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Black BJ, Ghazal RE, Lojek N, Williams V, Rajput JS, Lawson JM. Phenotypic Screening of Prospective Analgesics Among FDA-Approved Compounds using an iPSC-Based Model of Acute and Chronic Inflammatory Nociception. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2303724. [PMID: 38189546 PMCID: PMC10953557 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202303724] [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: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Classical target-based drug screening is low-throughput, largely subjective, and costly. Phenotypic screening based on in vitro models is increasingly being used to identify candidate compounds that modulate complex cell/tissue functions. Chronic inflammatory nociception, and subsequent chronic pain conditions, affect peripheral sensory neuron activity (e.g., firing of action potentials) through myriad pathways, and remain unaddressed in regard to effective, non-addictive management/treatment options. Here, a chronic inflammatory nociception model is demonstrated based on induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) sensory neurons and glia, co-cultured on microelectrode arrays (MEAs). iPSC sensory co-cultures exhibit coordinated spontaneous extracellular action potential (EAP) firing, reaching a stable baseline after ≈27 days in vitro (DIV). Spontaneous and evoked EAP metrics are significantly modulated by 24-h incubation with tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), representing an inflammatory phenotype. Compared with positive controls (lidocaine), this model is identified as an "excellent" stand-alone assay based on a modified Z' assay quality metric. This model is then used to screen 15 cherry-picked, off-label, Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved compounds; 10 of 15 are identified as "hits". Both hits and "misses" are discussed in turn. In total, this data suggests that iPSC sensory co-cultures on MEAs may represent a moderate-to-high-throughput assay for drug discovery targeting inflammatory nociception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan James Black
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringFrancis College of EngineeringUniversity of Massachusetts LowellLowellMA01854USA
| | - Rasha El Ghazal
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringFrancis College of EngineeringUniversity of Massachusetts LowellLowellMA01854USA
| | - Neal Lojek
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringFrancis College of EngineeringUniversity of Massachusetts LowellLowellMA01854USA
| | - Victoria Williams
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringFrancis College of EngineeringUniversity of Massachusetts LowellLowellMA01854USA
| | - Jai Singh Rajput
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringFrancis College of EngineeringUniversity of Massachusetts LowellLowellMA01854USA
| | - Jennifer M. Lawson
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringFrancis College of EngineeringUniversity of Massachusetts LowellLowellMA01854USA
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2
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van der Moolen M, Lovera A, Ersoy F, Mommo S, Loskill P, Cesare P. Cancer-mediated axonal guidance of sensory neurons in a microelectrode-based innervation MPS. Biofabrication 2024; 16:025013. [PMID: 38262053 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/ad218a] [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: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
Despite recent advances in the field of microphysiological systems (MPSs), availability of models capable of mimicking the interactions between the nervous system and innervated tissues is still limited. This represents a significant challenge in identifying the underlying processes of various pathological conditions, including neuropathic, cardiovascular and metabolic disorders. In this novel study, we introduce a compartmentalized three-dimensional (3D) coculture system that enables physiologically relevant tissue innervation while recording neuronal excitability. By integrating custom microelectrode arrays into tailored glass chips microfabricated via selective laser-etching, we developed an entirely novel class of innervation MPSs (INV-MPS). This INV-MPS allows for manipulation, visualization, and electrophysiological analysis of individual axons innervating complex 3D tissues. Here, we focused on sensory innervation of 3D tumor tissue as a model case study since cancer-induced pain represents a major unmet medical need. The system was compared with existing nociception models and successfully replicated axonal chemoattraction mediated by nerve growth factor (NGF). Remarkably, in the absence of NGF, 3D cancer spheroids cocultured in the adjacent compartment induced sensory neurons to consistently cross the separating barrier and establish fine innervation. Moreover, we observed that crossing sensory fibers could be chemically excited by distal application of known pain-inducing agonists only when cocultured with cancer cells. To our knowledge, this is the first system showcasing morphological and electrophysiological analysis of 3D-innervated tumor tissuein vitro, paving the way for a plethora of studies into innervation-related diseases and improving our understanding of underlying pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthijs van der Moolen
- NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute at the University of Tübingen, Markwiesenstr. 55, 72770 Reutlingen, Germany
- Department for Microphysiological Systems, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Österbergstr. 3, 72074 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Andrea Lovera
- FEMTOprint SA, Via Industria 3, 6933 Muzzano, Switzerland
| | - Fulya Ersoy
- NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute at the University of Tübingen, Markwiesenstr. 55, 72770 Reutlingen, Germany
- Department for Microphysiological Systems, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Österbergstr. 3, 72074 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Sacha Mommo
- FEMTOprint SA, Via Industria 3, 6933 Muzzano, Switzerland
| | - Peter Loskill
- NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute at the University of Tübingen, Markwiesenstr. 55, 72770 Reutlingen, Germany
- Department for Microphysiological Systems, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Österbergstr. 3, 72074 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Paolo Cesare
- NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute at the University of Tübingen, Markwiesenstr. 55, 72770 Reutlingen, Germany
- Department for Microphysiological Systems, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Österbergstr. 3, 72074 Tübingen, Germany
- Current address: Eurac Research, Institute for Biomedicine, via Volta 13A, 39100 Bolzano, Italy
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Han X, Matsuda N, Ishibashi Y, Shibata M, Suzuki I. An In Vitro Assessment Method for Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neurotoxicity Caused by Anti-Cancer Drugs Based on Electrical Measurement of Impedance Value and Spontaneous Activity. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2788. [PMID: 38140128 PMCID: PMC10748260 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15122788] [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: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neurotoxicity (CIPN) is a major adverse event of anti-cancer drugs, which still lack standardized measurement and treatment methods. In the present study, we attempted to evaluate neuronal dysfunctions in cultured rodent primary peripheral neurons using a microelectrode array system. After exposure to typical anti-cancer drugs (i.e., paclitaxel, vincristine, oxaliplatin, and bortezomib), we successfully detected neurotoxicity in dorsal root ganglia neurons by measuring electrical activities, including impedance value and spontaneous activity. The impedance value decreased significantly for all compounds, even at low concentrations, which indicated cell loss and/or neurite degeneration. The spontaneous activity was also suppressed after exposure, which suggested neurotoxicity again. However, an acute response was observed for paclitaxel and bortezomib before toxicity, which showed different mechanisms based on compounds. Therefore, MEA measurement of impedance value could provide a simple assessment method for CIPN, combined with neuronal morphological changes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Ikuro Suzuki
- Department of Electronics, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku Institute of Technology, 35-1 Yagiyama Kasumicho, Taihaku-ku, Sendai 9828577, Japan; (X.H.); (N.M.); (Y.I.); (M.S.)
