1
|
Caffrey TM, Button EB, Robert J. Toward three-dimensional in vitro models to study neurovascular unit functions in health and disease. Neural Regen Res 2021; 16:2132-2140. [PMID: 33818484 PMCID: PMC8354124 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.310671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The high metabolic demands of the brain require an efficient vascular system to be coupled with neural activity to supply adequate nutrients and oxygen. This supply is coordinated by the action of neurons, glial and vascular cells, known collectively as the neurovascular unit, which temporally and spatially regulate local cerebral blood flow through a process known as neurovascular coupling. In many neurodegenerative diseases, changes in functions of the neurovascular unit not only impair neurovascular coupling but also permeability of the blood-brain barrier, cerebral blood flow and clearance of waste from the brain. In order to study disease mechanisms, we need improved physiologically-relevant human models of the neurovascular unit. Advances towards modeling the cellular complexity of the neurovascular unit in vitro have been made using stem-cell derived organoids and more recently, vascularized organoids, enabling intricate studies of non-cell autonomous processes. Engineering and design innovations in microfluidic devices and tissue engineering are progressing our ability to interrogate the cerebrovasculature. These advanced models are being used to gain a better understanding of neurodegenerative disease processes and potential therapeutics. Continued innovation is required to build more physiologically-relevant models of the neurovascular unit encompassing both the cellular complexity and designed features to interrogate neurovascular unit functionality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tara M Caffrey
- Djavad Mowafaghian Center for Brain Health; Department of Pathology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Emily B Button
- Djavad Mowafaghian Center for Brain Health; Department of Pathology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jerome Robert
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry, University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
The resource gateway: Microfluidics and requirements engineering for sustainable space systems. Chem Eng Sci 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ces.2020.115774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
|
3
|
Lee J, Jang D, Jeong H, Kim KS, Yang S. Impairment of synaptic plasticity and novel object recognition in the hypergravity-exposed rats. Sci Rep 2020; 10:15813. [PMID: 32978417 PMCID: PMC7519067 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-72639-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The gravity is necessary for living organisms to operate various biological events including hippocampus-related functions of learning and memory. Until now, it remains inconclusive how altered gravity is associated with hippocampal functions. It is mainly due to the difficulties in generating an animal model experiencing altered gravity. Here, we demonstrate the effects of hypergravity on hippocampus-related functions using an animal behavior and electrophysiology with our hypergravity animal model. The hypergravity (4G, 4 weeks) group showed impaired synaptic efficacy and long-term potentiation in CA1 neurons of the hippocampus along with the poor performance of a novel object recognition task. Our studies suggest that altered gravity affects hippocampus-related cognitive functions, presumably through structural and functional adaptation to various conditions of gravity shift.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinho Lee
- Department of Nano-Bioengineering, Incheon National University, Incheon, South Korea
| | - Doohyeong Jang
- Department of Nano-Bioengineering, Incheon National University, Incheon, South Korea
| | - Hyerin Jeong
- Department of Nano-Bioengineering, Incheon National University, Incheon, South Korea
| | - Kyu-Sung Kim
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Inha University, College of Medicine, Incheon, South Korea. .,Inha Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Incheon, South Korea.
| | - Sunggu Yang
- Department of Nano-Bioengineering, Incheon National University, Incheon, South Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Electrophysiological experiments in microgravity: lessons learned and future challenges. NPJ Microgravity 2018; 4:7. [PMID: 29619409 PMCID: PMC5876337 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-018-0042-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2017] [Revised: 03/07/2018] [Accepted: 03/07/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Advances in electrophysiological experiments have led to the discovery of mechanosensitive ion channels (MSCs) and the identification of the physiological function of specific MSCs. They are believed to play important roles in mechanosensitive pathways by allowing for cells to sense their mechanical environment. However, the physiological function of many MSCs has not been conclusively identified. Therefore, experiments have been developed that expose cells to various mechanical loads, such as shear flow, membrane indentation, osmotic challenges and hydrostatic pressure. In line with these experiments, mechanical unloading, as experienced in microgravity, represents an interesting alternative condition, since exposure to microgravity leads to a series of physiological adaption processes. As outlined in this review, electrophysiological experiments performed in microgravity have shown an influence of gravity on biological functions depending on ion channels at all hierarchical levels, from the cellular level to organs. In this context, calcium signaling represents an interesting cellular pathway, as it involves the direct action of calcium-permeable ion channels, and specific gravitatic cells have linked graviperception to this pathway. Multiple key proteins in the graviperception pathways have been identified. However, measurements on vertebrae cells have revealed controversial results. In conclusion, electrophysiological experiments in microgravity have shown that ion-channel-dependent physiological processes are altered in mechanically unloaded conditions. Future experiments may provide a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms.
