1
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Hatano R, Smith AM, Raman R, Zamora JE, Bashir R, McCloskey KE. Comparing fabrication techniques for engineered cardiac tissue. J Biomed Mater Res A 2024; 112:1921-1929. [PMID: 38752415 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.37737] [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: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024]
Abstract
Tissue engineering can provide in vitro models for drug testing, disease modeling, and perhaps someday, tissue/organ replacements. For building 3D heart tissue, the alignment of cardiac cells or cardiomyocytes (CMs) is important in generating a synchronously contracting tissue. To that end, researchers have generated several fabrication methods for building heart tissue, but direct comparisons of pros and cons using the same cell source is lacking. Here, we derived cardiomyocytes (CMs) from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) and compare the assembly of these cells using three fabrication methods: cardiospheres, muscle rings, and muscle strips. All three protocols successfully generated compacted tissue comprised of hiPSC-derived CMs stable for at least 2 weeks. The percentage of aligned cells was greatest in the muscle strip (55%) and the muscle ring (50%) compared with the relatively unaligned cardiospheres (35%). The iPSC-derived CMs within the muscle strip also exhibited the greatest elongation, with elongation factor at 2.0 compared with 1.5 for the muscle ring and 1.2 for the cardiospheres. This is the first direct comparison of various fabrication techniques using the same cell source.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Hatano
- Graduate Program in Bioengineering and Small-scale Technologies, University of California, Merced, USA
| | - Ariell M Smith
- Bioengineering Department, University of California, Merced, USA
| | - Ritu Raman
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, USA
| | - Jose E Zamora
- Graduate Program in Materials and Biomaterials Science and Engineering, University of California, Merced, USA
| | - Rashid Bashir
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, USA
| | - Kara E McCloskey
- Graduate Program in Bioengineering and Small-scale Technologies, University of California, Merced, USA
- Materials Science and Engineering Department, University of California, Merced, USA
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2
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Schmidt AA, Grosberg AY, Grosberg A. A novel kinetic model to demonstrate the independent effects of ATP and ADP/Pi concentrations on sarcomere function. PLoS Comput Biol 2024; 20:e1012321. [PMID: 39102392 PMCID: PMC11326600 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1012321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 08/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Understanding muscle contraction mechanisms is a standing challenge, and one of the approaches has been to create models of the sarcomere-the basic contractile unit of striated muscle. While these models have been successful in elucidating many aspects of muscle contraction, they fall short in explaining the energetics of functional phenomena, such as rigor, and in particular, their dependence on the concentrations of the biomolecules involved in the cross-bridge cycle. Our hypothesis posits that the stochastic time delay between ATP adsorption and ADP/Pi release in the cross-bridge cycle necessitates a modeling approach where the rates of these two reaction steps are controlled by two independent parts of the total free energy change of the hydrolysis reaction. To test this hypothesis, we built a two-filament, stochastic-mechanical half-sarcomere model that separates the energetic roles of ATP and ADP/Pi in the cross-bridge cycle's free energy landscape. Our results clearly demonstrate that there is a nontrivial dependence of the cross-bridge cycle's kinetics on the independent concentrations of ATP, ADP, and Pi. The simplicity of the proposed model allows for analytical solutions of the more basic systems, which provide novel insight into the dominant mechanisms driving some of the experimentally observed contractile phenomena.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew A Schmidt
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
- UCI Edwards Lifesciences Foundation Cardiovascular Innovation and Research Center (CIRC), University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Alexander Y Grosberg
- Department of Physics and Center for Soft Matter Research, New York University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Anna Grosberg
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
- UCI Edwards Lifesciences Foundation Cardiovascular Innovation and Research Center (CIRC), University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
- The NSF-Simons Center for Multiscale Cell Fate Research and Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center and Center for Complex Biological Systems, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
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3
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Kobeissi H, Gao X, DePalma SJ, Ewoldt JK, Wang MC, Das SL, Jilberto J, Nordsletten D, Baker BM, Chen CS, Lejeune E. MicroBundlePillarTrack: A Python package for automated segmentation, tracking, and analysis of pillar deflection in cardiac microbundles. MICROPUBLICATION BIOLOGY 2024; 2024:10.17912/micropub.biology.001231. [PMID: 39114859 PMCID: PMC11304080 DOI: 10.17912/micropub.biology.001231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
Movies of human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived engineered cardiac tissue (microbundles) contain abundant information about structural and functional maturity. However, extracting these data in a reproducible and high-throughput manner remains a major challenge. Furthermore, it is not straightforward to make direct quantitative comparisons across the multiple in vitro experimental platforms employed to fabricate these tissues. Here, we present "MicroBundlePillarTrack," an open-source optical flow-based package developed in Python to track the deflection of pillars in cardiac microbundles grown on experimental platforms with two different pillar designs ("Type 1" and "Type 2" design). Our software is able to automatically segment the pillars, track their displacements, and output time-dependent metrics for contractility analysis, including beating amplitude and rate, contractile force, and tissue stress. Because this software is fully automated, it will allow for both faster and more reproducible analyses of larger datasets and it will enable more reliable cross-platform comparisons as compared to existing approaches that require manual steps and are tailored to a specific experimental platform. To complement this open-source software, we share a dataset of 1,540 brightfield example movies on which we have tested our software. Through sharing this data and software, our goal is to directly enable quantitative comparisons across labs, and facilitate future collective progress via the biomedical engineering open-source data and software ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiba Kobeissi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Center for Multiscale and Translational Mechanobiology, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Xining Gao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Harvard–MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Samuel J. DePalma
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan–Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
| | - Jourdan K. Ewoldt
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Miranda C. Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Harvard–MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Shoshana L. Das
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Harvard–MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Javiera Jilberto
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan–Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
| | - David Nordsletten
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan–Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University of Michigan–Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
- School of Imaging Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, King’s Health Partners, King's College London, London, England, United Kingdom
| | - Brendon M. Baker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan–Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
| | - Christopher S. Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Emma Lejeune
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Center for Multiscale and Translational Mechanobiology, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
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4
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Xu F, Jin H, Liu L, Yang Y, Cen J, Wu Y, Chen S, Sun D. Architecture design and advanced manufacturing of heart-on-a-chip: scaffolds, stimulation and sensors. MICROSYSTEMS & NANOENGINEERING 2024; 10:96. [PMID: 39006908 PMCID: PMC11239895 DOI: 10.1038/s41378-024-00692-7] [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: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
Heart-on-a-chip (HoC) has emerged as a highly efficient, cost-effective device for the development of engineered cardiac tissue, facilitating high-throughput testing in drug development and clinical treatment. HoC is primarily used to create a biomimetic microphysiological environment conducive to fostering the maturation of cardiac tissue and to gather information regarding the real-time condition of cardiac tissue. The development of architectural design and advanced manufacturing for these "3S" components, scaffolds, stimulation, and sensors is essential for improving the maturity of cardiac tissue cultivated on-chip, as well as the precision and accuracy of tissue states. In this review, the typical structures and manufacturing technologies of the "3S" components are summarized. The design and manufacturing suggestions for each component are proposed. Furthermore, key challenges and future perspectives of HoC platforms with integrated "3S" components are discussed. Architecture design concepts of scaffolds, stimulation and sensors in chips.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Xu
- Pen-Tung Sah Institute of Micro-Nano Science and Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102 China
| | - Hang Jin
- Pen-Tung Sah Institute of Micro-Nano Science and Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102 China
| | - Lingling Liu
- Pen-Tung Sah Institute of Micro-Nano Science and Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102 China
| | - Yuanyuan Yang
- Pen-Tung Sah Institute of Micro-Nano Science and Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102 China
| | - Jianzheng Cen
- Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangzhou, 510080 China
| | - Yaobin Wu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515 China
| | - Songyue Chen
- Pen-Tung Sah Institute of Micro-Nano Science and Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102 China
| | - Daoheng Sun
- Pen-Tung Sah Institute of Micro-Nano Science and Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102 China
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5
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Cofiño-Fabres C, Boonen T, Rivera-Arbeláez JM, Rijpkema M, Blauw L, Rensen PCN, Schwach V, Ribeiro MC, Passier R. Micro-Engineered Heart Tissues On-Chip with Heterotypic Cell Composition Display Self-Organization and Improved Cardiac Function. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2303664. [PMID: 38471185 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202303664] [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: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Advanced in vitro models that recapitulate the structural organization and function of the human heart are highly needed for accurate disease modeling, more predictable drug screening, and safety pharmacology. Conventional 3D Engineered Heart Tissues (EHTs) lack heterotypic cell complexity and culture under flow, whereas microfluidic Heart-on-Chip (HoC) models in general lack the 3D configuration and accurate contractile readouts. In this study, an innovative and user-friendly HoC model is developed to overcome these limitations, by culturing human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived cardiomyocytes (CMs), endothelial (ECs)- and smooth muscle cells (SMCs), together with human cardiac fibroblasts (FBs), underflow, leading to self-organized miniaturized micro-EHTs (µEHTs) with a CM-EC interface reminiscent of the physiological capillary lining. µEHTs cultured under flow display enhanced contractile performance and conduction velocity. In addition, the presence of the EC layer altered drug responses in µEHT contraction. This observation suggests a potential barrier-like function of ECs, which may affect the availability of drugs to the CMs. These cardiac models with increased physiological complexity, will pave the way to screen for therapeutic targets and predict drug efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Cofiño-Fabres
- Department of Applied Stem Cell Technologies, TechMed Centre, University of Twente, Enschede, 7522 NB, The Netherlands
| | - Tom Boonen
- River BioMedics B.V, Enschede, 7522 NB, The Netherlands
| | - José M Rivera-Arbeláez
- Department of Applied Stem Cell Technologies, TechMed Centre, University of Twente, Enschede, 7522 NB, The Netherlands
- BIOS Lab-on-a-Chip Group, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, Max Planck Institute for Complex Fluid Dynamics, University of Twente, Enschede, 7522 NB, The Netherlands
| | - Minke Rijpkema
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, and Einthoven Laboratory for Experimental Vascular Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, 2300 RC, The Netherlands
| | - Lisanne Blauw
- River BioMedics B.V, Enschede, 7522 NB, The Netherlands
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, and Einthoven Laboratory for Experimental Vascular Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, 2300 RC, The Netherlands
| | - Patrick C N Rensen
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, and Einthoven Laboratory for Experimental Vascular Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, 2300 RC, The Netherlands
| | - Verena Schwach
- Department of Applied Stem Cell Technologies, TechMed Centre, University of Twente, Enschede, 7522 NB, The Netherlands
| | - Marcelo C Ribeiro
- Department of Applied Stem Cell Technologies, TechMed Centre, University of Twente, Enschede, 7522 NB, The Netherlands
- River BioMedics B.V, Enschede, 7522 NB, The Netherlands
| | - Robert Passier
- Department of Applied Stem Cell Technologies, TechMed Centre, University of Twente, Enschede, 7522 NB, The Netherlands
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, 2300 RC, The Netherlands
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6
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Groen E, Mummery CL, Yiangou L, Davis RP. Three-dimensional cardiac models: a pre-clinical testing platform. Biochem Soc Trans 2024; 52:1045-1059. [PMID: 38778769 PMCID: PMC11346450 DOI: 10.1042/bst20230444] [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: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Major advancements in human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) technology over recent years have yielded valuable tools for cardiovascular research. Multi-cell type 3-dimensional (3D) cardiac models in particular, are providing complementary approaches to animal studies that are better representatives than simple 2-dimensional (2D) cultures of differentiated hPSCs. These human 3D cardiac models can be broadly divided into two categories; namely those generated through aggregating pre-differentiated cells and those that form self-organizing structures during their in vitro differentiation from hPSCs. These models can either replicate aspects of cardiac development or enable the examination of interactions among constituent cell types, with some of these models showing increased maturity compared with 2D systems. Both groups have already emerged as physiologically relevant pre-clinical platforms for studying heart disease mechanisms, exhibiting key functional attributes of the human heart. In this review, we describe the different cardiac organoid models derived from hPSCs, their generation methods, applications in cardiovascular disease research and use in drug screening. We also address their current limitations and challenges as pre-clinical testing platforms and propose potential improvements to enhance their efficacy in cardiac drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eline Groen
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Christine L. Mummery
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), Leiden University Medical Center, 2300RC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Loukia Yiangou
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Richard P. Davis
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), Leiden University Medical Center, 2300RC Leiden, The Netherlands
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7
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Masuda A, Kurashina Y, Tani H, Soma Y, Muramatsu J, Itai S, Tohyama S, Onoe H. Maturation of Human iPSC-Derived Cardiac Microfiber with Electrical Stimulation Device. Adv Healthc Mater 2024:e2303477. [PMID: 38768494 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202303477] [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: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Here an electrical stimulation system is described for maturing microfiber-shaped cardiac tissue (cardiac microfibers, CMFs). The system enables stable culturing of CMFs with electrical stimulation by placing the tissue between electrodes. The electrical stimulation device provides an electric field covering whole CMFs within the stimulation area and can control the beating of the cardiac microfibers. In addition, CMFs under electrical stimulation with different frequencies are examined to evaluate the maturation levels by their sarcomere lengths, electrophysiological characteristics, and gene expression. Sarcomere elongation (14% increase compared to control) is observed at day 10, and a significant upregulation of electrodynamic properties such as gap junction protein alpha 1 (GJA1) and potassium inwardly rectifying channel subfamily J member 2 (KCNJ2) (maximum fourfold increase compared to control) is observed at day 30. These results suggest that electrically stimulated cultures can accelerate the maturation of microfiber-shaped cardiac tissues compared to those without electrical stimulation. This model will contribute to the pathological research of unexplained cardiac diseases and pharmacologic testing by stably constructing matured CMFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akari Masuda
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, 3-14-1 Hiyoshi, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama, 223-8522, Japan
| | - Yuta Kurashina
- Division of Advanced Mechanical Systems Engineering, Institute of Engineering, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16 Nakacho, Koganei-shi, Tokyo, 184-8588, Japan
| | - Hidenori Tani
- Department of Cardiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
- Department of Clinical Regenerative Medicine, Fujita Medical Innovation Center, Fujita Health University, Ota-ku, Tokyo, 144-0041, Japan
| | - Yusuke Soma
- Department of Cardiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
- Department of Clinical Regenerative Medicine, Fujita Medical Innovation Center, Fujita Health University, Ota-ku, Tokyo, 144-0041, Japan
| | - Jumpei Muramatsu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, 3-14-1 Hiyoshi, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama, 223-8522, Japan
| | - Shun Itai
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, 3-14-1 Hiyoshi, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama, 223-8522, Japan
- Division of Medical Science, Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, Tohoku University, 1-1 Seiryomachi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8574, Japan
| | - Shugo Tohyama
- Department of Cardiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
- Department of Clinical Regenerative Medicine, Fujita Medical Innovation Center, Fujita Health University, Ota-ku, Tokyo, 144-0041, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Onoe
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, 3-14-1 Hiyoshi, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama, 223-8522, Japan
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8
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Seguret M, Davidson P, Robben S, Jouve C, Pereira C, Lelong Q, Deshayes L, Cerveau C, Le Berre M, Rodrigues Ribeiro RS, Hulot JS. A versatile high-throughput assay based on 3D ring-shaped cardiac tissues generated from human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes. eLife 2024; 12:RP87739. [PMID: 38578976 PMCID: PMC11001295 DOI: 10.7554/elife.87739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
We developed a 96-well plate assay which allows fast, reproducible, and high-throughput generation of 3D cardiac rings around a deformable optically transparent hydrogel (polyethylene glycol [PEG]) pillar of known stiffness. Human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes, mixed with normal human adult dermal fibroblasts in an optimized 3:1 ratio, self-organized to form ring-shaped cardiac constructs. Immunostaining showed that the fibroblasts form a basal layer in contact with the glass, stabilizing the muscular fiber above. Tissues started contracting around the pillar at D1 and their fractional shortening increased until D7, reaching a plateau at 25±1%, that was maintained up to 14 days. The average stress, calculated from the compaction of the central pillar during contractions, was 1.4±0.4 mN/mm2. The cardiac constructs recapitulated expected inotropic responses to calcium and various drugs (isoproterenol, verapamil) as well as the arrhythmogenic effects of dofetilide. This versatile high-throughput assay allows multiple in situ mechanical and structural readouts.
