1
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Tong ZB, Huang R, Braisted J, Chu PH, Simeonov A, Gerhold DL. 3D-Suspension culture platform for high throughput screening of neurotoxic chemicals using LUHMES dopaminergic neurons. SLAS DISCOVERY : ADVANCING LIFE SCIENCES R & D 2024; 29:100143. [PMID: 38280460 PMCID: PMC11056300 DOI: 10.1016/j.slasd.2024.01.004] [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: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) cell culture in vitro promises to improve representation of neuron physiology in vivo. This inspired development of a 3D culture platform for LUHMES (Lund Human Mesencephalic) dopaminergic neurons for high-throughput screening (HTS) of chemicals for neurotoxicity. Three culture platforms, adhesion (2D-monolayer), 3D-suspension, and 3D-shaken, were compared to monitor mRNA expression of seven neuronal marker genes, DCX, DRD2, ENO2, NEUROD4, SYN1, TH, and TUBB3. These seven marker genes reached similar maxima in all three formats, with the two 3D platforms showing similar kinetics, whereas several markers peaked earlier in 2D adhesion compared to both 3D culture platforms. The differentiated LUHMES (dLUHMES) neurons treated with ziram, methylmercury or thiram dynamically increased expression of metallothionein biomarker genes MT1G, MT1E and MT2A at 6 h. These gene expression increases were generally more dynamic in 2D adhesion cultures than in 3D cultures, but were generally comparable between 3D-suspension and 3D-u plate (low binding) platforms. Finally, we adapted 3D-suspension culture of dLUHMES and neural stem cells to 1536 well plates with a HTS cytotoxicity assay. This HTS assay revealed that cytotoxicity IC50 values were not significantly different between adhesion and 3D-suspension platforms for 31 of 34 (91%) neurotoxicants tested, whereas IC50 values were significantly different for at least two toxicants. In summary, the 3D-suspension culture platform for LUHMES dopaminergic neurons supported full differentiation and reproducible assay results, enabling quantitative HTS (qHTS) for cytotoxicity in 1536 well format with a Robust Z' score of 0.68.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Bin Tong
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20850, United States
| | - Ruili Huang
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20850, United States
| | - John Braisted
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20850, United States
| | - Pei-Hsuan Chu
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20850, United States
| | - Anton Simeonov
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20850, United States
| | - David L Gerhold
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20850, United States.
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2
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Zhao HH, Haddad G. Brain organoid protocols and limitations. Front Cell Neurosci 2024; 18:1351734. [PMID: 38572070 PMCID: PMC10987830 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2024.1351734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Stem cell-derived organoid technology is a powerful tool that revolutionizes the field of biomedical research and extends the scope of our understanding of human biology and diseases. Brain organoids especially open an opportunity for human brain research and modeling many human neurological diseases, which have lagged due to the inaccessibility of human brain samples and lack of similarity with other animal models. Brain organoids can be generated through various protocols and mimic whole brain or region-specific. To provide an overview of brain organoid technology, we summarize currently available protocols and list several factors to consider before choosing protocols. We also outline the limitations of current protocols and challenges that need to be solved in future investigation of brain development and pathobiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen H. Zhao
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Gabriel Haddad
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
- The Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA, United States
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3
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Larson KC, Martens LH, Marconi M, Dejesus C, Bruhn S, Miller TA, Tate B, Levenson JM. Preclinical translational platform of neuroinflammatory disease biology relevant to neurodegenerative disease. J Neuroinflammation 2024; 21:37. [PMID: 38297405 PMCID: PMC10832185 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-024-03029-3] [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: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammation is a key driver of neurodegenerative disease, however the tools available to model this disease biology at the systems level are lacking. We describe a translational drug discovery platform based on organotypic culture of murine cortical brain slices that recapitulate disease-relevant neuroinflammatory biology. After an acute injury response, the brain slices assume a chronic neuroinflammatory state marked by transcriptomic profiles indicative of activation of microglia and astrocytes and loss of neuronal function. Microglia are necessary for manifestation of this neuroinflammation, as depletion of microglia prior to isolation of the brain slices prevents both activation of astrocytes and robust loss of synaptic function genes. The transcriptomic pattern of neuroinflammation in the mouse platform is present in published datasets derived from patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington's disease, and frontotemporal dementia. Pharmacological utility of the platform was validated by demonstrating reversal of microglial activation and the overall transcriptomic signature with transforming growth factor-β. Additional anti-inflammatory targets were screened and inhibitors of glucocorticoid receptors, COX-2, dihydrofolate reductase, and NLRP3 inflammasome all failed to reverse the neuroinflammatory signature. Bioinformatics analysis of the neuroinflammatory signature identified protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor type 11 (PTPN11/SHP2) as a potential target. Three structurally distinct inhibitors of PTPN11 (RMC-4550, TN0155, IACS-13909) reversed the neuroinflammatory disease signature. Collectively, these results highlight the utility of this novel neuroinflammatory platform for facilitating identification and validation of targets for neuroinflammatory neurodegenerative disease drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelley C Larson
- Vigil Neuroscience, Watertown, USA
- Tiaki Therapeutics, Inc., c/o Dementia Discovery Fund, 201 Washington Street, 39th Floor, Boston, MA, 02108, USA
| | - Lauren H Martens
- , Neumora Therapeutics, Watertown, USA
- Tiaki Therapeutics, Inc., c/o Dementia Discovery Fund, 201 Washington Street, 39th Floor, Boston, MA, 02108, USA
| | - Michael Marconi
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA
- Tiaki Therapeutics, Inc., c/o Dementia Discovery Fund, 201 Washington Street, 39th Floor, Boston, MA, 02108, USA
| | - Christopher Dejesus
- Atalanta Therapeutics, Boston, USA
- Tiaki Therapeutics, Inc., c/o Dementia Discovery Fund, 201 Washington Street, 39th Floor, Boston, MA, 02108, USA
| | - Suzanne Bruhn
- Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association, Glenolden, USA
- Tiaki Therapeutics, Inc., c/o Dementia Discovery Fund, 201 Washington Street, 39th Floor, Boston, MA, 02108, USA
| | - Thomas A Miller
- Walden Biosciences, Cambridge, USA
- Tiaki Therapeutics, Inc., c/o Dementia Discovery Fund, 201 Washington Street, 39th Floor, Boston, MA, 02108, USA
| | - Barbara Tate
- FARA, Homestead, USA
- Tiaki Therapeutics, Inc., c/o Dementia Discovery Fund, 201 Washington Street, 39th Floor, Boston, MA, 02108, USA
| | - Jonathan M Levenson
- FireCyte Therapeutics, Beverly, USA.
