1
|
Tan SH, Chua DAC, Tang JRJ, Bonnard C, Leavesley D, Liang K. Design of Hydrogel-based Scaffolds for in vitro Three-dimensional Human Skin Model Reconstruction. Acta Biomater 2022; 153:13-37. [DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2022.09.068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
|
2
|
Abstract
In vitro epithelial models are valuable tools for both academic and industrial laboratories to investigate tissue physiology and disease. Epithelial tissues comprise the surface epithelium, basement membrane, and underlying supporting stromal cells. There are various types of epithelial tissue and they have a diverse and intricate architecture in vivo, which cannot be successfully recapitulated using two-dimensional (2D) cell culture. Tissue engineering strategies can be applied to bioengineer the organized, multilayered, and multicellular structure of epithelial tissues in vitro. Alvetex® is a porous, polystyrene scaffold that enables fibroblasts to synthesize a complex network of endogenous, humanized extracellular matrix proteins. This creates a physiologically relevant three-dimensional (3D) subepithelial microenvironment, enriched with mechanical and chemical cues, which supports the organization and differentiation of epithelial cells. Such technology has been used to bioengineer different epithelial architectures in vitro, including the simple, columnar structure of the intestine and the stratified, squamous, and keratinized structure of skin. Epithelial tissue models provide a useful platform for fundamental and translational research, with multifaceted applications including disease modeling, drug discovery, and product development.
Collapse
|
3
|
Jahanshahi M, Hamdi D, Godau B, Samiei E, Sanchez-Lafuente CL, Neale KJ, Hadisi Z, Dabiri SMH, Pagan E, Christie BR, Akbari M. An Engineered Infected Epidermis Model for In Vitro Study of the Skin's Pro-Inflammatory Response. MICROMACHINES 2020; 11:mi11020227. [PMID: 32102205 PMCID: PMC7074829 DOI: 10.3390/mi11020227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Wound infection is a major clinical challenge that can significantly delay the healing process, can create pain, and requires prolonged hospital stays. Pre-clinical research to evaluate new drugs normally involves animals. However, ethical concerns, cost, and the challenges associated with interspecies variation remain major obstacles. Tissue engineering enables the development of in vitro human skin models for drug testing. However, existing engineered skin models are representative of healthy human skin and its normal functions. This paper presents a functional infected epidermis model that consists of a multilayer epidermis structure formed at an air-liquid interface on a hydrogel matrix and a three-dimensionally (3D) printed vascular-like network. The function of the engineered epidermis is evaluated by the expression of the terminal differentiation marker, filaggrin, and the barrier function of the epidermis model using the electrical resistance and permeability across the epidermal layer. The results showed that the multilayer structure enhances the electrical resistance by 40% and decreased the drug permeation by 16.9% in the epidermis model compared to the monolayer cell culture on gelatin. We infect the model with Escherichia coli to study the inflammatory response of keratinocytes by measuring the expression level of pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin 1 beta and tumor necrosis factor alpha). After 24 h of exposure to Escherichia coli, the level of IL-1β and TNF-α in control samples were 125 ± 78 and 920 ± 187 pg/mL respectively, while in infected samples, they were 1429 ± 101 and 2155.5 ± 279 pg/mL respectively. However, in ciprofloxacin-treated samples the levels of IL-1β and TNF-α without significant difference with respect to the control reached to 246 ± 87 and 1141.5 ± 97 pg/mL respectively. The robust fabrication procedure and functionality of this model suggest that the model has great potential for modeling wound infections and drug testing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Jahanshahi
- Laboratory for Innovations in MicroEngineering (LiME), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada; (M.J.); (D.H.); (B.G.); (E.S.); (Z.H.); (S.M.H.D.); (E.P.)
| | - David Hamdi
- Laboratory for Innovations in MicroEngineering (LiME), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada; (M.J.); (D.H.); (B.G.); (E.S.); (Z.H.); (S.M.H.D.); (E.P.)
| | - Brent Godau
- Laboratory for Innovations in MicroEngineering (LiME), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada; (M.J.); (D.H.); (B.G.); (E.S.); (Z.H.); (S.M.H.D.); (E.P.)
| | - Ehsan Samiei
- Laboratory for Innovations in MicroEngineering (LiME), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada; (M.J.); (D.H.); (B.G.); (E.S.); (Z.H.); (S.M.H.D.); (E.P.)
| | - Carla Liria Sanchez-Lafuente
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada; (C.L.S.-L.); (K.J.N.); (B.R.C.)
