1
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Newman SA. Form, function, mind: What doesn't compute (and what might). Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 721:150141. [PMID: 38781663 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.150141] [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: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
The applicability of computational and dynamical systems models to organisms is scrutinized, using examples from developmental biology and cognition. Developmental morphogenesis is dependent on the inherent material properties of developing animal (metazoan) tissues, a non-computational modality, but cell differentiation, which utilizes chromatin-based revisable memory banks and program-like function-calling, via the developmental gene co-expression system unique to the metazoans, has a quasi-computational basis. Multi-attractor dynamical models are argued to be misapplied to global properties of development, and it is suggested that along with computationalism, classic forms of dynamicism are similarly unsuitable to accounting for cognitive phenomena. Proposals are made for treating brains and other nervous tissues as novel forms of excitable matter with inherent properties which enable the intensification of cell-based basal cognition capabilities present throughout the tree of life. Finally, some connections are drawn between the viewpoint described here and active inference models of cognition, such as the Free Energy Principle.
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2
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Ende K, Santos F, Guasch J, Kemkemer R. Migration of human T cells can be differentially directed by electric fields depending on the extracellular microenvironment. iScience 2024; 27:109746. [PMID: 38706849 PMCID: PMC11067362 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
T cell migration plays an essential role in the immune response and T cell-based therapies. It can be modulated by chemical and physical cues such as electric fields (EFs). The mechanisms underlying electrotaxis (cell migration manipulated by EFs) are not fully understood and systematic studies with immune cells are rare. In this in vitro study, we show that direct current EFs with strengths of physiologically occurring EFs (25-200 mV/mm) can guide the migration of primary human CD4+ and CD8+ T cells on 2D substrates toward the anode and in a 3D environment differentially (CD4+ T cells show cathodal and CD8+ T cells show anodal electrotaxis). Overall, we find that EFs present a potent stimulus to direct T cell migration in different microenvironments in a cell-type-, substrate-, and voltage-dependent manner, while not significantly influencing T cell differentiation or viability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Ende
- Reutlingen Research Institute and School of Life Sciences, Reutlingen University, 72762 Reutlingen, Germany
| | - Fabião Santos
- Institute of Materials Science of Barcelona (ICMAB-CSIC), Campus UAB, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
- Dynamic Biomimetics for Cancer Immunotherapy, Max Planck Partner Group, ICMAB-CSIC, Campus UAB, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Judith Guasch
- Institute of Materials Science of Barcelona (ICMAB-CSIC), Campus UAB, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
- Dynamic Biomimetics for Cancer Immunotherapy, Max Planck Partner Group, ICMAB-CSIC, Campus UAB, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ralf Kemkemer
- Reutlingen Research Institute and School of Life Sciences, Reutlingen University, 72762 Reutlingen, Germany
- Department of Cellular Biophysics, Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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3
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Niraula D, El Naqa I, Tuszynski JA, Gatenby RA. Modeling non-genetic information dynamics in cells using reservoir computing. iScience 2024; 27:109614. [PMID: 38632985 PMCID: PMC11022048 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109614] [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: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Virtually all cells use energy-driven, ion-specific membrane pumps to maintain large transmembrane gradients of Na+, K+, Cl-, Mg++, and Ca++, but the corresponding evolutionary benefit remains unclear. We propose that these gradients enable a dynamic and versatile biological system that acquires, analyzes, and responds to environmental information. We hypothesize that environmental signals are transmitted into the cell by ion fluxes along pre-existing gradients through gated ion-specific membrane channels. The consequent changes in cytoplasmic ion concentration can generate a local response or orchestrate global/regional cellular dynamics through wire-like ion fluxes along pre-existing and self-assembling cytoskeleton to engage the endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, and nucleus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dipesh Niraula
- Department of Machine Learning, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Issam El Naqa
- Department of Machine Learning, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Jack Adam Tuszynski
- Departments of Physics and Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Data Science and Engineering, The Silesian University of Technology, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Turin 10129, Italy
| | - Robert A. Gatenby
- Departments of Radiology and Integrated Mathematical Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
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4
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Pio-Lopez L, Levin M. Aging as a loss of morphostatic information: A developmental bioelectricity perspective. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 97:102310. [PMID: 38636560 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Maintaining order at the tissue level is crucial throughout the lifespan, as failure can lead to cancer and an accumulation of molecular and cellular disorders. Perhaps, the most consistent and pervasive result of these failures is aging, which is characterized by the progressive loss of function and decline in the ability to maintain anatomical homeostasis and reproduce. This leads to organ malfunction, diseases, and ultimately death. The traditional understanding of aging is that it is caused by the accumulation of molecular and cellular damage. In this article, we propose a complementary view of aging from the perspective of endogenous bioelectricity which has not yet been integrated into aging research. We propose a view of aging as a morphostasis defect, a loss of biophysical prepattern information, encoding anatomical setpoints used for dynamic tissue and organ homeostasis. We hypothesize that this is specifically driven by abrogation of the endogenous bioelectric signaling that normally harnesses individual cell behaviors toward the creation and upkeep of complex multicellular structures in vivo. Herein, we first describe bioelectricity as the physiological software of life, and then identify and discuss the links between bioelectricity and life extension strategies and age-related diseases. We develop a bridge between aging and regeneration via bioelectric signaling that suggests a research program for healthful longevity via morphoceuticals. Finally, we discuss the broader implications of the homologies between development, aging, cancer and regeneration and how morphoceuticals can be developed for aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Léo Pio-Lopez
- Allen Discovery Center, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA
| | - Michael Levin
- Allen Discovery Center, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA; Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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5
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Shim G, Breinyn IB, Martínez-Calvo A, Rao S, Cohen DJ. Bioelectric stimulation controls tissue shape and size. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2938. [PMID: 38580690 PMCID: PMC10997591 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47079-w] [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: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Epithelial tissues sheath organs and electro-mechanically regulate ion and water transport to regulate development, homeostasis, and hydrostatic organ pressure. Here, we demonstrate how external electrical stimulation allows us to control these processes in living tissues. Specifically, we electrically stimulate hollow, 3D kidneyoids and gut organoids and find that physiological-strength electrical stimulation of ∼ 5 - 10 V/cm powerfully inflates hollow tissues; a process we call electro-inflation. Electro-inflation is mediated by increased ion flux through ion channels/transporters and triggers subsequent osmotic water flow into the lumen, generating hydrostatic pressure that competes against cytoskeletal tension. Our computational studies suggest that electro-inflation is strongly driven by field-induced ion crowding on the outer surface of the tissue. Electrically stimulated tissues also break symmetry in 3D resulting from electrotaxis and affecting tissue shape. The ability of electrical cues to regulate tissue size and shape emphasizes the role and importance of the electrical micro-environment for living tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gawoon Shim
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, 08540, NJ, USA
| | - Isaac B Breinyn
- Department of Quantitative and Computational Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, 08540, NJ, USA
| | - Alejandro Martínez-Calvo
- Princeton Center for Theoretical Science, Princeton University, Princeton, 08540, NJ, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, 08540, NJ, USA
| | - Sameeksha Rao
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, 08540, NJ, USA
| | - Daniel J Cohen
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, 08540, NJ, USA.
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6
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Girard C. The tri-flow adaptiveness of codes in major evolutionary transitions. Biosystems 2024; 237:105133. [PMID: 38336225 DOI: 10.1016/j.biosystems.2024.105133] [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: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Life codes increase in both number and variety with biological complexity. Although our knowledge of codes is constantly expanding, the evolutionary progression of organic, neural, and cultural codes in response to selection pressure remains poorly understood. Greater clarification of the selective mechanisms is achieved by investigating how major evolutionary transitions reduce spatiotemporal and energetic constraints on transmitting heritable code to offspring. Evolution toward less constrained flows is integral to enduring flow architecture everywhere, in both engineered and natural flow systems. Beginning approximately 4 billion years ago, the most basic level for transmitting genetic material to offspring was initiated by protocell division. Evidence from ribosomes suggests that protocells transmitted comma-free or circular codes, preceding the evolution of standard genetic code. This rudimentary information flow within protocells is likely to have first emerged within the geo-energetic and geospatial constraints of hydrothermal vents. A broad-gauged hypothesis is that major evolutionary transitions overcame such constraints with tri-flow adaptations. The interconnected triple flows incorporated energy-converting, spatiotemporal, and code-based informational dynamics. Such tri-flow adaptations stacked sequence splicing code on top of protein-DNA recognition code in eukaryotes, prefiguring the transition to sexual reproduction. Sex overcame the spatiotemporal-energetic constraints of binary fission with further code stacking. Examples are tubulin code and transcription initiation code in vertebrates. In a later evolutionary transition, language reduced metabolic-spatiotemporal constraints on inheritance by stacking phonetic, phonological, and orthographic codes. In organisms that reproduce sexually, each major evolutionary transition is shown to be a tri-flow adaptation that adds new levels of code-based informational exchange. Evolving biological complexity is also shown to increase the nongenetic transmissibility of code.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris Girard
- Department of Global and Sociocultural Studies, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, United States.
