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Martínez P, Silva M, Abarzúa S, Tevy MF, Jaimovich E, Constantine-Paton M, Bustos FJ, van Zundert B. Skeletal myotubes expressing ALS mutant SOD1 induce pathogenic changes, impair mitochondrial axonal transport, and trigger motoneuron death. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.24.595817. [PMID: 38826246 PMCID: PMC11142234 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.24.595817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by the loss of motoneurons (MNs), and despite progress, there is no effective treatment. A large body of evidence shows that astrocytes expressing ALS-linked mutant proteins cause non-cell autonomous toxicity of MNs. Although MNs innervate muscle fibers and ALS is characterized by the early disruption of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) and axon degeneration, there are controversies about whether muscle contributes to non-cell-autonomous toxicity to MNs. In this study, we generated primary skeletal myotubes from myoblasts derived from ALS mice expressing human mutant SOD1 G93A (termed hereafter mutSOD1). Characterization revealed that mutSOD1 skeletal myotubes display intrinsic phenotypic and functional differences compared to control myotubes generated from non-transgenic (NTg) littermates. Next, we analyzed whether ALS myotubes exert non-cell-autonomous toxicity to MNs. We report that conditioned media from mutSOD1 myotubes (mutSOD1-MCM), but not from control myotubes (NTg-MCM), induced robust death of primary MNs in mixed spinal cord cultures and compartmentalized microfluidic chambers. Our study further revealed that applying mutSOD1-MCM to the MN axonal side in microfluidic devices rapidly reduces mitochondrial axonal transport while increasing Ca2+ transients and reactive oxygen species (i.e., H 2 O 2 ). These results indicate that soluble factor(s) released by mutSOD1 myotubes cause MN axonopathy that leads to lethal pathogenic changes.
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Park S, Laskow TC, Chen J, Guha P, Dawn B, Kim DH. Microphysiological systems for human aging research. Aging Cell 2024; 23:e14070. [PMID: 38180277 DOI: 10.1111/acel.14070] [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: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in microphysiological systems (MPS), also known as organs-on-a-chip (OoC), enable the recapitulation of more complex organ and tissue functions on a smaller scale in vitro. MPS therefore provide the potential to better understand human diseases and physiology. To date, numerous MPS platforms have been developed for various tissues and organs, including the heart, liver, kidney, blood vessels, muscle, and adipose tissue. However, only a few studies have explored using MPS platforms to unravel the effects of aging on human physiology and the pathogenesis of age-related diseases. Age is one of the risk factors for many diseases, and enormous interest has been devoted to aging research. As such, a human MPS aging model could provide a more predictive tool to understand the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying human aging and age-related diseases. These models can also be used to evaluate preclinical drugs for age-related diseases and translate them into clinical settings. Here, we provide a review on the application of MPS in aging research. First, we offer an overview of the molecular, cellular, and physiological changes with age in several tissues or organs. Next, we discuss previous aging models and the current state of MPS for studying human aging and age-related conditions. Lastly, we address the limitations of current MPS and present future directions on the potential of MPS platforms for human aging research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seungman Park
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
| | - Thomas C Laskow
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jingchun Chen
- Nevada Institute of Personalized Medicine, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
| | - Prasun Guha
- Nevada Institute of Personalized Medicine, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
| | - Buddhadeb Dawn
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
| | - Deok-Ho Kim
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Center for Microphysiological Systems, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Chen D, Philippidou P, Brenha BDF, Schaffer AE, Miranda HC. Scalable, optically-responsive human neuromuscular junction model reveals convergent mechanisms of synaptic dysfunction in familial ALS. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.11.575304. [PMID: 38260655 PMCID: PMC10802619 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.11.575304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) are specialized synapses that mediate communication between motor neurons and skeletal muscles and are essential for movement. The degeneration of this system can lead to symptoms observed in neuromuscular and motor neuron diseases. Studying these synapses and their degeneration has proven challenging. Prior NMJ studies heavily relied upon the use of mouse, chick, or isolated primary human cells, which have demonstrated limited fidelity for disease modeling. To enable the study of NMJ dysfunction and model genetic diseases, we, and others, have developed methods to generate human NMJs from pluripotent stem cells (PSCs), embryonic stem cells, and induced pluripotent stem cells. However, published studies have highlighted technical limitations associated with these complex in vitro NMJ models. In this study, we developed a robust PSC-derived motor neuron and skeletal muscle co-culture method, and demonstrated its sensitivity in modeling motor neuron disease. Our method spontaneously and reproducibly forms human NMJs. We developed multiwell-multielectrode array (MEA) parameters to quantify the activity of PSC-derived skeletal muscles, as well as measured the electrophysiological activity of functional human PSC-derived NMJs. We further leveraged our method to morphologically and functionally assess NMJs from the familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (fALS) PSCs, C9orf72 hexanucleotide (G4C2)n repeat expansion (HRE), SOD1 A5V , and TDP43 G298S to define the reproducibility and sensitivity of our system. We observed a significant decrease in the numbers and activity of PSC-derived NMJs developed from the different ALS lines compared to their respective controls. Furthermore, we evaluated a therapeutic candidate undergoing clinical trials and observed a variant-dependent rescue of functionality of NMJs. Our newly developed method provides a platform for the systematic investigation of genetic causes of NMJ neurodegeneration and highlights the need for therapeutic avenues to consider patient genotype.
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Leng Y, Li X, Zheng F, Liu H, Wang C, Wang X, Liao Y, Liu J, Meng K, Yu J, Zhang J, Wang B, Tan Y, Liu M, Jia X, Li D, Li Y, Gu Z, Fan Y. Advances in In Vitro Models of Neuromuscular Junction: Focusing on Organ-on-a-Chip, Organoids, and Biohybrid Robotics. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2211059. [PMID: 36934404 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202211059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is a peripheral synaptic connection between presynaptic motor neurons and postsynaptic skeletal muscle fibers that enables muscle contraction and voluntary motor movement. Many traumatic, neurodegenerative, and neuroimmunological diseases are classically believed to mainly affect either the neuronal or the muscle side of the NMJ, and treatment options are lacking. Recent advances in novel techniques have helped develop in vitro physiological and pathophysiological models of the NMJ as well as enable precise control and evaluation of its functions. This paper reviews the recent developments in in vitro NMJ models with 2D or 3D cultures, from organ-on-a-chip and organoids to biohybrid robotics. Related derivative techniques are introduced for functional analysis of the NMJ, such as the patch-clamp technique, microelectrode arrays, calcium imaging, and stimulus methods, particularly optogenetic-mediated light stimulation, microelectrode-mediated electrical stimulation, and biochemical stimulation. Finally, the applications of the in vitro NMJ models as disease models or for drug screening related to suitable neuromuscular diseases are summarized and their future development trends and challenges are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yubing Leng
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Xiaorui Li
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Fuyin Zheng
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Hui Liu
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Chunyan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, 100094, China
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Xudong Wang
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Yulong Liao
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Jiangyue Liu
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Kaiqi Meng
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Jiaheng Yu
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Jingyi Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Binyu Wang
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Yingjun Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, 100094, China
| | - Meili Liu
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Xiaoling Jia
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Deyu Li
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Yinghui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, 100094, China
| | - Zhongze Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Yubo Fan
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
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Navarro-Martínez A, Vicente-García C, Carvajal JJ. NMJ-related diseases beyond the congenital myasthenic syndromes. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1216726. [PMID: 37601107 PMCID: PMC10436495 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1216726] [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: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) are a special type of chemical synapse that transmits electrical stimuli from motor neurons (MNs) to their innervating skeletal muscle to induce a motor response. They are an ideal model for the study of synapses, given their manageable size and easy accessibility. Alterations in their morphology or function lead to neuromuscular disorders, such as the congenital myasthenic syndromes, which are caused by mutations in proteins located in the NMJ. In this review, we highlight novel potential candidate genes that may cause or modify NMJs-related pathologies in humans by exploring the phenotypes of hundreds of mouse models available in the literature. We also underscore the fact that NMJs may differ between species, muscles or even sexes. Hence the importance of choosing a good model organism for the study of NMJ-related diseases: only taking into account the specific features of the mammalian NMJ, experimental results would be efficiently translated to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cristina Vicente-García
- Centro Andaluz de Biología del Desarrollo, CSIC-UPO-JA, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Sevilla, Spain
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Kasanga EA, Han Y, Navarrete W, McManus R, Shifflet MK, Parry C, Barahona A, Manfredsson FP, Nejtek VA, Richardson JR, Salvatore MF. Differential expression of RET and GDNF family receptor, GFR-α1, between striatum and substantia nigra following nigrostriatal lesion: a case for diminished GDNF-signaling. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.01.530671. [PMID: 36909534 PMCID: PMC10002742 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.01.530671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
Although glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) showed efficacy in preclinical and early clinical studies to alleviate parkinsonian signs in Parkinson's disease (PD), later trials did not meet primary endpoints, giving pause to consider further investigation. While GDNF dose and delivery methods may have contributed to diminished efficacy, one crucial aspect of these clinical studies is that GDNF treatment across all studies began ∼8 years after PD diagnosis; a time point representing several years after near 100% depletion of nigrostriatal dopamine markers in striatum and at least 50% in substantia nigra (SN), and is later than the timing of GDNF treatment in preclinical studies. With nigrostriatal terminal loss exceeding 70% at PD diagnosis, we utilized hemi-parkinsonian rats to determine if expression of GDNF family receptor, GFR-α1, and receptor tyrosine kinase, RET, differed between striatum and SN at 1 and 4 weeks following a 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) lesion. Whereas GDNF expression changed minimally, GFR-α1 expression decreased progressively in striatum and in tyrosine hydroxylase positive (TH+) cells in SN, correlating with reduced TH cell number. However, in nigral astrocytes, GFR-α1 expression increased. RET expression decreased maximally in striatum by 1 week, whereas in the SN, a transient bilateral increase occurred that returned to control levels by 4 weeks. Expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) or its receptor, TrkB, were unchanged throughout lesion progression. Together, these results reveal that differential GFR-α1 and RET expression between the striatum and SN, and cell-specific differences in GFR-α1 expression in SN, occur during nigrostriatal neuron loss. Targeting loss of GDNF receptors appears critical to enhance GDNF therapeutic efficacy against nigrostriatal neuron loss. Significance Statement Although preclinical evidence supports that GDNF provides neuroprotection and improves locomotor function in preclinical studies, clinical data supporting its efficacy to alleviate motor impairment in Parkinson's disease patients remains uncertain. Using the established 6-OHDA hemi-parkinsonian rat model, we determined whether expression of its cognate receptors, GFR-α1 and RET, were differentially affected between striatum and substantia nigra in a timeline study. In striatum, there was early and significant loss of RET, but a gradual, progressive loss of GFR-α1. In contrast, RET transiently increased in lesioned substantia nigra, but GFR-α1 progressively decreased only in nigrostriatal neurons and correlated with TH cell loss. Our results indicate that direct availability of GFR-α1 may be a critical element that determines GDNF efficacy following striatal delivery. Highlights GDNF expression was minimally affected by nigrostriatal lesionGDNF family receptor, GFR-α1, progressively decreased in striatum and in TH neurons in SN.GFR-α1 expression decreased along with TH neurons as lesion progressedGFR-α1 increased bilaterally in GFAP+ cells suggesting an inherent response to offset TH neuron lossRET expression was severely reduced in striatum, whereas it increased in SN early after lesion induction.
