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Zhang T, Liu L, Huang X, Gao X, Huan X, He C, Li Y. The rapid change of shear rate gradient is beneficial to platelet activation. Platelets 2024; 35:2288679. [PMID: 38099316 DOI: 10.1080/09537104.2023.2288679] [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: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Fluid shear plays a key role in hemostasis and thrombosis, and the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of shear gradient change rate (SGCR) on platelet reactivity and von Willebrand factor (vWF) activity and its mechanism. In this study, we developed a set of microfluidic chips capable of generating different shear gradients and simulated the shear rate distribution in the flow field by COMSOL Multiphysics software. Molecular markers of platelet activation (P-selectin, activated GPIIb/IIIa, phosphatidylserine exposure, and monocyte-platelet aggregate formation) were analyzed by flow cytometry. Platelet aggregation induced by shear gradient was studied by a microfluidic experimental platform, and plasma vWF ristocetin cofactor (vWF: RCO) activity was investigated by flow cytometry. The expression of p-Akt was studied by Western blotting. The results showed that the faster the SGCR, the higher the expression of platelet p-Akt, and the stronger the platelet reactivity and vWF activity. This indicates that fluid shear stress can activate platelets and vWF in a shear gradient-dependent manner through the PI3K/AKT signal pathway, and the faster the SGCR, the more significant the activation effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiancong Zhang
- Central Laboratory of Yong-Chuan Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ling Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaojing Huang
- Central Laboratory of Yong-Chuan Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xuemei Gao
- Central Laboratory of Yong-Chuan Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xuanrong Huan
- Central Laboratory of Yong-Chuan Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Cui He
- Central Laboratory of Yong-Chuan Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yuan Li
- Central Laboratory of Yong-Chuan Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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2
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Chen Z, Fan L, Chen S, Zhao H, Zhang Q, Qu Y, Huang Y, Yu X, Sun D. Artificial Vascular with Pressure-Responsive Property based on Deformable Microfluidic Channels. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2304532. [PMID: 38533604 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202304532] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
In vitro blood vessel models are significant for disease modeling, drug assays, and therapeutic development. Microfluidic technologies allow to create physiologically relevant culture models reproducing the features of the in vivo vascular microenvironment. However, current microfluidic technologies are limited by impractical rectangular cross-sections and single or nonsynchronous compound mechanical stimuli. This study proposes a new strategy for creating round-shaped deformable soft microfluidic channels to serve as artificial in vitro vasculature for developing in vitro models with vascular physio-mechanical microenvironments. Endothelial cells seeded into vascular models are used to assess the effects of a remodeled in vivo mechanical environment. Furthermore, a 3D stenosis model is constructed to recapitulate the flow disturbances in atherosclerosis. Soft microchannels can also be integrated into traditional microfluidics to realize multifunctional composite systems. This technology provides new insights into applying microfluidic chips and a prospective approach for constructing in vitro blood vessel models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenlin Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
- Hong Kong Center for Cerebra-Cardiovascular Health Engineering, Hong Kong Science Park, New Territories, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Lei Fan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
- Centre for Robotics and Automation, Shenzhen Research Institute of City University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, 518057, China
| | - Shuxun Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Han Zhao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Qiang Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Yun Qu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Ya Huang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Xinge Yu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
- Hong Kong Center for Cerebra-Cardiovascular Health Engineering, Hong Kong Science Park, New Territories, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Dong Sun
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
- Hong Kong Center for Cerebra-Cardiovascular Health Engineering, Hong Kong Science Park, New Territories, Hong Kong, 999077, China
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3
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Yeo EF, Oliver JM, Korin N, Waters SL. A continuum model for the elongation and orientation of Von Willebrand factor with applications in arterial flow. Biomech Model Mechanobiol 2024; 23:1299-1317. [PMID: 38592600 PMCID: PMC11341749 DOI: 10.1007/s10237-024-01840-8] [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: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
The blood protein Von Willebrand factor (VWF) is critical in facilitating arterial thrombosis. At pathologically high shear rates, the protein unfolds and binds to the arterial wall, enabling the rapid deposition of platelets from the blood. We present a novel continuum model for VWF dynamics in flow based on a modified viscoelastic fluid model that incorporates a single constitutive relation to describe the propensity of VWF to unfold as a function of the scalar shear rate. Using experimental data of VWF unfolding in pure shear flow, we fix the parameters for VWF's unfolding propensity and the maximum VWF length, so that the protein is half unfolded at a shear rate of approximately 5000 s - 1 . We then use the theoretical model to predict VWF's behaviour in two complex flows where experimental data are challenging to obtain: pure elongational flow and stenotic arterial flow. In pure elongational flow, our model predicts that VWF is 50% unfolded at approximately 2000 s - 1 , matching the established hypothesis that VWF unfolds at lower shear rates in elongational flow than in shear flow. We demonstrate the sensitivity of this elongational flow prediction to the value of maximum VWF length used in the model, which varies significantly across experimental studies, predicting that VWF can unfold between 2000 and 3200 s - 1 depending on the selected value. Finally, we examine VWF dynamics in a range of idealised arterial stenoses, predicting the relative extension of VWF in elongational flow structures in the centre of the artery compared to high shear regions near the arterial walls.
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Affiliation(s)
- E F Yeo
- Department of Mathematics, University College London, London, UK.
| | - J M Oliver
- Mathematical Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - N Korin
- Biomedical Engineering, Technion, Haifa, Israel
| | - S L Waters
- Mathematical Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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4
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Provenzale I, Solari FA, Schönichen C, Brouns SLN, Fernández DI, Kuijpers MJE, van der Meijden PEJ, Gibbins JM, Sickmann A, Jones C, Heemskerk JWM. Endothelium-mediated regulation of platelet activation: Involvement of multiple protein kinases. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23468. [PMID: 38334433 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202300360rr] [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: 02/25/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
The endothelial regulation of platelet activity is incompletely understood. Here we describe novel approaches to find molecular pathways implicated on the platelet-endothelium interaction. Using high-shear whole-blood microfluidics, employing coagulant or non-coagulant conditions at physiological temperature, we observed that the presence of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) strongly suppressed platelet adhesion and activation, via the collagen receptor glycoprotein VI (GPVI) and the PAR receptors for thrombin. Real-time monitoring of the cytosolic Ca2+ rises in the platelets indicated no major improvement of inhibition by prostacyclin or nitric oxide. Similarly under stasis, exposure of isolated platelets to HUVEC reduced the Ca2+ responses by collagen-related peptide (CRP-XL, GPVI agonist) and thrombin (PAR agonist). We then analyzed the label-free phosphoproteome of platelets (three donors), exposed to HUVEC, CRP-XL, and/or thrombin. High-resolution mass spectrometry gave 5463 phosphopeptides, corresponding to 1472 proteins, with good correlation between biological and technical replicates (R > .86). Stringent filtering steps revealed 26 regulatory pathways (Reactome) and 143 regulated kinase substrates (PhosphoSitePlus), giving a set of protein phosphorylation sites that was differentially (44) or similarly (110) regulated by HUVEC or agonist exposure. The differential regulation was confirmed by stable-isotope analysis of platelets from two additional donors. Substrate analysis indicated major roles of poorly studied protein kinase classes (MAPK, CDK, DYRK, STK, PKC members). Collectively, these results reveal a resetting of the protein phosphorylation profile in platelets exposed to endothelium or to conventional agonists and to endothelium-promoted activity of a multi-kinase network, beyond classical prostacyclin and nitric oxide actors, that may contribute to platelet inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Provenzale
- Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Institute for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research (ICMR), School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK
- Leibniz-Institut für Analytische Wissenschaften - ISAS - e.V., Dortmund, Germany
| | - Fiorella A Solari
- Leibniz-Institut für Analytische Wissenschaften - ISAS - e.V., Dortmund, Germany
| | - Claudia Schönichen
- Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Center for Thrombosis and Haemostasis, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Sanne L N Brouns
- Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Delia I Fernández
- Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Marijke J E Kuijpers
- Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Thrombosis Expertise Center, Heart and Vascular Center, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Paola E J van der Meijden
- Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Thrombosis Expertise Center, Heart and Vascular Center, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Jonathan M Gibbins
- Institute for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research (ICMR), School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | - Albert Sickmann
- Leibniz-Institut für Analytische Wissenschaften - ISAS - e.V., Dortmund, Germany
- Medizinische Fakultät, Medizinische Proteom-Center, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- Department of Chemistry, College of Physical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Chris Jones
- Institute for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research (ICMR), School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | - Johan W M Heemskerk
- Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Synapse Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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5
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Watson CT, Ward SC, Rizzo SA, Redaelli A, Manning KB. Influence of Hematocrit Level and Integrin α IIbβ III Function on vWF-Mediated Platelet Adhesion and Shear-Induced Platelet Aggregation in a Sudden Expansion. Cell Mol Bioeng 2024; 17:49-65. [PMID: 38435796 PMCID: PMC10902252 DOI: 10.1007/s12195-024-00796-0] [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: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Shear-mediated thrombosis is a clinically relevant phenomenon that underlies excessive arterial thrombosis and device-induced thrombosis. Red blood cells are known to mechanically contribute to physiological hemostasis through margination of platelets and vWF, facilitating the unfurling of vWF multimers, and increasing the fraction of thrombus-contacting platelets. Shear also plays a role in this phenomenon, increasing both the degree of margination and the near-wall forces experienced by vWF and platelets leading to unfurling and activation. Despite this, the contribution of red blood cells in shear-induced platelet aggregation has not been fully investigated-specifically the effect of elevated hematocrit has not yet been demonstrated. Methods Here, a microfluidic model of a sudden expansion is presented as a platform for investigating platelet adhesion at hematocrits ranging from 0 to 60% and shear rates ranging from 1000 to 10,000 s-1. The sudden expansion geometry models nonphysiological flow separation characteristic to mechanical circulatory support devices, and the validatory framework of the FDA benchmark nozzle. PDMS microchannels were fabricated and coated with human collagen. Platelets were fluorescently tagged, and blood was reconstituted at variable hematocrit prior to perfusion experiments. Integrin function of selected blood samples was inhibited by a blocking antibody, and platelet adhesion and aggregation over the course of perfusion was monitored. Results Increasing shear rates at physiological and elevated hematocrit levels facilitate robust platelet adhesion and formation of large aggregates. Shear-induced platelet aggregation is demonstrated to be dependent on both αIIbβIII function and the presence of red blood cells. Inhibition of αIIbβIII results in an 86.4% reduction in overall platelet adhesion and an 85.7% reduction in thrombus size at 20-60% hematocrit. Hematocrit levels of 20% are inadequate for effective platelet margination and subsequent vWF tethering, resulting in notable decreases in platelet adhesion at 5000 and 10,000 s-1 compared to 40% and 60%. Inhibition of αIIbβIII triggered dramatic reductions in overall thrombus coverage and large aggregate formation. Stability of platelets tethered by vWF are demonstrated to be αIIbβIII-dependent, as adhesion of single platelets treated with A2A9, an anti-αIIbβIII blocking antibody, is transient and did not lead to sustained thrombus formation. Conclusions This study highlights driving factors in vWF-mediated platelet adhesion that are relevant to clinical suppression of shear-induced thrombosis and in vitro assays of platelet adhesion. Primarily, increasing hematocrit promotes platelet margination, permitting shear-induced platelet aggregation through αIIbβIII-mediated adhesion at supraphysiological shear rates. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12195-024-00796-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connor T. Watson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA USA
| | - Shane C. Ward
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA USA
| | - Stefano A. Rizzo
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Alberto Redaelli
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Keefe B. Manning
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA USA
- Department of Surgery, Penn State Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA USA
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6
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Steadman E, Steadman D, Rubenstein DA, Yin W. Platelet and endothelial cell responses under concurrent shear stress and tensile strain. Microvasc Res 2024; 151:104613. [PMID: 37793562 DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2023.104613] [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: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
Thrombosis can lead to significant mortality and morbidity. Both platelets and vascular endothelial cells play significant roles in thrombosis. Platelets' response to blood flow-induced shear stress can vary greatly depending on shear stress magnitude, pattern and shear exposure time. Endothelial cells are also sensitive to the biomechanical environment. Endothelial cell activation and dysfunction can occur under low oscillatory shear stress and low tensile strain. Platelet and endothelial cell interaction can also be affected by mechanical conditions. The goal of this study was to investigate how blood flow-induced shear stress, vascular wall tensile strain, platelet-endothelial cell stress history, and platelet-endothelial cell interaction affect platelet thrombogenicity. Platelets and human coronary artery endothelial cells were pretreated with physiological and pathological shear stress and/or tensile strain separately. The pretreated cells were then put together and exposed to pulsatile shear stress and cyclic tensile strain simultaneously in a shearing-stretching device. Following treatment, platelet thrombin generation rate, platelet and endothelial cell activation, and platelet adhesion to endothelial cells was measured. The results demonstrated that shear stress pretreatment of endothelial cells and platelets caused a significant increase in platelet thrombin generation rate, cell surface phosphatidylserine expression, and adhesion to endothelial cells. Shear stress pretreatment of platelets and endothelial cells attenuated endothelial cell ICAM-1 expression under stenosis conditions, as well as vWF expression under recirculation conditions. These results indicate that platelets are sensitized by prior shearing, while in comparison, the interaction with shear stress-pretreated platelets may reduce endothelial cell sensitivity to pathological shear stress and tensile strain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Steadman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Stony Brook University, 100 Nicolls Rd., Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Danielle Steadman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Stony Brook University, 100 Nicolls Rd., Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - David A Rubenstein
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Stony Brook University, 100 Nicolls Rd., Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Wei Yin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Stony Brook University, 100 Nicolls Rd., Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA.
