1
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Kim AR, Shrivastava S, Lee HB, Lee NE. Highly Durable, Stretchable Multielectrode Array for Electro-mechanical Co-stimulation of Cells. Biomater Res 2024; 28:0030. [PMID: 38947863 PMCID: PMC11214829 DOI: 10.34133/bmr.0030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Electro-mechanical co-stimulation of cells can be a useful cue for tissue engineering. However, reliable co-stimulation platforms still have limitations due to low durability of the components and difficulty in optimizing the stimulation parameters. Although various electro-mechanical co-simulation systems have been explored, integrating materials and components with high durability is still limited. To tackle this problem, we designed an electro-mechanical co-stimulation system that facilitates uniaxial cyclic stretching, electrical stimulation, and optical monitoring. This system utilizes a robust and autoclavable stretchable multielectrode array housed within a compact mini-incubator. To illustrate its effectiveness, we conducted experiments that highlighted how electro-mechanical co-stimulation using this system can enhance the maturation of cardiomyocytes derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells. The results showed great potential of our co-stimulation platform as an effective tool for tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Ri Kim
- Department of Nano Science and Technology,
Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Sajal Shrivastava
- Department of Radiology,
University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Han-Byeol Lee
- School of Advanced Materials Science & Engineering,
Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Nae-Eung Lee
- School of Advanced Materials Science & Engineering,
Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do 16419, Republic of Korea
- Advanced Institute of Nano Technology,
Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do 16419, Republic of Korea
- Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Sciences & Technology,
Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do 16419, Republic of Korea
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2
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Bravo-Olín J, Martínez-Carreón SA, Francisco-Solano E, Lara AR, Beltran-Vargas NE. Analysis of the role of perfusion, mechanical, and electrical stimulation in bioreactors for cardiac tissue engineering. Bioprocess Biosyst Eng 2024; 47:767-839. [PMID: 38643271 DOI: 10.1007/s00449-024-03004-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
Since cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are globally one of the leading causes of death, of which myocardial infarction (MI) can cause irreversible damage and decrease survivors' quality of life, novel therapeutics are needed. Current approaches such as organ transplantation do not fully restore cardiac function or are limited. As a valuable strategy, tissue engineering seeks to obtain constructs that resemble myocardial tissue, vessels, and heart valves using cells, biomaterials as scaffolds, biochemical and physical stimuli. The latter can be induced using a bioreactor mimicking the heart's physiological environment. An extensive review of bioreactors providing perfusion, mechanical and electrical stimulation, as well as the combination of them is provided. An analysis of the stimulations' mechanisms and modes that best suit cardiac construct culture is developed. Finally, we provide insights into bioreactor configuration and culture assessment properties that need to be elucidated for its clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Bravo-Olín
- Biological Engineering Undergraduate Program, Division of Natural Science and Engineering, Universidad Autonoma Metropolitana-Cuajimalpa, Ciudad de Mexico C.P. 05348, México
| | - Sabina A Martínez-Carreón
- Biological Engineering Undergraduate Program, Division of Natural Science and Engineering, Universidad Autonoma Metropolitana-Cuajimalpa, Ciudad de Mexico C.P. 05348, México
| | - Emmanuel Francisco-Solano
- Natural Science and Engineering Graduate Program, Universidad Autonoma Metropolitana-Cuajimalpa, Ciudad de Mexico C.P. 05348, México
| | - Alvaro R Lara
- Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 10, 8000, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Nohra E Beltran-Vargas
- Process and Technology Department, Division of Natural Science and Engineering, Universidad Autonoma Metropolitana-Cuajimalpa, Ciudad de Mexico C.P. 05348, México.
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3
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Gómez-Quintero T, Olayo R, Morales-Corona J, Uribe-Juárez OE, Millán-Pacheco C, Godínez-Fernández R, Serratos IN. Interactions of Cardiac Proteins with Plasma-Synthesized Polypyrrole (PSPy) to Improve Adult Cardiomyocytes Culture. Polymers (Basel) 2024; 16:1470. [PMID: 38891417 PMCID: PMC11174368 DOI: 10.3390/polym16111470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Plasma-Synthesized Polypyrrole (PSPy) has been reported as a biomaterial suitable for cell growth in vitro and in vivo. An experimental duplicate was carried out that showed the growth of cardiomyocytes with PSPy, following a protocol previously reported by the working group. The cardiomyocytes cultured with the biomaterial retained their native morphological characteristics, a fundamental key to improving cardiac cell therapy procedures. Such observations motivated us to investigate the molecular characteristics of the biomaterial and the type of interactions that could be occurring (mainly electrostatic, hydrogen bonds, and non-polar). Additionally, PSPy has been studied to establish the probable mechanisms of action of the biomaterial, in particular, its action on a group of cell membrane proteins, integrins, which we know participate in the adhesion of cells to the extracellular matrix, in adhesion between cells and as bidirectional signal transducer mechanisms. In this work, we carried out studies of the interactions established between cardiac integrins α2β1 and α5β1 with different PSPy models by molecular docking studies and binding free energies (ΔGb) calculations. The models based on a previously reported PSPy molecule have three variable terminal chemical groups, with the purpose of exploring the differences in the type of interaction that will be established by modifying the position of an amino (-NH2), a hydroxyl (-OH), and a nitrile (C≡N) in (fixed) groups, as well as the length of the terminal chains (a long/short -NH2). A model with short chains for the -OH and -NH2 (lateral) group was the model with the best interactions with cardiac integrins. We experimentally verified the direct interaction of cardiomyocytes with the PSPy biomaterial observed in rat primary cultures, allowing us to validate the favorable interactions predicted by the computational analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Gómez-Quintero
- Departamento de Ingeniería Eléctrica, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Iztapalapa, Ciudad de México 09310, Mexico; (T.G.-Q.); (O.E.U.-J.)
| | - Roberto Olayo
- Departamento de Física, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Iztapalapa, Ciudad de México 09310, Mexico; (R.O.); (J.M.-C.)
| | - Juan Morales-Corona
- Departamento de Física, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Iztapalapa, Ciudad de México 09310, Mexico; (R.O.); (J.M.-C.)
| | - Omar E. Uribe-Juárez
- Departamento de Ingeniería Eléctrica, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Iztapalapa, Ciudad de México 09310, Mexico; (T.G.-Q.); (O.E.U.-J.)
| | - César Millán-Pacheco
- Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca 62209, Mexico;
| | - Rafael Godínez-Fernández
- Departamento de Ingeniería Eléctrica, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Iztapalapa, Ciudad de México 09310, Mexico; (T.G.-Q.); (O.E.U.-J.)
| | - Iris N. Serratos
- Departamento de Química, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Iztapalapa, Ciudad de México 09310, Mexico
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4
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Butler D, Reyes DR. Heart-on-a-chip systems: disease modeling and drug screening applications. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:1494-1528. [PMID: 38318723 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00829k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide, casting a substantial economic footprint and burdening the global healthcare system. Historically, pre-clinical CVD modeling and therapeutic screening have been performed using animal models. Unfortunately, animal models oftentimes fail to adequately mimic human physiology, leading to a poor translation of therapeutics from pre-clinical trials to consumers. Even those that make it to market can be removed due to unforeseen side effects. As such, there exists a clinical, technological, and economical need for systems that faithfully capture human (patho)physiology for modeling CVD, assessing cardiotoxicity, and evaluating drug efficacy. Heart-on-a-chip (HoC) systems are a part of the broader organ-on-a-chip paradigm that leverages microfluidics, tissue engineering, microfabrication, electronics, and gene editing to create human-relevant models for studying disease, drug-induced side effects, and therapeutic efficacy. These compact systems can be capable of real-time measurements and on-demand characterization of tissue behavior and could revolutionize the drug development process. In this review, we highlight the key components that comprise a HoC system followed by a review of contemporary reports of their use in disease modeling, drug toxicity and efficacy assessment, and as part of multi-organ-on-a-chip platforms. We also discuss future perspectives and challenges facing the field, including a discussion on the role that standardization is expected to play in accelerating the widespread adoption of these platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derrick Butler
- Microsystems and Nanotechnology Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD 20899, USA.
| | - Darwin R Reyes
- Microsystems and Nanotechnology Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD 20899, USA.
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5
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Al-attar R, Jargstorf J, Romagnuolo R, Jouni M, Alibhai FJ, Lampe PD, Solan JL, Laflamme MA. Casein Kinase 1 Phosphomimetic Mutations Negatively Impact Connexin-43 Gap Junctions in Human Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes. Biomolecules 2024; 14:61. [PMID: 38254663 PMCID: PMC10813327 DOI: 10.3390/biom14010061] [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: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The transplantation of human pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hPSC-CMs) has shown promise in preclinical models of myocardial infarction, but graft myocardium exhibits incomplete host-graft electromechanical integration and a propensity for pro-arrhythmic behavior. Perhaps contributing to this situation, hPSC-CM grafts show low expression of connexin 43 (Cx43), the major gap junction (GJ) protein, in ventricular myocardia. We hypothesized that Cx43 expression and function could be rescued by engineering Cx43 in hPSC-CMs with a series of phosphatase-resistant mutations at three casein kinase 1 phosphorylation sites (Cx43-S3E) that have been previously reported to stabilize Cx43 GJs and reduce arrhythmias in transgenic mice. However, contrary to our predictions, transgenic Cx43-S3E hPSC-CMs exhibited reduced Cx43 expression relative to wild-type cells, both at baseline and following ischemic challenge. Cx43-S3E hPSC-CMs showed correspondingly slower conduction velocities, increased automaticity, and differential expression of other connexin isoforms and various genes involved in cardiac excitation-contraction coupling. Cx43-S3E hPSC-CMs also had phosphorylation marks associated with Cx43 GJ internalization, a finding that may account for their impaired GJ localization. Taken collectively, our data indicate that the Cx43-S3E mutation behaves differently in hPSC-CMs than in adult mouse ventricular myocytes and that multiple biological factors likely need to be addressed synchronously to ensure proper Cx43 expression, localization, and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasha Al-attar
- McEwen Stem Cell Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada; (R.A.-a.); (J.J.); (R.R.); (M.J.); (F.J.A.)
| | - Joseph Jargstorf
- McEwen Stem Cell Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada; (R.A.-a.); (J.J.); (R.R.); (M.J.); (F.J.A.)
| | - Rocco Romagnuolo
- McEwen Stem Cell Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada; (R.A.-a.); (J.J.); (R.R.); (M.J.); (F.J.A.)
| | - Mariam Jouni
- McEwen Stem Cell Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada; (R.A.-a.); (J.J.); (R.R.); (M.J.); (F.J.A.)
| | - Faisal J. Alibhai
- McEwen Stem Cell Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada; (R.A.-a.); (J.J.); (R.R.); (M.J.); (F.J.A.)
| | - Paul D. Lampe
- Translational Research Program, Public Health Sciences and Human Biology Divisions, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; (P.D.L.); (J.L.S.)
| | - Joell L. Solan
- Translational Research Program, Public Health Sciences and Human Biology Divisions, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; (P.D.L.); (J.L.S.)
| | - Michael A. Laflamme
- McEwen Stem Cell Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada; (R.A.-a.); (J.J.); (R.R.); (M.J.); (F.J.A.)
- Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
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6
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Ormrod B, Ehler E. Induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes-more show than substance? Biophys Rev 2023; 15:1941-1950. [PMID: 38192353 PMCID: PMC10771368 DOI: 10.1007/s12551-023-01099-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Cardiomyocytes that are derived from human-induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC-CM) are an exciting tool to investigate cardiomyopathy disease mechanisms at the cellular level as well as to screen for potential side effects of novel drugs. However, currently their benefit is limited due to their fairly immature differentiation status under conventional culture conditions. This review is mainly aimed at researchers outside of the iPSC-CM field and will describe potential pitfalls and which features at the level of the myofibrils would be desired to make them a more representative model system. We will also discuss different strategies that may help to achieve these.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beth Ormrod
- School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine and Sciences, King’s College London, London, SE1 1UL UK
| | - Elisabeth Ehler
- School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine and Sciences, King’s College London, London, SE1 1UL UK
- Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics (School of Basic and Biosciences), Room 3.26A, New Hunt’s House, Guy’s Campus, London, SE1 1UL UK
- British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, King’s College London, London, SE1 1UL UK
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7
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Kyriakou S, Lubig A, Sandhoff CA, Kuhn Y, Jockenhoevel S. Influence of Diameter and Cyclic Mechanical Stimulation on the Beating Frequency of Myocardial Cell-Laden Fibers. Gels 2023; 9:677. [PMID: 37754359 PMCID: PMC10528042 DOI: 10.3390/gels9090677] [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: 07/22/2023] [Revised: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Atrioventricular block (AVB) is a severe disease for pediatric patients. The repetitive operations needed in the case of the pacemaker implantation to maintain the electrical signal at the atrioventricular node (AVN) affect the patient's life quality. In this study, we present a method of biofabrication of multi-cell-laden cylindrical fibrin-based fibers that can restore the electrical signal at the AVN. We used human umbilical vein smooth muscle cells (HUVSMCs), human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and induced pluripotent stem cell cardiomyocytes (iPSC-CMs) cultivated either statically or dynamically to mimic the native AVN. We investigated the influence of cell composition, construct diameter and cyclic stretch on the function of the fibrin hydrogels in vitro. Immunohistochemistry analyses showed the maturity of the iPSC-CMs in the constructs through the expression of sarcomeric alpha actinin (SAA) and electrical coupling through Connexin 43 (Cx43) signal. Simultaneously, the beating frequency of the fibrin hydrogels was higher and easy to maintain whereas the concentration of iPSC-CMs was higher compared with the other types of cylindrical constructs. In total, our study highlights that the combination of fibrin with the cell mixture and geometry is offering a feasible biofabrication method for tissue engineering approaches for the treatment of AVB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stavroula Kyriakou
- Department of Biohybrid & Medical Textiles (BioTex), AME-Institute of Applied Medical Engineering, Helmholtz Institute, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (S.K.); (C.A.S.); (Y.K.)
| | - Andreas Lubig
- Department of Biohybrid & Medical Textiles (BioTex), AME-Institute of Applied Medical Engineering, Helmholtz Institute, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (S.K.); (C.A.S.); (Y.K.)
| | - Cilia A. Sandhoff
- Department of Biohybrid & Medical Textiles (BioTex), AME-Institute of Applied Medical Engineering, Helmholtz Institute, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (S.K.); (C.A.S.); (Y.K.)
| | - Yasmin Kuhn
- Department of Biohybrid & Medical Textiles (BioTex), AME-Institute of Applied Medical Engineering, Helmholtz Institute, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (S.K.); (C.A.S.); (Y.K.)
| | - Stefan Jockenhoevel
- Department of Biohybrid & Medical Textiles (BioTex), AME-Institute of Applied Medical Engineering, Helmholtz Institute, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (S.K.); (C.A.S.); (Y.K.)
- AMIBM-Aachen-Maastricht-Institute for Biobased Materials, Maastricht University, 186260 Geleen, The Netherlands
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8
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Basara G, Bahcecioglu G, Ren X, Zorlutuna P. An Experimental and Numerical Investigation of Cardiac Tissue-Patch Interrelation. J Biomech Eng 2023; 145:081004. [PMID: 37337466 PMCID: PMC10321148 DOI: 10.1115/1.4062736] [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: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Tissue engineered cardiac patches have great potential as a regenerative therapy for myocardial infarction. Yet, the mutual interaction of cardiac patches with healthy tissue has not been completely understood. Here, we investigated the impact of acellular and cellular patches on a beating two-dimensional (2D) cardiac cell layer, and the effect of the beating of this layer on the cells encapsulated in the patch. We cultured human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (iCMs) on a coverslip and placed gelatin methacryloyl hydrogel alone or with encapsulated iCMs to create acellular and cellular patches, respectively. When the acellular patch was placed on the cardiac cell layer, the beating characteristics and Ca+2 handling properties reduced, whereas placing the cellular patch restored these characteristics. To better understand the effects of the cyclic contraction and relaxation induced by the beating cardiac cell layer on the patch placed on top of it, a simulation model was developed, and the calculated strain values were in agreement with the values measured experimentally. Moreover, this dynamic culture induced by the beating 2D iCM layer on the iCMs encapsulated in the cellular patch improved their beating velocity and frequency. Additionally, the encapsulated iCMs were observed to be coupled with the underlying beating 2D iCM layer. Overall, this study provides a detailed investigation on the mutual relationship of acellular/cellular patches with the beating 2D iCM layer, understanding of which would be valuable for developing more advanced cardiac patches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gozde Basara
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Notre Dame, 225 Multidisciplinary Research Building, Notre Dame, IN 46556
| | - Gokhan Bahcecioglu
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Notre Dame, 108B Multidisciplinary Research Building, Notre Dame, IN 46556
| | - Xiang Ren
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556
| | - Pinar Zorlutuna
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, 143 Multidisciplinary Research Building, Notre Dame, IN 46556
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9
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Licata JP, Schwab KH, Har-El YE, Gerstenhaber JA, Lelkes PI. Bioreactor Technologies for Enhanced Organoid Culture. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11427. [PMID: 37511186 PMCID: PMC10380004 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
An organoid is a 3D organization of cells that can recapitulate some of the structure and function of native tissue. Recent work has seen organoids gain prominence as a valuable model for studying tissue development, drug discovery, and potential clinical applications. The requirements for the successful culture of organoids in vitro differ significantly from those of traditional monolayer cell cultures. The generation and maturation of high-fidelity organoids entails developing and optimizing environmental conditions to provide the optimal cues for growth and 3D maturation, such as oxygenation, mechanical and fluidic activation, nutrition gradients, etc. To this end, we discuss the four main categories of bioreactors used for organoid culture: stirred bioreactors (SBR), microfluidic bioreactors (MFB), rotating wall vessels (RWV), and electrically stimulating (ES) bioreactors. We aim to lay out the state-of-the-art of both commercial and in-house developed bioreactor systems, their benefits to the culture of organoids derived from various cells and tissues, and the limitations of bioreactor technology, including sterilization, accessibility, and suitability and ease of use for long-term culture. Finally, we discuss future directions for improvements to existing bioreactor technology and how they may be used to enhance organoid culture for specific applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph P Licata
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
| | - Kyle H Schwab
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
- Neurobiology, Neurodegeneration & Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Yah-El Har-El
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
| | - Jonathan A Gerstenhaber
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
| | - Peter I Lelkes
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
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10
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Vuorenpää H, Björninen M, Välimäki H, Ahola A, Kroon M, Honkamäki L, Koivumäki JT, Pekkanen-Mattila M. Building blocks of microphysiological system to model physiology and pathophysiology of human heart. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1213959. [PMID: 37485060 PMCID: PMC10358860 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1213959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Microphysiological systems (MPS) are drawing increasing interest from academia and from biomedical industry due to their improved capability to capture human physiology. MPS offer an advanced in vitro platform that can be used to study human organ and tissue level functions in health and in diseased states more accurately than traditional single cell cultures or even animal models. Key features in MPS include microenvironmental control and monitoring as well as high biological complexity of the target tissue. To reach these qualities, cross-disciplinary collaboration from multiple fields of science is required to build MPS. Here, we review different areas of expertise and describe essential building blocks of heart MPS including relevant cardiac cell types, supporting matrix, mechanical stimulation, functional measurements, and computational modelling. The review presents current methods in cardiac MPS and provides insights for future MPS development with improved recapitulation of human physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Vuorenpää
- Centre of Excellence in Body-on-Chip Research (CoEBoC), BioMediTech, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Adult Stem Cell Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Research, Development and Innovation Centre, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Miina Björninen
- Centre of Excellence in Body-on-Chip Research (CoEBoC), BioMediTech, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Adult Stem Cell Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Research, Development and Innovation Centre, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Hannu Välimäki
- Centre of Excellence in Body-on-Chip Research (CoEBoC), BioMediTech, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Micro- and Nanosystems Research Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Antti Ahola
- Centre of Excellence in Body-on-Chip Research (CoEBoC), BioMediTech, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Computational Biophysics and Imaging Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Mart Kroon
- Centre of Excellence in Body-on-Chip Research (CoEBoC), BioMediTech, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Laura Honkamäki
- Centre of Excellence in Body-on-Chip Research (CoEBoC), BioMediTech, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Neuro Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Jussi T. Koivumäki
- Centre of Excellence in Body-on-Chip Research (CoEBoC), BioMediTech, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Computational Biophysics and Imaging Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Mari Pekkanen-Mattila
- Centre of Excellence in Body-on-Chip Research (CoEBoC), BioMediTech, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Heart Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
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11
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In vitro cell stretching devices and their applications: From cardiomyogenic differentiation to tissue engineering. MEDICINE IN NOVEL TECHNOLOGY AND DEVICES 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.medntd.2023.100220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
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12
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Martin M, Gähwiler EKN, Generali M, Hoerstrup SP, Emmert MY. Advances in 3D Organoid Models for Stem Cell-Based Cardiac Regeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065188. [PMID: 36982261 PMCID: PMC10049446 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The adult human heart cannot regain complete cardiac function following tissue injury, making cardiac regeneration a current clinical unmet need. There are a number of clinical procedures aimed at reducing ischemic damage following injury; however, it has not yet been possible to stimulate adult cardiomyocytes to recover and proliferate. The emergence of pluripotent stem cell technologies and 3D culture systems has revolutionized the field. Specifically, 3D culture systems have enhanced precision medicine through obtaining a more accurate human microenvironmental condition to model disease and/or drug interactions in vitro. In this study, we cover current advances and limitations in stem cell-based cardiac regenerative medicine. Specifically, we discuss the clinical implementation and limitations of stem cell-based technologies and ongoing clinical trials. We then address the advent of 3D culture systems to produce cardiac organoids that may better represent the human heart microenvironment for disease modeling and genetic screening. Finally, we delve into the insights gained from cardiac organoids in relation to cardiac regeneration and further discuss the implications for clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcy Martin
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine (IREM), University of Zurich, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Eric K. N. Gähwiler
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine (IREM), University of Zurich, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Melanie Generali
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine (IREM), University of Zurich, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Simon P. Hoerstrup
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine (IREM), University of Zurich, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland
- Wyss Zurich Translational Center, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Maximilian Y. Emmert
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine (IREM), University of Zurich, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland
- Wyss Zurich Translational Center, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Deutsches Herzzentrum der Charité (DHZC), 13353 Berlin, Germany
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +41-44-634-5610
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13
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Paz-Artigas L, Montero-Calle P, Iglesias-García O, Mazo MM, Ochoa I, Ciriza J. Current approaches for the recreation of cardiac ischaemic environment in vitro. Int J Pharm 2023; 632:122589. [PMID: 36623742 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2023.122589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Myocardial ischaemia is one of the leading dead causes worldwide. Although animal experiments have historically provided a wealth of information, animal models are time and money consuming, and they usually miss typical human patient's characteristics associated with ischemia prevalence, including aging and comorbidities. Generating reliable in vitro models that recapitulate the human cardiac microenvironment during an ischaemic event can boost the development of new drugs and therapeutic strategies, as well as our understanding of the underlying cellular and molecular events, helping the optimization of therapeutic approaches prior to animal and clinical testing. Although several culture systems have emerged for the recreation of cardiac physiology, mimicking the features of an ischaemic heart tissue in vitro is challenging and certain aspects of the disease process remain poorly addressed. Here, current in vitro cardiac culture systems used for modelling cardiac ischaemia, from self-aggregated organoids to scaffold-based constructs and heart-on-chip platforms are described. The advantages of these models to recreate ischaemic hallmarks such as oxygen gradients, pathological alterations of mechanical strength or fibrotic responses are highlighted. The new models represent a step forward to be considered, but unfortunately, we are far away from recapitulating all complexity of the clinical situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Paz-Artigas
- Tissue Microenvironment (TME) Lab, Aragón Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), University of Zaragoza, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain; Institute for Health Research Aragón (IIS Aragón), 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Pilar Montero-Calle
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Cima Universidad de Navarra, and Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Olalla Iglesias-García
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Cima Universidad de Navarra, and Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Manuel M Mazo
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Cima Universidad de Navarra, and Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain; Hematology and Cell Therapy, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, and Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Ignacio Ochoa
- Tissue Microenvironment (TME) Lab, Aragón Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), University of Zaragoza, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain; Institute for Health Research Aragón (IIS Aragón), 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; CIBER-BBN, ISCIII, Zaragoza, Spain.
