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Crnic A, Rohringer S, Tyschuk T, Holnthoner W. Engineering blood and lymphatic microvascular networks. Atherosclerosis 2024; 393:117458. [PMID: 38320921 DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2024.117458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
The human vasculature plays a crucial role in the blood supply of nearly all organs as well as the drainage of the interstitial fluid. Consequently, if these physiological systems go awry, pathological changes might occur. Hence, the regeneration of existing vessels, as well as approaches to engineer artificial blood and lymphatic structures represent current challenges within the field of vascular research. In this review, we provide an overview of both the vascular blood circulation and the long-time neglected but equally important lymphatic system, with regard to their organotypic vasculature. We summarize the current knowledge within the field of vascular tissue engineering focusing on the design of co-culture systems, thereby mainly discussing suitable cell types, scaffold design and disease models. This review will mainly focus on addressing those subjects concerning atherosclerosis. Moreover, current technological approaches such as vascular organ-on-a-chip models and microfluidic devices will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aldina Crnic
- Ludwig-Boltzmann-Institute for Traumatology, The Research Centre in Cooperation with AUVA, Donaueschingenstraße 13, 1020 Vienna, Austria; Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Donaueschingenstraße 13, 1020 Vienna, Austria
| | - Sabrina Rohringer
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Donaueschingenstraße 13, 1020 Vienna, Austria; Center for Biomedical Research and Translational Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria; Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Cardiovascular Research, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Tatiana Tyschuk
- Ludwig-Boltzmann-Institute for Traumatology, The Research Centre in Cooperation with AUVA, Donaueschingenstraße 13, 1020 Vienna, Austria; Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Donaueschingenstraße 13, 1020 Vienna, Austria
| | - Wolfgang Holnthoner
- Ludwig-Boltzmann-Institute for Traumatology, The Research Centre in Cooperation with AUVA, Donaueschingenstraße 13, 1020 Vienna, Austria; Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Donaueschingenstraße 13, 1020 Vienna, Austria.
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2
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Saha S, Fan F, Alderfer L, Graham F, Hall E, Hanjaya-Putra D. Synthetic hyaluronic acid coating preserves the phenotypes of lymphatic endothelial cells. Biomater Sci 2023; 11:7346-7357. [PMID: 37789798 PMCID: PMC10628678 DOI: 10.1039/d3bm00873h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) play a critical role in the formation and maintenance of the lymphatic vasculature, which is essential for the immune system, fluid balance, and tissue repair. However, LECs are often difficult to study in vivo and in vitro models that accurately mimic their behaviors and phenotypes are limited. In particular, LECs have been shown to lose their lymphatic markers over time while being cultured in vitro, which reflect their plasticity and heterogeneity in vivo. Since LECs uniquely express lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronan receptor-1 (LYVE-1), we hypothesized that surface coating with hyaluronic acid (HA) can preserve LEC phenotypes and functionalities. Dopamine conjugated hyaluronic acid (HA-DP) was synthesized with 42% degree of substitution to enable surface modification and conjugation onto standard tissue culture plates. Compared to fibronectin coating and tissue culture plate controls, surface coating with HA-DP was able to preserve lymphatic markers, such as prospero homeobox protein 1 (Prox1), podoplanin (PDPN), and LYVE-1 over several passages in vitro. LECs cultured on HA-DP expressed lower levels of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and YAP/TAZ, which may be responsible for the maintenance of the lymphatic characteristics. Collectively, the HA-DP coating may provide a novel method for culturing human LECs in vitro toward more representative studies in basic lymphatic biology and lymphatic regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjoy Saha
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, Bioengineering Graduate Program, University of Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA.
| | - Fei Fan
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, Bioengineering Graduate Program, University of Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA.
| | - Laura Alderfer
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, Bioengineering Graduate Program, University of Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA.
| | - Francine Graham
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Eva Hall
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, Bioengineering Graduate Program, University of Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA.
| | - Donny Hanjaya-Putra
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, Bioengineering Graduate Program, University of Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA.