- Tiaki Therapeutics, Inc., c/o Dementia Discovery Fund, 201 Washington Street, 39th Floor, Boston, MA, 02108, USA.
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4
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Kim H, Jang EJ, Sankpal NV, Patel M, Patel R. Recent Development of Brain Organoids for Biomedical Application. Macromol Biosci 2023; 23:e2200346. [PMID: 36469016 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202200346] [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: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Over the years, scientists have studied the behavior and anatomy of many animals to understand the own species. However, despite the continuous efforts, it is often difficult to know for certain how the brain works due to the differences between the brains of animals and the human brain. While the use of animal models for research continues, the origin of human cognition and neurological disorders needs further elucidation. To that end, in vitro organoids that exhibit in vivo characteristics of the human brain have been recently developed. These brain-like organoids enable researchers to dive deeper into understanding the human brain, its neurological structures, and the causes of neurological pathologies. This paper reviews the recent developments in the regeneration of brain-like organoids using Matrigel and other alternatives. Further, gel-free methods that may enhance the regeneration process of organoids are discussed. Finally, the vascularized brain organoid growth and development in both in vitro and in vivo conditions are detailed.
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Affiliation(s)
- HanSol Kim
- Bio-Convergence (BC), Integrated Science and Engineering Division (ISED), Underwood International College, Yonsei University, 85 Songdogwahak-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, 21983, South Korea
| | - Eun Jo Jang
- Nano Science and Engineering, Integrated Science and Engineering Division (ISED), Underwood International College, Yonsei University, Songdogwahak-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, 21983, South Korea
| | - Narendra V Sankpal
- Norton Thoracic Institute St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ, 85013, USA
| | - Madhumita Patel
- Department of Chemistry and Nanoscience, Ewha Womans University, 52 Ewhayeodae-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03760, South Korea
| | - Rajkumar Patel
- Energy & Environmental Science and Engineering (EESE), Integrated Science and Engineering Division (ISED), Underwood International College, Yonsei University, 85 Songdogwahak-ro, Yeonsugu, Incheon, 21938, South Korea
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Ou M, Li Q, Ling X, Yao J, Mo X. Cocktail Formula and Application Prospects for Oral and Maxillofacial Organoids. Tissue Eng Regen Med 2022; 19:913-925. [PMID: 35612711 DOI: 10.1007/s13770-022-00455-3] [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: 01/02/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Oral and maxillofacial organoids (OMOs), tiny tissues and organs derived from stem cells cultured through 3-d cell culture models, can fully summarize the cell tissue structure, physiological functions and biological characteristics of the source tissues in the body. OMOs are applied in areas such as disease modelling, developmental and regenerative medicine, drug screening, personalized treatment, etc. Although the construction of organoids in various parts of the oral and maxillofacial (OM) region has achieved considerable success, the existing cocktail formulae (construction strategies) are not widely applicable for tissues of various sources due to factors including the heterogeneity of the source tissues and the dependence on laboratory technology. Most of their formulae are based on growth factor niches containing expensive recombinant proteins with their efficiency remaining to be improved. In view of this, the cocktail formulae of various parts of the OM organs are reviewed with further discussion of the application and prospects for those OMOs to find some affordable cocktail formula with strong operability and high repeatability for various maxillofacial organs. The results may help improve the efficiency of organoid construction in the laboratory and accelerate the pace of the clinical use of organoid technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingyu Ou
- Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, No. 98 Countryside Road, BaiseGuangxi, 533000, China.,Department of Stomatology, China Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, No. 18 Second Zhongshan Road, BaiseGuangxi, 533000, China
| | - Qing Li
- Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, No. 98 Countryside Road, BaiseGuangxi, 533000, China.,Department of Stomatology, China Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, No. 18 Second Zhongshan Road, BaiseGuangxi, 533000, China
| | - Xiaofang Ling
- Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, No. 98 Countryside Road, BaiseGuangxi, 533000, China.,Department of Stomatology, China Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, No. 18 Second Zhongshan Road, BaiseGuangxi, 533000, China
| | - Jinguang Yao
- Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, No. 98 Countryside Road, BaiseGuangxi, 533000, China. .,Department of Stomatology, China Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, No. 18 Second Zhongshan Road, BaiseGuangxi, 533000, China.
| | - Xiaoqiang Mo
- Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, No. 98 Countryside Road, BaiseGuangxi, 533000, China.
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6
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Cader Z. Human Blood-Brain-Barrier In Vitro Models: Overview and Applications. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2022; 273:205-222. [PMID: 34935086 DOI: 10.1007/164_2021_562] [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: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The human blood-brain-barrier (BBB) is a vital structure for brain health. Conversely it represents a challenge in drug development programmes that require breaching of the barrier in order to access the central nervous system. Very often brain disorders have early dysfunction of the BBB implicating an important role in pathogenesis and disease progression. The development of human in vitro models is a major advance to allow experimental studies and screening assays, although there remain outstanding questions for the field. In this chapter, the current state of the art will be reviewed, with the complementary innovative approaches to in vitro modelling described, from simple 2D-cultures to more complex multi-cell type micro-physiological systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zameel Cader
- Translational Molecular Neuroscience Group, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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7
