1
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Eltanameli B, Piñeiro-Llanes J, Cristofoletti R. Recent advances in cell-based in vitro models for predicting drug permeability across brain, intestinal, and pulmonary barriers. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2024; 20:439-458. [PMID: 38850058 DOI: 10.1080/17425255.2024.2366390] [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: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Recent years have witnessed remarkable progress in the development of cell-based in vitro models aimed at predicting drug permeability, particularly focusing on replicating the barrier properties of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), intestinal epithelium, and lung epithelium. AREA COVERED This review provides an overview of 2D in vitro platforms, including monocultures and co-culture systems, highlighting their respective advantages and limitations. Additionally, it discusses tools and techniques utilized to overcome these limitations, paving the way for more accurate predictions of drug permeability. Furthermore, this review delves into emerging technologies, particularly microphysiological systems (MPS), encompassing static platforms such as organoids and dynamic platforms like microfluidic devices. Literature searches were performed using PubMed and Google Scholar. We focus on key terms such as in vitro permeability models, MPS, organoids, intestine, BBB, and lungs. EXPERT OPINION The potential of these MPS to mimic physiological conditions more closely offers promising avenues for drug permeability assessment. However, transitioning these advanced models from bench to industry requires rigorous validation against regulatory standards. Thus, there is a pressing need to validate MPS to industry and regulatory agency standards to exploit their potential in drug permeability prediction fully. This review underscores the importance of such validation processes to facilitate the translation of these innovative technologies into routine pharmaceutical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bassma Eltanameli
- Center for Pharmacometrics & Systems Pharmacology, Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Janny Piñeiro-Llanes
- Center for Pharmacometrics & Systems Pharmacology, Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Rodrigo Cristofoletti
- Center for Pharmacometrics & Systems Pharmacology, Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
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2
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Boylin K, Aquino GV, Purdon M, Abedi K, Kasendra M, Barrile R. Basic models to advanced systems: harnessing the power of organoids-based microphysiological models of the human brain. Biofabrication 2024; 16:032007. [PMID: 38749420 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/ad4c08] [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: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Understanding the complexities of the human brain's function in health and disease is a formidable challenge in neuroscience. While traditional models like animals offer valuable insights, they often fall short in accurately mirroring human biology and drug responses. Moreover, recent legislation has underscored the need for more predictive models that more accurately represent human physiology. To address this requirement, human-derived cell cultures have emerged as a crucial alternative for biomedical research. However, traditional static cell culture models lack the dynamic tissue microenvironment that governs human tissue function. Advancedin vitrosystems, such as organoids and microphysiological systems (MPSs), bridge this gap by offering more accurate representations of human biology. Organoids, which are three-dimensional miniaturized organ-like structures derived from stem cells, exhibit physiological responses akin to native tissues, but lack essential tissue-specific components such as functional vascular structures and immune cells. Recent endeavors have focused on incorporating endothelial cells and immune cells into organoids to enhance vascularization, maturation, and disease modeling. MPS, including organ-on-chip technologies, integrate diverse cell types and vascularization under dynamic culture conditions, revolutionizing brain research by bridging the gap betweenin vitroandin vivomodels. In this review, we delve into the evolution of MPS, with a particular focus on highlighting the significance of vascularization in enhancing the viability, functionality, and disease modeling potential of organoids. By examining the interplay of vasculature and neuronal cells within organoids, we can uncover novel therapeutic targets and gain valuable insights into disease mechanisms, offering the promise of significant advancements in neuroscience and improved patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Boylin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America
- Center for Stem Cells and Organoid Medicine (CuSTOM), Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America
| | - Grace V Aquino
- Center for Stem Cells and Organoid Medicine (CuSTOM), Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America
