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Gazzola M, Martinat C. Unlocking the Complexity of Neuromuscular Diseases: Insights from Human Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Neuromuscular Junctions. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15291. [PMID: 37894969 PMCID: PMC10607237 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past 20 years, the use of pluripotent stem cells to mimic the complexities of the human neuromuscular junction has received much attention. Deciphering the key mechanisms underlying the establishment and maturation of this complex synapse has been driven by the dual goals of addressing developmental questions and gaining insight into neuromuscular disorders. This review aims to summarise the evolution and sophistication of in vitro neuromuscular junction models developed from the first differentiation of human embryonic stem cells into motor neurons to recent neuromuscular organoids. We also discuss the potential offered by these models to decipher different neuromuscular diseases characterised by defects in the presynaptic compartment, the neuromuscular junction, and the postsynaptic compartment. Finally, we discuss the emerging field that considers the use of these techniques in drug screening assay and the challenges they will face in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan Gazzola
- INSERM U861, Institute for Stem Cell Therapy and Exploration of Monogenic Diseases, 91100 Corbeil-Essonnes, France;
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2
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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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3
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Ambrin G, Cai S, Singh BR. Critical analysis in the advancement of cell-based assays for botulinum neurotoxin. Crit Rev Microbiol 2023; 49:1-17. [PMID: 35212259 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2022.2035315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The study on botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) has rapidly evolved for their structure and functions as opposed to them being poisons or cures. Since their discoveries, the scientific community has come a long way in understanding BoNTs' structure and biological activity. Given its current application as a tool for understanding neurocellular activity and as a drug against over 800 neurological disorders, relevant and sensitive assays have become critical for biochemical, physiological, and pharmacological studies. The natural entry of the toxin being ingestion, it has also become important to examine its mechanism while crossing the epithelial cell barrier. Several techniques and methodologies have been developed, for its entry, pharmacokinetics, and biological activity for identification, and drug efficacy both in vivo and in vitro conditions. However, each of them presents its own challenges. The cell-based assay is a platform that exceeds the sensitivity of mouse bioassay while encompassing all the steps of intoxication including cell binding, transcytosis, endocytosis, translocation and proteolytic activity. In this article we review in detail both the neuronal and nonneuronal based cellular interaction of BoNT involving its transportation, and interaction with the targeted cells, and intracellular activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghuncha Ambrin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth, MA, USA.,Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth, MA, USA
| | - Shuowei Cai
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth, MA, USA
| | - Bal Ram Singh
- Institute of Advanced Sciences, Botulinum Research Center, Dartmouth, MA, USA
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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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5
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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: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [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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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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Marshall KL, Farah MH. Axonal regeneration and sprouting as a potential therapeutic target for nervous system disorders. Neural Regen Res 2021; 16:1901-1910. [PMID: 33642358 PMCID: PMC8343323 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.308077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Nervous system disorders are prevalent health issues that will only continue to increase in frequency as the population ages. Dying-back axonopathy is a hallmark of many neurologic diseases and leads to axonal disconnection from their targets, which in turn leads to functional impairment. During the course of many of neurologic diseases, axons can regenerate or sprout in an attempt to reconnect with the target and restore synapse function. In amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), distal motor axons retract from neuromuscular junctions early in the disease-course before significant motor neuron death. There is evidence of compensatory motor axon sprouting and reinnervation of neuromuscular junctions in ALS that is usually quickly overtaken by the disease course. Potential drugs that enhance compensatory sprouting and encourage reinnervation may slow symptom progression and retain muscle function for a longer period of time in ALS and in other diseases that exhibit dying-back axonopathy. There remain many outstanding questions as to the impact of distinct disease-causing mutations on axonal outgrowth and regeneration, especially in regards to motor neurons derived from patient induced pluripotent stem cells. Compartmentalized microfluidic chambers are powerful tools for studying the distal axons of human induced pluripotent stem cells-derived motor neurons, and have recently been used to demonstrate striking regeneration defects in human motor neurons harboring ALS disease-causing mutations. Modeling the human neuromuscular circuit with human induced pluripotent stem cells-derived motor neurons will be critical for developing drugs that enhance axonal regeneration, sprouting, and reinnervation of neuromuscular junctions. In this review we will discuss compensatory axonal sprouting as a potential therapeutic target for ALS, and the use of compartmentalized microfluidic devices to find drugs that enhance regeneration and axonal sprouting of motor axons.