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Strickland JB, Davis-Anderson K, Micheva-Viteva S, Twary S, Iyer R, Harris JF, Solomon EA. Optimization of Application-Driven Development of In Vitro Neuromuscular Junction Models. TISSUE ENGINEERING. PART B, REVIEWS 2022; 28:1180-1191. [PMID: 35018825 PMCID: PMC9805869 DOI: 10.1089/ten.teb.2021.0204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) are specialized synapses responsible for signal transduction between motor neurons (MNs) and skeletal muscle tissue. Malfunction at this site can result from developmental disorders, toxic environmental exposures, and neurodegenerative diseases leading to severe neurological dysfunction. Exploring these conditions in human or animal subjects is restricted by ethical concerns and confounding environmental factors. Therefore, in vitro NMJ models provide exciting opportunities for advancements in tissue engineering. In the last two decades, multiple NMJ prototypes and platforms have been reported, and each model system design is strongly tied to a specific application: exploring developmental physiology, disease modeling, or high-throughput screening. Directing the differentiation of stem cells into mature MNs and/or skeletal muscle for NMJ modeling has provided critical cues to recapitulate early-stage development. Patient-derived inducible pluripotent stem cells provide a personalized approach to investigating NMJ disease, especially when disease etiology cannot be resolved down to a specific gene mutation. Having reproducible NMJ culture replicates is useful for high-throughput screening to evaluate drug toxicity and determine the impact of environmental threat exposures. Cutting-edge bioengineering techniques have propelled this field forward with innovative microfabrication and design approaches allowing both two-dimensional and three-dimensional NMJ culture models. Many of these NMJ systems require further validation for broader application by regulatory agencies, pharmaceutical companies, and the general research community. In this summary, we present a comprehensive review on the current state-of-art research in NMJ models and discuss their ability to provide valuable insight into cell and tissue interactions. Impact statement In vitro neuromuscular junction (NMJ) models reveal the specialized mechanisms of communication between neurons and muscle tissue. This site can be disrupted by developmental disorders, toxic environmental exposures, or neurodegenerative diseases, which often lead to fatal outcomes and is therefore of critical importance to the medical community. Many bioengineering approaches for in vitro NMJ modeling have been designed to mimic development and disease; other approaches include in vitro NMJ models for high-throughput toxicology screening, providing a platform to limit or replace animal testing. This review describes various NMJ applications and the bioengineering advancements allowing for human NMJ characteristics to be more accurately recapitulated. While the extensive range of NMJ device structures has hindered standardization attempts, there is still a need to harmonize these devices for broader application and to continue advancing the field of NMJ modeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie B. Strickland
- Bioscience Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico, USA
| | - Katie Davis-Anderson
- Bioscience Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico, USA
| | | | - Scott Twary
- Bioscience Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico, USA
| | - Rashi Iyer
- Information System and Modeling, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico, USA
| | | | - Emilia A. Solomon
- Bioscience Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico, USA.,Address correspondence to: Emilia A. Solomon, PhD, Bioscience Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, PO Box 1663 MS M888, Los Alamos, NM 87545, USA
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Liu R, Meng X, Yu X, Wang G, Dong Z, Zhou Z, Qi M, Yu X, Ji T, Wang F. From 2D to 3D Co-Culture Systems: A Review of Co-Culture Models to Study the Neural Cells Interaction. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:13116. [PMID: 36361902 PMCID: PMC9656609 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
The central nervous system (CNS) controls and regulates the functional activities of the organ systems and maintains the unity between the body and the external environment. The advent of co-culture systems has made it possible to elucidate the interactions between neural cells in vitro and to reproduce complex neural circuits. Here, we classified the co-culture system as a two-dimensional (2D) co-culture system, a cell-based three-dimensional (3D) co-culture system, a tissue slice-based 3D co-culture system, an organoid-based 3D co-culture system, and a microfluidic platform-based 3D co-culture system. We provide an overview of these different co-culture models and their applications in the study of neural cell interaction. The application of co-culture systems in virus-infected CNS disease models is also discussed here. Finally, the direction of the co-culture system in future research is prospected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongrong Liu
- Department of Histology & Embryology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Xiaoting Meng
- Department of Histology & Embryology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Xiyao Yu
- Department of Histology & Embryology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Guoqiang Wang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Zhiyong Dong
- Department of Histology & Embryology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Zhengjie Zhou
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Mingran Qi
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Xiao Yu
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Tong Ji
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Fang Wang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
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Miny L, Maisonneuve BGC, Quadrio I, Honegger T. Modeling Neurodegenerative Diseases Using In Vitro Compartmentalized Microfluidic Devices. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:919646. [PMID: 35813998 PMCID: PMC9263267 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.919646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The human brain is a complex organ composed of many different types of cells interconnected to create an organized system able to efficiently process information. Dysregulation of this delicately balanced system can lead to the development of neurological disorders, such as neurodegenerative diseases (NDD). To investigate the functionality of human brain physiology and pathophysiology, the scientific community has been generated various research models, from genetically modified animals to two- and three-dimensional cell culture for several decades. These models have, however, certain limitations that impede the precise study of pathophysiological features of neurodegeneration, thus hindering therapeutical research and drug development. Compartmentalized microfluidic devices provide in vitro minimalistic environments to accurately reproduce neural circuits allowing the characterization of the human central nervous system. Brain-on-chip (BoC) is allowing our capability to improve neurodegeneration models on the molecular and cellular mechanism aspects behind the progression of these troubles. This review aims to summarize and discuss the latest advancements of microfluidic models for the investigations of common neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Miny
- NETRI, Lyon, France
- BIORAN Team, Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, CNRS UMR 5292, INSERM U1028, Lyon 1 University, Bron, France
| | | | - Isabelle Quadrio
- BIORAN Team, Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, CNRS UMR 5292, INSERM U1028, Lyon 1 University, Bron, France
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Neurogenetics, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Lyon University Hospital, Bron, France
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Filippi M, Buchner T, Yasa O, Weirich S, Katzschmann RK. Microfluidic Tissue Engineering and Bio-Actuation. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2022; 34:e2108427. [PMID: 35194852 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202108427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Bio-hybrid technologies aim to replicate the unique capabilities of biological systems that could surpass advanced artificial technologies. Soft bio-hybrid robots consist of synthetic and living materials and have the potential to self-assemble, regenerate, work autonomously, and interact safely with other species and the environment. Cells require a sufficient exchange of nutrients and gases, which is guaranteed by convection and diffusive transport through liquid media. The functional development and long-term survival of biological tissues in vitro can be improved by dynamic flow culture, but only microfluidic flow control can develop tissue with fine structuring and regulation at the microscale. Full control of tissue growth at the microscale will eventually lead to functional macroscale constructs, which are needed as the biological component of soft bio-hybrid technologies. This review summarizes recent progress in microfluidic techniques to engineer biological tissues, focusing on the use of muscle cells for robotic bio-actuation. Moreover, the instances in which bio-actuation technologies greatly benefit from fusion with microfluidics are highlighted, which include: the microfabrication of matrices, biomimicry of cell microenvironments, tissue maturation, perfusion, and vascularization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Filippi
- Soft Robotics Laboratory, ETH Zurich, Tannenstrasse 3, Zurich, 8092, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Buchner
- Soft Robotics Laboratory, ETH Zurich, Tannenstrasse 3, Zurich, 8092, Switzerland
| | - Oncay Yasa
- Soft Robotics Laboratory, ETH Zurich, Tannenstrasse 3, Zurich, 8092, Switzerland
| | - Stefan Weirich
- Soft Robotics Laboratory, ETH Zurich, Tannenstrasse 3, Zurich, 8092, Switzerland
| | - Robert K Katzschmann
- Soft Robotics Laboratory, ETH Zurich, Tannenstrasse 3, Zurich, 8092, Switzerland
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Vesga-Castro C, Aldazabal J, Vallejo-Illarramendi A, Paredes J. Contractile force assessment methods for in vitro skeletal muscle tissues. eLife 2022; 11:e77204. [PMID: 35604384 PMCID: PMC9126583 DOI: 10.7554/elife.77204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the last few years, there has been growing interest in measuring the contractile force (CF) of engineered muscle tissues to evaluate their functionality. However, there are still no standards available for selecting the most suitable experimental platform, measuring system, culture protocol, or stimulation patterns. Consequently, the high variability of published data hinders any comparison between different studies. We have identified that cantilever deflection, post deflection, and force transducers are the most commonly used configurations for CF assessment in 2D and 3D models. Additionally, we have discussed the most relevant emerging technologies that would greatly complement CF evaluation with intracellular and localized analysis. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the most significant advances in CF evaluation and its critical parameters. In order to compare contractile performance across experimental platforms, we have used the specific force (sF, kN/m2), CF normalized to the calculated cross-sectional area (CSA). However, this parameter presents a high variability throughout the different studies, which indicates the need to identify additional parameters and complementary analysis suitable for proper comparison. We propose that future contractility studies in skeletal muscle constructs report detailed information about construct size, contractile area, maturity level, sarcomere length, and, ideally, the tetanus-to-twitch ratio. These studies will hopefully shed light on the relative impact of these variables on muscle force performance of engineered muscle constructs. Prospective advances in muscle tissue engineering, particularly in muscle disease models, will require a joint effort to develop standardized methodologies for assessing CF of engineered muscle tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Vesga-Castro
- University of Navarra, Tecnun School of Engineering, Manuel de LardizábalSan SebastianSpain
- University of Navarra, Biomedical Engineering Center, Campus UniversitarioPamplonaSpain
- Group of Neurosciences, Department of Pediatrics, UPV/EHU, Hospital Donostia - IIS BiodonostiaSan SebastianSpain
| | - Javier Aldazabal
- University of Navarra, Tecnun School of Engineering, Manuel de LardizábalSan SebastianSpain
- University of Navarra, Biomedical Engineering Center, Campus UniversitarioPamplonaSpain
| | - Ainara Vallejo-Illarramendi
- Group of Neurosciences, Department of Pediatrics, UPV/EHU, Hospital Donostia - IIS BiodonostiaSan SebastianSpain
- CIBERNED, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Ministry of Science, Innovation, and UniversitiesMadridSpain
| | - Jacobo Paredes
- University of Navarra, Tecnun School of Engineering, Manuel de LardizábalSan SebastianSpain
- University of Navarra, Biomedical Engineering Center, Campus UniversitarioPamplonaSpain
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12
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Bonanni R, Cariati I, Tarantino U, D’Arcangelo G, Tancredi V. Physical Exercise and Health: A Focus on Its Protective Role in Neurodegenerative Diseases. J Funct Morphol Kinesiol 2022; 7:jfmk7020038. [PMID: 35645300 PMCID: PMC9149968 DOI: 10.3390/jfmk7020038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Scientific evidence has demonstrated the power of physical exercise in the prevention and treatment of numerous chronic and/or age-related diseases, such as musculoskeletal, metabolic, and cardiovascular disorders. In addition, regular exercise is known to play a key role in the context of neurodegenerative diseases, as it helps to reduce the risk of their onset and counteracts their progression. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms have not yet been fully elucidated. In this regard, neurotrophins, such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), nerve growth factor (NGF), glia cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), and neurotrophin-4 (NT-4), have been suggested as key mediators of brain health benefits, as they are involved in neurogenesis, neuronal survival, and synaptic plasticity. The production of these neurotrophic factors, known to be increased by physical exercise, is downregulated in neurodegenerative disorders, suggesting their fundamental importance in maintaining brain health. However, the mechanism by which physical exercise promotes the production of neurotrophins remains to be understood, posing limits on their use for the development of potential therapeutic strategies for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. In this literature review, we analyzed the most recent evidence regarding the relationship between physical exercise, neurotrophins, and brain health, providing an overview of their involvement in the onset and progression of neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Bonanni
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, “Tor Vergata” University of Rome, 00133 Rome, Italy; (R.B.); (U.T.)
| | - Ida Cariati
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, “Tor Vergata” University of Rome, 00133 Rome, Italy; (R.B.); (U.T.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Umberto Tarantino
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, “Tor Vergata” University of Rome, 00133 Rome, Italy; (R.B.); (U.T.)
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, “Policlinico Tor Vergata” Foundation, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Centre of Space Bio-Medicine, “Tor Vergata” University of Rome, 00133 Rome, Italy; (G.D.); (V.T.)
| | - Giovanna D’Arcangelo
- Centre of Space Bio-Medicine, “Tor Vergata” University of Rome, 00133 Rome, Italy; (G.D.); (V.T.)
- Department of Systems Medicine, “Tor Vergata” University of Rome, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Virginia Tancredi
- Centre of Space Bio-Medicine, “Tor Vergata” University of Rome, 00133 Rome, Italy; (G.D.); (V.T.)
