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Jeibouei S, Monfared AK, Hojat A, Aref AR, Shams F, Dolati M, Moradi A, Hosseini M, Javadi SM, Ajoudanian M, Molavi Z, Moghaddam M, Mohammadi F, Nuoroozi G, Naeimi SK, Shahani M, Zali H, Akbari ME, Mostafavi E. Human-derived Tumor-On-Chip model to study the heterogeneity of breast cancer tissue. BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES 2024; 162:213915. [PMID: 38878646 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioadv.2024.213915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
One of the leading causes that complicate the treatment of some malignancies, including breast cancer, is tumor heterogeneity. In addition to inter-heterogeneity and intra-heterogeneity of tumors that reflect the differences between cancer cell characteristics, heterogeneity in the tumor microenvironment plays a critical role in tumor progression and could be considered an overlooked and a proper target for the effective selection of therapeutic approaches. Due to the difficulty of completely capturing tumor heterogeneity in conventional detection methods, Tumor-on-Chip (TOC) devices with culturing patient-derived spheroids could be an appropriate alternative. In this research, human-derived spheroids from breast cancer individuals were cultured for 6 days in microfluidic devices. To compare TOC data with conventional detection methods, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and ITRAQ data were employed, and various protein expressions were validated using the transcriptomic databases. The behavior of the spheroids in the collagen matrix and the cell viability were monitored over 6 days of culture. IHC and immunocytochemistry (ICC) results revealed that inter and intra-heterogeneity of tumor spheroids are associated with HER2/ER expression. HER2 expression levels revealed a more important biomarker associated with invasion in the 3D culturing of spheroids. The expression levels of CD163 (as a marker for Ma2 macrophages) and CD44 (a marker for cancer stem cells (CSCs)) were also evaluated. Interestingly, the levels of M2a macrophages and CSCs were higher in triple-negative specimens and samples that showed higher migration and invasion. Cell density and extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness were also important factors affecting the migration and invasion of the spheroids through the matrix. Among these, rigid ECM revealed a more crucial role than cell density. To sum up, these research findings demonstrated that human-derived spheroids from breast cancer specimens in microfluidic devices provide a dynamic condition for predicting tumor heterogeneity in patients, which can help move the field forward for better and more accurate therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shabnam Jeibouei
- Cancer Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 19839-63113, Iran; Virginia Seafood Agricultural Research and Extension Center, Virginia Tech, Hampton, VA 23669, USA
| | - Arefeh Khazraie Monfared
- William Harvey Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ali Hojat
- Cancer Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 19839-63113, Iran
| | - Amir Reza Aref
- Department of surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Vitro Vision, DeepkinetiX Inc, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Forough Shams
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mandana Dolati
- Cancer Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 19839-63113, Iran
| | - Afshin Moradi
- Cancer Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 19839-63113, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Hosseini
- Cancer Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 19839-63113, Iran
| | - Seyed Mohammadreza Javadi
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Besat Hospital, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan 65178-38636, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ajoudanian
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Molavi
- Proteomics Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science, Tehran 19839-63113, Iran
| | - Maryam Moghaddam
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 19839-63113, Iran
| | - Farzaneh Mohammadi
- Cancer Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 19839-63113, Iran
| | - Ghader Nuoroozi
- Men's Health and Reproductive Health Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sahar Khakpour Naeimi
- Islamic Azad University, Central Tehran Branch, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Department of Biology, Tehran 63537-11489, Iran
| | - Minoo Shahani
- Cancer Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 19839-63113, Iran
| | - Hakimeh Zali
- Cancer Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 19839-63113, Iran; Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 19839-63113, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Esmaeil Akbari
- Cancer Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 19839-63113, Iran.
| | - Ebrahim Mostafavi
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
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Liu X, Chen Y, Hang C, Cheng J, Peng D, Li Y, Jiang X. Coupling Nanoscale Precision with Multiscale Imaging: A Multifunctional Near-Infrared Dye for the Brain. ACS NANO 2024. [PMID: 39102625 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c06103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
Live imaging of primary neural cells is crucial for monitoring neuronal activity, especially multiscale and multifunctional imaging that offers excellent biocompatibility. Multiscale imaging can provide insights into cellular structure and function from the nanoscale to the millimeter scale. Multifunctional imaging can monitor different activities in the brain. However, this remains a challenge because of the lack of dyes with a high signal-to-background ratio, water solubility, and multiscale and multifunctional imaging capabilities. In this study, we present a neural dye with near-infrared (NIR) emissions (>700 nm) that enables ultrafast staining (in less than 1 min) for the imaging of primary neurons. This dye not only enables multiscale neural live-cell imaging from vesicles in neurites, neural membranes, and single neurons to the whole brain but also facilitates multifunctional imaging, such as the monitoring and quantifying of synaptic vesicles and the changes in membrane potential. We also explore the potential of this NIR neural dye for staining brain slices and live brains. The NIR neural dye exhibits superior binding with neural membranes compared to commercial dyes, thereby achieving multiscale and multifunctional brain neuroimaging. In conclusion, our findings introduce a significant breakthrough in neuroimaging dyes by developing a category of small molecular dyes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Liu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Smart Healthcare Engineering, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, No. 1088 Xueyuan Road, Nanshan District, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yao Chen
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Smart Healthcare Engineering, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, No. 1088 Xueyuan Road, Nanshan District, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Chen Hang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Smart Healthcare Engineering, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, No. 1088 Xueyuan Road, Nanshan District, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Jinxiong Cheng
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Smart Healthcare Engineering, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, No. 1088 Xueyuan Road, Nanshan District, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Dinglu Peng
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Smart Healthcare Engineering, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, No. 1088 Xueyuan Road, Nanshan District, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Ying Li
- Innovation Research Center for AIE Pharmaceutical Biology, Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, the NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Xingyu Jiang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Smart Healthcare Engineering, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, No. 1088 Xueyuan Road, Nanshan District, Shenzhen 518055, China
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3
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Wang Z, Zhang Y, Li Z, Wang H, Li N, Deng Y. Microfluidic Brain-on-a-Chip: From Key Technology to System Integration and Application. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2304427. [PMID: 37653590 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202304427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
As an ideal in vitro model, brain-on-chip (BoC) is an important tool to comprehensively elucidate brain characteristics. However, the in vitro model for the definition scope of BoC has not been universally recognized. In this review, BoC is divided into brain cells-on-a- chip, brain slices-on-a-chip, and brain organoids-on-a-chip according to the type of culture on the chip. Although these three microfluidic BoCs are constructed in different ways, they all use microfluidic chips as carrier tools. This method can better meet the needs of maintaining high culture activity on a chip for a long time. Moreover, BoC has successfully integrated cell biology, the biological material platform technology of microenvironment on a chip, manufacturing technology, online detection technology on a chip, and so on, enabling the chip to present structural diversity and high compatibility to meet different experimental needs and expand the scope of applications. Here, the relevant core technologies, challenges, and future development trends of BoC are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaohe Wang
- School of Medical Technology, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Yongqian Zhang
- School of Medical Technology, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Zhe Li
- School of Medical Technology, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Hao Wang
- School of Medical Technology, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Nuomin Li
- School of Medical Technology, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Yulin Deng
- School of Medical Technology, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
