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Yamamoto S, Kanca O, Wangler MF, Bellen HJ. Integrating non-mammalian model organisms in the diagnosis of rare genetic diseases in humans. Nat Rev Genet 2024; 25:46-60. [PMID: 37491400 DOI: 10.1038/s41576-023-00633-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
Next-generation sequencing technology has rapidly accelerated the discovery of genetic variants of interest in individuals with rare diseases. However, showing that these variants are causative of the disease in question is complex and may require functional studies. Use of non-mammalian model organisms - mainly fruitflies (Drosophila melanogaster), nematode worms (Caenorhabditis elegans) and zebrafish (Danio rerio) - enables the rapid and cost-effective assessment of the effects of gene variants, which can then be validated in mammalian model organisms such as mice and in human cells. By probing mechanisms of gene action and identifying interacting genes and proteins in vivo, recent studies in these non-mammalian model organisms have facilitated the diagnosis of numerous genetic diseases and have enabled the screening and identification of therapeutic options for patients. Studies in non-mammalian model organisms have also shown that the biological processes underlying rare diseases can provide insight into more common mechanisms of disease and the biological functions of genes. Here, we discuss the opportunities afforded by non-mammalian model organisms, focusing on flies, worms and fish, and provide examples of their use in the diagnosis of rare genetic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinya Yamamoto
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Oguz Kanca
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Michael F Wangler
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Hugo J Bellen
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA.
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
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2
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Sohrabi S, Cota V, Murphy CT. CeLab, a microfluidic platform for the study of life history traits, reveals metformin and SGK-1 regulation of longevity and reproductive span. LAB ON A CHIP 2023; 23:2738-2757. [PMID: 37221962 PMCID: PMC11067863 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00028a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The potential to carry out high-throughput assays in a whole organism in a small space is one of the benefits of C. elegans, but worm assays often require a large sample size with frequent physical manipulations, rendering them highly labor-intensive. Microfluidic assays have been designed with specific questions in mind, such as analysis of behavior, embryonic development, lifespan, and motility. While these devices have many advantages, current technologies to automate worm experiments have several limitations that prevent widespread adoption, and most do not allow analyses of reproduction-linked traits. We developed a miniature C. elegans lab-on-a-chip device, CeLab, a reusable, multi-layer device with 200 separate incubation arenas that allows progeny removal, to automate a variety of worm assays on both individual and population levels. CeLab enables high-throughput simultaneous analysis of lifespan, reproductive span, and progeny production, refuting assumptions about the disposable soma hypothesis. Because CeLab chambers require small volumes, the chip is ideal for drug screens; we found that drugs previously shown to increase lifespan also increase reproductive span, and we discovered that low-dose metformin increases both. CeLab reduces the limitations of escaping and matricide that typically limit plate assays, revealing that feeding with heat-killed bacteria greatly extends lifespan and reproductive span of mated animals. CeLab allows tracking of life history traits of individuals, which revealed that the nutrient-sensing mTOR pathway mutant, sgk-1, reproduces nearly until its death. These findings would not have been possible to make in standard plate assays, in low-throughput assays, or in normal population assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salman Sohrabi
- Department of Molecular Biology &, LSI Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA.
- LSI Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76010, USA
| | - Vanessa Cota
- Department of Molecular Biology &, LSI Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA.
- LSI Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Coleen T Murphy
- Department of Molecular Biology &, LSI Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA.
- LSI Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
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3
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Sohrabi S, Cota V, Murphy CT. Ce Lab, a Microfluidic Platform for the Study of Life History Traits, reveals Metformin and SGK-1 regulation of Longevity and Reproductive Span. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.09.523184. [PMID: 36711536 PMCID: PMC9881911 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.09.523184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The potential to carry out high-throughput assays in a whole organism in a small space is one of the benefits of C. elegans , but worm assays often require a large sample size with frequent physical manipulations, rendering them highly labor-intensive. Microfluidic assays have been designed with specific questions in mind, such as analysis of behavior, embryonic development, lifespan, and motility. While these devices have many advantages, current technologies to automate worm experiments have several limitations that prevent widespread adoption, and most do not allow analyses of reproduction-linked traits. We developed a miniature C. elegans lab-on-a-chip device, Ce Lab, a reusable, multi-layer device with 200 separate incubation arenas that allows progeny removal, to automate a variety of worm assays on both individual and population levels. Ce Lab enables high-throughput simultaneous analysis of lifespan, reproductive span, and progeny production, refuting assumptions about the Disposable Soma hypothesis. Because Ce Lab chambers require small volumes, the chip is ideal for drug screens; we found that drugs previously shown to increase lifespan also increase reproductive span, and we discovered that low-dose metformin increases both. Ce Lab reduces the limitations of escaping and matricide that typically limit plate assays, revealing that feeding with heat-killed bacteria greatly extends lifespan and reproductive span of mated animals. Ce Lab allows tracking of life history traits of individuals, which revealed that the nutrient-sensing mTOR pathway mutant, sgk-1 , reproduces nearly until its death. These findings would not have been possible to make in standard plate assays, in low-throughput assays, or in normal population assays.
