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Ueno H, Yamamura S. Fabrication Method for Shape-Controlled 3D Tissue Using High-Porosity Porous Structure. Bioengineering (Basel) 2024; 11:160. [PMID: 38391646 PMCID: PMC10885993 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering11020160] [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: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Shape-controlled 3D tissues resemble natural living tissues in human and animal bodies and are essential materials for developing and improving technologies in regenerative medicine, drug discovery, and biological robotics. In previous studies, shape-controlled 3D tissues were fabricated using scaffold structures or 3D bioprinting techniques. However, controlling the shape of 3D tissues without leaving non-natural materials inside the 3D tissue and efficiently fabricating them remains challenging. In this paper, we propose a novel method for fabricating shape-controlled 3D tissues free of non-natural materials using a flexible high-porosity porous structure (HPPS). The HPPS consisted of a micromesh with pore sizes of 14.87 ± 1.83 μm, lattice widths of 2.24 ± 0.10 μm, thicknesses of 9.96 ± 0.92 μm, porosity of 69.06 ± 3.30%, and an I-shaped microchamber of depth 555.26 ± 11.17 μm. U-87 human glioma cells were cultured in an I-shaped HPPS microchamber for 48 h. After cultivation, the 3D tissue was released within a few seconds while maintaining its I-shape. Specific chemicals, such as proteolytic enzymes, were not used. Moreover, the viability of the released cells composed of shape-controlled 3D tissues free of non-natural materials was above 90%. Therefore, the proposed fabrication method is recommended for shape-controlled 3D tissues free of non-natural materials without applying significant stresses to the cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hidetaka Ueno
- Center for Advanced Medical Engineering Research & Development (CAMED), Kobe University, 1-5-1 Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe-city 650-0047, Hyogo, Japan
- Department of Medical Device Engineering, Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe University, 7-5-1 Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe-city 650-0017, Hyogo, Japan
- Health and Medical Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), 2217-14 Hayashi-cho, Takamatsu-city 761-0395, Kagawa, Japan
| | - Shohei Yamamura
- Health and Medical Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), 2217-14 Hayashi-cho, Takamatsu-city 761-0395, Kagawa, Japan
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2
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Mahdavi R, Hashemi-Najafabadi S, Ghiass MA, Adiels CB. Microfluidic design for in-vitro liver zonation-a numerical analysis using COMSOL Multiphysics. Med Biol Eng Comput 2024; 62:121-133. [PMID: 37733153 DOI: 10.1007/s11517-023-02936-6] [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: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
The liver is one of the most important organs, with a complex physiology. Current in-vitro approaches are not accurate for disease modeling and drug toxicity research. One of those features is liver zonation, where cells display different physiological states due to different levels of oxygen and nutrient supplements. Organ-on-a-chip technology employs microfluidic platforms that enable a controlled environment for in-vitro cell culture. In this study, we propose a microfluidic design embedding a gas channel (of ambient air), creating an oxygen gradient. We numerically simulate different flow rates and cell densities with the COMSOL Multiphysics package considering cell-specific consumption rates of oxygen and glucose. We establish the cell density and flow rate for optimum oxygen and glucose distribution in the cell culture chamber. Furthermore, we show that a physiologically relevant concentration of oxygen and glucose in the chip is reached after 24 h and 30 min, respectively. The proposed microfluidic design and optimal parameters we identify in this paper provide a tool for in-vitro liver zonation studies. However, the microfluidic design is not exclusively for liver cell experiments but is foreseen to be applicable in cell studies where different gas concentration gradients are critical, e.g., studying hypoxia or toxic gas impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Mahdavi
- Biotechnology Department, Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, P.O. Box 14115-114, Iran
| | - Sameereh Hashemi-Najafabadi
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, P.O. Box 14115-114, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Adel Ghiass
- Tissue Engineering Department, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, P.O. Box 14115-114, Iran
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Qiu L, Kong B, Kong T, Wang H. Recent advances in liver-on-chips: Design, fabrication, and applications. SMART MEDICINE 2023; 2:e20220010. [PMID: 39188562 PMCID: PMC11235950 DOI: 10.1002/smmd.20220010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 08/28/2024]
Abstract
The liver is a multifunctional organ and the metabolic center of the human body. Most drugs and toxins are metabolized in the liver, resulting in varying degrees of hepatotoxicity. The damage of liver will seriously affect human health, so it is very important to study the prevention and treatment of liver diseases. At present, there are many research studies in this field. However, most of them are based on animal models, which are limited by the time-consuming processes and species difference between human and animals. In recent years, liver-on-chips have emerged and developed rapidly and are expected to replace animal models. Liver-on-chips refer to the use of a small number of liver cells on the chips to simulate the liver microenvironment and ultrastructure in vivo. They hold extensive applications in multiple fields by reproducing the unique physiological functions of the liver in vitro. In this review, we first introduced the physiology and pathology of liver and then described the cell system of liver-on-chips, the chip-based liver models, and the applications of liver-on-chips in liver transplantation, drug screening, and metabolic evaluation. Finally, we discussed the currently encountered challenges and future trends in liver-on-chips.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linjie Qiu
- The Eighth Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐Sen UniversityShenzhenChina
- School of MedicineSun Yat‐Sen UniversityShenzhenChina
| | - Bin Kong
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound ImagingDepartment of Biomedical EngineeringSchool of MedicineShenzhen UniversityShenzhenChina
| | - Tiantian Kong
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound ImagingDepartment of Biomedical EngineeringSchool of MedicineShenzhen UniversityShenzhenChina
| | - Huan Wang
- The Eighth Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐Sen UniversityShenzhenChina
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Miyamoto Y, Koshidaka Y, Murase K, Kanno S, Noguchi H, Miyado K, Ikeya T, Suzuki S, Yagi T, Teramoto N, Hayashi S. Functional Evaluation of 3D Liver Models Labeled with Polysaccharide Functionalized Magnetic Nanoparticles. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 15:7823. [PMID: 36363415 PMCID: PMC9658042 DOI: 10.3390/ma15217823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Establishing a rapid in vitro evaluation system for drug screening is essential for the development of new drugs. To reproduce tissues/organs with functions closer to living organisms, in vitro three-dimensional (3D) culture evaluation using microfabrication technology has been reported in recent years. Culture on patterned substrates with controlled hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions (Cell-ableTM) can create 3D liver models (miniature livers) with liver-specific Disse luminal structures and functions. MRI contrast agents are widely used as safe and minimally invasive diagnostic methods. We focused on anionic polysaccharide magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (Resovist®) and synthesized the four types of nanoparticle derivatives with different properties. Cationic nanoparticles (TMADM) can be used to label target cells in a short time and have been successfully visualized in vivo. In this study, we examined the morphology of various nanoparticles. The morphology of various nanoparticles showed relatively smooth-edged spherical shapes. As 3D liver models, we prepared primary hepatocyte-endothelial cell heterospheroids. The toxicity, CYP3A, and albumin secretory capacity were evaluated in the heterospheroids labeled with various nanoparticles. As the culture period progressed, the heterospheroids labeled with anionic and cationic nanoparticles showed lower liver function than non-labeled heterospheroids. In the future, there is a need to improve the method of creation of artificial 3D liver or to design a low-invasive MRI contrast agent to label the artificial 3D liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshitaka Miyamoto
