1
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Nazemidashtarjandi S, Larsen B, Cheng K, Faulkner S, Peppas NA, Parekh SH, Zoldan J. Near-infrared light-responsive hydrogels for on-demand dual delivery of proangiogenic growth factors. Acta Biomater 2024; 183:61-73. [PMID: 38838911 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2024.05.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Achieving precise spatiotemporal control over the release of proangiogenic factors is crucial for vasculogenesis, the process of de novo blood vessel formation. Although various strategies have been explored, there is still a need to develop cell-laden biomaterials with finely controlled release of proangiogenic factors at specific locations and time points. We report on the developed of a near-infrared (NIR) light-responsive collagen hydrogel comprised of gold nanorods (GNRs)-conjugated liposomes containing proangiogenic growth factors (GFs). We demonstrated that this system enables on-demand dual delivery of GFs at specific sites and over selected time intervals. Liposomes were strategically formulated to encapsulate either platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) or vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), each conjugated to gold nanorods (GNRs) with distinct geometries and surface plasmon resonances at 710 nm (GNR710) and 1064 nm (GNR1064), respectively. Using near infrared (NIR) irradiation and two-photon (2P) luminescence imaging, we successfully demonstrated the independent release of PDGF from GNR710 conjugated liposomes and VEGF from GNR1064-conjugated liposomes. Our imaging data revealed rapid release kinetics, with localized PDGF released in approximately 4 min and VEGF in just 1 and a half minutes following NIR laser irradiation. Importantly, we demonstrated that the release of each GF could be independently triggered using NIR irradiation with the other GF formulation remaining retained within the liposomes. This light-responsive collagen hydrogels holds promise for various applications in regenerative medicine where the establishment of a guided vascular network is essential for the survival and integration of engineered tissues. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: In this study, we have developed a light-responsive system with gold nanorods (GNRs)-conjugated liposomes in a collagen hydrogel, enabling precise dual delivery of proangiogenic growth factors (GFs) at specific locations and timepoints. Liposomes, containing platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) or vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), release independently under near- infrared irradiation. This approach allows external activation of desired GF release, ensuring high cell viability. Each GF can be triggered independently, retaining the other within the liposomes. Beyond its application in establishing functional vascular networks, this dual delivery system holds promise as a universal platform for delivering various combinations of two or more GFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeed Nazemidashtarjandi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78711, United Sates
| | - Bryce Larsen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78711, United Sates
| | - Kristie Cheng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78711, United Sates
| | - Sara Faulkner
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78711, United Sates
| | - Nicholas A Peppas
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78711, United Sates; Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78711, United Sates
| | - Sapun H Parekh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78711, United Sates
| | - Janet Zoldan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78711, United Sates.
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2
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Biswas PK, Park J. Applications, challenges, and prospects of induced pluripotent stem cells for vascular disease. Mol Cells 2024; 47:100077. [PMID: 38825189 PMCID: PMC11260847 DOI: 10.1016/j.mocell.2024.100077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Vascular disease, including heart disease, stroke, and peripheral arterial disease, is one of the leading causes of death and disability and represents a significant global health issue. Since the development of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) in 2007, hiPSCs have provided unique and tremendous opportunities for studying human pathophysiology, disease modeling, and drug discovery in the field of regenerative medicine. In this review, we discuss vascular physiology and related diseases, the current methods for generating vascular cells (eg, endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and pericytes) from hiPSCs, and describe the opportunities and challenges to the clinical applications of vascular organoids, tissue-engineered blood vessels, and vessels-on-a-chip. We then explore how hiPSCs can be used to study and treat inherited vascular diseases and discuss the current challenges and future prospects. In the future, it will be essential to develop vascularized organoids or tissues that can simultaneously undergo shear stress and cyclic stretching. This development will not only increase their maturity and function but also enable effective and innovative disease modeling and drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Polash Kumar Biswas
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do 24252, South Korea
| | - Jinkyu Park
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do 24252, South Korea; Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511, USA.