| | - Katie J. Neale
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada; (C.L.S.-L.); (K.J.N.); (B.R.C.)
| | - Zhina Hadisi
- Laboratory for Innovations in MicroEngineering (LiME), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada; (M.J.); (D.H.); (B.G.); (E.S.); (Z.H.); (S.M.H.D.); (E.P.)
| | - Seyed Mohammad Hossein Dabiri
- Laboratory for Innovations in MicroEngineering (LiME), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada; (M.J.); (D.H.); (B.G.); (E.S.); (Z.H.); (S.M.H.D.); (E.P.)
| | - Erik Pagan
- Laboratory for Innovations in MicroEngineering (LiME), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada; (M.J.); (D.H.); (B.G.); (E.S.); (Z.H.); (S.M.H.D.); (E.P.)
| | - Brian R. Christie
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada; (C.L.S.-L.); (K.J.N.); (B.R.C.)
| | - Mohsen Akbari
- Laboratory for Innovations in MicroEngineering (LiME), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada; (M.J.); (D.H.); (B.G.); (E.S.); (Z.H.); (S.M.H.D.); (E.P.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Hausmann C, Vogt A, Kerscher M, Ghoreschi K, Schäfer-Korting M, Zoschke C. Optimizing skin pharmacotherapy for older patients: the future is at hand but are we ready for it? Drug Discov Today 2020; 25:851-861. [PMID: 31987937 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2020.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 01/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Age-related changes affect both the local pharmacotherapy of skin diseases and the transdermal administration of drugs. The development of aged skin models disregards the highly individual process of aging, facilitating general conclusions for older patients. Nevertheless, 'omics technology, high-content screening, and non-invasive imaging, as well as bioprinting, CRISPR-Cas, and, patients-on-a-chip, can retrieve personalized information for the generation of in vitro models. Herein, we suggest a strategy to optimize pharmacotherapy for older patients. The technology for relevant human cell-based models is at hand and the consideration of patient heterogeneity is required to unlock their full potential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Hausmann
- Freie Universität Berlin, Institute of Pharmacy (Pharmacology & Toxicology), Königin-Luise-Strasse 2+4, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Annika Vogt
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Martina Kerscher
- Universität Hamburg, Division of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Papendamm 21, 20146 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Kamran Ghoreschi
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Monika Schäfer-Korting
- Freie Universität Berlin, Institute of Pharmacy (Pharmacology & Toxicology), Königin-Luise-Strasse 2+4, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian Zoschke
- Freie Universität Berlin, Institute of Pharmacy (Pharmacology & Toxicology), Königin-Luise-Strasse 2+4, 14195 Berlin, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
|
6
|
Unravelling effects of relative humidity on lipid barrier formation in human skin equivalents. Arch Dermatol Res 2019; 311:679-689. [PMID: 31321505 PMCID: PMC6787114 DOI: 10.1007/s00403-019-01948-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2019] [Revised: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Relative humidity (RH) levels vary continuously in vivo, although during in vitro generation of three-dimensional human skin equivalents (HSEs) these remain high (90-95%) to prevent evaporation of the cell-culture medium. However, skin functionality is directly influenced by environmental RH. As the barrier formation in HSEs is different, there is a need to better understand the role of cell-culture conditions during the generation of HSEs. In this study, we aim to investigate the effects of RH on epidermal morphogenesis and lipid barrier formation in HSEs. Therefore, two types of HSEs were developed at 90% or at 60% RH. Assessments were performed to determine epidermal morphogenesis by immunohistochemical analyses, ceramide composition by lipidomic analysis, and lipid organization by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and small-angle X-ray diffraction. We show that reduction of RH mainly affected the uppermost viable epidermal layers in the HSEs, including an enlargement of the granular cells and induction of epidermal cell activation. Neither the composition nor the organization of the lipids in the intercorneocyte space were substantially altered at reduced RH. In addition, lipid processing from glucosylceramides to ceramides was not affected by reduced RH in HSEs as shown by enzyme expression, enzyme activity, and substrate-to-product ratio. Our results demonstrate that RH directly influences epidermal morphogenesis, albeit the in vitro lipid barrier formation is comparable at 90% and 60% RH.
