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Matsuo K, Nshihara H. Rebuilding insight into the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease through new blood-brain barrier models. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:1954-1960. [PMID: 38227521 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.390978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier is a unique function of the microvasculature in the brain parenchyma that maintains homeostasis in the central nervous system. Blood-brain barrier breakdown is a common pathology in various neurological diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson's disease. Traditionally, it has been considered a consequence of neuroinflammation or neurodegeneration, but recent advanced imaging techniques and detailed studies in animal models show that blood-brain barrier breakdown occurs early in the disease process and may precede neuronal loss. Thus, the blood-brain barrier is attractive as a potential therapeutic target for neurological diseases that lack effective therapeutics. To elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying blood-brain barrier breakdown and translate them into therapeutic strategies for neurological diseases, there is a growing demand for experimental models of human origin that allow for functional assessments. Recently, several human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived blood-brain barrier models have been established and various in vitro blood-brain barrier models using microdevices have been proposed. Especially in the Alzheimer's disease field, the human evidence for blood-brain barrier dysfunction has been demonstrated and human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived blood-brain barrier models have suggested the putative molecular mechanisms of pathological blood-brain barrier. In this review, we summarize recent evidence of blood-brain barrier dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease from pathological analyses, imaging studies, animal models, and stem cell sources. Additionally, we discuss the potential future directions for blood-brain barrier research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinya Matsuo
- Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Hideaki Nshihara
- Department of Neurotherapeutics, Yamaguchi University, Ube, Japan
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2
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Chandrasekaran V, Wellens S, Bourguignon A, Djidrovski I, Fransen L, Ghosh S, Mazidi Z, Murphy C, Nunes C, Singh P, Zana M, Armstrong L, Dinnyés A, Grillari J, Grillari-Voglauer R, Leonard MO, Verfaillie C, Wilmes A, Zurich MG, Exner T, Jennings P, Culot M. Evaluation of the impact of iPSC differentiation protocols on transcriptomic signatures. Toxicol In Vitro 2024; 98:105826. [PMID: 38615723 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2024.105826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) have the potential to produce desired target cell types in vitro and allow for the high-throughput screening of drugs/chemicals at population level thereby minimising the cost of drug discovery and drug withdrawals after clinical trials. There is a substantial need for the characterisation of the iPSC derived models to better understand and utilise them for toxicological relevant applications. In our study, iPSC (SBAD2 or SBAD3 lines obtained from StemBANCC project) were differentiated towards toxicologically relevant cell types: alveolar macrophages, brain capillary endothelial cells, brain cells, endothelial cells, hepatocytes, lung airway epithelium, monocytes, podocytes and renal proximal tubular cells. A targeted transcriptomic approach was employed to understand the effects of differentiation protocols on these cell types. Pearson correlation and principal component analysis (PCA) separated most of the intended target cell types and undifferentiated iPSC models as distinct groups with a high correlation among replicates from the same model. Based on PCA, the intended target cell types could also be separated into the three germ layer groups (ectoderm, endoderm and mesoderm). Differential expression analysis (DESeq2) presented the upregulated genes in each intended target cell types that allowed the evaluation of the differentiation to certain degree and the selection of key differentiation markers. In conclusion, these data confirm the versatile use of iPSC differentiated cell types as standardizable and relevant model systems for in vitro toxicology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vidya Chandrasekaran
- Division of Molecular and Computational Toxicology, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Amsterdam Institute for Molecules, Medicines and Systems, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1108, 1081HZ Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Sara Wellens
- University of Artois, UR 2465, Laboratoire de la Barrière Hémato-Encéphalique (LBHE), Faculté des sciences Jean Perrin, Rue Jean Souvraz SP18, F-62300 Lens, France
| | - Aurore Bourguignon
- BioTalentum Ltd, Gödöllő, Hungary; Department of Physiology and Animal Health, Institute of Physiology and Animal Nutrition, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, H-2100, Gödöllő, Hungary
| | - Ivo Djidrovski
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, UK
| | - Leonie Fransen
- Toxicology Department, Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards (RCE) Directorate, UK Health Security Agency, Harwell Campus, OX11 0RQ, UK
| | - Sreya Ghosh
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Stem Cell Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Zahra Mazidi
- Evercyte GmbH, Vienna, Austria; Institute of Molecular Biotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Cormac Murphy
- Division of Molecular and Computational Toxicology, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Amsterdam Institute for Molecules, Medicines and Systems, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1108, 1081HZ Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Carolina Nunes
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology (SCAHT), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Pranika Singh
- Edelweiss Connect GmbH, Technology Park Basel, Hochbergerstrasse 60C, 4057 Basel, Switzerland; Division of Molecular and Systems Toxicology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Lyle Armstrong
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, UK
| | - András Dinnyés
- BioTalentum Ltd, Gödöllő, Hungary; Department of Physiology and Animal Health, Institute of Physiology and Animal Nutrition, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, H-2100, Gödöllő, Hungary
| | - Johannes Grillari
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria; Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Traumatology in cooperation with AUVA, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Martin O Leonard
- Toxicology Department, Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards (RCE) Directorate, UK Health Security Agency, Harwell Campus, OX11 0RQ, UK
| | - Catherine Verfaillie
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Stem Cell Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Anja Wilmes
- Division of Molecular and Computational Toxicology, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Amsterdam Institute for Molecules, Medicines and Systems, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1108, 1081HZ Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marie-Gabrielle Zurich
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology (SCAHT), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Paul Jennings
- Division of Molecular and Computational Toxicology, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Amsterdam Institute for Molecules, Medicines and Systems, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1108, 1081HZ Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Maxime Culot
- University of Artois, UR 2465, Laboratoire de la Barrière Hémato-Encéphalique (LBHE), Faculté des sciences Jean Perrin, Rue Jean Souvraz SP18, F-62300 Lens, France.
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3
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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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4
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Danz K, Fleddermann J, Koch M, Fecioru E, Maahs L, Kinsinger N, Krämer J, Kraegeloh A, Wagner S. Evaluation of the Transport and Binding of Dopamine-Loaded PLGA Nanoparticles for the Treatment of Parkinson's Disease Using In Vitro Model Systems. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:571. [PMID: 38794233 PMCID: PMC11125169 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16050571] [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: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The treatment of Parkinson's disease has been moving into the focus of pharmaceutical development. Yet, the necessity for reliable model systems in the development phase has made research challenging and in vivo models necessary. We have established reliable, reproducible in vitro model systems to evaluate the binding and transport of dopamine-loaded PLGA nanoparticles for the treatment of Parkinson's disease and put the results in context with comparable in vivo results. The in vitro models have provided similar results concerning the usability of the investigated nanoparticles as the previously used in vivo models and thus provide a good alternative in line with the 3R principles in pharmaceutical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Danz
- Fraunhofer Institute for Biomedical Engineering IBMT, Joseph-von-Fraunhofer-Weg 1, 66280 Sulzbach, Germany
| | - Jana Fleddermann
- INM—Leibniz Institute for New Materials, Campus D2 2, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany (M.K.); (A.K.)
| | - Marcus Koch
- INM—Leibniz Institute for New Materials, Campus D2 2, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany (M.K.); (A.K.)
| | - Elena Fecioru
- Eurofins PHAST Development GmbH & Co. KG, Byk-Gulden-Str. 2, 78467 Konstanz, Germany
| | - Lorenz Maahs
- Pharmacelsus GmbH, Science Park 2, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany; (L.M.); (N.K.)
| | - Nicole Kinsinger
- Pharmacelsus GmbH, Science Park 2, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany; (L.M.); (N.K.)
| | | | - Annette Kraegeloh
- INM—Leibniz Institute for New Materials, Campus D2 2, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany (M.K.); (A.K.)