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mohamed H Farah
- Department of Neurology at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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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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Castellanos-Montiel MJ, Velasco I, Escobedo-Avila I. Modeling the neuromuscular junction in vitro: an approach to study neuromuscular junction disorders. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2020; 1488:3-15. [PMID: 33040338 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.14504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is a specialized structure that works as an interface to translate the action potential of the presynaptic motor neuron (MN) in the contraction of the postsynaptic myofiber. The design of appropriate experimental models is essential to have efficient and reliable approaches to study NMJ development and function, but also to generate conditions that recapitulate distinct features of diseases. Initial studies relied on the use of tissue slices maintained under the same environment and in which single motor axons were difficult to trace. Later, MNs and muscle cells were obtained from primary cultures or differentiation of progenitors and cocultured as monolayers; however, the tissue architecture was lost. Current approaches include self-assembling 3D structures or the incorporation of biomaterials with cells to generate engineered tissues, although the incorporation of Schwann cells remains a challenge. Thus, numerous investigations have established different NMJ models, some of which are quite complex and challenging. Our review summarizes the in vitro models that have emerged in recent years to coculture MNs and skeletal muscle, trying to mimic the healthy and diseased NMJ. We expect our review may serve as a reference for choosing the appropriate experimental model for the required purposes of investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- María José Castellanos-Montiel
- Instituto de Fisiología Celular-Neurociencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico City, Mexico.,Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Iván Velasco
- Instituto de Fisiología Celular-Neurociencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico City, Mexico.,Laboratorio de Reprogramación Celular, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía "Manuel Velasco Suárez", Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Itzel Escobedo-Avila
- Instituto de Fisiología Celular-Neurociencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico City, Mexico
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Gilbert-Honick J, Grayson W. Vascularized and Innervated Skeletal Muscle Tissue Engineering. Adv Healthc Mater 2020; 9:e1900626. [PMID: 31622051 PMCID: PMC6986325 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201900626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2019] [Revised: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Volumetric muscle loss (VML) is a devastating loss of muscle tissue that overwhelms the native regenerative properties of skeletal muscle and results in lifelong functional deficits. There are currently no treatments for VML that fully recover the lost muscle tissue and function. Tissue engineering presents a promising solution for VML treatment and significant research has been performed using tissue engineered muscle constructs in preclinical models of VML with a broad range of defect locations and sizes, tissue engineered construct characteristics, and outcome measures. Due to the complex vascular and neural anatomy within skeletal muscle, regeneration of functional vasculature and nerves is vital for muscle recovery following VML injuries. This review aims to summarize the current state of the field of skeletal muscle tissue engineering using 3D constructs for VML treatment with a focus on studies that have promoted vascular and neural regeneration within the muscle tissue post-VML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordana Gilbert-Honick
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Warren Grayson
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Material Sciences & Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, School of Engineering, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
- Institute for NanoBioTechnology (INBT), Johns Hopkins University School of Engineering, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
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11
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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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12
