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Mazzini L, De Marchi F, Buzanska L, Follenzi A, Glover JC, Gelati M, Lombardi I, Maioli M, Mesa-Herrera F, Mitrečić D, Olgasi C, Pivoriūnas A, Sanchez-Pernaute R, Sgromo C, Zychowicz M, Vescovi A, Ferrari D. Current status and new avenues of stem cell-based preclinical and therapeutic approaches in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2024:1-22. [PMID: 39162129 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2024.2392307] [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: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 08/10/2024] [Indexed: 08/21/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cell therapy development represents a critical challenge in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) research. Despite more than 20 years of basic and clinical research, no definitive safety and efficacy results of cell-based therapies for ALS have been published. AREAS COVERED This review summarizes advances using stem cells (SCs) in pre-clinical studies to promote clinical translation and in clinical trials to treat ALS. New technologies have been developed and new experimental in vitro and animal models are now available to facilitate pre-clinical research in this field and to determine the most promising approaches to pursue in patients. New clinical trial designs aimed at developing personalized SC-based treatment with biological endpoints are being defined. EXPERT OPINION Knowledge of the basic biology of ALS and on the use of SCs to study and potentially treat ALS continues to grow. However, a consensus has yet to emerge on how best to translate these results into therapeutic applications. The selection and follow-up of patients should be based on clinical, biological, and molecular criteria. Planning of SC-based clinical trials should be coordinated with patient profiling genetically and molecularly to achieve personalized treatment. Much work within basic and clinical research is still needed to successfully transition SC therapy in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letizia Mazzini
- ALS Center, Neurology Unit, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Fabiola De Marchi
- ALS Center, Neurology Unit, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Leonora Buzanska
- Department of Stem Cell Bioengineering, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Antonia Follenzi
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Dipartimento Attività Integrate Ricerca Innovazione, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria SS. Antonio e Biagio e C. Arrigo, Alessandria, Italy
| | - Joel Clinton Glover
- Norwegian Center for Stem Cell Research, Department of Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Oslo University Hospital; Laboratory of Neural Development and Optical Recording (NDEVOR), Oslo, Norway
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Maurizio Gelati
- Unità Produttiva per Terapie Avanzate (UPTA), IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Ivan Lombardi
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milano, Italy
| | - Margherita Maioli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
- Center for Developmental Biology and Reprogramming-CEDEBIOR, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Fatima Mesa-Herrera
- Reprogramming and Neural Regeneration Lab, BioBizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Dinko Mitrečić
- Laboratory for Stem Cells, Croatian Institute for Brain Research and Department of Histology and Embryology, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Cristina Olgasi
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Augustas Pivoriūnas
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Rosario Sanchez-Pernaute
- Reprogramming and Neural Regeneration Lab, BioBizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
- Ikerbaske, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Chiara Sgromo
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Marzena Zychowicz
- Department of Stem Cell Bioengineering, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Angelo Vescovi
- Unità Produttiva per Terapie Avanzate (UPTA), IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milano, Italy
| | - Daniela Ferrari
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milano, Italy
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Korb A, Tajbakhsh S, Comai GE. Functional specialisation and coordination of myonuclei. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2024; 99:1164-1195. [PMID: 38477382 DOI: 10.1111/brv.13063] [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: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Myofibres serve as the functional unit for locomotion, with the sarcomere as fundamental subunit. Running the entire length of this structure are hundreds of myonuclei, located at the periphery of the myofibre, juxtaposed to the plasma membrane. Myonuclear specialisation and clustering at the centre and ends of the fibre are known to be essential for muscle contraction, yet the molecular basis of this regionalisation has remained unclear. While the 'myonuclear domain hypothesis' helped explain how myonuclei can independently govern large cytoplasmic territories, novel technologies have provided granularity on the diverse transcriptional programs running simultaneously within the syncytia and added a new perspective on how myonuclei communicate. Building upon this, we explore the critical cellular and molecular sources of transcriptional and functional heterogeneity within myofibres, discussing the impact of intrinsic and extrinsic factors on myonuclear programs. This knowledge provides new insights for understanding muscle development, repair, and disease, but also opens avenues for the development of novel and precise therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amaury Korb
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR 3738, Stem Cells & Development Unit, 25 rue du Dr. Roux, Institut Pasteur, Paris, F-75015, France
| | - Shahragim Tajbakhsh
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR 3738, Stem Cells & Development Unit, 25 rue du Dr. Roux, Institut Pasteur, Paris, F-75015, France
| | - Glenda E Comai
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR 3738, Stem Cells & Development Unit, 25 rue du Dr. Roux, Institut Pasteur, Paris, F-75015, France
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Nebol A, Gouti M. A new era in neuromuscular junction research: current advances in self-organized and assembled in vitro models. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2024; 87:102229. [PMID: 39047588 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2024.102229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Understanding the development and function of the human neuromuscular system is crucial for deciphering the mechanisms of neuromuscular disorders and developing effective therapies. However, limitations of animal models necessitate the development of human-specific in vitro models to study such complex diseases effectively. Here, we discuss different approaches for in vitro neuromuscular junction (NMJ) modeling: complex self-organized models that rely on the inherent abilities of cells to form NMJs based on embryonic developmental principles and assembled models that depend on integrating different cell types for controlled NMJ formation. Finally, we discuss the advantages and limitations of these models and the need for continued advancements enhanced by bioengineering approaches to deepen our understanding of human NMJ biology and pave the way for personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aylin Nebol
- Max Delbrück Center, Berlin 13125, Germany. https://twitter.com/@aylinnebol
| | - Mina Gouti
- Max Delbrück Center, Berlin 13125, Germany.
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Kwon J, Eom S, Kong JS, Cho DW, Kim DS, Kim J. Engineered Regenerative Isolated Peripheral Nerve Interface for Targeted Reinnervation. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024:e2406652. [PMID: 39051516 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202406652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
A regenerative peripheral nerve interface (RPNI) offers a therapeutic solution for nerve injury through reconstruction of the target muscle. However, implanting a transected peripheral nerve into an autologous skeletal muscle graft in RPNI causes donor-site morbidity, highlighting the need for tissue-engineered skeletal muscle constructs. Here, an engineered regenerative isolated peripheral nerve interface (eRIPEN) is developed using 3D skeletal cell printing combined with direct electrospinning to create a nanofiber membrane envelop for host nerve implantation. In this in vivo study, after over 8 months of RPNI surgery, the eRIPEN exhibits a minimum Feret diameter of 15-20 µm with a cross-sectional area of 100-500 µm2, representing the largest distribution of myofibers. Furthermore, neuromuscular junction formation and muscle contraction with a force of ≈28 N are observed. Notably, the decreased hypersensitivity to mechanical/thermal stimuli and an improved tibial functional index from -77 to -56 are found in the eRIPEN group. The present novel concept of eRIPEN paves the way for the utilization and application of tissue-engineered constructs in RPNI, ultimately realizing neuroprosthesis control through synaptic connections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinju Kwon
- Department of Health Science, Graduate School, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
- Transdisciplinary Major in Learning Health Systems, Department of Healthcare Sciences, Graduate School, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02841, 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
| | - Jeong Sik Kong
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk, 37673, Republic of Korea
- POSTECH-Catholic Biomedical Engineering Institute, POSTECH, Pohang, Gyeongbuk, 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Woo Cho
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk, 37673, Republic of Korea
- POSTECH-Catholic Biomedical Engineering Institute, POSTECH, 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
- School of Interdisciplinary Bioscience and Bioengineering, 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
| | - Junesun Kim
- Department of Health Science, Graduate School, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
- Department of Health and Environmental Science, Undergraduate School, College of Health Science, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
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Leconte M, Bonne G, Bertrand AT. Recent insights in striated muscle laminopathies. Curr Opin Neurol 2024:00019052-990000000-00179. [PMID: 38989655 DOI: 10.1097/wco.0000000000001297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To highlight recent insights in different aspects of striated muscle laminopathies (SMLs) related to LMNA mutations. RECENT FINDINGS Clinical and genetic studies allow better patient management and diagnosis, with confirmation of ventricular tachyarrhythmias (VTA) risk prediction score to help with ICD implantation and development of models to help with classification of LMNA variants of uncertain significance. From a pathophysiology perspective, characterization of lamin interactomes in different contexts revealed new lamin A/C partners. Expression or function modulation of these partners evidenced them as potential therapeutic targets. After a positive phase 2, the first phase 3 clinical trial, testing a p38 inhibitor targeting the life-threatening cardiac disease of SML, has been recently stopped, thus highlighting the need for new therapeutic approaches together with new animal and cell models. SUMMARY Since the first LMNA mutation report in 1999, lamin A/C structure and functions have been actively explored to understand the SML pathophysiology. The latest discoveries of partners and altered pathways, highlight the importance of lamin A/C at the nuclear periphery and in the nucleoplasm. Modulation of altered pathways allowed some benefits, especially for cardiac involvement. However, additional studies are still needed to fully assess treatment efficacy and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marine Leconte
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Institut de Myologie, Centre de recherche en Myologie, Paris, France
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Jiang Y, Zhou R, Wu Y, Kong G, Zeng J, Li X, Wang B, Gu C, Liao F, Qi F, Zhu Q, Gu L, Zheng C. In vitro modeling of skeletal muscle ischemia-reperfusion injury based on sphere differentiation culture from human pluripotent stem cells. Exp Cell Res 2024; 439:114111. [PMID: 38823471 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2024.114111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
Skeletal muscle ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury poses significant challenges due to its local and systemic complications. Traditional studies relying on two-dimensional (2D) cell culture or animal models often fall short of faithfully replicating the human in vivo environment, thereby impeding the translational process from animal research to clinical applications. Three-dimensional (3D) constructs, such as skeletal muscle spheroids with enhanced cell-cell interactions from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) offer a promising alternative by partially mimicking human physiological cellular environment in vivo processes. This study aims to establish an innovative in vitro model, human skeletal muscle spheroids based on sphere differentiation from hPSCs, to investigate human skeletal muscle developmental processes and IR mechanisms within a controlled laboratory setting. By eticulously recapitulating embryonic myogenesis through paraxial mesodermal differentiation of neuro-mesodermal progenitors, we successfully established 3D skeletal muscle spheroids that mirror the dynamic colonization observed during human skeletal muscle development. Co-culturing human skeletal muscle spheroids with spinal cord spheroids facilitated the formation of neuromuscular junctions, providing functional relevance to skeletal muscle spheroids. Furthermore, through oxygen-glucose deprivation/re-oxygenation treatment, 3D skeletal muscle spheroids provide insights into the molecular events and pathogenesis of IR injury. The findings presented in this study significantly contribute to our understanding of skeletal muscle development and offer a robust platform for in vitro studies on skeletal muscle IR injury, holding potential applications in drug testing, therapeutic development, and personalized medicine within the realm of skeletal muscle-related pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifei Jiang
- Department of Microsurgery, Orthopedic Trauma and Hand Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Province Engineering Laboratory for Soft Tissue Biofabrication, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Peripheral Nerve Tissue Engineering and Technology Research Center, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Runtao Zhou
- Department of Microsurgery, Orthopedic Trauma and Hand Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Province Engineering Laboratory for Soft Tissue Biofabrication, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Peripheral Nerve Tissue Engineering and Technology Research Center, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yixun Wu
- Department of Microsurgery, Orthopedic Trauma and Hand Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Province Engineering Laboratory for Soft Tissue Biofabrication, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Peripheral Nerve Tissue Engineering and Technology Research Center, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ganggang Kong
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Guangzhou, China; Department of Spine Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingguang Zeng
- Department of Microsurgery, Orthopedic Trauma and Hand Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Province Engineering Laboratory for Soft Tissue Biofabrication, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Peripheral Nerve Tissue Engineering and Technology Research Center, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xubo Li
- Department of Microsurgery, Orthopedic Trauma and Hand Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Province Engineering Laboratory for Soft Tissue Biofabrication, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Peripheral Nerve Tissue Engineering and Technology Research Center, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bo Wang
- Department of Microsurgery, Orthopedic Trauma and Hand Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Province Engineering Laboratory for Soft Tissue Biofabrication, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Peripheral Nerve Tissue Engineering and Technology Research Center, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Cheng Gu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Guangzhou, China; Department of Joint Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fawei Liao
- Department of Microsurgery, Orthopedic Trauma and Hand Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Province Engineering Laboratory for Soft Tissue Biofabrication, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Peripheral Nerve Tissue Engineering and Technology Research Center, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fangze Qi
- Department of Microsurgery, Orthopedic Trauma and Hand Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Province Engineering Laboratory for Soft Tissue Biofabrication, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Peripheral Nerve Tissue Engineering and Technology Research Center, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qintang Zhu
- Department of Microsurgery, Orthopedic Trauma and Hand Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Province Engineering Laboratory for Soft Tissue Biofabrication, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Peripheral Nerve Tissue Engineering and Technology Research Center, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liqiang Gu
- Department of Microsurgery, Orthopedic Trauma and Hand Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Province Engineering Laboratory for Soft Tissue Biofabrication, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Peripheral Nerve Tissue Engineering and Technology Research Center, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Canbin Zheng
- Department of Microsurgery, Orthopedic Trauma and Hand Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Province Engineering Laboratory for Soft Tissue Biofabrication, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Peripheral Nerve Tissue Engineering and Technology Research Center, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Guangzhou, China.