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3
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Zambuto SG, Theriault H, Jain I, Crosby CO, Pintescu I, Chiou N, Oyen ML, Zoldan J, Underhill GH, Harley BAC, Clancy KBH. Endometrial decidualization status modulates endometrial microvascular complexity and trophoblast outgrowth in gelatin methacryloyl hydrogels. NPJ WOMEN'S HEALTH 2024; 2:22. [PMID: 39036057 PMCID: PMC11259096 DOI: 10.1038/s44294-024-00020-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
The endometrium undergoes rapid cycles of vascular growth, remodeling, and breakdown during the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. Decidualization is an endometrial differentiation process driven by steroidal sex hormones that is critical for blastocyst-uterine interfacing and blastocyst implantation. Certain pregnancy disorders may be linked to decidualization processes. However, much remains unknown regarding the role of decidualization and reciprocal trophoblast-endometrial interactions on endometrial angiogenesis and trophoblast invasion. Here, we report an engineered endometrial microvascular network embedded in gelatin hydrogels that displays morphological and functional patterns of decidualization. Vessel complexity and biomolecule secretion are sensitive to decidualization and affect trophoblast motility, but that signaling between endometrial and trophoblast cells was not bi-directional. Although endometrial microvascular network decidualization status influences trophoblast cells, trophoblast cells did not induce structural changes in the endometrial microvascular networks. These findings add to a growing literature that the endometrium has biological agency at the uterine-trophoblast interface during implantation. Finally, we form a stratified endometrial tri-culture model, combining engineered microvascular networks with epithelial cells. These endometrial microvascular networks provide a well-characterized platform to investigate dynamic changes in angiogenesis in response to pathological and physiological endometrial states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha G. Zambuto
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Hannah Theriault
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Ishita Jain
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Cody O. Crosby
- Department of Physics, Southwestern University, Georgetown, TX 78626, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Ioana Pintescu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Noah Chiou
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Michelle L. Oyen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
- Center for Women’s Health Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Janet Zoldan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Gregory H. Underhill
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Brendan A. C. Harley
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Department Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Kathryn B. H. Clancy
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Department of Anthropology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science & Technology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
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4
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Zambuto SG, Jain I, Theriault HS, Underhill GH, Harley BAC. Cell Chirality of Micropatterned Endometrial Microvascular Endothelial Cells. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2303928. [PMID: 38291861 PMCID: PMC11076162 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202303928] [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: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Chirality is an intrinsic cellular property that describes cell polarization biases along the left-right axis, apicobasal axis, or front-rear axes. Cell chirality plays a significant role in the arrangement of organs in the body as well as in the orientation of organelles, cytoskeletons, and cells. Vascular networks within the endometrium, the mucosal inner lining of the uterus, commonly display spiral architectures that rapidly form across the menstrual cycle. Herein, the role of endometrial-relevant extracellular matrix stiffness, composition, and soluble signals on endometrial endothelial cell chirality is systematically examined using a high-throughput microarray. Endometrial endothelial cells display marked patterns of chirality as individual cells and as cohorts in response to substrate stiffness and environmental cues. Vascular networks formed from endometrial endothelial cells also display shifts in chirality as a function of exogenous hormones. Changes in cellular-scale chirality correlate with changes in vascular network parameters, suggesting a critical role for cellular chirality in directing endometrial vessel network organization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha G Zambuto
- Dept. of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Ishita Jain
- Dept. of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Hannah S Theriault
- Dept. of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Gregory H Underhill
- Dept. of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Brendan A C Harley
- Dept. Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
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5
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Stern B, Monteleone P, Zoldan J. SARS-CoV-2 spike protein induces endothelial dysfunction in 3D engineered vascular networks. J Biomed Mater Res A 2024; 112:524-533. [PMID: 37029655 PMCID: PMC10560313 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.37543] [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: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023]
Abstract
With new daily discoveries about the long-term impacts of COVID-19, there is a clear need to develop in vitro models that can be used to better understand the pathogenicity and impact of COVID-19. Here, we demonstrate the utility of developing a model of endothelial dysfunction that utilizes human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived endothelial progenitors encapsulated in collagen hydrogels to study the effects of COVID-19 on the endothelium. These cells form capillary-like vasculature within 1 week after encapsulation and treating these cell-laden hydrogels with SARS-CoV-2 spike protein resulted in a significant decrease in the number of vessel-forming cells as well as vessel network connectivity quantified by our computational pipeline. This vascular dysfunction is a unique phenomenon observed upon treatment with SARS-CoV-2 SP and is not seen upon treatment with other coronaviruses, indicating that these effects were specific to SARS-CoV-2. We show that this vascular dysfunction is caused by an increase in inflammatory cytokines, associated with the COVID-19 cytokine storm, released from SARS-CoV-2 spike protein treated endothelial cells. Following treatment with the corticosteroid dexamethasone, we were able to prevent SARS-CoV-2 spike protein-induced endothelial dysfunction. Our results highlight the importance of understanding the interactions between SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and the endothelium and show that even in the absence of immune cells, the proposed 3D in vitro model for angiogenesis can reproduce COVID-19-induced endothelial dysfunction seen in clinical settings. This model represents a significant step in creating physiologically relevant disease models to further study the impact of long COVID and potentially identify mitigating therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett Stern