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Machado CB, Pluchon P, Harley P, Rigby M, Gonzalez Sabater V, Stevenson DC, Hynes S, Lowe A, Burrone J, Viasnoff V, Lieberam I. In Vitro Modelling of Nerve-Muscle Connectivity in a Compartmentalised Tissue Culture Device. ADVANCED BIOSYSTEMS 2019; 3:1800307. [PMID: 31428672 PMCID: PMC6699992 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.201800307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Motor neurons project axons from the hindbrain and spinal cord to muscle, where they induce myofibre contractions through neurotransmitter release at neuromuscular junctions. Studies of neuromuscular junction formation and homeostasis have been largely confined to in vivo models. In this study we have merged three powerful tools - pluripotent stem cells, optogenetics and microfabrication - and designed an open microdevice in which motor axons grow from a neural compartment containing embryonic stem cell-derived motor neurons and astrocytes through microchannels to form functional neuromuscular junctions with contractile myofibers in a separate compartment. Optogenetic entrainment of motor neurons in this reductionist neuromuscular circuit enhanced neuromuscular junction formation more than two-fold, mirroring the activity-dependence of synapse development in vivo. We incorporated an established motor neuron disease model into our system and found that coculture of motor neurons with SOD1G93A astrocytes resulted in denervation of the central compartment and diminished myofiber contractions, a phenotype which was rescued by the Receptor Interacting Serine/Threonine Kinase 1 (RIPK1) inhibitor Necrostatin. This coculture system replicates key aspects of nerve-muscle connectivity in vivo and represents a rapid and scalable alternative to animal models of neuromuscular function and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Barcellos Machado
- Centre for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, King’s
College London, London SE1 9RT, UK; Centre for Developmental
Neurobiology/MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King’s
College London, London SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Perrine Pluchon
- Centre for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, King’s
College London, London SE1 9RT, UK; Centre for Developmental
Neurobiology/MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King’s
College London, London SE1 1UL, UK; Mechanobiology Institute, National
University of Singapore, Singapore 117411
| | - Peter Harley
- Centre for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, King’s College London, London SE1 9RT, UK; Centre for Developmental Neurobiology/MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King’s College London, London SE1 1UL, UK
| | | | - Victoria Gonzalez Sabater
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology/MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King’s College London, London SE1 1UL, UK
| | | | - Stephanie Hynes
- Centre for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, King’s College London, London SE1 9RT, UK; Centre for Developmental Neurobiology/MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King’s College London, London SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Andrew Lowe
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, King’s College London, London SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Juan Burrone
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology/MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King’s College London, London SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Virgile Viasnoff
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore,
Singapore 117411
| | - Ivo Lieberam
- Centre for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, King’s
College London, London SE1 9RT, UK; Centre for Developmental
Neurobiology/MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King’s
College London, London SE1 1UL, UK
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13
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Huang ML, Tota EM, Lucas TM, Godula K. Influencing Early Stages of Neuromuscular Junction Formation through Glycocalyx Engineering. ACS Chem Neurosci 2018; 9:3086-3093. [PMID: 30095249 PMCID: PMC6395550 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.8b00295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Achieving molecular control over the formation of synaptic contacts in the nervous system can provide important insights into their regulation and can offer means for creating well-defined in vitro systems to evaluate modes of therapeutic intervention. Agrin-induced clustering of acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) at postsynaptic sites is a hallmark of the formation of the neuromuscular junction, a synapse between motoneurons and muscle cells. In addition to the cognate agrin receptor LRP4 (low-density lipoprotein receptor related protein-4), muscle cell heparan sulfate (HS) glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) have also been proposed to contribute to AChR clustering by acting as agrin co-receptors. Here, we provide direct evidence for the role of HS GAGs in agrin recruitment to the surface of myotubes, as well as their functional contributions toward AChR clustering. We also demonstrate that engineering of the myotube glycocalyx using synthetic HS GAG polymers can replace native HS structures to gain control over agrin-mediated AChR clustering.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ember M. Tota
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093-0358, United States
| | - Taryn M. Lucas
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093-0358, United States
| | - Kamil Godula
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093-0358, United States
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14