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Ma P, Chen Y, Lai X, Zheng J, Ye E, Loh XJ, Zhao Y, Parikh BH, Su X, You M, Wu YL, Li Z. The Translational Application of Hydrogel for Organoid Technology: Challenges and Future Perspectives. Macromol Biosci 2021; 21:e2100191. [PMID: 34263547 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202100191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Human organoids mimic the physiology and tissue architecture of organs and are of great significance for promoting the study of human diseases. Traditionally, organoid cultures rely predominantly on animal or tumor-derived extracellular matrix (ECM), resulting in poor reproducibility. This limits their utility in for large-scale drug screening and application for regenerative medicine. Recently, synthetic polymeric hydrogels, with high biocompatibility and biodegradability, stability, uniformity of compositions, and high throughput properties, have emerged as potential materials for achieving 3D architectures for organoid cultures. Compared to conventional animal or tumor-derived organoids, these newly engineered hydrogel-based organoids more closely resemble human organs, as they are able to mimic native structural and functional properties observed in-situ. In this review, recent developments in hydrogel-based organoid culture will be summarized, emergent hydrogel technology will be highlighted, and future challenges in applying them to organoid culture will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panqin Ma
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Ying Chen
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Xiyu Lai
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Jie Zheng
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering, A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research), 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis, #08-03, Singapore, 138634, Singapore
| | - Enyi Ye
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering, A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research), 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis, #08-03, Singapore, 138634, Singapore
| | - Xian Jun Loh
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering, A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research), 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis, #08-03, Singapore, 138634, Singapore
| | - Yi Zhao
- BayRay Innovation Center, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory (SZBL), Shenzhen, 518132, China
| | - Bhav Harshad Parikh
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 61 Biopolis, Drive, Proteos, Singapore, 138673, Singapore.,Department of Ophthalmology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 10 Medical Dr, Singapore, 117597, Singapore
| | - Xinyi Su
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 61 Biopolis, Drive, Proteos, Singapore, 138673, Singapore.,Department of Ophthalmology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 10 Medical Dr, Singapore, 117597, Singapore.,Singapore Eye Research Institute (SERI), The Academia, 20 College Road Discovery Tower Level 6, Singapore, 169856, Singapore.,Department of Ophthalmology, National University Hospital, Singapore, 119074, Singapore
| | - Mingliang You
- Hangzhou Cancer Institute, Key Laboratory of Clinical Cancer Pharmacology and Toxicology Research of Zhejiang Province, Affiliated Hangzhou Cancer Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310002, China
| | - Yun-Long Wu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Zibiao Li
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering, A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research), 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis, #08-03, Singapore, 138634, Singapore.,Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117574, Singapore
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8
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Marchini A, Gelain F. Synthetic scaffolds for 3D cell cultures and organoids: applications in regenerative medicine. Crit Rev Biotechnol 2021; 42:468-486. [PMID: 34187261 DOI: 10.1080/07388551.2021.1932716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) cell cultures offer an unparalleled platform to recreate spatial arrangements of cells in vitro. 3D cell culture systems have gained increasing interest due to their evident advantages in providing more physiologically relevant information and more predictive data compared to their two-dimensional (2D) counterpart. Design and well-established fabrication of organoids (a particular type of 3D cell culture system) are nowadays considered a pivotal achievement for their ability to replicate in vitro cytoarchitecture and the functionalities of an organ. In this condition, pluripotent stem cells self-organize into 3D structures mimicking the in vivo microenvironments, architectures and multi-lineage differentiation. Scaffolds are key supporting elements in these 3D constructs, and Matrigel is the most commonly used matrix despite its relevant translation limitations including animal-derived sources, non-defined composition, batch-to-batch variability and poorly tailorable properties. Alternatively, 3D synthetic scaffolds, including self-assembling peptides, show promising biocompatibility and biomimetic properties, and can be tailored on specific target tissue/cells. In this review, we discuss the recent advances on 3D cell culture systems and organoids, promising tools for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications. For this purpose, we will describe the current state-of-the-art on 3D cell culture systems and organoids based on currently available synthetic-based biomaterials (including tailored self-assembling peptides) either tested in in vivo animal models or developed in vitro with potential application in the field of tissue engineering, with the aim to inspire researchers to take on such promising platforms for clinical applications in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Marchini
- Tissue Engineering Unit, Institute for Stem Cell Biology, Regenerative Medicine and Innovative Therapies-ISBReMIT, Fondazione IRCSS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Gelain
- Tissue Engineering Unit, Institute for Stem Cell Biology, Regenerative Medicine and Innovative Therapies-ISBReMIT, Fondazione IRCSS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy.,Center for Nanomedicine and Tissue Engineering (CNTE), ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy
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9
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Zilberman A, Cornelison RC. Microphysiological models of the central nervous system with fluid flow. Brain Res Bull 2021; 174:72-83. [PMID: 34029679 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2021.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
There are over 1,000 described neurological and neurodegenerative disorders affecting nearly 100 million Americans - roughly one third of the U.S. population. Collectively, treatment of neurological conditions is estimated to cost $800 billion every year. Lowering this societal burden will require developing better model systems in which to study these diverse disorders. Microphysiological systems are promising tools for modeling healthy and diseased neural tissues to study mechanisms and treatment of neuropathology. One major benefit of microphysiological systems is the ability to incorporate biophysical forces, namely the forces derived from biological fluid flow. Fluid flow in the central nervous system (CNS) is a complex but important element of physiology, and pathologies as diverse as traumatic or ischemic injury, cancer, neurodegenerative disease, and natural aging have all been found to alter flow pathways. In this review, we summarize recent advances in three-dimensional microphysiological systems for studying the biology and therapy of CNS disorders and highlight the ability and growing need to incorporate biological fluid flow in these miniaturized model systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleeza Zilberman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, 01003, United States
| | - R Chase Cornelison
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, 01003, United States.
