1
|
Mathes TG, Monirizad M, Ermis M, de Barros NR, Rodriguez M, Kraatz HB, Jucaud V, Khademhosseini A, Falcone N. Effects of amyloid-β-mimicking peptide hydrogel matrix on neuronal progenitor cell phenotype. Acta Biomater 2024; 183:89-100. [PMID: 38801867 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2024.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Self-assembling peptide-based hydrogels have become a highly attractive scaffold for three-dimensional (3D) in vitro disease modeling as they provide a way to create tunable matrices that can resemble the extracellular matrix (ECM) of various microenvironments. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an exceptionally complex neurodegenerative condition; however, our understanding has advanced due to the transition from two-dimensional (2D) to 3D in vitro modeling. Nonetheless, there is a current gap in knowledge regarding the role of amyloid structures, and previously developed models found long-term difficulty in creating an appropriate model involving the ECM and amyloid aggregates. In this report, we propose a multi-component self-assembling peptide-based hydrogel scaffold to mimic the amyloid-beta (β) containing microenvironment. Characterization of the amyloid-β-mimicking hydrogel (Col-HAMA-FF) reveals the formation of β-sheet structures as a result of the self-assembling properties of phenylalanine (Phe, F) through π-π stacking of the residues, thus mimicking the amyloid-β protein nanostructures. We investigated the effect of the amyloid-β-mimicking microenvironment on healthy neuronal progenitor cells (NPCs) compared to a natural-mimicking matrix (Col-HAMA). Our results demonstrated higher levels of neuroinflammation and apoptosis markers when NPCs were cultured in the amyloid-like matrix compared to a natural brain matrix. Here, we provided insights into the impact of amyloid-like structures on NPC phenotypes and behaviors. This foundational work, before progressing to more complex plaque models, provides a promising scaffold for future investigations on AD mechanisms and drug testing. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: In this study, we engineered two multi-component hydrogels: one to mimic the natural extracellular matrix (ECM) of the brain and one to resemble an amyloid-like microenvironment using a self-assembling peptide hydrogel. The self-assembling peptide mimics β-amyloid fibrils seen in amyloid-β protein aggregates. We report on the culture of neuronal progenitor cells within the amyloid-mimicking ECM scaffold to study the impact through marker expressions related to inflammation and DNA damage. This foundational work, before progressing to more complex plaque models, offers a promising scaffold for future investigations on AD mechanisms and drug testing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tess Grett Mathes
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), 1018 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Mahsa Monirizad
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), 1018 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Menekse Ermis
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), 1018 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, USA; BIOMATEN, Center of Excellence in Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering Middle East Technical University, Ankara 06800, Turkey
| | - Natan Roberto de Barros
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), 1018 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Marco Rodriguez
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), 1018 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Heinz-Bernhard Kraatz
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 2E4, Canada; Department of Physical and Environmental Science, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, ON M1C 1A4, Canada
| | - Vadim Jucaud
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), 1018 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ali Khademhosseini
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), 1018 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Natashya Falcone
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), 1018 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Saito-Diaz K, Dietrich P, Wu HF, Sun X, Patel AJ, Wzientek CG, Prudden AR, Boons GJ, Chen S, Studer L, Xu B, Dragatsis I, Zeltner N. Genipin Crosslinks the Extracellular Matrix to Rescue Developmental and Degenerative Defects, and Accelerates Regeneration of Peripheral Neurons. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.22.533831. [PMID: 36993570 PMCID: PMC10055431 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.22.533831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
The peripheral nervous system (PNS) is essential for proper body function. A high percentage of the population suffer nerve degeneration or peripheral damage. For example, over 40% of patients with diabetes or undergoing chemotherapy develop peripheral neuropathies. Despite this, there are major gaps in the knowledge of human PNS development and therefore, there are no available treatments. Familial Dysautonomia (FD) is a devastating disorder that specifically affects the PNS making it an ideal model to study PNS dysfunction. FD is caused by a homozygous point mutation in ELP1 leading to developmental and degenerative defects in the sensory and autonomic lineages. We previously employed human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) to show that peripheral sensory neurons (SNs) are not generated efficiently and degenerate over time in FD. Here, we conducted a chemical screen to identify compounds able to rescue this SN differentiation inefficiency. We identified that genipin, a compound prescribed in Traditional Chinese Medicine for neurodegenerative disorders, restores neural crest and SN development in FD, both in the hPSC model and in a FD mouse model. Additionally, genipin prevented FD neuronal degeneration, suggesting that it could be offered to patients suffering from PNS neurodegenerative disorders. We found that genipin crosslinks the extracellular matrix, increases the stiffness of the ECM, reorganizes the actin cytoskeleton, and promotes transcription of YAP-dependent genes. Finally, we show that genipin enhances axon regeneration in an in vitro axotomy model in healthy sensory and sympathetic neurons (part of the PNS) and in prefrontal cortical neurons (part of the central nervous system, CNS). Our results suggest genipin can be used as a promising drug candidate for treatment of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases, and as a enhancer of neuronal regeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kenyi Saito-Diaz
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens GA, USA
| | - Paula Dietrich
- Department of Physiology, The University of Tennessee, Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Hsueh-Fu Wu
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens GA, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens GA, USA
| | - Xin Sun
- College of Engineering, University of Georgia, Athens GA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Geert-Jan Boons
- Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
- Department of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Shuibing Chen
- Department of Surgery and Department of Biochemistry at Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
- Center for Stem Cell Biology, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lorenz Studer
- Center for Stem Cell Biology, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Developmental Biology, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Bingqian Xu
- College of Engineering, University of Georgia, Athens GA, USA
| | - Ioannis Dragatsis
- Department of Physiology, The University of Tennessee, Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Nadja Zeltner
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens GA, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens GA, USA
- Department of Cellular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens GA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Li X, Zhang X, Hao M, Wang D, Jiang Z, Sun L, Gao Y, Jin Y, Lei P, Zhuo Y. The application of collagen in the repair of peripheral nerve defect. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:973301. [PMID: 36213073 PMCID: PMC9542778 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.973301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Collagen is a natural polymer expressed in the extracellular matrix of the peripheral nervous system. It has become increasingly crucial in peripheral nerve reconstruction as it was involved in regulating Schwann cell behaviors, maintaining peripheral nerve functions during peripheral nerve development, and being strongly upregulated after nerve injury to promote peripheral nerve regeneration. Moreover, its biological properties, such as low immunogenicity, excellent biocompatibility, and biodegradability make it a suitable biomaterial for peripheral nerve repair. Collagen provides a suitable microenvironment to support Schwann cells’ growth, proliferation, and migration, thereby improving the regeneration and functional recovery of peripheral nerves. This review aims to summarize the characteristics of collagen as a biomaterial, analyze its role in peripheral nerve regeneration, and provide a detailed overview of the recent advances concerning the optimization of collagen nerve conduits in terms of physical properties and structure, as well as the application of the combination with the bioactive component in peripheral nerve regeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolan Li
- Department of Neurology and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiang Zhang
- Department of Neurology and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ming Hao
- School of Acupuncture-Moxi Bustion and Tuina, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Dongxu Wang
- Laboratory Animal Center, College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ziping Jiang
- Department of Hand and Foot Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Liqun Sun
- Department of Pediatrics, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yongjian Gao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Colorectal and Anal Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ye Jin
- Department of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Peng Lei
- Department of Neurology and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Peng Lei, ; Yue Zhuo,
| | - Yue Zhuo
- School of Acupuncture-Moxi Bustion and Tuina, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
- *Correspondence: Peng Lei, ; Yue Zhuo,
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Development of 3D culture scaffolds for directional neuronal growth using 2-photon lithography. MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. C, MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS 2021; 131:112502. [PMID: 34857288 DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2021.112502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Conventional applications of transplant technology, applied to severe traumatic injuries of the nervous system, have met limited success in the clinics due to the complexity of restoring function to the damaged tissue. Neural tissue engineering aims to deploy scaffolds mimicking the physiological properties of the extracellular matrix to facilitate the elongation of axons and the repair of damaged nerves. However, the fabrication of ideal scaffolds with precisely controlled thickness, texture, porosity, alignment, and with the required mechanical strength, features needed for effective clinical applications, remains technically challenging. We took advantage of state-of-the-art 2-photon photolithography to fabricate highly ordered and biocompatible 3D nanogrid structures to enhance neuronal directional growth. First, we characterized the physical and chemical properties and proved the biocompatibility of said scaffolds by successfully culturing primary sensory and motor neurons on their surface. Interestingly, axons extended along the fibers with a high degree of alignment to the pattern of the nanogrid, as opposed to the lack of directionality observed on flat glass or polymeric surfaces, and could grow in 3D between different layers of the scaffold. The axonal growth pattern observed is highly desirable for the treatment of traumatic nerve damage occurring during peripheral and spinal cord injuries. Thus, our findings provide a proof of concept and explore the possibility of deploying aligned fibrous 3D scaffold/implants for the directed growth of axons, and could be used in the design of scaffolds targeted towards the restoration and repair of lost neuronal connections.