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9
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Kobeissi H, Jilberto J, Karakan MÇ, Gao X, DePalma SJ, Das SL, Quach L, Urquia J, Baker BM, Chen CS, Nordsletten D, Lejeune E. MicroBundleCompute: Automated segmentation, tracking, and analysis of subdomain deformation in cardiac microbundles. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0298863. [PMID: 38530829 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Advancing human induced pluripotent stem cell derived cardiomyocyte (hiPSC-CM) technology will lead to significant progress ranging from disease modeling, to drug discovery, to regenerative tissue engineering. Yet, alongside these potential opportunities comes a critical challenge: attaining mature hiPSC-CM tissues. At present, there are multiple techniques to promote maturity of hiPSC-CMs including physical platforms and cell culture protocols. However, when it comes to making quantitative comparisons of functional behavior, there are limited options for reliably and reproducibly computing functional metrics that are suitable for direct cross-system comparison. In addition, the current standard functional metrics obtained from time-lapse images of cardiac microbundle contraction reported in the field (i.e., post forces, average tissue stress) do not take full advantage of the available information present in these data (i.e., full-field tissue displacements and strains). Thus, we present "MicroBundleCompute," a computational framework for automatic quantification of morphology-based mechanical metrics from movies of cardiac microbundles. Briefly, this computational framework offers tools for automatic tissue segmentation, tracking, and analysis of brightfield and phase contrast movies of beating cardiac microbundles. It is straightforward to implement, runs without user intervention, requires minimal input parameter setting selection, and is computationally inexpensive. In this paper, we describe the methods underlying this computational framework, show the results of our extensive validation studies, and demonstrate the utility of exploring heterogeneous tissue deformations and strains as functional metrics. With this manuscript, we disseminate "MicroBundleCompute" as an open-source computational tool with the aim of making automated quantitative analysis of beating cardiac microbundles more accessible to the community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiba Kobeissi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Center for Multiscale and Translational Mechanobiology, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Javiera Jilberto
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
| | - M Çağatay Karakan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Photonics Center, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Xining Gao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Harvard-MIT Program in Health Sciences and Technology, Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States of America
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Samuel J DePalma
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
| | - Shoshana L Das
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Harvard-MIT Program in Health Sciences and Technology, Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States of America
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Lani Quach
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
| | - Jonathan Urquia
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, New York Institute of Technology, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Brendon M Baker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
| | - Christopher S Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - David Nordsletten
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Imaging Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, King's Health Partners, King's College London, King's Health Partners, London, United Kingdom
| | - Emma Lejeune
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Center for Multiscale and Translational Mechanobiology, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States of America
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10
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Min S, Kim S, Sim WS, Choi YS, Joo H, Park JH, Lee SJ, Kim H, Lee MJ, Jeong I, Cui B, Jo SH, Kim JJ, Hong SB, Choi YJ, Ban K, Kim YG, Park JU, Lee HA, Park HJ, Cho SW. Versatile human cardiac tissues engineered with perfusable heart extracellular microenvironment for biomedical applications. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2564. [PMID: 38519491 PMCID: PMC10960018 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46928-y] [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: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Engineered human cardiac tissues have been utilized for various biomedical applications, including drug testing, disease modeling, and regenerative medicine. However, the applications of cardiac tissues derived from human pluripotent stem cells are often limited due to their immaturity and lack of functionality. Therefore, in this study, we establish a perfusable culture system based on in vivo-like heart microenvironments to improve human cardiac tissue fabrication. The integrated culture platform of a microfluidic chip and a three-dimensional heart extracellular matrix enhances human cardiac tissue development and their structural and functional maturation. These tissues are comprised of cardiovascular lineage cells, including cardiomyocytes and cardiac fibroblasts derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells, as well as vascular endothelial cells. The resultant macroscale human cardiac tissues exhibit improved efficacy in drug testing (small molecules with various levels of arrhythmia risk), disease modeling (Long QT Syndrome and cardiac fibrosis), and regenerative therapy (myocardial infarction treatment). Therefore, our culture system can serve as a highly effective tissue-engineering platform to provide human cardiac tissues for versatile biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sungjin Min
- Department of Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Suran Kim
- Department of Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
- Cellartgen, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Woo-Sup Sim
- Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Yi Sun Choi
- Department of Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyebin Joo
- Department of Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Hyun Park
- Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Su-Jin Lee
- Department of Predictive Toxicology, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Daejeon, 34114, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeok Kim
- Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi Jeong Lee
- Department of Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Inhea Jeong
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Baofang Cui
- Department of Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Hyun Jo
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Soongsil University, Seoul, 06978, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Ju Kim
- Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Seok Beom Hong
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeon-Jik Choi
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Eunpyeong St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 03312, Republic of Korea
| | - Kiwon Ban
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, 999077, Hong Kong
| | - Yun-Gon Kim
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Soongsil University, Seoul, 06978, Republic of Korea
| | - Jang-Ung Park
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
- Center for Nanomedicine, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
- Graduate Program of Nano Biomedical Engineering (NanoBME), Advanced Science Institute, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyang-Ae Lee
- Department of Predictive Toxicology, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Daejeon, 34114, Republic of Korea
| | - Hun-Jun Park
- Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea.
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea.
- Cell Death Disease Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea.
| | - Seung-Woo Cho
- Department of Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea.
- Cellartgen, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea.
- Center for Nanomedicine, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea.
- Graduate Program of Nano Biomedical Engineering (NanoBME), Advanced Science Institute, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea.
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11
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Zhai S, Zhang X, Jiang M, Liu Y, Qu G, Cui X, Hirschbiegel CM, Liu Y, Alves C, Lee YW, Jiang G, Yan B, Rotello VM. Nanoparticles with intermediate hydrophobicity polarize macrophages to plaque-specific Mox phenotype via Nrf2 and HO-1 activation. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 466:133590. [PMID: 38280324 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
Mox macrophages were identified recently and are closely associated with atherosclerosis. Considering the potential health risks and the impact on macrophage modulation, this study investigated the Mox polarization of macrophages induced by nanoparticles (NPs) with tunable hydrophobicity. One nanoparticle (C4NP) with intermediate hydrophobicity efficiently upregulated the mRNA expression of Mox-related genes including HO-1, Srxn1, Txnrd1, Gsr, Vegf and Cox-2 through increased accumulation of Nrf2 at a nontoxic concentration in both resting and LPS-challenged macrophages. Additionally, C4NP impaired phagocytic capacity by 20% and significantly increased the secretion of cytokines, including TNFα, IL-6 and IL-10. Mechanistic studies indicated that intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) were elevated by 1.5-fold and 2.6-fold in resting and LPS-challenged macrophages respectively. Phosphorylated p62 was increased by 2.5-fold in resting macrophages and maintained a high level in LPS-challenged ones, both of which partially accounted for the significant accumulation of Nrf2 and HO-1. Notably, C4NP depolarized mitochondrial membrane potential by more than 50% and switched macrophages from oxidative phosphorylation-based aerobic metabolism to glycolysis for energy supply. Overall, this study reveals a novel molecular mechanism potentially involving ROS-Nrf2-p62 signaling in mediating macrophage Mox polarization, holding promise in ensuring safer and more efficient use of nanomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shumei Zhai
- Key Laboratory of Colloid and Interface Chemistry of the Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250100, China; Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, United States.
| | - Xianzhi Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, United States
| | - Mingdi Jiang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, United States
| | - Yujia Liu
- Key Laboratory of Colloid and Interface Chemistry of the Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250100, China
| | - Guangbo Qu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Xiaomiao Cui
- Key Laboratory of Colloid and Interface Chemistry of the Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250100, China
| | | | - Yuanchang Liu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, United States
| | - Colby Alves
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, United States
| | - Yi-Wei Lee
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, United States
| | - Guibin Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Bing Yan
- Institute of Environmental Research at the Greater Bay Area, Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Vincent M Rotello
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, United States.
