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Amartumur S, Nguyen H, Huynh T, Kim TS, Woo RS, Oh E, Kim KK, Lee LP, Heo C. Neuropathogenesis-on-chips for neurodegenerative diseases. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2219. [PMID: 38472255 PMCID: PMC10933492 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46554-8] [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: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Developing diagnostics and treatments for neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) is challenging due to multifactorial pathogenesis that progresses gradually. Advanced in vitro systems that recapitulate patient-like pathophysiology are emerging as alternatives to conventional animal-based models. In this review, we explore the interconnected pathogenic features of different types of ND, discuss the general strategy to modelling NDs using a microfluidic chip, and introduce the organoid-on-a-chip as the next advanced relevant model. Lastly, we overview how these models are being applied in academic and industrial drug development. The integration of microfluidic chips, stem cells, and biotechnological devices promises to provide valuable insights for biomedical research and developing diagnostic and therapeutic solutions for NDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarnai Amartumur
- Department of Biophysics, Institute of Quantum Biophysics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Korea
| | - Huong Nguyen
- Department of Biophysics, Institute of Quantum Biophysics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Korea
| | - Thuy Huynh
- Department of Biophysics, Institute of Quantum Biophysics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Korea
| | - Testaverde S Kim
- Center for Integrated Nanostructure Physics (CINAP), Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Suwon, 16419, Korea
| | - Ran-Sook Woo
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, College of Medicine, Eulji University, Daejeon, 34824, Korea
| | - Eungseok Oh
- Department of Neurology, Chungnam National University Hospital, Daejeon, 35015, Korea
| | - Kyeong Kyu Kim
- Department of Precision Medicine, Graduate School of Basic Medical Science (GSBMS), Institute for Anti-microbial Resistance Research and Therapeutics, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, 16419, Korea
| | - Luke P Lee
- Department of Biophysics, Institute of Quantum Biophysics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Korea.
- Harvard Medical School, Division of Engineering in Medicine and Renal Division, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- Department of Bioengineering, Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA.
| | - Chaejeong Heo
- Department of Biophysics, Institute of Quantum Biophysics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Korea.
- Center for Integrated Nanostructure Physics (CINAP), Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Suwon, 16419, Korea.
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2
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Krawczyk E, Kitlińska J. Preclinical Models of Neuroblastoma-Current Status and Perspectives. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3314. [PMID: 37444423 PMCID: PMC10340830 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15133314] [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: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Preclinical in vitro and in vivo models remain indispensable tools in cancer research. These classic models, including two- and three-dimensional cell culture techniques and animal models, are crucial for basic and translational studies. However, each model has its own limitations and typically does not fully recapitulate the course of the human disease. Therefore, there is an urgent need for the development of novel, advanced systems that can allow for efficient evaluation of the mechanisms underlying cancer development and progression, more accurately reflect the disease pathophysiology and complexity, and effectively inform therapeutic decisions for patients. Preclinical models are especially important for rare cancers, such as neuroblastoma, where the availability of patient-derived specimens that could be used for potential therapy evaluation and screening is limited. Neuroblastoma modeling is further complicated by the disease heterogeneity. In this review, we present the current status of preclinical models for neuroblastoma research, discuss their development and characteristics emphasizing strengths and limitations, and describe the necessity of the development of novel, more advanced and clinically relevant approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Krawczyk
- Department of Pathology, Center for Cell Reprogramming, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Joanna Kitlińska
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA
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3
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Khamis ZI, Sarker DB, Xue Y, Al-Akkary N, James VD, Zeng C, Li Y, Sang QXA. Modeling Human Brain Tumors and the Microenvironment Using Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15041253. [PMID: 36831595 PMCID: PMC9954701 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15041253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain cancer is a group of diverse and rapidly growing malignancies that originate in the central nervous system (CNS) and have a poor prognosis. The complexity of brain structure and function makes brain cancer modeling extremely difficult, limiting pathological studies and therapeutic developments. Advancements in human pluripotent stem cell technology have opened a window of opportunity for brain cancer modeling, providing a wealth of customizable methods to simulate the disease in vitro. This is achieved with the advent of genome editing and genetic engineering technologies that can simulate germline and somatic mutations found in human brain tumors. This review investigates induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-based approaches to model human brain cancer. The applications of iPSCs as renewable sources of individual brain cell types, brain organoids, blood-brain barrier (BBB), and brain tumor models are discussed. The brain tumor models reviewed are glioblastoma and medulloblastoma. The iPSC-derived isogenic cells and three-dimensional (3D) brain cancer organoids combined with patient-derived xenografts will enhance future compound screening and drug development for these deadly human brain cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahraa I. Khamis
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
- Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32310, USA
- High-Performance Materials Institute, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32310, USA
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Molecular Immunology, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences-I, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Drishty B. Sarker
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | - Yu Xue
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | - Nancy Al-Akkary
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Molecular Immunology, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences-I, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Viviana D. James
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | - Changchun Zeng
- Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32310, USA
- High-Performance Materials Institute, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32310, USA