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
- Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
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3
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Bogseth A, Ramirez A, Vaughan E, Maisel K. In Vitro Models of Blood and Lymphatic Vessels-Connecting Tissues and Immunity. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2023; 7:e2200041. [PMID: 35751460 PMCID: PMC9790046 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202200041] [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: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Blood and lymphatic vessels are regulators of physiological processes, including oxygenation and fluid transport. Both vessels are ubiquitous throughout the body and are critical for sustaining tissue homeostasis. The complexity of each vessel's processes has limited the understanding of exactly how the vessels maintain their functions. Both vessels have been shown to be involved in the pathogenesis of many diseases, including cancer metastasis, and it is crucial to probe further specific mechanisms involved. In vitro models are developed to better understand blood and lymphatic physiological functions and their mechanisms. In this review, blood and lymphatic in vitro model systems, including 2D and 3D designs made using Transwells, microfluidic devices, organoid cultures, and various other methods, are described. Models studying endothelial cell-extracellular matrix interactions, endothelial barrier properties, transendothelial transport and cell migration, lymph/angiogenesis, vascular inflammation, and endothelial-cancer cell interactions are particularly focused. While the field has made significant progress in modeling and understanding lymphatic and blood vasculature, more models that include coculture of multiple cell types, complex extracellular matrix, and 3D morphologies, particularly for models mimicking disease states, will help further the understanding of the role of blood and lymphatic vasculature in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Bogseth
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742
| | - Ann Ramirez
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742
| | - Erik Vaughan
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742
| | - Katharina Maisel
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742
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4
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Shimizu Y, Che Y, Murohara T. Therapeutic Lymphangiogenesis Is a Promising Strategy for Secondary Lymphedema. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:7774. [PMID: 37175479 PMCID: PMC10178056 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24097774] [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: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Secondary lymphedema is caused by lymphatic insufficiency (lymphatic drainage failure) following lymph node dissection during the surgical treatment or radiation therapy of breast or pelvic cancer. The clinical problems associated with lymphedema are reduced quality of life in terms of appearance and function, as well as the development of skin ulcers, recurrent pain, and infection. Currently, countermeasures against lymphedema are mainly physical therapy such as lymphatic massage, elastic stockings, and skin care, and there is no effective and fundamental treatment with a highly recommended grade. Therefore, there is a need for the development of a fundamental novel treatment for intractable lymphedema. Therapeutic lymphangiogenesis, which has been attracting attention in recent years, is a treatment concept that reconstructs the fragmented lymphatic network to recover lymphatic vessel function and is revolutionary to be a fundamental cure. This review focuses on the translational research of therapeutic lymphangiogenesis for lymphedema and outlines the current status and prospects in the development of therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuuki Shimizu
- Department of Cardiology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan
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5
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Rütsche D, Nanni M, Rüdisser S, Biedermann T, Zenobi-Wong M. Enzymatically Crosslinked Collagen as a Versatile Matrix for In Vitro and In Vivo Co-Engineering of Blood and Lymphatic Vasculature. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2209476. [PMID: 36724374 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202209476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Adequate vascularization is required for the successful translation of many in vitro engineered tissues. This study presents a novel collagen derivative that harbors multiple recognition peptides for orthogonal enzymatic crosslinking based on sortase A (SrtA) and Factor XIII (FXIII). SrtA-mediated crosslinking enables the rapid co-engineering of human blood and lymphatic microcapillaries and mesoscale capillaries in bulk hydrogels. Whereas tuning of gel stiffness determines the extent of neovascularization, the relative number of blood and lymphatic capillaries recapitulates the ratio of blood and lymphatic endothelial cells originally seeded into the hydrogel. Bioengineered capillaries readily form luminal structures and exhibit typical maturation markers both in vitro and in vivo. The secondary crosslinking enzyme Factor XIII is used for in situ tethering of the VEGF mimetic QK peptide to collagen. This approach supports the formation of blood and lymphatic capillaries in the absence of exogenous VEGF. Orthogonal enzymatic crosslinking is further used to bioengineer hydrogels with spatially defined polymer compositions with pro- and anti-angiogenic properties. Finally, macroporous scaffolds based on secondary crosslinking of microgels enable vascularization independent from supporting fibroblasts. Overall, this work demonstrates for the first time the co-engineering of mature micro- and meso-sized blood and lymphatic capillaries using a highly versatile collagen derivative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominic Rütsche
- Tissue Engineering + Biofabrication Laboratory, Department of Health Sciences & Technology, ETH Zurich, Otto-Stern-Weg 7, Zurich, 8093, Switzerland
- Tissue Biology Research Unit, Department of Surgery, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Wagistrasse 12, Schlieren, 8952, Switzerland
| | - Monica Nanni
- Tissue Biology Research Unit, Department of Surgery, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Wagistrasse 12, Schlieren, 8952, Switzerland
- Institute for Mechanical Systems, Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zurich, Leonhardstrasse 21, Zurich, 8092, Switzerland
| | - Simon Rüdisser
- Biomolecular NMR Spectroscopy Platform, Department of Biology, ETH Zurich, Hönggerbergring 64, Zurich, 8093, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Biedermann
- Tissue Biology Research Unit, Department of Surgery, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Wagistrasse 12, Schlieren, 8952, Switzerland
| | - Marcy Zenobi-Wong
- Tissue Engineering + Biofabrication Laboratory, Department of Health Sciences & Technology, ETH Zurich, Otto-Stern-Weg 7, Zurich, 8093, Switzerland
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6
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Ruliffson BNK, Whittington CF. Regulating Lymphatic Vasculature in Fibrosis: Understanding the Biology to Improve the Modeling. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2023; 7:e2200158. [PMID: 36792967 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202200158] [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] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