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4
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Deng T, Jovanovic VM, Tristan CA, Weber C, Chu PH, Inman J, Ryu S, Jethmalani Y, Ferreira de Sousa J, Ormanoglu P, Twumasi P, Sen C, Shim J, Jayakar S, Bear Zhang HX, Jo S, Yu W, Voss TC, Simeonov A, Bean BP, Woolf CJ, Singeç I. Scalable generation of sensory neurons from human pluripotent stem cells. Stem Cell Reports 2023; 18:1030-1047. [PMID: 37044067 PMCID: PMC10147831 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2023.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Development of new non-addictive analgesics requires advanced strategies to differentiate human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) into relevant cell types. Following principles of developmental biology and translational applicability, here we developed an efficient stepwise differentiation method for peptidergic and non-peptidergic nociceptors. By modulating specific cell signaling pathways, hPSCs were first converted into SOX10+ neural crest, followed by differentiation into sensory neurons. Detailed characterization, including ultrastructural analysis, confirmed that the hPSC-derived nociceptors displayed cellular and molecular features comparable to native dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons, and expressed high-threshold primary sensory neuron markers, transcription factors, neuropeptides, and over 150 ion channels and receptors relevant for pain research and axonal growth/regeneration studies (e.g., TRPV1, NAV1.7, NAV1.8, TAC1, CALCA, GAP43, DPYSL2, NMNAT2). Moreover, after confirming robust functional activities and differential response to noxious stimuli and specific drugs, a robotic cell culture system was employed to produce large quantities of human sensory neurons, which can be used to develop nociceptor-selective analgesics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Deng
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), Division of Preclinical Innovation, Stem Cell Translation Laboratory (SCTL), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Vukasin M Jovanovic
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), Division of Preclinical Innovation, Stem Cell Translation Laboratory (SCTL), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Carlos A Tristan
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), Division of Preclinical Innovation, Stem Cell Translation Laboratory (SCTL), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Claire Weber
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), Division of Preclinical Innovation, Stem Cell Translation Laboratory (SCTL), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Pei-Hsuan Chu
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), Division of Preclinical Innovation, Stem Cell Translation Laboratory (SCTL), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Jason Inman
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), Division of Preclinical Innovation, Stem Cell Translation Laboratory (SCTL), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Seungmi Ryu
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), Division of Preclinical Innovation, Stem Cell Translation Laboratory (SCTL), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Yogita Jethmalani
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), Division of Preclinical Innovation, Stem Cell Translation Laboratory (SCTL), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Juliana Ferreira de Sousa
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), Division of Preclinical Innovation, Stem Cell Translation Laboratory (SCTL), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Pinar Ormanoglu
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), Division of Preclinical Innovation, Stem Cell Translation Laboratory (SCTL), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Prisca Twumasi
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), Division of Preclinical Innovation, Stem Cell Translation Laboratory (SCTL), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Chaitali Sen
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), Division of Preclinical Innovation, Stem Cell Translation Laboratory (SCTL), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Jaehoon Shim
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Selwyn Jayakar
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | | | - Sooyeon Jo
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Weifeng Yu
- Sophion Bioscience, North Brunswick, NJ 08902, USA
| | - Ty C Voss
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), Division of Preclinical Innovation, Stem Cell Translation Laboratory (SCTL), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Anton Simeonov
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), Division of Preclinical Innovation, Stem Cell Translation Laboratory (SCTL), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Bruce P Bean
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Clifford J Woolf
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Ilyas Singeç
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), Division of Preclinical Innovation, Stem Cell Translation Laboratory (SCTL), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Rockville, MD 20850, USA.
