cancer dynamics, including tumor migration, vascularization, and pre-metastatic niches. In this review, we explore innovative applications of MPS in investigating cancer metastasis, particularly focusing on organotropism. This interdisciplinary approach converges the field of science, engineering, and medicine, thereby illuminating a path toward groundbreaking discoveries in cancer research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jihoon Ko
- Department of BioNano Technology, Gachon University, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do 13120, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jiyoung Song
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea.
| | - Yedam Lee
- Department of BioNano Technology, Gachon University, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do 13120, Republic of Korea.
| | - Nakwon Choi
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea.
- Division of Bio-Medical Science & Technology, KIST School, Korea University of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
- KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Hong Nam Kim
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea.
- Division of Bio-Medical Science & Technology, KIST School, Korea University of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
- Yonsei-KIST Convergence Research Institute, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Amartumur S, Nguyen H, Huynh T, Kim TS, Woo RS, Oh E, Kim KK, Lee LP, Heo C. Neuropathogenesis-on-chips for neurodegenerative diseases. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2219. [PMID: 38472255 PMCID: PMC10933492 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46554-8] [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: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Developing diagnostics and treatments for neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) is challenging due to multifactorial pathogenesis that progresses gradually. Advanced in vitro systems that recapitulate patient-like pathophysiology are emerging as alternatives to conventional animal-based models. In this review, we explore the interconnected pathogenic features of different types of ND, discuss the general strategy to modelling NDs using a microfluidic chip, and introduce the organoid-on-a-chip as the next advanced relevant model. Lastly, we overview how these models are being applied in academic and industrial drug development. The integration of microfluidic chips, stem cells, and biotechnological devices promises to provide valuable insights for biomedical research and developing diagnostic and therapeutic solutions for NDs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarnai Amartumur
- Department of Biophysics, Institute of Quantum Biophysics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Korea
| | - Huong Nguyen
- Department of Biophysics, Institute of Quantum Biophysics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Korea
| | - Thuy Huynh
- Department of Biophysics, Institute of Quantum Biophysics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Korea
| | - Testaverde S Kim
- Center for Integrated Nanostructure Physics (CINAP), Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Suwon, 16419, Korea
| | - Ran-Sook Woo
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, College of Medicine, Eulji University, Daejeon, 34824, Korea
| | - Eungseok Oh
- Department of Neurology, Chungnam National University Hospital, Daejeon, 35015, Korea
| | - Kyeong Kyu Kim
- Department of Precision Medicine, Graduate School of Basic Medical Science (GSBMS), Institute for Anti-microbial Resistance Research and Therapeutics, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, 16419, Korea
| | - Luke P Lee
- Department of Biophysics, Institute of Quantum Biophysics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Korea.
- Harvard Medical School, Division of Engineering in Medicine and Renal Division, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- Department of Bioengineering, Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA.
| | - Chaejeong Heo
- Department of Biophysics, Institute of Quantum Biophysics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Korea.
- Center for Integrated Nanostructure Physics (CINAP), Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Suwon, 16419, Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Akolawala Q, Keuning F, Rovituso M, van Burik W, van der Wal E, Versteeg HH, Rondon AMR, Accardo A. Micro-Vessels-Like 3D Scaffolds for Studying the Proton Radiobiology of Glioblastoma-Endothelial Cells Co-Culture Models. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2302988. [PMID: 37944591 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202302988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is a devastating cancer of the brain with an extremely poor prognosis. While X-ray radiotherapy and chemotherapy remain the current standard, proton beam therapy is an appealing alternative as protons can damage cancer cells while sparing the surrounding healthy tissue. However, the effects of protons on in vitro GBM models at the cellular level, especially when co-cultured with endothelial cells, the building blocks of brain micro-vessels, are still unexplored. In this work, novel 3D-engineered scaffolds inspired by the geometry of brain microvasculature are designed, where GBM cells cluster and proliferate. The architectures are fabricated by two-photon polymerization (2PP), pre-cultured with endothelial cells (HUVECs), and then cultured with a human GBM cell line (U251). The micro-vessel structures enable GBM in vivo-like morphologies, and the results show a higher DNA double-strand breakage in GBM monoculture samples when compared to the U251/HUVECs co-culture, with cells in 2D featuring a larger number of DNA damage foci when compared to cells in 3D. The discrepancy in terms of proton radiation response indicates a difference in the radioresistance of the GBM cells mediated by the presence of HUVECs and the possible induction of stemness features that contribute to radioresistance and improved DNA repair.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qais Akolawala
- Department of Precision and Microsystems Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Mekelweg 2, 2628 CD, Delft, The Netherlands
- Holland Proton Therapy Center (HollandPTC), Huismansingel 4, 2629 JH, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Floor Keuning
- Erasmus University College, Nieuwemarkt 1A, Rotterdam, 3011 HP, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marta Rovituso
- Holland Proton Therapy Center (HollandPTC), Huismansingel 4, 2629 JH, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Wouter van Burik
- Holland Proton Therapy Center (HollandPTC), Huismansingel 4, 2629 JH, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Ernst van der Wal
- Holland Proton Therapy Center (HollandPTC), Huismansingel 4, 2629 JH, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Henri H Versteeg
- Einthoven Laboratory for Vascular and Regenerative Medicine, Division of Thrombosis and Hemostasis, Department of Internal Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Araci M R Rondon
- Einthoven Laboratory for Vascular and Regenerative Medicine, Division of Thrombosis and Hemostasis, Department of Internal Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Angelo Accardo
- Department of Precision and Microsystems Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Mekelweg 2, 2628 CD, Delft, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Rojek KO, Wrzos A, Żukowski S, Bogdan M, Lisicki M, Szymczak P, Guzowski J. Long-term day-by-day tracking of microvascular networks sprouting in fibrin gels: From detailed morphological analyses to general growth rules. APL Bioeng 2024; 8:016106. [PMID: 38327714 PMCID: PMC10849774 DOI: 10.1063/5.0180703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Understanding and controlling of the evolution of sprouting vascular networks remains one of the basic challenges in tissue engineering. Previous studies on the vascularization dynamics have typically focused only on the phase of intense growth and often lacked spatial control over the initial cell arrangement. Here, we perform long-term day-by-day analysis of tens of isolated microvasculatures sprouting from endothelial cell-coated spherical beads embedded in an external fibrin gel. We systematically study the topological evolution of the sprouting networks over their whole lifespan, i.e., for at least 14 days. We develop a custom image analysis toolkit and quantify (i) the overall length and area of the sprouts, (ii) the distributions of segment lengths and branching angles, and (iii) the average number of branch generations-a measure of network complexity. We show that higher concentrations of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) lead to earlier sprouting and more branched networks, yet without significantly affecting the speed of growth of individual sprouts. We find that the mean branching angle is weakly dependent on VEGF and typically in the range of 60°-75°, suggesting that, by comparison with the available diffusion-limited growth models, the bifurcating tips tend to follow local VEGF gradients. At high VEGF concentrations, we observe exponential distributions of segment lengths, which signify purely stochastic branching. Our results-due to their high statistical relevance-may serve as a benchmark for predictive models, while our new image analysis toolkit, offering unique features and high speed of operation, could be exploited in future angiogenic drug tests.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna O. Rojek
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Antoni Wrzos
- Institute of Theoretical Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Michał Bogdan
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Maciej Lisicki
- Institute of Theoretical Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Piotr Szymczak
- Institute of Theoretical Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jan Guzowski
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Kim HJ, Park S, Jeong S, Kim J, Cho YJ. Lung Organoid on a Chip: A New Ensemble Model for Preclinical Studies. Int J Stem Cells 2024; 17:30-37. [PMID: 37816583 PMCID: PMC10899883 DOI: 10.15283/ijsc23090] [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: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The lung is a complex organ comprising a branched airway that connects the large airway and millions of terminal gas-exchange units. Traditional pulmonary biomedical research by using cell line model system have limitations such as lack of cellular heterogeneity, animal models also have limitations including ethical concern, race-to-race variations, and physiological differences found in vivo. Organoids and on-a-chip models offer viable solutions for these issues. Organoids are three-dimensional, self-organized construct composed of numerous cells derived from stem cells cultured with growth factors required for the maintenance of stem cells. On-a-chip models are biomimetic microsystems which are able to customize to use microfluidic systems to simulate blood flow in blood channels or vacuum to simulate human breathing. This review summarizes the key components and previous biomedical studies conducted on lung organoids and lung-on-a-chip models, and introduces potential future applications. Considering the importance and benefits of these model systems, we believe that the system will offer better platform to biomedical researchers on pulmonary diseases, such as emerging viral infection, progressive fibrotic pulmonary diseases, or primary or metastatic lung cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hyung-Jun Kim
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sohyun Park
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seonghyeon Jeong
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jihoon Kim
- Department of Medical and Biological Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon, Korea
| | - Young-Jae Cho
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Quintard C, Tubbs E, Jonsson G, Jiao J, Wang J, Werschler N, Laporte C, Pitaval A, Bah TS, Pomeranz G, Bissardon C, Kaal J, Leopoldi A, Long DA, Blandin P, Achard JL, Battail C, Hagelkruys A, Navarro F, Fouillet Y, Penninger JM, Gidrol X. A microfluidic platform integrating functional vascularized organoids-on-chip. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1452. [PMID: 38365780 PMCID: PMC10873332 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45710-4] [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: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
The development of vascular networks in microfluidic chips is crucial for the long-term culture of three-dimensional cell aggregates such as spheroids, organoids, tumoroids, or tissue explants. Despite rapid advancement in microvascular network systems and organoid technologies, vascularizing organoids-on-chips remains a challenge in tissue engineering. Most existing microfluidic devices poorly reflect the complexity of in vivo flows and require complex technical set-ups. Considering these constraints, we develop a platform to establish and monitor the formation of endothelial networks around mesenchymal and pancreatic islet spheroids, as well as blood vessel organoids generated from pluripotent stem cells, cultured for up to 30 days on-chip. We show that these networks establish functional connections with the endothelium-rich spheroids and vascular organoids, as they successfully provide intravascular perfusion to these structures. We find that organoid growth, maturation, and function are enhanced when cultured on-chip using our vascularization method. This microphysiological system represents a viable organ-on-chip model to vascularize diverse biological 3D tissues and sets the stage to establish organoid perfusions using advanced microfluidics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Clément Quintard
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CEA, IRIG/BGE, BIOMICS, 38000, Grenoble, France
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CEA, LETI, DTBS, 38000, Grenoble, France
- Department of Medical Genetics, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia (BC), Canada
| | - Emily Tubbs
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CEA, IRIG/BGE, BIOMICS, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Gustav Jonsson
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, IMBA, Dr. Bohr-Gasse 3, 1030, Vienna, Austria
- Vienna BioCenter PhD Program, Doctoral School of the University of Vienna and Medical University of Vienna, 1030, Vienna, Austria
- Eric Kandel Institute, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jie Jiao
- Department of Medical Genetics, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia (BC), Canada
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Medical Genetics, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia (BC), Canada
| | - Nicolas Werschler
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia (BC), Canada
| | - Camille Laporte
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CEA, IRIG/BGE, BIOMICS, 38000, Grenoble, France
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CEA, LETI, DTBS, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Amandine Pitaval
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CEA, IRIG/BGE, BIOMICS, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Thierno-Sidy Bah
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CEA, IRIG, BGE, Gen&Chem, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Gideon Pomeranz
- Developmental Biology and Cancer Programme, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | | | - Joris Kaal
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CEA, LETI, DTBS, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Alexandra Leopoldi
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, IMBA, Dr. Bohr-Gasse 3, 1030, Vienna, Austria
- Eric Kandel Institute, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - David A Long
- Developmental Biology and Cancer Programme, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Pierre Blandin
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CEA, LETI, DTBS, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Jean-Luc Achard
- Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, Grenoble INP, LEGI, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | | | - Astrid Hagelkruys
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, IMBA, Dr. Bohr-Gasse 3, 1030, Vienna, Austria
- Eric Kandel Institute, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Fabrice Navarro
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CEA, LETI, DTBS, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Yves Fouillet
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CEA, LETI, DTBS, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Josef M Penninger
- Department of Medical Genetics, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia (BC), Canada.
