1
|
Park G, Rim YA, Sohn Y, Nam Y, Ju JH. Replacing Animal Testing with Stem Cell-Organoids : Advantages and Limitations. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2024:10.1007/s12015-024-10723-5. [PMID: 38639829 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-024-10723-5] [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] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Various groups including animal protection organizations, medical organizations, research centers, and even federal agencies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, are working to minimize animal use in scientific experiments. This movement primarily stems from animal welfare and ethical concerns. However, recent advances in technology and new studies in medicine have contributed to an increase in animal experiments throughout the years. With the rapid increase in animal testing, concerns arise including ethical issues, high cost, complex procedures, and potential inaccuracies.Alternative solutions have recently been investigated to address the problems of animal testing. Some of these technologies are related to stem cell technologies, such as organ-on-a-chip, organoids, and induced pluripotent stem cell models. The aim of the review is to focus on stem cell related methodologies, such as organoids, that can serve as an alternative to animal testing and discuss its advantages and limitations, alongside regulatory considerations.Although stem cell related methodologies has shortcomings, it has potential to replace animal testing. Achieving this requires further research on stem cells, with potential societal and technological benefits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guiyoung Park
- School of Biopharmaceutical and Medical Sciences, Health & Wellness College, Sungshin Women's University, 55, Dobong-ro 76ga-gil, Gangbuk-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeri Alice Rim
- CiSTEM laboratory, Convergent Research Consortium for Immunologic Disease, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, Institute of Medical Science, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, 4 3, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeowon Sohn
- Department of Biohealth Regulatory Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Yoojun Nam
- Department of Biohealth Regulatory Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, South Korea.
- Yipscell Inc, L2 Omnibus Park, Banpo-dearo 222, Seocho-gu, Seoul, Korea.
| | - Ji Hyeon Ju
- CiSTEM laboratory, Convergent Research Consortium for Immunologic Disease, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea.
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, Institute of Medical Science, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, 4 3, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea.
- Yipscell Inc, L2 Omnibus Park, Banpo-dearo 222, Seocho-gu, Seoul, Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Mählis G, Kleine A, Lüschow D, Bartel A, Wiegard M, Thoene-Reineke C. Clicker Training as an Applied Refinement Measure in Chickens. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3836. [PMID: 38136873 PMCID: PMC10740453 DOI: 10.3390/ani13243836] [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: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
When using chickens in animal studies, the handling of these animals for sample collection or general examinations is considered stressful due to their prey nature. For the study presented here, plasma and salivary corticosterone as well as New Area Test behavior and fecal output were used to evaluate whether it is possible to influence this stress perception using a three-week clicker training program. The results indicate that clicker training seems to be a suitable refinement measure in the sense of cognitive enrichment for the husbandry of this species. However, since it was also shown that three-week training was not sufficient to sustainably reduce the stress perception with regard to prolonged stressor exposure, and since it was also evident that manipulations such as routine blood sampling are perceived as less stressful than assumed, further studies with prolonged training intervals and situations with higher stressor potential are warranted. Also, further parameters for training assessment must be considered. For the general use of training as a supportive measure in animal experiments, its proportionality must be considered, particularly considering the expected stress and adequate training time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gordon Mählis
- Institute of Animal Welfare, Animal Behavior and Laboratory Animal Science, School of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Königsweg 67, 14163 Berlin, Germany; (M.W.); (C.T.-R.)
| | - Anne Kleine
- Division for Poultry, Farm Animal Clinic, School of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Königsweg 63, 14163 Berlin, Germany; (A.K.); (D.L.)
| | - Dörte Lüschow
- Division for Poultry, Farm Animal Clinic, School of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Königsweg 63, 14163 Berlin, Germany; (A.K.); (D.L.)
| | - Alexander Bartel
- Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Königsweg 67, 14163 Berlin, Germany
| | - Mechthild Wiegard
- Institute of Animal Welfare, Animal Behavior and Laboratory Animal Science, School of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Königsweg 67, 14163 Berlin, Germany; (M.W.); (C.T.-R.)