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7
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Manicka S, Pai VP, Levin M. Information integration during bioelectric regulation of morphogenesis of the embryonic frog brain. iScience 2023; 26:108398. [PMID: 38034358 PMCID: PMC10687303 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Spatiotemporal patterns of cellular resting potential regulate several aspects of development. One key aspect of the bioelectric code is that transcriptional and morphogenetic states are determined not by local, single-cell, voltage levels but by specific distributions of voltage across cell sheets. We constructed and analyzed a minimal dynamical model of collective gene expression in cells based on inputs of multicellular voltage patterns. Causal integration analysis revealed a higher-order mechanism by which information about the voltage pattern was spatiotemporally integrated into gene activity, as well as a division of labor among and between the bioelectric and genetic components. We tested and confirmed predictions of this model in a system in which bioelectric control of morphogenesis regulates gene expression and organogenesis: the embryonic brain of the frog Xenopus laevis. This study demonstrates that machine learning and computational integration approaches can advance our understanding of the information-processing underlying morphogenetic decision-making, with a potential for other applications in developmental biology and regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santosh Manicka
- Allen Discovery Center at Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA
| | - Vaibhav P. Pai
- Allen Discovery Center at Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA
| | - Michael Levin
- Allen Discovery Center at Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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8
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Levin M. Bioelectric networks: the cognitive glue enabling evolutionary scaling from physiology to mind. Anim Cogn 2023; 26:1865-1891. [PMID: 37204591 PMCID: PMC10770221 DOI: 10.1007/s10071-023-01780-3] [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: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Each of us made the remarkable journey from mere matter to mind: starting life as a quiescent oocyte ("just chemistry and physics"), and slowly, gradually, becoming an adult human with complex metacognitive processes, hopes, and dreams. In addition, even though we feel ourselves to be a unified, single Self, distinct from the emergent dynamics of termite mounds and other swarms, the reality is that all intelligence is collective intelligence: each of us consists of a huge number of cells working together to generate a coherent cognitive being with goals, preferences, and memories that belong to the whole and not to its parts. Basal cognition is the quest to understand how Mind scales-how large numbers of competent subunits can work together to become intelligences that expand the scale of their possible goals. Crucially, the remarkable trick of turning homeostatic, cell-level physiological competencies into large-scale behavioral intelligences is not limited to the electrical dynamics of the brain. Evolution was using bioelectric signaling long before neurons and muscles appeared, to solve the problem of creating and repairing complex bodies. In this Perspective, I review the deep symmetry between the intelligence of developmental morphogenesis and that of classical behavior. I describe the highly conserved mechanisms that enable the collective intelligence of cells to implement regulative embryogenesis, regeneration, and cancer suppression. I sketch the story of an evolutionary pivot that repurposed the algorithms and cellular machinery that enable navigation of morphospace into the behavioral navigation of the 3D world which we so readily recognize as intelligence. Understanding the bioelectric dynamics that underlie construction of complex bodies and brains provides an essential path to understanding the natural evolution, and bioengineered design, of diverse intelligences within and beyond the phylogenetic history of Earth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Levin
- Allen Discovery Center at Tufts University, 200 Boston Ave., Suite 4600, Medford, MA, 02155, USA.
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA.
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9
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Hanson A. On being a Hydra with, and without, a nervous system: what do neurons add? Anim Cogn 2023; 26:1799-1816. [PMID: 37540280 PMCID: PMC10770230 DOI: 10.1007/s10071-023-01816-8] [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: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
The small freshwater cnidarian Hydra has been the subject of scientific inquiry for over 300 years due to its remarkable regenerative capacities and apparent immortality. More recently, Hydra has been recognized as an excellent model system within neuroscience because of its small size, transparency, and simple nervous system, which allow high-resolution imaging of its entire nerve net while behaving. In less than a decade, studies of Hydra's nervous system have yielded insights into the activity of neural circuits in vivo unobtainable in most other animals. In addition to these unique attributes, there is yet another lesser-known feature of Hydra that makes it even more intriguing: it does not require its neural hardware to live. The extraordinary ability to survive the removal and replacement of its entire nervous system makes Hydra uniquely suited to address the question of what neurons add to an extant organism. Here, I will review what early work on nerve-free Hydra reveals about the potential role of the nervous system in these animals and point towards future directions for this work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison Hanson
- Department of Biological Sciences, Neurotechnology Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
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10
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Agam O, Braun E. Universal calcium fluctuations in Hydramorphogenesis. Phys Biol 2023; 20:066002. [PMID: 37696269 DOI: 10.1088/1478-3975/acf8a4] [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: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the collective physical processes that drive robust morphological transitions in animal development necessitates the characterization of the relevant fields involved in morphogenesis. Calcium (Ca2+) is recognized as one such field. In this study, we demonstrate that the spatial fluctuations of Ca2+duringHydraregeneration exhibit universal characteristics. To investigate this phenomenon, we employ two distinct controls, an external electric field andheptanol, a gap junction-blocking drug. Both lead to the modulation of the Ca2+activity and a reversible halting of the regeneration process. The application of an electric field enhances Ca2+activity in theHydra's tissue and increases its spatial correlations, while the administration ofheptanolinhibits its activity and diminishes the spatial correlations. Remarkably, the statistical characteristics of Ca2+spatial fluctuations, including the coefficient of variation and skewness, manifest universal shape distributions across tissue samples and conditions. We introduce a field-theoretic model, describing fluctuations in a tilted double-well potential, which successfully captures these universal properties. Moreover, our analysis reveals that the Ca2+activity is spatially localized, and theHydra's tissue operates near the onset of bistability, where the local Ca2+activity fluctuates between low and high excited states in distinct regions. These findings highlight the prominent role of the Ca2+field inHydramorphogenesis and provide insights into the underlying mechanisms governing robust morphological transitions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oded Agam
- The Racah Institute of Physics, Edmond J. Safra Campus, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
| | - Erez Braun
- Department of Physics and Network Biology Research Laboratories, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 32000, Israel
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11
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Lagasse E, Levin M. Future medicine: from molecular pathways to the collective intelligence of the body. Trends Mol Med 2023; 29:687-710. [PMID: 37481382 PMCID: PMC10527237 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2023.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
The remarkable anatomical homeostasis exhibited by complex living organisms suggests that they are inherently reprogrammable information-processing systems that offer numerous interfaces to their physiological and anatomical problem-solving capacities. We briefly review data suggesting that the multiscale competency of living forms affords a new path for biomedicine that exploits the innate collective intelligence of tissues and organs. The concept of tissue-level allostatic goal-directedness is already bearing fruit in clinical practice. We sketch a roadmap towards 'somatic psychiatry' by using advances in bioelectricity and behavioral neuroscience to design methods that induce self-repair of structure and function. Relaxing the assumption that cellular control mechanisms are static, exploiting powerful concepts from cybernetics, behavioral science, and developmental biology may spark definitive solutions to current biomedical challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Lagasse
- McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine and Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Michael Levin
- Allen Discovery Center, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA; Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA.
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12
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Chen Y, An Q, Hu X, Zhao R, Teng K, Zhang Y, Zhao Y. Effective Scald Wound Functional Recovery Patch Achieved by Molecularly Intertwined Electrical and Chemical Message in Self-Adhesive Assemblies. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:38346-38356. [PMID: 37534456 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c08053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
Bioactive materials that communicate with bio-tissues via simultaneous chemical and electrical information promise an advanced medical treatment strategy. Rational design of simultaneous chemically and electrically active materials is still challenging. In this study, we develop a bioactive wound healing patch that enables functional recovery of scald skin wounds by integrating electrically and chemically active units at the molecular level. The patch should be used with massages for 10 min daily during the recovery process. This healing patch consists of a closely intertwined piezoelectric poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF) film and a self-adhesive poly(N,N-dimethylacrylamide) (PDMAA) hydrogel layer, which permits itself to adhere on skin wounds reversibly. Frequency-dependent electrical and chemical dose delivery is achieved in response to mechanical stimuli via the electrical-chemical crosstalk within the healing patch. Animal scald experiments show that the patch can effectively guide the functional recovery of grade I and shallow grade II scald wounds, promoting proper collagen deposition and hair follicle, blood vessel, and gland regeneration. Integrating electrically and chemically active units at the molecular level in treatment devices provides a new design concept for tissue engineering and medical treatment materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Chen
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Materials Utilization of Nonmetallic Minerals and Solid Wastes, National Laboratory of Mineral Materials, School of Materials Sciences and Technology, China University of Geosciences, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Qi An
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Materials Utilization of Nonmetallic Minerals and Solid Wastes, National Laboratory of Mineral Materials, School of Materials Sciences and Technology, China University of Geosciences, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Xiantong Hu
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Orthopedics Implants, Fourth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Ruzhe Zhao
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Orthopedics Implants, Fourth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Kaixuan Teng
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Materials Utilization of Nonmetallic Minerals and Solid Wastes, National Laboratory of Mineral Materials, School of Materials Sciences and Technology, China University of Geosciences, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Life Sciences, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215009, China
| | - Yantao Zhao
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Orthopedics Implants, Fourth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100048, China
- State Key Laboratory of Military Stomatology, Xi'an 710032, China
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13
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Licata JP, Schwab KH, Har-El YE, Gerstenhaber JA, Lelkes PI. Bioreactor Technologies for Enhanced Organoid Culture. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11427. [PMID: 37511186 PMCID: PMC10380004 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
An organoid is a 3D organization of cells that can recapitulate some of the structure and function of native tissue. Recent work has seen organoids gain prominence as a valuable model for studying tissue development, drug discovery, and potential clinical applications. The requirements for the successful culture of organoids in vitro differ significantly from those of traditional monolayer cell cultures. The generation and maturation of high-fidelity organoids entails developing and optimizing environmental conditions to provide the optimal cues for growth and 3D maturation, such as oxygenation, mechanical and fluidic activation, nutrition gradients, etc. To this end, we discuss the four main categories of bioreactors used for organoid culture: stirred bioreactors (SBR), microfluidic bioreactors (MFB), rotating wall vessels (RWV), and electrically stimulating (ES) bioreactors. We aim to lay out the state-of-the-art of both commercial and in-house developed bioreactor systems, their benefits to the culture of organoids derived from various cells and tissues, and the limitations of bioreactor technology, including sterilization, accessibility, and suitability and ease of use for long-term culture. Finally, we discuss future directions for improvements to existing bioreactor technology and how they may be used to enhance organoid culture for specific applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph P Licata