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10
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Macrae TA, Ramalho-Santos M. The deubiquitinase Usp9x regulates PRC2-mediated chromatin reprogramming during mouse development. Nat Commun 2021; 12:1865. [PMID: 33767158 PMCID: PMC7994559 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-21910-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Pluripotent cells of the mammalian embryo undergo extensive chromatin rewiring to prepare for lineage commitment after implantation. Repressive H3K27me3, deposited by Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2), is reallocated from large blankets in pre-implantation embryos to mark promoters of developmental genes. The regulation of this global redistribution of H3K27me3 is poorly understood. Here we report a post-translational mechanism that destabilizes PRC2 to constrict H3K27me3 during lineage commitment. Using an auxin-inducible degron system, we show that the deubiquitinase Usp9x is required for mouse embryonic stem (ES) cell self-renewal. Usp9x-high ES cells have high PRC2 levels and bear a chromatin and transcriptional signature of the pre-implantation embryo, whereas Usp9x-low ES cells resemble the post-implantation, gastrulating epiblast. We show that Usp9x interacts with, deubiquitinates and stabilizes PRC2. Deletion of Usp9x in post-implantation embryos results in the derepression of genes that normally gain H3K27me3 after gastrulation, followed by the appearance of morphological abnormalities at E9.5, pointing to a recurrent link between Usp9x and PRC2 during development. Usp9x is a marker of "stemness" and is mutated in various neurological disorders and cancers. Our results unveil a Usp9x-PRC2 regulatory axis that is critical at peri-implantation and may be redeployed in other stem cell fate transitions and disease states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trisha A Macrae
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Miguel Ramalho-Santos
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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11
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12
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Piantino M, Figarol A, Matsusaki M. Three-Dimensional in vitro Models of Healthy and Tumor Brain Microvasculature for Drug and Toxicity Screening. FRONTIERS IN TOXICOLOGY 2021; 3:656254. [PMID: 35295158 PMCID: PMC8915870 DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2021.656254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Tissue vascularization is essential for its oxygenation and the homogenous diffusion of nutrients. Cutting-edge studies are focusing on the vascularization of three-dimensional (3D) in vitro models of human tissues. The reproduction of the brain vasculature is particularly challenging as numerous cell types are involved. Moreover, the blood-brain barrier, which acts as a selective filter between the vascular system and the brain, is a complex structure to replicate. Nevertheless, tremendous advances have been made in recent years, and several works have proposed promising 3D in vitro models of the brain microvasculature. They incorporate cell co-cultures organized in 3D scaffolds, often consisting of components of the native extracellular matrix (ECM), to obtain a micro-environment similar to the in vivo physiological state. These models are particularly useful for studying adverse effects on the healthy brain vasculature. They provide insights into the molecular and cellular events involved in the pathological evolutions of this vasculature, such as those supporting the appearance of brain cancers. Glioblastoma multiform (GBM) is the most common form of brain cancer and one of the most vascularized solid tumors. It is characterized by a high aggressiveness and therapy resistance. Current conventional therapies are unable to prevent the high risk of recurrence of the disease. Most of the new drug candidates fail to pass clinical trials, despite the promising results shown in vitro. The conventional in vitro models are unable to efficiently reproduce the specific features of GBM tumors. Recent studies have indeed suggested a high heterogeneity of the tumor brain vasculature, with the coexistence of intact and leaky regions resulting from the constant remodeling of the ECM by glioma cells. In this review paper, after summarizing the advances in 3D in vitro brain vasculature models, we focus on the latest achievements in vascularized GBM modeling, and the potential applications for both healthy and pathological models as platforms for drug screening and toxicological assays. Particular attention will be paid to discuss the relevance of these models in terms of cell-cell, cell-ECM interactions, vascularization and permeability properties, which are crucial parameters for improving in vitro testing accuracy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Piantino
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Agathe Figarol
- Institut Jean Lamour, UMR 7198 CNRS, Université de Lorraine, Nancy, France
| | - Michiya Matsusaki
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
- *Correspondence: Michiya Matsusaki
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13
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Upgrading the Physiological Relevance of Human Brain Organoids. Neuron 2020; 107:1014-1028. [PMID: 32970996 PMCID: PMC10042151 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2020.08.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The recent advent of human pluripotent stem cell (PSC)-derived 3D brain organoids has opened a window into aspects of human brain development that were not accessible before, allowing tractable monitoring and assessment of early developmental processes. However, their broad and effective use for modeling later stages of human brain development and disease is hampered by the lack of a stereotypic anatomical organization, which limits maturation processes dependent upon formation of unique cellular interactions and short- and long-range network connectivity. Emerging methods and technologies aimed at tighter regulatory control through bioengineering approaches, along with newer unbiased organoid analysis readouts, should resolve several of the current limitations. Here, we review recent advances in brain organoid generation and characterization with a focus on highlighting future directions utilizing interdisciplinary strategies that will be important for improving the physiological relevance of this model system.
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14
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O'Grady BJ, Balotin KM, Bosworth AM, McClatchey PM, Weinstein RM, Gupta M, Poole KS, Bellan LM, Lippmann ES. Development of an N-Cadherin Biofunctionalized Hydrogel to Support the Formation of Synaptically Connected Neural Networks. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2020; 6:5811-5822. [PMID: 33320550 PMCID: PMC7791574 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.0c00885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
In vitro models of the human central nervous system (CNS), particularly those derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), are becoming increasingly recognized as useful complements to animal models for studying neurological diseases and developing therapeutic strategies. However, many current three-dimensional (3D) CNS models suffer from deficits that limit their research utility. In this work, we focused on improving the interactions between the extracellular matrix (ECM) and iPSC-derived neurons to support model development. The most common ECMs used to fabricate 3D CNS models often lack the necessary bioinstructive cues to drive iPSC-derived neurons to a mature and synaptically connected state. These ECMs are also typically difficult to pattern into complex structures due to their mechanical properties. To address these issues, we functionalized gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) with an N-cadherin (Cad) extracellular peptide epitope to create a biomaterial termed GelMA-Cad. After photopolymerization, GelMA-Cad forms soft hydrogels (on the order of 2 kPa) that can maintain patterned architectures. The N-cadherin functionality promotes survival and maturation of single-cell suspensions of iPSC-derived glutamatergic neurons into synaptically connected networks as determined by viral tracing and electrophysiology. Immunostaining reveals a pronounced increase in presynaptic and postsynaptic marker expression in GelMA-Cad relative to Matrigel, as well as extensive colocalization of these markers, thus highlighting the biological activity of the N-cadherin peptide. Overall, given its ability to enhance iPSC-derived neuron maturity and connectivity, GelMA-Cad should be broadly useful for in vitro studies of neural circuitry in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian J O'Grady
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37235, United States
- Interdisciplinary Materials Science Program, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37235, United States
| | - Kylie M Balotin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37235, United States
| | - Allison M Bosworth
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37235, United States
| | - P Mason McClatchey
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37235, United States
| | - Robert M Weinstein
