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Kim R, Sung JH. Recent Advances in Gut- and Gut-Organ-Axis-on-a-Chip Models. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2302777. [PMID: 38243887 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202302777] [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: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
The human gut extracts nutrients from the diet while forming the largest barrier against the outer environment. In addition, the gut actively maintains homeostasis through intricate interactions with the gut microbes, the immune system, the enteric nervous system, and other organs. These interactions influence digestive health and, furthermore, play crucial roles in systemic health and disease. Given its primary role in absorbing and metabolizing orally administered drugs, there is significant interest in the development of preclinical in vitro model systems that can accurately emulate the intestine in vivo. A gut-on-a-chip system holds great potential as a testing and screening platform because of its ability to emulate the physiological aspects of in vivo tissues and expandability to incorporate and combine with other organs. This review aims to identify the key physiological features of the human gut that need to be incorporated to build more accurate preclinical models and highlights the recent progress in gut-on-a-chip systems and competing technologies toward building more physiologically relevant preclinical model systems. Furthermore, various efforts to construct multi-organ systems with the gut, called gut-organ-axis-on-a-chip models, are discussed. In vitro gut models with physiological relevance can provide valuable platforms for bridging the gap between preclinical and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raehyun Kim
- Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Hongik University, Sejong, 30016, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Hwan Sung
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Hongik University, Seoul, 04066, Republic of Korea
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2
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Kaden T, Alonso-Roman R, Akbarimoghaddam P, Mosig AS, Graf K, Raasch M, Hoffmann B, Figge MT, Hube B, Gresnigt MS. Modeling of intravenous caspofungin administration using an intestine-on-chip reveals altered Candida albicans microcolonies and pathogenicity. Biomaterials 2024; 307:122525. [PMID: 38489910 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2024.122525] [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: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Candida albicans is a commensal yeast of the human intestinal microbiota that, under predisposing conditions, can become pathogenic and cause life-threatening systemic infections (candidiasis). Fungal-host interactions during candidiasis are commonly studied using conventional 2D in vitro models, which have provided critical insights into the pathogenicity. However, microphysiological models with a higher biological complexity may be more suitable to mimic in vivo-like infection processes and antifungal drug efficacy. Therefore, a 3D intestine-on-chip model was used to investigate fungal-host interactions during the onset of invasive candidiasis and evaluate antifungal treatment under clinically relevant conditions. By combining microbiological and image-based analyses we quantified infection processes such as invasiveness and fungal translocation across the epithelial barrier. Additionally, we obtained novel insights into fungal microcolony morphology and association with the tissue. Our results demonstrate that C. albicans microcolonies induce injury to the epithelial tissue by disrupting apical cell-cell contacts and causing inflammation. Caspofungin treatment effectively reduced the fungal biomass and induced substantial alterations in microcolony morphology during infection with a wild-type strain. However, caspofungin showed limited effects after infection with an echinocandin-resistant clinical isolate. Collectively, this organ-on-chip model can be leveraged for in-depth characterization of pathogen-host interactions and alterations due to antimicrobial treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Kaden
- Dynamic42 GmbH, Jena, Germany; Institute of Biochemistry II, Center for Sepsis Control and Care, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Raquel Alonso-Roman
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans-Knöll-Institute, Jena, Germany; Cluster of Excellence Balance of the Microverse, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Parastoo Akbarimoghaddam
- Cluster of Excellence Balance of the Microverse, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany; Applied Systems Biology, HKI-Center for Systems Biology of Infection, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans-Knöll-Institute, Jena, Germany; Faculty of Biological Sciences, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Alexander S Mosig
- Institute of Biochemistry II, Center for Sepsis Control and Care, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany; Cluster of Excellence Balance of the Microverse, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | | | | | - Bianca Hoffmann
- Applied Systems Biology, HKI-Center for Systems Biology of Infection, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans-Knöll-Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Marc T Figge
- Cluster of Excellence Balance of the Microverse, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany; Applied Systems Biology, HKI-Center for Systems Biology of Infection, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans-Knöll-Institute, Jena, Germany; Institute of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany.
| | - Bernhard Hube
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans-Knöll-Institute, Jena, Germany; Cluster of Excellence Balance of the Microverse, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany; Institute of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany.
| | - Mark S Gresnigt
- Cluster of Excellence Balance of the Microverse, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany; Junior Research Group Adaptive Pathogenicity Strategies, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans-Knöll-Institute, Jena, Germany.