- Department of Systems Medicine, “Tor Vergata” University of Rome, 00133 Rome, Italy
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13
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Kahraman E, Ribeiro R, Lamghari M, Neto E. Cutting-Edge Technologies for Inflamed Joints on Chip: How Close Are We? Front Immunol 2022; 13:802440. [PMID: 35359987 PMCID: PMC8960235 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.802440] [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: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a painful and disabling musculoskeletal disorder, with a large impact on the global population, resulting in several limitations on daily activities. In OA, inflammation is frequent and mainly controlled through inflammatory cytokines released by immune cells. These outbalanced inflammatory cytokines cause cartilage extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation and possible growth of neuronal fibers into subchondral bone triggering pain. Even though pain is the major symptom of musculoskeletal diseases, there are still no effective treatments to counteract it and the mechanisms behind these pathologies are not fully understood. Thus, there is an urgent need to establish reliable models for assessing the molecular mechanisms and consequently new therapeutic targets. Models have been established to support this research field by providing reliable tools to replicate the joint tissue in vitro. Studies firstly started with simple 2D culture setups, followed by 3D culture focusing mainly on cell-cell interactions to mimic healthy and inflamed cartilage. Cellular approaches were improved by scaffold-based strategies to enhance cell-matrix interactions as well as contribute to developing mechanically more stable in vitro models. The progression of the cartilage tissue engineering would then profit from the integration of 3D bioprinting technologies as these provide 3D constructs with versatile structural arrangements of the 3D constructs. The upgrade of the available tools with dynamic conditions was then achieved using bioreactors and fluid systems. Finally, the organ-on-a-chip encloses all the state of the art on cartilage tissue engineering by incorporation of different microenvironments, cells and stimuli and pave the way to potentially simulate crucial biological, chemical, and mechanical features of arthritic joint. In this review, we describe the several available tools ranging from simple cartilage pellets to complex organ-on-a-chip platforms, including 3D tissue-engineered constructs and bioprinting tools. Moreover, we provide a fruitful discussion on the possible upgrades to enhance the in vitro systems making them more robust regarding the physiological and pathological modeling of the joint tissue/OA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emine Kahraman
- Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica (INEB), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Faculdade de Engenharia da Universidade do Porto (FEUP), Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Ribeiro
- Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica (INEB), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Meriem Lamghari
- Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica (INEB), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Estrela Neto
- Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica (INEB), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
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14
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Modeling axonal regeneration by changing cytoskeletal dynamics in stem cell-derived motor nerve organoids. Sci Rep 2022; 12:2082. [PMID: 35136073 PMCID: PMC8827082 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-05645-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress triggers axon degeneration and cell death, leading to the development of neurodegenerative diseases. Spinal motor nerves project very long axons, increasing the burden on axonal transport and metabolism. As such, spinal motor nerves are expected to be susceptible to oxidative stress, but model systems for visualizing and investigating acutely degenerating motor axons are limited. In this study, we establish motor nerve organoids from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) with properties similar to those of neuromesodermal progenitors (NMPs), a population of progenitor cells that comprise the caudal spinal cord. Three-dimensional differentiation of organoids efficiently gave rise to mature motor neurons within 18 days. Adherent organoids showed robust axon fascicles and active growth cones under normal conditions. In addition, more homogenous and efficient generation of motor neurons were achieved when organoids were dissociated into individual cells. Hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress resulted in a broad range of signs of axon degeneration including the disappearance of growth cones and neurites, axon retraction, axon fragmentation and bleb formation, and apoptotic cell death, whose severity can be reliably quantifiable in our culture system. Remarkably, cytoskeletal drugs modulating actin or microtubule turnover differentially facilitated axon dynamics and increased axon regenerative potential. Taken together, our motor nerve organoid model could be potentially useful for drug screens evaluating the rearrangement of cytoskeletons in regenerating motor axons.
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15
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Lynch E, Peek E, Reilly M, FitzGibbons C, Robertson S, Suzuki M. Current Progress in the Creation, Characterization, and Application of Human Stem Cell-derived in Vitro Neuromuscular Junction Models. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2022; 18:768-780. [PMID: 34212303 PMCID: PMC8720113 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-021-10201-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Human pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) such as embryonic stem cells (ESCs) or induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are of great value for studying developmental processes, disease modeling, and drug testing. One area in which the use of human PSCs has become of great interest in recent years is for in vitro models of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ). The NMJ is a synapse at which a motor neuron releases acetylcholine to bind to skeletal muscle and stimulate contraction. Degeneration of the NMJ and subsequent loss of muscle function is a common feature of many neuromuscular diseases such as myasthenia gravis, spinal muscular atrophy, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. In order to develop new therapies for patients with neuromuscular diseases, it is essential to understand mechanisms taking place at the NMJ. However, we have limited ability to study the NMJ in living human patients, and animal models are limited by physiological relevance. Therefore, an in vitro model of the NMJ consisting of human cells is of great value. The use of stem cells for in vitro NMJ models is still in progress and requires further optimization in order to yield reliable, reproducible results. The objective of this review is (1) to outline the current progress towards fully PSC-derived in vitro co-culture models of the human NMJ and (2) to discuss future directions and challenges that must be overcome in order to create reproducible fully PSC-derived models that can be used for developmental studies, disease modeling, and drug testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eileen Lynch
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Emma Peek
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Megan Reilly
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Claire FitzGibbons
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Samantha Robertson
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Masatoshi Suzuki
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Wisconsin, USA,Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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16
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Youhanna S, Kemas AM, Preiss L, Zhou Y, Shen JX, Cakal SD, Paqualini FS, Goparaju SK, Shafagh RZ, Lind JU, Sellgren CM, Lauschke VM. Organotypic and Microphysiological Human Tissue Models for Drug Discovery and Development-Current State-of-the-Art and Future Perspectives. Pharmacol Rev 2022; 74:141-206. [PMID: 35017176 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.120.000238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The number of successful drug development projects has been stagnant for decades despite major breakthroughs in chemistry, molecular biology, and genetics. Unreliable target identification and poor translatability of preclinical models have been identified as major causes of failure. To improve predictions of clinical efficacy and safety, interest has shifted to three-dimensional culture methods in which human cells can retain many physiologically and functionally relevant phenotypes for extended periods of time. Here, we review the state of the art of available organotypic culture techniques and critically review emerging models of human tissues with key importance for pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and toxicity. In addition, developments in bioprinting and microfluidic multiorgan cultures to emulate systemic drug disposition are summarized. We close by highlighting important trends regarding the fabrication of organotypic culture platforms and the choice of platform material to limit drug absorption and polymer leaching while supporting the phenotypic maintenance of cultured cells and allowing for scalable device fabrication. We conclude that organotypic and microphysiological human tissue models constitute promising systems to promote drug discovery and development by facilitating drug target identification and improving the preclinical evaluation of drug toxicity and pharmacokinetics. There is, however, a critical need for further validation, benchmarking, and consolidation efforts ideally conducted in intersectoral multicenter settings to accelerate acceptance of these novel models as reliable tools for translational pharmacology and toxicology. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Organotypic and microphysiological culture of human cells has emerged as a promising tool for preclinical drug discovery and development that might be able to narrow the translation gap. This review discusses recent technological and methodological advancements and the use of these systems for hit discovery and the evaluation of toxicity, clearance, and absorption of lead compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Youhanna
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden (S.Y., A.M.K., L.P., Y.Z., J.X.S., S.K.G., R.Z.S., C.M.S., V.M.L.); Department of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics (DMPK), Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany (L.P.); Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark (S.D.C., J.U.L.); Synthetic Physiology Laboratory, Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy (F.S.P.); Division of Micro- and Nanosystems, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden (Z.S.); and Dr Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Stuttgart, Germany (V.M.L.)
| | - Aurino M Kemas
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden (S.Y., A.M.K., L.P., Y.Z., J.X.S., S.K.G., R.Z.S., C.M.S., V.M.L.); Department of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics (DMPK), Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany (L.P.); Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark (S.D.C., J.U.L.); Synthetic Physiology Laboratory, Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy (F.S.P.); Division of Micro- and Nanosystems, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden (Z.S.); and Dr Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Stuttgart, Germany (V.M.L.)
| | - Lena Preiss
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden (S.Y., A.M.K., L.P., Y.Z., J.X.S., S.K.G., R.Z.S., C.M.S., V.M.L.); Department of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics (DMPK), Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany (L.P.); Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark (S.D.C., J.U.L.); Synthetic Physiology Laboratory, Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy (F.S.P.); Division of Micro- and Nanosystems, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden (Z.S.); and Dr Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Stuttgart, Germany (V.M.L.)
| | - Yitian Zhou
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden (S.Y., A.M.K., L.P., Y.Z., J.X.S., S.K.G., R.Z.S., C.M.S., V.M.L.); Department of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics (DMPK), Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany (L.P.); Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark (S.D.C., J.U.L.); Synthetic Physiology Laboratory, Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy (F.S.P.); Division of Micro- and Nanosystems, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden (Z.S.); and Dr Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Stuttgart, Germany (V.M.L.)
| | - Joanne X Shen
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden (S.Y., A.M.K., L.P., Y.Z., J.X.S., S.K.G., R.Z.S., C.M.S., V.M.L.); Department of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics (DMPK), Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany (L.P.); Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark (S.D.C., J.U.L.); Synthetic Physiology Laboratory, Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy (F.S.P.); Division of Micro- and Nanosystems, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden (Z.S.); and Dr Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Stuttgart, Germany (V.M.L.)
| | - Selgin D Cakal
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden (S.Y., A.M.K., L.P., Y.Z., J.X.S., S.K.G., R.Z.S., C.M.S., V.M.L.); Department of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics (DMPK), Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany (L.P.); Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark (S.D.C., J.U.L.); Synthetic Physiology Laboratory, Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy (F.S.P.); Division of Micro- and Nanosystems, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden (Z.S.); and Dr Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Stuttgart, Germany (V.M.L.)
| | - Francesco S Paqualini
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden (S.Y., A.M.K., L.P., Y.Z., J.X.S., S.K.G., R.Z.S., C.M.S., V.M.L.); Department of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics (DMPK), Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany (L.P.); Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark (S.D.C., J.U.L.); Synthetic Physiology Laboratory, Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy (F.S.P.); Division of Micro- and Nanosystems, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden (Z.S.); and Dr Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Stuttgart, Germany (V.M.L.)
| | - Sravan K Goparaju
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden (S.Y., A.M.K., L.P., Y.Z., J.X.S., S.K.G., R.Z.S., C.M.S., V.M.L.); Department of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics (DMPK), Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany (L.P.); Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark (S.D.C., J.U.L.); Synthetic Physiology Laboratory, Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy (F.S.P.); Division of Micro- and Nanosystems, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden (Z.S.); and Dr Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Stuttgart, Germany (V.M.L.)
| | - Reza Zandi Shafagh
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden (S.Y., A.M.K., L.P., Y.Z., J.X.S., S.K.G., R.Z.S., C.M.S., V.M.L.); Department of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics (DMPK), Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany (L.P.); Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark (S.D.C., J.U.L.); Synthetic Physiology Laboratory, Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy (F.S.P.); Division of Micro- and Nanosystems, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden (Z.S.); and Dr Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Stuttgart, Germany (V.M.L.)
| | - Johan Ulrik Lind
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden (S.Y., A.M.K., L.P., Y.Z., J.X.S., S.K.G., R.Z.S., C.M.S., V.M.L.); Department of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics (DMPK), Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany (L.P.); Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark (S.D.C., J.U.L.); Synthetic Physiology Laboratory, Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy (F.S.P.); Division of Micro- and Nanosystems, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden (Z.S.); and Dr Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Stuttgart, Germany (V.M.L.)
| | - Carl M Sellgren
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden (S.Y., A.M.K., L.P., Y.Z., J.X.S., S.K.G., R.Z.S., C.M.S., V.M.L.); Department of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics (DMPK), Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany (L.P.); Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark (S.D.C., J.U.L.); Synthetic Physiology Laboratory, Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy (F.S.P.); Division of Micro- and Nanosystems, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden (Z.S.); and Dr Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Stuttgart, Germany (V.M.L.)
| | - Volker M Lauschke
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden (S.Y., A.M.K., L.P., Y.Z., J.X.S., S.K.G., R.Z.S., C.M.S., V.M.L.); Department of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics (DMPK), Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany (L.P.); Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark (S.D.C., J.U.L.); Synthetic Physiology Laboratory, Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy (F.S.P.); Division of Micro- and Nanosystems, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden (Z.S.); and Dr Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Stuttgart, Germany (V.M.L.)