- Department of Reproductive Biology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1 Okura, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 157-8535, Japan
- Department of Advanced Medicine in Biotechnology and Robotics, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 12-2-1 Ookayama, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 152-8552, Japan
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering, Chiba Institute of Technology, 2-17-1 Tsudanuma, Narashino, Chiba 275-0016, Japan
| | - Yumie Koshidaka
- Department of Advanced Medicine in Biotechnology and Robotics, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan
- Life Science Research Center, University of Toyama, 2630 Sugitani, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Katsutoshi Murase
- Nagoya Research Laboratory, Meito Sangyo Co., Ltd., 25-5 Kaechi, Nishibiwajima, Kiyosu, Aichi 452-0067, Japan
| | - Shoichiro Kanno
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 12-2-1 Ookayama, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 152-8552, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Noguchi
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara-cho, Okinawa 903-0215, Japan
| | - Kenji Miyado
- Department of Reproductive Biology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1 Okura, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 157-8535, Japan
| | - Takeshi Ikeya
- Photosensitive Materials Research Center, Toyo Gosei Co., Ltd., 4-2-1 Wakahagi, Inzai-shi, Chiba 270-1609, Japan
| | - Satoshi Suzuki
- Research Laboratories, HAB Research Organization, Ichikawa General Hospital, 5-11-13 Sugano, Ichikawa, Chiba 272-8513, Japan
| | - Tohru Yagi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 12-2-1 Ookayama, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 152-8552, Japan
| | - Naozumi Teramoto
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering, Chiba Institute of Technology, 2-17-1 Tsudanuma, Narashino, Chiba 275-0016, Japan
| | - Shuji Hayashi
- Department of Advanced Medicine in Biotechnology and Robotics, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan
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McDuffie D, Barr D, Agarwal A, Thomas E. Physiologically relevant microsystems to study viral infection in the human liver. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:999366. [PMID: 36246284 PMCID: PMC9555087 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.999366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Viral hepatitis is a leading cause of liver disease and mortality. Infection can occur acutely or chronically, but the mechanisms that govern the clearance of virus or lack thereof are poorly understood and merit further investigation. Though cures for viral hepatitis have been developed, they are expensive, not readily accessible in vulnerable populations and some patients may remain at an increased risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) even after viral clearance. To sustain infection in vitro, hepatocytes must be fully mature and remain in a differentiated state. However, primary hepatocytes rapidly dedifferentiate in conventional 2D in vitro platforms. Physiologically relevant or physiomimetic microsystems, are increasingly popular alternatives to traditional two-dimensional (2D) monocultures for in vitro studies. Physiomimetic systems reconstruct and incorporate elements of the native cellular microenvironment to improve biologic functionality in vitro. Multiple elements contribute to these models including ancillary tissue architecture, cell co-cultures, matrix proteins, chemical gradients and mechanical forces that contribute to increased viability, longevity and physiologic function for the tissue of interest. These microsystems are used in a wide variety of applications to study biological phenomena. Here, we explore the use of physiomimetic microsystems as tools for studying viral hepatitis infection in the liver and how the design of these platforms is tailored for enhanced investigation of the viral lifecycle when compared to conventional 2D cell culture models. Although liver-based physiomimetic microsystems are typically applied in the context of drug studies, the platforms developed for drug discovery purposes offer a solid foundation to support studies on viral hepatitis. Physiomimetic platforms may help prolong hepatocyte functionality in order to sustain chronic viral hepatitis infection in vitro for studying virus-host interactions for prolonged periods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis McDuffie
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, United States
| | - David Barr
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Ashutosh Agarwal
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, United States
- Desai Sethi Urology Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
- *Correspondence: Ashutosh Agarwal,
| | - Emmanuel Thomas
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, United States
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
- Schiff Center for Liver Diseases, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
- Emmanuel Thomas,
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Kim D, Lee SJ, Youn J, Hong H, Eom S, Kim DS. A deep and permeable nanofibrous oval-shaped microwell array for the stable formation of viable and functional spheroids. Biofabrication 2021; 13. [PMID: 34030141 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/ac044c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Despite the potential of a nanofibrous (NF) microwell array as a permeable microwell array to improve the viability and functions of spheroids, thanks to the superior permeability to both gases and solutes, there have still been difficulties regarding the stable formation of spheroids in the NF microwell array due to the low aspect ratio (AR) and the large interspacing between microwells. This study proposes a nanofibrous oval-shaped microwell array, named the NOVA microwell array, with both a high AR and a high well density, enabling us to not only collect cells in the microwell with a high cell seeding efficiency, but also to generate multiple viable and functional spheroids in a uniform and stable manner. To realize a deep NOVA microwell array with a high aspect ratio (AR = 0.9) and a high well density (494 wells cm-2), we developed a matched-mold thermoforming process for the fabrication of both size- and AR-controllable NOVA microwell arrays with various interspacing between microwells while maintaining the porous nature of the NF membrane. The human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cell spheroids cultured on the deep NOVA microwell array not only had uniform size and shape, with a spheroid circularity of 0.80 ± 0.03 at a cell seeding efficiency of 94.29 ± 9.55%, but also exhibited enhanced viability with a small fraction of dead cells and promoted functionality with increased albumin secretion, compared with the conventional impermeable microwell array. The superior characteristics of the deep NOVA microwell array, i.e. a high AR, a high well density, and a high permeability, pave the way to the production of various viable and functional spheroids and even organoids in a scalable manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dohui Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77, Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong Jin Lee
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77, Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaeseung Youn