Collapse
|
5
|
Nelson DW, Gilbert RJ. Extracellular Matrix-Mimetic Hydrogels for Treating Neural Tissue Injury: A Focus on Fibrin, Hyaluronic Acid, and Elastin-Like Polypeptide Hydrogels. Adv Healthc Mater 2021; 10:e2101329. [PMID: 34494398 PMCID: PMC8599642 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202101329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Neurological and functional recovery is limited following central nervous system injury and severe injury to the peripheral nervous system. Extracellular matrix (ECM)-mimetic hydrogels are of particular interest as regenerative scaffolds for the injured nervous system as they provide 3D bioactive interfaces that modulate cellular response to the injury environment and provide naturally degradable scaffolding for effective tissue remodeling. In this review, three unique ECM-mimetic hydrogels used in models of neural injury are reviewed: fibrin hydrogels, which rely on a naturally occurring enzymatic gelation, hyaluronic acid hydrogels, which require chemical modification prior to chemical crosslinking, and elastin-like polypeptide (ELP) hydrogels, which exhibit a temperature-sensitive gelation. The hydrogels are reviewed by summarizing their unique biological properties, their use as drug depots, and their combination with other biomaterials, such as electrospun fibers and nanoparticles. This review is the first to focus on these three ECM-mimetic hydrogels for their use in neural tissue engineering. Additionally, this is the first review to summarize the use of ELP hydrogels for nervous system applications. ECM-mimetic hydrogels have shown great promise in preclinical models of neural injury and future advancements in their design and use can likely lead to viable treatments for patients with neural injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Derek W Nelson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 110 8th St, Troy, NY, 12180, USA
| | - Ryan J Gilbert
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 110 8th St, Troy, NY, 12180, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Cui ZK, Li SY, Liao K, Wang ZJ, Guo YL, Tang LS, Tang SB, Ma JH, Chen JS. Characteristics of neural growth and cryopreservation of the dorsal root ganglion using three-dimensional collagen hydrogel culture versus conventional culture. Neural Regen Res 2021; 16:1856-1864. [PMID: 33510093 PMCID: PMC8328787 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.306097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In vertebrates, most somatosensory pathways begin with the activation of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. The development of an appropriate DRG culture method is a prerequisite for establishing in vitro peripheral nerve disease models and for screening therapeutic drugs. In this study, we compared the changes in morphology, molecular biology, and transcriptomics of chicken embryo DRG cultured on tissue culture plates (T-DRG) versus three-dimensional collagen hydrogels (C-DRG). Our results showed that after 7 days of culture, the transcriptomics of T-DRG and C-DRG were quite different. The upregulated genes in C-DRG were mainly related to neurogenesis, axon guidance, and synaptic plasticity, whereas the downregulated genes in C-DRG were mainly related to cell proliferation and cell division. In addition, the genes related to cycles/pathways such as the synaptic vesicle cycle, cyclic adenosine monophosphate signaling pathway, and calcium signaling pathway were activated, while those related to cell-cycle pathways were downregulated. Furthermore, neurogenesis- and myelination-related genes were highly expressed in C-DRG, while epithelial–mesenchymal transition-, apoptosis-, and cell division-related genes were suppressed. Morphological results indicated that the numbers of branches, junctions, and end-point voxels per C-DRG were significantly greater than those per T-DRG. Furthermore, cells were scattered in T-DRG and more concentrated in C-DRG, with a higher ratio of 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU)-positive cells in T-DRG compared with C-DRG. C-DRG also had higher S100 calcium-binding protein B (S100B) and lower α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression than T-DRG, and contained fewer terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL)-positive cells after 48 hours of serum starvation. After cryopreservation, C-DRG maintained more intact morphological characteristics, and had higher viability and less TUNEL-positive cells than T-DRG. Furthermore, newly formed nerve bundles were able to grow along the existing Schwann cells in C-DRG. These results suggest that C-DRG may be a promising in vitro culture model, with better nerve growth and anti-apoptotic ability, quiescent Schwann cells, and higher viability. Results from this study provide a reference for the construction, storage, and transportation of tissue-engineered nerves. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, China (approval No. 2020-IRB16), on March 15, 2020.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ze-Kai Cui
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University; Aier Eye Institute; Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Shen-Yang Li
- Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Kai Liao
- Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Zhi-Jie Wang
- Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Yong-Long Guo
- Institute of Ophthalmology, Medical College, Jinan University; Department of Ophthalmology, First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University; Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Luo-Sheng Tang
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Shi-Bo Tang
- Aier Eye Institute; Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province; CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Jacey Hongjie Ma
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University; Aier Eye Institute, Changsha, Hunan Province; Imaging and Functional Center, Guangzhou Aier Eye Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jian-Su Chen
- Aier Eye Institute; Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province; Institute of Ophthalmology, Medical College, Jinan University; Department of Ophthalmology, First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University; Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ravishankar P, Ozkizilcik A, Husain A, Balachandran K. Anisotropic Fiber-Reinforced Glycosaminoglycan Hydrogels for Heart Valve Tissue Engineering. Tissue Eng Part A 2020; 27:513-525. [PMID: 32723024 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2020.0118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigates polymer fiber-reinforced protein-polysaccharide-based hydrogels for heart valve tissue engineering applications. Polycaprolactone and gelatin (3:1) blends were jet-spun to fabricate aligned fibers that possessed fiber diameters in the range found in the native heart valve. These fibers were embedded in methacrylated hydrogels made from gelatin, sodium hyaluronate, and chondroitin sulfate to create fiber-reinforced hydrogel composites (HCs). The fiber-reinforced gelatin glycosaminoglycan (GAG)-based HC possessed interconnected porous structures and porosity higher than fiber-only