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Zhou Z, Liu J, Xiong T, Liu Y, Tuan RS, Li ZA. Engineering Innervated Musculoskeletal Tissues for Regenerative Orthopedics and Disease Modeling. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2310614. [PMID: 38200684 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202310614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders significantly burden patients and society, resulting in high healthcare costs and productivity loss. These disorders are the leading cause of physical disability, and their prevalence is expected to increase as sedentary lifestyles become common and the global population of the elderly increases. Proper innervation is critical to maintaining MSK function, and nerve damage or dysfunction underlies various MSK disorders, underscoring the potential of restoring nerve function in MSK disorder treatment. However, most MSK tissue engineering strategies have overlooked the significance of innervation. This review first expounds upon innervation in the MSK system and its importance in maintaining MSK homeostasis and functions. This will be followed by strategies for engineering MSK tissues that induce post-implantation in situ innervation or are pre-innervated. Subsequently, research progress in modeling MSK disorders using innervated MSK organoids and organs-on-chips (OoCs) is analyzed. Finally, the future development of engineering innervated MSK tissues to treat MSK disorders and recapitulate disease mechanisms is discussed. This review provides valuable insights into the underlying principles, engineering methods, and applications of innervated MSK tissues, paving the way for the development of targeted, efficacious therapies for various MSK conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhilong Zhou
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong SAR, P. R. China
| | - Jun Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong SAR, P. R. China
- Center for Neuromusculoskeletal Restorative Medicine, Hong Kong Science Park, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong SAR, P. R. China
| | - Tiandi Xiong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong SAR, P. R. China
- Center for Neuromusculoskeletal Restorative Medicine, Hong Kong Science Park, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong SAR, P. R. China
| | - Yuwei Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong SAR, P. R. China
- Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518000, P. R. China
| | - Rocky S Tuan
- Center for Neuromusculoskeletal Restorative Medicine, Hong Kong Science Park, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong SAR, P. R. China
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong SAR, P. R. China
- Institute for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong SAR, P. R. China
| | - Zhong Alan Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong SAR, P. R. China
- Center for Neuromusculoskeletal Restorative Medicine, Hong Kong Science Park, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong SAR, P. R. China
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong SAR, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong SAR, P. R. China
- Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518057, P. R. China
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Farhang Doost N, Srivastava SK. A Comprehensive Review of Organ-on-a-Chip Technology and Its Applications. BIOSENSORS 2024; 14:225. [PMID: 38785699 PMCID: PMC11118005 DOI: 10.3390/bios14050225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Organ-on-a-chip (OOC) is an emerging technology that simulates an artificial organ within a microfluidic cell culture chip. Current cell biology research focuses on in vitro cell cultures due to various limitations of in vivo testing. Unfortunately, in-vitro cell culturing fails to provide an accurate microenvironment, and in vivo cell culturing is expensive and has historically been a source of ethical controversy. OOC aims to overcome these shortcomings and provide the best of both in vivo and in vitro cell culture research. The critical component of the OOC design is utilizing microfluidics to ensure a stable concentration gradient, dynamic mechanical stress modeling, and accurate reconstruction of a cellular microenvironment. OOC also has the advantage of complete observation and control of the system, which is impossible to recreate in in-vivo research. Multiple throughputs, channels, membranes, and chambers are constructed in a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) array to simulate various organs on a chip. Various experiments can be performed utilizing OOC technology, including drug delivery research and toxicology. Current technological expansions involve multiple organ microenvironments on a single chip, allowing for studying inter-tissue interactions. Other developments in the OOC technology include finding a more suitable material as a replacement for PDMS and minimizing artefactual error and non-translatable differences.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Soumya K. Srivastava
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA;
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De Cock L, Bercier V, Van Den Bosch L. New developments in pre-clinical models of ALS to guide translation. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2024; 176:477-524. [PMID: 38802181 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2024.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder in which selective death of motor neurons leads to muscle weakness and paralysis. Most research has focused on understanding and treating monogenic familial forms, most frequently caused by mutations in SOD1, FUS, TARDBP and C9orf72, although ALS is mostly sporadic and without a clear genetic cause. Rodent models have been developed to study monogenic ALS, but despite numerous pre-clinical studies and clinical trials, few disease-modifying therapies are available. ALS is a heterogeneous disease with complex underlying mechanisms where several genes and molecular pathways appear to play a role. One reason for the high failure rate of clinical translation from the current models could be oversimplification in pre-clinical studies. Here, we review advances in pre-clinical models to better capture the heterogeneous nature of ALS and discuss the value of novel model systems to guide translation and aid in the development of precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lenja De Cock
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Louvain-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Center for Brain and Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Valérie Bercier
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Louvain-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Center for Brain and Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ludo Van Den Bosch
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Louvain-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Center for Brain and Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium.
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Nguyen CT, Chávez-Madero C, Jacques E, Musgrave B, Yin T, Saraci K, Gilbert PM, Stewart BA. Electron microscopic analysis of the influence of iPSC-derived motor neurons on bioengineered human skeletal muscle tissues. Cell Tissue Res 2024; 396:57-69. [PMID: 38326636 PMCID: PMC10997689 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-024-03864-z] [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: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
3D bioengineered skeletal muscle macrotissues are increasingly important for studies of cell biology and development of therapeutics. Tissues derived from immortalized cells obtained from patient samples, or from pluripotent stem cells, can be co-cultured with motor-neurons to create models of human neuromuscular junctions in culture. In this study, we present foundational work on 3D cultured muscle ultrastructure, with and without motor neurons, which is enabled by the development of a new co-culture platform. Our results show that tissues from Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients are poorly organized compared to tissues grown from healthy donor and that the presence of motor neurons invariably improves sarcomere organization. Electron micrographs show that in the presence of motor neurons, filament directionality, banding patterns, z-disc continuity, and the appearance of presumptive SSR and T-tubule profiles all improve in healthy, DMD-, and iPSC-derived muscle tissue. Further work to identify the underlying defects of DMD tissue disorganization and the mechanisms by which motor neurons support muscle are likely to yield potential new therapeutic approaches for treating patients suffering from Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine T Nguyen
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, L5L 1C6, Canada
- Department of Cell & Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3G5, Canada
| | - Carolina Chávez-Madero
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3G9, Canada
- Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Erik Jacques
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3G9, Canada
- Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Brennen Musgrave
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3G9, Canada
- Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Ting Yin
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3G9, Canada
- Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Kejzi Saraci
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, L5L 1C6, Canada
| | - Penney M Gilbert
- Department of Cell & Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3G5, Canada
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3G9, Canada
- Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Bryan A Stewart
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, L5L 1C6, Canada.
- Department of Cell & Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3G5, Canada.
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11
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Gilbert PM, Hofmann S, Ng HH, Vankelecom H, Wells JM. Organoids in endocrine and metabolic research: current and emerging applications. Nat Rev Endocrinol 2024; 20:195-201. [PMID: 38182746 DOI: 10.1038/s41574-023-00933-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Penney M Gilbert
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Sandra Hofmann
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands.
| | - Huck-Hui Ng
- Laboratory of Precision Disease Therapeutics, Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Hugo Vankelecom
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Cluster of Stem Cell and Developmental Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - James M Wells
- Division of Developmental Biology, Division of Endocrinology, Center for Stem Cell and Organoid Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
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12
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Nguyen J, Wang L, Lei W, Hu Y, Gulati N, Chavez-Madero C, Ahn H, Ginsberg HJ, Krawetz R, Brandt M, Betz T, Gilbert PM. Culture substrate stiffness impacts human myoblast contractility-dependent proliferation and nuclear envelope wrinkling. J Cell Sci 2024; 137:jcs261666. [PMID: 38345101 PMCID: PMC11033523 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.261666] [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: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Understanding how biophysical and biochemical microenvironmental cues together influence the regenerative activities of muscle stem cells and their progeny is crucial in strategizing remedies for pathological dysregulation of these cues in aging and disease. In this study, we investigated the cell-level influences of extracellular matrix (ECM) ligands and culture substrate stiffness on primary human myoblast contractility and proliferation within 16 h of plating and found that tethered fibronectin led to stronger stiffness-dependent responses compared to laminin and collagen. A proteome-wide analysis further uncovered cell metabolism, cytoskeletal and nuclear component regulation distinctions between cells cultured on soft and stiff substrates. Interestingly, we found that softer substrates increased the incidence of myoblasts with a wrinkled nucleus, and that the extent of wrinkling could predict Ki67 (also known as MKI67) expression. Nuclear wrinkling and Ki67 expression could be controlled by pharmacological manipulation of cellular contractility, offering a potential cellular mechanism. These results provide new insights into the regulation of human myoblast stiffness-dependent contractility response by ECM ligands and highlight a link between myoblast contractility and proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jo Nguyen
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3E2, Canada
- Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Lu Wang
- Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Wen Lei
- Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Yechen Hu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3H6, Canada
| | - Nitya Gulati
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3E2, Canada
- Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Carolina Chavez-Madero
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3E2, Canada
- Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Henry Ahn
- Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5G 2C4, Canada
- Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, Saint Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, M5B 1W8, Canada
| | - Howard J. Ginsberg
- Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5G 2C4, Canada
- Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, Saint Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, M5B 1W8, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Roman Krawetz
- McCaig Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4Z6, Canada
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Matthias Brandt
- Institute of Cell Biology, Center for Molecular Biology of Inflammation, University Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Timo Betz
- Third Institute of Physics – Biophysics, Georg August University Göttingen, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Penney M. Gilbert
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3E2, Canada
- Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3E1, Canada
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3G5, Canada
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13
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Wang Z, Masuda T, Arai F. Fixation method of a single muscle fiber by magnetic force for stretching, transportation, and evaluation of mechanical properties. Biofabrication 2024; 16:025031. [PMID: 38447227 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/ad30c9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Engineered muscle fibers are attracting interest in bio-actuator research as they can contribute to the fabrication of actuators with a high power/size ratio for micro-robots. These fibers require to be stretched during culture for functional regulation as actuators and require a fixation on a rigid substrate for stretching in culture and evaluation of mechanical properties, such as Young's modulus and contraction force. However, the conventional fixation methods for muscle fibers have many restrictions as they are not repeatable and the connection between fixation part and the muscle fibers detaches during culture; therefore, the fixation becomes weak during culture, and direct measurement of the muscle fibers' mechanical properties by a force sensor is difficult. Therefore, we propose a facile and repeatable fixation method for muscle fibers by mixing magnetite nanoparticles at both ends of the muscle fibers to fabricate magnetic ends. The fiber can be easily attached and detached repeatedly by manipulating a magnet that applies a magnetic force larger than 3 mN to the magnetic ends. Thus, the muscle fiber can be stretched fiber during culture for functional regulation, transported between the culture dish and measurement system, and directly connected to the force sensor for measurement with magnetic ends. The muscle fiber connected with magnetic ends have a long lifetime (∼4 weeks) and the cells inside had the morphology of a skeletal muscle. Moreover, the muscle fiber showed a contraction (specific force of 1.02 mN mm-2) synchronized with electrical stimulation, confirming the muscle fiber fabricated and cultured using our method had similar morphology and function as bio-actuators in previous research. This research demonstrates the advantages of the fixation method using muscle fibers with magnetic ends; the fibers are stretched during culture, and the transportation and force measurement of weak and tiny muscle fibers could be finished in 1 min.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoyu Wang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Hongo 7-3-1, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Taisuke Masuda
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Hongo 7-3-1, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Fumihito Arai
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Hongo 7-3-1, Tokyo, Japan
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14