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Huang C, Jiang Y, Li Y, Zhang H. Droplet Detection and Sorting System in Microfluidics: A Review. MICROMACHINES 2022; 14:mi14010103. [PMID: 36677164 PMCID: PMC9867185 DOI: 10.3390/mi14010103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Since being invented, droplet microfluidic technologies have been proven to be perfect tools for high-throughput chemical and biological functional screening applications, and they have been heavily studied and improved through the past two decades. Each droplet can be used as one single bioreactor to compartmentalize a big material or biological population, so millions of droplets can be individually screened based on demand, while the sorting function could extract the droplets of interest to a separate pool from the main droplet library. In this paper, we reviewed droplet detection and active sorting methods that are currently still being widely used for high-through screening applications in microfluidic systems, including the latest updates regarding each technology. We analyze and summarize the merits and drawbacks of each presented technology and conclude, with our perspectives, on future direction of development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Can Huang
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77842, USA
| | - Yuqian Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, College of Food Science and Engineering, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Yuwen Li
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77842, USA
| | - Han Zhang
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77842, USA
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Kumar R. Materiomically Designed Polymeric Vehicles for Nucleic Acids: Quo Vadis? ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2022; 5:2507-2535. [PMID: 35642794 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.2c00346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Despite rapid advances in molecular biology, particularly in site-specific genome editing technologies, such as CRISPR/Cas9 and base editing, financial and logistical challenges hinder a broad population from accessing and benefiting from gene therapy. To improve the affordability and scalability of gene therapy, we need to deploy chemically defined, economical, and scalable materials, such as synthetic polymers. For polymers to deliver nucleic acids efficaciously to targeted cells, they must optimally combine design attributes, such as architecture, length, composition, spatial distribution of monomers, basicity, hydrophilic-hydrophobic phase balance, or protonation degree. Designing polymeric vectors for specific nucleic acid payloads is a multivariate optimization problem wherein even minuscule deviations from the optimum are poorly tolerated. To explore the multivariate polymer design space rapidly, efficiently, and fruitfully, we must integrate parallelized polymer synthesis, high-throughput biological screening, and statistical modeling. Although materiomics approaches promise to streamline polymeric vector development, several methodological ambiguities must be resolved. For instance, establishing a flexible polymer ontology that accommodates recent synthetic advances, enforcing uniform polymer characterization and data reporting standards, and implementing multiplexed in vitro and in vivo screening studies require considerable planning, coordination, and effort. This contribution will acquaint readers with the challenges associated with materiomics approaches to polymeric gene delivery and offers guidelines for overcoming these challenges. Here, we summarize recent developments in combinatorial polymer synthesis, high-throughput screening of polymeric vectors, omics-based approaches to polymer design, barcoding schemes for pooled in vitro and in vivo screening, and identify materiomics-inspired research directions that will realize the long-unfulfilled clinical potential of polymeric carriers in gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramya Kumar
- Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, 1613 Illinois St, Golden, Colorado 80401, United States
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Trivedi M, Singh S, Pandey T, Gupta SK, Verma RS, Pandey R. Sesquiterpenoids isolated from davana (Artemisia pallens Wall. ex DC) mitigates parkinsonism in Caenorhabditis elegans disease model. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2022; 609:15-22. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2022.