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, IMBA, Dr. Bohr-Gasse 3, 1030, Vienna, Austria.
- Eric Kandel Institute, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
- Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany.
| | - Xavier Gidrol
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CEA, IRIG/BGE, BIOMICS, 38000, Grenoble, France.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Esparza A, Jimenez N, Borrego EA, Browne S, Natividad-Diaz SL. Review: Human stem cell-based 3D in vitro angiogenesis models for preclinical drug screening applications. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:260. [PMID: 38302762 PMCID: PMC10834608 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-09048-2] [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: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Vascular diseases are the underlying pathology in many life-threatening illnesses. Human cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in angiogenesis are complex and difficult to study in current 2D in vitro and in vivo animal models. Engineered 3D in vitro models that incorporate human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) derived endothelial cells (ECs) and supportive biomaterials within a dynamic microfluidic platform provide a less expensive, more controlled, and reproducible platform to better study angiogenic processes in response to external chemical or physical stimulus. Current studies to develop 3D in vitro angiogenesis models aim to establish single-source systems by incorporating hPSC-ECs into biomimetic extracellular matrices (ECM) and microfluidic devices to create a patient-specific, physiologically relevant platform that facilitates preclinical study of endothelial cell-ECM interactions, vascular disease pathology, and drug treatment pharmacokinetics. This review provides a detailed description of the current methods used for the directed differentiation of human stem cells to endothelial cells and their use in engineered 3D in vitro angiogenesis models that have been developed within the last 10 years.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aibhlin Esparza
- Department of Metallurgical, Materials, and Biomedical Engineering (MMBME), The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), El Paso, TX, USA
- 3D Printed Microphysiological Systems Laboratory, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, USA
| | - Nicole Jimenez
- Department of Metallurgical, Materials, and Biomedical Engineering (MMBME), The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), El Paso, TX, USA
- 3D Printed Microphysiological Systems Laboratory, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, USA
| | - Edgar A Borrego
- Department of Metallurgical, Materials, and Biomedical Engineering (MMBME), The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), El Paso, TX, USA
- 3D Printed Microphysiological Systems Laboratory, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, USA
| | - Shane Browne
- Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine, Tissue Engineering Research Group, Royal College of Surgeons, Dublin, Ireland
- CÚRAM, Centre for Research in Medical Devices, University of Galway, Galway, H91 W2TY, Ireland
| | - Sylvia L Natividad-Diaz
- Department of Metallurgical, Materials, and Biomedical Engineering (MMBME), The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), El Paso, TX, USA.
- 3D Printed Microphysiological Systems Laboratory, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, USA.
- Border Biomedical Research Center, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
De Lorenzi F, Hansen N, Theek B, Daware R, Motta A, Breuel S, Nasehi R, Baumeister J, Schöneberg J, Stojanović N, von Stillfried S, Vogt M, Müller-Newen G, Maurer J, Sofias AM, Lammers T, Fischer H, Kiessling F. Engineering Mesoscopic 3D Tumor Models with a Self-Organizing Vascularized Matrix. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2303196. [PMID: 37865947 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202303196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
Advanced in vitro systems such as multicellular spheroids and lab-on-a-chip devices have been developed, but often fall short in reproducing the tissue scale and self-organization of human diseases. A bioprinted artificial tumor model is introduced with endothelial and stromal cells self-organizing into perfusable and functional vascular structures. This model uses 3D hydrogel matrices to embed multicellular tumor spheroids, allowing them to grow to mesoscopic scales and to interact with endothelial cells. It is shown that angiogenic multicellular tumor spheroids promote the growth of a vascular network, which in turn further enhances the growth of cocultivated tumor spheroids. The self-developed vascular structure infiltrates the tumor spheroids, forms functional connections with the bioprinted endothelium, and can be perfused by erythrocytes and polystyrene microspheres. Moreover, cancer cells migrate spontaneously from the tumor spheroid through the self-assembled vascular network into the fluid flow. Additionally, tumor type specific characteristics of desmoplasia, angiogenesis, and metastatic propensity are preserved between patient-derived samples and tumors derived from this same material growing in the bioreactors. Overall, this modular approach opens up new avenues for studying tumor pathophysiology and cellular interactions in vitro, providing a platform for advanced drug testing while reducing the need for in vivo experimentation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Federica De Lorenzi
- Department of Nanomedicine and Theranostics, Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging (ExMI), RWTH Aachen University Hospital, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Mildred Scheel School of Oncology (MSSO), Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Düsseldorf (CIOABCD), RWTH Aachen University Hospital, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Nadja Hansen
- Department of Dental Materials and Biomaterials Research (ZWBF), RWTH Aachen University Hospital, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Benjamin Theek
- Department of Nanomedicine and Theranostics, Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging (ExMI), RWTH Aachen University Hospital, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Rasika Daware
- Department of Nanomedicine and Theranostics, Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging (ExMI), RWTH Aachen University Hospital, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Alessandro Motta
- Department of Nanomedicine and Theranostics, Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging (ExMI), RWTH Aachen University Hospital, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Saskia Breuel
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Ramin Nasehi
- Department of Dental Materials and Biomaterials Research (ZWBF), RWTH Aachen University Hospital, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Julian Baumeister
- Mildred Scheel School of Oncology (MSSO), Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Düsseldorf (CIOABCD), RWTH Aachen University Hospital, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, Hemostaseology and Stem Cell Transplantation, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Jan Schöneberg
- Department of Dental Materials and Biomaterials Research (ZWBF), RWTH Aachen University Hospital, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Natalija Stojanović
- Department of Dental Materials and Biomaterials Research (ZWBF), RWTH Aachen University Hospital, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | | | - Michael Vogt
- Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research (IZKF), RWTH Aachen University Hospital, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Gerhard Müller-Newen
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Jochen Maurer
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Alexandros Marios Sofias
- Department of Nanomedicine and Theranostics, Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging (ExMI), RWTH Aachen University Hospital, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Mildred Scheel School of Oncology (MSSO), Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Düsseldorf (CIOABCD), RWTH Aachen University Hospital, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Trondheim, 7491, Norway
| | - Twan Lammers
- Department of Nanomedicine and Theranostics, Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging (ExMI), RWTH Aachen University Hospital, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Mildred Scheel School of Oncology (MSSO), Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Düsseldorf (CIOABCD), RWTH Aachen University Hospital, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Horst Fischer
- Department of Dental Materials and Biomaterials Research (ZWBF), RWTH Aachen University Hospital, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Fabian Kiessling
- Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging (ExMI), RWTH Aachen University Hospital, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Digital Medicine MEVIS, 28359, Bremen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Krattiger LA, Moser LO, Odabasi R, Odriozola A, Simona BR, Djonov V, Tibbitt MW, Ehrbar M. Recovery of Therapeutically Ablated Engineered Blood-Vessel Networks on a Plug-and-Play Platform. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2301142. [PMID: 37946678 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202301142] [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: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Limiting the availability of key angiogenesis-promoting factors is a successful strategy to ablate tumor-supplying blood vessels or to reduce excessive vasculature in diabetic retinopathy. However, the efficacy of such anti-angiogenic therapies (AATs) varies with tumor type, and regrowth of vessels is observed upon termination of treatment. The ability to understand and develop AATs remains limited by a lack of robust in vitro systems for modeling the recovery of vascular networks. Here, complex 3D micro-capillary networks are engineered by sequentially seeding human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (ECs) on a previously established, synthetic plug-and-play hydrogel platform. In the tightly interconnected vascular networks that form this way, the two cell types share a basement membrane-like layer and can be maintained for several days of co-culture. Pre-formed networks degrade in the presence of bevacizumab. Upon treatment termination, vessel structures grow back to their original positions after replenishment with new ECs, which also integrate into unperturbed established networks. The data suggest that this plug-and-play platform enables the screening of drugs with blood-vessel inhibiting functions. It is believed that this platform could be of particular interest in studying resistance or recovery mechanisms to AAT treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa A Krattiger
- Department of Obstetrics, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Schmelzbergstrasse 12, Zurich, 8091, Switzerland
- Macromolecular Engineering Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zurich, Sonneggstrasse 3, Zürich, 8092, Switzerland
| | - Lukas O Moser
- Department of Obstetrics, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Schmelzbergstrasse 12, Zurich, 8091, Switzerland
| | - Rodi Odabasi
- Department of Obstetrics, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Schmelzbergstrasse 12, Zurich, 8091, Switzerland
| | - Adolfo Odriozola
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Bern, Baltzerstrasse 2, Bern, 3012, Switzerland
| | - Benjamin R Simona
- Ectica Technologies AG, Raeffelstrasse 24, Zurich, 8045, Switzerland
| | - Valentin Djonov
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Bern, Baltzerstrasse 2, Bern, 3012, Switzerland
| | - Mark W Tibbitt