Collapse
|
7
|
Cheng F, Cao X, Li H, Liu T, Xie X, Huang D, Maharjan S, Bei HP, Gómez A, Li J, Zhan H, Shen H, Liu S, He J, Zhang YS. Generation of Cost-Effective Paper-Based Tissue Models through Matrix-Assisted Sacrificial 3D Printing. NANO LETTERS 2019; 19:3603-3611. [PMID: 31010289 PMCID: PMC6820351 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.9b00583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Due to the combined advantages of cellulose and nanoscale (diameter 20-60 nm), bacterial cellulose possesses a series of attractive features including its natural origin, moderate biosynthesis process, good biocompatibility, and cost-effectiveness. Moreover, bacterial cellulose nanofibers can be conveniently processed into three-dimensional (3D) intertwined structures and form stable paper devices after simple drying. These advantages make it suitable as the material for construction of organ-on-a-chip devices using matrix-assisted sacrificial 3D printing. We successfully fabricated various microchannel structures embedded in the bulk bacterial cellulose hydrogels and retained their integrity after the drying process. Interestingly, these paper-based devices containing hollow microchannels could be rehydrated and populated with relevant cells to form vascularized tissue models. As a proof-of-concept demonstration, we seeded human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) into the microchannels to obtain the vasculature and inoculated the MCF-7 cells onto the surrounding matrix of the paper device to build a 3D paper-based vascularized breast tumor model. The results showed that the microchannels were perfusable, and both HUVECs and MCF-7 cells exhibited favorable proliferation behaviors. This study may provide a new strategy for constructing simple and low-cost in vitro tissue models, which may find potential applications in drug screening and personalized medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Feng Cheng
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- MIIT Key Laboratory of Critical Materials Technology for New Energy Conversion and Storage, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, P.R. China
| | - Xia Cao
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Tissue Engineering, School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, P.R. China
| | - Hongbin Li
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- MIIT Key Laboratory of Critical Materials Technology for New Energy Conversion and Storage, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, P.R. China
| | - Tingting Liu
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Xin Xie
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Di Huang
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Sushila Maharjan
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Ho Pan Bei
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Ameyalli Gómez
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Jun Li
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Haoqun Zhan
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Salisbury School, Salisbury, Connecticut 06068, United States
| | - Haokai Shen
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Loomis Chaffee School, Windsor, Connecticut 06095, United States
| | - Sanwei Liu
- Micropower and Nanoengineering Lab, Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Jinmei He
- MIIT Key Laboratory of Critical Materials Technology for New Energy Conversion and Storage, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, P.R. China
| | - Yu Shrike Zhang
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Human skin equivalents cultured under hypoxia display enhanced epidermal morphogenesis and lipid barrier formation. Sci Rep 2019; 9:7811. [PMID: 31127151 PMCID: PMC6534609 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-44204-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Accepted: 05/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Human skin equivalents (HSEs) are three-dimensional cell models mimicking characteristics of native human skin (NHS) in many aspects. However, a limitation of HSEs is the altered in vitro morphogenesis and barrier formation. Differences between in vitro and in vivo skin could have been induced by suboptimal cell culture conditions, of which the level of oxygen in vitro (20%) is much higher than in vivo (0.5-8%). Our aim is to study how external oxygen levels affect epidermal morphogenesis and barrier formation in HSEs. In the present study, fibroblast and keratinocyte monocultures, and HSEs were generated under 20% (normoxia) and 3% (hypoxia) oxygen level. In all cultures under hypoxia, expression of hypoxia-inducible factor target genes was increased. Characterization of HSEs generated under hypoxia using immunohistochemical analyses of morphogenesis biomarkers revealed a reduction in epidermal thickness, reduced proliferation, similar early differentiation, and an attenuated terminal differentiation program compared to normoxia, better mimicking NHS. The stratum corneum ceramide composition was studied with liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Under hypoxia, HSEs exhibited a ceramide composition that more closely resembles that of NHS. Consequently, the lipid organization was improved. In conclusion, epidermal morphogenesis and barrier formation in HSEs reconstructed under hypoxia better mimics that of NHS.
