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Turrini L, Roschi L, de Vito G, Pavone FS, Vanzi F. Imaging Approaches to Investigate Pathophysiological Mechanisms of Brain Disease in Zebrafish. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:9833. [PMID: 37372981 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24129833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Zebrafish has become an essential model organism in modern biomedical research. Owing to its distinctive features and high grade of genomic homology with humans, it is increasingly employed to model diverse neurological disorders, both through genetic and pharmacological intervention. The use of this vertebrate model has recently enhanced research efforts, both in the optical technology and in the bioengineering fields, aiming at developing novel tools for high spatiotemporal resolution imaging. Indeed, the ever-increasing use of imaging methods, often combined with fluorescent reporters or tags, enable a unique chance for translational neuroscience research at different levels, ranging from behavior (whole-organism) to functional aspects (whole-brain) and down to structural features (cellular and subcellular). In this work, we present a review of the imaging approaches employed to investigate pathophysiological mechanisms underlying functional, structural, and behavioral alterations of human neurological diseases modeled in zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lapo Turrini
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, Via Nello Carrara 1, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Roschi
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, Via Nello Carrara 1, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Giuseppe de Vito
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, Via Nello Carrara 1, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, University of Florence, Viale Gaetano Pieraccini 6, 50139 Florence, Italy
- Interdepartmental Centre for the Study of Complex Dynamics, University of Florence, Via Giovanni Sansone 1, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Francesco Saverio Pavone
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, Via Nello Carrara 1, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Florence, Via Giovanni Sansone 1, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
- National Institute of Optics, National Research Council, Via Nello Carrara 1, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Francesco Vanzi
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, Via Nello Carrara 1, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Via Madonna del Piano 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
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2
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Resta F, Montagni E, de Vito G, Scaglione A, Allegra Mascaro AL, Pavone FS. Large-scale all-optical dissection of motor cortex connectivity shows a segregated organization of mouse forelimb representations. Cell Rep 2022; 41:111627. [PMID: 36351410 PMCID: PMC10073205 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
In rodent motor cortex, the rostral forelimb area (RFA) and the caudal forelimb area (CFA) are major actors in orchestrating the control of complex forelimb movements. However, their intrinsic connectivity and reciprocal functional organization are still unclear, limiting our understanding of how the brain coordinates and executes voluntary movements. Here, we causally probe cortical connectivity and activation patterns triggered by transcranial optogenetic stimulation of ethologically relevant complex movements exploiting a large-scale all-optical method in awake mice. Results show specific activation features for each movement class, providing evidence for a segregated functional organization of CFA and RFA. Importantly, we identify a second discrete lateral grasping representation area, namely the lateral forelimb area (LFA), with unique connectivity and activation patterns. Therefore, we propose the LFA as a distinct forelimb representation in the mouse somatotopic motor map.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Resta
- European Laboratory for Non-linear Spectroscopy, University of Florence, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy; Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Florence, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy.