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Lee D, Yang K, Xie J. Advances in Nerve Injury Models on a Chip. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2023; 7:e2200227. [PMID: 36709421 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202200227] [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: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Regeneration and functional recovery of the damaged nerve are challenging due to the need for effective therapeutic drugs, biomaterials, and approaches. The poor outcome of the treatment of nerve injury stems from the incomplete understanding of axonal biology and interactions between neurons and the surrounding environment, such as glial cells and extracellular matrix. Microfluidic devices, in combination with various injury techniques, have been applied to test biological hypotheses in nerve injury and nerve regeneration. The microfluidic devices provide multiple advantages over the in vitro cell culture on a petri dish and in vivo animal models because a specific part of the neuronal environment can be manipulated using physical and chemical interventions. In addition, single-cell behavior and interactions between neurons and glial cells can be visualized and quantified on microfluidic platforms. In this article, current in vitro nerve injury models on a chip that mimics in vivo axonal injuries and the regeneration process of axons are summarized. The microfluidic-based nerve injury models could enhance the understanding of the physiological and pathophysiological mechanisms of nerve tissues and simultaneously serve as powerful drug and biomaterial screening platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donghee Lee
- Department of Surgery-Transplant and Mary and Dick Holland Regenerative Medicine Program, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Kai Yang
- Department of Surgery-Plastic Surgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Jingwei Xie
- Department of Surgery-Transplant and Mary and Dick Holland Regenerative Medicine Program, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Nebraska Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68588, USA
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Jarrah R, Nathani KR, Bhandarkar S, Ezeudu CS, Nguyen RT, Amare A, Aljameey UA, Jarrah SI, Bhandarkar AR, Fiani B. Microfluidic 'brain-on chip' systems to supplement neurological practice: development, applications and considerations. Regen Med 2023; 18:413-423. [PMID: 37125510 DOI: 10.2217/rme-2022-0212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Among the greatest general challenges in bioengineering is to mimic human physiology. Advanced efforts in tissue engineering have led to sophisticated 'brain-on-chip' (BoC) microfluidic devices that can mimic structural and functional aspects of brain tissue. BoC may be used to understand the biochemical pathways of neurolgical pathologies and assess promising therapeutic agents for facilitating regenerative medicine. We evaluated the potential of microfluidic BoC devices in various neurological pathologies, such as Alzheimer's, glioblastoma, traumatic brain injury, stroke and epilepsy. We also discuss the principles, limitations and future considerations of BoC technology. Results suggest that BoC models can help understand complex neurological pathologies and augment drug testing efforts for regenerative applications. However, implementing organ-on-chip technology to clinical practice has some practical limitations that warrant greater attention to improve large-scale applicability. Nevertheless, they remain to be versatile and powerful tools that can broaden our understanding of pathophysiological and therapeutic uncertainties to neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Jarrah
- Department of Neurosurgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | | | - Shaan Bhandarkar
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Chibuze S Ezeudu
- Texas A&M School of Medicine,Texas A&M University, Bryan, TX 77807, USA
| | - Ryan T Nguyen
- University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA
| | - Abrham Amare
- Morehouse School of Medicine, Morehouse College, Atlanta, GA 30310, USA
| | - Usama A Aljameey
- Lincoln Memorial University DeBusk School of Osteopathic Medicine, Lincoln Memorial University, Knoxville, TN 37923, USA
| | - Sabrina I Jarrah
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | | | - Brian Fiani
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cornell Medical Center/New York Presbyterian, New York, NY 10065, USA
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Kumar V, Kingsley D, Perikamana SM, Mogha P, Goodwin CR, Varghese S. Self-assembled innervated vasculature-on-a-chip to study nociception. Biofabrication 2023; 15:10.1088/1758-5090/acc904. [PMID: 36996841 PMCID: PMC10152403 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/acc904] [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: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023]
Abstract
Nociceptor sensory neurons play a key role in eliciting pain. An active crosstalk between nociceptor neurons and the vascular system at the molecular and cellular level is required to sense and respond to noxious stimuli. Besides nociception, interaction between nociceptor neurons and vasculature also contributes to neurogenesis and angiogenesis.In vitromodels of innervated vasculature can greatly help delineate these roles while facilitating disease modeling and drug screening. Herein, we report the development of a microfluidic-assisted tissue model of nociception in the presence of microvasculature. The self-assembled innervated microvasculature was engineered using endothelial cells and primary dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. The sensory neurons and the endothelial cells displayed distinct morphologies in presence of each other. The neurons exhibited an elevated response to capsaicin in the presence of vasculature. Concomitantly, increased transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1 (TRPV1) receptor expression was observed in the DRG neurons in presence of vascularization. Finally, we demonstrated the applicability of this platform for modeling nociception associated with tissue acidosis. While not demonstrated here, this platform could also serve as a tool to study pain resulting from vascular disorders while also paving the way towards the development of innervated microphysiological models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vardhman Kumar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham NC
| | - David Kingsley
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham NC
| | | | - Pankaj Mogha
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham NC
| | - C Rory Goodwin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Spine Division, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
| | - Shyni Varghese
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham NC
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham NC
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Material Science, Duke University, Durham NC
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7
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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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Le TT, Oudin MJ. Understanding and modeling nerve-cancer interactions. Dis Model Mech 2023; 16:dmm049729. [PMID: 36621886 PMCID: PMC9844229 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The peripheral nervous system plays an important role in cancer progression. Studies in multiple cancer types have shown that higher intratumoral nerve density is associated with poor outcomes. Peripheral nerves have been shown to directly regulate tumor cell properties, such as growth and metastasis, as well as affect the local environment by modulating angiogenesis and the immune system. In this Review, we discuss the identity of nerves in organs in the periphery where solid tumors grow, the known mechanisms by which nerve density increases in tumors, and the effects these nerves have on cancer progression. We also discuss the strengths and weaknesses of current in vitro and in vivo models used to study nerve-cancer interactions. Increased understanding of the mechanisms by which nerves impact tumor progression and the development of new approaches to study nerve-cancer interactions will facilitate the discovery of novel treatment strategies to treat cancer by targeting nerves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thanh T. Le
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, 200 College Avenue, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA
| | - Madeleine J. Oudin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, 200 College Avenue, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA
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Le TT, Payne SL, Buckwald MN, Hayes LA, Parker SR, Burge CB, Oudin MJ. Sensory nerves enhance triple-negative breast cancer invasion and metastasis via the axon guidance molecule PlexinB3. NPJ Breast Cancer 2022; 8:116. [PMID: 36333352 PMCID: PMC9636220 DOI: 10.1038/s41523-022-00485-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
In breast cancer, nerve presence has been correlated with more invasive disease and worse prognosis, yet the mechanisms by which different types of peripheral nerves drive tumor progression remain poorly understood. In this study, we identified sensory nerves as more abundant in human triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) tumors. Co-injection of sensory neurons isolated from the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) of adult female mice with human TNBC cells in immunocompromised mice increased the number of lung metastases. Direct in vitro co-culture of human TNBC cells with the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) of adult female mice revealed that TNBC cells adhere to sensory neuron fibers leading to an increase in migration speed. Species-specific RNA sequencing revealed that co-culture of TNBC cells with sensory nerves upregulates the expression of genes associated with cell migration and adhesion in cancer cells. We demonstrated that lack of the semaphorin receptor PlexinB3 in cancer cells attenuate their adhesion to and migration on sensory nerves. Together, our results identify a mechanism by which nerves contribute to breast cancer migration and metastasis by inducing a shift in TNBC cell gene expression and support the rationale for disrupting neuron-cancer cell interactions to target metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thanh T Le
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 200 College Avenue, Medford, MA, 02155, USA
| | - Samantha L Payne
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 200 College Avenue, Medford, MA, 02155, USA
| | - Maia N Buckwald
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 200 College Avenue, Medford, MA, 02155, USA
| | - Lily A Hayes
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 200 College Avenue, Medford, MA, 02155, USA
| | - Savannah R Parker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 200 College Avenue, Medford, MA, 02155, USA
| | | | - Madeleine J Oudin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 200 College Avenue, Medford, MA, 02155, USA.
