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Alasaadi DN, Mayor R. Mechanically guided cell fate determination in early development. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:242. [PMID: 38811420 PMCID: PMC11136904 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05272-6] [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: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Cell fate determination, a vital process in early development and adulthood, has been the focal point of intensive investigation over the past decades. Its importance lies in its critical role in shaping various and diverse cell types during embryonic development and beyond. Exploration of cell fate determination started with molecular and genetic investigations unveiling central signaling pathways and molecular regulatory networks. The molecular studies into cell fate determination yielded an overwhelming amount of information invoking the notion of the complexity of cell fate determination. However, recent advances in the framework of biomechanics have introduced a paradigm shift in our understanding of this intricate process. The physical forces and biochemical interplay, known as mechanotransduction, have been identified as a pivotal drive influencing cell fate decisions. Certainly, the integration of biomechanics into the process of cell fate pushed our understanding of the developmental process and potentially holds promise for therapeutic applications. This integration was achieved by identifying physical forces like hydrostatic pressure, fluid dynamics, tissue stiffness, and topography, among others, and examining their interplay with biochemical signals. This review focuses on recent advances investigating the relationship between physical cues and biochemical signals that control cell fate determination during early embryonic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delan N Alasaadi
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Roberto Mayor
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK.
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2
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Ambekar YS, Caiaffa CD, Wlodarczyk BJ, Singh M, Schill AW, Steele JW, Zhang J, Aglyamov SR, Scarcelli G, Finnell RH, Larin KV. Optical coherence tomography-guided Brillouin microscopy highlights regional tissue stiffness differences during anterior neural tube closure in the Mthfd1l murine mutant. Development 2024; 151:dev202475. [PMID: 38682273 PMCID: PMC11165724 DOI: 10.1242/dev.202475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Neurulation is a highly synchronized biomechanical process leading to the formation of the brain and spinal cord, and its failure leads to neural tube defects (NTDs). Although we are rapidly learning the genetic mechanisms underlying NTDs, the biomechanical aspects are largely unknown. To understand the correlation between NTDs and tissue stiffness during neural tube closure (NTC), we imaged an NTD murine model using optical coherence tomography (OCT), Brillouin microscopy and confocal fluorescence microscopy. Here, we associate structural information from OCT with local stiffness from the Brillouin signal of embryos undergoing neurulation. The stiffness of neuroepithelial tissues in Mthfd1l null embryos was significantly lower than that of wild-type embryos. Additionally, exogenous formate supplementation improved tissue stiffness and gross embryonic morphology in nullizygous and heterozygous embryos. Our results demonstrate the significance of proper tissue stiffness in normal NTC and pave the way for future studies on the mechanobiology of normal and abnormal embryonic development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carlo Donato Caiaffa
- Center for Precision Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Dell Pediatric Research Institute, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78723, USA
| | - Bogdan J. Wlodarczyk
- Center for Precision Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Manmohan Singh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA
| | - Alexander W. Schill
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA
| | - John W. Steele
- Center for Precision Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jitao Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Salavat R. Aglyamov
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA
| | - Giuliano Scarcelli
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Richard H. Finnell
- Center for Precision Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Kirill V. Larin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA
- Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Wang N, Chen J, Hu Q, He Y, Shen P, Yang D, Wang H, Weng D, He Z. Small diameter vascular grafts: progress on electrospinning matrix/stem cell blending approach. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2024; 12:1385032. [PMID: 38807647 PMCID: PMC11130446 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1385032] [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: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
The exploration of the next-generation small diameter vascular grafts (SDVGs) will never stop until they possess high biocompatibility and patency comparable to autologous native blood vessels. Integrating biocompatible electrospinning (ES) matrices with highly bioactive stem cells (SCs) provides a rational and promising solution. ES is a simple, fast, flexible and universal technology to prepare extracellular matrix-like fibrous scaffolds in large scale, while SCs are valuable, multifunctional and favorable seed cells with special characteristics for the emerging field of cell therapy and regenerative medicine. Both ES matrices and SCs are advanced resources with medical application prospects, and the combination may share their advantages to drive the overcoming of the long-lasting hurdles in SDVG field. In this review, the advances on SDVGs based on ES matrices and SCs (including pluripotent SCs, multipotent SCs, and unipotent SCs) are sorted out, and current challenges and future prospects are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuoxin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Cell Engineering of Guizhou Province, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
- The Clinical Stem Cell Research Institute, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
- The First Clinical Institute, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Jiajing Chen
- Key Laboratory of Cell Engineering of Guizhou Province, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