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
| | - Kyle H Schwab
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
- Neurobiology, Neurodegeneration & Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Yah-El Har-El
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
| | - Jonathan A Gerstenhaber
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
| | - Peter I Lelkes
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
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14
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Fontani V, Cruciani S, Santaniello S, Rinaldi S, Maioli M. Impact of REAC Regenerative Endogenous Bioelectrical Cell Reprogramming on MCF7 Breast Cancer Cells. J Pers Med 2023; 13:1019. [PMID: 37374009 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13061019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Human breast adenocarcinoma is a form of cancer which has the tendency to metastasize to other tissues, including bones, lungs, brain, and liver. Several chemotherapeutic drugs are used to treat breast tumors. Their combination is used to simultaneously target different mechanisms involved in cell replication. Radio electric asymmetric conveyer (REAC) technology is an innovative technology, used both in vitro and in vivo, to induce cell reprogramming and counteract senescence processes. Within this context, we treated MCF-7 cells with a regenerative (RGN) REAC treatment for a period ranging between 3 and 7 days. We then analyzed cell viability by trypan blue assays and gene and protein expression by real time-qPCR and confocal microscope, respectively. We also detected the levels of the main proteins involved in tumor progression, DKK1 and SFRP1, by ELISA and cell senescence by β-galactosidase tests. Our results showed the ability of REAC RGN to counteract MCF-7 proliferation, probably inducing autophagy via the upregulation of Beclin-1 and LC3-I, and the modulation of specific tumorigenic biomarkers, such as DKK1 and SPFR1. Our results could suggest the application of the REAC RGN in future in vivo experiments, as an aid for the therapeutic strategies usually applied for breast cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vania Fontani
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Rinaldi Fontani Institute, 50144 Florence, Italy
- Department of Adaptive Neuro Psycho Physio Pathology and Neuro Psycho Physical Optimization, Rinaldi Fontani Institute, 50144 Florence, Italy
- Research Department, Rinaldi Fontani Foundation, 50144 Florence, Italy
| | - Sara Cruciani
- Research Department, Rinaldi Fontani Foundation, 50144 Florence, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Sara Santaniello
- Research Department, Rinaldi Fontani Foundation, 50144 Florence, Italy
| | - Salvatore Rinaldi
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Rinaldi Fontani Institute, 50144 Florence, Italy
- Department of Adaptive Neuro Psycho Physio Pathology and Neuro Psycho Physical Optimization, Rinaldi Fontani Institute, 50144 Florence, Italy
- Research Department, Rinaldi Fontani Foundation, 50144 Florence, Italy
| | - Margherita Maioli
- Research Department, Rinaldi Fontani Foundation, 50144 Florence, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
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15
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Garrudo FFF, Linhardt RJ, Ferreira FC, Morgado J. Designing Electrical Stimulation Platforms for Neural Cell Cultivation Using Poly(aniline): Camphorsulfonic Acid. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:2674. [PMID: 37376320 DOI: 10.3390/polym15122674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Electrical stimulation is a powerful strategy to improve the differentiation of neural stem cells into neurons. Such an approach can be implemented, in association with biomaterials and nanotechnology, for the development of new therapies for neurological diseases, including direct cell transplantation and the development of platforms for drug screening and disease progression evaluation. Poly(aniline):camphorsulfonic acid (PANI:CSA) is one of the most well-studied electroconductive polymers, capable of directing an externally applied electrical field to neural cells in culture. There are several examples in the literature on the development of PANI:CSA-based scaffolds and platforms for electrical stimulation, but no review has examined the fundamentals and physico-chemical determinants of PANI:CSA for the design of platforms for electrical stimulation. This review evaluates the current literature regarding the application of electrical stimulation to neural cells, specifically reviewing: (1) the fundamentals of bioelectricity and electrical stimulation; (2) the use of PANI:CSA-based systems for electrical stimulation of cell cultures; and (3) the development of scaffolds and setups to support the electrical stimulation of cells. Throughout this work, we critically evaluate the revised literature and provide a steppingstone for the clinical application of the electrical stimulation of cells using electroconductive PANI:CSA platforms/scaffolds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fábio F F Garrudo
- Instituto de Telecomunicações, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal
- Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal
- iBB-Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB, Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Avenida Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Robert J Linhardt
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Biology and Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 110 8th Street, Troy, NY 12180, USA
| | - Frederico Castelo Ferreira
- Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal
- iBB-Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB, Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Avenida Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Jorge Morgado
- Instituto de Telecomunicações, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal
- Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal
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16
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Evans JP, Sen CK. Electrochemical Devices in Cutaneous Wound Healing. Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:711. [PMID: 37370642 PMCID: PMC10295280 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10060711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In healthy skin, vectorial ion transport gives rise to a transepithelial potential which directly impacts many physiological aspects of skin function. A wound is a physical defect that breaches the epithelial barrier and changes the electrochemical environment of skin. Electroceutical dressings are devices that manipulate the electrochemical environment, host as well as microbial, of a wound. In this review, electroceuticals are organized into three mechanistic classes: ionic, wireless, and battery powered. All three classes of electroceutical dressing show encouraging effects on infection management and wound healing with evidence of favorable impact on keratinocyte migration and disruption of wound biofilm infection. This foundation sets the stage for further mechanistic as well as interventional studies. Successful conduct of such studies will determine the best dosage, timing, and class of stimulus necessary to maximize therapeutic efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chandan K. Sen
- Indiana Center for Regenerative Medicine & Engineering, Indiana University Health Comprehensive Wound Center, Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
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17
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Rinaldi C, Landre CB, Volpe MI, Gonçalves RG, Nunes LDS, Darienso D, Cruz AV, Oliveira JD, Rinaldi S, Fontani V, Barcessat AR. Improving Functional Capacity and Quality of Life in Parkinson's Disease Patients through REAC Neuromodulation Treatments for Mood and Behavioral Disorders. J Pers Med 2023; 13:937. [PMID: 37373926 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13060937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease is a neurological disorder that affects both motor and non-motor functions, including depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline. Currently, it remains a challenge to distinguish the correlation between these aspects and their impact on one another. To try to clarify these reciprocal influences, in this study we have used specific radio electric asymmetric conveyer (REAC) technology neuromodulation treatments for behavioral mood disorders and adjustment disorders. In particular, we employed the neuro-postural optimization (NPO) and neuro-psycho-physical optimization (NPPOs) treatments. The study enrolled randomly 50 subjects of both genders previously diagnosed with Parkinson's disease for at least six months. Prior to and following REAC NPO and NPPOs treatments, we assessed the subjects using functional dysmetria (FD) evaluation, five times sit to stand test (FTSST) for postural stability, and the 12-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12) for quality of life (QLF) evaluation. The positive results produced by the REAC NPO and NPPOs neuromodulation treatments, specific for mood and adaptation disorders, on dysfunctional motor disorders, and quality of life confirm how the non-motor components can condition the symptomatology of Parkinsonian motor symptoms. These results also highlight the usefulness of REAC NPO and NPPOs treatments in improving the overall quality of life of these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Rinaldi
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Area, and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), University of Florence, 50121 Florence, Italy
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Rinaldi Fontani Institute, 50144 Florence, Italy
- Department of Adaptive Neuro Psycho Physio Pathology and Neuro Psycho Physical Optimization, Rinaldi Fontani Institute, 50144 Florence, Italy
| | - Cleuton Braga Landre
- Department of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Amapá-UNIFAP, Macapá 68903-419, Brazil
| | - Maria Izabel Volpe
- Department of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Amapá-UNIFAP, Macapá 68903-419, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences-PPGCS, Federal University of Amapá-UNIFAP, Macapá 68903-419, Brazil
| | - Rebeca Góes Gonçalves
- Department of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Amapá-UNIFAP, Macapá 68903-419, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences-PPGCS, Federal University of Amapá-UNIFAP, Macapá 68903-419, Brazil
| | - Lucas Dos Santos Nunes
- Department of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Amapá-UNIFAP, Macapá 68903-419, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences-PPGCS, Federal University of Amapá-UNIFAP, Macapá 68903-419, Brazil
| | - Danyela Darienso
- Department of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Amapá-UNIFAP, Macapá 68903-419, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences-PPGCS, Federal University of Amapá-UNIFAP, Macapá 68903-419, Brazil
| | - Ana Vitoria Cruz
- Department of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Amapá-UNIFAP, Macapá 68903-419, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences-PPGCS, Federal University of Amapá-UNIFAP, Macapá 68903-419, Brazil
| | - João Douglas Oliveira
- Department of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Amapá-UNIFAP, Macapá 68903-419, Brazil
| | - Salvatore Rinaldi
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Rinaldi Fontani Institute, 50144 Florence, Italy
- Department of Adaptive Neuro Psycho Physio Pathology and Neuro Psycho Physical Optimization, Rinaldi Fontani Institute, 50144 Florence, Italy
| | - Vania Fontani
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Rinaldi Fontani Institute, 50144 Florence, Italy
- Department of Adaptive Neuro Psycho Physio Pathology and Neuro Psycho Physical Optimization, Rinaldi Fontani Institute, 50144 Florence, Italy
| | - Ana Rita Barcessat
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences-PPGCS, Federal University of Amapá-UNIFAP, Macapá 68903-419, Brazil
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
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18
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Silva A, Barcessat AR, Gonçalves R, Landre C, Brandão L, Nunes L, Feitosa H, Costa L, Silva R, de Lima E, Monteiro ES, Rinaldi A, Fontani V, Rinaldi S. REAC Neurobiological Modulation as a Precision Medicine Treatment for Fibromyalgia. J Pers Med 2023; 13:902. [PMID: 37373891 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13060902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibromyalgia syndrome (FS) is a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain and psychopathological symptoms, often associated with central pain modulation failure and dysfunctional adaptive responses to environmental stress. The Radio Electric Asymmetric Conveyer (REAC) technology is a neuromodulation technology. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of some REAC treatments on psychomotor responses and quality of life in 37 patients with FS. Tests were conducted before and after a single session of Neuro Postural Optimization and after a cycle of 18 sessions of Neuro Psycho Physical Optimization (NPPO), using evaluation of the functional dysmetria (FD) phenomenon, Sitting and Standing (SS), Time Up and Go (TUG) tests for motor evaluation, Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) for quality of life. The data were statistically analyzed, and the results showed a statistically significant improvement in motor response and quality of life parameters, including pain, as well as reduced FD measures in all participants. The study concludes that the neurobiological balance established by the REAC therapeutic protocols NPO and NPPO improved the dysfunctional adaptive state caused by environmental and exposomal stress in FS patients, leading to an improvement in psychomotor responses and quality of life. The findings suggest that REAC treatments could be an effective approach for FS patients, reducing the excessive use of analgesic drugs and improving daily activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Analízia Silva