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Iafrate L, Benedetti MC, Donsante S, Rosa A, Corsi A, Oreffo ROC, Riminucci M, Ruocco G, Scognamiglio C, Cidonio G. Modelling skeletal pain harnessing tissue engineering. IN VITRO MODELS 2022; 1:289-307. [PMID: 36567849 PMCID: PMC9766883 DOI: 10.1007/s44164-022-00028-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Bone pain typically occurs immediately following skeletal damage with mechanical distortion or rupture of nociceptive fibres. The pain mechanism is also associated with chronic pain conditions where the healing process is impaired. Any load impacting on the area of the fractured bone will stimulate the nociceptive response, necessitating rapid clinical intervention to relieve pain associated with the bone damage and appropriate mitigation of any processes involved with the loss of bone mass, muscle, and mobility and to prevent death. The following review has examined the mechanisms of pain associated with trauma or cancer-related skeletal damage focusing on new approaches for the development of innovative therapeutic interventions. In particular, the review highlights tissue engineering approaches that offer considerable promise in the application of functional biomimetic fabrication of bone and nerve tissues. The strategic combination of bone and nerve tissue engineered models provides significant potential to develop a new class of in vitro platforms, capable of replacing in vivo models and testing the safety and efficacy of novel drug treatments aimed at the resolution of bone-associated pain. To date, the field of bone pain research has centred on animal models, with a paucity of data correlating to the human physiological response. This review explores the evident gap in pain drug development research and suggests a step change in approach to harness tissue engineering technologies to recapitulate the complex pathophysiological environment of the damaged bone tissue enabling evaluation of the associated pain-mimicking mechanism with significant therapeutic potential therein for improved patient quality of life. Graphical abstract Rationale underlying novel drug testing platform development. Pain detected by the central nervous system and following bone fracture cannot be treated or exclusively alleviated using standardised methods. The pain mechanism and specificity/efficacy of pain reduction drugs remain poorly understood. In vivo and ex vivo models are not yet able to recapitulate the various pain events associated with skeletal damage. In vitro models are currently limited by their inability to fully mimic the complex physiological mechanisms at play between nervous and skeletal tissue and any disruption in pathological states. Robust innovative tissue engineering models are needed to better understand pain events and to investigate therapeutic regimes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Iafrate
- Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science (CLN2S), Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Benedetti
- Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science (CLN2S), Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies “Charles Darwin”, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Samantha Donsante
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Rosa
- Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science (CLN2S), Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies “Charles Darwin”, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Corsi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Richard O. C. Oreffo
- Bone and Joint Research Group, Stem Cells and Regeneration, Institute of Developmental Sciences, Centre for Human Development, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Mara Riminucci
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Ruocco
- Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science (CLN2S), Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Scognamiglio
- Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science (CLN2S), Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianluca Cidonio
- Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science (CLN2S), Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy
- Bone and Joint Research Group, Stem Cells and Regeneration, Institute of Developmental Sciences, Centre for Human Development, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
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Wang J, Ren H, Liu Y, Sun L, Zhang Z, Zhao Y, Shi X. Bioinspired Artificial Liver System with hiPSC-Derived Hepatocytes for Acute Liver Failure Treatment. Adv Healthc Mater 2021; 10:e2101580. [PMID: 34599859 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202101580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Bioartificial liver (BAL) system has become a promising alternative to traditional liver transplantation in rescuing acute liver failure (ALF) patients. Herein, inspired by natural microstructure of hepatic lobules, a novel biomimetic bioartificial liver system (BBALS) is developed by integrating human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived hepatocytes (hiPSC-Heps) -laden microparticles and semipermeable microtubes into a microfluidic platform. As the working units are hepatic lobules-like semipermeable microtubes surrounding with serum-free suspension differentiated hiPSC-Heps microcarriers, the BBALS is endowed with functional cell aggregates and effective circulation system. Thus, the BBALS possesses high cell viability, favorable function regeneration, and effective substances exchange. Based on these features, a 3D liver chip with multiple parallel BBALS units is created for filtering the plasma of ALF rabbits, which validates the research significance and application potential of the proposed BBALS. Moreover, the novel integrated BBALS is applied to treat ALF rabbits and shows great advantages in increasing survival, generating serum proteins, and decreasing inflammation. These properties point to the broad prospects of BBALS in treating related diseases and improving traditional clinical methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinglin Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School Hepatobiliary Institute of Nanjing University Nanjing 210008 China
| | - Haozhen Ren
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School Hepatobiliary Institute of Nanjing University Nanjing 210008 China
| | - Yuxiao Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School Hepatobiliary Institute of Nanjing University Nanjing 210008 China
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering Southeast University Nanjing 210096 China
| | - Lingyu Sun
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School Hepatobiliary Institute of Nanjing University Nanjing 210008 China
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering Southeast University Nanjing 210096 China
| | - Zhuohao Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School Hepatobiliary Institute of Nanjing University Nanjing 210008 China
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering Southeast University Nanjing 210096 China
| | - Yuanjin Zhao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School Hepatobiliary Institute of Nanjing University Nanjing 210008 China
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering Southeast University Nanjing 210096 China
| | - Xiaolei Shi
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School Hepatobiliary Institute of Nanjing University Nanjing 210008 China
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12
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Neves ER, Harley BAC, Pedron S. Microphysiological systems to study tumor-stroma interactions in brain cancer. Brain Res Bull 2021; 174:220-229. [PMID: 34166771 PMCID: PMC8324563 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2021.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Brain tumors still lack effective treatments, and the mechanisms of tumor progression and therapeutic resistance are unclear. Multiple parameters affect cancer prognosis (e.g., type and grade, age, location, size, and genetic mutations) and election of suitable treatments is based on preclinical models and clinical data. However, most candidate drugs fail in human trials due to inefficacy. Cell lines and tissue culture plates do not provide physiologically relevant environments, and animal models are not able to adequately mimic characteristics of disease in humans. Therefore, increasing technological advances are focusing on in vitro and computational modeling to increase the throughput and predicting capabilities of preclinical systems. The extensive use of these therapeutic agents requires a more profound understanding of the tumor-stroma interactions, including neural tissue, extracellular matrix, blood-brain barrier, astrocytes and microglia. Microphysiological brain tumor models offer physiologically relevant vascularized 'minitumors' that can help deciphering disease mechanisms, accelerating the drug discovery and predicting patient's response to anticancer treatments. This article reviews progress in tumor-on-a-chip platforms that are designed to comprehend the particular roles of stromal cells in the brain tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward R Neves
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Carl R Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Brendan A C Harley
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Carl R Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Sara Pedron
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Carl R Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.
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13
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Rothbauer M, Bachmann BE, Eilenberger C, Kratz SR, Spitz S, Höll G, Ertl P. A Decade of Organs-on-a-Chip Emulating Human Physiology at the Microscale: A Critical Status Report on Progress in Toxicology and Pharmacology. MICROMACHINES 2021; 12:470. [PMID: 33919242 PMCID: PMC8143089 DOI: 10.3390/mi12050470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Organ-on-a-chip technology has the potential to accelerate pharmaceutical drug development, improve the clinical translation of basic research, and provide personalized intervention strategies. In the last decade, big pharma has engaged in many academic research cooperations to develop organ-on-a-chip systems for future drug discoveries. Although most organ-on-a-chip systems present proof-of-concept studies, miniaturized organ systems still need to demonstrate translational relevance and predictive power in clinical and pharmaceutical settings. This review explores whether microfluidic technology succeeded in paving the way for developing physiologically relevant human in vitro models for pharmacology and toxicology in biomedical research within the last decade. Individual organ-on-a-chip systems are discussed, focusing on relevant applications and highlighting their ability to tackle current challenges in pharmacological research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Rothbauer
- Faculty of Technical Chemistry, Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry and Institute of Chemical Technologies and Analytics, Vienna University of Technology, Getreidemarkt 9/163-164, 1060 Vienna, Austria; (B.E.M.B.); (C.E.); (S.R.A.K.); (S.S.); (G.H.)