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17
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Ajalik RE, Alenchery RG, Cognetti JS, Zhang VZ, McGrath JL, Miller BL, Awad HA. Human Organ-on-a-Chip Microphysiological Systems to Model Musculoskeletal Pathologies and Accelerate Therapeutic Discovery. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:846230. [PMID: 35360391 PMCID: PMC8964284 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.846230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Human Microphysiological Systems (hMPS), otherwise known as organ- and tissue-on-a-chip models, are an emerging technology with the potential to replace in vivo animal studies with in vitro models that emulate human physiology at basic levels. hMPS platforms are designed to overcome limitations of two-dimensional (2D) cell culture systems by mimicking 3D tissue organization and microenvironmental cues that are physiologically and clinically relevant. Unlike animal studies, hMPS models can be configured for high content or high throughput screening in preclinical drug development. Applications in modeling acute and chronic injuries in the musculoskeletal system are slowly developing. However, the complexity and load bearing nature of musculoskeletal tissues and joints present unique challenges related to our limited understanding of disease mechanisms and the lack of consensus biomarkers to guide biological therapy development. With emphasis on examples of modeling musculoskeletal tissues, joints on chips, and organoids, this review highlights current trends of microphysiological systems technology. The review surveys state-of-the-art design and fabrication considerations inspired by lessons from bioreactors and biological variables emphasizing the role of induced pluripotent stem cells and genetic engineering in creating isogenic, patient-specific multicellular hMPS. The major challenges in modeling musculoskeletal tissues using hMPS chips are identified, including incorporating biological barriers, simulating joint compartments and heterogenous tissue interfaces, simulating immune interactions and inflammatory factors, simulating effects of in vivo loading, recording nociceptors responses as surrogates for pain outcomes, modeling the dynamic injury and healing responses by monitoring secreted proteins in real time, and creating arrayed formats for robotic high throughput screens. Overcoming these barriers will revolutionize musculoskeletal research by enabling physiologically relevant, predictive models of human tissues and joint diseases to accelerate and de-risk therapeutic discovery and translation to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel E. Ajalik
- Center for Musculoskeletal Research, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Rahul G. Alenchery
- Center for Musculoskeletal Research, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - John S. Cognetti
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Victor Z. Zhang
- Center for Musculoskeletal Research, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - James L. McGrath
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Benjamin L. Miller
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
- Department of Dermatology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Hani A. Awad
- Center for Musculoskeletal Research, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
- *Correspondence: Hani A. Awad,
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18
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Altman T, Ionescu A, Ibraheem A, Priesmann D, Gradus-Pery T, Farberov L, Alexandra G, Shelestovich N, Dafinca R, Shomron N, Rage F, Talbot K, Ward ME, Dori A, Krüger M, Perlson E. Axonal TDP-43 condensates drive neuromuscular junction disruption through inhibition of local synthesis of nuclear encoded mitochondrial proteins. Nat Commun 2021; 12:6914. [PMID: 34824257 PMCID: PMC8617040 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-27221-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Mislocalization of the predominantly nuclear RNA/DNA binding protein, TDP-43, occurs in motor neurons of ~95% of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients, but the contribution of axonal TDP-43 to this neurodegenerative disease is unclear. Here, we show TDP-43 accumulation in intra-muscular nerves from ALS patients and in axons of human iPSC-derived motor neurons of ALS patient, as well as in motor neurons and neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) of a TDP-43 mislocalization mouse model. In axons, TDP-43 is hyper-phosphorylated and promotes G3BP1-positive ribonucleoprotein (RNP) condensate assembly, consequently inhibiting local protein synthesis in distal axons and NMJs. Specifically, the axonal and synaptic levels of nuclear-encoded mitochondrial proteins are reduced. Clearance of axonal TDP-43 or dissociation of G3BP1 condensates restored local translation and resolved TDP-43-derived toxicity in both axons and NMJs. These findings support an axonal gain of function of TDP-43 in ALS, which can be targeted for therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Topaz Altman
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Ariel Ionescu
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Amjad Ibraheem
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Dominik Priesmann
- CECAD Research Center and Center for Molecular Medicine (CMMC), University of Cologne, 50931, Cologne, Germany
| | - Tal Gradus-Pery
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Luba Farberov
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Gayster Alexandra
- Pathology Institute, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | | | - Ruxandra Dafinca
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Noam Shomron
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Florence Rage
- Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier, IGMM UMR535, Montpellier, France
| | - Kevin Talbot
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Michael E Ward
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Amir Dori
- Department of Neurology, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Marcus Krüger
- CECAD Research Center and Center for Molecular Medicine (CMMC), University of Cologne, 50931, Cologne, Germany
| | - Eran Perlson
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel.
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel.
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19
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Smith VM, Nguyen H, Rumsey JW, Long CJ, Shuler ML, Hickman JJ. A Functional Human-on-a-Chip Autoimmune Disease Model of Myasthenia Gravis for Development of Therapeutics. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:745897. [PMID: 34881241 PMCID: PMC8645836 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.745897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a chronic and progressive neuromuscular disease where autoantibodies target essential proteins such as the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) causing muscle fatigue and weakness. Autoantibodies directed against nAChRs are proposed to work by three main pathological mechanisms of receptor disruption: blocking, receptor internalization, and downregulation. Current in vivo models using experimental autoimmune animal models fail to recapitulate the disease pathology and are limited in clinical translatability due to disproportionate disease severity and high animal death rates. The development of a highly sensitive antibody assay that mimics human disease pathology is desirable for clinical advancement and therapeutic development. To address this lack of relevant models, an NMJ platform derived from human iPSC differentiated motoneurons and primary skeletal muscle was used to investigate the ability of an anti-nAChR antibody to induce clinically relevant MG pathology in the serum-free, spatially organized, functionally mature NMJ platform. Treatment of the NMJ model with the anti-nAChR antibody revealed decreasing NMJ stability as measured by the number of NMJs before and after the synchrony stimulation protocol. This decrease in NMJ stability was dose-dependent over a concentration range of 0.01-20 μg/mL. Immunocytochemical (ICC) analysis was used to distinguish between pathological mechanisms of antibody-mediated receptor disruption including blocking, receptor internalization and downregulation. Antibody treatment also activated the complement cascade as indicated by complement protein 3 deposition near the nAChRs. Additionally, complement cascade activation significantly altered other readouts of NMJ function including the NMJ fidelity parameter as measured by the number of muscle contractions missed in response to increasing motoneuron stimulation frequencies. This synchrony readout mimics the clinical phenotype of neurological blocking that results in failure of muscle contractions despite motoneuron stimulations. Taken together, these data indicate the establishment of a relevant disease model of MG that mimics reduction of functional nAChRs at the NMJ, decreased NMJ stability, complement activation and blocking of neuromuscular transmission. This system is the first functional human in vitro model of MG to be used to simulate three potential disease mechanisms as well as to establish a preclinical platform for evaluation of disease modifying treatments (etiology).
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia M. Smith
- Hybrid Systems Lab, NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, United States
- Hesperos, Inc., Orlando, FL, United States
| | - Huan Nguyen
- Hybrid Systems Lab, NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, United States
| | | | | | | | - James J. Hickman
- Hybrid Systems Lab, NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, United States
- Hesperos, Inc., Orlando, FL, United States
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20
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Tamáš M, Pankratova S, Schjerling P, Soendenbroe C, Yeung CC, Pennisi CP, Jakobsen JR, Krogsgaard MR, Kjaer M, Mackey AL. Mutual stimulatory signaling between human myogenic cells and rat cerebellar neurons. Physiol Rep 2021; 9:e15077. [PMID: 34713978 PMCID: PMC8554775 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.15077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Insight into the bidirectional signaling between primary human myogenic cells and neurons is lacking. For this purpose, human myogenic cells were derived from the semitendinosus and gracilis muscles of five healthy individuals and co-cultured with cerebellar granule neurons from two litters of 7-day-old Wistar rat pups, in muscle medium or neural medium, alongside monocultures of myogenic cells or neurons. RT-PCR was performed to determine human mRNA levels of GAPDH, Ki67, myogenin, and MUSK, and the acetylcholine receptor subtypes CHRNA1, CHRNB1, CHRNG, CHRND, and CHRNE, and rat mRNA levels of GAPDH, Fth1, Rack1, vimentin, Cdh13, and Ppp1r1a. Immunocytochemistry was used to evaluate neurite outgrowth (GAP43) in the presence and absence of myogenic cells. Co-culture with primary neurons lead to higher myogenic cell gene expression levels of GAPDH, myogenin, MUSK, CHRNA1, CHRNG, and CHRND, compared to myogenic cells cultured alone. It appeared that neurons preferentially attached to myotubes and that neurite outgrowth was enhanced when neurons were cultured with myogenic cells compared to monoculture. In neural medium, rat mRNA levels of GAPDH, vimentin, Cdh13, and Ppp1r1a were greater in co-culture, versus monoculture, whereas in muscle medium co-culture lead to lower levels of Fth1, Rack1, vimentin, and Cdh13 than monoculture. These findings demonstrate mutually beneficial stimulatory signaling between rat cerebellar granule neurons and human myogenic cells, providing support for an active role for both the neuron and the muscle cell in stimulating neurite growth and myogenesis. Bidirectional muscle nerve signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Tamáš
- Institute of Sports Medicine CopenhagenDepartment of Orthopaedic SurgeryCopenhagen University Hospital – Bispebjerg and FrederiksbergCopenhagenDenmark
- Center for Healthy AgingDepartment of Clinical MedicineUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Stanislava Pankratova
- Laboratory of Neural PlasticityDepartment of NeuroscienceUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
- Comparative Pediatrics and NutritionDepartment of Veterinary and Animal SciencesUniversity of CopenhagenFrederiksberg CDenmark
| | - Peter Schjerling
- Institute of Sports Medicine CopenhagenDepartment of Orthopaedic SurgeryCopenhagen University Hospital – Bispebjerg and FrederiksbergCopenhagenDenmark
- Center for Healthy AgingDepartment of Clinical MedicineUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Casper Soendenbroe
- Institute of Sports Medicine CopenhagenDepartment of Orthopaedic SurgeryCopenhagen University Hospital – Bispebjerg and FrederiksbergCopenhagenDenmark
- Center for Healthy AgingDepartment of Clinical MedicineUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
- XlabDepartment of Biomedical SciencesFaculty of Health and Medical SciencesUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Ching‐Yan Chloé Yeung
- Institute of Sports Medicine CopenhagenDepartment of Orthopaedic SurgeryCopenhagen University Hospital – Bispebjerg and FrederiksbergCopenhagenDenmark
- Center for Healthy AgingDepartment of Clinical MedicineUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Cristian Pablo Pennisi
- Regenerative Medicine GroupDepartment of Health Science and TechnologyAalborg UniversityAalborgDenmark
| | - Jens R. Jakobsen
- Section for Sports Traumatology M51Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryCopenhagen University Hospital – Bispebjerg and FrederiksbergCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Michael R. Krogsgaard
- Section for Sports Traumatology M51Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryCopenhagen University Hospital – Bispebjerg and FrederiksbergCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Michael Kjaer
- Institute of Sports Medicine CopenhagenDepartment of Orthopaedic SurgeryCopenhagen University Hospital – Bispebjerg and FrederiksbergCopenhagenDenmark
- Center for Healthy AgingDepartment of Clinical MedicineUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Abigail L. Mackey
- Institute of Sports Medicine CopenhagenDepartment of Orthopaedic SurgeryCopenhagen University Hospital – Bispebjerg and FrederiksbergCopenhagenDenmark
- Center for Healthy AgingDepartment of Clinical MedicineUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
- XlabDepartment of Biomedical SciencesFaculty of Health and Medical SciencesUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
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21
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Cintron-Colon AF, Almeida-Alves G, VanGyseghem JM, Spitsbergen JM. GDNF to the rescue: GDNF delivery effects on motor neurons and nerves, and muscle re-innervation after peripheral nerve injuries. Neural Regen Res 2021; 17:748-753. [PMID: 34472460 PMCID: PMC8530131 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.322446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Peripheral nerve injuries commonly occur due to trauma, like a traffic accident. Peripheral nerves get severed, causing motor neuron death and potential muscle atrophy. The current golden standard to treat peripheral nerve lesions, especially lesions with large (≥ 3 cm) nerve gaps, is the use of a nerve autograft or reimplantation in cases where nerve root avulsions occur. If not tended early, degeneration of motor neurons and loss of axon regeneration can occur, leading to loss of function. Although surgical procedures exist, patients often do not fully recover, and quality of life deteriorates. Peripheral nerves have limited regeneration, and it is usually mediated by Schwann cells and neurotrophic factors, like glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor, as seen in Wallerian degeneration. Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor is a neurotrophic factor known to promote motor neuron survival and neurite outgrowth. Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor is upregulated in different forms of nerve injuries like axotomy, sciatic nerve crush, and compression, thus creating great interest to explore this protein as a potential treatment for peripheral nerve injuries. Exogenous glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor has shown positive effects in regeneration and functional recovery when applied in experimental models of peripheral nerve injuries. In this review, we discuss the mechanism of repair provided by Schwann cells and upregulation of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor, the latest findings on the effects of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor in different types of peripheral nerve injuries, delivery systems, and complementary treatments (electrical muscle stimulation and exercise). Understanding and overcoming the challenges of proper timing and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor delivery is paramount to creating novel treatments to tend to peripheral nerve injuries to improve patients’ quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - John M Spitsbergen
- Biological Sciences Department, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI, USA