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77, Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeonjun Hong
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77, Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Seongsu Eom
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77, Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Sung Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77, Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 37673, Republic of Korea.,Department of Chemical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77, Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 37673, Republic of Korea.,Institute for Convergence Research and Education in Advanced Technology, Yonsei University, 50, Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
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Liu T, den Berk L, Wondergem JAJ, Tong C, Kwakernaak MC, Braak BT, Heinrich D, Water B, Kieltyka RE. Squaramide-Based Supramolecular Materials Drive HepG2 Spheroid Differentiation. Adv Healthc Mater 2021; 10:e2001903. [PMID: 33929772 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202001903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
A major challenge in the use of HepG2 cell culture models for drug toxicity screening is their lack of maturity in 2D culture. 3D culture in Matrigel promotes the formation of spheroids that express liver-relevant markers, yet they still lack various primary hepatocyte functions. Therefore, alternative matrices where chemical composition and materials properties are controlled to steer maturation of HepG2 spheroids remain desired. Herein, a modular approach is taken based on a fully synthetic and minimalistic supramolecular matrix based on squaramide synthons outfitted with a cell-adhesive peptide, RGD for 3D HepG2 spheroid culture. Co-assemblies of RGD-functionalized squaramide-based and native monomers resulted in soft and self-recovering supramolecular hydrogels with a tunable RGD concentration. HepG2 spheroids are self-assembled and grown (≈150 µm) within the supramolecular hydrogels with high cell viability and differentiation over 21 days of culture. Importantly, significantly higher mRNA and protein expression levels of phase I and II metabolic enzymes, drug transporters, and liver markers are found for the squaramide hydrogels in comparison to Matrigel. Overall, the fully synthetic squaramide hydrogels are proven to be synthetically accessible and effective for HepG2 differentiation showcasing the potential of this supramolecular matrix to rival and replace naturally-derived materials classically used in high-throughput toxicity screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingxian Liu
- Department of Supramolecular and Biomaterials Chemistry Leiden Institute of Chemistry Leiden University P.O. Box 9502 Leiden 2300 RA Netherlands
| | - Linda den Berk
- Division of Drug Discovery and Safety Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research Leiden University P.O. Box 9502 Leiden 2300 RA Netherlands
| | - Joeri A. J. Wondergem
- Department of Physics Huygens‐Kamerlingh Onnes Laboratory Leiden University Leiden 2300 RA Netherlands
- Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research ISC Neunerplatz 2 Würzburg 97082 Germany
| | - Ciqing Tong
- Department of Supramolecular and Biomaterials Chemistry Leiden Institute of Chemistry Leiden University P.O. Box 9502 Leiden 2300 RA Netherlands
| | - Markus C. Kwakernaak
- Department of Supramolecular and Biomaterials Chemistry Leiden Institute of Chemistry Leiden University P.O. Box 9502 Leiden 2300 RA Netherlands
| | - Bas ter Braak
- Division of Drug Discovery and Safety Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research Leiden University P.O. Box 9502 Leiden 2300 RA Netherlands
| | - Doris Heinrich
- Department of Physics Huygens‐Kamerlingh Onnes Laboratory Leiden University Leiden 2300 RA Netherlands
- Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research ISC Neunerplatz 2 Würzburg 97082 Germany
| | - Bob Water
- Division of Drug Discovery and Safety Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research Leiden University P.O. Box 9502 Leiden 2300 RA Netherlands
| | - Roxanne E. Kieltyka
- Department of Supramolecular and Biomaterials Chemistry Leiden Institute of Chemistry Leiden University P.O. Box 9502 Leiden 2300 RA Netherlands
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Hao X, Li W. Chloroquine diphosphate suppresses liver cancer via inducing apoptosis in Wistar rats using interventional therapy. Oncol Lett 2021; 21:233. [PMID: 33613722 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2021.12494] [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: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer ranks as the second leading cause of cancer-associated mortality worldwide. To date, neither current ablation therapy nor chemotherapy are considered ideal in improving the outcome of liver cancer. Therefore, more effective therapies for treating this devastating disease are urgently required. Interventional therapy has been used for numerous years in the treatment of different types of cancer, and is characterized by the direct delivery of anticancer drugs into the tumor. It has been reported that antimalarial chloroquine diphosphate (CQ) exerts effective anticancer activity against several types of cancer. However, its effect on liver cancer remains unclear. Therefore, in the present study, 2D monolayer cell culture and 3D spheroid in vitro models, and a rat model, were utilized to investigate the effect of CQ on liver cancer. CQ demonstrated an effective anticancer effect on HepG2 cells and 3D liver spheroids. Furthermore, the drug significantly inhibited cell growth and viability in the 2D and 3D in vitro models. The CQ-based intervention treatment effectively attenuated tumor size and weight, increased food intake and consumption of drinking water, and improved body weight and survival rate of rats in the in vivo model. In addition, treatment with CQ potently increased the expression levels of the apoptosis-related genes. Taken together, the findings of the present study may provide a novel insight into the development of safe and effective treatments for liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoguang Hao
- Department of Radiology, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medicine University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, P.R. China
| | - Weijing Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medicine University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, P.R. China
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Huang D, Gibeley SB, Xu C, Xiao Y, Celik O, Ginsberg HN, Leong KW. Engineering liver microtissues for disease modeling and regenerative medicine. ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS 2020; 30:1909553. [PMID: 33390875 PMCID: PMC7774671 DOI: 10.1002/adfm.201909553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
The burden of liver diseases is increasing worldwide, accounting for two million deaths annually. In the past decade, tremendous progress has been made in the basic and translational research of liver tissue engineering. Liver microtissues are small, three-dimensional hepatocyte cultures that recapitulate liver physiology and have been used in biomedical research and regenerative medicine. This review summarizes recent advances, challenges, and future directions in liver microtissue research. Cellular engineering approaches are used to sustain primary hepatocytes or produce hepatocytes derived from pluripotent stem cells and other adult tissues. Three-dimensional microtissues are generated by scaffold-free assembly or scaffold-assisted methods such as macroencapsulation, droplet microfluidics, and bioprinting. Optimization of the hepatic microenvironment entails incorporating the appropriate cell composition for enhanced cell-cell interactions and niche-specific signals, and creating scaffolds with desired chemical, mechanical and physical properties. Perfusion-based culture systems such as bioreactors and microfluidic systems are used to achieve efficient exchange of nutrients and soluble factors. Taken together, systematic optimization of liver microtissues is a multidisciplinary effort focused on creating liver cultures and on-chip models with greater structural complexity and physiological relevance for use in liver disease research, therapeutic development, and regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dantong Huang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Sarah B. Gibeley