conditions. These fiber-reinforced HCs exhibited compressive modulus and biaxial mechanical behavior comparable to that of native porcine aortic valves. The fiber-reinforced HCs were able to swell higher and degraded less than the hydrogels. Elution studies revealed that less than 20% of incorporated gelatin methacrylate and GAGs were released over 2 weeks, with a steady-state release after the first day. When cultured with porcine valve interstitial cells (VICs), the fiber-reinforced composites were able to maintain higher cell viability compared with fiber-only samples. Quiescent VICs expressed alpha smooth muscle actin and calponin showing an activated phenotype, along with a few cells expressing the proliferation marker Ki67 and negative expression for RUNX2, an osteogenic marker. Our study demonstrated that compared with the hydrogels and fibers alone, combining both components can yield durable, reinforced composites that mimic heart valve mechanical behavior, while maintaining high cell viability and expressing positive activation as well as proliferation markers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Prashanth Ravishankar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA
| | - Asya Ozkizilcik
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA
| | - Anushae Husain
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA
| | - Kartik Balachandran
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Simpson L, Szeto GL, Boukari H, Good TA, Leach JB. Impact of Four Common Hydrogels on Amyloid-β (Aβ) Aggregation and Cytotoxicity: Implications for 3D Models of Alzheimer's Disease. ACS OMEGA 2020; 5:20250-20260. [PMID: 32832778 PMCID: PMC7439392 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.0c02046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
The physiochemical properties of hydrogels utilized in 3D culture can be used to modulate cell phenotype and morphology with a striking resemblance to cellular processes that occur in vivo. Indeed, research areas including regenerative medicine, tissue engineering, in vitro cancer models, and stem cell differentiation have readily utilized 3D biomaterials to investigate cell biological questions. However, cells are only one component of this biomimetic milieu. In many models of disease such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) that could benefit from the in vivo-like cell morphology associated with 3D culture, other aspects of the disease such as protein aggregation have yet to be methodically considered in this 3D context. A hallmark of AD is the accumulation of the peptide amyloid-β (Aβ), whose aggregation is associated with neurotoxicity. We have previously demonstrated the attenuation of Aβ cytotoxicity when cells were cultured within type I collagen hydrogels versus on 2D substrates. In this work, we investigated the extent to which this phenomenon is conserved when Aβ is confined within hydrogels of varying physiochemical properties, notably mesh size and bioactivity. We investigated the Aβ structure and aggregation kinetics in solution and hydrogels composed of type I collagen, agarose, hyaluronic acid, and polyethylene glycol using fluorescence correlation spectroscopy and thioflavin T assays. Our results reveal that all hydrogels tested were associated with enhanced Aβ aggregation and Aβ cytotoxicity attenuation. We suggest that confinement itself imparts a profound effect, possibly by stabilizing Aβ structures and shifting the aggregate equilibrium toward larger species. If this phenomenon of altered protein aggregation in 3D hydrogels can be generalized to other contexts including the in vivo environment, it may be necessary to reevaluate aspects of protein aggregation disease models used for drug discovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura
W. Simpson
- Department
of Chemical, Biochemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Maryland Baltimore County, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Eng 314, Baltimore, Maryland 21250, United States
| | - Gregory L. Szeto
- Department
of Chemical, Biochemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Maryland Baltimore County, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Eng 314, Baltimore, Maryland 21250, United States
- Marlene
and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland, Baltimore, 22 S Greene Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, United
States
| | - Hacene Boukari
- Division
of Physical and Computational Sciences, Delaware State University, 1200 N. Dupont Highway, Dover, Delaware 19901, United States
| | - Theresa A. Good
- Division
of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, National
Science Foundation, 2415 Eisenhower Avenue, E 12485, Alexandria, Virginia 22314, United States
| | - Jennie B. Leach
- Department
of Chemical, Biochemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Maryland Baltimore County, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Eng 314, Baltimore, Maryland 21250, United States
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Collagen hydrogel confinement of Amyloid-β (Aβ) accelerates aggregation and reduces cytotoxic effects. Acta Biomater 2020; 112:164-173. [PMID: 32464268 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2020.05.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia and is associated with the accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ), a peptide whose aggregation has been associated with neurotoxicity. Drugs targeting Aβ have shown great promise in 2D in vitro models and mouse models, yet preclinical and clinical trials for AD have been highly disappointing. We propose that current in vitro culture systems for discovering and developing AD drugs have significant limitations; specifically, that Aβ aggregation is vastly different in these 2D cultures carried out on flat plastic or glass substrates vs. in a 3D environment, such as brain tissue, where Aβ confinement alters aggregation kinetics and thermodynamics. In this work, we identified attenuation of Aβ cytotoxicity in 3D hydrogel culture compared to 2D cell culture. We investigated Aβ structure and aggregation in solution vs. hydrogel using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy (FCS), and Thioflavin T (ThT) assays. Our results reveal that the equilibrium is shifted to stable extended β-sheet (ThT positive) aggregates in hydrogels and away from the relatively unstable/unstructured presumed toxic oligomeric Aβ species in solution. Volume exclusion imparted by hydrogel confinement stabilizes unfolded, presumably toxic species, promoting stable extended β-sheet fibrils. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a devastating disease and has been studied for over 100 years. Yet, no cure exists and only 5 prescription drugs are FDA-approved to temporarily treat the AD symptoms of declining brain functions related to thinking and memory. Why don't we have more effective treatments to cure AD or relieve AD symptoms? We propose that current culture methods based upon cells cultured on flat, stiff substrates have significant limitations for discovering and developing AD drugs. This study provides strong evidence that AD drugs should be tested in 3D culture systems as a step along the development pathway towards new, more effective drugs to treat AD.
