1
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Kang R, Park S, Shin S, Bak G, Park JC. Electrophysiological insights with brain organoid models: a brief review. BMB Rep 2024; 57:311-317. [PMID: 38919012 PMCID: PMC11289503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2024] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Brain organoid is a three-dimensional (3D) tissue derived from stem cells such as induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) embryonic stem cells (ESCs) that reflect real human brain structure. It replicates the complexity and development of the human brain, enabling studies of the human brain in vitro. With emerging technologies, its application is various, including disease modeling and drug screening. A variety of experimental methods have been used to study structural and molecular characteristics of brain organoids. However, electrophysiological analysis is necessary to understand their functional characteristics and complexity. Although electrophysiological approaches have rapidly advanced for monolayered cells, there are some limitations in studying electrophysiological and neural network characteristics due to the lack of 3D characteristics. Herein, electrophysiological measurement and analytical methods related to neural complexity and 3D characteristics of brain organoids are reviewed. Overall, electrophysiological understanding of brain organoids allows us to overcome limitations of monolayer in vitro cell culture models, providing deep insights into the neural network complex of the real human brain and new ways of disease modeling. [BMB Reports 2024; 57(7): 311-317].
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Affiliation(s)
- Rian Kang
- Institute of Quantum Biophysics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea
- Department of Metabiohealth, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea
| | - Soomin Park
- Institute of Quantum Biophysics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea
- Department of Biophysics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea
| | - Saewoon Shin
- Institute of Quantum Biophysics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea
| | - Gyusoo Bak
- Institute of Quantum Biophysics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea
- Department of Metabiohealth, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea
| | - Jong-Chan Park
- Institute of Quantum Biophysics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea
- Department of Metabiohealth, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea
- Department of Biophysics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea
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2
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Shanehband N, Naghib SM. Recent advances in nano/microfluidics-based cell isolation techniques for cancer diagnosis and treatments. Biochimie 2024; 220:122-143. [PMID: 38176605 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2024.01.001] [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: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Miniaturization has improved significantly in the recent decade, which has enabled the development of numerous microfluidic systems. Microfluidic technologies have shown great potential for separating desired cells from heterogeneous samples, as they offer benefits such as low sample consumption, easy operation, and high separation accuracy. Microfluidic cell separation approaches can be classified into physical (label-free) and biological (labeled) methods based on their working principles. Each method has remarkable and feasible benefits for the purposes of cancer detection and therapy, as well as the challenges that we have discussed in this article. In this review, we present the recent advances in microfluidic cell sorting techniques that incorporate both physical and biological aspects, with an emphasis on the methods by which the cells are separated. We first introduce and discuss the biological cell sorting techniques, followed by the physical cell sorting techniques. Additionally, we explore the role of microfluidics in drug screening, drug delivery, and lab-on-chip (LOC) therapy. In addition, we discuss the challenges and future prospects of integrated microfluidics for cell sorting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nahid Shanehband
- Nanotechnology Department, School of Advanced Technologies, Iran University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 16846-13114, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Morteza Naghib
- Nanotechnology Department, School of Advanced Technologies, Iran University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 16846-13114, Tehran, Iran.
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3
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Liang KX. The application of brain organoid for drug discovery in mitochondrial diseases. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2024; 170:106556. [PMID: 38423381 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2024.106556] [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: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Mitochondrial diseases are difficult to treat due to the complexity and multifaceted nature of mitochondrial dysfunction. Brain organoids are three-dimensional (3D) structures derived from human pluripotent stem cells designed to mimic brain-like development and function. Brain organoids have received a lot of attention in recent years as powerful tools for modeling human diseases, brain development, and drug screening. Screening compounds for mitochondrial diseases using brain organoids could provide a more physiologically relevant platform for drug discovery. Brain organoids offer the possibility of personalized medicine because they can be derived from patient-specific cells, allowing testing of drugs tailored to specific genetic mutations. In this article, we highlight how brain organoids offer a promising avenue for screening compounds for mitochondrial diseases and address the challenges and limitations associated with their use. We hope this review will provide new insights into the further progress of brain organoids for mitochondrial screening studies.