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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Fisher JL, Jones EF, Flanary VL, Williams AS, Ramsey EJ, Lasseigne BN. Considerations and challenges for sex-aware drug repurposing. Biol Sex Differ 2022; 13:13. [PMID: 35337371 PMCID: PMC8949654 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-022-00420-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Sex differences are essential factors in disease etiology and manifestation in many diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and neurodegeneration [33]. The biological influence of sex differences (including genomic, epigenetic, hormonal, immunological, and metabolic differences between males and females) and the lack of biomedical studies considering sex differences in their study design has led to several policies. For example, the National Institute of Health's (NIH) sex as a biological variable (SABV) and Sex and Gender Equity in Research (SAGER) policies to motivate researchers to consider sex differences [204]. However, drug repurposing, a promising alternative to traditional drug discovery by identifying novel uses for FDA-approved drugs, lacks sex-aware methods that can improve the identification of drugs that have sex-specific responses [7, 11, 14, 33]. Sex-aware drug repurposing methods either select drug candidates that are more efficacious in one sex or deprioritize drug candidates based on if they are predicted to cause a sex-bias adverse event (SBAE), unintended therapeutic effects that are more likely to occur in one sex. Computational drug repurposing methods are encouraging approaches to develop for sex-aware drug repurposing because they can prioritize sex-specific drug candidates or SBAEs at lower cost and time than traditional drug discovery. Sex-aware methods currently exist for clinical, genomic, and transcriptomic information [1, 7, 155]. They have not expanded to other data types, such as DNA variation, which has been beneficial in other drug repurposing methods that do not consider sex [114]. Additionally, some sex-aware methods suffer from poorer performance because a disproportionate number of male and female samples are available to train computational methods [7]. However, there is development potential for several different categories (i.e., data mining, ligand binding predictions, molecular associations, and networks). Low-dimensional representations of molecular association and network approaches are also especially promising candidates for future sex-aware drug repurposing methodologies because they reduce the multiple hypothesis testing burden and capture sex-specific variation better than the other methods [151, 159]. Here we review how sex influences drug response, the current state of drug repurposing including with respect to sex-bias drug response, and how model organism study design choices influence drug repurposing validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L. Fisher
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294 USA
| | - Emma F. Jones
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294 USA
| | - Victoria L. Flanary
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294 USA
| | - Avery S. Williams
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294 USA
| | - Elizabeth J. Ramsey
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294 USA
| | - Brittany N. Lasseigne
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294 USA
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Khabib MNH, Sivasanku Y, Lee HB, Kumar S, Kue CS. Alternative animal models in predictive toxicology. Toxicology 2022; 465:153053. [PMID: 34838596 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2021.153053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Toxicity testing relies heavily on animals, especially rodents as part of the non-clinical laboratory testing of substances. However, the use of mammalians and the number of animals employed in research has become a concern for institutional ethics committees. Toxicity testing involving rodents and other mammals is laborious and costly. Alternatively, non-rodent models are used as replacement, as they have less ethical considerations and are cost-effective. Of the many alternative models that can be used as replacement models, which ones can be used in predictive toxicology? What is the correlation between these models and rodents? Are there standardized protocols governing the toxicity testing of these commonly used predictive models? This review outlines the common alternative animal models for predictive toxicology to address the importance of these models, the challenges, and their standard testing protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Nur Hamizan Khabib
- Faculty of Health and Life Science, Management and Science University, Seksyen 13, 40100, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Yogeethaa Sivasanku
- Faculty of Health and Life Science, Management and Science University, Seksyen 13, 40100, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Hong Boon Lee
- School of Biosciences, Taylor's University Lakesike Campus, 47500, Subang Jaya, Malaysia
| | - Suresh Kumar
- Faculty of Health and Life Science, Management and Science University, Seksyen 13, 40100, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Chin Siang Kue
- Faculty of Health and Life Science, Management and Science University, Seksyen 13, 40100, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia.