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Xu S, Liu Y, Yang Y, Zhang K, Liang W, Xu Z, Wu Y, Luo J, Zhuang C, Cai X. Recent Progress and Perspectives on Neural Chip Platforms Integrating PDMS-Based Microfluidic Devices and Microelectrode Arrays. MICROMACHINES 2023; 14:709. [PMID: 37420942 DOI: 10.3390/mi14040709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
Recent years have witnessed a spurt of progress in the application of the encoding and decoding of neural activities to drug screening, diseases diagnosis, and brain-computer interactions. To overcome the constraints of the complexity of the brain and the ethical considerations of in vivo research, neural chip platforms integrating microfluidic devices and microelectrode arrays have been raised, which can not only customize growth paths for neurons in vitro but also monitor and modulate the specialized neural networks grown on chips. Therefore, this article reviews the developmental history of chip platforms integrating microfluidic devices and microelectrode arrays. First, we review the design and application of advanced microelectrode arrays and microfluidic devices. After, we introduce the fabrication process of neural chip platforms. Finally, we highlight the recent progress on this type of chip platform as a research tool in the field of brain science and neuroscience, focusing on neuropharmacology, neurological diseases, and simplified brain models. This is a detailed and comprehensive review of neural chip platforms. This work aims to fulfill the following three goals: (1) summarize the latest design patterns and fabrication schemes of such platforms, providing a reference for the development of other new platforms; (2) generalize several important applications of chip platforms in the field of neurology, which will attract the attention of scientists in the field; and (3) propose the developmental direction of neural chip platforms integrating microfluidic devices and microelectrode arrays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shihong Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- School of Electronic, Electrical and Communication Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yaoyao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- School of Electronic, Electrical and Communication Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- School of Electronic, Electrical and Communication Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Kui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- School of Electronic, Electrical and Communication Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Wei Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- School of Electronic, Electrical and Communication Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Zhaojie Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- School of Electronic, Electrical and Communication Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yirong Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- School of Electronic, Electrical and Communication Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jinping Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- School of Electronic, Electrical and Communication Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Chengyu Zhuang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Rujing Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Xinxia Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- School of Electronic, Electrical and Communication Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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6
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Lawson J, LaVancher E, DeAlmeida M, Black BJ. Electrically-evoked oscillating calcium transients in mono- and co-cultures of iPSC glia and sensory neurons. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1094070. [PMID: 37006467 PMCID: PMC10060658 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1094070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Activated glia are known to exhibit either neuroprotective or neurodegenerative effects, depending on their phenotype, while participating in chronic pain regulation. Until recently, it has been believed that satellite glial cells and astrocytes are electrically slight and process stimuli only through intracellular calcium flux that triggers downstream signaling mechanisms. Though glia do not exhibit action potentials, they do express both voltage- and ligand-gated ion channels that facilitate measurable calcium transients, a measure of their own phenotypic excitability, and support and modulate sensory neuron excitability through ion buffering and secretion of excitatory or inhibitory neuropeptides (i.e., paracrine signaling). We recently developed a model of acute and chronic nociception using co-cultures of iPSC sensory neurons (SN) and spinal astrocytes on microelectrode arrays (MEAs). Until recently, only neuronal extracellular activity has been recorded using MEAs with a high signal-to-noise ratio and in a non-invasive manner. Unfortunately, this method has limited compatibility with simultaneous calcium transient imaging techniques, which is the most common method for monitoring the phenotypic activity of astrocytes. Moreover, both dye-based and genetically encoded calcium indicator imaging rely on calcium chelation, affecting the culture’s long-term physiology. Therefore, it would be ideal to allow continuous and simultaneous direct phenotypic monitoring of both SNs and astrocytes in a high-to-moderate throughput non-invasive manner and would significantly advance the field of electrophysiology. Here, we characterize astrocytic oscillating calcium transients (OCa2+Ts) in mono- and co-cultures of iPSC astrocytes as well as iPSC SN-astrocyte co-cultures on 48 well plate MEAs. We demonstrate that astrocytes exhibit OCa2+Ts in an electrical stimulus amplitude- and duration-dependent manner. We show that OCa2+Ts can be pharmacologically inhibited with the gap junction antagonist, carbenoxolone (100 μM). Most importantly, we demonstrate that both neurons and glia can be phenotypically characterized in real time, repeatedly, over the duration of the culture. In total, our findings suggest that calcium transients in glial populations may serve as a stand-alone or supplemental screening technique for identifying potential analgesics or compounds targeting other glia-mediated pathologies.
