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Jin H, Han Y, Zenker J. Cellular mechanisms of monozygotic twinning: clues from assisted reproduction. Hum Reprod Update 2024:dmae022. [PMID: 38996087 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmae022] [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: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Monozygotic (MZ) twins are believed to arise from the fission of a single fertilized embryo at different stages. Monochorionic MZ twins, who share one chorion, originate from the splitting of the inner cell mass (ICM) within a single blastocyst. In the classic model for dichorionic MZ twins, the embryo splits before compaction, developing into two blastocysts. However, there are a growing number of ART cases where a single blastocyst transfer results in dichorionic MZ twins, indicating that embryo splitting may occur even after blastocyst formation. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE For monochorionic MZ twins, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the cellular mechanisms involved in ICM splitting, drawing from both ART cases and animal experiments. In addition, we critically re-examine the classic early splitting model for dichorionic MZ twins. We explore cellular mechanisms leading to two separated blastocysts in ART, potentially causing dichorionic MZ twins. SEARCH METHODS Relevant studies including research articles, reviews, and conference papers were searched in the PubMed database. Cases of MZ twins from IVF clinics were found by using combinations of terms including 'monozygotic twins' with 'IVF case report', 'ART', 'single embryo transfer', or 'dichorionic'. The papers retrieved were categorized based on the implicated mechanisms or as those with unexplained mechanisms. Animal experiments relating to MZ twins were found using 'mouse embryo monozygotic twins', 'mouse 8-shaped hatching', 'zebrafish janus mutant', and 'nine-banded armadillo embryo', along with literature collected through day-to-day reading. The search was limited to articles in English, with no restrictions on publication date or species. OUTCOMES For monochorionic MZ twins, ART cases and mouse experiments demonstrate evidence that a looser ICM in blastocysts has an increased chance of ICM separation. Physical forces facilitated by blastocoel formation or 8-shaped hatching are exerted on the ICM, resulting in monochorionic MZ twins. For dichorionic MZ twins, the classic model resembles artificial cloning of mouse embryos in vitro, requiring strictly controlled splitting forces, re-joining prevention, and proper aggregation, which allows the formation of two separate human blastocysts under physiological circumstances. In contrast, ART procedures involving the transfer of a single blastocysts after atypical hatching or vitrified-warmed cycles might lead to blastocyst separation. Differences in morphology, molecular mechanisms, and timing across various animal model systems for MZ twinning can impede this research field. As discussed in future directions, recent developments of innovative in vitro models of human embryos may offer promising avenues for providing fundamental novel insights into the cellular mechanisms of MZ twinning during human embryogenesis. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Twin pregnancies pose high risks to both the fetuses and the mother. While single embryo transfer is commonly employed to prevent dizygotic twin pregnancies in ART, it cannot prevent the occurrence of MZ twins. Drawing from our understanding of the cellular mechanisms underlying monochorionic and dichorionic MZ twinning, along with insights into the genetic mechanisms, could enable improved prediction, prevention, and even intervention strategies during ART procedures. REGISTRAITON NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongbin Jin
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Yang Han
- Division of Cellular and Developmental Biology, Molecular and Cell Biology Department, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Jennifer Zenker
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
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He J, Duan P, Liu Y, Feng T, Wang S, Lin X, Xie J, Liu X. Unveiling the Impact of Hemodynamics on Endothelial Inflammation-Mediated Hepatocellular Carcinoma Metastasis Using a Biomimetic Vascular Flow Model. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2304439. [PMID: 38486060 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202304439] [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: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) hematogenous dissemination is a leading cause of HCC-related deaths. The inflammatory facilitates this process by promoting the adhesion and invasion of tumor cells in the circulatory system. But the contribution of hemodynamics to this process remains poorly understood due to the lack of a suitable vascular flow model for investigation. This study develops a vascular flow model to examine the impact of hemodynamics on endothelial inflammation-mediated HCC metastasis. This work finds the increasing shear stress will reduce the recruitment of HCC cells by disturbing adhesion forces between endothelium and HCC cells. However, this reduction will be restored by the inflammation. When applying high FSS (4-6 dyn cm-2) to the inflammatory endothelium, there will be a 4.8-fold increase in HCC cell adhesions compared to normal condition. Nevertheless, the increase fold of cell adhesions is inapparent, around 1.5-fold, with low and medium FSS. This effect can be attributed to the FSS-induced upregulation of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 of the inflammatory endothelium, which serve to strengthen cell binding forces. These findings indicate that hemodynamics plays a key role in HCC metastasis during endothelial inflammation by regulating the expression of adhesion-related factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia He