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, 1200 Vienna, Austria
- Karl Chiari Lab for Orthopaedic Biology, Department of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-22, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Barbara E.M. Bachmann
- Faculty of Technical Chemistry, Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry and Institute of Chemical Technologies and Analytics, Vienna University of Technology, Getreidemarkt 9/163-164, 1060 Vienna, Austria; (B.E.M.B.); (C.E.); (S.R.A.K.); (S.S.); (G.H.)
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, 1200 Vienna, Austria
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology, Allgemeine Unfallversicherungsanstalt (AUVA) Research Centre, Donaueschingenstraße 13, 1200 Vienna, Austria
| | - Christoph Eilenberger
- Faculty of Technical Chemistry, Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry and Institute of Chemical Technologies and Analytics, Vienna University of Technology, Getreidemarkt 9/163-164, 1060 Vienna, Austria; (B.E.M.B.); (C.E.); (S.R.A.K.); (S.S.); (G.H.)
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, 1200 Vienna, Austria
| | - Sebastian R.A. Kratz
- Faculty of Technical Chemistry, Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry and Institute of Chemical Technologies and Analytics, Vienna University of Technology, Getreidemarkt 9/163-164, 1060 Vienna, Austria; (B.E.M.B.); (C.E.); (S.R.A.K.); (S.S.); (G.H.)
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, 1200 Vienna, Austria
- Drug Delivery and 3R-Models Group, Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences & Institute for Pharmaceutical Technology, Goethe University Frankfurt Am Main, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Sarah Spitz
- Faculty of Technical Chemistry, Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry and Institute of Chemical Technologies and Analytics, Vienna University of Technology, Getreidemarkt 9/163-164, 1060 Vienna, Austria; (B.E.M.B.); (C.E.); (S.R.A.K.); (S.S.); (G.H.)
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, 1200 Vienna, Austria
| | - Gregor Höll
- Faculty of Technical Chemistry, Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry and Institute of Chemical Technologies and Analytics, Vienna University of Technology, Getreidemarkt 9/163-164, 1060 Vienna, Austria; (B.E.M.B.); (C.E.); (S.R.A.K.); (S.S.); (G.H.)
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, 1200 Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Ertl
- Faculty of Technical Chemistry, Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry and Institute of Chemical Technologies and Analytics, Vienna University of Technology, Getreidemarkt 9/163-164, 1060 Vienna, Austria; (B.E.M.B.); (C.E.); (S.R.A.K.); (S.S.); (G.H.)
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, 1200 Vienna, Austria
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14
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Holloway PM, Willaime-Morawek S, Siow R, Barber M, Owens RM, Sharma AD, Rowan W, Hill E, Zagnoni M. Advances in microfluidic in vitro systems for neurological disease modeling. J Neurosci Res 2021; 99:1276-1307. [PMID: 33583054 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 11/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Neurological disorders are the leading cause of disability and the second largest cause of death worldwide. Despite significant research efforts, neurology remains one of the most failure-prone areas of drug development. The complexity of the human brain, boundaries to examining the brain directly in vivo, and the significant evolutionary gap between animal models and humans, all serve to hamper translational success. Recent advances in microfluidic in vitro models have provided new opportunities to study human cells with enhanced physiological relevance. The ability to precisely micro-engineer cell-scale architecture, tailoring form and function, has allowed for detailed dissection of cell biology using microphysiological systems (MPS) of varying complexities from single cell systems to "Organ-on-chip" models. Simplified neuronal networks have allowed for unique insights into neuronal transport and neurogenesis, while more complex 3D heterotypic cellular models such as neurovascular unit mimetics and "Organ-on-chip" systems have enabled new understanding of metabolic coupling and blood-brain barrier transport. These systems are now being developed beyond MPS toward disease specific micro-pathophysiological systems, moving from "Organ-on-chip" to "Disease-on-chip." This review gives an outline of current state of the art in microfluidic technologies for neurological disease research, discussing the challenges and limitations while highlighting the benefits and potential of integrating technologies. We provide examples of where such toolsets have enabled novel insights and how these technologies may empower future investigation into neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul M Holloway
- Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Richard Siow
- King's British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, School of Cardiovascular Medicine & Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Melissa Barber
- King's British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, School of Cardiovascular Medicine & Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Róisín M Owens
- Department Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Anup D Sharma
- New Orleans BioInnovation Center, AxoSim Inc., New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Wendy Rowan
- Novel Human Genetics Research Unit, GSK R&D, Stevenage, UK
| | - Eric Hill
- School of Life and Health sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, UK
| | - Michele Zagnoni
- Electronic and Electrical Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
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15
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Liu X, Zhang W, Zheng W, Jiang X. Micropatterned Coculture Platform for Screening Nerve-Related Anticancer Drugs. ACS NANO 2021; 15:637-649. [PMID: 33435673 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.0c06416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence suggests that the neural microenvironment plays a vital role in the development and metastasis of cancers. The development of drug candidates or drug combinations targeting the neural microenvironment is thus becoming increasingly urgent. However, the low content of conventional drug screening platforms is a bottleneck that limits the drug evaluation process. In this study, we present a micropatterned coculture-based high-content (μCHC) platform by integrating a micropatterned coculture chip with the high-content analysis (HCA) system, for studying the neuron-cancer cell interactions and drug screening (simultaneously detecting 96 kinds of post-drug-treated conditions). We investigate the contribution of neurons on the migration of cancer cells from different tissues and validate the capability of the μCHC system to study the interaction between neurons and cancer cells. Moreover, we test the effects of individual or combinatory agents targeting the neuron or cancer cell on the neuron-cancer cell interactions, which proposes an optimized therapy regime for targeting both nervous and cancerous factors. Our study suggests that the μCHC system is a facile platform for screening drug candidates or drug combinations for clinical cancer therapy with high efficiency and fidelity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for NanoScience and Technology, No. 11 Zhongguancun Beiyitiao, Beijing 100190, P. R. China
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, No. 1088 Xueyuan Road, Xili, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, P. R. China
- Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19 A Yuquan Road, Shijingshan District, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Wei Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for NanoScience and Technology, No. 11 Zhongguancun Beiyitiao, Beijing 100190, P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19 A Yuquan Road, Shijingshan District, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Wenfu Zheng
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for NanoScience and Technology, No. 11 Zhongguancun Beiyitiao, Beijing 100190, P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19 A Yuquan Road, Shijingshan District, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Xingyu Jiang
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for NanoScience and Technology, No. 11 Zhongguancun Beiyitiao, Beijing 100190, P. R. China
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, No. 1088 Xueyuan Road, Xili, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, P. R. China
- Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19 A Yuquan Road, Shijingshan District, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
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16
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Nikolakopoulou P, Rauti R, Voulgaris D, Shlomy I, Maoz BM, Herland A. Recent progress in translational engineered in vitro models of the central nervous system. Brain 2020; 143:3181-3213. [PMID: 33020798 PMCID: PMC7719033 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awaa268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The complexity of the human brain poses a substantial challenge for the development of models of the CNS. Current animal models lack many essential human characteristics (in addition to raising operational challenges and ethical concerns), and conventional in vitro models, in turn, are limited in their capacity to provide information regarding many functional and systemic responses. Indeed, these challenges may underlie the notoriously low success rates of CNS drug development efforts. During the past 5 years, there has been a leap in the complexity and functionality of in vitro systems of the CNS, which have the potential to overcome many of the limitations of traditional model systems. The availability of human-derived induced pluripotent stem cell technology has further increased the translational potential of these systems. Yet, the adoption of state-of-the-art in vitro platforms within the CNS research community is limited. This may be attributable to the high costs or the immaturity of the systems. Nevertheless, the costs of fabrication have decreased, and there are tremendous ongoing efforts to improve the quality of cell differentiation. Herein, we aim to raise awareness of the capabilities and accessibility of advanced in vitro CNS technologies. We provide an overview of some of the main recent developments (since 2015) in in vitro CNS models. In particular, we focus on engineered in vitro models based on cell culture systems combined with microfluidic platforms (e.g. 'organ-on-a-chip' systems). We delve into the fundamental principles underlying these systems and review several applications of these platforms for the study of the CNS in health and disease. Our discussion further addresses the challenges that hinder the implementation of advanced in vitro platforms in personalized medicine or in large-scale industrial settings, and outlines the existing differentiation protocols and industrial cell sources. We conclude by providing practical guidelines for laboratories that are considering adopting organ-on-a-chip technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Polyxeni Nikolakopoulou