| | - Jesús Ciriza
- Tissue Microenvironment (TME) Lab, Aragón Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), University of Zaragoza, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain; Institute for Health Research Aragón (IIS Aragón), 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; CIBER-BBN, ISCIII, Zaragoza, Spain.
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14
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Gabetti S, Sileo A, Montrone F, Putame G, Audenino AL, Marsano A, Massai D. Versatile electrical stimulator for cardiac tissue engineering-Investigation of charge-balanced monophasic and biphasic electrical stimulations. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 10:1031183. [PMID: 36686253 PMCID: PMC9846083 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.1031183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The application of biomimetic physical stimuli replicating the in vivo dynamic microenvironment is crucial for the in vitro development of functional cardiac tissues. In particular, pulsed electrical stimulation (ES) has been shown to improve the functional properties of in vitro cultured cardiomyocytes. However, commercially available electrical stimulators are expensive and cumbersome devices while customized solutions often allow limited parameter tunability, constraining the investigation of different ES protocols. The goal of this study was to develop a versatile compact electrical stimulator (ELETTRA) for biomimetic cardiac tissue engineering approaches, designed for delivering controlled parallelizable ES at a competitive cost. ELETTRA is based on an open-source micro-controller running custom software and is combinable with different cell/tissue culture set-ups, allowing simultaneously testing different ES patterns on multiple samples. In particular, customized culture chambers were appositely designed and manufactured for investigating the influence of monophasic and biphasic pulsed ES on cardiac cell monolayers. Finite element analysis was performed for characterizing the spatial distributions of the electrical field and the current density within the culture chamber. Performance tests confirmed the accuracy, compliance, and reliability of the ES parameters delivered by ELETTRA. Biological tests were performed on neonatal rat cardiac cells, electrically stimulated for 4 days, by comparing, for the first time, the monophasic waveform (electric field = 5 V/cm) to biphasic waveforms by matching either the absolute value of the electric field variation (biphasic ES at ±2.5 V/cm) or the total delivered charge (biphasic ES at ±5 V/cm). Findings suggested that monophasic ES at 5 V/cm and, particularly, charge-balanced biphasic ES at ±5 V/cm were effective in enhancing electrical functionality of stimulated cardiac cells and in promoting synchronous contraction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Gabetti
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and PolitoBIOMed Lab, Politecnico di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Antonio Sileo
- Department of Surgery and Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Federica Montrone
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and PolitoBIOMed Lab, Politecnico di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Giovanni Putame
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and PolitoBIOMed Lab, Politecnico di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Alberto L. Audenino
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and PolitoBIOMed Lab, Politecnico di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Anna Marsano
- Department of Surgery and Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Diana Massai
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and PolitoBIOMed Lab, Politecnico di Torino, Turin, Italy,*Correspondence: Diana Massai,
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15
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Zhu K, Bao X, Wang Y, Lu T, Zhang L. Human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived cardiomyocyte modelling of cardiovascular diseases for natural compound discovery. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 157:113970. [PMID: 36371854 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death worldwide. Natural compounds extracted from medicinal plants characterized by diverse biological activities and low toxicity or side effects, are increasingly taking center stage in the search for new drugs. Currently, preclinical evaluation of natural products relies mainly on the use of immortalized cell lines of human origin or animal models. Increasing evidence indicates that cardiomyopathy models based on immortalized cell lines do not recapitulate pathogenic phenotypes accurately and a substantial physiological discrepancy between animals and humans casts doubt on the clinical relevance of animal models for these studies. The newly developed human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) technology in combination with highly-efficient cardiomyocyte differentiation methods provides an ideal tool for modeling human cardiomyopathies in vitro. Screening of drugs, especially screening of natural products, based on these models has been widely used and has shown that evaluation in such models can recapitulate important aspects of the physiological properties of drugs. The purpose of this review is to provide information on the latest developments in this area of research and to help researchers perform screening of natural products using the hiPSC-CM platform.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keyang Zhu
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, School of Public Health, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, PR China
| | - Xiaoming Bao
- Department of Cardiology, Hwa Mei Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, Zhejiang, PR China; Department of Global Health, Ningbo Institute of Life and Health Industry, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Yingchao Wang
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Ting Lu
- Clinical Research Center of The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, PR China.
| | - Ling Zhang
- College of Life Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, PR China.
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16
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Lin WH, Zhu Z, Ravikumar V, Sharma V, Tolkacheva EG, McAlpine MC, Ogle BM. A Bionic Testbed for Cardiac Ablation Tools. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232214444. [PMID: 36430922 PMCID: PMC9692733 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Bionic-engineered tissues have been proposed for testing the performance of cardiovascular medical devices and predicting clinical outcomes ex vivo. Progress has been made in the development of compliant electronics that are capable of monitoring treatment parameters and being coupled to engineered tissues; however, the scale of most engineered tissues is too small to accommodate the size of clinical-grade medical devices. Here, we show substantial progress toward bionic tissues for evaluating cardiac ablation tools by generating a centimeter-scale human cardiac disk and coupling it to a hydrogel-based soft-pressure sensor. The cardiac tissue with contiguous electromechanical function was made possible by our recently established method to 3D bioprint human pluripotent stem cells in an extracellular matrix-based bioink that allows for in situ cell expansion prior to cardiac differentiation. The pressure sensor described here utilized electrical impedance tomography to enable the real-time spatiotemporal mapping of pressure distribution. A cryoablation tip catheter was applied to the composite bionic tissues with varied pressure. We found a close correlation between the cell response to ablation and the applied pressure. Under some conditions, cardiomyocytes could survive in the ablated region with more rounded morphology compared to the unablated controls, and connectivity was disrupted. This is the first known functional characterization of living human cardiomyocytes following an ablation procedure that suggests several mechanisms by which arrhythmia might redevelop following an ablation. Thus, bionic-engineered testbeds of this type can be indicators of tissue health and function and provide unique insight into human cell responses to ablative interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Han Lin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota—Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota—Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Zhijie Zhu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Minnesota—Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Vasanth Ravikumar
- Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Minnesota—Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Vinod Sharma
- Cardiac Rhythm and Heart Failure Division, Medtronic Inc., Minneapolis, MN 55432, USA
| | - Elena G. Tolkacheva
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota—Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Lillehei Heart Institute, University of Minnesota—Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Institute for Engineering in Medicine, University of Minnesota—Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Michael C. McAlpine
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Minnesota—Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Institute for Engineering in Medicine, University of Minnesota—Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Correspondence: (M.C.M.); (B.M.O.)
| | - Brenda M. Ogle
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota—Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota—Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Lillehei Heart Institute, University of Minnesota—Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Institute for Engineering in Medicine, University of Minnesota—Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota—Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Correspondence: (M.C.M.); (B.M.O.)