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Alonso-Roman R, Mosig AS, Figge MT, Papenfort K, Eggeling C, Schacher FH, Hube B, Gresnigt MS. Organ-on-chip models for infectious disease research. Nat Microbiol 2024; 9:891-904. [PMID: 38528150 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-024-01645-6] [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: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
Research on microbial pathogens has traditionally relied on animal and cell culture models to mimic infection processes in the host. Over recent years, developments in microfluidics and bioengineering have led to organ-on-chip (OoC) technologies. These microfluidic systems create conditions that are more physiologically relevant and can be considered humanized in vitro models. Here we review various OoC models and how they have been applied for infectious disease research. We outline the properties that make them valuable tools in microbiology, such as dynamic microenvironments, vascularization, near-physiological tissue constitutions and partial integration of functional immune cells, as well as their limitations. Finally, we discuss the prospects for OoCs and their potential role in future infectious disease research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Alonso-Roman
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans-Knöll-Institute (Leibniz-HKI), Jena, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence Balance of the Microverse, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Alexander S Mosig
- Cluster of Excellence Balance of the Microverse, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
- Institute of Biochemistry II, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
- Center for Sepsis Control and Care, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich-Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Marc Thilo Figge
- Cluster of Excellence Balance of the Microverse, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
- Applied Systems Biology Group, Leibniz-HKI, Jena, Germany
- Institute of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Kai Papenfort
- Cluster of Excellence Balance of the Microverse, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
- Institute of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Christian Eggeling
- Cluster of Excellence Balance of the Microverse, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
- Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology, Leibniz Center for Photonics in Infection Research e.V., Jena, Germany
- Institute of Applied Optics and Biophysics, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
- Jena Center for Soft Matter, Jena, Germany
| | - Felix H Schacher
- Cluster of Excellence Balance of the Microverse, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
- Jena Center for Soft Matter, Jena, Germany
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Macromolecular Chemistry, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Bernhard Hube
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans-Knöll-Institute (Leibniz-HKI), Jena, Germany.
- Cluster of Excellence Balance of the Microverse, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany.
- Institute of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany.
| | - Mark S Gresnigt
- Cluster of Excellence Balance of the Microverse, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
- Junior Research Group Adaptive Pathogenicity Strategies, Leibniz-HKI, Jena, Germany
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Yokoi F, Deguchi S, Takayama K. Organ-on-a-chip models for elucidating the cellular biology of infectious diseases. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2023:119504. [PMID: 37245539 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2023.119504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Infectious diseases are caused by the invasion of pathogens into a host. To explore the mechanisms of pathogen infections and cellular responses, human models that can accurately recapitulate human pathophysiology are needed. Organ-on-a-chip is a type of advanced in vitro model system that cultures cells in microfluidic devices to replicate physiologically relevant microenvironments such as 3D structures, shear stress, and mechanical stimulation. Recently, organ-on-a-chips have been widely adopted to examine the pathophysiology of infectious diseases in detail. Here, we will summarize recent advances in infectious disease research of visceral organs such as the lung, intestine, liver, and kidneys, using organ-on-a-chips.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuki Yokoi
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan; Department of Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Sayaka Deguchi
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan; Department of Medical Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Kazuo Takayama
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan; AMED-CREST, Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED), Tokyo 100-0004, Japan.