- The University of Texas at Austin, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Peter Monteleone
- The University of Texas at Austin, Dell Medical School, Department of Internal Medicine, Austin, Texas, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ascension Texas Cardiovascular, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Janet Zoldan
- The University of Texas at Austin, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Austin, Texas, USA
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6
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Huang NF, Stern B, Oropeza BP, Zaitseva TS, Paukshto MV, Zoldan J. Bioengineering Cell Therapy for Treatment of Peripheral Artery Disease. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2024; 44:e66-e81. [PMID: 38174560 PMCID: PMC10923024 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.123.318126] [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] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Peripheral artery disease is an atherosclerotic disease associated with limb ischemia that necessitates limb amputation in severe cases. Cell therapies comprised of adult mononuclear or stromal cells have been clinically tested and show moderate benefits. Bioengineering strategies can be applied to modify cell behavior and function in a controllable fashion. Using mechanically tunable or spatially controllable biomaterials, we highlight examples in which biomaterials can increase the survival and function of the transplanted cells to improve their revascularization efficacy in preclinical models. Biomaterials can be used in conjunction with soluble factors or genetic approaches to further modulate the behavior of transplanted cells and the locally implanted tissue environment in vivo. We critically assess the advances in bioengineering strategies such as 3-dimensional bioprinting and immunomodulatory biomaterials that can be applied to the treatment of peripheral artery disease and then discuss the current challenges and future directions in the implementation of bioengineering strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ngan F. Huang
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- Center for Tissue Regeneration, Repair and Restoration, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Brett Stern
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78711, USA
| | - Beu P. Oropeza
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- Center for Tissue Regeneration, Repair and Restoration, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, USA
| | | | | | - Janet Zoldan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78711, USA
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7
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Zambuto SG, Jain I, Theriault HS, Underhill GH, Harley BAC. Cell Chirality of Micropatterned Endometrial Microvascular Endothelial Cells. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.20.563368. [PMID: 37961315 PMCID: PMC10634711 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.20.563368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Chirality is an intrinsic cellular property that describes cell polarization biases along the left-right axis, apicobasal axis, or front-rear axes. Cell chirality plays a significant role in the arrangement of organs in the body as well as the orientation of organelles, cytoskeletons, and cells. Vascular networks within the endometrium, the mucosal inner lining of the uterus, commonly display spiral architectures that rapidly form across the menstrual cycle. Herein, we systematically examine the role of endometrial-relevant extracellular matrix stiffness, composition, and soluble signals on endometrial endothelial cell chirality using a high-throughput microarray. Endometrial endothelial cells display marked patterns of chirality as individual cells and as cohorts in response to substrate stiffness and environmental cues. Vascular networks formed from endometrial endothelial cells also display shifts in chirality as a function of exogenous hormones. Changes in cellular-scale chirality correlate with changes in vascular network parameters, suggesting a critical role for cellular chirality in directing endometrial vessel network organization.
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8
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Nicosia A, Salamone M, Costa S, Ragusa MA, Ghersi G. Mimicking Molecular Pathways in the Design of Smart Hydrogels for the Design of Vascularized Engineered Tissues. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12314. [PMID: 37569691 PMCID: PMC10418696 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Biomaterials are pivotal in supporting and guiding vascularization for therapeutic applications. To design effective, bioactive biomaterials, understanding the cellular and molecular processes involved in angiogenesis and vasculogenesis is crucial. Biomaterial platforms can replicate the interactions between cells, the ECM, and the signaling molecules that trigger blood vessel formation. Hydrogels, with their soft and hydrated properties resembling natural tissues, are widely utilized; particularly synthetic hydrogels, known for their bio-inertness and precise control over cell-material interactions, are utilized. Naturally derived and synthetic hydrogel bases are tailored with specific mechanical properties, controlled for biodegradation, and enhanced for cell adhesion, appropriate biochemical signaling, and architectural features that facilitate the assembly and tubulogenesis of vascular cells. This comprehensive review showcases the latest advancements in hydrogel materials and innovative design modifications aimed at effectively guiding and supporting vascularization processes. Furthermore, by leveraging this knowledge, researchers can advance biomaterial design, which will enable precise support and guidance of vascularization processes and ultimately enhance tissue functionality and therapeutic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aldo Nicosia
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation-National Research Council (IRIB-CNR), Via Ugo la Malfa 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Monica Salamone
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation-National Research Council (IRIB-CNR), Via Ugo la Malfa 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Salvatore Costa
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Ed. 16, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (S.C.); (M.A.R.); (G.G.)
| | - Maria Antonietta Ragusa
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Ed. 16, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (S.C.); (M.A.R.); (G.G.)
| | - Giulio Ghersi
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Ed. 16, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (S.C.); (M.A.R.); (G.G.)