- Institute of Human Nutrition, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Cong Xu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Yang Xiao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Ozgenur Celik
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Henry N. Ginsberg
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Kam W. Leong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
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Meng Q, Wang Y, Li Y, Shen C. Hydrogel microfluidic-based liver-on-a-chip: Mimicking the mass transfer and structural features of liver. Biotechnol Bioeng 2020; 118:612-621. [PMID: 33017042 DOI: 10.1002/bit.27589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Liver is fed by nutrition via diffusion across the vascular wall from blood flow. However, hepatocytes in liver models are directly exposed to the perfusion culture medium, where the shear stress reduces the cell viability and liver-specific functions. By mimicking the mass transfer and structural features of hepatic lobule, we designed a microfluidic liver-on-a-chip based on the di-acrylated pluronic F127 hydrogel. In the hydrogel chip, hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 and human hepatic stellate cell LX-2 were statically cultured inside the microwells on the outer channel. These hepatic cells were fed by the diffused medium from the adjacent but separated inner channel with endothelial cell monolayers, which was perfused by the medium with physiologically relevant shear stress. As found, the hepatic cells in the liver-on-a-chip rapidly formed spheroids within 1-day incubation and expressed about one to two-fold higher viability/liver-specific functions than the corresponding static culture for at least 8 days. Moreover, the presence of endothelial cells also contributed to the expression of liver-specific functions in the liver-on-a-chip. Therefore, the proposed liver-on-a-chip provides a new concept for construction of 3D liver models in vitro, and shows the potential value for a variety of applications including bio-artificial livers and drug toxicity screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Meng
- College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ying Wang
- College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yingjun Li
- College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chong Shen
- College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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11
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iPSC-Derived Liver Organoids: A Journey from Drug Screening, to Disease Modeling, Arriving to Regenerative Medicine. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21176215. [PMID: 32867371 PMCID: PMC7503935 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21176215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver transplantation is the most common treatment for patients suffering from liver failure that is caused by congenital diseases, infectious agents, and environmental factors. Despite a high rate of patient survival following transplantation, organ availability remains the key limiting factor. As such, research has focused on the transplantation of different cell types that are capable of repopulating and restoring liver function. The best cellular mix capable of engrafting and proliferating over the long-term, as well as the optimal immunosuppression regimens, remain to be clearly well-defined. Hence, alternative strategies in the field of regenerative medicine have been explored. Since the discovery of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) that have the potential of differentiating into a broad spectrum of cell types, many studies have reported the achievement of iPSCs differentiation into liver cells, such as hepatocytes, cholangiocytes, endothelial cells, and Kupffer cells. In parallel, an increasing interest in the study of self-assemble or matrix-guided three-dimensional (3D) organoids have paved the way for functional bioartificial livers. In this review, we will focus on the recent breakthroughs in the development of iPSCs-based liver organoids and the major drawbacks and challenges that need to be overcome for the development of future applications.
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Labour MN, Le Guilcher C, Aid-Launais R, El Samad N, Lanouar S, Simon-Yarza T, Letourneur D. Development of 3D Hepatic Constructs Within Polysaccharide-Based Scaffolds with Tunable Properties. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21103644. [PMID: 32455711 PMCID: PMC7279349 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21103644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2020] [Revised: 05/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Organoids production is a key tool for in vitro studies of physiopathological conditions, drug-induced toxicity assays, and for a potential use in regenerative medicine. Hence, it prompted studies on hepatic organoids and liver regeneration. Numerous attempts to produce hepatic constructs had often limited success due to a lack of viability or functionality. Moreover, most products could not be translated for clinical studies. The aim of this study was to develop functional and viable hepatic constructs using a 3D porous scaffold with an adjustable structure, devoid of any animal component, that could also be used as an in vivo implantable system. We used a combination of pharmaceutical grade pullulan and dextran with different porogen formulations to form crosslinked scaffolds with macroporosity ranging from 30 µm to several hundreds of microns. Polysaccharide scaffolds were easy to prepare and to handle, and allowed confocal observations thanks to their transparency. A simple seeding method allowed a rapid impregnation of the scaffolds with HepG2 cells and a homogeneous cell distribution within the scaffolds. Cells were viable over seven days and form spheroids of various geometries and sizes. Cells in 3D express hepatic markers albumin, HNF4α and CYP3A4, start to polarize and were sensitive to acetaminophen in a concentration-dependant manner. Therefore, this study depicts a proof of concept for organoid production in 3D scaffolds that could be prepared under GMP conditions for reliable drug-induced toxicity studies and for liver tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Noëlle Labour
- INSERM U1148, LVTS, Université de Paris, X Bichat Hospital, 46 rue H Huchard, F-75018 Paris, France; (M.-N.L.); (C.L.G.); (R.A.-L.); (N.E.S.); (S.L.); (T.S.-Y.)
- INSERM U1148, LVTS, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, 99 av JB Clément, 93430 Villetaneuse, France
- École Pratique des Hautes Études, Paris Sciences et Lettres (PSL) Research University, 4-14 rue Ferrus, 75014 Paris, France
| | - Camile Le Guilcher
- INSERM U1148, LVTS, Université de Paris, X Bichat Hospital, 46 rue H Huchard, F-75018 Paris, France; (M.-N.L.); (C.L.G.); (R.A.-L.); (N.E.S.); (S.L.); (T.S.-Y.)
- INSERM U1148, LVTS, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, 99 av JB Clément, 93430 Villetaneuse, France
| | - Rachida Aid-Launais
- INSERM U1148, LVTS, Université de Paris, X Bichat Hospital, 46 rue H Huchard, F-75018 Paris, France; (M.-N.L.); (C.L.G.); (R.A.-L.); (N.E.S.); (S.L.); (T.S.-Y.)
- INSERM UMS-34, FRIM Université de Paris, X Bichat School of Medicine, F-75018 Paris, France
| | - Nour El Samad
- INSERM U1148, LVTS, Université de Paris, X Bichat Hospital, 46 rue H Huchard, F-75018 Paris, France; (M.-N.L.); (C.L.G.); (R.A.-L.); (N.E.S.); (S.L.); (T.S.-Y.)
- INSERM U1148, LVTS, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, 99 av JB Clément, 93430 Villetaneuse, France
| | - Soraya Lanouar
- INSERM U1148, LVTS, Université de Paris, X Bichat Hospital, 46 rue H Huchard, F-75018 Paris, France; (M.-N.L.); (C.L.G.); (R.A.-L.); (N.E.S.); (S.L.); (T.S.-Y.)
- INSERM U1148, LVTS, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, 99 av JB Clément, 93430 Villetaneuse, France
| | - Teresa Simon-Yarza
- INSERM U1148, LVTS, Université de Paris, X Bichat Hospital, 46 rue H Huchard, F-75018 Paris, France; (M.-N.L.); (C.L.G.); (R.A.-L.); (N.E.S.); (S.L.); (T.S.-Y.)