- Department of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Amapá-UNIFAP, Macapá 68903-419, Brazil
| | - Ana Rita Barcessat
- Department of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Amapá-UNIFAP, Macapá 68903-419, Brazil
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Rebeca Gonçalves
- Department of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Amapá-UNIFAP, Macapá 68903-419, Brazil
| | - Cleuton Landre
- Department of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Amapá-UNIFAP, Macapá 68903-419, Brazil
| | - Lethícia Brandão
- Department of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Amapá-UNIFAP, Macapá 68903-419, Brazil
| | - Lucas Nunes
- Department of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Amapá-UNIFAP, Macapá 68903-419, Brazil
| | - Hyan Feitosa
- Department of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Amapá-UNIFAP, Macapá 68903-419, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Costa
- Department of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Amapá-UNIFAP, Macapá 68903-419, Brazil
| | - Raquel Silva
- Department of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Amapá-UNIFAP, Macapá 68903-419, Brazil
| | - Emanuel de Lima
- Department of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Amapá-UNIFAP, Macapá 68903-419, Brazil
| | - Ester Suane Monteiro
- Department of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Amapá-UNIFAP, Macapá 68903-419, Brazil
| | - Arianna Rinaldi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
- Department of Adaptive Neuro Psycho Physio Pathology and Neuro Psycho Physical Optimization, Rinaldi Fontani Institute, 50144 Florence, Italy
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Rinaldi Fontani Institute, 50144 Florence, Italy
| | - Vania Fontani
- Department of Adaptive Neuro Psycho Physio Pathology and Neuro Psycho Physical Optimization, Rinaldi Fontani Institute, 50144 Florence, Italy
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Rinaldi Fontani Institute, 50144 Florence, Italy
- Research Department, Rinaldi Fontani Foundation, 50144 Florence, Italy
| | - Salvatore Rinaldi
- Department of Adaptive Neuro Psycho Physio Pathology and Neuro Psycho Physical Optimization, Rinaldi Fontani Institute, 50144 Florence, Italy
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Rinaldi Fontani Institute, 50144 Florence, Italy
- Research Department, Rinaldi Fontani Foundation, 50144 Florence, Italy
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19
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Levin M. Darwin's agential materials: evolutionary implications of multiscale competency in developmental biology. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:142. [PMID: 37156924 PMCID: PMC10167196 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04790-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
A critical aspect of evolution is the layer of developmental physiology that operates between the genotype and the anatomical phenotype. While much work has addressed the evolution of developmental mechanisms and the evolvability of specific genetic architectures with emergent complexity, one aspect has not been sufficiently explored: the implications of morphogenetic problem-solving competencies for the evolutionary process itself. The cells that evolution works with are not passive components: rather, they have numerous capabilities for behavior because they derive from ancestral unicellular organisms with rich repertoires. In multicellular organisms, these capabilities must be tamed, and can be exploited, by the evolutionary process. Specifically, biological structures have a multiscale competency architecture where cells, tissues, and organs exhibit regulative plasticity-the ability to adjust to perturbations such as external injury or internal modifications and still accomplish specific adaptive tasks across metabolic, transcriptional, physiological, and anatomical problem spaces. Here, I review examples illustrating how physiological circuits guiding cellular collective behavior impart computational properties to the agential material that serves as substrate for the evolutionary process. I then explore the ways in which the collective intelligence of cells during morphogenesis affect evolution, providing a new perspective on the evolutionary search process. This key feature of the physiological software of life helps explain the remarkable speed and robustness of biological evolution, and sheds new light on the relationship between genomes and functional anatomical phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Levin
- Allen Discovery Center at Tufts University, 200 Boston Ave. 334 Research East, Medford, MA, 02155, USA.
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, 3 Blackfan St., Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
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20
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Silic MR, Zhang G. Bioelectricity in Developmental Patterning and Size Control: Evidence and Genetically Encoded Tools in the Zebrafish Model. Cells 2023; 12:cells12081148. [PMID: 37190057 DOI: 10.3390/cells12081148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Developmental patterning is essential for regulating cellular events such as axial patterning, segmentation, tissue formation, and organ size determination during embryogenesis. Understanding the patterning mechanisms remains a central challenge and fundamental interest in developmental biology. Ion-channel-regulated bioelectric signals have emerged as a player of the patterning mechanism, which may interact with morphogens. Evidence from multiple model organisms reveals the roles of bioelectricity in embryonic development, regeneration, and cancers. The Zebrafish model is the second most used vertebrate model, next to the mouse model. The zebrafish model has great potential for elucidating the functions of bioelectricity due to many advantages such as external development, transparent early embryogenesis, and tractable genetics. Here, we review genetic evidence from zebrafish mutants with fin-size and pigment changes related to ion channels and bioelectricity. In addition, we review the cell membrane voltage reporting and chemogenetic tools that have already been used or have great potential to be implemented in zebrafish models. Finally, new perspectives and opportunities for bioelectricity research with zebrafish are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin R Silic
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - GuangJun Zhang
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
- Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
- Purdue Institute for Inflammation, Immunology and Infectious Diseases (PI4D), Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
- Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, 625 Harrison Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
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21
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Rodrigues AF, Rebelo C, Reis T, Simões S, Bernardino L, Peça J, Ferreira L. Engineering optical tools for remotely controlled brain stimulation and regeneration. Biomater Sci 2023; 11:3034-3050. [PMID: 36947145 DOI: 10.1039/d2bm02059a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/20/2023]
Abstract
Neurological disorders are one of the world's leading medical and societal challenges due to the lack of efficacy of the first line treatment. Although pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions have been employed with the aim of regulating neuronal activity and survival, they have failed to avoid symptom relapse and disease progression in the vast majority of patients. In the last 5 years, advanced drug delivery systems delivering bioactive molecules and neuromodulation strategies have been developed to promote tissue regeneration and remodel neuronal circuitry. However, both approaches still have limited spatial and temporal precision over the desired target regions. While external stimuli such as electromagnetic fields and ultrasound have been employed in the clinic for non-invasive neuromodulation, they do not have the capability of offering single-cell spatial resolution as light stimulation. Herein, we review the latest progress in this area of study and discuss the prospects of using light-responsive nanomaterials to achieve on-demand delivery of drugs and neuromodulation, with the aim of achieving brain stimulation and regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artur Filipe Rodrigues
- Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3000-517 Coimbra, Portugal.
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, 3000-354 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Catarina Rebelo
- Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3000-517 Coimbra, Portugal.
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, 3000-354 Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Unidade Central, University of Coimbra, 3000-354 Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Tiago Reis
- Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3000-517 Coimbra, Portugal.
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, 3000-354 Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Unidade Central, University of Coimbra, 3000-354 Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Susana Simões
- Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3000-517 Coimbra, Portugal.
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, 3000-354 Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Unidade Central, University of Coimbra, 3000-354 Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Liliana Bernardino
- Health Sciences Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, 6201-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - João Peça
- Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3000-517 Coimbra, Portugal.
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, 3000-354 Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Unidade Central, University of Coimbra, 3000-354 Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Lino Ferreira
- Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3000-517 Coimbra, Portugal.
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, 3000-354 Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Unidade Central, University of Coimbra, 3000-354 Coimbra, Portugal.
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22
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Does Deep Learning Have Epileptic Seizures? On the Modeling of the Brain. Cognit Comput 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s12559-023-10113-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
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23
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Shreesha L, Levin M. Cellular Competency during Development Alters Evolutionary Dynamics in an Artificial Embryogeny Model. ENTROPY (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 25:e25010131. [PMID: 36673272 PMCID: PMC9858125 DOI: 10.3390/e25010131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Biological genotypes do not code directly for phenotypes; developmental physiology is the control layer that separates genomes from capacities ascertained by selection. A key aspect is cellular competency, since cells are not passive materials but descendants of unicellular organisms with complex context-sensitive behavioral capabilities. To probe the effects of different degrees of cellular competency on evolutionary dynamics, we used an evolutionary simulation in the context of minimal artificial embryogeny. Virtual embryos consisted of a single axis of positional information values provided by cells' 'structural genes', operated upon by an evolutionary cycle in which embryos' fitness was proportional to monotonicity of the axial gradient. Evolutionary dynamics were evaluated in two modes: hardwired development (genotype directly encodes phenotype), and a more realistic mode in which cells interact prior to evaluation by the fitness function ("regulative" development). We find that even minimal ability of cells with to improve their position in the embryo results in better performance of the evolutionary search. Crucially, we observed that increasing the behavioral competency masks the raw fitness encoded by structural genes, with selection favoring improvements to its developmental problem-solving capacities over improvements to its structural genome. This suggests the existence of a powerful ratchet mechanism: evolution progressively becomes locked in to improvements in the intelligence of its agential substrate, with reduced pressure on the structural genome. This kind of feedback loop in which evolution increasingly puts more effort into the developmental software than perfecting the hardware explains the very puzzling divergence of genome from anatomy in species like planaria. In addition, it identifies a possible driver for scaling intelligence over evolutionary time, and suggests strategies for engineering novel systems in silico and in bioengineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lakshwin Shreesha
- UFR Fundamental and Biomedical Sciences, Université Paris Cité, 75006 Paris, France
| | - Michael Levin
- Allen Discovery Center, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA
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24
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Funk RHW, Scholkmann F. The significance of bioelectricity on all levels of organization of an organism. Part 1: From the subcellular level to cells. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 177:185-201. [PMID: 36481271 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2022.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Bioelectricity plays an essential role in the structural and functional organization of biological organisms. In this first article of our three-part series, we summarize the importance of bioelectricity for the basic structural level of biological organization, i.e. from the subcellular level (charges, ion channels, molecules and cell organelles) to cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard H W Funk
- Institute of Anatomy, Center for Theoretical Medicine, TU-Dresden, 01307, Dresden, Germany; Dresden International University, 01067, Dresden, Germany.
| | - Felix Scholkmann
- Biomedical Optics Research Laboratory, Department of Neonatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland.