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4
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Acharya P, Choi NY, Shrestha S, Jeong S, Lee MY. Brain organoids: A revolutionary tool for modeling neurological disorders and development of therapeutics. Biotechnol Bioeng 2024; 121:489-506. [PMID: 38013504 PMCID: PMC10842775 DOI: 10.1002/bit.28606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Brain organoids are self-organized, three-dimensional (3D) aggregates derived from pluripotent stem cells that have cell types and cellular architectures resembling those of the developing human brain. The current understanding of human brain developmental processes and neurological disorders has advanced significantly with the introduction of this in vitro model. Brain organoids serve as a translational link between two-dimensional (2D) cultures and in vivo models which imitate the neural tube formation at the early and late stages and the differentiation of neuroepithelium with whole-brain regionalization. In addition, the generation of region-specific brain organoids made it possible to investigate the pathogenic and etiological aspects of acquired and inherited brain disease along with drug discovery and drug toxicity testing. In this review article, we first summarize an overview of the existing methods and platforms used for generating brain organoids and their limitations and then discuss the recent advancement in brain organoid technology. In addition, we discuss how brain organoids have been used to model aspects of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Rett syndrome, Zika virus-related microcephaly, Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and Huntington's disease (HD).
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Affiliation(s)
- Prabha Acharya
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas, USA
| | - Na Young Choi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas, USA
- Department of Healthcare Information Technology, Inje University, Gimhae, Republic of Korea
| | - Sunil Shrestha
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas, USA
| | - Sehoon Jeong
- Department of Healthcare Information Technology, Inje University, Gimhae, Republic of Korea
| | - Moo-Yeal Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas, USA
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5
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Patel D, Shetty S, Acha C, Pantoja IEM, Zhao A, George D, Gracias DH. Microinstrumentation for Brain Organoids. Adv Healthc Mater 2024:e2302456. [PMID: 38217546 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202302456] [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: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
Brain organoids are three-dimensional aggregates of self-organized differentiated stem cells that mimic the structure and function of human brain regions. Organoids bridge the gaps between conventional drug screening models such as planar mammalian cell culture, animal studies, and clinical trials. They can revolutionize the fields of developmental biology, neuroscience, toxicology, and computer engineering. Conventional microinstrumentation for conventional cellular engineering, such as planar microfluidic chips; microelectrode arrays (MEAs); and optical, magnetic, and acoustic techniques, has limitations when applied to three-dimensional (3D) organoids, primarily due to their limits with inherently two-dimensional geometry and interfacing. Hence, there is an urgent need to develop new instrumentation compatible with live cell culture techniques and with scalable 3D formats relevant to organoids. This review discusses conventional planar approaches and emerging 3D microinstrumentation necessary for advanced organoid-machine interfaces. Specifically, this article surveys recently developed microinstrumentation, including 3D printed and curved microfluidics, 3D and fast-scan optical techniques, buckling and self-folding MEAs, 3D interfaces for electrochemical measurements, and 3D spatially controllable magnetic and acoustic technologies relevant to two-way information transfer with brain organoids. This article highlights key challenges that must be addressed for robust organoid culture and reliable 3D spatiotemporal information transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devan Patel
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | - Saniya Shetty
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | - Chris Acha
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | - Itzy E Morales Pantoja
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT), Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Alice Zhao
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | - Derosh George
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | - David H Gracias
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Laboratory for Computational Sensing and Robotics (LCSR), Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center (SKCCC), Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Center for MicroPhysiological Systems (MPS), Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
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6
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Saglam-Metiner P, Yildirim E, Dincer C, Basak O, Yesil-Celiktas O. Humanized brain organoids-on-chip integrated with sensors for screening neuronal activity and neurotoxicity. Mikrochim Acta 2024; 191:71. [PMID: 38168828 DOI: 10.1007/s00604-023-06165-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