| | - Michael Purdon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America
- Center for Stem Cells and Organoid Medicine (CuSTOM), Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America
| | - Kimia Abedi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America
- Center for Stem Cells and Organoid Medicine (CuSTOM), Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America
| | - Magdalena Kasendra
- Center for Stem Cells and Organoid Medicine (CuSTOM), Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America
| | - Riccardo Barrile
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America
- Center for Stem Cells and Organoid Medicine (CuSTOM), Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America
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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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Patel R, Cui A, Bosco P, Akcan U, Richters E, Delgado PB, Agalliu D, Sproul AA. Generation of hiPSC-derived brain microvascular endothelial cells using a combination of directed differentiation and transcriptional reprogramming strategies. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.03.588012. [PMID: 38903080 PMCID: PMC11188081 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.03.588012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB), formed by specialized brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs), regulates brain function in health and disease. In vitro modeling of the human BBB is limited by the lack of robust protocols to generate BMECs from human iPSCs (hiPSCs). Here, we report generation of reprogrammed BMECs (rBMECs) through combining hiPSC differentiation into BBB-primed endothelial cells (bpECs) and reprogramming with two BBB transcription factors, FOXF2 and ZIC3. rBMECs express a subset of the BBB gene repertoire including tight junctions and transporters, exhibit higher paracellular barrier properties, lower caveolar-mediated transcytosis, and equivalent p-glycoprotein activity compared to primary HBMECs, and can be activated by oligomeric Aβ42. We then generated an hiPSC-derived 3D neurovascular system that incorporates rBMECs, pericytes, and astrocytes using the MIMETAS platform. This novel 3D system closely resembles the in vivo BBB at structural and functional levels and can be used to study pathogenic mechanisms of neurological diseases.
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Cai X, Refaat A, Gan PY, Fan B, Yu H, Thang SH, Drummond CJ, Voelcker NH, Tran N, Zhai J. Angiopep-2-Functionalized Lipid Cubosomes for Blood-Brain Barrier Crossing and Glioblastoma Treatment. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:12161-12174. [PMID: 38416873 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c14709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is an aggressive brain cancer with high malignancy and resistance to conventional treatments, resulting in a bleak prognosis. Nanoparticles offer a way to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and deliver precise therapies to tumor sites with reduced side effects. In this study, we developed angiopep-2 (Ang2)-functionalized lipid cubosomes loaded with cisplatin (CDDP) and temozolomide (TMZ) for crossing the BBB and providing targeted glioblastoma therapy. Developed lipid cubosomes showed a particle size of around 300 nm and possessed an internal ordered inverse primitive cubic phase, a high conjugation efficiency of Ang2 to the particle surface, and an encapsulation efficiency of more than 70% of CDDP and TMZ. In vitro models, including BBB hCMEC/D3 cell tight monolayer, 3D BBB cell spheroid, and microfluidic BBB/GBM-on-a-chip models with cocultured BBB and glioblastoma cells, were employed to study the efficiency of the developed cubosomes to cross the BBB and showed that Ang2-functionalized cubosomes can penetrate the BBB more effectively. Furthermore, Ang2-functionalized cubosomes showed significantly higher uptake by U87 glioblastoma cells, with a 3-fold increase observed in the BBB/GBM-on-a-chip model as compared to that of the bare cubosomes. Additionally, the in vivo biodistribution showed that Ang2 modification could significantly enhance the brain accumulation of cubosomes in comparison to that of non-functionalized particles. Moreover, CDDP-loaded Ang2-functionalized cubosomes presented an enhanced toxic effect on U87 spheroids. These findings suggest that the developed Ang2-cubosomes are prospective for improved BBB crossing and enhanced delivery of therapeutics to glioblastoma and are worth pursuing further as a potential application of nanomedicine for GBM treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xudong Cai
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne 3000, VIC, Australia
| | - Ahmed Refaat
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne 3052, VIC, Australia
| | - Poh-Yi Gan
- Department of Medicine, Centre for Inflammatory Diseases, Monash University, 246 Clayton Rd, Clayton 3168, VIC, Australia
| | - Bo Fan
- School of Chemistry, Monash University, Clayton 3800, VIC, Australia
| | - Haitao Yu
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne 3000, VIC, Australia
| | - San H Thang
- School of Chemistry, Monash University, Clayton 3800, VIC, Australia