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7
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Amirifar L, Shamloo A, Nasiri R, de Barros NR, Wang ZZ, Unluturk BD, Libanori A, Ievglevskyi O, Diltemiz SE, Sances S, Balasingham I, Seidlits SK, Ashammakhi N. Brain-on-a-chip: Recent advances in design and techniques for microfluidic models of the brain in health and disease. Biomaterials 2022; 285:121531. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2022.121531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Eaton M, Que Z, Zhang J, Beck K, Shi R, McDermott J, Ladisch M, Yang Y. Multi-Electrode Array of Sensory Neurons as an In Vitro Platform to Identify the Nociceptive Response to Pharmaceutical Buffer Systems of Injectable Biologics. Pharm Res 2021; 38:1179-1186. [PMID: 34244893 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-021-03075-z] [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: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Pharmaceutical buffer systems, especially for injectable biologics such as monoclonal antibodies, are an important component of successful FDA-approved medications. Clinical studies indicate that buffer components may be contributing factors for increased injection site pain. METHODS To determine the potential nociceptive effects of clinically relevant buffer systems, we developed an in vitro multi-electrode array (MEA) based recording system of rodent dorsal root ganglia (DRG) sensory neuron cell culture. This system monitors sensory neuron activity/firing as a surrogate of nociception when challenged with buffer components used in formulating monoclonal antibodies and other injectable biologics. RESULTS We show that citrate salt and citrate mannitol buffer systems cause an increase in mean firing rate, burst frequency, and burst duration in DRG sensory neurons, unlike histidine or saline buffer systems at the same pH value. Lowering the concentration of citrate leads to a lower firing intensity of DRG sensory neurons. CONCLUSION Increased activity/firing of DRG sensory neurons has been suggested as a key feature underlying nociception. Our results support the utility of an in vitro MEA assay with cultured DRG sensory neurons to probe the nociceptive potential of clinically relevant buffer components used in injectable biologics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muriel Eaton
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, Hall for Discovery and Learning Research (DLR), 207 S Martin Jischke Dr., West Lafayette, Indiana, USA.,Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Zhefu Que
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, Hall for Discovery and Learning Research (DLR), 207 S Martin Jischke Dr., West Lafayette, Indiana, USA.,Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Jingliang Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, Hall for Discovery and Learning Research (DLR), 207 S Martin Jischke Dr., West Lafayette, Indiana, USA.,Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Kaethe Beck
- Office of the Executive Vice President for Research and Partnerships, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Riyi Shi
- Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA.,Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Jeff McDermott
- Eli Lilly and Company, Delivery Devices and Connected Solutions, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Michael Ladisch
- Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, College of Engineering; Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering; and Laboratory of Renewable Resources Engineering (LORRE), Purdue University, 225 S. University Street, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA.
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, Hall for Discovery and Learning Research (DLR), 207 S Martin Jischke Dr., West Lafayette, Indiana, USA. .,Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA.
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9
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Bayat FK, Polat Budak B, Yiğit EN, Öztürk G, Gülçür HÖ, Güveniş A. Adult mouse dorsal root ganglia neurons form aberrant glutamatergic connections in dissociated cultures. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0246924. [PMID: 33657119 PMCID: PMC7928449 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0246924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cultured sensory neurons can exhibit complex activity patterns following stimulation in terms of increased excitability and interconnected responses of multiple neurons. Although these complex activity patterns suggest a network-like configuration, research so far had little interest in synaptic network formation ability of the sensory neurons. To identify interaction profiles of Dorsal Root Ganglia (DRG) neurons and explore their putative connectivity, we developed an in vitro experimental approach. A double transgenic mouse model, expressing genetically encoded calcium indicator (GECI) in their glutamatergic neurons, was produced. Dissociated DRG cultures from adult mice were prepared with a serum-free protocol and no additional growth factors or cytokines were utilized for neuronal sensitization. DRG neurons were grown on microelectrode arrays (MEA) to induce stimulus-evoked activity with a modality-free stimulation strategy. With an almost single-cell level electrical stimulation, spontaneous and evoked activity of GCaMP6s expressing neurons were detected under confocal microscope. Typical responses were analyzed, and correlated calcium events were detected across individual DRG neurons. Next, correlated responses were successfully blocked by glutamatergic receptor antagonists, which indicated functional synaptic coupling. Immunostaining confirmed the presence of synapses mainly in the axonal terminals, axon-soma junctions and axon-axon intersection sites. Concisely, the results presented here illustrate a new type of neuron-to-neuron interaction in cultured DRG neurons conducted through synapses. The developed assay can be a valuable tool to analyze individual and collective responses of the cultured sensory neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- F. Kemal Bayat
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Bogazici University, İstanbul, Turkey
- Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Marmara University, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Betul Polat Budak
- Regenerative and Restorative Medicine Research Center (REMER), Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technologies (SABITA), Istanbul Medipol University, İstanbul, Turkey
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Biruni University, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Esra Nur Yiğit
- Regenerative and Restorative Medicine Research Center (REMER), Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technologies (SABITA), Istanbul Medipol University, İstanbul, Turkey
- Institute of Biotechnology, Gebze Technical University, İzmit, Turkey
| | - Gürkan Öztürk
- Regenerative and Restorative Medicine Research Center (REMER), Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technologies (SABITA), Istanbul Medipol University, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Halil Özcan Gülçür
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Bogazici University, İstanbul, Turkey
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Biruni University, İstanbul, Turkey
- * E-mail:
| | - Albert Güveniş
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Bogazici University, İstanbul, Turkey
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10
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Glieberman AL, Pope BD, Melton DA, Parker KK. Building Biomimetic Potency Tests for Islet Transplantation. Diabetes 2021; 70:347-363. [PMID: 33472944 PMCID: PMC7881865 DOI: 10.2337/db20-0297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Diabetes is a disease of insulin insufficiency, requiring many to rely on exogenous insulin with constant monitoring to avoid a fatal outcome. Islet transplantation is a recent therapy that can provide insulin independence, but the procedure is still limited by both the availability of human islets and reliable tests to assess their function. While stem cell technologies are poised to fill the shortage of transplantable cells, better methods are still needed for predicting transplantation outcome. To ensure islet quality, we propose that the next generation of islet potency tests should be biomimetic systems that match glucose stimulation dynamics and cell microenvironmental preferences and rapidly assess conditional and continuous insulin secretion with minimal manual handing. Here, we review the current approaches for islet potency testing and outline technologies and methods that can be used to arrive at a more predictive potency test that tracks islet secretory capacity in a relevant context. With the development of potency tests that can report on islet secretion dynamics in a context relevant to their intended function, islet transplantation can expand into a more widely accessible and reliable treatment option for individuals with diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron L Glieberman