| | - Christa Thoene-Reineke
- Institute of Animal Welfare, Animal Behavior and Laboratory Animal Science, School of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Königsweg 67, 14163 Berlin, Germany; (M.W.); (C.T.-R.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zhao C, Rollo B, Shahid Javaid M, Huang Z, He W, Xu H, Kwan P, Zhang C. An integrated in vitro human iPSCs-derived neuron and in vivo animal approach for preclinical screening of anti-seizure compounds. J Adv Res 2023:S2090-1232(23)00361-2. [PMID: 37995945 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2023.11.022] [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: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION One-third of people with epilepsy continue to experience seizures despite treatment with existing anti-seizure medications (ASMs). The failure of modern ASMs to substantially improve epilepsy prognosis has been partly attributed to overreliance on acute rodent models in preclinical drug development as they do not adequately recapitulate the mechanisms of human epilepsy, are labor-intensive and unsuitable for high-throughput screening (HTS). There is an urgent need to find human-relevant HTS models in preclinical drug development to identify novel anti-seizure compounds. OBJECTIVES This paper developed high-throughput preclinical screening models to identify new ASMs. METHODS 14 natural compounds (α-asarone, curcumin, vinpocetine, magnolol, ligustrazine, osthole, tanshinone IIA, piperine, gastrodin, quercetin, berberine, chrysin, schizandrin A and resveratrol) were assessed for their ability to suppress epileptiform activity as measured by multi-electrode arrays (MEA) in neural cultures derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). In parallel, they were tested for anti-seizure effects in zebrafish and mouse models, which have been widely used in development of modern ASMs. The effects of the compounds in these models were compared. Two approved ASMs were used as positive controls. RESULTS Epileptiform activity could be induced in iPSCs-derived neurons following treatment with 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) and inhibited by standard ASMs, carbamazepine, and phenytoin. Eight of the 14 natural compounds significantly inhibited the epileptiform activity in iPSCs-derived neurons. Among them, piperine, magnolol, α-asarone, and osthole showed significant anti-seizure effects both in zebrafish and mice. Comparative analysis showed that compounds ineffective in the iPSCs-derived neural model also showed no anti-seizure effects in the zebrafish or mouse models. CONCLUSION Our findings support the use of iPSCs-derived human neurons for first-line high-throughput screening to identify compounds with anti-seizure properties and exclude ineffective compounds. Effective compounds may then be selected for animal evaluation before clinical testing. This integrated approach may improve the efficiency of developing novel ASMs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chunfang Zhao
- Department of Pathology and Institute of Molecular Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, School of Pharmacy, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, China
| | - Ben Rollo
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne 3004, Australia
| | - Muhammad Shahid Javaid
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne 3004, Australia
| | - Ziyu Huang
- Department of Pathology and Institute of Molecular Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, School of Pharmacy, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, China
| | - Wen He
- Department of Pathology and Institute of Molecular Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, School of Pharmacy, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, China
| | - Hong Xu
- Institute of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Patrick Kwan
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne 3004, Australia; Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, Chongqing 400016, China; Departments of Neurology and Medicine, University of Melbourne, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Chunbo Zhang
- Department of Pathology and Institute of Molecular Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, School of Pharmacy, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Carlson J, McBride K, O’Connor M. Drugs associated with cataract formation represent an unmet need in cataract research. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:947659. [PMID: 36045926 PMCID: PMC9420850 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.947659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Decreased light transmittance through the ocular lens, termed cataract, is a leading cause of low vision and blindness worldwide. Cataract causes significantly decreased quality of life, particularly in the elderly. Environmental risk factors, including aging, UV exposure, diabetes, smoking and some prescription drugs, are all contributors to cataract formation. In particular, drug-induced cataract represents a poorly-addressed source of cataract. To better understand the potential impact of prescription drugs on cataract, we analyzed publicly-available drug prescriptions data from the Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. The