The complex structure and function of the human central nervous system that develops from the neural tube made in vitro modeling quite challenging until the discovery of brain organoids. Human-induced pluripotent stem cells-derived brain organoids offer recapitulation of the features of early human neurodevelopment in vitro, including the generation, proliferation, and differentiation into mature neurons and micro-macroglial cells, as well as the complex interactions among these diverse cell types of the developing brain. Recent advancements in brain organoids, microfluidic systems, real-time sensing technologies, and their cutting-edge integrated use provide excellent models and tools for emulation of fundamental neurodevelopmental processes, the pathology of neurological disorders, personalized transplantation therapy, and high-throughput neurotoxicity testing by bridging the gap between two-dimensional models and the complex three-dimensional environment in vivo. In this review, we summarize how bioengineering approaches are applied to mitigate the limitations of brain organoids for biomedical and clinical research. We further provide an extensive overview and future perspectives of the humanized brain organoids-on-chip platforms with integrated sensors toward brain organoid intelligence and biocomputing studies. Such approaches might pave the way for increasing approvable clinical applications by solving their current limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pelin Saglam-Metiner
- Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Division of Neuroscience, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ender Yildirim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey
- ODTÜ MEMS Center, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Can Dincer
- Department of Microsystems Engineering (IMTEK), University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- FIT Freiburg Center for Interactive Materials and Bioinspired Technologies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Onur Basak
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Division of Neuroscience, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ozlem Yesil-Celiktas
- Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey.
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Zhou S, Yang J, Li R, Chen Y, Li C, Chen C, Tao Y, Fan S, Wu D, Wen L, Qiu B, Ding W. Live Imaging of 3D Hanging Drop Arrays through Manipulation of Light-Responsive Pyroelectric Slippery Surface and Chip Adhesion. NANO LETTERS 2023; 23:10710-10718. [PMID: 38010943 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.3c02570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) hanging drop cell culture is widely used in organoid culture because of its lack of selection pressure and rapid cell aggregation. However, current hanging drop technology has limitations, such as a dependence on complex microfluidic transport channels or specific capillary force templates for drop formation, which leads to unchangeable drop features. These methods also hinder live imaging because of space and complexity constraints. Here, we have developed a hanging drop construction method and created a flexible 3D hanging drop construction platform composed of a manipulation module and an adhesion module. Their harmonious operation allows for the easy construction of hanging drops of varying sizes, types, and patterns. Our platform produces a cell hanging drop chip with small sizes and clear fields of view, thereby making it compatible with live imaging. This platform has great potential for personalized medicine, cancer and drug discovery, tissue engineering, and stem cell research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuneng Zhou
- Department of Electronic Engineering and Information Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, China
- Department of Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230001, China
| | - Junfeng Yang
- Department of Precision Machinery and Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Rui Li
- Department of Precision Machinery and Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Yiyu Chen
- Department of Precision Machinery and Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Chengpan Li
- Department of Electronic Engineering and Information Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, China
| | - Chao Chen
- Department of Precision Machinery and Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Yuan Tao
- Department of Precision Machinery and Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Shengying Fan
- Department of Precision Machinery and Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Dong Wu
- Department of Precision Machinery and Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Li Wen
- Department of Precision Machinery and Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Bensheng Qiu
- Department of Electronic Engineering and Information Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, China
| | - Weiping Ding
- Department of Electronic Engineering and Information Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, China
- Department of Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230001, China
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8
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Nunes C, Proença S, Ambrosini G, Pamies D, Thomas A, Kramer NI, Zurich MG. Integrating distribution kinetics and toxicodynamics to assess repeat dose neurotoxicity in vitro using human BrainSpheres: a case study on amiodarone. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1248882. [PMID: 37745076 PMCID: PMC10512064 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1248882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