- Disease Biophysics Group, Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
| | - Benjamin D Pope
- Disease Biophysics Group, Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
| | - Douglas A Melton
- Harvard Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Cambridge, MA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA
| | - Kevin Kit Parker
- Disease Biophysics Group, Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA
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11
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Soscia DA, Lam D, Tooker AC, Enright HA, Triplett M, Karande P, Peters SKG, Sales AP, Wheeler EK, Fischer NO. A flexible 3-dimensional microelectrode array for in vitro brain models. LAB ON A CHIP 2020; 20:901-911. [PMID: 31976505 DOI: 10.1039/c9lc01148j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) in vitro models have become increasingly popular as systems to study cell-cell and cell-ECM interactions dependent on the spatial, mechanical, and chemical cues within the environment of the tissue, which is limited in traditional two-dimensional (2D) models. Although electrophysiological recordings of neuronal action potentials through 2D microelectrode arrays (MEAs) are a common and trusted method of evaluating neuronal function, network communication, and response to chemicals and biologicals, there are currently limited options for measuring electrophysiological activity from many locations simultaneously throughout a 3D network of neurons in vitro. Here, we have developed a thin-film, 3D flexible microelectrode array (3DMEA) that non-invasively interrogates a 3D culture of neurons and can accommodate 256 channels of recording or stimulation. Importantly, the 3DMEA is straightforward to fabricate and integrates with standard commercially available electrophysiology hardware. Polyimide probe arrays were microfabricated on glass substrates and mechanically actuated to collectively lift the arrays into a vertical position, relying solely on plastic deformation of their base hinge regions to maintain vertical alignment. Human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived neurons and astrocytes were entrapped in a collagen-based hydrogel and seeded onto the 3DMEA, enabling growth of suspended cells in the matrix and the formation and maturation of a neural network around the 3DMEA probes. The 3DMEA supported the growth of functional neurons in 3D with action potential spike and burst activity recorded over 45 days in vitro. This platform is an important step in facilitating noninvasive electrophysiological characterization of 3D networks of electroactive cells in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Soscia
- Engineering Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, 7000 East Ave, Livermore, CA 94550, USA
| | - Doris Lam
- Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, 7000 East Ave, Livermore, CA 94550, USA.
| | - Angela C Tooker
- Engineering Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, 7000 East Ave, Livermore, CA 94550, USA
| | - Heather A Enright
- Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, 7000 East Ave, Livermore, CA 94550, USA.
| | - Michael Triplett
- Engineering Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, 7000 East Ave, Livermore, CA 94550, USA
| | - Piyush Karande
- Engineering Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, 7000 East Ave, Livermore, CA 94550, USA
| | - Sandra K G Peters
- Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, 7000 East Ave, Livermore, CA 94550, USA.
| | - Ana Paula Sales
- Engineering Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, 7000 East Ave, Livermore, CA 94550, USA
| | - Elizabeth K Wheeler
- Engineering Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, 7000 East Ave, Livermore, CA 94550, USA
| | - Nicholas O Fischer
- Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, 7000 East Ave, Livermore, CA 94550, USA.
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12
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Haberberger RV, Barry C, Dominguez N, Matusica D. Human Dorsal Root Ganglia. Front Cell Neurosci 2019; 13:271. [PMID: 31293388 PMCID: PMC6598622 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2019.00271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Sensory neurons with cell bodies situated in dorsal root ganglia convey information from external or internal sites of the body such as actual or potential harm, temperature or muscle length to the central nervous system. In recent years, large investigative efforts have worked toward an understanding of different types of DRG neurons at transcriptional, translational, and functional levels. These studies most commonly rely on data obtained from laboratory animals. Human DRG, however, have received far less investigative focus over the last 30 years. Nevertheless, knowledge about human sensory neurons is critical for a translational research approach and future therapeutic development. This review aims to summarize both historical and emerging information about the size and location of human DRG, and highlight advances in the understanding of the neurochemical characteristics of human DRG neurons, in particular nociceptive neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rainer Viktor Haberberger
- Pain and Pulmonary Neurobiology Laboratory, Centre for Neuroscience, Anatomy and Histology, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,Órama Institute, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Christine Barry
- Pain and Pulmonary Neurobiology Laboratory, Centre for Neuroscience, Anatomy and Histology, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Nicholas Dominguez
- Pain and Pulmonary Neurobiology Laboratory, Centre for Neuroscience, Anatomy and Histology, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Dusan Matusica
- Pain and Pulmonary Neurobiology Laboratory, Centre for Neuroscience, Anatomy and Histology, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,Órama Institute, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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13
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Black BJ, Atmaramani R, Plagens S, Campbell ZT, Dussor G, Price TJ, Pancrazio JJ. Emerging neurotechnology for antinoceptive mechanisms and therapeutics discovery. Biosens Bioelectron 2018; 126:679-689. [PMID: 30544081 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2018.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2018] [Revised: 11/01/2018] [Accepted: 11/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The tolerance, abuse, and potential exacerbation associated with classical chronic pain medications such as opioids creates a need for alternative therapeutics. Phenotypic screening provides a complementary approach to traditional target-based drug discovery. Profiling cellular phenotypes enables quantification of physiologically relevant traits central to a disease pathology without prior identification of a specific drug target. For complex disorders such as chronic pain, which likely involves many molecular targets, this approach may identify novel treatments. Sensory neurons, termed nociceptors, are derived from dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and can undergo changes in membrane excitability during chronic pain. In this review, we describe phenotypic screening paradigms that make use of nociceptor electrophysiology. The purpose of this paper is to review the bioelectrical behavior of DRG neurons, signaling complexity in sensory neurons, various sensory neuron models, assays for bioelectrical behavior, and emerging efforts to leverage microfabrication and microfluidics for assay development. We discuss limitations and advantages of these various approaches and offer perspectives on opportunities for future development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan J Black
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Texas at Dallas, 800 W. Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080, USA.