| | - Sylvia Wagner
- Fraunhofer Institute for Biomedical Engineering IBMT, Joseph-von-Fraunhofer-Weg 1, 66280 Sulzbach, Germany
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5
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Wasielewska JM, Szostak K, McInnes LE, Quek H, Chaves JCS, Liddell JR, Koistinaho J, Oikari LE, Donnelly PS, White AR. Patient-Derived Blood-Brain Barrier Model for Screening Copper Bis(thiosemicarbazone) Complexes as Potential Therapeutics in Alzheimer's Disease. ACS Chem Neurosci 2024; 15:1432-1455. [PMID: 38477556 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent cause of dementia characterized by a progressive cognitive decline. Addressing neuroinflammation represents a promising therapeutic avenue to treat AD; however, the development of effective antineuroinflammatory compounds is often hindered by their limited blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability. Consequently, there is an urgent need for accurate, preclinical AD patient-specific BBB models to facilitate the early identification of immunomodulatory drugs capable of efficiently crossing the human AD BBB. This study presents a unique approach to BBB drug permeability screening as it utilizes the familial AD patient-derived induced brain endothelial-like cell (iBEC)-based model, which exhibits increased disease relevance and serves as an improved BBB drug permeability assessment tool when compared to traditionally employed in vitro models. To demonstrate its utility as a small molecule drug candidate screening platform, we investigated the effects of diacetylbis(N(4)-methylthiosemicarbazonato)copper(II) (CuII(atsm)) and a library of metal bis(thiosemicarbazone) complexes─a class of compounds exhibiting antineuroinflammatory therapeutic potential in neurodegenerative disorders. By evaluating the toxicity, cellular accumulation, and permeability of those compounds in the AD patient-derived iBEC, we have identified 3,4-hexanedione bis(N(4)-methylthiosemicarbazonato)copper(II) (CuII(dtsm)) as a candidate with good transport across the AD BBB. Furthermore, we have developed a multiplex approach where AD patient-derived iBEC were combined with immune modulators TNFα and IFNγ to establish an in vitro model representing the characteristic neuroinflammatory phenotype at the patient's BBB. Here, we observed that treatment with CuII(dtsm) not only reduced the expression of proinflammatory cytokine genes but also reversed the detrimental effects of TNFα and IFNγ on the integrity and function of the AD iBEC monolayer. This suggests a novel pathway through which copper bis(thiosemicarbazone) complexes may exert neurotherapeutic effects on AD by mitigating BBB neuroinflammation and related BBB integrity impairment. Together, the presented model provides an effective and easily scalable in vitro BBB platform for screening AD drug candidates. Its improved translational potential makes it a valuable tool for advancing the development of metal-based compounds aimed at modulating neuroinflammation in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna M Wasielewska
- Mental Health and Neuroscience Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia
| | - Kathryn Szostak
- School of Chemistry, Bio21 Institute for Molecular Science and Biotechnology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Lachlan E McInnes
- School of Chemistry, Bio21 Institute for Molecular Science and Biotechnology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Hazel Quek
- Mental Health and Neuroscience Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia
- School of Biomedical Science, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4067, Australia
| | - Juliana C S Chaves
- Mental Health and Neuroscience Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia
| | - Jeffrey R Liddell
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Jari Koistinaho
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014,Finland
- Neuroscience Centre, Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland
| | - Lotta E Oikari
- Mental Health and Neuroscience Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia
| | - Paul S Donnelly
- School of Chemistry, Bio21 Institute for Molecular Science and Biotechnology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Anthony R White
- Mental Health and Neuroscience Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia
- School of Biomedical Science, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4067, Australia
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6
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Koh I, Hagiwara M. Modular tissue-in-a-CUBE platform to model blood-brain barrier (BBB) and brain interaction. Commun Biol 2024; 7:177. [PMID: 38418614 PMCID: PMC10901775 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-05857-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
With the advent of increasingly sophisticated organoids, there is growing demand for technology to replicate the interactions between multiple tissues or organs. This is challenging to achieve, however, due to the varying culture conditions of the different cell types that make up each tissue. Current methods often require complicated microfluidic setups, but fragile tissue samples tend not to fare well with rough handling. Furthermore, the more complicated the human system to be replicated, the more difficult the model becomes to operate. Here, we present the development of a multi-tissue chip platform that takes advantage of the modularity and convenient handling ability of a CUBE device. We first developed a blood-brain barrier-in-a-CUBE by layering astrocytes, pericytes, and brain microvascular endothelial cells in the CUBE, and confirmed the expression and function of important tight junction and transporter proteins in the blood-brain barrier model. Then, we demonstrated the application of integrating Tissue-in-a-CUBE with a chip in simulating the in vitro testing of the permeability of a drug through the blood-brain barrier to the brain and its effect on treating the glioblastoma brain cancer model. We anticipate that this platform can be adapted for use with organoids to build complex human systems in vitro by the combination of multiple simple CUBE units.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Koh
- Cluster for Pioneering Research, RIKEN, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
- Biosystems Dynamics Research, RIKEN, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Masaya Hagiwara
- Cluster for Pioneering Research, RIKEN, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan.
- Biosystems Dynamics Research, RIKEN, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan.
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7
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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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8
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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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9
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Chaves JCS, Wasielewska JM, Cuní-López C, Rantanen LM, Lee S, Koistinaho J, White AR, Oikari LE. Alzheimer's disease brain endothelial-like cells reveal differential drug transporter expression and modulation by potentially therapeutic focused ultrasound. Neurotherapeutics 2024; 21:e00299. [PMID: 38241156 PMCID: PMC10903103 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurot.2023.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) has a key function in maintaining homeostasis in the brain, partly modulated by transporters, which are highly expressed in brain endothelial cells (BECs). Transporters mediate the uptake or efflux of compounds to and from the brain and they can also challenge the delivery of drugs for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Currently there is a limited understanding of changes in BBB transporters in AD. To investigate this, we generated brain endothelial-like cells (iBECs) from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) with familial AD (FAD) Presenilin 1 (PSEN1) mutation and identified AD-specific differences in transporter expression compared to control (ctrl) iBECs. We first characterized the expression levels of 12 BBB transporters in AD-, Ctrl-, and isogenic (PSEN1 corrected) iBECs to identify any AD specific differences. We then exposed the cells to focused ultrasound (FUS) in the absence (FUSonly) or presence of microbubbles (MB) (FUS+MB), which is a novel therapeutic method that can be used to transiently open the BBB to increase drug delivery into the brain, however its effects on BBB transporter expression are largely unknown. Following FUSonly and FUS+MB, we investigated whether the expression or activity of key transporters could be modulated. Our findings demonstrate that PSEN1 mutant FAD (PSEN1AD) possess phenotypical differences compared to control iBECs in BBB transporter expression and function. Additionally, we show that FUSonly and FUS+MB can modulate BBB transporter expression and functional activity in iBECs, having potential implications on drug penetration and amyloid clearance. These findings highlight the differential responses of patient cells to FUS treatment, with patient-derived models likely providing an important tool for modelling therapeutic effects of FUS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana C S Chaves
- Mental Health and Neuroscience, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, QUT, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Joanna M Wasielewska
- Mental Health and Neuroscience, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Carla Cuní-López
- Mental Health and Neuroscience, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Laura M Rantanen
- Mental Health and Neuroscience, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, QUT, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Serine Lee
- Mental Health and Neuroscience, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Jari Koistinaho
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Neuroscience Center, Kuopio, Finland; Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anthony R White
- Mental Health and Neuroscience, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, QUT, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Lotta E Oikari
- Mental Health and Neuroscience, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
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10
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Holst MR, de Wit NM, Ozgür B, Brachner A, Hyldig K, Appelt-Menzel A, Sleven H, Cader Z, de Vries HE, Neuhaus W, Jensen A, Brodin B, Nielsen MS. Subcellular trafficking and transcytosis efficacy of different receptor types for therapeutic antibody delivery at the blood‒brain barrier. Fluids Barriers CNS 2023; 20:82. [PMID: 37932749 PMCID: PMC10626680 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-023-00480-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Here, we report an experimental setup to benchmark different receptors for targeted therapeutic antibody delivery at the blood-brain barrier. We used brain capillary endothelial-like cells derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC-BECs) as a model system and compared them to colon epithelial Caco-2 cells. This approach helped to identify favourable receptors for transport into the cell layer itself or for directing transport for transcytosis across the cell layer. The sorting receptors transferrin receptor and sortilin were shown to be efficient as antibody cargo receptors for intracellular delivery to the cell layer. In contrast, the cell surface receptors CD133 and podocalyxin were identified as static and inefficient receptors for delivering cargo antibodies. Similar to in vivo studies, the hiPSC-BECs maintained detectable transcytotic transport via transferrin receptor, while transcytosis was restricted using sortilin as a cargo receptor. Based on these findings, we propose the application of sortilin as a cargo receptor for delivering therapeutic antibodies into the brain microvascular endothelium.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nienke Marije de Wit
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Burak Ozgür
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Biotherapeutic Discovery, H. Lundbeck A/S, Valby, 2500, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Andreas Brachner
- AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Competence Unit Molecular Diagnostics, Centre for Health and Bioresources, Vienna, Austria
| | - Kathrine Hyldig
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Biotherapeutic Discovery, H. Lundbeck A/S, Valby, 2500, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Antje Appelt-Menzel
- Chair Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (TERM), University Hospital Würzburg, Röntgenring 11, Würzburg, Germany
- Translational Center Regenerative Therapies (TLC-RT), Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research ISC, Röntgenring 12, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Hannah Sleven
- Translational Molecular Neuroscience Group, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Zameel Cader
- Translational Molecular Neuroscience Group, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Helga Eveline de Vries
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Winfried Neuhaus
- AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Competence Unit Molecular Diagnostics, Centre for Health and Bioresources, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Medicine, Faculty Medicine and Dentistry, Private Danube University, 3500, Krems, Austria
| | - Allan Jensen
- Biotherapeutic Discovery, H. Lundbeck A/S, Valby, 2500, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Birger Brodin
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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11
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Haferkamp U, Hartmann C, Abid CL, Brachner A, Höchner A, Gerhartl A, Harwardt B, Leckzik S, Leu J, Metzger M, Nastainczyk-Wulf M, Neuhaus W, Oerter S, Pless O, Rujescu D, Jung M, Appelt-Menzel A. Human isogenic cells of the neurovascular unit exert transcriptomic cell type-specific effects on a blood-brain barrier in vitro model of late-onset Alzheimer disease. Fluids Barriers CNS 2023; 20:78. [PMID: 37907966 PMCID: PMC10617216 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-023-00471-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The function of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is impaired in late-onset Alzheimer disease (LOAD), but the associated molecular mechanisms, particularly with respect to the high-risk APOE4/4 genotype, are not well understood. For this purpose, we developed a multicellular isogenic model of the neurovascular unit (NVU) based on human induced pluripotent stem cells. METHODS The human NVU was modeled in vitro using isogenic co-cultures of astrocytes, brain capillary endothelial-like cells (BCECs), microglia-like cells, neural stem cells (NSCs), and pericytes. Physiological and pathophysiological properties were investigated as well as the influence of each single cell type on the characteristics and function of BCECs. The barriers established by BCECs were analyzed for specific gene transcription using high-throughput quantitative PCR. RESULTS Co-cultures were found to tighten the barrier of BCECs and alter its transcriptomic profile under both healthy and disease conditions. In vitro differentiation of brain cell types that constitute the NVU was not affected by the LOAD background. The supportive effect of NSCs on the barrier established by BCECs was diminished under LOAD conditions. Transcriptomes of LOAD BCECs were modulated by different brain cell types. NSCs were found to have the strongest effect on BCEC gene regulation and maintenance of the BBB. Co-cultures showed cell type-specific functional contributions to BBB integrity under healthy and LOAD conditions. CONCLUSIONS Cell type-dependent transcriptional effects on LOAD BCECs were identified. Our study suggests that different brain cell types of the NVU have unique roles in maintaining barrier integrity that vary under healthy and LOAD conditions. .