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Das S, Hilman MC, Yang F, Mourkioti F, Yang W, Cullen DK. Motor neurons and endothelial cells additively promote development and fusion of human iPSC-derived skeletal myocytes. Skelet Muscle 2024; 14:5. [PMID: 38454511 PMCID: PMC10921694 DOI: 10.1186/s13395-024-00336-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurovascular cells have wide-ranging implications on skeletal muscle biology regulating myogenesis, maturation, and regeneration. Although several in vitro studies have investigated how motor neurons and endothelial cells interact with skeletal myocytes independently, there is limited knowledge about the combined effect of neural and vascular cells on muscle maturation and development. METHODS Here, we report a triculture system comprising human-induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived skeletal myocytes, human iPSC-derived motor neurons, and primary human endothelial cells maintained under controlled media conditions. Briefly, iPSCs were differentiated to generate skeletal muscle progenitor cells (SMPCs). These SMPCs were seeded at a density of 5 × 104 cells/well in 12-well plates and allowed to differentiate for 7 days before adding iPSC-derived motor neurons at a concentration of 0.5 × 104 cells/well. The neuromuscular coculture was maintained for another 7 days in coculture media before addition of primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) also at 0.5 × 104 cells/well. The triculture was maintained for another 7 days in triculture media comprising equal portions of muscle differentiation media, coculture media, and vascular media. Extensive morphological, genetic, and molecular characterization was performed to understand the combined and individual effects of neural and vascular cells on skeletal muscle maturation. RESULTS We observed that motor neurons independently promoted myofiber fusion, upregulated neuromuscular junction genes, and maintained a molecular niche supportive of muscle maturation. Endothelial cells independently did not support myofiber fusion and downregulated expression of LRP4 but did promote expression of type II specific myosin isoforms. However, neurovascular cells in combination exhibited additive increases in myofiber fusion and length, enhanced production of Agrin, along with upregulation of several key genes like MUSK, RAPSYN, DOK-7, and SLC2A4. Interestingly, more divergent effects were observed in expression of genes like MYH8, MYH1, MYH2, MYH4, and LRP4 and secretion of key molecular factors like amphiregulin and IGFBP-4. CONCLUSIONS Neurovascular cells when cultured in combination with skeletal myocytes promoted myocyte fusion with concomitant increase in expression of various neuromuscular genes. This triculture system may be used to gain a deeper understanding of the effects of the neurovascular niche on skeletal muscle biology and pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suradip Das
- Department of Neurosurgery, Center for Brain Injury & Repair, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Center for Neurotrauma, Neurodegeneration & Restoration, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
| | - Melanie C Hilman
- Department of Neurosurgery, Center for Brain Injury & Repair, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Center for Neurotrauma, Neurodegeneration & Restoration, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Feikun Yang
- Department of Medicine, Penn Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Cardiovascular Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Foteini Mourkioti
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Musculoskeletal Program, Penn Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Wenli Yang
- Department of Medicine, Penn Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Cardiovascular Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - D Kacy Cullen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Center for Brain Injury & Repair, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Center for Neurotrauma, Neurodegeneration & Restoration, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Musculoskeletal Program, Penn Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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15
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Xu Z, Arkudas A, Munawar MA, Schubert DW, Fey T, Weisbach V, Mengen LM, Horch RE, Cai A. Schwann Cells Do Not Promote Myogenic Differentiation in the EPI Loop Model. Tissue Eng Part A 2024; 30:244-256. [PMID: 38063005 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2023.0215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
In skeletal muscle tissue engineering, innervation and vascularization play an essential role in the establishment of functional skeletal muscle. For adequate three-dimensional assembly, biocompatible aligned nanofibers are beneficial as matrices for cell seeding. The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of Schwann cells (SC) on myoblast (Mb) and adipogenic mesenchymal stromal cell (ADSC) cocultures on poly-ɛ-caprolactone (PCL)-collagen I-nanofibers in vivo. Human Mb/ADSC cocultures, as well as Mb/ADSC/SC cocultures, were seeded onto PCL-collagen I-nanofiber scaffolds and implanted into the innervated arteriovenous loop model (EPI loop model) of immunodeficient rats for 4 weeks. Histological staining and gene expression were used to compare their capacity for vascularization, immunological response, myogenic differentiation, and innervation. After 4 weeks, both Mb/ADSC and Mb/ADSC/SC coculture systems showed similar amounts and distribution of vascularization, as well as immunological activity. Myogenic differentiation could be observed in both groups through histological staining (desmin, myosin heavy chain) and gene expression (MYOD, MYH3, ACTA1) without significant difference between groups. Expression of CHRNB and LAMB2 also implied neuromuscular junction formation. Our study suggests that the addition of SC did not significantly impact myogenesis and innervation in this model. The implanted motor nerve branch may have played a more significant role than the presence of SC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhou Xu
- Laboratory for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, University Hospital of Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Andreas Arkudas
- Laboratory for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, University Hospital of Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Muhammad Azeem Munawar
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Institute of Polymer Materials, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Dirk W Schubert
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Institute of Polymer Materials, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Tobias Fey
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Institute of Glass and Ceramics, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Volker Weisbach
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital of Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Lilly M Mengen
- Laboratory for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, University Hospital of Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Raymund E Horch
- Laboratory for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, University Hospital of Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Aijia Cai
- Laboratory for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, University Hospital of Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
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16
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Martins B, Bister A, Dohmen RGJ, Gouveia MA, Hueber R, Melzener L, Messmer T, Papadopoulos J, Pimenta J, Raina D, Schaeken L, Shirley S, Bouchet BP, Flack JE. Advances and Challenges in Cell Biology for Cultured Meat. Annu Rev Anim Biosci 2024; 12:345-368. [PMID: 37963400 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-animal-021022-055132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
Cultured meat is an emerging biotechnology that aims to produce meat from animal cell culture, rather than from the raising and slaughtering of livestock, on environmental and animal welfare grounds. The detailed understanding and accurate manipulation of cell biology are critical to the design of cultured meat bioprocesses. Recent years have seen significant interest in this field, with numerous scientific and commercial breakthroughs. Nevertheless, these technologies remain at a nascent stage, and myriad challenges remain, spanning the entire bioprocess. From a cell biological perspective, these include the identification of suitable starting cell types, tuning of proliferation and differentiation conditions, and optimization of cell-biomaterial interactions to create nutritious, enticing foods. Here, we discuss the key advances and outstanding challenges in cultured meat, with a particular focus on cell biology, and argue that solving the remaining bottlenecks in a cost-effective, scalable fashion will require coordinated, concerted scientific efforts. Success will also require solutions to nonscientific challenges, including regulatory approval, consumer acceptance, and market feasibility. However, if these can be overcome, cultured meat technologies can revolutionize our approach to food.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Martins
- Mosa Meat B.V., Maastricht, The Netherlands; , , , , , , , , , , , ,
| | - Arthur Bister
- Mosa Meat B.V., Maastricht, The Netherlands; , , , , , , , , , , , ,
| | - Richard G J Dohmen
- Mosa Meat B.V., Maastricht, The Netherlands; , , , , , , , , , , , ,
- Department of Physiology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Maria Ana Gouveia
- Mosa Meat B.V., Maastricht, The Netherlands; , , , , , , , , , , , ,
| | - Rui Hueber
- Mosa Meat B.V., Maastricht, The Netherlands; , , , , , , , , , , , ,
| | - Lea Melzener
- Mosa Meat B.V., Maastricht, The Netherlands; , , , , , , , , , , , ,
- Department of Physiology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Tobias Messmer
- Mosa Meat B.V., Maastricht, The Netherlands; , , , , , , , , , , , ,
- Department of Physiology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Joanna Papadopoulos
- Mosa Meat B.V., Maastricht, The Netherlands; , , , , , , , , , , , ,
| | - Joana Pimenta
- Mosa Meat B.V., Maastricht, The Netherlands; , , , , , , , , , , , ,
| | - Dhruv Raina
- Mosa Meat B.V., Maastricht, The Netherlands; , , , , , , , , , , , ,
| | - Lieke Schaeken
- Mosa Meat B.V., Maastricht, The Netherlands; , , , , , , , , , , , ,
| | - Sara Shirley
- Mosa Meat B.V., Maastricht, The Netherlands; , , , , , , , , , , , ,
| | - Benjamin P Bouchet
- Mosa Meat B.V., Maastricht, The Netherlands; , , , , , , , , , , , ,
- Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Biophysics, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands;
| | - Joshua E Flack
- Mosa Meat B.V., Maastricht, The Netherlands; , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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17
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Hörner SJ, Couturier N, Hafner M, Rudolf R. Schwann cells in neuromuscular in vitro models. Biol Chem 2024; 405:25-30. [PMID: 37357580 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2023-0172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
Neuromuscular cell culture models are used to investigate synapse formation and function, as well as mechanisms of de-and regeneration in neuromuscular diseases. Recent developments including 3D culture technique and hiPSC technology have propelled their ability to complement insights from in vivo models. However, most cultures have not considered Schwann cells, the glial part of NMJs. In the following, a brief overview of different types of neuromuscular cocultures is provided alongside examples for studies that included Schwann cells. From these, findings concerning the effects of Schwann cells on those cultures are summarized and future lines of research are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Janice Hörner
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Mannheim University of Applied Sciences, D-68163 Mannheim, Germany
- Interdisciplinary Center for Neurosciences, Heidelberg University, D-69117 Heidelberg, Germany
- Center for Mass Spectrometry and Optical Spectroscopy, Mannheim University of Applied Sciences, D-68163 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Nathalie Couturier
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Mannheim University of Applied Sciences, D-68163 Mannheim, Germany
- Interdisciplinary Center for Neurosciences, Heidelberg University, D-69117 Heidelberg, Germany
- Center for Mass Spectrometry and Optical Spectroscopy, Mannheim University of Applied Sciences, D-68163 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Mathias Hafner
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Mannheim University of Applied Sciences, D-68163 Mannheim, Germany
- Institute of Medical Technology, Heidelberg University and Mannheim University of Applied Sciences, D-69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Rüdiger Rudolf
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Mannheim University of Applied Sciences, D-68163 Mannheim, Germany
- Interdisciplinary Center for Neurosciences, Heidelberg University, D-69117 Heidelberg, Germany
- Center for Mass Spectrometry and Optical Spectroscopy, Mannheim University of Applied Sciences, D-68163 Mannheim, Germany
- Mannheim Center for Translational Neuroscience, Medical Faculty Mannheim Heidelberg University, D-68167 Mannheim, Germany
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18
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Bombieri C, Corsi A, Trabetti E, Ruggiero A, Marchetto G, Vattemi G, Valenti MT, Zipeto D, Romanelli MG. Advanced Cellular Models for Rare Disease Study: Exploring Neural, Muscle and Skeletal Organoids. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1014. [PMID: 38256087 PMCID: PMC10815694 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25021014] [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: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Organoids are self-organized, three-dimensional structures derived from stem cells that can mimic the structure and physiology of human organs. Patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and 3D organoid model systems allow cells to be analyzed in a controlled environment to simulate the characteristics of a given disease by modeling the underlying pathophysiology. The recent development of 3D cell models has offered the scientific community an exceptionally valuable tool in the study of rare diseases, overcoming the limited availability of biological samples and the limitations of animal models. This review provides an overview of iPSC models and genetic engineering techniques used to develop organoids. In particular, some of the models applied to the study of rare neuronal, muscular and skeletal diseases are described. Furthermore, the limitations and potential of developing new therapeutic approaches are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Donato Zipeto
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (C.B.); (A.C.); (E.T.); (A.R.); (G.M.); (G.V.); (M.T.V.)
| | - Maria Grazia Romanelli
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (C.B.); (A.C.); (E.T.); (A.R.); (G.M.); (G.V.); (M.T.V.)
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19
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Chen D, Philippidou P, Brenha BDF, Schaffer AE, Miranda HC. Scalable, optically-responsive human neuromuscular junction model reveals convergent mechanisms of synaptic dysfunction in familial ALS. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.11.575304. [PMID: 38260655 PMCID: PMC10802619 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.11.575304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) are specialized synapses that mediate communication between motor neurons and skeletal muscles and are essential for movement. The degeneration of this system can lead to symptoms observed in neuromuscular and motor neuron diseases. Studying these synapses and their degeneration has proven challenging. Prior NMJ studies heavily relied upon the use of mouse, chick, or isolated primary human cells, which have demonstrated limited fidelity for disease modeling. To enable the study of NMJ dysfunction and model genetic diseases, we, and others, have developed methods to generate human NMJs from pluripotent stem cells (PSCs), embryonic stem cells, and induced pluripotent stem cells. However, published studies have highlighted technical limitations associated with these complex in vitro NMJ models. In this study, we developed a robust PSC-derived motor neuron and skeletal muscle co-culture method, and demonstrated its sensitivity in modeling motor neuron disease. Our method spontaneously and reproducibly forms human NMJs. We developed multiwell-multielectrode array (MEA) parameters to quantify the activity of PSC-derived skeletal muscles, as well as measured the electrophysiological activity of functional human PSC-derived NMJs. We further leveraged our method to morphologically and functionally assess NMJs from the familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (fALS) PSCs, C9orf72 hexanucleotide (G4C2)n repeat expansion (HRE), SOD1 A5V , and TDP43 G298S to define the reproducibility and sensitivity of our system. We observed a significant decrease in the numbers and activity of PSC-derived NMJs developed from the different ALS lines compared to their respective controls. Furthermore, we evaluated a therapeutic candidate undergoing clinical trials and observed a variant-dependent rescue of functionality of NMJs. Our newly developed method provides a platform for the systematic investigation of genetic causes of NMJ neurodegeneration and highlights the need for therapeutic avenues to consider patient genotype.