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7
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Baaten CCFMJ, Nagy M, Bergmeier W, Spronk HMH, van der Meijden PEJ. Platelet biology and function: plaque erosion vs. rupture. Eur Heart J 2024; 45:18-31. [PMID: 37940193 PMCID: PMC10757869 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehad720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The leading cause of heart disease in developed countries is coronary atherosclerosis, which is not simply a result of ageing but a chronic inflammatory process that can lead to acute clinical events upon atherosclerotic plaque rupture or erosion and arterial thrombus formation. The composition and location of atherosclerotic plaques determine the phenotype of the lesion and whether it is more likely to rupture or to erode. Although plaque rupture and erosion both initiate platelet activation on the exposed vascular surface, the contribution of platelets to thrombus formation differs between the two phenotypes. In this review, plaque phenotype is discussed in relation to thrombus composition, and an overview of important mediators (haemodynamics, matrix components, and soluble factors) in plaque-induced platelet activation is given. As thrombus formation on disrupted plaques does not necessarily result in complete vessel occlusion, plaque healing can occur. Therefore, the latest findings on plaque healing and the potential role of platelets in this process are summarized. Finally, the clinical need for more effective antithrombotic agents is highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constance C F M J Baaten
- Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER, Maastricht, the Netherlands
- Institute for Molecular Cardiovascular Research (IMCAR), University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Magdolna Nagy
- Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Wolfgang Bergmeier
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, School of Medicine, University of North Caroline at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Blood Research Center, School of Medicine, University of North Caroline at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Henri M H Spronk
- Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER, Maastricht, the Netherlands
- Department of Internal Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, the Netherlands
- Thrombosis Expertise Center, Heart+ Vascular Center, Maastricht University Medical Center+, P. Debeyelaan 25, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Paola E J van der Meijden
- Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER, Maastricht, the Netherlands
- Thrombosis Expertise Center, Heart+ Vascular Center, Maastricht University Medical Center+, P. Debeyelaan 25, Maastricht, the Netherlands
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8
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Middelkamp HHT, Weener HJ, Gensheimer T, Vermeul K, de Heus LE, Albers HJ, van den Berg A, van der Meer AD. Embedded macrophages induce intravascular coagulation in 3D blood vessel-on-chip. Biomed Microdevices 2023; 26:2. [PMID: 38085384 PMCID: PMC10716057 DOI: 10.1007/s10544-023-00684-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Macrophages are innate immune cells that prevent infections and help in wound healing and vascular inflammation. While these cells are natural helper cells, they also contribute to chronic diseases, e.g., by infiltrating the endothelial layer in early atherosclerosis and by promoting vascular inflammation. There is a crosstalk between inflammatory pathways and key players in thrombosis, such as platelets and endothelial cells - a phenomenon known as 'thromboinflammation'. The role of the embedded macrophages in thromboinflammation in the context of vascular disease is incompletely understood. Blood vessels-on-chips, which are microfluidic vascular cell culture models, have been used extensively to study aspects of vascular disease, like permeability, immune cell adhesion and thrombosis. Blood perfusion assays in blood vessel-on-chip models benefit from multiple unique aspects of the models, such as control of microvessel structure and well-defined flow patterns, as well as the ability to perform live imaging. However, due to their simplified nature, blood vessels-on-chip models have not yet been used to capture the complex cellular crosstalk that is important in thromboinflammation. Using induced pluripotent stem cell-derived endothelial cells and polarized THP-1 monocytes, we have developed and systematically set up a 3D blood vessel-on-chip with embedded (lipid-laden) macrophages, which is created using sequential cell seeding in viscous finger patterned collagen hydrogels. We have set up a human whole blood perfusion assay for these 3D blood vessels-on-chip. An increased deposition of fibrin in the blood vessel-on-chip models containing lipid-laden macrophages was observed. We anticipate the future use of this advanced vascular in vitro model in drug development for early atherosclerosis or aspects of other vascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- H H T Middelkamp
- BIOS lab-on-a-chip group, University of Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands.
| | - H J Weener
- Applied Stem Cell Technologies, University of Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands
| | - T Gensheimer
- Applied Stem Cell Technologies, University of Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands
| | - K Vermeul
- Applied Stem Cell Technologies, University of Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands
| | - L E de Heus
- Applied Stem Cell Technologies, University of Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands
| | - H J Albers
- BIOS lab-on-a-chip group, University of Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands
| | - A van den Berg
- BIOS lab-on-a-chip group, University of Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands
| | - A D van der Meer
- Applied Stem Cell Technologies, University of Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands
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9
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Ranjbar J, Yang Y, Harper AGS. Developing human tissue engineered arterial constructs to simulate human in vivo thrombus formation. Platelets 2023; 34:2153823. [PMID: 36550074 DOI: 10.1080/09537104.2022.2153823] [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: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Thrombus formation is highly dependent upon the physico-chemical environment in which it is triggered. Our ability to understand how thrombus formation is initiated, regulated, and resolved in the human body is dependent upon our ability to replicate the mechanical and biological properties of the arterial wall. Current in vitro thrombosis models principally use reductionist approaches to model the complex biochemical and cellular milieu present in the arterial wall, and so researcher have favored the use of in vivo models. The field of vascular tissue engineering has developed a range of techniques for culturing artificial human arteries for use as vascular grafts. These techniques therefore provide a basis for developing more sophisticated 3D replicas of the arterial wall that can be used in in vitro thrombosis models. In this review, we consider how tissue engineering approaches can be used to generate 3D models of the arterial wall that improve upon current in vivo and in vitro approaches. We consider the current benefits and limitations of reported 3D tissue engineered models and consider what additional evidence is required to validate them as alternatives to current in vivo models.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ying Yang
- School of Pharmacy & Bioengineering, Keele University, Keele, UK
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10
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Cuartas-Vélez C, Middelkamp HHT, van der Meer AD, van den Berg A, Bosschaart N. Tracking the dynamics of thrombus formation in a blood vessel-on-chip with visible-light optical coherence tomography. BIOMEDICAL OPTICS EXPRESS 2023; 14:5642-5655. [PMID: 38021142 PMCID: PMC10659801 DOI: 10.1364/boe.500434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Thrombus formation is a physiological response to damage in a blood vessel that relies on a complex interplay of platelets, coagulation factors, immune cells, and the vessel wall. The dynamics of thrombus formation are essential for a deeper understanding of many disease processes, like bleeding, wound healing, and thrombosis. However, monitoring thrombus formation is challenging due to the limited imaging options available to analyze flowing blood. In this work, we use a visible-light optical coherence tomography (vis-OCT) system to monitor the dynamic process of the formation of thrombi in a microfluidic blood vessel-on-chip (VoC) device. Inside the VoC, thrombi form in a channel lined with a monolayer of endothelial cells and perfused by human whole blood. We show that the correlation of the vis-OCT signal can be utilized as a marker for thrombus formation. By thresholding the correlation during thrombus formation, we track and quantify the growth of the thrombi over time. We validate our results with fluorescence microscopic imaging of fibrin and platelet markers at the end of the blood perfusion assay. In conclusion, we demonstrate that the correlation of the vis-OCT signal can be used to visualize both the spatial and temporal behavior of the thrombus formation in flowing human whole blood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Cuartas-Vélez
- Biomedical Photonic Imaging Group, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Heleen H. T. Middelkamp
- BIOS/Lab on a Chip, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Andries D. van der Meer
- Applied Stem Cell Technologies, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Albert van den Berg
- BIOS/Lab on a Chip, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Nienke Bosschaart
- Biomedical Photonic Imaging Group, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
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11
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Schönichen C, Montague SJ, Brouns SL, Burston JJ, Cosemans JM, Jurk K, Kehrel BE, Koenen RR, Ní Áinle F, O’Donnell VB, Soehnlein O, Watson SP, Kuijpers MJ, Heemskerk JW, Nagy M. Antagonistic Roles of Human Platelet Integrin αIIbβ3 and Chemokines in Regulating Neutrophil Activation and Fate on Arterial Thrombi Under Flow. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2023; 43:1700-1712. [PMID: 37409530 PMCID: PMC10443630 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.122.318767] [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: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Platelets and neutrophils are the first blood cells accumulating at sites of arterial thrombus formation, and both cell types contribute to the pathology of thrombotic events. We aimed to identify key interaction mechanisms between these cells using microfluidic approaches. METHODS Whole-blood perfusion was performed over a collagen surface at arterial shear rate. Platelet and leukocyte (in majority neutrophil) activation were microscopically visualized using fluorescent markers. The contributions of platelet-adhesive receptors (integrin, P-selectin, CD40L) and chemokines were studied by using inhibitors or antibodies and using blood from patients with GT (Glanzmann thrombasthenia) lacking platelet-expressed αIIbβ3. RESULTS We observed (1) an unknown role of activated platelet integrin αIIbß3 preventing leukocyte adhesion, which was overcome by short-term flow disturbance provoking massive adhesion; (2) that platelet-expressed CD40L controls the crawling pattern and thrombus fidelity of the cells on a thrombus; (3) that continued secretion of platelet substances promotes activation of identified neutrophils, as assessed by (fMLP [N-formylmethionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine, a potent chemotactic agent and leukocyte activator] induced) [Ca2+]i rises and antigen expression; (4) and that platelet-released chemokines activate the adhered cells in the order of CXCL7>CCL5>CXCL4. Furthermore, postsilencing of the platelets in a thrombus suppressed the leukocyte activation. However, the leukocytes on thrombi did no more than limitedly form neutrophil extracellular traps, unless stimulated with phorbol ester or lipopolysaccharide. CONCLUSIONS Together, these findings reveal a multifaceted regulation of adhesion and activation of neutrophils by platelets in a thrombus, with a balanced role of several platelet-adhesive receptors and a promoting role of platelet-released substances. This multivalent nature of neutrophil-thrombus interactions offers novel prospects for pharmacological intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Schönichen
- Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, the Netherlands (C.S., S.L.N.B., J.M.E.M.C., R.R.K., S.P.W., M.J.E.K., J.W.M.H., M.N.)
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University of Mainz, Germany (C.S., K.J.)
| | - Samantha J. Montague
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, The Medical School, University of Birmingham, United Kingdom (S.J.M., S.P.W.)
| | - Sanne L.N. Brouns
- Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, the Netherlands (C.S., S.L.N.B., J.M.E.M.C., R.R.K., S.P.W., M.J.E.K., J.W.M.H., M.N.)
| | - James J. Burston
- Systems Immunity Research Institute, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, United Kingdom (J.J.B., V.B.O.)
| | - Judith M.E.M. Cosemans
- Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, the Netherlands (C.S., S.L.N.B., J.M.E.M.C., R.R.K., S.P.W., M.J.E.K., J.W.M.H., M.N.)
| | - Kerstin Jurk
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University of Mainz, Germany (C.S., K.J.)