| | - Rahul Atmaramani
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Texas at Dallas, 800 W. Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080, USA
| | - Sarah Plagens
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Texas at Dallas, 800 W. Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080, USA
| | - Zachary T Campbell
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 W. Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080, USA
| | - Gregory Dussor
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 W. Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080, USA
| | - Theodore J Price
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 W. Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080, USA
| | - Joseph J Pancrazio
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Texas at Dallas, 800 W. Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080, USA
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14
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Pham TQ, Kawaue T, Hoshi T, Tanaka Y, Miyata T, Sano A. Role of extrinsic mechanical force in the development of the RA-I tactile mechanoreceptor. Sci Rep 2018; 8:11085. [PMID: 30038295 PMCID: PMC6056429 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-29390-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2018] [Accepted: 07/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Rapidly adapting type I (RA-I) mechanoreceptors play an important role in sensing the low-frequency vibration aspects of touch. The structure of the RA-I mechanoreceptor is extremely complex regardless of its small size, limiting our understanding of its mechanotransduction. As a result of the emergence of bioengineering, we previously proposed an in vitro bioengineering approach for RA-I receptors to overcome this limitation. Currently, the in vitro bioengineering approach for the RA-I receptor is not realizable given the lack of knowledge of its morphogenesis. This paper demonstrates our first attempt to interpret the cellular morphogenesis of the RA-I receptor. We found indications of extrinsic mechanical force nearby the RA-I receptor in the developing fingertip. Using a mechanical compression device, the axon of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons buckled in vitro into a profile that resembled the morphology of the RA-I receptor. This work encourages further implementation of this bioengineering approach in tactile receptor-related research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trung Quang Pham
- Robotics Lab, Department of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Nagoya Institute of Technology, Nagoya, 466-8555, Japan.
| | - Takumi Kawaue
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Nagoya University, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan
| | | | - Yoshihiro Tanaka
- Robotics Lab, Department of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Nagoya Institute of Technology, Nagoya, 466-8555, Japan
| | - Takaki Miyata
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Nagoya University, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Akihito Sano
- Robotics Lab, Department of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Nagoya Institute of Technology, Nagoya, 466-8555, Japan
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15
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Belle AM, Enright HA, Sales AP, Kulp K, Osburn J, Kuhn EA, Fischer NO, Wheeler EK. Evaluation of in vitro neuronal platforms as surrogates for in vivo whole brain systems. Sci Rep 2018; 8:10820. [PMID: 30018409 PMCID: PMC6050270 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-28950-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2018] [Accepted: 07/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Quantitatively benchmarking similarities and differences between the in vivo central nervous system and in vitro neuronal cultures can qualify discrepancies in functional responses and establish the utility of in vitro platforms. In this work, extracellular electrophysiology responses of cortical neurons in awake, freely-moving animals were compared to in vitro cultures of dissociated cortical neurons. After exposure to two well-characterized drugs, atropine and ketamine, a number of key points were observed: (1) significant differences in spontaneous firing activity for in vivo and in vitro systems, (2) similar response trends in single-unit spiking activity after exposure to atropine, and (3) greater sensitivity to the effects of ketamine in vitro. While in vitro cultures of dissociated cortical neurons may be appropriate for many types of pharmacological studies, we demonstrate that for some drugs, such as ketamine, this system may not fully capture the responses observed in vivo. Understanding the functionality associated with neuronal cultures will enhance the relevance of electrophysiology data sets and more accurately frame their conclusions. Comparing in vivo and in vitro rodent systems will provide the critical framework necessary for developing and interpreting in vitro systems using human cells that strive to more closely recapitulate human in vivo function and response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna M Belle
- Engineering Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California, USA
| | - Heather A Enright
- Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California, USA
| | - Ana Paula Sales
- Engineering Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California, USA
| | - Kristen Kulp
- Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California, USA
| | - Joanne Osburn
- Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California, USA
| | - Edward A Kuhn
- Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California, USA
| | - Nicholas O Fischer
- Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California, USA.
| | - Elizabeth K Wheeler
- Engineering Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California, USA.