| | - Elena Montagni
- European Laboratory for Non-linear Spectroscopy, University of Florence, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy; Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Florence, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Giuseppe de Vito
- European Laboratory for Non-linear Spectroscopy, University of Florence, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy; Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Pharmacology and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Alessandro Scaglione
- European Laboratory for Non-linear Spectroscopy, University of Florence, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy; Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Florence, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Anna Letizia Allegra Mascaro
- European Laboratory for Non-linear Spectroscopy, University of Florence, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy; Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Francesco Saverio Pavone
- European Laboratory for Non-linear Spectroscopy, University of Florence, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy; Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Florence, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy; National Institute of Optics, National Research Council, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
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3
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Turrini L, Sorelli M, de Vito G, Credi C, Tiso N, Vanzi F, Pavone FS. Multimodal Characterization of Seizures in Zebrafish Larvae. Biomedicines 2022; 10:951. [PMID: 35625689 PMCID: PMC9139036 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10050951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy accounts for a significant proportion of the world's disease burden. Indeed, many research efforts are produced both to investigate the basic mechanism ruling its genesis and to find more effective therapies. In this framework, the use of zebrafish larvae, owing to their peculiar features, offers a great opportunity. Here, we employ transgenic zebrafish larvae expressing GCaMP6s in all neurons to characterize functional alterations occurring during seizures induced by pentylenetetrazole. Using a custom two-photon light-sheet microscope, we perform fast volumetric functional imaging of the entire larval brain, investigating how different brain regions contribute to seizure onset and propagation. Moreover, employing a custom behavioral tracking system, we outline the progressive alteration of larval swim kinematics, resulting from different grades of seizures. Collectively, our results show that the epileptic larval brain undergoes transitions between diverse neuronal activity regimes. Moreover, we observe that different brain regions are progressively recruited into the generation of seizures of diverse severity. We demonstrate that midbrain regions exhibit highest susceptibility to the convulsant effects and that, during periods preceding abrupt hypersynchronous paroxysmal activity, they show a consistent increase in functional connectivity. These aspects, coupled with the hub-like role that these regions exert, represent important cues in their identification as epileptogenic hubs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lapo Turrini
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Florence, Via G. Sansone 1, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy;
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, Via Nello Carrara 1, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy; (G.d.V.); (C.C.); (F.V.)
| | - Michele Sorelli
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Florence, Via G. Sansone 1, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy;
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, Via Nello Carrara 1, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy; (G.d.V.); (C.C.); (F.V.)
| | - Giuseppe de Vito
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, Via Nello Carrara 1, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy; (G.d.V.); (C.C.); (F.V.)
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Caterina Credi
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, Via Nello Carrara 1, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy; (G.d.V.); (C.C.); (F.V.)
- National Institute of Optics, National Research Council, Via Nello Carrara 1, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Natascia Tiso
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Via U. Bassi 58/B, 35131 Padova, Italy;
| | - Francesco Vanzi
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, Via Nello Carrara 1, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy; (G.d.V.); (C.C.); (F.V.)
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Via Madonna del Piano 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Francesco Saverio Pavone
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Florence, Via G. Sansone 1, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy;
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, Via Nello Carrara 1, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy; (G.d.V.); (C.C.); (F.V.)
- National Institute of Optics, National Research Council, Via Nello Carrara 1, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