| | - Calum J Drummond
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne 3000, VIC, Australia
| | - Nicolas H Voelcker
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne 3052, VIC, Australia
- Melbourne Centre for Nanofabrication, Victorian Node of the Australian National Fabrication Facility, Clayton 3168, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Monash University, Clayton 3168, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nhiem Tran
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne 3000, VIC, Australia
| | - Jiali Zhai
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne 3000, VIC, Australia
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6
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Thai K, Prat A. CNS therapeutics: Immune cells break the barriers. Sci Transl Med 2023; 15:eadh1150. [PMID: 37939159 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.adh1150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Peripheral immune cells can be seen as attractive vectors and drug carriers for central nervous system therapeutics because these cells have unique properties that allow them to migrate across the blood-brain barrier, enabling drug delivery to brain regions that are inaccessible to free drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karine Thai
- Neuroimmunology Research Laboratory, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montreal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Alexandre Prat
- Neuroimmunology Research Laboratory, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montreal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
- Multiple Sclerosis Clinic, Division of Neurology, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM), Montreal, QC H2L 4M1, Canada
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7
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Sekulic M, Abdollahi N, Graf L, Deigendesch N, Puche R, Bodmer D, Petkovic V. Human blood-labyrinth barrier on a chip: a unique in vitro tool for investigation of BLB properties. RSC Adv 2023; 13:25508-25517. [PMID: 37636514 PMCID: PMC10450574 DOI: 10.1039/d3ra04704k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Hearing loss is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide, usually as a result of hair cell damage in the inner ear due to aging, acoustic trauma, or exposure to antibiotics or chemotherapy. No drug therapies can protect or restore hearing and current in vitro and animal models used in drug discovery have a very low success rate, mostly due to major differences in anatomy and accessibility of the inner ear environment between species. The blood-labyrinth barrier (BLB) in the stria vascularis is a highly specialized capillary network that controls exchanges between the blood and interstitial space in the cochlea. The BLB is critical for normal hearing, functioning as a physical, transport, and metabolic barrier. To address its complexity and accessibility, we created the first micro-engineered human model of BLB on a chip using autogenous progenitor cells from adult temporal bones. We successfully isolated the BLB from post-mortem human tissue and established an endothelial cell and pericyte culture system on a BLB chip. Using biocompatible materials, we fabricated sustainable two chamber chips. We validated the size-dependent permeability limits of our BLB model by measuring the permeability to daptomycin (molecular weight 1.6 kDa) and midazolam (molecular weight 325.78 Da). Daptomycin did not pass through the BLB layer, whereas midazolam readily passed through the BLB in our system. Thus, our BLB-chip mimicked the integrity and permeability of human stria vascularis capillaries. This represents a major step towards establishing a reliable model for the development of hearing loss treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marijana Sekulic
- Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel Basel Switzerland
| | - Narjes Abdollahi
- Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel Basel Switzerland
| | - Lukas Graf
- Clinic for Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Basel Basel Switzerland
| | | | - Raoul Puche
- Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel Basel Switzerland
| | - Daniel Bodmer
- Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel Basel Switzerland
- Clinic for Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Basel Basel Switzerland
| | - Vesna Petkovic
- Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel Basel Switzerland
