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Akere MT, Zajac KK, Bretz JD, Madhavaram AR, Horton AC, Schiefer IT. Real-Time Analysis of Neuronal Cell Cultures for CNS Drug Discovery. Brain Sci 2024; 14:770. [PMID: 39199464 PMCID: PMC11352746 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14080770] [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: 06/10/2024] [Revised: 07/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/27/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The ability to screen for agents that can promote the development and/or maintenance of neuronal networks creates opportunities for the discovery of novel agents for the treatment of central nervous system (CNS) disorders. Over the past 10 years, advances in robotics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning have paved the way for the improved implementation of live-cell imaging systems for drug discovery. These instruments have revolutionized our ability to quickly and accurately acquire large standardized datasets when studying complex cellular phenomena in real-time. This is particularly useful in the field of neuroscience because real-time analysis can allow efficient monitoring of the development, maturation, and conservation of neuronal networks by measuring neurite length. Unfortunately, due to the relative infancy of this type of analysis, standard practices for data acquisition and processing are lacking, and there is no standardized format for reporting the vast quantities of data generated by live-cell imaging systems. This paper reviews the current state of live-cell imaging instruments, with a focus on the most commonly used equipment (IncuCyte systems). We provide an in-depth analysis of the experimental conditions reported in publications utilizing these systems, particularly with regard to studying neurite outgrowth. This analysis sheds light on trends and patterns that will enhance the use of live-cell imaging instruments in CNS drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Millicent T. Akere
- Department of Medicinal and Biological Chemistry, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA; (M.T.A.); (K.K.Z.); (J.D.B.); (A.R.M.); (A.C.H.)
| | - Kelsee K. Zajac
- Department of Medicinal and Biological Chemistry, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA; (M.T.A.); (K.K.Z.); (J.D.B.); (A.R.M.); (A.C.H.)
| | - James D. Bretz
- Department of Medicinal and Biological Chemistry, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA; (M.T.A.); (K.K.Z.); (J.D.B.); (A.R.M.); (A.C.H.)
| | - Anvitha R. Madhavaram
- Department of Medicinal and Biological Chemistry, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA; (M.T.A.); (K.K.Z.); (J.D.B.); (A.R.M.); (A.C.H.)
| | - Austin C. Horton
- Department of Medicinal and Biological Chemistry, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA; (M.T.A.); (K.K.Z.); (J.D.B.); (A.R.M.); (A.C.H.)
| | - Isaac T. Schiefer
- Department of Medicinal and Biological Chemistry, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA; (M.T.A.); (K.K.Z.); (J.D.B.); (A.R.M.); (A.C.H.)
- Center for Drug Design and Development, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
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Gnyawali V, Strohm EM, Wang JZ, Tsai SSH, Kolios MC. Simultaneous acoustic and photoacoustic microfluidic flow cytometry for label-free analysis. Sci Rep 2019; 9:1585. [PMID: 30733497 PMCID: PMC6367457 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-37771-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 12/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
We developed a label-free microfluidic acoustic flow cytometer (AFC) based on interleaved detection of ultrasound backscatter and photoacoustic waves from individual cells and particles flowing through a microfluidic channel. The AFC uses ultra-high frequency ultrasound, which has a center frequency of 375 MHz, corresponding to a wavelength of 4 μm, and a nanosecondpulsed laser, to detect individual cells. We validate the AFC by using it to count different color polystyrene microparticles and comparing the results to data from fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). We also identify and count red and white blood cells in a blood sample using the AFC, and observe an excellent agreement with results obtained from FACS. This new label-free, non-destructive technique enables rapid and multi-parametric studies of individual cells of a large heterogeneous population using parameters such as ultrasound backscatter, optical absorption, and physical properties, for cell counting and sizing in biomedical and diagnostics applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vaskar Gnyawali
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Ryerson University, Toronto, Canada
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Science and Technology (iBEST), Toronto, Canada
- Keenan Research Centre, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Eric M Strohm
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Translational Biology and Engineering Program, Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research, Toronto, Canada
| | - Jun-Zhi Wang
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Science and Technology (iBEST), Toronto, Canada
- Keenan Research Centre, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Scott S H Tsai
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Ryerson University, Toronto, Canada
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Science and Technology (iBEST), Toronto, Canada
- Keenan Research Centre, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Michael C Kolios
- Department of Physics, Ryerson University, Toronto, Canada.