Collapse
|
9
|
Mieremet A, van Dijk R, Boiten W, Gooris G, Bouwstra JA, El Ghalbzouri A. Characterization of human skin equivalents developed at body's core and surface temperatures. J Tissue Eng Regen Med 2019; 13:1122-1133. [PMID: 30945465 PMCID: PMC6767576 DOI: 10.1002/term.2858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2018] [Revised: 02/19/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Human skin equivalents (HSEs) are in vitro developed three‐dimensional models resembling native human skin (NHS) to a high extent. However, the epidermal lipid biosynthesis, barrier lipid composition, and organization are altered, leading to an elevated diffusion rate of therapeutic molecules. The altered lipid barrier formation in HSEs may be induced by standardized culture conditions, including a culture temperature of 37°C, which is dissimilar to skin surface temperature. Therefore, we aim to determine the influence of culture temperature during the generation of full thickness models (FTMs) on epidermal morphogenesis and lipid barrier formation. For this purpose, FTMs were developed at conventional core temperature (37°C) or lower temperatures (35°C and 33°C) and evaluated over a time period of 4 weeks. The stratum corneum (SC) lipid composition was analysed using advanced liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry analysis. Our results show that SC layers accumulated at a similar rate irrespective of culture temperature. At reduced culture temperature, an increased epidermal thickness, a disorganization of the lower epidermal cell layers, a delayed early differentiation, and an enlargement of granular cells were detected. Interestingly, melanogenesis was reduced at lower temperature. The ceramide subclass profile, chain length distribution, and level of unsaturated ceramides were similar in FTMs generated at 37°C and 35°C but changed when generated at 33°C, reducing the resemblance to NHS. Herein, we report that culture temperature affects epidermal morphogenesis substantially and to a lesser extent the lipid barrier formation, highlighting the importance of optimized external parameters during reconstruction of skin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arnout Mieremet
- Department of Dermatology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Rianne van Dijk
- Research division BioTherapeutics, LACDR, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Walter Boiten
- Research division BioTherapeutics, LACDR, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Gert Gooris
- Research division BioTherapeutics, LACDR, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Joke A Bouwstra
- Research division BioTherapeutics, LACDR, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Boiten W, Helder R, van Smeden J, Bouwstra J. Selectivity in cornified envelop binding of ceramides in human skin and the role of LXR inactivation on ceramide binding. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids 2019; 1864:1206-1213. [PMID: 31112754 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2019.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Revised: 04/23/2019] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The cornified lipid envelope (CLE) is a lipid monolayer covalently bound to the outside of corneocytes and is part of the stratum corneum (SC). The CLE is suggested to act as a scaffold for the unbound SC lipids. By profiling the bound CLE ceramides, a new subclass was discovered and identified as an omega-hydroxylated dihydrosphingosine (OdS) ceramide. Bound glucosylceramides were observed in superficial SC layers of healthy human skin. To investigate the relation between bound and unbound SC ceramides, the composition of both fractions was analyzed and compared. Selectivity in ceramide binding towards unsaturated ceramides and ceramides with a shorter chain length was observed. The selectivity in ceramide species bound to the cornified envelope is thought to have a physiological function in corneocyte flexibility. Next, it was examined if skin models exhibit an altered bound ceramide composition and if the composition was dependent on liver X-receptor (LXR) activation. The effects of an LXR agonist and antagonist on the bound ceramides composition of a full thickness model (FTM) were analyzed. In FTMs, a decreased amount of bound ceramides was observed compared to native human skin. Furthermore, FTMs had a bound ceramide fraction which consisted mostly of unsaturated and shorter ceramides. The LXR antagonist had a normalizing effect on the FTM bound ceramide composition. The agonist exhibited minimal effects. We show that ceramide binding is a selective process, yet, still is contingent on lipid synthesized.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Walter Boiten
- Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | - Richard Helder
- Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | - Jeroen van Smeden
- Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | - Joke Bouwstra
- Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Mieremet A, van Dijk R, Gooris G, Bouwstra JA, El Ghalbzouri A. Shedding light on the effects of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3 on epidermal lipid barrier formation in three-dimensional human skin equivalents. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2019; 189:19-27. [PMID: 30711472 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2019.01.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2018] [Revised: 01/17/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Human skin equivalents (HSEs) are three dimensional models resembling native human skin (NHS) in many aspects. Despite the manifold similarities to NHS, a restriction in its applications is the altered in vitro lipid barrier formation, which compromises the barrier functionality. This could be induced by suboptimal cell culturing conditions, which amongst others is the diminished activation of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) signalling pathway. The active metabolite of this signalling pathway is 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3). An interacting role in the formation of the skin barrier has been ascribed to this pathway, although it remains unresolved to which extent this pathway contributes to the (mal-)formation of the epidermal barrier in HSEs. Our aim is to study whether cell culture medium enriched with 1,25(OH)2D3 affects epidermal morphogenesis and lipid barrier formation in HSEs. Addition of 20 nM 1,25(OH)2D3 resulted in activation of the VDR signalling pathway by inducing transcription of VDR target genes (CYP24A and LL37) in keratinocyte monocultures and in HSEs. Characterization of HSEs supplemented with 1,25(OH)2D3 using immunohistochemical analyses revealed a high similarity in epidermal morphogenesis and in expression of lipid processing enzymes. The barrier formation was assessed using state-of-the art techniques analysing lipid composition and organization. Addition of 1,25(OH)2D3 did not alter the composition of ceramides. Additionally, the lateral and lamellar organization of the lipids was similar, irrespective of supplementation. In conclusion, epidermal morphogenesis and barrier formation in HSEs generated in presence or absence of 1,25(OH)2D3 leads to a similar morphogenesis and comparable barrier formation in vitro.