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20
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Hardman D, Hennig K, Gomes ER, Roman W, Bernabeu MO. An in vitro agent-based modelling approach to optimization of culture medium for generating muscle cells. J R Soc Interface 2024; 21:20230603. [PMID: 38228184 PMCID: PMC10791523 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2023.0603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Methodologies for culturing muscle tissue are currently lacking in terms of quality and quantity of mature cells produced. We analyse images from in vitro experiments to quantify the effects of culture media composition on mouse-derived myoblast behaviour and myotube quality. Metrics of early indicators of cell quality were defined. Images of muscle cell differentiation reveal that altering culture media significantly affects quality indicators and myoblast migratory behaviours. To study the effects of early-stage cell behaviours on mature cell quality, metrics drawn from experimental images or inferred by approximate Bayesian computation (ABC) were applied as inputs to an agent-based model (ABM) of skeletal muscle cell differentiation with quality indicator metrics as outputs. Computational modelling was used to inform further in vitro experiments to predict the optimum media composition for culturing muscle cells. Our results suggest that myonuclei production in myotubes is inversely related to early-stage nuclei fusion index and that myonuclei density and spatial distribution are correlated with residence time of fusing myoblasts, the age at which myotube-myotube fusion ends and the repulsion force between myonuclei. Culture media with 5% serum was found to produce the optimum cell quality and to make muscle cells cultured in a neuron differentiation medium viable.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Hardman
- Centre for Medical Informatics, Usher Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4UX, UK
| | - Katharina Hennig
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Edgar R. Gomes
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - William Roman
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Miguel O. Bernabeu
- Centre for Medical Informatics, Usher Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4UX, UK
- The Bayes Centre, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9BT, UK
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21
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Wang J, Yao X, Xiong X, Liu Y, Zhao W, Zhang X, Li X, Wang J, Lei C, Jiang W, Zhang K, Li X, Weng Y, Li J, Zhang R, Zhang Z, Li H, Kong Q, Tian S, Lv Y, Mu L. Effect of ST36 electroacupuncture on the switch of skeletal muscle fibres in mice with sciatic nerve dissociation. Eur J Neurosci 2024; 59:192-207. [PMID: 38145884 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.16228] [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: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
Skeletal muscle is striated muscle that moves autonomously and is innervated by peripheral nerves. Peripheral nerve injury is very common in clinical treatment. However, the commonly used treatment methods often focus on the regeneration of the injured nerve but overlook the pathological changes in the injured skeletal muscle. Acupuncture, as the main treatment for denervated skeletal muscle atrophy, is used extensively in clinical practice. In the present study, a mouse model of lower limb sciatic nerve detachment was constructed and treated with electroacupuncture Stomach 36 to observe the atrophy of lower limb skeletal muscle and changes in skeletal muscle fibre types before and after electroacupuncture Stomach 36 treatment. Mice with skeletal muscle denervation showed a decrease in the proportion of IIa muscle fibres and an increase in the proportion of IIb muscle fibres, after electroacupuncture Stomach 36. The changes were reversed by specific activators of p38 MAPK, which increased IIa myofibre ratio. The results suggest that electroacupuncture Stomach 36 can reverse the change of muscle fibre type from IIb to IIa after denervation of skeletal muscle by inhibiting p38 MAPK. The results provide an important theoretical basis for the treatment of clinical peripheral nerve injury diseases with electroacupuncture, in addition to novel insights that could facilitate the study of pathological changes of denervated skeletal muscle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinghua Wang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- Department of Neurobiology, Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Xiuhua Yao
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cerebral Vascular and Neurodegenerative Diseases, Tianjin Neurosurgical Institute, Tianjin Huanhu Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaoyue Xiong
- Department of Neurobiology, Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yumei Liu
- Department of Neurobiology, Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Wei Zhao
- Department of Neurobiology, Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Xiaoyu Zhang
- Department of Neurobiology, Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Xinrong Li
- Department of Neurobiology, Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Jiaqi Wang
- Department of Neurobiology, Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Cheng Lei
- Department of Neurobiology, Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Wei Jiang
- Department of Neurobiology, Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Kefan Zhang
- Department of Neurobiology, Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Xiangyang Li
- Department of Neurobiology, Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yuting Weng
- Department of Neurobiology, Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Jie Li
- Department of Neurobiology, Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Ran Zhang
- Department of Neurobiology, Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Zhaonan Zhang
- Department of Neurobiology, Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Hulun Li
- Department of Neurobiology, Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Qingfei Kong
- Department of Neurobiology, Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Sijia Tian
- Department of Neurobiology, Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yanhua Lv
- Department of Neurology, 962 Hospital of the Joint Logistic Support Force of the People's Liberation Army of China, Harbin, China
| | - Lili Mu
- Department of Neurobiology, Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
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22
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Urzi A, Lahmann I, Nguyen LVN, Rost BR, García-Pérez A, Lelievre N, Merritt-Garza ME, Phan HC, Bassell GJ, Rossoll W, Diecke S, Kunz S, Schmitz D, Gouti M. Efficient generation of a self-organizing neuromuscular junction model from human pluripotent stem cells. Nat Commun 2023; 14:8043. [PMID: 38114482 PMCID: PMC10730704 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43781-3] [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: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The complex neuromuscular network that controls body movements is the target of severe diseases that result in paralysis and death. Here, we report the development of a robust and efficient self-organizing neuromuscular junction (soNMJ) model from human pluripotent stem cells that can be maintained long-term in simple adherent conditions. The timely application of specific patterning signals instructs the simultaneous development and differentiation of position-specific brachial spinal neurons, skeletal muscles, and terminal Schwann cells. High-content imaging reveals self-organized bundles of aligned muscle fibers surrounded by innervating motor neurons that form functional neuromuscular junctions. Optogenetic activation and pharmacological interventions show that the spinal neurons actively instruct the synchronous skeletal muscle contraction. The generation of a soNMJ model from spinal muscular atrophy patient-specific iPSCs reveals that the number of NMJs and muscle contraction is severely affected, resembling the patient's pathology. In the future, the soNMJ model could be used for high-throughput studies in disease modeling and drug development. Thus, this model will allow us to address unmet needs in the neuromuscular disease field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Urzi
- Stem Cell Modeling of Development & Disease Group, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), 13125, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ines Lahmann
- Stem Cell Modeling of Development & Disease Group, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), 13125, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lan Vi N Nguyen
- Stem Cell Modeling of Development & Disease Group, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), 13125, Berlin, Germany
| | - Benjamin R Rost
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Berlin, Germany
| | - Angélica García-Pérez
- Stem Cell Modeling of Development & Disease Group, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), 13125, Berlin, Germany
| | - Noemie Lelievre
- Stem Cell Modeling of Development & Disease Group, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), 13125, Berlin, Germany
| | - Megan E Merritt-Garza
- Department of Cell Biology, Laboratory for Translational Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Han C Phan
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Gary J Bassell
- Department of Cell Biology, Laboratory for Translational Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Wilfried Rossoll
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
- Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Sebastian Diecke
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Technology Platform Pluripotent Stem Cells, 13125, Berlin, Germany
| | - Severine Kunz
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Technology Platform Electron Microscopy, 13125, Berlin, Germany
| | - Dietmar Schmitz
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health, NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Mina Gouti
- Stem Cell Modeling of Development & Disease Group, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), 13125, Berlin, Germany.
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23
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Kim H, Kim GS, Hyun SH, Kim E. Advancements in 2D and 3D In Vitro Models for Studying Neuromuscular Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17006. [PMID: 38069329 PMCID: PMC10707046 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242317006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuromuscular diseases (NMDs) are a genetically or clinically heterogeneous group of diseases that involve injury or dysfunction of neuromuscular tissue components, including peripheral motor neurons, skeletal muscles, and neuromuscular junctions. To study NMDs and develop potential therapies, remarkable progress has been made in generating in vitro neuromuscular models using engineering approaches to recapitulate the complex physical and biochemical microenvironments of 3D human neuromuscular tissues. In this review, we discuss recent studies focusing on the development of in vitro co-culture models of human motor neurons and skeletal muscles, with the pros and cons of each approach. Furthermore, we explain how neuromuscular in vitro models recapitulate certain aspects of specific NMDs, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and muscular dystrophy. Research on neuromuscular organoids (NMO) will continue to co-develop to better mimic tissues in vivo and will provide a better understanding of the development of the neuromuscular tissue, mechanisms of NMD action, and tools applicable to preclinical studies, including drug screening and toxicity tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haneul Kim
- Laboratory of Molecular Diagnostics and Cell Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Republic of Korea;
| | - Gon Sup Kim
- Research Institute of Life Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Republic of Korea;
| | - Sang-Hwan Hyun
- Laboratory of Veterinary Embryology and Biotechnology, Veterinary Medical Center and College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Republic of Korea;
- Institute for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Chengju 28644, Republic of Korea
- Graduate School of Veterinary Biosecurity and Protection, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunhye Kim
- Laboratory of Molecular Diagnostics and Cell Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Republic of Korea;
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24
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Zhou L, Chen W, Jiang S, Xu R. In Vitro Models of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2023; 43:3783-3799. [PMID: 37870685 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-023-01423-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is one of the commonest neurodegenerative diseases of adult-onset, which is characterized by the progressive death of motor neurons in the cerebral cortex, brain stem and spinal cord. The dysfunction and death of motor neurons lead to the progressive muscle weakness, atrophy, fasciculations, spasticity and ultimately the whole paralysis of body. Despite the identification of several genetic mutations associated with the pathogenesis of ALS, including mutations in chromosome 9 open reading frame 72 leading to the abnormal expansion of GGGGCC repeat sequence, TAR DNA-binding protein 43, fused in sarcoma/translocated in liposarcoma, copper/zinc superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) and TANK-binding kinase 1, the exact mechanisms underlying the specific degeneration of motor neurons that causes ALS remain incompletely understood. At present, since the transgenic model expressed SOD1 mutants was established, multiple in vitro models of ALS have been developed for studying the pathology, pathophysiology and pathogenesis of ALS as well as searching the effective neurotherapeutics. This review reviewed the details of present established in vitro models used in studying the pathology, pathophysiology and pathogenesis of ALS. Meanwhile, we also discussed the advantages, disadvantages, cost and availability of each models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijun Zhou
- Department of Neurology, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, Clinical College of Nanchang Medical College, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University Jiangxi Hospital, National Regional Medical Center for Neurological Diseases, No. 266 Fenghe North Avenue, Honggutan District, Nanchang, 330008, Jiangxi, China
- Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Wenzhi Chen
- Department of Neurology, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, Clinical College of Nanchang Medical College, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University Jiangxi Hospital, National Regional Medical Center for Neurological Diseases, No. 266 Fenghe North Avenue, Honggutan District, Nanchang, 330008, Jiangxi, China
| | - Shishi Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, Clinical College of Nanchang Medical College, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University Jiangxi Hospital, National Regional Medical Center for Neurological Diseases, No. 266 Fenghe North Avenue, Honggutan District, Nanchang, 330008, Jiangxi, China
- Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Renshi Xu
- Department of Neurology, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, Clinical College of Nanchang Medical College, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University Jiangxi Hospital, National Regional Medical Center for Neurological Diseases, No. 266 Fenghe North Avenue, Honggutan District, Nanchang, 330008, Jiangxi, China.
- Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China.
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25
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Gazzola M, Martinat C. Unlocking the Complexity of Neuromuscular Diseases: Insights from Human Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Neuromuscular Junctions. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15291. [PMID: 37894969 PMCID: PMC10607237 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past 20 years, the use of pluripotent stem cells to mimic the complexities of the human neuromuscular junction has received much attention. Deciphering the key mechanisms underlying the establishment and maturation of this complex synapse has been driven by the dual goals of addressing developmental questions and gaining insight into neuromuscular disorders. This review aims to summarise the evolution and sophistication of in vitro neuromuscular junction models developed from the first differentiation of human embryonic stem cells into motor neurons to recent neuromuscular organoids. We also discuss the potential offered by these models to decipher different neuromuscular diseases characterised by defects in the presynaptic compartment, the neuromuscular junction, and the postsynaptic compartment. Finally, we discuss the emerging field that considers the use of these techniques in drug screening assay and the challenges they will face in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan Gazzola
- INSERM U861, Institute for Stem Cell Therapy and Exploration of Monogenic Diseases, 91100 Corbeil-Essonnes, France;
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26
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van der Wal E, Iuliano A, In 't Groen SLM, Bholasing AP, Priesmann D, Sharma P, den Hamer B, Saggiomo V, Krüger M, Pijnappel WWMP, de Greef JC. Highly contractile 3D tissue engineered skeletal muscles from human iPSCs reveal similarities with primary myoblast-derived tissues. Stem Cell Reports 2023; 18:1954-1971. [PMID: 37774701 PMCID: PMC10656354 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2023.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Skeletal muscle research is transitioning toward 3D tissue engineered in vitro models reproducing muscle's native architecture and supporting measurement of functionality. Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) offer high yields of cells for differentiation. It has been difficult to differentiate high-quality, pure 3D muscle tissues from hiPSCs that show contractile properties comparable to primary myoblast-derived tissues. Here, we present a transgene-free method for the generation of purified, expandable myogenic progenitors (MPs) from hiPSCs grown under feeder-free conditions. We defined a protocol with optimal hydrogel and medium conditions that allowed production of highly contractile 3D tissue engineered skeletal muscles with forces similar to primary myoblast-derived tissues. Gene expression and proteomic analysis between hiPSC-derived and primary myoblast-derived 3D tissues revealed a similar expression profile of proteins involved in myogenic differentiation and sarcomere function. The protocol should be generally applicable for the study of personalized human skeletal muscle tissue in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik van der Wal
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Alessandro Iuliano
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GE Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GE Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Center for Lysosomal and Metabolic Diseases, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GE Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Stijn L M In 't Groen
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GE Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GE Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Center for Lysosomal and Metabolic Diseases, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GE Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Anjali P Bholasing
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GE Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GE Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Center for Lysosomal and Metabolic Diseases, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GE Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Dominik Priesmann
- Institute of Genetics and Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Preeti Sharma
- Physical Chemistry and Soft Matter, Wageningen University and Research, 6708 WE Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Bianca den Hamer
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Vittorio Saggiomo
- Department of BioNanoTechnology, Wageningen University and Research, 6708 WG Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Marcus Krüger
- Institute of Genetics and Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - W W M Pim Pijnappel
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GE Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GE Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Center for Lysosomal and Metabolic Diseases, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GE Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Jessica C de Greef
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands.
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27
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Rico A, Valls A, Guembelzu G, Azpitarte M, Aiastui A, Zufiria M, Jaka O, López de Munain A, Sáenz A. Altered expression of proteins involved in metabolism in LGMDR1 muscle is lost in cell culture conditions. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2023; 18:315. [PMID: 37817200 PMCID: PMC10565977 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-023-02873-5] [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: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy R1 calpain 3-related (LGMDR1) is an autosomal recessive muscular dystrophy due to mutations in the CAPN3 gene. While the pathophysiology of this disease has not been clearly established yet, Wnt and mTOR signaling pathways impairment in LGMDR1 muscles has been reported. RESULTS A reduction in Akt phosphorylation ratio and upregulated expression of proteins implicated in glycolysis (HK-II) and in fructose and lactate transport (GLUT5 and MCT1) in LGMDR1 muscle was observed. In vitro analysis to establish mitochondrial and glycolytic functions of primary cultures were performed, however, no differences between control and patients were observed. Additionally, gene expression analysis showed a lack of correlation between primary myoblasts/myotubes and LGMDR1 muscle while skin fibroblasts and CD56- cells showed a slightly better correlation with muscle. FRZB gene was upregulated in all the analyzed cell types (except in myoblasts). CONCLUSIONS Proteins implicated in metabolism are deregulated in LGMDR1 patients' muscle. Obtained results evidence the limited usefulness of primary myoblasts/myotubes for LGMDR1 gene expression and metabolic studies. However, since FRZB is the only gene that showed upregulation in all the analyzed cell types it is suggested its role as a key regulator of the pathophysiology of the LGMDR1 muscle fiber. The Wnt signaling pathway inactivation, secondary to FRZB upregulation, and GLUT5 overexpression may participate in the impaired adipogenesis in LGMD1R patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anabel Rico
- Neurosciences Area, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, San Sebastián, Spain
- CIBERNED, CIBER, Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation, Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain
| | - Andrea Valls
- Neurosciences Area, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, San Sebastián, Spain
- CIBERNED, CIBER, Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation, Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain
| | - Garazi Guembelzu
- Neurosciences Area, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, San Sebastián, Spain
- CIBERNED, CIBER, Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation, Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain
| | - Margarita Azpitarte
- Cell Culture, Histology and Multidisciplinary 3D Printing Platform, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Ana Aiastui
- Department of Neurology, Donostialdea Integrated Health Organization, San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Mónica Zufiria
- Neurosciences Area, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, San Sebastián, Spain
- CIBERNED, CIBER, Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation, Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain
| | - Oihane Jaka
- Neurosciences Area, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, San Sebastián, Spain
- CIBERNED, CIBER, Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation, Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain
| | - Adolfo López de Munain
- Neurosciences Area, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, San Sebastián, Spain
- CIBERNED, CIBER, Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation, Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Neurology, Donostialdea Integrated Health Organization, San Sebastián, Spain
- Department of Neurosciences, University of the Basque Country UPV-EHU, San Sebastián, Spain
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Deusto, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Amets Sáenz
- Neurosciences Area, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, San Sebastián, Spain.
- CIBERNED, CIBER, Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation, Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain.
