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Mármol I, Abizanda-Campo S, Ayuso JM, Ochoa I, Oliván S. Towards Novel Biomimetic In Vitro Models of the Blood-Brain Barrier for Drug Permeability Evaluation. Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:bioengineering10050572. [PMID: 37237642 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10050572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Current available animal and in vitro cell-based models for studying brain-related pathologies and drug evaluation face several limitations since they are unable to reproduce the unique architecture and physiology of the human blood-brain barrier. Because of that, promising preclinical drug candidates often fail in clinical trials due to their inability to penetrate the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Therefore, novel models that allow us to successfully predict drug permeability through the BBB would accelerate the implementation of much-needed therapies for glioblastoma, Alzheimer's disease, and further disorders. In line with this, organ-on-chip models of the BBB are an interesting alternative to traditional models. These microfluidic models provide the necessary support to recreate the architecture of the BBB and mimic the fluidic conditions of the cerebral microvasculature. Herein, the most recent advances in organ-on-chip models for the BBB are reviewed, focusing on their potential to provide robust and reliable data regarding drug candidate ability to reach the brain parenchyma. We point out recent achievements and challenges to overcome in order to advance in more biomimetic in vitro experimental models based on OOO technology. The minimum requirements that should be met to be considered biomimetic (cellular types, fluid flow, and tissular architecture), and consequently, a solid alternative to in vitro traditional models or animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inés Mármol
- Tissue Microenvironment (TME) Lab, Aragón Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), University of Zaragoza, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain
- Institute for Health Research Aragón (IIS Aragón), 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Sara Abizanda-Campo
- Tissue Microenvironment (TME) Lab, Aragón Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), University of Zaragoza, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Dermatology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, and Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Jose M Ayuso
- Department of Dermatology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, and Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Ignacio Ochoa
- Tissue Microenvironment (TME) Lab, Aragón Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), University of Zaragoza, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain
- Institute for Health Research Aragón (IIS Aragón), 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- CIBER Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Sara Oliván
- Tissue Microenvironment (TME) Lab, Aragón Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), University of Zaragoza, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain
- Institute for Health Research Aragón (IIS Aragón), 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
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Feng J, Neuzil J, Manz A, Iliescu C, Neuzil P. Microfluidic trends in drug screening and drug delivery. Trends Analyt Chem 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2022.116821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Sung B. In silico modeling of endocrine organ-on-a-chip systems. Math Biosci 2022; 352:108900. [PMID: 36075288 DOI: 10.1016/j.mbs.2022.108900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
The organ-on-a-chip (OoC) is an artificially reconstructed microphysiological system that is implemented using tissue mimics integrated into miniaturized perfusion devices. OoCs emulate dynamic and physiologically relevant features of the body, which are not available in standard in vitro methods. Furthermore, OoCs provide highly sophisticated multi-organ connectivity and biomechanical cues based on microfluidic platforms. Consequently, they are often considered ideal in vitro systems for mimicking self-regulating biophysical and biochemical networks in vivo where multiple tissues and organs crosstalk through the blood flow, similar to the human endocrine system. Therefore, OoCs have been extensively applied to simulate complex hormone dynamics and endocrine signaling pathways in a mechanistic and fully controlled manner. Mathematical and computational modeling approaches are critical for quantitatively analyzing an OoC and predicting its complex responses. In this review article, recently developed in silico modeling concepts of endocrine OoC systems are summarized, including the mathematical models of tissue-level transport phenomena, microscale fluid dynamics, distant hormone signaling, and heterogeneous cell-cell communication. From this background, whole chip-level analytic approaches in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics will be described with a focus on the spatial and temporal behaviors of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion in endocrine biochips. Finally, quantitative design frameworks for endocrine OoCs are reviewed with respect to support parameter calibration/scaling and enable predictive in vitro-in vivo extrapolations. In particular, we highlight the analytical and numerical modeling strategies of the nonlinear phenomena in endocrine systems on-chip, which are of particular importance in drug screening and environmental health applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baeckkyoung Sung
- Biosensor Group, KIST Europe Forschungsgesellschaft mbH, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany; Division of Energy & Environment Technology, University of Science & Technology, 34113 Daejeon, Republic of Korea.