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16
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Black BJ, Atmaramani R, Kumaraju R, Plagens S, Romero-Ortega M, Dussor G, Price TJ, Campbell ZT, Pancrazio JJ. Adult mouse sensory neurons on microelectrode arrays exhibit increased spontaneous and stimulus-evoked activity in the presence of interleukin-6. J Neurophysiol 2018; 120:1374-1385. [PMID: 29947589 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00158.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Following inflammation or injury, sensory neurons located in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) may exhibit increased spontaneous and/or stimulus-evoked activity, contributing to chronic pain. Current treatment options for peripherally mediated chronic pain are highly limited, driving the development of cell- or tissue-based phenotypic (function-based) screening assays for peripheral analgesic and mechanistic lead discovery. Extant assays are often limited by throughput, content, use of tumorigenic cell lines, or tissue sources from immature developmental stages (i.e., embryonic or postnatal). Here, we describe a protocol for culturing adult mouse DRG neurons on substrate-integrated multiwell microelectrode arrays (MEAs). This approach enables multiplexed measurements of spontaneous as well as stimulus-evoked extracellular action potentials from large populations of cells. The DRG cultures exhibit stable spontaneous activity from 9 to 21 days in vitro. Activity is readily evoked by known chemical and physical agonists of sensory neuron activity such as capsaicin, bradykinin, PGE2, heat, and electrical field stimulation. Most importantly, we demonstrate that both spontaneous and stimulus-evoked activity may be potentiated by incubation with the inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6). Acute responsiveness to IL-6 is inhibited by treatment with a MAPK-interacting kinase 1/2 inhibitor, cercosporamide. In total, these findings suggest that adult mouse DRG neurons on multiwell MEAs are applicable to ongoing efforts to discover peripheral analgesic and their mechanisms of action. NEW & NOTEWORTHY This work describes methodologies for culturing spontaneously active adult mouse dorsal root ganglia (DRG) sensory neurons on microelectrode arrays. We characterize spontaneous and stimulus-evoked adult DRG activity over durations consistent with pharmacological interventions. Furthermore, persistent hyperexcitability could be induced by incubation with inflammatory cytokine IL-6 and attenuated with cercosporamide, an inhibitor of the IL-6 sensitization pathway. This constitutes a more physiologically relevant, moderate-throughput in vitro model for peripheral analgesic screening as well as mechanistic lead discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan J Black
- Department of Bioengineering, The University of Texas at Dallas , Richardson, Texas
| | - Rahul Atmaramani
- Department of Bioengineering, The University of Texas at Dallas , Richardson, Texas
| | - Rajeshwari Kumaraju
- Department of Bioengineering, The University of Texas at Dallas , Richardson, Texas
| | - Sarah Plagens
- Department of Bioengineering, The University of Texas at Dallas , Richardson, Texas
| | - Mario Romero-Ortega
- Department of Bioengineering, The University of Texas at Dallas , Richardson, Texas
| | - Gregory Dussor
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas , Richardson, Texas
| | - Theodore J Price
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas , Richardson, Texas
| | - Zachary T Campbell
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Richardson, Texas
| | - Joseph J Pancrazio
- Department of Bioengineering, The University of Texas at Dallas , Richardson, Texas
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17
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Soscia D, Belle A, Fischer N, Enright H, Sales A, Osburn J, Benett W, Mukerjee E, Kulp K, Pannu S, Wheeler E. Controlled placement of multiple CNS cell populations to create complex neuronal cultures. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0188146. [PMID: 29161298 PMCID: PMC5697820 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0188146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2017] [Accepted: 11/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In vitro brain-on-a-chip platforms hold promise in many areas including: drug discovery, evaluating effects of toxicants and pathogens, and disease modelling. A more accurate recapitulation of the intricate organization of the brain in vivo may require a complex in vitro system including organization of multiple neuronal cell types in an anatomically-relevant manner. Most approaches for compartmentalizing or segregating multiple cell types on microfabricated substrates use either permanent physical surface features or chemical surface functionalization. This study describes a removable insert that successfully deposits neurons from different brain areas onto discrete regions of a microelectrode array (MEA) surface, achieving a separation distance of 100 μm. The regional seeding area on the substrate is significantly smaller than current platforms using comparable placement methods. The non-permanent barrier between cell populations allows the cells to remain localized and attach to the substrate while the insert is in place and interact with neighboring regions after removal. The insert was used to simultaneously seed primary rodent hippocampal and cortical neurons onto MEAs. These cells retained their morphology, viability, and function after seeding through the cell insert through 28 days in vitro (DIV). Co-cultures of the two neuron types developed processes and formed integrated networks between the different MEA regions. Electrophysiological data demonstrated characteristic bursting features and waveform shapes that were consistent for each neuron type in both mono- and co-culture. Additionally, hippocampal cells co-cultured with cortical neurons showed an increase in within-burst firing rate (p = 0.013) and percent spikes in bursts (p = 0.002), changes that imply communication exists between the two cell types in co-culture. The cell seeding insert described in this work is a simple but effective method of separating distinct neuronal populations on microfabricated devices, and offers a unique approach to developing the types of complex in vitro cellular environments required for anatomically-relevant brain-on-a-chip devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- D. Soscia
- Engineering Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California, United States of America
| | - A. Belle
- Engineering Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California, United States of America