data was analyzed for the 5-year period from July 2014 to June 2019. Analyses included the number of prescriptions for each drug, as well as the associated government and total prescription costs. The drugs chosen for analysis belonged to any of four broad categories—those with known, probable, possible or uncertain association with cataract in patients. The analyses revealed high prescription rates and costs for drugs in the Known category (e.g., steroids) and Possible category (e.g., psychotropic drugs). Collectively, these data provide valuable insights into specific prescription drugs that likely contribute to the increasing annual burden of new cataract cases. These data highlight the need—as well as new, stem cell-based opportunities—to elucidate molecular mechanisms of drug-induced cataract formation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jack Carlson
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia
| | - Kate McBride
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia
- Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia
| | - Michael O’Connor
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia
- Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia
- *Correspondence: Michael O’Connor,
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Huang M, Yang J, Li P, Chen Y. Embryo-Engineered Nonhuman Primate Models: Progress and Gap to Translational Medicine. RESEARCH (WASHINGTON, D.C.) 2021; 2021:9898769. [PMID: 34549187 PMCID: PMC8404551 DOI: 10.34133/2021/9898769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Animal models of human diseases are vital in better understanding the mechanism of pathogenesis and essential for evaluating and validating potential therapeutic interventions. As close relatives of humans, nonhuman primates (NHPs) play an increasingly indispensable role in advancing translational medicine research. In this review, we summarized the progress of NHP models generated by embryo engineering, analyzed their unique advantages in mimicking clinical patients, and discussed the remaining gap between basic research of NHP models to translational medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mei Huang
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Jiao Yang
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Peng Li
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Yongchang Chen
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming 650500, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zhang ZQ, Wang X, Xue BH, Zhao Y, Xie F, Wang SD, Xue C, Wang Y, Zhang YS, Qian LJ. Chronic stress promotes glioma cell proliferation via the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Oncol Rep 2021; 46:202. [PMID: 34296295 PMCID: PMC8329913 DOI: 10.3892/or.2021.8153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
High malignancy and high mortality of glioma render it urgent to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of glioma carcinogenesis and explore novel targets for therapy. Epidemiologic and clinical studies have revealed that chronic stress promotes the progression of various solid tumors and is correlated with poor prognosis; however, findings reporting the involvement of chronic stress in glioma are rare. In the present study, a chronic restraint animal model and a chronic stress cell model were established to explore the effects of chronic stress on glioma and its molecular mechanisms. The results revealed that chronic stress promoted glioma growth in vivo, and the serum levels of the stress hormones glucocorticoid (GC) and noradrenaline (NE) were significantly increased. In addition, GC and NE were verified to accelerate the proliferation of glioma cells in vitro. Mechanistically, the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathway was revealed to be activated under stress conditions, and inhibition of the expression of p-Akt could restrain the stress hormone-induced glioma cell proliferation. In addition, our data indicated that the GC receptor (GR) and β-adrenergic receptors (ADRBs) were both required for the biological functions of GC and NE in glioma cells. In conclusion, these results indicated that chronic stress and the stress hormones GC and NE activated PI3K/Akt signaling through binding to GR and ADRBs, thereby promoting glioma cell growth. Our findings may provide potential therapeutic targets and pave the way for the development of new strategies to protect patients with glioma from the detrimental effects of stress on tumor progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Qian Zhang
- Laboratory Animal Center, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, P.R. China
| | - Xue Wang
- Institute of Military Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Academy of Military Medicine Sciences, Beijing 100850, P.R. China
| | - Bing-Hua Xue
- Institute of Military Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Academy of Military Medicine Sciences, Beijing 100850, P.R. China
| | - Yun Zhao
- Institute of Military Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Academy of Military Medicine Sciences, Beijing 100850, P.R. China
| | - Fang Xie
- Institute of Military Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Academy of Military Medicine Sciences, Beijing 100850, P.R. China
| | - Shi-Da Wang