- The Clinical Stem Cell Research Institute, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
- The First Clinical Institute, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Qingqing Hu
- Key Laboratory of Cell Engineering of Guizhou Province, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
- The Clinical Stem Cell Research Institute, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
- The First Clinical Institute, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Yunfeng He
- Key Laboratory of Cell Engineering of Guizhou Province, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
- The Clinical Stem Cell Research Institute, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
- The First Clinical Institute, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Pu Shen
- Key Laboratory of Cell Engineering of Guizhou Province, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
- The Clinical Stem Cell Research Institute, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
- The First Clinical Institute, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Dingkun Yang
- Key Laboratory of Cell Engineering of Guizhou Province, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
- The Clinical Stem Cell Research Institute, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
- The First Clinical Institute, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Haoyuan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Cell Engineering of Guizhou Province, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
- The Second Clinical Institute, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Dong Weng
- Key Laboratory of Cell Engineering of Guizhou Province, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
- The Clinical Stem Cell Research Institute, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
- The First Clinical Institute, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Zhixu He
- Key Laboratory of Cell Engineering of Guizhou Province, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
- The Clinical Stem Cell Research Institute, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
- The First Clinical Institute, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
- Department of Pediatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
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Bryniarska-Kubiak N, Basta-Kaim A, Kubiak A. Mechanobiology of Dental Pulp Cells. Cells 2024; 13:375. [PMID: 38474339 DOI: 10.3390/cells13050375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The dental pulp is the inner part of the tooth responsible for properly functioning during its lifespan. Apart from the very big biological heterogeneity of dental cells, tooth microenvironments differ a lot in the context of mechanical properties-ranging from 5.5 kPa for dental pulp to around 100 GPa for dentin and enamel. This physical heterogeneity and complexity plays a key role in tooth physiology and in turn, is a great target for a variety of therapeutic approaches. First of all, physical mechanisms are crucial for the pain propagation process from the tooth surface to the nerves inside the dental pulp. On the other hand, the modulation of the physical environment affects the functioning of dental pulp cells and thus is important for regenerative medicine. In the present review, we describe the physiological significance of biomechanical processes in the physiology and pathology of dental pulp. Moreover, we couple those phenomena with recent advances in the fields of bioengineering and pharmacology aiming to control the functioning of dental pulp cells, reduce pain, and enhance the differentiation of dental cells into desired lineages. The reviewed literature shows great progress in the topic of bioengineering of dental pulp-although mainly in vitro. Apart from a few positions, it leaves a gap for necessary filling with studies providing the mechanisms of the mechanical control of dental pulp functioning in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Bryniarska-Kubiak
- Laboratory of Immunoendocrinology, Department of Experimental Neuroendocrinology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna St., 31-343 Kraków, Poland
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 7 Gronostajowa St., 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Basta-Kaim
- Laboratory of Immunoendocrinology, Department of Experimental Neuroendocrinology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna St., 31-343 Kraków, Poland
| | - Andrzej Kubiak
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 7 Gronostajowa St., 30-387 Kraków, Poland
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Lin D, Luo C, Wei P, Zhang A, Zhang M, Wu X, Deng B, Li Z, Cui K, Chen Z. YAP1 Recognizes Inflammatory and Mechanical Cues to Exacerbate Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia via Promoting Cell Survival and Fibrosis. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2304274. [PMID: 38050650 PMCID: PMC10837380 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202304274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
Chronic prostatic inflammation promotes cell survival and fibrosis, leading to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) with aggravated urinary symptoms. It is investigated whether yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1), an organ size controller and mechanical transductor, is implicated in inflammation-induced BPH. The correlation between YAP1 expression and fibrosis in human and rat BPH specimens is analyzed. Furthermore, the effects of YAP1 activation on prostatic cell survival and fibrosis, as well as the underlying mechanism, are also studied. As a result, total and nuclear YAP1 expression, along with downstream genes are significantly upregulated in inflammation-associated human and rat specimens. There is a significant positive correlation between YAP1 expression and the severity of fibrosis or clinical performance. YAP1 silencing suppresses cell survival by decreasing cell proliferation and increasing apoptosis, and alleviates fibrosis by reversing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition in prostatic BPH-1 and WPMY-1 cells. Mechanistically, inflammatory stimulus and rigid matrix stiffness synergistically activate the RhoA/ROCK1 pathway to provoke cytoskeleton remodeling, thereby promoting YAP1 activation to exacerbate BPH development. Overall, inflammation-triggered mechanical stiffness reinforcement activates the RhoA/ROCK1/F-actin/YAP1 axis, thereby promoting prostatic cell survival and fibrosis to accelerate BPH progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongxu Lin