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12
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Wijnker PJM, Dinani R, van der Laan NC, Algül S, Knollmann BC, Verkerk AO, Remme CA, Zuurbier CJ, Kuster DWD, van der Velden J. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy dysfunction mimicked in human engineered heart tissue and improved by sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors. Cardiovasc Res 2024; 120:301-317. [PMID: 38240646 PMCID: PMC10939456 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvae004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2024] Open
Abstract
AIMS Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common inherited cardiomyopathy, often caused by pathogenic sarcomere mutations. Early characteristics of HCM are diastolic dysfunction and hypercontractility. Treatment to prevent mutation-induced cardiac dysfunction is lacking. Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) are a group of antidiabetic drugs that recently showed beneficial cardiovascular outcomes in patients with acquired forms of heart failure. We here studied if SGLT2i represent a potential therapy to correct cardiomyocyte dysfunction induced by an HCM sarcomere mutation. METHODS AND RESULTS Contractility was measured of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) harbouring an HCM mutation cultured in 2D and in 3D engineered heart tissue (EHT). Mutations in the gene encoding β-myosin heavy chain (MYH7-R403Q) or cardiac troponin T (TNNT2-R92Q) were investigated. In 2D, intracellular [Ca2+], action potential and ion currents were determined. HCM mutations in hiPSC-CMs impaired relaxation or increased force, mimicking early features observed in human HCM. SGLT2i enhance the relaxation of hiPSC-CMs, to a larger extent in HCM compared to control hiPSC-CMs. Moreover, SGLT2i-effects on relaxation in R403Q EHT increased with culture duration, i.e. hiPSC-CMs maturation. Canagliflozin's effects on relaxation were more pronounced than empagliflozin and dapagliflozin. SGLT2i acutely altered Ca2+ handling in HCM hiPSC-CMs. Analyses of SGLT2i-mediated mechanisms that may underlie enhanced relaxation in mutant hiPSC-CMs excluded SGLT2, Na+/H+ exchanger, peak and late Nav1.5 currents, and L-type Ca2+ current, but indicate an important role for the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger. Indeed, electrophysiological measurements in mutant hiPSC-CM indicate that SGLT2i altered Na+/Ca2+ exchange current. CONCLUSION SGLT2i (canagliflozin > dapagliflozin > empagliflozin) acutely enhance relaxation in human EHT, especially in HCM and upon prolonged culture. SGLT2i may represent a potential therapy to correct early cardiac dysfunction in HCM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul J M Wijnker
- Department of Physiology, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Heart Failure & Arrhythmias, De Boelelaan 1108, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rafeeh Dinani
- Department of Physiology, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Heart Failure & Arrhythmias, De Boelelaan 1108, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nico C van der Laan
- Department of Physiology, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Heart Failure & Arrhythmias, De Boelelaan 1108, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sila Algül
- Department of Physiology, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Heart Failure & Arrhythmias, De Boelelaan 1108, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bjorn C Knollmann
- Vanderbilt Center for Arrhythmia Research and Therapeutics, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Arie O Verkerk
- Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Heart Failure & Arrhythmias, De Boelelaan 1108, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Experimental Cardiology, Amsterdam UMC, Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Carol Ann Remme
- Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Heart Failure & Arrhythmias, De Boelelaan 1108, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Experimental Cardiology, Amsterdam UMC, Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Coert J Zuurbier
- Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Heart Failure & Arrhythmias, De Boelelaan 1108, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Laboratory for Experimental Intensive Care and Anesthesiology (L.E.I.C.A.), Department of Anesthesiology, Amsterdam UMC, Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Diederik W D Kuster
- Department of Physiology, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Heart Failure & Arrhythmias, De Boelelaan 1108, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jolanda van der Velden
- Department of Physiology, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Heart Failure & Arrhythmias, De Boelelaan 1108, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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13
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Hagemann C, Bailey MCD, Carraro E, Stankevich KS, Lionello VM, Khokhar N, Suklai P, Moreno-Gonzalez C, O’Toole K, Konstantinou G, Dix CL, Joshi S, Giagnorio E, Bergholt MS, Spicer CD, Imbert A, Tedesco FS, Serio A. Low-cost, versatile, and highly reproducible microfabrication pipeline to generate 3D-printed customised cell culture devices with complex designs. PLoS Biol 2024; 22:e3002503. [PMID: 38478490 PMCID: PMC10936828 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Cell culture devices, such as microwells and microfluidic chips, are designed to increase the complexity of cell-based models while retaining control over culture conditions and have become indispensable platforms for biological systems modelling. From microtopography, microwells, plating devices, and microfluidic systems to larger constructs such as live imaging chamber slides, a wide variety of culture devices with different geometries have become indispensable in biology laboratories. However, while their application in biological projects is increasing exponentially, due to a combination of the techniques, equipment and tools required for their manufacture, and the expertise necessary, biological and biomedical labs tend more often to rely on already made devices. Indeed, commercially developed devices are available for a variety of applications but are often costly and, importantly, lack the potential for customisation by each individual lab. The last point is quite crucial, as often experiments in wet labs are adapted to whichever design is already available rather than designing and fabricating custom systems that perfectly fit the biological question. This combination of factors still restricts widespread application of microfabricated custom devices in most biological wet labs. Capitalising on recent advances in bioengineering and microfabrication aimed at solving these issues, and taking advantage of low-cost, high-resolution desktop resin 3D printers combined with PDMS soft lithography, we have developed an optimised a low-cost and highly reproducible microfabrication pipeline. This is thought specifically for biomedical and biological wet labs with not prior experience in the field, which will enable them to generate a wide variety of customisable devices for cell culture and tissue engineering in an easy, fast reproducible way for a fraction of the cost of conventional microfabrication or commercial alternatives. This protocol is designed specifically to be a resource for biological labs with limited expertise in those techniques and enables the manufacture of complex devices across the μm to cm scale. We provide a ready-to-go pipeline for the efficient treatment of resin-based 3D-printed constructs for PDMS curing, using a combination of polymerisation steps, washes, and surface treatments. Together with the extensive characterisation of the fabrication pipeline, we show the utilisation of this system to a variety of applications and use cases relevant to biological experiments, ranging from micro topographies for cell alignments to complex multipart hydrogel culturing systems. This methodology can be easily adopted by any wet lab, irrespective of prior expertise or resource availability and will enable the wide adoption of tailored microfabricated devices across many fields of biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cathleen Hagemann
- United Kingdom Dementia Research Institute Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, London, United Kingdom
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
- Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI)
| | - Matthew C. D. Bailey
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
- Centre for Craniofacial & Regenerative Biology, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Eugenia Carraro
- United Kingdom Dementia Research Institute Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, London, United Kingdom
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
- Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI)
| | - Ksenia S. Stankevich
- Department of Chemistry and York Biomedical Research Institute, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Valentina Maria Lionello
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Noreen Khokhar
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Pacharaporn Suklai
- United Kingdom Dementia Research Institute Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, London, United Kingdom
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
- Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI)
| | - Carmen Moreno-Gonzalez
- United Kingdom Dementia Research Institute Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, London, United Kingdom
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
- Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI)
| | - Kelly O’Toole
- United Kingdom Dementia Research Institute Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, London, United Kingdom
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
- Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI)
| | | | | | - Sudeep Joshi
- United Kingdom Dementia Research Institute Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, London, United Kingdom
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Eleonora Giagnorio
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Neurology IV—Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Mads S. Bergholt
- Centre for Craniofacial & Regenerative Biology, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher D. Spicer
- Department of Chemistry and York Biomedical Research Institute, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | | | - Francesco Saverio Tedesco
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health & Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, United Kingdom
| | - Andrea Serio
- United Kingdom Dementia Research Institute Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, London, United Kingdom
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
- Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI)
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14
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Garg A, Lavine KJ, Greenberg MJ. Assessing Cardiac Contractility From Single Molecules to Whole Hearts. JACC Basic Transl Sci 2024; 9:414-439. [PMID: 38559627 PMCID: PMC10978360 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacbts.2023.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Fundamentally, the heart needs to generate sufficient force and power output to dynamically meet the needs of the body. Cardiomyocytes contain specialized structures referred to as sarcomeres that power and regulate contraction. Disruption of sarcomeric function or regulation impairs contractility and leads to cardiomyopathies and heart failure. Basic, translational, and clinical studies have adapted numerous methods to assess cardiac contraction in a variety of pathophysiological contexts. These tools measure aspects of cardiac contraction at different scales ranging from single molecules to whole organisms. Moreover, these studies have revealed new pathogenic mechanisms of heart disease leading to the development of novel therapies targeting contractility. In this review, the authors explore the breadth of tools available for studying cardiac contractile function across scales, discuss their strengths and limitations, highlight new insights into cardiac physiology and pathophysiology, and describe how these insights can be harnessed for therapeutic candidate development and translational.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankit Garg
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- Center for Cardiovascular Research, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Kory J. Lavine
- Center for Cardiovascular Research, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Michael J. Greenberg
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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15
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Sidorov VY, Sidorova TN, Samson PC, Reiserer RS, Britt CM, Neely MD, Ess KC, Wikswo JP. Contractile and Genetic Characterization of Cardiac Constructs Engineered from Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells: Modeling of Tuberous Sclerosis Complex and the Effects of Rapamycin. Bioengineering (Basel) 2024; 11:234. [PMID: 38534508 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering11030234] [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: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The implementation of three-dimensional tissue engineering concurrently with stem cell technology holds great promise for in vitro research in pharmacology and toxicology and modeling cardiac diseases, particularly for rare genetic and pediatric diseases for which animal models, immortal cell lines, and biopsy samples are unavailable. It also allows for a rapid assessment of phenotype-genotype relationships and tissue response to pharmacological manipulation. Mutations in the TSC1 and TSC2 genes lead to dysfunctional mTOR signaling and cause tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), a genetic disorder that affects multiple organ systems, principally the brain, heart, skin, and kidneys. Here we differentiated healthy (CC3) and tuberous sclerosis (TSP8-15) human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) into cardiomyocytes to create engineered cardiac tissue constructs (ECTCs). We investigated and compared their mechano-elastic properties and gene expression and assessed the effects of rapamycin, a potent inhibitor of the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR). The TSP8-15 ECTCs had increased chronotropy compared to healthy ECTCs. Rapamycin induced positive inotropic and chronotropic effects (i.e., increased contractility and beating frequency, respectively) in the CC3 ECTCs but did not cause significant changes in the TSP8-15 ECTCs. A differential gene expression analysis revealed 926 up- and 439 down-regulated genes in the TSP8-15 ECTCs compared to their healthy counterparts. The application of rapamycin initiated the differential expression of 101 and 31 genes in the CC3 and TSP8-15 ECTCs, respectively. A gene ontology analysis showed that in the CC3 ECTCs, the positive inotropic and chronotropic effects of rapamycin correlated with positively regulated biological processes, which were primarily related to the metabolism of lipids and fatty and amino acids, and with negatively regulated processes, which were predominantly associated with cell proliferation and muscle and tissue development. In conclusion, this study describes for the first time an in vitro TSC cardiac tissue model, illustrates the response of normal and TSC ECTCs to rapamycin, and provides new insights into the mechanisms of TSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veniamin Y Sidorov
- Vanderbilt Institute for Integrative Biosystems Research and Education, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - Tatiana N Sidorova
- Department of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Philip C Samson
- Vanderbilt Institute for Integrative Biosystems Research and Education, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37212, USA
| | - Ronald S Reiserer
- Vanderbilt Institute for Integrative Biosystems Research and Education, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37212, USA
| | - Clayton M Britt
- Vanderbilt Institute for Integrative Biosystems Research and Education, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37212, USA
| | - M Diana Neely
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Kevin C Ess
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - John P Wikswo
- Vanderbilt Institute for Integrative Biosystems Research and Education, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37212, USA
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
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16
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Strohm EM, Callaghan NI, Ding Y, Latifi N, Rafatian N, Funakoshi S, Fernandes I, Reitz CJ, Di Paola M, Gramolini AO, Radisic M, Keller G, Kolios MC, Simmons CA. Noninvasive Quantification of Contractile Dynamics in Cardiac Cells, Spheroids, and Organs-on-a-Chip Using High-Frequency Ultrasound. ACS NANO 2024; 18:314-327. [PMID: 38147684 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c06325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
Cell-based models that mimic in vivo heart physiology are poised to make significant advances in cardiac disease modeling and drug discovery. In these systems, cardiomyocyte (CM) contractility is an important functional metric, but current measurement methods are inaccurate and low-throughput or require complex setups. To address this need, we developed a standalone noninvasive, label-free ultrasound technique operating at 40-200 MHz to measure the contractile kinetics of cardiac models, ranging from single adult CMs to 3D microtissue constructs in standard cell culture formats. The high temporal resolution of 1000 fps resolved the beat profile of single mouse CMs paced at up to 9 Hz, revealing limitations of lower speed optical based measurements to resolve beat kinetics or characterize aberrant beats. Coupling of ultrasound with traction force microscopy enabled the measurement of the CM longitudinal modulus and facile estimation of adult mouse CM contractile forces of 2.34 ± 1.40 μN, comparable to more complex measurement techniques. Similarly, the beat rate, rhythm, and drug responses of CM spheroid and microtissue models were measured, including in configurations without optical access. In conclusion, ultrasound can be used for the rapid characterization of CM contractile function in a wide range of commonly studied configurations ranging from single cells to 3D tissue constructs using standard well plates and custom microdevices, with applications in cardiac drug discovery and cardiotoxicity evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric M Strohm
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 3G8, Canada
- Translational Biology and Engineering Program, Ted Rogers Center for Heart Research, Toronto, M5G 1M1, Canada
| | - Neal I Callaghan
- Translational Biology and Engineering Program, Ted Rogers Center for Heart Research, Toronto, M5G 1M1, Canada
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Yu Ding
- Translational Biology and Engineering Program, Ted Rogers Center for Heart Research, Toronto, M5G 1M1, Canada
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Neda Latifi
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 3G8, Canada
- Translational Biology and Engineering Program, Ted Rogers Center for Heart Research, Toronto, M5G 1M1, Canada
| | - Naimeh Rafatian
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, M5G 2C4, Canada
| | - Shunsuke Funakoshi
- McEwen Stem Cell Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Ian Fernandes
- McEwen Stem Cell Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Cristine J Reitz
- Translational Biology and Engineering Program, Ted Rogers Center for Heart Research, Toronto, M5G 1M1, Canada
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Michelle Di Paola
- Translational Biology and Engineering Program, Ted Rogers Center for Heart Research, Toronto, M5G 1M1, Canada
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Anthony O Gramolini