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
- Institute of Molecular Biophysics, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | - Qing-Xiang Amy Sang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
- Institute of Molecular Biophysics, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-850-644-8683; Fax: +1-850-644-8281
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Lin W, Wang M, Xu L, Tortorella M, Li G. Cartilage organoids for cartilage development and cartilage-associated disease modeling. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1125405. [PMID: 36824369 PMCID: PMC9941961 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1125405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Cartilage organoids have emerged as powerful modelling technology for recapitulation of joint embryonic events, and cartilage regeneration, as well as pathophysiology of cartilage-associated diseases. Recent breakthroughs have uncovered "mini-joint" models comprising of multicellular components and extracellular matrices of joint cartilage for development of novel disease-modifying strategies for personalized therapeutics of cartilage-associated diseases. Here, we hypothesized that LGR5-expressing embryonic joint chondroprogenitor cells are ideal stem cells for the generation of cartilage organoids as "mini-joints" ex vivo "in a dish" for embryonic joint development, cartilage repair, and cartilage-associated disease modelling as essential research models of drug screening for further personalized regenerative therapy. The pilot research data suggested that LGR5-GFP-expressing embryonic joint progenitor cells are promising for generation of cartilage organoids through gel embedding method, which may exert various preclinical and clinical applications for realization of personalized regenerative therapy in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiping Lin
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China,The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China,*Correspondence: Weiping Lin, ; Liangliang Xu, ; Micky Tortorella, ; Gang Li,
| | - Min Wang
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Liangliang Xu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China,*Correspondence: Weiping Lin, ; Liangliang Xu, ; Micky Tortorella, ; Gang Li,
| | - Micky Tortorella
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China,Drug Discovery Pipeline at the Guangzhou Institutes for Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China,*Correspondence: Weiping Lin, ; Liangliang Xu, ; Micky Tortorella, ; Gang Li,
| | - Gang Li
- Musculoskeletal Research Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedics & Traumatology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China,Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Laboratory, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China,Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China,*Correspondence: Weiping Lin, ; Liangliang Xu, ; Micky Tortorella, ; Gang Li,
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Inagaki E, Yoshimatsu S, Okano H. Accelerated neuronal aging in vitro ∼melting watch ∼. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:868770. [PMID: 36016855 PMCID: PMC9397486 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.868770] [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: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In developed countries, the aging of the population and the associated increase in age-related diseases are causing major unresolved medical, social, and environmental matters. Therefore, research on aging has become one of the most important and urgent issues in life sciences. If the molecular mechanisms of the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases are elucidated, we can expect to develop disease-modifying methods to prevent neurodegeneration itself. Since the discovery of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), there has been an explosion of disease models using disease-specific iPSCs derived from patient-derived somatic cells. By inducing the differentiation of iPSCs into neurons, disease models that reflect the patient-derived pathology can be reproduced in culture dishes, and are playing an active role in elucidating new pathological mechanisms and as a platform for new drug discovery. At the same time, however, we are faced with a new problem: how to recapitulate aging in culture dishes. It has been pointed out that cells differentiated from pluripotent stem cells are juvenile, retain embryonic traits, and may not be fully mature. Therefore, attempts are being made to induce cell maturation, senescence, and stress signals through culture conditions. It has also been reported that direct conversion of fibroblasts into neurons can reproduce human neurons with an aged phenotype. Here, we outline some state-of-the-art insights into models of neuronal aging in vitro. New frontiers in which stem cells and methods for inducing differentiation of tissue regeneration can be applied to aging research are just now approaching, and we need to keep a close eye on them. These models are forefront and intended to advance our knowledge of the molecular mechanisms of aging and contribute to the development of novel therapies for human neurodegenerative diseases associated with aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emi Inagaki
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Japanese Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sho Yoshimatsu
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Okano
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- *Correspondence: Hideyuki Okano,
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Martinelli I, Tayebati SK, Tomassoni D, Nittari G, Roy P, Amenta F. Brain and Retinal Organoids for Disease Modeling: The Importance of In Vitro Blood–Brain and Retinal Barriers Studies. Cells 2022; 11:cells11071120. [PMID: 35406683 PMCID: PMC8997725 DOI: 10.3390/cells11071120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain and retinal organoids are functional and dynamic in vitro three-dimensional (3D) structures derived from pluripotent stem cells that spontaneously organize themselves to their in vivo counterparts. Here, we review the main literature data of how these organoids have been developed through different protocols and how they have been technically analyzed. Moreover, this paper reviews recent advances in using organoids to model neurological and retinal diseases, considering their potential for translational applications but also pointing out their limitations. Since the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and blood–retinal barrier (BRB) are understood to play a fundamental role respectively in brain and eye functions, both in health and in disease, we provide an overview of the progress in the development techniques of in vitro models as reliable and predictive screening tools for BBB and BRB-penetrating compounds. Furthermore, we propose potential future directions for brain and retinal organoids, in which dedicated biobanks will represent a novel tool for neuroscience and ophthalmology research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilenia Martinelli
- School of Medicinal and Health Products Sciences, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (S.K.T.); (G.N.); (F.A.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Seyed Khosrow Tayebati
- School of Medicinal and Health Products Sciences, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (S.K.T.); (G.N.); (F.A.)