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22
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Maimon R, Ankol L, Gradus Pery T, Altman T, Ionescu A, Weissova R, Ostrovsky M, Tank E, Alexandra G, Shelestovich N, Opatowsky Y, Dori A, Barmada S, Balastik M, Perlson E. A CRMP4-dependent retrograde axon-to-soma death signal in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. EMBO J 2021; 40:e107586. [PMID: 34190355 PMCID: PMC8408612 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2020107586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal non-cell-autonomous neurodegenerative disease characterized by the loss of motor neurons (MNs). Mutations in CRMP4 are associated with ALS in patients, and elevated levels of CRMP4 are suggested to affect MN health in the SOD1G93A -ALS mouse model. However, the mechanism by which CRMP4 mediates toxicity in ALS MNs is poorly understood. Here, by using tissue from human patients with sporadic ALS, MNs derived from C9orf72-mutant patients, and the SOD1G93A -ALS mouse model, we demonstrate that subcellular changes in CRMP4 levels promote MN loss in ALS. First, we show that while expression of CRMP4 protein is increased in cell bodies of ALS-affected MN, CRMP4 levels are decreased in the distal axons. Cellular mislocalization of CRMP4 is caused by increased interaction with the retrograde motor protein, dynein, which mediates CRMP4 transport from distal axons to the soma and thereby promotes MN loss. Blocking the CRMP4-dynein interaction reduces MN loss in human-derived MNs (C9orf72) and in ALS model mice. Thus, we demonstrate a novel CRMP4-dependent retrograde death signal that underlies MN loss in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roy Maimon
- Sackler Faculty of MedicineTel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
| | - Lior Ankol
- Sackler Faculty of MedicineTel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
- Sagol School of NeuroscienceTel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
| | - Tal Gradus Pery
- Sackler Faculty of MedicineTel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
| | - Topaz Altman
- Sackler Faculty of MedicineTel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
| | - Ariel Ionescu
- Sackler Faculty of MedicineTel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
| | - Romana Weissova
- Institue of Physiology of the Czech Academy of SciencesPragueCzech Republic
- Faculty of ScienceCharles UniversityPragueCzech Republic
| | | | - Elizabeth Tank
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMIUSA
| | - Gayster Alexandra
- Department of PathologySheba Medical CenterTel HashomerRamat GanIsrael
| | - Natalia Shelestovich
- Sackler Faculty of MedicineTel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
- Department of PathologySheba Medical CenterTel HashomerRamat GanIsrael
| | - Yarden Opatowsky
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life ScienceBar Ilan UniversityIsrael
| | - Amir Dori
- Sackler Faculty of MedicineTel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
- Sagol School of NeuroscienceTel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
- Department of NeurologySheba Medical CenterTel HashomerRamat GanIsrael
| | - Sami Barmada
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMIUSA
| | - Martin Balastik
- Institue of Physiology of the Czech Academy of SciencesPragueCzech Republic
| | - Eran Perlson
- Sackler Faculty of MedicineTel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
- Sagol School of NeuroscienceTel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
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23
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Luttrell SM, Smith AST, Mack DL. Creating stem cell-derived neuromuscular junctions in vitro. Muscle Nerve 2021; 64:388-403. [PMID: 34328673 PMCID: PMC9292444 DOI: 10.1002/mus.27360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Recent development of novel therapies has improved mobility and quality of life for people suffering from inheritable neuromuscular disorders. Despite this progress, the majority of neuromuscular disorders are still incurable, in part due to a lack of predictive models of neuromuscular junction (NMJ) breakdown. Improvement of predictive models of a human NMJ would be transformative in terms of expanding our understanding of the mechanisms that underpin development, maintenance, and disease, and as a testbed with which to evaluate novel therapeutics. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are emerging as a clinically relevant and non‐invasive cell source to create human NMJs to study synaptic development and maturation, as well as disease modeling and drug discovery. This review will highlight the recent advances and remaining challenges to generating an NMJ capable of eliciting contraction of stem cell‐derived skeletal muscle in vitro. We explore the advantages and shortcomings of traditional NMJ culturing platforms, as well as the pioneering technologies and novel, biomimetic culturing systems currently in use to guide development and maturation of the neuromuscular synapse and extracellular microenvironment. Then, we will explore how this NMJ‐in‐a‐dish can be used to study normal assembly and function of the efferent portion of the neuromuscular arc, and how neuromuscular disease‐causing mutations disrupt structure, signaling, and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shawn M Luttrell
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Alec S T Smith
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - David L Mack
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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24
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Soendenbroe C, Andersen JL, Mackey AL. Muscle-nerve communication and the molecular assessment of human skeletal muscle denervation with aging. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2021; 321:C317-C329. [PMID: 34161153 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00174.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Muscle fiber denervation is a major contributor to the decline in physical function observed with aging. Denervation can occur through breakdown of the neuromuscular junctions (NMJ) itself, affecting only that particular fiber, or through the death of a motor neuron, which can lead to a loss of all the muscle fibers in that motor unit. In this review, we discuss the muscle-nerve relationship, where signaling from both the motor neuron and the muscle fiber is required for maximal preservation of neuromuscular function in old age. Physical activity is likely to be the most important single factor that can contribute to this preservation. Furthermore, we propose that inactivity is not an innocent bystander, but plays an active role in denervation through the production of signals hostile to neuron survival. Investigating denervation in human muscle tissue samples is challenging due to the shared protein profile of regenerating and denervated muscle fibers. In this review, we provide a detailed overview of the key traits observed in immunohistochemical preparations of muscle biopsies from healthy, young, and elderly individuals. Overall, a combination of assessing tissue samples, circulating biomarkers, and electrophysiological assessments in humans will prove fruitful in the quest to gain more understanding of denervation of skeletal muscle. In addition, cell culture models represent a valuable tool in the search for key signaling factors exchanged between muscle and nerve, and which exercise has the capacity to alter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casper Soendenbroe
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital - Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Xlab, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Center for Healthy Aging, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jesper L Andersen
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital - Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Center for Healthy Aging, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Abigail L Mackey
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital - Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Xlab, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Center for Healthy Aging, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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25
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Rothbauer M, Bachmann BE, Eilenberger C, Kratz SR, Spitz S, Höll G, Ertl P. A Decade of Organs-on-a-Chip Emulating Human Physiology at the Microscale: A Critical Status Report on Progress in Toxicology and Pharmacology. MICROMACHINES 2021; 12:470. [PMID: 33919242 PMCID: PMC8143089 DOI: 10.3390/mi12050470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Organ-on-a-chip technology has the potential to accelerate pharmaceutical drug development, improve the clinical translation of basic research, and provide personalized intervention strategies. In the last decade, big pharma has engaged in many academic research cooperations to develop organ-on-a-chip systems for future drug discoveries. Although most organ-on-a-chip systems present proof-of-concept studies, miniaturized organ systems still need to demonstrate translational relevance and predictive power in clinical and pharmaceutical settings. This review explores whether microfluidic technology succeeded in paving the way for developing physiologically relevant human in vitro models for pharmacology and toxicology in biomedical research within the last decade. Individual organ-on-a-chip systems are discussed, focusing on relevant applications and highlighting their ability to tackle current challenges in pharmacological research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Rothbauer
- Faculty of Technical Chemistry, Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry and Institute of Chemical Technologies and Analytics, Vienna University of Technology, Getreidemarkt 9/163-164, 1060 Vienna, Austria; (B.E.M.B.); (C.E.); (S.R.A.K.); (S.S.); (G.H.)
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, 1200 Vienna, Austria
- Karl Chiari Lab for Orthopaedic Biology, Department of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-22, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Barbara E.M. Bachmann
- Faculty of Technical Chemistry, Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry and Institute of Chemical Technologies and Analytics, Vienna University of Technology, Getreidemarkt 9/163-164, 1060 Vienna, Austria; (B.E.M.B.); (C.E.); (S.R.A.K.); (S.S.); (G.H.)
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, 1200 Vienna, Austria
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology, Allgemeine Unfallversicherungsanstalt (AUVA) Research Centre, Donaueschingenstraße 13, 1200 Vienna, Austria
| | - Christoph Eilenberger
- Faculty of Technical Chemistry, Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry and Institute of Chemical Technologies and Analytics, Vienna University of Technology, Getreidemarkt 9/163-164, 1060 Vienna, Austria; (B.E.M.B.); (C.E.); (S.R.A.K.); (S.S.); (G.H.)
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, 1200 Vienna, Austria
| | - Sebastian R.A. Kratz
- Faculty of Technical Chemistry, Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry and Institute of Chemical Technologies and Analytics, Vienna University of Technology, Getreidemarkt 9/163-164, 1060 Vienna, Austria; (B.E.M.B.); (C.E.); (S.R.A.K.); (S.S.); (G.H.)
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, 1200 Vienna, Austria
- Drug Delivery and 3R-Models Group, Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences & Institute for Pharmaceutical Technology, Goethe University Frankfurt Am Main, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Sarah Spitz
- Faculty of Technical Chemistry, Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry and Institute of Chemical Technologies and Analytics, Vienna University of Technology, Getreidemarkt 9/163-164, 1060 Vienna, Austria; (B.E.M.B.); (C.E.); (S.R.A.K.); (S.S.); (G.H.)
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, 1200 Vienna, Austria
| | - Gregor Höll
- Faculty of Technical Chemistry, Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry and Institute of Chemical Technologies and Analytics, Vienna University of Technology, Getreidemarkt 9/163-164, 1060 Vienna, Austria; (B.E.M.B.); (C.E.); (S.R.A.K.); (S.S.); (G.H.)
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, 1200 Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Ertl
- Faculty of Technical Chemistry, Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry and Institute of Chemical Technologies and Analytics, Vienna University of Technology, Getreidemarkt 9/163-164, 1060 Vienna, Austria; (B.E.M.B.); (C.E.); (S.R.A.K.); (S.S.); (G.H.)
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, 1200 Vienna, Austria
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26
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Stoklund Dittlau K, Krasnow EN, Fumagalli L, Vandoorne T, Baatsen P, Kerstens A, Giacomazzi G, Pavie B, Rossaert E, Beckers J, Sampaolesi M, Van Damme P, Van Den Bosch L. Human motor units in microfluidic devices are impaired by FUS mutations and improved by HDAC6 inhibition. Stem Cell Reports 2021; 16:2213-2227. [PMID: 33891869 PMCID: PMC8452598 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2021.03.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) ensure communication between motor neurons (MNs) and muscle; however, in MN disorders, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), NMJs degenerate resulting in muscle atrophy. The aim of this study was to establish a versatile and reproducible in vitro model of a human motor unit to investigate the effects of ALS-causing mutations. Therefore, we generated a co-culture of human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived MNs and human primary mesoangioblast-derived myotubes in microfluidic devices. A chemotactic and volumetric gradient facilitated the growth of MN neurites through microgrooves resulting in the interaction with myotubes and the formation of NMJs. We observed that ALS-causing FUS mutations resulted in reduced neurite outgrowth as well as an impaired neurite regrowth upon axotomy. NMJ numbers were likewise reduced in the FUS-ALS model. Interestingly, the selective HDAC6 inhibitor, Tubastatin A, improved the neurite outgrowth, regrowth, and NMJ morphology, prompting HDAC6 inhibition as a potential therapeutic strategy for ALS. Human motor units with functional NMJs can be generated using microfluidic devices FUS-ALS motor units display impaired neurite regrowth, outgrowth and NMJ numbers HDAC6 inhibition alleviate FUS-ALS motor unit pathology in vitro
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarina Stoklund Dittlau
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology, and Leuven Brain Institute, Leuven, Belgium; VIB, Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Emily N Krasnow
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology, and Leuven Brain Institute, Leuven, Belgium; VIB, Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Laura Fumagalli
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology, and Leuven Brain Institute, Leuven, Belgium; VIB, Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tijs Vandoorne
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology, and Leuven Brain Institute, Leuven, Belgium; VIB, Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Pieter Baatsen
- VIB, Center for Brain & Disease Research, Research Group Molecular Neurobiology, Leuven, Belgium; KU Leuven - University of Leuven, VIB Bio Imaging Core, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Axelle Kerstens
- VIB, Center for Brain & Disease Research, Research Group Molecular Neurobiology, Leuven, Belgium; KU Leuven - University of Leuven, VIB Bio Imaging Core, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Giorgia Giacomazzi
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Development and Regeneration, Stem Cell and Developmental Biology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Benjamin Pavie
- VIB, Center for Brain & Disease Research, Research Group Molecular Neurobiology, Leuven, Belgium; KU Leuven - University of Leuven, VIB Bio Imaging Core, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Elisabeth Rossaert
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology, and Leuven Brain Institute, Leuven, Belgium; VIB, Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jimmy Beckers
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology, and Leuven Brain Institute, Leuven, Belgium; VIB, Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Maurilio Sampaolesi
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Development and Regeneration, Stem Cell and Developmental Biology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Philip Van Damme
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology, and Leuven Brain Institute, Leuven, Belgium; VIB, Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Leuven, Belgium; University Hospitals Leuven, Department of Neurology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ludo Van Den Bosch
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology, and Leuven Brain Institute, Leuven, Belgium; VIB, Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Leuven, Belgium.
