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Hall E, Mendiola K, Lightsey NK, Hanjaya-Putra D. Mimicking blood and lymphatic vasculatures using microfluidic systems. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2024; 18:031502. [PMID: 38726373 PMCID: PMC11081709 DOI: 10.1063/5.0175154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
The role of the circulatory system, containing the blood and lymphatic vasculatures, within the body, has become increasingly focused on by researchers as dysfunction of either of the systems has been linked to serious complications and disease. Currently, in vivo models are unable to provide the sufficient monitoring and level of manipulation needed to characterize the fluidic dynamics of the microcirculation in blood and lymphatic vessels; thus in vitro models have been pursued as an alternative model. Microfluidic devices have the required properties to provide a physiologically relevant circulatory system model for research as well as the experimental tools to conduct more advanced research analyses of microcirculation flow. In this review paper, the physiological behavior of fluid flow and electrical communication within the endothelial cells of the systems are detailed and discussed to highlight their complexities. Cell co-culturing methods and other relevant organ-on-a-chip devices will be evaluated to demonstrate the feasibility and relevance of the in vitro microfluidic model. Microfluidic systems will be determined as a noteworthy model that can display physiologically relevant flow of the cardiovascular and lymphatic systems, which will enable researchers to investigate the systems' prevalence in diseases and identify potential therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Hall
- Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, Bioengineering Graduate Program, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, USA
| | | | - N. Keilany Lightsey
- Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, Bioengineering Graduate Program, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, USA
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Tronolone JJ, Mohamed N, Jain A. Engineering Lymphangiogenesis-On-Chip: The Independent and Cooperative Regulation by Biochemical Factors, Gradients, and Interstitial Fluid Flow. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2024; 8:e2400031. [PMID: 38400704 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202400031] [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: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Despite the crucial role of lymphangiogenesis during development and in several diseases with implications for tissue regeneration, immunity, and cancer, there are significantly fewer tools to understand this process relative to angiogenesis. While there has been a major surge in modeling angiogenesis with microphysiological systems, they have not been rigorously optimized or standardized to enable the recreation of the dynamics of lymphangiogenesis. Here, a Lymphangiogenesis-Chip (L-Chip) is engineered, within which new sprouts form and mature depending upon the imposition of interstitial flow, growth factor gradients, and pre-conditioning of endothelial cells with growth factors. The L-Chip reveals the independent and combinatorial effects of these mechanical and biochemical determinants of lymphangiogenesis, thus ultimately resulting in sprouts emerging from a parent vessel and maturing into tubular structures up to 1 mm in length within 4 days, exceeding prior art. Further, when the constitution of the pre-conditioning cocktail and the growth factor cocktail used to initiate and promote lymphangiogenesis are dissected, it is found that endocan (ESM-1) results in more dominant lymphangiogenesis relative to angiogenesis. Therefore, The L-Chip provides a foundation for standardizing the microfluidics assays specific to lymphangiogenesis and for accelerating its basic and translational science at par with angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- James J Tronolone
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Nadin Mohamed
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Abhishek Jain
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
- Department of Medical Physiology, School of Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, 77807, USA
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Houston Methodist Academic Institute, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
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Yi J, Jeong JH, Won J, Chung S, Pak JH. The crosstalk between cholangiocytes and hepatic stellate cells promotes the progression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition and periductal fibrosis during Clonorchis sinensis infection. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:151. [PMID: 38519993 PMCID: PMC10958959 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06236-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Clonorchis sinensis infection is one of the risk factors that provokes chronic inflammation, epithelial hyperplasia, periductal fibrosis and even cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). Disrupted or aberrant intercellular communication among liver-constituting cells leads to pathological states that cause various hepatic diseases. This study was designed to investigate the pathological changes caused by C. sinensis excretory-secretory products (ESPs) in non-cancerous human cell lines (cholangiocytes [H69 cell line] and human hepatic stellate cells [LX2 cell line]) and their intercellular crosstalk, as well the pathological changes in infected mouse liver tissues. METHODS The cells were treated with ESPs, following which transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) secretion levels and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)- and fibrosis-related protein expression were measured. The ESP-mediated cellular motility (migration/invasion) between two cells was assessed using the Transwell and three-dimensional microfluidic assay models. The livers of C. sinensis-infected mice were stained using EMT and fibrotic marker proteins. RESULTS Treatment of cells with ESPs increased TGF-β1 and IL-6 secretion and the expression of EMT- and fibrosis-related proteins. The ESP-mediated mutual cell interaction further affected the cytokine secretion and protein expression levels and promoted cellular motility. N-cadherin overexpression and collagen fiber deposition were observed in the livers of C. sinensis-infected mice. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that EMT and biliary fibrosis occur through intercellular communication between cholangiocytes and hepatic stellate cells during C. sinensis infection, promoting malignant transformation and advanced hepatobiliary abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyeong Yi
- Department of Biochemistry, Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology (AMIST), University of Ulsan College of Medicine and Asan Medical Center (AMC), 88 Olympic-Ro 43-Gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul, 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Hoon Jeong
- Department of Biochemistry, Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology (AMIST), University of Ulsan College of Medicine and Asan Medical Center (AMC), 88 Olympic-Ro 43-Gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul, 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Jihee Won
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Korea University, 145 Anam-Ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Seok Chung
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Korea University, 145 Anam-Ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Jhang Ho Pak
- Department of Biochemistry, Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology (AMIST), University of Ulsan College of Medicine and Asan Medical Center (AMC), 88 Olympic-Ro 43-Gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul, 05505, Republic of Korea.