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Science and Technology (iBEST), Toronto, Canada.
- Keenan Research Centre, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Canada.
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Pyo K, Ly NH, Han SM, Hatshan MB, Abuhagr A, Wiederrecht G, Joo SW, Ramakrishna G, Lee D. Unique Energy Transfer in Fluorescein-Conjugated Au 22 Nanoclusters Leading to 160-Fold pH-Contrasting Photoluminescence. J Phys Chem Lett 2018; 9:5303-5310. [PMID: 30165739 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.8b02130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Accurate measurements of intracellular pH are of crucial importance in understanding the cellular activities and in the development of intracellular drug delivery systems. Here we report a highly sensitive pH probe based on a fluorescein-conjugated Au22 nanocluster. Steady-state photoluminescence (PL) measurements have shown that, when conjugated to Au22, fluorescein exhibits more than 160-fold pH-contrasting PL in the pH range of 4.3-7.8. Transient absorption measurements show that there are two competing ultrafast processes in the fluorescein-conjugated Au22 nanocluster: the intracore-state relaxation and the energy transfer from the nonthermalized states of Au22 to fluorescein. The latter becomes predominant at a higher pH, leading to dramatic PL enhancement of fluorescein. In addition to the intrinsically low toxicity, fluorescein-conjugated Au22 nanoclusters exhibit high pH sensitivity, wide dynamic range, and excellent photostability, providing a powerful tool for the study of intracellular processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyunglim Pyo
- Department of Chemistry , Yonsei University , Seoul 03722 , Korea
| | - Nguyen Hoang Ly
- Department of Chemistry , Soongsil University , Seoul 06978 , Korea
| | - Sang Myeong Han
- Department of Chemistry , Yonsei University , Seoul 03722 , Korea
| | - Mohammad Bin Hatshan
- Department of Chemistry , Western Michigan University , Kalamazoo , Michigan 49008 , United States
| | - Abubkr Abuhagr
- Department of Chemistry , Western Michigan University , Kalamazoo , Michigan 49008 , United States
| | - Gary Wiederrecht
- Center for Nanoscale Materials , Argonne National Laboratory , Chicago , Illinois 60439 , United States
| | - Sang-Woo Joo
- Department of Chemistry , Soongsil University , Seoul 06978 , Korea
- Department of Information Communication, Materials Engineering, Chemistry Convergence Technology , Soongsil University , Seoul 06978 , Korea
| | - Guda Ramakrishna
- Department of Chemistry , Western Michigan University , Kalamazoo , Michigan 49008 , United States
| | - Dongil Lee
- Department of Chemistry , Yonsei University , Seoul 03722 , Korea
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Wessels D, Lusche DF, Voss E, Kuhl S, Buchele EC, Klemme MR, Russell KB, Ambrose J, Soll BA, Bossler A, Milhem M, Goldman C, Soll DR. Melanoma cells undergo aggressive coalescence in a 3D Matrigel model that is repressed by anti-CD44. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0173400. [PMID: 28264026 PMCID: PMC5338862 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0173400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2016] [Accepted: 02/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Using unique computer-assisted 3D reconstruction software, it was previously demonstrated that tumorigenic cell lines derived from breast tumors, when seeded in a 3D Matrigel model, grew as clonal aggregates which, after approximately 100 hours, underwent coalescence mediated by specialized cells, eventually forming a highly structured large spheroid. Non-tumorigenic cells did not undergo coalescence. Because histological sections of melanomas forming in patients suggest that melanoma cells migrate and coalesce to form tumors, we tested whether they also underwent coalescence in a 3D Matrigel model. Melanoma cells exiting fragments of three independent melanomas or from secondary cultures derived from them, and cells from the melanoma line HTB-66, all underwent coalescence mediated by specialized cells in the 3D model. Normal melanocytes did not. However, coalescence of melanoma cells differed from that of breast-derived tumorigenic cell lines in that they 1) coalesced immediately, 2) underwent coalescence as individual cells as well as aggregates, 3) underwent coalescence far faster and 4) ultimately formed long, flat, fenestrated aggregates that were extremely dynamic. A screen of 51 purified monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting cell surface-associated molecules revealed that two mAbs, anti-beta 1 integrin/(CD29) and anti-CD44, blocked melanoma cell coalescence. They also blocked coalescence of tumorigenic cells derived from a breast tumor. These results add weight to the commonality of coalescence as a characteristic of tumorigenic cells, as well as the usefulness of the 3D Matrigel model and software for both investigating the mechanisms regulating tumorigenesis and screening for potential anti-tumorigenesis mAbs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Wessels