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Grabowska AD, Wątroba M, Witkowska J, Mikulska A, Sepúlveda N, Szukiewicz D. Interplay between Systemic Glycemia and Neuroprotective Activity of Resveratrol in Modulating Astrocyte SIRT1 Response to Neuroinflammation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11640. [PMID: 37511397 PMCID: PMC10380505 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The flow of substances between the blood and the central nervous system is precisely regulated by the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Its disruption due to unbalanced blood glucose levels (hyper- and hypoglycemia) occurring in metabolic disorders, such as type 2 diabetes, can lead to neuroinflammation, and increase the risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases. One of the most studied natural anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective compounds is resveratrol (RSV). It activates sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), a key metabolism regulator dependent on cell energy status. The aim of this study was to assess the astrocyte SIRT1 response to neuroinflammation and subsequent RSV treatment, depending on systemic glycemia. For this purpose, we used an optimized in vitro model of the BBB consisting of endothelial cells and astrocytes, representing microvascular and brain compartments (MC and BC), in different glycemic backgrounds. Astrocyte-secreted SIRT1 reached the highest concentration in hypo-, the lowest in normo-, and the lowest in hyperglycemic backgrounds. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced neuroinflammation caused a substantial decrease in SIRT1 in all glycemic backgrounds, as observed earliest in hyperglycemia. RSV partially counterbalanced the effect of LPS on SIRT1 secretion, most remarkably in normoglycemia. Our results suggest that abnormal glycemic states have a worse prognosis for RSV-therapy effectiveness compared to normoglycemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna D. Grabowska
- Laboratory of the Blood-Brain Barrier, Department of Biophysics, Physiology and Pathophysiology, Medical University of Warsaw, Chalubinskiego 5, 02-004 Warsaw, Poland; (M.W.); (J.W.); (A.M.); (D.S.)
| | - Mateusz Wątroba
- Laboratory of the Blood-Brain Barrier, Department of Biophysics, Physiology and Pathophysiology, Medical University of Warsaw, Chalubinskiego 5, 02-004 Warsaw, Poland; (M.W.); (J.W.); (A.M.); (D.S.)
| | - Joanna Witkowska
- Laboratory of the Blood-Brain Barrier, Department of Biophysics, Physiology and Pathophysiology, Medical University of Warsaw, Chalubinskiego 5, 02-004 Warsaw, Poland; (M.W.); (J.W.); (A.M.); (D.S.)
| | - Agnieszka Mikulska
- Laboratory of the Blood-Brain Barrier, Department of Biophysics, Physiology and Pathophysiology, Medical University of Warsaw, Chalubinskiego 5, 02-004 Warsaw, Poland; (M.W.); (J.W.); (A.M.); (D.S.)
| | - Nuno Sepúlveda
- Faculty of Mathematics and Information Science, Warsaw University of Technology, Koszykowa 75, 00-662 Warsaw, Poland
- CEAUL—Centro de Estatística e Aplicações da Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Dariusz Szukiewicz
- Laboratory of the Blood-Brain Barrier, Department of Biophysics, Physiology and Pathophysiology, Medical University of Warsaw, Chalubinskiego 5, 02-004 Warsaw, Poland; (M.W.); (J.W.); (A.M.); (D.S.)
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9
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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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10
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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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11
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Gonzales-Aloy E, Ahmed-Cox A, Tsoli M, Ziegler DS, Kavallaris M. From cells to organoids: The evolution of blood-brain barrier technology for modelling drug delivery in brain cancer. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 196:114777. [PMID: 36931346 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.114777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
Brain cancer remains the deadliest cancer. The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is impenetrable to most drugs and is a complex 3D network of multiple cell types including endothelial cells, astrocytes, and pericytes. In brain cancers, the BBB becomes disrupted during tumor progression and forms the blood-brain tumor barrier (BBTB). To advance therapeutic development, there is a critical need for physiologically relevant BBB in vitro models. 3D cell systems are emerging as valuable preclinical models to accelerate discoveries for diseases. Given the versatility and capability of 3D cell models, their potential for modelling the BBB and BBTB is reviewed. Technological advances of BBB models and challenges of in vitro modelling the BBTB, and application of these models as tools for assessing therapeutics and nano drug delivery, are discussed. Quantitative, in vitro BBB models that are predictive of effective brain cancer therapies will be invaluable for accelerating advancing new treatments to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estrella Gonzales-Aloy
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Center, UNSW Sydney, NSW, Australia; Australian Center for NanoMedicine, UNSW Sydney, NSW, Australia; School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Aria Ahmed-Cox
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Center, UNSW Sydney, NSW, Australia; Australian Center for NanoMedicine, UNSW Sydney, NSW, Australia; School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, NSW, Australia; Katharina Gaus Light Microscopy Facility, Mark Wainright Analytical Center, UNSW Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Maria Tsoli
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Center, UNSW Sydney, NSW, Australia; School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - David S Ziegler