- Department and Institute of UrologyTongji HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan430030China
| | - Changcheng Luo
- Department and Institute of UrologyTongji HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan430030China
| | - Pengyu Wei
- Department and Institute of UrologyTongji HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan430030China
| | - An Zhang
- Department of GeriatricsTongji HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan430030China
| | - Mengyang Zhang
- Department of RehabilitationTongji HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan430030China
| | - Xiaoliang Wu
- Department and Institute of UrologyTongji HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan430030China
| | - Bolang Deng
- Department and Institute of UrologyTongji HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan430030China
| | - Zhipeng Li
- Department and Institute of UrologyTongji HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan430030China
| | - Kai Cui
- Department and Institute of UrologyTongji HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan430030China
| | - Zhong Chen
- Department and Institute of UrologyTongji HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan430030China
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6
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Dai S, Qiu L, Veeraraghavan VP, Sheu CL, Mony U. Advances in iPSC Technology in Neural Disease Modeling, Drug Screening, and Therapy. Curr Stem Cell Res Ther 2024; 19:809-819. [PMID: 37291782 DOI: 10.2174/1574888x18666230608105703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disorders (NDs) including Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), and Huntington's disease are all incurable and can only be managed with drugs for the associated symptoms. Animal models of human illnesses help to advance our understanding of the pathogenic processes of diseases. Understanding the pathogenesis as well as drug screening using appropriate disease models of neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) are vital for identifying novel therapies. Human-derived induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) models can be an efficient model to create disease in a dish and thereby can proceed with drug screening and identifying appropriate drugs. This technology has many benefits, including efficient reprogramming and regeneration potential, multidirectional differentiation, and the lack of ethical concerns, which open up new avenues for studying neurological illnesses in greater depth. The review mainly focuses on the use of iPSC technology in neuronal disease modeling, drug screening, and cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sihan Dai
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Shantou University, Shantou, 515063, China
| | - Linhui Qiu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Shantou University, Shantou, 515063, China
| | - Vishnu Priya Veeraraghavan
- Centre of Molecular Medicine and Diagnostics (COMManD), Department of Biochemistry, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, 600077, India
| | - Chia-Lin Sheu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Shantou University, Shantou, 515063, China
| | - Ullas Mony
- Centre of Molecular Medicine and Diagnostics (COMManD), Department of Biochemistry, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, 600077, India
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7
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Canales Coutiño B, Mayor R. Neural crest mechanosensors: Seeing old proteins in a new light. Dev Cell 2022; 57:1792-1801. [PMID: 35901790 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2022.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Mechanical forces exerted on neural crest cells control their collective migration and differentiation. This perspective discusses our current understanding of neural crest mechanotransduction during cell migration and differentiation. Additionally, we describe proteins that have mechanosensitive functions in other systems, such as mechanosensitive G-protein-coupled receptors, mechanosensitive ion channels, cell-cell adhesion, and cell-matrix-interacting proteins, and highlight that these same proteins have in the past been studied in neural crest development from a purely signaling point of view. We propose that future studies elucidate the mechanosensitive functions these receptors may play in neural crest development and integrate this with their known molecular role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda Canales Coutiño
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Roberto Mayor
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
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8
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Liu C, Niu K, Xiao Q. Updated perspectives on vascular cell specification and pluripotent stem cell-derived vascular organoids for studying vasculopathies. Cardiovasc Res 2022; 118:97-114. [PMID: 33135070 PMCID: PMC8752356 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvaa313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Vasculopathy is a pathological process occurring in the blood vessel wall, which could affect the haemostasis and physiological functions of all the vital tissues/organs and is one of the main underlying causes for a variety of human diseases including cardiovascular diseases. Current pharmacological interventions aiming to either delay or stop progression of vasculopathies are suboptimal, thus searching novel, targeted, risk-reducing therapeutic agents, or vascular grafts with full regenerative potential for patients with vascular abnormalities are urgently needed. Since first reported, pluripotent stem cells (PSCs), particularly human-induced PSCs, have open new avenue in all research disciplines including cardiovascular regenerative medicine and disease remodelling. Assisting with recent technological breakthroughs in tissue engineering, in vitro construction of tissue organoid made a tremendous stride in the past decade. In this review, we provide an update of the main signal pathways involved in vascular cell differentiation from human PSCs and an extensive overview of PSC-derived tissue organoids, highlighting the most recent discoveries in the field of blood vessel organoids as well as vascularization of other complex tissue organoids, with the aim of discussing the key cellular and molecular players in generating vascular organoids.