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Affiliation(s)
- Undine Haferkamp
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Discovery Research ScreeningPort, 22525, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Carla Hartmann
- Institute for Physiological Chemistry, Medical Faculty of the Martin, Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Hollystrasse 1, 06114, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Chaudhry Luqman Abid
- Institute for Physiological Chemistry, Medical Faculty of the Martin, Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Hollystrasse 1, 06114, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Andreas Brachner
- Center Health and Bioresources, Competence Unit Molecular Diagnostics, AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Vienna, 1210, Austria
| | - Alevtina Höchner
- Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research ISC, Translational Center Regenerative Therapies (TLC-RT), 97070, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Anna Gerhartl
- Center Health and Bioresources, Competence Unit Molecular Diagnostics, AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Vienna, 1210, Austria
| | - Bernadette Harwardt
- Institute for Physiological Chemistry, Medical Faculty of the Martin, Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Hollystrasse 1, 06114, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Selin Leckzik
- Institute for Physiological Chemistry, Medical Faculty of the Martin, Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Hollystrasse 1, 06114, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Jennifer Leu
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Discovery Research ScreeningPort, 22525, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Marco Metzger
- Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research ISC, Translational Center Regenerative Therapies (TLC-RT), 97070, Würzburg, Germany
- Chair Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (TERM), University Hospital Würzburg, 97070, Würzburg, Germany
| | | | - Winfried Neuhaus
- Center Health and Bioresources, Competence Unit Molecular Diagnostics, AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Vienna, 1210, Austria
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Danube Private University, Krems, 3500, Austria
| | - Sabrina Oerter
- Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research ISC, Translational Center Regenerative Therapies (TLC-RT), 97070, Würzburg, Germany
- Chair Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (TERM), University Hospital Würzburg, 97070, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Ole Pless
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Discovery Research ScreeningPort, 22525, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Dan Rujescu
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Division of General Psychiatry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, 1090, Austria
| | - Matthias Jung
- Institute for Physiological Chemistry, Medical Faculty of the Martin, Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Hollystrasse 1, 06114, Halle (Saale), Germany.
| | - Antje Appelt-Menzel
- Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research ISC, Translational Center Regenerative Therapies (TLC-RT), 97070, Würzburg, Germany.
- Chair Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (TERM), University Hospital Würzburg, 97070, Würzburg, Germany.
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12
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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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13
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Lyck R, Nishihara H, Aydin S, Soldati S, Engelhardt B. Modeling Brain Vasculature Immune Interactions In Vitro. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2023; 13:a041185. [PMID: 36617644 PMCID: PMC10513158 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a041185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The endothelial blood-brain barrier (BBB) protects central nervous system (CNS) neurons from the changeable milieu of the bloodstream by strictly controlling the movement of molecules and immune cells between the blood and the CNS. Immune cell migration across the vascular wall is a multistep process regulated by the sequential interaction of different signaling and adhesion molecules on the endothelium and the immune cells. Accounting for its unique barrier properties and trafficking molecule expression profile, particular adaptions in immune cell migration across the BBB have been observed. Thus, in vitro models of the BBB are desirable to explore the precise cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in immune cell trafficking across the BBB. The challenge to overcome is that barrier properties of brain microvascular endothelial cells are not intrinsic and readily lost in culture. With a focus on human in vitro BBB models, we here discuss the suitability of available in vitro models for the BBB for exploring the specific mechanisms involved in immune cell trafficking across the BBB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Lyck
- Theodor Kocher Institute, University of Bern, CH 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Hideaki Nishihara
- Theodor Kocher Institute, University of Bern, CH 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sidar Aydin
- Theodor Kocher Institute, University of Bern, CH 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sasha Soldati
- Theodor Kocher Institute, University of Bern, CH 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Britta Engelhardt
- Theodor Kocher Institute, University of Bern, CH 3012 Bern, Switzerland
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14
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Brandl S, Reindl M. Blood-Brain Barrier Breakdown in Neuroinflammation: Current In Vitro Models. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12699. [PMID: 37628879 PMCID: PMC10454051 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier, which is formed by tightly interconnected microvascular endothelial cells, separates the brain from the peripheral circulation. Together with other central nervous system-resident cell types, including pericytes and astrocytes, the blood-brain barrier forms the neurovascular unit. Upon neuroinflammation, this barrier becomes leaky, allowing molecules and cells to enter the brain and to potentially harm the tissue of the central nervous system. Despite the significance of animal models in research, they may not always adequately reflect human pathophysiology. Therefore, human models are needed. This review will provide an overview of the blood-brain barrier in terms of both health and disease. It will describe all key elements of the in vitro models and will explore how different compositions can be utilized to effectively model a variety of neuroinflammatory conditions. Furthermore, it will explore the existing types of models that are used in basic research to study the respective pathologies thus far.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Markus Reindl
- Clinical Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria;
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15
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Singh S, Agrawal M, Vashist R, Patel RK, Sangave SD, Alexander A. Recent advancements on in vitro blood-brain barrier model: A reliable and efficient screening approach for preclinical and clinical investigation. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2023; 20:1839-1857. [PMID: 38100459 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2023.2295940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The efficiency of brain therapeutics is greatly hindered by the blood-brain barrier (BBB). BBB's protective function, selective permeability, and dynamic functionality maintain the harmony between the brain and peripheral region. Thus, the design of any novel drug carrier system requires the complete study and investigation of BBB permeability, efflux transport, and the effect of associated cellular and non-vascular unit trafficking on BBB penetrability. The in vitro BBB models offer a most promising, and reliable mode of initial investigation of BBB permeability and associated factors as strong evidence for further preclinical and clinical investigation. AREA COVERED This review work covers the structure and functions of BBB components and different types of in vitro BBB models along with factors affecting BBB model development and model selection criteria. EXPERT OPINION In vivo models assume to reciprocate the physiological environment to the maximum extent. However, the interspecies variability, NVUs trafficking, dynamic behavior of BBB, etc., lead to non-reproducible results. The in vitro models are comparatively less complex, and flexible, as per the study design, could generate substantial evidence and help identify suitable in vivo animal model selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Snigdha Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Guwahati, India
| | - Mukta Agrawal
- School of Pharmacy and Technology Management, Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies, Mahbubnagar, India
| | - Rajat Vashist
- Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Guwahati, India
| | - Rohit K Patel
- Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Guwahati, India
| | | | - Amit Alexander
- Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Guwahati, India
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16
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de Rus Jacquet A, Alpaugh M, Denis HL, Tancredi JL, Boutin M, Decaestecker J, Beauparlant C, Herrmann L, Saint-Pierre M, Parent M, Droit A, Breton S, Cicchetti F. The contribution of inflammatory astrocytes to BBB impairments in a brain-chip model of Parkinson's disease. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3651. [PMID: 37339976 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39038-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocyte dysfunction has previously been linked to multiple neurodegenerative disorders including Parkinson's disease (PD). Among their many roles, astrocytes are mediators of the brain immune response, and astrocyte reactivity is a pathological feature of PD. They are also involved in the formation and maintenance of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), but barrier integrity is compromised in people with PD. This study focuses on an unexplored area of PD pathogenesis by characterizing the interplay between astrocytes, inflammation and BBB integrity, and by combining patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells with microfluidic technologies to generate a 3D human BBB chip. Here we report that astrocytes derived from female donors harboring the PD-related LRRK2 G2019S mutation are pro-inflammatory and fail to support the formation of a functional capillary in vitro. We show that inhibition of MEK1/2 signaling attenuates the inflammatory profile of mutant astrocytes and rescues BBB formation, providing insights into mechanisms regulating barrier integrity in PD. Lastly, we confirm that vascular changes are also observed in the human postmortem substantia nigra of both males and females with PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- A de Rus Jacquet
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec - Université Laval, Axe Neurosciences, Québec, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada.
- Département de Psychiatrie & Neurosciences, Université Laval, Québec, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada.