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9
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Extracellular Matrix-Based Approaches in Cardiac Regeneration: Challenges and Opportunities. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232415783. [PMID: 36555424 PMCID: PMC9779713 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232415783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac development is characterized by the active proliferation of different cardiac cell types, in particular cardiomyocytes and endothelial cells, that eventually build the beating heart. In mammals, these cells lose their regenerative potential early after birth, representing a major obstacle to our current capacity to restore the myocardial structure and function after an injury. Increasing evidence indicates that the cardiac extracellular matrix (ECM) actively regulates and orchestrates the proliferation, differentiation, and migration of cardiac cells within the heart, and that any change in either the composition of the ECM or its mechanical properties ultimately affect the behavior of these cells throughout one's life. Thus, understanding the role of ECMs' proteins and related signaling pathways on cardiac cell proliferation is essential to develop effective strategies fostering the regeneration of a damaged heart. This review provides an overview of the components of the ECM and its mechanical properties, whose function in cardiac regeneration has been elucidated, with a major focus on the strengths and weaknesses of the experimental models so far exploited to demonstrate the actual pro-regenerative capacity of the components of the ECM and to translate this knowledge into new therapies.
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10
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Ngo MT, Sarkaria JN, Harley BA. Perivascular Stromal Cells Instruct Glioblastoma Invasion, Proliferation, and Therapeutic Response within an Engineered Brain Perivascular Niche Model. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2201888. [PMID: 36109186 PMCID: PMC9631060 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202201888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) tumor cells are found in the perivascular niche microenvironment and are believed to associate closely with the brain microvasculature. However, it is largely unknown how the resident cells of the perivascular niche, such as endothelial cells, pericytes, and astrocytes, influence GBM tumor cell behavior and disease progression. A 3D in vitro model of the brain perivascular niche developed by encapsulating brain-derived endothelial cells, pericytes, and astrocytes in a gelatin hydrogel is described. It is shown that brain perivascular stromal cells, namely pericytes and astrocytes, contribute to vascular architecture and maturation. Cocultures of patient-derived GBM tumor cells with brain microvascular cells are used to identify a role for pericytes and astrocytes in establishing a perivascular niche environment that modulates GBM cell invasion, proliferation, and therapeutic response. Engineered models provide unique insight regarding the spatial patterning of GBM cell phenotypes in response to a multicellular model of the perivascular niche. Critically, it is shown that engineered perivascular models provide an important resource to evaluate mechanisms by which intercellular interactions modulate GBM tumor cell behavior, drug response, and provide a framework to consider patient-specific disease phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mai T. Ngo
- Department Chemical and Biomolecular EngineeringUniversity of Illinois Urbana‐ChampaignUrbanaIL61801USA
| | | | - Brendan A.C. Harley
- Department Chemical and Biomolecular EngineeringUniversity of Illinois Urbana‐ChampaignUrbanaIL61801USA
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic BiologyUniversity of Illinois Urbana‐ChampaignUrbanaIL61801USA
- Cancer Center at IllinoisUniversity of Illinois Urbana‐ChampaignUrbanaIL61801USA
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11
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Stern B, Monteleone P, Zoldan J. SARS-CoV-2 spike protein induces endothelial dysfunction in 3D engineered vascular networks. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2022:2022.10.01.510442. [PMID: 36238721 PMCID: PMC9558435 DOI: 10.1101/2022.10.01.510442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
With new daily discoveries about the long-term impacts of COVID-19 there is a clear need to develop in vitro models that can be used to better understand the pathogenicity and impact of COVID-19. Here we demonstrate the utility of developing a model of endothelial dysfunction that utilizes induced pluripotent stem cell-derived endothelial progenitors encapsulated in collagen hydrogels to study the effects of COVID-19 on the endothelium. We found that treating these cell-laden hydrogels with SARS-CoV-2 spike protein resulted in a significant decrease in the number of vessel-forming cells as well as vessel network connectivity. Following treatment with the anti-inflammatory drug dexamethasone, we were able to prevent SARS-CoV-2 spike protein-induced endothelial dysfunction. In addition, we confirmed release of inflammatory cytokines associated with the COVID-19 cytokine storm. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that even in the absence of immune cells, we are able to use this 3D in vitro model for angiogenesis to reproduce COVID-19 induced endothelial dysfunction seen in clinical settings.
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12
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Arkenberg MR, Koehler K, Lin CC. Heparinized Gelatin-Based Hydrogels for Differentiation of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells. Biomacromolecules 2022; 23:4141-4152. [PMID: 36074748 PMCID: PMC9554908 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.2c00585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Chemically defined
hydrogels are increasingly utilized to define
the effects of extracellular matrix (ECM) components on cellular fate
determination of human embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cell
(hESC and hiPSCs). In particular, hydrogels cross-linked by orthogonal
click chemistry, including thiol-norbornene photopolymerization and
inverse electron demand Diels–Alder (iEDDA) reactions, are
explored for 3D culture of hESC/hiPSCs owing to the specificity, efficiency,
cytocompatibility, and modularity of the cross-linking reactions.