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9
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Chen XT, Dai SY, Zhan Y, Yang R, Chen DQ, Li Y, Zhou EQ, Dong R. Progress of oncolytic virotherapy for neuroblastoma. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:1055729. [PMID: 36467495 PMCID: PMC9716318 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.1055729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
As a neuroendocrine tumor derived from the neural crest, neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common extracranial solid tumor in children. The prognosis in patients with low- and intermediate-risk NB is favorable while that in high-risk patients is often detrimental. However, the management of the considerably large proportion of high-risk patients remains challenging in clinical practice. Among various new approaches, oncolytic virus (OV) therapy offers great advantages in tumor treatment, especially for high-risk NB. Genetic modified OVs can target NB specifically without affecting normal tissue and avoid the widespread drug resistance issue in anticancer monotherapy. Meanwhile, its safety profile provides great potential in combination therapy with chemo-, radio-, and immunotherapy. The therapeutic efficacy of OV for NB is impressive from bench to bedside. The effectiveness and safety of OVs have been demonstrated and reported in studies on children with NB. Furthermore, clinical trials on some OVs (Celyvir, Pexa-Vec (JX-594) and Seneca Valley Virus (NTX-010)) have reported great results. This review summarizes the latest evidence in the therapeutic application of OVs in NB, including those generated in cell lines, animal models and clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Tong Chen
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defects, Shanghai, China
| | - Shu-Yang Dai
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defects, Shanghai, China
| | - Yong Zhan
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defects, Shanghai, China
| | - Ran Yang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defects, Shanghai, China
| | - De-Qian Chen
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defects, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defects, Shanghai, China
| | - En-Qing Zhou
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defects, Shanghai, China
| | - Rui Dong
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defects, Shanghai, China
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Lagoy RC, Larsen E, Lawler D, White H, Albrecht DR. Microfluidic Devices for Behavioral Analysis, Microscopy, and Neuronal Imaging in Caenorhabditis elegans. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2468:293-318. [PMID: 35320572 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2181-3_16] [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] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidic devices offer several advantages for C. elegans research, particularly for presenting precise physical and chemical environments, immobilizing animals during imaging, quantifying behavior, and automating screens. However, challenges to their widespread adoption in the field include increased complexity over conventional methods, operational problems (such as clogging, leaks, and bubbles), difficulty in obtaining or fabricating devices, and the need to characterize biological results obtained from new assay formats. Here we describe the preparation and operation of simple, reusable microfluidic devices for quantifying behavioral responses to chemical patterns, and single-use devices to arrange animals for time-lapse microscopy and to measure neuronal activity. We focus on details that eliminate or reduce the frustrations commonly experienced by new users of microfluidic devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross C Lagoy
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Eric Larsen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Dan Lawler
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Hamilton White
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Dirk R Albrecht
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA, USA.
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA, USA.
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Okoro NO, Odiba AS, Osadebe PO, Omeje EO, Liao G, Fang W, Jin C, Wang B. Bioactive Phytochemicals with Anti-Aging and Lifespan Extending Potentials in Caenorhabditis elegans. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26237323. [PMID: 34885907 PMCID: PMC8658929 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26237323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In the forms of either herbs or functional foods, plants and their products have attracted medicinal, culinary, and nutraceutical applications due to their abundance in bioactive phytochemicals. Human beings and other animals have employed those bioactive phytochemicals to improve health quality based on their broad potentials as antioxidant, anti-microbial, anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and anti-aging effects, amongst others. For the past decade and half, efforts to discover bioactive phytochemicals both in pure and crude forms have been intensified using the Caenorhabditis elegans aging model, in which various metabolic pathways in humans are highly conserved. In this review, we summarized the aging and longevity pathways that are common to C. elegans and humans and collated some of the bioactive phytochemicals with health benefits and lifespan extending effects that have been studied in C. elegans. This simple animal model is not only a perfect system for discovering bioactive compounds but is also a research shortcut for elucidating the amelioration mechanisms of aging risk factors and associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nkwachukwu Oziamara Okoro
- National Engineering Research Center for Non-Food Biorefinery, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanning 530007, China; (N.O.O.); (A.S.O.); (C.J.)
- College of Life Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530007, China;
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, University of Nigeria, Nsukka 410001, Nigeria; (P.O.O.); (E.O.O.)
| | - Arome Solomon Odiba
- National Engineering Research Center for Non-Food Biorefinery, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanning 530007, China; (N.O.O.); (A.S.O.); (C.J.)
- College of Life Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530007, China;
| | - Patience Ogoamaka Osadebe
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, University of Nigeria, Nsukka 410001, Nigeria; (P.O.O.); (E.O.O.)
| | - Edwin Ogechukwu Omeje
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, University of Nigeria, Nsukka 410001, Nigeria; (P.O.O.); (E.O.O.)
| | - Guiyan Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Non-Food Biomass and Enzyme Technology, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanning 530007, China;
| | - Wenxia Fang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530007, China;
- State Key Laboratory of Non-Food Biomass and Enzyme Technology, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanning 530007, China;
| | - Cheng Jin
- National Engineering Research Center for Non-Food Biorefinery, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanning 530007, China; (N.O.O.); (A.S.O.); (C.J.)
- College of Life Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530007, China;
- Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Bin Wang
- National Engineering Research Center for Non-Food Biorefinery, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanning 530007, China; (N.O.O.); (A.S.O.); (C.J.)
