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Sevegnani M, Lama A, Girardi F, Hess MW, Castelo MP, Pichler I, Biressi S, Piccoli G. Parkin R274W mutation affects muscle and mitochondrial physiology. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:167302. [PMID: 38878834 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2024.167302] [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: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Recessive mutations in the Parkin gene (PRKN) are the most common cause of young-onset inherited parkinsonism. Parkin is a multifunctional E3 ubiquitin ligase that plays a variety of roles in the cell including the degradation of proteins and the maintenance of mitochondrial homeostasis, integrity, and biogenesis. In 2001, the R275W mutation in the PRKN gene was identified in two unrelated families with a multigenerational history of postural tremor, dystonia and parkinsonism. Drosophila models of Parkin R275W showed selective and progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neuronal clusters, mitochondrial abnormalities, and prominent climbing defects. In the Prkn mouse orthologue, the amino acid R274 corresponds to human R275. Here we described an age-related motor impairment and a muscle phenotype in R274W +/+ mice. In vitro, Parkin R274W mutation correlates with abnormal myoblast differentiation, mitochondrial defects, and alteration in mitochondrial mRNA and protein levels. Our data suggest that the Parkin R274W mutation may impact mitochondrial physiology and eventually myoblast proliferation and differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Adriano Lama
- Department CIBIO, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | | | - Michael W Hess
- Innsbruck Medical University, Institute of Histology and Embryology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Maria Paulina Castelo
- Institute for Biomedicine, Eurac Research, Affiliated Institute of the University of Lübeck, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Irene Pichler
- Institute for Biomedicine, Eurac Research, Affiliated Institute of the University of Lübeck, Bolzano, Italy
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2
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Couturier N, Hörner SJ, Nürnberg E, Joazeiro C, Hafner M, Rudolf R. Aberrant evoked calcium signaling and nAChR cluster morphology in a SOD1 D90A hiPSC-derived neuromuscular model. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1429759. [PMID: 38966427 PMCID: PMC11222430 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1429759] [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: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neuromuscular disorder that is due to mutations in one of several target genes, including SOD1. So far, clinical records, rodent studies, and in vitro models have yielded arguments for either a primary motor neuron disease, or a pleiotropic pathogenesis of ALS. While mouse models lack the human origin, in vitro models using human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) have been recently developed for addressing ALS pathogenesis. In spite of improvements regarding the generation of muscle cells from hiPSC, the degree of maturation of muscle cells resulting from these protocols has remained limited. To fill these shortcomings, we here present a new protocol for an enhanced myotube differentiation from hiPSC with the option of further maturation upon coculture with hiPSC-derived motor neurons. The described model is the first to yield a combination of key myogenic maturation features that are consistent sarcomeric organization in association with complex nAChR clusters in myotubes derived from control hiPSC. In this model, myotubes derived from hiPSC carrying the SOD1 D90A mutation had reduced expression of myogenic markers, lack of sarcomeres, morphologically different nAChR clusters, and an altered nAChR-dependent Ca2+ response compared to control myotubes. Notably, trophic support provided by control hiPSC-derived motor neurons reduced nAChR cluster differences between control and SOD1 D90A myotubes. In summary, a novel hiPSC-derived neuromuscular model yields evidence for both muscle-intrinsic and nerve-dependent aspects of neuromuscular dysfunction in SOD1-based ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Couturier
- CeMOS, Mannheim University of Applied Sciences, Mannheim, Germany
- Interdisciplinary Center for Neurosciences, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sarah Janice Hörner
- CeMOS, Mannheim University of Applied Sciences, Mannheim, Germany
- Interdisciplinary Center for Neurosciences, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Elina Nürnberg
- CeMOS, Mannheim University of Applied Sciences, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Claudio Joazeiro
- Center for Molecular Biology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mathias Hafner
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Mannheim University of Applied Sciences, Mannheim, Germany
- Institute of Medical Technology, Mannheim University of Applied Sciences and Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Rüdiger Rudolf
- CeMOS, Mannheim University of Applied Sciences, Mannheim, Germany
- Interdisciplinary Center for Neurosciences, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Mannheim University of Applied Sciences, Mannheim, Germany
- Institute of Medical Technology, Mannheim University of Applied Sciences and Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
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3
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Martínez P, Silva M, Abarzúa S, Tevy MF, Jaimovich E, Constantine-Paton M, Bustos FJ, van Zundert B. Skeletal myotubes expressing ALS mutant SOD1 induce pathogenic changes, impair mitochondrial axonal transport, and trigger motoneuron death. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.24.595817. [PMID: 38826246 PMCID: PMC11142234 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.24.595817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by the loss of motoneurons (MNs), and despite progress, there is no effective treatment. A large body of evidence shows that astrocytes expressing ALS-linked mutant proteins cause non-cell autonomous toxicity of MNs. Although MNs innervate muscle fibers and ALS is characterized by the early disruption of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) and axon degeneration, there are controversies about whether muscle contributes to non-cell-autonomous toxicity to MNs. In this study, we generated primary skeletal myotubes from myoblasts derived from ALS mice expressing human mutant SOD1 G93A (termed hereafter mutSOD1). Characterization revealed that mutSOD1 skeletal myotubes display intrinsic phenotypic and functional differences compared to control myotubes generated from non-transgenic (NTg) littermates. Next, we analyzed whether ALS myotubes exert non-cell-autonomous toxicity to MNs. We report that conditioned media from mutSOD1 myotubes (mutSOD1-MCM), but not from control myotubes (NTg-MCM), induced robust death of primary MNs in mixed spinal cord cultures and compartmentalized microfluidic chambers. Our study further revealed that applying mutSOD1-MCM to the MN axonal side in microfluidic devices rapidly reduces mitochondrial axonal transport while increasing Ca2+ transients and reactive oxygen species (i.e., H 2 O 2 ). These results indicate that soluble factor(s) released by mutSOD1 myotubes cause MN axonopathy that leads to lethal pathogenic changes.