In this work, we exploited the modularity of thiol-norbornene photopolymerization
to create a biomimetic hydrogel platform for 3D culture and differentiation
of hiPSCs. A cell-adhesive, protease-labile, and cross-linkable gelatin
derivative, gelatin-norbornene (GelNB), was used as the backbone polymer
for constructing hiPSC-laden biomimetic hydrogels. GelNB was further
heparinized via the iEDDA click reaction using tetrazine-modified
heparin (HepTz), creating GelNB-Hep. GelNB or GelNB-Hep was modularly
cross-linked with either inert macromer poly(ethylene glycol)-tetra-thiol
(PEG4SH) or another bioactive macromer-thiolated hyaluronic acid (THA).
The formulations of these hydrogels were modularly tuned to afford
biomimetic matrices with similar elastic moduli but varying bioactive
components, enabling the understanding of each bioactive component
on supporting hiPSC growth and ectodermal, mesodermal, and endodermal
fate commitment under identical soluble differentiation cues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew R Arkenberg
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Karl Koehler
- Departments of Otolaryngology and Plastic and Oral Surgery, F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Chien-Chi Lin
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue School of Engineering & Technology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202, United States
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13
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ABSTRACTS (BY NUMBER). Tissue Eng Part A 2022. [DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2022.29025.abstracts] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
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14
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Ngo MT, Barnhouse VR, Gilchrist AE, Mahadik BP, Hunter CJ, Hensold JN, Petrikas N, Harley BAC. Hydrogels Containing Gradients in Vascular Density Reveal Dose-Dependent Role of Angiocrine Cues on Stem Cell Behavior. ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS 2021; 31:2101541. [PMID: 35558090 PMCID: PMC9090181 DOI: 10.1002/adfm.202101541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Biomaterials that replicate patterns of microenvironmental signals from the stem cell niche offer the potential to refine platforms to regulate stem cell behavior. While significant emphasis has been placed on understanding the effects of biophysical and biochemical cues on stem cell fate, vascular-derived or angiocrine cues offer an important alternative signaling axis for biomaterial-based stem cell platforms. Elucidating dose-dependent relationships between angiocrine cues and stem cell fate are largely intractable in animal models and 2D cell cultures. In this study, microfluidic mixing devices are leveraged to generate 3D hydrogels containing lateral gradients in vascular density alongside murine hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Regional differences in vascular density can be generated via embossed gradients in cell, matrix, or growth factor density. HSCs co-cultured alongside vascular gradients reveal spatial patterns of HSC phenotype in response to angiocrine signals. Notably, decreased Akt signaling in high vessel density regions led to increased expansion of lineage-positive hematopoietic cells. This approach offers a combinatorial tool to rapidly screen a continuum of microenvironments with varying vascular, biophysical, and biochemical cues to reveal the influence of local angiocrine signals on HSC fate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mai T Ngo
- Dept. Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Victoria R Barnhouse
- Dept. Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Aidan E Gilchrist
- Dept. Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Bhushan P Mahadik
- Dept. Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Christine J Hunter
- Dept. Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Joy N Hensold
- Dept. Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Nathan Petrikas
- Dept. Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Brendan A C Harley
- Dept. Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; Dept. Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; Dept. Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
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15
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Baudequin T, Naudot M, Dupont S, Testelin S, Devauchelle B, Bedoui F, Marolleau JP, Legallais C. Donor variability alters differentiation and mechanical cohesion of tissue-engineered constructs with human endothelial/MSC co-culture. Int J Artif Organs 2021; 44:868-879. [PMID: 34643146 DOI: 10.1177/03913988211051758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
To move towards clinical applications, tissue engineering (TE) should be validated with human primary cells and offer easy connection to the native vascularisation. Based on a sheet-like bone substitute developed previously, we investigated a mesenchymal stem cells/endothelial cells (MSCs/ECs) coculture to enhance pre-vascularisation. Using MSCs from six independent donors whose differentiation potential was assessed towards two lineages, we focused on donor variability and cell crosstalk regarding bone differentiation. Coculture was performed on calcium phosphate granules in a specific chamber during 1 month. MSCs were seeded first then ECs were added after 2 weeks, with respective monocultures as control groups. Cell viability and organisation (fluorescence, electronic microscopy), differentiation (ALP staining/activity, RT-qPCR) and mechanical cohesion were analysed. Adaptation of the protocol to coculture was validated (high cell viability and proliferation). Activity and differentiation showed strong trends towards synergistic effects between cell types. MSCs reached early mineralisation stage of maturation. The delayed addition of ECs allowed for their attachment on developed MSCs' matrix. The main impact of donor variability could be here the lack of cell proliferation potential with some donors, leading to low differentiation and mechanical cohesion and therefore absence of sheet-like shape successfully obtained with others. We suggest therefore adapting protocols to cell proliferation potentials from one batch of cells to the other in a patient-specific approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothée Baudequin