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Santhanam N, Kumanchik L, Guo X, Sommerhage F, Cai Y, Jackson M, Martin C, Saad G, McAleer CW, Wang Y, Lavado A, Long CJ, Hickman JJ. Stem cell derived phenotypic human neuromuscular junction model for dose response evaluation of therapeutics. Biomaterials 2018; 166:64-78. [PMID: 29547745 PMCID: PMC5866791 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2018.02.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2017] [Revised: 02/20/2018] [Accepted: 02/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
There are currently no functional neuromuscular junction (hNMJ) systems composed of human cells that could be used for drug evaluations or toxicity testing in vitro. These systems are needed to evaluate NMJs for diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, spinal muscular atrophy or other neurodegenerative diseases or injury states. There are certainly no model systems, animal or human, that allows for isolated treatment of motoneurons or muscle capable of generating dose response curves to evaluate pharmacological activity of these highly specialized functional units. A system was developed in which human myotubes and motoneurons derived from stem cells were cultured in a serum-free medium in a BioMEMS construct. The system is composed of two chambers linked by microtunnels to enable axonal outgrowth to the muscle chamber that allows separate stimulation of each component and physiological NMJ function and MN stimulated tetanus. The muscle's contractions, induced by motoneuron activation or direct electrical stimulation, were monitored by image subtraction video recording for both frequency and amplitude. Bungarotoxin, BOTOX® and curare dose response curves were generated to demonstrate pharmacological relevance of the phenotypic screening device. This quantifiable functional hNMJ system establishes a platform for generating patient-specific NMJ models by including patient-derived iPSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Navaneetha Santhanam
- Hybrid Systems Lab, NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826, USA
| | - Lee Kumanchik
- Hybrid Systems Lab, NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826, USA
| | - Xiufang Guo
- Hybrid Systems Lab, NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826, USA
| | - Frank Sommerhage
- Hybrid Systems Lab, NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826, USA
| | - Yunqing Cai
- Hybrid Systems Lab, NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826, USA
| | - Max Jackson
- Hybrid Systems Lab, NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826, USA
| | - Candace Martin
- Hybrid Systems Lab, NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826, USA
| | - George Saad
- Hybrid Systems Lab, NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826, USA
| | - Christopher W. McAleer
- Hybrid Systems Lab, NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826, USA
| | - Ying Wang
- Hybrid Systems Lab, NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826, USA,Department of Biomedical Engineering, 305 Weill Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Andrea Lavado
- Hybrid Systems Lab, NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826, USA
| | - Christopher J. Long
- Hybrid Systems Lab, NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826, USA
| | - James J. Hickman
- Hybrid Systems Lab, NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826, USA,correspondence:
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15
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Happe CL, Tenerelli KP, Gromova AK, Kolb F, Engler AJ. Mechanically patterned neuromuscular junctions-in-a-dish have improved functional maturation. Mol Biol Cell 2017; 28:1950-1958. [PMID: 28495800 PMCID: PMC5541845 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e17-01-0046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2017] [Revised: 04/03/2017] [Accepted: 05/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Motor neuron (MN) diseases are progressive disorders resulting from degeneration of neuromuscular junctions (NMJs), which form the connection between MNs and muscle fibers. NMJ-in-a-dish models have been developed to examine human MN-associated dysfunction with disease; however such coculture models have randomly oriented myotubes with immature synapses that contract asynchronously. Mechanically patterned (MP) extracellular matrix with alternating soft and stiff stripes improves current NMJ-in-a-dish models by inducing both mouse and human myoblast durotaxis to stripes where they aligned, differentiated, and fused into patterned myotubes. Compared to conventional culture on rigid substrates or unpatterned hydrogels, MP substrates supported increased differentiation and fusion, significantly larger acetylcholine (ACh) receptor clusters, and increased expression of MuSK and Lrp4, two cell surface receptors required for NMJ formation. Robust contractions were observed when mouse myotubes were stimulated by ACh, with twitch duration and frequency most closely resembling those for mature muscle on MP substrates. Fused myotubes, when cocultured with MNs, were able to form even larger NMJs. Thus MP matrices produce more functionally active NMJs-in-a-dish, which could be used to elucidate disease pathology and facilitate drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra L Happe
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - Kevin P Tenerelli
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - Anastasia K Gromova
- Biomedical Sciences Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - Frederic Kolb
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - Adam J Engler
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