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Advances in Hydrogel-Based Microfluidic Blood–Brain-Barrier Models in Oncology Research. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14050993. [PMID: 35631579 PMCID: PMC9144371 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14050993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The intrinsic architecture and complexity of the brain restricts the capacity of therapeutic molecules to reach their potential targets, thereby limiting therapeutic possibilities concerning neurological ailments and brain malignancy. As conventional models fail to recapitulate the complexity of the brain, progress in the field of microfluidics has facilitated the development of advanced in vitro platforms that could imitate the in vivo microenvironments and pathological features of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). It is highly desirous that developed in vitro BBB-on-chip models serve as a platform to investigate cancer metastasis of the brain along with the possibility of efficiently screening chemotherapeutic agents against brain malignancies. In order to improve the proficiency of BBB-on-chip models, hydrogels have been widely explored due to their unique physical and chemical properties, which mimic the three-dimensional (3D) micro architecture of tissues. Hydrogel-based BBB-on-chip models serves as a stage which is conducive for cell growth and allows the exchange of gases and nutrients and the removal of metabolic wastes between cells and the cell/extra cellular matrix (ECM) interface. Here, we present recent advancements in BBB-on-chip models targeting brain malignancies and examine the utility of hydrogel-based BBB models that could further strengthen the future application of microfluidic devices in oncology research.
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Schreiner TG, Romanescu C, Popescu BO. The Blood-Brain Barrier-A Key Player in Multiple Sclerosis Disease Mechanisms. Biomolecules 2022; 12:538. [PMID: 35454127 PMCID: PMC9025898 DOI: 10.3390/biom12040538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past decade, multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic neuroinflammatory disease with severe personal and social consequences, has undergone a steady increase in incidence and prevalence rates worldwide. Despite ongoing research and the development of several novel therapies, MS pathology remains incompletely understood, and the prospect for a curative treatment continues to be unpromising in the near future. A sustained research effort, however, should contribute to a deeper understanding of underlying disease mechanisms, which will undoubtedly yield improved results in drug development. In recent years, the blood-brain barrier (BBB) has increasingly become the focus of many studies as it appears to be involved in both MS disease onset and progression. More specifically, neurovascular unit damage is believed to be involved in the critical process of CNS immune cell penetration, which subsequently favors the development of a CNS-specific immune response, leading to the classical pathological and clinical hallmarks of MS. The aim of the current narrative review is to merge the relevant evidence on the role of the BBB in MS pathology in a comprehensive and succinct manner. Firstly, the physiological structure and functions of the BBB as a component of the more complex neurovascular unit are presented. Subsequently, the authors review the specific alteration of the BBB encountered in different stages of MS, focusing on both the modifications of BBB cells in neuroinflammation and the CNS penetration of immune cells. Finally, the currently accepted theories on neurodegeneration in MS are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Gabriel Schreiner
- Faculty of Medicine, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania;
- Faculty of Medicine, “Gr. T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iași, Romania
- Department of Electrical Measurements and Materials, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, Gheorghe Asachi Technical University of Iasi, 21-23 Professor Dimitrie Mangeron Blvd., 700050 Iasi, Romania
| | - Constantin Romanescu
- Faculty of Medicine, “Gr. T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iași, Romania
- Clinical Section IV, “St. Parascheva” Infectious Disease Hospital, 700116 Iași, Romania
| | - Bogdan Ovidiu Popescu
- Faculty of Medicine, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania;
- Neurology Department, Colentina Clinical Hospital, 020125 Bucharest, Romania
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Neurosciences and Experimental Myology, “Victor Babes” National Institute of Pathology, 050096 Bucharest, Romania
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Hanafy AS, Dietrich D, Fricker G, Lamprecht A. Blood-brain barrier models: Rationale for selection. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 176:113859. [PMID: 34246710 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.113859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Brain delivery is a broad research area, the outcomes of which are far hindered by the limited permeability of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Over the last century, research has been revealing the BBB complexity and the crosstalk between its cellular and molecular components. Pathologically, BBB alterations may precede as well as be concomitant or lead to brain diseases. To simulate the BBB and investigate options for drug delivery, several in vitro, in vivo, ex vivo, in situ and in silico models are used. Hundreds of drug delivery vehicles successfully pass preclinical trials but fail in clinical settings. Inadequate selection of BBB models is believed to remarkably impact the data reliability leading to unsatisfactory results in clinical trials. In this review, we suggest a rationale for BBB model selection with respect to the addressed research question and downstream applications. The essential considerations of an optimal BBB model are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amira Sayed Hanafy
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany; Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharos University in Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Dirk Dietrich
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Gert Fricker
- Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Ruprecht-Karls University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Alf Lamprecht
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
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Abstract
Graphical abstract [Formula: see text].
