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Porkoláb G, Mészáros M, Szecskó A, Vigh JP, Walter FR, Figueiredo R, Kálomista I, Hoyk Z, Vizsnyiczai G, Gróf I, Jan JS, Gosselet F, Pirity MK, Vastag M, Hudson N, Campbell M, Veszelka S, Deli MA. Synergistic induction of blood-brain barrier properties. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2316006121. [PMID: 38748577 PMCID: PMC11126970 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2316006121] [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: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Blood-brain barrier (BBB) models derived from human stem cells are powerful tools to improve our understanding of cerebrovascular diseases and to facilitate drug development for the human brain. Yet providing stem cell-derived endothelial cells with the right signaling cues to acquire BBB characteristics while also retaining their vascular identity remains challenging. Here, we show that the simultaneous activation of cyclic AMP and Wnt/β-catenin signaling and inhibition of the TGF-β pathway in endothelial cells robustly induce BBB properties in vitro. To target this interaction, we present a small-molecule cocktail named cARLA, which synergistically enhances barrier tightness in a range of BBB models across species. Mechanistically, we reveal that the three pathways converge on Wnt/β-catenin signaling to mediate the effect of cARLA via the tight junction protein claudin-5. We demonstrate that cARLA shifts the gene expressional profile of human stem cell-derived endothelial cells toward the in vivo brain endothelial signature, with a higher glycocalyx density and efflux pump activity, lower rates of endocytosis, and a characteristic endothelial response to proinflammatory cytokines. Finally, we illustrate how cARLA can improve the predictive value of human BBB models regarding the brain penetration of drugs and targeted nanoparticles. Due to its synergistic effect, high reproducibility, and ease of use, cARLA has the potential to advance drug development for the human brain by improving BBB models across laboratories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gergő Porkoláb
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Research Network, SzegedH-6726, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Biology, University of Szeged, SzegedH-6720, Hungary
| | - Mária Mészáros
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Research Network, SzegedH-6726, Hungary
| | - Anikó Szecskó
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Research Network, SzegedH-6726, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Biology, University of Szeged, SzegedH-6720, Hungary
| | - Judit P. Vigh
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Research Network, SzegedH-6726, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Biology, University of Szeged, SzegedH-6720, Hungary
| | - Fruzsina R. Walter
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Research Network, SzegedH-6726, Hungary
| | | | - Ildikó Kálomista
- In Vitro Metabolism Laboratory, Gedeon Richter, BudapestH-1103, Hungary
| | - Zsófia Hoyk
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Research Network, SzegedH-6726, Hungary
| | - Gaszton Vizsnyiczai
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Research Network, SzegedH-6726, Hungary
| | - Ilona Gróf
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Research Network, SzegedH-6726, Hungary
| | - Jeng-Shiung Jan
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan70101, Taiwan
| | - Fabien Gosselet
- Laboratoire de la Barriére Hémato-Encéphalique, Université d’Artois, Lens62307, France
| | - Melinda K. Pirity
- Institute of Genetics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Research Network, SzegedH-6726, Hungary
| | - Monika Vastag
- In Vitro Metabolism Laboratory, Gedeon Richter, BudapestH-1103, Hungary
| | - Natalie Hudson
- Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, DublinD02 VF25, Ireland
| | - Matthew Campbell
- Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, DublinD02 VF25, Ireland
| | - Szilvia Veszelka
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Research Network, SzegedH-6726, Hungary
| | - Mária A. Deli
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Research Network, SzegedH-6726, Hungary
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Deli MA, Porkoláb G, Kincses A, Mészáros M, Szecskó A, Kocsis AE, Vigh JP, Valkai S, Veszelka S, Walter FR, Dér A. Lab-on-a-chip models of the blood-brain barrier: evolution, problems, perspectives. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:1030-1063. [PMID: 38353254 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00996c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
A great progress has been made in the development and use of lab-on-a-chip devices to model and study the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in the last decade. We present the main types of BBB-on-chip models and their use for the investigation of BBB physiology, drug and nanoparticle transport, toxicology and pathology. The selection of the appropriate cell types to be integrated into BBB-on-chip devices is discussed, as this greatly impacts the physiological relevance and translatability of findings. We identify knowledge gaps, neglected engineering and cell biological aspects and point out problems and contradictions in the literature of BBB-on-chip models, and suggest areas for further studies to progress this highly interdisciplinary field. BBB-on-chip models have an exceptional potential as predictive tools and alternatives of animal experiments in basic and preclinical research. To exploit the full potential of this technique expertise from materials science, bioengineering as well as stem cell and vascular/BBB biology is necessary. There is a need for better integration of these diverse disciplines that can only be achieved by setting clear parameters for characterizing both the chip and the BBB model parts technically and functionally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mária A Deli
- HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Institute of Biophysics, Szeged, Hungary.
| | - Gergő Porkoláb
- HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Institute of Biophysics, Szeged, Hungary.
- Doctoral School of Biology, University of Szeged, Hungary
| | - András Kincses
- HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Institute of Biophysics, Szeged, Hungary.
| | - Mária Mészáros
- HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Institute of Biophysics, Szeged, Hungary.
| | - Anikó Szecskó
- HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Institute of Biophysics, Szeged, Hungary.
- Doctoral School of Biology, University of Szeged, Hungary
| | - Anna E Kocsis
- HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Institute of Biophysics, Szeged, Hungary.
| | - Judit P Vigh
- HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Institute of Biophysics, Szeged, Hungary.
- Doctoral School of Biology, University of Szeged, Hungary
| | - Sándor Valkai
- HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Institute of Biophysics, Szeged, Hungary.
| | - Szilvia Veszelka
- HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Institute of Biophysics, Szeged, Hungary.
| | - Fruzsina R Walter
- HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Institute of Biophysics, Szeged, Hungary.
| | - András Dér
- HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Institute of Biophysics, Szeged, Hungary.
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Vollmuth N, Sin J, Kim BJ. Host-microbe interactions at the blood-brain barrier through the lens of induced pluripotent stem cell-derived brain-like endothelial cells. mBio 2024; 15:e0286223. [PMID: 38193670 PMCID: PMC10865987 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02862-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Microbe-induced meningoencephalitis/meningitis is a life-threatening infection of the central nervous system (CNS) that occurs when pathogens are able to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and gain access to the CNS. The BBB consists of highly specialized brain endothelial cells that exhibit specific properties to allow tight regulation of CNS homeostasis and prevent pathogen crossing. However, during meningoencephalitis/meningitis, the BBB fails to protect the CNS. Modeling the BBB remains a challenge due to the specialized characteristics of these cells. In this review, we cover the induced pluripotent stem cell-derived, brain-like endothelial cell model during host-pathogen interaction, highlighting the strengths and recent work on various pathogens known to interact with the BBB. As stem cell technologies are becoming more prominent, the stem cell-derived, brain-like endothelial cell model has been able to reveal new insights in vitro, which remain challenging with other in vitro cell-based models consisting of primary human brain endothelial cells and immortalized human brain endothelial cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Vollmuth
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
| | - Jon Sin
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
| | - Brandon J. Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
- Center for Convergent Biosciences and Medicine, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
- Alabama Life Research Institute, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
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Ozgür B, Puris E, Brachner A, Appelt-Menzel A, Oerter S, Balzer V, Holst MR, Christiansen RF, Hyldig K, Buckley ST, Kristensen M, Auriola S, Jensen A, Fricker G, Nielsen MS, Neuhaus W, Brodin B. Characterization of an iPSC-based barrier model for blood-brain barrier investigations using the SBAD0201 stem cell line. Fluids Barriers CNS 2023; 20:96. [PMID: 38115090 PMCID: PMC10731806 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-023-00501-9] [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: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Blood-brain barrier (BBB) models based on primary murine, bovine, and porcine brain capillary endothelial cell cultures have long been regarded as robust models with appropriate properties to examine the functional transport of small molecules. However, species differences sometimes complicate translating results from these models to human settings. During the last decade, brain capillary endothelial-like cells (BCECs) have been generated from stem cell sources to model the human BBB in vitro. The aim of the present study was to establish and characterize a human BBB model using human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived BCECs from the hIPSC line SBAD0201. METHODS The model was evaluated using transcriptomics, proteomics, immunocytochemistry, transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) measurements, and, finally, transport assays to assess the functionality of selected transporters and receptor (GLUT-1, LAT-1, P-gp and LRP-1). RESULTS The resulting BBB model displayed an average TEER of 5474 ± 167 Ω·cm2 and cell monolayer formation with claudin-5, ZO-1, and occludin expression in the tight junction zones. The cell monolayers expressed the typical BBB markers VE-cadherin, VWF, and PECAM-1. Transcriptomics and quantitative targeted absolute proteomics analyses revealed that solute carrier (SLC) transporters were found in high abundance, while the expression of efflux transporters was relatively low. Transport assays using GLUT-1, LAT-1, and LRP-1 substrates and inhibitors confirmed the functional activities of these transporters and receptors in the model. A transport assay suggested that P-gp was not functionally expressed in the model, albeit antibody staining revealed that P-gp was localized at the luminal membrane. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, the novel SBAD0201-derived BBB model formed tight monolayers and was proven useful for studies investigating GLUT-1, LAT-1, and LRP-1 mediated transport across the BBB. However, the model did not express functional P-gp and thus is not suitable for the performance of drug efflux P-gp reletated studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Burak Ozgür
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, Copenhagen, DK-2100, Denmark
- Biotherapeutic Discovery, H. Lundbeck A/S, Valby, DK-2500, Denmark
| | - Elena Puris
- Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Ruprecht-Karls-University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Andreas Brachner
- AIT - Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Vienna, 1210, Austria
| | - Antje Appelt-Menzel
- Chair Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (TERM), University Hospital Würzburg, 97070, Würzburg, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research ISC, Translational Center Regenerative Therapies (TLC-RT) Röntgenring 11, 97070, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sabrina Oerter
- Chair Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (TERM), University Hospital Würzburg, 97070, Würzburg, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research ISC, Translational Center Regenerative Therapies (TLC-RT) Röntgenring 11, 97070, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Viktor Balzer
- Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Ruprecht-Karls-University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | | | - Kathrine Hyldig
- Biotherapeutic Discovery, H. Lundbeck A/S, Valby, DK-2500, Denmark
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, DK-8000, Denmark
| | - Stephen T Buckley
- Global Research Technologies, Novo Nordisk A/S, Måløv, DK-2760, Denmark
| | - Mie Kristensen
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, Copenhagen, DK-2100, Denmark
| | - Seppo Auriola
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Allan Jensen
- Biotherapeutic Discovery, H. Lundbeck A/S, Valby, DK-2500, Denmark
| | - Gert Fricker
- Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Ruprecht-Karls-University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Winfried Neuhaus
- AIT - Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Vienna, 1210, Austria
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Danube Private University, Krems, 3500, Austria
| | - Birger Brodin
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, Copenhagen, DK-2100, Denmark.