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37235, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37235, United States
| | - Mukesh Gupta
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37235, United States
| | - Kara S Poole
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37235, United States
| | - Leon M Bellan
- Interdisciplinary Materials Science Program, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37235, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37235, United States
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37235, United States
| | - Ethan S Lippmann
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37235, United States
- Interdisciplinary Materials Science Program, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37235, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37235, United States
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37235, United States
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
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15
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Kaushik G, Gupta K, Harms V, Torr E, Evans J, Johnson HJ, Soref C, Acevedo‐Acevedo S, Antosiewicz‐Bourget J, Mamott D, Uhl P, Johnson BP, Palecek SP, Beebe DJ, Thomson JA, Daly WT, Murphy WL. Engineered Perineural Vascular Plexus for Modeling Developmental Toxicity. Adv Healthc Mater 2020; 9:e2000825. [PMID: 32613760 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202000825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
There is a vital need to develop in vitro models of the developing human brain to recapitulate the biological effects that toxic compounds have on the brain. To model perineural vascular plexus (PNVP) in vitro, which is a key stage in embryonic development, human embryonic stem cells (hESC)-derived endothelial cells (ECs), neural progenitor cells, and microglia (MG) with primary pericytes (PCs) in synthetic hydrogels in a custom-designed microfluidics device are cocultured. The formation of a vascular plexus that includes networks of ECs (CD31+, VE-cadherin+), MG (IBA1+), and PCs (PDGFRβ+), and an overlying neuronal layer that includes differentiated neuronal cells (βIII Tubulin+, GFAP+) and radial glia (Nestin+, Notch2NL+), are characterized. Increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor secretion and differential metabolite secretion by the vascular plexus and the neuronal cells over time are consistent with PNVP functionality. Multiple concentrations of developmental toxicants (teratogens, microglial disruptor, and vascular network disruptors) significantly reduce the migration of ECs and MG toward the neuronal layer, inhibit formation of the vascular network, and decrease vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) secretion. By quantifying 3D cell migration, metabolic activity, vascular network disruption, and cytotoxicity, the PNVP model may be a useful tool to make physiologically relevant predictions of developmental toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaurav Kaushik
- Department of Orthopedics and RehabilitationUniversity of Wisconsin‐Madison 1111 Highland Ave., WIMR 5418 Madison WI 53705 USA
| | - Kartik Gupta
- Department of SurgeryUniversity of Wisconsin‐Madison 1111 Highland Ave. Madison WI 53705 USA
| | - Victoria Harms
- Department of Orthopedics and RehabilitationUniversity of Wisconsin‐Madison 1111 Highland Ave., WIMR 5418 Madison WI 53705 USA
| | - Elizabeth Torr
- Department of Orthopedics and RehabilitationUniversity of Wisconsin‐Madison 1111 Highland Ave., WIMR 5418 Madison WI 53705 USA
| | - Jonathan Evans
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of Wisconsin‐Madison 1415 Engineering Drive Madison WI 53706 USA
| | - Hunter J. Johnson
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of Wisconsin‐Madison 1415 Engineering Drive Madison WI 53706 USA
| | - Cheryl Soref
- Department of Orthopedics and RehabilitationUniversity of Wisconsin‐Madison 1111 Highland Ave., WIMR 5418 Madison WI 53705 USA
| | - Suehelay Acevedo‐Acevedo
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of Wisconsin‐Madison 1415 Engineering Drive Madison WI 53706 USA
| | | | - Daniel Mamott
- Morgridge Institute for Research 330 N Orchard St Madison WI 53715 USA
| | - Peyton Uhl
- Department of Orthopedics and RehabilitationUniversity of Wisconsin‐Madison 1111 Highland Ave., WIMR 5418 Madison WI 53705 USA
| | - Brian P. Johnson
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of Wisconsin‐Madison 1415 Engineering Drive Madison WI 53706 USA
| | - Sean P. Palecek
- Department of Chemical and Biological EngineeringUniversity of Wisconsin‐Madison 1415 Engineering Drive Madison WI 53706 USA
| | - David J. Beebe
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of Wisconsin‐Madison 1415 Engineering Drive Madison WI 53706 USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory MedicineUniversity of Wisconsin‐Madison 1685 Highland Ave. Madison WI 53705 USA
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Center Research 600 Highland Ave. Madison WI 53792 USA
| | - James A. Thomson
- Morgridge Institute for Research 330 N Orchard St Madison WI 53715 USA
| | - William T. Daly
- Department of Orthopedics and RehabilitationUniversity of Wisconsin‐Madison 1111 Highland Ave., WIMR 5418 Madison WI 53705 USA
| | - William L. Murphy
- Department of Orthopedics and RehabilitationUniversity of Wisconsin‐Madison 1111 Highland Ave., WIMR 5418 Madison WI 53705 USA
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of Wisconsin‐Madison 1415 Engineering Drive Madison WI 53706 USA
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16
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Rezaei N, Bojnordi MN, Ghasemi Hamidabadi H. Differentiation of bone marrow stromal stem cells seeded on silk scaffold to mature oligodendrocyte using cerebrospinal fluid. J Chem Neuroanat 2020; 106:101790. [PMID: 32278022 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2020.101790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Revised: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The differentiation of cultured Bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC) on silk scaffold into mature oligodendrocyte was done in the presence of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). BMSC were isolated from Sprague-Dawley rats and were seeded on silk scaffold. The seeded cells were cultured in DMEM/F12 medium supplemented with CFS, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), Retinoic acid (RA) and Epidermal growth factor (EGF). The glial differentiation was investigated using Real time-PCR and immunofluorescence techniques for specific glial markers: Oligo 2, NG2, PLP and MBP. Our dates showed that the differentiated cells expressed specific glial markers: Oligo 2, NG2, PLP and MBP. The specific mature oligodendrocyte genes were up regulated in cultured cells on silk scaffold in the presence of CSF. It is concluded that CSF leads to improve glial differentiation of seeded BMSC on silk scaffold using preparation of appropriate niche. This culture condition may be served as an efficient differentiation induction protocol for glial phenotype, with the perspective of therapeutic application in neuroregenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nourollah Rezaei
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran; Immunogenetic Research Center, Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Maryam Nazm Bojnordi
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran; Immunogenetic Research Center, Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
| | - Hatef Ghasemi Hamidabadi
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran; Immunogenetic Research Center, Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
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17
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Ferro MP, Heilshorn SC, Owens RM. Materials for blood brain barrier modeling in vitro. MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. R, REPORTS : A REVIEW JOURNAL 2020; 140:100522. [PMID: 33551572 PMCID: PMC7864217 DOI: 10.1016/j.mser.2019.100522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Brain homeostasis relies on the selective permeability property of the blood brain barrier (BBB). The BBB is formed by a continuous endothelium that regulates exchange between the blood stream and the brain. This physiological barrier also creates a challenge for the treatment of neurological diseases as it prevents most blood circulating drugs from entering into the brain. In vitro cell models aim to reproduce BBB functionality and predict the passage of active compounds through the barrier. In such systems, brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) are cultured in contact with various biomaterial substrates. However, BMEC interactions with these biomaterials and their impact on BBB functions are poorly described in the literature. Here we review the most common materials used to culture BMECs and discuss their potential impact on BBB integrity in vitro. We investigate the biophysical properties of these biomaterials including stiffness, porosity and material degradability. We highlight a range of synthetic and natural materials and present three categories of cell culture dimensions: cell monolayers covering non-degradable materials (2D), cell monolayers covering degradable materials (2.5D) and vascularized systems developing into degradable materials (3D).