- Université de technologie de Compiègne, CNRS, Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Centre de recherche Royallieu , Compiègne Cedex
| | - Marie Naudot
- Normal and Pathological Lymphocytes and Cancer, EA4666, Université de Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens, France
| | - Sébastien Dupont
- Normal and Pathological Lymphocytes and Cancer, EA4666, Université de Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens, France.,UMR 1148, Inserm-Paris7 - Denis Diderot University, Xavier Bichat Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Sylvie Testelin
- Service de Chirurgie maxillo-faciale, CHU Amiens Picardie Sud, Amiens, France
| | - Bernard Devauchelle
- Service de Chirurgie maxillo-faciale, CHU Amiens Picardie Sud, Amiens, France
| | - Fahmi Bedoui
- Université de technologie de Compiègne, CNRS, Roberval (Mechanics energy and electricity), Centre de recherche Royallieu, Compiègne Cedex
| | - Jean-Pierre Marolleau
- Normal and Pathological Lymphocytes and Cancer, EA4666, Université de Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens, France
| | - Cécile Legallais
- Université de technologie de Compiègne, CNRS, Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Centre de recherche Royallieu , Compiègne Cedex
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16
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Zhao J, Patel J, Kaur S, Sim SL, Wong HY, Styke C, Hogan I, Kahler S, Hamilton H, Wadlow R, Dight J, Hashemi G, Sormani L, Roy E, Yoder MC, Francois M, Khosrotehrani K. Sox9 and Rbpj differentially regulate endothelial to mesenchymal transition and wound scarring in murine endovascular progenitors. Nat Commun 2021; 12:2564. [PMID: 33963183 PMCID: PMC8105340 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-22717-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is a leading cause of fibrosis and disease, however its mechanism has yet to be elucidated. The endothelium possesses a profound regenerative capacity to adapt and reorganize that is attributed to a population of vessel-resident endovascular progenitors (EVP) governing an endothelial hierarchy. Here, using fate analysis, we show that two transcription factors SOX9 and RBPJ specifically affect the murine EVP numbers and regulate lineage specification. Conditional knock-out of Sox9 from the vasculature (Sox9fl/fl/Cdh5-CreERRosaYFP) depletes EVP while enhancing Rbpj expression and canonical Notch signalling. Additionally, skin wound analysis from Sox9 conditional knock-out mice demonstrates a significant reduction in pathological EndMT resulting in reduced scar area. The converse is observed with Rbpj conditionally knocked-out from the murine vasculature (Rbpjfl/fl/Cdh5-CreER RosaYFP) or inhibition of Notch signaling in human endothelial colony forming cells, resulting in enhanced Sox9 and EndMT related gene (Snail, Slug, Twist1, Twist2, TGF-β) expression. Similarly, increased endothelial hedgehog signaling (Ptch1fl/fl/Cdh5-CreER RosaYFP), that upregulates the expression of Sox9 in cells undergoing pathological EndMT, also results in excess fibrosis. Endothelial cells transitioning to a mesenchymal fate express increased Sox9, reduced Rbpj and enhanced EndMT. Importantly, using topical administration of siRNA against Sox9 on skin wounds can substantially reduce scar area by blocking pathological EndMT. Overall, here we report distinct fates of EVPs according to the relative expression of Rbpj or Notch signalling and Sox9, highlighting their potential plasticity and opening exciting avenues for more effective therapies in fibrotic diseases. How endothelial to mesenchymal transition is regulated in endovascular progenitors is unclear. Here, the authors show that blocking Sox9 expression in murine endovascular progenitors regulates this transition on skin wounding, affecting the size of scarring, with changes in Rbpj having the opposite effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jilai Zhao
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Jatin Patel
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia.,Centre for Ageing Research Program, Queensland University of Technology, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Simranpreet Kaur
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Seen-Ling Sim
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Ho Yi Wong
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Cassandra Styke
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Isabella Hogan
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Sam Kahler
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Hamish Hamilton
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Racheal Wadlow
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - James Dight
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Ghazaleh Hashemi
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Laura Sormani
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Edwige Roy
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Mervin C Yoder
- Indiana Center for Regenerative Medicine and Engineering, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Mathias Francois
- The David Richmond Laboratory for Cardiovascular Development: Gene Regulation and Editing Program, The Centenary Institute, Camperdown, NSW, Australia.,The School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Kiarash Khosrotehrani
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia.