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Ricci P, Marchetti M, Sorelli M, Turrini L, Resta F, Gavryusev V, de Vito G, Sancataldo G, Vanzi F, Silvestri L, Pavone FS. Power-effective scanning with AODs for 3D optogenetic applications. J Biophotonics 2022; 15:e202100256. [PMID: 35000289 DOI: 10.1002/jbio.202100256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Two-photon (2P) excitation is a cornerstone approach widely employed in neuroscience microscopy for deep optical access and sub-micrometric-resolution light targeting into the brain. However, besides structural and functional imaging, 2P optogenetic stimulations are less routinary, especially in 3D. This is because of the adopted scanning systems, often feebly effective, slow and mechanically constricted. Faster illumination can be achieved through acousto-optic deflectors (AODs) although their applicability to large volumes excitation has been limited by large efficiency drop along the optical axis. Here, we present a new AOD-based scheme for 2P 3D scanning that improves the power delivery between different illumination planes. We applied this approach to photostimulate an optogenetic actuator in zebrafish larvae, demonstrating the method efficiency observing increased activity responses and uniform activation probabilities from neuronal clusters addressed in the volume. This novel driving scheme can open to new AOD applications in neuroscience, allowing more effective 3D interrogation in large neuronal networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Ricci
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, Florence
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Florence, Florence
| | | | - Michele Sorelli
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, Florence
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Florence, Florence
| | - Lapo Turrini
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, Florence
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Florence, Florence
| | - Francesco Resta
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, Florence
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Florence, Florence
| | - Vladislav Gavryusev
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, Florence
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Florence, Florence
| | - Giuseppe de Vito
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, Florence
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Francesco Vanzi
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, Florence
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Ludovico Silvestri
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, Florence
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Florence, Florence
- National Institute of Optics, Florence, Italy
| | - Francesco Saverio Pavone
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, Florence
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Florence, Florence
- L4T-Light4Tech, Florence, Italy
- National Institute of Optics, Florence, Italy
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de Vito G, Turrini L, Müllenbroich C, Ricci P, Sancataldo G, Mazzamuto G, Tiso N, Sacconi L, Fanelli D, Silvestri L, Vanzi F, Pavone FS. Fast whole-brain imaging of seizures in zebrafish larvae by two-photon light-sheet microscopy. Biomed Opt Express 2022; 13:1516-1536. [PMID: 35414999 PMCID: PMC8973167 DOI: 10.1364/boe.434146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Light-sheet fluorescence microscopy (LSFM) enables real-time whole-brain functional imaging in zebrafish larvae. Conventional one-photon LSFM can however induce undesirable visual stimulation due to the use of visible excitation light. The use of two-photon (2P) excitation, employing near-infrared invisible light, provides unbiased investigation of neuronal circuit dynamics. However, due to the low efficiency of the 2P absorption process, the imaging speed of this technique is typically limited by the signal-to-noise-ratio. Here, we describe a 2P LSFM setup designed for non-invasive imaging that enables quintuplicating state-of-the-art volumetric acquisition rate of the larval zebrafish brain (5 Hz) while keeping low the laser intensity on the specimen. We applied our system to the study of pharmacologically-induced acute seizures, characterizing the spatial-temporal dynamics of pathological activity and describing for the first time the appearance of caudo-rostral ictal waves (CRIWs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe de Vito
- University of Florence, Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, Viale Pieraccini 6, Florence, Italy, 50139, Italy
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, Via Nello Carrara 1, Sesto Fiorentino 50019, Italy
- Co-first authors with equal contribution
| | - Lapo Turrini
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, Via Nello Carrara 1, Sesto Fiorentino 50019, Italy
- University of Florence, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Via Sansone 1, Sesto Fiorentino 50019, Italy
- Co-first authors with equal contribution
| | - Caroline Müllenbroich
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, Via Nello Carrara 1, Sesto Fiorentino 50019, Italy
- School of Physics and Astronomy, Kelvin Building, University of Glasgow, G12 8QQ, Glasgow, UK
- National Institute of Optics, National Research Council, Via Nello Carrara 1, Sesto Fiorentino 50019, Italy
| | - Pietro Ricci
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, Via Nello Carrara 1, Sesto Fiorentino 50019, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Sancataldo
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, Via Nello Carrara 1, Sesto Fiorentino 50019, Italy
- University of Florence, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Via Sansone 1, Sesto Fiorentino 50019, Italy
| | - Giacomo Mazzamuto
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, Via Nello Carrara 1, Sesto Fiorentino 50019, Italy