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Gindorf M, Storck SE, Ohler A, Scharfenberg F, Becker-Pauly C, Pietrzik CU. Meprin β: A novel regulator of blood-brain barrier integrity. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2021; 41:31-44. [PMID: 32065075 PMCID: PMC7747169 DOI: 10.1177/0271678x20905206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The metalloprotease meprin β (Mep1b) is capable of cleaving cell-adhesion molecules in different tissues (e.g. skin, kidney and intestine) and is dysregulated in several diseases associated with barrier breakdown (Alzheimer´s disease, kidney disruption, inflammatory bowel disease). In this study, we demonstrate that Mep1b is a novel regulator of tight junction (TJ) composition and blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity in brain endothelium. In Mep1b-transfected mouse brain endothelial cells (bEnd.3), we observed a reduction of the TJ protein claudin-5, decreased transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) and an elevated permeability to paracellular diffusion marker [14C]-inulin. Analysis of global Mep1b knock-out (Mep1b-/-) mice showed increased TJ protein expression (claudin-5, occludin, ZO-1) in cerebral microvessels and increased TEER in cultivated primary mouse brain endothelial compared to wild-type (wt) mice. Furthermore, we investigated the IgG levels in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and the brain water content as additional permeability markers and detected lower IgG levels and reduced brain water content in Mep1b-/- mice compared to wt mice. Showing opposing features in overexpression and knock-out, we conclude that Mep1b plays a role in regulating brain endothelial TJ-proteins and therefore affecting BBB tightness in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Gindorf
- Institute for Pathobiochemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Steffen E Storck
- Institute for Pathobiochemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Anke Ohler
- Institute for Pathobiochemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Franka Scharfenberg
- Institute of Biochemistry, Unit for Degradomics of the Protease Web, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Christoph Becker-Pauly
- Institute of Biochemistry, Unit for Degradomics of the Protease Web, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Claus U Pietrzik
- Institute for Pathobiochemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
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Benmimoun B, Papastefanaki F, Périchon B, Segklia K, Roby N, Miriagou V, Schmitt C, Dramsi S, Matsas R, Spéder P. An original infection model identifies host lipoprotein import as a route for blood-brain barrier crossing. Nat Commun 2020; 11:6106. [PMID: 33257684 PMCID: PMC7704634 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-19826-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pathogens able to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) induce long-term neurological sequelae and death. Understanding how neurotropic pathogens bypass this strong physiological barrier is a prerequisite to devise therapeutic strategies. Here we propose an innovative model of infection in the developing Drosophila brain, combining whole brain explants with in vivo systemic infection. We find that several mammalian pathogens are able to cross the Drosophila BBB, including Group B Streptococcus (GBS). Amongst GBS surface components, lipoproteins, and in particular the B leucine-rich Blr, are important for BBB crossing and virulence in Drosophila. Further, we identify (V)LDL receptor LpR2, expressed in the BBB, as a host receptor for Blr, allowing GBS translocation through endocytosis. Finally, we show that Blr is required for BBB crossing and pathogenicity in a murine model of infection. Our results demonstrate the potential of Drosophila for studying BBB crossing by pathogens and identify a new mechanism by which pathogens exploit the machinery of host barriers to generate brain infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Billel Benmimoun
- Institut Pasteur, Brain Plasticity in Response to the Environment, CNRS, UMR3738, Paris, France
| | - Florentia Papastefanaki
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology-Stem Cells, Department of Neurobiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