Collapse
|
5
|
Kohn FPM, Ritzmann R. Gravity and neuronal adaptation, in vitro and in vivo-from neuronal cells up to neuromuscular responses: a first model. EUROPEAN BIOPHYSICS JOURNAL: EBJ 2017; 47:97-107. [PMID: 28656475 PMCID: PMC5834568 DOI: 10.1007/s00249-017-1233-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2017] [Revised: 05/26/2017] [Accepted: 06/08/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
For decades it has been shown that acute changes in gravity have an effect on neuronal systems of human and animals on different levels, from the molecular level to the whole nervous system. The functional properties and gravity-dependent adaptations of these system levels have been investigated with no or barely any interconnection. This review summarizes the gravity-dependent adaptation processes in human and animal organisms from the in vitro cellular level with its biophysical properties to the in vivo motor responses and underlying sensorimotor functions of human subjects. Subsequently, a first model for short-term adaptation of neuronal transmission is presented and discussed for the first time, which integrates the responses of the different levels of organization to changes in gravity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Florian P M Kohn
- Department of Membrane Physiology (230b), Institute of Physiology (230), University of Hohenheim, Garbenstr. 30, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany.
| | - Ramona Ritzmann
- Institute of Sport and Sport Science, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Hümmer D, Kurth F, Naredi-Rainer N, Dittrich PS. Single cells in confined volumes: microchambers and microdroplets. LAB ON A CHIP 2016; 16:447-58. [PMID: 26758781 DOI: 10.1039/c5lc01314c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidic devices capable of manipulating and guiding small fluid volumes open new methodical approaches in the fields of biology, pharmacy, and medicine. They have already proven their extraordinary value for cell analysis. The emergence of microfluidic platforms has paved the way to novel analytical strategies for the positioning, treatment and observation of living cells, for the creation of chemically defined liquid environments, and for tailoring biomechanical or physical conditions in small volumes. In this article, we particularly focus on two complementary approaches: (i) the isolation of cells in small chambers defined by microchannels and integrated valves and (ii) the encapsulation of cells in microdroplets. We review the advantages and limitations of both approaches and discuss their potential for single-cell analysis and related fields. Our intention is also to give a recommendation on which platform is most appropriate for a new question, i.e., a guideline to choose the most suitable platform.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D Hümmer
- ETH Zurich - Department of Biosystems Science Engineering, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 3, CH-8093 Zürich, Switzerland.
| | - F Kurth
- ETH Zurich - Department of Biosystems Science Engineering, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 3, CH-8093 Zürich, Switzerland.
| | - N Naredi-Rainer
- ETH Zurich - Department of Biosystems Science Engineering, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 3, CH-8093 Zürich, Switzerland.