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Wevers NR, De Vries HE. Microfluidic models of the neurovascular unit: a translational view. Fluids Barriers CNS 2023; 20:86. [PMID: 38008744 PMCID: PMC10680291 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-023-00490-9] [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: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The vasculature of the brain consists of specialized endothelial cells that form a blood-brain barrier (BBB). This barrier, in conjunction with supporting cell types, forms the neurovascular unit (NVU). The NVU restricts the passage of certain substances from the bloodstream while selectively permitting essential nutrients and molecules to enter the brain. This protective role is crucial for optimal brain function, but presents a significant obstacle in treating neurological conditions, necessitating chemical modifications or advanced drug delivery methods for most drugs to cross the NVU. A deeper understanding of NVU in health and disease will aid in the identification of new therapeutic targets and drug delivery strategies for improved treatment of neurological disorders.To achieve this goal, we need models that reflect the human BBB and NVU in health and disease. Although animal models of the brain's vasculature have proven valuable, they are often of limited translational relevance due to interspecies differences or inability to faithfully mimic human disease conditions. For this reason, human in vitro models are essential to improve our understanding of the brain's vasculature under healthy and diseased conditions. This review delves into the advancements in in vitro modeling of the BBB and NVU, with a particular focus on microfluidic models. After providing a historical overview of the field, we shift our focus to recent developments, offering insights into the latest achievements and their associated constraints. We briefly examine the importance of chip materials and methods to facilitate fluid flow, emphasizing their critical roles in achieving the necessary throughput for the integration of microfluidic models into routine experimentation. Subsequently, we highlight the recent strides made in enhancing the biological complexity of microfluidic NVU models and propose recommendations for elevating the biological relevance of future iterations.Importantly, the NVU is an intricate structure and it is improbable that any model will fully encompass all its aspects. Fit-for-purpose models offer a valuable compromise between physiological relevance and ease-of-use and hold the future of NVU modeling: as simple as possible, as complex as needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nienke R Wevers
- MIMETAS BV, De Limes 7, Oegstgeest, 2342 DH, The Netherlands.
| | - Helga E De Vries
- Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience - Neuroinfection and Neuroinflammation, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Floryanzia SD, Nance E. Applications and Considerations for Microfluidic Systems To Model the Blood-Brain Barrier. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2023; 6:3617-3632. [PMID: 37582179 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.3c00364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
In a myriad of developmental and degenerative brain diseases, characteristic pathological biomarkers are often associated with cerebral blood flow and vasculature. However, the relationship between vascular dysfunction and markers of brain disease is not well-defined. Additionally, it is difficult to deliver effective therapeutics to the brain due to the highly regulated blood-brain barrier (BBB) at the microvasculature interface of the brain. This Review first covers the need for modeling the BBB and the challenges of modeling the BBB. In vitro models of the BBB enable the study of the relationship between vascular dysfunction, BBB function, and disease progression and can serve as a platform to screen therapeutics. In particular, microfluidic-based in vitro BBB models are useful for studying brain vasculature as they support cell culture within the presence of continuous perfusion, which mirrors the in vivo flow and associated stress conditions in the brain. Early microfluidic models of the BBB created the most simplistic models possible that still displayed some functional aspects of the in vivo BBB. Therefore, this Review also discusses the emerging unique ways in which microfluidics in tandem with recent advancements in cell culture, biomaterials, and in vitro modeling can be used to develop more complex and physiologically relevant models of the BBB. Finally, we discuss the current and future state-of-the-art application of microfluidic BBB models for drug development and disease modeling, and the ongoing areas of needed innovation in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sydney D Floryanzia
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Elizabeth Nance
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
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Yan L, Dwiggins CW, Gupta U, Stroka KM. A Rapid-Patterning 3D Vessel-on-Chip for Imaging and Quantitatively Analyzing Cell-Cell Junction Phenotypes. Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:1080. [PMID: 37760182 PMCID: PMC10525190 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10091080] [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: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a dynamic interface that regulates the molecular exchanges between the brain and peripheral blood. The permeability of the BBB is primarily regulated by the junction proteins on the brain endothelial cells. In vitro BBB models have shown great potential for the investigation of the mechanisms of physiological function, pathologies, and drug delivery in the brain. However, few studies have demonstrated the ability to monitor and evaluate the barrier integrity by quantitatively analyzing the junction presentation in 3D microvessels. This study aimed to fabricate a simple vessel-on-chip, which allows for a rigorous quantitative investigation of junction presentation in 3D microvessels. To this end, we developed a rapid protocol that creates 3D microvessels with polydimethylsiloxane and microneedles. We established a simple vessel-on-chip model lined with human iPSC-derived brain microvascular endothelial-like cells (iBMEC-like cells). The 3D image of the vessel structure can then be "unwrapped" and converted to 2D images for quantitative analysis of cell-cell junction phenotypes. Our findings revealed that 3D cylindrical structures altered the phenotype of tight junction proteins, along with the morphology of cells. Additionally, the cell-cell junction integrity in our 3D models was disrupted by the tumor necrosis factor α. This work presents a "quick and easy" 3D vessel-on-chip model and analysis pipeline, together allowing for the capability of screening and evaluating the cell-cell junction integrity of endothelial cells under various microenvironment conditions and treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Yan
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA; (C.W.D.); (U.G.)
| | - Cole W. Dwiggins
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA; (C.W.D.); (U.G.)
| | - Udit Gupta
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA; (C.W.D.); (U.G.)
| | - Kimberly M. Stroka
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA; (C.W.D.); (U.G.)
- Biophysics Program, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
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Yau A, Jogdand A, Chen Y. Blood-brain-barrier modeling with tissue chips for research applications in space and on Earth. FRONTIERS IN SPACE TECHNOLOGIES 2023; 4:1176943. [PMID: 38915909 PMCID: PMC11195916 DOI: 10.3389/frspt.2023.1176943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Tissue chip technology has revolutionized biomedical applications and the medical science field for the past few decades. Currently, tissue chips are one of the most powerful research tools aiding in in vitro work to accurately predict the outcome of studies when compared to monolayer two-dimensional (2D) cell cultures. While 2D cell cultures held prominence for a long time, their lack of biomimicry has resulted in a transition to 3D cell cultures, including tissue chips technology, to overcome the discrepancies often seen in in vitro studies. Due to their wide range of applications, different organ systems have been studied over the years, one of which is the blood brain barrier (BBB) which is discussed in this review. The BBB is an incredible protective unit of the body, keeping out pathogens from entering the brain through vasculature. However, there are some microbes and certain diseases that disrupt the function of this barrier which can lead to detrimental outcomes. Over the past few years, various designs of the BBB have been proposed and modeled to study drug delivery and disease modeling on Earth. More recently, researchers have started to utilize tissue chips in space to study the effects of microgravity on human health. BBB tissue chips in space can be a tool to understand function mechanisms and therapeutics. This review addresses the limitations of monolayer cell culture which could be overcome with utilizing tissue chips technology. Current BBB models on Earth and how they are fabricated as well as what influences the BBB cell culture in tissue chips are discussed. Then, this article reviews how application of these technologies together with incorporating biosensors in space would be beneficial to help in predicting a more accurate physiological response in specific tissue or organ chips. Finally, the current platforms used in space and some solutions to overcome some shortcomings for future BBB tissue chip research are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yupeng Chen
- Nanomedicine Lab, Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
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Kim D, Gan Y, Nedergaard M, Kelley DH, Tithof J. Image Analysis Techniques for In Vivo Quantification of Cerebrospinal Fluid Flow. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.20.549937. [PMID: 37546970 PMCID: PMC10401935 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.20.549937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Over the last decade, there has been a tremendously increased interest in understanding the neurophysiology of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow, which plays a crucial role in clearing metabolic waste from the brain. This growing interest was largely initiated by two significant discoveries: the glymphatic system (a pathway for solute exchange between interstitial fluid deep within the brain and the CSF surrounding the brain) and meningeal lymphatic vessels (lymphatic vessels in the layer of tissue surrounding the brain that drain CSF). These two CSF systems work in unison, and their disruption has been implicated in several neurological disorders including Alzheimer's disease, stoke, and traumatic brain injury. Here, we present experimental techniques for in vivo quantification of CSF flow via direct imaging of fluorescent microspheres injected into the CSF. We discuss detailed image processing methods, including registration and masking of stagnant particles, to improve the quality of measurements. We provide guidance for quantifying CSF flow through particle tracking and offer tips for optimizing the process. Additionally, we describe techniques for measuring changes in arterial diameter, which is an hypothesized CSF pumping mechanism. Finally, we outline how these same techniques can be applied to cervical lymphatic vessels, which collect fluid downstream from meningeal lymphatic vessels. We anticipate that these fluid mechanical techniques will prove valuable for future quantitative studies aimed at understanding mechanisms of CSF transport and disruption, as well as for other complex biophysical systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daehyun Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Minnesota, 111 Church St SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, United States
| | - Yiming Gan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Rochester, Hopeman Engineering Bldg, Rochester, NY, 14627, United States
| | - Maiken Nedergaard
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, 601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, NY, 14642, United States
| | - Douglas H. Kelley
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Rochester, Hopeman Engineering Bldg, Rochester, NY, 14627, United States
| | - Jeffrey Tithof
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Minnesota, 111 Church St SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, United States
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Alves ADH, Nucci MP, Ennes do Valle NM, Missina JM, Mamani JB, Rego GNA, Dias OFM, Garrigós MM, de Oliveira FA, Gamarra LF. Current overview of induced pluripotent stem cell-based blood-brain barrier-on-a-chip. World J Stem Cells 2023; 15:632-653. [PMID: 37424947 PMCID: PMC10324508 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v15.i6.632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) show great ability to differentiate into any tissue, making them attractive candidates for pathophysiological investigations. The rise of organ-on-a-chip technology in the past century has introduced a novel way to make in vitro cell cultures that more closely resemble their in vivo environments, both structural and functionally. The literature still lacks consensus on the best conditions to mimic the blood-brain barrier (BBB) for drug screening and other personalized therapies. The development of models based on BBB-on-a-chip using iPSCs is promising and is a potential alternative to the use of animals in research.
AIM To analyze the literature for BBB models on-a-chip involving iPSCs, describe the microdevices, the BBB in vitro construction, and applications.
METHODS We searched for original articles indexed in PubMed and Scopus that used iPSCs to mimic the BBB and its microenvironment in microfluidic devices. Thirty articles were identified, wherein only 14 articles were finally selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data compiled from the selected articles were organized into four topics: (1) Microfluidic devices design and fabrication; (2) characteristics of the iPSCs used in the BBB model and their differentiation conditions; (3) BBB-on-a-chip reconstruction process; and (4) applications of BBB microfluidic three-dimensional models using iPSCs.
RESULTS This study showed that BBB models with iPSCs in microdevices are quite novel in scientific research. Important technological advances in this area regarding the use of commercial BBB-on-a-chip were identified in the most recent articles by different research groups. Conventional polydimethylsiloxane was the most used material to fabricate in-house chips (57%), whereas few studies (14.3%) adopted polymethylmethacrylate. Half the models were constructed using a porous membrane made of diverse materials to separate the channels. iPSC sources were divergent among the studies, but the main line used was IMR90-C4 from human fetal lung fibroblast (41.2%). The cells were differentiated through diverse and complex processes either to endothelial or neural cells, wherein only one study promoted differentiation inside the chip. The construction process of the BBB-on-a-chip involved previous coating mostly with fibronectin/collagen IV (39.3%), followed by cell seeding in single cultures (36%) or co-cultures (64%) under controlled conditions, aimed at developing an in vitro BBB that mimics the human BBB for future applications.