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25
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Hiraide T, Akita T, Uematsu K, Miyamoto S, Nakashima M, Sasaki M, Fukuda A, Kato M, Saitsu H. A novel de novo KCNB1 variant altering channel characteristics in a patient with periventricular heterotopia, abnormal corpus callosum, and mild seizure outcome. J Hum Genet 2023; 68:25-31. [PMID: 36257979 DOI: 10.1038/s10038-022-01090-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
KCNB1 encodes the α-subunit of Kv2.1, the main contributor to neuronal delayed rectifier potassium currents. The subunit consists of six transmembrane α helices (S1-S6), comprising the voltage-sensing domain (S1-S4) and the pore domain (S5-P-S6). Heterozygous KCNB1 pathogenic variants are associated with developmental and epileptic encephalopathy. Here we report an individual who shows the milder phenotype compared to the previously reported cases, including delayed language development, mild intellectual disability, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, late-onset epilepsy responsive to an antiepileptic drug, elevation of serum creatine kinase, and peripheral axonal neuropathy. On the other hand, his brain MRI showed characteristic findings including periventricular heterotopia, polymicrogyria, and abnormal corpus callosum. Exome sequencing identified a novel de novo KCNB1 variant c.574G>A, p.(Ala192Thr) located in the S1 segment of the voltage-sensing domain. Functional analysis using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique in Neuro2a cells showed that the Ala192Thr mutant reduces both activation and inactivation of the channel at membrane voltages in the range of -50 to -30 mV. Our case could expand the phenotypic spectrum of patients with KCNB1 variants, and suggested that variants located in the S1 segment might be associated with a milder outcome of seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuya Hiraide
- Department of Biochemistry, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan.,Department of Pediatrics, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Tenpei Akita
- Department of Neurophysiology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan. .,Division of Health Science, Department of Basic Nursing, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan.
| | - Kenji Uematsu
- Department of Child Neurology, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sachiko Miyamoto
- Department of Biochemistry, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Mitsuko Nakashima
- Department of Biochemistry, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Masayuki Sasaki
- Department of Child Neurology, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Atsuo Fukuda
- Department of Neurophysiology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Mitsuhiro Kato
- Department of Pediatrics, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hirotomo Saitsu
- Department of Biochemistry, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan.
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26
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Zebrafish Embryos Display Characteristic Bioelectric Signals during Early Development. Cells 2022; 11:cells11223586. [PMID: 36429015 PMCID: PMC9688842 DOI: 10.3390/cells11223586] [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: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Bioelectricity is defined as endogenous electrical signaling mediated by the dynamic distribution of charged molecules. Recently, increasing evidence has revealed that cellular bioelectric signaling is critical for regulating embryonic development, regeneration, and congenital diseases. However, systematic real-time in vivo dynamic electrical activity monitoring of whole organisms has been limited, mainly due to the lack of a suitable model system and voltage measurement tools for in vivo biology. Here, we addressed this gap by utilizing a genetically stable zebrafish line, Tg (ubiquitin: ASAP1), and ASAP1 (Accelerated sensor of action potentials 1), a genetically encoded voltage indicator (GEVI). With light-sheet microscopy, we systematically investigated cell membrane potential (Vm) signals during different embryonic stages. We found cells of zebrafish embryos showed local membrane hyperpolarization at the cleavage furrows during the cleavage period of embryogenesis. This signal appeared before cytokinesis and fluctuated as it progressed. In contrast, whole-cell transient hyperpolarization was observed during the blastula and gastrula stages. These signals were generally limited to the superficial blastomere, but they could be detected within the deeper cells during the gastrulation period. Moreover, the zebrafish embryos exhibit tissue-level cell Vm signals during the segmentation period. Middle-aged somites had strong and dynamic Vm fluctuations starting at about the 12-somite stage. These embryonic stage-specific characteristic cellular bioelectric signals suggest that they might play a diverse role in zebrafish embryogenesis that could underlie human congenital diseases.
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Bory Prevez H, Soutelo Jimenez AA, Roca Oria EJ, Heredia Kindelán JA, Morales González M, Villar Goris NA, Hernández Mesa N, Sierra González VG, Infantes Frometa Y, Montijano JI, Cabrales LEB. Simulations of surface charge density changes during the untreated solid tumour growth. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2022; 9:220552. [PMID: 36465673 PMCID: PMC9709566 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.220552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Understanding untreated tumour growth kinetics and its intrinsic behaviour is interesting and intriguing. The aim of this study is to propose an approximate analytical expression that allows us to simulate changes in surface charge density at the cancer-surrounding healthy tissue interface during the untreated solid tumour growth. For this, the Gompertz and Poisson equations are used. Simulations reveal that the unperturbed solid tumour growth is closely related to changes in the surface charge density over time between the tumour and the surrounding healthy tissue. Furthermore, the unperturbed solid tumour growth is governed by temporal changes in this surface charge density. It is concluded that results corroborate the correspondence between the electrical and physiological parameters in the untreated cancer, which may have an essential role in its growth, progression, metastasis and protection against immune system attack and anti-cancer therapies. In addition, the knowledge of surface charge density changes at the cancer-surrounding healthy tissue interface may be relevant when redesigning the molecules in chemotherapy and immunotherapy taking into account their polarities. This can also be true in the design of completely novel therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry Bory Prevez
- Departamento de Control Automático, Facultad de Ingeniería Eléctrica, Universidad de Oriente, Santiago de Cuba, Cuba
| | | | - Eduardo José Roca Oria
- Departamento de Física, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Universidad de Oriente, Santiago de Cuba, Cuba
| | | | - Maraelys Morales González
- Departamento de Farmacia, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Universidad de Oriente, Santiago de Cuba, Cuba
| | - Narciso Antonio Villar Goris
- Departamento de Ciencia e Innovación, Centro Nacional de Electromagnetismo Aplicado, Universidad de Oriente, Santiago de Cuba, Cuba
- Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo, Santo Domingo, República Dominicana
| | | | | | | | - Juan Ignacio Montijano
- Departamento de Matemática Aplicada, Instituto Universitario de Matemática y Aplicaciones, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, España
| | - Luis Enrique Bergues Cabrales
- Departamento de Ciencia e Innovación, Centro Nacional de Electromagnetismo Aplicado, Universidad de Oriente, Santiago de Cuba, Cuba
- Departamento de Matemática Aplicada, Instituto Universitario de Matemática y Aplicaciones, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, España
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Bioelectronic medicines: Therapeutic potential and advancements in next-generation cancer therapy. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2022; 1877:188808. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2022.188808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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29
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Chen S, Cui W, Chi Z, Xiao Q, Hu T, Ye Q, Zhu K, Yu W, Wang Z, Yu C, Pan X, Dai S, Yang Q, Jin J, Zhang J, Li M, Yang D, Yu Q, Wang Q, Yu X, Yang W, Zhang X, Qian J, Ding K, Wang D. Tumor-associated macrophages are shaped by intratumoral high potassium via Kir2.1. Cell Metab 2022; 34:1843-1859.e11. [PMID: 36103895 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2022.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a unique niche governed by constant crosstalk within and across all intratumoral cellular compartments. In particular, intratumoral high potassium (K+) has shown immune-suppressive potency on T cells. However, as a pan-cancer characteristic associated with local necrosis, the impact of this ionic disturbance on innate immunity is unknown. Here, we reveal that intratumoral high K+ suppresses the anti-tumor capacity of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). We identify the inwardly rectifying K+ channel Kir2.1 as a central modulator of TAM functional polarization in high K+ TME, and its conditional depletion repolarizes TAMs toward an anti-tumor state, sequentially boosting local anti-tumor immunity. Kir2.1 deficiency disturbs the electrochemically dependent glutamine uptake, engendering TAM metabolic reprogramming from oxidative phosphorylation toward glycolysis. Kir2.1 blockade attenuates both murine tumor- and patient-derived xenograft growth. Collectively, our findings reveal Kir2.1 as a determinant and potential therapeutic target for regaining the anti-tumor capacity of TAMs within ionic-imbalanced TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Chen
- Institute of Immunology and Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, P.R. China; Department of Colorectal Surgery and Oncology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, P.R. China; Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, P.R. China
| | - Wenyu Cui
- Institute of Immunology and Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, P.R. China; Eye Center, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, P.R. China
| | - Zhexu Chi
- Institute of Immunology and Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, P.R. China
| | - Qian Xiao
- Department of Colorectal Surgery and Oncology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, P.R. China; Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, P.R. China
| | - Tianyi Hu
- Institute of Immunology and Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, P.R. China
| | - Qizhen Ye
- Institute of Immunology and Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, P.R. China
| | - Kaixiang Zhu
- Institute of Immunology and Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, P.R. China
| | - Weiwei Yu
- Institute of Immunology and Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, P.R. China; Department of Colorectal Surgery and Oncology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, P.R. China
| | - Zhen Wang
- Institute of Immunology and Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, P.R. China
| | - Chengxuan Yu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery and Oncology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, P.R. China; Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, P.R. China
| | - Xiang Pan
- Department of Colorectal Surgery and Oncology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, P.R. China; Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, P.R. China
| | - Siqi Dai
- Department of Colorectal Surgery and Oncology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, P.R. China; Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, P.R. China
| | - Qi Yang
- Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, P.R. China
| | - Jiacheng Jin
- Institute of Immunology and Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, P.R. China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Institute of Immunology and Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, P.R. China
| | - Mobai Li
- Institute of Immunology and Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, P.R. China
| | - Dehang Yang
- Institute of Immunology and Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, P.R. China
| | - Qianzhou Yu
- Institute of Immunology and Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, P.R. China
| | - Quanquan Wang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery and Oncology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, P.R. China; Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, P.R. China
| | - Xiafei Yu
- Department of Biophysics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, P.R. China
| | - Wei Yang
- Department of Biophysics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, P.R. China
| | - Xue Zhang
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, P.R. China
| | - Junbin Qian
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Therapy for Major Gynecological Diseases, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, P.R. China; Institute of Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, P.R. China; Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, P.R. China
| | - Kefeng Ding
- Department of Colorectal Surgery and Oncology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, P.R. China; Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, P.R. China.
| | - Di Wang
- Institute of Immunology and Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, P.R. China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, 1369 West Wenyi Road, Hangzhou, P.R. China.