Collapse
|
10
|
Nascimento AI, Mar FM, Sousa MM. The intriguing nature of dorsal root ganglion neurons: Linking structure with polarity and function. Prog Neurobiol 2018; 168:86-103. [PMID: 29729299 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2018.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2017] [Revised: 04/26/2018] [Accepted: 05/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons are the first neurons of the sensory pathway. They are activated by a variety of sensory stimuli that are then transmitted to the central nervous system. An important feature of DRG neurons is their unique morphology where a single process -the stem axon- bifurcates into a peripheral and a central axonal branch, with different functions and cellular properties. Distinctive structural aspects of the two DRG neuron branches may have important implications for their function in health and disease. However, the link between DRG axonal branch structure, polarity and function has been largely neglected in the field, and relevant information is rather scattered across the literature. In particular, ultrastructural differences between the two axonal branches are likely to account for the higher transport and regenerative ability of the peripheral DRG neuron axon when compared to the central one. Nevertheless, the cell intrinsic factors contributing to this central-peripheral asymmetry are still unknown. Here we critically review the factors that may underlie the functional asymmetry between the peripheral and central DRG axonal branches. Also, we discuss the hypothesis that DRG neurons may assemble a structure resembling the axon initial segment that may be responsible, at least in part, for their polarity and electrophysiological features. Ultimately, we suggest that the clarification of the axonal ultrastructure of DRG neurons using state-of-the-art techniques will be crucial to understand the physiology of this peculiar cell type.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Isabel Nascimento
- Nerve Regeneration Group, Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular-IBMC and Instituto de Inovação e Investigação em Saúde, University of Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar-ICBAS, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Fernando Milhazes Mar
- Nerve Regeneration Group, Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular-IBMC and Instituto de Inovação e Investigação em Saúde, University of Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Mónica Mendes Sousa
- Nerve Regeneration Group, Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular-IBMC and Instituto de Inovação e Investigação em Saúde, University of Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Wieringa PA, Gonçalves de Pinho AR, Micera S, Wezel RJA, Moroni L. Biomimetic Architectures for Peripheral Nerve Repair: A Review of Biofabrication Strategies. Adv Healthc Mater 2018; 7:e1701164. [PMID: 29349931 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201701164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2017] [Revised: 11/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Biofabrication techniques have endeavored to improve the regeneration of the peripheral nervous system (PNS), but nothing has surpassed the performance of current clinical practices. However, these current approaches have intrinsic limitations that compromise patient care. The "gold standard" autograft provides the best outcomes but requires suitable donor material, while implantable hollow nerve guide conduits (NGCs) can only repair small nerve defects. This review places emphasis on approaches that create structural cues within a hollow NGC lumen in order to match or exceed the regenerative performance of the autograft. An overview of the PNS and nerve regeneration is provided. This is followed by an assessment of reported devices, divided into three major categories: isotropic hydrogel fillers, acting as unstructured interluminal support for regenerating nerves; fibrous interluminal fillers, presenting neurites with topographical guidance within the lumen; and patterned interluminal scaffolds, providing 3D support for nerve growth via structures that mimic native PNS tissue. Also presented is a critical framework to evaluate the impact of reported outcomes. While a universal and versatile nerve repair strategy remains elusive, outlined here is a roadmap of past, present, and emerging fabrication techniques to inform and motivate new developments in the field of peripheral nerve regeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul A. Wieringa
- Department of Complex Tissue RegenerationMERLN Institute for Technology‐Inspired Regenerative MedicineMaastricht University Universiteitssingel 40 Maastricht 6229 ER The Netherlands
| | - Ana Rita Gonçalves de Pinho
- Tissue Regeneration DepartmentMIRA InstituteUniversity of Twente Drienerlolaan 5 Enschede 7522 NB The Netherlands
| | - Silvestro Micera
- BioRobotics InstituteScuola Superiore Sant'Anna Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34 Pontedera 56025 Italy
- Translational Neural Engineering LaboratoryEcole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne Ch. des Mines 9 Geneva CH‐1202 Switzerland
| | - Richard J. A. Wezel
- BiophysicsDonders Institute for BrainCognition and BehaviourRadboud University Kapittelweg 29 Nijmegen 6525 EN The Netherlands
- Biomedical Signals and SystemsMIRA InstituteUniversity of Twente Drienerlolaan 5 Enschede 7522 NB The Netherlands
| | - Lorenzo Moroni
- Department of Complex Tissue RegenerationMERLN Institute for Technology‐Inspired Regenerative MedicineMaastricht University Universiteitssingel 40 Maastricht 6229 ER The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Balasubramanian S, Packard JA, Leach JB, Powell EM. Three-Dimensional Environment Sustains Morphological Heterogeneity and Promotes Phenotypic Progression During Astrocyte Development. Tissue Eng Part A 2017; 22:885-98. [PMID: 27193766 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2016.0103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are critical for coordinating normal brain function by regulating brain metabolic homeostasis, synaptogenesis and neurotransmission, and blood-brain barrier permeability and maintenance. Dysregulation of normal astrocyte ontogeny contributes to neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders, epilepsies, and adverse responses to injury. To achieve these multiple essential roles, astrocyte phenotypes are regionally, morphologically, and functionally heterogeneous. Therefore, the best regenerative medicine strategies may require selective production of distinct astrocyte subpopulations at defined maturation levels. However, little is known about the mechanisms that direct astrocyte diversity or whether heterogeneity is represented in biomaterials. In vitro studies report lack of normal morphologies and overrepresentation of the glial scar type of reactive astrocyte morphology and expression of markers, questioning how well the in vitro astrocytes represent glia in vivo and whether in vitro tissue engineering methods are suitable for regenerative medicine applications. Our previous work with neurons suggests that the three-dimensional (3D) environment, when compared with standard two-dimensional (2D) substrate, yields cellular and molecular behaviors that more closely approximately normal ontogeny. To specifically study the effects of dimensionality, we used purified glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-expressing primary cerebral cortical astrocyte cultures from single pups and characterized the cellular maturation profiles in 2D and 3D milieu. We identified four morphological groups in vitro: round, bipolar, stellate, and putative perivascular. In the 3D hydrogel culture environment, postnatal astrocytes transitioned from a population of nearly all round cells and very few bipolar cells toward a population with significant fractions of round, stellate, and putative perivascular cells within a few days, following the in vivo ontogeny. In 2D, however, the population shift from round and bipolar to stellate and perivascular was rarely observed. The transition to distinct cellular morphologies in 3D corresponded to the in vivo expression of phenotypic markers, supporting the generation of mature heterogeneous glial populations in vitro. This study presents quantitative data supporting that 3D culture is critical for sustaining the heterogeneity of astrocytes in vitro and for generating a representation of the in vivo portfolio of heterogeneous populations of astrocytes required for therapeutic interventions in neurodevelopmental disorders, epilepsy, and brain injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - John A Packard
- 1 Department of Chemical, Biochemical and Environmental Engineering, UMBC , Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Jennie B Leach
- 1 Department of Chemical, Biochemical and Environmental Engineering, UMBC , Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Elizabeth M Powell
- 2 Departments of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Psychiatry, and Bioengineering, University of Maryland School of Medicine , Baltimore, Maryland