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17
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Kim J, Jang J. 3D printable conductive composite inks for the fabrication of biocompatible electrodes in tissue engineering application. Int J Bioprint 2022; 9:643. [PMID: 36636129 PMCID: PMC9831065 DOI: 10.18063/ijb.v9i1.643] [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: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Native tissues are affected by the microenvironment surrounding the tissue, including electrical activities. External electrical stimulation, which is used in replicating electrical activities and regulating cell behavior, is mainly applied in neural and cardiac tissues due to their electrophysiological properties. The in vitro cell culture platform with electrodes provides precise control of the stimulation property and eases the observation of the effects on the cells. The frequently used electrodes are metal or carbon rods, but their risk of damaging tissue and their mechanical properties that are largely different from those of native tissues hinder further applications. Biocompatible polymer reinforced with conductive fillers emerges as a potential solution to fabricate the complex structure of the platform and electrode. Conductive polymer can be used as an ink in the extrusion-based printing method, thus enabling the fabrication of volumetric structures. The filler simultaneously alters the electrical and rheological properties of the ink; therefore, the amount of additional compound should be precisely determined regarding printability and conductivity. This review provides an overview on the rheology and conductivity change relative to the concentration of conductive fillers and the applications of printed electrodes. Next, we discuss the future potential use of a cell culture platform with electrodes from in vitro and in vivo perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihwan Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, South Korea
| | - Jinah Jang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, South Korea,Department of Convergence IT Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, South Korea,School of Interdisciplinary Bioscience and Bioengineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, South Korea,Institute for Convergence Research and Education in Advanced Technology, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea,Corresponding author: Jinah Jang ()
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18
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Leowattana W, Leowattana T, Leowattana P. Human-induced pluripotent stem cell-atrial-specific cardiomyocytes and atrial fibrillation. World J Clin Cases 2022; 10:9588-9601. [PMID: 36186184 PMCID: PMC9516943 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v10.i27.9588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Patient-specific human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived atrial cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-aCMs) may be produced, genome-edited, and differentiated into multiple cell types for regenerative medicine, disease modeling, drug testing, toxicity screening, and three-dimensional tissue fabrication. There is presently no complete model of atrial fibrillation (AF) available for studying human pharmacological responses and evaluating the toxicity of potential medication candidates. It has been demonstrated that hiPSC-aCMs can replicate the electrophysiological disease phenotype and genotype of AF. The hiPSC-aCMs, however, are immature and do not reflect the maturity of aCMs in the native myocardium. Numerous laboratories utilize a variety of methodologies and procedures to improve and promote aCM maturation, including electrical stimulation, culture duration, biophysical signals, and changes in metabolic variables. This review covers the current methods being explored for use in the maturation of patient-specific hiPSC-aCMs and their application towards a personalized approach to the pharmacologic therapy of AF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wattana Leowattana
- Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Tawithep Leowattana
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Srinakharinwirot University, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
| | - Pathomthep Leowattana
- Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
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19
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Cyclic Stretching Induces Maturation of Human-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes through Nuclear-Mechanotransduction. Tissue Eng Regen Med 2022; 19:781-792. [PMID: 35258794 PMCID: PMC9294081 DOI: 10.1007/s13770-021-00427-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During cardiogenesis, cardiac cells receive various stimuli, such as biomechanical and chemical cues, from the surrounding microenvironment, and these signals induce the maturation of heart cells. Mechanical force, especially tensile force in the heart, is one of the key stimuli that induce cardiomyocyte (CM) maturation through mechanotransduction, a process through which physical cues are transformed into biological responses. However, the effects and mechanisms of tensile force on cell maturation are poorly studied. METHODS In this study, we developed a cyclic stretch system that mimics the mechanical environment of the heart by loading tensile force to human-induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived CMs. hiPSC-CMs cultured with the cyclic stretch system analyzed morphological change, immunofluorescent staining, expression of maturation markers in mRNA, and beating properties compared to static cultures. RESULTS hiPSC-CMs cultured with the cyclic stretch system showed increased cell alignment, sarcomere length and expression of maturation markers in mRNA, such as TNNI3, MYL2 and TTN, compared to static cultures. Especially, the expression of genes related to nuclear mechanotransduction, such as Yap1, Lamin A/C, plectin, and desmin, was increased in the cyclically stretched hiPSC-CMs. Furthermore, the volume of the nucleus was increased by as much as 120% in the cyclic stretch group. CONCLUSION These results revealed that nuclear mechanotransduction induced by tensile force is involved in CM maturation. Together, these findings provide novel evidence suggesting that nuclear mechanotransduction induced by tensile force is involved in the regulation of cardiac maturation.
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20
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Kahn-Krell A, Pretorius D, Guragain B, Lou X, Wei Y, Zhang J, Qiao A, Nakada Y, Kamp TJ, Ye L, Zhang J. A three-dimensional culture system for generating cardiac spheroids composed of cardiomyocytes, endothelial cells, smooth-muscle cells, and cardiac fibroblasts derived from human induced-pluripotent stem cells. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:908848. [PMID: 35957645 PMCID: PMC9361017 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.908848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiomyocytes (CMs), endothelial cells (ECs), smooth-muscle cells (SMCs), and cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) differentiated from human induced-pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) are the fundamental components of cell-based regenerative myocardial therapy and can be used as in-vitro models for mechanistic studies and drug testing. However, newly differentiated hiPSC-CMs tend to more closely resemble fetal CMs than the mature CMs of adult hearts, and current techniques for improving CM maturation can be both complex and labor-intensive. Thus, the production of CMs for commercial and industrial applications will require more elementary methods for promoting CM maturity. CMs tend to develop a more mature phenotype when cultured as spheroids in a three-dimensional (3D) environment, rather than as two-dimensional monolayers, and the activity of ECs, SMCs, and CFs promote both CM maturation and electrical activity. Here, we introduce a simple and reproducible 3D-culture-based process for generating spheroids containing all four cardiac-cell types (i.e., cardiac spheroids) that is compatible with a wide range of applications and research equipment. Subsequent experiments demonstrated that the inclusion of vascular cells and CFs was associated with an increase in spheroid size, a decline in apoptosis, an improvement in sarcomere maturation and a change in CM bioenergetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asher Kahn-Krell
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine and School of Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Danielle Pretorius
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine and School of Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Bijay Guragain
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine and School of Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Xi Lou
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine and School of Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Yuhua Wei
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine and School of Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Jianhua Zhang
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States,Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Aijun Qiao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine and School of Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Yuji Nakada
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine and School of Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Timothy J. Kamp
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States,Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States,Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Lei Ye
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine and School of Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Jianyi Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine and School of Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States,Department of Medicine/Cardiovascular Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States,*Correspondence: Jianyi Zhang,
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21
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Johansson M, Tangruksa B, Heydarkhan-Hagvall S, Jeppsson A, Sartipy P, Synnergren J. Data Mining Identifies CCN2 and THBS1 as Biomarker Candidates for Cardiac Hypertrophy. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12050726. [PMID: 35629393 PMCID: PMC9147176 DOI: 10.3390/life12050726] [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: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac hypertrophy is a condition that may contribute to the development of heart failure. In this study, we compare the gene-expression patterns of our in vitro stem-cell-based cardiac hypertrophy model with the gene expression of biopsies collected from hypertrophic human hearts. Twenty-five differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from both groups were identified and the expression of selected corresponding secreted proteins were validated using ELISA and Western blot. Several biomarkers, including CCN2, THBS1, NPPA, and NPPB, were identified, which showed significant overexpressions in the hypertrophic samples in both the cardiac biopsies and in the endothelin-1-treated cells, both at gene and protein levels. The protein-interaction network analysis revealed CCN2 as a central node among the 25 overlapping DEGs, suggesting that this gene might play an important role in the development of cardiac hypertrophy. GO-enrichment analysis of the 25 DEGs revealed many biological processes associated with cardiac function and the development of cardiac hypertrophy. In conclusion, we identified important similarities between ET-1-stimulated human-stem-cell-derived cardiomyocytes and human hypertrophic cardiac tissue. Novel putative cardiac hypertrophy biomarkers were identified and validated on the protein level, lending support for further investigations to assess their potential for future clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Johansson
- Systems Biology Research Center, School of Bioscience, University of Skövde, SE-541 28 Skövde, Sweden; (S.H.-H.); (P.S.); (J.S.)
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, The Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, SE-413 45 Gothenburg, Sweden;
- Correspondence: (M.J.); (B.T.)
| | - Benyapa Tangruksa
- Systems Biology Research Center, School of Bioscience, University of Skövde, SE-541 28 Skövde, Sweden; (S.H.-H.); (P.S.); (J.S.)
- Correspondence: (M.J.); (B.T.)
| | - Sepideh Heydarkhan-Hagvall
- Systems Biology Research Center, School of Bioscience, University of Skövde, SE-541 28 Skövde, Sweden; (S.H.-H.); (P.S.); (J.S.)
- Bioscience, Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism (CVRM), BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, SE-413 83 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anders Jeppsson
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, The Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, SE-413 45 Gothenburg, Sweden;
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, SE-413 45 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Peter Sartipy
- Systems Biology Research Center, School of Bioscience, University of Skövde, SE-541 28 Skövde, Sweden; (S.H.-H.); (P.S.); (J.S.)
| | - Jane Synnergren
- Systems Biology Research Center, School of Bioscience, University of Skövde, SE-541 28 Skövde, Sweden; (S.H.-H.); (P.S.); (J.S.)
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22
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Varzideh F, Mone P, Santulli G. Bioengineering Strategies to Create 3D Cardiac Constructs from Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells. Bioengineering (Basel) 2022; 9:168. [PMID: 35447728 PMCID: PMC9028595 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering9040168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) can be used to generate various cell types in the human body. Hence, hiPSC-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) represent a significant cell source for disease modeling, drug testing, and regenerative medicine. The immaturity of hiPSC-CMs in two-dimensional (2D) culture limit their applications. Cardiac tissue engineering provides a new promise for both basic and clinical research. Advanced bioengineered cardiac in vitro models can create contractile structures that serve as exquisite in vitro heart microtissues for drug testing and disease modeling, thereby promoting the identification of better treatments for cardiovascular disorders. In this review, we will introduce recent advances of bioengineering technologies to produce in vitro cardiac tissues derived from hiPSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fahimeh Varzideh
- Department of Medicine, Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute, Einstein-Mount Sinai Diabetes Research Center (ES-DRC), Einstein Institute for Aging Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY 10461, USA; (F.V.); (P.M.)
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Fleischer Institute for Diabetes and Metabolism (FIDAM), Einstein Institute for Neuroimmunology and Inflammation (INI), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY 10461, USA
| | - Pasquale Mone
- Department of Medicine, Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute, Einstein-Mount Sinai Diabetes Research Center (ES-DRC), Einstein Institute for Aging Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY 10461, USA; (F.V.); (P.M.)
| | - Gaetano Santulli
- Department of Medicine, Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute, Einstein-Mount Sinai Diabetes Research Center (ES-DRC), Einstein Institute for Aging Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY 10461, USA; (F.V.); (P.M.)