- Developmental Studies Hybridoma Bank, Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA United States of America
| | - Daniel F. Lusche
- Developmental Studies Hybridoma Bank, Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA United States of America
| | - Edward Voss
- Developmental Studies Hybridoma Bank, Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA United States of America
| | - Spencer Kuhl
- Developmental Studies Hybridoma Bank, Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA United States of America
| | - Emma C. Buchele
- Developmental Studies Hybridoma Bank, Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA United States of America
| | - Michael R. Klemme
- Developmental Studies Hybridoma Bank, Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA United States of America
| | - Kanoe B. Russell
- Developmental Studies Hybridoma Bank, Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA United States of America
| | - Joseph Ambrose
- Developmental Studies Hybridoma Bank, Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA United States of America
| | - Benjamin A. Soll
- Developmental Studies Hybridoma Bank, Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA United States of America
| | - Aaron Bossler
- Department of Molecular Pathology, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA United States of America
| | - Mohammed Milhem
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA United States of America
| | - Charles Goldman
- Mercy Hospital System of Des Moines, Des Moines, IA United States of America
| | - David R. Soll
- Developmental Studies Hybridoma Bank, Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Ambrose J, Livitz M, Wessels D, Kuhl S, Lusche DF, Scherer A, Voss E, Soll DR. Mediated coalescence: a possible mechanism for tumor cellular heterogeneity. Am J Cancer Res 2015; 5:3485-504. [PMID: 26807328 PMCID: PMC4697694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2015] [Accepted: 09/18/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, we demonstrated that tumorigenic cell lines and fresh tumor cells seeded in a 3D Matrigel model, first grow as clonal islands (primary aggregates), then coalesce through the formation and contraction of cellular cables. Non-tumorigenic cell lines and cells from normal tissue form clonal islands, but do not form cables or coalesce. Here we show that as little as 5% tumorigenic cells will actively mediate coalescence between primary aggregates of majority non-tumorigenic or non-cancerous cells, by forming cellular cables between them. We suggest that this newly discovered, specialized characteristic of tumorigenic cells may explain, at least in part, why tumors contain primarily non-tumorigenic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Ambrose
- Developmental Studies Hybridoma Bank, Department of Biology, University of Iowa Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA
| | - Michelle Livitz
- Developmental Studies Hybridoma Bank, Department of Biology, University of Iowa Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA
| | - Deborah Wessels
- Developmental Studies Hybridoma Bank, Department of Biology, University of Iowa Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA
| | - Spencer Kuhl
- Developmental Studies Hybridoma Bank, Department of Biology, University of Iowa Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA
| | - Daniel F Lusche
- Developmental Studies Hybridoma Bank, Department of Biology, University of Iowa Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA
| | - Amanda Scherer
- Developmental Studies Hybridoma Bank, Department of Biology, University of Iowa Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA
| | - Edward Voss
- Developmental Studies Hybridoma Bank, Department of Biology, University of Iowa Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA
| | - David R Soll
- Developmental Studies Hybridoma Bank, Department of Biology, University of Iowa Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA
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Galler K, Bräutigam K, Große C, Popp J, Neugebauer U. Making a big thing of a small cell--recent advances in single cell analysis. Analyst 2015; 139:1237-73. [PMID: 24495980 DOI: 10.1039/c3an01939j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Single cell analysis is an emerging field requiring a high level interdisciplinary collaboration to provide detailed insights into the complex organisation, function and heterogeneity of life. This review is addressed to life science researchers as well as researchers developing novel technologies. It covers all aspects of the characterisation of single cells (with a special focus on mammalian cells) from morphology to genetics and different omics-techniques to physiological, mechanical and electrical methods. In recent years, tremendous advances have been achieved in all