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Wang H, Lu J, Rathod M, Aw WY, Huang SA, Polacheck WJ. A facile fluid pressure system reveals differential cellular response to interstitial pressure gradients and flow. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2023; 17:054103. [PMID: 37781136 PMCID: PMC10539030 DOI: 10.1063/5.0165119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Interstitial fluid pressure gradients and interstitial flow have been shown to drive morphogenic processes that shape tissues and influence progression of diseases including cancer. The advent of porous media microfluidic approaches has enabled investigation of the cellular response to interstitial flow, but questions remain as to the critical biophysical and biochemical signals imparted by interstitial fluid pressure gradients and resulting flow on resident cells and extracellular matrix (ECM). Here, we introduce a low-cost method to maintain physiological interstitial fluid pressures that is built from commonly accessible laboratory equipment, including a laser pointer, camera, Arduino board, and a commercially available linear actuator. We demonstrate that when the system is connected to a microfluidic device containing a 3D porous hydrogel, physiologic pressure is maintained with sub-Pascal resolution and when basic feedback control is directed using an Arduino, constant pressure and pressure gradient can be maintained even as cells remodel and degrade the ECM hydrogel over time. Using this model, we characterized breast cancer cell growth and ECM changes to ECM fibril structure and porosity in response to constant interstitial fluid pressure or constant interstitial flow. We observe increased collagen fibril bundling and the formation of porous structures in the vicinity of cancer cells in response to constant interstitial fluid pressure as compared to constant interstitial flow. Collectively, these results further define interstitial fluid pressure as a driver of key pathogenic responses in cells, and the systems and methods developed here will allow for future mechanistic work investigating mechanotransduction of interstitial fluid pressures and flows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wang
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27514, USA
| | - Jingming Lu
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27514, USA
| | - Mitesh Rathod
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27514, USA
| | - Wen Yih Aw
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27514, USA
| | - Stephanie A. Huang
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27514, USA
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Sunildutt N, Parihar P, Chethikkattuveli Salih AR, Lee SH, Choi KH. Revolutionizing drug development: harnessing the potential of organ-on-chip technology for disease modeling and drug discovery. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1139229. [PMID: 37180709 PMCID: PMC10166826 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1139229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The inefficiency of existing animal models to precisely predict human pharmacological effects is the root reason for drug development failure. Microphysiological system/organ-on-a-chip technology (organ-on-a-chip platform) is a microfluidic device cultured with human living cells under specific organ shear stress which can faithfully replicate human organ-body level pathophysiology. This emerging organ-on-chip platform can be a remarkable alternative for animal models with a broad range of purposes in drug testing and precision medicine. Here, we review the parameters employed in using organ on chip platform as a plot mimic diseases, genetic disorders, drug toxicity effects in different organs, biomarker identification, and drug discoveries. Additionally, we address the current challenges of the organ-on-chip platform that should be overcome to be accepted by drug regulatory agencies and pharmaceutical industries. Moreover, we highlight the future direction of the organ-on-chip platform parameters for enhancing and accelerating drug discoveries and personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naina Sunildutt
- Department of Mechatronics Engineering, Jeju National University, Jeju, Republic of Korea
| | - Pratibha Parihar
- Department of Mechatronics Engineering, Jeju National University, Jeju, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Sang Ho Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Jeju National University, Jeju, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Hyun Choi
- Department of Mechatronics Engineering, Jeju National University, Jeju, Republic of Korea
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Suarez AC, Hammel JH, Munson JM. Modeling lymphangiogenesis: Pairing in vitro and in vivo metrics. Microcirculation 2023; 30:e12802. [PMID: 36760223 PMCID: PMC10121924 DOI: 10.1111/micc.12802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Lymphangiogenesis is the mechanism by which the lymphatic system develops and expands new vessels facilitating fluid drainage and immune cell trafficking. Models to study lymphangiogenesis are necessary for a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms and to identify or test new therapeutic agents that target lymphangiogenesis. Across the lymphatic literature, multiple models have been developed to study lymphangiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. In vitro, lymphangiogenesis can be modeled with varying complexity, from monolayers to hydrogels to explants, with common metrics for