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Fleischer Institute for Diabetes and Metabolism (FIDAM), Einstein Institute for Neuroimmunology and Inflammation (INI), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY 10461, USA
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Cox-Pridmore DM, Castro FA, Silva SRP, Camelliti P, Zhao Y. Emerging Bioelectronic Strategies for Cardiovascular Tissue Engineering and Implantation. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2022; 18:e2105281. [PMID: 35119208 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202105281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Heart diseases are currently the leading cause of death worldwide. The ability to create cardiovascular tissue has numerous applications in understanding tissue development, disease progression, pharmacological testing, bio-actuators, and transplantation; yet current cardiovascular tissue engineering (CTE) methods are limited. However, there have been emerging developments in the bioelectronics field, with the creation of biomimetic devices that can intimately interact with cardiac cells, provide monitoring capabilities, and regulate tissue formation. Combining bioelectronics with cardiac tissue engineering can overcome current limitations and produce physiologically relevant tissue that can be used in various areas of cardiovascular research and medicine. This review highlights the recent advances in cardiovascular-based bioelectronics. First, cardiac tissue engineering and the potential of bioelectronic therapies for cardiovascular diseases are discussed. Second, advantageous bioelectronic materials for CTE and implantation and their properties are reviewed. Third, several representative cardiovascular tissue-bioelectronic interface models and the beneficial functions that bioelectronics can demonstrate in in vitro and in vivo applications are explored. Finally, the prospects and remaining challenges for clinical application are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dannielle M Cox-Pridmore
- National Physical Laboratory, Teddington, Middlesex, TW11 0LW, United Kingdom
- Advanced Technology Institute, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 7XH, United Kingdom
| | - Fernando A Castro
- National Physical Laboratory, Teddington, Middlesex, TW11 0LW, United Kingdom
- Advanced Technology Institute, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 7XH, United Kingdom
| | - S Ravi P Silva
- Advanced Technology Institute, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 7XH, United Kingdom
| | - Patrizia Camelliti
- School of Biosciences and Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 7XH, UK
| | - Yunlong Zhao
- National Physical Laboratory, Teddington, Middlesex, TW11 0LW, United Kingdom
- Advanced Technology Institute, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 7XH, United Kingdom
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24
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Li Y, Lang S, Akin I, Zhou X, El-Battrawy I. Brugada Syndrome: Different Experimental Models and the Role of Human Cardiomyocytes From Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells. J Am Heart Assoc 2022; 11:e024410. [PMID: 35322667 PMCID: PMC9075459 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.121.024410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Brugada syndrome (BrS) is an inherited and rare cardiac arrhythmogenic disease associated with an increased risk of ventricular fibrillation and sudden cardiac death. Different genes have been linked to BrS. The majority of mutations are located in the SCN5A gene, and the typical abnormal ECG is an elevation of the ST segment in the right precordial leads V1 to V3. The pathophysiological mechanisms of BrS were studied in different models, including animal models, heterologous expression systems, and human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocyte models. Currently, only a few BrS studies have used human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes, most of which have focused on genotype-phenotype correlations and drug screening. The combination of new technologies, such as clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9 (CRISPR associated protein 9)-mediated genome editing and 3-dimensional engineered heart tissues, has provided novel insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms of the disease and could offer opportunities to improve the diagnosis and treatment of patients with BrS. This review aimed to compare different models of BrS for a better understanding of the roles of human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes in current BrS research and personalized medicine at a later stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingrui Li
- First Department of Medicine Medical Faculty Mannheim University Medical Centre Mannheim (UMM)University of Heidelberg Mannheim Germany
| | - Siegfried Lang
- First Department of Medicine Medical Faculty Mannheim University Medical Centre Mannheim (UMM)University of Heidelberg Mannheim Germany.,DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site, Heidelberg-Mannheim Mannheim Germany
| | - Ibrahim Akin
- First Department of Medicine Medical Faculty Mannheim University Medical Centre Mannheim (UMM)University of Heidelberg Mannheim Germany.,DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site, Heidelberg-Mannheim Mannheim Germany
| | - Xiaobo Zhou
- First Department of Medicine Medical Faculty Mannheim University Medical Centre Mannheim (UMM)University of Heidelberg Mannheim Germany.,Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of Ministry of Education and Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province Institute of Cardiovascular Research Southwest Medical University Luzhou Sichuan China.,DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site, Heidelberg-Mannheim Mannheim Germany
| | - Ibrahim El-Battrawy
- First Department of Medicine Medical Faculty Mannheim University Medical Centre Mannheim (UMM)University of Heidelberg Mannheim Germany.,DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site, Heidelberg-Mannheim Mannheim Germany.,Department of Cardiology and Angiology Bergmannsheil Bochum Medical Clinic II Ruhr University Bochum Germany
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25
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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: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [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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Paoletti C, Chiono V. Bioengineering Methods in MicroRNA-Mediated Direct Reprogramming of Fibroblasts Into Cardiomyocytes. Front Cardiovasc Med 2021; 8:750438. [PMID: 34760946 PMCID: PMC8573325 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.750438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Ischemic heart disease is the major cause of mortality worldwide. Despite the most recent pharmacological progresses, cardiac regeneration is yet not possible, and heart transplantation is the only therapeutic option for end-stage heart failure. Traditional cardiac regenerative medicine approaches, such as cell therapies and tissue engineering, have failed in the obtainment of human functional cardiac tissue, mainly due to unavailability of high quantities of autologous functional cardiomyocytes (CMs), low grafting efficiency, and/or arrhythmic events. Direct reprogramming (DR) of fibroblasts into induced CMs (iCMs) has emerged as a new promising approach for myocardial regeneration by in situ transdifferentiation or providing additional CM source for cell therapy. Among available DR methods, non-viral transfection with microRNAs (miRcombo: miR-1, miR-133, miR-208, and miR-499) appears promising for future clinical translation. MiRcombo transfection of fibroblasts could be significantly improved by the development of safe nanocarriers, efficiently delivering their cargo to target cells at the required stoichiometric ratio and overall dose in due times. Newly designed in vitro 3D culture microenvironments, providing biomimetic biophysical and biochemical stimuli to miRcombo-transfected cells, significantly increase the yield of fibroblast transdifferentiation into iCMs, enhancing CM gene expression. Epigenetic regulation of gene expression programs, critical to cell lineage commitment, can also be promoted by the administration of specific anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic soluble factors, helping in suppressing fibroblast signature. The aim of this mini-review is to introduce the readers to a relatively unknown field of cardiac research integrating bioengineering tools as relevant for the progress of miRNA-mediated cardiac DR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Paoletti
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Valeria Chiono
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Turin, Italy
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27
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Park Y, Ji ST, Yong U, Das S, Jang WB, Ahn G, Kwon SM, Jang J. 3D bioprinted tissue-specific spheroidal multicellular microarchitectures for advanced cell therapy. Biofabrication 2021; 13. [PMID: 34433153 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/ac212e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Intercellular interaction is the most crucial factor in promoting cell viability and functionality in an engineered tissue system. Of the various shapes available for cell-laden constructs, spheroidal multicellular microarchitectures (SMMs) have been introduced as building blocks and injectable cell carriers with substantial cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions. Here, we developed a precise and expeditious SMM printing method that can create a tissue-specific microenvironment and thus be potentially useful for cell therapy. This printing strategy is designed to manufacture SMMs fabricated with optimal bioink blended with decellularized ECM and alginate to enhance the functional performance of the encapsulated cells. Experimental results showed that the proposed method allowed for size controllability and mass production of SMMs with high cell viability. Moreover, SMMs co-cultured with endothelial cells promoted lineage-specific maturation and increased functionality compared to monocultured SMMs. Overall, it was concluded that SMMs have the potential for use in cell therapy due to their high cell retention and proliferation rate compared to single-cell injection, particularly for efficient tissue regeneration after myocardial infarction. This study suggests that utilizing microextrusion-based 3D bioprinting technology to encapsulate cells in cell-niche-standardized SMMs can expand the range of possible applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yejin Park
- Department of Convergence IT Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, Kyungbuk 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Taek Ji
- Stem Cell Research Center, Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Yangsan, Kyungnam 50612, Republic of Korea
| | - Uijung Yong
- Department of Convergence IT Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, Kyungbuk 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Sanskrita Das
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States of America
| | - Woong Bi Jang
- Stem Cell Research Center, Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Yangsan, Kyungnam 50612, Republic of Korea
| | - Geunseon Ahn
- Research Institute, Sphebio Co., Ltd, Pohang, Kyungbuk 37666, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Mo Kwon
- Stem Cell Research Center, Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Yangsan, Kyungnam 50612, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinah Jang
- Department of Convergence IT Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, Kyungbuk 37673, Republic of Korea.,School of Interdisciplinary Bioscience and Bioengineering, POSTECH, Pohang, Kyungbuk 37673, Republic of Korea.,Department of Mechanical Engineering, POSTECH, Pohang, Kyungbuk 37673, Republic of Korea
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28
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Jin Y, Cho SW. Bioengineering platforms for cell therapeutics derived from pluripotent and direct reprogramming. APL Bioeng 2021; 5:031501. [PMID: 34258498 PMCID: PMC8263070 DOI: 10.1063/5.0040621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pluripotent and direct reprogramming technologies hold great potential for tissue repair and restoration of tissue and organ function. The implementation of induced pluripotent stem cells and directly reprogrammed cells in biomedical research has resulted in a significant leap forward in the highly promising area of regenerative medicine. While these therapeutic strategies are promising, there are several obstacles to overcome prior to the introduction of these therapies into clinical settings. Bioengineering technologies, such as biomaterials, bioprinting, microfluidic devices, and biostimulatory systems, can enhance cell viability, differentiation, and function, in turn the efficacy of cell therapeutics generated via pluripotent and direct reprogramming. Therefore, cellular reprogramming technologies, in combination with tissue-engineering platforms, are poised to overcome current bottlenecks associated with cell-based therapies and create new ways of producing engineered tissue substitutes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoonhee Jin
- Department of Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
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29
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Gu X, Zhou F, Mu J. Recent Advances in Maturation of Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes Promoted by Mechanical Stretch. Med Sci Monit 2021; 27:e931063. [PMID: 34381009 PMCID: PMC8369941 DOI: 10.12659/msm.931063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Stem cells have significant potential use in tissue regeneration, especially for treating cardiac diseases because of their multi-directional differentiation capability. By mimicking the in vivo physiological environment of native cardiomyocytes during their development and maturation, researchers have been able to induce pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (PSC-CMs) at high purity. However, the phenotype of these PSC-CMs is immature compared with that of adult cardiomyocytes. Various strategies have been explored to improve the maturity of PSC-CMs, such as long-term culturing, mechanical stimuli, chemical stimuli, and combinations of these strategies. Among these strategies, mechanical stretch as a key mechanical stimulus plays an important role in PSC-CM maturation. In this review, the optimal parameters of mechanical stretch, the effects of mechanical stretch on maturation of PSC-CMs, underlying molecular mechanisms as well as existing problems are discussed. Mechanical stretch is a powerful approach to promote the maturation of SC-CMs in terms of morphology, structure, and functionality. Nonetheless, further research efforts are needed to reach a satisfactory standard for clinical applications of PSC-CMs in treating cardiac diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingwang Gu
- Capital Medical University, Beijing, China (mainland)
| | - Fan Zhou
- Department of Ultrasound, Third Medical Center of Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China (mainland)
| | - Junsheng Mu
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Beijing, China (mainland)
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30
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Andrysiak K, Stępniewski J, Dulak J. Human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes, 3D cardiac structures, and heart-on-a-chip as tools for drug research. Pflugers Arch 2021; 473:1061-1085. [PMID: 33629131 PMCID: PMC8245367 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-021-02536-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Development of new drugs is of high interest for the field of cardiac and cardiovascular diseases, which are a dominant cause of death worldwide. Before being allowed to be used and distributed, every new potentially therapeutic compound must be strictly validated during preclinical and clinical trials. The preclinical studies usually involve the in vitro and in vivo evaluation. Due to the increasing reporting of discrepancy in drug effects in animal and humans and the requirement to reduce the number of animals used in research, improvement of in vitro models based on human cells is indispensable. Primary cardiac cells are difficult to access and maintain in cell culture for extensive experiments; therefore, the human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) became an excellent alternative. This technology enables a production of high number of patient- and disease-specific cardiomyocytes and other cardiac cell types for a large-scale research. The drug effects can be extensively evaluated in the context of electrophysiological responses with a use of well-established tools, such as multielectrode array (MEA), patch clamp, or calcium ion oscillation measurements. Cardiotoxicity, which is a common reason for withdrawing drugs from marketing or rejection at final stages of clinical trials, can be easily verified with a use of hiPSC-CM model providing a prediction of human-specific responses and higher safety of clinical trials involving patient cohort. Abovementioned studies can be performed using two-dimensional cell culture providing a high-throughput and relatively lower costs. On the other hand, more complex structures, such as engineered heart tissue, organoids, or spheroids, frequently applied as co-culture systems, represent more physiological conditions and higher maturation rate of hiPSC-derived cells. Furthermore, heart-on-a-chip technology has recently become an increasingly popular tool, as it implements controllable culture conditions, application of various stimulations and continuous parameters read-out. This paper is an overview of possible use of cardiomyocytes and other cardiac cell types derived from hiPSC as in vitro models of heart in drug research area prepared on the basis of latest scientific reports and providing thorough discussion regarding their advantages and limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalina Andrysiak
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Jacek Stępniewski
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Józef Dulak
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland.