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Russell LN, Lampe KJ. Oligodendrocyte Precursor Cell Viability, Proliferation, and Morphology is Dependent on Mesh Size and Storage Modulus in 3D Poly(ethylene glycol)-Based Hydrogels. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2017; 3:3459-3468. [PMID: 33445383 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.7b00374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system (CNS) are responsible for generating myelin, an electrically insulating layer around neuronal axons. When myelin is damaged, neurons are incapable of sustaining normal communications, which can manifest in patients as pain and loss of mobility and vision. A plethora of research has used biomaterials to promote neuronal regeneration, but despite the wide implications of a disrupted myelin sheath, very little is known about how biomaterial environments impact proliferation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) or their differentiation into myelinating oligodendrocytes. This work investigates how the storage modulus and mesh size of a polyethylene glycol (PEG)-based hydrogel, varied via two different mechanisms, directly affect the proliferation of two OPC lines encapsulated and cultured in 3D. Viability and proliferation of both OPC lines was dependent on hydrogel swelling and stiffness, where the concentration of ATP increased more in the more compliant gels. OPCs multiplied in the 3D hydrogels, creating significantly larger spheroids in the less cross-linked conditions. Stiffer, more highly cross-linked materials lead to greater expression of PDGFRα, an OPC receptor, indicating that fewer cells were committed to the oligodendrocyte lineage or had dedifferentiated in compliant materials. Laminin incorporation in the 3D matrix was found to have little effect on viability or proliferation. These findings provide valuable information on how mesh size and stiffness affect OPCs where more compliant materials favor proliferation of OPCs with less commitment to a mature oligodendrocyte lineage. Such information will be useful in the development of translational biomaterials to stimulate oligodendrocyte maturation for neural regeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren N Russell
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Virginia, 102 Engineers' Way, Charlottesville, Virginia 22904, United States
| | - Kyle J Lampe
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Virginia, 102 Engineers' Way, Charlottesville, Virginia 22904, United States
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Chandrasekaran A, Avci HX, Ochalek A, Rösingh LN, Molnár K, László L, Bellák T, Téglási A, Pesti K, Mike A, Phanthong P, Bíró O, Hall V, Kitiyanant N, Krause KH, Kobolák J, Dinnyés A. Comparison of 2D and 3D neural induction methods for the generation of neural progenitor cells from human induced pluripotent stem cells. Stem Cell Res 2017; 25:139-151. [PMID: 29128818 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2017.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2017] [Revised: 10/06/2017] [Accepted: 10/10/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Neural progenitor cells (NPCs) from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) are frequently induced using 3D culture methodologies however, it is unknown whether spheroid-based (3D) neural induction is actually superior to monolayer (2D) neural induction. Our aim was to compare the efficiency of 2D induction with 3D induction method in their ability to generate NPCs, and subsequently neurons and astrocytes. Neural differentiation was analysed at the protein level qualitatively by immunocytochemistry and quantitatively by flow cytometry for NPC (SOX1, PAX6, NESTIN), neuronal (MAP2, TUBB3), cortical layer (TBR1, CUX1) and glial markers (SOX9, GFAP, AQP4). Electron microscopy demonstrated that both methods resulted in morphologically similar neural rosettes. However, quantification of NPCs derived from 3D neural induction exhibited an increase in the number of PAX6/NESTIN double positive cells and the derived neurons exhibited longer neurites. In contrast, 2D neural induction resulted in more SOX1 positive cells. While 2D monolayer induction resulted in slightly less mature neurons, at an early stage of differentiation, the patch clamp analysis failed to reveal any significant differences between the electrophysiological properties between the two induction methods. In conclusion, 3D neural induction increases the yield of PAX6+/NESTIN+ cells and gives rise to neurons with longer neurites, which might be an advantage for the production of forebrain cortical neurons, highlighting the potential of 3D neural induction, independent of iPSCs' genetic background.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abinaya Chandrasekaran
- BioTalentum Ltd, Gödöllő, Hungary; Molecular Animal Biotechnology Lab, Szent István University, Gödöllő, Hungary
| | - Hasan X Avci
- BioTalentum Ltd, Gödöllő, Hungary; Department of Anatomy, Embryology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Anna Ochalek
- BioTalentum Ltd, Gödöllő, Hungary; Molecular Animal Biotechnology Lab, Szent István University, Gödöllő, Hungary
| | - Lone N Rösingh
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, University of Geneva Medical School, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Kinga Molnár
- Department of Anatomy, Cell and Developmental Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Lajos László
- Department of Anatomy, Cell and Developmental Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Tamás Bellák
- BioTalentum Ltd, Gödöllő, Hungary; Department of Anatomy, Embryology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | | | - Krisztina Pesti
- Opto-Neuropharmacology Group, MTA-ELTE NAP B, Budapest, Hungary; János Szentágothai Doctoral School of Neurosciences, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Arpad Mike
- Opto-Neuropharmacology Group, MTA-ELTE NAP B, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Phetcharat Phanthong
- BioTalentum Ltd, Gödöllő, Hungary; Stem Cell Research Group, Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Orsolya Bíró
- First Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Vanessa Hall
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Narisorn Kitiyanant
- Stem Cell Research Group, Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Karl-Heinz Krause
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, University of Geneva Medical School, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - András Dinnyés
- BioTalentum Ltd, Gödöllő, Hungary; Molecular Animal Biotechnology Lab, Szent István University, Gödöllő, Hungary.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Palazzolo G, Moroni M, Soloperto A, Aletti G, Naldi G, Vassalli M, Nieus T, Difato F. Fast wide-volume functional imaging of engineered in vitro brain tissues. Sci Rep 2017; 7:8499. [PMID: 28819205 PMCID: PMC5561227 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-08979-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2017] [Accepted: 07/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The need for in vitro models that mimic the human brain to replace animal testing and allow high-throughput screening has driven scientists to develop new tools that reproduce tissue-like features on a chip. Three-dimensional (3D) in vitro cultures are emerging as an unmatched platform that preserves the complexity of cell-to-cell connections within a tissue, improves cell survival, and boosts neuronal differentiation. In this context, new and flexible imaging approaches are required to monitor the functional states of 3D networks. Herein, we propose an experimental model based on 3D neuronal networks in an alginate hydrogel, a tunable wide-volume imaging approach, and an efficient denoising algorithm to resolve, down to single cell resolution, the 3D activity of hundreds of neurons expressing the calcium sensor GCaMP6s. Furthermore, we implemented a 3D co-culture system mimicking the contiguous interfaces of distinct brain tissues such as the cortical-hippocampal interface. The analysis of the network activity of single and layered neuronal co-cultures revealed cell-type-specific activities and an organization of neuronal subpopulations that changed in the two culture configurations. Overall, our experimental platform represents a simple, powerful and cost-effective platform for developing and monitoring living 3D layered brain tissue on chip structures with high resolution and high throughput.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G Palazzolo
- Department of Neuroscience and Brain Technologies, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
| | - M Moroni
- Department of Neuroscience and Brain Technologies, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy.,Center for Neuroscience and Cognitive Systems @UniTn, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rovereto, Italy.,Center for Mind/Brain Sciences, University of Trento, Rovereto, Italy
| | - A Soloperto
- Department of Neuroscience and Brain Technologies, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
| | - G Aletti
- Dipartimento di Matematica, Università degli studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - G Naldi
- Dipartimento di Matematica, Università degli studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - M Vassalli
- Institute of Biophysics, National Research Council of Italy, Genoa, Italy
| | - T Nieus
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences "L. Sacco", Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy.