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, University Hospital Muenster, Germany (K.J., B.E.K.)
| | - Beate E. Kehrel
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, University Hospital Muenster, Germany (K.J., B.E.K.)
| | - Rory R. Koenen
- Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, the Netherlands (C.S., S.L.N.B., J.M.E.M.C., R.R.K., S.P.W., M.J.E.K., J.W.M.H., M.N.)
| | - Fionnuala Ní Áinle
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Ireland (F.N.Á.)
- Department of Haematology, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital and Rotunda Hospital, Dublin, Ireland (F.N.Á.)
| | - Valerie B. O’Donnell
- Systems Immunity Research Institute, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, United Kingdom (J.J.B., V.B.O.)
| | - Oliver Soehnlein
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Germany (O.S.)
- Institute for Experimental Pathology, Center for Molecular Biology of Inflammation, Westfälische Wilhelms Universität, Münster, Germany (O.S.)
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden (O.S.)
| | - Steve P. Watson
- Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, the Netherlands (C.S., S.L.N.B., J.M.E.M.C., R.R.K., S.P.W., M.J.E.K., J.W.M.H., M.N.)
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, The Medical School, University of Birmingham, United Kingdom (S.J.M., S.P.W.)
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), Universities of Birmingham and Nottingham, the Midlands, United Kingdom (S.P.W.)
| | - Marijke J.E. Kuijpers
- Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, the Netherlands (C.S., S.L.N.B., J.M.E.M.C., R.R.K., S.P.W., M.J.E.K., J.W.M.H., M.N.)
- Thrombosis Expertise Centre, Heart and Vascular Centre, Maastricht University Medical Centre, the Netherlands (M.J.E.K.)
| | - Johan W.M. Heemskerk
- Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, the Netherlands (C.S., S.L.N.B., J.M.E.M.C., R.R.K., S.P.W., M.J.E.K., J.W.M.H., M.N.)
- Synapse Research Institute, Maastricht, the Netherlands (J.W.M.H.)
| | - Magdolna Nagy
- Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, the Netherlands (C.S., S.L.N.B., J.M.E.M.C., R.R.K., S.P.W., M.J.E.K., J.W.M.H., M.N.)
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12
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Fay ME, Oshinowo O, Iffrig E, Fibben KS, Caruso C, Hansen S, Musick JO, Valdez JM, Azer SS, Mannino RG, Choi H, Zhang DY, Williams EK, Evans EN, Kanne CK, Kemp ML, Sheehan VA, Carden MA, Bennett CM, Wood DK, Lam WA. iCLOTS: open-source, artificial intelligence-enabled software for analyses of blood cells in microfluidic and microscopy-based assays. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5022. [PMID: 37596311 PMCID: PMC10439163 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40522-4] [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: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023] Open
Abstract
While microscopy-based cellular assays, including microfluidics, have significantly advanced over the last several decades, there has not been concurrent development of widely-accessible techniques to analyze time-dependent microscopy data incorporating phenomena such as fluid flow and dynamic cell adhesion. As such, experimentalists typically rely on error-prone and time-consuming manual analysis, resulting in lost resolution and missed opportunities for innovative metrics. We present a user-adaptable toolkit packaged into the open-source, standalone Interactive Cellular assay Labeled Observation and Tracking Software (iCLOTS). We benchmark cell adhesion, single-cell tracking, velocity profile, and multiscale microfluidic-centric applications with blood samples, the prototypical biofluid specimen. Moreover, machine learning algorithms characterize previously imperceptible data groupings from numerical outputs. Free to download/use, iCLOTS addresses a need for a field stymied by a lack of analytical tools for innovative, physiologically-relevant assays of any design, democratizing use of well-validated algorithms for all end-user biomedical researchers who would benefit from advanced computational methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meredith E Fay
- The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology & Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Aflac Cancer Center and Blood Disorders Service of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Parker H. Petit Institute of Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Institute for Electronics and Nanotechnology, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Oluwamayokun Oshinowo
- The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology & Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Aflac Cancer Center and Blood Disorders Service of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Parker H. Petit Institute of Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Institute for Electronics and Nanotechnology, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Elizabeth Iffrig
- The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology & Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kirby S Fibben
- The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology & Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Aflac Cancer Center and Blood Disorders Service of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Parker H. Petit Institute of Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Institute for Electronics and Nanotechnology, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Christina Caruso
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Aflac Cancer Center and Blood Disorders Service of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Scott Hansen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Jamie O Musick
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Aflac Cancer Center and Blood Disorders Service of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - José M Valdez
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Sally S Azer
- The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology & Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Aflac Cancer Center and Blood Disorders Service of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Institute for Electronics and Nanotechnology, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Robert G Mannino
- The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology & Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Aflac Cancer Center and Blood Disorders Service of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Parker H. Petit Institute of Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Institute for Electronics and Nanotechnology, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Hyoann Choi
- The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology & Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Aflac Cancer Center and Blood Disorders Service of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Parker H. Petit Institute of Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Institute for Electronics and Nanotechnology, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Dan Y Zhang
- Parker H. Petit Institute of Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
- The George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Evelyn K Williams
- The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology & Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Aflac Cancer Center and Blood Disorders Service of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Parker H. Petit Institute of Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Institute for Electronics and Nanotechnology, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Erica N Evans
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Aflac Cancer Center and Blood Disorders Service of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Celeste K Kanne
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Aflac Cancer Center and Blood Disorders Service of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Melissa L Kemp
- The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology & Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Parker H. Petit Institute of Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Vivien A Sheehan
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Aflac Cancer Center and Blood Disorders Service of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Marcus A Carden
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Carolyn M Bennett
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Aflac Cancer Center and Blood Disorders Service of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - David K Wood
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Wilbur A Lam
- The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology & Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Aflac Cancer Center and Blood Disorders Service of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- Parker H. Petit Institute of Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- Institute for Electronics and Nanotechnology, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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13
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Groner J, Tognazzi M, Walter M, Fleischmann D, Mietzner R, Ziegler CE, Goepferich AM, Breunig M. Encapsulation of Pioglitazone into Polymer-Nanoparticles for Potential Treatment of Atherosclerotic Diseases. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2023. [PMID: 37145591 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.2c01001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is one of the most urgent global health subjects, causes millions of deaths worldwide, and is associated with enormous healthcare costs. Macrophages are the root cause for inflammatory onset and progression of the disease but are not addressed by conventional therapy. Therefore, we used pioglitazone, which is a drug initially used for diabetes therapies, but at the same time has great potential regarding the mitigation of inflammation. As yet, this potential of pioglitazone cannot be exploited, as drug concentrations at the target site in vivo are not sufficient. To overcome this shortcoming, we established PEG-PLA/PLGA-based nanoparticles loaded with pioglitazone and tested them in vitro. Encapsulation of the drug was analyzed by HPLC and revealed an outstanding encapsulation efficiency of 59% into the nanoparticles, which were 85 nm in size and had a PDI of 0.17. Further, uptake of our loaded nanoparticles in THP-1 macrophages was comparable to the uptake of unloaded nanoparticles. On the mRNA level, pioglitazone-loaded nanoparticles were superior to the free drug by 32% in increasing the expression of the targeted receptor PPAR-γ. Thereby the inflammatory response in macrophages was ameliorated. In this study, we take the first step toward an anti-inflammatory, causal antiatherosclerotic therapy, using the potential of the already established drug pioglitazone, and enable it to enrich at the target site by using nanoparticles. An additional crucial feature of our nanoparticle platform is the versatile modifiability of ligands and ligand density, to achieve an optimal active targeting effect in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Groner
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Regensburg, Universitaetsstrasse 31, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Martina Tognazzi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Regensburg, Universitaetsstrasse 31, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
- University of Parma, Via Università 12, 43121 Parma, Italy
| | - Melanie Walter
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Regensburg, Universitaetsstrasse 31, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Fleischmann
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Regensburg, Universitaetsstrasse 31, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Raphael Mietzner
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Regensburg, Universitaetsstrasse 31, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Christian E Ziegler
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Regensburg, Universitaetsstrasse 31, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Achim M Goepferich
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Regensburg, Universitaetsstrasse 31, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Miriam Breunig
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Regensburg, Universitaetsstrasse 31, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
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14
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Li Y, Li Y, Li J, Chen H. Wall shear gradient dependent thrombosis studied in blood-on-a-chip with stenotic, branched, and valvular constructions. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2023; 17:034101. [PMID: 37187669 PMCID: PMC10171887 DOI: 10.1063/5.0149884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Thrombosis is the leading cause of death, while the effect of the shear flow on the formation of thrombus in vascular constructions has not been thoroughly understood, and one of the challenges is to observe the origination of thrombus with a controlled flow field. In this work, we use blood-on-a-chip technology to mimic the flow conditions in coronary artery stenosis, neonatal aortic arch, and deep venous valve. The flow field is measured by the microparticle image velocimeter (μPIV). In the experiment, we find that the thrombus often originates at the constructions of stenosis, bifurcation, and the entrance of valve, where the flow stream lines change suddenly, and the maximum wall shear rate gradient appears. Using the blood-on-a-chip technology, the effect of the wall shear rate gradients on the formation of the thrombus has been illustrated, and the blood-on-a-chip is demonstrated to be a perspective tool for further studies on the flow-induced formation of thrombosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Li
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yongjian Li
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Jiang Li
- School of Mechanical Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Haosheng Chen
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
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15
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Mu X, Gerhard-Herman MD, Zhang YS. Building Blood Vessel Chips with Enhanced Physiological Relevance. ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES 2023; 8:2201778. [PMID: 37693798 PMCID: PMC10489284 DOI: 10.1002/admt.202201778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Blood vessel chips are bioengineered microdevices, consisting of biomaterials, human cells, and microstructures, which recapitulate essential vascular structure and physiology and allow a well-controlled microenvironment and spatial-temporal readouts. Blood vessel chips afford promising opportunities to understand molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying a range of vascular diseases. The physiological relevance is key to these blood vessel chips that rely on bioinspired strategies and bioengineering approaches to translate vascular physiology into artificial units. Here, we discuss several critical aspects of vascular physiology, including morphology, material composition, mechanical properties, flow dynamics, and mass transport, which provide essential guidelines and a valuable source of bioinspiration for the rational design of blood vessel chips. We also review state-of-art blood vessel chips that exhibit important physiological features of the vessel and reveal crucial insights into the biological processes and disease pathogenesis, including rare diseases, with notable implications for drug screening and clinical trials. We envision that the advances in biomaterials, biofabrication, and stem cells improve the physiological relevance of blood vessel chips, which, along with the close collaborations between clinicians and bioengineers, enable their widespread utility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Mu
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Roy J. Carver Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Marie Denise Gerhard-Herman
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, 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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16