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27
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Mòdol-Caballero G, García-Lareu B, Herrando-Grabulosa M, Verdés S, López-Vales R, Pagès G, Chillón M, Navarro X, Bosch A. Specific Expression of Glial-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Muscles as Gene Therapy Strategy for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Neurotherapeutics 2021; 18:1113-1126. [PMID: 33786805 PMCID: PMC8423878 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-021-01025-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is a powerful neuroprotective growth factor. However, systemic or intrathecal administration of GDNF is associated with side effects. Here, we aimed to avoid this by restricting the transgene expression to the skeletal muscle by gene therapy. To specifically target most skeletal muscles in the mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), SOD1G93A transgenic mice were intravenously injected with adeno-associated vectors coding for GDNF under the control of the desmin promoter. Treated and control SOD1G93A mice were evaluated by rotarod and nerve conduction tests from 8 to 20 weeks of age, and then histological and molecular analyses were performed. Muscle-specific GDNF expression delayed the progression of the disease in SOD1G93A female and male mice by preserving the neuromuscular function; increasing the number of innervated neuromuscular junctions, the survival of spinal motoneurons; and reducing glial reactivity in treated SOD1G93A mice. These beneficial actions are attributed to a paracrine protective mechanism from the muscle to the motoneurons by GDNF. Importantly, no adverse secondary effects were detected. These results highlight the potential of muscle GDNF-targeted expression for ALS therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillem Mòdol-Caballero
- Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Spain
- Department Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Belén García-Lareu
- Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mireia Herrando-Grabulosa
- Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Spain
- Department Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sergi Verdés
- Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Unitat Mixta UAB-VHIR, Vall D'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rubén López-Vales
- Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Spain
- Department Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Gemma Pagès
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miguel Chillón
- Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Unitat Mixta UAB-VHIR, Vall D'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain
- Institut Català de Recerca I Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Xavier Navarro
- Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Spain.
- Department Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Assumpció Bosch
- Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
- Unitat Mixta UAB-VHIR, Vall D'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain.
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Russo K, Wharton KA. BMP/TGF-β signaling as a modulator of neurodegeneration in ALS. Dev Dyn 2021; 251:10-25. [PMID: 33745185 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
This commentary focuses on the emerging intersection between BMP/TGF-β signaling roles in nervous system function and the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) disease state. Future research is critical to elucidate the molecular underpinnings of this intersection of the cellular processes disrupted in ALS and those influenced by BMP/TGF-β signaling, including synapse structure, neurotransmission, plasticity, and neuroinflammation. Such knowledge promises to inform us of ideal entry points for the targeted modulation of dysfunctional cellular processes in an effort to abrogate ALS pathologies. It is likely that different interventions are required, either at discrete points in disease progression, or across multiple dysfunctional processes which together lead to motor neuron degeneration and death. We discuss the challenging, but intriguing idea that modulation of the pleiotropic nature of BMP/TGF-β signaling could be advantageous, as a way to simultaneously treat defects in more than one cell process across different forms of ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Russo
- Department of Neuroscience, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA.,Robert J. and Nancy D. Carney Institute for Brain Science, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Kristi A Wharton
- Robert J. and Nancy D. Carney Institute for Brain Science, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA.,Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
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29
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Solomon EA, Rooney AM, Rodriguez AM, Micheva-Viteva S, Bashir R, Iyer R, Harris JF. Neuromuscular Junction Model Optimized for Electrical Platforms. Tissue Eng Part C Methods 2021; 27:242-252. [PMID: 33599165 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tec.2020.0292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuromuscular junctions (NMJs), specialized synapses between motor neurons and muscle fibers, are essential for muscle activity. A simple and reproducible cell-based in vitro NMJ platform is needed to test the impact of chemicals on the neuron-muscle communication. Our platform utilizes genetically modified neurons and muscle cells, optimized culture conditions, and commercially available multielectrode array system for recording action potentials. Neuronal cells (NSC34) were optogenetically modified with channelrhodopsin chimera to allow for simultaneous, light-mediated, millisecond-precise activation of neuronal population. This signal is propagated through functional synapses to the muscle fibers. Muscle cells (C2C12) were modified by incorporating gap junction protein (Connexin-43) to improve intracellular communication without affecting muscle differentiation. This communication between muscle fibers resulted in better signal propagation and signal strength. Optimized culture medium facilitated the growth and differentiation of both cell types together. Our system was validated using vecuronium, a muscle relaxant, which abolished the muscle response. This in vitro model provides a unique tool for establishing a NMJ platform that is easy to record and analyze. Potential applications include nondestructive long-term screening of drugs affecting the NMJ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilia A Solomon
- Bioscience Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico, USA
| | - Allison M Rooney
- Bioscience Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico, USA
| | - Arasely M Rodriguez
- Bioscience Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico, USA
| | | | - Rashid Bashir
- Department of Bioengineering, Nick J. Holonyak Micro and Nanotechnology Laboratory, and Carle Illinois College of Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Rashi Iyer
- Information System and Modeling, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico, USA
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30
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de Jongh R, Spijkers XM, Pasteuning-Vuhman S, Vulto P, Pasterkamp RJ. Neuromuscular junction-on-a-chip: ALS disease modeling and read-out development in microfluidic devices. J Neurochem 2021; 157:393-412. [PMID: 33382092 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal and progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting upper and lower motor neurons with no cure available. Clinical and animal studies reveal that the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), a synaptic connection between motor neurons and skeletal muscle fibers, is highly vulnerable in ALS and suggest that NMJ defects may occur at the early stages of the disease. However, mechanistic insight into how NMJ dysfunction relates to the onset and progression of ALS is incomplete, which hampers therapy development. This is, in part, caused by a lack of robust in vitro models. The ability to combine microfluidic and induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technologies has opened up new avenues for studying molecular and cellular ALS phenotypes in vitro. Microfluidic devices offer several advantages over traditional culture approaches when modeling the NMJ, such as the spatial separation of different cell types and increased control over the cellular microenvironment. Moreover, they are compatible with 3D cell culture, which enhances NMJ functionality and maturity. Here, we review how microfluidic technology is currently being employed to develop more reliable in vitro NMJ models. To validate and phenotype such models, various morphological and functional read-outs have been developed. We describe and discuss the relevance of these read-outs and specifically illustrate how these read-outs have enhanced our understanding of NMJ pathology in ALS. Finally, we share our view on potential future directions and challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rianne de Jongh
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Xandor M Spijkers
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Mimetas B.V., Organ-on-a-chip Company, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Svetlana Pasteuning-Vuhman
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Paul Vulto
- Mimetas B.V., Organ-on-a-chip Company, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - R Jeroen Pasterkamp
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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31
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah B Peters
- Division of Biosciences, College of Dentistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
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32
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Stanga S, Boido M, Kienlen-Campard P. How to Build and to Protect the Neuromuscular Junction: The Role of the Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 22:ijms22010136. [PMID: 33374485 PMCID: PMC7794999 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is at the crossroad between the nervous system (NS) and the muscle. Following neurotransmitter release from the motor neurons (MNs), muscle contraction occurs and movement is generated. Besides eliciting muscle contraction, the NMJ represents a site of chemical bidirectional interplay between nerve and muscle with the active participation of Schwann cells. Indeed, signals originating from the muscle play an important role in synapse formation, stabilization, maintenance and function, both in development and adulthood. We focus here on the contribution of the Glial cell line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (GDNF) to these processes and to its potential role in the protection of the NMJ during neurodegeneration. Historically related to the maintenance and survival of dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra, GDNF also plays a fundamental role in the peripheral NS (PNS). At this level, it promotes muscle trophism and it participates to the functionality of synapses. Moreover, compared to the other neurotrophic factors, GDNF shows unique peculiarities, which make its contribution essential in neurodegenerative disorders. While describing the known structural and functional changes occurring at the NMJ during neurodegeneration, we highlight the role of GDNF in the NMJ–muscle cross-talk and we review its therapeutic potential in counteracting the degenerative process occurring in the PNS in progressive and severe diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). We also describe functional 3D neuromuscular co-culture systems that have been recently developed as a model for studying both NMJ formation in vitro and its involvement in neuromuscular disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Stanga
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi Montalcini, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy;
- Laboratory of Brain Development and Disease, Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, University of Turin, 10043 Orbassano, Italy
- National Institute of Neuroscience (INN), 10125 Turin, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Marina Boido
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi Montalcini, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy;
- Laboratory of Brain Development and Disease, Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, University of Turin, 10043 Orbassano, Italy
- National Institute of Neuroscience (INN), 10125 Turin, Italy
| | - Pascal Kienlen-Campard
- Institute of Neuroscience (IoNS), Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), 1200 Bruxelles, Belgium;
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33
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Barbeau S, Tahraoui-Bories J, Legay C, Martinat C. Building neuromuscular junctions in vitro. Development 2020; 147:147/22/dev193920. [PMID: 33199350 DOI: 10.1242/dev.193920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The neuromuscular junction (NMJ) has been the model of choice to understand the principles of communication at chemical synapses. Following groundbreaking experiments carried out over 60 years ago, many studies have focused on the molecular mechanisms underlying the development and physiology of these synapses. This Review summarizes the progress made to date towards obtaining faithful models of NMJs in vitro We provide a historical approach discussing initial experiments investigating NMJ development and function from Xenopus to mice, the creation of chimeric co-cultures, in vivo approaches and co-culture methods from ex vivo and in vitro derived cells, as well as the most recent developments to generate human NMJs. We discuss the benefits of these techniques and the challenges to be addressed in the future for promoting our understanding of development and human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susie Barbeau
- Université de Paris, CNRS, SPPIN - Saints-Pères Paris Institute for the Neurosciences, F-75006 Paris, France
| | - Julie Tahraoui-Bories
- INSERM/UEPS UMR 861, Paris Saclay Université, I-STEM, 91100 Corbeil-Essonnes, France
| | - Claire Legay
- Université de Paris, CNRS, SPPIN - Saints-Pères Paris Institute for the Neurosciences, F-75006 Paris, France
| | - Cécile Martinat
- INSERM/UEPS UMR 861, Paris Saclay Université, I-STEM, 91100 Corbeil-Essonnes, France
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34
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Lee Y, Choi JJ, Ahn SI, Lee NH, Han WM, Mohiuddin M, Shin EJ, Wood L, Park KD, Kim Y, Jang YC. Engineered Heterochronic Parabiosis in 3D Microphysiological System for Identification of Muscle Rejuvenating Factors. ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS 2020; 30:2002924. [PMID: 38053980 PMCID: PMC10697693 DOI: 10.1002/adfm.202002924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Exposure of aged mice to a young systemic milieu revealed remarkable rejuvenation effects on aged tissues, including skeletal muscle. Although some candidate factors have been identified, the exact identity and the underlying mechanisms of putative rejuvenating factors remain elusive, mainly due to the complexity of in vivo parabiosis. Here, we present an in vitro muscle parabiosis system that integrates young- and old-muscle stem cell vascular niche on a three-dimensional microfluidic platform designed to recapitulate key features of native muscle stem cell microenvironment. This innovative system enables mechanistic studies of cellular dynamics and molecular interactions within the muscle stem cell niche, especially in response to conditional extrinsic stimuli of local and systemic factors. We demonstrate that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling from endothelial cells and myotubes synergistically contribute to the rejuvenation of the aged muscle stem cell function. Moreover, with the adjustable on-chip system, we can mimic both blood transfusion and parabiosis and detect the time-varying effects of anti-geronic and pro-geronic factors in a single organ or multi-organ systems. Our unique approach presents a complementary in vitro model to supplement in vivo parabiosis for identifying potential anti-geronic factors responsible for revitalizing aging organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunki Lee
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Jeongmoon J. Choi
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Song Ih Ahn
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Nan Hee Lee
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Woojin M. Han
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Mahir Mohiuddin
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Eun Jung Shin
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Levi Wood
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Ki Dong Park
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - YongTae Kim
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
- Institute for Electronics and Nanotechnology, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Young C. Jang
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
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35
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Guo X, Smith V, Jackson M, Tran M, Thomas M, Patel A, Lorusso E, Nimbalkar S, Cai Y, McAleer CW, Wang Y, Long CJ, Hickman JJ. A Human-Based Functional NMJ System for Personalized ALS Modeling and Drug Testing. ADVANCED THERAPEUTICS 2020; 3:2000133. [PMID: 33709015 PMCID: PMC7942691 DOI: 10.1002/adtp.202000133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Loss of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is an early and critical hallmark in all forms of ALS. The study design was to develop a functional NMJ disease model by integrating motoneurons (MNs) differentiated from multiple ALS-patients' induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and primary human muscle into a chambered system. NMJ functionality was tested by recording myotube contractions while stimulating MNs by field electrodes and a set of clinically relevant parameters were defined to characterize the NMJ function. Three ALS lines were analyzed, 2 with SOD1 mutations and 1 with a FUS mutation. The ALS-MNs reproduced pathological phenotypes, including increased axonal varicosities, reduced axonal branching and elongation and increased excitability. These MNs formed functional NMJs with wild type muscle, but with significant deficits in NMJ quantity, fidelity and fatigue index. Furthermore, treatment with the Deana protocol was found to correct the NMJ deficits in all the ALS mutant lines tested. Quantitative analysis also revealed the variations inherent in each mutant lines. This functional NMJ system provides a platform for the study of both fALS and sALS and has the capability of being adapted into subtype-specific or patient-specific models for ALS etiological investigation and patient stratification for drug testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiufang Guo
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826, USA
| | - Virginia Smith
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826, USA
| | - Max Jackson
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826, USA
| | - My Tran
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826, USA
| | - Michael Thomas
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826, USA
| | - Aakash Patel
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826, USA
| | - Eric Lorusso
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826, USA
| | - Siddharth Nimbalkar
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826, USA
| | - Yunqing Cai
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826, USA
| | - Christopher W. McAleer
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826, USA
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, 305 Weill Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Christopher J. Long
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826, USA
