1
|
Cerutti L, Brofiga M. Unraveling brain diseases: The promise of brain-on-a-chip models. J Neurosci Methods 2024; 405:110105. [PMID: 38460796 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2024.110105] [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: 10/22/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
Brain disorders, encompassing a wide spectrum of neurological and psychiatric conditions, present a formidable challenge in modern medicine. Despite decades of research, the intricate complexity of the human brain still eludes comprehensive understanding, impeding the development of effective treatments. Recent advancements in microfluidics and tissue engineering have led to the development of innovative platforms known as "Brain-on-a-Chip" (BoC) i.e., advanced in vitro systems that aim to replicate the microenvironment of the brain with the highest possible fidelity. This technology offers a promising test-bed for studying brain disorders at the cellular and network levels, providing insights into disease mechanisms, drug screening, and, in perspective, the development of personalized therapeutic strategies. In this review, we provide an overview of the BoC models developed over the years to model and understand the onset and progression of some of the most severe neurological disorders in terms of incidence and debilitation (stroke, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and epilepsy). We also report some of the cutting-edge therapeutic approaches whose effects were evaluated by means of these technologies. Finally, we discuss potential challenges, and future perspectives of the BoC models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Letizia Cerutti
- Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics, and Systems Engineering (DIBIRS), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Martina Brofiga
- Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics, and Systems Engineering (DIBIRS), University of Genova, Genova, Italy; ScreenNeuroPharm s.r.l, Sanremo, Italy; Neurofacility, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Tian F, Yi J, Liu Y, Chen B, Wang X, Ouyang Y, Liu J, Tang Y, Long H, Liu B. Integrating network pharmacology and bioinformatics to explore and experimentally verify the regulatory effect of Buyang Huanwu decoction on glycolysis and angiogenesis after cerebral infarction. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 319:117218. [PMID: 37806535 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Promoting the recovery of cerebral blood circulation after cerebral infarction (CI) is an important intervention. Buyang Huanwu decoction (BHD) is a classic prescription for treating CI that promotes angiogenesis. Cytoplasmic glycolysis ischaemic-region cells after CI may be highly activated to maintain metabolic activity under hypoxia. From the perspective of long-term maintenance of glycolytic metabolism in the ischaemic area after CI, it may be beneficial to promote angiogenesis and maintain glial cell activation and neuronal survival. In this context, the regulatory relationship of lncRNAs and miRNAs with mRNAs is worthy of attention. Mining the competitive binding relationships among RNAs will aid in the screening of key gene targets post-CI. In this study, network pharmacology and bioinformatics were used to construct a ceRNA network, screen key targets, and explore the effect of glycolysis on angiogenesis during BHD-mediated CI regulation. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aimed to explore the effect of BHD on angiogenesis after glycolysis regulation in CI. MATERIALS AND METHODS According to the 21 active BHD ingredients we identified by our research team, we conducted network pharmacology. BHD targets that can regulate glycolysis and angiogenesis after CI were screened from the GeneCards, CTD and OMIM databases. We retrieved CI-related datasets from the GEO database and screened for differentially expressed lncRNAs and miRNAs. LncRNA‒miRNA-mRNA/TF targeting relationships were screened and organized with the miRcode, miRDB, TargetScan, miRWalk, and TransmiR v2.0 databases. Cytoscape was used to construct an lncRNA‒miRNA-mRNA/TF ceRNA network. Through BioGPS, key mRNAs/TFs in the network were screened for enrichment analysis. Animal experiments were then conducted to validate some key mRNAs/TFs and enriched signalling pathways. RESULTS PFKFB3 and other genes may help regulate glycolysis and angiogenesis through AMPK and other signalling pathways. The anti-CI effect of BHD may involve maintaining activation of genes such as AMPK and PFKFB3 in the ischaemic cortex, maintaining moderate glycolysis levels in brain tissue, and promoting angiogenesis. CONCLUSION BHD can regulate glycolysis and promote angiogenesis after CI through multiple pathways and targets, in which AMPK signalling pathway activation may be important.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fengming Tian
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, 95 Shaoshan Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410007, China; Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, 300 Xueshi Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410006, China
| | - Jian Yi
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, 95 Shaoshan Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410007, China; Hunan Academy of Chinese Medicine, 58 Lushan Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410007, China; Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, 300 Xueshi Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410006, China
| | - Yingfei Liu
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, 95 Shaoshan Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410007, China; Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, 300 Xueshi Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410006, China
