1
|
Ku J, Asuri P. Stem cell-based approaches for developmental neurotoxicity testing. FRONTIERS IN TOXICOLOGY 2024; 6:1402630. [PMID: 39238878 PMCID: PMC11374538 DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2024.1402630] [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: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurotoxicants are substances that can lead to adverse structural or functional effects on the nervous system. These can be chemical, biological, or physical agents that can cross the blood brain barrier to damage neurons or interfere with complex interactions between the nervous system and other organs. With concerns regarding social policy, public health, and medicine, there is a need to ensure rigorous testing for neurotoxicity. While the most common neurotoxicity tests involve using animal models, a shift towards stem cell-based platforms can potentially provide a more biologically accurate alternative in both clinical and pharmaceutical research. With this in mind, the objective of this article is to review both current technologies and recent advancements in evaluating neurotoxicants using stem cell-based approaches, with an emphasis on developmental neurotoxicants (DNTs) as these have the most potential to lead to irreversible critical damage on brain function. In the next section, attempts to develop novel predictive model approaches for the study of both neural cell fate and developmental neurotoxicity are discussed. Finally, this article concludes with a discussion of the future use of in silico methods within developmental neurotoxicity testing, and the role of regulatory bodies in promoting advancements within the space.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joy Ku
- Department of Bioengineering, Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, CA, United States
| | - Prashanth Asuri
- Department of Bioengineering, Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Babaei A, Tiraihi T, Ai J, Baheiraei N. Enhanced growth and differentiation of neural stem cells on alginate/collagen/reduced graphene oxide composite hydrogel incorporated with lithium chloride. BIOIMPACTS : BI 2023; 13:475-487. [PMID: 38022379 PMCID: PMC10676529 DOI: 10.34172/bi.2023.24266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Cell transplantation with hydrogel-based carriers is one of the advanced therapeutics for challenging diseases, such as spinal cord injury. Electrically conductive hydrogel has received much attention for its effect on nerve outgrowth and differentiation. Besides, a load of neuroprotective substances, such as lithium chloride can promote the differentiation properties of the hydrogel. Methods In this study, alginate/collagen/reduced graphene oxide hydrogel loaded with lithium chloride (AL/CO/rGO Li+) was prepared as an injectable cell delivery system for neural tissue regeneration. After determining the lithium-ion release profile, an MTT assay was performed to check neural viability. In the next step, real-time PCR was performed to evaluate the expression of cell adhesion and neurogenic markers. Results Our results showed that the combination of collagen fibers and rGO with alginates increased cell viability and the gene expression of collagen-binding receptor subunits such as integrin α1, and β1. Further, rGO contributed to the controlled release of lithium-ion hydrogel in terms of its plenty of negatively charged functional groups. The continuous culture of NSCs on AL/CO/rGO Li+ hydrogel increased neurogenic genes' expressions of nestin (5.9 fold), NF200 (36.8 fold), and synaptophysin (13.2 fold), as well as protein expression of NF200 and synaptophysin after about 14 days. Conclusion The simultaneous ability of electrical conduction and lithium-ion release of AL/CO/rGO Li+ hydrogel could provide a favorable microenvironment for NSCs by improving their survival, maintaining cell morphology, and expressing the neural marker. It may be potentially used as a therapeutic approach for stem cell transplantation in a spinal cord injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Azadeh Babaei
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Taki Tiraihi
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Jajar Ai
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nafiseh Baheiraei
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zhang SY, Zhao J, Ni JJ, Li H, Quan ZZ, Qing H. Application and prospects of high-throughput screening for in vitro neurogenesis. World J Stem Cells 2022; 14:393-419. [PMID: 35949394 PMCID: PMC9244953 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v14.i6.393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past few decades, high-throughput screening (HTS) has made great contributions to new drug discovery. HTS technology is equipped with higher throughput, minimized platforms, more automated and computerized operating systems, more efficient and sensitive detection devices, and rapid data processing systems. At the same time, in vitro neurogenesis is gradually becoming important in establishing models to investigate the mechanisms of neural disease or developmental processes. However, challenges remain in generating more mature and functional neurons with specific subtypes and in establishing robust and standardized three-dimensional (3D) in vitro models with neural cells cultured in 3D matrices or organoids representing specific brain regions. Here, we review the applications of HTS technologies on in vitro neurogenesis, especially aiming at identifying the essential genes, chemical small molecules and adaptive microenvironments that hold great prospects for generating functional neurons or more reproductive and homogeneous 3D organoids. We also discuss the developmental tendency of HTS technology, e.g., so-called next-generation screening, which utilizes 3D organoid-based screening combined with microfluidic devices to narrow the gap between in vitro models and in vivo situations both physiologically and pathologically.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Yuan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy in the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Department of Biology, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Juan Zhao