| | - James J. Hickman
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826, USA
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36
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Eggers R, de Winter F, Tannemaat MR, Malessy MJA, Verhaagen J. GDNF Gene Therapy to Repair the Injured Peripheral Nerve. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:583184. [PMID: 33251197 PMCID: PMC7673415 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.583184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
A spinal root avulsion is the most severe proximal peripheral nerve lesion possible. Avulsion of ventral root filaments disconnects spinal motoneurons from their target muscles, resulting in complete paralysis. In patients that undergo brachial plexus nerve repair, axonal regeneration is a slow process. It takes months or even years to bridge the distance from the lesion site to the distal targets located in the forearm. Following ventral root avulsion, without additional pharmacological or surgical treatments, progressive death of motoneurons occurs within 2 weeks (Koliatsos et al., 1994). Reimplantation of the avulsed ventral root or peripheral nerve graft can act as a conduit for regenerating axons and increases motoneuron survival (Chai et al., 2000). However, this beneficial effect is transient. Combined with protracted and poor long-distance axonal regeneration, this results in permanent function loss. To overcome motoneuron death and improve functional recovery, several promising intervention strategies are being developed. Here, we focus on GDNF gene-therapy. We first introduce the experimental ventral root avulsion model and discuss its value as a proxy to study clinical neurotmetic nerve lesions. Second, we discuss our recent studies showing that GDNF gene-therapy is a powerful strategy to promote long-term motoneuron survival and improve function when target muscle reinnervation occurs within a critical post-lesion period. Based upon these observations, we discuss the influence of timing of the intervention, and of the duration, concentration and location of GDNF delivery on functional outcome. Finally, we provide a perspective on future research directions to realize functional recovery using gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruben Eggers
- Laboratory for Neuroregeneration, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Institute of the Royal Academy of Arts and Sciences, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Fred de Winter
- Laboratory for Neuroregeneration, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Institute of the Royal Academy of Arts and Sciences, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Martijn R Tannemaat
- Laboratory for Neuroregeneration, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Institute of the Royal Academy of Arts and Sciences, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Martijn J A Malessy
- Laboratory for Neuroregeneration, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Institute of the Royal Academy of Arts and Sciences, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Neurosurgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Joost Verhaagen
- Laboratory for Neuroregeneration, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Institute of the Royal Academy of Arts and Sciences, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognition Research, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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37
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Wang H, Wang H, Li X, Xu W. Characteristics of Early Internal Laryngeal Muscle Atrophy After Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Injuries in Rats. Laryngoscope 2020; 131:E1256-E1264. [PMID: 33098577 DOI: 10.1002/lary.29210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS The present study investigated the characteristics of early internal laryngeal muscle atrophy in recurrent laryngeal nerve injury (RLNI) rats. STUDY DESIGN To observe the characteristics of early internal laryngeal muscle atrophy post RLNI. METHODS Rats were divided into three groups: sham-operated control group (n = 20), recurrent laryngeal nerve transverse injury group (RLNTI, n = 50), and recurrent laryngeal nerve blunt contusion group (RLNBC, n = 50). Five weeks after RLNI, certain rats were sacrificed weekly, and their laryngeal tissues were harvested. The atrophic features of internal laryngeal muscles were detected using hematoxylin and eosin. NF-κB and MuRF-1 levels were tested using IHC. RESULTS The atrophic degree and fibrosis of thyroarytenoid, posterior cricoarytenoid, and lateral cricoarytenoid muscles were related to the type of RLNI. The average myofiber cross-sectional areas increased before an obvious decrease in the RLNTI and RLNBC groups. Muscle recovery occurred in the RLNBC group starting 4 weeks after RLNI, but only a weak trend was observed in the RLNTI group in the 5th week. During the muscle atrophy process, MuRF-1 and NF-κB were upregulated early and were maintained at a high level, which showed a trend similar to muscle atrophy. However, NF-κB expression was opposite to MuRF-1 expression and muscle atrophy when the muscles recovered. CONCLUSION The atrophy degree of internal laryngeal muscles was associated with the type of RLNI. The NF-κB/MuRF-1 signaling pathway was involved in internal laryngeal muscle atrophy after RLNI, which is different from skeletal muscle after denervation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE NA Laryngoscope, 131:E1256-E1264, 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Ministry of Education, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Haizhou Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Ministry of Education, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xueyan Li
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Ministry of Education, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Wen Xu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Ministry of Education, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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38
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GDNF synthesis, signaling, and retrograde transport in motor neurons. Cell Tissue Res 2020; 382:47-56. [PMID: 32897420 PMCID: PMC7529617 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-020-03287-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Glial cell line–derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is a 134 amino acid protein belonging in the GDNF family ligands (GFLs). GDNF was originally isolated from rat glial cell lines and identified as a neurotrophic factor with the ability to promote dopamine uptake within midbrain dopaminergic neurons. Since its discovery, the potential neuroprotective effects of GDNF have been researched extensively, and the effect of GDNF on motor neurons will be discussed herein. Similar to other members of the TGF-β superfamily, GDNF is first synthesized as a precursor protein (pro-GDNF). After a series of protein cleavage and processing, the 211 amino acid pro-GDNF is finally converted into the active and mature form of GDNF. GDNF has the ability to trigger receptor tyrosine kinase RET phosphorylation, whose downstream effects have been found to promote neuronal health and survival. The binding of GDNF to its receptors triggers several intracellular signaling pathways which play roles in promoting the development, survival, and maintenance of neuron-neuron and neuron-target tissue interactions. The synthesis and regulation of GDNF have been shown to be altered in many diseases, aging, exercise, and addiction. The neuroprotective effects of GDNF may be used to develop treatments and therapies to ameliorate neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In this review, we provide a detailed discussion of the general roles of GDNF and its production, delivery, secretion, and neuroprotective effects on motor neurons within the mammalian neuromuscular system.
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39
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Goldsteen PA, Dolga AM, Gosens R. Advanced Modeling of Peripheral Neuro-Effector Communication and -Plasticity. Physiology (Bethesda) 2020; 35:348-357. [PMID: 32783607 DOI: 10.1152/physiol.00010.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The peripheral nervous system (PNS) plays crucial roles in physiology and disease. Neuro-effector communication and neuroplasticity of the PNS are poorly studied, since suitable models are lacking. The emergence of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) has great promise to resolve this deficit. hPSC-derived PNS neurons, integrated into organ-on-a-chip systems or organoid cultures, allow co-cultures with cells of the local microenvironment to study neuro-effector interactions and to probe mechanisms underlying neuroplasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pien A Goldsteen
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,GRIAC Research Institute, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Amalia M Dolga
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,GRIAC Research Institute, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Reinoud Gosens
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,GRIAC Research Institute, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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40
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Tan HY, Toh YC. What can microfluidics do for human microbiome research? BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2020; 14:051303. [PMID: 33062112 PMCID: PMC7538166 DOI: 10.1063/5.0012185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Dysregulation of the human microbiome has been linked to various disease states, which has galvanized the efforts to modulate human health through microbiomes. Currently, human microbiome research is going through several phases to identify the constituent components of the microbiome, associate microbiome changes with physiological and pathological states, understand causative relationships, and finally translate this knowledge into therapeutics and diagnostics. The convergence of microfluidic technologies with molecular and cell profiling, microbiology, and tissue engineering can potentially be applied to these different phases of microbiome research to overcome the existing challenges faced by conventional approaches. The goal of this paper is to discuss and highlight the opportunities of applying different microfluidic technologies to specific areas of microbiome research as well as unique challenges that microfluidics must overcome when working with microbiome-relevant biological materials, e.g., micro-organisms, host tissues, and fluids. We will discuss the applicability of integrated microfluidic systems for processing biological samples for genomic sequencing analyses. For functional analysis of the microbiota, we will cover state-of-the-art microfluidic devices for microbiota cultivation and functional measurements. Finally, we highlight the use of organs-on-chips to model various microbiome-host tissue interactions. We envision that microfluidic technologies may hold great promise in advancing the knowledge on the interplay between microbiome and human health, as well as its eventual translation into microbiome-based diagnostics and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsih-Yin Tan
- Institute for Health Innovation and Technology, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599
| | - Yi-Chin Toh
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed:
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41
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Roveimiab Z, Lin F, Anderson JE. Traction and attraction: haptotaxis substrates collagen and fibronectin interact with chemotaxis by HGF to regulate myoblast migration in a microfluidic device. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2020; 319:C75-C92. [PMID: 32348173 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00417.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Cell migration is central to development, wound healing, tissue regeneration, and immunity. Despite extensive knowledge of muscle regeneration, myoblast migration during regeneration is not well understood. C2C12 mouse myoblast migration and morphology were investigated using a triple-docking polydimethylsiloxane-based microfluidic device in which cells moved under gravity-driven laminar flow on uniform (=) collagen (CN=), fibronectin (FN=), or opposing gradients (CN-FN or FN-CN). In haptotaxis experiments, migration was faster on FN= than on CN=. At 10 h, cells were more elongated on FN-CN and migration was faster than on the CN-FN substrate. Net migration distance on FN-CN at 10 h was greater than on CN-FN, as cells rapidly entered the channel as a larger population (bulk-cell movement, wave 1). Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) stimulated rapid chemotaxis on FN= but not CN=, increasing migration speed at 10 h early in the channel at low HGF in a steep HGF gradient. HGF accelerated migration on FN= and bulk-cell movement on both uniform substrates. An HGF gradient also slowed cells in wave 2 moving on FN-CN, not CN-FN. Both opposing-gradient substrates affected the shape, speed, and net distance of migrating cells. Gradient and uniform configurations of HGF and substrate differentially influenced migration behavior. Therefore, haptotaxis substrate configuration potently modifies myoblast chemotaxis by HGF. Innovative microfluidic experiments advance our understanding of intricate complexities of myoblast migration. Findings can be leveraged to engineer muscle-tissue volumes for transplantation after serious injury. New analytical approaches may generate broader insights into cell migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziba Roveimiab
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.,Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Francis Lin
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.,Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Judy E Anderson
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
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42
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Eggers R, de Winter F, Smit L, Luimens M, Muir EM, Bradbury EJ, Tannemaat MR, Verhaagen J. Combining timed GDNF and ChABC gene therapy to promote long-distance regeneration following ventral root avulsion and repair. FASEB J 2020; 34:10605-10622. [PMID: 32543730 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202000559r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Ventral root avulsion leads to severe motoneuron degeneration and prolonged distal nerve denervation. After a critical period, a state of chronic denervation develops as repair Schwann cells lose their pro-regenerative properties and inhibitory factors such as CSPGs accumulate in the denervated nerve. In rats with ventral root avulsion injuries, we combined timed GDNF gene therapy delivered to the proximal nerve roots with the digestion of inhibitory CSPGs in the distal denervated nerve using sustained lentiviral-mediated chondroitinase ABC (ChABC) enzyme expression. Following reimplantation of lumbar ventral roots, timed GDNF-gene therapy enhanced motoneuron survival up to 45 weeks and improved axonal outgrowth, electrophysiological recovery, and muscle reinnervation. Despite a timed GDNF expression period, a subset of animals displayed axonal coils. Lentiviral delivery of ChABC enabled digestion of inhibitory CSPGs for up to 45 weeks in the chronically denervated nerve. ChABC gene therapy alone did not enhance motoneuron survival, but led to improved muscle reinnervation and modest electrophysiological recovery during later stages of the regeneration process. Combining GDNF treatment with digestion of inhibitory CSPGs did not have a significant synergistic effect. This study suggests a delicate balance exists between treatment duration and concentration in order to achieve therapeutic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruben Eggers
- Laboratory for Neuroregeneration, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, An Institute of the Royal Academy of Arts and Sciences, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Fred de Winter
- Laboratory for Neuroregeneration, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, An Institute of the Royal Academy of Arts and Sciences, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Lotte Smit
- Laboratory for Neuroregeneration, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, An Institute of the Royal Academy of Arts and Sciences, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Maruelle Luimens
- Laboratory for Neuroregeneration, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, An Institute of the Royal Academy of Arts and Sciences, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Elizabeth M Muir
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Elizabeth J Bradbury
- King's College London, Regeneration Group, Wolfson Centre for Age-Related Diseases, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), London, UK
| | - Martijn R Tannemaat
- Laboratory for Neuroregeneration, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, An Institute of the Royal Academy of Arts and Sciences, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Joost Verhaagen
- Laboratory for Neuroregeneration, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, An Institute of the Royal Academy of Arts and Sciences, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognition Research, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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43
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Nichols K, Koppes R, Koppes A. Recent advancements in microphysiological systems for neural development and disease. CURRENT OPINION IN BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cobme.2020.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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44
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Zhao Y, Demirci U, Chen Y, Chen P. Multiscale brain research on a microfluidic chip. LAB ON A CHIP 2020; 20:1531-1543. [PMID: 32150176 DOI: 10.1039/c9lc01010f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
One major challenge in current brain research is generating an integrative understanding of the brain's functions and disorders from its multiscale neuronal architectures and connectivity. Thus, innovative neurotechnology tools are urgently required for deciphering the multiscale functional and structural organizations of the brain at hierarchical scales from the molecular to the organismal level by multiple brain research initiatives launched by the European Union, United States, Australia, Canada, China, Korea, and Japan. To meet this demand, microfluidic chips (μFCs) have rapidly evolved as a trans-scale neurotechnological toolset to enable multiscale studies of the brain due to their unique advantages in flexible microstructure design, multifunctional integration, accurate microenvironment control, and capacity for automatic sample processing. Here, we review the recent progress in applying innovative μFC-based neuro-technologies to promote multiscale brain research and uniquely focus on representative applications of μFCs to address challenges in brain research at each hierarchical level. We discuss the current trend of combinational applications of μFCs with other neuro- and biotechnologies, including optogenetics, brain organoids, and 3D bioprinting, for better multiscale brain research. In addition, we offer our insights into the existing outstanding questions at each hierarchical level of brain research that could potentially be addressed by advancing microfluidic techniques. This review will serve as a timely guide for bioengineers and neuroscientists to develop and apply μFC-based neuro-technologies for promoting basic and translational brain research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Zhao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, 115 Donghu Road, Wuhan 430071, China.