- Macromolecular Engineering Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zurich, Sonneggstrasse 3, Zürich, 8092, Switzerland
| | - Martin Ehrbar
- Department of Obstetrics, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Schmelzbergstrasse 12, Zurich, 8091, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Scemama A, Lunetto S, Tailor A, Di Cio S, Dibble M, Gautrot J, Biddle A. Development of an in vitro microfluidic model to study the role of microenvironmental cells in oral cancer metastasis. F1000Res 2024; 12:439. [PMID: 38434654 PMCID: PMC10904955 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.131810.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Metastasis occurs when cancer cells leave the primary tumour and travel to a secondary site to form a new lesion. The tumour microenvironment (TME) is recognised to greatly influence this process, with for instance the vascular system enabling the dissemination of the cells into other tissues. However, understanding the exact role of these microenvironmental cells during metastasis has proven challenging. Indeed, in vitro models often appear too simplistic, and the study of the interactions between different cell types in a 3D space is limited. On the other hand, even though in vivo models incorporate the TME, observing cells in real-time to understand their exact role is difficult. Horizontal compartmentalised microfluidic models are a promising new platform for metastasis studies. These devices, composed of adjacent microchannels, can incorporate multiple cell types within a 3D space. Furthermore, the transparency and thickness of these models also enables high quality real-time imaging to be performed. This paper demonstrates how these devices can be successfully used for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) metastasis studies, focusing on the role of the vascular system in this process. Conditions for co-culture of OSCC cells and endothelial cells have been determined and staining protocols optimised. Furthermore, several imaging analysis techniques for these models are described, enabling precise segmentation of the different cell types on the images as well as accurate assessment of their phenotype. These methods can be applied to any study aiming to understand the role of microenvironmental cell types in cancer metastatic dissemination, and overcome several challenges encountered with current in vitro and in vivo models. Hence, this new in vitro model capable of recapitulating important aspects of the cellular complexity of human metastatic dissemination can ultimately contribute to replacing animal studies in this field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alice Scemama
- Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 2AT, UK
| | | | - Artysha Tailor
- Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 2AT, UK
| | - Stefania Di Cio
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 4NS, UK
| | - Matthew Dibble
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 4NS, UK
| | - Julien Gautrot
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 4NS, UK
| | - Adrian Biddle
- Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 2AT, UK
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Bender RHF, O’Donnell BT, Shergill B, Pham BQ, Tahmouresie S, Sanchez CN, Juat DJ, Hatch MMS, Shirure VS, Wortham M, Nguyen-Ngoc KV, Jun Y, Gaetani R, Christman KL, Teyton L, George SC, Sander M, Hughes CCW. A vascularized 3D model of the human pancreatic islet for ex vivostudy of immune cell-islet interaction. Biofabrication 2024; 16:025001. [PMID: 38128127 PMCID: PMC10782895 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/ad17d0] [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: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Insulin is an essential regulator of blood glucose homeostasis that is produced exclusively byβcells within the pancreatic islets of healthy individuals. In those affected by diabetes, immune inflammation, damage, and destruction of isletβcells leads to insulin deficiency and hyperglycemia. Current efforts to understand the mechanisms underlyingβcell damage in diabetes rely onin vitro-cultured cadaveric islets. However, isolation of these islets involves removal of crucial matrix and vasculature that supports islets in the intact pancreas. Unsurprisingly, these islets demonstrate reduced functionality over time in standard culture conditions, thereby limiting their value for understanding native islet biology. Leveraging a novel, vascularized micro-organ (VMO) approach, we have recapitulated elements of the native pancreas by incorporating isolated human islets within a three-dimensional matrix nourished by living, perfusable blood vessels. Importantly, these islets show long-term viability and maintain robust glucose-stimulated insulin responses. Furthermore, vessel-mediated delivery of immune cells to these tissues provides a model to assess islet-immune cell interactions and subsequent islet killing-key steps in type 1 diabetes pathogenesis. Together, these results establish the islet-VMO as a novel,ex vivoplatform for studying human islet biology in both health and disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Hugh F Bender
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States of America
| | - Benjamen T O’Donnell
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States of America
| | - Bhupinder Shergill
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Davis, CA, United States of America
| | - Brittany Q Pham
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States of America
| | - Sima Tahmouresie
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States of America
| | - Celeste N Sanchez
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States of America
| | - Damie J Juat
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States of America
| | - Michaela M S Hatch
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States of America
| | - Venktesh S Shirure
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Davis, CA, United States of America
| | - Matthew Wortham
- Pediatric Diabetes Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, CA, United States of America
| | - Kim-Vy Nguyen-Ngoc
- Pediatric Diabetes Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, CA, United States of America
| | - Yesl Jun
- Pediatric Diabetes Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, CA, United States of America
| | - Roberto Gaetani
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, CA, United States of America
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Karen L Christman
- Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA, United States of America
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, CA, United States of America
| | - Luc Teyton
- Department of Immunology & Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, San Diego, CA, United States of America
| | - Steven C George
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Davis, CA, United States of America
| | - Maike Sander
- Pediatric Diabetes Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, CA, United States of America
- Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA, United States of America
| | - Christopher C W Hughes
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States of America
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Hachey SJ, Hatch CJ, Gaebler D, Mocherla A, Nee K, Kessenbrock K, Hughes CCW. Targeting tumor-stromal interactions in triple-negative breast cancer using a human vascularized micro-tumor model. Breast Cancer Res 2024; 26:5. [PMID: 38183074 PMCID: PMC10768273 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-023-01760-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: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is highly aggressive with limited available treatments. Stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) are crucial in TNBC progression; however, understanding the molecular basis of stromal cell activation and tumor-stromal crosstalk in TNBC is limited. To investigate therapeutic targets in the TNBC stromal niche, we used an advanced human in vitro microphysiological system called the vascularized micro-tumor (VMT). Using single-cell RNA sequencing, we revealed that normal breast tissue stromal cells activate neoplastic signaling pathways in the TNBC TME. By comparing interactions in VMTs with clinical data, we identified therapeutic targets at the tumor-stromal interface with potential clinical significance. Combining treatments targeting Tie2 signaling with paclitaxel resulted in vessel normalization and increased efficacy of paclitaxel in the TNBC VMT. Dual inhibition of HER3 and Akt also showed efficacy against TNBC. These data demonstrate the potential of inducing a favorable TME as a targeted therapeutic approach in TNBC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie J Hachey
- Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA.
| | | | - Daniela Gaebler
- Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Aneela Mocherla
- Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Kevin Nee
- Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Kai Kessenbrock
- Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Christopher C W Hughes
- Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
- Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Lee S, Kim H, Kim BS, Chae S, Jung S, Lee JS, Yu J, Son K, Chung M, Kim JK, Hwang D, Baek SH, Jeon NL. Angiogenesis-on-a-chip coupled with single-cell RNA sequencing reveals spatially differential activations of autophagy along angiogenic sprouts. Nat Commun 2024; 15:230. [PMID: 38172108 PMCID: PMC10764361 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44427-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Several functions of autophagy associated with proliferation, differentiation, and migration of endothelial cells have been reported. Due to lack of models recapitulating angiogenic sprouting, functional heterogeneity of autophagy in endothelial cells along angiogenic sprouts remains elusive. Here, we apply an angiogenesis-on-a-chip to reconstruct 3D sprouts with clear endpoints. We perform single-cell RNA sequencing of sprouting endothelial cells from our chip to reveal high activation of autophagy in two endothelial cell populations- proliferating endothelial cells in sprout basements and stalk-like endothelial cells near sprout endpoints- and further the reciprocal expression pattern of autophagy-related genes between stalk- and tip-like endothelial cells near sprout endpoints, implying an association of autophagy with tip-stalk cell specification. Our results suggest a model describing spatially differential roles of autophagy: quality control of proliferating endothelial cells in sprout basements for sprout elongation and tip-stalk cell specification near sprout endpoints, which may change strategies for developing autophagy-based anti-angiogenic therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Somin Lee
- Interdisciplinary Program for Bioengineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
- Institute of Advanced Machines and Design, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hyunkyung Kim
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- BK21 Graduate Program, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Bum Suk Kim
- Department of New Biology, DGIST, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Sehyun Chae
- Neurovascular Unit Research Group, Korea Brain Research Institute, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Sangmin Jung
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jung Seub Lee
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - James Yu
- Interdisciplinary Program for Bioengineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Kyungmin Son
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Minhwan Chung
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jong Kyoung Kim
- Department of New Biology, DGIST, Daegu, South Korea.