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Belyaev AV, Kushchenko YK. Biomechanical activation of blood platelets via adhesion to von Willebrand factor studied with mesoscopic simulations. Biomech Model Mechanobiol 2023; 22:785-808. [PMID: 36627458 PMCID: PMC9838538 DOI: 10.1007/s10237-022-01681-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Platelet adhesion and activation are essential initial processes of arterial and microvascular hemostasis, where high hydrodynamic forces from the bloodflow impede coagulation. The process relies on von Willebrand factor (VWF)-a linear multimeric protein of blood plasma plays a pivotal role in mechanochemical regulation of shear-induced platelet aggregation (SIPA). Adhesive interactions between VWF and glycoprotein receptors GPIb are crucial for platelet recruitment under high shear stress in fluid. Recent advances in experimental studies revealed that mechanical tension on the extracellular part of GPIb may trigger a cascade of biochemical reactions in platelets leading to activation of integrins [Formula: see text] (also known as GPIIb/IIIa) and strengthening of the adhesion. The present paper is aimed at investigation of this process by three-dimensional computer simulations of platelet adhesion to surface-grafted VWF multimers in pressure-driven flow of platelet-rich plasma. The simulations demonstrate that GPIb-mediated mechanotransduction is a feasible way of platelet activation and stabilization of platelet aggregates under high shear stress. Quantitative understanding of mechanochemical processes involved in SIPA would potentially promote the discovery of new anti-platelet medication and the development of multiscale numerical models of platelet thrombosis and hemostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksey V. Belyaev
- grid.14476.300000 0001 2342 9668Faculty of Physics, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, 1-2 Leninskiye Gory, Moscow, Russia 119991
| | - Yulia K. Kushchenko
- grid.14476.300000 0001 2342 9668Faculty of Physics, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, 1-2 Leninskiye Gory, Moscow, Russia 119991
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17
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Zhao CR, Li J, Jiang ZT, Zhu JJ, Zhao JN, Yang QR, Yao W, Pang W, Li N, Yu M, Gan Y, Zhou J. Disturbed Flow-Facilitated Margination and Targeting of Nanodisks Protect against Atherosclerosis. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2204694. [PMID: 36403215 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202204694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 10/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Disturbed blood flow induces endothelial pro-inflammatory responses that promote atherogenesis. Nanoparticle-based therapeutics aimed at treating endothelial inflammation in vasculature where disturbed flow occurs may provide a promising avenue to prevent atherosclerosis. By using a vertical-step flow apparatus and a microfluidic chip of vascular stenosis, herein, it is found that the disk-shaped versus the spherical nanoparticles exhibit preferential margination (localization and adhesion) to the regions with the pro-atherogenic disturbed flow. By employing a mouse model of carotid partial ligation, superior targeting and higher accumulation of the disk-shaped particles are also demonstrated within disturbed flow areas than that of the spherical particles. In hyperlipidemia mice, administration of disk-shaped particles loaded with hypomethylating agent decitabine (DAC) displays greater anti-inflammatory and anti-atherosclerotic effects compared with that of the spherical counterparts and exhibits reduced toxicity than "naked" DAC. The findings suggest that shaping nanoparticles to disk is an effective strategy for promoting their delivery to atheroprone endothelia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan-Rong Zhao
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hemorheology Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100191, China
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Molecular Biology and Regulatory Peptides, Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Receptors Research, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Jingyi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Zhi-Tong Jiang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hemorheology Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100191, China
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Molecular Biology and Regulatory Peptides, Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Receptors Research, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 518036, China
| | - Juan-Juan Zhu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hemorheology Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100191, China
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Molecular Biology and Regulatory Peptides, Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Receptors Research, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Jia-Nan Zhao
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hemorheology Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100191, China
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Molecular Biology and Regulatory Peptides, Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Receptors Research, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Qian-Ru Yang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hemorheology Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100191, China
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Molecular Biology and Regulatory Peptides, Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Receptors Research, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Weijuan Yao
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hemorheology Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Wei Pang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hemorheology Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Ning Li
- Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), and, Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- School of Engineering Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Miaorong Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yong Gan
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jing Zhou
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hemorheology Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100191, China
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Molecular Biology and Regulatory Peptides, Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Receptors Research, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
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18
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Li Z, Muench G, Goebel S, Uhland K, Wenhart C, Reimann A. Flow chamber staining modality for real-time inspection of dynamic phenotypes in multiple histological stains. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0284444. [PMID: 37141296 PMCID: PMC10159194 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0284444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Traditional histological stains, such as hematoxylin-eosin (HE), special stains, and immunofluorescence (IF), have defined myriads of cellular phenotypes and tissue structures in a separate stained section. However, the precise connection of information conveyed by the various stains in the same section, which may be important for diagnosis, is absent. Here, we present a new staining modality-Flow chamber stain, which complies with the current staining workflow but possesses newly additional features non-seen in conventional stains, allowing for (1) quickly switching staining modes between destain and restain for multiplex staining in one single section from routinely histological preparation, (2) real-time inspecting and digitally capturing each specific stained phenotype, and (3) efficiently synthesizing graphs containing the tissue multiple-stained components at site-specific regions. Comparisons of its stains with those by the conventional staining fashions using the microscopic images of mouse tissues (lung, heart, liver, kidney, esophagus, and brain), involving stains of HE, Periodic acid-Schiff, Sirius red, and IF for Human IgG, and mouse CD45, hemoglobin, and CD31, showed no major discordance. Repetitive experiments testing on targeted areas of stained sections confirmed the method is reliable with accuracy and high reproducibility. Using the technique, the targets of IF were easily localized and seen structurally in HE- or special-stained sections, and the unknown or suspected components or structures in HE-stained sections were further determined in histological special stains or IF. By the technique, staining processing was videoed and made a backup for off-site pathologists, which facilitates tele-consultation or -education in current digital pathology. Mistakes, which might occur during the staining process, can be immediately found and amended accordingly. With the technique, a single section can provide much more information than the traditional stained counterpart. The staining mode bears great potential to become a common supplementary tool for traditional histopathology.
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19
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Zhussupbekov M, Méndez Rojano R, Wu WT, Antaki JF. von Willebrand factor unfolding mediates platelet deposition in a model of high-shear thrombosis. Biophys J 2022; 121:4033-4047. [PMID: 36196057 PMCID: PMC9675031 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2022.09.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Thrombosis under high-shear conditions is mediated by the mechanosensitive blood glycoprotein von Willebrand factor (vWF). vWF unfolds in response to strong flow gradients and facilitates rapid recruitment of platelets in flowing blood. While the thrombogenic effect of vWF is well recognized, its conformational response in complex flows has largely been omitted from numerical models of thrombosis. We recently presented a continuum model for the unfolding of vWF, where we represented vWF transport and its flow-induced conformational change using convection-diffusion-reaction equations. Here, we incorporate the vWF component into our multi-constituent model of thrombosis, where the local concentration of stretched vWF amplifies the deposition rate of free-flowing platelets and reduces the shear cleaning of deposited platelets. We validate the model using three benchmarks: in vitro model of atherothrombosis, a stagnation point flow, and the PFA-100, a clinical blood test commonly used for screening for von Willebrand disease (vWD). The simulations reproduced the key aspects of vWF-mediated thrombosis observed in these experiments, such as the thrombus location, thrombus growth dynamics, and the effect of blocking platelet-vWF interactions. The PFA-100 simulations closely matched the reported occlusion times for normal blood and several hemostatic deficiencies, namely, thrombocytopenia, vWD type 1, and vWD type 3. Overall, this multi-constituent model of thrombosis enables macro-scale 3D simulations of thrombus formation in complex geometries over a wide range of shear rates and accounts for qualitative and quantitative hemostatic deficiencies in patient blood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mansur Zhussupbekov
- Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
| | | | - Wei-Tao Wu
- Department of Aerospace Science and Technology, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing, China
| | - James F Antaki
- Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York.
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20
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Shahrivari S, Aminoroaya N, Ghods R, Latifi H, Afjei SA, Saraygord-Afshari N, Bagheri Z. Toxicity of trastuzumab for breast cancer spheroids: Application of a novel on-a-chip concentration gradient generator. Biochem Eng J 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bej.2022.108590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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21
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Mathur T, Kumar A, Flanagan JM, Jain A. Vascular Transcriptomics: Investigating Endothelial Activation and Vascular Dysfunction Using Blood Outgrowth Endothelial Cells, Organ-Chips, and RNA Sequencing. Curr Protoc 2022; 2:e582. [PMID: 36300922 PMCID: PMC9627633 DOI: 10.1002/cpz1.582] [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] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Vascular organ-chip or vessel-chip technology has significantly impacted our ability to model microphysiological vasculature. These biomimetic platforms have garnered significant interest from scientists and pharmaceutical companies as drug screening models. However, these models still lack the inclusion of patient-specific vasculature in the form of patient-derived endothelial cells. Blood outgrowth endothelial cells are patient blood-derived endothelial progenitors that have gained interest from the vascular biology community as an autologous endothelial cell alternative and have also been incorporated with the vessel-chip model. Next-generation sequencing techniques like RNA sequencing can further unlock the potential of personalized vessel-chips in discerning patient-specific hallmarks of endothelial dysfunction. Here we present a detailed protocol for (1) isolating blood outgrowth endothelial cells from patient blood samples, (2) culturing them in microfluidic vessel-chips, (3) isolating and preparing RNA from individual vessel-chips for sequencing, and (4) performing differential gene expression and bioinformatics analyses of vascular dysfunction and endothelial activation pathways. This method focuses specifically on identification of pathways and genes involved in vascular homeostasis and pathology, but can easily be adapted for the requirements of other systems. © 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Isolation of blood outgrowth endothelial cells from patient blood Basic Protocol 2: Culture of blood outgrowth endothelial cells in microfluidic vessel-chips Basic Protocol 3: Isolation of RNA from autologous vessel-chips Basic Protocol 4: Differential gene expression and bioinformatics analyses of endothelial activation pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanmay Mathur
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, 101 Bizzell St, College Station, USA
| | - Ankit Kumar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, 101 Bizzell St, College Station, USA
| | - Jonathan M. Flanagan
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hematology-Oncology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA
| | - Abhishek Jain
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, 101 Bizzell St, College Station, USA
- Department of Medical Physiology, College of Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Bryan, USA
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, USA
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22
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Simitian G, Virumbrales-Muñoz M, Sánchez-de-Diego C, Beebe DJ, Kosoff D. Microfluidics in vascular biology research: a critical review for engineers, biologists, and clinicians. LAB ON A CHIP 2022; 22:3618-3636. [PMID: 36047330 PMCID: PMC9530010 DOI: 10.1039/d2lc00352j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Neovascularization, the formation of new blood vessels, has received much research attention due to its implications for physiological processes and diseases. Most studies using traditional in vitro and in vivo platforms find challenges in recapitulating key cellular and mechanical cues of the neovascularization processes. Microfluidic in vitro models have been presented as an alternative to these limitations due to their capacity to leverage microscale physics to control cell organization and integrate biochemical and mechanical cues, such as shear stress, cell-cell interactions, or nutrient gradients, making them an ideal option for recapitulating organ physiology. Much has been written about the use of microfluidics in vascular biology models from an engineering perspective. However, a review introducing the different models, components and progress for new potential adopters of these technologies was absent in the literature. Therefore, this paper aims to approach the use of microfluidic technologies in vascular biology from a perspective of biological hallmarks to be studied and written for a wide audience ranging from clinicians to engineers. Here we review applications of microfluidics in vascular biology research, starting with design considerations and fabrication techniques. After that, we review the state of the art in recapitulating angiogenesis and vasculogenesis, according to the hallmarks recapitulated and complexity of the models. Finally, we discuss emerging research areas in neovascularization, such as drug discovery, and potential future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grigor Simitian
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA.
- Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - María Virumbrales-Muñoz
- Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison WI, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Cristina Sánchez-de-Diego
- Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison WI, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - David J Beebe
- Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison WI, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - David Kosoff
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA.
- Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
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23
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Feng S, Chen JW, Shu XY, Aihemaiti M, Quan JW, Lu L, Zhang RY, Yang CD, Wang XQ. Endothelial microparticles: A mechanosensitive regulator of vascular homeostasis and injury under shear stress. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:980112. [PMID: 36172284 PMCID: PMC9510576 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.980112] [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: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hemodynamic shear stress (SS), a frictional force generated by blood flow, regulates vascular homeostasis. High and steady SS maintains physiological function of endothelial cells while low and disturbed SS promotes disturbance of vascular homeostasis and the development of atherosclerosis. Endothelial microparticle (EMP), a vesicular structure shed from endothelial cells, has emerged as a surrogate biomarker of endothelial injury and dysfunction. EMP release is triggered by disturbed SS in addition to multiple inflammatory cytokines. This review systematically summarizes the impact of SS on EMPs and the role of EMPs under SS in modulating vascular homeostasis and injury, including endothelial survival, vasodilation, inflammatory response, vascular permeability, and coagulation system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Feng
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao-Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jia Wei Chen
- Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Shanghai Jiao-Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Yi Shu
- Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Shanghai Jiao-Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Muladili Aihemaiti
- Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Shanghai Jiao-Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jin Wei Quan
- Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Shanghai Jiao-Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lin Lu
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao-Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Shanghai Jiao-Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Rui Yan Zhang
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao-Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chen Die Yang
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao-Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Xiao Qun Wang, ; Chen Die Yang,
| | - Xiao Qun Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao-Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Shanghai Jiao-Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Xiao Qun Wang, ; Chen Die Yang,
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24
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Akther F, Zhang J, Tran HDN, Fallahi H, Adelnia H, Phan HP, Nguyen NT, Ta HT. Atherothrombosis-on-Chip: A Site-Specific Microfluidic Model for Thrombus Formation and Drug Discovery. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2022; 6:e2101316. [PMID: 35666057 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202101316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Atherothrombosis, an atherosclerotic plaque disruption condition with superimposed thrombosis, is the underlying cause of cardiovascular episodes. Herein, a unique design is presented to develop a microfluidic site-specific atherothrombosis-on-chip model, providing a universal platform for studying the crosstalk between blood cells and plaque components. The device consists of two interconnected microchannels, namely main and supporting channels: the former mimics the vessel geometry with different stenosis, and the latter introduces plaque components to the circulation simultaneously. The unique design allows the site-specific introduction of plaque components in stenosed channels ranging from 0% to above 50%, resulting in thrombosis, which has not been achieved previously. The device successfully explains the correlation between vessel geometry and thrombus formation phenomenon as well as the influence of shear rate on platelet aggregation, confirming the reliability and the effectiveness of the design. The device exhibits significant sensitivity to aspirin. In therapeutic doses (50 × 10-6 and 100 × 10-6 m), aspirin delays and prevents platelet adhesion, thereby reducing the thrombus area in a dose-dependent manner. Finally, the device is effectively employed in testing the targeted binding of the RGD (arginyl-glycyl-aspartic acid) labeled polymeric nanoparticles on the thrombus, extending the use of the device to examine targeted drug carriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fahima Akther
- Queensland Micro- and Nanotechnology, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, 4111, Australia.,Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Jun Zhang
- Queensland Micro- and Nanotechnology, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, 4111, Australia
| | - Huong D N Tran
- Queensland Micro- and Nanotechnology, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, 4111, Australia.,Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Hedieh Fallahi
- Queensland Micro- and Nanotechnology, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, 4111, Australia
| | - Hossein Adelnia
- Queensland Micro- and Nanotechnology, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, 4111, Australia.,Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Hoang-Phuong Phan
- Queensland Micro- and Nanotechnology, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, 4111, Australia
| | - Nam-Trung Nguyen
- Queensland Micro- and Nanotechnology, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, 4111, Australia
| | - Hang Thu Ta
- Queensland Micro- and Nanotechnology, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, 4111, Australia.,Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, 4072, Australia.,School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, 4111, Australia
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25
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Li J, Zhang Y, Zou C, Chen Y, Li Y, Chen H. Binding properties of flowing fibrin-targeted microbubbles evaluated with a thrombus-embedded microchannel. LAB ON A CHIP 2022; 22:2292-2298. [PMID: 35616180 DOI: 10.1039/d1lc01037a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Fibrin is found in both arterial and venous thrombi, which provides an important target for thrombus-targeted microbubbles (MBs) used in MB-enhanced ultrasound imaging and sonothrombolysis. A fibrin-targeted peptide, Cys-Arg-Glu-Lys-Ala (CREKA), is used to modify the commercially available SonoVue ultrasound contrast agent using a conjugation method, and the binding capacity and binding strength of the fibrin-targeted CREKA-modified SonoVue MBs are evaluated with a thrombus-embedded microchannel at a typical shear rate range of venous and arterial blood flow. The experimental results indicate that the targeted MBs bind firmly to the thrombus surface when they flow along the microchannel at a wall shear rate of up to 1000 s-1. This work not only provides an effective method for the fabrication of fibrin-targeted MBs based on commercially available SonoVue MBs but also demonstrates an approach for evaluation of the binding properties of flowing targeted MBs under well-controlled flow conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang Li
- School of Mechanical Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Chenghong Zou
- School of Mechanical Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Yuexin Chen
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Yongjian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Tribology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
| | - Haosheng Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Tribology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
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26
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Abstract
This review discusses our understanding of platelet diversity with implications for the roles of platelets in hemostasis and thrombosis and identifies advanced technologies set to provide new insights. We use the term diversity to capture intrasubject platelet variability that can be intrinsic or governed by the environment and lead to a heterogeneous response pattern of aggregation, clot promotion, and external communication. Using choice examples, we discuss how the use of advanced technologies can provide new insights into the underlying causes of platelet molecular, structural, and functional diversity. As sources of diversity, we discuss the proliferating megakaryocytes with different allele-specific expression patterns, the asymmetrical formation of proplatelets, changes in platelets induced by aging and priming, interplatelet heterogeneity in thrombus organization and stability, and platelet-dependent communications. We provide indications how current knowledge gaps can be addressed using promising technologies, such as next-generation sequencing, proteomic approaches, advanced imaging techniques, multicolor flow and mass cytometry, multifunctional microfluidics assays, and organ-on-a-chip platforms. We then argue how this technology base can aid in characterizing platelet populations and in identifying platelet biomarkers relevant for the treatment of cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johan W M Heemskerk
- Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, the Netherlands (J.W.M.H.)
| | - Jonathan West
- Faculty of Medicine and Centre for Hybrid Biodevices, University of Southampton, United Kingdom (J.W.)
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27
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Berry J, Harper MT. Protease-activated receptor antagonists prevent thrombosis when dual antiplatelet therapy is insufficient in an occlusive thrombosis microfluidic model. Res Pract Thromb Haemost 2022; 6:e12703. [PMID: 35434469 PMCID: PMC9001860 DOI: 10.1002/rth2.12703] [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: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Platelet activation and arterial thrombosis on a ruptured atherosclerotic plaque is a major cause of myocardial infarction. Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT), the combination of platelet aggregation inhibitors, aspirin and a P2Y12 antagonist, is used to prevent arterial thrombosis. However, many people continue to have arterial thrombosis and myocardial infarction despite DAPT, indicating that additional therapies are required where DAPT is insufficient. Objectives To determine whether antagonists of protease-activated receptors (PARs) can prevent occlusive thrombosis under conditions where DAPT is insufficient. Methods We used human whole blood in a microfluidic model of occlusive thrombosis to compare conditions under which DAPT is effective to those under which DAPT was not. Cangrelor (a P2Y12 antagonist) and aspirin were used to mimic DAPT. We then investigated whether the PAR1 antagonist vorapaxar or the PAR4 antagonist BMS 986120, alone or in combination with DAPT, prevented occlusive thrombosis. Results and Conclusions A ruptured plaque exposes collagen fibers and is often rich in tissue factor, triggering activation of platelets and coagulation. Occlusive thrombi formed on type I collagen in the presence or absence of tissue factor (TF). However, although DAPT prevented occlusive thrombosis in the absence of TF, DAPT had little effect when TF was also present. Under these conditions, PAR antagonism was also ineffective. However, occlusive thrombosis was prevented by combining DAPT with PAR antagonism. These data demonstrate that PAR antagonists may be a useful addition to DAPT in some patients and further demonstrate the utility of in vitro models of occlusive thrombosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jess Berry
- Department of PharmacologyUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
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28
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Pan C, Gao Q, Kim BS, Han Y, Gao G. The Biofabrication of Diseased Artery In Vitro Models. MICROMACHINES 2022; 13:mi13020326. [PMID: 35208450 PMCID: PMC8874977 DOI: 10.3390/mi13020326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
As the leading causes of global death, cardiovascular diseases are generally initiated by artery-related disorders such as atherosclerosis, thrombosis, and aneurysm. Although clinical treatments have been developed to rescue patients suffering from artery-related disorders, the underlying pathologies of these arterial abnormalities are not fully understood. Biofabrication techniques pave the way to constructing diseased artery in vitro models using human vascular cells, biomaterials, and biomolecules, which are capable of recapitulating arterial pathophysiology with superior performance compared with conventional planar cell culture and experimental animal models. This review discusses the critical elements in the arterial microenvironment which are important considerations for recreating biomimetic human arteries with the desired disorders in vitro. Afterward, conventionally biofabricated platforms for the investigation of arterial diseases are summarized, along with their merits and shortcomings, followed by a comprehensive review of advanced biofabrication techniques and the progress of their applications in establishing diseased artery models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Pan
- Institute of Engineering Medicine, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China; (C.P.); (Q.G.)
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China;
| | - Qiqi Gao
- Institute of Engineering Medicine, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China; (C.P.); (Q.G.)
- School of Medical Technology, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Byoung-Soo Kim
- School of Biomedical Convergence Engineering, Pusan National University, Yangsan 626841, Korea
- Correspondence: (B.-S.K.); (G.G.)
| | - Yafeng Han
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China;
| | - Ge Gao
- Institute of Engineering Medicine, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China; (C.P.); (Q.G.)
- School of Medical Technology, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
- Correspondence: (B.-S.K.); (G.G.)
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29
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Structure-Based Cyclic Glycoprotein Ibα-Derived Peptides Interfering with von Willebrand Factor-Binding, Affecting Platelet Aggregation under Shear. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23042046. [PMID: 35216161 PMCID: PMC8876638 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23042046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The plasmatic von Willebrand factor (VWF) circulates in a compact form unable to bind platelets. Upon shear stress, the VWF A1 domain is exposed, allowing VWF-binding to platelet glycoprotein Ib-V-IX (GPIbα chain). For a better understanding of the role of this interaction in cardiovascular disease, molecules are needed to specifically interfere with the opened VWF A1 domain interaction with GPIbα. Therefore, we in silico designed and chemically synthetized stable cyclic peptides interfering with the platelet-binding of the VWF A1 domain per se or complexed with botrocetin. Selected peptides (26–34 amino acids) with the lowest-binding free energy were: the monocyclic mono- vOn Willebrand factoR-GPIbα InTerference (ORbIT) peptide and bicyclic bi-ORbIT peptide. Interference of the peptides in the binding of VWF to GPIb-V-IX interaction was retained by flow cytometry in comparison with the blocking of anti-VWF A1 domain antibody CLB-RAg35. In collagen and VWF-dependent whole-blood thrombus formation at a high shear rate, CLB-RAg35 suppressed stable platelet adhesion as well as the formation of multilayered thrombi. Both peptides phenotypically mimicked these changes, although they were less potent than CLB-RAg35. The second-round generation of an improved peptide, namely opt-mono-ORbIT (28 amino acids), showed an increased inhibitory activity under flow. Accordingly, our structure-based design of peptides resulted in physiologically effective peptide-based inhibitors, even for convoluted complexes such as GPIbα-VWF A1.
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30
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Karel M, Tullemans B, D'Italia G, Lemmens T, Claushuis T, Kuijpers M, Cosemans J. The effect of Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor ibrutinib on atherothrombus formation under stenotic flow conditions. Thromb Res 2022; 212:72-80. [DOI: 10.1016/j.thromres.2022.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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31
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Zhang Y, Jiang F, Chen Y, Ju LA. Platelet Mechanobiology Inspired Microdevices: From Hematological Function Tests to Disease and Drug Screening. Front Pharmacol 2022; 12:779753. [PMID: 35126120 PMCID: PMC8811026 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.779753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Platelet function tests are essential to profile platelet dysfunction and dysregulation in hemostasis and thrombosis. Clinically they provide critical guidance to the patient management and therapeutic evaluation. Recently, the biomechanical effects induced by hemodynamic and contractile forces on platelet functions attracted increasing attention. Unfortunately, the existing platelet function tests on the market do not sufficiently incorporate the topical platelet mechanobiology at play. Besides, they are often expensive and bulky systems that require large sample volumes and long processing time. To this end, numerous novel microfluidic technologies emerge to mimic vascular anatomies, incorporate hemodynamic parameters and recapitulate platelet mechanobiology. These miniaturized and cost-efficient microfluidic devices shed light on high-throughput, rapid and scalable platelet function testing, hematological disorder profiling and antiplatelet drug screening. Moreover, the existing antiplatelet drugs often have suboptimal efficacy while incurring several adverse bleeding side effects on certain individuals. Encouraged by a few microfluidic systems that are successfully commercialized and applied to clinical practices, the microfluidics that incorporate platelet mechanobiology hold great potential as handy, efficient, and inexpensive point-of-care tools for patient monitoring and therapeutic evaluation. Hereby, we first summarize the conventional and commercially available platelet function tests. Then we highlight the recent advances of platelet mechanobiology inspired microfluidic technologies. Last but not least, we discuss their future potential of microfluidics as point-of-care tools for platelet function test and antiplatelet drug screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingqi Zhang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
- Heart Research Institute, Newtown, NSW, Australia
| | - Fengtao Jiang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Yunfeng Chen
- The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
- The Department of Pathology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Lining Arnold Ju
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
- Heart Research Institute, Newtown, NSW, Australia
- *Correspondence: Lining Arnold Ju,
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32
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Zhu W, Guo S, Homilius M, Nsubuga C, Wright SH, Quan D, Kc A, Eddy SS, Victorio RA, Beerens M, Flaumenhaft R, Deo RC, MacRae CA. PIEZO1 mediates a mechanothrombotic pathway in diabetes. Sci Transl Med 2022; 14:eabk1707. [PMID: 34985971 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abk1707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
[Figure: see text].