CONCLUSION This review evidenced technological advances in the construction of BBB models using iPSCs. Nonetheless, a definitive BBB-on-a-chip has not yet been achieved, hindering the applicability of the models.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mariana Penteado Nucci
- Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo 05529-060, São Paulo, Brazil
- Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05403-010, São Paulo, Brazil
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11
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Jezierski A, Huang J, Haqqani AS, Haukenfrers J, Liu Z, Baumann E, Sodja C, Charlebois C, Delaney CE, Star AT, Liu Q, Stanimirovic DB. Mouse embryonic stem cell-derived blood-brain barrier model: applicability to studying antibody triggered receptor mediated transcytosis. Fluids Barriers CNS 2023; 20:36. [PMID: 37237379 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-023-00437-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Blood brain barrier (BBB) models in vitro are an important tool to aid in the pre-clinical evaluation and selection of BBB-crossing therapeutics. Stem cell derived BBB models have recently demonstrated a substantial advantage over primary and immortalized brain endothelial cells (BECs) for BBB modeling. Coupled with recent discoveries highlighting significant species differences in the expression and function of key BBB transporters, the field is in need of robust, species-specific BBB models for improved translational predictability. We have developed a mouse BBB model, composed of mouse embryonic stem cell (mESC-D3)-derived brain endothelial-like cells (mBECs), employing a directed monolayer differentiation strategy. Although the mBECs showed a mixed endothelial-epithelial phenotype, they exhibited high transendothelial electrical resistance, inducible by retinoic acid treatment up to 400 Ω cm2. This tight cell barrier resulted in restricted sodium fluorescein permeability (1.7 × 10-5 cm/min), significantly lower than that of bEnd.3 cells (1.02 × 10-3 cm/min) and comparable to human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived BECs (2.0 × 10-5 cm/min). The mBECs expressed tight junction proteins, polarized and functional P-gp efflux transporter and receptor mediated transcytosis (RMT) receptors; collectively important criteria for studying barrier regulation and drug delivery applications in the CNS. In this study, we compared transport of a panel of antibodies binding species selective or cross-reactive epitopes on BBB RMT receptors in both the mBEC and human iPSC-derived BEC model, to demonstrate discrimination of species-specific BBB transport mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Jezierski
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council of Canada, ON, Ottawa, Canada.
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
| | - Jez Huang
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council of Canada, ON, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Arsalan S Haqqani
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council of Canada, ON, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Julie Haukenfrers
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council of Canada, ON, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Ziying Liu
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council of Canada, ON, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Ewa Baumann
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council of Canada, ON, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Caroline Sodja
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council of Canada, ON, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Claudie Charlebois
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council of Canada, ON, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Christie E Delaney
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council of Canada, ON, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Alexandra T Star
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council of Canada, ON, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Qing Liu
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council of Canada, ON, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Danica B Stanimirovic
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council of Canada, ON, Ottawa, Canada
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12
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Qiao R, Fu C, Forgham H, Javed I, Huang X, Zhu J, Whittaker AK, Davis TP. Magnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for Brain Imaging and Drug Delivery. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 197:114822. [PMID: 37086918 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.114822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/24/2023]
Abstract
Central nervous system (CNS) disorders affect as many as 1.5 billion people globally. The limited delivery of most imaging and therapeutic agents into the brain is a major challenge for treatment of CNS disorders. With the advent of nanotechnologies, controlled delivery of drugs with nanoparticles holds great promise in CNS disorders for overcoming the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and improving delivery efficacy. In recent years, magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (MIONPs) have stood out as a promising theranostic nanoplatform for brain imaging and drug delivery as they possess unique physical properties and biodegradable characteristics. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in MIONP-based platforms as imaging and drug delivery agents for brain diseases. We firstly introduce the methods of synthesis and surface functionalization of MIONPs with emphasis on the inclusion of biocompatible polymers that allow for the addition of tailored physicochemical properties. We then discuss the recent advances in in vivo imaging and drug delivery applications using MIONPs. Finally, we present a perspective on the remaining challenges and possible future directions for MIONP-based brain delivery systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruirui Qiao
- Australian Institute of Bioengineering & Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Changkui Fu
- Australian Institute of Bioengineering & Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Helen Forgham
- Australian Institute of Bioengineering & Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Ibrahim Javed
- Australian Institute of Bioengineering & Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Xumin Huang
- Australian Institute of Bioengineering & Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Jiayuan Zhu
- Australian Institute of Bioengineering & Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Andrew K Whittaker
- Australian Institute of Bioengineering & Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia.
| | - Thomas P Davis
- Australian Institute of Bioengineering & Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia.
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13
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Straehla JP, Reardon DA, Wen PY, Agar NYR. The Blood-Brain Barrier: Implications for Experimental Cancer Therapeutics. ANNUAL REVIEW OF CANCER BIOLOGY 2023; 7:265-289. [PMID: 38323268 PMCID: PMC10846865 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-cancerbio-061421-040433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier is critically important for the treatment of both primary and metastatic cancers of the central nervous system (CNS). Clinical outcomes for patients with primary CNS tumors are poor and have not significantly improved in decades. As treatments for patients with extracranial solid tumors improve, the incidence of CNS metastases is on the rise due to suboptimal CNS exposure of otherwise systemically active agents. Despite state-of-the art surgical care and increasingly precise radiation therapy, clinical progress is limited by the ability to deliver an effective dose of a therapeutic agent to all cancerous cells. Given the tremendous heterogeneity of CNS cancers, both across cancer subtypes and within a single tumor, and the range of diverse therapies under investigation, a nuanced examination of CNS drug exposure is needed. With a shared goal, common vocabulary, and interdisciplinary collaboration, the field is poised for renewed progress in the treatment of CNS cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joelle P Straehla
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research at MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - David A Reardon
- Center for Neuro-Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Patrick Y Wen
- Center for Neuro-Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Nathalie Y R Agar
- Department of Neurosurgery and Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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14
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Hall V, Bendtsen KMS. Getting closer to modeling the gut-brain axis using induced pluripotent stem cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1146062. [PMID: 37065853 PMCID: PMC10102862 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1146062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The gut microbiome (GM), the gut barrier, and the blood-brain barrier (BBB) are key elements of the gut-brain axis (GBA). The advances in organ-on-a-chip and induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSCs) technology might enable more physiological gut-brain-axis-on-a-chip models. The ability to mimic complex physiological functions of the GBA is needed in basic mechanistic research as well as disease research of psychiatric, neurodevelopmental, functional, and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. These brain disorders have been associated with GM dysbiosis, which may affect the brain via the GBA. Although animal models have paved the way for the breakthroughs and progression in the understanding of the GBA, the fundamental questions of exactly when, how, and why still remain unanswered. The research of the complex GBA have relied on equally complex animal models, but today’s ethical knowledge and responsibilities demand interdisciplinary development of non-animal models to study such systems. In this review we briefly describe the gut barrier and BBB, provide an overview of current cell models, and discuss the use of iPSCs in these GBA elements. We highlight the perspectives of producing GBA chips using iPSCs and the challenges that remain in the field.
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15
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Du F, Shusta EV, Palecek SP. Extracellular matrix proteins in construction and function of in vitro blood-brain barrier models. FRONTIERS IN CHEMICAL ENGINEERING 2023. [DOI: 10.3389/fceng.2023.1130127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a highly impermeable barrier separating circulating blood and brain tissue. A functional BBB is critical for brain health, and BBB dysfunction has been linked to the pathophysiology of diseases such as stroke and Alzheimer’s disease. A variety of models have been developed to study the formation and maintenance of the BBB, ranging from in vivo animal models to in vitro models consisting of primary cells or cells differentiated from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs). These models must consider the composition and source of the cellular components of the neurovascular unit (NVU), including brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs), brain pericytes, astrocytes, and neurons, and how these cell types interact. In addition, the non-cellular components of the BBB microenvironment, such as the brain vascular basement membrane (BM) that is in direct contact with the NVU, also play key roles in BBB function. Here, we review how extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins in the brain vascular BM affect the BBB, with a particular focus on studies using hPSC-derived in vitro BBB models, and discuss how future studies are needed to advance our understanding of how the ECM affects BBB models to improve model performance and expand our knowledge on the formation and maintenance of the BBB.
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16
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Khamis ZI, Sarker DB, Xue Y, Al-Akkary N, James VD, Zeng C, Li Y, Sang QXA. Modeling Human Brain Tumors and the Microenvironment Using Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15041253. [PMID: 36831595 PMCID: PMC9954701 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15041253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain cancer is a group of diverse and rapidly growing malignancies that originate in the central nervous system (CNS) and have a poor prognosis. The complexity of brain structure and function makes brain cancer modeling extremely difficult, limiting pathological studies and therapeutic developments. Advancements in human pluripotent stem cell technology have opened a window of opportunity for brain cancer modeling, providing a wealth of customizable methods to simulate the disease in vitro. This is achieved with the advent of genome editing and genetic engineering technologies that can simulate germline and somatic mutations found in human brain tumors. This review investigates induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-based approaches to model human brain cancer. The applications of iPSCs as renewable sources of individual brain cell types, brain organoids, blood-brain barrier (BBB), and brain tumor models are discussed. The brain tumor models reviewed are glioblastoma and medulloblastoma. The iPSC-derived isogenic cells and three-dimensional (3D) brain cancer organoids combined with patient-derived xenografts will enhance future compound screening and drug development for these deadly human brain cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahraa I. Khamis
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
- Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32310, USA
- High-Performance Materials Institute, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32310, USA
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Molecular Immunology, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences-I, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Drishty B. Sarker
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | - Yu Xue
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | - Nancy Al-Akkary
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Molecular Immunology, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences-I, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Viviana D. James
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | - Changchun Zeng
- Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32310, USA
- High-Performance Materials Institute, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32310, USA
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
- Institute of Molecular Biophysics, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | - Qing-Xiang Amy Sang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
- Institute of Molecular Biophysics, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-850-644-8683; Fax: +1-850-644-8281
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17
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Wang Y, Gao Y, Pan Y, Zhou D, Liu Y, Yin Y, Yang J, Wang Y, Song Y. Emerging trends in organ-on-a-chip systems for drug screening. Acta Pharm Sin B 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2023.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
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18
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Experimental Models of In Vitro Blood-Brain Barrier for CNS Drug Delivery: An Evolutionary Perspective. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032710. [PMID: 36769032 PMCID: PMC9916529 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Central nervous system (CNS) disorders represent one of the leading causes of global health burden. Nonetheless, new therapies approved against these disorders are among the lowest compared to their counterparts. The absence of reliable and efficient in vitro blood-brain barrier (BBB) models resembling in vivo barrier properties stands out as a significant roadblock in developing successful therapy for CNS disorders. Therefore, advancement in the creation of robust and sensitive in vitro BBB models for drug screening might allow us to expedite neurological drug development. This review discusses the major in vitro BBB models developed as of now for exploring the barrier properties of the cerebral vasculature. Our main focus is describing existing in vitro models, including the 2D transwell models covering both single-layer and co-culture models, 3D organoid models, and microfluidic models with their construction, permeability measurement, applications, and limitations. Although microfluidic models are better at recapitulating the in vivo properties of BBB than other models, significant gaps still exist for their use in predicting the performance of neurotherapeutics. However, this comprehensive account of in vitro BBB models can be useful for researchers to create improved models in the future.