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, South Korea.
| | - Daehee Hwang
- School of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea.
| | - Sung Hee Baek
- Creative Research Initiatives Center for Epigenetic Code and Diseases, School of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea.
| | - Noo Li Jeon
- Interdisciplinary Program for Bioengineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea.
- Institute of Advanced Machines and Design, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea.
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea.
- Qureator, Inc., San Diego, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Zhang Z, Hui L. Progress in patient-derived liver cancer cell models: a step forward for precision medicine. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2023; 55:1707-1717. [PMID: 37766458 PMCID: PMC10679880 DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2023224] [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: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of effective precision treatments for liver cancers has been hindered by the scarcity of preclinical models that accurately reflect the heterogeneity of this disease. Recent progress in developing patient-derived liver cancer cell lines and organoids has paved the way for precision medicine research. These expandable resources of liver cancer cell models enable a full spectrum of pharmacogenomic analysis for liver cancers. Moreover, patient-derived and short-term cultured two-dimensional tumor cells or three-dimensional organoids can serve as patient avatars, allowing for the prediction of patients' response to drugs and facilitating personalized treatment for liver cancer patients. Furthermore, the current novel techniques have expanded the scope of cancer research, including innovative organoid culture, gene editing and bioengineering. In this review, we provide an overview of the progress in patient-derived liver cancer cell models, focusing on their applications in precision and personalized medicine research. We also discuss the challenges and future perspectives in this field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhengtao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Systems Health Science of Zhejiang ProvinceSchool of Life ScienceHangzhou Institute for Advanced StudyUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesHangzhou310024China
- State Key Laboratory of Cell BiologyShanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell BiologyCenter for Excellence in Molecular Cell ScienceChinese Academy of SciencesUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesShanghai200031China
| | - Lijian Hui
- Key Laboratory of Systems Health Science of Zhejiang ProvinceSchool of Life ScienceHangzhou Institute for Advanced StudyUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesHangzhou310024China
- State Key Laboratory of Cell BiologyShanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell BiologyCenter for Excellence in Molecular Cell ScienceChinese Academy of SciencesUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesShanghai200031China
- School of Life Science and TechnologyShanghaiTech UniversityShanghai200031China
- Institute for Stem Cell and RegenerationChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100101China
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Murphy AR, Allenby MC. In vitro microvascular engineering approaches and strategies for interstitial tissue integration. Acta Biomater 2023; 171:114-130. [PMID: 37717711 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.09.019] [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: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
The increasing gap between clinical demand for tissue or organ transplants and the availability of donated tissue highlights the emerging opportunities for lab-grown or synthetically engineered tissue. While the field of tissue engineering has existed for nearly half a century, its clinical translation remains unrealised, in part, due to a limited ability to engineer sufficient vascular supply into fabricated tissue, which is necessary to enable nutrient and waste exchange, prevent cellular necrosis, and support tissue proliferation. Techniques to develop anatomically relevant, functional vascular networks in vitro have made significant progress in the last decade, however, the challenge now remains as to how best incorporate these throughout dense parenchymal tissue-like structures to address diffusion-limited development and allow for the fabrication of large-scale vascularised tissue. This review explores advances made in the laboratory engineering of vasculature structures and summarises recent attempts to integrate vascular networks together with sophisticated in vitro avascular tissue and organ-like structures. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The ability to grow full scale, functional tissue and organs in vitro is primarily limited by an inability to adequately diffuse oxygen and nutrients throughout developing cellularised structures, which generally results from the absence of perfusable vessel networks. Techniques to engineering both perfusable vascular networks and avascular miniaturised organ-like structures have recently increased in complexity, sophistication, and physiological relevance. However, integrating these two essential elements into a single functioning vascularised tissue structure represents a significant spatial and temporal engineering challenge which is yet to be surmounted. Here, we explore a range of vessel morphogenic phenomena essential for tissue-vascular co-development, as well as evaluate a range of recent noteworthy approaches for generating vascularised tissue products in vitro.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A R Murphy
- School of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4100, Australia
| | - M C Allenby
- School of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4100, Australia; Centre for Biomedical Technologies, School of Medical, Mechanical and Process Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, QLD 4059, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Roman V, Mihaila M, Radu N, Marineata S, Diaconu CC, Bostan M. Cell Culture Model Evolution and Its Impact on Improving Therapy Efficiency in Lung Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4996. [PMID: 37894363 PMCID: PMC10605536 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15204996] [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: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Optimizing cell culture conditions is essential to ensure experimental reproducibility. To improve the accuracy of preclinical predictions about the response of tumor cells to different classes of drugs, researchers have used 2D or 3D cell cultures in vitro to mimic the cellular processes occurring in vivo. While 2D cell culture provides valuable information on how therapeutic agents act on tumor cells, it cannot quantify how the tumor microenvironment influences the response to therapy. This review presents the necessary strategies for transitioning from 2D to 3D cell cultures, which have facilitated the rapid evolution of bioengineering techniques, leading to the development of microfluidic technology, including organ-on-chip and tumor-on-chip devices. Additionally, the study aims to highlight the impact of the advent of 3D bioprinting and microfluidic technology and their implications for improving cancer treatment and approaching personalized therapy, especially for lung cancer. Furthermore, implementing microfluidic technology in cancer studies can generate a series of challenges and future perspectives that lead to the discovery of new predictive markers or targets for antitumor treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Viviana Roman
- Center of Immunology, Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Romanian Academy, 030304 Bucharest, Romania; (V.R.); (M.B.)
| | - Mirela Mihaila
- Center of Immunology, Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Romanian Academy, 030304 Bucharest, Romania; (V.R.); (M.B.)
| | - Nicoleta Radu
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, 011464 Bucharest, Romania
- Biotechnology Department, National Institute for Chemistry and Petrochemistry R&D of Bucharest, 060021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Stefania Marineata
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Carol Davila, 050471 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Carmen Cristina Diaconu
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, 030304 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Marinela Bostan
- Center of Immunology, Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Romanian Academy, 030304 Bucharest, Romania; (V.R.); (M.B.)