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Barakat N, Jangir H, Gallo L, Grillo M, Guo X, Hickman J. Inhibition of Metalloproteinases Extends Longevity and Function of In Vitro Human iPSC-Derived Skeletal Muscle. Biomedicines 2024; 12:856. [PMID: 38672210 PMCID: PMC11047953 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12040856] [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: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
In vitro culture longevity has long been a concern for disease modeling and drug testing when using contractable cells. The dynamic nature of certain cells, such as skeletal muscle, contributes to cell surface release, which limits the system's ability to conduct long-term studies. This study hypothesized that regulating the extracellular matrix (ECM) dynamics should be able to prolong cell attachment on a culture surface. Human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived skeletal muscle (SKM) culture was utilized to test this hypothesis due to its forceful contractions in mature muscle culture, which can cause cell detachment. By specifically inhibiting matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) that work to digest components of the ECM, it was shown that the SKM culture remained adhered for longer periods of time, up to 80 days. Functional testing of myofibers indicated that cells treated with the MMP inhibitors, tempol, and doxycycline, displayed a significantly reduced fatigue index, although the fidelity was not affected, while those treated with the MMP inducer, PMA, indicated a premature detachment and increased fatigue index. The MMP-modulating activity by the inhibitors and inducer was further validated by gel zymography analysis, where the MMP inhibitor showed minimally active MMPs, while the inducer-treated cells indicated high MMP activity. These data support the hypotheses that regulating the ECM dynamics can help maximize in vitro myotube longevity. This proof-of-principle strategy would benefit the modeling of diseases that require a long time to develop and the evaluation of chronic effects of potential therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natali Barakat
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826, USA; (N.B.); (H.J.); (L.G.); (M.G.); (X.G.)
- Department of Chemistry, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32828, USA
| | - Himanshi Jangir
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826, USA; (N.B.); (H.J.); (L.G.); (M.G.); (X.G.)
| | - Leandro Gallo
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826, USA; (N.B.); (H.J.); (L.G.); (M.G.); (X.G.)
| | - Marcella Grillo
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826, USA; (N.B.); (H.J.); (L.G.); (M.G.); (X.G.)
| | - Xiufang Guo
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826, USA; (N.B.); (H.J.); (L.G.); (M.G.); (X.G.)
| | - James Hickman
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826, USA; (N.B.); (H.J.); (L.G.); (M.G.); (X.G.)
- Department of Chemistry, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32828, USA
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5
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Leng Y, Li X, Zheng F, Liu H, Wang C, Wang X, Liao Y, Liu J, Meng K, Yu J, Zhang J, Wang B, Tan Y, Liu M, Jia X, Li D, Li Y, Gu Z, Fan Y. Advances in In Vitro Models of Neuromuscular Junction: Focusing on Organ-on-a-Chip, Organoids, and Biohybrid Robotics. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2211059. [PMID: 36934404 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202211059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is a peripheral synaptic connection between presynaptic motor neurons and postsynaptic skeletal muscle fibers that enables muscle contraction and voluntary motor movement. Many traumatic, neurodegenerative, and neuroimmunological diseases are classically believed to mainly affect either the neuronal or the muscle side of the NMJ, and treatment options are lacking. Recent advances in novel techniques have helped develop in vitro physiological and pathophysiological models of the NMJ as well as enable precise control and evaluation of its functions. This paper reviews the recent developments in in vitro NMJ models with 2D or 3D cultures, from organ-on-a-chip and organoids to biohybrid robotics. Related derivative techniques are introduced for functional analysis of the NMJ, such as the patch-clamp technique, microelectrode arrays, calcium imaging, and stimulus methods, particularly optogenetic-mediated light stimulation, microelectrode-mediated electrical stimulation, and biochemical stimulation. Finally, the applications of the in vitro NMJ models as disease models or for drug screening related to suitable neuromuscular diseases are summarized and their future development trends and challenges are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yubing Leng
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Xiaorui Li
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Fuyin Zheng
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Hui Liu
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Chunyan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, 100094, China
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Xudong Wang
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Yulong Liao
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Jiangyue Liu
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Kaiqi Meng
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Jiaheng Yu
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Jingyi Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Binyu Wang
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Yingjun Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, 100094, China
| | - Meili Liu
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Xiaoling Jia
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Deyu Li
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Yinghui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, 100094, China
| | - Zhongze Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Yubo Fan
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
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6