- Institute of Military Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Academy of Military Medicine Sciences, Beijing 100850, P.R. China
| | - Cong Xue
- Institute of Military Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Academy of Military Medicine Sciences, Beijing 100850, P.R. China
| | - Ying Wang
- Institute of Military Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Academy of Military Medicine Sciences, Beijing 100850, P.R. China
| | - Yan-Shu Zhang
- Laboratory Animal Center, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, P.R. China
| | - Ling-Jia Qian
- Institute of Military Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Academy of Military Medicine Sciences, Beijing 100850, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Kabir MH, O'Connor MD. Stems cells, big data and compendium-based analyses for identifying cell types, signalling pathways and gene regulatory networks. Biophys Rev 2019; 11:41-50. [PMID: 30684132 DOI: 10.1007/s12551-018-0486-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 11/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Identification of new drug and cell therapy targets for disease treatment will be facilitated by a detailed molecular understanding of normal and disease development. Human pluripotent stem cells can provide a large in vitro source of human cell types and, in a growing number of instances, also three-dimensional multicellular tissues called organoids. The application of stem cell technology to discovery and development of new therapies will be aided by detailed molecular characterisation of cell identity, cell signalling pathways and target gene networks. Big data or 'omics' techniques-particularly transcriptomics and proteomics-facilitate cell and tissue characterisation using thousands to tens-of-thousands of genes or proteins. These gene and protein profiles are analysed using existing and/or emergent bioinformatics methods, including a growing number of methods that compare sample profiles against compendia of reference samples. This review assesses how compendium-based analyses can aid the application of stem cell technology for new therapy development. This includes via robust definition of differentiated stem cell identity, as well as elucidation of complex signalling pathways and target gene networks involved in normal and diseased states.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Md Humayun Kabir
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia.,Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, Bangladesh
| | - Michael D O'Connor
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia. .,Medical Sciences Research Group, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Pistollato F, Ohayon EL, Lam A, Langley GR, Novak TJ, Pamies D, Perry G, Trushina E, Williams RS, Roher AE, Hartung T, Harnad S, Barnard N, Morris MC, Lai MC, Merkley R, Chandrasekera PC. Alzheimer disease research in the 21st century: past and current failures, new perspectives and funding priorities. Oncotarget 2016; 7:38999-39016. [PMID: 27229915 PMCID: PMC5129909 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.9175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2015] [Accepted: 04/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Much of Alzheimer disease (AD) research has been traditionally based on the use of animals, which have been extensively applied in an effort to both improve our understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms of the disease and to test novel therapeutic approaches. However, decades of such research have not effectively translated into substantial therapeutic success for human patients. Here we critically discuss these issues in order to determine how existing human-based methods can be applied to study AD pathology and develop novel therapeutics. These methods, which include patient-derived cells, computational analysis and models, together with large-scale epidemiological studies represent novel and exciting tools to enhance and forward AD research. In particular, these methods are helping advance AD research by contributing multifactorial and multidimensional perspectives, especially considering the crucial role played by lifestyle risk factors in the determination of AD risk. In addition to research techniques, we also consider related pitfalls and flaws in the current research funding system. Conversely, we identify encouraging new trends in research and government policy. In light of these new research directions, we provide recommendations regarding prioritization of research funding. The goal of this document is to stimulate scientific and public discussion on the need to explore new avenues in AD research, considering outcome and ethics as core principles to reliably judge traditional research efforts and eventually undertake new research strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Elan L. Ohayon
- Green Neuroscience Laboratory, Neurolinx Research Institute, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Ann Lam
- Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
- Green Neuroscience Laboratory, Neurolinx Research Institute, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Gillian R. Langley
- Research and Toxicology Department, Humane Society International, London, UK
| | | | - David Pamies