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Affiliation(s)
- Wandi Zhu
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Shihui Guo
- Division of Hemostasis and Thrombosis, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Max Homilius
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Cissy Nsubuga
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Shane H Wright
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Dajun Quan
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Ashmita Kc
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Samuel S Eddy
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | | | - Manu Beerens
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Robert Flaumenhaft
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Division of Hemostasis and Thrombosis, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Rahul C Deo
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Calum A MacRae
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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33
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Li H, Deng Y, Sampani K, Cai S, Li Z, Sun JK, Karniadakis GE. Computational investigation of blood cell transport in retinal microaneurysms. PLoS Comput Biol 2022; 18:e1009728. [PMID: 34986147 PMCID: PMC8730408 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1009728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Microaneurysms (MAs) are one of the earliest clinically visible signs of diabetic retinopathy (DR). MA leakage or rupture may precipitate local pathology in the surrounding neural retina that impacts visual function. Thrombosis in MAs may affect their turnover time, an indicator associated with visual and anatomic outcomes in the diabetic eyes. In this work, we perform computational modeling of blood flow in microchannels containing various MAs to investigate the pathologies of MAs in DR. The particle-based model employed in this study can explicitly represent red blood cells (RBCs) and platelets as well as their interaction in the blood flow, a process that is very difficult to observe in vivo. Our simulations illustrate that while the main blood flow from the parent vessels can perfuse the entire lumen of MAs with small body-to-neck ratio (BNR), it can only perfuse part of the lumen in MAs with large BNR, particularly at a low hematocrit level, leading to possible hypoxic conditions inside MAs. We also quantify the impacts of the size of MAs, blood flow velocity, hematocrit and RBC stiffness and adhesion on the likelihood of platelets entering MAs as well as their residence time inside, two factors that are thought to be associated with thrombus formation in MAs. Our results show that enlarged MA size, increased blood velocity and hematocrit in the parent vessel of MAs as well as the RBC-RBC adhesion promote the migration of platelets into MAs and also prolong their residence time, thereby increasing the propensity of thrombosis within MAs. Overall, our work suggests that computational simulations using particle-based models can help to understand the microvascular pathology pertaining to MAs in DR and provide insights to stimulate and steer new experimental and computational studies in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- He Li
- School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
| | - Yixiang Deng
- School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
| | - Konstantina Sampani
- Beetham Eye Institute, Joslin Diabetes Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Shengze Cai
- Division of Applied Mathematics, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
| | - Zhen Li
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Jennifer K. Sun
- Beetham Eye Institute, Joslin Diabetes Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - George E. Karniadakis
- School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
- Division of Applied Mathematics, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
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34
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Paloschi V, Sabater-Lleal M, Middelkamp H, Vivas A, Johansson S, van der Meer A, Tenje M, Maegdefessel L. Organ-on-a-chip technology: a novel approach to investigate cardiovascular diseases. Cardiovasc Res 2021; 117:2742-2754. [PMID: 33729461 PMCID: PMC8683705 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvab088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of organs-on-chip (OoC) has revolutionized in vitro cell-culture experiments by allowing a better mimicry of human physiology and pathophysiology that has consequently led researchers to gain more meaningful insights into disease mechanisms. Several models of hearts-on-chips and vessels-on-chips have been demonstrated to recapitulate fundamental aspects of the human cardiovascular system in the recent past. These 2D and 3D systems include synchronized beating cardiomyocytes in hearts-on-chips and vessels-on-chips with layer-based structures and the inclusion of physiological and pathological shear stress conditions. The opportunities to discover novel targets and to perform drug testing with chip-based platforms have substantially enhanced, thanks to the utilization of patient-derived cells and precise control of their microenvironment. These organ models will provide an important asset for future approaches to personalized cardiovascular medicine and improved patient care. However, certain technical and biological challenges remain, making the global utilization of OoCs to tackle unanswered questions in cardiovascular science still rather challenging. This review article aims to introduce and summarize published work on hearts- and vessels-on chips but also to provide an outlook and perspective on how these advanced in vitro systems can be used to tailor disease models with patient-specific characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Paloschi
- Department for Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Technical University Munich, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Munich, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, Berlin, Germany
| | - Maria Sabater-Lleal
- Research Institute of Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, IIB Sant Pau, Genomics of Complex Diseases Group, Barcelona, Spain
- Cardiovascular Medicine Unit, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Aisen Vivas
- BIOS/Lab on a Chip, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
- Applied Stem Cell Technologies, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Sofia Johansson
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Maria Tenje
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Lars Maegdefessel
- Department for Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Technical University Munich, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Munich, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, Berlin, Germany
- Molecular Vascular Medicine Unit, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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35
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Zhang Y, Ramasundara SDZ, Preketes-Tardiani RE, Cheng V, Lu H, Ju LA. Emerging Microfluidic Approaches for Platelet Mechanobiology and Interplay With Circulatory Systems. Front Cardiovasc Med 2021; 8:766513. [PMID: 34901226 PMCID: PMC8655735 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.766513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding how platelets can sense and respond to hemodynamic forces in disturbed blood flow and complexed vasculature is crucial to the development of more effective and safer antithrombotic therapeutics. By incorporating diverse structural and functional designs, microfluidic technologies have emerged to mimic microvascular anatomies and hemodynamic microenvironments, which open the floodgates for fascinating platelet mechanobiology investigations. The latest endothelialized microfluidics can even recapitulate the crosstalk between platelets and the circulatory system, including the vessel walls and plasma proteins such as von Willebrand factor. Hereby, we highlight these exciting microfluidic applications to platelet mechanobiology and platelet–circulatory system interplay as implicated in thrombosis. Last but not least, we discuss the need for microfluidic standardization and summarize the commercially available microfluidic platforms for researchers to obtain reproducible and consistent results in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingqi Zhang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Sydney, Darlington, NSW, Australia.,Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia.,Heart Research Institute, Newtown, NSW, Australia
| | - Savindi De Zoysa Ramasundara
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia.,Heart Research Institute, Newtown, NSW, Australia.,School of Medicine, The University of Notre Dame Sydney, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
| | - Renee Ellen Preketes-Tardiani
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Sydney, Darlington, NSW, Australia.,Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia.,Heart Research Institute, Newtown, NSW, Australia
| | - Vivian Cheng
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Sydney, Darlington, NSW, Australia
| | - Hongxu Lu
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Sydney, Darlington, NSW, Australia.,Faculty of Science, Institute for Biomedical Materials and Devices, The University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | - Lining Arnold Ju
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Sydney, Darlington, NSW, Australia.,Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia.,Heart Research Institute, Newtown, NSW, Australia
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36
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Khan I, Schmidt MO, Kallakury B, Jain S, Mehdikhani S, Levi M, Mendonca M, Welch W, Riegel AT, Wilcox CS, Wellstein A. Low Dose Chronic Angiotensin II Induces Selective Senescence of Kidney Endothelial Cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:782841. [PMID: 34957111 PMCID: PMC8696590 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.782841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Angiotensin II can cause oxidative stress and increased blood pressure that result in long term cardiovascular pathologies. Here we evaluated the contribution of cellular senescence to the effect of chronic exposure to low dose angiotensin II in a model that mimics long term tissue damage. We utilized the INK-ATTAC (p16Ink4a–Apoptosis Through Targeted Activation of Caspase 8) transgenic mouse model that allows for conditional elimination of p16Ink4a -dependent senescent cells by administration of AP20187. Angiotensin II treatment for 3 weeks induced ATTAC transgene expression in kidneys but not in lung, spleen and brain tissues. In the kidneys increased expression of ATM, p15 and p21 matched with angiotensin II induction of senescence-associated secretory phenotype genes MMP3, FGF2, IGFBP2, and tPA. Senescent cells in the kidneys were identified as endothelial cells by detection of GFP expressed from the ATTAC transgene and increased expression of angiopoietin 2 and von Willebrand Factor, indicative of endothelial cell damage. Furthermore, angiotensin II induced expression of the inflammation-related glycoprotein versican and immune cell recruitment to the kidneys. AP20187-mediated elimination of p16-dependent senescent cells prevented physiologic, cellular and molecular responses to angiotensin II and provides mechanistic evidence of cellular senescence as a driver of angiotensin II effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irfan Khan
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Oncology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Marcel O. Schmidt
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Oncology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Bhaskar Kallakury
- Division of Pathology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Sidharth Jain
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Oncology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Shaunt Mehdikhani
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Oncology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Moshe Levi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Cellular Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Margarida Mendonca
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Kidney, and Vascular Research Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - William Welch
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Kidney, and Vascular Research Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Anna T. Riegel
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Oncology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Christopher S. Wilcox
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Kidney, and Vascular Research Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Anton Wellstein
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Oncology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States
- *Correspondence: Anton Wellstein,
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37
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Thurgood P, Concilia G, Tran N, Nguyen N, Hawke AJ, Pirogova E, Jex AR, Peter K, Baratchi S, Khoshmanesh K. Generation of programmable dynamic flow patterns in microfluidics using audio signals. LAB ON A CHIP 2021; 21:4672-4684. [PMID: 34739024 DOI: 10.1039/d1lc00568e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Customised audio signals, such as musical notes, can be readily generated by audio software on smartphones and played over audio speakers. Audio speakers translate electrical signals into the mechanical motion of the speaker cone. Coupling the inlet tube to the speaker cone causes the harmonic oscillation of the tube, which in turn changes the velocity profile and flow rate. We employ this strategy for generating programmable dynamic flow patterns in microfluidics. We show the generation of customised rib and vortex patterns through the application of multi-tone audio signals in water-based and whole blood samples. We demonstrate the precise capability to control the number and extent of the ribs and vortices by simply setting the frequency ratio of two- and three-tone audio signals. We exemplify potential applications of tube oscillation for studying the functional responses of circulating immune cells under pathophysiological shear rates. The system is programmable, compact, low-cost, biocompatible, and durable. These features make it suitable for a variety of applications across chemistry, biology, and physics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Thurgood
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | | | - Nhiem Tran
- School of Science, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ngan Nguyen
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Adam J Hawke
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Elena Pirogova
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Aaron R Jex
- Population Health and Immunity Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Karlheinz Peter
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Cardiometabolic Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sara Baratchi
- School of Health & Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia.