Fibrosis occurs in many chronic diseases with lymphatic vascular insufficiency (e.g., kidney disease, tumors, and lymphedema). New lymphatic capillary growth can be triggered by fibrosis-related tissue stiffening and soluble factors, but questions remain for how related biomechanical, biophysical, and biochemical cues affect lymphatic vascular growth and function. The current preclinical standard for studying lymphatics is animal modeling, but in vitro and in vivo outcomes often do not align. In vitro models can also be limited in their ability to separate vascular growth and function as individual outcomes, and fibrosis is not traditionally included in model design. Tissue engineering provides an opportunity to address in vitro limitations and mimic microenvironmental features that impact lymphatic vasculature. This review discusses fibrosis-related lymphatic vascular growth and function in disease and the current state of in vitro lymphatic vascular models while highlighting relevant knowledge gaps. Additional insights into the future of in vitro lymphatic vascular models demonstrate how prioritizing fibrosis alongside lymphatics will help capture the complexity and dynamics of lymphatics in disease. Overall, this review aims to emphasize that an advanced understanding of lymphatics within a fibrotic disease-enabled through more accurate preclinical modeling-will significantly impact therapeutic development toward restoring lymphatic vessel growth and function in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian N K Ruliffson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, 100 Institute Rd., Worcester, MA, 01609, USA
| | - Catherine F Whittington
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, 100 Institute Rd., Worcester, MA, 01609, USA
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7
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Chiu A, Jia W, Sun Y, Goldman J, Zhao F. Fibroblast-Generated Extracellular Matrix Guides Anastomosis during Wound Healing in an Engineered Lymphatic Skin Flap. Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:bioengineering10020149. [PMID: 36829643 PMCID: PMC9952048 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10020149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
A healthy lymphatic system is required to return excess interstitial fluid back to the venous circulation. However, up to 49% of breast cancer survivors eventually develop breast cancer-related lymphedema due to lymphatic injuries from lymph node dissections or biopsies performed to treat cancer. While early-stage lymphedema can be ameliorated by manual lymph drainage, no cure exists for late-stage lymphedema when lymph vessels become completely dysfunctional. A viable late-stage treatment is the autotransplantation of functional lymphatic vessels. Here we report on a novel engineered lymphatic flap that may eventually replace the skin flaps used in vascularized lymph vessel transfers. The engineered flap mimics the lymphatic and dermal compartments of the skin by guiding multi-layered tissue organization of mesenchymal stem cells and lymphatic endothelial cells with an aligned decellularized fibroblast matrix. The construct was tested in a novel bilayered wound healing model and implanted into athymic nude rats. The in vitro model demonstrated capillary invasion into the wound gaps and deposition of extracellular matrix fibers, which may guide anastomosis and vascular integration of the graft during wound healing. The construct successfully anastomosed in vivo, forming chimeric vessels of human and rat cells. Overall, our flap replacement has high potential for treating lymphedema.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alvis Chiu
- Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering Lab, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Wenkai Jia
- Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering Lab, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Yumeng Sun
- Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering Lab, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Jeremy Goldman
- Vascular Materials Lab, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI 49931, USA
| | - Feng Zhao
- Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering Lab, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
- Correspondence:
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8
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Kong AM, Lim SY, Palmer JA, Rixon A, Gerrand YW, Yap KK, Morrison WA, Mitchell GM. Engineering transplantable human lymphatic and blood capillary networks in a porous scaffold. J Tissue Eng 2022; 13:20417314221140979. [PMID: 36600999 PMCID: PMC9806376 DOI: 10.1177/20417314221140979] [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: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to a relative paucity of studies on human lymphatic assembly in vitro and subsequent in vivo transplantation, capillary formation and survival of primary human lymphatic (hLEC) and blood endothelial cells (hBEC) ± primary human vascular smooth muscle cells (hvSMC) were evaluated and compared in vitro and in vivo. hLEC ± hvSMC or hBEC ± hvSMC were seeded in a 3D porous scaffold in vitro, and capillary percent vascular volume (PVV) and vascular density (VD)/mm2 assessed. Scaffolds were also transplanted into a sub-cutaneous rat wound with morphology/morphometry assessment. Initially hBEC formed a larger vessel network in vitro than hLEC, with interconnected capillaries evident at 2 days. Interconnected lymphatic capillaries were slower (3 days) to assemble. hLEC capillaries demonstrated a significant overall increase in PVV (p = 0.0083) and VD (p = 0.0039) in vitro when co-cultured with hvSMC. A similar increase did not occur for hBEC + hvSMC in vitro, but hBEC + hvSMC in vivo significantly increased PVV (p = 0.0035) and VD (p = 0.0087). Morphology/morphometry established that hLEC vessels maintained distinct cell markers, and demonstrated significantly increased individual vessel and network size, and longer survival than hBEC capillaries in vivo, and established inosculation with rat lymphatics, with evidence of lymphatic function. The porous polyurethane scaffold provided advantages to capillary network formation due to its large (300-600 μm diameter) interconnected pores, and sufficient stability to ensure successful surgical transplantation in vivo. Given their successful survival and function in vivo within the porous scaffold, in vitro assembled hLEC networks using this method are potentially applicable to clinical scenarios requiring replacement of dysfunctional or absent lymphatic networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne M Kong
- O’Brien Institute Department of St
Vincent’s Institute of Medical Research, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
| | - Shiang Y Lim
- O’Brien Institute Department of St
Vincent’s Institute of Medical Research, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
- Department of Surgery at St Vincent’s
Hospital Melbourne, University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
- Drug Discovery Biology, Faculty of
Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC,
Australia
- National Heart Research Institute
Singapore, National Heart Centre Singapore
| | - Jason A Palmer
- O’Brien Institute Department of St
Vincent’s Institute of Medical Research, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, East
Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Amanda Rixon
- Experimental Medical and Surgical Unit,
St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
| | - Yi-Wen Gerrand
- O’Brien Institute Department of St
Vincent’s Institute of Medical Research, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
| | - Kiryu K Yap
- O’Brien Institute Department of St
Vincent’s Institute of Medical Research, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
- Department of Surgery at St Vincent’s
Hospital Melbourne, University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
| | - Wayne A Morrison
- O’Brien Institute Department of St
Vincent’s Institute of Medical Research, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
- Department of Surgery at St Vincent’s
Hospital Melbourne, University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Australian
Catholic University, East Melbourne VIC, Australia
- Department of Plastic and
Reconstructive Surgery, St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC,
Australia
| | - Geraldine M Mitchell
- O’Brien Institute Department of St
Vincent’s Institute of Medical Research, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
- Department of Surgery at St Vincent’s
Hospital Melbourne, University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Australian
Catholic University, East Melbourne VIC, Australia
- Geraldine M Mitchell, O’Brien Institute
Department at St Vincent’s Institute of Medical Research, 9 Princes Street,
Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia.