- Department of Immunology, ‘Victor Babeș’ National Institute of Pathology, 050096 Bucharest, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Hachey SJ, Gaebler D, Hughes CCW. Establishing a Physiologic Human Vascularized Micro-Tumor Model for Cancer Research. J Vis Exp 2023:10.3791/65865. [PMID: 37782104 PMCID: PMC11050739 DOI: 10.3791/65865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
A lack of validated cancer models that recapitulate the tumor microenvironment of solid cancers in vitro remains a significant bottleneck for preclinical cancer research and therapeutic development. To overcome this problem, we have developed the vascularized microtumor (VMT), or tumor chip, a microphysiological system that realistically models the complex human tumor microenvironment. The VMT forms de novo within a microfluidic platform by co-culture of multiple human cell types under dynamic, physiological flow conditions. This tissue-engineered micro-tumor construct incorporates a living perfused vascular network that supports the growing tumor mass just as newly formed vessels do in vivo. Importantly, drugs and immune cells must cross the endothelial layer to reach the tumor, modeling in vivo physiological barriers to therapeutic delivery and efficacy. Since the VMT platform is optically transparent, high-resolution imaging of dynamic processes such as immune cell extravasation and metastasis can be achieved with direct visualization of fluorescently labeled cells within the tissue. Further, the VMT retains in vivo tumor heterogeneity, gene expression signatures, and drug responses. Virtually any tumor type can be adapted to the platform, and primary cells from fresh surgical tissues grow and respond to drug treatment in the VMT, paving the way toward truly personalized medicine. Here, the methods for establishing the VMT and utilizing it for oncology research are outlined. This innovative approach opens new possibilities for studying tumors and drug responses, providing researchers with a powerful tool to advance cancer research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniela Gaebler
- Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine
| | - Christopher C W Hughes
- Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine; Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Tan S, Deng J, Deng H, Lu L, Qin Z, Liu Y, Tang L, Li Z. Global cluster analysis and network visualization in organoids in cancer research: a scientometric mapping from 1991 to 2021. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1253573. [PMID: 37781203 PMCID: PMC10540838 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1253573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective In the last three decades, there has been a surge in research on cancer organoids using 3D culture technologies, which has resulted in the development of physiological human cancer models. This study aims to provide an overview of the global trends and frontiers in research on cancer organoids. Methods A total of 3189 publications on organoids in cancer research from 1991 to 2021 were collected from the Science Citation Index-Expanded (SCIE) of Web of Science (WoS). Bibliometric methods such as the R package "Bibliometrix," Citespace, and VOS viewer software were employed to investigate and visualize bibliographic coupling, co-citation, co-authorship, and co-occurrence trends, as well as publication trends in the field of organoids in cancer research. Results From 1991 to 2021, there has been a significant increase in publications on cancer organoids, with most articles being from North America, Eastern Asia, and Western Europe. The USA had the highest number of publications, citations, prolific authors, and research funding globally. Cancers was the journal with the most publications, while Nature had the best total link strength. Harvard University were the most contributive institutions. The global research in this field could be classified into five clusters: chemotherapy study, organoids for drug screening, different models, molecular mechanism study, and organoid construction. These areas are expected to remain hotspots for future research. Conclusions The number of publications on organoids in cancer research is expected to increase based on current global trends.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Zhonghua Li
- Department of Oncology, Liuzhou People’s Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi Medical University, Liuzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Farooqi M, Kang CU, Choi KH. Organ-on-Chip: Advancing Nutraceutical Testing for Improved Health Outcomes. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:31632-31647. [PMID: 37692213 PMCID: PMC10483668 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c03155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
The recent global wave of organic food consumption and the vitality of nutraceuticals for human health benefits has driven the need for applying scientific methods for phytochemical testing. Advanced in vitro models with greater physiological relevance than conventional in vitro models are required to evaluate the potential benefits and toxicity of nutraceuticals. Organ-on-chip (OOC) models have emerged as a promising alternative to traditional in vitro models and animal testing due to their ability to mimic organ pathophysiology. Numerous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of OOC models in identifying pharmaceutically relevant compounds and accurately assessing compound-induced toxicity. This review examines the utility of traditional in vitro nutraceutical testing models and discusses the potential of OOC technology as a preclinical testing tool to examine the biomedical potential of nutraceuticals by reducing the need for animal testing. Exploring the capabilities of OOC models in carrying out plant-based bioactive compounds can significantly contribute to the authentication of nutraceuticals and drug discovery and validate phytochemicals medicinal characteristics. Overall, OOC models can facilitate a more systematic and efficient assessment of nutraceutical compounds while overcoming the limitations of current traditional in vitro models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad
Awais Farooqi
- Department of Mechatronics
Engineering, Jeju National University, Jeju, Jeju-do 690756, Republic
of Korea
| | - Chul-Ung Kang
- Department of Mechatronics
Engineering, Jeju National University, Jeju, Jeju-do 690756, Republic
of Korea
| | - Kyung Hyun Choi
- Department of Mechatronics
Engineering, Jeju National University, Jeju, Jeju-do 690756, Republic
of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
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.
Collapse
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:
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Luo Y, Li X, Zhao Y, Zhong W, Xing M, Lyu G. Development of Organs-on-Chips and Their Impact on Precision Medicine and Advanced System Simulation. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2094. [PMID: 37631308 PMCID: PMC10460056 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15082094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Drugs may undergo costly preclinical studies but still fail to demonstrate their efficacy in clinical trials, which makes it challenging to discover new drugs. Both in vitro and in vivo models are essential for disease research and therapeutic development. However, these models cannot simulate the physiological and pathological environment in the human body, resulting in limited drug detection and inaccurate disease modelling, failing to provide valid guidance for clinical application. Organs-on-chips (OCs) are devices that serve as a micro-physiological system or a tissue-on-a-chip; they provide accurate insights into certain functions and the pathophysiology of organs to precisely predict the safety and efficiency of drugs in the body. OCs are faster, more economical, and more precise. Thus, they are projected to become a crucial addition to, and a long-term replacement for, traditional preclinical cell cultures, animal studies, and even human clinical trials. This paper first outlines the nature of OCs and their significance, and then details their manufacturing-related materials and methodology. It also discusses applications of OCs in drug screening and disease modelling and treatment, and presents the future perspective of OCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ying Luo
- Burn & Trauma Treatment Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214000, China; (Y.L.); (X.L.)
- Engineering Research Center of the Ministry of Education for Wound Repair Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214000, China
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214000, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Li
- Burn & Trauma Treatment Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214000, China; (Y.L.); (X.L.)
- Engineering Research Center of the Ministry of Education for Wound Repair Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214000, China
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214000, China
- Department of General Surgery, Huai’an 82 Hospital, Huai’an 223003, China
| | - Yawei Zhao
- Department of Biosystems Engineering, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada; (Y.Z.); (W.Z.)
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Wen Zhong
- Department of Biosystems Engineering, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada; (Y.Z.); (W.Z.)
| | - Malcolm Xing
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Guozhong Lyu
- Burn & Trauma Treatment Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214000, China; (Y.L.); (X.L.)
- Engineering Research Center of the Ministry of Education for Wound Repair Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214000, China
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214000, China
- National Research Center for Emergency Medicine, Beijing 100000, China
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Reynolds DS, de Lázaro I, Blache ML, Liu Y, Jeffreys NC, Doolittle RM, Grandidier E, Olszewski J, Dacus MT, Mooney DJ, Lewis JA. Microporogen-Structured Collagen Matrices for Embedded Bioprinting of Tumor Models for Immuno-Oncology. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2210748. [PMID: 37163476 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202210748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Embedded bioprinting enables the rapid design and fabrication of complex tissues that recapitulate in vivo microenvironments. However, few biological matrices enable good print fidelity, while simultaneously facilitate cell viability, proliferation, and migration. Here, a new microporogen-structured (µPOROS) matrix for embedded bioprinting is introduced, in which matrix rheology, printing behavior, and porosity are tailored by adding sacrificial microparticles composed of a gelatin-chitosan complex to a prepolymer collagen solution. To demonstrate its utility, a 3D tumor model is created via embedded printing of a murine melanoma cell ink within the µPOROS collagen matrix at 4 °C. The collagen matrix is subsequently crosslinked around the microparticles upon warming to 21 °C, followed by their melting and removal at 37 °C. This process results in a µPOROS matrix with a fibrillar collagen type-I network akin to that observed in vivo. Printed tumor cells remain viable and proliferate, while antigen-specific cytotoxic T cells incorporated in the matrix migrate to the tumor site, where they induce cell death. The integration of the µPOROS matrix with embedded bioprinting opens new avenues for creating complex tissue microenvironments in vitro that may find widespread use in drug discovery, disease modeling, and tissue engineering for therapeutic use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel S Reynolds
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Irene de Lázaro
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Manon L Blache
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
- École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, 1015, Switzerland
| | - Yutong Liu
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Nicholas C Jeffreys
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Ramsey M Doolittle
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Estée Grandidier
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
- École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, 1015, Switzerland
- École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Lyon, 69007, France
| | - Jason Olszewski
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Mason T Dacus
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - David J Mooney
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Jennifer A Lewis
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Li C, Holman JB, Shi Z, Qiu B, Ding W. On-chip modeling of tumor evolution: Advances, challenges and opportunities. Mater Today Bio 2023; 21:100724. [PMID: 37483380 PMCID: PMC10359640 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2023.100724] [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: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor evolution is the accumulation of various tumor cell behaviors from tumorigenesis to tumor metastasis and is regulated by the tumor microenvironment (TME). However, the mechanism of solid tumor progression has not been completely elucidated, and thus, the development of tumor therapy is still limited. Recently, Tumor chips constructed by culturing tumor cells and stromal cells on microfluidic chips have demonstrated great potential in modeling solid tumors and visualizing tumor cell behaviors to exploit tumor progression. Herein, we review the methods of developing engineered solid tumors on microfluidic chips in terms of tumor types, cell resources and patterns, the extracellular matrix and the components of the TME, and summarize the recent advances of microfluidic chips in demonstrating tumor cell behaviors, including proliferation, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, migration, intravasation, extravasation and immune escape of tumor cells. We also outline the combination of tumor organoids and microfluidic chips to elaborate tumor organoid-on-a-chip platforms, as well as the practical limitations that must be overcome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chengpan Li
- Department of Electronic Engineering and Information Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230027, China
- Center for Biomedical Imaging, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230027, China
| | - Joseph Benjamin Holman
- Department of Electronic Engineering and Information Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230027, China
| | - Zhengdi Shi
- Department of Electronic Engineering and Information Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230027, China
| | - Bensheng Qiu
- Department of Electronic Engineering and Information Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230027, China
- Center for Biomedical Imaging, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230027, China
| | - Weiping Ding
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, China
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Zingales V, Esposito MR, Torriero N, Taroncher M, Cimetta E, Ruiz MJ. The Growing Importance of Three-Dimensional Models and Microphysiological Systems in the Assessment of Mycotoxin Toxicity. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:422. [PMID: 37505691 PMCID: PMC10467068 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15070422] [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: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Current investigations in the field of toxicology mostly rely on 2D cell cultures and animal models. Although well-accepted, the traditional 2D cell-culture approach has evident drawbacks and is distant from the in vivo microenvironment. To overcome these limitations, increasing efforts have been made in the development of alternative models that can better recapitulate the in vivo architecture of tissues and organs. Even though the use of 3D cultures is gaining popularity, there are still open questions on their robustness and standardization. In this review, we discuss the current spheroid culture and organ-on-a-chip techniques as well as the main conceptual and technical considerations for the correct establishment of such models. For each system, the toxicological functional assays are then discussed, highlighting their major advantages, disadvantages, and limitations. Finally, a focus on the applications of 3D cell culture for mycotoxin toxicity assessments is provided. Given the known difficulties in defining the safety ranges of exposure for regulatory agency policies, we are confident that the application of alternative methods may greatly improve the overall risk assessment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Zingales
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, Av. Vicent Andrés Estellés s/n, 46100 Valencia, Spain;
- Department of Industrial Engineering (DII), University of Padua, Via Marzolo 9, 35131 Padova, Italy; (M.R.E.); (N.T.); (E.C.)