- National Institute of Optics, National Research Council, Via Nello Carrara 1, Sesto Fiorentino 50019, Italy
| | - Natascia Tiso
- University of Padova, Department of Biology, Via U. Bassi 58/B, Padova 35131, Italy
| | - Leonardo Sacconi
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, Via Nello Carrara 1, Sesto Fiorentino 50019, Italy
- National Institute of Optics, National Research Council, Via Nello Carrara 1, Sesto Fiorentino 50019, Italy
| | - Duccio Fanelli
- University of Florence, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Via Sansone 1, Sesto Fiorentino 50019, Italy
| | - Ludovico Silvestri
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, Via Nello Carrara 1, Sesto Fiorentino 50019, Italy
- University of Florence, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Via Sansone 1, Sesto Fiorentino 50019, Italy
- National Institute of Optics, National Research Council, Via Nello Carrara 1, Sesto Fiorentino 50019, Italy
| | - Francesco Vanzi
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, Via Nello Carrara 1, Sesto Fiorentino 50019, Italy
- University of Florence, Department of Biology, Via Madonna del Piano 6, Sesto Fiorentino 50019, Italy
| | - Francesco Saverio Pavone
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, Via Nello Carrara 1, Sesto Fiorentino 50019, Italy
- University of Florence, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Via Sansone 1, Sesto Fiorentino 50019, Italy
- National Institute of Optics, National Research Council, Via Nello Carrara 1, Sesto Fiorentino 50019, Italy
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Pucci C, Marino A, Şen Ö, De Pasquale D, Bartolucci M, Iturrioz-Rodríguez N, di Leo N, de Vito G, Debellis D, Petretto A, Ciofani G. Ultrasound-responsive nutlin-loaded nanoparticles for combined chemotherapy and piezoelectric treatment of glioblastoma cells. Acta Biomater 2022; 139:218-236. [PMID: 33894347 PMCID: PMC7612320 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), also known as grade IV astrocytoma, represents the most aggressive primary brain tumor. The complex genetic heterogeneity, the acquired drug resistance, and the presence of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) limit the efficacy of the current therapies, with effectiveness demonstrated only in a small subset of patients. To overcome these issues, here we propose an anticancer approach based on ultrasound-responsive drug-loaded organic piezoelectric nanoparticles. This anticancer nanoplatform consists of nutlin-3a-loaded ApoE-functionalized P(VDF-TrFE) nanoparticles, that can be remotely activated with ultrasound-based mechanical stimulations to induce drug release and to locally deliver anticancer electric cues. The combination of chemotherapy treatment with chronic piezoelectric stimulation resulted in activation of cell apoptosis and anti-proliferation pathways, induction of cell necrosis, inhibition of cancer migration, and reduction of cell invasiveness in drug-resistant GBM cells. Obtained results pave the way for the use of innovative multifunctional nanomaterials in less invasive and more focused anticancer treatments, able to reduce drug resistance in GBM.
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Conti E, Scaglione A, de Vito G, Calugi F, Pasquini M, Pizzorusso T, Micera S, Allegra Mascaro AL, Pavone FS. Combining Optogenetic Stimulation and Motor Training Improves Functional Recovery and Perilesional Cortical Activity. Neurorehabil Neural Repair 2021; 36:107-118. [PMID: 34761714 DOI: 10.1177/15459683211056656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background. An ischemic stroke is followed by the remapping of motor representation and extensive changes in cortical excitability involving both hemispheres. Although stimulation of the ipsilesional motor cortex, especially when paired with motor training, facilitates plasticity and functional restoration, the remapping of motor representation of the single and combined treatments is largely unexplored. Objective. We investigated if spatio-temporal features of motor-related cortical activity and the new motor representations are related to the rehabilitative treatment or if they can be specifically associated to functional recovery. Methods. We designed a novel rehabilitative treatment that combines neuro-plasticizing intervention with motor training. In detail, optogenetic stimulation of peri-infarct excitatory neurons expressing Channelrhodopsin 2 was associated with daily motor training on a robotic device. The effectiveness of the combined therapy was compared with spontaneous recovery and with the single treatments (ie optogenetic stimulation or motor training). Results. We found that the extension and localization of the new motor representations are specific to the treatment, where most treatments promote segregation of the motor representation to the peri-infarct region. Interestingly, only the combined therapy promotes both the recovery of forelimb functionality and the rescue of spatio-temporal features of motor-related activity. Functional recovery results from a new excitatory/inhibitory balance between hemispheres as revealed by the augmented motor response flanked by the increased expression of parvalbumin positive neurons in the peri-infarct area. Conclusions. Our findings highlight that functional recovery and restoration of motor-related neuronal activity are not necessarily coupled during post-stroke recovery. Indeed the reestablishment of cortical activation features of calcium transient is distinctive of the most effective therapeutic approach, the combined therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilia Conti