| | - Bowei Chen
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, 95 Shaoshan Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410007, China; Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, 300 Xueshi Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410006, China
| | - Xiaoju Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, 95 Shaoshan Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410007, China
| | - Yin Ouyang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, 95 Shaoshan Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410007, China; Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, 300 Xueshi Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410006, China
| | - Jian Liu
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, 95 Shaoshan Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410007, China
| | - Yan Tang
- Yiyang Medical College, 516 Yingbin Road, Yiyang, Hunan, 413499, China
| | - Hongping Long
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, 95 Shaoshan Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410007, China
| | - Baiyan Liu
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, 95 Shaoshan Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410007, China; Hunan Academy of Chinese Medicine, 58 Lushan Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410007, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Starodubtseva NL, Eldarov C, Kirtbaya AR, Balashova EN, Gryzunova AS, Ionov OV, Zubkov VV, Silachev DN. Recent advances in diagnostics of neonatal hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy. BULLETIN OF RUSSIAN STATE MEDICAL UNIVERSITY 2022. [DOI: 10.24075/brsmu.2022.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The prognosis in neonatal hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) depends on early differential diagnosis for justified administration of emergency therapeutic hypothermia. The moment of therapy initiation directly affects the long-term neurological outcome: the earlier the commencement, the better the prognosis. This review analyzes recent advances in systems biology that facilitate early differential diagnosis of HIE as a pivotal complement to clinical indicators. We discuss the possibilities of clinical translation for proteomic, metabolomic and extracellular vesicle patterns characteristic of HIE and correlations with severity and prognosis. Identification and use of selective biomarkers of brain damage in neonates during the first hours of life is hindered by systemic effects of hypoxia. Chromatography– mass spectrometry blood tests allow analyzing hundreds and thousands of metabolites in a small biological sample to identify characteristic signatures of brain damage. Clinical use of advanced analytical techniques will facilitate the accurate and timely diagnosis of HIE for enhanced management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- NL Starodubtseva
- Kulakov National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Moscow, Russia
| | - ChM Eldarov
- Kulakov National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Moscow, Russia
| | - AR Kirtbaya
- Kulakov National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Moscow, Russia
| | - EN Balashova
- Kulakov National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Moscow, Russia
| | - AS Gryzunova
- Kulakov National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Moscow, Russia
| | - OV Ionov
- Kulakov National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Moscow, Russia
| | - VV Zubkov
- Kulakov National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Moscow, Russia
| | - DN Silachev
- Kulakov National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Moscow, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Huang Y, Tang J, Li X, Long X, Huang Y, Zhang X. miR-92b-3p Exerts Neuroprotective Effects on Ischemia/Reperfusion-Induced Cerebral Injury via Targeting NOX4 in a Rat Model. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:3494262. [PMID: 35401931 PMCID: PMC8986437 DOI: 10.1155/2022/3494262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The necessity to increase the efficiency of organ preservation has pushed researchers to consider the mechanisms to minimize cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Hence, we evaluated the role of the miR-92b-3p/NOX4 pathway in cerebral I/R injury. A cerebral I/R injury model was established by blocking the left middle cerebral artery for 2 h and reperfusion for 24 h, and a hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) model was established. Thereafter, cerebral I/R increased obvious neurobiological function and brain injury (such as cerebral infarction, apoptosis, and cell morphology changes). In addition, we noted a significant decrease in the expression of miR-92b-3p, as well as increases in apoptosis and oxidative stress and an increase in NOX4. Furthermore, overexpression of miR-92b-3p blocked the inhibitory effect of miR-92b-3p on the expression of NOX4 and the accumulation of oxygen-free radicals. Bioinformatics analysis found that NOX4 may be the target gene regulated by miR-92b-3p. In conclusion, the involvement of the miR-92b-3p/NOX4 pathway ameliorated cerebral I/R injury through the prevention of apoptosis and oxidative stress. The miR-92b-3p/NOX4 pathway could be considered a potential therapeutic target to alleviate cerebral I/R injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yongpan Huang
- School of Medicine, Changsha Social Work College, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jiayu Tang
- Department of Neurology, Brain Hospital of Hunan Province, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaojuan Li
- Department of Neurology, Brain Hospital of Hunan Province, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xian Long