- INSERM U1148, LVTS, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, 99 av JB Clément, 93430 Villetaneuse, France
| | - Didier Letourneur
- INSERM U1148, LVTS, Université de Paris, X Bichat Hospital, 46 rue H Huchard, F-75018 Paris, France; (M.-N.L.); (C.L.G.); (R.A.-L.); (N.E.S.); (S.L.); (T.S.-Y.)
- INSERM U1148, LVTS, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, 99 av JB Clément, 93430 Villetaneuse, France
- Correspondence:
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Tao F, Sayo K, Sugimoto K, Aoki S, Kojima N. Development of a tunable method to generate various three-dimensional microstructures by replenishing macromolecules such as extracellular matrix components and polysaccharides. Sci Rep 2020; 10:6567. [PMID: 32300241 PMCID: PMC7162899 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-63621-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Multicellular spheroids (spheroids) are expected to be a promising approach to mimic in vivo organ functions and cell microenvironments. However, conventional spheroids do not fully consider the existence of extracellular matrices (ECMs). In this study, we developed a tunable method for replenishing macromolecules, including ECM components and polysaccharides, into spheroids without compromising cell viability by injecting a microvolume cell suspension into a high density of methylcellulose dissolved in the culture medium. Adjusting the ECM concentration in the cell suspension enabled the generation of different three-dimensional microstructures, such as "ECM gel capsules", which contained individually separated cells, and "ECM-loaded spheroids", which had thin ECM layers between cells. ECM-loaded spheroids with a 30-fold dilution of Matrigel (0.3 mg/ml) showed significantly higher albumin secretion than control spheroids composed of Hep G2 or HuH-7 cells. Additionally, the expression levels of major CYP genes were decreased in ECM gel capsules with undiluted Matrigel (9 mg/ml) compared to those in control spheroids. However, 0.3 mg/ml Matrigel did not disrupt gene expression. Furthermore, cell polarity associated with tight junction proteins (ZO-1 and Claudin-1) and the transporter protein MRP2 was markedly induced by using 0.3 mg/ml Matrigel. Thus, high-performance three-dimensional tissues fabricated by this method are applicable to increasing the efficiency of drug screening and to regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fumiya Tao
- Graduate School of Nanobioscience, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Kanae Sayo
- Graduate School of Nanobioscience, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Kazuyuki Sugimoto
- Solution Division, Quality Assurance and Customer Support Center, Life Innovation Business Headquarters, Yokogawa Electric Corporation, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Shigehisa Aoki
- Department of Pathology & Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga, Japan
| | - Nobuhiko Kojima
- Graduate School of Nanobioscience, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan.
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Deng J, Wei W, Chen Z, Lin B, Zhao W, Luo Y, Zhang X. Engineered Liver-on-a-Chip Platform to Mimic Liver Functions and Its Biomedical Applications: A Review. MICROMACHINES 2019; 10:E676. [PMID: 31591365 PMCID: PMC6843249 DOI: 10.3390/mi10100676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Revised: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hepatology and drug development for liver diseases require in vitro liver models. Typical models include 2D planar primary hepatocytes, hepatocyte spheroids, hepatocyte organoids, and liver-on-a-chip. Liver-on-a-chip has emerged as the mainstream model for drug development because it recapitulates the liver microenvironment and has good assay robustness such as reproducibility. Liver-on-a-chip with human primary cells can potentially correlate clinical testing. Liver-on-a-chip can not only predict drug hepatotoxicity and drug metabolism, but also connect other artificial organs on the chip for a human-on-a-chip, which can reflect the overall effect of a drug. Engineering an effective liver-on-a-chip device requires knowledge of multiple disciplines including chemistry, fluidic mechanics, cell biology, electrics, and optics. This review first introduces the physiological microenvironments in the liver, especially the cell composition and its specialized roles, and then summarizes the strategies to build a liver-on-a-chip via microfluidic technologies and its biomedical applications. In addition, the latest advancements of liver-on-a-chip technologies are discussed, which serve as a basis for further liver-on-a-chip research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiu Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Department of Chemical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China; (J.D.); (W.W.); (W.Z.); (Y.L.)
| | - Wenbo Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Department of Chemical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China; (J.D.); (W.W.); (W.Z.); (Y.L.)
| | - Zongzheng Chen
- Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine Postdoctoral research station, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China;
| | - Bingcheng Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Department of Chemical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China; (J.D.); (W.W.); (W.Z.); (Y.L.)
| | - Weijie Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Department of Chemical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China; (J.D.); (W.W.); (W.Z.); (Y.L.)
| | - Yong Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Department of Chemical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China; (J.D.); (W.W.); (W.Z.); (Y.L.)
| | - Xiuli Zhang
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
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Nahar S, Nakashima Y, Miyagi-Shiohira C, Kinjo T, Toyoda Z, Kobayashi N, Saitoh I, Watanabe M, Noguchi H, Fujita J. Cytokines in adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells promote the healing of liver disease. World J Stem Cells 2018; 10:146-159. [PMID: 30631390 PMCID: PMC6325075 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v10.i11.146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2018] [Revised: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 10/11/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) are a treatment cell source for patients with chronic liver injury. ADSCs are characterized by being harvested from the patient's own subcutaneous adipose tissue, a high cell yield (i.e., reduced immune rejection response), accumulation at a disease nidus, suppression of excessive immune response, production of various growth factors and cytokines, angiogenic effects, anti-apoptotic effects, and control of immune cells via cell-cell interaction. We previously showed that conditioned medium of ADSCs promoted hepatocyte proliferation and improved the liver function in a mouse model of acute liver failure. Furthermore, as found by many other groups, the administration of ADSCs improved liver tissue fibrosis in a mouse model of liver cirrhosis. A comprehensive protein expression analysis by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry showed that the various cytokines and chemokines produced by ADSCs promote the healing of liver disease. In this review, we examine the ability of expressed protein components of ADSCs to promote healing in cell therapy for liver disease. Previous studies demonstrated that ADSCs are a treatment cell source for patients with chronic liver injury. This review describes the various cytokines and chemokines produced by ADSCs that promote the healing of liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saifun Nahar
- Department of Infectious, Respiratory, and Digestive Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa 903-0215, Japan
| | - Yoshiki Nakashima
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa 903-0215, Japan
| | - Chika Miyagi-Shiohira
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa 903-0215, Japan
| | - Takao Kinjo
- Department of Basic Laboratory Sciences, School of Health Sciences in the Faculty of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa 903-0215, Japan
| | - Zensei Toyoda
- Department of Basic Laboratory Sciences, School of Health Sciences in the Faculty of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa 903-0215, Japan
| | | | - Issei Saitoh
- Division of Pediatric Dentistry, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Science, Niigata University, Niigata 951-8514, Japan
| | - Masami Watanabe
- Department of Urology, Okayama Univer sity Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Noguchi
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa 903-0215, Japan.