- Fondazione Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica Cittá Della Speranza (IRP)—Lab BIAMET, Corso Stati Uniti 4, 35127 Padova, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Esposito
- Department of Industrial Engineering (DII), University of Padua, Via Marzolo 9, 35131 Padova, Italy; (M.R.E.); (N.T.); (E.C.)
- Fondazione Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica Cittá Della Speranza (IRP)—Lab BIAMET, Corso Stati Uniti 4, 35127 Padova, Italy
| | - Noemi Torriero
- Department of Industrial Engineering (DII), University of Padua, Via Marzolo 9, 35131 Padova, Italy; (M.R.E.); (N.T.); (E.C.)
- Fondazione Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica Cittá Della Speranza (IRP)—Lab BIAMET, Corso Stati Uniti 4, 35127 Padova, Italy
| | - Mercedes Taroncher
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, Av. Vicent Andrés Estellés s/n, 46100 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Elisa Cimetta
- Department of Industrial Engineering (DII), University of Padua, Via Marzolo 9, 35131 Padova, Italy; (M.R.E.); (N.T.); (E.C.)
- Fondazione Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica Cittá Della Speranza (IRP)—Lab BIAMET, Corso Stati Uniti 4, 35127 Padova, Italy
| | - María-José Ruiz
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, Av. Vicent Andrés Estellés s/n, 46100 Valencia, Spain;
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Wan Z, Floryan MA, Coughlin MF, Zhang S, Zhong AX, Shelton SE, Wang X, Xu C, Barbie DA, Kamm RD. New Strategy for Promoting Vascularization in Tumor Spheroids in a Microfluidic Assay. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2201784. [PMID: 36333913 PMCID: PMC10156888 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202201784] [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: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies have developed vascularized tumor spheroid models to demonstrate the impact of intravascular flow on tumor progression and treatment. However, these models have not been widely adopted so the vascularization of tumor spheroids in vitro is generally lower than vascularized tumor tissues in vivo. To improve the tumor vascularization level, a new strategy is introduced to form tumor spheroids by adding fibroblasts (FBs) sequentially to a pre-formed tumor spheroid and demonstrate this method with tumor cell lines from kidney, lung, and ovary cancer. Tumor spheroids made with the new strategy have higher FB densities on the periphery of the tumor spheroid, which tend to enhance vascularization. The vessels close to the tumor spheroid made with this new strategy are more perfusable than the ones made with other methods. Finally, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells are perfused under continuous flow into vascularized tumor spheroids to demonstrate immunotherapy evaluation using vascularized tumor-on-a-chip model. This new strategy for establishing tumor spheroids leads to increased vascularization in vitro, allowing for the examination of immune, endothelial, stromal, and tumor cell responses under static or flow conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhengpeng Wan
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Marie A Floryan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Mark F Coughlin
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Shun Zhang
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Amy X Zhong
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Sarah E Shelton
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Xun Wang
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Chenguang Xu
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
| | - David A Barbie
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Roger D Kamm
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Sánchez-Salazar MG, Crespo-López Oliver R, Ramos-Meizoso S, Jerezano-Flores VS, Gallegos-Martínez S, Bolívar-Monsalve EJ, Ceballos-González CF, Trujillo-de Santiago G, Álvarez MM. 3D-Printed Tumor-on-Chip for the Culture of Colorectal Cancer Microspheres: Mass Transport Characterization and Anti-Cancer Drug Assays. Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:bioengineering10050554. [PMID: 37237624 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10050554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor-on-chips have become an effective resource in cancer research. However, their widespread use remains limited due to issues related to their practicality in fabrication and use. To address some of these limitations, we introduce a 3D-printed chip, which is large enough to host ~1 cm3 of tissue and fosters well-mixed conditions in the liquid niche, while still enabling the formation of the concentration profiles that occur in real tissues due to diffusive transport. We compared the mass transport performance in its rhomboidal culture chamber when empty, when filled with GelMA/alginate hydrogel microbeads, or when occupied with a monolithic piece of hydrogel with a central channel, allowing communication between the inlet and outlet. We show that our chip filled with hydrogel microspheres in the culture chamber promotes adequate mixing and enhanced distribution of culture media. In proof-of-concept pharmacological assays, we biofabricated hydrogel microspheres containing embedded Caco2 cells, which developed into microtumors. Microtumors cultured in the device developed throughout the 10-day culture showing >75% of viability. Microtumors subjected to 5-fluorouracil treatment displayed <20% cell survival and lower VEGF-A and E-cadherin expression than untreated controls. Overall, our tumor-on-chip device proved suitable for studying cancer biology and performing drug response assays.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mónica Gabriela Sánchez-Salazar
- Centro de Biotecnología-FEMSA, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Campus Monterrey, Monterrey 64849, Mexico
- Departamento de Mecatrónica e Ingeniería Eléctrica, Escuela de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Monterrey 64849, Mexico
| | - Regina Crespo-López Oliver
- Centro de Biotecnología-FEMSA, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Campus Monterrey, Monterrey 64849, Mexico
- Departamento de Mecatrónica e Ingeniería Eléctrica, Escuela de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Monterrey 64849, Mexico
| | - Sofía Ramos-Meizoso
- Centro de Biotecnología-FEMSA, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Campus Monterrey, Monterrey 64849, Mexico
- Departamento de Mecatrónica e Ingeniería Eléctrica, Escuela de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Monterrey 64849, Mexico
| | - Valeri Sofía Jerezano-Flores
- Centro de Biotecnología-FEMSA, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Campus Monterrey, Monterrey 64849, Mexico
- Departamento de Mecatrónica e Ingeniería Eléctrica, Escuela de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Monterrey 64849, Mexico
| | - Salvador Gallegos-Martínez
- Centro de Biotecnología-FEMSA, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Campus Monterrey, Monterrey 64849, Mexico
- Departamento de Mecatrónica e Ingeniería Eléctrica, Escuela de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Monterrey 64849, Mexico
| | - Edna Johana Bolívar-Monsalve
- Centro de Biotecnología-FEMSA, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Campus Monterrey, Monterrey 64849, Mexico
- Departamento de Mecatrónica e Ingeniería Eléctrica, Escuela de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Monterrey 64849, Mexico
| | - Carlos Fernando Ceballos-González
- Centro de Biotecnología-FEMSA, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Campus Monterrey, Monterrey 64849, Mexico
- Departamento de Mecatrónica e Ingeniería Eléctrica, Escuela de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Monterrey 64849, Mexico
| | - Grissel Trujillo-de Santiago
- Centro de Biotecnología-FEMSA, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Campus Monterrey, Monterrey 64849, Mexico
- Departamento de Mecatrónica e Ingeniería Eléctrica, Escuela de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Monterrey 64849, Mexico
| | - Mario Moisés Álvarez
- Centro de Biotecnología-FEMSA, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Campus Monterrey, Monterrey 64849, Mexico
- Departamento de Mecatrónica e Ingeniería Eléctrica, Escuela de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Monterrey 64849, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Hachey SJ, Sobrino A, Lee JG, Jafari MD, Klempner SJ, Puttock EJ, Edwards RA, Lowengrub JS, Waterman ML, Zell JA, Hughes CCW. A human vascularized microtumor model of patient-derived colorectal cancer recapitulates clinical disease. Transl Res 2023; 255:97-108. [PMID: 36481562 PMCID: PMC10593408 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2022.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Accurately modeling tumor biology and testing novel therapies on patient-derived cells is critically important to developing therapeutic regimens personalized to a patient's specific disease. The vascularized microtumor (VMT), or "tumor-on-a-chip," is a physiologic preclinical cancer model that incorporates key features of the native human tumor microenvironment within a transparent microfluidic platform, allowing rapid drug screening in vitro. Herein we optimize methods for generating patient-derived VMT (pVMT) using fresh colorectal cancer (CRC) biopsies and surgical resections to test drug sensitivities at the individual patient level. In response to standard chemotherapy and TGF-βR1 inhibition, we observe heterogeneous responses between pVMT derived from 6 patient biopsies, with the pVMT recapitulating tumor growth, histological features, metabolic heterogeneity, and drug responses of actual CRC tumors. Our results suggest that a translational infrastructure providing rapid information from patient-derived tumor cells in the pVMT, as established in this study, will support efforts to improve patient outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie J Hachey
- Irvine Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, California
| | - Agua Sobrino
- Irvine Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, California
| | - John G Lee
- Irvine School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, California
| | | | | | - Eric J Puttock
- Irvine Department of Mathematics, University of California, Irvine, California
| | - Robert A Edwards
- Irvine School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, California
| | - John S Lowengrub
- Irvine Department of Mathematics, University of California, Irvine, California