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31
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Cellular pathology of the human heart in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD): lessons learned from in vitro modeling. Pflugers Arch 2021; 473:1099-1115. [DOI: 10.1007/s00424-021-02589-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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32
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Maturation strategies and limitations of induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes. Biosci Rep 2021; 41:226678. [PMID: 33057659 PMCID: PMC8209171 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20200833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have the ability to differentiate into cardiomyocytes (CMs). They are not only widely used in cardiac pharmacology screening, human heart disease modeling, and cell transplantation-based treatments, but also the most promising source of CMs for experimental and clinical applications. However, their use is largely restricted by the immature phenotype of structure and function, which is similar to embryonic or fetal CMs and has certain differences from adult CMs. In order to overcome this critical issue, many studies have explored and revealed new strategies to induce the maturity of iPSC-CMs. Therefore, this article aims to review recent induction methods of mature iPSC-CMs, related mechanisms, and limitations.
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Gharanei M, Shafaattalab S, Sangha S, Gunawan M, Laksman Z, Hove-Madsen L, Tibbits GF. Atrial-specific hiPSC-derived cardiomyocytes in drug discovery and disease modeling. Methods 2021; 203:364-377. [PMID: 34144175 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2021.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The discovery and application of human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) have been instrumental in the investigation of the pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases. Patient-specific hiPSCs can now be generated, genome-edited, and subsequently differentiated into various cell types and used for regenerative medicine, disease modeling, drug testing, toxicity screening, and 3D tissue generation. Modulation of the retinoic acid signaling pathway has been shown to direct cardiomyocyte differentiation towards an atrial lineage. A variety of studies have successfully differentiated patient-specific atrial cardiac myocytes (hiPSC-aCM) and atrial engineered heart tissue (aEHT) that express atrial specific genes (e.g., sarcolipin and ANP) and exhibit atrial electrophysiological and contractility profiles. Identification of protocols to differentiate atrial cells from patients with atrial fibrillation and other inherited diseases or creating disease models using genetic mutation studies has shed light on the mechanisms of atrial-specific diseases and identified the efficacy of atrial-selective pharmacological compounds. hiPSC-aCMs and aEHTs can be used in drug discovery and drug screening studies to investigate the efficacy of atrial selective drugs on atrial fibrillation models. Furthermore, hiPSC-aCMs can be effective tools in studying the mechanism, pathophysiology and treatment options of atrial fibrillation and its genetic underpinnings. The main limitation of using hiPSC-CMs is their immature phenotype compared to adult CMs. A wide range of approaches and protocols are used by various laboratories to optimize and enhance CM maturation, including electrical stimulation, culture time, biophysical cues and changes in metabolic factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayel Gharanei
- Molecular Cardiac Physiology Group, Departments of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology and Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia V5A 1S6, Canada; hiPSC-CM Research Team, British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - Sanam Shafaattalab
- Molecular Cardiac Physiology Group, Departments of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology and Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia V5A 1S6, Canada; hiPSC-CM Research Team, British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - Sarabjit Sangha
- Molecular Cardiac Physiology Group, Departments of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology and Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia V5A 1S6, Canada; hiPSC-CM Research Team, British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - Marvin Gunawan
- Molecular Cardiac Physiology Group, Departments of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology and Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia V5A 1S6, Canada; hiPSC-CM Research Team, British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - Zachary Laksman
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Leif Hove-Madsen
- Cardiac Rhythm and Contraction Group, IIBB-CSIC, CIBERCV, IIB Sant Pau, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona 08025, Spain
| | - Glen F Tibbits
- Molecular Cardiac Physiology Group, Departments of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology and Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia V5A 1S6, Canada; hiPSC-CM Research Team, British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 4H4, Canada; School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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Kahn-Krell A, Pretorius D, Ou J, Fast VG, Litovsky S, Berry J, Liu X(M, Zhang J. Bioreactor Suspension Culture: Differentiation and Production of Cardiomyocyte Spheroids From Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2021; 9:674260. [PMID: 34178964 PMCID: PMC8226172 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.674260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Human induced-pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) can be efficiently differentiated into cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) via the GiWi method, which uses small-molecule inhibitors of glycogen synthase kinase (GSK) and tankyrase to first activate and then suppress Wnt signaling. However, this method is typically conducted in 6-well culture plates with two-dimensional (2D) cell sheets, and consequently, cannot be easily scaled to produce the large numbers of hiPSC-CMs needed for clinical applications. Cell suspensions are more suitable than 2D systems for commercial biomanufacturing, and suspended hiPSCs form free-floating aggregates (i.e., spheroids) that can also be differentiated into hiPSC-CMs. Here, we introduce a protocol for differentiating suspensions of hiPSC spheroids into cardiomyocytes that is based on the GiWi method. After optimization based on cardiac troponin T staining, the purity of hiPSC-CMs differentiated via our novel protocol exceeded 98% with yields of about 1.5 million hiPSC-CMs/mL and less between-batch purity variability than hiPSC-CMs produced in 2D cultures; furthermore, the culture volume could be increased ∼10-fold to 30 mL with no need for re-optimization, which suggests that this method can serve as a framework for large-scale hiPSC-CM production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asher Kahn-Krell
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine and School of Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Danielle Pretorius
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine and School of Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Jianfa Ou
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine and School of Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Vladimir G. Fast
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine and School of Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Silvio Litovsky
- Division of Anatomic Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Joel Berry
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine and School of Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Xiaoguang (Margaret) Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine and School of Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Jianyi Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine and School of Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
- Department of Medicine/Cardiovascular Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
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35
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Ly OT, Brown GE, Han YD, Darbar D, Khetani SR. Bioengineering approaches to mature induced pluripotent stem cell-derived atrial cardiomyocytes to model atrial fibrillation. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2021; 246:1816-1828. [PMID: 33899540 DOI: 10.1177/15353702211009146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) serve as a robust platform to model several human arrhythmia syndromes including atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the structural, molecular, functional, and electrophysiological parameters of patient-specific iPSC-derived atrial cardiomyocytes (iPSC-aCMs) do not fully recapitulate the mature phenotype of their human adult counterparts. The use of physiologically inspired microenvironmental cues, such as postnatal factors, metabolic conditioning, extracellular matrix (ECM) modulation, electrical and mechanical stimulation, co-culture with non-parenchymal cells, and 3D culture techniques can help mimic natural atrial development and induce a more mature adult phenotype in iPSC-aCMs. Such advances will not only elucidate the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of AF, but also identify and assess novel mechanism-based therapies towards supporting a more 'personalized' (i.e. patient-specific) approach to pharmacologic therapy of AF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia T Ly
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.,Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Grace E Brown
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Yong Duk Han
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Dawood Darbar
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.,Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA.,Department of Medicine, Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Salman R Khetani
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
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36
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Pretorius D, Kahn-Krell AM, Lou X, Fast VG, Berry JL, Kamp TJ, Zhang J. Layer-By-Layer Fabrication of Large and Thick Human Cardiac Muscle Patch Constructs With Superior Electrophysiological Properties. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:670504. [PMID: 33937272 PMCID: PMC8086556 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.670504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Engineered cardiac tissues fabricated from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) show promise for ameliorating damage from myocardial infarction, while also restoring function to the damaged left ventricular (LV) myocardium. For these constructs to reach their clinical potential, they need to be of a clinically relevant volume and thickness, and capable of generating synchronous and forceful contraction to assist the pumping action of the recipient heart. Design prerequisites include a structure thickness sufficient to produce a beneficial contractile force, prevascularization to overcome diffusion limitations and sufficient structural development to allow for maximal cell communication. Previous attempts to meet these prerequisites have been hindered by lack of oxygen and nutrient transport due to diffusion limits (100–200 μm) resulting in necrosis. This study employs a layer-by-layer (LbL) fabrication method to produce cardiac tissue constructs that meet these design prerequisites and mimic normal myocardium in form and function. Thick (>2 mm) cardiac tissues created from hiPSC-derived cardiomyocytes, -endothelial cells (ECs) and -fibroblasts (FBs) were assessed, in vitro, over a 4-week period for viability (<6% necrotic cells), cell morphology and functionality. Functional performance assessment showed enhanced t-tubule network development, gap junction communication as well as previously unseen, physiologically relevant conduction velocities (CVs) (>30 cm/s). These results demonstrate that LbL fabrication can be utilized successfully to create prevascularized, functional cardiac tissue constructs from hiPSCs for potential therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Pretorius
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine and School of Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Asher M Kahn-Krell
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine and School of Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Xi Lou
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine and School of Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Vladimir G Fast
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine and School of Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Joel L Berry
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine and School of Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Timothy J Kamp
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Jianyi Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine and School of Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
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37
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Wang L, Serpooshan V, Zhang J. Engineering Human Cardiac Muscle Patch Constructs for Prevention of Post-infarction LV Remodeling. Front Cardiovasc Med 2021; 8:621781. [PMID: 33718449 PMCID: PMC7952323 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.621781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Tissue engineering combines principles of engineering and biology to generate living tissue equivalents for drug testing, disease modeling, and regenerative medicine. As techniques for reprogramming human somatic cells into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and subsequently differentiating them into cardiomyocytes and other cardiac cells have become increasingly efficient, progress toward the development of engineered human cardiac muscle patch (hCMP) and heart tissue analogs has accelerated. A few pilot clinical studies in patients with post-infarction LV remodeling have been already approved. Conventional methods for hCMP fabrication include suspending cells within scaffolds, consisting of biocompatible materials, or growing two-dimensional sheets that can be stacked to form multilayered constructs. More recently, advanced technologies, such as micropatterning and three-dimensional bioprinting, have enabled fabrication of hCMP architectures at unprecedented spatiotemporal resolution. However, the studies working on various hCMP-based strategies for in vivo tissue repair face several major obstacles, including the inadequate scalability for clinical applications, poor integration and engraftment rate, and the lack of functional vasculature. Here, we review many of the recent advancements and key concerns in cardiac tissue engineering, focusing primarily on the production of hCMPs at clinical/industrial scales that are suitable for administration to patients with myocardial disease. The wide variety of cardiac cell types and sources that are applicable to hCMP biomanufacturing are elaborated. Finally, some of the key challenges remaining in the field and potential future directions to address these obstacles are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine and School of Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Vahid Serpooshan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Emory University School of Medicine and Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Jianyi Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine and School of Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
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38
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Recent progress in induced pluripotent stem cell-derived 3D cultures for cardiac regeneration. Cell Tissue Res 2021; 384:231-240. [PMID: 33544212 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-021-03414-x] [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: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in the world due to the high incidence of the diseases coupled with the limited therapeutic options. In recent years, advances in regenerative medicine have emerged as a promising treatment. Differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) into cardiac cells and emerging technologies allowing arrangement of cells into complex 3D tissue-like structures open new frontiers for transplantation and engraftment of these tissue patches onto the damaged heart. Despite the cells integrating and presenting initial neovascularization, the functional and electric properties of these patches are still not comparable with those of the host cardiac tissue. Future research optimizing maturation and integration of the iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes is paramount for cardiac cell therapy to attain clinical use. Herein, we will review the state of the art and the different approaches to constructing these 3D transplantable structures.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Heart failure is among the most prevalent disease complexes overall and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. The underlying aetiology is manifold including coronary artery disease, genetic alterations and mutations, viral infections, adverse immune responses, and cardiac toxicity. To date, no specific therapies have been developed despite notable efforts. This can especially be attributed to hurdles in translational research, mainly due to the lack of proficient models of heart failure limited translation of therapeutic approaches from bench to bedside. RECENT FINDINGS Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) are rising in popularity, granting the ability to divide infinitely, to hold human, patient-specific genome, and to differentiate into any human cell, including cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs). This brings magnificent promise to cardiological research, providing the possibility to recapitulate cardiac diseases in a dish. Advances in yield, maturity, and in vivo resemblance due to straightforward, low-cost protocols, high-throughput approaches, and complex 3D cultures have made this tool widely applicable. In recent years, hiPSC-CMs have been used to model a wide variety of cardiac diseases, bringing along the possibility to not only elucidate molecular mechanisms but also to test novel therapeutic approaches in the dish. Within the last decade, hiPSC-CMs have been exponentially employed to model heart failure. Constant advancements are aiming at improvements of differentiation protocols, hiPSC-CM maturity, and assays to elucidate molecular mechanisms and cellular functions. However, hiPSC-CMs are remaining relatively immature, and in vitro models can only partially recapitulate the complex interactions in vivo. Nevertheless, hiPSC-CMs have evolved as an essential model system in cardiovascular research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anton Deicher
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Heidelberg, INF 410, 69126, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Timon Seeger
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Heidelberg, INF 410, 69126, Heidelberg, Germany.