| | - Bruno Périchon
- Unité de Biologie des Bactéries Pathogènes à Gram-positif, Institut Pasteur, CNRS, UMR 2001, Paris, France
| | - Katerina Segklia
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology-Stem Cells, Department of Neurobiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
| | - Nicolas Roby
- Institut Pasteur, Brain Plasticity in Response to the Environment, CNRS, UMR3738, Paris, France
| | - Vivi Miriagou
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, Department of Microbiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
| | - Christine Schmitt
- Ultrastructure UTechS Ultrastructural Bioimaging Platform, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Shaynoor Dramsi
- Unité de Biologie des Bactéries Pathogènes à Gram-positif, Institut Pasteur, CNRS, UMR 2001, Paris, France
| | - Rebecca Matsas
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology-Stem Cells, Department of Neurobiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
| | - Pauline Spéder
- Institut Pasteur, Brain Plasticity in Response to the Environment, CNRS, UMR3738, Paris, France.
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Morofuji Y, Nakagawa S. Drug Development for Central Nervous System Diseases Using In vitro Blood-brain Barrier Models and Drug Repositioning. Curr Pharm Des 2020; 26:1466-1485. [PMID: 32091330 PMCID: PMC7499354 DOI: 10.2174/1381612826666200224112534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
An important goal of biomedical research is to translate basic research findings into practical clinical implementation. Despite the advances in the technology used in drug discovery, the development of drugs for central nervous system diseases remains challenging. The failure rate for new drugs targeting important central nervous system diseases is high compared to most other areas of drug discovery. The main reason for the failure is the poor penetration efficacy across the blood-brain barrier. The blood-brain barrier represents the bottleneck in central nervous system drug development and is the most important factor limiting the future growth of neurotherapeutics. Meanwhile, drug repositioning has been becoming increasingly popular and it seems a promising field in central nervous system drug development. In vitro blood-brain barrier models with high predictability are expected for drug development and drug repositioning. In this review, the recent progress of in vitro BBB models and the drug repositioning for central nervous system diseases will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoichi Morofuji
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki 852-8501, Japan
| | - Shinsuke Nakagawa
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan
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Ferrari E, Palma C, Vesentini S, Occhetta P, Rasponi M. Integrating Biosensors in Organs-on-Chip Devices: A Perspective on Current Strategies to Monitor Microphysiological Systems. BIOSENSORS 2020; 10:E110. [PMID: 32872228 PMCID: PMC7558092 DOI: 10.3390/bios10090110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Organs-on-chip (OoC), often referred to as microphysiological systems (MPS), are advanced in vitro tools able to replicate essential functions of human organs. Owing to their unprecedented ability to recapitulate key features of the native cellular environments, they represent promising tools for tissue engineering and drug screening applications. The achievement of proper functionalities within OoC is crucial; to this purpose, several parameters (e.g., chemical, physical) need to be assessed. Currently, most approaches rely on off-chip analysis and imaging techniques. However, the urgent demand for continuous, noninvasive, and real-time monitoring of tissue constructs requires the direct integration of biosensors. In this review, we focus on recent strategies to miniaturize and embed biosensing systems into organs-on-chip platforms. Biosensors for monitoring biological models with metabolic activities, models with tissue barrier functions, as well as models with electromechanical properties will be described and critically evaluated. In addition, multisensor integration within multiorgan platforms will be further reviewed and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Marco Rasponi
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy; (E.F.); (C.P.); (S.V.); (P.O.)