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA, 20147, USA.
| | - M Alpaugh
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec - Université Laval, Axe Neurosciences, Québec, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada
- Département de Psychiatrie & Neurosciences, Université Laval, Québec, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - H L Denis
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec - Université Laval, Axe Neurosciences, Québec, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada
- Département de Psychiatrie & Neurosciences, Université Laval, Québec, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - J L Tancredi
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA, 20147, USA
- Cell Biology R&D, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Frederick, MD, 21704, USA
| | - M Boutin
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec - Université Laval, Axe Neurosciences, Québec, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - J Decaestecker
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec - Université Laval, Axe Endocrinologie et Néphrologie, Québec, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - C Beauparlant
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec - Université Laval, Axe Endocrinologie et Néphrologie, Québec, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - L Herrmann
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec - Université Laval, Axe Endocrinologie et Néphrologie, Québec, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - M Saint-Pierre
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec - Université Laval, Axe Neurosciences, Québec, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - M Parent
- Département de Psychiatrie & Neurosciences, Université Laval, Québec, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada
- CERVO Brain Research Center, Québec, QC, G1E 1T2, Canada
| | - A Droit
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec - Université Laval, Axe Endocrinologie et Néphrologie, Québec, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - S Breton
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec - Université Laval, Axe Reproduction, santé de la mère et de l'enfant, Québec, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada
- Centre de recherche en reproduction, développement et santé intergénérationnelle, Université Laval, Québec, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - F Cicchetti
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec - Université Laval, Axe Neurosciences, Québec, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada.
- Département de Psychiatrie & Neurosciences, Université Laval, Québec, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada.
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17
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Yan L, Dwiggins CW, Moriarty RA, Jung JW, Gupta U, Brandon KD, Stroka KM. Matrix stiffness regulates the tight junction phenotypes and local barrier properties in tricellular regions in an iPSC-derived BBB model. Acta Biomater 2023:S1742-7061(23)00327-6. [PMID: 37302732 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) can respond to various mechanical cues such as shear stress and substrate stiffness. In the human brain, the compromised barrier function of the BBB is closely associated with a series of neurological disorders that are often also accompanied by the alteration of brain stiffness. In many types of peripheral vasculature, higher matrix stiffness decreases barrier function of endothelial cells through mechanotransduction pathways that alter cell-cell junction integrity. However, human brain endothelial cells are specialized endothelial cells that largely resist changes in cell morphology and key BBB markers. Therefore, it has remained an open question how matrix stiffness affects barrier integrity in the human BBB. To gain insight into the effects of matrix stiffness on BBB permeability, we differentiated brain microvascular endothelial-like cells from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iBMEC-like cells) and cultured the cells on extracellular matrix-coated hydrogels of varying stiffness. We first detected and quantified the junction presentation of key tight junction (TJ) proteins. Our results show matrix-dependent junction phenotypes in iBMEC-like cells, where cells on softer gels (1 kPa) have significantly lower continuous and total TJ coverages. We also determined that these softer gels also lead to decreased barrier function in a local permeability assay. Furthermore, we found that matrix stiffness regulates the local permeability of iBMEC-like cells through the balance of continuous ZO-1 TJs and no junction regions ZO-1 in tricellular regions. Together, these findings provide valuable insights into the effects of matrix stiffness on TJ phenotypes and local permeability of iBMEC-like cells. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Brain mechanical properties, including stiffness, are particularly sensitive indicators for pathophysiological changes in neural tissue. The compromised function of the blood-brain barrier is closely associated with a series of neurological disorders often accompanied by altered brain stiffness. In this study, we use polymeric biomaterials and provide new evidence that biomaterial stiffness regulates the local permeability in iPSC-derived brain endothelial cells in tricellular regions through the tight junction protein ZO-1. Our findings provide valuable insights into the changes in junction architecture and barrier permeability in response to different substrate stiffnesses. Since BBB dysfunction has been linked to many diseases, understanding the influence of substrate stiffness on junction presentations and barrier permeability could lead to the development of new treatments for diseases associated with BBB dysfunction or drug delivery across BBB systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Yan
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA.
| | - Cole W Dwiggins
- 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
| | - Jae W Jung
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Udit Gupta
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Ken D Brandon
- 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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18
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Zhang W, Zhao X, Qi X, Kimber SJ, Hooper NM, Wang T. Induced pluripotent stem cell model revealed impaired neurovascular interaction in genetic small vessel disease Cerebral Autosomal Dominant Arteriopathy with Subcortical Infarcts and Leukoencephalopathy. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1195470. [PMID: 37361999 PMCID: PMC10285224 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1195470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Cerebral Autosomal Dominant Arteriopathy with Subcortical Infarcts and Leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) is the most common genetic small vessel disease caused by variants in the NOTCH3 gene. Patients with CADASIL experience recurrent strokes, developing into cognitive defect and vascular dementia. CADASIL is a late-onset vascular condition, but migraine and brain MRI lesions appear in CADASIL patients as early as their teens and twenties, suggesting an abnormal neurovascular interaction at the neurovascular unit (NVU) where microvessels meet the brain parenchyma. Methods To understand the molecular mechanisms of CADASIL, we established induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) models from CADASIL patients and differentiated the iPSCs into the major NVU cell types including brain microvascular endothelial-like cells (BMECs), vascular mural cells (MCs), astrocytes and cortical projection neurons. We then built an in vitro NVU model by co-culturing different neurovascular cell types in Transwells and evaluated the blood brain barrier (BBB) function by measuring transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER). Results Results showed that, while the wild-type MCs, astrocytes and neurons could all independently and significantly enhance TEER of the iPSC-BMECs, such capability of MCs from iPSCs of CADASIL patients was significantly impaired. Additionally, the barrier function of the BMECs from CADASIL iPSCs was significantly decreased, accompanied with disorganized tight junctions in iPSC-BMECs, which could not be rescued by the wild-type MCs or sufficiently rescued by the wild-type astrocytes and neurons. Discussion Our findings provide new insight into early disease pathologies on the neurovascular interaction and BBB function at the molecular and cellular levels for CADASIL, which helps inform future therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjun Zhang
- Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Xiangjun Zhao
- Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Xuewei Qi
- Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Susan J. Kimber
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Nigel M. Hooper
- Division of Neuroscience, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Geoffrey Jefferson Brain Research Centre, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Northern Care Alliance NHS Group, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Tao Wang
- Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Geoffrey Jefferson Brain Research Centre, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Northern Care Alliance NHS Group, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
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19
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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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20
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Zhao N, Kulkarni S, Zhang S, Linville RM, Chung TD, Guo Z, Jamieson JJ, Norman D, Liang L, Pessell AF, Searson P. Modeling angiogenesis in the human brain in a tissue-engineered post-capillary venule. Angiogenesis 2023; 26:203-216. [PMID: 36795297 PMCID: PMC10789151 DOI: 10.1007/s10456-023-09868-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
Angiogenesis plays an essential role in embryonic development, organ remodeling, wound healing, and is also associated with many human diseases. The process of angiogenesis in the brain during development is well characterized in animal models, but little is known about the process in the mature brain. Here, we use a tissue-engineered post-capillary venule (PCV) model incorporating stem cell derived induced brain microvascular endothelial-like cells (iBMECs) and pericyte-like cells (iPCs) to visualize the dynamics of angiogenesis. We compare angiogenesis under two conditions: in response to perfusion of growth factors and in the presence of an external concentration gradient. We show that both iBMECs and iPCs can serve as tip cells leading angiogenic sprouts. More importantly, the growth rate for iPC-led sprouts is about twofold higher than for iBMEC-led sprouts. Under a concentration gradient, angiogenic sprouts show a small directional bias toward the high growth factor concentration. Overall, pericytes exhibited a broad range of behavior, including maintaining quiescence, co-migrating with endothelial cells in sprouts, or leading sprout growth as tip cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Zhao
- Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | - Sarah Kulkarni
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | - Sophia Zhang
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | - Raleigh M Linville
- Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | - Tracy D Chung
- Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | - Zhaobin Guo
- Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | - John J Jamieson
- Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | - Danielle Norman
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | - Lily Liang
- Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | - Alexander F Pessell
- Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | - Peter Searson
- Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA.
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA.