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17
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Tu C, Cunningham NJ, Zhang M, Wu JC. Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells as a Screening Platform for Drug-Induced Vascular Toxicity. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:613837. [PMID: 33790786 PMCID: PMC8006367 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.613837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Evaluation of potential vascular injury is an essential part of the safety study during pharmaceutical development. Vascular liability issues are important causes of drug termination during preclinical investigations. Currently, preclinical assessment of vascular toxicity primarily relies on the use of animal models. However, accumulating evidence indicates a significant discrepancy between animal toxicity and human toxicity, casting doubt on the clinical relevance of animal models for such safety studies. While the causes of this discrepancy are expected to be multifactorial, species differences are likely a key factor. Consequently, a human-based model is a desirable solution to this problem, which has been made possible by the advent of human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). In particular, recent advances in the field now allow the efficient generation of a variety of vascular cells (e.g., endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and pericytes) from iPSCs. Using these cells, different vascular models have been established, ranging from simple 2D cultures to highly sophisticated vascular organoids and microfluidic devices. Toxicity testing using these models can recapitulate key aspects of vascular pathology on molecular (e.g., secretion of proinflammatory cytokines), cellular (e.g., cell apoptosis), and in some cases, tissue (e.g., endothelium barrier dysfunction) levels. These encouraging data provide the rationale for continuing efforts in the exploration, optimization, and validation of the iPSC technology in vascular toxicology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengyi Tu
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Nathan J Cunningham
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Mao Zhang
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Joseph C Wu
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States.,Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States.,Department of Radiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
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18
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Crosby CO, Hillsley A, Kumar S, Stern B, Parekh SH, Rosales A, Zoldan J. Phototunable interpenetrating polymer network hydrogels to stimulate the vasculogenesis of stem cell-derived endothelial progenitors. Acta Biomater 2021; 122:133-144. [PMID: 33359297 PMCID: PMC7983093 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2020.12.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Vascularization of engineered scaffolds remains a critical obstacle hindering the translation of tissue engineering from the bench to the clinic. We previously demonstrated the robust micro-vascularization of collagen hydrogels with induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived endothelial progenitors; however, physically cross-linked collagen hydrogels compact rapidly and exhibit limited strength. We have synthesized an interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) hydrogel comprised of collagen and norbornene-modified hyaluronic acid (NorHA) to address these challenges. This dual-network hydrogel combines the natural cues presented by collagen's binding sites and extracellular matrix (ECM)-mimicking fibrous architecture with the in situ modularity and chemical cross-linking of NorHA. We modulated the IPN hydrogel's stiffness and degradability by varying the concentration and sequence, respectively, of the NorHA peptide cross-linker. Rheological characterization of the photo-mediated gelation process revealed that the IPN hydrogel's stiffness increased with cross-linker concentration and was decoupled from the bulk NorHA content. Conversely, the swelling of the IPN hydrogel decreased linearly with increasing cross-linker concentration. Collagen microarchitecture remained relatively unchanged across cross-linking conditions, although the addition of NorHA delayed collagen fibrillogenesis. Upon iPSC-derived endothelial progenitor encapsulation, robust, lumenized microvascular networks developed in IPN hydrogels over two weeks. Subsequent computational analysis showed that an initial rise in stiffness increased the number of branch points and vessels, but vascular growth was suppressed in high stiffness IPN hydrogels. These results suggest that an IPN hydrogel consisting of collagen and NorHA is highly tunable, compaction resistant, and capable of supporting vasculogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cody O Crosby
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, 107 W Dean Keeton Street, Austin, TX 78712, United States; Department of Physics, Southwestern University, Georgetown, TX, 78626, United States
| | - Alex Hillsley
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, United States
| | - Sachin Kumar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, 107 W Dean Keeton Street, Austin, TX 78712, United States
| | - Brett Stern
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, 107 W Dean Keeton Street, Austin, TX 78712, United States
| | - Sapun H Parekh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, 107 W Dean Keeton Street, Austin, TX 78712, United States
| | - Adrianne Rosales
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, United States
| | - Janet Zoldan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, 107 W Dean Keeton Street, Austin, TX 78712, United States.