- Translational Biology and Engineering Program, Ted Rogers Center for Heart Research, Toronto, M5G 1M1, Canada
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Milica Radisic
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 3G9, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, M5G 2C4, Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 3E5, Canada
| | - Gordon Keller
- McEwen Stem Cell Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, M5G 1L7, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Michael C Kolios
- Department of Physics, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, M5B 2K3, Canada
| | - Craig A Simmons
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 3G8, Canada
- Translational Biology and Engineering Program, Ted Rogers Center for Heart Research, Toronto, M5G 1M1, Canada
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 3G9, Canada
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17
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Finkel S, Sweet S, Locke T, Smith S, Wang Z, Sandini C, Imredy J, He Y, Durante M, Lagrutta A, Feinberg A, Lee A. FRESH™ 3D bioprinted cardiac tissue, a bioengineered platform for in vitro pharmacology. APL Bioeng 2023; 7:046113. [PMID: 38046544 PMCID: PMC10693443 DOI: 10.1063/5.0163363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
There is critical need for a predictive model of human cardiac physiology in drug development to assess compound effects on human tissues. In vitro two-dimensional monolayer cultures of cardiomyocytes provide biochemical and cellular readouts, and in vivo animal models provide information on systemic cardiovascular response. However, there remains a significant gap in these models due to their incomplete recapitulation of adult human cardiovascular physiology. Recent efforts in developing in vitro models from engineered heart tissues have demonstrated potential for bridging this gap using human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) in three-dimensional tissue structure. Here, we advance this paradigm by implementing FRESH™ 3D bioprinting to build human cardiac tissues in a medium throughput, well-plate format with controlled tissue architecture, tailored cellular composition, and native-like physiological function, specifically in its drug response. We combined hiPSC-CMs, endothelial cells, and fibroblasts in a cellular bioink and FRESH™ 3D bioprinted this mixture in the format of a thin tissue strip stabilized on a tissue fixture. We show that cardiac tissues could be fabricated directly in a 24-well plate format were composed of dense and highly aligned hiPSC-CMs at >600 million cells/mL and, within 14 days, demonstrated reproducible calcium transients and a fast conduction velocity of ∼16 cm/s. Interrogation of these cardiac tissues with the β-adrenergic receptor agonist isoproterenol showed responses consistent with positive chronotropy and inotropy. Treatment with calcium channel blocker verapamil demonstrated responses expected of hiPSC-CM derived cardiac tissues. These results confirm that FRESH™ 3D bioprinted cardiac tissues represent an in vitro platform that provides data on human physiological response.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Tyler Locke
- FluidForm, Inc., Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, USA
| | - Sydney Smith
- FluidForm, Inc., Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, USA
| | - Zhefan Wang
- FluidForm, Inc., Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, USA
| | | | - John Imredy
- In Vitro Safety Pharmacology, Genetic and Cellular Toxicology, Merck & Co. Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, USA
| | - Yufang He
- Division of Technology, Infrastructure, Operations and Experience, Merck & Co. Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, USA
| | - Marc Durante
- Division of Technology, Infrastructure, Operations and Experience, Merck & Co. Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, USA
| | - Armando Lagrutta
- In Vitro Safety Pharmacology, Genetic and Cellular Toxicology, Merck & Co. Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, USA
| | | | - Andrew Lee
- FluidForm, Inc., Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, USA
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18
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Kurashina Y, Fukada K, Itai S, Akizuki S, Sato R, Masuda A, Tani H, Fujita J, Fukuda K, Tohyama S, Onoe H. Hydrogel-Sheathed hiPSC-Derived Heart Microtissue Enables Anchor-Free Contractile Force Measurement. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2301831. [PMID: 37849230 PMCID: PMC10724413 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202301831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
In vitro reconstruction of highly mature engineered heart tissues (EHTs) is attempted for the selection of cardiotoxic drugs suitable for individual patients before administration. Mechanical contractile force generated in the EHTs is known to be a critical indicator for evaluating the EHT response. However, measuring contractile force requires anchoring the EHT in a tailored force-sensing cell culture chamber, causing technical difficulties in the stable evaluation of contractile force in long-term culture. This paper proposes a hydrogel-sheathed human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived heart microtissue (H3 M) that can provide an anchor-free contractile force measurement platform in commonly used multi-well plates. The contractile force associated with tissue formation and drug response is calculated by motion tracking and finite element analysis on the bending angle of the hydrogel sheath. From the experiment of the drug response, H3 M is an excellent drug screening platform with high sensitivity and early testing capability compared to conventionally anchored EHT. This unique platform would be useful and versatile for regenerative therapy and drug discovery research in EHT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuta Kurashina
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringFaculty of Science and TechnologyKeio University3‐14‐1 Hiyoshi, Kohoku‐kuYokohama223–8522Japan
- Division of Advanced Mechanical Systems EngineeringInstitute of EngineeringTokyo University of Agriculture and Technology2‐24‐16 NakachoKoganei‐shiTokyo184–8588Japan
| | - Keisuke Fukada
- School of Integrated Design EngineeringGraduate School of Science and TechnologyKeio University3‐14‐1 Hiyoshi, Kohoku‐kuYokohama223–8522Japan
| | - Shun Itai
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringFaculty of Science and TechnologyKeio University3‐14‐1 Hiyoshi, Kohoku‐kuYokohama223–8522Japan
- Division of Medical ScienceGraduate school of Biomedical EngineeringTohoku University1‐1 Seiryomachi, Aoba‐kuSendaiMiyagi980–8574Japan
| | - Shuichi Akizuki
- Department of Mechanical and Systems Engineering, School of EngineeringChukyo University101–2 Yagoto Honmachi, Showa‐kuNagoyaAichi466–8666Japan
| | - Ryo Sato
- School of Integrated Design EngineeringGraduate School of Science and TechnologyKeio University3‐14‐1 Hiyoshi, Kohoku‐kuYokohama223–8522Japan
| | - Akari Masuda
- School of Integrated Design EngineeringGraduate School of Science and TechnologyKeio University3‐14‐1 Hiyoshi, Kohoku‐kuYokohama223–8522Japan
| | - Hidenori Tani
- Department of CardiologyKeio University School of Medicine35 ShinanomachiShinjuku‐kuTokyo160–8582Japan
| | - Jun Fujita
- Department of CardiologyKeio University School of Medicine35 ShinanomachiShinjuku‐kuTokyo160–8582Japan
- Department of Pathology & ImmunologyBaylor College of MedicineOne Baylor PlazaHoustonTX77030USA
| | - Keiichi Fukuda
- Department of CardiologyKeio University School of Medicine35 ShinanomachiShinjuku‐kuTokyo160–8582Japan
| | - Shugo Tohyama
- Department of CardiologyKeio University School of Medicine35 ShinanomachiShinjuku‐kuTokyo160–8582Japan
| | - Hiroaki Onoe
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringFaculty of Science and TechnologyKeio University3‐14‐1 Hiyoshi, Kohoku‐kuYokohama223–8522Japan
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19
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Venegas-Zamora L, Fiedler M, Perez W, Altamirano F. Bridging the Translational Gap in Heart Failure Research: Using Human iPSC-derived Cardiomyocytes to Accelerate Therapeutic Insights. Methodist Debakey Cardiovasc J 2023; 19:5-15. [PMID: 38028973 PMCID: PMC10655754 DOI: 10.14797/mdcvj.1295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Heart failure (HF) remains a leading cause of death worldwide, with increasing prevalence and burden. Despite extensive research, a cure for HF remains elusive. Traditionally, the study of HF's pathogenesis and therapies has relied heavily on animal experimentation. However, these models have limitations in recapitulating the full spectrum of human HF, resulting in challenges for clinical translation. To address this translational gap, research employing human cells, especially cardiomyocytes derived from human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC-CMs), offers a promising solution. These cells facilitate the study of human genetic and molecular mechanisms driving cardiomyocyte dysfunction and pave the way for research tailored to individual patients. Further, engineered heart tissues combine hiPSC-CMs, other cell types, and scaffold-based approaches to improve cardiomyocyte maturation. Their tridimensional architecture, complemented with mechanical, chemical, and electrical cues, offers a more physiologically relevant environment. This review explores the advantages and limitations of conventional and innovative methods used to study HF pathogenesis, with a primary focus on ischemic HF due to its relative ease of modeling and clinical relevance. We emphasize the importance of a collaborative approach that integrates insights obtained in animal and hiPSC-CMs-based models, along with rigorous clinical research, to dissect the mechanistic underpinnings of human HF. Such an approach could improve our understanding of this disease and lead to more effective treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leslye Venegas-Zamora
- Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, Texas, US
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Matthew Fiedler
- Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, Texas, US
- Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, New York, New York, US
| | - William Perez
- Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, Texas, US
| | - Francisco Altamirano
- Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, Texas, US
- Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, US
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20
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Schulz C, Sönmez M, Krause J, Schwedhelm E, Bangfen P, Alihodzic D, Hansen A, Eschenhagen T, Christ T. A critical role of retinoic acid concentration for the induction of a fully human-like atrial action potential phenotype in hiPSC-CM. Stem Cell Reports 2023; 18:2096-2107. [PMID: 37922915 PMCID: PMC10679650 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2023.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinoic acid (RA) induces an atrial phenotype in human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), but expression of atrium-selective currents such as the ultrarapid (IKur) and acetylcholine-stimulated K+ current is variable and less than in the adult human atrium. We suspected methodological issues and systematically investigated the concentration dependency of RA. RA treatment increased IKur concentration dependently from 1.1 ± 0.54 pA/pF (0 RA) to 3.8 ± 1.1, 5.8 ± 2.5, and 12.2 ± 4.3 at 0.01, 0.1, and 1 μM, respectively. Only 1 μM RA induced enough IKur to fully reproduce human atrial action potential (AP) shape and a robust shortening of APs upon carbachol. We found that sterile filtration caused substantial loss of RA. We conclude that 1 μM RA seems to be necessary and sufficient to induce a full atrial AP shape in hiPSC-CM in EHT format. RA concentrations are prone to methodological issues and may profoundly impact the success of atrial differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl Schulz
- Institute of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Muhammed Sönmez
- Institute of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Julia Krause
- Institute of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Hamburg, Germany; Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Edzard Schwedhelm
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Hamburg, Germany; Institute of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Pan Bangfen
- Institute of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Dzenefa Alihodzic
- Hospital Pharmacy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Arne Hansen
- Institute of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Eschenhagen
- Institute of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Torsten Christ
- Institute of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Hamburg, Germany.
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21
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van der Wal E, Iuliano A, In 't Groen SLM, Bholasing AP, Priesmann D, Sharma P, den Hamer B, Saggiomo V, Krüger M, Pijnappel WWMP, de Greef JC. Highly contractile 3D tissue engineered skeletal muscles from human iPSCs reveal similarities with primary myoblast-derived tissues. Stem Cell Reports 2023; 18:1954-1971. [PMID: 37774701 PMCID: PMC10656354 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2023.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Skeletal muscle research is transitioning toward 3D tissue engineered in vitro models reproducing muscle's native architecture and supporting measurement of functionality. Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) offer high yields of cells for differentiation. It has been difficult to differentiate high-quality, pure 3D muscle tissues from hiPSCs that show contractile properties comparable to primary myoblast-derived tissues. Here, we present a transgene-free method for the generation of purified, expandable myogenic progenitors (MPs) from hiPSCs grown under feeder-free conditions. We defined a protocol with optimal hydrogel and medium conditions that allowed production of highly contractile 3D tissue engineered skeletal muscles with forces similar to primary myoblast-derived tissues. Gene expression and proteomic analysis between hiPSC-derived and primary myoblast-derived 3D tissues revealed a similar expression profile of proteins involved in myogenic differentiation and sarcomere function. The protocol should be generally applicable for the study of personalized human skeletal muscle tissue in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik van der Wal
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Alessandro Iuliano
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GE Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GE Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Center for Lysosomal and Metabolic Diseases, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GE Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Stijn L M In 't Groen
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GE Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GE Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Center for Lysosomal and Metabolic Diseases, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GE Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Anjali P Bholasing
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GE Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GE Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Center for Lysosomal and Metabolic Diseases, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GE Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Dominik Priesmann
- Institute of Genetics and Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Preeti Sharma
- Physical Chemistry and Soft Matter, Wageningen University and Research, 6708 WE Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Bianca den Hamer
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Vittorio Saggiomo
- Department of BioNanoTechnology, Wageningen University and Research, 6708 WG Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Marcus Krüger
- Institute of Genetics and Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - W W M Pim Pijnappel
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GE Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GE Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Center for Lysosomal and Metabolic Diseases, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GE Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Jessica C de Greef
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands.
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22
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Pálóczi J, Paál Á, Pigler J, Kiss B, Rhoden A, Varga ZV, Ferdinandy P, Eschenhagen T, Görbe A. Organ-specific model of simulated ischemia/reperfusion and hyperglycemia based on engineered heart tissue. Vascul Pharmacol 2023; 152:107208. [PMID: 37572973 DOI: 10.1016/j.vph.2023.107208] [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: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
Here we aimed to establish an in vitro engineered heart tissue (EHT) co-morbidity mimicking model of ischemia-reperfusion injury and diabetes. EHTs were generated from primary neonatal rat cardiomyocytes. Hyperglycemic conditions or hyperosmolar controls were applied for one day to model acute hyperglycemia and for seven days to model chronic hyperglycemia. 120 min' simulated ischemia (SI) was followed by 120 min' reperfusion (R) and 1-day follow-up reperfusion (FR). Normoxic controls (N) were not subjected to SI/R. Half of the EHTs was paced, the other half was left unpaced. To assess cell injury, lactate-dehydrogenase (LDH) concentration was measured. Beating force and activity (frequency) were monitored as cardiomyocyte functional parameters. LDH-release indicated relevant cell injury after SI/N in each experimental condition, with much higher effects in the chronically hyperglycemic/hyperosmolar groups. SI stopped beating of EHTs in each condition, which returned during reperfusion, with weaker recovery in chronic conditions than in acute conditions. Acutely treated EHTs showed small LDH-release and ∼80% recovery of force during reperfusion and follow-up, while chronically treated EHTs showed a marked LDH-release, only ∼30% recovery with reperfusion and complete loss of beating activity during 24 h follow-up reperfusion. We conclude that EHTs respond differently to SI/R injury in acute and chronic hyperglycemia/hyperosmolarity, and that our EHT model is a novel in vitro combination of diabetes and ischemia-reperfusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Pálóczi
- Cardiovascular Research Group, Department of Biochemistry, University of Szeged, Szeged H-6720, Hungary; Pharmahungary Group, Szeged H-6722, Hungary
| | - Á Paál
- MTA-SE System Pharmacology Research Group, Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest H-1089, Hungary
| | - J Pigler
- Cardiovascular Research Group, Department of Biochemistry, University of Szeged, Szeged H-6720, Hungary
| | - B Kiss
- MTA-SE System Pharmacology Research Group, Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest H-1089, Hungary
| | - A Rhoden
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, Cardiovascular Research Center, DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research) Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Hamburg, Germany; DiNAQOR Deutschland GmbH, Start-up Labs Bahrenfeld, Luruper Hauptstrasse 1, Hamburg 22547, Germany
| | - Z V Varga
- MTA-SE System Pharmacology Research Group, Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest H-1089, Hungary
| | - P Ferdinandy
- MTA-SE System Pharmacology Research Group, Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest H-1089, Hungary; Pharmahungary Group, Szeged H-6722, Hungary
| | - T Eschenhagen
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, Cardiovascular Research Center, DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research) Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Hamburg, Germany
| | - A Görbe
- MTA-SE System Pharmacology Research Group, Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest H-1089, Hungary; Pharmahungary Group, Szeged H-6722, Hungary.