- College of Life Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530007, China;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-771-2503-601
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A modular, reversible sealing, and reusable microfluidic device for drug screening. Anal Chim Acta 2021; 1185:339068. [PMID: 34711311 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2021.339068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Preclinical tests for evaluating potential drug candidates using conventional protocols can be exhaustive and high-cost processes. Microfluidic technologies that can speed up this process and allow fast screening of drugs are promising alternatives. This work presents the design, concept, and operational conditions of a simple, modular, and reversible sealing microdevice useful for drug screening. This microdevice allows for the operation of 4 parallel simultaneous conditions and can also generate a diffusive concentration gradient in sextuplicates. We used laminated polydimethylsiloxane (PDMSLAM) and glass as building materials as proof of concept. The PDMSLAM parts can be reused since they can be easily sterilized. We cultured MCF-7 (Michigan Cancer Foundation-7) breast cancer cells. Cells were exposed to a doxorubicin diffusive concentration gradient for 3 h. They were monitored by automated microscopy, and after data processing, it was possible to determine cell viability as a function of doxorubicin concentration. The reversible sealing enabled the recovery of the tested cells and image acquisition. Therefore, this microdevice is a promising tool for drug screening that allows assessing the cellular behavior in dynamic conditions and the recovery of cells for afterward processing and imaging.
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13
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González-Álvarez H, Bravo-Jiménez A, Martínez-Arellanes M, Gamboa-Osorio GO, Chávez-Gutiérrez E, González-Hernández LA, Gallardo-Ignacio K, Quintana-Romero OJ, Ariza-Castolo A, Guerra-Araiza C, Martino-Roaro L, Meneses-Ruiz DM, Pinto-Almazán R, Loza-Mejía MA. In Silico-Based Design and In Vivo Evaluation of an Anthranilic Acid Derivative as a Multitarget Drug in a Diet-Induced Metabolic Syndrome Model. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:914. [PMID: 34577613 PMCID: PMC8466046 DOI: 10.3390/ph14090914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a complex disease that affects almost a quarter of the world's adult population. In MetS, diabetes, obesity, hyperglycemia, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure are the most common disorders. Polypharmacy is the most used strategy for managing conditions related to MetS, but it has drawbacks such as low medication adherence. Multitarget ligands have been proposed as an interesting approach to developing drugs to treat complex diseases. However, suitable preclinical models that allow their evaluation in a context closer to a clinical situation of a complex disease are needed. From molecular docking studies, compound 1b, a 5-aminoanthranilic acid derivative substituted with 4'-trifluoromethylbenzylamino and 3',4'-dimethoxybenzamide moieties, was identified as a potential multitarget drug, as it showed high in silico affinity against targets related to MetS, including PPAR-α, PPAR-γ, and HMG-CoA reductase. It was evaluated in a diet-induced MetS rat model and simultaneously lowered blood pressure, glucose, total cholesterol, and triglyceride levels after a 14-day treatment. No toxicity events were observed during an acute lethal dose evaluation test at 1500 mg/kg. Hence, the diet-induced MetS model is suitable for evaluating treatments for MetS, and compound 1b is an attractive starting point for developing multitarget drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Héctor González-Álvarez
- Design, Isolation, and Synthesis of Bioactive Molecules Research Group, Chemical Sciences School, Universidad La Salle-México, Benjamín Franklin 45, Mexico City 06140, Mexico; (H.G.-Á.); (A.B.-J.); (M.M.-A.); (G.O.G.-O.); (L.M.-R.)
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Astrid Bravo-Jiménez
- Design, Isolation, and Synthesis of Bioactive Molecules Research Group, Chemical Sciences School, Universidad La Salle-México, Benjamín Franklin 45, Mexico City 06140, Mexico; (H.G.-Á.); (A.B.-J.); (M.M.-A.); (G.O.G.-O.); (L.M.-R.)