| | - Jiro Fujita
- Department of Infectious, Respiratory, and Digestive Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa 903-0215, Japan
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16
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Han W, Wu Q, Zhang X, Duan Z. Innovation for hepatotoxicity in vitro research models: A review. J Appl Toxicol 2018; 39:146-162. [PMID: 30182494 DOI: 10.1002/jat.3711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2018] [Revised: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 07/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Many categories of drugs can induce hepatotoxicity, so improving the prediction of toxic drugs is important. In vitro models using human hepatocytes are more accurate than in vivo animal models. Good in vitro models require an abundance of metabolic enzyme activities and normal cellular polarity. However, none of the in vitro models can completely simulate hepatocytes in the human body. There are two ways to overcome this limitation: enhancing the metabolic function of hepatocytes and changing the cultural environment. In this review, we summarize the current state of research, including the main characteristics of in vitro models and their limitations, as well as improved technology and developmental prospects. We hope that this review provides some new ideas for hepatotoxicity research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijia Han
- Artificial Liver Center, Beijing Youan Hospital; Capital Medical University; Beijing China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Liver Failure; Artificial Liver Treatment and Research; Beijing China
| | - Qiao Wu
- Artificial Liver Center, Beijing Youan Hospital; Capital Medical University; Beijing China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Liver Failure; Artificial Liver Treatment and Research; Beijing China
| | - Xiaohui Zhang
- Artificial Liver Center, Beijing Youan Hospital; Capital Medical University; Beijing China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Liver Failure; Artificial Liver Treatment and Research; Beijing China
| | - Zhongping Duan
- Artificial Liver Center, Beijing Youan Hospital; Capital Medical University; Beijing China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Liver Failure; Artificial Liver Treatment and Research; Beijing China
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17
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Underhill GH, Khetani SR. Advances in Engineered Human Liver Platforms for Drug Metabolism Studies. Drug Metab Dispos 2018; 46:1626-1637. [PMID: 30135245 DOI: 10.1124/dmd.118.083295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2018] [Accepted: 08/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolism in the liver often determines the overall clearance rates of many pharmaceuticals. Furthermore, induction or inhibition of the liver drug metabolism enzymes by perpetrator drugs can influence the metabolism of victim drugs (drug-drug interactions). Therefore, determining liver-drug interactions is critical during preclinical drug development. Unfortunately, studies in animals are often of limited value because of significant differences in the metabolic pathways of the liver across different species. To mitigate such limitations, the pharmaceutical industry uses a continuum of human liver models, ranging from microsomes to transfected cell lines and cultures of primary human hepatocytes (PHHs). Of these models, PHHs provide a balance of high-throughput testing capabilities together with a physiologically relevant cell type that exhibits all the characteristic enzymes, cofactors, and transporters. However, PHH monocultures display a rapid decline in metabolic capacity. Consequently, bioengineers have developed several tools, such as cellular microarrays, micropatterned cocultures, self-assembled and bioprinted spheroids, and perfusion devices, to enhance and stabilize PHH functions for ≥2 weeks. Many of these platforms have been validated for drug studies, whereas some have been adapted to include liver nonparenchymal cells that can influence hepatic drug metabolism in health and disease. Here, we focus on the design features of such platforms and their representative drug metabolism validation datasets, while discussing emerging trends. Overall, the use of engineered human liver platforms in the pharmaceutical industry has been steadily rising over the last 10 years, and we anticipate that these platforms will become an integral part of drug development with continued commercialization and validation for routine screening use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory H Underhill
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois; and Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Salman R Khetani
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois; and Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
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Luo Y, Zhang X, Li Y, Deng J, Li X, Qu Y, Lu Y, Liu T, Gao Z, Lin B. High-glucose 3D INS-1 cell model combined with a microfluidic circular concentration gradient generator for high throughput screening of drugs against type 2 diabetes. RSC Adv 2018; 8:25409-25416. [PMID: 35539797 PMCID: PMC9082620 DOI: 10.1039/c8ra04040k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2018] [Accepted: 07/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
In vitro models for screening of drugs against type 2 diabetes are crucial for the pharmaceutical industry. This paper presents a new approach for integration of a three-dimensionally-cultured insulinoma cell line (INS-1 cell) incubated in a high concentration of glucose as a new model. In this model, INS-1 cells tended to aggregate in the 3D gel (basement membrane extractant, BME), in a similar way to 3D in vivo cell culture models. The proliferation of INS-1 cells in BME was initially promoted and then suppressed by the high concentration of glucose, and the function of insulin secretion also was initially enhanced and then inhibited by the high concentration of glucose. These phenomena were similar to hyperglycemia symptoms, proving the validity of the proposed model. This model can help find the drugs that stimulate insulin secretion. Then, we identified the difference between the new model and the traditional two-dimensional model in terms of cell morphology, inhibition rate of cell proliferation, and insulin secretion. Simultaneously, we developed a circular drug concentration gradient generator based on microfluidic technology. We integrated the high-glucose 3D INS-1 cell model and the circular concentration gradient generator in the same microdevice, tested the utility of this microdevice in the field of drug screening with glipizide as a model drug, and found that the microdevice was more sensitive than the traditional device to screen the anti-diabetic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Department of Chemical Engineering & School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology Dalian 116024 China
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, Southeast University Nanjing 210096 China
| | - Xiuli Zhang
- Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences Dalian 116023 China
| | - Yujiao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Department of Chemical Engineering & School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology Dalian 116024 China
| | - Jiu Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Department of Chemical Engineering & School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology Dalian 116024 China
| | - Xiaorui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Department of Chemical Engineering & School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology Dalian 116024 China
| | - Yueyang Qu
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Department of Chemical Engineering & School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology Dalian 116024 China
| | - Yao Lu
- Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences Dalian 116023 China
| | - Tingjiao Liu
- Section of Oral Pathology, College of Stomatology, Dalian Medical University Dalian 116044 China
| | - Zhigang Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Department of Chemical Engineering & School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology Dalian 116024 China
| | - Bingcheng Lin
- Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences Dalian 116023 China
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19
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Underhill GH, Khetani SR. Bioengineered Liver Models for Drug Testing and Cell Differentiation Studies. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2018; 5:426-439.e1. [PMID: 29675458 PMCID: PMC5904032 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2017.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
In vitro models of the human liver are important for the following: (1) mitigating the risk of drug-induced liver injury to human beings, (2) modeling human liver diseases, (3) elucidating the role of single and combinatorial microenvironmental cues on liver cell function, and (4) enabling cell-based therapies in the clinic. Methods to isolate and culture primary human hepatocytes (PHHs), the gold standard for building human liver models, were developed several decades ago; however, PHHs show a precipitous decline in phenotypic functions in 2-dimensional extracellular matrix-coated conventional culture formats, which does not allow chronic treatment with drugs and other stimuli. The development of several engineering tools, such as cellular microarrays, protein micropatterning, microfluidics, biomaterial scaffolds, and bioprinting, now allow precise control over the cellular microenvironment for enhancing the function of both PHHs and induced pluripotent stem cell-derived human hepatocyte-like cells; long-term (4+ weeks) stabilization of hepatocellular function typically requires co-cultivation with liver-derived or non-liver-derived nonparenchymal cell types. In addition, the recent development of liver organoid culture systems can provide a strategy for the enhanced expansion of therapeutically relevant cell types. Here, we discuss advances in engineering approaches for constructing in vitro human liver models that have utility in drug screening and for determining microenvironmental determinants of liver cell differentiation/function. Design features and validation data of representative models are presented to highlight major trends followed by the discussion of pending issues that need to be addressed. Overall, bioengineered liver models have significantly advanced our understanding of liver function and injury, which will prove useful for drug development and ultimately cell-based therapies.