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38
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Nguyen N, Thurgood P, Sekar NC, Chen S, Pirogova E, Peter K, Baratchi S, Khoshmanesh K. Microfluidic models of the human circulatory system: versatile platforms for exploring mechanobiology and disease modeling. Biophys Rev 2021; 13:769-786. [PMID: 34777617 DOI: 10.1007/s12551-021-00815-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The human circulatory system is a marvelous fluidic system, which is very sensitive to biophysical and biochemical cues. The current animal and cell culture models do not recapitulate the functional properties of the human circulatory system, limiting our ability to fully understand the complex biological processes underlying the dysfunction of this multifaceted system. In this review, we discuss the unique ability of microfluidic systems to recapitulate the biophysical, biochemical, and functional properties of the human circulatory system. We also describe the remarkable capacity of microfluidic technologies for exploring the complex mechanobiology of the cardiovascular system, mechanistic studying of cardiovascular diseases, and screening cardiovascular drugs with the additional benefit of reducing the need for animal models. We also discuss opportunities for further advancement in this exciting field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ngan Nguyen
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Peter Thurgood
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Nadia Chandra Sekar
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Australia
| | - Sheng Chen
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Elena Pirogova
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Karlheinz Peter
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Cardiometabolic Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Sara Baratchi
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Australia
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39
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Hoefer T, Rana A, Niego B, Jagdale S, Albers HJ, Gardiner EE, Andrews RK, Van der Meer AD, Hagemeyer CE, Westein E. Targeting shear gradient activated von Willebrand factor by the novel single-chain antibody A1 reduces occlusive thrombus formation in vitro. Haematologica 2021; 106:2874-2884. [PMID: 33054112 PMCID: PMC8561297 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2020.250761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Intraluminal thrombus formation precipitates conditions such as acute myocardial infarction and disturbs local blood flow resulting in areas of rapidly changing blood flow velocities and steep gradients of blood shear rate. Shear rate gradients are known to be pro-thrombotic with an important role for the shear-sensitive plasma protein von Willebrand factor (VWF). Here, we developed a single-chain antibody (scFv) that targets a shear gradient specific conformation of VWF to specifically inhibit platelet adhesion at sites of SRGs but not in areas of constant shear. Microfluidic flow channels with stenotic segments were used to create shear rate gradients during blood perfusion. VWF-GPIbα interactions were increased at sites of shear rate gradients compared to constant shear rate of matched magnitude. The scFv-A1 specifically reduced VWF-GPIbα binding and thrombus formation at sites of SRGs but did not block platelet deposition and aggregation under constant shear rate in upstream sections of the channels. Significantly, the scFv A1 attenuated platelet aggregation only in the later stages of thrombus formation. In the absence of shear, direct binding of scFv-A1 to VWF could not be detected and scFV-A1 did not inhibit ristocetin induced platelet agglutination. We have exploited the pro-aggregatory effects of SRGs on VWF dependent platelet aggregation and developed the shear-gradient sensitive scFv-A1 antibody that inhibits platelet aggregation exclusively at sites of shear rate gradients. The lack of VWF inhibition in non-stenosed vessel segments places scFV-A1 in an entirely new class of anti-platelet therapy for selective blockade of pathological thrombus formation while maintaining normal haemostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Hoefer
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne; TH and AR contributed equally to this work.
| | - Akshita Rana
- Australian Centre for Blood Diseases, Monash University, Melbourne; TH and AR contributed equally to this work.
| | - Be'eri Niego
- Australian Centre for Blood Diseases, Monash University, Melbourne.
| | - Shweta Jagdale
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne; Australian Centre for Blood Diseases, Monash University, Melbourne.
| | - Hugo J Albers
- Applied Stem Cell Technologies, University of Twente, Enschede; BIOS Lab-on-a-Chip, University of Twente, Enschede.
| | - Elizabeth E Gardiner
- ACRF Department of Cancer Biology and Therapeutics, John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra.
| | - Robert K Andrews
- Australian Centre for Blood Diseases, Monash University, Melbourne.
| | | | - Christoph E Hagemeyer
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne; Australian Centre for Blood Diseases, Monash University, Melbourne.
| | - Erik Westein
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne; Australian Centre for Blood Diseases, Monash University, Melbourne; CEH and EW contributed equally to this work.
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40
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Abstract
Distinct from dilute, isotropic, and homogeneous reaction systems typically used in laboratory kinetic assays, blood is concentrated, two-phase, flowing, and highly anisotropic when clotting on a surface. This review focuses on spatial gradients that are generated and can dictate thrombus structure and function. Novel experimental and computational tools have recently emerged to explore reaction-transport coupling during clotting. Multiscale simulations help bridge tissue length scales (the coronary arteries) to millimeter scales of a growing clot to the microscopic scale of single-cell signaling and adhesion. Microfluidic devices help create and control pathological velocity profiles, albeit at a low Reynolds number. Since rate processes and force loading are often coupled, this review highlights prevailing convective-diffusive transport physics that modulate cellular and molecular processes during thrombus formation.
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41
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Stein JM, Mummery CL, Bellin M. Engineered models of the human heart: Directions and challenges. Stem Cell Reports 2021; 16:2049-2057. [PMID: 33338434 PMCID: PMC8452488 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2020.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Human heart (patho)physiology is now widely studied using human pluripotent stem cells, but the immaturity of derivative cardiomyocytes has largely limited disease modeling to conditions associated with mutations in cardiac ion channel genes. Recent advances in tissue engineering and organoids have, however, created new opportunities to study diseases beyond "channelopathies." These synthetic cardiac structures allow quantitative measurement of contraction, force, and other biophysical parameters in three-dimensional configurations, in which the cardiomyocytes in addition become more mature. Multiple cardiac-relevant cell types are also often combined to form organized cardiac tissue mimetic constructs, where cell-cell, cell-extracellular matrix, and paracrine interactions can be mimicked. In this review, we provide an overview of some of the most promising technologies being implemented specifically in personalized heart-on-a-chip models and explore their applications, drawbacks, and potential for future development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeroen M Stein
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden 2333ZA, the Netherlands
| | - Christine L Mummery
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden 2333ZA, the Netherlands; Department of Applied Stem Cell Technologies, University of Twente, Enschede 7500AE, the Netherlands
| | - Milena Bellin
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden 2333ZA, the Netherlands; Department of Biology, University of Padua, Padua 35131, Italy; Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padua 35129, Italy.
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42
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Marx U, Accastelli E, David R, Erfurth H, Koenig L, Lauster R, Ramme AP, Reinke P, Volk HD, Winter A, Dehne EM. An Individual Patient's "Body" on Chips-How Organismoid Theory Can Translate Into Your Personal Precision Therapy Approach. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:728866. [PMID: 34589503 PMCID: PMC8473633 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.728866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The first concepts for reproducing human systemic organismal biology in vitro were developed over 12 years ago. Such concepts, then called human- or body-on-a-chip, claimed that microphysiological systems would become the relevant technology platform emulating the physiology and morphology of human organisms at the smallest biologically acceptable scale in vitro and, therefore, would enable the selection of personalized therapies for any patient at unprecedented precision. Meanwhile, the first human organoids-stem cell-derived complex three-dimensional organ models that expand and self-organize in vitro-have proven that in vitro self-assembly of minute premature human organ-like structures is feasible, once the respective stimuli of ontogenesis are provided to human stem cells. Such premature organoids can precisely reflect a number of distinct physiological and pathophysiological features of their respective counterparts in the human body. We now develop the human-on-a-chip concepts of the past into an organismoid theory. We describe the current concept and principles to create a series of organismoids-minute, mindless and emotion-free physiological in vitro equivalents of an individual's mature human body-by an artificially short process of morphogenetic self-assembly mimicking an individual's ontogenesis from egg cell to sexually mature organism. Subsequently, we provide the concept and principles to maintain such an individual's set of organismoids at a self-sustained functional healthy homeostasis over very long time frames in vitro. Principles how to perturb a subset of healthy organismoids by means of the natural or artificial induction of diseases are enrolled to emulate an individual's disease process. Finally, we discuss using such series of healthy and perturbed organismoids in predictively selecting, scheduling and dosing an individual patient's personalized therapy or medicine precisely. The potential impact of the organismoid theory on our healthcare system generally and the rapid adoption of disruptive personalized T-cell therapies particularly is highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uwe Marx
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- TissUse GmbH, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Rhiannon David
- Functional and Mechanistic Safety, Clinical Pharmacology & Safety Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Roland Lauster
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Petra Reinke
- Berlin Center for Advanced Therapies, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- BIH-Center for Regenerative Therapies, Berlin Institute of Health, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hans-Dieter Volk
- BIH-Center for Regenerative Therapies, Berlin Institute of Health, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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43
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Mathur T, Flanagan JM, Jain A. Tripartite collaboration of blood-derived endothelial cells, next generation RNA sequencing and bioengineered vessel-chip may distinguish vasculopathy and thrombosis among sickle cell disease patients. Bioeng Transl Med 2021; 6:e10211. [PMID: 34589594 PMCID: PMC8459595 DOI: 10.1002/btm2.10211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the most prevalent inherited blood disorder in the world. But the clinical manifestations of the disease are highly variable. In particular, it is currently difficult to predict the adverse outcomes within patients with SCD, such as, vasculopathy, thrombosis, and stroke. Therefore, for most effective and timely interventions, a predictive analytic strategy is desirable. In this study, we evaluate the endothelial and prothrombotic characteristics of blood outgrowth endothelial cells (BOECs) generated from blood samples of SCD patients with known differences in clinical severity of the disease. We present a method to evaluate patient-specific vaso-occlusive risk by combining novel RNA-seq and organ-on-chip approaches. Through differential gene expression (DGE) and pathway analysis we find that BOECs from SCD patients exhibit an activated state through cell adhesion molecule (CAM) and cytokine signaling pathways among many others. In agreement with clinical symptoms of patients, DGE analyses reveal that patient with severe SCD had a greater extent of endothelial activation compared to patient with milder symptoms. This difference is confirmed by performing qRT-PCR of endothelial adhesion markers like E-selectin, P-selectin, tissue factor, and Von Willebrand factor. Finally, the differential regulation of the proinflammatory phenotype is confirmed through platelet adhesion readouts in our BOEC vessel-chip. Taken together, we hypothesize that these easily blood-derived endothelial cells evaluated through RNA-seq and organ-on-chips may serve as a biotechnique to predict vaso-occlusive episodes in SCD patients and will ultimately allow better therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanmay Mathur
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringTexas A&M UniversityCollege StationTexasUSA
| | - Jonathan M. Flanagan
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hematology‐OncologyBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTexasUSA
| | - Abhishek Jain
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringTexas A&M UniversityCollege StationTexasUSA
- Department of Medical PhysiologyCollege of Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science CenterBryanTexasUSA
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44
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A Continuum Model for the Unfolding of von Willebrand Factor. Ann Biomed Eng 2021; 49:2646-2658. [PMID: 34401970 PMCID: PMC9847011 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-021-02845-5] [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: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
von Willebrand Factor is a mechano-sensitive protein circulating in blood that mediates platelet adhesion to subendothelial collagen and platelet aggregation at high shear rates. Its hemostatic function and thrombogenic effect, as well as susceptibility to enzymatic cleavage, are regulated by a conformational change from a collapsed globular state to a stretched state. Therefore, it is essential to account for the conformation of the vWF multimers when modeling vWF-mediated thrombosis or vWF degradation. We introduce a continuum model of vWF unfolding that is developed within the framework of our multi-constituent model of platelet-mediated thrombosis. The model considers two interconvertible vWF species corresponding to the collapsed and stretched conformational states. vWF unfolding takes place via two regimes: tumbling in simple shear and strong unfolding in flows with dominant extensional component. These two regimes were demonstrated in a Couette flow between parallel plates and an extensional flow in a cross-slot geometry. The vWF unfolding model was then verified in several microfluidic systems designed for inducing high-shear vWF-mediated thrombosis and screening for von Willebrand Disease. The model predicted high concentration of stretched vWF in key regions where occlusive thrombosis was observed experimentally. Strong unfolding caused by the extensional flow was limited to the center axis or middle plane of the channels, whereas vWF unfolding near the channel walls relied upon the shear tumbling mechanism. The continuum model of vWF unfolding presented in this work can be employed in numerical simulations of vWF-mediated thrombosis or vWF degradation in complex geometries. However, extending the model to 3-D arbitrary flows and turbulent flows will pose considerable challenges.
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45
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Kucukal E, Man Y, Gurkan UA, Schmidt BE. Blood Flow Velocimetry in a Microchannel During Coagulation Using Particle Image Velocimetry and Wavelet-Based Optical Flow Velocimetry. J Biomech Eng 2021; 143:091004. [PMID: 33764427 PMCID: PMC8299809 DOI: 10.1115/1.4050647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
This article describes novel measurements of the velocity of whole blood flow in a microchannel during coagulation. The blood is imaged volumetrically using a simple optical setup involving a white light source and a microscope camera. The images are processed using particle image velocimetry (PIV) and wavelet-based optical flow velocimetry (wOFV), both of which use images of individual blood cells as flow tracers. Measurements of several clinically relevant parameters such as the clotting time, decay rate, and blockage ratio are computed. The high-resolution wOFV results yield highly detailed information regarding thrombus formation and corresponding flow evolution that is the first of its kind.