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Valiei A, Aminian-Dehkordi J, Mofrad MRK. Gut-on-a-chip models for dissecting the gut microbiology and physiology. APL Bioeng 2023; 7:011502. [PMID: 36875738 PMCID: PMC9977465 DOI: 10.1063/5.0126541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Microfluidic technologies have been extensively investigated in recent years for developing organ-on-a-chip-devices as robust in vitro models aiming to recapitulate organ 3D topography and its physicochemical cues. Among these attempts, an important research front has focused on simulating the physiology of the gut, an organ with a distinct cellular composition featuring a plethora of microbial and human cells that mutually mediate critical body functions. This research has led to innovative approaches to model fluid flow, mechanical forces, and oxygen gradients, which are all important developmental cues of the gut physiological system. A myriad of studies has demonstrated that gut-on-a-chip models reinforce a prolonged coculture of microbiota and human cells with genotypic and phenotypic responses that closely mimic the in vivo data. Accordingly, the excellent organ mimicry offered by gut-on-a-chips has fueled numerous investigations on the clinical and industrial applications of these devices in recent years. In this review, we outline various gut-on-a-chip designs, particularly focusing on different configurations used to coculture the microbiome and various human intestinal cells. We then elaborate on different approaches that have been adopted to model key physiochemical stimuli and explore how these models have been beneficial to understanding gut pathophysiology and testing therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amin Valiei
- Molecular Cell Biomechanics Laboratory, Departments of Bioengineering and Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, USA
| | - Javad Aminian-Dehkordi
- Molecular Cell Biomechanics Laboratory, Departments of Bioengineering and Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, USA
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Guo Y, Chen X, Gong P, Li G, Yao W, Yang W. The Gut-Organ-Axis Concept: Advances the Application of Gut-on-Chip Technology. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24044089. [PMID: 36835499 PMCID: PMC9962350 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24044089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The intestine is considered to be a vital digestive organ to absorb nutrients and is the largest immune organ, while numerous microorganisms coexist with the host. It is well known that the complex interactions between the gut microbiota and the host's immune system inevitably affect the function of other organs, creating an "axis" between them. During the past few years, a new technique based mainly on microfluidics and cell biology has been developed to emulate the structure, function, and microenvironment of the human gut, called the "gut-on-chip". This microfluidic chip provides insight into key aspects of gut function in health and disease, such as the gut-brain axis, gut-liver axis, gut-kidney axis, and gut-lung axis. In this review, we first describe the basic theory of the gut axis and the various composition and parameter monitoring of the gut microarray systems, as well as summarize the development and emerging advances in the gut-organ-on-chip, with a focus on the host-gut flora and nutrient metabolism, and highlight their role in pathophysiological studies. In addition, this paper discusses the challenges and prospects for the current development and further use of the gut-organ-on-chip platform.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Pin Gong
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-13772196479
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7
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Zhang D, Qiao L. Intestine‐on‐a‐chip for intestinal disease study and pharmacological research. VIEW 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/viw.20220037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Dongxue Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, and Shanghai Stomatological Hospital Fudan University Shanghai China
| | - Liang Qiao
- Department of Chemistry, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, and Shanghai Stomatological Hospital Fudan University Shanghai China
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8
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Development of Tumor-Vasculature Interaction on Chip Mimicking Vessel Co-Option of Glioblastoma. BIOCHIP JOURNAL 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s13206-022-00090-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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9
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Lv L, You Y, Liu Y, Yang Z. Advanced Research in Cellular Pharmacokinetics and its Cutting-edge Technologies. Curr Pharm Des 2022; 28:3095-3104. [PMID: 36082865 DOI: 10.2174/1381612828666220907102606] [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: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Pharmacokinetics (PK), as a significant part of pharmacology, runs through the overall process of the preclinical and clinical research on drugs and plays a significant role in determining the material basis of efficacy and mechanism research. However, due to the limitations of classical PK, cellular PK was put forward and developed rapidly. Many novel and original technologies have been innovatively applied to cellular PK research, thereby providing powerful technical support. As a novel field of PK research, cellular PK expands the research object and enriches the theoretical framework of PK. It provides a new perspective for elucidating the mechanism of drug action and the dynamic process of drug in the body. Furthermore, it provides a scientific basis and guiding significance for the development of new drugs and clinical rational drug use. Cellular PK can explain the dynamic process of certain drugs (e.g., antineoplastic drugs and antibiotics) and the disposition kinetics characteristics in some specific tissues (e.g., brain and tumor) in a clearer and more accurate manner. It is a beneficial supplement and the perfection of traditional PK. In the future, traditional and cellular PKs will complement each other well and improve into an all-around research system in drug developments. Briefly, this paper reviews the conceptual development of cellular PK and key associated technologies, explores its main functions and applications, and looks forward to the important pioneering significance and promising value for the development of PK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingjuan Lv