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23
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Solazzo M, Monaghan MG. A Workflow to Produce a Low-Cost In Vitro Platform for the Electric-Field Pacing of Cellularised 3D Porous Scaffolds. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2023; 9:4573-4582. [PMID: 37531298 PMCID: PMC10428090 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.3c00756] [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: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
Endogenous electrically mediated signaling is a key feature of most native tissues, the most notable examples being the nervous and the cardiac systems. Biomedical engineering often aims to harness and drive such activity in vitro, in bioreactors to study cell disease and differentiation, and often in three-dimensional (3D) formats with the help of biomaterials, with most of these approaches adopting scaffold-free self-assembling strategies to create 3D tissues. In essence, this is the casting of gels which self-assemble in response to factors such as temperature or pH and have capacity to harbor cells during this process without imparting toxicity. However, the use of materials that do not self-assemble but can support 3D encapsulation of cells (such as porous scaffolds) warrants consideration given the larger repertoire this would provide in terms of material physicochemical properties and microstructure. In this method and protocol paper, we detail and provide design codes and assembly instructions to cheaply create an electrical pacing bioreactor and a Rig for Stimulation of Sponge-like Scaffolds (R3S). This setup has also been engineered to simultaneously perform live optical imaging of the in vitro models. To showcase a pilot exploration of material physiochemistry (in this aspect material conductivity) and microstructure (isotropy versus anisotropy), we adopt isotropic and anisotropic porous scaffolds composed of collagen or poly(3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene):polystyrenesulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) for their contrasting conductivity properties yet similar in porosity and mechanical integrity. Electric field pacing of mouse C3H10 cells on anisotropic porous scaffolds placed in R3S led to increased metabolic activity and enhanced cell alignment. Furthermore, after 7 days electrical pacing drove C3H10 alignment regardless of material conductivity or anisotropy. This platform and its design, which we have shared, have wide suitability for the study of electrical pacing of cellularized scaffolds in 3D in vitro cultures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Solazzo
- Department
of Mechanical, Manufacturing and Biomedical Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, 152−160 Pearse Street, Dublin 2, Ireland
- Trinity
Centre for Biomedical Engineering, 152-160 Pearse Street, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Michael G. Monaghan
- Department
of Mechanical, Manufacturing and Biomedical Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, 152−160 Pearse Street, Dublin 2, Ireland
- Advanced
Materials and BioEngineering Research (AMBER) Centre at Trinity College Dublin and the Royal College of Surgeons
in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland
- CÚRAM,
Centre for Research in Medical Devices, National University of Ireland, Galway, Newcastle Road, Galway H91 W2TY, Ireland
- Trinity
Centre for Biomedical Engineering, 152-160 Pearse Street, Dublin 2, Ireland
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24
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Baena-Montes JM, Kraśny MJ, O’Halloran M, Dunne E, Quinlan LR. In Vitro Models for Improved Therapeutic Interventions in Atrial Fibrillation. J Pers Med 2023; 13:1237. [PMID: 37623487 PMCID: PMC10455620 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13081237] [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: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation is the most common type of cardiac arrhythmias in humans, mostly caused by hyper excitation of specific areas in the atrium resulting in dyssynchronous atrial contractions, leading to severe consequences such as heart failure and stroke. Current therapeutics aim to target this condition through both pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches. To test and validate any of these treatments, an appropriate preclinical model must be carefully chosen to refine and optimise the therapy features to correctly reverse this condition. A broad range of preclinical models have been developed over the years, with specific features and advantages to closely mimic the pathophysiology of atrial fibrillation. In this review, currently available models are described, from traditional animal models and in vitro cell cultures to state-of-the-art organoids and organs-on-a-chip. The advantages, applications and limitations of each model are discussed, providing the information to select the appropriate model for each research application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jara M. Baena-Montes
- Physiology and Cellular Physiology Research Laboratory, School of Medicine, Human Biology Building, University of Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland
| | - Marcin J. Kraśny
- Smart Sensors Lab, Lambe Institute for Translational Research, School of Medicine, University of Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland
- Translational Medical Device Lab (TMDLab), Lambe Institute for Translational Research, School of Medicine, University of Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland
| | - Martin O’Halloran
- Translational Medical Device Lab (TMDLab), Lambe Institute for Translational Research, School of Medicine, University of Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland
- Electrical & Electronic Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland
| | - Eoghan Dunne
- Translational Medical Device Lab (TMDLab), Lambe Institute for Translational Research, School of Medicine, University of Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland
| | - Leo R. Quinlan
- Physiology and Cellular Physiology Research Laboratory, School of Medicine, Human Biology Building, University of Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland
- CÚRAM SFI Centre for Research in Medical Devices, University of Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland
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25
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Tani H, Kobayashi E, Yagi S, Tanaka K, Kameda-Haga K, Shibata S, Moritoki N, Takatsuna K, Moriwaki T, Sekine O, Umei TC, Morita Y, Soma Y, Kishino Y, Kanazawa H, Fujita J, Hattori S, Fukuda K, Tohyama S. Heart-derived collagen promotes maturation of engineered heart tissue. Biomaterials 2023; 299:122174. [PMID: 37285642 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2023.122174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Although the extracellular matrix (ECM) plays essential roles in heart tissue engineering, the optimal ECM components for heart tissue organization have not previously been elucidated. Here, we focused on the main ECM component, fibrillar collagen, and analyzed the effects of collagens on heart tissue engineering, by comparing the use of porcine heart-derived collagen and other organ-derived collagens in generating engineered heart tissue (EHT). We demonstrate that heart-derived collagen induces better contraction and relaxation of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived EHT (hiPSC-EHT) and that hiPSC-EHT with heart-derived collagen exhibit more mature profiles than those with collagens from other organs. Further, we found that collagen fibril formation and gel stiffness influence the contraction, relaxation, and maturation of hiPSC-EHT, suggesting the importance of collagen types III and type V, which are relatively abundant in the heart. Thus, we demonstrate the effectiveness of organ-specific collagens in tissue engineering and drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hidenori Tani
- Department of Cardiology, Japan; Joint Research Laboratory for Medical Innovation in Heart Disease, Japan
| | - Eiji Kobayashi
- Department of Organ Fabrication, Japan; Department of Kidney Regenerative Medicine, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Shinomi Yagi
- Nippi Research Institute of Biomatrix, Toride, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Keisuke Tanaka
- Nippi Research Institute of Biomatrix, Toride, Ibaraki, Japan
| | | | - Shinsuke Shibata
- Electron Microscope Laboratory, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan; Division of Microscopic Anatomy, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Nobuko Moritoki
- Electron Microscope Laboratory, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | - Yuika Morita
- Department of Cardiology, Japan; Kanagawa Institute of Industrial Science and Technology (KISTEC), Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
| | | | | | | | - Jun Fujita
- Department of Cardiology, Japan; Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Shunji Hattori
- Department of Kidney Regenerative Medicine, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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Maas RGC, van den Dolder FW, Yuan Q, van der Velden J, Wu SM, Sluijter JPG, Buikema JW. Harnessing developmental cues for cardiomyocyte production. Development 2023; 150:dev201483. [PMID: 37560977 PMCID: PMC10445742 DOI: 10.1242/dev.201483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
Developmental research has attempted to untangle the exact signals that control heart growth and size, with knockout studies in mice identifying pivotal roles for Wnt and Hippo signaling during embryonic and fetal heart growth. Despite this improved understanding, no clinically relevant therapies are yet available to compensate for the loss of functional adult myocardium and the absence of mature cardiomyocyte renewal that underlies cardiomyopathies of multiple origins. It remains of great interest to understand which mechanisms are responsible for the decline in proliferation in adult hearts and to elucidate new strategies for the stimulation of cardiac regeneration. Multiple signaling pathways have been identified that regulate the proliferation of cardiomyocytes in the embryonic heart and appear to be upregulated in postnatal injured hearts. In this Review, we highlight the interaction of signaling pathways in heart development and discuss how this knowledge has been translated into current technologies for cardiomyocyte production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renee G. C. Maas
- Utrecht Regenerative Medicine Center, Circulatory Health Laboratory, University Utrecht, Experimental Cardiology Laboratory, Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3508 GA Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Floor W. van den Dolder
- Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Department of Physiology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, De Boelelaan 1108, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Qianliang Yuan
- Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Department of Physiology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, De Boelelaan 1108, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jolanda van der Velden
- Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Department of Physiology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, De Boelelaan 1108, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Sean M. Wu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine,Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Joost P. G. Sluijter
- Utrecht Regenerative Medicine Center, Circulatory Health Laboratory, University Utrecht, Experimental Cardiology Laboratory, Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3508 GA Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Jan W. Buikema
- Utrecht Regenerative Medicine Center, Circulatory Health Laboratory, University Utrecht, Experimental Cardiology Laboratory, Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3508 GA Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Department of Physiology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, De Boelelaan 1108, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Cardiology, Amsterdam Heart Center, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Arefin A, Mendoza M, Dame K, Garcia MI, Strauss DG, Ribeiro AJS. Reproducibility of drug-induced effects on the contractility of an engineered heart tissue derived from human pluripotent stem cells. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1212092. [PMID: 37469866 PMCID: PMC10352809 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1212092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Engineered heart tissues (EHTs) are three-dimensional culture platforms with cardiomyocytes differentiated from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) and were designed for assaying cardiac contractility. For drug development applications, EHTs must have a stable function and provide reproducible results. We investigated these properties with EHTs made with different tissue casting batches and lines of differentiated hPSC-cardiomyocytes and analyzed them at different times after being fabricated. Methods: A video-optical assay was used for measuring EHT contractile outputs, and these results were compared with results from motion traction analysis of beating hPSC-cardiomyocytes cultured as monolayers in two-dimensional cultures. The reproducibility of induced contractile variations was tested using compounds with known mechanistic cardiac effects (isoproterenol, EMD-57033, omecamtiv mecarbil, verapamil, ranolazine, and mavacamten), or known to be clinically cardiotoxic (doxorubicin, sunitinib). These drug-induced variations were characterized at different electrical pacing rates and variations in intracellular calcium transients were also assessed in EHTs. Results: To ensure reproducibility in experiments, we established EHT quality control criteria based on excitation-contraction coupling and contractile sensitivity to extracellular calcium concentration. In summary, a baseline contractile force of 0.2 mN and excitation-contraction coupling of EHTs were used as quality control criteria to select suitable EHTs for analysis. Overall, drug-induced contractile responses were similar between monolayers and EHTs, where a close relationship was observed between contractile output and calcium kinetics. Contractile variations at multiple time points after adding cardiotoxic compounds were also detectable in EHTs. Discussion: Reproducibility of drug-induced effects in EHTs between experiments and relative to published work on these cellular models was generally observed. Future applications for EHTs may require additional mechanistic criteria related to drug effects and cardiac functional outputs to be measured in regard to specific contexts of use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayesha Arefin
- Division of Applied Regulatory Science, Office of Clinical Pharmacology, Office of Translational Sciences, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, United States
- Division of Systems Biology, National Center for Toxicological Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR, United States
| | - Melissa Mendoza
- Division of Applied Regulatory Science, Office of Clinical Pharmacology, Office of Translational Sciences, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, United States
| | - Keri Dame
- Division of Applied Regulatory Science, Office of Clinical Pharmacology, Office of Translational Sciences, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, United States
| | - M. Iveth Garcia
- Division of Applied Regulatory Science, Office of Clinical Pharmacology, Office of Translational Sciences, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, United States
| | - David G. Strauss
- Division of Applied Regulatory Science, Office of Clinical Pharmacology, Office of Translational Sciences, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, United States
- Office of Clinical Pharmacology, Office of Translational Sciences, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, United States
| | - Alexandre J. S. Ribeiro
- Division of Applied Regulatory Science, Office of Clinical Pharmacology, Office of Translational Sciences, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, United States
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Murphy JF, Costa KD, Turnbull IC. Rianú: Multi-tissue tracking software for increased throughput of engineered cardiac tissue screening. COMPUTER METHODS AND PROGRAMS IN BIOMEDICINE UPDATE 2023; 3:100107. [PMID: 37476002 PMCID: PMC10359020 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmpbup.2023.100107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Background The field of tissue engineering has provided valuable three-dimensional species-specific models of the human myocardium in the form of human Engineered Cardiac Tissues (hECTs) and similar constructs. However, hECT systems are often bottlenecked by a lack of openly available software that can collect data from multiple tissues at a time, even in multi-tissue bioreactors, which limits throughput in phenotypic and therapeutic screening applications. Methods We developed Rianú, an open-source web application capable of simultaneously tracking multiple hECTs on flexible end-posts. This software is operating system agnostic and deployable on a remote server, accessible via a web browser with no local hardware or software requirements. The software incorporates object-tracking capabilities for multiple objects simultaneously, an algorithm for twitch tracing analysis and contractile force calculation, and a data compilation system for comparative analysis within and amongst groups. Validation tests were performed using in-silico and in-vitro experiments for comparison with established methods and interventions. Results Rianú was able to detect the displacement of the flexible end-posts with a sub-pixel sensitivity of 0.555 px/post (minimum increment in post displacement) and a lower limit of 1.665 px/post (minimum post displacement). Compared to our established reference for contractility assessment, Rianú had a high correlation for all parameters analyzed (ranging from R 2 = 0.7514 to R 2 = 0.9695 ), demonstrating its high accuracy and reliability. Conclusions Rianú provides simultaneous tracking of multiple hECTs, expediting the recording and analysis processes, and simplifies time-based intervention studies. It also allows data collection from different formats and has scale-up capabilities proportional to the number of tissues per field of view. These capabilities will enhance throughput of hECTs and similar assays for in-vitro analysis in disease modeling and drug screening applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack F. Murphy
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1014, New York City, 10029, NY, USA
| | - Kevin D. Costa
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1014, New York City, 10029, NY, USA
| | - Irene C. Turnbull
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1014, New York City, 10029, NY, USA
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Ma MS, Sundaram S, Lou L, Agarwal A, Chen CS, Bifano TG. High throughput screening system for engineered cardiac tissues. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1177688. [PMID: 37251575 PMCID: PMC10210164 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1177688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Three dimensional engineered cardiac tissues (3D ECTs) have become indispensable as in vitro models to assess drug cardiotoxicity, a leading cause of failure in pharmaceutical development. A current bottleneck is the relatively low throughput of assays that measure spontaneous contractile forces exerted by millimeter-scale ECTs typically recorded through precise optical measurement of deflection of the polymer scaffolds that support them. The required resolution and speed limit the field of view to at most a few ECTs at a time using conventional imaging. Methods: To balance the inherent tradeoff among imaging resolution, field of view and speed, an innovative mosaic imaging system was designed, built, and validated to sense contractile force of 3D ECTs seeded on a 96-well plate. Results: The system performance was validated through real-time, parallel contractile force monitoring for up to 3 weeks. Pilot drug testing was conducted using isoproterenol. Discussion: The described tool increases contractile force sensing throughput to 96 samples per measurement; significantly reduces cost, time and labor needed for preclinical cardiotoxicity assay using 3D ECT. More broadly, our mosaicking approach is a general way to scale up image-based screening in multi-well formats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marshall S. Ma
- Mechanical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
- Photonics Center, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
| | | | - Lihua Lou
- Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Arvind Agarwal
- Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States
| | | | - Thomas G. Bifano
- Mechanical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
- Photonics Center, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
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Abstract
The heart is the first functional organ established during embryogenesis. Investigating heart development and disease is a fascinating and crucial field of research because cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Therefore, there is great interest in establishing in vitro models for recapitulating both physiological and pathological aspects of human heart development, tissue function and malfunction. Derived from pluripotent stem cells, a large variety of three-dimensional cardiac in vitro models have been introduced in recent years. In this At a Glance article, we discuss the available methods to generate such models, grouped according to the following classification: cardiac organoids, cardiac microtissues and engineered cardiac tissues. For these models, we provide a systematic overview of their applications for disease modeling and therapeutic development, as well as their advantages and limitations to assist scientists in choosing the most suitable model for their research purpose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lika Drakhlis
- Leibniz Research Laboratories for Biotechnology and Artificial Organs (LEBAO), Department of Cardiothoracic, Transplantation and Vascular Surgery (HTTG), REBIRTH - Research Center for Translational Regenerative Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover 30625, Germany
- Authors for correspondence (; )
| | - Robert Zweigerdt
- Leibniz Research Laboratories for Biotechnology and Artificial Organs (LEBAO), Department of Cardiothoracic, Transplantation and Vascular Surgery (HTTG), REBIRTH - Research Center for Translational Regenerative Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover 30625, Germany
- Authors for correspondence (; )
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31
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Rivera‐Arbeláez JM, Keekstra D, Cofiño‐Fabres C, Boonen T, Dostanic M, ten Den SA, Vermeul K, Mastrangeli M, van den Berg A, Segerink LI, Ribeiro MC, Strisciuglio N, Passier R. Automated assessment of human engineered heart tissues using deep learning and template matching for segmentation and tracking. Bioeng Transl Med 2023; 8:e10513. [PMID: 37206226 PMCID: PMC10189437 DOI: 10.1002/btm2.10513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The high rate of drug withdrawal from the market due to cardiovascular toxicity or lack of efficacy, the economic burden, and extremely long time before a compound reaches the market, have increased the relevance of human in vitro models like human (patient-derived) pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived engineered heart tissues (EHTs) for the evaluation of the efficacy and toxicity of compounds at the early phase in the drug development pipeline. Consequently, the EHT contractile properties are highly relevant parameters for the analysis of cardiotoxicity, disease phenotype, and longitudinal measurements of cardiac function over time. In this study, we developed and validated the software HAARTA (Highly Accurate, Automatic and Robust Tracking Algorithm), which automatically analyzes contractile properties of EHTs by segmenting and tracking brightfield videos, using deep learning and template matching with sub-pixel precision. We demonstrate the robustness, accuracy, and computational efficiency of the software by comparing it to the state-of-the-art method (MUSCLEMOTION), and by testing it with a data set of EHTs from three different hPSC lines. HAARTA will facilitate standardized analysis of contractile properties of EHTs, which will be beneficial for in vitro drug screening and longitudinal measurements of cardiac function.