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Hennig K, Hardman D, Barata DM, Martins II, Bernabeu MO, Gomes ER, Roman W. Generating fast-twitch myotubes in vitro with an optogenetic-based, quantitative contractility assay. Life Sci Alliance 2023; 6:e202302227. [PMID: 37550008 PMCID: PMC10427763 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202302227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The composition of fiber types within skeletal muscle impacts the tissue's physiological characteristics and susceptibility to disease and ageing. In vitro systems should therefore account for fiber-type composition when modelling muscle conditions. To induce fiber specification in vitro, we designed a quantitative contractility assay based on optogenetics and particle image velocimetry. We submitted cultured myotubes to long-term intermittent light-stimulation patterns and characterized their structural and functional adaptations. After several days of in vitro exercise, myotubes contract faster and are more resistant to fatigue. The enhanced contractile functionality was accompanied by advanced maturation such as increased width and up-regulation of neuron receptor genes. We observed an up-regulation in the expression of fast myosin heavy-chain isoforms, which induced a shift towards a fast-twitch phenotype. This long-term in vitro exercise strategy can be used to study fiber specification and refine muscle disease modelling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Hennig
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - David Hardman
- Centre for Medical Informatics, Usher Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - David Mb Barata
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Inês Ibb Martins
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Miguel O Bernabeu
- Centre for Medical Informatics, Usher Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- The Bayes Centre, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Edgar R Gomes
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - William Roman
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
- Victoria Node, EMBL Australia, Clayton, Australia
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7
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Jangir H, Hickman JJ. Mimicking the Tendon Microenvironment to Enhance Skeletal Muscle Adhesion and Longevity in a Functional Microcantilever Platform. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2023; 9:4698-4708. [PMID: 37462389 PMCID: PMC10430766 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.3c00235] [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: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Microcantilever platforms are functional models for studying skeletal muscle force dynamics in vitro. However, the contractile force generated by the myotubes can cause them to detach from the cantilevers, especially during long-term experiments, thus impeding the chronic investigations of skeletal muscles for drug efficacy and toxicity. To improve the integration of myotubes with microcantilevers, we drew inspiration from the elastomeric proteins, elastin and resilin, that are present in the animal and insect worlds, respectively. The spring action of these proteins plays a critical role in force dampening in vivo. In animals, elastin is present in the collagenous matrix of the tendon which is the attachment point of muscles to bones. The tendon microenvironment consists of elastin, collagen, and an aqueous jelly-like mass of proteoglycans. In an attempt to mimic this tendon microenvironment, elastin, collagen, heparan sulfate proteoglycan, and hyaluronic acid were deposited on a positively charged silane substrate. This enabled the long-term survival of mechanically active myotubes on glass and silicon microcantilevers for over 28 days. The skeletal muscle cultures were derived from both primary and induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived human skeletal muscles. Both types of myoblasts formed myotubes which survived for five weeks. Primary skeletal muscles and iPSC-derived skeletal muscles also showed a similar trend in fatigue index values. Upon integration with the microcantilever system, the primary muscle and iPSC-derived myotubes were tested successively over a one month period, thus paving the way for long-term chronic experiments on these systems for both drug efficacy and toxicity studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Himanshi Jangir
- Nanoscience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Pkwy, Orlando, Florida 32826, United States
| | - James J. Hickman
- Nanoscience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Pkwy, Orlando, Florida 32826, United States
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Jones CL, Penney BT, Theodossiou SK. Engineering Cell-ECM-Material Interactions for Musculoskeletal Regeneration. Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:bioengineering10040453. [PMID: 37106640 PMCID: PMC10135874 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10040453] [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: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The extracellular microenvironment regulates many of the mechanical and biochemical cues that direct musculoskeletal development and are involved in musculoskeletal disease. The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a main component of this microenvironment. Tissue engineered approaches towards regenerating muscle, cartilage, tendon, and bone target the ECM because it supplies critical signals for regenerating musculoskeletal tissues. Engineered ECM-material scaffolds that mimic key mechanical and biochemical components of the ECM are of particular interest in musculoskeletal tissue engineering. Such materials are biocompatible, can be fabricated to have desirable mechanical and biochemical properties, and can be further chemically or genetically modified to support cell differentiation or halt degenerative disease progression. In this review, we survey how engineered approaches using natural and ECM-derived materials and scaffold systems can harness the unique characteristics of the ECM to support musculoskeletal tissue regeneration, with a focus on skeletal muscle, cartilage, tendon, and bone. We summarize the strengths of current approaches and look towards a future of materials and culture systems with engineered and highly tailored cell-ECM-material interactions to drive musculoskeletal tissue restoration. The works highlighted in this review strongly support the continued exploration of ECM and other engineered materials as tools to control cell fate and make large-scale musculoskeletal regeneration a reality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Calvin L Jones
- Department of Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering, Boise State University, 1910 University Dr MS2085, Boise, ID 83725, USA
| | - Brian T Penney
- Department of Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering, Boise State University, 1910 University Dr MS2085, Boise, ID 83725, USA
| | - Sophia K Theodossiou
- Department of Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering, Boise State University, 1910 University Dr MS2085, Boise, ID 83725, USA
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9