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Nagahara AI, Homma J, Ryu B, Sekine H, Higashi Y, Shimizu T, Kawamata T. Networked lymphatic endothelial cells in a transplanted cell sheet contribute to form functional lymphatic vessels. Sci Rep 2022; 12:21698. [PMID: 36522421 PMCID: PMC9755306 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-26041-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
This study evaluated whether cell sheets containing a network of lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) promoted lymphangiogenesis after transplantation in vivo. Cell sheets with a LEC network were constructed by co-culturing LECs and adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) on temperature-responsive culture dishes. A cell ratio of 3:2 (vs. 1:4) generated networks with more branches and longer branch lengths. LEC-derived lymphatic vessels were observed 2 weeks after transplantation of a three-layered cell sheet construct onto rat gluteal muscle. Lymphatic vessel number, diameter and depth were greatest for a construct comprising two ASC sheets stacked on a LEC/ASC (3:2 ratio) sheet. Transplantation of this construct in a rat model of femoral lymphangiectomy led to the formation of functional lymphatic vessels containing both transplanted and host LECs. Further development of this technique may lead to a new method of promoting lymphangiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayumi Inoue Nagahara
- grid.410818.40000 0001 0720 6587Department of Neurosurgery, Graduate School of Tokyo Women’s Medical University, 8-1 Kawada-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 162-8666 Japan
| | - Jun Homma
- grid.410818.40000 0001 0720 6587Institute of Advanced Biomedical Engineering and Science, TWIns, Tokyo Women’s Medical University, 8-1 Kawada-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 162-8666 Japan
| | - Bikei Ryu
- grid.488555.10000 0004 1771 2637Department of Neurosurgery, Tokyo Women’s Medical University Hospital, 8-1 Kawada-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 162-8666 Japan
| | - Hidekazu Sekine
- grid.410818.40000 0001 0720 6587Institute of Advanced Biomedical Engineering and Science, TWIns, Tokyo Women’s Medical University, 8-1 Kawada-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 162-8666 Japan
| | - Yuhei Higashi
- grid.410818.40000 0001 0720 6587Institute of Advanced Biomedical Engineering and Science, TWIns, Tokyo Women’s Medical University, 8-1 Kawada-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 162-8666 Japan ,Tokaihit Co., Ltd., Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Shimizu
- grid.410818.40000 0001 0720 6587Institute of Advanced Biomedical Engineering and Science, TWIns, Tokyo Women’s Medical University, 8-1 Kawada-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 162-8666 Japan
| | - Takakazu Kawamata
- grid.488555.10000 0004 1771 2637Department of Neurosurgery, Tokyo Women’s Medical University Hospital, 8-1 Kawada-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 162-8666 Japan
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Ujiie N, Kume T. Mechanical forces in lymphatic vessel development: Focus on transcriptional regulation. Front Physiol 2022; 13:1066460. [PMID: 36439271 PMCID: PMC9685408 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.1066460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The lymphatic system is crucial for the maintenance of interstitial fluid and protein homeostasis. It has important roles in collecting excess plasma and interstitial fluid leaked from blood vessels, lipid absorption and transportation in the digestive system, and immune surveillance and response. The development of lymphatic vessels begins during fetal life as lymphatic endothelial progenitor cells first differentiate into lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) by expressing the master lymphatic vascular regulator, prospero-related homeobox 1 (PROX1). The lymphatic vasculature forms a hierarchical network that consists of blind-ended and unidirectional vessels. Although much progress has been made in the elucidation of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the formation of the lymphatic vascular system, the causes of lymphatic vessel abnormalities and disease are poorly understood and complicated; specifically, the mechanistic basis for transcriptional dysregulation in lymphatic vessel development remains largely unclear. In this review, we discuss the recent advances in our understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms of lymphatic vascular development, including LEC differentiation, lymphangiogenesis, and valve formation, and the significance of mechanical forces in lymphatic vessels, with a focus on transcriptional regulation. We also summarize the current knowledge on epigenetic mechanisms of lymphatic gene expression.