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Center, UNSW Sydney, NSW, Australia; School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, NSW, Australia; Kids Cancer Center, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - Maria Kavallaris
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Center, UNSW Sydney, NSW, Australia; Australian Center for NanoMedicine, UNSW Sydney, NSW, Australia; School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, NSW, Australia; UNSW RNA Institute, UNSW Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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12
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Contreras EG, Klämbt C. The Drosophila blood-brain barrier emerges as a model for understanding human brain diseases. Neurobiol Dis 2023; 180:106071. [PMID: 36898613 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106071] [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: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The accurate regulation of the microenvironment within the nervous system is one of the key features characterizing complex organisms. To this end, neural tissue has to be physically separated from circulation, but at the same time, mechanisms must be in place to allow controlled transport of nutrients and macromolecules into and out of the brain. These roles are executed by cells of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) found at the interface of circulation and neural tissue. BBB dysfunction is observed in several neurological diseases in human. Although this can be considered as a consequence of diseases, strong evidence supports the notion that BBB dysfunction can promote the progression of brain disorders. In this review, we compile the recent evidence describing the contribution of the Drosophila BBB to the further understanding of brain disease features in human patients. We discuss the function of the Drosophila BBB during infection and inflammation, drug clearance and addictions, sleep, chronic neurodegenerative disorders and epilepsy. In summary, this evidence suggests that the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, can be successfully employed as a model to disentangle mechanisms underlying human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esteban G Contreras
- University of Münster, Institute of Neuro- and Behavioral Biology, Badestr. 9, Münster, Germany.
| | - Christian Klämbt
- University of Münster, Institute of Neuro- and Behavioral Biology, Badestr. 9, Münster, Germany.
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13
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Morrison JI, Petrovic A, Metzendorf NG, Rofo F, Yilmaz CU, Stenler S, Laudon H, Hultqvist G. Standardized Preclinical In Vitro Blood-Brain Barrier Mouse Assay Validates Endocytosis-Dependent Antibody Transcytosis Using Transferrin-Receptor-Mediated Pathways. Mol Pharm 2023; 20:1564-1576. [PMID: 36808999 PMCID: PMC9997753 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.2c00768] [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] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
The presence of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) creates a nigh-on impenetrable obstacle for large macromolecular therapeutics that need to be delivered to the brain milieu to treat neurological disorders. To overcome this, one of the strategies used is to bypass the barrier with what is referred to as a "Trojan Horse" strategy, where therapeutics are designed to use endogenous receptor-mediated pathways to piggyback their way through the BBB. Even though in vivo methodologies are commonly used to test the efficacy of BBB-penetrating biologics, comparable in vitro BBB models are in high demand, as they benefit from being an isolated cellular system devoid of physiological factors that can on occasion mask the processes behind BBB transport via transcytosis. We have developed an in vitro BBB model (In-Cell BBB-Trans assay) based on the murine cEND cells that help delineate the ability of modified large bivalent IgG antibodies conjugated to the transferrin receptor binder scFv8D3 to cross an endothelial monolayer grown on porous cell culture inserts (PCIs). Following the administration of bivalent antibodies into the endothelial monolayer, a highly sensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is used to determine the concentration in the apical (blood) and basolateral (brain) chambers of the PCI system, allowing for the evaluation of apical recycling and basolateral transcytosis, respectively. Our results show that antibodies conjugated to scFv8D3 transcytose at considerably higher levels compared to unconjugated antibodies in the In-Cell BBB-Trans assay. Interestingly, we are able to show that these results mimic in vivo brain uptake studies using identical antibodies. In addition, we are able to transversely section PCI cultured cells, allowing for the identification of receptors and proteins that are likely involved in the transcytosis of the antibodies. Furthermore, studies using the In-Cell BBB-Trans assay revealed that transcytosis of the transferrin-receptor-targeting antibodies is dependent on endocytosis. In conclusion, we have designed a simple, reproducible In-Cell BBB-Trans assay based on murine cells that can be used to rapidly determine the BBB-penetrating capabilities of transferrin-receptor-targeting antibodies. We believe that the In-Cell BBB-Trans assay can be used as a powerful, preclinical screening platform for therapeutic neurological pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie I Morrison