| | - N. Fischer
- Physical and Life Science Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California, United States of America
| | - H. Enright
- Physical and Life Science Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California, United States of America
| | - A. Sales
- Physical and Life Science Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California, United States of America
| | - J. Osburn
- Physical and Life Science Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California, United States of America
| | - W. Benett
- Engineering Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California, United States of America
| | - E. Mukerjee
- Engineering Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California, United States of America
| | - K. Kulp
- Physical and Life Science Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California, United States of America
| | - S. Pannu
- Engineering Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California, United States of America
| | - E. Wheeler
- Engineering Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California, United States of America
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18
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Choi JH, Cho HY, Choi JW. Microdevice Platform for In Vitro Nervous System and Its Disease Model. Bioengineering (Basel) 2017; 4:E77. [PMID: 28952555 PMCID: PMC5615323 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering4030077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2017] [Revised: 09/07/2017] [Accepted: 09/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of precise microdevices can be applied to the reconstruction of in vitro human microenvironmental systems with biomimetic physiological conditions that have highly tunable spatial and temporal features. Organ-on-a-chip can emulate human physiological functions, particularly at the organ level, as well as its specific roles in the body. Due to the complexity of the structure of the central nervous system and its intercellular interaction, there remains an urgent need for the development of human brain or nervous system models. Thus, various microdevice models have been proposed to mimic actual human brain physiology, which can be categorized as nervous system-on-a-chip. Nervous system-on-a-chip platforms can prove to be promising technologies, through the application of their biomimetic features to the etiology of neurodegenerative diseases. This article reviews the microdevices for nervous system-on-a-chip platform incorporated with neurobiology and microtechnology, including microfluidic designs that are biomimetic to the entire nervous system. The emulation of both neurodegenerative disorders and neural stem cell behavior patterns in micro-platforms is also provided, which can be used as a basis to construct nervous system-on-a-chip.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Ha Choi
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Sogang University, 35 Baekbeom-ro, Mapo-Gu, Seoul 04107, Korea.
| | - Hyeon-Yeol Cho
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Sogang University, 35 Baekbeom-ro, Mapo-Gu, Seoul 04107, Korea.
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 610 Taylor Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA.
| | - Jeong-Woo Choi
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Sogang University, 35 Baekbeom-ro, Mapo-Gu, Seoul 04107, Korea.
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19
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The MNK-eIF4E Signaling Axis Contributes to Injury-Induced Nociceptive Plasticity and the Development of Chronic Pain. J Neurosci 2017; 37:7481-7499. [PMID: 28674170 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0220-17.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2017] [Revised: 05/21/2017] [Accepted: 06/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Injury-induced sensitization of nociceptors contributes to pain states and the development of chronic pain. Inhibiting activity-dependent mRNA translation through mechanistic target of rapamycin and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways blocks the development of nociceptor sensitization. These pathways convergently signal to the eukaryotic translation initiation factor (eIF) 4F complex to regulate the sensitization of nociceptors, but the details of this process are ill defined. Here we investigated the hypothesis that phosphorylation of the 5' cap-binding protein eIF4E by its specific kinase MAPK interacting kinases (MNKs) 1/2 is a key factor in nociceptor sensitization and the development of chronic pain. Phosphorylation of ser209 on eIF4E regulates the translation of a subset of mRNAs. We show that pronociceptive and inflammatory factors, such as nerve growth factor (NGF), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and carrageenan, produce decreased mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity, decreased affective pain behaviors, and strongly reduced hyperalgesic priming in mice lacking eIF4E phosphorylation (eIF4ES209A ). Tests were done in both sexes, and no sex differences were found. Moreover, in patch-clamp electrophysiology and Ca2+ imaging experiments on dorsal root ganglion neurons, NGF- and IL-6-induced increases in excitability were attenuated in neurons from eIF4ES209A mice. These effects were recapitulated in Mnk1/2-/- mice and with the MNK1/2 inhibitor cercosporamide. We also find that cold hypersensitivity induced by peripheral nerve injury is reduced in eIF4ES209A and Mnk1/2-/- mice and following cercosporamide treatment. Our findings demonstrate that the MNK1/2-eIF4E signaling axis is an important contributing factor to mechanisms of nociceptor plasticity and the development of chronic pain.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Chronic pain is a debilitating disease affecting approximately one in three Americans. Chronic pain is thought to be driven by changes in the excitability of peripheral nociceptive neurons, but the precise mechanisms controlling these changes are not elucidated. Emerging evidence demonstrates that mRNA translation regulation pathways are key factors in changes in nociceptor excitability. Our work demonstrates that a single phosphorylation site on the 5' cap-binding protein eIF4E is a critical mechanism for changes in nociceptor excitability that drive the development of chronic pain. We reveal a new mechanistic target for the development of a chronic pain state and propose that targeting the upstream kinase, MAPK interacting kinase 1/2, could be used as a therapeutic approach for chronic pain.
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