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19
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Morris EK, Daignault-Mill S, Stehbens SJ, Genovesi LA, Lagendijk AK. Addressing blood-brain-tumor-barrier heterogeneity in pediatric brain tumors with innovative preclinical models. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1101522. [PMID: 36776301 PMCID: PMC9909546 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1101522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain tumors represent the leading cause of disease-related mortality and morbidity in children, with effective treatments urgently required. One factor limiting the effectiveness of systemic therapy is the blood-brain-barrier (BBB), which limits the brain penetration of many anticancer drugs. BBB integrity is often compromised in tumors, referred to as the blood-brain-tumor-barrier (BBTB), and the impact of a compromised BBTB on the therapeutic sensitivity of brain tumors has been clearly shown for a few selected agents. However, the heterogeneity of barrier alteration observed within a single tumor and across distinct pediatric tumor types represents an additional challenge. Herein, we discuss what is known regarding the heterogeneity of tumor-associated vasculature in pediatric brain tumors. We discuss innovative and complementary preclinical model systems that will facilitate real-time functional analyses of BBTB for all pediatric brain tumor types. We believe a broader use of these preclinical models will enable us to develop a greater understanding of the processes underlying tumor-associated vasculature formation and ultimately more efficacious treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elysse K. Morris
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Sheena Daignault-Mill
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Samantha J. Stehbens
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Laura A. Genovesi
- The University of Queensland Frazer Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia,*Correspondence: Laura A. Genovesi, ; Anne K. Lagendijk,
| | - Anne K. Lagendijk
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia,School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia,*Correspondence: Laura A. Genovesi, ; Anne K. Lagendijk,
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20
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Steinruecke M, Lonergan RM, Selvaraj BT, Chandran S, Diaz-Castro B, Stavrou M. Blood-CNS barrier dysfunction in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: Proposed mechanisms and clinical implications. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2023; 43:642-654. [PMID: 36704819 PMCID: PMC10108188 DOI: 10.1177/0271678x231153281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
There is strong evidence for blood-brain and blood-spinal cord barrier dysfunction at the early stages of many neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Since impairment of the blood-central nervous system barrier (BCNSB) occurs during the pre-symptomatic stages of ALS, the mechanisms underlying this pathology are likely also involved in the ALS disease process. In this review, we explore how drivers of ALS disease, particularly mitochondrial dysfunction, astrocyte pathology and neuroinflammation, may contribute to BCNSB impairment. Mitochondria are highly abundant in BCNSB tissue and mitochondrial dysfunction in ALS contributes to motor neuron death. Likewise, astrocytes adopt key physical, transport and metabolic functions at the barrier, many of which are impaired in ALS. Astrocytes also show raised expression of inflammatory markers in ALS and ablating ALS-causing transgenes in astrocytes slows disease progression. In addition, key drivers of neuroinflammation, including TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) pathology, matrix metalloproteinase activation and systemic inflammation, affect BCNSB integrity in ALS. Finally, we discuss the translational implications of BCNSB dysfunction in ALS, including the development of biomarkers for disease onset and progression, approaches aimed at restoring BCNSB integrity and in vitro modelling of the neurogliovascular system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moritz Steinruecke
- Edinburgh Medical School, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Bhuvaneish T Selvaraj
- Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Dementia Research Institute at The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Siddharthan Chandran
- Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Dementia Research Institute at The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Blanca Diaz-Castro
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Dementia Research Institute at The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Maria Stavrou
- Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Dementia Research Institute at The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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21
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Foreman KL, Shusta EV, Palecek SP. Defined Differentiation of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells to Brain Microvascular Endothelial-Like Cells for Modeling the Blood-Brain Barrier. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2683:113-133. [PMID: 37300771 PMCID: PMC10389759 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3287-1_10] [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: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) comprises brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) that form a high-resistance cellular interface that separates the blood compartment from the brain parenchyma. An intact BBB is pivotal to maintaining brain homeostasis but also impedes the entry of neurotherapeutics. There are limited options for human-specific BBB permeability testing, however. Human pluripotent stem cell models offer a powerful tool for dissecting components of this barrier in vitro, including understanding mechanisms of BBB function, and developing strategies to improve the permeability of molecular and cellular therapeutics targeting the brain. Here, we provide a detailed, step-by-step protocol for differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) to cells exhibiting key characteristics of BMECs, including paracellular and transcellular transport resistance and transporter function that enable modeling the human BBB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koji L Foreman
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Eric V Shusta
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
| | - Sean P Palecek
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
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22
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Nishihara H, Perriot S, Gastfriend BD, Steinfort M, Cibien C, Soldati S, Matsuo K, Guimbal S, Mathias A, Palecek SP, Shusta EV, Pasquier RD, Engelhardt B. Intrinsic blood-brain barrier dysfunction contributes to multiple sclerosis pathogenesis. Brain 2022; 145:4334-4348. [PMID: 35085379 PMCID: PMC10200307 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awac019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Blood-brain barrier (BBB) breakdown and immune cell infiltration into the CNS are early hallmarks of multiple sclerosis (MS). The mechanisms leading to BBB dysfunction are incompletely understood and generally thought to be a consequence of neuroinflammation. Here, we have challenged this view and asked if intrinsic alterations in the BBB of MS patients contribute to MS pathogenesis. To this end, we made use of human induced pluripotent stem cells derived from healthy controls and MS patients and differentiated them into brain microvascular endothelial cell (BMEC)-like cells as in vitro model of the BBB. MS-derived BMEC-like cells showed impaired junctional integrity, barrier properties and efflux pump activity when compared to healthy controls. Also, MS-derived BMEC-like cells displayed an inflammatory phenotype with increased adhesion molecule expression and immune cell interactions. Activation of Wnt/β-catenin signalling in MS-derived endothelial progenitor cells enhanced barrier characteristics and reduced the inflammatory phenotype. Our study provides evidence for an intrinsic impairment of BBB function in MS patients that can be modelled in vitro. Human iPSC-derived BMEC-like cells are thus suitable to explore the molecular underpinnings of BBB dysfunction in MS and will assist in the identification of potential novel therapeutic targets for BBB stabilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideaki Nishihara
- Theodor Kocher Institute, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sylvain Perriot
- Laboratory of Neuroimmunology, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Benjamin D Gastfriend
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Marel Steinfort
- Theodor Kocher Institute, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Celine Cibien
- Theodor Kocher Institute, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sasha Soldati
- Theodor Kocher Institute, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Kinya Matsuo
- Theodor Kocher Institute, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sarah Guimbal
- Theodor Kocher Institute, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Amandine Mathias
- Laboratory of Neuroimmunology, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sean P Palecek
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Eric V Shusta
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Renaud Du Pasquier
- Laboratory of Neuroimmunology, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Britta Engelhardt
- Theodor Kocher Institute, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
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23
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Castillo Ransanz L, Van Altena PFJ, Heine VM, Accardo A. Engineered cell culture microenvironments for mechanobiology studies of brain neural cells. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:1096054. [PMID: 36588937 PMCID: PMC9794772 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.1096054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The biomechanical properties of the brain microenvironment, which is composed of different neural cell types, the extracellular matrix, and blood vessels, are critical for normal brain development and neural functioning. Stiffness, viscoelasticity and spatial organization of brain tissue modulate proliferation, migration, differentiation, and cell function. However, the mechanical aspects of the neural microenvironment are largely ignored in current cell culture systems. Considering the high promises of human induced pluripotent stem cell- (iPSC-) based models for disease modelling and new treatment development, and in light of the physiological relevance of neuromechanobiological features, applications of in vitro engineered neuronal microenvironments should be explored thoroughly to develop more representative in vitro brain models. In this context, recently developed biomaterials in combination with micro- and nanofabrication techniques 1) allow investigating how mechanical properties affect neural cell development and functioning; 2) enable optimal cell microenvironment engineering strategies to advance neural cell models; and 3) provide a quantitative tool to assess changes in the neuromechanobiological properties of the brain microenvironment induced by pathology. In this review, we discuss the biological and engineering aspects involved in studying neuromechanobiology within scaffold-free and scaffold-based 2D and 3D iPSC-based brain models and approaches employing primary lineages (neural/glial), cell lines and other stem cells. Finally, we discuss future experimental directions of engineered microenvironments in neuroscience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucía Castillo Ransanz
- Department of Child and Adolescence Psychiatry, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Emma Children’s Hospital, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Pieter F. J. Van Altena
- Department of Precision and Microsystems Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Delft, Netherlands
| | - Vivi M. Heine
- Department of Child and Adolescence Psychiatry, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Emma Children’s Hospital, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands,Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Department of Complex Trait Genetics, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands,*Correspondence: Vivi M. Heine, ; Angelo Accardo,
| | - Angelo Accardo
- Department of Precision and Microsystems Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Delft, Netherlands,*Correspondence: Vivi M. Heine, ; Angelo Accardo,
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24
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Linville RM, Sklar MB, Grifno GN, Nerenberg RF, Zhou J, Ye R, DeStefano JG, Guo Z, Jha R, Jamieson JJ, Zhao N, Searson PC. Three-dimensional microenvironment regulates gene expression, function, and tight junction dynamics of iPSC-derived blood-brain barrier microvessels. Fluids Barriers CNS 2022; 19:87. [PMID: 36333694 PMCID: PMC9636829 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-022-00377-1] [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: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) plays a pivotal role in brain health and disease. In the BBB, brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) are connected by tight junctions which regulate paracellular transport, and express specialized transporter systems which regulate transcellular transport. However, existing in vitro models of the BBB display variable accuracy across a wide range of characteristics including gene/protein expression and barrier function. Here, we use an isogenic family of fluorescently-labeled iPSC-derived BMEC-like cells (iBMECs) and brain pericyte-like cells (iPCs) within two-dimensional confluent monolayers (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) tissue-engineered microvessels to explore how 3D microenvironment regulates gene expression and function of the in vitro BBB. We show that 3D microenvironment (shear stress, cell-ECM interactions, and cylindrical geometry) increases BBB phenotype and endothelial identity, and alters angiogenic and cytokine responses in synergy with pericyte co-culture. Tissue-engineered microvessels incorporating junction-labeled iBMECs enable study of the real-time dynamics of tight junctions during homeostasis and in response to physical and chemical perturbations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raleigh M Linville
- Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Matthew B Sklar
- Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Gabrielle N Grifno
- Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Renée F Nerenberg
- Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Justin Zhou
- Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Robert Ye
- Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jackson G DeStefano
- Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Zhaobin Guo
- Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ria Jha
- Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - John J Jamieson
- Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Nan Zhao
- Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Peter C Searson
- Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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25