- AIMES, Center for the Advancement of Integrated Medical and Engineering Sciences, Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Rossana Rauti
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Dimitrios Voulgaris
- Division of Micro and Nanosystems, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Iftach Shlomy
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ben M Maoz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- The Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Anna Herland
- AIMES, Center for the Advancement of Integrated Medical and Engineering Sciences, Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Division of Micro and Nanosystems, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
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17
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Ramadan Q, Zourob M. Organ-on-a-chip engineering: Toward bridging the gap between lab and industry. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2020; 14:041501. [PMID: 32699563 PMCID: PMC7367691 DOI: 10.1063/5.0011583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Organ-on-a-chip (OOC) is a very ambitious emerging technology with a high potential to revolutionize many medical and industrial sectors, particularly in preclinical-to-clinical translation in the pharmaceutical arena. In vivo, the function of the organ(s) is orchestrated by a complex cellular structure and physiochemical factors within the extracellular matrix and secreted by various types of cells. The trend in in vitro modeling is to simplify the complex anatomy of the human organ(s) to the minimal essential cellular structure "micro-anatomy" instead of recapitulating the full cellular milieu that enables studying the absorption, metabolism, as well as the mechanistic investigation of drug compounds in a "systemic manner." However, in order to reflect the human physiology in vitro and hence to be able to bridge the gap between the in vivo and in vitro data, simplification should not compromise the physiological relevance. Engineering principles have long been applied to solve medical challenges, and at this stage of organ-on-a-chip technology development, the work of biomedical engineers, focusing on device engineering, is more important than ever to accelerate the technology transfer from the academic lab bench to specialized product development institutions and to the increasingly demanding market. In this paper, instead of presenting a narrative review of the literature, we systemically present a synthesis of the best available organ-on-a-chip technology from what is found, what has been achieved, and what yet needs to be done. We emphasized mainly on the requirements of a "good in vitro model that meets the industrial need" in terms of the structure (micro-anatomy), functions (micro-physiology), and characteristics of the device that hosts the biological model. Finally, we discuss the biological model-device integration supported by an example and the major challenges that delay the OOC technology transfer to the industry and recommended possible options to realize a functional organ-on-a-chip system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qasem Ramadan
- Alfaisal University, Al Zahrawi Street, Riyadh 11533, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Zourob
- Alfaisal University, Al Zahrawi Street, Riyadh 11533, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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18
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Cervantes-Villagrana RD, Albores-García D, Cervantes-Villagrana AR, García-Acevez SJ. Tumor-induced neurogenesis and immune evasion as targets of innovative anti-cancer therapies. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2020; 5:99. [PMID: 32555170 PMCID: PMC7303203 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-020-0205-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2019] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Normal cells are hijacked by cancer cells forming together heterogeneous tumor masses immersed in aberrant communication circuits that facilitate tumor growth and dissemination. Besides the well characterized angiogenic effect of some tumor-derived factors; others, such as BDNF, recruit peripheral nerves and leukocytes. The neurogenic switch, activated by tumor-derived neurotrophins and extracellular vesicles, attracts adjacent peripheral fibers (autonomic/sensorial) and neural progenitor cells. Strikingly, tumor-associated nerve fibers can guide cancer cell dissemination. Moreover, IL-1β, CCL2, PGE2, among other chemotactic factors, attract natural immunosuppressive cells, including T regulatory (Tregs), myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), and M2 macrophages, to the tumor microenvironment. These leukocytes further exacerbate the aberrant communication circuit releasing factors with neurogenic effect. Furthermore, cancer cells directly evade immune surveillance and the antitumoral actions of natural killer cells by activating immunosuppressive mechanisms elicited by heterophilic complexes, joining cancer and immune cells, formed by PD-L1/PD1 and CD80/CTLA-4 plasma membrane proteins. Altogether, nervous and immune cells, together with fibroblasts, endothelial, and bone-marrow-derived cells, promote tumor growth and enhance the metastatic properties of cancer cells. Inspired by the demonstrated, but restricted, power of anti-angiogenic and immune cell-based therapies, preclinical studies are focusing on strategies aimed to inhibit tumor-induced neurogenesis. Here we discuss the potential of anti-neurogenesis and, considering the interplay between nervous and immune systems, we also focus on anti-immunosuppression-based therapies. Small molecules, antibodies and immune cells are being considered as therapeutic agents, aimed to prevent cancer cell communication with neurons and leukocytes, targeting chemotactic and neurotransmitter signaling pathways linked to perineural invasion and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodolfo Daniel Cervantes-Villagrana
- Department of Pharmacology, Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute (CINVESTAV-IPN), 07360, Mexico City, Mexico.
| | - Damaris Albores-García
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Florida International University (FIU), Miami, Florida, 33199, USA
| | - Alberto Rafael Cervantes-Villagrana
- Laboratorio de investigación en Terapéutica Experimental, Unidad Académica de Ciencias Químicas, Área de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Zacatecas (UAZ), Zacatecas, México
| | - Sara Judit García-Acevez
- Dirección de Proyectos e Investigación, Grupo Diagnóstico Médico Proa, 06400 CDMX, Cuauhtémoc, México
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19
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Nichols K, Koppes R, Koppes A. Recent advancements in microphysiological systems for neural development and disease. CURRENT OPINION IN BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cobme.2020.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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20
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Zhao Y, Demirci U, Chen Y, Chen P. Multiscale brain research on a microfluidic chip. LAB ON A CHIP 2020; 20:1531-1543. [PMID: 32150176 DOI: 10.1039/c9lc01010f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
One major challenge in current brain research is generating an integrative understanding of the brain's functions and disorders from its multiscale neuronal architectures and connectivity. Thus, innovative neurotechnology tools are urgently required for deciphering the multiscale functional and structural organizations of the brain at hierarchical scales from the molecular to the organismal level by multiple brain research initiatives launched by the European Union, United States, Australia, Canada, China, Korea, and Japan. To meet this demand, microfluidic chips (μFCs) have rapidly evolved as a trans-scale neurotechnological toolset to enable multiscale studies of the brain due to their unique advantages in flexible microstructure design, multifunctional integration, accurate microenvironment control, and capacity for automatic sample processing. Here, we review the recent progress in applying innovative μFC-based neuro-technologies to promote multiscale brain research and uniquely focus on representative applications of μFCs to address challenges in brain research at each hierarchical level. We discuss the current trend of combinational applications of μFCs with other neuro- and biotechnologies, including optogenetics, brain organoids, and 3D bioprinting, for better multiscale brain research. In addition, we offer our insights into the existing outstanding questions at each hierarchical level of brain research that could potentially be addressed by advancing microfluidic techniques. This review will serve as a timely guide for bioengineers and neuroscientists to develop and apply μFC-based neuro-technologies for promoting basic and translational brain research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Zhao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, 115 Donghu Road, Wuhan 430071, China.