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arnout Mieremet
- Department of Dermatology, Leiden University Medical Centre, the Netherlands; Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, the Netherlands
| | - Rianne van Dijk
- Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, the Netherlands
| | - Gert Gooris
- Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, the Netherlands
| | - Joke A Bouwstra
- Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, the Netherlands
| | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Andrée B, Ichanti H, Kalies S, Heisterkamp A, Strauß S, Vogt PM, Haverich A, Hilfiker A. Formation of three-dimensional tubular endothelial cell networks under defined serum-free cell culture conditions in human collagen hydrogels. Sci Rep 2019; 9:5437. [PMID: 30932006 PMCID: PMC6443732 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-41985-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2018] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Implementation of tubular endothelial cell networks is a prerequisite for 3D tissue engineering of constructs with clinically relevant size as nourishment of cells is challenged by the diffusion limit. In vitro generation of 3D networks is often achieved under conditions using serum containing cell culture medium and/or animal derived matrices. Here, 3D endothelial cell networks were generated by using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in combination with human adipose tissue derived stromal cells (hASCs) employing human collagen I as hydrogel and decellularized porcine small intestinal submucosa as starter matrix. Matrigel/rat tail collagen I hydrogel was used as control. Resulting constructs were cultivated either in serum-free medium or in endothelial growth medium-2 serving as control. Endothelial cell networks were quantified, tested for lumen formation, and interaction of HUVECs and hASCs. Tube diameter was slightly larger in constructs containing human collagen I compared to Matrigel/rat tail collagen I constructs under serum-free conditions. All other network parameters were mostly similar. Thereby, the feasibility of generating 3D endothelial cell networks under serum-free culture conditions in human collagen I as hydrogel was demonstrated. In summary, the presented achievements pave the way for the generation of clinical applicable constructs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Birgit Andrée
- Leibniz Research Laboratories for Biotechnology and Artificial Organs (LEBAO), Department of Cardiothoracic, Transplantation and Vascular Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Houda Ichanti
- Leibniz Research Laboratories for Biotechnology and Artificial Organs (LEBAO), Department of Cardiothoracic, Transplantation and Vascular Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Stefan Kalies
- Institute of Quantum Optics, Leibniz University Hannover, Hannover, Germany.,Lower Saxony Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Implant Research and Development, Hannover, Germany
| | - Alexander Heisterkamp
- Institute of Quantum Optics, Leibniz University Hannover, Hannover, Germany.,Lower Saxony Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Implant Research and Development, Hannover, Germany
| | - Sarah Strauß
- Department of Plastic, Asthetic, Hand- and Reconstructive Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Peter-Maria Vogt
- Department of Plastic, Asthetic, Hand- and Reconstructive Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Axel Haverich
- Leibniz Research Laboratories for Biotechnology and Artificial Organs (LEBAO), Department of Cardiothoracic, Transplantation and Vascular Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Andres Hilfiker
- Leibniz Research Laboratories for Biotechnology and Artificial Organs (LEBAO), Department of Cardiothoracic, Transplantation and Vascular Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Engineering a Multilayered Skin Equivalent: The Importance of Endogenous Extracellular Matrix Maturation to Provide Robustness and Reproducibility. Methods Mol Biol 2019; 1993:107-122. [PMID: 31148082 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-9473-1_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Human skin equivalents (HSEs) are a valuable tool for both academic and industrial laboratories to further the understanding of skin physiology and associated diseases. Over the last few decades, there have been many advances in the development of HSEs that successfully recapitulate the structure of human skin in vitro; however a main limitation is variability due to the use of complex protocols and exogenous extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. We have developed a robust and unique full-thickness skin equivalent that is highly reproducible due to the use of a consistent scaffold, commercially available cells, and defined low-serum media. The Alvetex® scaffold technology allows fibroblasts to produce their own endogenous ECM proteins within the scaffold, which alleviates the need for exogenous collagen, and supports the differentiation and stratification of the epidermis. Our full-thickness skin equivalent is generated using a detailed step-by-step protocol, which sequentially forms the multilayered structure of human skin in vitro. This model can be adapted for many downstream applications such as disease modeling and testing of active compounds for cosmetics.
Collapse
|