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McCloskey MC, Zhang VZ, Ahmad SD, Walker S, Romanick SS, Awad HA, McGrath JL. Sourcing cells for in vitro models of human vascular barriers of inflammation. FRONTIERS IN MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY 2022; 4:979768. [PMID: 36483299 PMCID: PMC9724237 DOI: 10.3389/fmedt.2022.979768] [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: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The vascular system plays a critical role in the progression and resolution of inflammation. The contributions of the vascular endothelium to these processes, however, vary with tissue and disease state. Recently, tissue chip models have emerged as promising tools to understand human disease and for the development of personalized medicine approaches. Inclusion of a vascular component within these platforms is critical for properly evaluating most diseases, but many models to date use "generic" endothelial cells, which can preclude the identification of biomedically meaningful pathways and mechanisms. As the knowledge of vascular heterogeneity and immune cell trafficking throughout the body advances, tissue chip models should also advance to incorporate tissue-specific cells where possible. Here, we discuss the known heterogeneity of leukocyte trafficking in vascular beds of some commonly modeled tissues. We comment on the availability of different tissue-specific cell sources for endothelial cells and pericytes, with a focus on stem cell sources for the full realization of personalized medicine. We discuss sources available for the immune cells needed to model inflammatory processes and the findings of tissue chip models that have used the cells to studying transmigration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly C. McCloskey
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Victor Z. Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
- Center for Musculoskeletal Research, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - S. Danial Ahmad
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Samuel Walker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Samantha S. Romanick
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Hani A. Awad
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
- Center for Musculoskeletal Research, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States
- Department of Orthopaedics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - James L. McGrath
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
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26
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Kawakita S, Mandal K, Mou L, Mecwan MM, Zhu Y, Li S, Sharma S, Hernandez AL, Nguyen HT, Maity S, de Barros NR, Nakayama A, Bandaru P, Ahadian S, Kim HJ, Herculano RD, Holler E, Jucaud V, Dokmeci MR, Khademhosseini A. Organ-On-A-Chip Models of the Blood-Brain Barrier: Recent Advances and Future Prospects. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2022; 18:e2201401. [PMID: 35978444 PMCID: PMC9529899 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202201401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
The human brain and central nervous system (CNS) present unique challenges in drug development for neurological diseases. One major obstacle is the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which hampers the effective delivery of therapeutic molecules into the brain while protecting it from blood-born neurotoxic substances and maintaining CNS homeostasis. For BBB research, traditional in vitro models rely upon Petri dishes or Transwell systems. However, these static models lack essential microenvironmental factors such as shear stress and proper cell-cell interactions. To this end, organ-on-a-chip (OoC) technology has emerged as a new in vitro modeling approach to better recapitulate the highly dynamic in vivo human brain microenvironment so-called the neural vascular unit (NVU). Such BBB-on-a-chip models have made substantial progress over the last decade, and concurrently there has been increasing interest in modeling various neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease using OoC technology. In addition, with recent advances in other scientific technologies, several new opportunities to improve the BBB-on-a-chip platform via multidisciplinary approaches are available. In this review, an overview of the NVU and OoC technology is provided, recent progress and applications of BBB-on-a-chip for personalized medicine and drug discovery are discussed, and current challenges and future directions are delineated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoru Kawakita
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA, 90064, USA
| | - Kalpana Mandal
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA, 90064, USA
| | - Lei Mou
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA, 90064, USA
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, No. 63 Duobao Road, Liwan District, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510150, P. R. China
| | | | - Yangzhi Zhu
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA, 90064, USA
| | - Shaopei Li
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA, 90064, USA
| | - Saurabh Sharma
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA, 90064, USA
| | | | - Huu Tuan Nguyen
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA, 90064, USA
| | - Surjendu Maity
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA, 90064, USA
| | | | - Aya Nakayama
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA, 90064, USA
| | - Praveen Bandaru
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA, 90064, USA
| | - Samad Ahadian
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA, 90064, USA
| | - Han-Jun Kim
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA, 90064, USA
| | - Rondinelli Donizetti Herculano
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA, 90064, USA
- Department of Bioprocess and Biotechnology Engineering, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Araraquara, SP, 14801-902, Brazil
| | - Eggehard Holler
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA, 90064, USA
| | - Vadim Jucaud
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA, 90064, USA
| | | | - Ali Khademhosseini
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA, 90064, USA
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27
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Adams Y, Jensen AR. Cerebral malaria - modelling interactions at the blood-brain barrier in vitro. Dis Model Mech 2022; 15:275963. [PMID: 35815443 PMCID: PMC9302004 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The blood–brain barrier (BBB) is a continuous endothelial barrier that is supported by pericytes and astrocytes and regulates the passage of solutes between the bloodstream and the brain. This structure is called the neurovascular unit and serves to protect the brain from blood-borne disease-causing agents and other risk factors. In the past decade, great strides have been made to investigate the neurovascular unit for delivery of chemotherapeutics and for understanding how pathogens can circumvent the barrier, leading to severe and, at times, fatal complications. One such complication is cerebral malaria, in which Plasmodium falciparum-infected red blood cells disrupt the barrier function of the BBB, causing severe brain swelling. Multiple in vitro models of the BBB are available to investigate the mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of cerebral malaria and other diseases. These range from single-cell monolayer cultures to multicellular BBB organoids and highly complex cerebral organoids. Here, we review the technologies available in malaria research to investigate the interaction between P. falciparum-infected red blood cells and the BBB, and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each model. Summary: This Review discusses the available in vitro models to investigate the impact of adhesion of Plasmodium falciparum-infected red blood cells on the blood–brain barrier, a process associated with cerebral malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne Adams
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at the Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Anja Ramstedt Jensen
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at the Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
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28
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Matsuoka RL, Buck LD, Vajrala KP, Quick RE, Card OA. Historical and current perspectives on blood endothelial cell heterogeneity in the brain. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:372. [PMID: 35726097 PMCID: PMC9209386 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04403-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Dynamic brain activity requires timely communications between the brain parenchyma and circulating blood. Brain-blood communication is facilitated by intricate networks of brain vasculature, which display striking heterogeneity in structure and function. This vascular cell heterogeneity in the brain is fundamental to mediating diverse brain functions and has long been recognized. However, the molecular basis of this biological phenomenon has only recently begun to be elucidated. Over the past century, various animal species and in vitro systems have contributed to the accumulation of our fundamental and phylogenetic knowledge about brain vasculature, collectively advancing this research field. Historically, dye tracer and microscopic observations have provided valuable insights into the anatomical and functional properties of vasculature across the brain, and these techniques remain an important approach. Additionally, recent advances in molecular genetics and omics technologies have revealed significant molecular heterogeneity within brain endothelial and perivascular cell types. The combination of these conventional and modern approaches has enabled us to identify phenotypic differences between healthy and abnormal conditions at the single-cell level. Accordingly, our understanding of brain vascular cell states during physiological, pathological, and aging processes has rapidly expanded. In this review, we summarize major historical advances and current knowledge on blood endothelial cell heterogeneity in the brain, and discuss important unsolved questions in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryota L Matsuoka
- Department of Neurosciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA. .,Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA.
| | - Luke D Buck
- Department of Neurosciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Keerti P Vajrala
- Department of Neurosciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA.,Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Kansas City, MO 64106, USA
| | - Rachael E Quick
- Department of Neurosciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Olivia A Card
- Department of Neurosciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
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29
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Huang J, Li YB, Charlebois C, Nguyen T, Liu Z, Bloemberg D, Zafer A, Baumann E, Sodja C, Leclerc S, Fewell G, Liu Q, Prabhakarpandian B, McComb S, Stanimirovic DB, Jezierski A. Application of blood brain barrier models in pre-clinical assessment of glioblastoma-targeting CAR-T based immunotherapies. Fluids Barriers CNS 2022; 19:38. [PMID: 35650594 PMCID: PMC9161615 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-022-00342-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Human blood brain barrier (BBB) models derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have become an important tool for the discovery and preclinical evaluation of central nervous system (CNS) targeting cell and gene-based therapies. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy is a revolutionary form of gene-modified cell-based immunotherapy with potential for targeting solid tumors, such as glioblastomas. Crossing the BBB is an important step in the systemic application of CAR-T therapy for the treatment of glioblastomas and other CNS malignancies. In addition, even CAR-T therapies targeting non-CNS antigens, such as the well-known CD19-CAR-T therapies, are known to trigger CNS side-effects including brain swelling due to BBB disruption. In this study, we used iPSC-derived brain endothelial-like cell (iBEC) transwell co-culture model to assess BBB extravasation of CAR-T based immunotherapies targeting U87MG human glioblastoma (GBM) cells overexpressing the tumor-specific mutated protein EGFRvIII (U87vIII). Two types of anti-EGFRvIII targeting CAR-T cells, with varying tonic signaling profiles (CAR-F263 and CAR-F269), and control Mock T cells were applied on the luminal side of BBB model in vitro. CAR-F263 and CAR-F269 T cells triggered a decrease in transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) and an increase in BBB permeability. CAR-T cell extravasation and U87vIII cytotoxicity were assessed from the abluminal compartment using flow cytometry and Incucyte real-time viability imaging, respectively. A significant decrease in U87vIII cell viability was observed over 48 h, with the most robust cytotoxicity response observed for the constitutively activated CAR-F263. CAR-F269 T cells showed a similar cytotoxic profile but were approximately four fold less efficient at killing the U87vIII cells compared to CAR-F263, despite similar transmigration rates. Visualization of CAR-T cell extravasation across the BBB was further confirmed using BBTB-on-CHIP models. The described BBB assay was able to discriminate the cytotoxic efficacies of different EGFRvIII-CARs and provide a measure of potential alterations to BBB integrity. Collectively, we illustrate how BBB models in vitro can be a valuable tool in deciphering the mechanisms of CAR-T–induced BBB disruption, accompanying toxicity and effector function on post-barrier target cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jez Huang
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council of Canada, Building M-54, Montreal Road, ON, K1A 0R6, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Ying Betty Li
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council of Canada, Building M-54, Montreal Road, ON, K1A 0R6, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Claudie Charlebois
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council of Canada, Building M-54, Montreal Road, ON, K1A 0R6, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Tina Nguyen
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council of Canada, Building M-54, Montreal Road, ON, K1A 0R6, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Ziying Liu
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council of Canada, Building M-54, Montreal Road, ON, K1A 0R6, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Darin Bloemberg
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council of Canada, Building M-54, Montreal Road, ON, K1A 0R6, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Ahmed Zafer
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council of Canada, Building M-54, Montreal Road, ON, K1A 0R6, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Ewa Baumann
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council of Canada, Building M-54, Montreal Road, ON, K1A 0R6, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Caroline Sodja
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council of Canada, Building M-54, Montreal Road, ON, K1A 0R6, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Sonia Leclerc
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council of Canada, Building M-54, Montreal Road, ON, K1A 0R6, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Gwen Fewell
- SynVivo Inc, Huntsville, AL, USA, 35806, 701 McMillian Way NW
| | - Qing Liu
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council of Canada, Building M-54, Montreal Road, ON, K1A 0R6, Ottawa, Canada
| | | | - Scott McComb
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council of Canada, Building M-54, Montreal Road, ON, K1A 0R6, Ottawa, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada, 451 Smyth Rd, K1H 8M5
| | - Danica B Stanimirovic
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council of Canada, Building M-54, Montreal Road, ON, K1A 0R6, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Anna Jezierski
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council of Canada, Building M-54, Montreal Road, ON, K1A 0R6, Ottawa, Canada. .,Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada, 451 Smyth Rd, K1H 8M5.