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Affiliation(s)
- José M. Rivera‐Arbeláez
- Department of Applied Stem Cell Technologies, TechMed CentreUniversity of TwenteEnschedethe Netherlands
- BIOS Lab on a Chip Group, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, TechMed Centre, Max Planck Institute for Complex Fluid DynamicsUniversity of TwenteEnschedethe Netherlands
| | - Danjel Keekstra
- Data Management & Biometrics (DMB) GroupUniversity of TwenteEnschedethe Netherlands
| | - Carla Cofiño‐Fabres
- Department of Applied Stem Cell Technologies, TechMed CentreUniversity of TwenteEnschedethe Netherlands
| | | | | | - Simone A. ten Den
- Department of Applied Stem Cell Technologies, TechMed CentreUniversity of TwenteEnschedethe Netherlands
| | - Kim Vermeul
- Department of Applied Stem Cell Technologies, TechMed CentreUniversity of TwenteEnschedethe Netherlands
| | | | - Albert van den Berg
- BIOS Lab on a Chip Group, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, TechMed Centre, Max Planck Institute for Complex Fluid DynamicsUniversity of TwenteEnschedethe Netherlands
| | - Loes I. Segerink
- BIOS Lab on a Chip Group, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, TechMed Centre, Max Planck Institute for Complex Fluid DynamicsUniversity of TwenteEnschedethe Netherlands
| | | | - Nicola Strisciuglio
- Data Management & Biometrics (DMB) GroupUniversity of TwenteEnschedethe Netherlands
| | - Robert Passier
- Department of Applied Stem Cell Technologies, TechMed CentreUniversity of TwenteEnschedethe Netherlands
- Department of Anatomy and EmbryologyLeiden University Medical CentreLeidenthe Netherlands
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32
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Dark N, Cosson MV, Tsansizi LI, Owen TJ, Ferraro E, Francis AJ, Tsai S, Bouissou C, Weston A, Collinson L, Abi-Gerges N, Miller PE, MacLeod KT, Ehler E, Mitter R, Harding SE, Smith JC, Bernardo AS. Generation of left ventricle-like cardiomyocytes with improved structural, functional, and metabolic maturity from human pluripotent stem cells. CELL REPORTS METHODS 2023; 3:100456. [PMID: 37159667 PMCID: PMC10163040 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmeth.2023.100456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Decreased left ventricle (LV) function caused by genetic mutations or injury often leads to debilitating and fatal cardiovascular disease. LV cardiomyocytes are, therefore, a potentially valuable therapeutical target. Human pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hPSC-CMs) are neither homogeneous nor functionally mature, which reduces their utility. Here, we exploit cardiac development knowledge to instruct differentiation of hPSCs specifically toward LV cardiomyocytes. Correct mesoderm patterning and retinoic acid pathway blocking are essential to generate near-homogenous LV-specific hPSC-CMs (hPSC-LV-CMs). These cells transit via first heart field progenitors and display typical ventricular action potentials. Importantly, hPSC-LV-CMs exhibit increased metabolism, reduced proliferation, and improved cytoarchitecture and functional maturity compared with age-matched cardiomyocytes generated using the standard WNT-ON/WNT-OFF protocol. Similarly, engineered heart tissues made from hPSC-LV-CMs are better organized, produce higher force, and beat more slowly but can be paced to physiological levels. Together, we show that functionally matured hPSC-LV-CMs can be obtained rapidly without exposure to current maturation regimes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lorenza I. Tsansizi
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
- NHLI, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Andreia S. Bernardo
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
- NHLI, Imperial College London, London, UK
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33
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Pinton L, Khedr M, Lionello VM, Sarcar S, Maffioletti SM, Dastidar S, Negroni E, Choi S, Khokhar N, Bigot A, Counsell JR, Bernardo AS, Zammit PS, Tedesco FS. 3D human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived bioengineered skeletal muscles for tissue, disease and therapy modeling. Nat Protoc 2023; 18:1337-1376. [PMID: 36792780 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-022-00790-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
Skeletal muscle is a complex tissue composed of multinucleated myofibers responsible for force generation that are supported by multiple cell types. Many severe and lethal disorders affect skeletal muscle; therefore, engineering models to reproduce such cellular complexity and function are instrumental for investigating muscle pathophysiology and developing therapies. Here, we detail the modular 3D bioengineering of multilineage skeletal muscles from human induced pluripotent stem cells, which are first differentiated into myogenic, neural and vascular progenitor cells and then combined within 3D hydrogels under tension to generate an aligned myofiber scaffold containing vascular networks and motor neurons. 3D bioengineered muscles recapitulate morphological and functional features of human skeletal muscle, including establishment of a pool of cells expressing muscle stem cell markers. Importantly, bioengineered muscles provide a high-fidelity platform to study muscle pathology, such as emergence of dysmorphic nuclei in muscular dystrophies caused by mutant lamins. The protocol is easy to follow for operators with cell culture experience and takes between 9 and 30 d, depending on the number of cell lineages in the construct. We also provide examples of applications of this advanced platform for testing gene and cell therapies in vitro, as well as for in vivo studies, providing proof of principle of its potential as a tool to develop next-generation neuromuscular or musculoskeletal therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Pinton
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, UK
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
- Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Moustafa Khedr
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, UK
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Valentina M Lionello
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, UK
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Shilpita Sarcar
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Sara M Maffioletti
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, UK
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-TIGET), Milan, Italy
| | - Sumitava Dastidar
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, UK
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Elisa Negroni
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, UK
- Center for Research in Myology UMRS974, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Myology Institute AIM, Paris, France
| | - SungWoo Choi
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, UK
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Noreen Khokhar
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, UK
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
- Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Anne Bigot
- Center for Research in Myology UMRS974, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Myology Institute AIM, Paris, France
| | - John R Counsell
- UCL Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
- Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health and Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
| | - Andreia Sofia Bernardo
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Peter S Zammit
- Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Francesco Saverio Tedesco
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, UK.
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK.
- Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health and Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK.
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34
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Schulz C, Lemoine MD, Mearini G, Koivumäki J, Sani J, Schwedhelm E, Kirchhof P, Ghalawinji A, Stoll M, Hansen A, Eschenhagen T, Christ T. PITX2 Knockout Induces Key Findings of Electrical Remodeling as Seen in Persistent Atrial Fibrillation. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol 2023; 16:e011602. [PMID: 36763906 DOI: 10.1161/circep.122.011602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Electrical remodeling in human persistent atrial fibrillation is believed to result from rapid electrical activation of the atria, but underlying genetic causes may contribute. Indeed, common gene variants in an enhancer region close to PITX2 (paired-like homeodomain transcription factor 2) are strongly associated with atrial fibrillation, but the mechanism behind this association remains unknown. This study evaluated the consequences of PITX2 deletion (PITX2-/-) in human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived atrial cardiomyocytes. METHODS CRISPR/Cas9 (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat-associated 9) was used to delete PITX2 in a healthy human iPSC line that served as isogenic control. Human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived atrial cardiomyocytes were differentiated with unfiltered retinoic acid and cultured in atrial engineered heart tissue. Force and action potential were measured in atrial engineered heart tissues. Single human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived atrial cardiomyocytes were isolated from atrial engineered heart tissue for ion current measurements. RESULTS PITX2-/- atrial engineered heart tissue beats slightly slower than isogenic control without irregularity. Force was lower in PITX2-/- than in isogenic control (0.053±0.015 versus 0.131±0.017 mN, n=28/3 versus n=28/4, PITX2-/- versus isogenic control; P<0.0001), accompanied by lower expression of CACNA1C and lower L-type Ca2+ current density. Early repolarization was weaker (action potential duration at 20% repolarization; 45.5±13.2 versus 8.6±5.3 ms, n=18/3 versus n=12/4, PITX2-/- versus isogenic control; P<0.0001), and maximum diastolic potential was more negative (-78.3±3.1 versus -69.7±0.6 mV, n=18/3 versus n=12/4, PITX2-/- versus isogenic control; P=0.001), despite normal inward rectifier currents (both IK1 and IK,ACh) and carbachol-induced shortening of action potential duration. CONCLUSIONS Complete PITX2 deficiency in human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived atrial cardiomyocytes recapitulates some findings of electrical remodeling of atrial fibrillation in the absence of fast beating, indicating that these abnormalities could be primary consequences of lower PITX2 levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl Schulz
- Institute of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology (C.S., M.D.L., G.M., J.S., A.H., T.E., T.C.), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research, Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck (C.S., M.D.L., G.M., J.S., E.S., P.K.)
| | - Marc D Lemoine
- Institute of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology (C.S., M.D.L., G.M., J.S., A.H., T.E., T.C.), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research, Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck (C.S., M.D.L., G.M., J.S., E.S., P.K.)
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center, Hamburg, Germany (M.D.L., A.H., P.K., T.E., T.C.)
| | - Giulia Mearini
- Institute of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology (C.S., M.D.L., G.M., J.S., A.H., T.E., T.C.), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research, Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck (C.S., M.D.L., G.M., J.S., E.S., P.K.)
- DiNAQOR AG, Pfäffikon, Switzerland (G.M., P.K.)
| | - Jussi Koivumäki
- BioMediTech, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Finland (J.K.)
| | - Jascha Sani
- Institute of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology (C.S., M.D.L., G.M., J.S., A.H., T.E., T.C.), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research, Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck (C.S., M.D.L., G.M., J.S., E.S., P.K.)
| | - Edzard Schwedhelm
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology (E.S.), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research, Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck (C.S., M.D.L., G.M., J.S., E.S., P.K.)
| | - Paulus Kirchhof
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research, Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck (C.S., M.D.L., G.M., J.S., E.S., P.K.)
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center, Hamburg, Germany (M.D.L., A.H., P.K., T.E., T.C.)
- DiNAQOR AG, Pfäffikon, Switzerland (G.M., P.K.)
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, United Kingdom (P.K.)
| | - Amer Ghalawinji
- Division of Genetic Epidemiology, Institute of Human Genetics, University of Münster, Germany (A.G., M.S.)
| | - Monika Stoll
- Division of Genetic Epidemiology, Institute of Human Genetics, University of Münster, Germany (A.G., M.S.)
- Department of Biochemistry, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Sciences, Maastricht University, the Netherlands (M.S.)
| | - Arne Hansen
- Institute of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology (C.S., M.D.L., G.M., J.S., A.H., T.E., T.C.), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center, Hamburg, Germany (M.D.L., A.H., P.K., T.E., T.C.)
| | - Thomas Eschenhagen
- Institute of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology (C.S., M.D.L., G.M., J.S., A.H., T.E., T.C.), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center, Hamburg, Germany (M.D.L., A.H., P.K., T.E., T.C.)
| | - Torsten Christ
- Institute of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology (C.S., M.D.L., G.M., J.S., A.H., T.E., T.C.), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center, Hamburg, Germany (M.D.L., A.H., P.K., T.E., T.C.)