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada
| | - Matilda Martínez-Arellanes
- Design, Isolation, and Synthesis of Bioactive Molecules Research Group, Chemical Sciences School, Universidad La Salle-México, Benjamín Franklin 45, Mexico City 06140, Mexico; (H.G.-Á.); (A.B.-J.); (M.M.-A.); (G.O.G.-O.); (L.M.-R.)
| | - Gabriela Odette Gamboa-Osorio
- Design, Isolation, and Synthesis of Bioactive Molecules Research Group, Chemical Sciences School, Universidad La Salle-México, Benjamín Franklin 45, Mexico City 06140, Mexico; (H.G.-Á.); (A.B.-J.); (M.M.-A.); (G.O.G.-O.); (L.M.-R.)
| | - Edwin Chávez-Gutiérrez
- Molecular Biology in Metabolic and Neurodegenerative Diseases Laboratory, Research Unit, High Speciality Regional Hospital of Ixtapaluca (HRAEI), Carretera Federal México-Puebla Km 34.5, Ixtapaluca 56530, Mexico; (E.C.-G.); (L.A.G.-H.); (K.G.-I.)
| | - Lino A. González-Hernández
- Molecular Biology in Metabolic and Neurodegenerative Diseases Laboratory, Research Unit, High Speciality Regional Hospital of Ixtapaluca (HRAEI), Carretera Federal México-Puebla Km 34.5, Ixtapaluca 56530, Mexico; (E.C.-G.); (L.A.G.-H.); (K.G.-I.)
| | - Karina Gallardo-Ignacio
- Molecular Biology in Metabolic and Neurodegenerative Diseases Laboratory, Research Unit, High Speciality Regional Hospital of Ixtapaluca (HRAEI), Carretera Federal México-Puebla Km 34.5, Ixtapaluca 56530, Mexico; (E.C.-G.); (L.A.G.-H.); (K.G.-I.)
| | - Osvaldo J. Quintana-Romero
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute (CINVESTAV-IPN), Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional 2508, Mexico City 07360, Mexico; (O.J.Q.-R.); (A.A.-C.)
| | - Armando Ariza-Castolo
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute (CINVESTAV-IPN), Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional 2508, Mexico City 07360, Mexico; (O.J.Q.-R.); (A.A.-C.)
| | - Christian Guerra-Araiza
- Medical Research Unit in Pharmacology, Specialities Hospital Bernardo Sepúlveda, National Medical Center XXI Century, Social Security Mexican Institute (IMSS), Av. Cuauhtémoc 330, Mexico City 06720, Mexico;
| | - Laura Martino-Roaro
- Design, Isolation, and Synthesis of Bioactive Molecules Research Group, Chemical Sciences School, Universidad La Salle-México, Benjamín Franklin 45, Mexico City 06140, Mexico; (H.G.-Á.); (A.B.-J.); (M.M.-A.); (G.O.G.-O.); (L.M.-R.)
- Incarnate Word University Center, Tlacoquemecatl 433, Mexico City 03100, Mexico
| | - Dulce María Meneses-Ruiz
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Group, Universidad La Salle-México, Benjamín Franklin 45, Mexico City 06140, Mexico;
| | - Rodolfo Pinto-Almazán
- Molecular Biology in Metabolic and Neurodegenerative Diseases Laboratory, Research Unit, High Speciality Regional Hospital of Ixtapaluca (HRAEI), Carretera Federal México-Puebla Km 34.5, Ixtapaluca 56530, Mexico; (E.C.-G.); (L.A.G.-H.); (K.G.-I.)
| | - Marco A. Loza-Mejía
- Design, Isolation, and Synthesis of Bioactive Molecules Research Group, Chemical Sciences School, Universidad La Salle-México, Benjamín Franklin 45, Mexico City 06140, Mexico; (H.G.-Á.); (A.B.-J.); (M.M.-A.); (G.O.G.-O.); (L.M.-R.)