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Affiliation(s)
- Magali P. Ferro
- Department of Bioelectronics, Mines Saint-Étienne, 880 route de Mimet, F-13541, Gardanne, France
| | - Sarah C. Heilshorn
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Roisin M. Owens
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Philippa Fawcett Drive, CB30AS, Cambridge, UK
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18
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Mostajo-Radji MA, Schmitz MT, Montoya ST, Pollen AA. Reverse engineering human brain evolution using organoid models. Brain Res 2020; 1729:146582. [PMID: 31809699 PMCID: PMC7058376 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2019.146582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2019] [Revised: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Primate brains vary dramatically in size and organization, but the genetic and developmental basis for these differences has been difficult to study due to lack of experimental models. Pluripotent stem cells and brain organoids provide a potential opportunity for comparative and functional studies of evolutionary differences, particularly during the early stages of neurogenesis. However, many challenges remain, including isolating stem cell lines from additional great ape individuals and species to capture the breadth of ape genetic diversity, improving the reproducibility of organoid models to study evolved differences in cell composition and combining multiple brain regions to capture connectivity relationships. Here, we describe strategies for identifying evolved developmental differences between humans and non-human primates and for isolating the underlying cellular and genetic mechanisms using comparative analyses, chimeric organoid culture, and genome engineering. In particular, we focus on how organoid models could ultimately be applied beyond studies of progenitor cell evolution to decode the origin of recent changes in cellular organization, connectivity patterns, myelination, synaptic development, and physiology that have been implicated in human cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed A Mostajo-Radji
- Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; The Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Matthew T Schmitz
- Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; The Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Sebastian Torres Montoya
- Health Co-creation Laboratory, Medellin General Hospital, Medellin, Antioquia, Colombia; Baskin School of Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | - Alex A Pollen
- Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; The Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
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19
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Antill-O'Brien N, Bourke J, O'Connell CD. Layer-By-Layer: The Case for 3D Bioprinting Neurons to Create Patient-Specific Epilepsy Models. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2019; 12:E3218. [PMID: 31581436 PMCID: PMC6804258 DOI: 10.3390/ma12193218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Revised: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The ability to create three-dimensional (3D) models of brain tissue from patient-derived cells, would open new possibilities in studying the neuropathology of disorders such as epilepsy and schizophrenia. While organoid culture has provided impressive examples of patient-specific models, the generation of organised 3D structures remains a challenge. 3D bioprinting is a rapidly developing technology where living cells, encapsulated in suitable bioink matrices, are printed to form 3D structures. 3D bioprinting may provide the capability to organise neuronal populations in 3D, through layer-by-layer deposition, and thereby recapitulate the complexity of neural tissue. However, printing neuron cells raises particular challenges since the biomaterial environment must be of appropriate softness to allow for the neurite extension, properties which are anathema to building self-supporting 3D structures. Here, we review the topic of 3D bioprinting of neurons, including critical discussions of hardware and bio-ink formulation requirements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Antill-O'Brien
- BioFab3D, Aikenhead Centre for Medical Discovery, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia.
| | - Justin Bourke
- BioFab3D, Aikenhead Centre for Medical Discovery, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia.
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science, Intelligent Polymer Research Institute, Innovation Campus, University of Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.
- Department of Medicine, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia.
| | - Cathal D O'Connell
- BioFab3D, Aikenhead Centre for Medical Discovery, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia.
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science, Intelligent Polymer Research Institute, Innovation Campus, University of Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.
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20
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Song L, Yuan X, Jones Z, Vied C, Miao Y, Marzano M, Hua T, Sang QXA, Guan J, Ma T, Zhou Y, Li Y. Functionalization of Brain Region-specific Spheroids with Isogenic Microglia-like Cells. Sci Rep 2019; 9:11055. [PMID: 31363137 PMCID: PMC6667451 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-47444-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Current brain spheroids or organoids derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) still lack a microglia component, the resident immune cells in the brain. The objective of this study is to engineer brain region-specific organoids from hiPSCs incorporated with isogenic microglia-like cells in order to enhance immune function. In this study, microglia-like cells were derived from hiPSCs using a simplified protocol with stage-wise growth factor induction, which expressed several phenotypic markers, including CD11b, IBA-1, CX3CR1, and P2RY12, and phagocytosed micron-size super-paramagnetic iron oxides. The derived cells were able to upregulate pro-inflammatory gene (TNF-α) and secrete anti-inflammatory cytokines (i.e., VEGF, TGF-β1, and PGE2) when stimulated with amyloid β42 oligomers, lipopolysaccharides, or dexamethasone. The derived isogenic dorsal cortical (higher expression of TBR1 and PAX6) and ventral (higher expression of NKX2.1 and PROX1) spheroids/organoids displayed action potentials and synaptic activities. Co-culturing the microglia-like cells (MG) with the dorsal (D) or ventral (V) organoids showed differential migration ability, intracellular Ca2+ signaling, and the response to pro-inflammatory stimuli (V-MG group had higher TNF-α and TREM2 expression). Transcriptome analysis exhibited 37 microglia-related genes that were differentially expressed in MG and D-MG groups. In addition, the hybrid D-MG spheroids exhibited higher levels of immunoreceptor genes in activating members, but the MG group contained higher levels for most of genes in inhibitory members (except SIGLEC5 and CD200). This study should advance our understanding of the microglia function in brain-like tissue and establish a transformative approach to modulate cellular microenvironment toward the goal of treating various neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liqing Song
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Xuegang Yuan
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Zachary Jones
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
| | - Cynthia Vied
- The Translational Science Laboratory, College of Medicine, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
| | - Yu Miao
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Mark Marzano
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Thien Hua
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
| | - Qing-Xiang Amy Sang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
- Institute of Molecular Biophysics, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
| | - Jingjiao Guan
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Teng Ma
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Yi Zhou
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA.
- Institute of Molecular Biophysics, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA.