| | - Daniele Tomassoni
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (D.T.); (P.R.)
| | - Giulio Nittari
- School of Medicinal and Health Products Sciences, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (S.K.T.); (G.N.); (F.A.)
| | - Proshanta Roy
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (D.T.); (P.R.)
| | - Francesco Amenta
- School of Medicinal and Health Products Sciences, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (S.K.T.); (G.N.); (F.A.)
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Kofman S, Mohan N, Sun X, Ibric L, Piermarini E, Qiang L. Human mini brains and spinal cords in a dish: Modeling strategies, current challenges, and prospective advances. J Tissue Eng 2022; 13:20417314221113391. [PMID: 35898331 PMCID: PMC9310295 DOI: 10.1177/20417314221113391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Engineered three-dimensional (3D) in vitro and ex vivo neural tissues, also known
as “mini brains and spinal cords in a dish,” can be derived from different types
of human stem cells via several differentiation protocols. In general, human
mini brains are micro-scale physiological systems consisting of mixed
populations of neural progenitor cells, glial cells, and neurons that may
represent key features of human brain anatomy and function. To date, these
specialized 3D tissue structures can be characterized into spheroids, organoids,
assembloids, organ-on-a-chip and their various combinations based on generation
procedures and cellular components. These 3D CNS models incorporate complex
cell-cell interactions and play an essential role in bridging the gap between
two-dimensional human neuroglial cultures and animal models. Indeed, they
provide an innovative platform for disease modeling and therapeutic cell
replacement, especially shedding light on the potential to realize personalized
medicine for neurological disorders when combined with the revolutionary human
induced pluripotent stem cell technology. In this review, we highlight human 3D
CNS models developed from a variety of experimental strategies, emphasize their
advances and remaining challenges, evaluate their state-of-the-art applications
in recapitulating crucial phenotypic aspects of many CNS diseases, and discuss
the role of contemporary technologies in the prospective improvement of their
composition, consistency, complexity, and maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simeon Kofman
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Neha Mohan
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Xiaohuan Sun
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Larisa Ibric
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Emanuela Piermarini
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Liang Qiang
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Knock E, Julian LM. Building on a Solid Foundation: Adding Relevance and Reproducibility to Neurological Modeling Using Human Pluripotent Stem Cells. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:767457. [PMID: 34867204 PMCID: PMC8637745 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.767457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The brain is our most complex and least understood organ. Animal models have long been the most versatile tools available to dissect brain form and function; however, the human brain is highly distinct from that of standard model organisms. In addition to existing models, access to human brain cells and tissues is essential to reach new frontiers in our understanding of the human brain and how to intervene therapeutically in the face of disease or injury. In this review, we discuss current and developing culture models of human neural tissue, outlining advantages over animal models and key challenges that remain to be overcome. Our principal focus is on advances in engineering neural cells and tissue constructs from human pluripotent stem cells (PSCs), though primary human cell and slice culture are also discussed. By highlighting studies that combine animal models and human neural cell culture techniques, we endeavor to demonstrate that clever use of these orthogonal model systems produces more reproducible, physiological, and clinically relevant data than either approach alone. We provide examples across a range of topics in neuroscience research including brain development, injury, and cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and psychiatric conditions. Finally, as testing of PSC-derived neurons for cell replacement therapy progresses, we touch on the advancements that are needed to make this a clinical mainstay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Knock
- Research and Development, STEMCELL Technologies Inc., Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Lisa M Julian
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
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