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Kropp PA, Bauer R, Zafra I, Graham C, Golden A. Caenorhabditis elegans for rare disease modeling and drug discovery: strategies and strengths. Dis Model Mech 2021; 14:dmm049010. [PMID: 34370008 PMCID: PMC8380043 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Although nearly 10% of Americans suffer from a rare disease, clinical progress in individual rare diseases is severely compromised by lack of attention and research resources compared to common diseases. It is thus imperative to investigate these diseases at their most basic level to build a foundation and provide the opportunity for understanding their mechanisms and phenotypes, as well as potential treatments. One strategy for effectively and efficiently studying rare diseases is using genetically tractable organisms to model the disease and learn about the essential cellular processes affected. Beyond investigating dysfunctional cellular processes, modeling rare diseases in simple organisms presents the opportunity to screen for pharmacological or genetic factors capable of ameliorating disease phenotypes. Among the small model organisms that excel in rare disease modeling is the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. With a staggering breadth of research tools, C. elegans provides an ideal system in which to study human disease. Molecular and cellular processes can be easily elucidated, assayed and altered in ways that can be directly translated to humans. When paired with other model organisms and collaborative efforts with clinicians, the power of these C. elegans studies cannot be overstated. This Review highlights studies that have used C. elegans in diverse ways to understand rare diseases and aid in the development of treatments. With continuing and advancing technologies, the capabilities of this small round worm will continue to yield meaningful and clinically relevant information for human health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Andy Golden
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Genetics, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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15
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Sohrabi S, Mor DE, Kaletsky R, Keyes W, Murphy CT. High-throughput behavioral screen in C. elegans reveals Parkinson's disease drug candidates. Commun Biol 2021; 4:203. [PMID: 33589689 PMCID: PMC7884385 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-01731-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
We recently linked branched-chain amino acid transferase 1 (BCAT1) dysfunction with the movement disorder Parkinson's disease (PD), and found that RNAi-mediated knockdown of neuronal bcat-1 in C. elegans causes abnormal spasm-like 'curling' behavior with age. Here we report the development of a machine learning-based workflow and its application to the discovery of potentially new therapeutics for PD. In addition to simplifying quantification and maintaining a low data overhead, our simple segment-train-quantify platform enables fully automated scoring of image stills upon training of a convolutional neural network. We have trained a highly reliable neural network for the detection and classification of worm postures in order to carry out high-throughput curling analysis without the need for user intervention or post-inspection. In a proof-of-concept screen of 50 FDA-approved drugs, enasidenib, ethosuximide, metformin, and nitisinone were identified as candidates for potential late-in-life intervention in PD. These findings point to the utility of our high-throughput platform for automated scoring of worm postures and in particular, the discovery of potential candidate treatments for PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salman Sohrabi
- Department of Molecular Biology & Lewis Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA
| | - Danielle E Mor
- Department of Molecular Biology & Lewis Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA
| | - Rachel Kaletsky
- Department of Molecular Biology & Lewis Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA
| | - William Keyes
- Department of Molecular Biology & Lewis Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA
| | - Coleen T Murphy
- Department of Molecular Biology & Lewis Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA.
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16
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Subendran S, Kang CW, Chen CY. Comprehensive Hydrodynamic Investigation of Zebrafish Tail Beats in a Microfluidic Device with a Shape Memory Alloy. MICROMACHINES 2021; 12:mi12010068. [PMID: 33435330 PMCID: PMC7827268 DOI: 10.3390/mi12010068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The zebrafish is acknowledged as a reliable species of choices for biomechanical-related investigations. The definite quantification of the hydrodynamic flow physics caused by behavioral patterns, particularly in the zebrafish tail beat, is critical for a comprehensive understanding of food toxicity in this species, and it can be further interpreted for possible human responses. The zebrafish’s body size and swimming speed place it in the intermediate flow regime, where both viscous and inertial forces play significant roles in the fluid–structure interaction. This pilot work highlighted the design and development of a novel microfluidic device coupled with a shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator to immobilize the zebrafish within the observation region for hydrodynamic quantification of the tail-beating behavioral responses, which may be induced by the overdose of food additive exposure. This study significantly examined behavioral patterns of the zebrafish in early developmental stages, which, in turn, generated vortex circulation. The presented findings on the behavioral responses of the zebrafish through the hydrodynamic analysis provided a golden protocol to assess the zebrafish as an animal model for new drug discovery and development.
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17
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Paper-Supported High-Throughput 3D Culturing, Trapping, and Monitoring of Caenorhabditis Elegans. MICROMACHINES 2020; 11:mi11010099. [PMID: 31963416 PMCID: PMC7020171 DOI: 10.3390/mi11010099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
We developed an innovative paper-based platform for high-throughput culturing, trapping, and monitoring of C. elegans. A 96-well array was readily fabricated by placing a nutrient-replenished paper substrate on a micromachined 96-well plastic frame, providing high-throughput 3D culturing environments and in situ analysis of the worms. The paper allows C. elegans to pass through the porous and aquatic paper matrix until the worms grow and reach the next developmental stages with the increased body size comparable to the paper pores. When the diameter of C. elegans becomes larger than the pore size of the paper substrate, the worms are trapped and immobilized for further high-throughput imaging and analysis. This work will offer a simple yet powerful technique for high-throughput sorting and monitoring of C. elegans at a different larval stage by controlling and choosing different pore sizes of paper. Furthermore, we developed another type of 3D culturing system by using paper-like transparent polycarbonate substrates for higher resolution imaging. The device used the multi-laminate structure of the polycarbonate layers as a scaffold to mimic the worm’s 3D natural habitats. Since the substrate is thin, mechanically strong, and largely porous, the layered structure allowed C. elegans to move and behave freely in 3D and promoted the efficient growth of both C. elegans and their primary food, E. coli. The transparency of the structure facilitated visualization of the worms under a microscope. Development, fertility, and dynamic behavior of C. elegans in the 3D culture platform outperformed those of the standard 2D cultivation technique.