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11
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Terrassoux L, Claux H, Bacari S, Meignan S, Furlan A. A Bloody Conspiracy. Blood Vessels and Immune Cells in the Tumor Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14194581. [PMID: 36230504 PMCID: PMC9558972 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14194581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The tumor microenvironment has risen over the last years as a significant contributor to the failure of antitumoral strategies due to its numerous pro-tumorigenic activities. In this review, we focused on two features of this microenvironment, namely angiogenesis and immunity, which have been the targets of therapies to tackle tumors via its microenvironmental part over the last decade. Increasing our knowledge of the complex interactions within this ecosystem is mandatory to optimize these therapeutic approaches. The development of innovative experimental models is of great help in reaching this goal. Abstract Cancer progression occurs in concomitance with a profound remodeling of the cellular microenvironment. Far from being a mere passive event, the re-orchestration of interactions between the various cell types surrounding tumors highly contributes to the progression of the latter. Tumors notably recruit and stimulate the sprouting of new blood vessels through a process called neo-angiogenesis. Beyond helping the tumor cope with an increased metabolic demand associated with rapid growth, this also controls the metastatic dissemination of cancer cells and the infiltration of immune cells in the tumor microenvironment. To decipher this critical interplay for the clinical progression of tumors, the research community has developed several valuable models in the last decades. This review offers an overview of the various instrumental solutions currently available, including microfluidic chips, co-culture models, and the recent rise of organoids. We highlight the advantages of each technique and the specific questions they can address to better understand the tumor immuno-angiogenic ecosystem. Finally, we discuss this development field’s fundamental and applied perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Terrassoux
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR9020-U1277-CANTHER-Cancer Heterogeneity Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, F-59000 Lille, France
- Tumorigenesis and Resistance to Treatment Unit, Centre Oscar Lambret, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Hugo Claux
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR9020-U1277-CANTHER-Cancer Heterogeneity Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, F-59000 Lille, France
- Tumorigenesis and Resistance to Treatment Unit, Centre Oscar Lambret, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Salimata Bacari
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR9020-U1277-CANTHER-Cancer Heterogeneity Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, F-59000 Lille, France
- Tumorigenesis and Resistance to Treatment Unit, Centre Oscar Lambret, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Samuel Meignan
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR9020-U1277-CANTHER-Cancer Heterogeneity Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, F-59000 Lille, France
- Tumorigenesis and Resistance to Treatment Unit, Centre Oscar Lambret, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Alessandro Furlan
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR9020-U1277-CANTHER-Cancer Heterogeneity Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, F-59000 Lille, France
- Tumorigenesis and Resistance to Treatment Unit, Centre Oscar Lambret, F-59000 Lille, France
- Correspondence:
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12
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Implanted synthetic cells trigger tissue angiogenesis through de novo production of recombinant growth factors. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2207525119. [PMID: 36095208 PMCID: PMC9499519 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2207525119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Progress in bottom-up synthetic biology has stimulated the development of synthetic cells (SCs), autonomous protein-manufacturing particles, as dynamic biomimetics for replacing diseased natural cells and addressing medical needs. Here, we report that SCs genetically encoded to produce proangiogenic factors triggered the physiological process of neovascularization in mice. The SCs were constructed of giant lipid vesicles and were optimized to facilitate enhanced protein production. When introduced with the appropriate genetic code, the SCs synthesized a recombinant human basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), reaching expression levels of up to 9⋅106 protein copies per SC. In culture, the SCs induced endothelial cell proliferation, migration, tube formation, and angiogenesis-related intracellular signaling, confirming their proangiogenic activity. Integrating the SCs with bioengineered constructs bearing endothelial cells promoted the remodeling of mature vascular networks, supported by a collagen-IV basement membrane-like matrix. In vivo, prolonged local administration of the SCs in mice triggered the infiltration of blood vessels into implanted Matrigel plugs without recorded systemic immunogenicity. These findings emphasize the potential of SCs as therapeutic platforms for activating physiological processes by autonomously producing biological drugs inside the body.
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Jeong DP, Hall E, Neu E, Hanjaya-Putra D. Podoplanin is Responsible for the Distinct Blood and Lymphatic Capillaries. Cell Mol Bioeng 2022; 15:467-478. [PMID: 36444348 PMCID: PMC9700554 DOI: 10.1007/s12195-022-00730-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction
Controlling the formation of blood and lymphatic vasculatures is crucial for engineered tissues. Although the lymphatic vessels originate from embryonic blood vessels, the two retain functional and physiological differences even as they develop in the vicinity of each other. This suggests that there is a previously unknown molecular mechanism by which blood (BECs) and lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) recognize each other and coordinate to generate distinct capillary networks.
Methods
We utilized Matrigel and fibrin assays to determine how cord-like structures (CLS) can be controlled by altering LEC and BEC identity through podoplanin (PDPN) and folliculin (FLCN) expressions. We generated BECΔFLCN and LECΔPDPN, and observed cell migration to characterize loss lymphatic and blood characteristics due to respective knockouts.