| | - Marian L Waterman
- Irvine Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Irvine, California
| | - Jason A Zell
- Irvine School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, California
| | - Christopher C W Hughes
- Irvine Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, California; Irvine Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, California.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Nguyen HT, Peirsman A, Tirpakova Z, Mandal K, Vanlauwe F, Maity S, Kawakita S, Khorsandi D, Herculano R, Umemura C, Yilgor C, Bell R, Hanson A, Li S, Nanda HS, Zhu Y, Najafabadi AH, Jucaud V, Barros N, Dokmeci MR, Khademhosseini A. Engineered Vasculature for Cancer Research and Regenerative Medicine. MICROMACHINES 2023; 14:978. [PMID: 37241602 PMCID: PMC10221678 DOI: 10.3390/mi14050978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Engineered human tissues created by three-dimensional cell culture of human cells in a hydrogel are becoming emerging model systems for cancer drug discovery and regenerative medicine. Complex functional engineered tissues can also assist in the regeneration, repair, or replacement of human tissues. However, one of the main hurdles for tissue engineering, three-dimensional cell culture, and regenerative medicine is the capability of delivering nutrients and oxygen to cells through the vasculatures. Several studies have investigated different strategies to create a functional vascular system in engineered tissues and organ-on-a-chips. Engineered vasculatures have been used for the studies of angiogenesis, vasculogenesis, as well as drug and cell transports across the endothelium. Moreover, vascular engineering allows the creation of large functional vascular conduits for regenerative medicine purposes. However, there are still many challenges in the creation of vascularized tissue constructs and their biological applications. This review will summarize the latest efforts to create vasculatures and vascularized tissues for cancer research and regenerative medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huu Tuan Nguyen
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA
| | - Arne Peirsman
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA
- Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Zuzana Tirpakova
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA
- Department of Biology and Physiology, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Kosice, Komenskeho 73, 04181 Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Kalpana Mandal
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA
| | - Florian Vanlauwe
- Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Surjendu Maity
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA
| | - Satoru Kawakita
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA
| | - Danial Khorsandi
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA
| | - Rondinelli Herculano
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA
- Bioengineering & Biomaterials Group, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara 14800-903, SP, Brazil
| | - Christian Umemura
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA
| | - Can Yilgor
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA
| | - Remy Bell
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA
| | - Adrian Hanson
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA
| | - Shaopei Li
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA
| | - Himansu Sekhar Nanda
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA
- Biomedical Engineering and Technology Laboratory, PDPM—Indian Institute of Information Technology Design Manufacturing, Jabalpur 482005, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Yangzhi Zhu
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA
| | | | - Vadim Jucaud
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA
| | - Natan Barros
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA
| | | | - Ali Khademhosseini
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Dibble M, Di Cio' S, Luo P, Balkwill F, Gautrot JE. The impact of pericytes on the stability of microvascular networks in response to nanoparticles. Sci Rep 2023; 13:5729. [PMID: 37029151 PMCID: PMC10082022 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-31352-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Recapitulating the normal physiology of the microvasculature is pivotal in the development of more complex in-vitro models and organ-on-chip designs. Pericytes are an important component of the vasculature, promoting vessel stability, inhibiting vascular permeability and maintaining the vascular hierarchical architecture. The use of such co-culture for the testing of therapeutics and nanoparticle safety is increasingly considered for the validation of therapeutic strategies. This report presents the use of a microfluidic model for such applications. Interactions between endothelial cells and pericytes are first explored. We identify basal conditions required to form stable and reproducible endothelial networks. We then investigate interactions between endothelial cells and pericytes via direct co-culture. In our system, pericytes prevented vessel hyperplasia and maintained vessel length in prolonged culture (> 10 days). In addition, these vessels displayed barrier function and expression of junction markers associated with vessel maturation, including VE-cadherin, β-catenin and ZO-1. Furthermore, pericytes maintained vessel integrity following stress (nutrient starvation) and prevented vessel regression, in contrast to the striking dissociation of networks in endothelial monocultures. This response was also observed when endothelial/pericyte co-cultures were exposed to high concentrations of moderately toxic cationic nanoparticles used for gene delivery. This study highlights the importance of pericytes in protecting vascular networks from stress and external agents and their importance to the design of advanced in-vitro models, including for the testing of nanotoxicity, to better recapitulate physiological response and avoid false positives.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Dibble
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Institute of Bioengineering, Queen Mary, University of London, Mile End Road, London, E1 4NS, UK
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary, University of London, Mile End Road, London, E1 4NS, UK
| | - Stefania Di Cio'
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Institute of Bioengineering, Queen Mary, University of London, Mile End Road, London, E1 4NS, UK
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary, University of London, Mile End Road, London, E1 4NS, UK
| | - Piaopiao Luo
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Institute of Bioengineering, Queen Mary, University of London, Mile End Road, London, E1 4NS, UK
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary, University of London, Mile End Road, London, E1 4NS, UK
| | - Frances Balkwill
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Institute of Bioengineering, Queen Mary, University of London, Mile End Road, London, E1 4NS, UK
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary, University of London, Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Julien E Gautrot
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Institute of Bioengineering, Queen Mary, University of London, Mile End Road, London, E1 4NS, UK.
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary, University of London, Mile End Road, London, E1 4NS, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Bourn MD, Mohajerani SZ, Mavria G, Ingram N, Coletta PL, Evans SD, Peyman SA. Tumour associated vasculature-on-a-chip for the evaluation of microbubble-mediated delivery of targeted liposomes. LAB ON A CHIP 2023; 23:1674-1693. [PMID: 36779251 PMCID: PMC10013341 DOI: 10.1039/d2lc00963c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The vascular system is the primary route for the delivery of therapeutic drugs throughout the body and is an important barrier at the region of disease interest, such as a solid tumour. The development of complex 3D tumour cultures has progressed significantly in recent years however, the generation of perfusable vascularised tumour models still presents many challenges. This study presents a microfluidic-based vasculature system that can be induced to display properties of tumour-associated blood vessels without direct incorporation of tumour cells. Conditioning healthy endothelial-fibroblast cell vasculature co-cultures with media taken from tumour cell cultures was found to result in the formation of disorganised, tortuous networks which display characteristics consistent with those of tumour-associated vasculature. Integrin αvβ3, a cell adhesion receptor associated with angiogenesis, was found to be upregulated in vasculature co-cultures conditioned with tumour cell media (TCM) - consistent with the reported αvβ3 expression pattern in angiogenic tumour vasculature in vivo. Increased accumulation of liposomes (LSs) conjugated to antibodies against αvβ3 was observed in TCM networks compared to non-conditioned networks, indicating αvβ3 may be a potential target for the delivery of drugs specifically to tumour vasculature. Furthermore, the use of microbubbles (MBs) and ultrasound (US) to further enhance the delivery of LSs to TCM-conditioned vasculature was investigated. Quantification of fluorescent LS accumulation post-perfusion of the vascular network showed 3-fold increased accumulation with the use of MBs and US, suggesting that targeted LS delivery could be further improved with the use of locally administered MBs and US.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew D Bourn
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK.
- Leeds Institute for Medical Research, Wellcome Trust Brenner Building, St James' University Hospital, Leeds, LS9 7TF, UK
| | - Safoura Zahed Mohajerani
- Leeds Institute for Medical Research, Wellcome Trust Brenner Building, St James' University Hospital, Leeds, LS9 7TF, UK
| | - Georgia Mavria
- Leeds Institute for Medical Research, Wellcome Trust Brenner Building, St James' University Hospital, Leeds, LS9 7TF, UK
| | - Nicola Ingram
- Leeds Institute for Medical Research, Wellcome Trust Brenner Building, St James' University Hospital, Leeds, LS9 7TF, UK
| | - P Louise Coletta
- Leeds Institute for Medical Research, Wellcome Trust Brenner Building, St James' University Hospital, Leeds, LS9 7TF, UK
| | - Stephen D Evans
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK.
| | - Sally A Peyman
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK.