fields of single cell analysis: (1) improved spatial and temporal resolution of imaging techniques to enable the tracking of single molecule dynamics within single cells; (2) increased throughput to reveal unexpected heterogeneity between different individual cells raising the question what characterizes a cell type and what is just natural biological variation; and (3) emerging multimodal approaches trying to bring together information from complementary techniques paving the way for a deeper understanding of the complexity of biological processes. This review also covers the first successful translations of single cell analysis methods to diagnostic applications in the field of tumour research (especially circulating tumour cells), regenerative medicine, drug discovery and immunology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerstin Galler
- Integrated Research and Treatment Center "Center for Sepsis Control and Care", Jena University Hospital, Erlanger Allee 101, 07747 Jena, Germany
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Scherer A, Kuhl S, Wessels D, Lusche DF, Hanson B, Ambrose J, Voss E, Fletcher E, Goldman C, Soll DR. A computer-assisted 3D model for analyzing the aggregation of tumorigenic cells reveals specialized behaviors and unique cell types that facilitate aggregate coalescence. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0118628. [PMID: 25790299 PMCID: PMC4366230 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0118628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2014] [Accepted: 11/28/2014] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
We have developed a 4D computer-assisted reconstruction and motion analysis system, J3D-DIAS 4.1, and applied it to the reconstruction and motion analysis of tumorigenic cells in a 3D matrix. The system is unique in that it is fast, high-resolution, acquires optical sections using DIC microscopy (hence there is no associated photoxicity), and is capable of long-term 4D reconstruction. Specifically, a z-series at 5 μm increments can be acquired in less than a minute on tissue samples embedded in a 1.5 mm thick 3D Matrigel matrix. Reconstruction can be repeated at intervals as short as every minute and continued for 30 days or longer. Images are converted to mathematical representations from which quantitative parameters can be derived. Application of this system to cancer cells from established lines and fresh tumor tissue has revealed unique behaviors and cell types not present in non-tumorigenic lines. We report here that cells from tumorigenic lines and tumors undergo rapid coalescence in 3D, mediated by specific cell types that we have named “facilitators” and “probes.” A third cell type, the “dervish”, is capable of rapid movement through the gel and does not adhere to it. These cell types have never before been described. Our data suggest that tumorigenesis in vitro is a developmental process involving coalescence facilitated by specialized cells that culminates in large hollow spheres with complex architecture. The unique effects of select monoclonal antibodies on these processes demonstrate the usefulness of the model for analyzing the mechanisms of anti-cancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Scherer
- Monoclonal Antibody Research Institute, Developmental Studies Hybridoma Bank, Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, 52242, United States of America
| | - Spencer Kuhl
- Monoclonal Antibody Research Institute, Developmental Studies Hybridoma Bank, Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, 52242, United States of America
| | - Deborah Wessels
- Monoclonal Antibody Research Institute, Developmental Studies Hybridoma Bank, Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, 52242, United States of America
| | - Daniel F. Lusche
- Monoclonal Antibody Research Institute, Developmental Studies Hybridoma Bank, Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, 52242, United States of America
| | - Brett Hanson
- Monoclonal Antibody Research Institute, Developmental Studies Hybridoma Bank, Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, 52242, United States of America
| | - Joseph Ambrose
- Monoclonal Antibody Research Institute, Developmental Studies Hybridoma Bank, Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, 52242, United States of America
| | - Edward Voss
- Monoclonal Antibody Research Institute, Developmental Studies Hybridoma Bank, Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, 52242, United States of America
| | - Emily Fletcher
- Mercy Hospital System of Des Moines, Des Moines, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Charles Goldman
- Mercy Hospital System of Des Moines, Des Moines, Iowa, United States of America
| | - David R. Soll
- Monoclonal Antibody Research Institute, Developmental Studies Hybridoma Bank, Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, 52242, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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