- Aerospace Medical Center, Aerospace Center Hospital, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jun-Jun Ni
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy in the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Department of Biology, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Hui Li
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy in the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Department of Biology, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Zhen-Zhen Quan
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy in the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Department of Biology, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Hong Qing
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy in the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Department of Biology, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Xu X, Wang L, Jing J, Zhan J, Xu C, Xie W, Ye S, Zhao Y, Zhang C, Huang F. Conductive Collagen-Based Hydrogel Combined With Electrical Stimulation to Promote Neural Stem Cell Proliferation and Differentiation. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:912497. [PMID: 35782495 PMCID: PMC9247657 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.912497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Injectable biomimetic hydrogels are a promising strategy for enhancing tissue repair after spinal cord injury (SCI) by restoring electrical signals and increasing stem cell differentiation. However, fabricating hydrogels that simultaneously exhibit high electrical conductivities, excellent mechanical properties, and biocompatibility remains a great challenge. In the present study, a collagen-based self-assembling cross-linking polymer network (SCPN) hydrogel containing poly-pyrrole (PPy), which imparted electroconductive properties, is developed for potential application in SCI repair. The prepared collagen/polypyrrole (Col/PPy)-based hydrogel exhibited a continuous and porous structure with pore sizes ranging from 50 to 200 μm. Mechanical test results indicated that the Young’s moduli of the prepared hydrogels were remarkably enhanced with PPy content in the range 0–40 mM. The conductivity of Col/PPy40 hydrogel was 0.176 ± 0.07 S/cm, which was beneficial for mediating electrical signals between tissues and accelerating the rate of nerve repair. The investigations of swelling and degradation of the hydrogels indicated that PPy chains interpenetrated and entangled with the collagen, thereby tightening the network structure of the hydrogel and improving its stability. The cell count kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and live/dead staining assay demonstrated that Col/PPy40 coupled with electrical simulation promoted the proliferation and survival of neural stem cells (NSCs). Compared with the other groups, the immunocytochemical analysis, qPCR, and Western blot studies suggested that Col/PPy40 coupled with ES maximally induced the differentiation of NSCs into neurons and inhibited the differentiation of NSCs into astrocytes. The results also indicated that the neurons in ES-treated Col/PPy40 hydrogel have longer neurites (170.8 ± 37.2 μm) and greater numbers of branch points (4.7 ± 1.2). Therefore, the prepared hydrogel system coupled with ES has potential prospects in the field of SCI treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinzhong Xu
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Lin Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
| | - Juehua Jing
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Junfeng Zhan
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Chungui Xu
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Wukun Xie
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Shuming Ye
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yao Zhao
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Chi Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- *Correspondence: Chi Zhang, ; Fei Huang,
| | - Fei Huang
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- *Correspondence: Chi Zhang, ; Fei Huang,
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Pampaloni NP, Giugliano M, Scaini D, Ballerini L, Rauti R. Advances in Nano Neuroscience: From Nanomaterials to Nanotools. Front Neurosci 2019; 12:953. [PMID: 30697140 PMCID: PMC6341218 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2018.00953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
During the last decades, neuroscientists have increasingly exploited a variety of artificial, de-novo synthesized materials with controlled nano-sized features. For instance, a renewed interest in the development of prostheses or neural interfaces was driven by the availability of novel nanomaterials that enabled the fabrication of implantable bioelectronics interfaces with reduced side effects and increased integration with the target biological tissue. The peculiar physical-chemical properties of nanomaterials have also contributed to the engineering of novel imaging devices toward sophisticated experimental settings, to smart fabricated scaffolds and microelectrodes, or other tools ultimately aimed at a better understanding of neural tissue functions. In this review, we focus on nanomaterials and specifically on carbon-based nanomaterials, such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene. While these materials raise potential safety concerns, they represent a tremendous technological opportunity for the restoration of neuronal functions. We then describe nanotools such as nanowires and nano-modified MEA for high-performance electrophysiological recording and stimulation of neuronal electrical activity. We finally focus on the fabrication of three-dimensional synthetic nanostructures, used as substrates to interface biological cells and tissues in vitro and in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Michele Giugliano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Institute Born-Bunge, Molecular, Cellular, and Network Excitability, Universiteit Antwerpen, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Denis Scaini