- Biomedical Sciences Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92037
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16
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Magown P, Rafuse VF, Brownstone RM. Microcircuit formation following transplantation of mouse embryonic stem cell-derived neurons in peripheral nerve. J Neurophysiol 2017; 117:1683-1689. [PMID: 28148646 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00943.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2016] [Revised: 01/23/2017] [Accepted: 01/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Motoneurons derived from embryonic stem cells can be transplanted in the tibial nerve, where they extend axons to functionally innervate target muscle. Here, we studied spontaneous muscle contractions in these grafts 3 mo following transplantation. One-half of the transplanted grafts generated rhythmic muscle contractions of variable patterns, either spontaneously or in response to brief electrical stimulation. Activity generated by transplanted embryonic stem cell-derived neurons was driven by glutamate and was modulated by muscarinic and GABAergic/glycinergic transmission. Furthermore, rhythmicity was promoted by the same transmitter combination that evokes rhythmic locomotor activity in spinal cord circuits. These results demonstrate that there is a degree of self-assembly of microcircuits in these peripheral grafts involving embryonic stem cell-derived motoneurons and interneurons. Such spontaneous activity is reminiscent of embryonic circuit development in which spontaneous activity is essential for proper connectivity and function and may be necessary for the grafts to form functional connections with muscle.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This manuscript demonstrates that, following peripheral transplantation of neurons derived from embryonic stem cells, the grafts are spontaneously active. The activity is produced and modulated by a number of transmitter systems, indicating that there is a degree of self-assembly of circuits in the grafts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Magown
- Medical Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.,Department of Surgery (Neurosurgery), Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Victor F Rafuse
- Medical Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.,Department of Medicine (Neurology), Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada; and
| | - Robert M Brownstone
- Medical Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada; .,Department of Surgery (Neurosurgery), Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.,Sobell Department of Motor Neuroscience and Movement Disorders, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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17
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Smith AS, Passey SL, Martin NR, Player DJ, Mudera V, Greensmith L, Lewis MP. Creating Interactions between Tissue-Engineered Skeletal Muscle and the Peripheral Nervous System. Cells Tissues Organs 2016; 202:143-158. [PMID: 27825148 PMCID: PMC5175300 DOI: 10.1159/000443634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Effective models of mammalian tissues must allow and encourage physiologically (mimetic) correct interactions between co-cultured cell types in order to produce culture microenvironments as similar as possible to those that would normally occur in vivo. In the case of skeletal muscle, the development of such a culture model, integrating multiple relevant cell types within a biomimetic scaffold, would be of significant benefit for investigations into the development, functional performance, and pathophysiology of skeletal muscle tissue. Although some work has been published regarding the behaviour of in vitro muscle models co-cultured with organotypic slices of CNS tissue or with stem cell-derived neurospheres, little investigation has so far been made regarding the potential to maintain isolated motor neurons within a 3D biomimetic skeletal muscle culture platform. Here, we review the current state of the art for engineering neuromuscular contacts in vitro and provide original data detailing the development of a 3D collagen-based model for the co-culture of primary muscle cells and motor neurons. The devised culture system promotes increased myoblast differentiation, forming arrays of parallel, aligned myotubes on which areas of nerve-muscle contact can be detected by immunostaining for pre- and post-synaptic proteins. Quantitative RT-PCR results indicate that motor neuron presence has a positive effect on myotube maturation, suggesting neural incorporation influences muscle development and maturation in vitro. The importance of this work is discussed in relation to other published neuromuscular co-culture platforms along with possible future directions for the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alec S.T. Smith
- Sobell Department of Motor Neuroscience and Movement Disorders, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK
- Arthritis Research UK Centre for Sport, Exercise and Osteoarthritis, National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine (NCSEM) England, School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Wash., USA
| | - Samantha L. Passey
- Arthritis Research UK Centre for Sport, Exercise and Osteoarthritis, National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine (NCSEM) England, School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Neil R.W. Martin
- Arthritis Research UK Centre for Sport, Exercise and Osteoarthritis, National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine (NCSEM) England, School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
| | - Darren J. Player