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21
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Łach A, Wnuk A, Wójtowicz AK. Experimental Models to Study the Functions of the Blood-Brain Barrier. Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:bioengineering10050519. [PMID: 37237588 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10050519] [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: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this paper was to discuss the achievements of in vitro modeling in terms of the blood-brain barrier [BBB] and to create a clear overview of this research area, which is useful in research planning. The text was divided into three main parts. The first part describes the BBB as a functional structure, its constitution, cellular and noncellular components, mechanisms of functioning and importance for the central nervous system, in terms of both protection and nourishment. The second part is an overview of parameters important in terms of establishing and maintaining a barrier phenotype that allows for formulating criteria of evaluation of the BBB in vitro models. The third and last part discusses certain techniques for developing the BBB in vitro models. It describes subsequent research approaches and models, as they underwent change alongside technological advancement. On the one hand, we discuss possibilities and limitations of different research approaches: primary cultures vs. cell lines and monocultures vs. multicultures. On the other hand, we review advantages and disadvantages of specific models, such as models-on-a-chip, 3D models or microfluidic models. We not only attempt to state the usefulness of specific models in different kinds of research on the BBB but also emphasize the significance of this area of research for advancement of neuroscience and the pharmaceutical industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrzej Łach
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Epigenetics, Department of Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 31-343 Kraków, Poland
- Department of Nutrition, Animal Biotechnology and Fisheries, Faculty of Animal Sciences, University of Agriculture, 30-059 Kraków, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Wnuk
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Epigenetics, Department of Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 31-343 Kraków, Poland
| | - Anna Katarzyna Wójtowicz
- Department of Nutrition, Animal Biotechnology and Fisheries, Faculty of Animal Sciences, University of Agriculture, 30-059 Kraków, Poland
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22
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Keep RF, Jones HC, Drewes LR. Genetic disorders and genetic manipulation at the blood-brain barriers. Fluids Barriers CNS 2023; 20:29. [PMID: 37081497 PMCID: PMC10120270 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-023-00428-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Richard F Keep
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan, R5018 BSRB 109 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-2200, USA.
| | | | - Lester R Drewes
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota Medical School Duluth, Duluth, MN, 55812, USA
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23
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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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24
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Girard SD, Julien-Gau I, Molino Y, Combes BF, Greetham L, Khrestchatisky M, Nivet E. High and low permeability of human pluripotent stem cell-derived blood-brain barrier models depend on epithelial or endothelial features. FASEB J 2023; 37:e22770. [PMID: 36688807 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202201422r] [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: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The search for reliable human blood-brain barrier (BBB) models represents a challenge for the development/testing of strategies aiming to enhance brain delivery of drugs. Human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) have raised hopes in the development of predictive BBB models. Differentiating strategies are thus required to generate endothelial cells (ECs), a major component of the BBB. Several hiPSC-based protocols have reported the generation of in vitro models with significant differences in barrier properties. We studied in depth the properties of iPSCs byproducts from two protocols that have been established to yield these in vitro barrier models. Our analysis/study reveals that iPSCs derivatives endowed with EC features yield high permeability models while the cells that exhibit outstanding barrier properties show principally epithelial cell-like (EpC) features. We found that models containing EpC-like cells express tight junction proteins, transporters/efflux pumps and display a high functional tightness with very low permeability, which are features commonly shared between BBB and epithelial barriers. Our study demonstrates that hiPSC-based BBB models need extensive characterization beforehand and that a reliable human BBB model containing EC-like cells and displaying low permeability is still needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stéphane D Girard
- Institute of NeuroPhysiopathology, INP, CNRS, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
- Faculty of Medicine, VECT-HORUS SAS, Marseille, France
| | | | - Yves Molino
- Faculty of Medicine, VECT-HORUS SAS, Marseille, France
| | | | - Louise Greetham
- Institute of NeuroPhysiopathology, INP, CNRS, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Michel Khrestchatisky
- Institute of NeuroPhysiopathology, INP, CNRS, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Emmanuel Nivet
- Institute of NeuroPhysiopathology, INP, CNRS, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
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25
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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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26
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Al-Ahmad AJ. Human-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Based Model of the Blood-Brain at 10 Years: A Retrospective on Past and Current Disease Models. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2023; 281:141-156. [PMID: 36943490 DOI: 10.1007/164_2023_645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
The initial discovery and derivation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) by Yamanaka and colleagues in 2006 revolutionized the field of personalized medicine, as it opened the possibility to model diseases using patient-derived stem cells. A decade of adoption of iPSCs within the community of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) significantly opened the door for modeling diseases at the BBB, a task until then considered challenging, if not impossible.In this book chapter, we provided an extensive review of the literature on the use of iPSC-based models of the human BBB to model neurological diseases including infectious diseases (COVID-19, Streptococcus, Neisseria) neurodevelopmental diseases (adrenoleukodystrophy, Allan-Herndon-Dudley Syndrome, Batten's disease, GLUT1 deficiency syndrome), and neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's disease, the current findings and observations, but also the challenges and limitations inherent to the use of iPSC-based models in reproducing the human BBB during health and diseases in a Petri dish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abraham J Al-Ahmad
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX, USA.
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27
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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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28
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Weber CM, Moiz B, Zic SM, Alpízar Vargas V, Li A, Clyne AM. Induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cells model brain microvascular endothelial cell glucose metabolism. Fluids Barriers CNS 2022; 19:98. [PMID: 36494870 PMCID: PMC9733016 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-022-00395-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Glucose transport from the blood into the brain is tightly regulated by brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMEC), which also use glucose as their primary energy source. To study how BMEC glucose transport contributes to cerebral glucose hypometabolism in diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, it is essential to understand how these cells metabolize glucose. Human primary BMEC (hpBMEC) can be used for BMEC metabolism studies; however, they have poor barrier function and may not recapitulate in vivo BMEC function. iPSC-derived BMEC-like cells (hiBMEC) are readily available and have good barrier function but may have an underlying epithelial signature. In this study, we examined differences between hpBMEC and hiBMEC glucose metabolism using a combination of dynamic metabolic measurements, metabolic mass spectrometry, RNA sequencing, and Western blots. hiBMEC had decreased glycolytic flux relative to hpBMEC, and the overall metabolomes and metabolic enzyme levels were different between the two cell types. However, hpBMEC and hiBMEC had similar glucose metabolism, including nearly identical glucose labeled fractions of glycolytic and TCA cycle metabolites. Treatment with astrocyte conditioned media and high glucose increased glycolysis in both hpBMEC and hiBMEC, though hpBMEC decreased glycolysis in response to fluvastatin while hiBMEC did not. Together, these results suggest that hiBMEC can be used to model cerebral vascular glucose metabolism, which expands their use beyond barrier models.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bilal Moiz
- University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Sophia M Zic
- University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | | | - Andrew Li
- University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
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29
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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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30
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Kim H, Leng K, Park J, Sorets AG, Kim S, Shostak A, Embalabala RJ, Mlouk K, Katdare KA, Rose IVL, Sturgeon SM, Neal EH, Ao Y, Wang S, Sofroniew MV, Brunger JM, McMahon DG, Schrag MS, Kampmann M, Lippmann ES. Reactive astrocytes transduce inflammation in a blood-brain barrier model through a TNF-STAT3 signaling axis and secretion of alpha 1-antichymotrypsin. Nat Commun 2022; 13:6581. [PMID: 36323693 PMCID: PMC9630454 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-34412-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are critical components of the neurovascular unit that support blood-brain barrier (BBB) function. Pathological transformation of astrocytes to reactive states can be protective or harmful to BBB function. Here, using a human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived BBB co-culture model, we show that tumor necrosis factor (TNF) transitions astrocytes to an inflammatory reactive state that causes BBB dysfunction through activation of STAT3 and increased expression of SERPINA3, which encodes alpha 1-antichymotrypsin (α1ACT). To contextualize these findings, we correlated astrocytic STAT3 activation to vascular inflammation in postmortem human tissue. Further, in murine brain organotypic cultures, astrocyte-specific silencing of Serpina3n reduced vascular inflammation after TNF challenge. Last, treatment with recombinant Serpina3n in both ex vivo explant cultures and in vivo was sufficient to induce BBB dysfunction-related molecular changes. Overall, our results define the TNF-STAT3-α1ACT signaling axis as a driver of an inflammatory reactive astrocyte signature that contributes to BBB dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyosung Kim
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Kun Leng
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jinhee Park
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Alexander G Sorets
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Suil Kim
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Alena Shostak
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | | | - Kate Mlouk
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Ketaki A Katdare
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Indigo V L Rose
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Sarah M Sturgeon
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Emma H Neal
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Yan Ao
- Department of Neurobiology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Shinong Wang
- Department of Neurobiology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Michael V Sofroniew
- Department of Neurobiology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jonathan M Brunger
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Douglas G McMahon
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Matthew S Schrag
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Memory and Alzheimer's Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Martin Kampmann
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ethan S Lippmann
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Vanderbilt Memory and Alzheimer's Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