- Neuroscience Area, International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), Trieste, Italy
- ELETTRA Synchrotron Light Source, Nanoinnovation Lab, Trieste, Italy
| | - Laura Ballerini
- Neuroscience Area, International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), Trieste, Italy
| | - Rossana Rauti
- Neuroscience Area, International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), Trieste, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Li H, Zheng J, Wang H, Becker ML, Leipzig ND. Neural stem cell encapsulation and differentiation in strain promoted crosslinked polyethylene glycol-based hydrogels. J Biomater Appl 2018; 32:1222-1230. [PMID: 29392959 PMCID: PMC5898193 DOI: 10.1177/0885328218755711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Encapsulated cell viability within crosslinked hydrogels is a critical factor to consider in regenerative medicine/cell delivery applications. Herein, a "click" hydrogel system is presented encompassing 4-dibenzocyclooctynol functionalized polyethylene glycol, a four arm polyethylene glycol tetraazide crosslinker, tethered native protein attachment ligands (laminin), and a tethered potent neurogenic differentiation factor (interferon-γ). With this approach, hydrogel formation occurs via strain-promoted, metal-free, azide-alkyne cycloaddition in an aqueous buffer. This system demonstrated safe encapsulation of neural stem cells in biological conditions without chemical initiators/ultraviolet light, achieving high cell viability. Cell viability in click gels was nearly double that of ultraviolet exposed gels after 1 d as well as 14 d of subsequent culture; demonstrating the sensitivity of neural stem cells to ultraviolet light damage, as well as the need to develop safer encapsulation strategies. Finally, protein immobilized click hydrogel neural stem cell in vitro differentiation over 2 weeks demonstrated that the click gels specified primarily neurons without the need for additional protein differentiation factor media supplementation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hang Li
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Akron, Akron, OH, USA
| | - Jukuan Zheng
- Department of Polymer Science, University of Akron, Akron, OH, USA
| | - Huifeng Wang
- Department of Polymer Science, University of Akron, Akron, OH, USA
| | | | - Nic D. Leipzig
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Akron, Akron, OH, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Que RA, Arulmoli J, Da Silva NA, Flanagan LA, Wang SW. Recombinant collagen scaffolds as substrates for human neural stem/progenitor cells. J Biomed Mater Res A 2018; 106:1363-1372. [PMID: 29341434 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.36343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2017] [Revised: 12/05/2017] [Accepted: 01/10/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Adhesion to the microenvironment profoundly affects stem cell functions, including proliferation and differentiation, and understanding the interaction of stem cells with the microenvironment is important for controlling their behavior. In this study, we investigated the effects of the integrin binding epitopes GFOGER and IKVAV (natively present in collagen I and laminin, respectively) on human neural stem/progenitor cells (hNSPCs). To test the specificity of these epitopes, GFOGER or IKVAV were placed within the context of recombinant triple-helical collagen III engineered to be devoid of native integrin binding sites. HNSPCs adhered to collagen that presented GFOGER as the sole integrin-binding site, but not to IKVAV-containing collagen. For the GFOGER-containing collagens, antibodies against the β1 integrin subunit prevented cellular adhesion, antibodies against the α1 subunit reduced cell adhesion, and antibodies against α2 or α3 subunits had no significant effect. These results indicate that hNSPCs primarily interact with GFOGER through the α1β1 integrin heterodimer. These GFOGER-presenting collagen variants also supported differentiation of hNSPCs into neurons and astrocytes. Our findings show, for the first time, that hNSPCs can bind to the GFOGER sequence, and they provide motivation to develop hydrogels formed from recombinant collagen variants as a cell delivery scaffold. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 1363-1372, 2018.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard A Que
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, California, 92697
| | - Janahan Arulmoli
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, California, 92697.,Sue & Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center, University of California, Irvine, California, 92697
| | - Nancy A Da Silva
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, California, 92697.,Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of California, Irvine, California, 92697
| | - Lisa A Flanagan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, California, 92697.,Sue & Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center, University of California, Irvine, California, 92697.,Department of Neurology, University of California, Irvine, California, 92697
| | - Szu-Wen Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, California, 92697.,Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of California, Irvine, California, 92697
| |
Collapse
|