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45
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Benlefki S, Sanchez-Vicente A, Milla V, Lucas O, Soulard C, Younes R, Gergely C, Bowerman M, Raoul C, Scamps F, Hilaire C. Expression of ALS-linked SOD1 Mutation in Motoneurons or Myotubes Induces Differential Effects on Neuromuscular Function In vitro. Neuroscience 2020; 435:33-43. [PMID: 32234507 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2020.03.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2019] [Revised: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease that selectively affects upper and lower motoneurons. Dismantlement of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is an early pathological hallmark of the disease whose cellular origin remains still debated. We developed an in vitro NMJ model to investigate the differential contribution of motoneurons and muscle cells expressing ALS-causing mutation in the superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) to neuromuscular dysfunction. The primary co-culture system allows the formation of functional NMJs and fosters the expression of the ALS-sensitive fast fatigable type II-b myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoform. Expression of SOD1G93A in myotubes does not prevent the formation of a functional NMJ but leads to decreased contraction frequency and lowers the slow type I MHC isoform transcript levels. Expression of SOD1G93A in both motoneurons and myotubes or in motoneurons alone however alters the formation of a functional NMJ. Our results strongly suggest that motoneurons are a major factor involved in the process of NMJ dismantlement in an experimental model of ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salim Benlefki
- The Neuroscience Institute of Montpellier, Inserm UMR1051, Montpellier University, Saint Eloi Hospital, Montpellier, France
| | - Ana Sanchez-Vicente
- The Neuroscience Institute of Montpellier, Inserm UMR1051, Montpellier University, Saint Eloi Hospital, Montpellier, France
| | - Vanessa Milla
- The Neuroscience Institute of Montpellier, Inserm UMR1051, Montpellier University, Saint Eloi Hospital, Montpellier, France
| | - Olivier Lucas
- The Neuroscience Institute of Montpellier, Inserm UMR1051, Montpellier University, Saint Eloi Hospital, Montpellier, France
| | - Claire Soulard
- The Neuroscience Institute of Montpellier, Inserm UMR1051, Montpellier University, Saint Eloi Hospital, Montpellier, France
| | - Richard Younes
- The Neuroscience Institute of Montpellier, Inserm UMR1051, Montpellier University, Saint Eloi Hospital, Montpellier, France; Neuroscience Research Center, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Csilla Gergely
- Charles Coulomb Laboratory, L2C, UMR5221, Montpellier University, CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | - Mélissa Bowerman
- The Neuroscience Institute of Montpellier, Inserm UMR1051, Montpellier University, Saint Eloi Hospital, Montpellier, France
| | - Cédric Raoul
- The Neuroscience Institute of Montpellier, Inserm UMR1051, Montpellier University, Saint Eloi Hospital, Montpellier, France
| | - Frédérique Scamps
- The Neuroscience Institute of Montpellier, Inserm UMR1051, Montpellier University, Saint Eloi Hospital, Montpellier, France.
| | - Cécile Hilaire
- The Neuroscience Institute of Montpellier, Inserm UMR1051, Montpellier University, Saint Eloi Hospital, Montpellier, France.
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46
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Aydin O, Passaro AP, Elhebeary M, Pagan-Diaz GJ, Fan A, Nuethong S, Bashir R, Stice SL, Saif MTA. Development of 3D neuromuscular bioactuators. APL Bioeng 2020; 4:016107. [PMID: 32161837 PMCID: PMC7064368 DOI: 10.1063/1.5134477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuronal control of skeletal muscle bioactuators represents a critical milestone toward the realization of future biohybrid machines that may generate complex motor patterns and autonomously navigate through their environment. Animals achieve these feats using neural networks that generate robust firing patterns and coordinate muscle activity through neuromuscular units. Here, we designed a versatile 3D neuron-muscle co-culture platform to serve as a test-bed for neuromuscular bioactuators. We used our platform in conjunction with microelectrode array electrophysiology to study the roles of synergistic interactions in the co-development of neural networks and muscle tissues. Our platform design enables co-culture of a neuronal cluster with up to four target muscle actuators, as well as quantification of muscle contraction forces. Using engineered muscle tissue targets, we first demonstrated the formation of functional neuromuscular bioactuators. We then investigated possible roles of long-range interactions in neuronal outgrowth patterns and observed preferential outgrowth toward muscles compared to the acellular matrix or fibroblasts, indicating muscle-specific chemotactic cues acting on motor neurons. Next, we showed that co-cultured muscle strips exhibited significantly higher spontaneous contractility as well as improved sarcomere assembly compared to muscles cultured alone. Finally, we performed microelectrode array measurements on neuronal cultures, which revealed that muscle-conditioned medium enhances overall neural firing rates and the emergence of synchronous bursting patterns. Overall, our study illustrates the significance of neuron-muscle cross talk for the in vitro development of neuromuscular bioactuators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Onur Aydin
- Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, University
of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801,
USA
| | | | - Mohamed Elhebeary
- Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, University
of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801,
USA
| | - Gelson J. Pagan-Diaz
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at
Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
| | - Anthony Fan
- Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, University
of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801,
USA
| | - Sittinon Nuethong
- Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, University
of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801,
USA
| | - Rashid Bashir
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at
Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
| | | | - M. Taher A. Saif
- Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, University
of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801,
USA
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47
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Arrigoni C, Lopa S, Candrian C, Moretti M. Organs-on-a-chip as model systems for multifactorial musculoskeletal diseases. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2020; 63:79-88. [PMID: 31927146 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2019.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Revised: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 12/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Multifactorial diseases affecting musculoskeletal tissues are characterized by the interactions between multiple tissues, such as muscle and nerves in neuromuscular diseases, or multiple cellular components in a tissue, as in the case of bone tumors, interacting with bone cells. For these diseases also the influence of different biophysical and biochemical stimuli, such as mechanical overload and inflammatory molecules in osteoarthritis, play a key role. To investigate these complex phenomena, organ-on-a-chip systems have been developed, taking into account specific disease characteristics such as being directly derived from patients, the presence of specifically mutated cells, or a combination of relevant biophysical and/or biochemical stimuli. Depending on the envisaged application, different issues remain to be addressed. In particular, improving automation and output sensors are key for drug screening applications, while refining model microarchitecture to enhance physiological fidelity is needed for more basic science studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Arrigoni
- Regenerative Medicine Technologies Laboratory, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale (EOC), via Tesserete 46, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Silvia Lopa
- IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Cell and Tissue Engineering Laboratory, via R. Galeazzi 4, 20161 Milano, Italy
| | - Christian Candrian
- Unità di Ortopedia e Traumatologia, Ospedale Regionale di Lugano, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale (EOC), via Tesserete 46, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Matteo Moretti
- Regenerative Medicine Technologies Laboratory, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale (EOC), via Tesserete 46, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland; IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Cell and Tissue Engineering Laboratory, via R. Galeazzi 4, 20161 Milano, Italy
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48
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49
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Vila OF, Qu Y, Vunjak-Novakovic G. In vitro models of neuromuscular junctions and their potential for novel drug discovery and development. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2019; 15:307-317. [PMID: 31846349 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2020.1700225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Neuromuscular Junctions (NMJs) are the synapses between motor neurons and skeletal muscle fibers, and they are responsible for voluntary motor function. NMJs are affected at early stages of numerous neurodegenerative and neuroimmunological diseases. Due to the difficulty of systematically studying and manipulating NMJs in live subjects, in vitro systems with human tissue models would provide a powerful complement to simple cell cultures and animal models for mechanistic and drug development studies.Areas covered: The authors review the latest advances in in vitro models of NMJs, from traditional cell co-culture systems to novel tissue culture approaches, with focus on disease modeling and drug testing.Expert opinion: In recent years, more sophisticated in vitro models of human NMJs have been established. The combination of human stem cell technology with advanced tissue culture systems has resulted in systems that better recapitulate the human NMJ structure and function, and thereby allow for high-throughput quantitative functional measurements under both healthy and diseased conditions. Although they still have limitations, these advanced systems are increasingly demonstrating their utility for evaluating new therapies for motoneuron and autoimmune neuromuscular diseases, and we expect them to become an integral part of the drug discovery process in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olaia F Vila
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yihuai Qu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
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50
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Altman T, Geller D, Kleeblatt E, Gradus-Perry T, Perlson E. An in vitro compartmental system underlines the contribution of mitochondrial immobility to the ATP supply in the NMJ. J Cell Sci 2019; 132:jcs.234492. [PMID: 31722980 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.234492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is the largest, most-complex synapse in the human body. Motor neuron (MN) diseases, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), specifically target MNs and the NMJs. However, little is known about the reasons for MN-selective neuronal and synaptic vulnerability in MN diseases. Here, utilizing a compartmental microfluidic in vitro co-culture system, we provide a possible explanation for why the NMJ, other than its unusual dimensions, differs from other synapses. By using live-imaging techniques, we discovered that cultured MNs display higher axonal and synaptic mitochondrial immobility compared with sympathetic neurons (SNs), leading to a profound enrichment of mitochondria only in the MN NMJ. Furthermore, by employing a synaptic ATP sensor, we show that mitochondrial respiration is the key contributor to ATP production in MN NMJs but not in SN synapses. Taken together, our data suggest that mitochondrial localization underlies the unique and specific qualities of MN NMJs. Our findings shed light on the role of mitochondria in MN and NMJ maintenance, and possibly indicate how mitochondria may serve as a source for selective MN vulnerability in neurodegenerative diseases.This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Topaz Altman
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv 69978, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Danielle Geller
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv 69978, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv 69978, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Elisabeth Kleeblatt
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv 69978, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Tal Gradus-Perry
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv 69978, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Eran Perlson
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv 69978, Tel Aviv, Israel .,Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv 69978, Tel Aviv, Israel
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