For ethical, economical, and scientific reasons, animal experimentation, used to evaluate the potential neurotoxicity of chemicals before their release in the market, needs to be replaced by new approach methodologies. To illustrate the use of new approach methodologies, the human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived 3D model BrainSpheres was acutely (48 h) or repeatedly (7 days) exposed to amiodarone (0.625-15 µM), a lipophilic antiarrhythmic drug reported to have deleterious effects on the nervous system. Neurotoxicity was assessed using transcriptomics, the immunohistochemistry of cell type-specific markers, and real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction for various genes involved in the lipid metabolism. By integrating distribution kinetics modeling with neurotoxicity readouts, we show that the observed time- and concentration-dependent increase in the neurotoxic effects of amiodarone is driven by the cellular accumulation of amiodarone after repeated dosing. The development of a compartmental in vitro distribution kinetics model allowed us to predict the change in cell-associated concentrations in BrainSpheres with time and for different exposure scenarios. The results suggest that human cells are intrinsically more sensitive to amiodarone than rodent cells. Amiodarone-induced regulation of lipid metabolism genes was observed in brain cells for the first time. Astrocytes appeared to be the most sensitive human brain cell type in vitro. In conclusion, assessing readouts at different molecular levels after the repeat dosing of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived BrainSpheres in combination with the compartmental modeling of in vitro kinetics provides a mechanistic means to assess neurotoxicity pathways and refine chemical safety assessment for humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Nunes
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology (SCAHT), Basel, Switzerland
| | - Susana Proença
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Toxicology Division, Wageningen University, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Giovanna Ambrosini
- Bioinformatics Competence Center, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Bioinformatics Competence Center, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - David Pamies
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology (SCAHT), Basel, Switzerland
| | - Aurélien Thomas
- Unit of Forensic Toxicology and Chemistry, CURML, Lausanne and Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
- Faculty Unit of Toxicology, CURML, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nynke I. Kramer
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Toxicology Division, Wageningen University, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Marie-Gabrielle Zurich
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology (SCAHT), Basel, Switzerland
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D'Antoni C, Mautone L, Sanchini C, Tondo L, Grassmann G, Cidonio G, Bezzi P, Cordella F, Di Angelantonio S. Unlocking Neural Function with 3D In Vitro Models: A Technical Review of Self-Assembled, Guided, and Bioprinted Brain Organoids and Their Applications in the Study of Neurodevelopmental and Neurodegenerative Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10762. [PMID: 37445940 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the complexities of the human brain and its associated disorders poses a significant challenge in neuroscience. Traditional research methods have limitations in replicating its intricacies, necessitating the development of in vitro models that can simulate its structure and function. Three-dimensional in vitro models, including organoids, cerebral organoids, bioprinted brain models, and functionalized brain organoids, offer promising platforms for studying human brain development, physiology, and disease. These models accurately replicate key aspects of human brain anatomy, gene expression, and cellular behavior, enabling drug discovery and toxicology studies while providing insights into human-specific phenomena not easily studied in animal models. The use of human-induced pluripotent stem cells has revolutionized the generation of 3D brain structures, with various techniques developed to generate specific brain regions. These advancements facilitate the study of brain structure development and function, overcoming previous limitations due to the scarcity of human brain samples. This technical review provides an overview of current 3D in vitro models of the human cortex, their development, characterization, and limitations, and explores the state of the art and future directions in the field, with a specific focus on their applications in studying neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara D'Antoni
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Center for Life Nano- and Neuro-Science of Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenza Mautone
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Center for Life Nano- and Neuro-Science of Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Caterina Sanchini
- Center for Life Nano- and Neuro-Science of Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Lucrezia Tondo
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Center for Life Nano- and Neuro-Science of Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Greta Grassmann
- Center for Life Nano- and Neuro-Science of Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), 00161 Rome, Italy
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "Alessandro Rossi Fanelli", Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Gianluca Cidonio
- Center for Life Nano- and Neuro-Science of Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Bezzi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Department of Fundamental Neurosciences, University of Lausanne, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Federica Cordella
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Center for Life Nano- and Neuro-Science of Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Di Angelantonio
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Center for Life Nano- and Neuro-Science of Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), 00161 Rome, Italy