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Peiyan Duan
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Tang Feng
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Shuo Wang
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xinyi Lin
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jing Xie
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xiaoheng Liu
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
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Yang JC, Zhang YH, Hu B. Gastric organoids: Rise of a latecomer. WORLD CHINESE JOURNAL OF DIGESTOLOGY 2024; 32:182-191. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v32.i3.182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2024]
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Dong R, Liu S, Li Y, Gao F, Gao K, Chen C, Qian Z, Li W, Yang Y. Revisiting hemodynamics and blood oxygenation in a microfluidic microvasculature replica. Microvasc Res 2024; 152:104640. [PMID: 38065353 DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2023.104640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
The complexity of microvascular circulation has led to the development of advanced imaging techniques and biomimetic models. This study developed a multifaceted microfluidic-based microdevice as an in vitro model of microvasculature to replicate important geometric and functional features of in vivo perfusion in mice. The microfluidic device consisted of a microchannel for blood perfusion, mirroring the natural hierarchical branching vascular structures found in mice. Additionally, the device incorporated a steady gradient of oxygen (O2) which diffused through the polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) layer, allowing for dynamic blood oxygenation. The assembled multi-layered microdevice was accompanied by a dual-modal imaging system that combined laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) and intrinsic signal optical imaging (ISOI) to visualize full-field blood flow distributions and blood O2 profiles. By closely reproducing in vivo blood perfusion and oxygenation conditions, this microvasculature model, in conjunction with numerical simulation results, can provide quantitative information on physiologically relevant hemodynamics and key O2 transport parameters that are not directly measurable in traditional animal studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Dong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing 210016, China
| | - Sijia Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing 210016, China
| | - Yuewu Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing 210016, China
| | - Fan Gao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing 210016, China
| | - Keqiang Gao
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Chunxiao Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing 210016, China
| | - Zhiyu Qian
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing 210016, China
| | - Weitao Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing 210016, China.
| | - Yamin Yang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing 210016, China.
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Lachance GP, Gauvreau D, Boisselier É, Boukadoum M, Miled A. Breaking Barriers: Exploring Neurotransmitters through In Vivo vs. In Vitro Rivalry. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 24:647. [PMID: 38276338 PMCID: PMC11154401 DOI: 10.3390/s24020647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Neurotransmitter analysis plays a pivotal role in diagnosing and managing neurodegenerative diseases, often characterized by disturbances in neurotransmitter systems. However, prevailing methods for quantifying neurotransmitters involve invasive procedures or require bulky imaging equipment, therefore restricting accessibility and posing potential risks to patients. The innovation of compact, in vivo instruments for neurotransmission analysis holds the potential to reshape disease management. This innovation can facilitate non-invasive and uninterrupted monitoring of neurotransmitter levels and their activity. Recent strides in microfabrication have led to the emergence of diminutive instruments that also find applicability in in vitro investigations. By harnessing the synergistic potential of microfluidics, micro-optics, and microelectronics, this nascent realm of research holds substantial promise. This review offers an overarching view of the current neurotransmitter sensing techniques, the advances towards in vitro microsensors tailored for monitoring neurotransmission, and the state-of-the-art fabrication techniques that can be used to fabricate those microsensors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dominic Gauvreau
- Department Electrical Engineering, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada; (G.P.L.); (D.G.)
| | - Élodie Boisselier
- Department Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada;
| | - Mounir Boukadoum
- Department Computer Science, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, QC H2L 2C4, Canada;
| | - Amine Miled
- Department Electrical Engineering, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada; (G.P.L.); (D.G.)