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30
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Chung TD, Linville RM, Guo Z, Ye R, Jha R, Grifno GN, Searson PC. Effects of acute and chronic oxidative stress on the blood-brain barrier in 2D and 3D in vitro models. Fluids Barriers CNS 2022; 19:33. [PMID: 35551622 PMCID: PMC9097350 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-022-00327-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress is a shared pathology of neurodegenerative disease and brain injuries, and is derived from perturbations to normal cell processes by aging or environmental factors such as UV exposure and air pollution. As oxidative cues are often present in systemic circulation, the blood-brain barrier (BBB) plays a key role in mediating the effect of these cues on brain dysfunction. Therefore, oxidative damage and disruption of the BBB is an emergent focus of neurodegenerative disease etiology and progression. We assessed barrier dysfunction in response to chronic and acute oxidative stress in 2D and 3D in vitro models of the BBB with human iPSC-derived brain microvascular endothelial-like cells (iBMECs). We first established doses of hydrogen peroxide to induce chronic damage (modeling aging and neurodegenerative disease) and acute damage (modeling the response to traumatic brain injury) by assessing barrier function via transendothelial electrical resistance in 2D iBMEC monolayers and permeability and monolayer integrity in 3D tissue-engineered iBMEC microvessels. Following application of these chronic and acute doses in our in vitro models, we found local, discrete structural changes were the most prevalent responses (rather than global barrier loss). Additionally, we validated unique functional changes in response to oxidative stress, including dysfunctional cell turnover dynamics and immune cell adhesion that were consistent with changes in gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracy D Chung
- Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, 100 Croft Hall, 3400 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Raleigh M Linville
- Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, 100 Croft Hall, 3400 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Zhaobin Guo
- Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, 100 Croft Hall, 3400 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Robert Ye
- Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, 100 Croft Hall, 3400 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Applied Mathematics and Statistics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ria Jha
- Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, 100 Croft Hall, 3400 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Gabrielle N Grifno
- Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, 100 Croft Hall, 3400 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Peter C Searson
- Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, 100 Croft Hall, 3400 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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31
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Hughes JM, Neese OR, Bieber DD, Lewis KA, Ahmadi LM, Parsons DW, Canfield SG. The Effects of Propofol on a Human in vitro Blood-Brain Barrier Model. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:835649. [PMID: 35634467 PMCID: PMC9132176 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.835649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundRecently, the safety of repeated and lengthy anesthesia administration has been called into question, a subset of these animal studies demonstrated that anesthetics induced blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction. The BBB is critical in protecting the brain parenchyma from the surrounding micro-vasculature. BBB breakdown and dysfunction has been observed in several neurodegenerative diseases and may contribute to both the initiation and the progression of the disease. In this study we utilize a human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) derived-BBB model, exhibiting near in vivo properties, to evaluate the effects of anesthetics on critical barrier properties.MethodsiPSC-derived brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) expressed near in vivo barrier tightness assessed by trans-endothelial electrical resistance and para-cellular permeability. Efflux transporter activity was determined by substrate transport in the presence of specific inhibitors. Trans-cellular transport was measured utilizing large fluorescently tagged dextran. Tight junction localization in BMECs was evaluated with fluorescent microscopy. The anesthetic, propofol was exposed to BMECs at varying durations and concentrations and BBB properties were monitored post-exposure.ResultsFollowing propofol exposure, BMECs displayed reduced resistance and increased permeability indicative of a leaky barrier. Reduced barrier tightness and the dysregulation of occludin, a tight junction protein, were partly the result of an elevation in matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) levels. Efflux transporter activity and trans-cellular transport were unaffected by propofol exposure. Propofol induced barrier dysfunction was partially restored following matrix metalloproteinase inhibition.ConclusionFor the first time, we have demonstrated that propofol alters BBB integrity utilizing a human in vitro BBB model that displays key in vivo characteristics. A leaky BBB enables otherwise impermeable molecules such as pathogens and toxins the ability to reach vulnerable cell types of the brain parenchyma. A robust human in vitro BBB model will allow for the evaluation of several anesthetics at fluctuating clinical scenarios and to elucidate mechanisms with the goal of ultimately improving anesthesia safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason M. Hughes
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Terre Haute, IN, United States
| | - Olivia R. Neese
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Terre Haute, IN, United States
- Department of Biology, Indiana State University, Terre Haute, IN, United States
| | - Dylan D. Bieber
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Terre Haute, IN, United States
| | - Kirsten A. Lewis
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Terre Haute, IN, United States
| | - Layla M. Ahmadi
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Terre Haute, IN, United States
| | - Dustin W. Parsons
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Terre Haute, IN, United States
| | - Scott G. Canfield
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Terre Haute, IN, United States
- *Correspondence: Scott G. Canfield,
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32
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Fengler S, Kurkowsky B, Kaushalya SK, Roth W, Fava E, Denner P. Human iPSC-derived brain endothelial microvessels in a multi-well format enable permeability screens of anti-inflammatory drugs. Biomaterials 2022; 286:121525. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2022.121525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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33
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Hernando S, Nikolakopoulou P, Voulgaris D, Hernandez RM, Igartua M, Herland A. Dual effect of TAT functionalized DHAH lipid nanoparticles with neurotrophic factors in human BBB and microglia cultures. Fluids Barriers CNS 2022; 19:22. [PMID: 35300705 PMCID: PMC8928663 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-022-00315-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) are an accelerating global health problem. Nevertheless, the stronghold of the brain- the blood–brain barrier (BBB) prevents drug penetrance and dwindles effective treatments. Therefore, it is crucial to identify Trojan horse-like drug carriers that can effectively cross the blood–brain barrier and reach the brain tissue. We have previously developed polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA)-based nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC), namely DHAH-NLC. These carriers are modulated with BBB-permeating compounds such as chitosan (CS) and trans-activating transcriptional activator (TAT) from HIV-1 that can entrap neurotrophic factors (NTF) serving as nanocarriers for NDs treatment. Moreover, microglia are suggested as a key causative factor of the undergoing neuroinflammation of NDs. In this work, we used in vitro models to investigate whether DHAH-NLCs can enter the brain via the BBB and investigate the therapeutic effect of NTF-containing DHAH-NLC and DHAH-NLC itself on lipopolysaccharide-challenged microglia. Methods We employed human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) to capitalize on the in vivo-like TEER of this BBB model and quantitatively assessed the permeability of DHAH-NLCs. We also used the HMC3 microglia cell line to assess the therapeutic effect of NTF-containing DHAH-NLC upon LPS challenge. Results TAT-functionalized DHAH-NLCs successfully crossed the in vitro BBB model, which exhibited high transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) values (≈3000 Ω*cm2). Specifically, the TAT-functionalized DHAH-NLCs showed a permeability of up to 0.4% of the dose. Furthermore, using human microglia (HMC3), we demonstrate that DHAH-NLCs successfully counteracted the inflammatory response in our cultures after LPS challenge. Moreover, the encapsulation of glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GNDF)-containing DHAH-NLCs (DHAH-NLC-GNDF) activated the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, suggesting the triggering of the endogenous anti-oxidative system present in microglia. Conclusions Overall, this work shows that the TAT-functionalized DHAH-NLCs can cross the BBB, modulate immune responses, and serve as cargo carriers for growth factors; thus, constituting an attractive and promising novel drug delivery approach for the transport of therapeutics through the BBB into the brain. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12987-022-00315-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Hernando
- Center for the Advancement of Integrated Medical and Engineering Sciences (AIMES), Karolinska Institutet and KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden.,NanoBioCel Research Group, Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 01006, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain.,Biomedical Research Networking Centre in Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Institute of Health Carlos III, 28029, Madrid, Spain.,Bioaraba, NanoBioCel Research Group, 01006, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Polyxeni Nikolakopoulou
- Center for the Advancement of Integrated Medical and Engineering Sciences (AIMES), Karolinska Institutet and KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Dimitrios Voulgaris
- Center for the Advancement of Integrated Medical and Engineering Sciences (AIMES), Karolinska Institutet and KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden.,Division of Nanobiotechnology, Department of Protein Science, Science for Life Laboratory, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Solna, Sweden.,Division of Micro and Nanosystems, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Rosa Maria Hernandez
- NanoBioCel Research Group, Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 01006, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain.,Biomedical Research Networking Centre in Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Institute of Health Carlos III, 28029, Madrid, Spain.,Bioaraba, NanoBioCel Research Group, 01006, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Manoli Igartua
- NanoBioCel Research Group, Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 01006, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain. .,Biomedical Research Networking Centre in Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Institute of Health Carlos III, 28029, Madrid, Spain. .,Bioaraba, NanoBioCel Research Group, 01006, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain.
| | - Anna Herland
- Center for the Advancement of Integrated Medical and Engineering Sciences (AIMES), Karolinska Institutet and KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden. .,Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden. .,Division of Nanobiotechnology, Department of Protein Science, Science for Life Laboratory, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Solna, Sweden.
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Amphiphilic Triazine-Phosphorus Metallodendrons Possessing Anti-Cancer Stem Cell Activity. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14020393. [PMID: 35214126 PMCID: PMC8880151 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14020393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Dendritic molecules bearing metal complexes in their structure (metallodendrimers and metallodendrons) are considered prospective therapeutic entities. In particular, metallodendrons raise interest as antitumor agents for the treatment of poorly curable or drug-resistant tumors. Herein, we have synthesized amphiphilic triazine-phosphorus dendrons bearing multiple copper (II) or gold (III) complexes on the periphery and a branched hydrophobic fragment at the focal point. Due to their amphiphilic nature, metallodendrons formed single micelles (mean diameter ~9 nm) or multi-micellar aggregates (mean diameter ~60 nm) in a water solution. We have tested the antitumor activity of amphiphilic metallodendrons towards glioblastoma, a malignant brain tumor with a notoriously high level of therapy resistance, as a model disease. The metallodendrons exhibit higher cytotoxic activity towards glioblastoma stem cells (BTSC233, JHH520, NCH644, and SF188 cell lines) and U87 glioblastoma cells (IC50 was 3–6 µM for copper-containing dendron and 11–15 µM for gold-containing dendron) in comparison with temozolomide (IC50 >100 µM)—the clinical standard of care for glioblastoma. Our findings show the potential of metallodendron-based nanoformulations as antitumor entities.
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35
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Stöcklein S, Brandlhuber M, Lause S, Pomschar A, Jahn K, Schniepp R, Alperin N, Ertl-Wagner B. Decreased Craniocervical CSF Flow in Patients with Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus: A Pilot Study. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2022; 43:230-237. [PMID: 34992125 PMCID: PMC8985674 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a7385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 10/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Normal pressure hydrocephalus is characterized by systolic peaks of raised intracranial pressure, possibly due to a reduced compliance of the spinal CSF spaces. This concept of a reduced spinal CSF buffer function may be reflected by a low cervical CSF outflow from the cranium. The aim of this study was to investigate craniospinal CSF flow rates by phase-contrast MR imaging in patients with normal pressure hydrocephalus. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 42 participants were included in this prospective study, consisting of 3 study groups: 1) 10 patients with normal pressure hydrocephalus (mean age, 74 [SD, 6] years, with proved normal pressure hydrocephalus according to current scientific criteria); 2) eighteen age-matched healthy controls (mean age, 71 [SD, 5] years); and 3) fourteen young healthy controls (mean age, 21 [SD, 2] years, for investigation of age-related effects). Axial phase-contrast MR imaging was performed, and the maximal systolic CSF and total arterial blood flow rates were measured at the level of the upper second cervical vertebra and compared among all study groups (2-sample unpaired t test). RESULTS The maximal systolic CSF flow rate was significantly decreased in patients with normal pressure hydrocephalus compared with age-matched and young healthy controls (53 [SD, 40] mL/m; 329 [SD, 175] mL/m; 472 [SD, 194] mL/m; each P < .01), whereas there were no significant differences with regard to maximal systolic arterial blood flow (1160 [SD, 404] mL/m; 1470 [SD, 381] mL/m; 1400 [SD, 254] mL/m; each P > .05). CONCLUSIONS The reduced maximal systolic craniospinal CSF flow rate in patients with normal pressure hydrocephalus may be reflective of a reduced compliance of the spinal CSF spaces and an ineffective spinal CSF buffer function. Systolic craniospinal CSF flow rates are an easily obtainable MR imaging-based measure that may support the diagnosis of normal pressure hydrocephalus.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - S.S. Lause
- Department of Dermatology (S.S.L.), Bethesda Hospital, Freudenberg, Germany
| | - A. Pomschar
- Radiological Office (A.P.), Centre for Radiology, Munich, Germany
| | - K. Jahn
- Neurology, and Friedrich-Baur-Institute (FBI) of the Department of Neurology (K.J.)
| | - R. Schniepp
- Neurology (R.S.), Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - N. Alperin
- Department of Radiology (N.A.), University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida
| | - B. Ertl-Wagner
- Department of Medical Imaging (B.E.-W.), The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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36
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Generation of an hiPSC-Derived Co-Culture System to Assess the Effects of Neuroinflammation on Blood-Brain Barrier Integrity. Cells 2022; 11:cells11030419. [PMID: 35159229 PMCID: PMC8834542 DOI: 10.3390/cells11030419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The blood–brain barrier (BBB) regulates the interaction between the highly vulnerable central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral parts of the body. Disruption of the BBB has been associated with multiple neurological disorders, in which immune pathways in microglia are suggested to play a key role. Currently, many in vitro BBB model systems lack a physiologically relevant microglia component in order to address questions related to the mechanism of BBB integrity or the transport of molecules between the periphery and the CNS. To bridge this gap, we redefined a serum-free medium in order to allow for the successful co-culturing of human inducible pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived microglia and hiPSC-derived brain microvascular endothelial-like cells (BMECs) without influencing barrier properties as assessed by electrical resistance. We demonstrate that hiPSC-derived microglia exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) weaken the barrier integrity, which is associated with the secretion of several cytokines relevant in neuroinflammation. Consequently, here we provide a simplistic humanised BBB model of neuroinflammation that can be further extended (e.g., by addition of other cell types in a more complex 3D architecture) and applied for mechanistic studies and therapeutic compound profiling.