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Endres LM, Jungblut M, Divyapicigil M, Sauer M, Stigloher C, Christodoulides M, Kim BJ, Schubert-Unkmeir A. Development of a multicellular in vitro model of the meningeal blood-CSF barrier to study Neisseria meningitidis infection. Fluids Barriers CNS 2022; 19:81. [PMID: 36289516 PMCID: PMC9597984 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-022-00379-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Bacterial meningitis is a life-threatening disease that occurs when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis cross the meningeal blood cerebrospinal fluid barrier (mBCSFB) and infect the meninges. Due to the human-specific nature of N. meningitidis, previous research investigating this complex host–pathogen interaction has mostly been done in vitro using immortalized brain endothelial cells (BECs) alone, which often do not retain relevant barrier properties in culture. Here, we developed physiologically relevant mBCSFB models using BECs in co-culture with leptomeningeal cells (LMCs) to examine N. meningitidis interaction. Methods We used BEC-like cells derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iBECs) or hCMEC/D3 cells in co-culture with LMCs derived from tumor biopsies. We employed TEM and structured illumination microscopy to characterize the models as well as bacterial interaction. We measured TEER and sodium fluorescein (NaF) permeability to determine barrier tightness and integrity. We then analyzed bacterial adherence and penetration of the cell barrier and examined changes in host gene expression of tight junctions as well as chemokines and cytokines in response to infection. Results Both cell types remained distinct in co-culture and iBECs showed characteristic expression of BEC markers including tight junction proteins and endothelial markers. iBEC barrier function as determined by TEER and NaF permeability was improved by LMC co-culture and remained stable for seven days. BEC response to N. meningitidis infection was not affected by LMC co-culture. We detected considerable amounts of BEC-adherent meningococci and a relatively small number of intracellular bacteria. Interestingly, we discovered bacteria traversing the BEC-LMC barrier within the first 24 h post-infection, when barrier integrity was still high, suggesting a transcellular route for N. meningitidis into the CNS. Finally, we observed deterioration of barrier properties including loss of TEER and reduced expression of cell-junction components at late time points of infection. Conclusions Here, we report, for the first time, on co-culture of human iPSC derived BECs or hCMEC/D3 with meningioma derived LMCs and find that LMC co-culture improves barrier properties of iBECs. These novel models allow for a better understanding of N. meningitidis interaction at the mBCSFB in a physiologically relevant setting. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12987-022-00379-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leo M. Endres
- grid.8379.50000 0001 1958 8658Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Strasse 2, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Marvin Jungblut
- grid.8379.50000 0001 1958 8658Department of Biotechnology and Biophysics, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Mustafa Divyapicigil
- grid.411015.00000 0001 0727 7545Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL USA ,grid.265892.20000000106344187Department of Microbiology Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL USA ,grid.411015.00000 0001 0727 7545Center for Convergent Biosciences & Medicine, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL USA ,grid.411015.00000 0001 0727 7545Alabama Life Research Institute, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL USA
| | - Markus Sauer
- grid.8379.50000 0001 1958 8658Department of Biotechnology and Biophysics, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Christian Stigloher
- grid.8379.50000 0001 1958 8658Imaging Core Facility, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Myron Christodoulides
- grid.5491.90000 0004 1936 9297Molecular Microbiology, School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, UK
| | - Brandon J. Kim
- grid.411015.00000 0001 0727 7545Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL USA ,grid.265892.20000000106344187Department of Microbiology Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL USA ,grid.411015.00000 0001 0727 7545Center for Convergent Biosciences & Medicine, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL USA ,grid.411015.00000 0001 0727 7545Alabama Life Research Institute, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL USA
| | - Alexandra Schubert-Unkmeir
- grid.8379.50000 0001 1958 8658Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Strasse 2, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
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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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Shi Y, Kim H, Hamann CA, Rhea EM, Brunger JM, Lippmann ES. Nuclear receptor ligand screening in an iPSC-derived in vitro blood-brain barrier model identifies new contributors to leptin transport. Fluids Barriers CNS 2022; 19:77. [PMID: 36131285 PMCID: PMC9494897 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-022-00375-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The hormone leptin exerts its function in the brain to reduce food intake and increase energy expenditure to prevent obesity. However, most obese subjects reflect the resistance to leptin even with elevated serum leptin. Considering that leptin must cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in several regions to enter the brain parenchyma, altered leptin transport through the BBB might play an important role in leptin resistance and other biological conditions. Here, we report the use of a human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived BBB model to explore mechanisms that influence leptin transport. METHODS iPSCs were differentiated into brain microvascular endothelial cell (BMEC)-like cells using standard methods. BMEC-like cells were cultured in Transwell filters, treated with ligands from a nuclear receptor agonist library, and assayed for leptin transport using an enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay. RNA sequencing was further used to identify differentially regulated genes and pathways. The role of a select hit in leptin transport was tested with the competitive substrate assay and after gene knockdown using CRISPR techniques. RESULTS Following a screen of 73 compounds, 17β-estradiol was identified as a compound that could significantly increase leptin transport. RNA sequencing revealed many differentially expressed transmembrane transporters after 17β-estradiol treatment. Of these, cationic amino acid transporter-1 (CAT-1, encoded by SLC7A1) was selected for follow-up analyses due to its high and selective expression in BMECs in vivo. Treatment of BMEC-like cells with CAT-1 substrates, as well as knockdown of CAT-1 expression via CRISPR-mediated epigenome editing, yielded significant increases in leptin transport. CONCLUSIONS A major female sex hormone, as well as an amino acid transporter, were revealed as regulators of leptin BBB transport in the iPSC-derived BBB model. Outcomes from this work provide insights into regulation of hormone transport across the BBB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yajuan Shi
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Hyosung Kim
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Catherine A Hamann
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Elizabeth M Rhea
- Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jonathan M Brunger
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.,Vanderbilt Center for Stem Cell Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Ethan S Lippmann
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA. .,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA. .,Vanderbilt Center for Stem Cell Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA. .,Interdisciplinary Materials Science Program, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA. .,Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA. .,Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA. .,Vanderbilt Memory and Alzheimer's Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
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Schizophrenia-derived hiPSC brain microvascular endothelial-like cells show impairments in angiogenesis and blood-brain barrier function. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:3708-3718. [PMID: 35705634 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01653-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Schizophrenia (SZ) is a complex neuropsychiatric disorder, affecting 1% of the world population. Long-standing clinical observations and molecular data have pointed to a possible vascular deficiency that could be acting synergistically with neuronal dysfunction in SZ. As SZ is a neurodevelopmental disease, the use of human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) allows disease biology modeling while retaining the patient's unique genetic signature. Previously, we reported a VEGFA signaling impairment in SZ-hiPSC-derived neural lineages leading to decreased angiogenesis. Here, we present a functional characterization of SZ-derived brain microvascular endothelial-like cells (BEC), the counterpart of the neurovascular crosstalk, revealing an intrinsically defective blood-brain barrier (BBB) phenotype. Transcriptomic assessment of genes related to endothelial function among three control (Ctrl BEC) and five schizophrenia patients derived BEC (SZP BEC), revealed that SZP BEC have a distinctive expression pattern of angiogenic and BBB-associated genes. Functionally, SZP BEC showed a decreased angiogenic response in vitro and higher transpermeability than Ctrl BEC. Immunofluorescence staining revealed less expression and altered distribution of tight junction proteins in SZP BEC. Moreover, SZP BEC's conditioned media reduced barrier capacities in the brain microvascular endothelial cell line HCMEC/D3 and in an in vivo permeability assay in mice. Overall, our results describe an intrinsic failure of SZP BEC for proper barrier function. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis tracing schizophrenia origins to brain development and BBB dysfunction.
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Pervaiz I, Zahra FT, Mikelis C, Al-Ahmad AJ. An in vitro model of glucose transporter 1 deficiency syndrome at the blood-brain barrier using induced pluripotent stem cells. J Neurochem 2022; 162:483-500. [PMID: 35943296 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15684] [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: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Glucose is an important source of energy for the central nervous system. Its uptake at the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is mostly mediated via glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1), a facilitated transporter encoded by the SLC2A1 gene. GLUT1 Deficiency Syndrome (GLUT1DS) is a haploinsufficiency characterized by mutations in the SLC2A1 gene, resulting in impaired glucose uptake at the BBB and clinically characterized by epileptic seizures and movement disorder. A major limitation is an absence of in vitro models of the BBB reproducing the disease. This study aimed to characterize an in vitro model of GLUT1DS using human pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Two GLUT1DS clones were generated (GLUT1-iPSC) from their original parental clone iPS(IMR90)-c4 by CRISPR/Cas9 and differentiated into brain microvascular endothelial cells (iBMECs). Cells were characterized in terms of SLC2A1 expression, changes in the barrier function, glucose uptake and metabolism, and angiogenesis. GLUT1DS iPSCs and iBMECs showed comparable phenotype to their parental control, with exception of reduced GLUT1 expression at the protein level. Although no major disruption in the barrier function was reported in the two clones, a significant reduction in glucose uptake accompanied by an increase in glycolysis and mitochondrial respiration was reported in both GLUT1DS-iBMECs. Finally, impaired angiogenic features were reported in such clones compared to the parental clone. Our study provides the first documented characterization of GLUT1DS-iBMECs generated by CRISPR-Cas9, suggesting that GLUT1 truncation appears detrimental to brain angiogenesis and brain endothelial bioenergetics, but maybe not be detrimental to iBMECs differentiation and barriergenesis. Our future direction is to further characterize the functional outcome of such truncated product, as well as its impact on other cells of the neurovascular unit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iqra Pervaiz
- Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Amarillo, Texas, United States of America
| | - Fatema Tuz Zahra
- Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Amarillo, Texas, United States of America
| | - Constantinos Mikelis
- Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Amarillo, Texas, United States of America
| | - Abraham Jacob Al-Ahmad
- Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Amarillo, Texas, United States of America
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36
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Keep RF, Jones HC, Drewes LR. Advances in brain barriers and brain fluids research in 2021: great progress in a time of adversity. Fluids Barriers CNS 2022; 19:48. [PMID: 35681151 PMCID: PMC9178944 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-022-00343-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
This editorial highlights advances in brain barrier and brain fluid research in 2021. It covers research on components of the blood–brain barrier, neurovascular unit and brain fluid systems; how brain barriers and brain fluid systems are impacted by neurological disorders and their role in disease progression; and advances in strategies for treating such disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard F Keep
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan, R5018 BSRB, 109 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-2200, USA.