- Institutionen för Farmaci, Uppsala Universitet, Uppsala 752 37, Sweden
| | - Alex Petrovic
- Institutionen för Farmaci, Uppsala Universitet, Uppsala 752 37, Sweden
| | | | - Fadi Rofo
- Institutionen för Farmaci, Uppsala Universitet, Uppsala 752 37, Sweden
| | - Canan U Yilmaz
- Institutionen för Farmaci, Uppsala Universitet, Uppsala 752 37, Sweden
| | - Sofia Stenler
- Institutionen för Farmaci, Uppsala Universitet, Uppsala 752 37, Sweden
| | | | - Greta Hultqvist
- Institutionen för Farmaci, Uppsala Universitet, Uppsala 752 37, Sweden
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14
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Yang J, Luly KM, Green JJ. Nonviral nanoparticle gene delivery into the CNS for neurological disorders and brain cancer applications. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY 2023; 15:e1853. [PMID: 36193561 PMCID: PMC10023321 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 03/15/2023]
Abstract
Nonviral nanoparticles have emerged as an attractive alternative to viral vectors for gene therapy applications, utilizing a range of lipid-based, polymeric, and inorganic materials. These materials can either encapsulate or be functionalized to bind nucleic acids and protect them from degradation. To effectively elicit changes to gene expression, the nanoparticle carrier needs to undergo a series of steps intracellularly, from interacting with the cellular membrane to facilitate cellular uptake to endosomal escape and nucleic acid release. Adjusting physiochemical properties of the nanoparticles, such as size, charge, and targeting ligands, can improve cellular uptake and ultimately gene delivery. Applications in the central nervous system (CNS; i.e., neurological diseases, brain cancers) face further extracellular barriers for a gene-carrying nanoparticle to surpass, with the most significant being the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Approaches to overcome these extracellular challenges to deliver nanoparticles into the CNS include systemic, intracerebroventricular, intrathecal, and intranasal administration. This review describes and compares different biomaterials for nonviral nanoparticle-mediated gene therapy to the CNS and explores challenges and recent preclinical and clinical developments in overcoming barriers to nanoparticle-mediated delivery to the brain. This article is categorized under: Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Neurological Disease Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Yang
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering, Ophthalmology, Oncology, Neurosurgery, Materials Science & Engineering, and Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Kathryn M Luly
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering, Ophthalmology, Oncology, Neurosurgery, Materials Science & Engineering, and Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jordan J Green
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering, Ophthalmology, Oncology, Neurosurgery, Materials Science & Engineering, and Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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15
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Du F, Shusta EV, Palecek SP. Extracellular matrix proteins in construction and function of in vitro blood-brain barrier models. FRONTIERS IN CHEMICAL ENGINEERING 2023. [DOI: 10.3389/fceng.2023.1130127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a highly impermeable barrier separating circulating blood and brain tissue. A functional BBB is critical for brain health, and BBB dysfunction has been linked to the pathophysiology of diseases such as stroke and Alzheimer’s disease. A variety of models have been developed to study the formation and maintenance of the BBB, ranging from in vivo animal models to in vitro models consisting of primary cells or cells differentiated from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs). These models must consider the composition and source of the cellular components of the neurovascular unit (NVU), including brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs), brain pericytes, astrocytes, and neurons, and how these cell types interact. In addition, the non-cellular components of the BBB microenvironment, such as the brain vascular basement membrane (BM) that is in direct contact with the NVU, also play key roles in BBB function. Here, we review how extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins in the brain vascular BM affect the BBB, with a particular focus on studies using hPSC-derived in vitro BBB models, and discuss how future studies are needed to advance our understanding of how the ECM affects BBB models to improve model performance and expand our knowledge on the formation and maintenance of the BBB.