- CAAT, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - George Perry
- College of Sciences, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | | | - Robin S.B. Williams
- Centre for Biomedical Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, UK
| | - Alex E. Roher
- Division of Clinical Education, Midwestern University, Glendale, AZ, USA
- Division of Neurobiology, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Thomas Hartung
- CAAT, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Stevan Harnad
- Department of Psychology, University of Quebec/Montreal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Neal Barnard
- Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Martha Clare Morris
- Section of Nutrition and Nutritional Epidemiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Mei-Chun Lai
- Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Ryan Merkley
- Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Singeç I, Simeonov A. Translating Stem Cell Biology Into Drug Discovery. DRUG TARGET REVIEW 2016; 3:34-38. [PMID: 27774310 PMCID: PMC5073788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Pluripotent stem cell research has made extraordinary progress over the last decade. The robustness of nuclear reprogramming of somatic cells into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) has created entirely novel opportunities for drug discovery and personalized regenerative medicine. Patient- and disease-specific iPSCs can be expanded indefinitely and differentiated into relevant cell types of different organ systems. As the utilization of iPSCs is becoming a key enabling technology across various scientific disciplines, there are still important challenges that need to be addressed. Here we review the current state and reflect on the issues that the stem cell and translational communities are facing in bringing iPSCs closer to clinical application.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ilyas Singeç
- National Institutes of Health (NIH). National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS). Division of Pre-Clinical Innovation (DPI)
| | - Anton Simeonov
- National Institutes of Health (NIH). National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS). Division of Pre-Clinical Innovation (DPI)
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Pluripotent Stem Cell-Based Therapies in Combination with Substrate for the Treatment of Age-Related Macular Degeneration. J Ocul Pharmacol Ther 2016; 32:261-71. [DOI: 10.1089/jop.2015.0153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
|
11
|
Suter-Dick L, Alves PM, Blaauboer BJ, Bremm KD, Brito C, Coecke S, Flick B, Fowler P, Hescheler J, Ingelman-Sundberg M, Jennings P, Kelm JM, Manou I, Mistry P, Moretto A, Roth A, Stedman D, van de Water B, Beilmann M. Stem cell-derived systems in toxicology assessment. Stem Cells Dev 2015; 24:1284-96. [PMID: 25675366 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2014.0540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Industrial sectors perform toxicological assessments of their potential products to ensure human safety and to fulfill regulatory requirements. These assessments often involve animal testing, but ethical, cost, and time concerns, together with a ban on it in specific sectors, make appropriate in vitro systems indispensable in toxicology. In this study, we summarize the outcome of an EPAA (European Partnership of Alternatives to Animal Testing)-organized workshop on the use of stem cell-derived (SCD) systems in toxicology, with a focus on industrial applications. SCD systems, in particular, induced pluripotent stem cell-derived, provide physiological cell culture systems of easy access and amenable to a variety of assays. They also present the opportunity to apply the vast repository of existing nonclinical data for the understanding of in vitro to in vivo translation. SCD systems from several toxicologically relevant tissues exist; they generally recapitulate many aspects of physiology and respond to toxicological and pharmacological interventions. However, focused research is necessary to accelerate implementation of SCD systems in an industrial setting and subsequent use of such systems by regulatory authorities. Research is required into the phenotypic characterization of the systems, since methods and protocols for generating terminally differentiated SCD cells are still lacking. Organotypical 3D culture systems in bioreactors and microscale tissue engineering technologies should be fostered, as they promote and maintain differentiation and support coculture systems. They need further development and validation for their successful implementation in toxicity testing in industry. Analytical measures also need to be implemented to enable compound exposure and metabolism measurements for in vitro to in vivo extrapolation. The future of SCD toxicological tests will combine advanced cell culture technologies and biokinetic measurements to support regulatory and research applications. However, scientific and technical hurdles must be overcome before SCD in vitro methods undergo appropriate validation and become accepted in the regulatory arena.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Suter-Dick
- 1University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland, School of Life Sciences, Muttenz, Switzerland