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30
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Onorato G, Fardella F, Lewinska A, Gobbo F, Tommasini G, Wnuk M, Tino A, Moros M, Antognazza MR, Tortiglione C. Optical Control of Tissue Regeneration through Photostimulation of Organic Semiconducting Nanoparticles. Adv Healthc Mater 2022; 11:e2200366. [PMID: 35861262 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202200366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Next generation bioengineering strives to identify crucial cues that trigger regeneration of damaged tissues, and to control the cells that execute these programs with biomaterials and devices. Molecular and biophysical mechanisms driving embryogenesis may inspire novel tools to reactivate developmental programs in situ. Here nanoparticles based on conjugated polymers are employed for optical control of regenerating tissues by using an animal with unlimited regenerative potential, the polyp Hydra, as in vivo model, and human keratinocytes as an in vitro model to investigate skin repair. By integrating animal, cellular, molecular, and biochemical approaches, nanoparticles based on poly-3-hexylthiophene (P3HT) are shown able to enhance regeneration kinetics, stem cell proliferation, and biomolecule oxidation levels. Opposite outputs are obtained with PCPDTBT-NPs (Poly[2,6-(4,4-bis-(2-ethylhexyl)-4H-cyclopenta [2,1-b;3,4-b'] dithiophene)-alt-4,7(2,1,3-benzothiadiazole)], causing a beneficial effect on Hydra regeneration but not on the migratory capability of keratinocytes. These results suggest that the artificial modulation of the redox potential in injured tissues may represent a powerful modality to control their regenerative potential. Importantly, the possibility to fine-tuning materials' photocatalytic efficiency may enable a biphasic modulation over a wide dynamic range, which can be exploited to augment the tissue regenerative capacity or inhibit the unlimited potential of cancerous cells in pathological contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giada Onorato
- Istituto di Scienze Applicate e Sistemi Intelligenti "E. Caianiello", Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Campi Flegrei 34, Pozzuoli, 80078, Italy.,Institute of Biosciences and Bioresources, National Research Council, Via Pietro Castellino 111, Napoli, Italy
| | - Federica Fardella
- Istituto di Scienze Applicate e Sistemi Intelligenti "E. Caianiello", Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Campi Flegrei 34, Pozzuoli, 80078, Italy.,Instituto de Nanociencia y Materiales de Aragón, C/Mariano Esquillor 15, Zaragoza, 50018, Spain
| | - Anna Lewinska
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Rzeszow, Pigonia 1, Rzeszow, 35-310, Poland
| | - Federico Gobbo
- Center for Nano Science and Technology @PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Pascoli 70/3, Milano, 20133, Italy.,Politecnico di Milano, Dip. di Fisica, P.zza L. Da Vinci 32, Milano, 20133, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Tommasini
- Istituto di Scienze Applicate e Sistemi Intelligenti "E. Caianiello", Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Campi Flegrei 34, Pozzuoli, 80078, Italy.,Instituto de Nanociencia y Materiales de Aragón, C/Mariano Esquillor 15, Zaragoza, 50018, Spain
| | - Maciej Wnuk
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Rzeszow, Pigonia 1, Rzeszow, 35-310, Poland
| | - Angela Tino
- Istituto di Scienze Applicate e Sistemi Intelligenti "E. Caianiello", Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Campi Flegrei 34, Pozzuoli, 80078, Italy
| | - Maria Moros
- Instituto de Nanociencia y Materiales de Aragón, C/Mariano Esquillor 15, Zaragoza, 50018, Spain
| | - Maria Rosa Antognazza
- Center for Nano Science and Technology @PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Pascoli 70/3, Milano, 20133, Italy
| | - Claudia Tortiglione
- Istituto di Scienze Applicate e Sistemi Intelligenti "E. Caianiello", Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Campi Flegrei 34, Pozzuoli, 80078, Italy
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31
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Rinaldi S, Rinaldi C, Fontani V. Regenerative Radio Electric Asymmetric Conveyer Treatment in Generalized Cerebral and Cerebellar Atrophy to Improve Motor Control: A Case Report. Cureus 2022; 14:e28245. [PMID: 36039125 PMCID: PMC9396963 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.28245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
This report presents a case with a diagnosis rarely described in the literature, that is generalized cerebral-cerebellar atrophy. The patient showed a rapid decline with general cognitive deterioration, memory loss, temporal and spatial disorientation, and ataxic manifestations in voluntary movements. The loss of neurons and synaptic connections can be explained by an alteration of the correct endogenous bioelectrical activity (EBA), the phenomenon which allows all the processes of cellular life, such as differentiation, proliferation, migration, morphogenesis, apoptosis, and neurotransmission. The patient was treated with a specific regenerative neurobiological stimulation treatment applied with the radio electric asymmetric conveyer (REAC) technology, which was designed to recover the correct EBA. The tissue optimization regenerative (TO RGN) treatments used in this case report have already demonstrated the ability to induce neuroregenerative processes. At the follow-up, the patient showed a reduction in ataxia both in walking and running. This case report allows us to learn that the manipulation of the EBA can induce improvements even in clinical cases in which the scientific literature leaves no room for improvement.
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32
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Chevalier NR. Physical organogenesis of the gut. Development 2022; 149:276365. [DOI: 10.1242/dev.200765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT
The gut has been a central subject of organogenesis since Caspar Friedrich Wolff’s seminal 1769 work ‘De Formatione Intestinorum’. Today, we are moving from a purely genetic understanding of cell specification to a model in which genetics codes for layers of physical–mechanical and electrical properties that drive organogenesis such that organ function and morphogenesis are deeply intertwined. This Review provides an up-to-date survey of the extrinsic and intrinsic mechanical forces acting on the embryonic vertebrate gut during development and of their role in all aspects of intestinal morphogenesis: enteric nervous system formation, epithelium structuring, muscle orientation and differentiation, anisotropic growth and the development of myogenic and neurogenic motility. I outline numerous implications of this biomechanical perspective in the etiology and treatment of pathologies, such as short bowel syndrome, dysmotility, interstitial cells of Cajal-related disorders and Hirschsprung disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas R. Chevalier
- Laboratoire Matière et Systèmes Complexes, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR 7057 , 10 rue Alice Domon et Léonie Duquet, 75013 Paris , France
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33
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Pai VP, Cooper BG, Levin M. Screening Biophysical Sensors and Neurite Outgrowth Actuators in Human Induced-Pluripotent-Stem-Cell-Derived Neurons. Cells 2022; 11:cells11162470. [PMID: 36010547 PMCID: PMC9406775 DOI: 10.3390/cells11162470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
All living cells maintain a charge distribution across their cell membrane (membrane potential) by carefully controlled ion fluxes. These bioelectric signals regulate cell behavior (such as migration, proliferation, differentiation) as well as higher-level tissue and organ patterning. Thus, voltage gradients represent an important parameter for diagnostics as well as a promising target for therapeutic interventions in birth defects, injury, and cancer. However, despite much progress in cell and molecular biology, little is known about bioelectric states in human stem cells. Here, we present simple methods to simultaneously track ion dynamics, membrane voltage, cell morphology, and cell activity (pH and ROS), using fluorescent reporter dyes in living human neurons derived from induced neural stem cells (hiNSC). We developed and tested functional protocols for manipulating ion fluxes, membrane potential, and cell activity, and tracking neural responses to injury and reinnervation in vitro. Finally, using morphology sensor, we tested and quantified the ability of physiological actuators (neurotransmitters and pH) to manipulate nerve repair and reinnervation. These methods are not specific to a particular cell type and should be broadly applicable to the study of bioelectrical controls across a wide range of combinations of models and endpoints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vaibhav P. Pai
- Allen Discovery Center at Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA
| | - Ben G. Cooper
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Michael Levin
- Allen Discovery Center at Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA
- Correspondence:
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34
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Li S, Li N, Yang S, Deng H, Li Y, Wang Y, Yang J, Lv J, Dong L, Yu G, Hou X, Wang G. The study of immune checkpoint inhibitors in chronic hepatitis B virus infection. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 109:108842. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.108842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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35
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Fields C, Glazebrook JF, Levin M. Neurons as hierarchies of quantum reference frames. Biosystems 2022; 219:104714. [PMID: 35671840 DOI: 10.1016/j.biosystems.2022.104714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Conceptual and mathematical models of neurons have lagged behind empirical understanding for decades. Here we extend previous work in modeling biological systems with fully scale-independent quantum information-theoretic tools to develop a uniform, scalable representation of synapses, dendritic and axonal processes, neurons, and local networks of neurons. In this representation, hierarchies of quantum reference frames act as hierarchical active-inference systems. The resulting model enables specific predictions of correlations between synaptic activity, dendritic remodeling, and trophic reward. We summarize how the model may be generalized to nonneural cells and tissues in developmental and regenerative contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris Fields
- 23 Rue des Lavandières, 11160 Caunes Minervois, France.