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Campinoti S, Almeida B, Goudarzi N, Bencina S, Grundland Freile F, McQuitty C, Natarajan D, Cox IJ, Le Guennec A, Khati V, Gaudenzi G, Gramignoli R, Urbani L. Rat liver extracellular matrix and perfusion bioreactor culture promote human amnion epithelial cell differentiation towards hepatocyte-like cells. J Tissue Eng 2023; 14:20417314231219813. [PMID: 38143931 PMCID: PMC10748678 DOI: 10.1177/20417314231219813] [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: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Congenital and chronic liver diseases have a substantial health burden worldwide. The most effective treatment available for these patients is whole organ transplantation; however, due to the severely limited supply of donor livers and the side effects associated with the immunosuppressive regimen required to accept allograft, the mortality rate in patients with end-stage liver disease is annually rising. Stem cell-based therapy aims to provide alternative treatments by either cell transplantation or bioengineered construct transplantation. Human amnion epithelial cells (AEC) are a widely available, ethically neutral source of cells with the plasticity and potential of multipotent stem cells and immunomodulatory properties of perinatal cells. AEC have been proven to be able to achieve functional improvement towards hepatocyte-like cells, capable of rescuing animals with metabolic disorders; however, they showed limited metabolic activities in vitro. Decellularised extracellular matrix (ECM) scaffolds have gained recognition as adjunct biological support. Decellularised scaffolds maintain native ECM components and the 3D architecture instrumental of the organ, necessary to support cells' maturation and function. We combined ECM-scaffold technology with primary human AEC, which we demonstrated being equipped with essential ECM-adhesion proteins, and evaluated the effects on AEC differentiation into functional hepatocyte-like cells (HLC). This novel approach included the use of a custom 4D bioreactor to provide constant oxygenation and media perfusion to cells in 3D cultures over time. We successfully generated HLC positive for hepatic markers such as ALB, CYP3A4 and CK18. AEC-derived HLC displayed early signs of hepatocyte phenotype, secreted albumin and urea, and expressed Phase-1 and -2 enzymes. The combination of liver-specific ECM and bioreactor provides a system able to aid differentiation into HLC, indicating that the innovative perfusion ECM-scaffold technology may support the functional improvement of multipotent and pluripotent stem cells, with important repercussions in the bioengineering of constructs for transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Campinoti
- The Roger Williams Institute of Hepatology, Foundation for Liver Research, London, UK
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Bruna Almeida
- The Roger Williams Institute of Hepatology, Foundation for Liver Research, London, UK
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Negin Goudarzi
- The Roger Williams Institute of Hepatology, Foundation for Liver Research, London, UK
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Stefan Bencina
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Fabio Grundland Freile
- The Roger Williams Institute of Hepatology, Foundation for Liver Research, London, UK
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, School of Basic and Medical Bioscience, Faculty of Life Science and Medicine, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Claire McQuitty
- The Roger Williams Institute of Hepatology, Foundation for Liver Research, London, UK
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Dipa Natarajan
- The Roger Williams Institute of Hepatology, Foundation for Liver Research, London, UK
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - I Jane Cox
- The Roger Williams Institute of Hepatology, Foundation for Liver Research, London, UK
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Adrien Le Guennec
- Centre for Biomolecular Spectroscopy, Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, Kings College London, London, UK
| | - Vamakshi Khati
- Science for Life Laboratory, Division of Nanobiotechnology, Department of Protein Science, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Solna, Sweden
| | - Giulia Gaudenzi
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Roberto Gramignoli
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
- Department of Pathology and Cancer Diagnostics, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Luca Urbani
- The Roger Williams Institute of Hepatology, Foundation for Liver Research, London, UK
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King’s College London, London, UK
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