| | - Paula M Alves
- 2iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Oeiras, Portugal.,3Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Bas J Blaauboer
- 4Division of Toxicology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Klaus-Dieter Bremm
- 5Bayer Pharma AG, Global Drug Discovery-Global Early Development, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Catarina Brito
- 2iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Oeiras, Portugal.,3Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Sandra Coecke
- 6European Commission Joint Research Centre, Institute for Health and Consumer Protection, EURL ECVAM, Ispra, Italy
| | - Burkhard Flick
- 7BASF SE, Experimental Toxicology and Ecology, Ludwigshafen, Germany
| | | | - Jürgen Hescheler
- 9Institut for Neurophysiology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | | | - Paul Jennings
- 11Division of Physiology, Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | - Irene Manou
- 13European Partnership for Alternative Approaches to Animal Testing (EPAA), B-Brussels, Belgium
| | - Pratibha Mistry
- 14Syngenta Ltd., Product Safety, Jealott's Hill International Research Station, Berkshire, United Kingdom
| | - Angelo Moretto
- 15Dipartimento di Scienze Biochimiche e Cliniche, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy.,16Centro Internazionale per gli Antiparassitari e la Prevenzione Sanitaria, Luigi Sacco Hospital, Milano, Italy
| | - Adrian Roth
- 17F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Innovation Center Basel, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Donald Stedman
- 18Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Bob van de Water
- 19Division of Toxicology, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Pennington BO, Clegg DO, Melkoumian ZK, Hikita ST. Defined culture of human embryonic stem cells and xeno-free derivation of retinal pigmented epithelial cells on a novel, synthetic substrate. Stem Cells Transl Med 2015; 4:165-77. [PMID: 25593208 DOI: 10.5966/sctm.2014-0179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of blindness, is characterized by the death of the retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE), which is a monolayer posterior to the retina that supports the photoreceptors. Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) can generate an unlimited source of RPE for cellular therapies, and clinical trials have been initiated. However, protocols for RPE derivation using defined conditions free of nonhuman derivatives (xeno-free) are preferred for clinical translation. This avoids exposing AMD patients to animal-derived products, which could incite an immune response. In this study, we investigated the maintenance of hESCs and their differentiation into RPE using Synthemax II-SC, which is a novel, synthetic animal-derived component-free, RGD peptide-containing copolymer compliant with good manufacturing practices designed for xeno-free stem cell culture. Cells on Synthemax II-SC were compared with cultures grown with xenogeneic and xeno-free control substrates. This report demonstrates that Synthemax II-SC supports long-term culture of H9 and H14 hESC lines and permits efficient differentiation of hESCs into functional RPE. Expression of RPE-specific markers was assessed by flow cytometry, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and immunocytochemistry, and RPE function was determined by phagocytosis of rod outer segments and secretion of pigment epithelium-derived factor. Both hESCs and hESC-RPE maintained normal karyotypes after long-term culture on Synthemax II-SC. Furthermore, RPE generated on Synthemax II-SC are functional when seeded onto parylene-C scaffolds designed for clinical use. These experiments suggest that Synthemax II-SC is a suitable, defined substrate for hESC culture and the xeno-free derivation of RPE for cellular therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Britney O Pennington
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Engineering, Neuroscience Research Institute, Biomolecular Science and Engineering Program and Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, California, USA; Corning Life Sciences Development, Corning Inc., Corning, New York, USA; Asterias Biotherapeutics, Inc., Menlo Park, California, USA
| | - Dennis O Clegg
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Engineering, Neuroscience Research Institute, Biomolecular Science and Engineering Program and Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, California, USA; Corning Life Sciences Development, Corning Inc., Corning, New York, USA; Asterias Biotherapeutics, Inc., Menlo Park, California, USA
| | - Zara K Melkoumian
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Engineering, Neuroscience Research Institute, Biomolecular Science and Engineering Program and Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, California, USA; Corning Life Sciences Development, Corning Inc., Corning, New York, USA; Asterias Biotherapeutics, Inc., Menlo Park, California, USA
| | - Sherry T Hikita