| | - James F Glazebrook
- Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, IL 61920, USA; Adjunct Faculty, Department of Mathematics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Michael Levin
- Allen Discovery Center at Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA
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Pai VP, Levin M. HCN2 Channel-induced Rescue of Brain, Eye, Heart, and Gut Teratogenesis Caused by Nicotine, Ethanol, and Aberrant Notch Signaling. Wound Repair Regen 2022; 30:681-706. [PMID: 35662339 DOI: 10.1111/wrr.13032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Organogenesis is a complex process that can be disrupted by embryonic exposure to teratogens or mutation-induced alterations in signaling pathways, both of which result in organ mispatterning. Building on prior work in Xenopus laevis that showed that increased HCN2 ion channel activity rescues nicotine-induced brain & eye morphogenesis, we demonstrate much broader HCN2-based rescue of organ patterning defects. Induced HCN2 expression in both local or distant tissues can rescue CNS (brain & eye) as well as non-CNS (heart, & gut) organ defects induced by three different teratogenic conditions: nicotine exposure, ethanol exposure, or aberrant Notch protein. Rescue can also be induced by small-molecule HCN2 channel activators, even with delayed treatment initiation. Our results suggest that HCN2 (likely mediated by bioelectric signals) can be an effective regulator of organogenesis from all three germ layers (ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm) and reveal non-cell-autonomous influences on organ formation that work at considerable distance during embryonic development. These results suggest molecular bioelectric strategies for repair that could be explored in the future for regenerative medicine. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vaibhav P Pai
- Allen Discovery Center at Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Michael Levin
- Allen Discovery Center at Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts, USA
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Davidian D, Levin M. Inducing Vertebrate Limb Regeneration: A Review of Past Advances and Future Outlook. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2022; 14:a040782. [PMID: 34400551 PMCID: PMC9121900 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a040782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Limb loss due to traumatic injury or amputation is a major biomedical burden. Many vertebrates exhibit the ability to form and pattern normal limbs during embryogenesis from amorphous clusters of precursor cells, hinting that this process could perhaps be activated later in life to rebuild missing or damaged limbs. Indeed, some animals, such as salamanders, are proficient regenerators of limbs throughout their life span. Thus, research over the last century has sought to stimulate regeneration in species that do not normally regenerate their appendages. Importantly, these efforts are not only a vital aspect of regenerative medicine, but also have fundamental implications for understanding evolution and the cellular control of growth and form throughout the body. Here we review major recent advances in augmenting limb regeneration, summarizing the degree of success that has been achieved to date in frog and mammalian models using genetic, biochemical, and bioelectrical interventions. While the degree of whole limb repair in rodent models has been modest to date, a number of new technologies and approaches comprise an exciting near-term road map for basic and clinical progress in regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devon Davidian
- Allen Discovery Center at Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, USA
| | - Michael Levin
- Allen Discovery Center at Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
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38
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O’Hara-Wright M, Mobini S, Gonzalez-Cordero A. Bioelectric Potential in Next-Generation Organoids: Electrical Stimulation to Enhance 3D Structures of the Central Nervous System. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:901652. [PMID: 35656553 PMCID: PMC9152151 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.901652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Pluripotent stem cell-derived organoid models of the central nervous system represent one of the most exciting areas in in vitro tissue engineering. Classically, organoids of the brain, retina and spinal cord have been generated via recapitulation of in vivo developmental cues, including biochemical and biomechanical. However, a lesser studied cue, bioelectricity, has been shown to regulate central nervous system development and function. In particular, electrical stimulation of neural cells has generated some important phenotypes relating to development and differentiation. Emerging techniques in bioengineering and biomaterials utilise electrical stimulation using conductive polymers. However, state-of-the-art pluripotent stem cell technology has not yet merged with this exciting area of bioelectricity. Here, we discuss recent findings in the field of bioelectricity relating to the central nervous system, possible mechanisms, and how electrical stimulation may be utilised as a novel technique to engineer “next-generation” organoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle O’Hara-Wright
- Stem Cell Medicine Group, Children’s Medical Research Institute, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Sahba Mobini
- Instituto de Micro y Nanotecnología, IMN-CNM, CSIC (CEI UAM + CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Anai Gonzalez-Cordero
- Stem Cell Medicine Group, Children’s Medical Research Institute, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia
- *Correspondence: Anai Gonzalez-Cordero,
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Comerci CJ, Gillman AL, Galera-Laporta L, Gutierrez E, Groisman A, Larkin JW, Garcia-Ojalvo J, Süel GM. Localized electrical stimulation triggers cell-type-specific proliferation in biofilms. Cell Syst 2022; 13:488-498.e4. [PMID: 35512710 PMCID: PMC9233089 DOI: 10.1016/j.cels.2022.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Biological systems ranging from bacteria to mammals utilize electrochemical signaling. Although artificial electrochemical signals have been utilized to characterize neural tissue responses, the effects of such stimuli on non-neural systems remain unclear. To pursue this question, we developed an experimental platform that combines a microfluidic chip with a multielectrode array (MiCMA) to enable localized electrochemical stimulation of bacterial biofilms. The device also allows for the simultaneous measurement of the physiological response within the biofilm with single-cell resolution. We find that the stimulation of an electrode locally changes the ratio of the two major cell types comprising Bacillus subtilis biofilms, namely motile and extracellular-matrix-producing cells. Specifically, stimulation promotes the proliferation of motile cells but not matrix cells, even though these two cell types are genetically identical and reside in the same microenvironment. Our work thus reveals that an electronic interface can selectively target bacterial cell types, enabling the control of biofilm composition and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin J Comerci
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Alan L Gillman
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Leticia Galera-Laporta
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Edgar Gutierrez
- Department of Physics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Alex Groisman
- Department of Physics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Joseph W Larkin
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Jordi Garcia-Ojalvo
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona 08003, Spain
| | - Gürol M Süel
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; San Diego Center for Systems Biology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
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40
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Imran SAM, M. Hamizul MHA, Khairul Bariah AAN, Wan Kamarul Zaman WS, Nordin F. Regenerative Medicine Therapy in Malaysia: An Update. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:789644. [PMID: 35557868 PMCID: PMC9089164 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.789644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Regenerative medicine is a field in medicine that relates to the ability to correct congenital anomalies and to repair or replace tissues and organs that have been destroyed by age, disease, or trauma. To date, promising preclinical and clinical data supported the possibility of using regenerative medicine to treat both chronic diseases and acute insults, as well as maladies affecting a wide range of organ systems and contexts, such as dermal wounds, cardiovascular diseases and traumas, cancer treatments, and more. One of the regenerative medicine therapies that have been used widely is stem cells. Stem cells, especially mesenchymal and hematopoietic stem cells, play an important role in treating chronic diseases, such as leukemia, bone marrow, autoimmune disease, and urinary problems. Despite considerable advancements in stem cell biology, their applications are limited by ethical concerns about embryonic stem cells, tumor development, and rejection. Nevertheless, many of these constraints, are being overcome, which could lead to significant advancements in disease management. This review discusses the current developments and advancements of regenerative medicine therapy (RMT) advancements in Malaysia compared to other Asian countries. The limitations in the application of RMT are also highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siti A. M. Imran
- Centre for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - M. Haikal Aiman M. Hamizul
- Centre for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | | | | - Fazlina Nordin
- Centre for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- *Correspondence: Fazlina Nordin,
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41
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Haroutunian GG, Tsaghikian A, Fedorova E, Chaurasia P, Gusella GL, Mosoian A. Electromagnetic Fields Generated by the IteraCoil Device Differentiate Mesenchymal Stem Progenitor Cells Into the Osteogenic Lineage. Bioelectromagnetics 2022; 43:245-256. [PMID: 35391494 PMCID: PMC9325380 DOI: 10.1002/bem.22401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Rapid advances in mesenchymal stem progenitor cells (MSPCs) have rendered impetus into the area of cell therapy and regenerative medicine. The main promise of future stem cell therapies is their reliance on autologous stem cells derived from adipose tissue, which also includes treatments of bone fractures and degeneration. The effectiveness of different electric devices utilized to reprogram MSPCs toward osteogenic differentiation has provided varying degrees of effectiveness for clinical use. Adipose tissue-derived MSPCs were flow-cytometrically characterized and further differentiated into osteoblasts by culturing either in growth medium with pro-osteogenic supplements or without supplements with alternating electromagnetic field (EMF) generated by IteraCoil. IteraCoil is a multi-solenoid coil with a specific complex geometry that creates a 3D-EMF with desired parameters without directly applying electrodes to the cells and tissues. The flow-cytometric analysis of highly enriched (≥95%) adipose-derived MSPCs (CD34- , CD73+ , CD90+ , and CD105+ ) was utilized for the study. Osteoblasts and chondrocyte differentiations were then assessed by specific staining and quantified using ImageJ (National Institutes of Health). The osteoblastic differentiation of MSPCs cultured in regular medium and exposed to EMF at 0.05 and 1 kHz frequencies was compared with MSPCs cultured in a pro-osteogenic supplemented medium. In this study, we demonstrated that EMF from IteraCoil might have affected the signaling pathways that induce the osteogenic differentiation of human adipose-derived MSPCs in the absence of exogenous osteogenic factors. Therefore, EMF-generated osteogenic differentiation of reprogrammed adipose-derived autologous MSPCs may treat the loss of osteoblasts and osteoporosis and open new avenues for the development of regenerative cellular therapy. © 2022 Bioelectromagnetics Society.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ashot Tsaghikian
- Data Processing and Field Engineering Corp., Glendale, California
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42
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Levin M. Technological Approach to Mind Everywhere: An Experimentally-Grounded Framework for Understanding Diverse Bodies and Minds. Front Syst Neurosci 2022; 16:768201. [PMID: 35401131 PMCID: PMC8988303 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2022.768201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Synthetic biology and bioengineering provide the opportunity to create novel embodied cognitive systems (otherwise known as minds) in a very wide variety of chimeric architectures combining evolved and designed material and software. These advances are disrupting familiar concepts in the philosophy of mind, and require new ways of thinking about and comparing truly diverse intelligences, whose composition and origin are not like any of the available natural model species. In this Perspective, I introduce TAME-Technological Approach to Mind Everywhere-a framework for understanding and manipulating cognition in unconventional substrates. TAME formalizes a non-binary (continuous), empirically-based approach to strongly embodied agency. TAME provides a natural way to think about animal sentience as an instance of collective intelligence of cell groups, arising from dynamics that manifest in similar ways in numerous other substrates. When applied to regenerating/developmental systems, TAME suggests a perspective on morphogenesis as an example of basal cognition. The deep symmetry between problem-solving in anatomical, physiological, transcriptional, and 3D (traditional behavioral) spaces drives specific hypotheses by which cognitive capacities can increase during evolution. An important medium exploited by evolution for joining active subunits into greater agents is developmental bioelectricity, implemented by pre-neural use of ion channels and gap junctions to scale up cell-level feedback loops into anatomical homeostasis. This architecture of multi-scale competency of biological systems has important implications for plasticity of bodies and minds, greatly potentiating evolvability. Considering classical and recent data from the perspectives of computational science, evolutionary biology, and basal cognition, reveals a rich research program with many implications for cognitive science, evolutionary biology, regenerative medicine, and artificial intelligence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Levin
- Allen Discovery Center at Tufts University, Medford, MA, United States
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States
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Kudithipudi D, Aguilar-Simon M, Babb J, Bazhenov M, Blackiston D, Bongard J, Brna AP, Chakravarthi Raja S, Cheney N, Clune J, Daram A, Fusi S, Helfer P, Kay L, Ketz N, Kira Z, Kolouri S, Krichmar JL, Kriegman S, Levin M, Madireddy S, Manicka S, Marjaninejad A, McNaughton B, Miikkulainen R, Navratilova Z, Pandit T, Parker A, Pilly PK, Risi S, Sejnowski TJ, Soltoggio A, Soures N, Tolias AS, Urbina-Meléndez D, Valero-Cuevas FJ, van de Ven GM, Vogelstein JT, Wang F, Weiss R, Yanguas-Gil A, Zou X, Siegelmann H. Biological underpinnings for lifelong learning machines. NAT MACH INTELL 2022. [DOI: 10.1038/s42256-022-00452-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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44
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Ion Channel Drugs Suppress Cancer Phenotype in NG108-15 and U87 Cells: Toward Novel Electroceuticals for Glioblastoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14061499. [PMID: 35326650 PMCID: PMC8946312 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14061499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma is a lethal brain cancer that commonly recurs after tumor resection and chemotherapy treatment. Depolarized resting membrane potentials and an acidic intertumoral extracellular pH have been associated with a proliferative state and drug resistance, suggesting that forced hyperpolarization and disruption of proton pumps in the plasma membrane could be a successful strategy for targeting glioblastoma overgrowth. We screened 47 compounds and compound combinations, most of which were ion-modulating, at different concentrations in the NG108-15 rodent neuroblastoma/glioma cell line. A subset of these were tested in the U87 human glioblastoma cell line. A FUCCI cell cycle reporter was stably integrated into both cell lines to monitor proliferation and cell cycle response. Immunocytochemistry, electrophysiology, and a panel of physiological dyes reporting voltage, calcium, and pH were used to characterize responses. The most effective treatments on proliferation in U87 cells were combinations of NS1643 and pantoprazole; retigabine and pantoprazole; and pantoprazole or NS1643 with temozolomide. Marker analysis and physiological dye signatures suggest that exposure to bioelectric drugs significantly reduces proliferation, makes the cells senescent, and promotes differentiation. These results, along with the observed low toxicity in human neurons, show the high efficacy of electroceuticals utilizing combinations of repurposed FDA approved drugs.