- Arthritis Research UK Centre for Sport, Exercise and Osteoarthritis, National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine (NCSEM) England, School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
| | - Vivek Mudera
- Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, UCL Institute of Orthopaedics and Musculoskeletal Science, London, UK
| | - Linda Greensmith
- Sobell Department of Motor Neuroscience and Movement Disorders, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK
- MRC Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Mark P. Lewis
- Arthritis Research UK Centre for Sport, Exercise and Osteoarthritis, National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine (NCSEM) England, School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
- *Prof. Mark P. Lewis, School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Ashby Road, Loughborough LE11 3TU (UK), E-Mail
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18
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On-chip, multisite extracellular and intracellular recordings from primary cultured skeletal myotubes. Sci Rep 2016; 6:36498. [PMID: 27812002 PMCID: PMC5095645 DOI: 10.1038/srep36498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2016] [Accepted: 10/17/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In contrast to the extensive use of microelectrode array (MEA) technology in electrophysiological studies of cultured neurons and cardiac muscles, the vast field of skeletal muscle research has yet to adopt the technology. Here we demonstrate an empowering MEA technology for high quality, multisite, long-term electrophysiological recordings from cultured skeletal myotubes. Individual rat skeletal myotubes cultured on micrometer sized gold mushroom-shaped microelectrode (gMμE) based MEA tightly engulf the gMμEs, forming a high seal resistance between the myotubes and the gMμEs. As a consequence, spontaneous action potentials generated by the contracting myotubes are recorded as extracellular field potentials with amplitudes of up to 10 mV for over 14 days. Application of a 10 ms, 0.5-0.9 V voltage pulse through the gMμEs electroporated the myotube membrane, and transiently converted the extracellular to intracellular recording mode for 10-30 min. In a fraction of the cultures stable attenuated intracellular recordings were spontaneously produced. In these cases or after electroporation, subthreshold spontaneous potentials were also recorded. The introduction of the gMμE-MEA as a simple-to-use, high-quality electrophysiological tool together with the progress made in the use of cultured human myotubes opens up new venues for basic and clinical skeletal muscle research, preclinical drug screening, and personalized medicine.
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19
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Uzel SGM, Platt RJ, Subramanian V, Pearl TM, Rowlands CJ, Chan V, Boyer LA, So PTC, Kamm RD. Microfluidic device for the formation of optically excitable, three-dimensional, compartmentalized motor units. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2016; 2:e1501429. [PMID: 27493991 PMCID: PMC4972469 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.1501429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2015] [Accepted: 07/06/2016] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Motor units are the fundamental elements responsible for muscle movement. They are formed by lower motor neurons and their muscle targets, synapsed via neuromuscular junctions (NMJs). The loss of NMJs in neurodegenerative disorders (such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or spinal muscle atrophy) or as a result of traumatic injuries affects millions of lives each year. Developing in vitro assays that closely recapitulate the physiology of neuromuscular tissues is crucial to understand the formation and maturation of NMJs, as well as to help unravel the mechanisms leading to their degeneration and repair. We present a microfluidic platform designed to coculture myoblast-derived muscle strips and motor neurons differentiated from mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) within a three-dimensional (3D) hydrogel. The device geometry mimics the spinal cord-limb physical separation by compartmentalizing the two cell types, which also facilitates the observation of 3D neurite outgrowth and remote muscle innervation. Moreover, the use of compliant pillars as anchors for muscle strips provides a quantitative functional readout of force generation. Finally, photosensitizing the ESC provides a pool of source cells that can be differentiated into optically excitable motor neurons, allowing for spatiodynamic, versatile, and noninvasive in vitro control of the motor units.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastien G. M. Uzel
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Randall J. Platt
- Department of Biological Engineering, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | | | - Taylor M. Pearl
- Department of Biological Engineering, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | | | - Vincent Chan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | | | - Peter T. C. So
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Department of Biological Engineering, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- BioSystems and Micromechanics (BioSyM) IRG, Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Roger D. Kamm
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Department of Biological Engineering, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- BioSystems and Micromechanics (BioSyM) IRG, Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology, Singapore, Singapore
- Corresponding author.