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Nguyen EH, Dombroe MJ, Fisk DL, Daly WT, Sorenson CM, Murphy WL, Sheibani N. Neurovascular Organotypic Culture Models Using Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells to Assess Adverse Chemical Exposure Outcomes. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 5:92-110. [PMID: 32292797 DOI: 10.1089/aivt.2018.0025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Human-induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) represent a promising cell source for the construction of organotypic culture models for chemical toxicity screening and characterization. Materials and Methods: To characterize the effects of chemical exposure on the human neurovasculature, we constructed neurovascular unit (NVU) models consisting of endothelial cells (ECs) and astrocytes (ACs) derived from human-iPSCs, as well as human brain-derived pericytes (PCs). The cells were cocultured on synthetic poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogels that guided the self-assembly of capillary-like vascular networks. High-content epifluorescence microscopy evaluated dose-dependent changes to multiple aspects of NVU morphology. Results: Cultured vascular networks underwent quantifiable morphological changes when incubated with vascular disrupting chemicals. The activity of predicted vascular disrupting chemicals from a panel of 38 compounds (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) was ranked based on morphological features detected in the NVU model. In addition, unique morphological neurovascular disruption signatures were detected per chemical. A comparison of PEG-based NVU and Matrigel™-based NVU models found greater sensitivity and consistency in chemical detection by the PEG-based NVU models. Discussion: We suspect that specific morphological changes may be used for discerning adverse outcome pathways initiated by chemical exposure and rapid mechanistic characterization of chemical exposure to neurovascular function. Conclusion: The use of human stem cell-derived vascular tissue and PEG hydrogels in the construction of NVU models leads to rapid detection of adverse chemical effects on neurovascular stability. The use of multiple cell types in coculture elucidates potential mechanisms of action by chemicals applied to the model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric H Nguyen
- Human Models for Analysis of Pathways Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin.,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Micah J Dombroe
- School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Debra L Fisk
- Human Models for Analysis of Pathways Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin.,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - William T Daly
- Human Models for Analysis of Pathways Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin.,Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Christine M Sorenson
- Department of Pediatrics, and University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - William L Murphy
- Human Models for Analysis of Pathways Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin.,Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Nader Sheibani
- Human Models for Analysis of Pathways Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin.,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin.,Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
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22
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Faley SL, Neal EH, Wang JX, Bosworth AM, Weber CM, Balotin KM, Lippmann ES, Bellan LM. iPSC-Derived Brain Endothelium Exhibits Stable, Long-Term Barrier Function in Perfused Hydrogel Scaffolds. Stem Cell Reports 2019; 12:474-487. [PMID: 30773484 PMCID: PMC6409430 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2019.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2017] [Revised: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a profound need for functional, biomimetic in vitro tissue constructs of the human blood-brain barrier and neurovascular unit (NVU) to model diseases and identify therapeutic interventions. Here, we show that induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived human brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) exhibit robust barrier functionality when cultured in 3D channels within gelatin hydrogels. We determined that BMECs cultured in 3D under perfusion conditions were 10-100 times less permeable to sodium fluorescein, 3 kDa dextran, and albumin relative to human umbilical vein endothelial cell and human dermal microvascular endothelial cell controls, and the BMECs maintained barrier function for up to 21 days. Analysis of cell-cell junctions revealed expression patterns supporting barrier formation. Finally, efflux transporter activity was maintained over 3 weeks of perfused culture. Taken together, this work lays the foundation for development of a representative 3D in vitro model of the human NVU constructed from iPSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon L Faley
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37212, USA
| | - Emma H Neal
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37212, USA
| | - Jason X Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Allison M Bosworth
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Callie M Weber
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Kylie M Balotin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Ethan S Lippmann
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37212, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical School, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Chemical and Physical Biology Program, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
| | - Leon M Bellan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37212, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
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23
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Taylor DL, Gough A, Schurdak ME, Vernetti L, Chennubhotla CS, Lefever D, Pei F, Faeder JR, Lezon TR, Stern AM, Bahar I. Harnessing Human Microphysiology Systems as Key Experimental Models for Quantitative Systems Pharmacology. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2019; 260:327-367. [PMID: 31201557 PMCID: PMC6911651 DOI: 10.1007/164_2019_239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Two technologies that have emerged in the last decade offer a new paradigm for modern pharmacology, as well as drug discovery and development. Quantitative systems pharmacology (QSP) is a complementary approach to traditional, target-centric pharmacology and drug discovery and is based on an iterative application of computational and systems biology methods with multiscale experimental methods, both of which include models of ADME-Tox and disease. QSP has emerged as a new approach due to the low efficiency of success in developing therapeutics based on the existing target-centric paradigm. Likewise, human microphysiology systems (MPS) are experimental models complementary to existing animal models and are based on the use of human primary cells, adult stem cells, and/or induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to mimic human tissues and organ functions/structures involved in disease and ADME-Tox. Human MPS experimental models have been developed to address the relatively low concordance of human disease and ADME-Tox with engineered, experimental animal models of disease. The integration of the QSP paradigm with the use of human MPS has the potential to enhance the process of drug discovery and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Lansing Taylor
- University of Pittsburgh Drug Discovery Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - Albert Gough
- University of Pittsburgh Drug Discovery Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Mark E Schurdak
- University of Pittsburgh Drug Discovery Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Lawrence Vernetti
- University of Pittsburgh Drug Discovery Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Chakra S Chennubhotla
- University of Pittsburgh Drug Discovery Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Daniel Lefever
- University of Pittsburgh Drug Discovery Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Fen Pei
- University of Pittsburgh Drug Discovery Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - James R Faeder
- University of Pittsburgh Drug Discovery Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Timothy R Lezon
- University of Pittsburgh Drug Discovery Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Andrew M Stern
- University of Pittsburgh Drug Discovery Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Ivet Bahar
- University of Pittsburgh Drug Discovery Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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24
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Abstract
Birth defects are a common occurrence in the United States and worldwide. Currently, evaluation of potential developmental toxicants (i.e., teratogens) relies heavily on animal-based models which do not always adequately mimic human development. In order to address this, researchers are developing in vitro human-based models which utilize human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) to assess the teratogenic potential of chemical substances. The field of human developmental toxicity assays includes a variety of platforms including monolayer, micropattern, embryoid body, and 3D organoid cultures. In this review, we will overview the field of human teratogenic assays, detail the most recent advances, and discuss current limitations and future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn E Worley
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Biotech 2147, 110 8th Street, Troy, NY 12180, USA.