| | - P S Dittrich
- ETH Zurich - Department of Biosystems Science Engineering, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 3, CH-8093 Zürich, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Kurth F, Franco-Obregón A, Bärtschi CA, Dittrich PS. An adaptable stage perfusion incubator for the controlled cultivation of C2C12 myoblasts. Analyst 2015; 140:127-33. [PMID: 25368875 DOI: 10.1039/c4an01758g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Here we present a stage perfusion incubation system that allows for the cultivation of mammalian cells within PDMS microfluidic devices for long-term microscopic examination and analysis. The custom-built stage perfusion incubator is adaptable to any x-y microscope stage and is enabled for temperature, gas and humidity control as well as equipped with chip and tubing holder. The applied double-layered microfluidic chip allows the predetermined positioning and concentration of cells while the gas permeable PDMS material facilitates pH control via CO2 levels throughout the chip. We demonstrate the functionality of this system by culturing C2C12 murine myoblasts in buffer free medium within its confines for up to 26 hours. We moreover demonstrated the system's compatibility with various chip configurations, other cells lines (HEK-293 cells) and for longer-term culturing. The cost-efficient system are applicable for any type of PDMS-based cell culture system. Detailed technical drawings and specification to reproduce this perfusion incubation system is provided in the ESI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Felix Kurth
- ETH Zurich, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 3, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Angione SL, Oulhen N, Brayboy LM, Tripathi A, Wessel GM. Simple perfusion apparatus for manipulation, tracking, and study of oocytes and embryos. Fertil Steril 2014; 103:281-90.e5. [PMID: 25450296 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2014.09.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2014] [Revised: 09/25/2014] [Accepted: 09/26/2014] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To develop and implement a device and protocol for oocyte analysis at a single cell level. The device must be capable of high resolution imaging, temperature control, perfusion of media, drugs, sperm, and immunolabeling reagents all at defined flow rates. Each oocyte and resultant embryo must remain spatially separated and defined. DESIGN Experimental laboratory study. SETTING University and academic center for reproductive medicine. PATIENT(S)/ANIMAL(S) Women with eggs retrieved for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles, adult female FVBN and B6C3F1 mouse strains, sea stars. INTERVENTION(S) Real-time, longitudinal imaging of oocytes after fluorescent labeling, insemination, and viability tests. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Cell and embryo viability, immunolabeling efficiency, live cell endocytosis quantification, precise metrics of fertilization, and embryonic development. RESULT(S) Single oocytes were longitudinally imaged after significant changes in media, markers, endocytosis quantification, and development, all with supreme control by microfluidics. Cells remained viable, enclosed, and separate for precision measurements, repeatability, and imaging. CONCLUSION(S) We engineered a simple device to load, visualize, experiment, and effectively record individual oocytes and embryos without loss of cells. Prolonged incubation capabilities provide longitudinal studies without need for transfer and potential loss of cells. This simple perfusion apparatus provides for careful, precise, and flexible handling of precious samples facilitating clinical IVF approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie L Angione
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Nathalie Oulhen
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Lynae M Brayboy
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women & Infants Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island; The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Anubhav Tripathi
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Gary M Wessel
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Zhu F, Skommer J, Huang Y, Akagi J, Adams D, Levin M, Hall CJ, Crosier PS, Wlodkowic D. Fishing on chips: up-and-coming technological advances in analysis of zebrafish and Xenopus embryos. Cytometry A 2014; 85:921-32. [PMID: 25287981 PMCID: PMC10472801 DOI: 10.1002/cyto.a.22571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2014] [Revised: 07/31/2014] [Accepted: 08/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Biotests performed on small vertebrate model organisms provide significant investigative advantages as compared with bioassays that employ cell lines, isolated primary cells, or tissue samples. The main advantage offered by whole-organism approaches is that the effects under study occur in the context of intact physiological milieu, with all its intercellular and multisystem interactions. The gap between the high-throughput cell-based in vitro assays and low-throughput, disproportionally expensive and ethically controversial mammal in vivo tests can be closed by small model organisms such as zebrafish or Xenopus. The optical transparency of their tissues, the ease of genetic manipulation and straightforward husbandry, explain the growing popularity of these model organisms. Nevertheless, despite the potential for miniaturization, automation and subsequent increase in throughput of experimental setups, the manipulation, dispensing and analysis of living fish and frog embryos remain labor-intensive. Recently, a new generation of miniaturized chip-based devices have been developed for zebrafish and Xenopus embryo on-chip culture and experimentation. In this work, we review the critical developments in the field of Lab-on-a-Chip devices designed to alleviate the limits of traditional platforms for studies on zebrafish and clawed frog embryo and larvae. © 2014 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Feng Zhu