- Leeds Institute for Medical Research, Wellcome Trust Brenner Building, St James' University Hospital, Leeds, LS9 7TF, UK
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Monteduro AG, Rizzato S, Caragnano G, Trapani A, Giannelli G, Maruccio G. Organs-on-chips technologies – A guide from disease models to opportunities for drug development. Biosens Bioelectron 2023; 231:115271. [PMID: 37060819 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2023.115271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
Current in-vitro 2D cultures and animal models present severe limitations in recapitulating human physiopathology with striking discrepancies in estimating drug efficacy and side effects when compared to human trials. For these reasons, microphysiological systems, organ-on-chip and multiorgans microdevices attracted considerable attention as novel tools for high-throughput and high-content research to achieve an improved understanding of diseases and to accelerate the drug development process towards more precise and eventually personalized standards. This review takes the form of a guide on this fast-growing field, providing useful introduction to major themes and indications for further readings. We start analyzing Organs-on-chips (OOC) technologies for testing the major drug administration routes: (1) oral/rectal route by intestine-on-a-chip, (2) inhalation by lung-on-a-chip, (3) transdermal by skin-on-a-chip and (4) intravenous through vascularization models, considering how drugs penetrate in the bloodstream and are conveyed to their targets. Then, we focus on OOC models for (other) specific organs and diseases: (1) neurodegenerative diseases with brain models and blood brain barriers, (2) tumor models including their vascularization, organoids/spheroids, engineering and screening of antitumor drugs, (3) liver/kidney on chips and multiorgan models for gastrointestinal diseases and metabolic assessment of drugs and (4) biomechanical systems recapitulating heart, muscles and bones structures and related diseases. Successively, we discuss technologies and materials for organ on chips, analyzing (1) microfluidic tools for organs-on-chips, (2) sensor integration for real-time monitoring, (3) materials and (4) cell lines for organs on chips. (Nano)delivery approaches for therapeutics and their on chip assessment are also described. Finally, we conclude with a critical discussion on current significance/relevance, trends, limitations, challenges and future prospects in terms of revolutionary impact on biomedical research, preclinical models and drug development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Grazia Monteduro
- Omnics Research Group, Department of Mathematics and Physics "Ennio De Giorgi", University of Salento and Institute of Nanotechnology, CNR-Nanotec and INFN Sezione di Lecce, Via per Monteroni, 73100, Lecce, Italy
| | - Silvia Rizzato
- Omnics Research Group, Department of Mathematics and Physics "Ennio De Giorgi", University of Salento and Institute of Nanotechnology, CNR-Nanotec and INFN Sezione di Lecce, Via per Monteroni, 73100, Lecce, Italy
| | - Giusi Caragnano
- Omnics Research Group, Department of Mathematics and Physics "Ennio De Giorgi", University of Salento and Institute of Nanotechnology, CNR-Nanotec and INFN Sezione di Lecce, Via per Monteroni, 73100, Lecce, Italy
| | - Adriana Trapani
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Giannelli
- National Institute of Gastroenterology IRCCS "Saverio de Bellis", Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, Bari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Maruccio
- Omnics Research Group, Department of Mathematics and Physics "Ennio De Giorgi", University of Salento and Institute of Nanotechnology, CNR-Nanotec and INFN Sezione di Lecce, Via per Monteroni, 73100, Lecce, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Ren B, Jiang Z, Murfee WL, Katz AJ, Siemann D, Huang Y. Realizations of vascularized tissues: From in vitro platforms to in vivo grafts. BIOPHYSICS REVIEWS 2023; 4:011308. [PMID: 36938117 PMCID: PMC10015415 DOI: 10.1063/5.0131972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Vascularization is essential for realizing thick and functional tissue constructs that can be utilized for in vitro study platforms and in vivo grafts. The vasculature enables the transport of nutrients, oxygen, and wastes and is also indispensable to organ functional units such as the nephron filtration unit, the blood-air barrier, and the blood-brain barrier. This review aims to discuss the latest progress of organ-like vascularized constructs with specific functionalities and realizations even though they are not yet ready to be used as organ substitutes. First, the human vascular system is briefly introduced and related design considerations for engineering vascularized tissues are discussed. Second, up-to-date creation technologies for vascularized tissues are summarized and classified into the engineering and cellular self-assembly approaches. Third, recent applications ranging from in vitro tissue models, including generic vessel models, tumor models, and different human organ models such as heart, kidneys, liver, lungs, and brain, to prevascularized in vivo grafts for implantation and anastomosis are discussed in detail. The specific design considerations for the aforementioned applications are summarized and future perspectives regarding future clinical applications and commercialization are provided.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bing Ren
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, USA
| | - Zhihua Jiang
- Department of Surgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, USA
| | - Walter Lee Murfee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, USA
| | - Adam J. Katz
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27157, USA
| | - Dietmar Siemann
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, USA
| | - Yong Huang
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed:
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Wu L, Ai Y, Xie R, Xiong J, Wang Y, Liang Q. Organoids/organs-on-a-chip: new frontiers of intestinal pathophysiological models. LAB ON A CHIP 2023; 23:1192-1212. [PMID: 36644984 DOI: 10.1039/d2lc00804a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Organoids/organs-on-a-chip open up new frontiers for basic and clinical research of intestinal diseases. Species-specific differences hinder research on animal models, while organoids are emerging as powerful tools due to self-organization from stem cells and the reproduction of the functional properties in vivo. Organs-on-a-chip is also accelerating the process of faithfully mimicking the intestinal microenvironment. And by combining organoids and organ-on-a-chip technologies, they further are expected to serve as innovative preclinical tools and could outperform traditional cell culture models or animal models in the future. Above all, organoids/organs-on-a-chip with other strategies like genome editing, 3D printing, and organoid biobanks contribute to modeling intestinal homeostasis and disease. Here, the current challenges and future trends in intestinal pathophysiological models will be summarized.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lei Wu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Department of Chemistry, Laboratory of Flexible Electronics Technology, Center for Synthetic and Systems Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P.R. China.
| | - Yongjian Ai
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Department of Chemistry, Laboratory of Flexible Electronics Technology, Center for Synthetic and Systems Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P.R. China.
| | - Ruoxiao Xie
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Department of Chemistry, Laboratory of Flexible Electronics Technology, Center for Synthetic and Systems Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P.R. China.
| | - Jialiang Xiong
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Department of Chemistry, Laboratory of Flexible Electronics Technology, Center for Synthetic and Systems Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P.R. China.
| | - Yu Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Department of Chemistry, Laboratory of Flexible Electronics Technology, Center for Synthetic and Systems Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P.R. China.
| | - Qionglin Liang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Department of Chemistry, Laboratory of Flexible Electronics Technology, Center for Synthetic and Systems Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P.R. China.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Zhu J, Ji L, Chen Y, Li H, Huang M, Dai Z, Wang J, Xiang D, Fu G, Lei Z, Chu X. Organoids and organs-on-chips: insights into predicting the efficacy of systemic treatment in colorectal cancer. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:72. [PMID: 36813783 PMCID: PMC9947255 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01354-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer heterogeneity has posed a great challenge to traditional cancer treatment, with the reappearance of cancer heterogeneity of inter and intra patients being especially critical. Based on this, personalized therapy has emerged as significant research focus in recent and even future years. Cancer-related therapeutic models are developing, including cell lines, patient-derived xenografts, organoids, etc. Organoids are three-dimensional in vitro models emerged in the past dozen years and are able to reproduce the cellular and molecular composition of the original tumor. These advantages demonstrate the great potential for patient-derived organoids to develop personalized anticancer therapies, including preclinical drug screening and the prediction of patient treatment response. The impact of microenvironment on cancer treatment cannot be underestimated, and the remodeling of microenvironment also allows organoids to interact with other technologies, among which organs-on-chips is a representative one. This review highlights the use of organoids and organs-on-chips as complementary reference tools in treating colorectal cancer from the perspective of clinical efficacy predictability. We also discuss the limitations of both techniques and how they complement each other well.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jialong Zhu
- grid.284723.80000 0000 8877 7471Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Nanjing, 210000 China
| | - Linlin Ji
- grid.41156.370000 0001 2314 964XDepartment of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210000 China
| | - Yitian Chen
- grid.284723.80000 0000 8877 7471Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Nanjing, 210000 China ,grid.41156.370000 0001 2314 964XDepartment of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210000 China ,grid.89957.3a0000 0000 9255 8984Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210000 China ,grid.410745.30000 0004 1765 1045Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210000 China
| | - Huiyu Li
- grid.41156.370000 0001 2314 964XDepartment of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210000 China
| | - Mengxi Huang
- grid.41156.370000 0001 2314 964XDepartment of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210000 China
| | - Zhe Dai
- grid.41156.370000 0001 2314 964XDepartment of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210000 China
| | - Jing Wang
- grid.41156.370000 0001 2314 964XDepartment of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210000 China
| | - Dan Xiang
- grid.41156.370000 0001 2314 964XDepartment of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210000 China
| | - Gongbo Fu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Nanjing, 210000, China. .,Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210000, China. .,Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210000, China. .,Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210000, China.
| | - Zengjie Lei
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Nanjing, 210000, China. .,Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210000, China. .,Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210000, China. .,Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210000, China.
| | - Xiaoyuan Chu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Nanjing, 210000, China. .,Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210000, China. .,Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210000, China. .,Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210000, China.
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Chesnais F, Joel J, Hue J, Shakib S, Di Silvio L, Grigoriadis AE, Coward T, Veschini L. Continuously perfusable, customisable, and matrix-free vasculature on a chip platform. LAB ON A CHIP 2023; 23:761-772. [PMID: 36722906 DOI: 10.1039/d2lc00930g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Creating vascularised cellular environments in vitro is a current challenge in tissue engineering and a bottleneck towards developing functional stem cell-derived microtissues for regenerative medicine and basic investigations. Here we have developed a new workflow to manufacture vasculature on chip (VoC) systems efficiently, quickly, and inexpensively. We have employed 3D printing for fast-prototyping of bespoke VoC and coupled them with a refined organotypic culture system (OVAA) to grow patent capillaries in vitro using tissue-specific endothelial and stromal cells. Furthermore, we have designed and implemented a pocket-size flow driver to establish physiologic perfusive flow throughout our VoC-OVAA with minimal medium use and waste. Using our platform, we have created vascularised microtissues and perfused them at physiologic flow rates for extended time (>2 weeks) observing flow-dependent vascular remodelling. Overall, we present for the first time a scalable and customisable system to grow vascularised and perfusable microtissues, a key initial step to grow mature and functional tissues in vitro. We envision that this technology will empower fast prototyping and validation of increasingly biomimetic in vitro systems, including interconnected multi-tissue systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francois Chesnais
- Academic Centre of Reconstructive Science, Centre for Oral, Clinical and Translational Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT, UK.
| | - Jordan Joel
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Dentistry Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Jonas Hue
- Faculty of Dentistry Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Sima Shakib
- Faculty of Dentistry Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Lucy Di Silvio
- Centre for Oral, Clinical and Translational Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Agamemnon E Grigoriadis
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Dentistry Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Trevor Coward
- Academic Centre of Reconstructive Science, Centre for Oral, Clinical and Translational Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT, UK.
| | - Lorenzo Veschini
- Academic Centre of Reconstructive Science, Centre for Oral, Clinical and Translational Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT, UK.
| |
Collapse
|