| | - F Difato
- Department of Neuroscience and Brain Technologies, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Lin SCY, Wang Y, Wertheim DF, Coombes AG. Production and in vitro evaluation of macroporous, cell-encapsulating alginate fibres for nerve repair. MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. C, MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS 2017; 73:653-664. [DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2016.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2016] [Revised: 11/01/2016] [Accepted: 12/04/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
|
17
|
Yi H, Ur Rehman F, Zhao C, Liu B, He N. Recent advances in nano scaffolds for bone repair. Bone Res 2016; 4:16050. [PMID: 28018707 PMCID: PMC5153570 DOI: 10.1038/boneres.2016.50] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2016] [Revised: 09/19/2016] [Accepted: 09/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Biomedical applications of nanomaterials are exponentially increasing every year due to analogy to various cell receptors, ligands, structural proteins, and genetic materials (that is, DNA). In bone tissue, nanoscale materials can provide scaffold for excellent tissue repair via mechanical stimulation, releasing of various loaded drugs and mediators, 3D scaffold for cell growth and differentiation of bone marrow stem cells to osteocytes. This review will therefore highlight recent advancements on tissue and nanoscale materials interaction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huan Yi
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics (Chien-Shiung Wu Lab), School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University , Nanjing, China
| | - Fawad Ur Rehman
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics (Chien-Shiung Wu Lab), School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University , Nanjing, China
| | - Chunqiu Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics (Chien-Shiung Wu Lab), School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University , Nanjing, China
| | - Bin Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University , Nanjing, China
| | - Nongyue He
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics (Chien-Shiung Wu Lab), School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Application of Biological Nanotechnology, Hunan University of Technology, Zhuzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Ghourichaee SS, Powell EM, Leach JB. Enhancement of human neural stem cell self-renewal in 3D hypoxic culture. Biotechnol Bioeng 2016; 114:1096-1106. [PMID: 27869294 DOI: 10.1002/bit.26224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2016] [Revised: 10/19/2016] [Accepted: 11/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The pathology of neurological disorders is associated with the loss of neuronal and glial cells that results in functional impairments. Human neural stem cells (hNSCs), due to their self-renewing and multipotent characteristics, possess enormous tissue-specific regenerative potential. However, the efficacy of clinical applications is restricted due to the lack of standardized in vitro cell production methods with the capability of generating hNSC populations with well-defined cellular compositions. At any point, a population of hNSCs may include undifferentiated stem cells, intermediate and terminally differentiated progenies, and dead cells. Due to the plasticity of hNSCs, environmental cues play crucial roles in determining the cellular composition of hNSC cultures over time. Here, we investigated the independent and synergistic effect of three important environmental factors (i.e., culture dimensionality, oxygen concentration, and growth factors) on the survival, renewal potential, and differentiation of hNSCs. Our experimental design included two dimensional (2D) versus three dimensional (3D) cultures and normoxic (21% O2 ) versus hypoxic (3% O2 ) conditions in the presence and absence of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2). Additionally, we discuss the feasibility of mathematical models that predict hNSC growth and differentiation under these culture conditions by adopting a negative feedback regulatory term. Our results indicate that the synergistic effect of culture dimensionality and hypoxic oxygen concentration in the presence of growth factors enhances the proliferation of viable, undifferentiated hNSCs. Moreover, the same synergistic effect in the absence of growth factors promotes the differentiation of hNSCs. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2017;114: 1096-1106. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sasan Sharee Ghourichaee
- Department of Chemical, Biochemical & Environmental Engineering, UMBC, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, Maryland, 21250
| | - Elizabeth M Powell
- Departments of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Psychiatry, and Bioengineering, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Jennie B Leach
- Department of Chemical, Biochemical & Environmental Engineering, UMBC, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, Maryland, 21250
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Włodarczyk-Biegun MK, Farbod K, Werten MWT, Slingerland CJ, de Wolf FA, van den Beucken JJJP, Leeuwenburgh SCG, Cohen Stuart MA, Kamperman M. Fibrous Hydrogels for Cell Encapsulation: A Modular and Supramolecular Approach. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0155625. [PMID: 27223105 PMCID: PMC4880210 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0155625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2016] [Accepted: 05/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Artificial 3-dimensional (3D) cell culture systems, which mimic the extracellular matrix (ECM), hold great potential as models to study cellular processes under controlled conditions. The natural ECM is a 3D structure composed of a fibrous hydrogel that provides both mechanical and biochemical cues to instruct cell behavior. Here we present an ECM-mimicking genetically engineered protein-based hydrogel as a 3D cell culture system that combines several key features: (1) Mild and straightforward encapsulation meters (1) ease of ut I am not so sure.encapsulation of the cells, without the need of an external crosslinker. (2) Supramolecular assembly resulting in a fibrous architecture that recapitulates some of the unique mechanical characteristics of the ECM, i.e. strain-stiffening and self-healing behavior. (3) A modular approach allowing controlled incorporation of the biochemical cue density (integrin binding RGD domains). We tested the gels by encapsulating MG-63 osteoblastic cells and found that encapsulated cells not only respond to higher RGD density, but also to overall gel concentration. Cells in 1% and 2% (weight fraction) protein gels showed spreading and proliferation, provided a relative RGD density of at least 50%. In contrast, in 4% gels very little spreading and proliferation occurred, even for a relative RGD density of 100%. The independent control over both mechanical and biochemical cues obtained in this modular approach renders our hydrogels suitable to study cellular responses under highly defined conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Kambiz Farbod
- Department of Biomaterials, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Cornelis J. Slingerland
- Physical Chemistry and Soft Matter, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Frits A. de Wolf
- Wageningen UR Food & Biobased Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Martien A. Cohen Stuart
- Physical Chemistry and Soft Matter, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Marleen Kamperman
- Physical Chemistry and Soft Matter, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Tutak W, Jyotsnendu G, Bajcsy P, Simon CG. Nanofiber scaffolds influence organelle structure and function in bone marrow stromal cells. J Biomed Mater Res B Appl Biomater 2016; 105:989-1001. [PMID: 26888543 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.b.33624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2015] [Revised: 12/08/2015] [Accepted: 01/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Recent work demonstrates that osteoprogenitor cell culture on nanofiber scaffolds can promote differentiation. This response may be driven by changes in cell morphology caused by the three-dimensional (3D) structure of nanofibers. We hypothesized that nanofiber effects on cell behavior may be mediated by changes in organelle structure and function. To test this hypothesis, human bone marrow stromal cells (hBMSCs) were cultured on poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) nanofibers scaffolds and on PCL flat spuncoat films. After 1 day-culture, hBMSCs were stained for actin, nucleus, mitochondria, and peroxisomes, and then imaged using 3D confocal microscopy. Imaging revealed that the hBMSC cell body (actin) and peroxisomal volume were reduced during culture on nanofibers. In addition, the nucleus and peroxisomes occupied a larger fraction of cell volume during culture on nanofibers than on films, suggesting enhancement of the nuclear and peroxisomal functional capacity. Organelles adopted morphologies with greater 3D-character on nanofibers, where the Z-Depth (a measure of cell thickness) was increased. Comparisons of organelle positions indicated that the nucleus, mitochondria, and peroxisomes were closer to the cell center (actin) for nanofibers, suggesting that nanofiber culture induced active organelle positioning. The smaller cell volume and more centralized organelle positioning would reduce the energy cost of inter-organelle vesicular transport during culture on nanofibers. Finally, hBMSC bioassay measurements (DNA, peroxidase, bioreductive potential, lactate, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP)) indicated that peroxidase activity may be enhanced during nanofiber culture. These results demonstrate that culture of hBMSCs on nanofibers caused changes in organelle structure and positioning, which may affect organelle functional capacity and transport. Published 2016. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 105B: 989-1001, 2017.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wojtek Tutak
- Biosystems and Biomaterials Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad, Yeddumailaram, AP, India
| | - Giri Jyotsnendu