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28
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Leng Y, Li X, Zheng F, Liu H, Wang C, Wang X, Liao Y, Liu J, Meng K, Yu J, Zhang J, Wang B, Tan Y, Liu M, Jia X, Li D, Li Y, Gu Z, Fan Y. Advances in In Vitro Models of Neuromuscular Junction: Focusing on Organ-on-a-Chip, Organoids, and Biohybrid Robotics. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2211059. [PMID: 36934404 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202211059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is a peripheral synaptic connection between presynaptic motor neurons and postsynaptic skeletal muscle fibers that enables muscle contraction and voluntary motor movement. Many traumatic, neurodegenerative, and neuroimmunological diseases are classically believed to mainly affect either the neuronal or the muscle side of the NMJ, and treatment options are lacking. Recent advances in novel techniques have helped develop in vitro physiological and pathophysiological models of the NMJ as well as enable precise control and evaluation of its functions. This paper reviews the recent developments in in vitro NMJ models with 2D or 3D cultures, from organ-on-a-chip and organoids to biohybrid robotics. Related derivative techniques are introduced for functional analysis of the NMJ, such as the patch-clamp technique, microelectrode arrays, calcium imaging, and stimulus methods, particularly optogenetic-mediated light stimulation, microelectrode-mediated electrical stimulation, and biochemical stimulation. Finally, the applications of the in vitro NMJ models as disease models or for drug screening related to suitable neuromuscular diseases are summarized and their future development trends and challenges are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yubing Leng
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Xiaorui Li
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Fuyin Zheng
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Hui Liu
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Chunyan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, 100094, China
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Xudong Wang
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Yulong Liao
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Jiangyue Liu
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Kaiqi Meng
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Jiaheng Yu
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Jingyi Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Binyu Wang
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Yingjun Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, 100094, China
| | - Meili Liu
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Xiaoling Jia
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Deyu Li
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Yinghui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, 100094, China
| | - Zhongze Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Yubo Fan
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
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29
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Hennig K, Hardman D, Barata DM, Martins II, Bernabeu MO, Gomes ER, Roman W. Generating fast-twitch myotubes in vitro with an optogenetic-based, quantitative contractility assay. Life Sci Alliance 2023; 6:e202302227. [PMID: 37550008 PMCID: PMC10427763 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202302227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The composition of fiber types within skeletal muscle impacts the tissue's physiological characteristics and susceptibility to disease and ageing. In vitro systems should therefore account for fiber-type composition when modelling muscle conditions. To induce fiber specification in vitro, we designed a quantitative contractility assay based on optogenetics and particle image velocimetry. We submitted cultured myotubes to long-term intermittent light-stimulation patterns and characterized their structural and functional adaptations. After several days of in vitro exercise, myotubes contract faster and are more resistant to fatigue. The enhanced contractile functionality was accompanied by advanced maturation such as increased width and up-regulation of neuron receptor genes. We observed an up-regulation in the expression of fast myosin heavy-chain isoforms, which induced a shift towards a fast-twitch phenotype. This long-term in vitro exercise strategy can be used to study fiber specification and refine muscle disease modelling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Hennig
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - David Hardman
- Centre for Medical Informatics, Usher Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - David Mb Barata
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Inês Ibb Martins
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Miguel O Bernabeu
- Centre for Medical Informatics, Usher Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- The Bayes Centre, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Edgar R Gomes
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - William Roman
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
- Victoria Node, EMBL Australia, Clayton, Australia
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30
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Lin YL, Nhieu J, Lerdall T, Milbauer L, Wei CW, Lee DJ, Oh SH, Thayer S, Wei LN. A novel 3D bilayer hydrogel tri-culture system for studying functional motor units. Cell Biosci 2023; 13:168. [PMID: 37700376 PMCID: PMC10496371 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-023-01115-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A motor unit (MU) is formed by a single alpha motor neuron (MN) and the muscle fibers it innervates. The MU is essential for all voluntary movements. Functional deficits in the MU result in neuromuscular disorders (NMDs). The pathological mechanisms underlying most NMDs remain poorly understood, in part due to the lack of in vitro models that can comprehensively recapitulate multistage intercellular interactions and physiological function of the MU. RESULTS We have designed a novel three-dimensional (3D) bilayer hydrogel tri-culture system where architecturally organized MUs can form in vitro. A sequential co-culture procedure using the three cell types of a MU, MN, myoblast, and Schwann cell was designed to construct a co-differentiating tri-culture on a bilayer hydrogel matrix. We utilized a µ-molded hydrogel with an additional Matrigel layer to form the bilayer hydrogel device. The µ-molded hydrogel layer provides the topological cues for myoblast differentiation. The Matrigel layer, with embedded Schwann cells, not only separates the MNs from myoblasts but also provides a proper micro-environment for MU development. The completed model shows key MU features including an organized MU structure, myelinated nerves, aligned myotubes innervated on clustered neuromuscular junctions (NMJs), MN-driven myotube contractions, and increases in cytosolic Ca2+ upon stimulation. CONCLUSIONS This organized and functional in vitro MU model provides an opportunity to study pathological events involved in NMDs and peripheral neuropathies, and can serve as a platform for physiological and pharmacological studies such as modeling and drug screening. Technically, the rational of this 3D bilayer hydrogel co-culture system exploits multiple distinct properties of hydrogels, facilitating effective and efficient co-culturing of diverse cell types for tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Lung Lin
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
- The Ph.D. Program for Translational Medicine, College of Medical Sciences and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- International Ph.D. Program for Translational Science, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jennifer Nhieu
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Thomas Lerdall
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Liming Milbauer
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Chin-Wen Wei
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Dong Jun Lee
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Sang-Hyun Oh
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Stanley Thayer
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Li-Na Wei
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA.
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31
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Cheesbrough A, Harley P, Riccio F, Wu L, Song W, Lieberam I. A scalable human iPSC-based neuromuscular disease model on suspended biobased elastomer nanofiber scaffolds. Biofabrication 2023; 15:045020. [PMID: 37619554 PMCID: PMC10478173 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/acf39e] [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: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Many devastating neuromuscular diseases currently lack effective treatments. This is in part due to a lack of drug discovery platforms capable of assessing complex human neuromuscular disease phenotypes in a scalable manner. A major obstacle has been generating scaffolds to stabilise mature contractile myofibers in a multi-well assay format amenable to high content image (HCI) analysis. This study describes the development of a scalable human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-neuromuscular disease model, whereby suspended elastomer nanofibers support long-term stability, alignment, maturation, and repeated contractions of iPSC-myofibers, innervated by iPSC-motor neurons in 96-well assay plates. In this platform, optogenetic stimulation of the motor neurons elicits robust myofiber-contractions, providing a functional readout of neuromuscular transmission. Additionally, HCI analysis provides rapid and automated quantification of axonal outgrowth, myofiber morphology, and neuromuscular synapse number and morphology. By incorporating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)-related TDP-43G298Smutant motor neurons and CRISPR-corrected controls, key neuromuscular disease phenotypes are recapitulated, including weaker myofiber contractions, reduced axonal outgrowth, and reduced number of neuromuscular synapses. Treatment with a candidate ALS drug, the receptor-interacting protein kinase-1 (RIPK1)-inhibitor necrostatin-1, rescues these phenotypes in a dose-dependent manner, highlighting the potential of this platform to screen novel treatments for neuromuscular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aimee Cheesbrough
- Centre for Gene Therapy & Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King’s College London, London SE1 9RT, United Kingdom
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London SE1 1UL, United Kingdom
- UCL Centre for Biomaterials in Surgical Reconstruction and Regeneration, Department of Surgical Biotechnology, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, London NW3 2PF, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Harley
- Centre for Gene Therapy & Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King’s College London, London SE1 9RT, United Kingdom
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London SE1 1UL, United Kingdom
| | - Federica Riccio
- Centre for Gene Therapy & Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King’s College London, London SE1 9RT, United Kingdom
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London SE1 1UL, United Kingdom
| | - Lei Wu
- UCL Centre for Biomaterials in Surgical Reconstruction and Regeneration, Department of Surgical Biotechnology, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, London NW3 2PF, United Kingdom
| | - Wenhui Song
- UCL Centre for Biomaterials in Surgical Reconstruction and Regeneration, Department of Surgical Biotechnology, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, London NW3 2PF, United Kingdom
| | - Ivo Lieberam
- Centre for Gene Therapy & Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King’s College London, London SE1 9RT, United Kingdom
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London SE1 1UL, United Kingdom
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32
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Borisov V, Gili Sole L, Reid G, Milan G, Hutter G, Grapow M, Eckstein FS, Isu G, Marsano A. Upscaled Skeletal Muscle Engineered Tissue with In Vivo Vascularization and Innervation Potential. Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:800. [PMID: 37508827 PMCID: PMC10376693 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10070800] [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: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Engineering functional tissues of clinically relevant size (in mm-scale) in vitro is still a challenge in tissue engineering due to low oxygen diffusion and lack of vascularization. To address these limitations, a perfusion bioreactor was used to generate contractile engineered muscles of a 3 mm-thickness and a 8 mm-diameter. This study aimed to upscale the process to 50 mm in diameter by combining murine skeletal myoblasts (SkMbs) with human adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction (SVF) cells, providing high neuro-vascular potential in vivo. SkMbs were cultured on a type-I-collagen scaffold with (co-culture) or without (monoculture) SVF. Large-scale muscle-like tissue showed an increase in the maturation index over time (49.18 ± 1.63% and 76.63 ± 1.22%, at 9 and 11 days, respectively) and a similar force of contraction in mono- (43.4 ± 2.28 µN) or co-cultured (47.6 ± 4.7 µN) tissues. Four weeks after implantation in subcutaneous pockets of nude rats, the vessel length density within the constructs was significantly higher in SVF co-cultured tissues (5.03 ± 0.29 mm/mm2) compared to monocultured tissues (3.68 ± 0.32 mm/mm2) (p < 0.005). Although no mature neuromuscular junctions were present, nerve-like structures were predominantly observed in the engineered tissues co-cultured with SVF cells. This study demonstrates that SVF cells can support both in vivo vascularization and innervation of contractile muscle-like tissues, making significant progress towards clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladislav Borisov
- Laboratory of Cardiac Surgery and Engineering, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
- Cardiac Surgery, Department of Surgery, University Hospital Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Laia Gili Sole
- Laboratory of Cardiac Surgery and Engineering, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
- Cardiac Surgery, Department of Surgery, University Hospital Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Gregory Reid
- Laboratory of Cardiac Surgery and Engineering, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
- Cardiac Surgery, Department of Surgery, University Hospital Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Giulia Milan
- Laboratory of Cardiac Surgery and Engineering, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
- Cardiac Surgery, Department of Surgery, University Hospital Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Gregor Hutter
- Laboratory of Brain Tumor Immunotherapy, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Martin Grapow
- Cardiac Surgery, Department of Surgery, University Hospital Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Friedrich Stefan Eckstein
- Laboratory of Cardiac Surgery and Engineering, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
- Cardiac Surgery, Department of Surgery, University Hospital Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Giuseppe Isu
- Laboratory of Cardiac Surgery and Engineering, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
- Cardiac Surgery, Department of Surgery, University Hospital Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Anna Marsano
- Laboratory of Cardiac Surgery and Engineering, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
- Cardiac Surgery, Department of Surgery, University Hospital Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
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33
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Kurland JV, Cutler AA, Stanley JT, Betta ND, Van Deusen A, Pawlikowski B, Hall M, Antwine T, Russell A, Allen MA, Dowell R, Olwin B. Aging disrupts gene expression timing during muscle regeneration. Stem Cell Reports 2023; 18:1325-1339. [PMID: 37315524 PMCID: PMC10277839 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2023.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Skeletal muscle function and regenerative capacity decline during aging, yet factors driving these changes are incompletely understood. Muscle regeneration requires temporally coordinated transcriptional programs to drive myogenic stem cells to activate, proliferate, fuse to form myofibers, and to mature as myonuclei, restoring muscle function after injury. We assessed global changes in myogenic transcription programs distinguishing muscle regeneration in aged mice from young mice by comparing pseudotime trajectories from single-nucleus RNA sequencing of myogenic nuclei. Aging-specific differences in coordinating myogenic transcription programs necessary for restoring muscle function occur following muscle injury, likely contributing to compromised regeneration in aged mice. Differences in pseudotime alignment of myogenic nuclei when comparing aged with young mice via dynamic time warping revealed pseudotemporal differences becoming progressively more severe as regeneration proceeds. Disruptions in timing of myogenic gene expression programs may contribute to incomplete skeletal muscle regeneration and declines in muscle function as organisms age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse V Kurland
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| | - Alicia A Cutler
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| | - Jacob T Stanley
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado, Boulder, 3415 Colorado Avenue, Boulder, CO 80303, USA
| | - Nicole Dalla Betta
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| | - Ashleigh Van Deusen
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA; Edgewise Therapeutics, 3415 Colorado Avenue, Boulder, CO 80303, USA
| | - Brad Pawlikowski
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA; Department of Pediatrics Section of Section of Hematology, Oncology, Bone Marrow Transplant, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Monica Hall
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA; Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59718, USA
| | - Tiffany Antwine
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| | - Alan Russell
- Edgewise Therapeutics, 3415 Colorado Avenue, Boulder, CO 80303, USA
| | - Mary Ann Allen
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado, Boulder, 3415 Colorado Avenue, Boulder, CO 80303, USA
| | - Robin Dowell
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA; BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado, Boulder, 3415 Colorado Avenue, Boulder, CO 80303, USA.
| | - Bradley Olwin
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA.