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25
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Bosworth AM, Faley SL, Bellan LM, Lippmann ES. Modeling Neurovascular Disorders and Therapeutic Outcomes with Human-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2018; 5:87. [PMID: 29441348 PMCID: PMC5797533 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2017.00087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2017] [Accepted: 12/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The neurovascular unit (NVU) is composed of neurons, astrocytes, pericytes, and endothelial cells that form the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The NVU regulates material exchange between the bloodstream and the brain parenchyma, and its dysfunction is a primary or secondary cause of many cerebrovascular and neurodegenerative disorders. As such, there are substantial research thrusts in academia and industry toward building NVU models that mimic endogenous organization and function, which could be used to better understand disease mechanisms and assess drug efficacy. Human pluripotent stem cells, which can self-renew indefinitely and differentiate to almost any cell type in the body, are attractive for these models because they can provide a limitless source of individual cells from the NVU. In addition, human-induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) offer the opportunity to build NVU models with an explicit genetic background and in the context of disease susceptibility. Herein, we review how iPSCs are being used to model neurovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, with particular focus on contributions of the BBB, and discuss existing technologies and emerging opportunities to merge these iPSC progenies with biomaterials platforms to create complex NVU systems that recreate the in vivo microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison M Bosworth
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Shannon L Faley
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Leon M Bellan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States.,Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Ethan S Lippmann
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States.,Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
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26
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Cyr KJ, Avaldi OM, Wikswo JP. Circadian hormone control in a human-on-a-chip: In vitro biology's ignored component? Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2017; 242:1714-1731. [PMID: 29065796 PMCID: PMC5832251 DOI: 10.1177/1535370217732766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Organs-on-Chips (OoCs) are poised to reshape dramatically the study of biology by replicating in vivo the function of individual and coupled human organs. Such microphysiological systems (MPS) have already recreated complex physiological responses necessary to simulate human organ function not evident in two-dimensional in vitro biological experiments. OoC researchers hope to streamline pharmaceutical development, accelerate toxicology studies, limit animal testing, and provide new insights beyond the capability of current biological models. However, to develop a physiologically accurate Human-on-a-Chip, i.e., an MPS homunculus that functions as an interconnected, whole-body, model organ system, one must couple individual OoCs with proper fluidic and metabolic scaling. This will enable the study of the effects of organ-organ interactions on the metabolism of drugs and toxins. Critical to these efforts will be the recapitulation of the complex physiological signals that regulate the endocrine, metabolic, and digestive systems. To date, with the exception of research focused on reproductive organs on chips, most OoC research ignores homuncular endocrine regulation, in particular the circadian rhythms that modulate the function of all organ systems. We outline the importance of cyclic endocrine regulation and the role that it may play in the development of MPS homunculi for the pharmacology, toxicology, and systems biology communities. Moreover, we discuss the critical end-organ hormone interactions that are most relevant for a typical coupled-OoC system, and the possible research applications of a missing endocrine system MicroFormulator (MES-µF) that could impose biological rhythms on in vitro models. By linking OoCs together through chemical messenger systems, advanced physiological phenomena relevant to pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics studies can be replicated. The concept of a MES-µF could be applied to other standard cell-culture systems such as well plates, thereby extending the concept of circadian hormonal regulation to much of in vitro biology. Impact statement Historically, cyclic endocrine modulation has been largely ignored within in vitro cell culture, in part because cultured cells typically have their media changed every day or two, precluding hourly adjustment of hormone concentrations to simulate circadian rhythms. As the Organ-on-Chip (OoC) community strives for greater physiological realism, the contribution of hormonal oscillations toward regulation of organ systems has been examined only in the context of reproductive organs, and circadian variation of the breadth of other hormones on most organs remains unaddressed. We illustrate the importance of cyclic endocrine modulation and the role that it plays within individual organ systems. The study of cyclic endocrine modulation within OoC systems will help advance OoC research to the point where it can reliably replicate in vitro key regulatory components of human physiology. This will help translate OoC work into pharmaceutical applications and connect the OoC community with the greater pharmacology and physiology communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin J. Cyr
- Vanderbilt Institute for Integrative Biosystems Research and Education
- Systems Biology and Bioengineering Undergraduate Research Experience
| | - Omero M. Avaldi
- Vanderbilt Institute for Integrative Biosystems Research and Education
- Systems Biology and Bioengineering Undergraduate Research Experience
| | - John P. Wikswo
- Vanderbilt Institute for Integrative Biosystems Research and Education
- Department of Biomedical Engineering
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Vanderbilt University, Nashville TN, 37235, USA
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27
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Watson DE, Hunziker R, Wikswo JP. Fitting tissue chips and microphysiological systems into the grand scheme of medicine, biology, pharmacology, and toxicology. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2017; 242:1559-1572. [PMID: 29065799 DOI: 10.1177/1535370217732765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Microphysiological systems (MPS), which include engineered organoids (EOs), single organ/tissue chips (TCs), and multiple organs interconnected to create miniature in vitro models of human physiological systems, are rapidly becoming effective tools for drug development and the mechanistic understanding of tissue physiology and pathophysiology. The second MPS thematic issue of Experimental Biology and Medicine comprises 15 articles by scientists and engineers from the National Institutes of Health, the IQ Consortium, the Food and Drug Administration, and Environmental Protection Agency, an MPS company, and academia. Topics include the progress, challenges, and future of organs-on-chips, dissemination of TCs into Pharma, children's health protection, liver zonation, liver chips and their coupling to interconnected systems, gastrointestinal MPS, maturation of immature cardiomyocytes in a heart-on-a-chip, coculture of multiple cell types in a human skin construct, use of synthetic hydrogels to create EOs that form neural tissue models, the blood-brain barrier-on-a-chip, MPS models of coupled female reproductive organs, coupling MPS devices to create a body-on-a-chip, and the use of a microformulator to recapitulate endocrine circadian rhythms. While MPS hardware has been relatively stable since the last MPS thematic issue, there have been significant advances in cell sourcing, with increased reliance on human-induced pluripotent stem cells, and in characterization of the genetic and functional cell state in MPS bioreactors. There is growing appreciation of the need to minimize perfusate-to-cell-volume ratios and respect physiological scaling of coupled TCs. Questions asked by drug developers are followed by an analysis of the potential value, costs, and needs of Pharma. Of highest value and lowest switching costs may be the development of MPS disease models to aid in the discovery of disease mechanisms; novel compounds including probes, leads, and clinical candidates; and mechanism of action of drug candidates. Impact statement Microphysiological systems (MPS), which include engineered organoids and both individual and coupled organs-on-chips and tissue chips, are a rapidly growing topic of research that addresses the known limitations of conventional cellular monoculture on flat plastic - a well-perfected set of techniques that produces reliable, statistically significant results that may not adequately represent human biology and disease. As reviewed in this article and the others in this thematic issue, MPS research has made notable progress in the past three years in both cell sourcing and characterization. As the field matures, currently identified challenges are being addressed, and new ones are being recognized. Building upon investments by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, National Institutes of Health, Food and Drug Administration, Defense Threat Reduction Agency, and Environmental Protection Agency of more than $200 million since 2012 and sizable corporate spending, academic and commercial players in the MPS community are demonstrating their ability to meet the translational challenges required to apply MPS technologies to accelerate drug development and advance toxicology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rosemarie Hunziker
- 2 National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - John P Wikswo
- 3 Departments of Biomedical Engineering, Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, and Physics & Astronomy, Vanderbilt Institute for Integrative Biosystems Research and Education, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235-1807, USA
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