- D-Tails s.r.l., 00165 Rome, Italy
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Gabriel-Segard T, Rontard J, Miny L, Dubuisson L, Batut A, Debis D, Gleyzes M, François F, Larramendy F, Soriano A, Honegger T, Paul S. Proof-of-Concept Human Organ-on-Chip Study: First Step of Platform to Assess Neuro-Immunological Communication Involved in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10568. [PMID: 37445748 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are complex chronic inflammatory disorders of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Recent evidence suggests that the gut-brain axis may be pivotal in gastrointestinal and neurological diseases, especially IBD. Here, we present the first proof of concept for a microfluidic technology to model bilateral neuro-immunological communication. We designed a device composed of three compartments with an asymmetric channel that allows the isolation of soma and neurites thanks to microchannels and creates an in vitro synaptic compartment. Human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cortical glutamatergic neurons were maintained in soma compartments for up to 21 days. We performed a localized addition of dendritic cells (MoDCs) to either the soma or synaptic compartment. The microfluidic device was coupled with microelectrode arrays (MEAs) to assess the impact on the electrophysiological activity of neurons while adding dendritic cells. Our data highlight that an electrophysiologic signal is transmitted between two compartments of glutamatergic neurons linked by synapses in a bottom-up way when soma is exposed to primed dendritic cells. In conclusion, our study authenticates communication between dendritic cells and neurons in inflammatory conditions such as IBD. This platform opens the way to complexification with gut components to reach a device for pharmacological compound screening by blocking the gut-brain axis at a mucosal level and may help patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tristan Gabriel-Segard
- CIRI-Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Team GIMAP, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Inserm, U1111, CNRS, UMR530, CIC 1408 Vaccinology, 42023 Saint-Etienne, France
- Service de Psychiatrie Transversale, Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire de Saint Etienne, Hôpital Nord, 42055 Saint-Etienne, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Fabien François
- CIRI-Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Team GIMAP, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Inserm, U1111, CNRS, UMR530, CIC 1408 Vaccinology, 42023 Saint-Etienne, France
| | | | - Alessandra Soriano
- Internal Medicine Department, Gastroenterology Division and IBD Center, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS, 42122 Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | | | - Stéphane Paul
- CIRI-Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Team GIMAP, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Inserm, U1111, CNRS, UMR530, CIC 1408 Vaccinology, 42023 Saint-Etienne, France
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11
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Akcay G, Luttge R. Microenvironments Matter: Advances in Brain-on-Chip. BIOSENSORS 2023; 13:551. [PMID: 37232912 PMCID: PMC10216565 DOI: 10.3390/bios13050551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
To highlight the particular needs with respect to modeling the unique and complex organization of the human brain structure, we reviewed the state-of-the-art in devising brain models with engineered instructive microenvironments. To acquire a better perspective on the brain's working mechanisms, we first summarize the importance of regional stiffness gradients in brain tissue, varying per layer and the cellular diversities of the layers. Through this, one can acquire an understanding of the essential parameters in emulating the brain in vitro. In addition to the brain's organizational architecture, we addressed also how the mechanical properties have an impact on neuronal cell responses. In this respect, advanced in vitro platforms emerged and profoundly changed the methods of brain modeling efforts from the past, mainly focusing on animal or cell line research. The main challenges in imitating features of the brain in a dish are with regard to composition and functionality. In neurobiological research, there are now methods that aim to cope with such challenges by the self-assembly of human-derived pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs), i.e., brainoids. Alternatively, these brainoids can be used stand-alone or in conjunction with Brain-on-Chip (BoC) platform technology, 3D-printed gels, and other types of engineered guidance features. Currently, advanced in vitro methods have made a giant leap forward regarding cost-effectiveness, ease-of-use, and availability. We bring these recent developments together into one review. We believe our conclusions will give a novel perspective towards advancing instructive microenvironments for BoCs and the understanding of the brain's cellular functions either in modeling healthy or diseased states of the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gulden Akcay
- Neuro-Nanoscale Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering/Microsystems, Institute of Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands;
| | - Regina Luttge
- Neuro-Nanoscale Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering/Microsystems, Institute of Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands;
- Eindhoven Artificial Intelligence Systems Institute, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Eindhoven Hendrik Casimir Institute, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
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