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Attaway AH, Bellar A, Mishra S, Karthikeyan M, Sekar J, Welch N, Musich R, Singh SS, Kumar A, Menon A, King J, Langen R, Webster J, Scheraga R, Rochon K, Mears J, Naga Prasad SV, Hatzoglou M, Chakraborty AA, Dasarathy S. Adaptive exhaustion during prolonged intermittent hypoxia causes dysregulated skeletal muscle protein homeostasis. J Physiol 2023; 601:567-606. [PMID: 36533558 PMCID: PMC10286804 DOI: 10.1113/jp283700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Nocturnal hypoxaemia, which is common in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients, is associated with skeletal muscle loss or sarcopenia, which contributes to adverse clinical outcomes. In COPD, we have defined this as prolonged intermittent hypoxia (PIH) because the duration of hypoxia in skeletal muscle occurs through the duration of sleep followed by normoxia during the day, in contrast to recurrent brief hypoxic episodes during obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Adaptive cellular responses to PIH are not known. Responses to PIH induced by three cycles of 8 h hypoxia followed by 16 h normoxia were compared to those during chronic hypoxia (CH) or normoxia for 72 h in murine C2C12 and human inducible pluripotent stem cell-derived differentiated myotubes. RNA sequencing followed by downstream analyses were complemented by experimental validation of responses that included both unique and shared perturbations in ribosomal and mitochondrial function during PIH and CH. A sarcopenic phenotype characterized by decreased myotube diameter and protein synthesis, and increased phosphorylation of eIF2α (Ser51) by eIF2α kinase, and of GCN-2 (general controlled non-derepressed-2), occurred during both PIH and CH. Mitochondrial oxidative dysfunction, disrupted supercomplex assembly, lower activity of Complexes I, III, IV and V, and reduced intermediary metabolite concentrations occurred during PIH and CH. Decreased mitochondrial fission occurred during CH. Physiological relevance was established in skeletal muscle of mice with COPD that had increased phosphorylation of eIF2α, lower protein synthesis and mitochondrial oxidative dysfunction. Molecular and metabolic responses with PIH suggest an adaptive exhaustion with failure to restore homeostasis during normoxia. KEY POINTS: Sarcopenia or skeletal muscle loss is one of the most frequent complications that contributes to mortality and morbidity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Unlike chronic hypoxia, prolonged intermittent hypoxia is a frequent, underappreciated and clinically relevant model of hypoxia in patients with COPD. We developed a novel, in vitro myotube model of prolonged intermittent hypoxia with molecular and metabolic perturbations, mitochondrial oxidative dysfunction, and consequent sarcopenic phenotype. In vivo studies in skeletal muscle from a mouse model of COPD shared responses with our myotube model, establishing the pathophysiological relevance of our studies. These data lay the foundation for translational studies in human COPD to target prolonged, nocturnal hypoxaemia to prevent sarcopenia in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy H. Attaway
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Lerner Research Institute Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Annette Bellar
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Saurabh Mishra
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Manikandan Karthikeyan
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Jinendiran Sekar
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Nicole Welch
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Lerner Research Institute Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Ryan Musich
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Shashi Shekhar Singh
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Avinash Kumar
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Aishwarya Menon
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Jasmine King
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Ramon Langen
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Netherlands
| | - Justine Webster
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Netherlands
| | - Rachel Scheraga
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Kristy Rochon
- Department of Pharmacology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Jason Mears
- Department of Pharmacology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Sathyamangla V Naga Prasad
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases, Lerner Research Institute Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Maria Hatzoglou
- Department of Genomic Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | | | - Srinivasan Dasarathy
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Lerner Research Institute Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Lerner Research Institute Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
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10
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Hyperglycemia Negatively Affects IPSC-Derived Myoblast Proliferation and Skeletal Muscle Regeneration and Function. Cells 2022; 11:cells11223674. [PMID: 36429100 PMCID: PMC9688533 DOI: 10.3390/cells11223674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetic myopathy is a co-morbidity diagnosed in most diabetes mellitus patients, yet its pathogenesis is still understudied, which hinders the development of effective therapies. This project aimed to investigate the effect of hyperglycemia on human myoblast physiology, devoid of other complicating factors, by utilizing human myoblasts derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), in a defined in vitro system. IPSC-derived myoblasts were expanded under three glucose conditions: low (5 mM), medium (17.5 mM) or high (25 mM). While hyperglycemic myoblasts demonstrated upregulation of Glut4 relative to the euglycemic control, myoblast proliferation demonstrated a glucose dose-dependent impedance. Further cellular analysis revealed a retarded cell cycle progression trapped at the S phase and G2/M phase and an impaired mitochondrial function in hyperglycemic myoblasts. Terminal differentiation of these hyperglycemic myoblasts resulted in significantly hypertrophic and highly branched myotubes with disturbed myosin heavy chain arrangement. Lastly, functional assessment of these myofibers derived from hyperglycemic myoblasts demonstrated comparatively increased fatigability. Collectively, the hyperglycemic myoblasts demonstrated deficient muscle regeneration capability and functionality, which falls in line with the sarcopenia symptoms observed in diabetic myopathy patients. This human-based iPSC-derived skeletal muscle hyperglycemic model provides a valuable platform for mechanistic investigation of diabetic myopathy and therapeutic development.