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19
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Kennedy CC, Brown EE, Abutaleb NO, Truskey GA. Development and Application of Endothelial Cells Derived From Pluripotent Stem Cells in Microphysiological Systems Models. Front Cardiovasc Med 2021; 8:625016. [PMID: 33659279 PMCID: PMC7917070 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.625016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The vascular endothelium is present in all organs and blood vessels, facilitates the exchange of nutrients and waste throughout different organ systems in the body, and sets the tone for healthy vessel function. Mechanosensitive in nature, the endothelium responds to the magnitude and temporal waveform of shear stress in the vessels. Endothelial dysfunction can lead to atherosclerosis and other diseases. Modeling endothelial function and dysfunction in organ systems in vitro, such as the blood–brain barrier and tissue-engineered blood vessels, requires sourcing endothelial cells (ECs) for these biomedical engineering applications. It can be difficult to source primary, easily renewable ECs that possess the function or dysfunction in question. In contrast, human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) can be sourced from donors of interest and renewed almost indefinitely. In this review, we highlight how knowledge of vascular EC development in vivo is used to differentiate induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) into ECs. We then describe how iPSC-derived ECs are being used currently in in vitro models of organ function and disease and in vivo applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Crystal C Kennedy
- University Program in Genetics and Genomics, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Erin E Brown
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Nadia O Abutaleb
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - George A Truskey
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
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20
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Barnhouse V, Petrikas N, Crosby C, Zoldan J, Harley B. Perivascular Secretome Influences Hematopoietic Stem Cell Maintenance in a Gelatin Hydrogel. Ann Biomed Eng 2021; 49:780-792. [PMID: 32939609 PMCID: PMC7854499 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-020-02602-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Adult hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) produce the body's full complement of blood and immune cells. They reside in specialized microenvironments, or niches, within the bone marrow. The perivascular niche near blood vessels is believed to help maintain primitive HSCs in an undifferentiated state but demonstration of this effect is difficult. In vivo studies make it challenging to determine the direct effect of the endosteal and perivascular niches as they can be in close proximity, and two-dimensional in vitro cultures often lack an instructive extracellular matrix environment. We describe a tissue engineering approach to develop and characterize a three-dimensional perivascular tissue model to investigate the influence of the perivascular secretome on HSC behavior. We generate 3D endothelial networks in methacrylamide-functionalized gelatin hydrogels using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs). We identify a subset of secreted factors important for HSC function, and examine the response of primary murine HSCs in hydrogels to the perivascular secretome. Within 4 days of culture, perivascular conditioned media promoted maintenance of a greater fraction of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. This work represents an important first-generation perivascular model to investigate the role of niche secreted factors on the maintenance of primary HSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Barnhouse
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Nathan Petrikas
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 110 Roger Adams Laboratory, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Cody Crosby
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, USA
| | - Janet Zoldan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, USA
| | - Brendan Harley
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 110 Roger Adams Laboratory, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.
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21
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Ngo MT, Harley BAC. Angiogenic biomaterials to promote therapeutic regeneration and investigate disease progression. Biomaterials 2020; 255:120207. [PMID: 32569868 PMCID: PMC7396313 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2020.120207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The vasculature is a key component of the tissue microenvironment. Traditionally known for its role in providing nutrients and oxygen to surrounding cells, the vasculature is now also acknowledged to provide signaling cues that influence biological outcomes in regeneration and disease. These cues come from the cells that comprise vasculature, as well as the dynamic biophysical and biochemical properties of the surrounding extracellular matrix that accompany vascular development and remodeling. In this review, we illustrate the larger role of the vasculature in the context of regenerative biology and cancer progression. We describe cellular, biophysical, biochemical, and metabolic components of vascularized microenvironments. Moreover, we provide an overview of multidimensional angiogenic biomaterials that have been developed to promote therapeutic vascularization and regeneration, as well as to mimic elements of vascularized microenvironments as a means to uncover mechanisms by which vasculature influences cancer progression and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mai T Ngo
- Dept. Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Brendan A C Harley
- Dept. Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA; Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA; Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.
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22
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Crosby CO, Zoldan J. An In Vitro 3D Model and Computational Pipeline to Quantify the Vasculogenic Potential of iPSC-Derived Endothelial Progenitors. J Vis Exp 2019. [PMID: 31132046 DOI: 10.3791/59342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are a patient-specific, proliferative cell source that can differentiate into any somatic cell type. Bipotent endothelial progenitors (EPs), which can differentiate into the cell types necessary to assemble mature, functional vasculature, have been derived from both embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells. However, these cells have not been rigorously evaluated in three-dimensional environments, and a quantitative measure of their vasculogenic potential remains elusive. Here, the generation and isolation of iPSC-EPs via fluorescent-activated cell sorting are first outlined, followed by a description of the encapsulation and culture of iPSC-EPs in collagen hydrogels. This extracellular matrix (ECM)-mimicking microenvironment encourages a robust vasculogenic response; vascular networks form after a week of culture. The creation of a computational pipeline that utilizes open-source software to quantify this vasculogenic response is delineated. This pipeline is specifically designed to preserve the 3D architecture of the capillary plexus to robustly identify the number of branches, branching points, and the total network length with minimal user input.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cody O Crosby
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin
| | - Janet Zoldan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin;
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