Results
We observed that LECs and BECs form distinct CLS in Matrigel and fibrin gels despite being cultured in close proximity with each other. We confirmed that the LECs and BECs do not recognize each other through paracrine signaling, as proliferation and migration of both cells were unaffected by paracrine signals. On the other hand, we found PDPN to be the key surface protein that is responsible for LEC-BEC recognition, and LECs lacking PDPN became pseudo-BECs and vice versa. We also found that FLCN maintains BEC identity through downregulation of PDPN.
Conclusions
Overall, these observations reveal a new molecular pathway through which LECs and BECs form distinct CLS through physical contact by PDPN which in turn is regulated by FLCN, which has important implications toward designing functional engineered tissues.
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Tissue Engineering Approaches to Uncover Therapeutic Targets for Endothelial Dysfunction in Pathological Microenvironments. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23137416. [PMID: 35806421 PMCID: PMC9266895 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23137416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Endothelial cell dysfunction plays a central role in many pathologies, rendering it crucial to understand the underlying mechanism for potential therapeutics. Tissue engineering offers opportunities for in vitro studies of endothelial dysfunction in pathological mimicry environments. Here, we begin by analyzing hydrogel biomaterials as a platform for understanding the roles of the extracellular matrix and hypoxia in vascular formation. We next examine how three-dimensional bioprinting has been applied to recapitulate healthy and diseased tissue constructs in a highly controllable and patient-specific manner. Similarly, studies have utilized organs-on-a-chip technology to understand endothelial dysfunction's contribution to pathologies in tissue-specific cellular components under well-controlled physicochemical cues. Finally, we consider studies using the in vitro construction of multicellular blood vessels, termed tissue-engineered blood vessels, and the spontaneous assembly of microvascular networks in organoids to delineate pathological endothelial dysfunction.
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Hromada C, Hartmann J, Oesterreicher J, Stoiber A, Daerr A, Schädl B, Priglinger E, Teuschl-Woller AH, Holnthoner W, Heinzel J, Hercher D. Occurrence of Lymphangiogenesis in Peripheral Nerve Autografts Contrasts Schwann Cell-Induced Apoptosis of Lymphatic Endothelial Cells In Vitro. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12060820. [PMID: 35740945 PMCID: PMC9221261 DOI: 10.3390/biom12060820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Peripheral nerve injuries pose a major clinical concern world-wide, and functional recovery after segmental peripheral nerve injury is often unsatisfactory, even in cases of autografting. Although it is well established that angiogenesis plays a pivotal role during nerve regeneration, the influence of lymphangiogenesis is strongly under-investigated. In this study, we analyzed the presence of lymphatic vasculature in healthy and regenerated murine peripheral nerves, revealing that nerve autografts contained increased numbers of lymphatic vessels after segmental damage. This led us to elucidate the interaction between lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) and Schwann cells (SCs) in vitro. We show that SC and LEC secretomes did not influence the respective other cell types’ migration and proliferation in 2D scratch assay experiments. Furthermore, we successfully created lymphatic microvascular structures in SC-embedded 3D fibrin hydrogels, in the presence of supporting cells; whereas SCs seemed to exert anti-lymphangiogenic effects when cultured with LECs alone. Here, we describe, for the first time, increased lymphangiogenesis after peripheral nerve injury and repair. Furthermore, our findings indicate a potential lymph-repellent property of SCs, thereby providing a possible explanation for the lack of lymphatic vessels in the healthy endoneurium. Our results highlight the importance of elucidating the molecular mechanisms of SC–LEC interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carina Hromada
- Department Life Science Engineering, University of Applied Sciences Technikum Wien, 1200 Vienna, Austria; (C.H.); (A.D.); (A.H.T.-W.)
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, 1200 Vienna, Austria; (J.H.); (J.O.); (A.S.); (B.S.); (E.P.); (W.H.)
| | - Jaana Hartmann
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, 1200 Vienna, Austria; (J.H.); (J.O.); (A.S.); (B.S.); (E.P.); (W.H.)
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Traumatology, The Research Centre in Cooperation with AUVA, 1200 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Johannes Oesterreicher
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, 1200 Vienna, Austria; (J.H.); (J.O.); (A.S.); (B.S.); (E.P.); (W.H.)
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Traumatology, The Research Centre in Cooperation with AUVA, 1200 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Anton Stoiber
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, 1200 Vienna, Austria; (J.H.); (J.O.); (A.S.); (B.S.); (E.P.); (W.H.)
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Traumatology, The Research Centre in Cooperation with AUVA, 1200 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Anna Daerr
- Department Life Science Engineering, University of Applied Sciences Technikum Wien, 1200 Vienna, Austria; (C.H.); (A.D.); (A.H.T.-W.)
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, 1200 Vienna, Austria; (J.H.); (J.O.); (A.S.); (B.S.); (E.P.); (W.H.)
| | - Barbara Schädl
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, 1200 Vienna, Austria; (J.H.); (J.O.); (A.S.); (B.S.); (E.P.); (W.H.)
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Traumatology, The Research Centre in Cooperation with AUVA, 1200 Vienna, Austria;
- University Clinic of Dentistry, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Eleni Priglinger
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, 1200 Vienna, Austria; (J.H.); (J.O.); (A.S.); (B.S.); (E.P.); (W.H.)