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11
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Apa L, Cosentino M, Forconi F, Musarò A, Rizzuto E, Del Prete Z. The Development of an Innovative Embedded Sensor for the Optical Measurement of Ex-Vivo Engineered Muscle Tissue Contractility. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 22:6878. [PMID: 36146227 PMCID: PMC9502572 DOI: 10.3390/s22186878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Tissue engineering is a multidisciplinary approach focused on the development of innovative bioartificial substitutes for damaged organs and tissues. For skeletal muscle, the measurement of contractile capability represents a crucial aspect for tissue replacement, drug screening and personalized medicine. To date, the measurement of engineered muscle tissues is rather invasive and not continuous. In this context, we proposed an innovative sensor for the continuous monitoring of engineered-muscle-tissue contractility through an embedded technique. The sensor is based on the calibrated deflection of one of the engineered tissue's supporting pins, whose movements are measured using a noninvasive optical method. The sensor was calibrated to return force values through the use of a step linear motor and a micro-force transducer. Experimental results showed that the embedded sensor did not alter the correct maturation of the engineered muscle tissue. Finally, as proof of concept, we demonstrated the ability of the sensor to capture alterations in the force contractility of the engineered muscle tissues subjected to serum deprivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludovica Apa
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, 00184 Rome, Italy
| | - Marianna Cosentino
- DAHFMO-Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Flavia Forconi
- DAHFMO-Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Musarò
- DAHFMO-Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuele Rizzuto
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, 00184 Rome, Italy
| | - Zaccaria Del Prete
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, 00184 Rome, Italy
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12
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Rumsey JW, Lorance C, Jackson M, Sasserath T, McAleer CW, Long CJ, Goswami A, Russo MA, Raja SM, Gable KL, Emmett D, Hobson-Webb LD, Chopra M, Howard JF, Guptill JT, Storek MJ, Alonso-Alonso M, Atassi N, Panicker S, Parry G, Hammond T, Hickman JJ. Classical Complement Pathway Inhibition in a "Human-On-A-Chip" Model of Autoimmune Demyelinating Neuropathies. ADVANCED THERAPEUTICS 2022; 5:2200030. [PMID: 36211621 PMCID: PMC9540753 DOI: 10.1002/adtp.202200030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Chronic autoimmune demyelinating neuropathies are a group of rare neuromuscular disorders with complex, poorly characterized etiology. Here we describe a phenotypic, human-on-a-chip (HoaC) electrical conduction model of two rare autoimmune demyelinating neuropathies, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) and multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN), and explore the efficacy of TNT005, a monoclonal antibody inhibitor of the classical complement pathway. Patient sera was shown to contain anti-GM1 IgM and IgG antibodies capable of binding to human primary Schwann cells and induced pluripotent stem cell derived motoneurons. Patient autoantibody binding was sufficient to activate the classical complement pathway resulting in detection of C3b and C5b-9 deposits. A HoaC model, using a microelectrode array with directed axonal outgrowth over the electrodes treated with patient sera, exhibited reductions in motoneuron action potential frequency and conduction velocity. TNT005 rescued the serum-induced complement deposition and functional deficits while treatment with an isotype control antibody had no rescue effect. These data indicate that complement activation by CIDP and MMN patient serum is sufficient to mimic neurophysiological features of each disease and that complement inhibition with TNT005 was sufficient to rescue these pathological effects and provide efficacy data included in an investigational new drug application, demonstrating the model's translational potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- John W Rumsey
- Hesperos, Inc., 12501 Research Parkway, Suite 100, Orlando, FL 32826
| | - Case Lorance
- Hesperos, Inc., 12501 Research Parkway, Suite 100, Orlando, FL 32826
| | - Max Jackson
- Hesperos, Inc., 12501 Research Parkway, Suite 100, Orlando, FL 32826
| | - Trevor Sasserath
- Hesperos, Inc., 12501 Research Parkway, Suite 100, Orlando, FL 32826
| | | | | | - Arindom Goswami
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Melissa A Russo
- Division of Neuromuscular Disease, Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Box 3403, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Shruti M Raja
- Division of Neuromuscular Disease, Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Box 3403, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Karissa L Gable
- Division of Neuromuscular Disease, Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Box 3403, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Doug Emmett
- Division of Neuromuscular Disease, Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Box 3403, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Lisa D Hobson-Webb
- Division of Neuromuscular Disease, Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Box 3403, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Manisha Chopra
- Department of Neurology, The University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - James F Howard