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19
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Zhu D, Long Q, Xu Y, Xing J. Evaluating Nanoparticles in Preclinical Research Using Microfluidic Systems. MICROMACHINES 2019; 10:mi10060414. [PMID: 31234335 PMCID: PMC6631852 DOI: 10.3390/mi10060414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2019] [Revised: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Nanoparticles (NPs) have found a wide range of applications in clinical therapeutic and diagnostic fields. However, currently most NPs are still in the preclinical evaluation phase with few approved for clinical use. Microfluidic systems can simulate dynamic fluid flows, chemical gradients, partitioning of multi-organs as well as local microenvironment controls, offering an efficient and cost-effective opportunity to fast screen NPs in physiologically relevant conditions. Here, in this review, we are focusing on summarizing key microfluidic platforms promising to mimic in vivo situations and test the performance of fabricated nanoparticles. Firstly, we summarize the key evaluation parameters of NPs which can affect their delivery efficacy, followed by highlighting the importance of microfluidic-based NP evaluation. Next, we will summarize main microfluidic systems effective in evaluating NP haemocompatibility, transport, uptake and toxicity, targeted accumulation and general efficacy respectively, and discuss the future directions for NP evaluation in microfluidic systems. The combination of nanoparticles and microfluidic technologies could greatly facilitate the development of drug delivery strategies and provide novel treatments and diagnostic techniques for clinically challenging diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derui Zhu
- Research Center of Basic Medical Sciences, Medical College, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China.
| | - Qifu Long
- Research Center of Basic Medical Sciences, Medical College, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China.
| | - Yuzhen Xu
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Medical College, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China.
| | - Jiangwa Xing
- Research Center of Basic Medical Sciences, Medical College, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China.
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20
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Han C, Zhang S, Huang H, Dong Y, Sui X, Jian B, Zhu W. In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation of Core-Shell Mesoporous Silica as a Promising Water-Insoluble Drug Delivery System: Improving the Dissolution Rate and Bioavailability of Celecoxib With Needle-Like Crystallinity. J Pharm Sci 2019; 108:3225-3232. [PMID: 31226426 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2019.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Revised: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The objective of our study was to prepare mesoporous silica nanoparticles with a core-shell structure (CSMSNs) and improve the dissolution and bioavailability of celecoxib (Cxb), a water-insoluble drug, by changing its needle-like crystal form. CSMSNs are prepared by a core-shell segmentation self-assembly method. The SBET and Vt of CSMSNs were 890.65 m2/g and 1.23 cm3/g, respectively. Cxb was incorporated into CSMSNs by the solvent evaporation method. The gastrointestinal irritancy of the CSMSNs was evaluated by a gastric mucosa irritation test. In vitro dissolution and in vivo pharmacokinetic tests were carried out to study the improvement in the dissolution behavior and oral bioavailability of Cxb. In conclusion, gastric mucosa irritation study indicated the good biocompatibility of CSMSNs. The cumulative dissolution of CSMSNs-Cxb is 86.2% within 60 min in SIF solution, which may be ascribed to the crystal form change caused by control of the nanochannel for CSMSNs. Moreover, CSMSNs could enhance the 9.9-fold AUC of Cxb. The cumulative dissolution and bioavailability of Cxb were both significantly enhanced by CSMSNs. CSMSNs with a core-shell structure are suitable as a carrier for a poorly water-soluble drug (Cxb).
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Affiliation(s)
- Cuiyan Han
- College of Pharmacy, Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar, China
| | - Shanqiang Zhang
- Basic Medical Sciences College, Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar, China
| | - Haitao Huang
- College of Pharmacy, Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar, China
| | - Yan Dong
- College of Pharmacy, Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar, China
| | - Xiaoyu Sui
- College of Pharmacy, Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar, China
| | - Baiyu Jian
- College of Pharmacy, Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar, China
| | - Wenquan Zhu
- College of Pharmacy, Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar, China.
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