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Key Words
- 3D, 3-dimensional
- BAL, bioartificial liver
- Bioprinting
- CRP, C-reactive protein
- CYP450, cytochrome P450
- Cellular Microarrays
- DILI, drug-induced liver injury
- ECM, extracellular matrix
- HSC, hepatic stellate cell
- Hepatocytes
- IL, interleukin
- KC, Kupffer cell
- LSEC, liver sinusoidal endothelial cell
- MPCC, micropatterned co-culture
- Microfluidics
- Micropatterned Co-Cultures
- NPC, nonparenchymal cell
- PEG, polyethylene glycol
- PHH, primary human hepatocyte
- Spheroids
- iHep, induced pluripotent stem cell-derived human hepatocyte-like cell
- iPS, induced pluripotent stem
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory H. Underhill
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois
| | - Salman R. Khetani
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
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20
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Mosaad EO, Chambers KF, Futrega K, Clements JA, Doran MR. The Microwell-mesh: A high-throughput 3D prostate cancer spheroid and drug-testing platform. Sci Rep 2018; 8:253. [PMID: 29321576 PMCID: PMC5762676 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-18050-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2017] [Accepted: 11/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Treatment following early diagnosis of Prostate cancer (PCa) is increasingly successful, whilst the treatment of advanced and metastatic PCa remains challenging. A major limitation in the development of new therapies is the prediction of drug efficacy using in vitro models. Classic in vitro 2-dimensional (2D) cell monolayer cultures are hypersensitive to anti-cancer drugs. As a result, there has been a surge in the development of platforms that enable three dimensional (3D) cultures thought to better replicate natural physiology and better predict drug efficacy. A deficiency associated with most 3D culture systems is that their complexity reduces the number of replicates and combination therapies that can be feasibly evaluated. Herein, we describe the use of a microwell platform that utilises a nylon mesh to retain 3D micro-tumours in discrete microwells; termed the Microwell-mesh. The Microwell-mesh enables the manufacture of ~150 micro-tumours per well in a 48-well plate, and response to anti-tumour drugs can be readily quantified. Our results demonstrate that 3D micro-tumours, unlike 2D monolayers, are not hypersensitive to Docetaxel or Abiraterone Acetate, providing a superior platform for the evaluation of sequential drug treatment. In summary, the Microwell-mesh provides an efficient 3D micro-tumour platform for single and sequential drug screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- E O Mosaad
- Stem Cell Therapies Laboratory, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Translational Research Institute (TRI), Brisbane, Australia.,Biochemistry division, Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Damietta University, Damietta, Egypt
| | - K F Chambers
- Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK
| | - K Futrega
- Stem Cell Therapies Laboratory, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Translational Research Institute (TRI), Brisbane, Australia
| | - J A Clements
- Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre - Queensland (APCRC-Q), Brisbane, Australia
| | - M R Doran
- Stem Cell Therapies Laboratory, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Translational Research Institute (TRI), Brisbane, Australia. .,Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre - Queensland (APCRC-Q), Brisbane, Australia. .,Mater Research Institute - University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute (TRI), Brisbane, Australia. .,Australian National Centre for the Public Awareness of Science, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia.
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21
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Thomsen AR, Aldrian C, Bronsert P, Thomann Y, Nanko N, Melin N, Rücker G, Follo M, Grosu AL, Niedermann G, Layer PG, Heselich A, Lund PG. A deep conical agarose microwell array for adhesion independent three-dimensional cell culture and dynamic volume measurement. LAB ON A CHIP 2017; 18:179-189. [PMID: 29211089 DOI: 10.1039/c7lc00832e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Multicellular spheroids represent a well-established 3D model to study healthy and diseased cells in vitro. The use of conventional 3D cell culture platforms for the generation of multicellular spheroids is limited to cell types that easily self-assemble into spheroids because less adhesive cells fail to form stable aggregates. A high-precision micromoulding technique developed in our laboratory produces deep conical agarose microwell arrays that allow the cultivation of uniform multicellular aggregates, irrespective of the spheroid formation capacity of the cells. Such hydrogel arrays warrant a steady nutrient supply for several weeks, permit live volumetric measurements to monitor cell growth, enable immunohistochemical staining, fluorescence-based microscopy, and facilitate immediate harvesting of cell aggregates. This system also allows co-cultures of two distinct cell types either in direct cell-cell contact or at a distance as the hydrogel permits diffusion of soluble compounds. Notably, we show that co-culture of a breast cancer cell line with bone marrow stromal cells enhances 3D growth of the cancer cells in this system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas R Thomsen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Germany.
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22
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Advances in Engineered Liver Models for Investigating Drug-Induced Liver Injury. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2016; 2016:1829148. [PMID: 27725933 PMCID: PMC5048025 DOI: 10.1155/2016/1829148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2016] [Accepted: 07/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is a major cause of drug attrition. Testing drugs on human liver models is essential to mitigate the risk of clinical DILI since animal studies do not always suffice due to species-specific differences in liver pathways. While primary human hepatocytes (PHHs) can be cultured on extracellular matrix proteins, a rapid decline in functions leads to low sensitivity (<50%) in DILI prediction. Semiconductor-driven engineering tools now allow precise control over the hepatocyte microenvironment to enhance and stabilize phenotypic functions. The latest platforms coculture PHHs with stromal cells to achieve hepatic stability and enable crosstalk between the various liver cell types towards capturing complex cellular mechanisms in DILI. The recent introduction of induced pluripotent stem cell-derived human hepatocyte-like cells can potentially allow a better understanding of interindividual differences in idiosyncratic DILI. Liver models are also being coupled to other tissue models via microfluidic perfusion to study the intertissue crosstalk upon drug exposure as in a live organism. Here, we review the major advances being made in the engineering of liver models and readouts as they pertain to DILI investigations. We anticipate that engineered human liver models will reduce drug attrition, animal usage, and cases of DILI in humans.