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21
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Dong R, Liu Y, Mou L, Deng J, Jiang X. Microfluidics-Based Biomaterials and Biodevices. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2019; 31:e1805033. [PMID: 30345586 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201805033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2018] [Revised: 08/24/2018] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The rapid development of microfluidics technology has promoted new innovations in materials science, particularly by interacting with biological systems, based on precise manipulation of fluids and cells within microscale confinements. This article reviews the latest advances in microfluidics-based biomaterials and biodevices, highlighting some burgeoning areas such as functional biomaterials, cell manipulations, and flexible biodevices. These areas are interconnected not only in their basic principles, in that they all employ microfluidics to control the makeup and morphology of materials, but also unify at the ultimate goals in human healthcare. The challenges and future development trends in biological application are also presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruihua Dong
- Beijing Engineering Research Center for BioNanotechnology and CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for NanoScience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, 2 Yikuang Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150001, P. R. China
| | - Yong Liu
- Beijing Engineering Research Center for BioNanotechnology and CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for NanoScience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Lei Mou
- Beijing Engineering Research Center for BioNanotechnology and CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for NanoScience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Jinqi Deng
- Beijing Engineering Research Center for BioNanotechnology and CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for NanoScience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Xingyu Jiang
- Beijing Engineering Research Center for BioNanotechnology and CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for NanoScience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, 2 Yikuang Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150001, P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
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22
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van de Wijdeven R, Ramstad OH, Valderhaug VD, Köllensperger P, Sandvig A, Sandvig I, Halaas Ø. A novel lab-on-chip platform enabling axotomy and neuromodulation in a multi-nodal network. Biosens Bioelectron 2019; 140:111329. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2019.111329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Revised: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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23
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Poddar S, Parasa MK, Vajanthri KY, Chaudhary A, Pancholi UV, Sarkar A, Singh AK, Mahto SK. Low density culture of mammalian primary neurons in compartmentalized microfluidic devices. Biomed Microdevices 2019; 21:67. [PMID: 31273556 DOI: 10.1007/s10544-019-0400-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
This paper demonstrates the fabrication of a compartmentalized microfluidic device with docking sites to position a single neuron or a cluster of 5-6 neurons along with varying length of microgrooves and the optimization process for culturing primary mammalian neurons at low densities. The principle of centrifugation was employed to situate cells in desired locations followed by the application of a fluid flow to remove the extra or unwanted cells lying in the vicinity of the located neurons. The neuronal cell density was optimized by seeding 103 cells and 104 cells/microfluidic device. The speed of centrifugation was optimized as 1500 rpm for 1 min and a cell density of greater than or equal to 104 cells/microfluidic device was found to be suitable for loading maximum number of docking sites. The outcomes of the simulated experiments was found to be in compliance with the experimemtal verifications. Furthermore, the cells cultured within the microfluidic device were assessed for immunocytochemical staining and the axonal growth was quantified with the help of an Axofluidic software. Although, several in vitro microfluidic platforms have been developed that facilitate the investigations where communication between neurons or between neurons and other cell types is concerned, none of the partitioned devices so far has reported the presence of docking sites along with an array of grooves of varying lengths. These physically connected but fluidically isolated compartmentalized microfluidic devices may serve us in analysing the activity of a low density of neurons and the influence of axonal length in setting up a communication with other cell type.This platform is useful to gain insights into the processes of synapse formation, axonal guidance, cell-cell interaction, to name a few.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suruchi Poddar
- Tissue Engineering and Biomicrofluidics Laboratory, School of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, 221005, India
| | - Mrugesh Krishna Parasa
- Tissue Engineering and Biomicrofluidics Laboratory, School of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, 221005, India.,Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, 206 S Martin Jischke Dr, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Kiran Yellappa Vajanthri
- Tissue Engineering and Biomicrofluidics Laboratory, School of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, 221005, India
| | - Anjali Chaudhary
- Tissue Engineering and Biomicrofluidics Laboratory, School of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, 221005, India
| | - Utkarsh Vinodchandra Pancholi
- Tissue Engineering and Biomicrofluidics Laboratory, School of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, 221005, India
| | - Arnab Sarkar
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, 221005, India
| | - Ashish Kumar Singh
- School of Biochemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, 221005, India
| | - Sanjeev Kumar Mahto
- Tissue Engineering and Biomicrofluidics Laboratory, School of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, 221005, India. .,Centre for Advanced Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, 221005, India.
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24
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Abstract
Microfluidics is an appealing platform for drug screening and discovery. Compared with the conventional drug screening methods based on Petri dishes and experimental animals, microfluidic devices have many advantages including miniaturized size, ease-to-use, high sensitivity, and high throughput. More importantly, bioassays on microfluidics can avoid ethical issues which can be a big obstacle hindering the performance of the experiments on animals or human being. Furthermore, three-dimensional (3D) microchips can recapitulate various biochemical and biophysical conditions in vivo and mimic the natural microenvironment of the tissues/organs, providing versatile in vitro models for biomedical applications. In this Perspective, we will focus on the cell-based microfluidic assays for drug screening. Meanwhile, we also propose potential solutions for the difficulties in this field and discuss the prospects of microfluidics-based technologies for drug screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Liu
- Beijing Engineering Research Center for BioNanotechnology and CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for NanoScience and Technology, No. 11 Zhongguancun Beiyitiao, Beijing 100190, P. R. China
- Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19 A Yuquan Road, Shijingshan District, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Wenfu Zheng
- Beijing Engineering Research Center for BioNanotechnology and CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for NanoScience and Technology, No. 11 Zhongguancun Beiyitiao, Beijing 100190, P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19 A Yuquan Road, Shijingshan District, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Xingyu Jiang
- Beijing Engineering Research Center for BioNanotechnology and CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for NanoScience and Technology, No. 11 Zhongguancun Beiyitiao, Beijing 100190, P. R. China
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, No. 1088 Xueyuan Road, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19 A Yuquan Road, Shijingshan District, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
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25
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Wang Y, Wang J, Meng J, Ding G, Shi Z, Wang R, Zhang X. Detection of non-small cell lung cancer cells based on microfluidic polarization microscopic image analysis. Electrophoresis 2018; 40:1202-1211. [PMID: 30378691 DOI: 10.1002/elps.201800284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2018] [Revised: 10/05/2018] [Accepted: 10/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