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16
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Mantecón-Oria M, Rivero MJ, Diban N, Urtiaga A. On the quest of reliable 3D dynamic in vitro blood-brain barrier models using polymer hollow fiber membranes: Pitfalls, progress, and future perspectives. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:1056162. [DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.1056162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
With the increasing concern of neurodegenerative diseases, the development of new therapies and effective pharmaceuticals targeted to central nervous system (CNS) illnesses is crucial for ensuring social and economic sustainability in an ageing world. Unfortunately, many promising treatments at the initial stages of the pharmaceutical development process, that is at the in vitro screening stages, do not finally show the expected results at the clinical level due to their inability to cross the human blood-brain barrier (BBB), highlighting the inefficiency of in vitro BBB models to recapitulate the real functionality of the human BBB. In the last decades research has focused on the development of in vitro BBB models from basic 2D monolayer cultures to 3D cell co-cultures employing different system configurations. Particularly, the use of polymeric hollow fiber membranes (HFs) as scaffolds plays a key role in perfusing 3D dynamic in vitro BBB (DIV-BBB) models. Their incorporation into a perfusion bioreactor system may potentially enhance the vascularization and oxygenation of 3D cell cultures improving cell communication and the exchange of nutrients and metabolites through the microporous membranes. The quest for developing a benchmark 3D dynamic in vitro blood brain barrier model requires the critical assessment of the different aspects that limits the technology. This article will focus on identifying the advantages and main limitations of the HFs in terms of polymer materials, microscopic porous morphology, and other practical issues that play an important role to adequately mimic the physiological environment and recapitulate BBB architecture. Based on this study, we consider that future strategic advances of this technology to become fully implemented as a gold standard DIV-BBB model will require the exploration of novel polymers and/or composite materials, and the optimization of the morphology of the membranes towards thinner HFs (<50 μm) with higher porosities and surface pore sizes of 1–2 µm to facilitate the intercommunication via regulatory factors between the cell co-culture models of the BBB.
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17
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Latif S, Kang YS. Blood-Brain Barrier Solute Carrier Transporters and Motor Neuron Disease. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:2167. [PMID: 36297602 PMCID: PMC9608738 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14102167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Defective solute carrier (SLC) transporters are responsible for neurotransmitter dysregulation, resulting in neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We provided the role and kinetic parameters of transporters such as ASCTs, Taut, LAT1, CAT1, MCTs, OCTNs, CHT, and CTL1, which are mainly responsible for the transport of essential nutrients, acidic, and basic drugs in blood-brain barrier (BBB) and motor neuron disease. The affinity for LAT1 was higher in the BBB than in the ALS model cell line, whereas the capacity was higher in the NSC-34 cell lines than in the BBB. Affinity for MCTs was lower in the BBB than in the NSC-34 cell lines. CHT in BBB showed two affinity sites, whereas no expression was observed in ALS cell lines. CTL1 was the main transporter for choline in ALS cell lines. The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) analysis of [3H]choline uptake indicated that choline is sensitive in TR-BBB cells, whereas amiloride is most sensitive in ALS cell lines. Knowledge of the transport systems in the BBB and motor neurons will help to deliver drugs to the brain and develop the therapeutic strategy for treating CNS and neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Young-Sook Kang
- Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Sookmyung Women’s University, 100 Cheongpa-ro 47-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul 04310, Korea
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18
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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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