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yuyang You
- School of Automation, Beijing Institute of Technology, China
| | - Yeju Liu
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Zhihong Yang
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100193, China
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10
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Xu Y, Kong X, Zhu Y, Xu J, Mao H, Li J, Zhang J, Zhu X. Contribution of gut microbiota toward renal function in sepsis. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:985283. [PMID: 36147845 PMCID: PMC9486003 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.985283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sepsis most often involves the kidney and is one of the most common causes of acute kidney injury. The prevalence of septic acute kidney injury has increased significantly in recent years. The gut microbiota plays an important role in sepsis. It interacts with the kidney in a complex and multifactorial process, which is not fully understood. Sepsis may lead to gut microbiota alteration, orchestrate gut mucosal injury, and cause gut barrier failure, which further alters the host immunological and metabolic homeostasis. The pattern of gut microbiota alteration also varies with sepsis progression. Changes in intestinal microecology have double-edged effects on renal function, which also affects intestinal homeostasis. This review aimed to clarify the interaction between gut microbiota and renal function during the onset and progression of sepsis. The mechanism of gut–kidney crosstalk may provide potential insights for the development of novel therapeutic strategies for sepsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaya Xu
- Department of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, Xinhua Hospital, Affiliated to the Medical School of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiangmei Kong
- Department of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, Xinhua Hospital, Affiliated to the Medical School of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yueniu Zhu
- Department of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, Xinhua Hospital, Affiliated to the Medical School of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiayue Xu
- Department of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, Xinhua Hospital, Affiliated to the Medical School of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Haoyun Mao
- Department of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, Xinhua Hospital, Affiliated to the Medical School of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiru Li
- Department of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, Xinhua Hospital, Affiliated to the Medical School of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianhua Zhang
- Department of Pediatric Respiratory, Xinhua Hospital, Affiliated to the Medical School of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Jianhua Zhang,
| | - Xiaodong Zhu
- Department of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, Xinhua Hospital, Affiliated to the Medical School of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Xiaodong Zhu,
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Lee HR, Sung JH. Multi-Organ-on-a-Chip for Realization of Gut-Skin Axis. Biotechnol Bioeng 2022; 119:2590-2601. [PMID: 35750599 DOI: 10.1002/bit.28164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The concept of physiological link between the gut and the skin, known as the gut-skin axis, has been gaining more evidence recently. Although experimental data from animal and human studies support the existence of the gut-skin axis, in vitro model platforms that can test the hypothesis are lacking. Organ-on-a-chip offers the possibility of connecting different tissues and recapitulating interactions between them. In this study, we report a multi-organ chip that can capture the basic inter-organ communication between the gut and the skin. Its modular design enables separate culture and differentiation of the gut and skin tissues, and after assembly the two organs are connected via microfluidic channels than enables perfusion and mass transfer. We showed that the impairment of the gut barrier function exacerbated the adverse effect of fatty acids on skin cells, with decreased viability, increased level of cytokine secretion and human β-defensin-2 (hBD-2), an inflammatory dermal disease marker. Based on these results, we believe that our multi-organ chip can be a novel in vitro platform for recapitulating complex mechanisms underlying the gut-skin axis. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye Ri Lee
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Hongik University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jong Hwan Sung
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Hongik University, Seoul, Korea
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Organ-on-a-Chip for Studying Gut-Brain Interaction Mediated by Extracellular Vesicles in the Gut Microenvironment. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222413513. [PMID: 34948310 PMCID: PMC8707342 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are a group of membrane vesicles that play important roles in cell-to-cell and interspecies/interkingdom communications by modulating the pathophysiological conditions of recipient cells. Recent evidence has implied their potential roles in the gut–brain axis (GBA), which is a complex bidirectional communication system between the gut environment and brain pathophysiology. Despite the evidence, the roles of EVs in the gut microenvironment in the GBA are less highlighted. Moreover, there are critical challenges in the current GBA models and analyzing techniques for EVs, which may hinder the research. Currently, advances in organ-on-a-chip (OOC) technologies have provided a promising solution. Here, we review the potential effects of EVs occurring in the gut environment on brain physiology and behavior and discuss how to apply OOCs to research the GBA mediated by EVs in the gut microenvironment.
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