| | | | - Lester R Drewes
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota Medical School Duluth, Duluth, MN, 55812, USA
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Cheng Y, Medina A, Yao Z, Basu M, Natekar JP, Lang J, Sanchez E, Nkembo MB, Xu C, Qian X, Nguyen PTT, Wen Z, Song H, Ming GL, Kumar M, Brinton MA, Li MMH, Tang H. Intrinsic antiviral immunity of barrier cells revealed by an iPSC-derived blood-brain barrier cellular model. Cell Rep 2022; 39:110885. [PMID: 35649379 PMCID: PMC9230077 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Physiological blood-tissue barriers play a critical role in separating the circulation from immune-privileged sites and denying access to blood-borne viruses. The mechanism of virus restriction by these barriers is poorly understood. We utilize induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived human brain microvascular endothelial cells (iBMECs) to study virus-blood-brain barrier (BBB) interactions. These iPSC-derived cells faithfully recapitulate a striking difference in in vivo neuroinvasion by two alphavirus isolates and are selectively permissive to neurotropic flaviviruses. A model of cocultured iBMECs and astrocytes exhibits high transendothelial electrical resistance and blocks non-neurotropic flaviviruses from getting across the barrier. We find that iBMECs constitutively express an interferon-induced gene, IFITM1, which preferentially restricts the replication of non-neurotropic flaviviruses. Barrier cells from blood-testis and blood-retinal barriers also constitutively express IFITMs that contribute to the viral resistance. Our application of a renewable human iPSC-based model for studying virus-BBB interactions reveals that intrinsic immunity at the barriers contributes to virus exclusion. Using a stem cell-derived cellular model and a panel of human pathogenic viruses, Cheng et al. show a mechanism by which some viruses can penetrate the blood-brain barrier and cause diseases in the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yichen Cheng
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Angelica Medina
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Zhenlan Yao
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Mausumi Basu
- Department of Biology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Jianshe Lang
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Egan Sanchez
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Mezindia B Nkembo
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Chongchong Xu
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Xuyu Qian
- Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Phuong T T Nguyen
- Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Zhexing Wen
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Hongjun Song
- Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Guo-Li Ming
- Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Mukesh Kumar
- Department of Biology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Margo A Brinton
- Department of Biology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Melody M H Li
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Hengli Tang
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA.
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Sun J, Ou W, Han D, Paganini-Hill A, Fisher MJ, Sumbria RK. Comparative studies between the murine immortalized brain endothelial cell line (bEnd.3) and induced pluripotent stem cell-derived human brain endothelial cells for paracellular transport. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0268860. [PMID: 35613139 PMCID: PMC9132315 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0268860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain microvascular endothelial cells, forming the anatomical site of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), are widely used as in vitro complements to in vivo BBB studies. Among the immortalized cells used as in vitro BBB models, the murine-derived bEnd.3 cells offer culturing consistency and low cost and are well characterized for functional and transport assays, but result in low transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER). Human-induced pluripotent stem cells differentiated into brain microvascular endothelial cells (ihBMECs) have superior barrier properties, but the process of differentiation is time-consuming and can result in mixed endothelial-epithelial gene expression. Here we performed a side-by-side comparison of the ihBMECs and bEnd.3 cells for key paracellular diffusional transport characteristics. The TEER across the ihBMECs was 45- to 68-fold higher than the bEnd.3 monolayer. The ihBMECs had significantly lower tracer permeability than the bEnd.3 cells. Both, however, could discriminate between the paracellular permeabilities of two tracers: sodium fluorescein (MW: 376 Da) and fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-dextran (MW: 70 kDa). FITC-dextran permeability was a strong inverse-correlate of TEER in the bEnd.3 cells, whereas sodium fluorescein permeability was a strong inverse-correlate of TEER in the ihBMECs. Both bEnd.3 cells and ihBMECs showed the typical cobblestone morphology with robust uptake of acetylated LDL and strong immuno-positivity for vWF. Both models showed strong claudin-5 expression, albeit with differences in expression location. We further confirmed the vascular endothelial- (CD31 and tube-like formation) and erythrophagocytic-phenotypes and the response to inflammatory stimuli of ihBMECs. Overall, both bEnd.3 cells and ihBMECs express key brain endothelial phenotypic markers, and despite differential TEER measurements, these in vitro models can discriminate between the passage of different molecular weight tracers. Our results highlight the need to corroborate TEER measurements with different molecular weight tracers and that the bEnd.3 cells may be suitable for large molecule transport studies despite their low TEER.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahong Sun
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Chapman University, Irvine, CA, United States of America
| | - Weijun Ou
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Chapman University, Irvine, CA, United States of America
| | - Derick Han
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Keck Graduate Institute, Claremont, CA, United States of America
| | - Annlia Paganini-Hill
- Department of Neurology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States of America
| | - Mark J. Fisher
- Department of Neurology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States of America
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States of America
| | - Rachita K. Sumbria
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Chapman University, Irvine, CA, United States of America
- Department of Neurology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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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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40
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Jamieson JJ, Lin Y, Malloy N, Soto D, Searson PC, Gerecht S. Hypoxia-induced blood-brain barrier dysfunction is prevented by pericyte-conditioned media via attenuated actomyosin contractility and claudin-5 stabilization. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22331. [PMID: 35476363 PMCID: PMC9060394 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202200010rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) regulates molecular and cellular entry from the cerebrovasculature into the surrounding brain parenchyma. Many diseases of the brain are associated with dysfunction of the BBB, where hypoxia is a common stressor. However, the contribution of hypoxia to BBB dysfunction is challenging to study due to the complexity of the brain microenvironment. In this study, we used a BBB model with brain microvascular endothelial cells and pericytes differentiated from iPSCs to investigate the effect of hypoxia on barrier function. We found that hypoxia-induced barrier dysfunction is dependent upon increased actomyosin contractility and is associated with increased fibronectin fibrillogenesis. We propose a role for actomyosin contractility in mediating hypoxia-induced barrier dysfunction through modulation of junctional claudin-5. Our findings suggest pericytes may protect brain microvascular endothelial cells from hypoxic stresses and that pericyte-derived factors could be candidates for treatment of pathological barrier-forming tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- John J Jamieson
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - YingYu Lin
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Nicholas Malloy
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Daniel Soto
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Peter C Searson
- Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Sharon Gerecht
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Duke, North Carolina, USA
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41
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Fortune AJ, Fletcher JL, Blackburn NB, Young KM. Using MS induced pluripotent stem cells to investigate MS aetiology. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2022; 63:103839. [DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2022.103839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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42
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de Lange ECM, Hammarlund Udenaes M. Understanding the Blood-Brain Barrier and Beyond: Challenges and Opportunities for Novel CNS Therapeutics. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2022; 111:758-773. [PMID: 35220577 PMCID: PMC9305478 DOI: 10.1002/cpt.2545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
This review addresses questions on how to accomplish successful central nervous system (CNS) drug delivery (i.e., having the right concentration at the right CNS site, at the right time), by understanding the rate and extent of blood‐brain barrier (BBB) transport and intra‐CNS distribution in relation to CNS target site(s) exposure. To this end, we need to obtain and integrate quantitative and connected data on BBB using the Combinatory Mapping Approach that includes in vivo and ex vivo animal measurements, and the physiologically based comprehensive LEICNSPK3.0 mathematical model that can translate from animals to humans. For small molecules, slow diffusional BBB transport and active influx and efflux BBB transport determine the differences between plasma and CNS pharmacokinetics. Obviously, active efflux is important for limiting CNS drug delivery. Furthermore, liposomal formulations of small molecules may to a certain extent circumvent active influx and efflux at the BBB. Interestingly, for CNS pathologies, despite all reported disease associated BBB and CNS functional changes in animals and humans, integrative studies typically show a lack of changes on CNS drug delivery for the small molecules. In contrast, the understanding of the complex vesicle‐based BBB transport modes that are important for CNS delivery of large molecules is in progress, and their BBB transport seems to be significantly affected by CNS diseases. In conclusion, today, CNS drug delivery of small drugs can be well assessed and understood by integrative approaches, although there is still quite a long way to go to understand CNS drug delivery of large molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth C M de Lange
- Predictive Pharmacology Group, Systems Pharmacology and Pharmacy, LACDR, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
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43
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Experimental Comparison of Primary and hiPS-Based In Vitro Blood–Brain Barrier Models for Pharmacological Research. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14040737. [PMID: 35456571 PMCID: PMC9031459 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14040737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
In vitro model systems of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) play an essential role in pharmacological research, specifically during the development and preclinical evaluation of new drug candidates. Within the past decade, the trend in research and further development has moved away from models based on primary cells of animal origin towards differentiated models derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSs). However, this logical progression towards human model systems from renewable cell sources opens up questions about the transferability of results generated in the primary cell models. In this study, we have evaluated both models with identical experimental parameters and achieved a directly comparable characterisation showing no significant differences in protein expression or permeability even though the achieved transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) values showed significant differences. In the course of this investigation, we also determined a significant deviation of both model systems from the in vivo BBB circumstances, specifically concerning the presence or absence of serum proteins in the culture media. Thus, we have further evaluated both systems when confronted with an in vivo-like distribution of serum and found a notable improvement in the differential permeability of hydrophilic and lipophilic compounds in the hiPS-derived BBB model. We then transferred this model into a microfluidic setup while maintaining the differential serum distribution and evaluated the permeability coefficients, which showed good comparability with values in the literature. Therefore, we have developed a microfluidic hiPS-based BBB model with characteristics comparable to the established primary cell-based model.