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Affiliation(s)
- E. Kucukal
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106
| | - Y. Man
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106
| | - Umut A. Gurkan
- Warren E. Rupp Associate Professor Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106
| | - B. E. Schmidt
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106
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46
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Mao S, Sarkar A, Wang Y, Song C, LeVine D, Wang X, Que L. Microfluidic chip grafted with integrin tension sensors for evaluating the effects of flowing shear stress and ROCK inhibitor on platelets. LAB ON A CHIP 2021; 21:3128-3136. [PMID: 34180491 PMCID: PMC8353964 DOI: 10.1039/d1lc00259g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Integrins are key players in platelet adhesion and aggregation. Integrin molecular tensions, the forces transmitted by integrin molecules, are regulated by both mechanical and biochemical cues, and the outside-in and inside-out signaling has been extensively studied. While the mechanical properties of platelets at static status have been studied by atomic force microscopy, traction force microscopy and tension sensors, the biomechanical properties of flowing platelets remain elusive. Herein, we report microfluidic chips grafted with integrin tension sensors for microfluidic-force mapping in platelets. Specifically, the process of integrin αIIbβ3 mediating tension transmission and platelet adhesion under low flow rates has been obtained, and the process of platelet clustering at post-stenotic regions has been demonstrated. We found that flowing shear force can postpone the integrin-mediated tension transmission and platelet adhesion. We further evaluated the effect of Y-27632, a ROCK inhibitor that has been proven to reduce integrin-mediated platelet adhesion, at a series of concentrations and demonstrated that microfluidic chips with integrin tension sensors are sensitive to the concentration-dependent effects of Y-27632. Given their low cost and scalable throughput, these chips are ideal technical platforms for biological studies of platelets at flowing status and for platelet inhibitor or potential antiplatelet drug screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subin Mao
- Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, Iowa State University, Ames, USA50011.
| | - Anwesha Sarkar
- Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, Iowa State University, Ames, USA50011. and Department of Physics and Astronomy, Iowa State University, Ames, USA50011.
| | - Yongliang Wang
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Iowa State University, Ames, USA50011.
| | - Chao Song
- Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, Iowa State University, Ames, USA50011.
| | - Dana LeVine
- Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, USA50011
| | - Xuefeng Wang
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Iowa State University, Ames, USA50011.
| | - Long Que
- Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, Iowa State University, Ames, USA50011.
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47
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Lin J, Sorrells MG, Lam WA, Neeves KB. Physical forces regulating hemostasis and thrombosis: Vessels, cells, and molecules in illustrated review. Res Pract Thromb Haemost 2021; 5:e12548. [PMID: 34278188 PMCID: PMC8279127 DOI: 10.1002/rth2.12548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
This illustrated review focuses on the physical forces that regulate hemostasis and thrombosis. These phenomena span from the vessel to the cellular to the molecular scales. Blood is a complex fluid with a viscosity that varies with how fast it flows and the size of the vessel through which it flows. Blood flow imposes forces on the vessel wall and blood cells that dictates the kinetics, structure, and stability of thrombi. The mechanical properties of blood cells create a segmented flowing fluid whereby red blood cells concentrate in the vessel core and platelets marginate to the near-wall region. At the vessel wall, shear stresses are highest, which requires a repertoire of receptors with different bond kinetics to roll, tether, adhere, and activate on inflamed endothelium and extracellular matrices. As a thrombus grows and then contracts, forces regulate platelet aggregation as well as von Willebrand factor function and fibrin mechanics. Forces can also originate from platelets as they respond to the external forces and sense the stiffness of their local environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Lin
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical EngineeringGeorgia Institute of TechnologyEmory UniversityAtlantaGAUSA
| | - Matthew G. Sorrells
- Department of Chemical and Biological EngineeringColorado School of MinesGoldenCOUSA
| | - Wilbur A. Lam
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical EngineeringGeorgia Institute of TechnologyEmory UniversityAtlantaGAUSA
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/OncologyDepartment of PediatricsAflac Cancer Center and Blood Disorder Service of Children’s Healthcare of AtlantaEmory University School of MedicineAtlantaGAUSA
| | - Keith B. Neeves
- Department of BioengineeringUniversity of Colorado DenverAnschutz Medical CampusAuroraCOUSA
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hematology, Oncology, and Bone Marrow Transplant, Hemophilia and Thrombosis CenterUniversity of Colorado DenverAnschutz Medical CampusAuroraCOUSA
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48
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Hammond SM, Aartsma‐Rus A, Alves S, Borgos SE, Buijsen RAM, Collin RWJ, Covello G, Denti MA, Desviat LR, Echevarría L, Foged C, Gaina G, Garanto A, Goyenvalle AT, Guzowska M, Holodnuka I, Jones DR, Krause S, Lehto T, Montolio M, Van Roon‐Mom W, Arechavala‐Gomeza V. Delivery of oligonucleotide-based therapeutics: challenges and opportunities. EMBO Mol Med 2021; 13:e13243. [PMID: 33821570 PMCID: PMC8033518 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.202013243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 161] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Nucleic acid-based therapeutics that regulate gene expression have been developed towards clinical use at a steady pace for several decades, but in recent years the field has been accelerating. To date, there are 11 marketed products based on antisense oligonucleotides, aptamers and small interfering RNAs, and many others are in the pipeline for both academia and industry. A major technology trigger for this development has been progress in oligonucleotide chemistry to improve the drug properties and reduce cost of goods, but the main hurdle for the application to a wider range of disorders is delivery to target tissues. The adoption of delivery technologies, such as conjugates or nanoparticles, has been a game changer for many therapeutic indications, but many others are still awaiting their eureka moment. Here, we cover the variety of methods developed to deliver nucleic acid-based therapeutics across biological barriers and the model systems used to test them. We discuss important safety considerations and regulatory requirements for synthetic oligonucleotide chemistries and the hurdles for translating laboratory breakthroughs to the clinic. Recent advances in the delivery of nucleic acid-based therapeutics and in the development of model systems, as well as safety considerations and regulatory requirements for synthetic oligonucleotide chemistries are discussed in this review on oligonucleotide-based therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sandra Alves
- Department of Human Genetics, Research and Development UnitNational Health Institute Doutor Ricardo JorgePortoPortugal
| | - Sven E Borgos
- Department of Biotechnology and NanomedicineSINTEF ASTrondheimNorway
| | - Ronald A M Buijsen
- Department of Human GeneticsLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenThe Netherlands
| | - Rob W J Collin
- Department of Human Genetics and Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and BehaviourRadboud University Medical CenterNijmegenThe Netherlands
| | - Giuseppina Covello
- Department of BiologyUniversity of PadovaPadovaItaly
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology ‐ CIBIOUniversity of TrentoTrentoItaly
| | - Michela A Denti
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology ‐ CIBIOUniversity of TrentoTrentoItaly
| | - Lourdes R Desviat
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa UAM‐CSICCIBERER, IdiPazUniversidad Autónoma de MadridMadridSpain
| | | | - Camilla Foged
- Department of PharmacyFaculty of Health and Medical SciencesUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagen ØDenmark
| | - Gisela Gaina
- Victor Babes National Institute of PathologyBucharestRomania
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyUniversity of BucharestBucharestRomania
| | - Alejandro Garanto
- Department of Human Genetics and Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and BehaviourRadboud University Medical CenterNijmegenThe Netherlands
- Department of PediatricsRadboud University Medical CenterNijmegenThe Netherlands
| | | | - Magdalena Guzowska
- Department of Physiological SciencesFaculty of Veterinary MedicineWarsaw University of Life Sciences – SGGWWarsawPoland
| | - Irina Holodnuka
- Institute of Microbiology and VirologyRiga Stradins UniversityRigaLatvia
| | | | - Sabine Krause
- Department of NeurologyFriedrich‐Baur‐InstituteLudwig‐Maximilians‐University of MunichMunichGermany
| | - Taavi Lehto
- Institute of TechnologyUniversity of TartuTartuEstonia
- Division of Biomolecular and Cellular MedicineDepartment of Laboratory MedicineKarolinska InstitutetHuddingeSweden
| | - Marisol Montolio
- Duchenne Parent Project EspañaMadridSpain
- Department of Cell Biology, Fisiology and ImmunologyFaculty of BiologyUniversity of BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Willeke Van Roon‐Mom
- Department of Human GeneticsLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenThe Netherlands
| | - Virginia Arechavala‐Gomeza
- Neuromuscular Disorders GroupBiocruces Bizkaia Health Research InstituteBarakaldoSpain
- Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for ScienceBilbaoSpain
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49
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Situ AJ, Kim J, An W, Kim C, Ulmer TS. Insight Into Pathological Integrin αIIbβ3 Activation From Safeguarding The Inactive State. J Mol Biol 2021; 433:166832. [PMID: 33539882 PMCID: PMC11025565 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2021.166832] [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: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 01/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The inhibition of physiological activation pathways of the platelet adhesion receptor integrin αIIbβ3 may fail to prevent fatal thrombosis, suggesting that the receptor is at risk of activation by yet an unidentified pathway. Here, we report the discovery and characterization of a structural motif that safeguards the receptor by selectively destabilizing its inactive state. At the extracellular membrane border, an overpacked αIIb(W968)-β3(I693) contact prevents αIIb(Gly972) from optimally assembling the αIIbβ3 transmembrane complex, which maintains the inactive state. This destabilization of approximately 1.0 kcal/mol could be mitigated by hydrodynamic forces but not physiological agonists, thereby identifying hydrodynamic forces as pathological activation stimulus. As reproductive life spans are not generally limited by cardiovascular disease, it appears that the evolution of the safeguard was driven by fatal, hydrodynamic force-mediated integrin αIIbβ3 activation in the healthy cardiovascular system. The triggering of the safeguard solely by pathological stimuli achieves an effective increase of the free energy barrier between inactive and active receptor states without incurring an increased risk of bleeding. Thus, integrin αIIbβ3 has evolved an effective way to protect receptor functional states that indicates the availability of a mechanical activation pathway when hydrodynamic forces exceed physiological margins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan J Situ
- Department of Physiology and Neuroscience, Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jiyoon Kim
- Department of Life Sciences, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Woojin An
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Chungho Kim
- Department of Life Sciences, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Tobias S Ulmer
- Department of Physiology and Neuroscience, Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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50
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Cai S, Li H, Zheng F, Kong F, Dao M, Karniadakis GE, Suresh S. Artificial intelligence velocimetry and microaneurysm-on-a-chip for three-dimensional analysis of blood flow in physiology and disease. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2100697118. [PMID: 33762307 PMCID: PMC8020788 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2100697118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the mechanics of blood flow is necessary for developing insights into mechanisms of physiology and vascular diseases in microcirculation. Given the limitations of technologies available for assessing in vivo flow fields, in vitro methods based on traditional microfluidic platforms have been developed to mimic physiological conditions. However, existing methods lack the capability to provide accurate assessment of these flow fields, particularly in vessels with complex geometries. Conventional approaches to quantify flow fields rely either on analyzing only visual images or on enforcing underlying physics without considering visualization data, which could compromise accuracy of predictions. Here, we present artificial-intelligence velocimetry (AIV) to quantify velocity and stress fields of blood flow by integrating the imaging data with underlying physics using physics-informed neural networks. We demonstrate the capability of AIV by quantifying hemodynamics in microchannels designed to mimic saccular-shaped microaneurysms (microaneurysm-on-a-chip, or MAOAC), which signify common manifestations of diabetic retinopathy, a leading cause of vision loss from blood-vessel damage in the retina in diabetic patients. We show that AIV can, without any a priori knowledge of the inlet and outlet boundary conditions, infer the two-dimensional (2D) flow fields from a sequence of 2D images of blood flow in MAOAC, but also can infer three-dimensional (3D) flow fields using only 2D images, thanks to the encoded physics laws. AIV provides a unique paradigm that seamlessly integrates images, experimental data, and underlying physics using neural networks to automatically analyze experimental data and infer key hemodynamic indicators that assess vascular injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengze Cai
- Division of Applied Mathematics, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912
| | - He Li
- Division of Applied Mathematics, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912
| | - Fuyin Zheng
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 639798 Singapore
| | - Fang Kong
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 639798 Singapore
| | - Ming Dao
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139;
| | - George Em Karniadakis
- Division of Applied Mathematics, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912;
- School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912
| | - Subra Suresh
- Nanyang Technological University, 639798 Singapore
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