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Miyamoto Y, Ikeuchi M, Noguchi H, Yagi T, Hayashi S. Enhanced Adipogenic Differentiation of Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells in an In Vitro Microenvironment: The Preparation of Adipose-Like Microtissues Using a Three-Dimensional Culture. CELL MEDICINE 2016; 9:35-44. [PMID: 28174673 DOI: 10.3727/215517916x693096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The application of stem cells for cell therapy has been extensively studied in recent years. Among the various types of stem cells, human adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ASCs) can be obtained in large quantities with relatively few passages, and they possess a stable quality. ASCs can differentiate into a number of cell types, such as adipose cells and ectodermal cells. We therefore focused on the in vitro microenvironment required for such differentiation and attempted to induce the differentiation of human stem cells into microtissues using a microelectromechanical system. We first evaluated the adipogenic differentiation of human ASC spheroids in a three-dimensional (3D) culture. We then created the in vitro microenvironment using a 3D combinatorial TASCL device and attempted to induce the adipogenic differentiation of human ASCs. The differentiation of human ASC spheroids cultured in maintenance medium and those cultured in adipocyte differentiation medium was evaluated via Oil red O staining using lipid droplets based on the quantity of accumulated triglycerides. The differentiation was confirmed in both media, but the human ASCs in the 3D cultures contained higher amounts of triglycerides than those in the 2D cultures. In the short culture period, greater adipogenic differentiation was observed in the 3D cultures than in the 2D cultures. The 3D culture using the TASCL device with adipogenic differentiation medium promoted greater differentiation of human ASCs into adipogenic lineages than either a 2D culture or a culture using a maintenance medium. In summary, the TASCL device created a hospitable in vitro microenvironment and may therefore be a useful tool for the induction of differentiation in 3D culture. The resultant human ASC spheroids were "adipose-like microtissues" that formed spherical aggregation perfectly and are expected to be applicable in regenerative medicine as well as cell transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshitaka Miyamoto
- Department of Advanced Medicine in Biotechnology and Robotics, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Japan; †Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masashi Ikeuchi
- †Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan; ‡PRESTO, Japan Science and Technology (JST), Saitama, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Noguchi
- § Department of Regenerative Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus , Okinawa , Japan
| | - Tohru Yagi
- ¶ School of Information Science and Engineering, Tokyo Institute of Technology , Tokyo , Japan
| | - Shuji Hayashi
- Department of Advanced Medicine in Biotechnology and Robotics, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine , Showa-ku, Nagoya , Japan
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24
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Ware BR, Khetani SR. Engineered Liver Platforms for Different Phases of Drug Development. Trends Biotechnol 2016; 35:172-183. [PMID: 27592803 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2016.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2016] [Revised: 07/26/2016] [Accepted: 08/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) remains a leading cause of drug withdrawal from human clinical trials or the marketplace. Owing to species-specific differences in liver pathways, predicting human-relevant DILI using in vitro human liver models is crucial. Microfabrication tools allow precise control over the cellular microenvironment towards stabilizing liver functions for weeks. These tools are used to engineer human liver models with different complexities and throughput using cell lines, primary cells, and stem cell-derived hepatocytes. Including multiple human liver cell types can mimic cell-cell interactions in specific types of DILI. Finally, organ-on-a-chip models demonstrate how drug metabolism in the liver affects multi-organ toxicities. In this review we survey engineered human liver platforms within the needs of different phases of drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenton R Ware
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Salman R Khetani
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA.
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25
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Gaskell H, Sharma P, Colley HE, Murdoch C, Williams DP, Webb SD. Characterization of a functional C3A liver spheroid model. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2016; 5:1053-1065. [PMID: 27746894 PMCID: PMC5047049 DOI: 10.1039/c6tx00101g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2016] [Accepted: 04/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
More predictive in vitro liver models are a critical requirement for preclinical screening of compounds demonstrating hepatotoxic liability. 3D liver spheroids have been shown to have an enhanced functional lifespan compared to 2D monocultures; however a detailed characterisation of spatiotemporal function and structure of spheroids still needs further attention before widespread use in industry. We have developed and characterized the structure and function of a 3D liver spheroid model formed from C3A hepatoma cells. Spheroids were viable and maintained a compact in vivo-like structure with zonation features for up to 32 days. MRP2 and Pgp transporters had polarised expression on the canalicular membrane of cells in the spheroids and were able to functionally transport CMFDA substrate into these canalicular structures. Spheroids expressed CYP2E1 and were able to synthesise and secrete albumin and urea to a higher degree than monolayer C3A cultures. Penetration of doxorubicin throughout the spheroid core was demonstrated. Spheroids showed increased susceptibility to hepatotoxins when compared to 2D cultures, with acetaminophen having an IC50 of 7.2 mM in spheroids compared to 33.8 mM in monolayer culture. To conclude, we developed an alternative method for creating C3A liver spheroids and demonstrated cellular polarisation and zonation, as well as superior liver-specific functionality and more sensitive toxicological response compared to standard 2D liver models, confirming a more in vivo-like liver model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harriet Gaskell
- MRC Centre for Drug Safety Science , Department of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology , Sherrington Building , Ashton Street and University of Liverpool , L69 3GE , UK . ; AstraZeneca , 310 , Cambridge Science Park , Milton Road , Cambridge , Cambridgeshire , CB4 0FZ , UK
| | - Parveen Sharma
- MRC Centre for Drug Safety Science , Department of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology , Sherrington Building , Ashton Street and University of Liverpool , L69 3GE , UK .
| | - Helen E Colley
- Academic Unit of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology , School of Clinical Dentistry , Claremont Crescent and University of Sheffield , Sheffield , S10 2TA , UK
| | - Craig Murdoch
- Academic Unit of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology , School of Clinical Dentistry , Claremont Crescent and University of Sheffield , Sheffield , S10 2TA , UK
| | - Dominic P Williams
- AstraZeneca , 310 , Cambridge Science Park , Milton Road , Cambridge , Cambridgeshire , CB4 0FZ , UK
| | - Steven D Webb
- Department of Mathematical Sciences , Liverpool John Moores University , James Parsons Building , Byrom Street , Liverpool , L3 3AF , UK
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