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34
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Pinton L, Khedr M, Lionello VM, Sarcar S, Maffioletti SM, Dastidar S, Negroni E, Choi S, Khokhar N, Bigot A, Counsell JR, Bernardo AS, Zammit PS, Tedesco FS. 3D human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived bioengineered skeletal muscles for tissue, disease and therapy modeling. Nat Protoc 2023; 18:1337-1376. [PMID: 36792780 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-022-00790-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
Skeletal muscle is a complex tissue composed of multinucleated myofibers responsible for force generation that are supported by multiple cell types. Many severe and lethal disorders affect skeletal muscle; therefore, engineering models to reproduce such cellular complexity and function are instrumental for investigating muscle pathophysiology and developing therapies. Here, we detail the modular 3D bioengineering of multilineage skeletal muscles from human induced pluripotent stem cells, which are first differentiated into myogenic, neural and vascular progenitor cells and then combined within 3D hydrogels under tension to generate an aligned myofiber scaffold containing vascular networks and motor neurons. 3D bioengineered muscles recapitulate morphological and functional features of human skeletal muscle, including establishment of a pool of cells expressing muscle stem cell markers. Importantly, bioengineered muscles provide a high-fidelity platform to study muscle pathology, such as emergence of dysmorphic nuclei in muscular dystrophies caused by mutant lamins. The protocol is easy to follow for operators with cell culture experience and takes between 9 and 30 d, depending on the number of cell lineages in the construct. We also provide examples of applications of this advanced platform for testing gene and cell therapies in vitro, as well as for in vivo studies, providing proof of principle of its potential as a tool to develop next-generation neuromuscular or musculoskeletal therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Pinton
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, UK
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
- Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Moustafa Khedr
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, UK
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Valentina M Lionello
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, UK
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Shilpita Sarcar
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Sara M Maffioletti
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, UK
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-TIGET), Milan, Italy
| | - Sumitava Dastidar
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, UK
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Elisa Negroni
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, UK
- Center for Research in Myology UMRS974, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Myology Institute AIM, Paris, France
| | - SungWoo Choi
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, UK
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Noreen Khokhar
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, UK
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
- Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Anne Bigot
- Center for Research in Myology UMRS974, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Myology Institute AIM, Paris, France
| | - John R Counsell
- UCL Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
- Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health and Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
| | - Andreia Sofia Bernardo
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Peter S Zammit
- Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Francesco Saverio Tedesco
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, UK.
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK.
- Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health and Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK.
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35
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Wang K, Smith SH, Iijima H, Hettinger ZR, Mallepally A, Shroff SG, Ambrosio F. Bioengineered 3D Skeletal Muscle Model Reveals Complement 4b as a Cell-Autonomous Mechanism of Impaired Regeneration with Aging. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2207443. [PMID: 36650030 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202207443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
A mechanistic understanding of cell-autonomous skeletal muscle changes after injury can lead to novel interventions to improve functional recovery in an aged population. However, major knowledge gaps persist owing to limitations of traditional biological aging models. 2D cell culture represents an artificial environment, while aging mammalian models are contaminated by influences from non-muscle cells and other organs. Here, a 3D muscle aging system is created to overcome the limitations of these traditional platforms. It is shown that old muscle constructs (OMC) manifest a sarcopenic phenotype, as evidenced by hypotrophic myotubes, reduced contractile function, and decreased regenerative capacity compared to young muscle constructs. OMC also phenocopy the regenerative responses of aged muscle to two interventions, pharmacological and biological. Interrogation of muscle cell-specific mechanisms that contribute to impaired regeneration over time further reveals that an aging-induced increase of complement component 4b (C4b) delays muscle progenitor cell amplification and impairs functional recovery. However, administration of complement factor I, a C4b inactivator, improves muscle regeneration in vitro and in vivo, indicating that C4b inhibition may be a novel approach to enhance aged muscle repair. Collectively, the model herein exhibits capabilities to study cell-autonomous changes in skeletal muscle during aging, regeneration, and intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Wang
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
- Discovery Center for Musculoskeletal Recovery, Schoen Adams Research Institute at Spaulding, Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Stephen H Smith
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Hirotaka Iijima
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Zachary R Hettinger
- Discovery Center for Musculoskeletal Recovery, Schoen Adams Research Institute at Spaulding, Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Geriatric Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Adarsh Mallepally
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Sanjeev G Shroff
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
- McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Fabrisia Ambrosio
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
- Discovery Center for Musculoskeletal Recovery, Schoen Adams Research Institute at Spaulding, Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
- McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
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36
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Henrot P, Blervaque L, Dupin I, Zysman M, Esteves P, Gouzi F, Hayot M, Pomiès P, Berger P. Cellular interplay in skeletal muscle regeneration and wasting: insights from animal models. J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle 2023; 14:745-757. [PMID: 36811134 PMCID: PMC10067506 DOI: 10.1002/jcsm.13103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Skeletal muscle wasting, whether related to physiological ageing, muscle disuse or to an underlying chronic disease, is a key determinant to quality of life and mortality. However, cellular basis responsible for increased catabolism in myocytes often remains unclear. Although myocytes represent the vast majority of skeletal muscle cellular population, they are surrounded by numerous cells with various functions. Animal models, mostly rodents, can help to decipher the mechanisms behind this highly dynamic process, by allowing access to every muscle as well as time-course studies. Satellite cells (SCs) play a crucial role in muscle regeneration, within a niche also composed of fibroblasts and vascular and immune cells. Their proliferation and differentiation is altered in several models of muscle wasting such as cancer, chronic kidney disease or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Fibro-adipogenic progenitor cells are also responsible for functional muscle growth and repair and are associated in disease to muscle fibrosis such as in chronic kidney disease. Other cells have recently proven to have direct myogenic potential, such as pericytes. Outside their role in angiogenesis, endothelial cells and pericytes also participate to healthy muscle homoeostasis by promoting SC pool maintenance (so-called myogenesis-angiogenesis coupling). Their role in chronic diseases muscle wasting has been less studied. Immune cells are pivotal for muscle repair after injury: Macrophages undergo a transition from the M1 to the M2 state along with the transition between the inflammatory and resolutive phase of muscle repair. T regulatory lymphocytes promote and regulate this transition and are also able to activate SC proliferation and differentiation. Neural cells such as terminal Schwann cells, motor neurons and kranocytes are notably implicated in age-related sarcopenia. Last, newly identified cells in skeletal muscle, such as telocytes or interstitial tenocytes could play a role in tissular homoeostasis. We also put a special focus on cellular alterations occurring in COPD, a chronic and highly prevalent respiratory disease mainly linked to tobacco smoke exposure, where muscle wasting is strongly associated with increased mortality, and discuss the pros and cons of animal models versus human studies in this context. Finally, we discuss resident cells metabolism and present future promising leads for research, including the use of muscle organoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Henrot
- Centre de Recherche Cardio-thoracique de Bordeaux, Univ-Bordeaux, Pessac, France.,Centre de Recherche Cardio-thoracique de Bordeaux, INSERM, Pessac, France.,CHU de Bordeaux, Service d'exploration fonctionnelle respiratoire, Pessac, France
| | - Léo Blervaque
- PhyMedExp, INSERM-CNRS-Montpellier University, Montpellier, France
| | - Isabelle Dupin
- Centre de Recherche Cardio-thoracique de Bordeaux, Univ-Bordeaux, Pessac, France.,Centre de Recherche Cardio-thoracique de Bordeaux, INSERM, Pessac, France
| | - Maéva Zysman
- Centre de Recherche Cardio-thoracique de Bordeaux, Univ-Bordeaux, Pessac, France.,Centre de Recherche Cardio-thoracique de Bordeaux, INSERM, Pessac, France.,CHU de Bordeaux, Service d'exploration fonctionnelle respiratoire, Pessac, France
| | - Pauline Esteves
- Centre de Recherche Cardio-thoracique de Bordeaux, Univ-Bordeaux, Pessac, France.,Centre de Recherche Cardio-thoracique de Bordeaux, INSERM, Pessac, France
| | - Fares Gouzi
- PhyMedExp, INSERM-CNRS-Montpellier University, CHRU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Maurice Hayot
- PhyMedExp, INSERM-CNRS-Montpellier University, CHRU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Pascal Pomiès
- PhyMedExp, INSERM-CNRS-Montpellier University, Montpellier, France
| | - Patrick Berger
- Centre de Recherche Cardio-thoracique de Bordeaux, Univ-Bordeaux, Pessac, France.,Centre de Recherche Cardio-thoracique de Bordeaux, INSERM, Pessac, France.,CHU de Bordeaux, Service d'exploration fonctionnelle respiratoire, Pessac, France
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37
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Massih B, Veh A, Schenke M, Mungwa S, Seeger B, Selvaraj BT, Chandran S, Reinhardt P, Sterneckert J, Hermann A, Sendtner M, Lüningschrör P. A 3D cell culture system for bioengineering human neuromuscular junctions to model ALS. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:996952. [PMID: 36866276 PMCID: PMC9973451 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.996952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The signals that coordinate and control movement in vertebrates are transmitted from motoneurons (MNs) to their target muscle cells at neuromuscular junctions (NMJs). Human NMJs display unique structural and physiological features, which make them vulnerable to pathological processes. NMJs are an early target in the pathology of motoneuron diseases (MND). Synaptic dysfunction and synapse elimination precede MN loss suggesting that the NMJ is the starting point of the pathophysiological cascade leading to MN death. Therefore, the study of human MNs in health and disease requires cell culture systems that enable the connection to their target muscle cells for NMJ formation. Here, we present a human neuromuscular co-culture system consisting of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived MNs and 3D skeletal muscle tissue derived from myoblasts. We used self-microfabricated silicone dishes combined with Velcro hooks to support the formation of 3D muscle tissue in a defined extracellular matrix, which enhances NMJ function and maturity. Using a combination of immunohistochemistry, calcium imaging, and pharmacological stimulations, we characterized and confirmed the function of the 3D muscle tissue and the 3D neuromuscular co-cultures. Finally, we applied this system as an in vitro model to study the pathophysiology of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and found a decrease in neuromuscular coupling and muscle contraction in co-cultures with MNs harboring ALS-linked SOD1 mutation. In summary, the human 3D neuromuscular cell culture system presented here recapitulates aspects of human physiology in a controlled in vitro setting and is suitable for modeling of MND.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bita Massih
- Institute of Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Alexander Veh
- Institute of Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Maren Schenke
- Institute for Food Quality and Safety, Research Group Food Toxicology and Alternative/Complementary Methods to Animal Experiments, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Simon Mungwa
- Institute of Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Bettina Seeger
- Institute for Food Quality and Safety, Research Group Food Toxicology and Alternative/Complementary Methods to Animal Experiments, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Bhuvaneish T. Selvaraj
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- UK Dementia Research Institute at University of Edinburgh, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Siddharthan Chandran
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- UK Dementia Research Institute at University of Edinburgh, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Reinhardt
- Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Jared Sterneckert
- Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus of TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Andreas Hermann
- Translational Neurodegeneration Section “Albrecht-Kossel”, Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Rostock, Rostock, Germany
- Center for Transdisciplinary Neurosciences Rostock, University Medical Center Rostock, Rostock, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE) Rostock/Greifswald, Rostock, Germany
| | - Michael Sendtner
- Institute of Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Patrick Lüningschrör
- Institute of Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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38
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Castellanos-Montiel MJ, Chaineau M, Franco-Flores AK, Haghi G, Carrillo-Valenzuela D, Reintsch WE, Chen CXQ, Durcan TM. An Optimized Workflow to Generate and Characterize iPSC-Derived Motor Neuron (MN) Spheroids. Cells 2023; 12:cells12040545. [PMID: 36831212 PMCID: PMC9954647 DOI: 10.3390/cells12040545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
A multitude of in vitro models based on induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived motor neurons (MNs) have been developed to investigate the underlying causes of selective MN degeneration in motor neuron diseases (MNDs). For instance, spheroids are simple 3D models that have the potential to be generated in large numbers that can be used across different assays. In this study, we generated MN spheroids and developed a workflow to analyze them. To start, the morphological profiling of the spheroids was achieved by developing a pipeline to obtain measurements of their size and shape. Next, we confirmed the expression of different MN markers at the transcript and protein levels by qPCR and immunocytochemistry of tissue-cleared samples, respectively. Finally, we assessed the capacity of the MN spheroids to display functional activity in the form of action potentials and bursts using a microelectrode array approach. Although most of the cells displayed an MN identity, we also characterized the presence of other cell types, namely interneurons and oligodendrocytes, which share the same neural progenitor pool with MNs. In summary, we successfully developed an MN 3D model, and we optimized a workflow that can be applied to perform its morphological, gene expression, protein, and functional profiling over time.