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45
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Adelfio M, Bonzanni M, Levin M, Kaplan DL. Impact of Membrane Voltage on Formation and Stability of Human Renal Proximal Tubules in Vitro. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2022; 8:1239-1246. [PMID: 35157435 PMCID: PMC9906498 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.1c01163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
More than 15% of adults in the United States suffer from some form of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Current strategies for CKD consist of dialysis or kidney transplant, which, however, can take several years. In this light, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine approaches are the key to improving people's living conditions by advancing previous tissue engineering approaches and seeking new targets as intervention methods for kidney repair or replacement. The membrane voltage (Vm) dynamics of a cell have been associated with cell migration, cell cycle progression, differentiation, and pattern formation. Furthermore, bioelectrical stimuli have been used as a means in the treatment of diseases and wound healing. Here, we investigated the role of Vm as a novel target to guide and manipulate in vitro renal tissue models. Human-immortalized renal proximal tubule epithelial cells (RPTECs-TERT1) were cultured on Matrigel to support the formation of 3D proximal tubular-like structures with the incorporation of a voltage-sensitive dye indicator─bis-(1,3-dibutylbarbituric acid)timethine oxonol (DiBAC). The results demonstrated a correlation between the depolarization and the reorganization of human renal proximal tubule cells, indicating Vm as a candidate variable to control these events. Accordingly, Vm was pharmacologically manipulated using glibenclamide and pinacidil, KATP channel modulators, and proximal tubule formation and tubule stability over 21 days were assessed. Chronic manipulation of KATP channels induced changes in the tubular network topology without affecting lumen formation. Thus, a relationship was found between the preluminal tubulogenesis phase and KATP channels. This relationship may provide future options as a control point during kidney tissue development, treatment, and regeneration goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miryam Adelfio
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 4 Colby Street, Medford 02155, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Mattia Bonzanni
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 4 Colby Street, Medford 02155, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Michael Levin
- Biology Department, and Allen Discovery Center at Tufts University, Tufts University, 200 Boston Avenue, Medford 02155, Massachusetts, United States
| | - David L Kaplan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 4 Colby Street, Medford 02155, Massachusetts, United States
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46
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Liang C, Liu Y, Lu W, Tian G, Zhao Q, Yang D, Sun J, Qi D. Strategies for interface issues and challenges of neural electrodes. NANOSCALE 2022; 14:3346-3366. [PMID: 35179152 DOI: 10.1039/d1nr07226a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Neural electrodes, as a bridge for bidirectional communication between the body and external devices, are crucial means for detecting and controlling nerve activity. The electrodes play a vital role in monitoring the state of neural systems or influencing it to treat disease or restore functions. To achieve high-resolution, safe and long-term stable nerve recording and stimulation, a neural electrode with excellent electrochemical performance (e.g., impedance, charge storage capacity, charge injection limit), and good biocompatibility and stability is required. Here, the charge transfer process in the tissues, the electrode-tissue interfaces and the electrode materials are discussed respectively. Subsequently, the latest research methods and strategies for improving the electrochemical performance and biocompatibility of neural electrodes are reviewed. Finally, the challenges in the development of neural electrodes are proposed. It is expected that the development of neural electrodes will offer new opportunities for the evolution of neural prosthesis, bioelectronic medicine, brain science, and so on.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cuiyuan Liang
- National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Synthesis, Transformation and Separation of Extreme Environmental Nutrients, 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.
| | - Yan Liu
- National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Synthesis, Transformation and Separation of Extreme Environmental Nutrients, 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.
| | - Weihong Lu
- National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Synthesis, Transformation and Separation of Extreme Environmental Nutrients, 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.
| | - Gongwei Tian
- National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Synthesis, Transformation and Separation of Extreme Environmental Nutrients, 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.
| | - Qinyi Zhao
- National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Synthesis, Transformation and Separation of Extreme Environmental Nutrients, 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.
| | - Dan Yang
- National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Synthesis, Transformation and Separation of Extreme Environmental Nutrients, 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.
| | - Jing Sun
- National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Synthesis, Transformation and Separation of Extreme Environmental Nutrients, 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.
| | - Dianpeng Qi
- National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Synthesis, Transformation and Separation of Extreme Environmental Nutrients, 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.
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47
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Grodstein J, Levin M. A Computational Approach to Explaining Bioelectrically Induced Persistent, Stochastic Changes of Axial Polarity in Planarian Regeneration. Bioelectricity 2022. [DOI: 10.1089/bioe.2021.0036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Joel Grodstein
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Michael Levin
- Allen Discovery Center at Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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48
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Sofía M, Sebastián R, Emanuel C, Branham MT, Marzese DM, Matthew S, De Blas G, Rodolfo A, Michael L, María R. When left does not seem right: epigenetic and bioelectric differences between left- and right-sided breast cancer. Mol Med 2022; 28:15. [PMID: 35123413 PMCID: PMC8817536 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-022-00440-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background During embryogenesis lateral symmetry is broken, giving rise to Left/Right (L/R) breast tissues with distinct identity. L/R-sided breast tumors exhibit consistently-biased incidence, gene expression, and DNA methylation. We postulate that a differential L/R tumor-microenvironment crosstalk generates different tumorigenesis mechanisms. Methods We performed in-silico analyses on breast tumors of public datasets, developed xenografted tumors, and conditioned MDA-MB-231 cells with L/R mammary extracts. Results We found L/R differential DNA methylation involved in embryogenic and neuron-like functions. Focusing on ion-channels, we discovered significant L/R epigenetic and bioelectric differences. Specifically, L-sided cells presented increased methylation of hyperpolarizing ion channel genes and increased Ca2+ concentration and depolarized membrane potential, compared to R-ones. Functional consequences were associated with increased proliferation in left tumors, assessed by KI67 expression and mitotic count. Conclusions Our findings reveal considerable L/R asymmetry in cancer processes, and suggest specific L/R epigenetic and bioelectric differences as future targets for cancer therapeutic approaches in the breast and many other paired organs. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s10020-022-00440-5.
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Surface Glycans Regulate Salmonella Infection-Dependent Directional Switch in Macrophage Galvanotaxis Independent of NanH. Infect Immun 2022; 90:e0051621. [PMID: 34662214 PMCID: PMC8788700 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00516-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Salmonella invades and disrupts gut epithelium integrity, creating an infection-generated electric field that can drive directional migration of macrophages, a process called galvanotaxis. Phagocytosis of bacteria reverses the direction of macrophage galvanotaxis, implicating a bioelectrical mechanism to initiate life-threatening disseminations. The force that drives direction reversal of macrophage galvanotaxis is not understood. One hypothesis is that Salmonella can alter the electrical properties of the macrophages by modifying host cell surface glycan composition, which is supported by the fact that cleavage of surface-exposed sialic acids with a bacterial neuraminidase severely impairs macrophage galvanotaxis, as well as phagocytosis. Here, we utilize N-glycan profiling by nanoLC-chip QTOF mass cytometry to characterize the bacterial neuraminidase-associated compositional shift of the macrophage glycocalyx, which revealed a decrease in sialylated and an increase in fucosylated and high mannose structures. The Salmonella nanH gene, encoding a putative neuraminidase, is required for invasion and internalization in a human colonic epithelial cell infection model. To determine whether NanH is required for the Salmonella infection-dependent direction reversal, we constructed and characterized a nanH deletion mutant and found that NanH is partially required for Salmonella infection in primary murine macrophages. However, compared to wild type Salmonella, infection with the nanH mutant only marginally reduced the cathode-oriented macrophage galvonotaxis, without canceling direction reversal. Together, these findings strongly suggest that while neuraminidase-mediated N-glycan modification impaired both macrophage phagocytosis and galvanotaxis, yet to be defined mechanisms other than NanH may play a more important role in bioelectrical control of macrophage trafficking, which potentially triggers dissemination.
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50
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Chen L, Hassani Nia F, Stauber T. Ion Channels and Transporters in Muscle Cell Differentiation. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:13615. [PMID: 34948411 PMCID: PMC8703453 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Investigations on ion channels in muscle tissues have mainly focused on physiological muscle function and related disorders, but emerging evidence supports a critical role of ion channels and transporters in developmental processes, such as controlling the myogenic commitment of stem cells. In this review, we provide an overview of ion channels and transporters that influence skeletal muscle myoblast differentiation, cardiac differentiation from pluripotent stem cells, as well as vascular smooth muscle cell differentiation. We highlight examples of model organisms or patients with mutations in ion channels. Furthermore, a potential underlying molecular mechanism involving hyperpolarization of the resting membrane potential and a series of calcium signaling is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingye Chen
- Institute for Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany;
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Fatemeh Hassani Nia
- Institute for Molecular Medicine, MSH Medical School Hamburg, 20457 Hamburg, Germany;
| | - Tobias Stauber
- Institute for Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany;
- Institute for Molecular Medicine, MSH Medical School Hamburg, 20457 Hamburg, Germany;
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