In early diagnosis of lung cancer, a polarization microscopy is a powerful tool to obtain the optical information of biological tissues. In this paper, a new microfluidic polarization imaging and analysis method was proposed for the detection and classification of cancer-associated fibroblasts and the two kinds of non-small cell lung cancer cells, A549 and H322. A polarizing microscopy system was constructed based on a commercial microscope to obtain 3*3 Mueller matrix of cells. Based on the Muller matrix decomposition algorithm and analysis in spatial domain and frequency domain, appropriate classification parameters were selected for the characterization of different polarization characteristics of cells. Finally, the logistic regression models based on machine learning were applied to determine optimal feature parameters and classify cells. This method integrated the morphological information of the cells, and the polarization characteristics of the cells in different polarization states. It is for the first time that the polarization microscopic image analysis method has been applied to the detection and classification of non-small cell lung cancer cells. The results show that the presented microfluidic polarization microscopic image analysis method could classify cells effectively. Compared with the Muller matrix measurement and calculation methods, the method proposed in this paper was greatly simplified in both the acquisition of polarized images and the analysis and processing of polarized images.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanjuan Wang
- College of Information Science and Technology, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian, P. R. China
- Software Institute, Dalian Jiaotong University, Dalian, P. R. China
| | - Junsheng Wang
- College of Information Science and Technology, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian, P. R. China
| | - Jie Meng
- College of Information Science and Technology, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian, P. R. China
| | - Gege Ding
- College of Information Science and Technology, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian, P. R. China
| | - Zhi Shi
- College of Information Science and Technology, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian, P. R. China
| | - Ruoyu Wang
- Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University, Dalian, P. R. China
| | - Xiaohui Zhang
- College of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Dalian University, Dalian, P. R. China
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26
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Yesil-Celiktas O, Hassan S, Miri AK, Maharjan S, Al-kharboosh R, Quiñones-Hinojosa A, Zhang YS. Mimicking Human Pathophysiology in Organ-on-Chip Devices. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/adbi.201800109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ozlem Yesil-Celiktas
- Division of Engineering in Medicine; Department of Medicine; Brigham and Women's Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Cambridge MA 02139 USA
- Department of Bioengineering; Faculty of Engineering; Ege University; Bornova-Izmir 35100 Turkey
| | - Shabir Hassan
- Division of Engineering in Medicine; Department of Medicine; Brigham and Women's Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Cambridge MA 02139 USA
| | - Amir K. Miri
- Division of Engineering in Medicine; Department of Medicine; Brigham and Women's Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Cambridge MA 02139 USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering Rowan University; 401 North Campus Drive Glassboro NJ 08028 USA
| | - Sushila Maharjan
- Division of Engineering in Medicine; Department of Medicine; Brigham and Women's Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Cambridge MA 02139 USA
- Research Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology; Nakkhu-4 Lalitpur 44600 Nepal
| | - Rawan Al-kharboosh
- Mayo Clinic College of Medicine; Mayo Clinic Graduate School; Neuroscience, NBD Track Rochester MN 55905 USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Oncology, Neuroscience; Mayo Clinic; Jacksonville FL 32224 USA
| | | | - Yu Shrike Zhang
- Division of Engineering in Medicine; Department of Medicine; Brigham and Women's Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Cambridge MA 02139 USA
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27
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Development of Microplatforms to Mimic the In Vivo Architecture of CNS and PNS Physiology and Their Diseases. Genes (Basel) 2018; 9:genes9060285. [PMID: 29882823 PMCID: PMC6027402 DOI: 10.3390/genes9060285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Revised: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the mechanisms that govern nervous tissues function remains a challenge. In vitro two-dimensional (2D) cell culture systems provide a simplistic platform to evaluate systematic investigations but often result in unreliable responses that cannot be translated to pathophysiological settings. Recently, microplatforms have emerged to provide a better approximation of the in vivo scenario with better control over the microenvironment, stimuli and structure. Advances in biomaterials enable the construction of three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds, which combined with microfabrication, allow enhanced biomimicry through precise control of the architecture, cell positioning, fluid flows and electrochemical stimuli. This manuscript reviews, compares and contrasts advances in nervous tissues-on-a-chip models and their applications in neural physiology and disease. Microplatforms used for neuro-glia interactions, neuromuscular junctions (NMJs), blood-brain barrier (BBB) and studies on brain cancer, metastasis and neurodegenerative diseases are addressed. Finally, we highlight challenges that can be addressed with interdisciplinary efforts to achieve a higher degree of biomimicry. Nervous tissue microplatforms provide a powerful tool that is destined to provide a better understanding of neural health and disease.
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28
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Wang YI, Carmona C, Hickman JJ, Shuler ML. Multiorgan Microphysiological Systems for Drug Development: Strategies, Advances, and Challenges. Adv Healthc Mater 2018; 7:10.1002/adhm.201701000. [PMID: 29205920 PMCID: PMC5805562 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201701000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2017] [Revised: 09/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Traditional cell culture and animal models utilized for preclinical drug screening have led to high attrition rates of drug candidates in clinical trials due to their low predictive power for human response. Alternative models using human cells to build in vitro biomimetics of the human body with physiologically relevant organ-organ interactions hold great potential to act as "human surrogates" and provide more accurate prediction of drug effects in humans. This review is a comprehensive investigation into the development of tissue-engineered human cell-based microscale multiorgan models, or multiorgan microphysiological systems for drug testing. The evolution from traditional models to macro- and microscale multiorgan systems is discussed in regards to the rationale for recent global efforts in multiorgan microphysiological systems. Current advances in integrating cell culture and on-chip analytical technologies, as well as proof-of-concept applications for these multiorgan microsystems are discussed. Major challenges for the field, such as reproducibility and physiological relevance, are discussed with comparisons of the strengths and weaknesses of various systems to solve these challenges. Conclusions focus on the current development stage of multiorgan microphysiological systems and new trends in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying I Wang
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Carlos Carmona
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826, USA
| | - James J Hickman
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826, USA
- Hesperos, Inc., 3259 Progress Dr, Room 158, Orlando, FL 32826
| | - Michael L Shuler
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
- Hesperos, Inc., 3259 Progress Dr, Room 158, Orlando, FL 32826
- Robert Frederick Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
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29
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Ren X, Levin D, Lin F. Cell Migration Research Based on Organ-on-Chip-Related Approaches. MICROMACHINES 2017; 8:mi8110324. [PMID: 30400514 PMCID: PMC6190356 DOI: 10.3390/mi8110324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2017] [Revised: 10/28/2017] [Accepted: 10/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Microfluidic devices have been widely used for cell migration research over the last two decades, owing to their attractive features in cellular microenvironment control and quantitative single-cell migration analysis. However, the majority of the microfluidic cell migration studies have focused on single cell types and have configured microenvironments that are greatly simplified compared with the in-vivo conditions they aspire to model. In addition, although cell migration is considered an important target for disease diagnosis and therapeutics, very few microfluidic cell migration studies involved clinical samples from patients. Therefore, more sophisticated microfluidic systems are required to model the complex in-vivo microenvironment at the tissue or organ level for cell migration studies and to explore cell migration-related clinical applications. Research in this direction that employs organ-on-chip-related approaches for cell migration analysis has been increasingly reported in recent years. In this paper, we briefly introduce the general background of cell migration and organ-on-chip research, followed by a detailed review of specific cell migration studies using organ-on-chip-related approaches, and conclude by discussing our perspectives of the challenges, opportunities and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoou Ren
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada.
- Department of Biosystems Engineering, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada.
| | - David Levin
- Department of Biosystems Engineering, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada.
| | - Francis Lin
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada.
- Department of Biosystems Engineering, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada.