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35
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Wang C, Ramahdita G, Genin G, Huebsch N, Ma Z. Dynamic mechanobiology of cardiac cells and tissues: Current status and future perspective. BIOPHYSICS REVIEWS 2023; 4:011314. [PMID: 37008887 PMCID: PMC10062054 DOI: 10.1063/5.0141269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
Mechanical forces impact cardiac cells and tissues over their entire lifespan, from development to growth and eventually to pathophysiology. However, the mechanobiological pathways that drive cell and tissue responses to mechanical forces are only now beginning to be understood, due in part to the challenges in replicating the evolving dynamic microenvironments of cardiac cells and tissues in a laboratory setting. Although many in vitro cardiac models have been established to provide specific stiffness, topography, or viscoelasticity to cardiac cells and tissues via biomaterial scaffolds or external stimuli, technologies for presenting time-evolving mechanical microenvironments have only recently been developed. In this review, we summarize the range of in vitro platforms that have been used for cardiac mechanobiological studies. We provide a comprehensive review on phenotypic and molecular changes of cardiomyocytes in response to these environments, with a focus on how dynamic mechanical cues are transduced and deciphered. We conclude with our vision of how these findings will help to define the baseline of heart pathology and of how these in vitro systems will potentially serve to improve the development of therapies for heart diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ghiska Ramahdita
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri 63130, USA
| | | | | | - Zhen Ma
- Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed: and
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Singh BN, Yucel D, Garay BI, Tolkacheva EG, Kyba M, Perlingeiro RCR, van Berlo JH, Ogle BM. Proliferation and Maturation: Janus and the Art of Cardiac Tissue Engineering. Circ Res 2023; 132:519-540. [PMID: 36795845 PMCID: PMC9943541 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.122.321770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
During cardiac development and morphogenesis, cardiac progenitor cells differentiate into cardiomyocytes that expand in number and size to generate the fully formed heart. Much is known about the factors that regulate initial differentiation of cardiomyocytes, and there is ongoing research to identify how these fetal and immature cardiomyocytes develop into fully functioning, mature cells. Accumulating evidence indicates that maturation limits proliferation and conversely proliferation occurs rarely in cardiomyocytes of the adult myocardium. We term this oppositional interplay the proliferation-maturation dichotomy. Here we review the factors that are involved in this interplay and discuss how a better understanding of the proliferation-maturation dichotomy could advance the utility of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes for modeling in 3-dimensional engineered cardiac tissues to obtain truly adult-level function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhairab N. Singh
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, MN, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, MN, USA
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, MN, USA
| | - Dogacan Yucel
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, MN, USA
- Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Division, University of Minnesota, MN, USA
- Lillehei Heart Institute, University of Minnesota, MN, USA
| | - Bayardo I. Garay
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, MN, USA
- Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Division, University of Minnesota, MN, USA
- Lillehei Heart Institute, University of Minnesota, MN, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Minnesota Medical School, MN, USA
| | - Elena G. Tolkacheva
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, MN, USA
- Lillehei Heart Institute, University of Minnesota, MN, USA
- Institute for Engineering in Medicine, University of Minnesota, MN, USA
| | - Michael Kyba
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, MN, USA
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, MN, USA
- Lillehei Heart Institute, University of Minnesota, MN, USA
| | - Rita C. R. Perlingeiro
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, MN, USA
- Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Division, University of Minnesota, MN, USA
- Lillehei Heart Institute, University of Minnesota, MN, USA
| | - Jop H. van Berlo
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, MN, USA
- Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Division, University of Minnesota, MN, USA
- Lillehei Heart Institute, University of Minnesota, MN, USA
| | - Brenda M. Ogle
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, MN, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, MN, USA
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, MN, USA
- Lillehei Heart Institute, University of Minnesota, MN, USA
- Institute for Engineering in Medicine, University of Minnesota, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, MN, USA
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Ciucci G, Rahhali K, Cimmino G, Natale F, Golino P, Sinagra G, Collesi C, Loffredo FS. Engineered heart tissue maturation inhibits cardiomyocyte proliferative response to cryoinjury. J Tissue Eng 2023; 14:20417314231190147. [PMID: 37842206 PMCID: PMC10571691 DOI: 10.1177/20417314231190147] [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: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The cellular and molecular mechanisms that are responsible for the poor regenerative capacity of the adult heart after myocardial infarction (MI) are still unclear and their understanding is crucial to develop novel regenerative therapies. Considering the lack of reliable in vitro tissue-like models to evaluate the molecular mechanisms of cardiac regeneration, we used cryoinjury on rat Engineered Heart Tissues (rEHTs) as a new model which recapitulates in part the in vivo response after myocardial injury of neonatal and adult heart. When we subjected to cryoinjury immature and mature rEHTs, we observed a significant increase in cardiomyocyte (CM) DNA synthesis when compared to the controls. As expected, the number of mitotic CMs significantly increases in immature rEHTs when compared to mature rEHTs, suggesting that the extent of CM maturation plays a crucial role in their proliferative response after cryoinjury. Moreover, we show that cryoinjury induces a temporary activation of fibroblast response in mature EHTs, similar to the early response after MI, that is however incomplete in immature EHTs. Our results support the hypothesis that the endogenous maturation program in cardiac myocytes plays a major role in determining the proliferative response to injury. Therefore, we propose rEHTs as a robust, novel tool to in vitro investigate critical aspects of cardiac regeneration in a tissue-like asset free from confounding factors in response to injury, such as the immune system response or circulating inflammatory cytokines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulio Ciucci
- Molecular Cardiology, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy
| | - Karim Rahhali
- Molecular Cardiology, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy
- Molecular Medicine, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
| | - Giovanni Cimmino
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Division of Cardiology, University of Campania “L. Vanvitelli,” Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Natale
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Division of Cardiology, University of Campania “L. Vanvitelli,” Naples, Italy
| | - Paolo Golino
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Division of Cardiology, University of Campania “L. Vanvitelli,” Naples, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Sinagra
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, Azienda Sanitaria-Universitaria Integrata Trieste “ASUITS,” University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Chiara Collesi
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, Azienda Sanitaria-Universitaria Integrata Trieste “ASUITS,” University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
- Molecular Medicine, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
| | - Francesco S Loffredo
- Molecular Cardiology, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Division of Cardiology, University of Campania “L. Vanvitelli,” Naples, Italy
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Cai L, Wang R, Zhang D. Cardiac Disease Modeling with Engineered Heart Tissue. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2023; 281:235-255. [PMID: 37563250 DOI: 10.1007/164_2023_681] [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] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
The rhythmically beating heart is the foundation of life-sustaining blood flow. There are four chambers and many different types of cell in the heart, but the twisted myofibrillar structures formed by cardiomyocytes are particularly important for cardiac contraction and electrical impulse transmission properties. The ability to generate cardiomyocytes using human-induced pluripotent stem cells has essentially solved the cell supply shortage for in vitro simulation of cardiac tissue function; however, modeling heart at the tissue level needs mature myocardial structure, electrophysiology, and contractile characteristics. Here, the current research on human functionalized cardiac microtissue in modeling cardiac diseases is reviewed and the design criteria and practical applications of different human engineered heart tissues, including cardiac organoids, cardiac thin films, and cardiac microbundles are analyzed. Table summarizing the ability of several in vitro myocardial models to assess heart structure and function for cardiac disease modeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Science, Hubei University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Ruxiang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Science, Hubei University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Donghui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Science, Hubei University, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
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39
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Challenges and opportunities for the next generation of cardiovascular tissue engineering. Nat Methods 2022; 19:1064-1071. [PMID: 36064773 DOI: 10.1038/s41592-022-01591-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Engineered cardiac tissues derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells offer unique opportunities for patient-specific disease modeling, drug discovery and cardiac repair. Since the first engineered hearts were introduced over two decades ago, human induced pluripotent stem cell-based three-dimensional cardiac organoids and heart-on-a-chip systems have now become mainstays in basic cardiovascular research as valuable platforms for investigating fundamental human pathophysiology and development. However, major obstacles remain to be addressed before the field can truly advance toward commercial and clinical translation. Here we provide a snapshot of the state-of-the-art methods in cardiac tissue engineering, with a focus on in vitro models of the human heart. Looking ahead, we discuss major challenges and opportunities in the field and suggest strategies for enabling broad acceptance of engineered cardiac tissues as models of cardiac pathophysiology and testbeds for the development of therapies.
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40
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Dickerson DA. Advancing Engineered Heart Muscle Tissue Complexity with Hydrogel Composites. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2022; 7:e2200067. [PMID: 35999488 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202200067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
A heart attack results in the permanent loss of heart muscle and can lead to heart disease, which kills more than 7 million people worldwide each year. To date, outside of heart transplantation, current clinical treatments cannot regenerate lost heart muscle or restore full function to the damaged heart. There is a critical need to create engineered heart tissues with structural complexity and functional capacity needed to replace damaged heart muscle. The inextricable link between structure and function suggests that hydrogel composites hold tremendous promise as a biomaterial-guided strategy to advance heart muscle tissue engineering. Such composites provide biophysical cues and functionality as a provisional extracellular matrix that hydrogels cannot on their own. This review describes the latest advances in the characterization of these biomaterial systems and using them for heart muscle tissue engineering. The review integrates results across the field to provide new insights on critical features within hydrogel composites and perspectives on the next steps to harnessing these promising biomaterials to faithfully reproduce the complex structure and function of native heart muscle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darryl A. Dickerson
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering Florida International University 10555 West Flagler St Miami FL 33174 USA
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Ismaili D, Gurr K, Horváth A, Yuan L, Lemoine MD, Schulz C, Sani J, Petersen J, Reichenspurner H, Kirchhof P, Jespersen T, Eschenhagen T, Hansen A, Koivumäki JT, Christ T. Regulation of APD and Force by the Na +/Ca 2+ Exchanger in Human-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Engineered Heart Tissue. Cells 2022; 11:cells11152424. [PMID: 35954268 PMCID: PMC9368200 DOI: 10.3390/cells11152424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The physiological importance of NCX in human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) is not well characterized but may depend on the relative strength of the current, compared to adult cardiomyocytes, and on the exact spatial arrangement of proteins involved in Ca2+ extrusion. Here, we determined NCX currents and its contribution to action potential and force in hiPSC-CMs cultured in engineered heart tissue (EHT). The results were compared with data from rat and human left ventricular tissue. The NCX currents in hiPSC-CMs were larger than in ventricular cardiomyocytes isolated from human left ventricles (1.3 ± 0.2 pA/pF and 3.2 ± 0.2 pA/pF for human ventricle and EHT, respectively, p < 0.05). SEA0400 (10 µM) markedly shortened the APD90 in EHT (by 26.6 ± 5%, p < 0.05) and, to a lesser extent, in rat ventricular tissue (by 10.7 ± 1.6%, p < 0.05). Shortening in human left ventricular preparations was small and not different from time-matched controls (TMCs; p > 0.05). Force was increased by the NCX block in rat ventricle (by 31 ± 5.4%, p < 0.05) and EHT (by 20.8 ± 3.9%, p < 0.05), but not in human left ventricular preparations. In conclusion, hiPSC-CMs possess NCX currents not smaller than human left ventricular tissue. Robust NCX block-induced APD shortening and inotropy makes EHT an attractive pharmacological model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Djemail Ismaili
- Institute of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart & Vascular Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
- Correspondence: (D.I.); (T.C.); Tel.: +49-40-7410-42414 (T.C.)
| | - Katrin Gurr
- Institute of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - András Horváth
- Institute of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Lei Yuan
- Institute of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Marc D. Lemoine
- Institute of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart & Vascular Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Carl Schulz
- Institute of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jascha Sani
- Institute of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Johannes Petersen
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, University Heart and Vascular Center, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Hermann Reichenspurner
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, University Heart and Vascular Center, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Paulus Kirchhof
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart & Vascular Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Thomas Jespersen
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, University Heart and Vascular Center, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Eschenhagen
- Institute of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Arne Hansen
- Institute of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jussi T. Koivumäki
- BioMediTech, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, 33520 Tampere, Finland
| | - Torsten Christ
- Institute of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
- Correspondence: (D.I.); (T.C.); Tel.: +49-40-7410-42414 (T.C.)