- School of Applied Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Joanna Skommer
- School of Applied Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Yushi Huang
- School of Applied Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jin Akagi
- School of Applied Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Dany Adams
- Department of Biology and Tufts Center for Regenerative and Developmental Biology, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts
| | - Michael Levin
- Department of Biology and Tufts Center for Regenerative and Developmental Biology, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts
| | - Chris J. Hall
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, University of Auckland, 1142, New Zealand
| | - Philip S. Crosier
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, University of Auckland, 1142, New Zealand
| | - Donald Wlodkowic
- School of Applied Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
A hydrophilic polymer based microfluidic system with planar patch clamp electrode array for electrophysiological measurement from cells. Biosens Bioelectron 2014; 53:187-92. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2013.09.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2013] [Revised: 09/12/2013] [Accepted: 09/24/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
|
11
|
Kovarik ML, Ornoff DM, Melvin AT, Dobes NC, Wang Y, Dickinson AJ, Gach PC, Shah PK, Allbritton NL. Micro total analysis systems: fundamental advances and applications in the laboratory, clinic, and field. Anal Chem 2013; 85:451-72. [PMID: 23140554 PMCID: PMC3546124 DOI: 10.1021/ac3031543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 170] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Michelle L. Kovarik
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Douglas M. Ornoff
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Adam T. Melvin
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Nicholas C. Dobes
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Yuli Wang
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Alexandra J. Dickinson
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Philip C. Gach
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Pavak K. Shah
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 and North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695
| | - Nancy L. Allbritton
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 and North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
A new mechanobiological era: microfluidic pathways to apply and sense forces at the cellular level. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2012; 16:400-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2012.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2012] [Accepted: 03/23/2012] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
|
13
|
Schaffhauser DF, Patti M, Goda T, Miyahara Y, Forster IC, Dittrich PS. An integrated field-effect microdevice for monitoring membrane transport in Xenopus laevis oocytes via lateral proton diffusion. PLoS One 2012; 7:e39238. [PMID: 22792166 PMCID: PMC3390327 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0039238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2012] [Accepted: 05/17/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
An integrated microdevice for measuring proton-dependent membrane activity at the surface of Xenopus laevis oocytes is presented. By establishing a stable contact between the oocyte vitelline membrane and an ion-sensitive field-effect (ISFET) sensor inside a microperfusion channel, changes in surface pH that are hypothesized to result from facilitated proton lateral diffusion along the membrane were detected. The solute diffusion barrier created between the sensor and the active membrane area allowed detection of surface proton concentration free from interference of solutes in bulk solution. The proposed sensor mechanism was verified by heterologously expressing membrane transport proteins and recording changes in surface pH during application of the specific substrates. Experiments conducted on two families of phosphate-sodium cotransporters (SLC20 & SLC34) demonstrated that it is possible to detect phosphate transport for both electrogenic and electroneutral isoforms and distinguish between transport of different phosphate species. Furthermore, the transport activity of the proton/amino acid cotransporter PAT1 assayed using conventional whole cell electrophysiology correlated well with changes in surface pH, confirming the ability of the system to detect activity proportional to expression level.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Monica Patti
- Institute for Physiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Tatsuro Goda
- Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuji Miyahara
- Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
- * E-mail: (PSD); (ICF); (YM)
| | - Ian Cameron Forster
- Institute for Physiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- * E-mail: (PSD); (ICF); (YM)
| | - Petra Stephanie Dittrich
- Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
- * E-mail: (PSD); (ICF); (YM)
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Hanke C, Waide S, Kettler R, Dittrich PS. Monitoring induced gene expression of single cells in a multilayer microchip. Anal Bioanal Chem 2011; 402:2577-85. [DOI: 10.1007/s00216-011-5595-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2011] [Revised: 11/02/2011] [Accepted: 11/20/2011] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
|