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Lendahl U, Nilsson P, Betsholtz C. Emerging links between cerebrovascular and neurodegenerative diseases-a special role for pericytes. EMBO Rep 2019; 20:e48070. [PMID: 31617312 PMCID: PMC6831996 DOI: 10.15252/embr.201948070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Revised: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative and cerebrovascular diseases cause considerable human suffering, and therapy options for these two disease categories are limited or non-existing. It is an emerging notion that neurodegenerative and cerebrovascular diseases are linked in several ways, and in this review, we discuss the current status regarding vascular dysregulation in neurodegenerative disease, and conversely, how cerebrovascular diseases are associated with central nervous system (CNS) degeneration and dysfunction. The emerging links between neurodegenerative and cerebrovascular diseases are reviewed with a particular focus on pericytes-important cells that ensheath the endothelium in the microvasculature and which are pivotal for blood-brain barrier function and cerebral blood flow. Finally, we address how novel molecular and cellular insights into pericytes and other vascular cell types may open new avenues for diagnosis and therapy development for these important diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urban Lendahl
- Department of Cell and Molecular BiologyKarolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and SocietyDivision of NeurogeriatricsCenter for Alzheimer ResearchKarolinska InstitutetSolnaSweden
- Integrated Cardio Metabolic Centre (ICMC)HuddingeSweden
| | - Per Nilsson
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and SocietyDivision of NeurogeriatricsCenter for Alzheimer ResearchKarolinska InstitutetSolnaSweden
| | - Christer Betsholtz
- Integrated Cardio Metabolic Centre (ICMC)HuddingeSweden
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and PathologyRudbeck LaboratoryUppsala UniversityUppsalaSweden
- Department of MedicineKarolinska InstitutetHuddingeSweden
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Frimat JP, Luttge R. The Need for Physiological Micro-Nanofluidic Systems of the Brain. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2019; 7:100. [PMID: 31134196 PMCID: PMC6514106 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2019.00100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2018] [Accepted: 04/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
In this article, we review brain-on-a-chip models and associated underlying technologies. Micro-nanofluidic systems of the brain can utilize the entire spectrum of organoid technology. Notably, there is an urgent clinical need for a physiologically relevant microfluidic platform that can mimic the brain. Brain diseases affect millions of people worldwide, and this number will grow as the size of elderly population increases, thus making brain disease a serious public health problem. Brain disease modeling typically involves the use of in vivo rodent models, which is time consuming, resource intensive, and arguably unethical because many animals are required for a single study. Moreover, rodent models may not accurately predict human diseases, leading to erroneous results, thus rendering animal models poor predictors of human responses to treatment. Various clinical researchers have highlighted this issue, showing that initial physiological descriptions of animal models rarely encompass all the desired human features, including how closely the model captures what is observed in patients. Consequently, such animal models only mimic certain disease aspects, and they are often inadequate for studying how a certain molecule affects various aspects of a disease. Thus, there is a great need for the development of the brain-on-a-chip technology based on which a human brain model can be engineered by assembling cell lines to generate an organ-level model. To produce such a brain-on-a-chip device, selection of appropriate cells lines is critical because brain tissue consists of many different neuronal subtypes, including a plethora of supporting glial cell types. Additionally, cellular network bio-architecture significantly varies throughout different brain regions, forming complex structures and circuitries; this needs to be accounted for in the chip design process. Compartmentalized microenvironments can also be designed within the microphysiological cell culture system to fulfill advanced requirements of a given application. On-chip integration methods have already enabled advances in Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and epilepsy modeling, which are discussed herein. In conclusion, for the brain model to be functional, combining engineered microsystems with stem cell (hiPSC) technology is specifically beneficial because hiPSCs can contribute to the complexity of tissue architecture based on their level of differentiation and thereby, biology itself.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Philippe Frimat
- Neuro-Nanoscale Engineering Group, Microsystems Section & ICMS Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maastricht University Medical Centre, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - Regina Luttge
- Neuro-Nanoscale Engineering Group, Microsystems Section & ICMS Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
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