- Department of Neurology, The University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Jeffrey T Guptill
- Division of Neuromuscular Disease, Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Box 3403, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Michael J Storek
- Sanofi, Immunology and Inflammation, 225 2 Ave, Waltham, MA, 02451 USA
| | | | - Nazem Atassi
- Sanofi, Neurology Early Development, 50 Binney Street, Cambridge, MA, 02142 USA
| | - Sandip Panicker
- Bioverativ, a Sanofi company, 225 2 Ave, Waltham, MA, 02451 USA
| | - Graham Parry
- Bioverativ, a Sanofi company, 225 2 Ave, Waltham, MA, 02451 USA
| | - Timothy Hammond
- Sanofi, Neurological Diseases, 49 New York Ave, Framingham, MA, 01701 USA
| | - James J Hickman
- Hesperos, Inc., 12501 Research Parkway, Suite 100, Orlando, FL 32826
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
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13
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Vesga-Castro C, Aldazabal J, Vallejo-Illarramendi A, Paredes J. Contractile force assessment methods for in vitro skeletal muscle tissues. eLife 2022; 11:e77204. [PMID: 35604384 PMCID: PMC9126583 DOI: 10.7554/elife.77204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the last few years, there has been growing interest in measuring the contractile force (CF) of engineered muscle tissues to evaluate their functionality. However, there are still no standards available for selecting the most suitable experimental platform, measuring system, culture protocol, or stimulation patterns. Consequently, the high variability of published data hinders any comparison between different studies. We have identified that cantilever deflection, post deflection, and force transducers are the most commonly used configurations for CF assessment in 2D and 3D models. Additionally, we have discussed the most relevant emerging technologies that would greatly complement CF evaluation with intracellular and localized analysis. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the most significant advances in CF evaluation and its critical parameters. In order to compare contractile performance across experimental platforms, we have used the specific force (sF, kN/m2), CF normalized to the calculated cross-sectional area (CSA). However, this parameter presents a high variability throughout the different studies, which indicates the need to identify additional parameters and complementary analysis suitable for proper comparison. We propose that future contractility studies in skeletal muscle constructs report detailed information about construct size, contractile area, maturity level, sarcomere length, and, ideally, the tetanus-to-twitch ratio. These studies will hopefully shed light on the relative impact of these variables on muscle force performance of engineered muscle constructs. Prospective advances in muscle tissue engineering, particularly in muscle disease models, will require a joint effort to develop standardized methodologies for assessing CF of engineered muscle tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Vesga-Castro
- University of Navarra, Tecnun School of Engineering, Manuel de LardizábalSan SebastianSpain
- University of Navarra, Biomedical Engineering Center, Campus UniversitarioPamplonaSpain
- Group of Neurosciences, Department of Pediatrics, UPV/EHU, Hospital Donostia - IIS BiodonostiaSan SebastianSpain
| | - Javier Aldazabal
- University of Navarra, Tecnun School of Engineering, Manuel de LardizábalSan SebastianSpain
- University of Navarra, Biomedical Engineering Center, Campus UniversitarioPamplonaSpain
| | - Ainara Vallejo-Illarramendi
- Group of Neurosciences, Department of Pediatrics, UPV/EHU, Hospital Donostia - IIS BiodonostiaSan SebastianSpain
- CIBERNED, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Ministry of Science, Innovation, and UniversitiesMadridSpain
| | - Jacobo Paredes
- University of Navarra, Tecnun School of Engineering, Manuel de LardizábalSan SebastianSpain
- University of Navarra, Biomedical Engineering Center, Campus UniversitarioPamplonaSpain
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Direct Conversion of Bovine Dermal Fibroblasts into Myotubes by Viral Delivery of Transcription Factor bMyoD. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/app12094688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Direct reprogramming of somatic cells to myoblasts and myotubes holds great potential for muscle development, disease modeling and regenerative medicine. According to recent studies, direct conversion of fibroblasts to myoblasts was performed by using a transcription factor, myoblast determination protein (MyoD), which belongs to a family of myogenic regulatory factors. Therefore, MyoD is considered to be a key driver in the generation of induced myoblasts. In this study, we compared the direct phenotypic conversion of bovine dermal fibroblasts (BDFs) into myoblasts and myotubes by supplementing a transcription factor, bovine MyoD (bMyoD), in the form of recombinant protein or the bMyoD gene, through retroviral vectors. As a result, the delivery of the bMyoD gene to BDFs was more efficient for inducing reprogramming, resulting in direct conversion to myoblasts and myotubes, when compared with protein delivery. BDFs cultured with retrovirus encoding bMyoD increased myogenic gene expression, such as MyoG, MYH3 and MYMK. In addition, the cells expressed myoblast or myotube-specific marker proteins, MyoG and Desmin, respectively. Our findings provide an informative tool for the myogenesis of domestic-animal-derived somatic cells via transgenic technology. By using this method, a new era of regenerative medicine and cultured meat is expected.