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Kikuchi T, Matsuura K, Shimizu T. In vitro circulation model driven by tissue-engineered dome-shaped cardiac tissue. Biofabrication 2022; 14. [PMID: 35688123 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/ac77c1] [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: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The heart is an essential organ for animals and humans. With the increased availability of pluripotent stem cells, the use of three-dimensional cardiac tissues consisting of cultured cardiomyocytes in in vitro drug evaluation has been widely studied. Several models have been proposed for the realization of the pump function, which is the original function of the heart. However, there are no models that simulate the human circulatory system using cultured cardiac tissue. This study shows that a dome-shaped cardiac tissue fabricated using the cell sheet stacking technique can achieve a heart-like pump function and circulate culture medium, there by mimicking the human circulatory system. Firstly, human induced pluripotent stem cells were differentiated into autonomously beating cardiomyocytes, and cardiomyocyte cell sheets were created using temperature-responsive culture dishes. A cardiomyocyte sheet and a human dermal fibroblast sheet were stacked using a cell sheet manipulator. This two-layered cell sheet was then inflated to create a dome-shaped cardiac tissue with a base diameter of 8 mm. The volume of the dome-shaped cardiac tissue changed according to the autonomous beating. The stroke volume increased with the culture period and reached 21 ± 8.9 μL (n = 6) on day 21. It also responded to β-stimulant and extracellular calcium concentrations. Internal pressure fluctuations were also recorded under isovolumetric conditions by dedicated culture devices. The peak heights of pulsatile pressure were 0.33 ± 0.048 mmHg (n = 3) under a basal pressure of 0.5 mmHg on day 19. When the tissue was connected to a flow path that had check valves applied, it drove a directional flow with an average flow rate of approximately 1 μL/s. Furthermore, pressure-volume (P-V) diagrams were created from the simultaneous measurement of changes in pressure and volume under three conditions of fluidic resistance. In conclusion, this cardiac model can potentially be used for biological pumps that drive multi-organ chips and for more accurate in vitro drug evaluation using P-V diagrams.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetsutaro Kikuchi
- Institute of Advanced Biomedical Engineering and Science, Tokyo Women's Medical University, 8-1 Kawada-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 162-8666, JAPAN
| | - Katsuhisa Matsuura
- Tokyo Women's Medical University, 8-1 Kawada-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 162-8666, JAPAN
| | - Tatsuya Shimizu
- Institute of Advanced BioMedical Engineering and Science, Tokyo Women's Medical University, 8-1 Kawada-cho, Shinjyuku-ku,, Tokyo, 162-8666, JAPAN
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Suku M, Forrester L, Biggs M, Monaghan MG. Resident Macrophages and Their Potential in Cardiac Tissue Engineering. TISSUE ENGINEERING. PART B, REVIEWS 2022; 28:579-591. [PMID: 34088222 PMCID: PMC9242717 DOI: 10.1089/ten.teb.2021.0036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Many facets of tissue engineered models aim at understanding cellular mechanisms to recapitulate in vivo behavior, to study and mimic diseases for drug interventions, and to provide a better understanding toward improving regenerative medicine. Recent and rapid advances in stem cell biology, material science and engineering, have made the generation of complex engineered tissues much more attainable. One such tissue, human myocardium, is extremely intricate, with a number of different cell types. Recent studies have unraveled cardiac resident macrophages as a critical mediator for normal cardiac function. Macrophages within the heart exert phagocytosis and efferocytosis, facilitate electrical conduction, promote regeneration, and remove cardiac exophers to maintain homeostasis. These findings underpin the rationale of introducing macrophages to engineered heart tissue (EHT), to more aptly capitulate in vivo physiology. Despite the lack of studies using cardiac macrophages in vitro, there is enough evidence to accept that they will be key to making EHTs more physiologically relevant. In this review, we explore the rationale and feasibility of using macrophages as an additional cell source in engineered cardiac tissues. Impact statement Macrophages play a critical role in cardiac homeostasis and in disease. Over the past decade, we have come to understand the many vital roles played by cardiac resident macrophages in the heart, including immunosurveillance, regeneration, electrical conduction, and elimination of exophers. There is a need to improve our understanding of the resident macrophage population in the heart in vitro, to better recapitulate the myocardium through tissue engineered models. However, obtaining them in vitro remains a challenge. Here, we discuss the importance of cardiac resident macrophages and potential ways to obtain cardiac resident macrophages in vitro. Finally, we critically discuss their potential in realizing impactful in vitro models of cardiac tissue and their impact in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meenakshi Suku
- Department of Mechanical, Manufacturing and Biomedical Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity Biomedical Science Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- CURAM SFI Research Centre for Medical Devices, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - Lesley Forrester
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Manus Biggs
- CURAM SFI Research Centre for Medical Devices, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - Michael G. Monaghan
- Department of Mechanical, Manufacturing and Biomedical Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity Biomedical Science Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- CURAM SFI Research Centre for Medical Devices, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
- Advanced Materials for Bioengineering Research (AMBER) Centre, Trinity College Dublin and Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
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44
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Vesga-Castro C, Aldazabal J, Vallejo-Illarramendi A, Paredes J. Contractile force assessment methods for in vitro skeletal muscle tissues. eLife 2022; 11:e77204. [PMID: 35604384 PMCID: PMC9126583 DOI: 10.7554/elife.77204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the last few years, there has been growing interest in measuring the contractile force (CF) of engineered muscle tissues to evaluate their functionality. However, there are still no standards available for selecting the most suitable experimental platform, measuring system, culture protocol, or stimulation patterns. Consequently, the high variability of published data hinders any comparison between different studies. We have identified that cantilever deflection, post deflection, and force transducers are the most commonly used configurations for CF assessment in 2D and 3D models. Additionally, we have discussed the most relevant emerging technologies that would greatly complement CF evaluation with intracellular and localized analysis. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the most significant advances in CF evaluation and its critical parameters. In order to compare contractile performance across experimental platforms, we have used the specific force (sF, kN/m2), CF normalized to the calculated cross-sectional area (CSA). However, this parameter presents a high variability throughout the different studies, which indicates the need to identify additional parameters and complementary analysis suitable for proper comparison. We propose that future contractility studies in skeletal muscle constructs report detailed information about construct size, contractile area, maturity level, sarcomere length, and, ideally, the tetanus-to-twitch ratio. These studies will hopefully shed light on the relative impact of these variables on muscle force performance of engineered muscle constructs. Prospective advances in muscle tissue engineering, particularly in muscle disease models, will require a joint effort to develop standardized methodologies for assessing CF of engineered muscle tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Vesga-Castro
- University of Navarra, Tecnun School of Engineering, Manuel de LardizábalSan SebastianSpain
- University of Navarra, Biomedical Engineering Center, Campus UniversitarioPamplonaSpain
- Group of Neurosciences, Department of Pediatrics, UPV/EHU, Hospital Donostia - IIS BiodonostiaSan SebastianSpain
| | - Javier Aldazabal
- University of Navarra, Tecnun School of Engineering, Manuel de LardizábalSan SebastianSpain
- University of Navarra, Biomedical Engineering Center, Campus UniversitarioPamplonaSpain
| | - Ainara Vallejo-Illarramendi
- Group of Neurosciences, Department of Pediatrics, UPV/EHU, Hospital Donostia - IIS BiodonostiaSan SebastianSpain
- CIBERNED, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Ministry of Science, Innovation, and UniversitiesMadridSpain
| | - Jacobo Paredes
- University of Navarra, Tecnun School of Engineering, Manuel de LardizábalSan SebastianSpain
- University of Navarra, Biomedical Engineering Center, Campus UniversitarioPamplonaSpain
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45
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Zhu L, Liu K, Feng Q, Liao Y. Cardiac Organoids: A 3D Technology for Modeling Heart Development and Disease. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2022; 18:2593-2605. [PMID: 35525908 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-022-10385-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cardiac organoids (COs) are miniaturized and simplified organ structures that can be used in heart development biology, drug screening, disease modeling, and regenerative medicine. This cardiac organoid (CO) model is revolutionizing our perspective on answering major cardiac physiology and pathology issues. Recently, many research groups have reported various methods for modeling the heart in vitro. However, there are differences in methodologies and concepts. In this review, we discuss the recent advances in cardiac organoid technologies derived from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), with a focus on the summary of methods for organoid generation. In addition, we introduce CO applications in modeling heart development and cardiovascular diseases and discuss the prospects for and common challenges of CO that still need to be addressed. A detailed understanding of the development of CO will help us design better methods, explore and expand its application in the cardiovascular field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyuan Zhu
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Xiamen Cardiovascular Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Kui Liu
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Xiamen Cardiovascular Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Qi Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yingnan Liao
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Xiamen Cardiovascular Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.
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46
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Bremner SB, Gaffney KS, Sniadecki NJ, Mack DL. A Change of Heart: Human Cardiac Tissue Engineering as a Platform for Drug Development. Curr Cardiol Rep 2022; 24:473-486. [PMID: 35247166 PMCID: PMC8897733 DOI: 10.1007/s11886-022-01668-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Human cardiac tissue engineering holds great promise for early detection of drug-related cardiac toxicity and arrhythmogenicity during drug discovery and development. We describe shortcomings of the current drug development pathway, recent advances in the development of cardiac tissue constructs as drug testing platforms, and the challenges remaining in their widespread adoption. RECENT FINDINGS Human pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hPSC-CMs) have been used to develop a variety of constructs including cardiac spheroids, microtissues, strips, rings, and chambers. Several ambitious studies have used these constructs to test a significant number of drugs, and while most have shown proper negative inotropic and arrhythmogenic responses, few have been able to demonstrate positive inotropy, indicative of relative hPSC-CM immaturity. Several engineered human cardiac tissue platforms have demonstrated native cardiac physiology and proper drug responses. Future studies addressing hPSC-CM immaturity and inclusion of patient-specific cell lines will further advance the utility of such models for in vitro drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha B. Bremner
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA USA
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA USA
| | - Karen S. Gaffney
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA USA
| | - Nathan J. Sniadecki
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA USA
- Center for Cardiovascular Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA USA
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA USA
| | - David L. Mack
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA USA
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA USA
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA USA
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Rivera-Arbeláez JM, Cofiño-Fabres C, Schwach V, Boonen T, ten Den SA, Vermeul K, van den Berg A, Segerink LI, Ribeiro MC, Passier R. Contractility analysis of human engineered 3D heart tissues by an automatic tracking technique using a standalone application. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0266834. [PMID: 35421132 PMCID: PMC9009597 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0266834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of Engineered Heart Tissues (EHT) as in vitro model for disease modeling and drug screening has increased, as they provide important insight into the genetic mechanisms, cardiac toxicity or drug responses. Consequently, this has highlighted the need for a standardized, unbiased, robust and automatic way to analyze hallmark physiological features of EHTs. In this study we described and validated a standalone application to analyze physiological features of EHTs in an automatic, robust, and unbiased way, using low computational time. The standalone application “EHT Analysis” contains two analysis modes (automatic and manual) to analyzes the contractile properties and the contraction kinetics of EHTs from high speed bright field videos. As output data, the graphs of displacement, contraction force and contraction kinetics per file will be generated together with the raw data. Additionally, it also generates a summary file containing all the data from the analyzed files, which facilitates and speeds up the post analysis. From our study we highlight the importance of analyzing the axial stress which is the force per surface area (μN/mm2). This allows to have a readout overtime of tissue compaction, axial stress and leave the option to calculate at the end point of an experiment the physiological cross-section area (PSCA). We demonstrated the utility of this tool by analyzing contractile properties and compaction over time of EHTs made out of a double reporter human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) line (NKX2.5EGFP/+-COUP-TFIImCherry/+) and different ratios of human adult cardiac fibroblasts (HCF). Our standalone application “EHT Analysis” can be applied for different studies where the physiological features of EHTs needs to be analyzed under the effect of a drug compound or in a disease model.
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Affiliation(s)
- José M. Rivera-Arbeláez
- Applied Stem Cell Technologies, TechMed Centre, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
- BIOS Lab-on-a-Chip Group, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, Technical Medical Centre, Max Planck Center for Complex Fluid Dynamics, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Carla Cofiño-Fabres
- Applied Stem Cell Technologies, TechMed Centre, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Verena Schwach
- Applied Stem Cell Technologies, TechMed Centre, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Tom Boonen
- River BioMedics, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Simone A. ten Den
- Applied Stem Cell Technologies, TechMed Centre, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Kim Vermeul
- Applied Stem Cell Technologies, TechMed Centre, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Albert van den Berg
- BIOS Lab-on-a-Chip Group, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, Technical Medical Centre, Max Planck Center for Complex Fluid Dynamics, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Loes I. Segerink
- BIOS Lab-on-a-Chip Group, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, Technical Medical Centre, Max Planck Center for Complex Fluid Dynamics, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Marcelo C. Ribeiro
- Applied Stem Cell Technologies, TechMed Centre, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
- River BioMedics, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Robert Passier
- Applied Stem Cell Technologies, TechMed Centre, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
- Department Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
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Varzideh F, Mone P, Santulli G. Bioengineering Strategies to Create 3D Cardiac Constructs from Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells. Bioengineering (Basel) 2022; 9:168. [PMID: 35447728 PMCID: PMC9028595 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering9040168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) can be used to generate various cell types in the human body. Hence, hiPSC-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) represent a significant cell source for disease modeling, drug testing, and regenerative medicine. The immaturity of hiPSC-CMs in two-dimensional (2D) culture limit their applications. Cardiac tissue engineering provides a new promise for both basic and clinical research. Advanced bioengineered cardiac in vitro models can create contractile structures that serve as exquisite in vitro heart microtissues for drug testing and disease modeling, thereby promoting the identification of better treatments for cardiovascular disorders. In this review, we will introduce recent advances of bioengineering technologies to produce in vitro cardiac tissues derived from hiPSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fahimeh Varzideh
- Department of Medicine, Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute, Einstein-Mount Sinai Diabetes Research Center (ES-DRC), Einstein Institute for Aging Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY 10461, USA; (F.V.); (P.M.)
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Fleischer Institute for Diabetes and Metabolism (FIDAM), Einstein Institute for Neuroimmunology and Inflammation (INI), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY 10461, USA
| | - Pasquale Mone
- Department of Medicine, Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute, Einstein-Mount Sinai Diabetes Research Center (ES-DRC), Einstein Institute for Aging Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY 10461, USA; (F.V.); (P.M.)
| | - Gaetano Santulli
- Department of Medicine, Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute, Einstein-Mount Sinai Diabetes Research Center (ES-DRC), Einstein Institute for Aging Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY 10461, USA; (F.V.); (P.M.)
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Fleischer Institute for Diabetes and Metabolism (FIDAM), Einstein Institute for Neuroimmunology and Inflammation (INI), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY 10461, USA
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Tani H, Tohyama S. Human Engineered Heart Tissue Models for Disease Modeling and Drug Discovery. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:855763. [PMID: 35433691 PMCID: PMC9008275 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.855763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) and efficient differentiation of hiPSC-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) induced from diseased donors have the potential to recapitulate the molecular and functional features of the human heart. Although the immaturity of hiPSC-CMs, including the structure, gene expression, conduct, ion channel density, and Ca2+ kinetics, is a major challenge, various attempts to promote maturation have been effective. Three-dimensional cardiac models using hiPSC-CMs have achieved these functional and morphological maturations, and disease models using patient-specific hiPSC-CMs have furthered our understanding of the underlying mechanisms and effective therapies for diseases. Aside from the mechanisms of diseases and drug responses, hiPSC-CMs also have the potential to evaluate the safety and efficacy of drugs in a human context before a candidate drug enters the market and many phases of clinical trials. In fact, novel drug testing paradigms have suggested that these cells can be used to better predict the proarrhythmic risk of candidate drugs. In this review, we overview the current strategies of human engineered heart tissue models with a focus on major cardiac diseases and discuss perspectives and future directions for the real application of hiPSC-CMs and human engineered heart tissue for disease modeling, drug development, clinical trials, and cardiotoxicity tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hidenori Tani
- Department of Cardiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shugo Tohyama
- Department of Cardiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- *Correspondence: Shugo Tohyama,
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50
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Progress in Bioengineering Strategies for Heart Regenerative Medicine. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073482. [PMID: 35408844 PMCID: PMC8998628 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The human heart has the least regenerative capabilities among tissues and organs, and heart disease continues to be a leading cause of mortality in the industrialized world with insufficient therapeutic options and poor prognosis. Therefore, developing new therapeutic strategies for heart regeneration is a major goal in modern cardiac biology and medicine. Recent advances in stem cell biology and biotechnologies such as human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) and cardiac tissue engineering hold great promise for opening novel paths to heart regeneration and repair for heart disease, although these areas are still in their infancy. In this review, we summarize and discuss the recent progress in cardiac tissue engineering strategies, highlighting stem cell engineering and cardiomyocyte maturation, development of novel functional biomaterials and biofabrication tools, and their therapeutic applications involving drug discovery, disease modeling, and regenerative medicine for heart disease.
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