- Biosystems and Biomaterials Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland.,Software and Systems Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland
| | - Peter Bajcsy
- American Dental Association Foundation, Gaithersburg, Maryland
| | - Carl G Simon
- Biosystems and Biomaterials Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Bang S, Na S, Jang JM, Kim J, Jeon NL. Engineering-Aligned 3D Neural Circuit in Microfluidic Device. Adv Healthc Mater 2016; 5:159-66. [PMID: 26332914 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201500397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2015] [Revised: 08/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The brain is one of the most important and complex organs in the human body. Although various neural network models have been proposed for in vitro 3D neuronal networks, it has been difficult to mimic functional and structural complexity of the in vitro neural circuit. Here, a microfluidic model of a simplified 3D neural circuit is reported. First, the microfluidic device is filled with Matrigel and continuous flow is delivered across the device during gelation. The fluidic flow aligns the extracellular matrix (ECM) components along the flow direction. Following the alignment of ECM fibers, neurites of primary rat cortical neurons are grown into the Matrigel at the average speed of 250 μm d(-1) and form axon bundles approximately 1500 μm in length at 6 days in vitro (DIV). Additionally, neural networks are developed from presynaptic to postsynaptic neurons at 14 DIV. The establishment of aligned 3D neural circuits is confirmed with the immunostaining of PSD-95 and synaptophysin and the observation of calcium signal transmission.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seokyoung Bang
- Division of WCU (World Class University) Multiscale Mechanical Design, School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Institute of Advanced Machinery and Design, Seoul National University, Seoul, 151-744, South Korea
| | - Sangcheol Na
- Division of WCU (World Class University) Multiscale Mechanical Design, School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Institute of Advanced Machinery and Design, Seoul National University, Seoul, 151-744, South Korea
| | - Jae Myung Jang
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Seoul National University, Seoul, 151-744, South Korea
| | - Jinhyun Kim
- Center for Functional Connectomics, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 136-791, South Korea
| | - Noo Li Jeon
- Division of WCU (World Class University) Multiscale Mechanical Design, School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Institute of Advanced Machinery and Design, Seoul National University, Seoul, 151-744, South Korea
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Tang W, Han N, Liu Y, Li Z, Wei Y. GSK3β expression and phosphorylation during neuronal maturation in the rat dorsal root ganglion. Int J Clin Exp Med 2015; 8:5897-5903. [PMID: 26131182 PMCID: PMC4483868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2015] [Accepted: 03/24/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3β) protein is a key regulator of neurogenesis, neuronal differentiation and polarisation during neurodevelopment. Sensory neurons in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) undergo a series of development stages during its maturation. In this study, we investigated the dynamic changes in GSK-3β expression and phosphorylation of its N-terminal serine-9 residue (p-GSK-3β (S9)) during DRG development. Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided according to the following ages: Embryonic 13(th) (E13), E15, E19, Postnatal 1(st) (P1), P3, P7, P14, P21 and P60 days. GSK-3β was detected by immunohistochemistry and double immunofluorescence on DRGs. Western blotting was used to determine the quantity of GSK-3β and p-GSK-3β (S9) expression. It was found that GSK-3β immunopositive cells in the DRG appeared as early as E13 development phase, and gradually increased to a peak level at P3, at which almost all neurons were GSK-3β positive, and then stayed at a high level to the experiment day 60. GSK3β expression was cell-type-specific during DRG maturation and exhibited cytoplasmic staining in the neuronal cell body and the axon. Glial cells consistently remained negative in DRGs at all stages. Western blot analysis revealed that GSK3β expression stayed the same during DRG maturation. In contrast, p-GSK-3β (S9) expression was stage-specific and decreased from E13 to P60 (P < 0.01). Taken together, these results suggest that GSK-3β expression is stage-specific and cell-type-specific during DRG maturation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenjie Tang
- Research Center for Translational Medicine, East Hospital, Tongji University School of MedicineNo. 150 Jimo Road, Shanghai 200120, China
- Key Laboratory of Arrhythmias of the Ministry of Education of China, Tongji University School of MedicineNo. 150 Jimo Road, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Ning Han
- Department of Trauma & Emergency Surgery, East Hospital, Tongji University School of MedicineNo. 150 Jimo Road, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Yangzhou Liu
- Department of Trauma & Emergency Surgery, East Hospital, Tongji University School of MedicineNo. 150 Jimo Road, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Zengchun Li
- Department of Trauma & Emergency Surgery, East Hospital, Tongji University School of MedicineNo. 150 Jimo Road, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Youzhen Wei
- Research Center for Translational Medicine, East Hospital, Tongji University School of MedicineNo. 150 Jimo Road, Shanghai 200120, China
- Key Laboratory of Arrhythmias of the Ministry of Education of China, Tongji University School of MedicineNo. 150 Jimo Road, Shanghai 200120, China
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Murphy NP, Lampe KJ. Mimicking biological phenomena in hydrogel-based biomaterials to promote dynamic cellular responses. J Mater Chem B 2015; 3:7867-7880. [DOI: 10.1039/c5tb01045d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Novel methods to endow cell-responsiveness into hydrogels are explored and successful work is summarized.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas P. Murphy
- Department of Chemical Engineering
- University of Virginia
- Charlottesville
- USA
| | - Kyle J. Lampe
- Department of Chemical Engineering
- University of Virginia
- Charlottesville
- USA
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Hu WW, Wang Z, Zhang SS, Jiang L, Zhang J, Zhang X, Lei QF, Park HJ, Fang WJ, Chen Z. Morphology and functions of astrocytes cultured on water-repellent fractal tripalmitin surfaces. Biomaterials 2014; 35:7386-97. [PMID: 24894646 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2014.05.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2014] [Accepted: 05/13/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
In the brain, astrocytes play an essential role with their multiple functions and sophisticated structure, as surrounded by a fractal environment which has not been available in our traditional cell culture. Water-repellent fractal tripalmitin (PPP) surfaces can imitate the fractal environment in vivo, so the morphology and biochemical characterization of astrocytes on these surfaces are examined. Water-repellent fractal PPP surface can induce astrocytes to display sophisticated morphology with smaller size of cell area, longer and finer filopodium-like processes, and higher morphological complexity. The super water-repellent fractal PPP surface with water contact angle of 150°∼160° produces the maximal effects compared with other surfaces at lower water contact angles. The trends of characteristic protein expression, including that of nestin, vimentin, GFAP and glutamine synthetase, for astrocytes cultured on super water-repellent fractal PPP surfaces approximate more to in vivo pattern. The super water-repellent PPP surface also render astrocytes to perform more pronounced promotion of neurogenesis by increasing the release of nerve growth factor in a co-culture system. Altogether, our results suggest that the super water-repellent fractal PPP surface facilitates the astrocytes to mimic their in vivo performance, thus provides a closer-to-natural culture environment for experimental assessment of glial structure and functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei-wei Hu
- Department of Pharmacology; Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of the Ministry of Health of China; Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences; College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, PR China
| | - Zhe Wang
- Department of Pharmacology; Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of the Ministry of Health of China; Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences; College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, PR China
| | - Shan-shan Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, PR China
| | - Lei Jiang
- Department of Pharmacology; Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of the Ministry of Health of China; Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences; College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, PR China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology; Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of the Ministry of Health of China; Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences; College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, PR China
| | - Xiangnan Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology; Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of the Ministry of Health of China; Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences; College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, PR China
| | - Qun-fang Lei
- Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, PR China
| | - Hyun-Joo Park
- Department of Neurosciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Wen-jun Fang
- Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, PR China
| | - Zhong Chen
- Department of Pharmacology; Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of the Ministry of Health of China; Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences; College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Farooque TM, Camp CH, Tison CK, Kumar G, Parekh SH, Simon CG. Measuring stem cell dimensionality in tissue scaffolds. Biomaterials 2014; 35:2558-67. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2013.12.092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2013] [Accepted: 12/22/2013] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