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Heidelberg/Mannheim, Heidelberg, Germany.
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40
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Zhang R, Guo T, Han Y, Huang H, Shi J, Hu J, Li H, Wang J, Saleem A, Zhou P, Lan F. Design of synthetic microenvironments to promote the maturation of human pluripotent stem cell derived cardiomyocytes. J Biomed Mater Res B Appl Biomater 2020; 109:949-960. [PMID: 33231364 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.b.34759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Cardiomyocyte like cells derived from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSC-CMs) have a good application perspective in many fields such as disease modeling, drug screening and clinical treatment. However, these are severely hampered by the fact that hPSC-CMs are immature compared to adult human cardiomyocytes. Therefore, many approaches such as genetic manipulation, biochemical factors supplement, mechanical stress, electrical stimulation and three-dimensional culture have been developed to promote the maturation of hPSC-CMs. Recently, establishing in vitro synthetic artificial microenvironments based on the in vivo development program of cardiomyocytes has achieved much attention due to their inherent properties such as stiffness, plasticity, nanotopography and chemical functionality. In this review, the achievements and deficiency of reported synthetic microenvironments that mainly discussed comprehensive biological, chemical, and physical factors, as well as three-dimensional culture were mainly discussed, which have significance to improve the microenvironment design and accelerate the maturation of hPSC-CMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Zhang
- School and hospital of Stomatology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,College of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Tianwei Guo
- Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Han
- School and hospital of Stomatology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Hongxin Huang
- School and hospital of Stomatology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jiamin Shi
- College of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jiaxuan Hu
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Hongjiao Li
- School and hospital of Stomatology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jianlin Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Amina Saleem
- Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ping Zhou
- School and hospital of Stomatology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Feng Lan
- National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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41
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Sontayananon N, Redwood C, Davies B, Gehmlich K. Fluorescent PSC-Derived Cardiomyocyte Reporter Lines: Generation Approaches and Their Applications in Cardiovascular Medicine. BIOLOGY 2020; 9:biology9110402. [PMID: 33207727 PMCID: PMC7697758 DOI: 10.3390/biology9110402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Recent advances have made pluripotent stem cell (PSC)-derived cardiomyocytes an attractive option to model both normal and diseased cardiac function at the single-cell level. However, in vitro differentiation yields heterogeneous populations of cardiomyocytes and other cell types, potentially confounding phenotypic analyses. Fluorescent PSC-derived cardiomyocyte reporter systems allow specific cell lineages to be labelled, facilitating cell isolation for downstream applications including drug testing, disease modelling and cardiac regeneration. In this review, the different genetic strategies used to generate such reporter lines are presented with an emphasis on their relative technical advantages and disadvantages. Next, we explore how the fluorescent reporter lines have provided insights into cardiac development and cardiomyocyte physiology. Finally, we discuss how exciting new approaches using PSC-derived cardiomyocyte reporter lines are contributing to progress in cardiac cell therapy with respect to both graft adaptation and clinical safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naeramit Sontayananon
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine and British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK; (N.S.); (C.R.)
| | - Charles Redwood
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine and British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK; (N.S.); (C.R.)
| | - Benjamin Davies
- Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7BN, UK
- Correspondence: (B.D.); (K.G.)
| | - Katja Gehmlich
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine and British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK; (N.S.); (C.R.)
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
- Correspondence: (B.D.); (K.G.)
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42
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Jiang L, Liang J, Huang W, Wu Z, Paul C, Wang Y. Strategies and Challenges to Improve Cellular Programming-Based Approaches for Heart Regeneration Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E7662. [PMID: 33081233 PMCID: PMC7589611 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21207662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Limited adult cardiac cell proliferation after cardiovascular disease, such as heart failure, hampers regeneration, resulting in a major loss of cardiomyocytes (CMs) at the site of injury. Recent studies in cellular reprogramming approaches have provided the opportunity to improve upon previous techniques used to regenerate damaged heart. Using these approaches, new CMs can be regenerated from differentiation of iPSCs (similar to embryonic stem cells), the direct reprogramming of fibroblasts [induced cardiomyocytes (iCMs)], or induced cardiac progenitors. Although these CMs have been shown to functionally repair infarcted heart, advancements in technology are still in the early stages of development in research laboratories. In this review, reprogramming-based approaches for generating CMs are briefly introduced and reviewed, and the challenges (including low efficiency, functional maturity, and safety issues) that hinder further translation of these approaches into a clinical setting are discussed. The creative and combined optimal methods to address these challenges are also summarized, with optimism that further investigation into tissue engineering, cardiac development signaling, and epigenetic mechanisms will help to establish methods that improve cell-reprogramming approaches for heart regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Jiang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0529, USA
| | - Jialiang Liang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0529, USA
| | - Wei Huang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0529, USA
| | - Zhichao Wu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0529, USA
| | - Christian Paul
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0529, USA
| | - Yigang Wang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0529, USA
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Pretorius D, Kahn-Krell AM, LaBarge WC, Lou X, Kannappan R, Pollard AE, Fast VG, Berry JL, Eberhardt AW, Zhang J. Fabrication and characterization of a thick, viable bi-layered stem cell-derived surrogate for future myocardial tissue regeneration. Biomed Mater 2020; 16. [PMID: 33053512 DOI: 10.1088/1748-605x/abc107] [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: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cardiac tissue surrogates show promise for restoring mechanical and electrical function in infarcted left ventricular (LV) myocardium. For these cardiac surrogates to be useful in vivo, they are required to support synchronous and forceful contraction over the infarcted region. These design requirements necessitate a thickness sufficient to produce a useful contractile force, an area large enough to cover an infarcted region, and prevascularization to overcome diffusion limitations. Attempts to meet these requirements have been hampered by diffusion limits of oxygen and nutrients (100-200 μm) leading to necrotic regions.This study demonstrates a novel layer-by-layer (LbL) fabrication method used to produce tissue surrogates that meet these requirements and mimic normal myocardium in form and function. Thick (1.5-2 mm) LbL cardiac tissues created from human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes and endothelial cells were assessed, in vitro, over a four week period for viability (< 5.6 ± 1.4 % nectrotic cells), cell morphology, viscoelastic properties and functionality. Viscoelastic properties of the cardiac surrogates were determined via stress relaxation response modeling and compared to native murine LV tissue. Viscoelastic characterization showed that the generalized Maxwell model of order 4 described the samples well (0.7 < R2 < 0.98). Functional performance assessment showed enhanced t-tubule network development, gap junction communication as well as conduction velocity (16.9 ± 2.3 cm s-1). These results demonstrate that LbL fabrication can be utilized successfully in creating complex, functional cardiac surrogates for therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Pretorius
- Biomedical Engineering, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Volker Hall Room G094, 1670 University Blvd, Birmingham, Alabama, 35294-2182, UNITED STATES
| | - Asher M Kahn-Krell
- Biomedical Engineering, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, UNITED STATES
| | - Wesley C LaBarge
- Biomedical Engineering, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, UNITED STATES
| | - Xi Lou
- Biomedical Engineering, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, UNITED STATES
| | - Ramaswamy Kannappan
- Biomedical Engineering, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, UNITED STATES
| | - Andrew E Pollard
- Biomedical Engineering, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, UNITED STATES
| | - Vladimir G Fast
- Biomedical Engineering, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, UNITED STATES
| | - Joel L Berry
- School of Engineering, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, UNITED STATES
| | - Alan W Eberhardt
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, UNITED STATES
| | - Jianyi Zhang
- Biomedical Engineering, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, UNITED STATES
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Min S, Lee HJ, Jin Y, Kim YH, Sung J, Choi HJ, Cho SW. Biphasic Electrical Pulse by a Micropillar Electrode Array Enhances Maturation and Drug Response of Reprogrammed Cardiac Spheroids. NANO LETTERS 2020; 20:6947-6956. [PMID: 32877191 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.0c01141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Direct reprogramming is an efficient strategy to produce cardiac lineage cells necessary for cardiac tissue engineering and drug testing for cardiac toxicity. However, functional maturation of reprogrammed cardiomyocytes, which is of great importance for their regenerative potential and drug response, still remains challenging. In this study, we propose a novel electrode platform to promote direct cardiac reprogramming and improve the functionality of reprogrammed cardiac cells. Nonviral cardiac reprogramming was improved via a three-dimensional spheroid culture of chemically induced cardiomyocytes exposed to a small-molecule cocktail. A micropillar electrode array providing biphasic electrical pulses mimicking the heartbeat further enhanced maturation and electrophysiological properties of reprogrammed cardiac spheroids, leading to proper responses and increased sensitivity to drugs. On the basis of our results, we conclude that our device may have a wider application in the generation of functional cardiac cells for regenerative medicine and screening of novel drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sungjin Min
- Department of Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyo-Jung Lee
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoonhee Jin
- Department of Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Yu Heun Kim
- Department of Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaesuk Sung
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Heon-Jin Choi
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Woo Cho
- Department of Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
- Center for Nanomedicine, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
- Graduate Program of Nano Biomedical Engineering (NanoBME), Advanced Science Institute, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
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Single-cell protein expression of hiPSC-derived cardiomyocytes using Single-Cell Westerns. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2020; 149:115-122. [PMID: 33010256 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2020.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The ability to reprogram human somatic cells into human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) has enabled researchers to generate cell types in vitro that have the potential to faithfully recapitulate patient-specific disease processes and phenotypes. hiPSC-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) offer the promise of in vitro patient- and disease-specific models for drug testing and the discovery of novel therapeutic approaches for treating cardiovascular diseases. While methods to differentiate hiPSCs into cardiomyocytes have been demonstrated, the heterogeneity and immaturity of these differentiated populations have restricted their potential in reproducing human disease and the associated target cell phenotypes. These barriers may be overcome through comprehensive single-cell characterization to dissect the rich heterogeneity of hiPSC-CMs and to study the source of varying cell fates. In this study, we optimized and validated a new Single-Cell Western method to assess protein expression in hiPSC-CMs. To better understand distinct subpopulations generated from cardiomyocyte differentiations and to track populations at single-cell resolution over time, we measured and quantified the expression of cardiomyocyte subtype-specific proteins (MLC2V and MLC2A) using Single-Cell Westerns. By understanding their heterogeneity through single-cell protein expression and quantification, we may improve upon current cardiomyocyte differentiation protocols, generate hiPSC-CMs that are more representative of in vivo derived cardiomyocytes for disease modeling, and utilize hiPSC-CMs for regenerative medicine purposes. Single-Cell Westerns provide a robust platform for protein expression analysis at single-cell resolution.