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39
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Rouleau N, Murugan NJ, Kaplan DL. Functional bioengineered models of the central nervous system. NATURE REVIEWS BIOENGINEERING 2023; 1:252-270. [PMID: 37064657 PMCID: PMC9903289 DOI: 10.1038/s44222-023-00027-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
The functional complexity of the central nervous system (CNS) is unparalleled in living organisms. Its nested cells, circuits and networks encode memories, move bodies and generate experiences. Neural tissues can be engineered to assemble model systems that recapitulate essential features of the CNS and to investigate neurodevelopment, delineate pathophysiology, improve regeneration and accelerate drug discovery. In this Review, we discuss essential structure-function relationships of the CNS and examine materials and design considerations, including composition, scale, complexity and maturation, of cell biology-based and engineering-based CNS models. We highlight region-specific CNS models that can emulate functions of the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, spinal cord, neural-X interfaces and other regions, and investigate a range of applications for CNS models, including fundamental and clinical research. We conclude with an outlook to future possibilities of CNS models, highlighting the engineering challenges that remain to be overcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Rouleau
- Department of Health Sciences, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Ontario Canada
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA USA
| | - Nirosha J. Murugan
- Department of Health Sciences, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Ontario Canada
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA USA
| | - David L. Kaplan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA USA
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40
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Fornetti E, De Paolis F, Fuoco C, Bernardini S, Giannitelli SM, Rainer A, Seliktar D, Magdinier F, Baldi J, Biagini R, Cannata S, Testa S, Gargioli C. A novel extrusion-based 3D bioprinting system for skeletal muscle tissue engineering. Biofabrication 2023; 15. [PMID: 36689776 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/acb573] [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: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting is an emerging technology, which turned out to be an optimal tool for tissue engineering approaches. To date, different printing systems have been developed. Among them, the extrusion-based approach demonstrated to be the most suitable for skeletal muscle tissue engineering, due to its ability to produce and deposit printing fibers in a parallel pattern that well mimic the native skeletal muscle tissue architecture. In tissue bioengineering, a key role is played by biomaterials, which must possess the key requisite of 'printability'. Nevertheless, this feature is not often well correlated with cell requirements, such as motives for cellular adhesion and/or absorbability. To overcome this hurdle, several efforts have been made to obtain an effective bioink by combining two different biomaterials in order to reach a good printability besides a suitable biological activity. However, despite being efficient, this strategy reveals several outcomes limitations. We report here the development and characterization of a novel extrusion-based 3D bioprinting system, and its application for correction of volumetric muscle loss (VML) injury in a mouse model. The developed bioprinting system is based on the use of PEG-Fibrinogen, a unique biomaterial with excellent biocompatibility, well-suited for skeletal muscle tissue engineering. With this approach, we obtained highly organized 3D constructs, in which murine muscle progenitors were able to differentiate into muscle fibers arranged in aligned bundles and capable of spontaneously contracting when culturedin vitro. Furthermore, to evaluate the potential of the developed system in future regenerative medicine applications, bioprinted constructs laden with either murine or human muscle progenitors were transplanted to regenerate theTibialis Anteriormuscle of a VML murine model, one month after grafting.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Fornetti
- Department of Biology, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Rome, Italy
| | - F De Paolis
- Department of Biology, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Rome, Italy.,PhD Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Department of Biology, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Rome, Italy
| | - C Fuoco
- Department of Biology, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Rome, Italy
| | - S Bernardini
- Department of Biology, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Rome, Italy
| | - S M Giannitelli
- Department of Engineering, Università Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
| | - A Rainer
- Department of Engineering, Università Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy.,Institute of Nanotechnology (NANOTEC), National Research Council, Lecce, Italy
| | - D Seliktar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Techion Institute, Haifa, Israel
| | - F Magdinier
- Aix-Marseille University, INSERM, MMG, Marseille Medical Genetics, Marseille, France
| | - J Baldi
- IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - R Biagini
- IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - S Cannata
- Department of Biology, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Rome, Italy
| | - S Testa
- Aix-Marseille University, INSERM, MMG, Marseille Medical Genetics, Marseille, France
| | - C Gargioli
- Department of Biology, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Rome, Italy
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41
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Tahraoui-Bories J, Mérien A, González-Barriga A, Lainé J, Leteur C, Polvèche H, Carteron A, De Lamotte JD, Nicoleau C, Polentes J, Jarrige M, Gomes-Pereira M, Ventre E, Poydenot P, Furling D, Schaeffer L, Legay C, Martinat C. MBNL-dependent impaired development within the neuromuscular system in myotonic dystrophy type 1. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2023; 49:e12876. [PMID: 36575942 PMCID: PMC10107781 DOI: 10.1111/nan.12876] [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: 09/18/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Myotonic dystrophy type I (DM1) is one of the most frequent muscular dystrophies in adults. Although DM1 has long been considered mainly a muscle disorder, growing evidence suggests the involvement of peripheral nerves in the pathogenicity of DM1 raising the question of whether motoneurons (MNs) actively contribute to neuromuscular defects in DM1. METHODS By using micropatterned 96-well plates as a coculture platform, we generated a functional neuromuscular model combining DM1 and muscleblind protein (MBNL) knock-out human-induced pluripotent stem cells-derived MNs and human healthy skeletal muscle cells. RESULTS This approach led to the identification of presynaptic defects which affect the formation or stability of the neuromuscular junction at an early developmental stage. These neuropathological defects could be reproduced by the loss of RNA-binding MBNL proteins, whose loss of function in vivo is associated with muscular defects associated with DM1. These experiments indicate that the functional defects associated with MNs can be directly attributed to MBNL family proteins. Comparative transcriptomic analyses also revealed specific neuronal-related processes regulated by these proteins that are commonly misregulated in DM1. CONCLUSIONS Beyond the application to DM1, our approach to generating a robust and reliable human neuromuscular system should facilitate disease modelling studies and drug screening assays.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Antoine Mérien
- INSERM/UEVE UMR 861, Université Paris Saclay, I-STEM, Corbeil-Essonnes, France
| | - Anchel González-Barriga
- INSERM, Institut de Myologie, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Jeanne Lainé
- INSERM, Institut de Myologie, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Mário Gomes-Pereira
- INSERM, Institut de Myologie, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | | | | | - Denis Furling
- INSERM, Institut de Myologie, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Laurent Schaeffer
- INMG, INSERM U1217, CNRS UMR5310, Université Lyon 1, Université de Lyon, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Claire Legay
- CNRS, SPINN-Saint-Pères Paris Institute for the Neurosciences, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Cécile Martinat
- INSERM/UEVE UMR 861, Université Paris Saclay, I-STEM, Corbeil-Essonnes, France
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42
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Takahashi H, Wakayama H, Nagase K, Shimizu T. Engineered Human Muscle Tissue from Multilayered Aligned Myofiber Sheets for Studies of Muscle Physiology and Predicting Drug Response. SMALL METHODS 2023; 7:e2200849. [PMID: 36562139 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202200849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Revised: 10/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
In preclinical drug testing, human muscle tissue models are critical to understanding the complex physiology, including drug effects in the human body. This study reports that a multilayering approach to cell sheet-based engineering produces an engineered human muscle tissue with sufficient contractile force suitable for measurement. A thermoresponsive micropatterned substrate regulates the biomimetic alignment of myofiber structures enabling the harvest of the aligned myofibers as a single cell sheet. The functional muscle tissue is produced by layering multiple myofiber sheets on a fibrin-based gel. This gel environment promotes myofiber maturation, provides the tissue an elastic platform for contraction, and allows the attachment of a measurement device. Since this multilayering approach is effective in enhancing the contractile ability of the muscle tissue, this muscle tissue generates a significantly high contractile force that can be measured quantitatively. The multilayered muscle tissue shows unidirectional contraction from electrical and chemical stimulation. In addition, their physiological responses to representative drugs can be determined quantitatively in real time by changes in contractile force and fatigue resistance. These physiological properties indicate that the engineered muscle tissue can become a promising tissue model for preclinical in vitro studies in muscle physiology and drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hironobu Takahashi
- Institute of Advanced Biomedical Engineering and Science, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, 162-8666, Japan
| | - Haruno Wakayama
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Keio University, Tokyo, 105-8512, Japan
| | - Kenichi Nagase
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Keio University, Tokyo, 105-8512, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Shimizu
- Institute of Advanced Biomedical Engineering and Science, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, 162-8666, Japan
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43
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Krause K, Eggers B, Uszkoreit J, Eulitz S, Rehmann R, Güttsches AK, Schreiner A, van der Ven PFM, Fürst DO, Marcus K, Vorgerd M, Kley RA. Target formation in muscle fibres indicates reinnervation - A proteomic study in muscle samples from peripheral neuropathies. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2023; 49:e12853. [PMID: 36180966 DOI: 10.1111/nan.12853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Target skeletal muscle fibres - defined by different concentric areas in oxidative enzyme staining - can occur in patients with neurogenic muscular atrophy. Here, we used our established hypothesis-free proteomic approach with the aim of deciphering the protein composition of targets. We also searched for potential novel interactions between target proteins. METHODS Targets and control areas were laser microdissected from skeletal muscle sections of 20 patients with neurogenic muscular atrophy. Samples were analysed by a highly sensitive mass spectrometry approach, enabling relative protein quantification. The results were validated by immunofluorescence studies. Protein interactions were investigated by yeast two-hybrid assays, coimmunoprecipitation experiments and bimolecular fluorescence complementation. RESULTS More than 1000 proteins were identified. Among these, 55 proteins were significantly over-represented and 40 proteins were significantly under-represented in targets compared to intraindividual control samples. The majority of over-represented proteins were associated with the myofibrillar Z-disc and actin dynamics, followed by myosin and myosin-associated proteins, proteins involved in protein biosynthesis and chaperones. Under-represented proteins were mainly mitochondrial proteins. Functional studies revealed that the LIM domain of the over-represented protein LIMCH1 interacts with isoform A of Xin actin-binding repeat-containing protein 1 (XinA). CONCLUSIONS In particular, proteins involved in myofibrillogenesis are over-represented in target structures, which indicate an ongoing process of sarcomere assembly and/or remodelling within this specific area of the muscle fibres. We speculate that target structures are the result of reinnervation processes in which filamin C-associated myofibrillogenesis is tightly regulated by the BAG3-associated protein quality system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karsten Krause
- Department of Neurology, Heimer Institute for Muscle Research, University Hospital Bergmannsheil, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Britta Eggers
- Medizinisches Proteom-Center, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany.,Medical Proteome Analysis, Center for Protein Diagnostics (PRODI), Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Julian Uszkoreit
- Medizinisches Proteom-Center, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany.,Medical Proteome Analysis, Center for Protein Diagnostics (PRODI), Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Stefan Eulitz
- Institute for Cell Biology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Robert Rehmann
- Department of Neurology, Heimer Institute for Muscle Research, University Hospital Bergmannsheil, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Anne K Güttsches
- Department of Neurology, Heimer Institute for Muscle Research, University Hospital Bergmannsheil, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Anja Schreiner
- Department of Neurology, Heimer Institute for Muscle Research, University Hospital Bergmannsheil, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | | | - Dieter O Fürst
- Institute for Cell Biology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Katrin Marcus
- Medizinisches Proteom-Center, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany.,Medical Proteome Analysis, Center for Protein Diagnostics (PRODI), Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Matthias Vorgerd
- Department of Neurology, Heimer Institute for Muscle Research, University Hospital Bergmannsheil, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Rudolf A Kley
- Department of Neurology, Heimer Institute for Muscle Research, University Hospital Bergmannsheil, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany.,Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology, St. Marien-Hospital Borken, Borken, Germany
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44
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Lipp SN, Jacobson KR, Colling HA, Tuttle TG, Miles DT, McCreery KP, Calve S. Mechanical loading is required for initiation of extracellular matrix deposition at the developing murine myotendinous junction. Matrix Biol 2023; 116:28-48. [PMID: 36709857 PMCID: PMC10218368 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2023.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The myotendinous junction (MTJ) contributes to the generation of motion by connecting muscle to tendon. At the adult MTJ, a specialized extracellular matrix (ECM) is thought to contribute to the mechanical integrity of the muscle-tendon interface, but the factors that influence MTJ formation during mammalian development are unclear. Here, we combined 3D imaging and proteomics with murine models in which muscle contractility and patterning are disrupted to resolve morphological and compositional changes in the ECM during MTJ development. We found that MTJ-specific ECM deposition can be initiated via static loading due to growth; however, it required cyclic loading to develop a mature morphology. Furthermore, the MTJ can mature without the tendon terminating into cartilage. Based on these results, we describe a model wherein MTJ development depends on mechanical loading but not insertion into an enthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah N Lipp
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, 206 South Martin Jischke Drive, West Lafayette, IN 47907, United States; The Indiana University Medical Scientist/Engineer Training Program, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States
| | - Kathryn R Jacobson
- Purdue University Interdisciplinary Life Science Program, 155 S. Grant Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907, United States
| | - Haley A Colling
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, 354 UCB, Boulder CO, 80309, United States
| | - Tyler G Tuttle
- Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, 1111 Engineering Dr, Boulder, CO 80309, United States
| | - Dalton T Miles
- Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, 596 UCB, CO 80309, United States
| | - Kaitlin P McCreery
- Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, 1111 Engineering Dr, Boulder, CO 80309, United States
| | - Sarah Calve
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, 206 South Martin Jischke Drive, West Lafayette, IN 47907, United States; Purdue University Interdisciplinary Life Science Program, 155 S. Grant Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907, United States; Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, 1111 Engineering Dr, Boulder, CO 80309, United States.