|
26
|
Horn-Ranney EL, Curley JL, Catig GC, Huval RM, Moore MJ. Structural and molecular micropatterning of dual hydrogel constructs for neural growth models using photochemical strategies. Biomed Microdevices 2013; 15:49-61. [PMID: 22903647 DOI: 10.1007/s10544-012-9687-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Chemotactic and haptotactic cues guide neurite growth toward appropriate targets by eliciting attractive or repulsive responses from the neurite growth cones. Here we present an integrated system allowing both structural and molecular micropatterning in dual hydrogel 3D tissue culture constructs for directing in vitro neuronal growth via structural, immobilized, and soluble guidance cues. These tissue culture constructs were fabricated into specifiable geometries using UV light reflected from a digital micromirror device acting as a dynamic photomask, resulting in dual hydrogel constructs consisting of a cell growth-restrictive polyethylene glycol (PEG) boundary with a cell growth-permissive interior of photolabile α-carboxy-2-nitrobenzyl cysteine agarose (CNBC-A). This CNBC-A was irradiated in discrete areas and subsequently tagged with maleimide-conjugated biomolecules. Fluorescent microscopy showed biomolecule binding only at the sites of irradiation in CNBC-A, and confocal microscopy confirmed 3D binding through the depth of the construct. Neurite outgrowth studies showed contained growth throughout CNBC-A. The diffusion rate of soluble fluorescein-bovine serum albumin through the dual hydrogel construct was controlled by PEG concentration and the distance between the protein source and the agarose interior; the timescale for a transient protein gradient changed with these parameters. These findings suggest the dual hydrogel system is a useful platform for manipulating a 3D in vitro microenvironment with patterned structural and molecular guidance cues for modeling neural growth and guidance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elaine L Horn-Ranney
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70118, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Ribeiro A, Balasubramanian S, Hughes D, Vargo S, Powell EM, Leach JB. β1-Integrin cytoskeletal signaling regulates sensory neuron response to matrix dimensionality. Neuroscience 2013; 248:67-78. [PMID: 23764511 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2013.05.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2013] [Accepted: 05/30/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Neuronal differentiation, pathfinding and morphology are directed by biochemical cues that in vivo are presented in a complex scaffold of extracellular matrix. This microenvironment is three-dimensional (3D) and heterogeneous. Therefore, it is not surprising that more physiologically-relevant cellular responses are found in 3D culture environments rather than on two-dimensional (2D) flat substrates. One key difference between 2D and 3D environments is the spatial arrangement of cell-matrix interactions. Integrins and other receptor proteins link the various molecules presented in the extracellular environment to intracellular signaling cascades and thus influence a number of neuronal responses including the availability and activation of integrins themselves. We have previously reported that a 3D substrate induces an important morphological transformation of embryonic mouse dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. Here, we investigate the hypothesis that β1-integrin signaling via focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and the RhoGTPases Rac and Rho influences neuronal morphology in 2D vs 3D environments. We report that β1-integrin activity and FAK phosphorylation at tyrosine 397 (FAKpY397) are linked to neuronal polarization as well as neurite outgrowth and branching. Rac and Rho expression are decreased in 3D vs 2D culture but not correlated with β1-integrin function. These results suggest that proper β1-integrin activity is required for the elaboration of physiologic DRG morphology and that 3D culture provides a more appropriate milieu to the mimic in vivo scenario. We propose that neuronal morphology may be directed during development and regeneration by factors that influence how β1-integrin, FAK and RhoGTPase molecules integrate substrate signals in the 3D microenvironment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Ribeiro
- Department of Chemical, Biochemical & Environmental Engineering, UMBC, Eng 314, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD 21250, USA
| | - S Balasubramanian
- Department of Chemical, Biochemical & Environmental Engineering, UMBC, Eng 314, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD 21250, USA
| | - D Hughes
- Department of Chemical, Biochemical & Environmental Engineering, UMBC, Eng 314, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD 21250, USA
| | - S Vargo
- Department of Chemical, Biochemical & Environmental Engineering, UMBC, Eng 314, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD 21250, USA
| | - E M Powell
- Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, HSF II S251, 20 Penn Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, HSF II S251, 20 Penn Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland School of Medicine, HSF II S251, 20 Penn Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - J B Leach
- Department of Chemical, Biochemical & Environmental Engineering, UMBC, Eng 314, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD 21250, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Lampe KJ, Antaris AL, Heilshorn SC. Design of three-dimensional engineered protein hydrogels for tailored control of neurite growth. Acta Biomater 2013; 9:5590-9. [PMID: 23128159 PMCID: PMC3926440 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2012.10.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2012] [Revised: 10/07/2012] [Accepted: 10/26/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The design of bioactive materials allows tailored studies probing cell-biomaterial interactions, however, relatively few studies have examined the effects of ligand density and material stiffness on neurite growth in three-dimensions. Elastin-like proteins (ELPs) have been designed with modular bioactive and structural regions to enable the systematic characterization of design parameters within three-dimensional (3-D) materials. To promote neurite out-growth and better understand the effects of common biomaterial design parameters on neuronal cultures we here focused on the cell-adhesive ligand density and hydrogel stiffness as design variables for ELP hydrogels. With the inherent design freedom of engineered proteins these 3-D ELP hydrogels enabled decoupled investigations into the effects of biomechanics and biochemistry on neurite out-growth from dorsal root ganglia. Increasing the cell-adhesive RGD ligand density from 0 to 1.9×10(7)ligands μm(-3) led to a significant increase in the rate, length, and density of neurite out-growth, as quantified by a high throughput algorithm developed for dense neurite analysis. An approximately two-fold improvement in total neurite out-growth was observed in materials with the higher ligand density at all time points up to 7 days. ELP hydrogels with initial elastic moduli of 0.5, 1.5, or 2.1kPa and identical RGD ligand densities revealed that the most compliant materials led to the greatest out-growth, with some neurites extending over 1800μm by day 7. Given the ability of ELP hydrogels to efficiently promote neurite out-growth within defined and tunable 3-D microenvironments these materials may be useful in developing therapeutic nerve guides and the further study of basic neuron-biomaterial interactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kyle J. Lampe
- Materials Science and Engineering Department, Stanford University
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Lampe KJ, Heilshorn SC. Building stem cell niches from the molecule up through engineered peptide materials. Neurosci Lett 2012; 519:138-46. [PMID: 22322073 PMCID: PMC3691058 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2012.01.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2011] [Accepted: 01/18/2012] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The native stem cell niche is a dynamic and complex microenvironment. Recapitulating this niche is a critical focus within the fields of stem cell biology, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine and requires the development of well-defined, tunable materials. Recent biomaterial design strategies seek to create engineered matrices that interact with cells at the molecular scale and allow on-demand, cell-triggered matrix modifications. Peptide and protein engineering can accomplish these goals through the molecular-level design of bioinductive and bioresponsive materials. This brief review focuses on engineered peptide and protein materials suitable for use as in vitro neural stem cell niche mimics and in vivo central nervous system repair. A key hallmark of these materials is the immense design freedom to specify the exact amino acid sequence leading to multi-functional bulk materials with tunable properties. These advanced materials are engineered using rational design strategies to recapitulate key aspects of the native neural stem cell niche. The resulting materials often combine the advantages of biological matrices with the engineering control of synthetic polymers. Future design strategies are expected to endow these materials with multiple layers of bi-directional feedback between the cell and the matrix, which will lead to more advanced mimics of the highly dynamic neural stem cell niche.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kyle J Lampe
- Materials Science and Engineering, 476 Lomita Mall, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
The fundamental role of subcellular topography in peripheral nerve repair therapies. Biomaterials 2012; 33:4264-76. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2012.02.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2012] [Accepted: 02/24/2012] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
|