characterizing proliferation, migration, and sprouting of lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) and vessels. In comparison, in vivo models of lymphangiogenesis often use genetically modified zebrafish and mice, with in situ mouse models in the ear, cornea, hind leg, and tail. In vivo metrics, such as activation of LECs, number of new lymphatic vessels, and sprouting, mirror those most used in vitro, with the addition of lymphatic vessel hyperplasia and drainage. The impacts of lymphangiogenesis vary by context of tissue and pathology. Therapeutic targeting of lymphangiogenesis can have paradoxical effects depending on the pathology including lymphedema, cancer, organ transplant, and inflammation. In this review, we describe and compare lymphangiogenic outcomes and metrics between in vitro and in vivo studies, specifically reviewing only those publications in which both testing formats are used. We find that in vitro studies correlate well with in vivo in wound healing and development, but not in the reproductive tract or the complex tumor microenvironment. Considerations for improving in vitro models are to increase complexity with perfusable microfluidic devices, co-cultures with tissue-specific support cells, the inclusion of fluid flow, and pairing in vitro models of differing complexities. We believe that these changes would strengthen the correlation between in vitro and in vivo outcomes, giving more insight into lymphangiogenesis in healthy and pathological states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aileen C. Suarez
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA
- Virginia Tech-Wake Forest School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Department of Biomedical Engineering & Mechanics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
| | - Jennifer H. Hammel
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA
- Virginia Tech-Wake Forest School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Department of Biomedical Engineering & Mechanics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
| | - Jennifer M. Munson
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA
- Virginia Tech-Wake Forest School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Department of Biomedical Engineering & Mechanics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
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Abstract
The failure of animal models to predict therapeutic responses in humans is a major problem that also brings into question their use for basic research. Organ-on-a-chip (organ chip) microfluidic devices lined with living cells cultured under fluid flow can recapitulate organ-level physiology and pathophysiology with high fidelity. Here, I review how single and multiple human organ chip systems have been used to model complex diseases and rare genetic disorders, to study host-microbiome interactions, to recapitulate whole-body inter-organ physiology and to reproduce human clinical responses to drugs, radiation, toxins and infectious pathogens. I also address the challenges that must be overcome for organ chips to be accepted by the pharmaceutical industry and regulatory agencies, as well as discuss recent advances in the field. It is evident that the use of human organ chips instead of animal models for drug development and as living avatars for personalized medicine is ever closer to realization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald E Ingber
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA.
- Vascular Biology Program, Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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Tan K, Naylor MJ. Tumour Microenvironment-Immune Cell Interactions Influencing Breast Cancer Heterogeneity and Disease Progression. Front Oncol 2022; 12:876451. [PMID: 35646658 PMCID: PMC9138702 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.876451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is a complex, dynamic disease that acquires heterogeneity through various mechanisms, allowing cancer cells to proliferate, survive and metastasise. Heterogeneity is introduced early, through the accumulation of germline and somatic mutations which initiate cancer formation. Following initiation, heterogeneity is driven by the complex interaction between intrinsic cellular factors and the extrinsic tumour microenvironment (TME). The TME consists of tumour cells and the subsequently recruited immune cells, endothelial cells, fibroblasts, adipocytes and non-cellular components of the extracellular matrix. Current research demonstrates that stromal-immune cell interactions mediated by various TME components release environmental cues, in mechanical and chemical forms, to communicate with surrounding and distant cells. These interactions are critical in facilitating the metastatic process at both the primary and secondary site, as well as introducing greater intratumoral heterogeneity and disease complexity by exerting selective pressures on cancer cells. This can result in the adaptation of cells and a feedback loop to the cancer genome, which can promote therapeutic resistance. Thus, targeting TME and immune-stromal cell interactions has been suggested as a potential therapeutic avenue given that aspects of this process are somewhat conserved between breast cancer subtypes. This mini review will discuss emerging ideas on how the interaction of various aspects of the TME contribute to increased heterogeneity and disease progression, and the therapeutic potential of targeting the TME.
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