- School of Medicine, Changsha Social Work College, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yansong Huang
- School of Medicine, Changsha Social Work College, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xi Zhang
- Hunan Brain Hospital, Clinical Medical School of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Babu M, Singh N, Datta A. In Vitro Oxygen Glucose Deprivation Model of Ischemic Stroke: A Proteomics-Driven Systems Biological Perspective. Mol Neurobiol 2022; 59:2363-2377. [PMID: 35080759 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-02745-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD) of brain cells is the commonest in vitro model of ischemic stroke that is used extensively for basic and preclinical stroke research. Protein mass spectrometry is one of the most promising and rapidly evolving technologies in biomedical research. A systems-level understanding of cell-type-specific responses to oxygen and glucose deprivation without systemic influence is a prerequisite to delineate the response of the neurovascular unit following ischemic stroke. In this systematic review, we summarize the proteomics studies done on different OGD models. These studies have followed an expression or interaction proteomics approach. They have been primarily used to understand the cellular pathophysiology of ischemia-reperfusion injury or to assess the efficacy of interventions as potential treatment options. We compile the limitations of OGD model and downstream proteomics experiment. We further show that despite having limitations, several proteins shortlisted as altered in in vitro OGD-proteomics studies showed comparable regulation in ischemic stroke patients. This showcases the translational potential of this approach for therapeutic target and biomarker discovery. We next discuss the approaches that can be adopted for cell-type-specific validation of OGD-proteomics results in the future. Finally, we briefly present the research questions that can be addressed by OGD-proteomics studies using emerging techniques of protein mass spectrometry. We have also created a web resource compiling information from OGD-proteomics studies to facilitate data sharing for community usage. This review intends to encourage preclinical stroke community to adopt a hypothesis-free proteomics approach to understand cell-type-specific responses following ischemic stroke.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manju Babu
- Laboratory of Translational Neuroscience, Division of Neuroscience, Yenepoya Research Center, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), University Road, Deralakatte, Mangalore, 575018, Karnataka, India
| | - Nikhil Singh
- Laboratory of Translational Neuroscience, Division of Neuroscience, Yenepoya Research Center, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), University Road, Deralakatte, Mangalore, 575018, Karnataka, India
| | - Arnab Datta
- Laboratory of Translational Neuroscience, Division of Neuroscience, Yenepoya Research Center, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), University Road, Deralakatte, Mangalore, 575018, Karnataka, India.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Xie J, Kittur FS, Li PA, Hung CY. Rethinking the necessity of low glucose intervention for cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. Neural Regen Res 2021; 17:1397-1403. [PMID: 34916409 PMCID: PMC8771096 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.330592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Glucose is the essential and almost exclusive metabolic fuel for the brain. Ischemic stroke caused by a blockage in one or more cerebral arteries quickly leads to a lack of regional cerebral blood supply resulting in severe glucose deprivation with subsequent induction of cellular homeostasis disturbance and eventual neuronal death. To make up ischemia-mediated adenosine 5′-triphosphate depletion, glucose in the ischemic penumbra area rapidly enters anaerobic metabolism to produce glycolytic adenosine 5′-triphosphate for cell survival. It appears that an increase in glucose in the ischemic brain would exert favorable effects. This notion is supported by in vitro studies, but generally denied by most in vivo studies. Clinical studies to manage increased blood glucose levels after stroke also failed to show any benefits or even brought out harmful effects while elevated admission blood glucose concentrations frequently correlated with poor outcomes. Surprisingly, strict glycaemic control in clinical practice also failed to yield any beneficial outcome. These controversial results from glucose management studies during the past three decades remain a challenging question of whether glucose intervention is needed for ischemic stroke care. This review provides a brief overview of the roles of cerebral glucose under normal and ischemic conditions and the results of managing glucose levels in non-diabetic patients. Moreover, the relationship between blood glucose and cerebral glucose during the ischemia/reperfusion processes and the potential benefits of low glucose supplements for non-diabetic patients are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiahua Xie
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomanufacturing Research Institute & Technology Enterprise, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Farooqahmed S Kittur
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomanufacturing Research Institute & Technology Enterprise, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - P Andy Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomanufacturing Research Institute & Technology Enterprise, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Chiu-Yueh Hung
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomanufacturing Research Institute & Technology Enterprise, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC, USA
| |
Collapse
|