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15
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Raffa P, Easler M, Urciuolo A. Three-dimensional in vitro models of neuromuscular tissue. Neural Regen Res 2022; 17:759-766. [PMID: 34472462 PMCID: PMC8530117 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.322447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Skeletal muscle is a dynamic tissue in which homeostasis and function are guaranteed by a very defined three-dimensional organization of myofibers in respect to other non-muscular components, including the extracellular matrix and the nervous network. In particular, communication between myofibers and the nervous system is essential for the overall correct development and function of the skeletal muscle. A wide range of chronic, acute and genetic-based human pathologies that lead to the alteration of muscle function are associated with modified preservation of the fine interaction between motor neurons and myofibers at the neuromuscular junction. Recent advancements in the development of in vitro models for human skeletal muscle have shown that three-dimensionality and integration of multiple cell types are both key parameters required to unveil pathophysiological relevant phenotypes. Here, we describe recent achievement reached in skeletal muscle modeling which used biomaterials for the generation of three-dimensional constructs of myotubes integrated with motor neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Raffa
- Institute of Pediatric Research IRP, Padova, Italy
| | - Maria Easler
- Institute of Pediatric Research IRP, Padova, Italy
| | - Anna Urciuolo
- Institute of Pediatric Research IRP, Padova, Italy
- Molecular Medicine Department, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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16
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Lynch E, Peek E, Reilly M, FitzGibbons C, Robertson S, Suzuki M. Current Progress in the Creation, Characterization, and Application of Human Stem Cell-derived in Vitro Neuromuscular Junction Models. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2022; 18:768-780. [PMID: 34212303 PMCID: PMC8720113 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-021-10201-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Human pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) such as embryonic stem cells (ESCs) or induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are of great value for studying developmental processes, disease modeling, and drug testing. One area in which the use of human PSCs has become of great interest in recent years is for in vitro models of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ). The NMJ is a synapse at which a motor neuron releases acetylcholine to bind to skeletal muscle and stimulate contraction. Degeneration of the NMJ and subsequent loss of muscle function is a common feature of many neuromuscular diseases such as myasthenia gravis, spinal muscular atrophy, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. In order to develop new therapies for patients with neuromuscular diseases, it is essential to understand mechanisms taking place at the NMJ. However, we have limited ability to study the NMJ in living human patients, and animal models are limited by physiological relevance. Therefore, an in vitro model of the NMJ consisting of human cells is of great value. The use of stem cells for in vitro NMJ models is still in progress and requires further optimization in order to yield reliable, reproducible results. The objective of this review is (1) to outline the current progress towards fully PSC-derived in vitro co-culture models of the human NMJ and (2) to discuss future directions and challenges that must be overcome in order to create reproducible fully PSC-derived models that can be used for developmental studies, disease modeling, and drug testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eileen Lynch
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Emma Peek
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Megan Reilly
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Claire FitzGibbons
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Samantha Robertson
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Masatoshi Suzuki
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Wisconsin, USA,Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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17
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Hörner SJ, Couturier N, Bruch R, Koch P, Hafner M, Rudolf R. hiPSC-Derived Schwann Cells Influence Myogenic Differentiation in Neuromuscular Cocultures. Cells 2021; 10:cells10123292. [PMID: 34943800 PMCID: PMC8699767 DOI: 10.3390/cells10123292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Motoneurons, skeletal muscle fibers, and Schwann cells form synapses, termed neuromuscular junctions (NMJs). These control voluntary body movement and are affected in numerous neuromuscular diseases. Therefore, a variety of NMJ in vitro models have been explored to enable mechanistic and pharmacological studies. So far, selective integration of Schwann cells in these models has been hampered, due to technical limitations. Here we present robust protocols for derivation of Schwann cells from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) and their coculture with hiPSC-derived motoneurons and C2C12 muscle cells. Upon differentiation with tuned BMP signaling, Schwann cells expressed marker proteins, S100b, Gap43, vimentin, and myelin protein zero. Furthermore, they displayed typical spindle-shaped morphologies with long processes, which often aligned with motoneuron axons. Inclusion of Schwann cells in coculture experiments with hiPSC-derived motoneurons and C2C12 myoblasts enhanced myotube growth and affected size and number of acetylcholine receptor plaques on myotubes. Altogether, these data argue for the availability of a consistent differentiation protocol for Schwann cells and their amenability for functional integration into neuromuscular in vitro models, fostering future studies of neuromuscular mechanisms and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Janice Hörner
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Mannheim University of Applied Sciences, 68163 Mannheim, Germany; (S.J.H.); (N.C.); (R.B.); (M.H.)
- Interdisciplinary Center for Neurosciences, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Nathalie Couturier
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Mannheim University of Applied Sciences, 68163 Mannheim, Germany; (S.J.H.); (N.C.); (R.B.); (M.H.)
| | - Roman Bruch
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Mannheim University of Applied Sciences, 68163 Mannheim, Germany; (S.J.H.); (N.C.); (R.B.); (M.H.)
| | - Philipp Koch
- Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim of Heidelberg University, 68159 Mannheim, Germany;
- Hector Institute for Translational Brain Research (HITBR gGmbH), 68159 Mannheim, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mathias Hafner
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Mannheim University of Applied Sciences, 68163 Mannheim, Germany; (S.J.H.); (N.C.); (R.B.); (M.H.)