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Engineering, Neuroscience Research Institute, Biomolecular Science and Engineering Program and Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, California, USA; Corning Life Sciences Development, Corning Inc., Corning, New York, USA; Asterias Biotherapeutics, Inc., Menlo Park, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Juhász T, Matta C, Somogyi C, Katona É, Takács R, Soha RF, Szabó IA, Cserháti C, Sződy R, Karácsonyi Z, Bakó E, Gergely P, Zákány R. Mechanical loading stimulates chondrogenesis via the PKA/CREB-Sox9 and PP2A pathways in chicken micromass cultures. Cell Signal 2013; 26:468-82. [PMID: 24333667 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2013.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2013] [Revised: 11/28/2013] [Accepted: 12/06/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Biomechanical stimuli play important roles in the formation of articular cartilage during early foetal life, and optimal mechanical load is a crucial regulatory factor of adult chondrocyte metabolism and function. In this study, we undertook to analyse mechanotransduction pathways during in vitro chondrogenesis. Chondroprogenitor cells isolated from limb buds of 4-day-old chicken embryos were cultivated as high density cell cultures for 6 days. Mechanical stimulation was carried out by a self-designed bioreactor that exerted uniaxial intermittent cyclic load transmitted by the culture medium as hydrostatic pressure and fluid shear to differentiating cells. The loading scheme (0.05 Hz, 600 Pa; for 30 min) was applied on culturing days 2 and 3, when final commitment and differentiation of chondroprogenitor cells occurred in this model. The applied mechanical load significantly augmented cartilage matrix production and elevated mRNA expression of several cartilage matrix constituents, including collagen type II and aggrecan core protein, as well as matrix-producing hyaluronan synthases through enhanced expression, phosphorylation and nuclear signals of the main chondrogenic transcription factor Sox9. Along with increased cAMP levels, a significantly enhanced protein kinase A (PKA) activity was also detected and CREB, the archetypal downstream transcription factor of PKA signalling, exhibited elevated phosphorylation levels and stronger nuclear signals in response to mechanical stimuli. All the above effects were diminished by the PKA-inhibitor H89. Inhibition of the PKA-independent cAMP-mediators Epac1 and Epac2 with HJC0197 resulted in enhanced cartilage formation, which was additive to that of the mechanical stimulation, implying that the chondrogenesis-promoting effect of mechanical load was independent of Epac. At the same time, PP2A activity was reduced following mechanical load and treatments with the PP2A-inhibitor okadaic acid were able to mimic the effects of the intervention. Our results indicate that proper mechanical stimuli augment in vitro cartilage formation via promoting both differentiation and matrix production of chondrogenic cells, and the opposing regulation of the PKA/CREB-Sox9 and the PP2A signalling pathways is crucial in this phenomenon.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tamás Juhász
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, University of Debrecen, Medical and Health Science Centre, Nagyerdei krt. 98, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Csaba Matta
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, University of Debrecen, Medical and Health Science Centre, Nagyerdei krt. 98, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Csilla Somogyi
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, University of Debrecen, Medical and Health Science Centre, Nagyerdei krt. 98, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Éva Katona
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, University of Debrecen, Medical and Health Science Centre, Nagyerdei krt. 98, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Roland Takács
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, University of Debrecen, Medical and Health Science Centre, Nagyerdei krt. 98, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Rudolf Ferenc Soha
- Department of Solid State Physics, University of Debrecen, Bem tér 18/b, H-4026 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - István A Szabó
- Department of Solid State Physics, University of Debrecen, Bem tér 18/b, H-4026 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Csaba Cserháti
- Department of Solid State Physics, University of Debrecen, Bem tér 18/b, H-4026 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Róbert Sződy
- Péterfy Hospital Trauma Centre, Péterfy Sándor utca 8-20, H-1076 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Karácsonyi
- Department of Orthopaedics, University of Debrecen, Medical and Health Science Centre, Nagyerdei krt. 98, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Eva Bakó
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Medical and Health Science Centre, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei krt. 98, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Pál Gergely
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Medical and Health Science Centre, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei krt. 98, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Róza Zákány
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, University of Debrecen, Medical and Health Science Centre, Nagyerdei krt. 98, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary.
| |
Collapse
|