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Song M, Kim J, Shin H, Kim Y, Jang H, Park Y, Kim SJ. Development of Magnetic Torque Stimulation (MTS) Utilizing Rotating Uniform Magnetic Field for Mechanical Activation of Cardiac Cells. NANOMATERIALS 2020; 10:nano10091684. [PMID: 32867131 PMCID: PMC7557977 DOI: 10.3390/nano10091684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Regulation of cell signaling through physical stimulation is an emerging topic in biomedicine. Background: While recent advances in biophysical technologies show capabilities for spatiotemporal stimulation, interfacing those tools with biological systems for intact signal transfer and noncontact stimulation remains challenging. Here, we describe the use of a magnetic torque stimulation (MTS) system combined with engineered magnetic particles to apply forces on the surface of individual cells. MTS utilizes an externally rotating magnetic field to induce a spin on magnetic particles and generate torsional force to stimulate mechanotransduction pathways in two types of human heart cells—cardiomyocytes and cardiac fibroblasts. Methods: The MTS system operates in a noncontact mode with two magnets separated (60 mm) from each other and generates a torque of up to 15 pN µm across the entire area of a 35-mm cell culture dish. The MTS system can mechanically stimulate both types of human heart cells, inducing maturation and hypertrophy. Results: Our findings show that application of the MTS system under hypoxic conditions induces not only nuclear localization of mechanoresponsive YAP proteins in human heart cells but also overexpression of hypertrophy markers, including β-myosin heavy chain (βMHC), cardiotrophin-1 (CT-1), microRNA-21 (miR-21), and transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGFβ-1). Conclusions: These results have important implications for the applicability of the MTS system to diverse in vitro studies that require remote and noninvasive mechanical regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myeongjin Song
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea; (M.S.); (J.K.); (Y.K.); (H.J.)
| | - Jongseong Kim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea; (M.S.); (J.K.); (Y.K.); (H.J.)
| | - Hyundo Shin
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea;
| | - Yekwang Kim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea; (M.S.); (J.K.); (Y.K.); (H.J.)
| | - Hwanseok Jang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea; (M.S.); (J.K.); (Y.K.); (H.J.)
| | - Yongdoo Park
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea; (M.S.); (J.K.); (Y.K.); (H.J.)
- Correspondence: (Y.P.); (S.-J.K.); Tel.: +82-2-2286-1460 (Y.P.)
| | - Seung-Jong Kim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea; (M.S.); (J.K.); (Y.K.); (H.J.)
- Correspondence: (Y.P.); (S.-J.K.); Tel.: +82-2-2286-1460 (Y.P.)
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Goßmann M, Linder P, Thomas U, Juhasz K, Lemme M, George M, Fertig N, Dragicevic E, Stoelzle-Feix S. Integration of mechanical conditioning into a high throughput contractility assay for cardiac safety assessment. J Pharmacol Toxicol Methods 2020; 105:106892. [PMID: 32629160 DOI: 10.1016/j.vascn.2020.106892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
INDUCTION Despite increasing acceptance of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) in safety pharmacology, controversy remains about the physiological relevance of existing in vitro models for their mechanical testing. We hypothesize that existing signs of immaturity of the cell models result from an improper mechanical environment. With the presented study, we aimed at validating the newly developed FLEXcyte96 technology with respect to physiological responses of hiPSC-CMs to pharmacological compounds with known inotropic and/or cardiotoxic effects. METHODS hiPSC-CMs were cultured in a 96-well format on hyperelastic silicone membranes imitating their native mechanical environment. Cardiomyocyte contractility was measured contact-free by application of capacitive displacement sensing of the cell-membrane biohybrids. Acute effects of positive inotropic compounds with distinct mechanisms of action were examined. Additionally, cardiotoxic effects of tyrosine kinase inhibitors and anthracyclines were repetitively examined during repeated exposure to drug concentrations for up to 5 days. RESULTS hiPSC-CMs grown on biomimetic membranes displayed increased contractility responses to isoproterenol, S-Bay K8644 and omecamtiv mecarbil without the need for additional stimulation. Tyrosine kinase inhibitor erlotinib, vandetanib, nilotinib, gefitinib, A-674563 as well as anthracycline idarubicin showed the expected cardiotoxic effects, including negative inotropy and induction of proarrhythmic events. DISCUSSION We conclude that the FLEXcyte 96 system is a reliable high throughput tool for invitro cardiac contractility research, providing the user with data obtained under physiological conditions which resemble the native environment of human heart tissue. We showed that the results obtained for both acute and sub-chronic compound administration are consistent with the respective physiological responses in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Peter Linder
- innoVitro GmbH, Artilleriestr 2, 52428 Jülich, Germany
| | - Ulrich Thomas
- Nanion Technologies GmbH, Ganghoferstr 70A, 80339 Munich, Germany
| | - Krisztina Juhasz
- Nanion Technologies GmbH, Ganghoferstr 70A, 80339 Munich, Germany; Institute for Nanoelectronics, Technische Universität München, Arcisstrasse 21, 80333 Munich, Germany
| | - Marta Lemme
- Nanion Technologies GmbH, Ganghoferstr 70A, 80339 Munich, Germany
| | - Michael George
- Nanion Technologies GmbH, Ganghoferstr 70A, 80339 Munich, Germany
| | - Niels Fertig
- Nanion Technologies GmbH, Ganghoferstr 70A, 80339 Munich, Germany
| | - Elena Dragicevic
- Nanion Technologies GmbH, Ganghoferstr 70A, 80339 Munich, Germany
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Abstract
Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is one of the most common cardiovascular diseases and is the leading cause of death worldwide. Stem cell therapy is a promising strategy to promote cardiac regeneration and myocardial function recovery. Recently, the generation of human induced pluripotent cells (hiPSCs) and their differentiation into cardiomyocytes and vascular cells offer an unprecedented opportunity for the IHD treatment. This review briefly summarizes hiPSCs and their differentiation, and presents the recent advances in hiPSC injection, engineered cardiac patch fabrication, and the application of hiPSC derived extracellular vesicle. Current challenges and further perspectives are also discussed to understand current risks and concerns, identify potential solutions, and direct future clinical trials and applications.
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Martewicz S, Magnussen M, Elvassore N. Beyond Family: Modeling Non-hereditary Heart Diseases With Human Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes. Front Physiol 2020; 11:384. [PMID: 32390874 PMCID: PMC7188911 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-genetic cardiac pathologies develop as an aftermath of extracellular stress-conditions. Nevertheless, the response to pathological stimuli depends deeply on intracellular factors such as physiological state and complex genetic backgrounds. Without a thorough characterization of their in vitro phenotype, modeling of maladaptive hypertrophy, ischemia and reperfusion injury or diabetes in human pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hPSC-CMs) has been more challenging than hereditary diseases with defined molecular causes. In past years, greater insights into hPSC-CM in vitro physiology and advancements in technological solutions and culture protocols have generated cell types displaying stress-responsive phenotypes reminiscent of in vivo pathological events, unlocking their application as a reductionist model of human cardiomyocytes, if not the adult human myocardium. Here, we provide an overview of the available literature of pathology models for cardiac non-genetic conditions employing healthy (or asymptomatic) hPSC-CMs. In terms of numbers of published articles, these models are significantly lagging behind monogenic diseases, which misrepresents the incidence of heart disease causes in the human population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Martewicz
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies (SIAIS), ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Michael Magnussen
- Stem Cells & Regenerative Medicine Section, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola Elvassore
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies (SIAIS), ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China.,Stem Cells & Regenerative Medicine Section, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom.,Venetian Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padua, Italy.,Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
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50
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Ahmed RE, Anzai T, Chanthra N, Uosaki H. A Brief Review of Current Maturation Methods for Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells-Derived Cardiomyocytes. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:178. [PMID: 32266260 PMCID: PMC7096382 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide. Therefore, the discovery of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and the subsequent generation of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) was a pivotal point in regenerative medicine and cardiovascular research. They constituted an appealing tool for replacing dead and dysfunctional cardiac tissue, screening cardiac drugs and toxins, and studying inherited cardiac diseases. The problem is that these cells remain largely immature, and in order to utilize them, they must reach a functional degree of maturity. To attempt to mimic in vivo environment, various methods including prolonging culture time, co-culture and modulations of chemical, electrical, mechanical culture conditions have been tried. In addition to that, changing the topology of the culture made huge progress with the introduction of the 3D culture that closely resembles the in vivo cardiac topology and overcomes many of the limitations of the conventionally used 2D models. Nonetheless, 3D culture alone is not enough, and using a combination of these methods is being explored. In this review, we summarize the main differences between immature, fetal-like hiPSC-CMs and adult cardiomyocytes, then glance at the current approaches used to promote hiPSC-CMs maturation. In the second part, we focus on the evolving 3D culture model - it's structure, the effect on hiPSC-CMs maturation, incorporation with different maturation methods, limitations and future prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Razan Elfadil Ahmed
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Center for Molecular Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Anzai
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Center for Molecular Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Japan
- Department of Pediatrics, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Japan
| | - Nawin Chanthra
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Center for Molecular Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Japan
| | - Hideki Uosaki
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Center for Molecular Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Japan
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