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Traumatology, The Research Centre in Cooperation with AUVA, 1200 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Andreas H. Teuschl-Woller
- Department Life Science Engineering, University of Applied Sciences Technikum Wien, 1200 Vienna, Austria; (C.H.); (A.D.); (A.H.T.-W.)
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, 1200 Vienna, Austria; (J.H.); (J.O.); (A.S.); (B.S.); (E.P.); (W.H.)
| | - Wolfgang Holnthoner
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, 1200 Vienna, Austria; (J.H.); (J.O.); (A.S.); (B.S.); (E.P.); (W.H.)
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Traumatology, The Research Centre in Cooperation with AUVA, 1200 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Johannes Heinzel
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Traumatology, The Research Centre in Cooperation with AUVA, 1200 Vienna, Austria;
- Department of Hand-, Plastic, Reconstructive and Burn Surgery, BG Unfallklinik Tuebingen, University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - David Hercher
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, 1200 Vienna, Austria; (J.H.); (J.O.); (A.S.); (B.S.); (E.P.); (W.H.)
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Traumatology, The Research Centre in Cooperation with AUVA, 1200 Vienna, Austria;
- Correspondence:
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Hooks JST, Bernard FC, Cruz-Acuña R, Nepiyushchikh Z, Gonzalez-Vargas Y, García AJ, Dixon JB. Synthetic hydrogels engineered to promote collecting lymphatic vessel sprouting. Biomaterials 2022; 284:121483. [PMID: 35428014 PMCID: PMC9134840 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2022.121483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The lymphatic vasculature is an essential component of the body's circulation providing a network of vessels to return fluid and proteins from the tissue space to the blood, to facilitate immune ce-ll and antigen transport to lymph nodes, and to take up dietary lipid from the intestine. The development of biomaterial-based strategies to facilitate the growth of lymphatics either for regenerative purposes or as model system to study lymphatic biology is still in its nascent stages. In particular, platforms that encourage the sprouting and formation of lymphatic networks from collecting vessels are particularly underdeveloped. Through implementation of a modular, poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-based hydrogel, we explored the independent contributions of matrix elasticity, degradability, and adhesive peptide presentation on sprouting of implanted segments of rat lymphatic collecting vessels. An engineered hydrogel with 680 Pa elasticity, 2.0 mM RGD adhesive peptide, and full susceptibility to protease degradability produced the highest levels of sprouting relative to other physicochemical matrix properties. This engineered hydrogel was then utilized as a scaffold to facilitate the implantation of a donor vessel that functionally grafted into the host vasculature. This hydrogel provides a promising platform for facilitating lymphangiogenesis in vivo or as a means to understand the cellular mechanisms involved in the sprout process during collecting lymphatic vessel collateralization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua S T Hooks
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, 315 Ferst Dr. Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA; George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 801 Ferst Dr. Atlanta, GA, 30313, USA
| | - Fabrice C Bernard
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, 315 Ferst Dr. Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA; Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 313 Ferst Dr NW, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Ricardo Cruz-Acuña
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, 315 Ferst Dr. Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA; Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 313 Ferst Dr NW, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Zhanna Nepiyushchikh
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, 315 Ferst Dr. Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA; George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 801 Ferst Dr. Atlanta, GA, 30313, USA
| | - Yarelis Gonzalez-Vargas
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, 315 Ferst Dr. Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA; George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 801 Ferst Dr. Atlanta, GA, 30313, USA
| | - Andrés J García
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, 315 Ferst Dr. Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA; George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 801 Ferst Dr. Atlanta, GA, 30313, USA; Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 313 Ferst Dr NW, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - J Brandon Dixon
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, 315 Ferst Dr. Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA; George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 801 Ferst Dr. Atlanta, GA, 30313, USA; Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 313 Ferst Dr NW, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA.
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Lymphatic Tissue Bioengineering for the Treatment of Postsurgical Lymphedema. BIOENGINEERING (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 9:bioengineering9040162. [PMID: 35447722 PMCID: PMC9025804 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering9040162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Lymphedema is characterized by progressive and chronic tissue swelling and inflammation from local accumulation of interstitial fluid due to lymphatic injury or dysfunction. It is a debilitating condition that significantly impacts a patient's quality of life, and has limited treatment options. With better understanding of the molecular mechanisms and pathophysiology of lymphedema and advances in tissue engineering technologies, lymphatic tissue bioengineering and regeneration have emerged as a potential therapeutic option for postsurgical lymphedema. Various strategies involving stem cells, lymphangiogenic factors, bioengineered matrices and mechanical stimuli allow more precisely controlled regeneration of lymphatic tissue at the site of lymphedema without subjecting patients to complications or iatrogenic injuries associated with surgeries. This review provides an overview of current innovative approaches of lymphatic tissue bioengineering that represent a promising treatment option for postsurgical lymphedema.