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37
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In vitro blood brain barrier models: An overview. J Control Release 2022; 343:13-30. [PMID: 35026351 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the composition and function of the blood brain barrier (BBB) enables the development of novel, innovative techniques for administering central nervous system (CNS) medications and technologies for improving the existing models. Scientific and methodological interest in the pathology of the BBB resulted in the formation of numerous in vitro BBB models. Once successfully studied and modelled, it would be a valuable tool for elucidating the mechanism of action of the CNS disorders prior to their manifestation and the pathogenic factors. Understanding the rationale behind the selection of the models as well as their working may enable the development of state-of-the-art drugs for treating and managing neurological diseases. Hence, to have realistic simulation of the BBB and test its drug permeability the microfluidics-based BBB-on-Chip model has been developed. To summarise, we aim to evaluate the advanced, newly developed and frequently used in vitro BBB models, thereby providing a brief overview of the components essential for in vitro BBB formation, the methods of chip fabrication and cell culturing, its applications and the recent advances in this technological field. This will be critical for developing CNS treatments with improved BBB penetrability and pharmacokinetic properties.
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38
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Anklam E, Bahl MI, Ball R, Beger RD, Cohen J, Fitzpatrick S, Girard P, Halamoda-Kenzaoui B, Hinton D, Hirose A, Hoeveler A, Honma M, Hugas M, Ishida S, Kass GEN, Kojima H, Krefting I, Liachenko S, Liu Y, Masters S, Marx U, McCarthy T, Mercer T, Patri A, Pelaez C, Pirmohamed M, Platz S, Ribeiro AJS, Rodricks JV, Rusyn I, Salek RM, Schoonjans R, Silva P, Svendsen CN, Sumner S, Sung K, Tagle D, Tong L, Tong W, van den Eijnden-van-Raaij J, Vary N, Wang T, Waterton J, Wang M, Wen H, Wishart D, Yuan Y, Slikker Jr. W. Emerging technologies and their impact on regulatory science. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2022; 247:1-75. [PMID: 34783606 PMCID: PMC8749227 DOI: 10.1177/15353702211052280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
There is an evolution and increasing need for the utilization of emerging cellular, molecular and in silico technologies and novel approaches for safety assessment of food, drugs, and personal care products. Convergence of these emerging technologies is also enabling rapid advances and approaches that may impact regulatory decisions and approvals. Although the development of emerging technologies may allow rapid advances in regulatory decision making, there is concern that these new technologies have not been thoroughly evaluated to determine if they are ready for regulatory application, singularly or in combinations. The magnitude of these combined technical advances may outpace the ability to assess fit for purpose and to allow routine application of these new methods for regulatory purposes. There is a need to develop strategies to evaluate the new technologies to determine which ones are ready for regulatory use. The opportunity to apply these potentially faster, more accurate, and cost-effective approaches remains an important goal to facilitate their incorporation into regulatory use. However, without a clear strategy to evaluate emerging technologies rapidly and appropriately, the value of these efforts may go unrecognized or may take longer. It is important for the regulatory science field to keep up with the research in these technically advanced areas and to understand the science behind these new approaches. The regulatory field must understand the critical quality attributes of these novel approaches and learn from each other's experience so that workforces can be trained to prepare for emerging global regulatory challenges. Moreover, it is essential that the regulatory community must work with the technology developers to harness collective capabilities towards developing a strategy for evaluation of these new and novel assessment tools.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Reza M Salek
- International Agency for Research on Cancer, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Li Tong
- Universities of Georgia Tech and Emory, USA
| | | | | | - Neil Vary
- Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Canada
| | - Tao Wang
- National Medical Products Administration, China
| | | | - May Wang
- Universities of Georgia Tech and Emory, USA
| | - Hairuo Wen
- National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, China
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39
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Espinal ER, Sharp SJ, Kim BJ. Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell (iPSC)-Derived Endothelial Cells to Study Bacterial-Brain Endothelial Cell Interactions. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2492:73-101. [PMID: 35733039 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2289-6_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial meningitis is a serious infection of the central nervous system (CNS) that occurs when blood-borne bacteria are able to exit the cerebral vasculature and cause inflammation. The blood-brain barrier (BBB) and the meningeal blood-CSF barrier (mBCSFB) are composed of highly specialized brain endothelial cells (BECs) that possess unique phenotypes when compared to their peripheral endothelial counterparts. To cause meningitis, bacterial pathogens must be able to interact and penetrate these specialized BECs to gain access to the CNS. In vitro models have been employed to study bacterial-BEC interactions; however, many lack BEC phenotypes. Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technologies have enabled the derivation of brain endothelial-like cells that phenocopy BECs in culture. Recently, these iPSC-BECs have been employed to examine the host-pathogen interaction at the endothelial brain barriers. Using two clinically relevant human meningeal pathogens, this chapter describes the use of iPSC-BECs to study various aspects of BEC-bacterial interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric R Espinal
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
| | - S Jerod Sharp
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
- Jacksonville State University, Jacksonville, AL, USA
| | - Brandon J Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA.
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40
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Wevers NR, Nair AL, Fowke TM, Pontier M, Kasi DG, Spijkers XM, Hallard C, Rabussier G, van Vught R, Vulto P, de Vries HE, Lanz HL. Modeling ischemic stroke in a triculture neurovascular unit on-a-chip. Fluids Barriers CNS 2021; 18:59. [PMID: 34906183 PMCID: PMC8670153 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-021-00294-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In ischemic stroke, the function of the cerebral vasculature is impaired. This vascular structure is formed by the so-called neurovascular unit (NVU). A better understanding of the mechanisms involved in NVU dysfunction and recovery may lead to new insights for the development of highly sought therapeutic approaches. To date, there remains an unmet need for complex human in vitro models of the NVU to study ischemic events seen in the human brain. METHODS We here describe the development of a human NVU on-a-chip model using a platform that allows culture of 40 chips in parallel. The model comprises a perfused vessel of primary human brain endothelial cells in co-culture with induced pluripotent stem cell derived astrocytes and neurons. Ischemic stroke was mimicked using a threefold approach that combines chemical hypoxia, hypoglycemia, and halted perfusion. RESULTS Immunofluorescent staining confirmed expression of endothelial adherens and tight junction proteins, as well as astrocytic and neuronal markers. In addition, the model expresses relevant brain endothelial transporters and shows spontaneous neuronal firing. The NVU on-a-chip model demonstrates tight barrier function, evidenced by retention of small molecule sodium fluorescein in its lumen. Exposure to the toxic compound staurosporine disrupted the endothelial barrier, causing reduced transepithelial electrical resistance and increased permeability to sodium fluorescein. Under stroke mimicking conditions, brain endothelial cells showed strongly reduced barrier function (35-fold higher apparent permeability) and 7.3-fold decreased mitochondrial potential. Furthermore, levels of adenosine triphosphate were significantly reduced on both the blood- and the brain side of the model (4.8-fold and 11.7-fold reduction, respectively). CONCLUSIONS The NVU on-a-chip model presented here can be used for fundamental studies of NVU function in stroke and other neurological diseases and for investigation of potential restorative therapies to fight neurological disorders. Due to the platform's relatively high throughput and compatibility with automation, the model holds potential for drug compound screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nienke R Wevers
- MIMETAS BV, Leiden, The Netherlands. .,Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam UMC, Location VUmc, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Arya Lekshmi Nair
- MIMETAS BV, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam UMC, Location VUmc, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Xandor M Spijkers
- MIMETAS BV, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Department of Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Gwenaëlle Rabussier
- MIMETAS BV, Leiden, The Netherlands.,CARIM School of Cardiovascular Diseases, Faculty of Health, Medicine, and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Helga E de Vries
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam UMC, Location VUmc, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Gastfriend BD, Nishihara H, Canfield SG, Foreman KL, Engelhardt B, Palecek SP, Shusta EV. Wnt signaling mediates acquisition of blood-brain barrier properties in naïve endothelium derived from human pluripotent stem cells. eLife 2021; 10:70992. [PMID: 34755601 PMCID: PMC8664294 DOI: 10.7554/elife.70992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Endothelial cells (ECs) in the central nervous system (CNS) acquire their specialized blood-brain barrier (BBB) properties in response to extrinsic signals, with Wnt/β-catenin signaling coordinating multiple aspects of this process. Our knowledge of CNS EC development has been advanced largely by animal models, and human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) offer the opportunity to examine BBB development in an in vitro human system. Here we show that activation of Wnt signaling in hPSC-derived naïve endothelial progenitors, but not in matured ECs, leads to robust acquisition of canonical BBB phenotypes including expression of GLUT-1, increased claudin-5, decreased PLVAP and decreased permeability. RNA-seq revealed a transcriptome profile resembling ECs with CNS-like characteristics, including Wnt-upregulated expression of LEF1, APCDD1, and ZIC3. Together, our work defines effects of Wnt activation in naïve ECs and establishes an improved hPSC-based model for interrogation of CNS barriergenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin D Gastfriend
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, United States
| | | | - Scott G Canfield
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, United States
| | - Koji L Foreman
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, United States
| | | | - Sean P Palecek
- Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, United States
| | - Eric V Shusta
- Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, United States
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42
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Yan L, Moriarty RA, Stroka KM. Recent progress and new challenges in modeling of human pluripotent stem cell-derived blood-brain barrier. Theranostics 2021; 11:10148-10170. [PMID: 34815809 PMCID: PMC8581424 DOI: 10.7150/thno.63195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a semipermeable unit that serves to vascularize the central nervous system (CNS) while tightly regulating the movement of molecules, ions, and cells between the blood and the brain. The BBB precisely controls brain homeostasis and protects the neural tissue from toxins and pathogens. The BBB is coordinated by a tight monolayer of brain microvascular endothelial cells, which is subsequently supported by mural cells, astrocytes, and surrounding neuronal cells that regulate the barrier function with a series of specialized properties. Dysfunction of barrier properties is an important pathological feature in the progression of various neurological diseases. In vitro BBB models recapitulating the physiological and diseased states are important tools to understand the pathological mechanism and to serve as a platform to screen potential drugs. Recent advances in this field have stemmed from the use of pluripotent stem cells (PSCs). Various cell types of the BBB such as brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs), pericytes, and astrocytes have been derived from PSCs and synergistically incorporated to model the complex BBB structure in vitro. In this review, we summarize the most recent protocols and techniques for the differentiation of major cell types of the BBB. We also discuss the progress of BBB modeling by using PSC-derived cells and perspectives on how to reproduce more natural BBBs in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Yan
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Rebecca A. Moriarty
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Kimberly M. Stroka
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
- Biophysics Program, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
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Neumaier F, Zlatopolskiy BD, Neumaier B. Drug Penetration into the Central Nervous System: Pharmacokinetic Concepts and In Vitro Model Systems. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:1542. [PMID: 34683835 PMCID: PMC8538549 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13101542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Delivery of most drugs into the central nervous system (CNS) is restricted by the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which remains a significant bottleneck for development of novel CNS-targeted therapeutics or molecular tracers for neuroimaging. Consistent failure to reliably predict drug efficiency based on single measures for the rate or extent of brain penetration has led to the emergence of a more holistic framework that integrates data from various in vivo, in situ and in vitro assays to obtain a comprehensive description of drug delivery to and distribution within the brain. Coupled with ongoing development of suitable in vitro BBB models, this integrated approach promises to reduce the incidence of costly late-stage failures in CNS drug development, and could help to overcome some of the technical, economic and ethical issues associated with in vivo studies in animal models. Here, we provide an overview of BBB structure and function in vivo, and a summary of the pharmacokinetic parameters that can be used to determine and predict the rate and extent of drug penetration into the brain. We also review different in vitro models with regard to their inherent shortcomings and potential usefulness for development of fast-acting drugs or neurotracers labeled with short-lived radionuclides. In this regard, a special focus has been set on those systems that are sufficiently well established to be used in laboratories without significant bioengineering expertise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Neumaier
- Institute of Radiochemistry and Experimental Molecular Imaging, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (B.D.Z.); (B.N.)
- Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine, Nuclear Chemistry (INM-5), Wilhelm-Johnen-Str., 52428 Jülich, Germany
| | - Boris D. Zlatopolskiy
- Institute of Radiochemistry and Experimental Molecular Imaging, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (B.D.Z.); (B.N.)
- Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine, Nuclear Chemistry (INM-5), Wilhelm-Johnen-Str., 52428 Jülich, Germany
| | - Bernd Neumaier
- Institute of Radiochemistry and Experimental Molecular Imaging, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (B.D.Z.); (B.N.)
- Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine, Nuclear Chemistry (INM-5), Wilhelm-Johnen-Str., 52428 Jülich, Germany
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Maoz BM. Brain-on-a-Chip: Characterizing the next generation of advanced in vitro platforms for modeling the central nervous system. APL Bioeng 2021; 5:030902. [PMID: 34368601 PMCID: PMC8325567 DOI: 10.1063/5.0055812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The complexity of the human brain creates significant, almost insurmountable challenges for neurological drug development. Advanced in vitro platforms are increasingly enabling researchers to overcome these challenges, by mimicking key features of the brain's composition and functionality. Many of these platforms are called "Brains-on-a-Chip"-a term that was originally used to refer to microfluidics-based systems containing miniature engineered tissues, but that has since expanded to describe a vast range of in vitro central nervous system (CNS) modeling approaches. This Perspective seeks to refine the definition of a Brain-on-a-Chip for the next generation of in vitro platforms, identifying criteria that determine which systems should qualify. These criteria reflect the extent to which a given platform overcomes the challenges unique to in vitro CNS modeling (e.g., recapitulation of the brain's microenvironment; inclusion of critical subunits, such as the blood-brain barrier) and thereby provides meaningful added value over conventional cell culture systems. The paper further outlines practical considerations for the development and implementation of Brain-on-a-Chip platforms and concludes with a vision for where these technologies may be heading.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben M. Maoz
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed:
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Sincomb SJ, Coenen W, Criado-Hidalgo E, Wei K, King K, Borzage M, Haughton V, Sánchez AL, Lasheras JC. Transmantle Pressure Computed from MR Imaging Measurements of Aqueduct Flow and Dimensions. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2021; 42:1815-1821. [PMID: 34385144 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a7246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Measuring transmantle pressure, the instantaneous pressure difference between the lateral ventricles and the cranial subarachnoid space, by intracranial pressure sensors has limitations. The aim of this study was to compute transmantle pressure noninvasively with a novel nondimensional fluid mechanics model in volunteers and to identify differences related to age and aqueductal dimensions. MATERIALS AND METHODS Brain MR images including cardiac-gated 2D phase-contrast MR imaging and fast-spoiled gradient recalled imaging were obtained in 77 volunteers ranging in age from 25-92 years of age. Transmantle pressure was computed during the cardiac cycle with a fluid mechanics model from the measured aqueductal flow rate, stroke volume, aqueductal length and cross-sectional area, and heart rate. Peak pressures during caudal and rostral aqueductal flow were tabulated. The computed transmantle pressure, aqueductal dimensions, and stroke volume were estimated, and the differences due to sex and age were calculated and tested for significance. RESULTS Peak transmantle pressure was calculated with the nondimensional averaged 14.4 (SD, 6.5) Pa during caudal flow and 6.9 (SD, 2.8) Pa during rostral flow. It did not differ significantly between men and women or correlate significantly with heart rate. Peak transmantle pressure increased with age and correlated with aqueductal dimensions and stroke volume. CONCLUSIONS The nondimensional fluid mechanics model for computing transmantle pressure detected changes in pressure related to age and aqueductal dimensions. This novel methodology can be easily used to investigate the clinical relevance of the transmantle pressure in normal pressure hydrocephalus, pediatric communicating hydrocephalus, and other CSF disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- S J Sincomb
- From the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (S.J.S., E.C.-H., A.L.S., J.C.L.), University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - W Coenen
- Departamento de Ingeniería Térmica y de Fluidos (W.C.), Grupo de Mecánica de Fluidos, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Leganés (Madrid), Spain
| | - E Criado-Hidalgo
- From the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (S.J.S., E.C.-H., A.L.S., J.C.L.), University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - K Wei
- MRI Center (K.W.), Huntington Medical Research Institutes, Pasadena, California
| | - K King
- Barrow Neurological Institute (K.K.), Phoenix, Arizona
| | - M Borzage
- Fetal and Neonatal Institute (M.B.), Division of Neonatology, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California.,Department of Pediatrics (M.B.), Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - V Haughton
- Department of Radiology (V.H.), School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - A L Sánchez
- From the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (S.J.S., E.C.-H., A.L.S., J.C.L.), University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - J C Lasheras
- From the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (S.J.S., E.C.-H., A.L.S., J.C.L.), University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
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Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is one of the most selective endothelial barriers. An understanding of its cellular, morphological, and biological properties in health and disease is necessary to develop therapeutics that can be transported from blood to brain. In vivo models have provided some insight into these features and transport mechanisms adopted at the brain, yet they have failed as a robust platform for the translation of results into clinical outcomes. In this article, we provide a general overview of major BBB features and describe various models that have been designed to replicate this barrier and neurological pathologies linked with the BBB. We propose several key parameters and design characteristics that can be employed to engineer physiologically relevant models of the blood-brain interface and highlight the need for a consensus in the measurement of fundamental properties of this barrier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Hajal
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
| | - Baptiste Le Roi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
| | - Roger D Kamm
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
| | - Ben M Maoz
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
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Terasaki T. [Development of Novel Methodology and Its Application for Clarifying the Transport Function of the Blood-brain Barrier]. YAKUGAKU ZASSHI 2021; 141:447-462. [PMID: 33790111 DOI: 10.1248/yakushi.20-00232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) consists of brain capillary endothelial cells linked by tight junctions and serves to regulate the transfer of endogenous compounds and xenobiotics between the circulating blood and brain interstitial fluid. We have developed a methodology to characterize brain-to-blood efflux transport in vivo, using the Brain Efflux Index and an in vitro culture model of the BBB, i.e., a conditionally immortalized cell line of the neurovascular unit. Employing these methods, we showed that the BBB plays an important role in protecting the brain by transporting neurotransmitters, neuromodulators, metabolites, uremic toxins, and xenobiotics together with atrial natriuretic peptide from the brain interstitial fluid to the circulating blood. We also developed a highly selective, sensitive LC-MS/MS method for simultaneous protein quantification. We found significant species differences in the expression amounts of various BBB transporter proteins among mice, rats, marmosets, cynomolgus monkeys, and humans. Among transporter proteins at the BBB, multidrug resistance protein 1 (Mdr1/Abcb1) is known to generate a concentration gradient of unbound substrate drugs between the blood and brain. Based on measurements of the intrinsic efflux transport rate of Mdr1 and the protein expression amounts of Mdr1 in mouse brain capillaries and Mdr1-expressing cell lines, we predicted the unbound drug concentration gradients of 7 drugs in the mouse brain in vivo. This was the first successful prediction of in vivo drug transport activity from in vitro experimental data and transporter protein concentration in tissues. This methodology and findings should greatly advance central nervous system barrier research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuya Terasaki
- Membrane Transport and Drug Targeing Laboratory, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University
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Linville RM, Komin A, Lan X, DeStefano JG, Chu C, Liu G, Walczak P, Hristova K, Searson PC. Reversible blood-brain barrier opening utilizing the membrane active peptide melittin in vitro and in vivo. Biomaterials 2021; 275:120942. [PMID: 34147718 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2021.120942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) tightly controls entry of molecules and cells into the brain, restricting the delivery of therapeutics. Blood-brain barrier opening (BBBO) utilizes reversible disruption of cell-cell junctions between brain microvascular endothelial cells to enable transient entry into the brain. Here, we demonstrate that melittin, a membrane active peptide present in bee venom, supports transient BBBO. From endothelial and neuronal viability studies, we first identify the accessible concentration range for BBBO. We then use a tissue-engineered model of the human BBB to optimize dosing and elucidate the mechanism of opening. Melittin and other membrane active variants transiently increase paracellular permeability via disruption of cell-cell junctions that result in transient focal leaks. To validate the results from the tissue-engineered model, we then demonstrate that transient BBBO can be reproduced in a mouse model. We identify a minimum clinically effective intra-arterial dose of 3 μM min melittin, which is reversible within one day and neurologically safe. Melittin-induced BBBO represents a novel technology for delivery of therapeutics into the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raleigh M Linville
- Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Alexander Komin
- Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Xiaoyan Lan
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology & Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jackson G DeStefano
- Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Chengyan Chu
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology & Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Guanshu Liu
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Piotr Walczak
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology & Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kalina Hristova
- Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Peter C Searson
- Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Nguyen J, Lin YY, Gerecht S. The next generation of endothelial differentiation: Tissue-specific ECs. Cell Stem Cell 2021; 28:1188-1204. [PMID: 34081899 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2021.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Endothelial cells (ECs) sense and respond to fluid flow and regulate immune cell trafficking in all organs. Despite sharing the same mesodermal origin, ECs exhibit heterogeneous tissue-specific characteristics. Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) can potentially be harnessed to capture this heterogeneity and further elucidate endothelium behavior to satisfy the need for increased accuracy and breadth of disease models and therapeutics. Here, we review current strategies for hPSC differentiation to blood vascular ECs and their maturation into continuous, fenestrated, and sinusoidal tissues. We then discuss the contribution of hPSC-derived ECs to recent advances in organoid development and organ-on-chip approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Nguyen
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Physical Sciences-Oncology Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Ying-Yu Lin
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Physical Sciences-Oncology Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Sharon Gerecht
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Physical Sciences-Oncology Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA; Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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Singh AV, Chandrasekar V, Janapareddy P, Mathews DE, Laux P, Luch A, Yang Y, Garcia-Canibano B, Balakrishnan S, Abinahed J, Al Ansari A, Dakua SP. Emerging Application of Nanorobotics and Artificial Intelligence To Cross the BBB: Advances in Design, Controlled Maneuvering, and Targeting of the Barriers. ACS Chem Neurosci 2021; 12:1835-1853. [PMID: 34008957 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.1c00087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a prime focus for clinicians to maintain the homeostatic function in health and deliver the theranostics in brain cancer and number of neurological diseases. The structural hierarchy and in situ biochemical signaling of BBB neurovascular unit have been primary targets to recapitulate into the in vitro modules. The microengineered perfusion systems and development in 3D cellular and organoid culture have given a major thrust to BBB research for neuropharmacology. In this review, we focus on revisiting the nanoparticles based bimolecular engineering to enable them to maneuver, control, target, and deliver the theranostic payloads across cellular BBB as nanorobots or nanobots. Subsequently we provide a brief outline of specific case studies addressing the payload delivery in brain tumor and neurological disorders (e.g., Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, etc.). In addition, we also address the opportunities and challenges across the nanorobots' development and design. Finally, we address how computationally powered machine learning (ML) tools and artificial intelligence (AI) can be partnered with robotics to predict and design the next generation nanorobots to interact and deliver across the BBB without causing damage, toxicity, or malfunctions. The content of this review could be references to multidisciplinary science to clinicians, roboticists, chemists, and bioengineers involved in cutting-edge pharmaceutical design and BBB research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajay Vikram Singh
- Department of Chemical and Product Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Max-Dohrn-Straße 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Poonam Janapareddy
- Department of Surgery, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), 3050 Doha, Qatar
| | - Divya Elsa Mathews
- Department of Surgery, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), 3050 Doha, Qatar
| | - Peter Laux
- Department of Chemical and Product Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Max-Dohrn-Straße 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreas Luch
- Department of Chemical and Product Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Max-Dohrn-Straße 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany
| | - Yin Yang
- College of Science and Engineering, Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), 24404 Doha, Qatar
| | | | | | - Julien Abinahed
- Department of Surgery, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), 3050 Doha, Qatar
| | - Abdulla Al Ansari
- Department of Surgery, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), 3050 Doha, Qatar
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