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MESH Headings
- Blood Vessels/metabolism
- Blood Vessels/pathology
- Blood Vessels/physiopathology
- Cell Culture Techniques
- Cell Differentiation
- Cell Lineage
- Cells, Cultured
- Endothelial Cells/metabolism
- Endothelial Cells/pathology
- Humans
- Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells/metabolism
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/metabolism
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/pathology
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/physiopathology
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/metabolism
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/pathology
- Neovascularization, Pathologic
- Neovascularization, Physiologic
- Organoids
- Phenotype
- Signal Transduction
- Vascular Diseases/metabolism
- Vascular Diseases/pathology
- Vascular Diseases/physiopathology
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenxin Liu
- Centre for Clinical Pharmacology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, Heart Centre, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Kaiyuan Niu
- Centre for Clinical Pharmacology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, Heart Centre, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Qingzhong Xiao
- Centre for Clinical Pharmacology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, Heart Centre, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Diseases at The Second Affiliated Hospital
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Modification and Degradation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Xinzao Town, Panyu District, Guangzhou, Guangdong 511436, China
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Knock E, Julian LM. Building on a Solid Foundation: Adding Relevance and Reproducibility to Neurological Modeling Using Human Pluripotent Stem Cells. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:767457. [PMID: 34867204 PMCID: PMC8637745 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.767457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The brain is our most complex and least understood organ. Animal models have long been the most versatile tools available to dissect brain form and function; however, the human brain is highly distinct from that of standard model organisms. In addition to existing models, access to human brain cells and tissues is essential to reach new frontiers in our understanding of the human brain and how to intervene therapeutically in the face of disease or injury. In this review, we discuss current and developing culture models of human neural tissue, outlining advantages over animal models and key challenges that remain to be overcome. Our principal focus is on advances in engineering neural cells and tissue constructs from human pluripotent stem cells (PSCs), though primary human cell and slice culture are also discussed. By highlighting studies that combine animal models and human neural cell culture techniques, we endeavor to demonstrate that clever use of these orthogonal model systems produces more reproducible, physiological, and clinically relevant data than either approach alone. We provide examples across a range of topics in neuroscience research including brain development, injury, and cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and psychiatric conditions. Finally, as testing of PSC-derived neurons for cell replacement therapy progresses, we touch on the advancements that are needed to make this a clinical mainstay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Knock
- Research and Development, STEMCELL Technologies Inc., Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Lisa M Julian
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
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Reid G, Magarotto F, Marsano A, Pozzobon M. Next Stage Approach to Tissue Engineering Skeletal Muscle. Bioengineering (Basel) 2020; 7:E118. [PMID: 33007935 PMCID: PMC7711907 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering7040118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Large-scale muscle injury in humans initiates a complex regeneration process, as not only the muscular, but also the vascular and neuro-muscular compartments have to be repaired. Conventional therapeutic strategies often fall short of reaching the desired functional outcome, due to the inherent complexity of natural skeletal muscle. Tissue engineering offers a promising alternative treatment strategy, aiming to achieve an engineered tissue close to natural tissue composition and function, able to induce long-term, functional regeneration after in vivo implantation. This review aims to summarize the latest approaches of tissue engineering skeletal muscle, with specific attention toward fabrication, neuro-angiogenesis, multicellularity and the biochemical cues that adjuvate the regeneration process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory Reid
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University Hospital Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland; (G.R.); (A.M.)
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Fabio Magarotto
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy;
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Città della Speranza, 35127 Padova, Italy
| | - Anna Marsano
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University Hospital Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland; (G.R.); (A.M.)
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Michela Pozzobon
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy;
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Città della Speranza, 35127 Padova, Italy
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