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30
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Huang G, Li F, Zhao X, Ma Y, Li Y, Lin M, Jin G, Lu TJ, Genin GM, Xu F. Functional and Biomimetic Materials for Engineering of the Three-Dimensional Cell Microenvironment. Chem Rev 2017; 117:12764-12850. [PMID: 28991456 PMCID: PMC6494624 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.7b00094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 469] [Impact Index Per Article: 67.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The cell microenvironment has emerged as a key determinant of cell behavior and function in development, physiology, and pathophysiology. The extracellular matrix (ECM) within the cell microenvironment serves not only as a structural foundation for cells but also as a source of three-dimensional (3D) biochemical and biophysical cues that trigger and regulate cell behaviors. Increasing evidence suggests that the 3D character of the microenvironment is required for development of many critical cell responses observed in vivo, fueling a surge in the development of functional and biomimetic materials for engineering the 3D cell microenvironment. Progress in the design of such materials has improved control of cell behaviors in 3D and advanced the fields of tissue regeneration, in vitro tissue models, large-scale cell differentiation, immunotherapy, and gene therapy. However, the field is still in its infancy, and discoveries about the nature of cell-microenvironment interactions continue to overturn much early progress in the field. Key challenges continue to be dissecting the roles of chemistry, structure, mechanics, and electrophysiology in the cell microenvironment, and understanding and harnessing the roles of periodicity and drift in these factors. This review encapsulates where recent advances appear to leave the ever-shifting state of the art, and it highlights areas in which substantial potential and uncertainty remain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoyou Huang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information
Engineering, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong
University, Xi’an 710049, People’s Republic of China
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center
(BEBC), Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, People’s
Republic of China
| | - Fei Li
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center
(BEBC), Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, People’s
Republic of China
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science,
Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, People’s Republic
of China
| | - Xin Zhao
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center
(BEBC), Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, People’s
Republic of China
- Interdisciplinary Division of Biomedical
Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong,
People’s Republic of China
| | - Yufei Ma
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information
Engineering, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong
University, Xi’an 710049, People’s Republic of China
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center
(BEBC), Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, People’s
Republic of China
| | - Yuhui Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information
Engineering, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong
University, Xi’an 710049, People’s Republic of China
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center
(BEBC), Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, People’s
Republic of China
| | - Min Lin
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information
Engineering, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong
University, Xi’an 710049, People’s Republic of China
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center
(BEBC), Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, People’s
Republic of China
| | - Guorui Jin
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information
Engineering, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong
University, Xi’an 710049, People’s Republic of China
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center
(BEBC), Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, People’s
Republic of China
| | - Tian Jian Lu
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center
(BEBC), Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, People’s
Republic of China
- MOE Key Laboratory for Multifunctional Materials
and Structures, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049,
People’s Republic of China
| | - Guy M. Genin
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information
Engineering, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong
University, Xi’an 710049, People’s Republic of China
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center
(BEBC), Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, People’s
Republic of China
- Department of Mechanical Engineering &
Materials Science, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis 63130, MO,
USA
- NSF Science and Technology Center for
Engineering MechanoBiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis 63130,
MO, USA
| | - Feng Xu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information
Engineering, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong
University, Xi’an 710049, People’s Republic of China
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center
(BEBC), Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, People’s
Republic of China
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31
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Compartmentalized Microfluidic Platforms: The Unrivaled Breakthrough of In Vitro Tools for Neurobiological Research. J Neurosci 2017; 36:11573-11584. [PMID: 27852766 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1748-16.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2016] [Revised: 09/08/2016] [Accepted: 09/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Microfluidic technology has become a valuable tool to the scientific community, allowing researchers to study fine cellular mechanisms with higher variable control compared with conventional systems. It has evolved tremendously, and its applicability and flexibility made its usage grow exponentially and transversely to several research fields. This has been particularly noticeable in neuroscience research, where microfluidic platforms made it possible to address specific questions extending from axonal guidance, synapse formation, or axonal transport to the development of 3D models of the CNS to allow pharmacological testing and drug screening. Furthermore, the continuous upgrade of microfluidic platforms has allowed a deeper study of the communication occurring between different neuronal and glial cells or between neurons and other peripheral tissues, both in physiological and pathological conditions. Importantly, the evolution of microfluidic technology has always been accompanied by the development of new computational tools addressing data acquisition, analysis, and modeling.
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32
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Thurgood P, Baratchi S, Szydzik C, Mitchell A, Khoshmanesh K. Porous PDMS structures for the storage and release of aqueous solutions into fluidic environments. LAB ON A CHIP 2017; 17:2517-2527. [PMID: 28653722 DOI: 10.1039/c7lc00350a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Typical microfluidic systems take advantage of multiple storage reservoirs, pumps and valves for the storage, driving and release of buffers and other reagents. However, the fabrication, integration, and operation of such components can be difficult. In particular, the reliance of such components on external off-chip equipment limits their utility for creating self-sufficient, stand-alone microfluidic systems. Here, we demonstrate a porous sponge made of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), which is fabricated by templating microscale water droplets using a T-junction microfluidic structure. High-resolution microscopy reveals that this sponge contains a network of pores, interconnected by small holes. This unique structure enables the sponge to passively release stored solutions very slowly. Proof-of-concept experiments demonstrate that the sponge can be used for the passive release of stored solutions into narrow channels and circular well plates, with the latter used for inducing intracellular calcium signalling of immobilised endothelial cells. The release rate of stored solutions can be controlled by varying the size of interconnecting holes, which can be easily achieved by changing the flow rate of the water injected into the T-junction. We also demonstrate the active release of stored liquids into a fluidic channel upon the manual compression of the sponge. The developed PDMS sponge can be easily integrated into complex micro/macro fluidic systems and prepared with a wide array of reagents, representing a new building block for self-sufficient microfluidic systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Thurgood
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
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33
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Lei Y, Tang L, Xie Y, Xianyu Y, Zhang L, Wang P, Hamada Y, Jiang K, Zheng W, Jiang X. Gold nanoclusters-assisted delivery of NGF siRNA for effective treatment of pancreatic cancer. Nat Commun 2017; 8:15130. [PMID: 28440296 PMCID: PMC5414062 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms15130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 202] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2016] [Accepted: 03/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest human cancers, whose progression is highly dependent on the nervous microenvironment. The suppression of gene expression of nerve growth factor (NGF) may have great potential in pancreatic cancer treatment. Here we show that gold nanocluster-assisted delivery of siRNA of NGF (GNC–siRNA) allows efficient NGF gene silencing and pancreatic cancer treatment. The GNC–siRNA complex increases the stability of siRNA in serum, prolongs the circulation lifetime of siRNA in blood and enhances the cellular uptake and tumour accumulation of siRNA. The GNC–siRNA complex potently downregulates the NGF expression in Panc-1 cells and in pancreatic tumours, and effectively inhibits the tumour progression in three pancreatic tumour models (subcutaneous model, orthotopic model and patient-derived xenograft model) without adverse effects. Our study constitutes a straightforward but effective approach to inhibit pancreatic cancer via NGF knockdown, suggesting a promising therapeutic direction for pancreatic cancer. Nerve growth factor (NGF) contributes to the sustained growth and metastasis of pancreatic cancer cells. Here, the authors develop a gold nanocluster-coupled siRNA against NGF that efficiently silences the NGF gene and inhibits tumour growth of pancreatic cancer in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifeng Lei
- Beijing Engineering Research Center for BioNanotechnology and CAS Key Laboratory for Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for NanoScience and Technology, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Lixue Tang
- Beijing Engineering Research Center for BioNanotechnology and CAS Key Laboratory for Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for NanoScience and Technology, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Yangzhouyun Xie
- Beijing Engineering Research Center for BioNanotechnology and CAS Key Laboratory for Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for NanoScience and Technology, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Yunlei Xianyu
- Beijing Engineering Research Center for BioNanotechnology and CAS Key Laboratory for Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for NanoScience and Technology, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Lingmin Zhang
- Beijing Engineering Research Center for BioNanotechnology and CAS Key Laboratory for Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for NanoScience and Technology, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Peng Wang
- Beijing Engineering Research Center for BioNanotechnology and CAS Key Laboratory for Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for NanoScience and Technology, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Yoh Hamada
- Department of Nano-Medical Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
| | - Kai Jiang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Wenfu Zheng
- Beijing Engineering Research Center for BioNanotechnology and CAS Key Laboratory for Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for NanoScience and Technology, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Xingyu Jiang
- Beijing Engineering Research Center for BioNanotechnology and CAS Key Laboratory for Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for NanoScience and Technology, Beijing 100190, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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