- Institute of Medical Technology, Mannheim University of Applied Sciences and Heidelberg University, 68163 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Rüdiger Rudolf
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Mannheim University of Applied Sciences, 68163 Mannheim, Germany; (S.J.H.); (N.C.); (R.B.); (M.H.)
- Interdisciplinary Center for Neurosciences, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Institute of Medical Technology, Mannheim University of Applied Sciences and Heidelberg University, 68163 Mannheim, Germany
- Correspondence:
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18
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Smith VM, Nguyen H, Rumsey JW, Long CJ, Shuler ML, Hickman JJ. A Functional Human-on-a-Chip Autoimmune Disease Model of Myasthenia Gravis for Development of Therapeutics. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:745897. [PMID: 34881241 PMCID: PMC8645836 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.745897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a chronic and progressive neuromuscular disease where autoantibodies target essential proteins such as the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) causing muscle fatigue and weakness. Autoantibodies directed against nAChRs are proposed to work by three main pathological mechanisms of receptor disruption: blocking, receptor internalization, and downregulation. Current in vivo models using experimental autoimmune animal models fail to recapitulate the disease pathology and are limited in clinical translatability due to disproportionate disease severity and high animal death rates. The development of a highly sensitive antibody assay that mimics human disease pathology is desirable for clinical advancement and therapeutic development. To address this lack of relevant models, an NMJ platform derived from human iPSC differentiated motoneurons and primary skeletal muscle was used to investigate the ability of an anti-nAChR antibody to induce clinically relevant MG pathology in the serum-free, spatially organized, functionally mature NMJ platform. Treatment of the NMJ model with the anti-nAChR antibody revealed decreasing NMJ stability as measured by the number of NMJs before and after the synchrony stimulation protocol. This decrease in NMJ stability was dose-dependent over a concentration range of 0.01-20 μg/mL. Immunocytochemical (ICC) analysis was used to distinguish between pathological mechanisms of antibody-mediated receptor disruption including blocking, receptor internalization and downregulation. Antibody treatment also activated the complement cascade as indicated by complement protein 3 deposition near the nAChRs. Additionally, complement cascade activation significantly altered other readouts of NMJ function including the NMJ fidelity parameter as measured by the number of muscle contractions missed in response to increasing motoneuron stimulation frequencies. This synchrony readout mimics the clinical phenotype of neurological blocking that results in failure of muscle contractions despite motoneuron stimulations. Taken together, these data indicate the establishment of a relevant disease model of MG that mimics reduction of functional nAChRs at the NMJ, decreased NMJ stability, complement activation and blocking of neuromuscular transmission. This system is the first functional human in vitro model of MG to be used to simulate three potential disease mechanisms as well as to establish a preclinical platform for evaluation of disease modifying treatments (etiology).
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia M. Smith
- Hybrid Systems Lab, NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, United States
- Hesperos, Inc., Orlando, FL, United States
| | - Huan Nguyen
- Hybrid Systems Lab, NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, United States
| | | | | | | | - James J. Hickman
- Hybrid Systems Lab, NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, United States
- Hesperos, Inc., Orlando, FL, United States
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19
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Fralish Z, Lotz EM, Chavez T, Khodabukus A, Bursac N. Neuromuscular Development and Disease: Learning From in vitro and in vivo Models. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:764732. [PMID: 34778273 PMCID: PMC8579029 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.764732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is a specialized cholinergic synaptic interface between a motor neuron and a skeletal muscle fiber that translates presynaptic electrical impulses into motor function. NMJ formation and maintenance require tightly regulated signaling and cellular communication among motor neurons, myogenic cells, and Schwann cells. Neuromuscular diseases (NMDs) can result in loss of NMJ function and motor input leading to paralysis or even death. Although small animal models have been instrumental in advancing our understanding of the NMJ structure and function, the complexities of studying this multi-tissue system in vivo and poor clinical outcomes of candidate therapies developed in small animal models has driven the need for in vitro models of functional human NMJ to complement animal studies. In this review, we discuss prevailing models of NMDs and highlight the current progress and ongoing challenges in developing human iPSC-derived (hiPSC) 3D cell culture models of functional NMJs. We first review in vivo development of motor neurons, skeletal muscle, Schwann cells, and the NMJ alongside current methods for directing the differentiation of relevant cell types from hiPSCs. We further compare the efficacy of modeling NMDs in animals and human cell culture systems in the context of five NMDs: amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, myotonic dystrophy, and Pompe disease. Finally, we discuss further work necessary for hiPSC-derived NMJ models to function as effective personalized NMD platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary Fralish
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Ethan M Lotz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Taylor Chavez
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Alastair Khodabukus
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Nenad Bursac
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
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