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20
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Vilmont V, Cadot B, Ouanounou G, Gomes ER. A system for studying mechanisms of neuromuscular junction development and maintenance. Development 2016; 143:2464-77. [PMID: 27226316 PMCID: PMC4958317 DOI: 10.1242/dev.130278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2015] [Accepted: 05/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The neuromuscular junction (NMJ), a cellular synapse between a motor neuron and a skeletal muscle fiber, enables the translation of chemical cues into physical activity. The development of this special structure has been subject to numerous investigations, but its complexity renders in vivo studies particularly difficult to perform. In vitro modeling of the neuromuscular junction represents a powerful tool to delineate fully the fine tuning of events that lead to subcellular specialization at the pre-synaptic and post-synaptic sites. Here, we describe a novel heterologous co-culture in vitro method using rat spinal cord explants with dorsal root ganglia and murine primary myoblasts to study neuromuscular junctions. This system allows the formation and long-term survival of highly differentiated myofibers, motor neurons, supporting glial cells and functional neuromuscular junctions with post-synaptic specialization. Therefore, fundamental aspects of NMJ formation and maintenance can be studied using the described system, which can be adapted to model multiple NMJ-associated disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valérie Vilmont
- Myology Research Center, UM76-INSERM U974-CNRS FRE 3617 Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Université Paris 06, Paris, France
| | - Bruno Cadot
- Myology Research Center, UM76-INSERM U974-CNRS FRE 3617 Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Université Paris 06, Paris, France
| | - Gilles Ouanounou
- FRE CNRS 3693 (U.N.I.C), Unité de Neuroscience, Information et Complexité CNRS, Bât. 33, 1 Ave de la Terasse, Gif sur Yvette 91198, France
| | - Edgar R Gomes
- Myology Research Center, UM76-INSERM U974-CNRS FRE 3617 Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Université Paris 06, Paris, France Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
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21
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Ionescu A, Zahavi EE, Gradus T, Ben-Yaakov K, Perlson E. Compartmental microfluidic system for studying muscle–neuron communication and neuromuscular junction maintenance. Eur J Cell Biol 2016; 95:69-88. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2015.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2015] [Revised: 11/01/2015] [Accepted: 11/19/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
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22
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Krieger C, Wang SJH, Yoo SH, Harden N. Adducin at the Neuromuscular Junction in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Hanging on for Dear Life. Front Cell Neurosci 2016; 10:11. [PMID: 26858605 PMCID: PMC4731495 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2016.00011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2015] [Accepted: 01/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The neurological dysfunction in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)/motor neurone disease (MND) is associated with defective nerve-muscle contacts early in the disease suggesting that perturbations of cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) linking the pre- and post-synaptic components of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) are involved. To search for candidate proteins implicated in this degenerative process, researchers have studied the Drosophila larval NMJ and find that the cytoskeleton-associated protein, adducin, is ideally placed to regulate synaptic contacts. By controlling the levels of synaptic proteins, adducin can de-stabilize synaptic contacts. Interestingly, elevated levels of phosphorylated adducin have been reported in ALS patients and in a mouse model of the disease. Adducin is regulated by phosphorylation through protein kinase C (PKC), some isoforms of which exhibit Ca2+-dependence, raising the possibility that changes in intracellular Ca2+ might alter PKC activation and secondarily influence adducin phosphorylation. Furthermore, adducin has interactions with the alpha subunit of the Na+/K+-ATPase. Thus, the phosphorylation of adducin may secondarily influence synaptic stability at the NMJ and so influence pre- and post-synaptic integrity at the NMJ in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Krieger
- Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Simon Ji Hau Wang
- Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Simon Fraser UniversityBurnaby, BC, Canada; Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser UniversityBurnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Soo Hyun Yoo
- Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Simon Fraser UniversityBurnaby, BC, Canada; Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser UniversityBurnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Nicholas Harden
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University Burnaby, BC, Canada
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23
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Theme 12In vitroExperimental Models. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2015; 16 Suppl 1:206-16. [DOI: 10.3109/21678421.2015.1098817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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24
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Motoneurons derived from induced pluripotent stem cells develop mature phenotypes typical of endogenous spinal motoneurons. J Neurosci 2015; 35:1291-306. [PMID: 25609642 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2126-14.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Induced pluripotent cell-derived motoneurons (iPSCMNs) are sought for use in cell replacement therapies and treatment strategies for motoneuron diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, much remains unknown about the physiological properties of iPSCMNs and how they compare with endogenous spinal motoneurons or embryonic stem cell-derived motoneurons (ESCMNs). In the present study, we first used a proteomic approach and compared protein expression profiles between iPSCMNs and ESCMNs to show that <4% of the proteins identified were differentially regulated. Like ESCs, we found that mouse iPSCs treated with retinoic acid and a smoothened agonist differentiated into motoneurons expressing the LIM homeodomain protein Lhx3. When transplanted into the neural tube of developing chick embryos, iPSCMNs selectively targeted muscles normally innervated by Lhx3 motoneurons. In vitro studies showed that iPSCMNs form anatomically mature and functional neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) when cocultured with chick myofibers for several weeks. Electrophysiologically, iPSCMNs developed passive membrane and firing characteristic typical of postnatal motoneurons after several weeks in culture. Finally, iPSCMNs grafted into transected mouse tibial nerve projected axons to denervated gastrocnemius muscle fibers, where they formed functional NMJs, restored contractile force. and attenuated denervation atrophy. Together, iPSCMNs possess many of the same cellular and physiological characteristics as ESCMNs and endogenous spinal motoneurons. These results further justify using iPSCMNs as a source of motoneurons for cell replacement therapies and to study motoneuron diseases such as ALS.
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25
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Presynaptic NCAM is required for motor neurons to functionally expand their peripheral field of innervation in partially denervated muscles. J Neurosci 2014; 34:10497-510. [PMID: 25100585 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0697-14.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The function of neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) expression in motor neurons during axonal sprouting and compensatory reinnervation was explored by partially denervating soleus muscles in mice lacking presynaptic NCAM (Hb9(cre)NCAM(flx)). In agreement with previous studies, the contractile force of muscles in wild-type (NCAM(+/+)) mice recovered completely 2 weeks after 75% of the motor innervation was removed because motor unit size increased by 2.5 times. In contrast, similarly denervated muscles in Hb9(cre)NCAM(flx) mice failed to recover the force lost due to the partial denervation because motor unit size did not change. Anatomical analysis indicated that 50% of soleus end plates were completely denervated 1-4 weeks post-partial denervation in Hb9(cre)NCAM(flx) mice, while another 25% were partially reinnervated. Synaptic vesicles (SVs) remained at extrasynaptic regions in Hb9(cre)NCAM(flx) mice rather than being distributed, as occurs normally, to newly reinnervated neuromuscular junctions (NMJs). Electrophysiological analysis revealed two populations of NMJs in partially denervated Hb9(cre)NCAM(flx) soleus muscles, one with high (mature) quantal content, and another with low (immature) quantal content. Extrasynaptic SVs in Hb9(cre)NCAM(flx) sprouts were associated with L-type voltage-dependent calcium channel (L-VDCC) immunoreactivity and maintained an immature, L-VDCC-dependent recycling phenotype. Moreover, acute nifedipine treatment potentiated neurotransmission at newly sprouted NMJs, while chronic intraperitoneal treatment with nifedipine during a period of synaptic consolidation enhanced functional motor unit expansion in the absence of presynaptic NCAM. We propose that presynaptic NCAM bridges a critical link between the SV cycle and the functional expansion of synaptic territory through the regulation of L-VDCCs.
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