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44
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Piantino M, Louis F, Shigemoto-Mogami Y, Kitamura K, Sato K, Yamaguchi T, Kawabata K, Yamamoto S, Iwasaki S, Hirabayashi H, Matsusaki M. Brain microvascular endothelial cells derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells as in vitro model for assessing blood-brain barrier transferrin receptor-mediated transcytosis. Mater Today Bio 2022; 14:100232. [PMID: 35308041 PMCID: PMC8927846 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2022.100232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB), a selective barrier formed by brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMEC), represents a major challenge for the efficient accumulation of pharmaceutical drugs into the brain. The receptor-mediated transcytosis (RMT) has recently gained increasing interest for pharmaceutical industry as it shows a great potential to shuttle large-sized therapeutic cargos across the BBB. Confirming the presence of the RMT pathway by BMEC is therefore important for the screening of peptides or antibody libraries that bind RMT receptors. Herein, a comparative study was performed between a human cell line of BMEC (HBEC) and human induced pluripotent stem cells-derived BMEC-like cells (hiPS-BMEC). The significantly higher gene and protein expressions of transporters and tight junction proteins, excepting CD31 and VE-cadherin were exhibited by hiPS-BMEC than by HBEC, suggesting more biomimetic BBB features of hiPS-BMEC. The presence and functionality of transferrin receptor (TfR), known to use RMT pathway, were confirmed using hiPS-BMEC by competitive binding assays and confocal microscopy observations. Finally, cysteine-modified T7 and cysteine modified-Tfr-T12 peptides, previously reported to be ligands of TfR, were compared regarding their permeability using hiPS-BMEC. The hiPS-BMEC could be useful for the identification of therapeutics that can be transported across the BBB using RMT pathway.
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45
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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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Choi J, Mathew S, Oerter S, Appelt-Menzel A, Hansmann J, Schmitz T. Online Measurement System for Dynamic Flow Bioreactors to Study Barrier Integrity of hiPSC-Based Blood-Brain Barrier In Vitro Models. Bioengineering (Basel) 2022; 9:bioengineering9010039. [PMID: 35049748 PMCID: PMC8773345 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering9010039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is a noninvasive, reliable, and efficient method to analyze the barrier integrity of in vitro tissue models. This well-established tool is used most widely to quantify the transendothelial/epithelial resistance (TEER) of Transwell-based models cultured under static conditions. However, dynamic culture in bioreactors can achieve advanced cell culture conditions that mimic a more tissue-specific environment and stimulation. This requires the development of culture systems that also allow for the assessment of barrier integrity under dynamic conditions. Here, we present a bioreactor system that is capable of the automated, continuous, and non-invasive online monitoring of cellular barrier integrity during dynamic culture. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) casting and 3D printing were used for the fabrication of the bioreactors. Additionally, attachable electrodes based on titanium nitride (TiN)-coated steel tubes were developed to perform EIS measurements. In order to test the monitored bioreactor system, blood–brain barrier (BBB) in vitro models derived from human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) were cultured for up to 7 days. We applied equivalent electrical circuit fitting to quantify the electrical parameters of the cell layer and observed that TEER gradually decreased over time from 2513 Ω·cm2 to 285 Ω·cm2, as also specified in the static control culture. Our versatile system offers the possibility to be used for various dynamic tissue cultures that require a non-invasive monitoring system for barrier integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihyoung Choi
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, University Hospital Würzburg, Röntgenring 11, 97070 Würzburg, Germany; (S.M.); (J.H.); (T.S.)
- Correspondence: (J.C.); (A.A.-M.)
| | - Sanjana Mathew
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, University Hospital Würzburg, Röntgenring 11, 97070 Würzburg, Germany; (S.M.); (J.H.); (T.S.)
| | - Sabrina Oerter
- Translational Center for Regenerative Therapies, Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research, Röntgenring 11, 97070 Würzburg, Germany;
| | - Antje Appelt-Menzel
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, University Hospital Würzburg, Röntgenring 11, 97070 Würzburg, Germany; (S.M.); (J.H.); (T.S.)
- Translational Center for Regenerative Therapies, Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research, Röntgenring 11, 97070 Würzburg, Germany;
- Correspondence: (J.C.); (A.A.-M.)
| | - Jan Hansmann
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, University Hospital Würzburg, Röntgenring 11, 97070 Würzburg, Germany; (S.M.); (J.H.); (T.S.)
- Faculty of Electronics, University of Applied Science Würzburg-Schweinfurt, Ignaz-Schön-Straße 11, 97421 Schweinfurt, Germany
| | - Tobias Schmitz
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, University Hospital Würzburg, Röntgenring 11, 97070 Würzburg, Germany; (S.M.); (J.H.); (T.S.)
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Krasemann S, Haferkamp U, Pfefferle S, Woo MS, Heinrich F, Schweizer M, Appelt-Menzel A, Cubukova A, Barenberg J, Leu J, Hartmann K, Thies E, Littau JL, Sepulveda-Falla D, Zhang L, Ton K, Liang Y, Matschke J, Ricklefs F, Sauvigny T, Sperhake J, Fitzek A, Gerhartl A, Brachner A, Geiger N, König EM, Bodem J, Franzenburg S, Franke A, Moese S, Müller FJ, Geisslinger G, Claussen C, Kannt A, Zaliani A, Gribbon P, Ondruschka B, Neuhaus W, Friese MA, Glatzel M, Pless O. The blood-brain barrier is dysregulated in COVID-19 and serves as a CNS entry route for SARS-CoV-2. Stem Cell Reports 2022; 17:307-320. [PMID: 35063125 PMCID: PMC8772030 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2021.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 63.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurological complications are common in COVID-19. Although SARS-CoV-2 has been detected in patients’ brain tissues, its entry routes and resulting consequences are not well understood. Here, we show a pronounced upregulation of interferon signaling pathways of the neurovascular unit in fatal COVID-19. By investigating the susceptibility of human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived brain capillary endothelial-like cells (BCECs) to SARS-CoV-2 infection, we found that BCECs were infected and recapitulated transcriptional changes detected in vivo. While BCECs were not compromised in their paracellular tightness, we found SARS-CoV-2 in the basolateral compartment in transwell assays after apical infection, suggesting active replication and transcellular transport of virus across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in vitro. Moreover, entry of SARS-CoV-2 into BCECs could be reduced by anti-spike-, anti-angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2)-, and anti-neuropilin-1 (NRP1)-specific antibodies or the transmembrane protease serine subtype 2 (TMPRSS2) inhibitor nafamostat. Together, our data provide strong support for SARS-CoV-2 brain entry across the BBB resulting in increased interferon signaling. IFNγ signaling is upregulated in COVID-19 human neurovascular unit SARS-CoV-2-infected hiPS-BCECs display similar upregulation of IFNγ signaling SARS-CoV-2 replicates in hiPS-BCECs and is released while barrier remains intact SARS-CoV-2 infection of hiPS-BCECs is decreased by antibodies and protease inhibitors
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48
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Pervaiz I, Al-Ahmad AJ. In Vitro Models of the Human Blood-Brain Barrier Utilising Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells: Opportunities and Challenges. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2492:53-72. [PMID: 35733038 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2289-6_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a component of the neurovascular unit formed by specialized brain microvascular endothelial cells surrounded by astrocytes end-feet processes, pericytes, and a basement membrane. The BBB plays an important role in the maintenance of brain homeostasis and has seen a growing involvement in the pathophysiology of various neurological diseases. On the other hand, the presence of such a barrier remains an important challenge for drug delivery to treat such illnesses.Since the pioneering work describing the isolation and cultivation of primary brain microvascular cells about 50 years ago until now, the development of an in vitro model of the BBB that is scalable, capable to form tight monolayers, and predictive of drug permeability in vivo remained extremely challenging.The recent description of the use of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) as a modeling tool for neurological diseases raised momentum into the use of such cells to develop new in vitro models of the BBB. This chapter will provide an exhaustive description of the use of iPSCs as a source of cells for modeling the BBB in vitro, describe the advantages and limitations of such model, as well as describe their prospective use for disease modeling and drug permeability screening platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iqra Pervaiz
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX, USA
| | - Abraham J Al-Ahmad
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX, USA.
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49
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Linville RM, Searson PC. Next-generation in vitro blood-brain barrier models: benchmarking and improving model accuracy. Fluids Barriers CNS 2021; 18:56. [PMID: 34876171 PMCID: PMC8650371 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-021-00291-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
With the limitations associated with post-mortem tissue and animal models, In vitro BBB models enable precise control of independent variables and microenvironmental cues, and hence play an important role in studying the BBB. Advances in stem cell technology and tissue engineering provide the tools to create next-generation in vitro BBB models with spatial organization of different cell types in 3D microenvironments that more closely match the human brain. These models will be capable of assessing the physiological and pathological responses to different perturbations relevant to health and disease. Here, we review the factors that determine the accuracy of in vitro BBB models, and describe how these factors will guide the development of next-generation models. Improving the accuracy of cell sources and microenvironmental cues will enable in vitro BBB models with improved accuracy and specificity to study processes and phenomena associated with zonation, brain region, age, sex, ethnicity, and disease state.
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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
| | - 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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50
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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: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [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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