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45
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Shahriyari M, Islam MR, Sakib SM, Rinn M, Rika A, Krüger D, Kaurani L, Gisa V, Winterhoff M, Anandakumar H, Shomroni O, Schmidt M, Salinas G, Unger A, Linke WA, Zschüntzsch J, Schmidt J, Bassel-Duby R, Olson EN, Fischer A, Zimmermann WH, Tiburcy M. Engineered skeletal muscle recapitulates human muscle development, regeneration and dystrophy. J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle 2022; 13:3106-3121. [PMID: 36254806 PMCID: PMC9745484 DOI: 10.1002/jcsm.13094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human pluripotent stem cell-derived muscle models show great potential for translational research. Here, we describe developmentally inspired methods for the derivation of skeletal muscle cells and their utility in skeletal muscle tissue engineering with the aim to model skeletal muscle regeneration and dystrophy in vitro. METHODS Key steps include the directed differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells to embryonic muscle progenitors followed by primary and secondary foetal myogenesis into three-dimensional muscle. To simulate Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cell line was compared to a CRISPR/Cas9-edited isogenic control line. RESULTS The established skeletal muscle differentiation protocol robustly and faithfully recapitulates critical steps of embryonic myogenesis in two-dimensional and three-dimensional cultures, resulting in functional human skeletal muscle organoids (SMOs) and engineered skeletal muscles (ESMs) with a regeneration-competent satellite-like cell pool. Tissue-engineered muscle exhibits organotypic maturation and function (up to 5.7 ± 0.5 mN tetanic twitch tension at 100 Hz in ESM). Contractile performance could be further enhanced by timed thyroid hormone treatment, increasing the speed of contraction (time to peak contraction) as well as relaxation (time to 50% relaxation) of single twitches from 107 ± 2 to 75 ± 4 ms (P < 0.05) and from 146 ± 6 to 100 ± 6 ms (P < 0.05), respectively. Satellite-like cells could be documented as largely quiescent PAX7+ cells (75 ± 6% Ki67- ) located adjacent to muscle fibres confined under a laminin-containing basal membrane. Activation of the engineered satellite-like cell niche was documented in a cardiotoxin injury model with marked recovery of contractility to 57 ± 8% of the pre-injury force 21 days post-injury (P < 0.05 compared to Day 2 post-injury), which was completely blocked by preceding irradiation. Absence of dystrophin in DMD ESM caused a marked reduction of contractile force (-35 ± 7%, P < 0.05) and impaired expression of fast myosin isoforms resulting in prolonged contraction (175 ± 14 ms, P < 0.05 vs. gene-edited control) and relaxation (238 ± 22 ms, P < 0.05 vs. gene-edited control) times. Restoration of dystrophin levels by gene editing rescued the DMD phenotype in ESM. CONCLUSIONS We introduce human muscle models with canonical properties of bona fide skeletal muscle in vivo to study muscle development, maturation, disease and repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mina Shahriyari
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Georg August University, Göttingen, Germany.,DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Md Rezaul Islam
- Department for Epigenetics and Systems Medicine in Neurodegenerative Diseases, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Sadman M Sakib
- Department for Epigenetics and Systems Medicine in Neurodegenerative Diseases, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Malte Rinn
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Georg August University, Göttingen, Germany.,DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Anastasia Rika
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Georg August University, Göttingen, Germany.,DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Dennis Krüger
- Department for Epigenetics and Systems Medicine in Neurodegenerative Diseases, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Lalit Kaurani
- Department for Epigenetics and Systems Medicine in Neurodegenerative Diseases, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Verena Gisa
- Department for Epigenetics and Systems Medicine in Neurodegenerative Diseases, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Mandy Winterhoff
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Georg August University, Göttingen, Germany.,DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Harithaa Anandakumar
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Georg August University, Göttingen, Germany.,DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Orr Shomroni
- NGS Integrative Genomics Core Unit, Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Center Göttingen, Georg August University, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Matthias Schmidt
- Department of Neurology, Neuromuscular Center, University Medical Center Göttingen, Georg August University, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Gabriela Salinas
- NGS Integrative Genomics Core Unit, Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Center Göttingen, Georg August University, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Andreas Unger
- Institute of Physiology II, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Wolfgang A Linke
- Institute of Physiology II, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Jana Zschüntzsch
- Department of Neurology, Neuromuscular Center, University Medical Center Göttingen, Georg August University, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Jens Schmidt
- Department of Neurology, Neuromuscular Center, University Medical Center Göttingen, Georg August University, Göttingen, Germany.,Department of Neurology and Pain Treatment, Immanuel Klinik Rüdersdorf, University Hospital of the Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane, Rüdersdorf bei Berlin, Germany.,Faculty of Health Sciences Brandenburg, Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane, Rüdersdorf bei Berlin, Germany
| | - Rhonda Bassel-Duby
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.,Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.,Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Eric N Olson
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.,Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.,Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - André Fischer
- Department for Epigenetics and Systems Medicine in Neurodegenerative Diseases, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Cluster of Excellence 'Multiscale Bioimaging: from Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells' (MBExC), University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Wolfram-Hubertus Zimmermann
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Georg August University, Göttingen, Germany.,DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Cluster of Excellence 'Multiscale Bioimaging: from Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells' (MBExC), University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology (ITMP), Göttingen, Germany
| | - Malte Tiburcy
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Georg August University, Göttingen, Germany.,DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
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Strickland JB, Davis-Anderson K, Micheva-Viteva S, Twary S, Iyer R, Harris JF, Solomon EA. Optimization of Application-Driven Development of In Vitro Neuromuscular Junction Models. TISSUE ENGINEERING. PART B, REVIEWS 2022; 28:1180-1191. [PMID: 35018825 PMCID: PMC9805869 DOI: 10.1089/ten.teb.2021.0204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) are specialized synapses responsible for signal transduction between motor neurons (MNs) and skeletal muscle tissue. Malfunction at this site can result from developmental disorders, toxic environmental exposures, and neurodegenerative diseases leading to severe neurological dysfunction. Exploring these conditions in human or animal subjects is restricted by ethical concerns and confounding environmental factors. Therefore, in vitro NMJ models provide exciting opportunities for advancements in tissue engineering. In the last two decades, multiple NMJ prototypes and platforms have been reported, and each model system design is strongly tied to a specific application: exploring developmental physiology, disease modeling, or high-throughput screening. Directing the differentiation of stem cells into mature MNs and/or skeletal muscle for NMJ modeling has provided critical cues to recapitulate early-stage development. Patient-derived inducible pluripotent stem cells provide a personalized approach to investigating NMJ disease, especially when disease etiology cannot be resolved down to a specific gene mutation. Having reproducible NMJ culture replicates is useful for high-throughput screening to evaluate drug toxicity and determine the impact of environmental threat exposures. Cutting-edge bioengineering techniques have propelled this field forward with innovative microfabrication and design approaches allowing both two-dimensional and three-dimensional NMJ culture models. Many of these NMJ systems require further validation for broader application by regulatory agencies, pharmaceutical companies, and the general research community. In this summary, we present a comprehensive review on the current state-of-art research in NMJ models and discuss their ability to provide valuable insight into cell and tissue interactions. Impact statement In vitro neuromuscular junction (NMJ) models reveal the specialized mechanisms of communication between neurons and muscle tissue. This site can be disrupted by developmental disorders, toxic environmental exposures, or neurodegenerative diseases, which often lead to fatal outcomes and is therefore of critical importance to the medical community. Many bioengineering approaches for in vitro NMJ modeling have been designed to mimic development and disease; other approaches include in vitro NMJ models for high-throughput toxicology screening, providing a platform to limit or replace animal testing. This review describes various NMJ applications and the bioengineering advancements allowing for human NMJ characteristics to be more accurately recapitulated. While the extensive range of NMJ device structures has hindered standardization attempts, there is still a need to harmonize these devices for broader application and to continue advancing the field of NMJ modeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie B. Strickland
- Bioscience Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico, USA
| | - Katie Davis-Anderson
- Bioscience Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico, USA
| | | | - Scott Twary
- Bioscience Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico, USA
| | - Rashi Iyer
- Information System and Modeling, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico, USA
| | | | - Emilia A. Solomon
- Bioscience Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico, USA.,Address correspondence to: Emilia A. Solomon, PhD, Bioscience Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, PO Box 1663 MS M888, Los Alamos, NM 87545, USA
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47
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Liu R, Meng X, Yu X, Wang G, Dong Z, Zhou Z, Qi M, Yu X, Ji T, Wang F. From 2D to 3D Co-Culture Systems: A Review of Co-Culture Models to Study the Neural Cells Interaction. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:13116. [PMID: 36361902 PMCID: PMC9656609 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
The central nervous system (CNS) controls and regulates the functional activities of the organ systems and maintains the unity between the body and the external environment. The advent of co-culture systems has made it possible to elucidate the interactions between neural cells in vitro and to reproduce complex neural circuits. Here, we classified the co-culture system as a two-dimensional (2D) co-culture system, a cell-based three-dimensional (3D) co-culture system, a tissue slice-based 3D co-culture system, an organoid-based 3D co-culture system, and a microfluidic platform-based 3D co-culture system. We provide an overview of these different co-culture models and their applications in the study of neural cell interaction. The application of co-culture systems in virus-infected CNS disease models is also discussed here. Finally, the direction of the co-culture system in future research is prospected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongrong Liu
- Department of Histology & Embryology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Xiaoting Meng
- Department of Histology & Embryology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Xiyao Yu
- Department of Histology & Embryology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Guoqiang Wang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Zhiyong Dong
- Department of Histology & Embryology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Zhengjie Zhou
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Mingran Qi
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Xiao Yu
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Tong Ji
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Fang Wang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
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48
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Hardman D, Nguyen ML, Descroix S, Bernabeu MO. Mathematical modelling of oxygen transport in a muscle-on-chip device. Interface Focus 2022; 12:20220020. [PMID: 35996738 PMCID: PMC9372644 DOI: 10.1098/rsfs.2022.0020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Muscle-on-chip devices aim to recapitulate the physiological characteristics of in vivo muscle tissue and so maintaining levels of oxygen transported to cells is essential for cell survival and for providing the normoxic conditions experienced in vivo. We use finite-element method numerical modelling to describe oxygen transport and reaction in a proposed three-dimensional muscle-on-chip bioreactor with embedded channels for muscle cells and growth medium. We determine the feasibility of ensuring adequate oxygen for muscle cell survival in a device sealed from external oxygen sources and perfused via medium channels. We investigate the effects of varying elements of the bioreactor design on oxygen transport to optimize muscle tissue yield and maintain normoxic conditions. Successful co-culturing of muscle cells with motor neurons can boost muscle tissue function and so we estimate the maximum density of seeded neurons supported by oxygen concentrations within the bioreactor. We show that an enclosed bioreactor can provide sufficient oxygen for muscle cell survival and growth. We define a more efficient arrangement of muscle and perfusion chambers that can sustain a predicted 50% increase in maximum muscle volume per perfusion vessel. A study of simulated bioreactors provides functions for predicting bioreactor designs with normoxic conditions for any size of perfusion vessel, muscle chamber and distance between chambers.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Hardman
- Centre for Medical Informatics, Usher Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9BT, UK
| | - Manh-Louis Nguyen
- Institut Curie, Laboratoire Physico Chimie Curie, Institut Pierre-Gilles de Gennes, CNRS UMR168, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Stéphanie Descroix
- Institut Curie, Laboratoire Physico Chimie Curie, Institut Pierre-Gilles de Gennes, CNRS UMR168, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Miguel O. Bernabeu
- Centre for Medical Informatics, Usher Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9BT, UK
- The Bayes Centre, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9BT, UK
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49
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Fernández-Garibay X, Gomez-Florit M, Domingues RMA, Gomes M, Fernandez-Costa JM, Ramon J. Xeno-free bioengineered human skeletal muscle tissue using human platelet lysate-based hydrogels. Biofabrication 2022; 14. [PMID: 36041422 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/ac8dc8] [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: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Bioengineered human skeletal muscle tissues have emerged in the last years as new in vitro systems for disease modeling. These bioartificial muscles are classically fabricated by encapsulating human myogenic precursor cells in a hydrogel scaffold that resembles the extracellular matrix. However, most of these hydrogels are derived from xenogenic sources, and the culture media is supplemented with animal serum, which could interfere in drug testing assays. On the contrary, xeno-free biomaterials and culture conditions in tissue engineering offer increased relevance for developing human disease models. In this work, we used human platelet lysate-based nanocomposite hydrogels (HUgel) as scaffolds for human skeletal muscle tissue engineering. These hydrogels consist of human platelet lysate reinforced with cellulose nanocrystals (a-CNC) that allow tunable mechanical, structural, and biochemical properties for the 3D culture of stem cells. Here, we developed hydrogel casting platforms to encapsulate human muscle satellite stem cells in HUgel. The a-CNC content was modulated to enhance matrix remodeling, uniaxial tension, and self-organization of the cells, resulting in the formation of highly aligned, long myotubes expressing sarcomeric proteins. Moreover, the bioengineered human muscles were subjected to electrical stimulation, and the exerted contractile forces were measured in a non-invasive manner. Overall, our results demonstrated that the bioengineered human skeletal muscles could be built in xeno-free cell culture platforms to assess tissue functionality, which is promising for drug development applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Manuel Gomez-Florit
- 3B's Research Group, University of Minho, Zona Industrial da Gandra, 4805-017, Braga, Braga, 4805-017, PORTUGAL
| | - Rui M A Domingues
- 3B's Research Group, University of Minho, Zona Industrial da Gandra, 4805-017, Braga, Braga, 4805-017, PORTUGAL
| | - Manuela Gomes
- 3B's Research group, University of Minho, AvePark - Zona Industrial da Gandra, 4805-017 Barco GMR, Braga, Braga, 4704-553, PORTUGAL
| | - Juan M Fernandez-Costa
- Institute for Bioengineering in Catalonia, C/ Baldiri i reixac, 10-12, Barcelona, Catalunya, 08028, SPAIN
| | - Javier Ramon
- Institute for Bioengineering in Catalonia, C/ Baldiri i reixac, 10-12, Barcelona, Catalunya, 08028, SPAIN
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50
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Wells-Cembrano K, Sala-Jarque J, del Rio JA. Development of a simple and versatile in vitro method for production, stimulation, and analysis of bioengineered muscle. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0272610. [PMID: 35951605 PMCID: PMC9371355 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0272610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, 3D in vitro modeling of human skeletal muscle has emerged as a subject of increasing interest, due to its applicability in basic studies or screening platforms. These models strive to recapitulate key features of muscle architecture and function, such as cell alignment, maturation, and contractility in response to different stimuli. To this end, it is required to culture cells in biomimetic hydrogels suspended between two anchors. Currently available protocols are often complex to produce, have a high rate of breakage, or are not adapted to imaging and stimulation. Therefore, we sought to develop a simplified and reliable protocol, which still enabled versatility in the study of muscle function. In our method, we have used human immortalized myoblasts cultured in a hydrogel composed of MatrigelTM and fibrinogen, to create muscle strips suspended between two VELCROTM anchors. The resulting muscle constructs show a differentiated phenotype and contractile activity in response to electrical, chemical and optical stimulation. This activity is analyzed by two alternative methods, namely contraction analysis and calcium analysis with Fluo-4 AM. In all, our protocol provides an optimized version of previously published methods, enabling individual imaging of muscle bundles and straightforward analysis of muscle response with standard image analysis software. This system provides a start-to-finish guide on how to produce, validate, stimulate, and analyze bioengineered muscle. This ensures that the system can be quickly established by researchers with varying degrees of expertise, while maintaining reliability and similarity to native muscle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Wells-Cembrano
- Molecular and Cellular Neurobiotechnology, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Scientific Park of Barcelona, The Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Network Centre of Biomedical Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Institute of Health Carlos III, Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness, Spain
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Júlia Sala-Jarque
- Molecular and Cellular Neurobiotechnology, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Scientific Park of Barcelona, The Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Network Centre of Biomedical Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Institute of Health Carlos III, Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness, Spain
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jose A. del Rio
- Molecular and Cellular Neurobiotechnology, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Scientific Park of Barcelona, The Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Network Centre of Biomedical Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Institute of Health Carlos III, Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness, Spain
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- * E-mail:
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