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Masood F, Bhattaram R, Rosenblatt MI, Kazlauskas A, Chang JH, Azar DT. Lymphatic Vessel Regression and Its Therapeutic Applications: Learning From Principles of Blood Vessel Regression. Front Physiol 2022; 13:846936. [PMID: 35392370 PMCID: PMC8980686 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.846936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Aberrant lymphatic system function has been increasingly implicated in pathologies such as lymphedema, organ transplant rejection, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. While some pathologies are exacerbated by lymphatic vessel regression and dysfunction, induced lymphatic regression could be therapeutically beneficial in others. Despite its importance, our understanding of lymphatic vessel regression is far behind that of blood vessel regression. Herein, we review the current understanding of blood vessel regression to identify several hallmarks of this phenomenon that can be extended to further our understanding of lymphatic vessel regression. We also summarize current research on lymphatic vessel regression and an array of research tools and models that can be utilized to advance this field. Additionally, we discuss the roles of lymphatic vessel regression and dysfunction in select pathologies, highlighting how an improved understanding of lymphatic vessel regression may yield therapeutic insights for these disease states.
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Bekisz S, Baudin L, Buntinx F, Noël A, Geris L. In Vitro, In Vivo, and In Silico Models of Lymphangiogenesis in Solid Malignancies. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14061525. [PMID: 35326676 PMCID: PMC8946816 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14061525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Lymphangiogenesis is the formation of new lymphatic vessels in physiological conditions but has also been found to be associated with pathologies. For example, it has been proven to be involved in cancer progression and metastatic dissemination through the body. Thus, it became a key element to study in the management of this widespread disease. To date, the study of lymphangiogenesis takes place at the biological (in vitro and in vivo) and computational (in silico) levels. The association of these complementary fields combined with imaging techniques constitutes a real toolbox in pathological lymphangiogenesis understanding. Abstract Lymphangiogenesis (LA) is the formation of new lymphatic vessels by lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) sprouting from pre-existing lymphatic vessels. It is increasingly recognized as being involved in many diseases, such as in cancer and secondary lymphedema, which most often results from cancer treatments. For some cancers, excessive LA is associated with cancer progression and metastatic dissemination to the lymph nodes (LNs) through lymphatic vessels. The study of LA through in vitro, in vivo, and, more recently, in silico models is of paramount importance in providing novel insights and identifying the key molecular actors in the biological dysregulation of this process under pathological conditions. In this review, the different biological (in vitro and in vivo) models of LA, especially in a cancer context, are explained and discussed, highlighting their principal modeled features as well as their advantages and drawbacks. Imaging techniques of the lymphatics, complementary or even essential to in vivo models, are also clarified and allow the establishment of the link with computational approaches. In silico models are introduced, theoretically described, and illustrated with examples specific to the lymphatic system and the LA. Together, these models constitute a toolbox allowing the LA research to be brought to the next level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Bekisz
- Biomechanics Research Unit, GIGA In silico Medicine, ULiège, 4000 Liège, Belgium;
- Correspondence:
| | - Louis Baudin
- Laboratory of Biology of Tumor and Development, GIGA Cancer, ULiège, 4000 Liège, Belgium; (L.B.); (F.B.); (A.N.)
| | - Florence Buntinx
- Laboratory of Biology of Tumor and Development, GIGA Cancer, ULiège, 4000 Liège, Belgium; (L.B.); (F.B.); (A.N.)
| | - Agnès Noël
- Laboratory of Biology of Tumor and Development, GIGA Cancer, ULiège, 4000 Liège, Belgium; (L.B.); (F.B.); (A.N.)
| | - Liesbet Geris
- Biomechanics Research Unit, GIGA In silico Medicine, ULiège, 4000 Liège, Belgium;
- Biomechanics Section, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Skeletal Biology and Engineering Research Center, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
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20
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O’Connor C, Brady E, Zheng Y, Moore E, Stevens KR. Engineering the multiscale complexity of vascular networks. NATURE REVIEWS. MATERIALS 2022; 7:702-716. [PMID: 35669037 PMCID: PMC9154041 DOI: 10.1038/s41578-022-00447-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
The survival of vertebrate organisms depends on highly regulated delivery of oxygen and nutrients through vascular networks that pervade nearly all tissues in the body. Dysregulation of these vascular networks is implicated in many common human diseases such as hypertension, coronary artery disease, diabetes and cancer. Therefore, engineers have sought to create vascular networks within engineered tissues for applications such as regenerative therapies, human disease modelling and pharmacological testing. Yet engineering vascular networks has historically remained difficult, owing to both incomplete understanding of vascular structure and technical limitations for vascular fabrication. This Review highlights the materials advances that have enabled transformative progress in vascular engineering by ushering in new tools for both visualizing and building vasculature. New methods such as bioprinting, organoids and microfluidic systems are discussed, which have enabled the fabrication of 3D vascular topologies at a cellular scale with lumen perfusion. These approaches to vascular engineering are categorized into technology-driven and nature-driven approaches. Finally, the remaining knowledge gaps, emerging frontiers and opportunities for this field are highlighted, including the steps required to replicate the multiscale complexity of vascular networks found in nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colleen O’Connor
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA USA
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Seattle, WA USA
| | - Eileen Brady
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Seattle, WA USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA USA
| | - Ying Zheng
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA USA
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Seattle, WA USA
- Center for Cardiovascular Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA USA
| | - Erika Moore
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL USA
| | - Kelly R. Stevens
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA USA
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Seattle, WA USA
- Center for Cardiovascular Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA USA
- Brotman Baty Institute, Seattle, WA USA
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