- Neuroscience Institute, 9327National Research Council, Pisa, Italy.,226476European Laboratory for Non-linear Spectroscopy University of Florence, Florence, Italy.,Department of Physics and Astronomy, 9300University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Alessandro Scaglione
- 226476European Laboratory for Non-linear Spectroscopy University of Florence, Florence, Italy.,Department of Physics and Astronomy, 9300University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Giuseppe de Vito
- 226476European Laboratory for Non-linear Spectroscopy University of Florence, Florence, Italy.,Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, 9300University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Francesco Calugi
- Neuroscience Institute, 9327National Research Council, Pisa, Italy.,Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, 9300University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Maria Pasquini
- The BioRobotics Institute and Department of Excellence in Robotics and AI, 19005Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy.,Center for Neuroprosthetics and Institute of Bioengineering, 454629Bertarelli Foundation Chair in Translational NeuroEngineering, Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Tommaso Pizzorusso
- Neuroscience Institute, 9327National Research Council, Pisa, Italy.,Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, 9300University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Silvestro Micera
- The BioRobotics Institute and Department of Excellence in Robotics and AI, 19005Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy.,Center for Neuroprosthetics and Institute of Bioengineering, 454629Bertarelli Foundation Chair in Translational NeuroEngineering, Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Anna Letizia Allegra Mascaro
- Neuroscience Institute, 9327National Research Council, Pisa, Italy.,226476European Laboratory for Non-linear Spectroscopy University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Francesco Saverio Pavone
- 226476European Laboratory for Non-linear Spectroscopy University of Florence, Florence, Italy.,Department of Physics and Astronomy, 9300University of Florence, Florence, Italy.,National Institute of Optics, 9327National Research Council, Florence, Italy
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Ricci P, Gavryusev V, Müllenbroich C, Turrini L, de Vito G, Silvestri L, Sancataldo G, Pavone FS. Removing striping artifacts in light-sheet fluorescence microscopy: a review. Prog Biophys Mol Biol 2021; 168:52-65. [PMID: 34274370 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2021.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, light-sheet fluorescence microscopy (LSFM) has found a broad application for imaging of diverse biological samples, ranging from sub-cellular structures to whole animals, both in-vivo and ex-vivo, owing to its many advantages relative to point-scanning methods. By providing the selective illumination of sample single planes, LSFM achieves an intrinsic optical sectioning and direct 2D image acquisition, with low out-of-focus fluorescence background, sample photo-damage and photo-bleaching. On the other hand, such an illumination scheme is prone to light absorption or scattering effects, which lead to uneven illumination and striping artifacts in the images, oriented along the light sheet propagation direction. Several methods have been developed to address this issue, ranging from fully optical solutions to entirely digital post-processing approaches. In this work, we present them, outlining their advantages, performance and limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Ricci
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019, Italy; University of Florence, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019, Italy
| | - Vladislav Gavryusev
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019, Italy; University of Florence, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019, Italy
| | | | - Lapo Turrini
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019, Italy; University of Florence, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019, Italy
| | - Giuseppe de Vito
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019, Italy; University of Florence, Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, Florence, 50139, Italy
| | - Ludovico Silvestri
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019, Italy; University of Florence, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019, Italy; National Institute of Optics, National Research Council, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Sancataldo
- University of Palermo, Department of Physics and Chemistry, Palermo, 90128, Italy.
| | - Francesco Saverio Pavone
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019, Italy; University of Florence, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019, Italy; National Institute of Optics, National Research Council, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019, Italy.
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9
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Chicchi L, Cecchini G, Adam I, de Vito G, Livi R, Pavone FS, Silvestri L, Turrini L, Vanzi F, Fanelli D. Reconstruction scheme for excitatory and inhibitory dynamics with quenched disorder: application to zebrafish imaging. J Comput Neurosci 2021; 49:159-174. [PMID: 33826050 PMCID: PMC8046699 DOI: 10.1007/s10827-020-00774-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
An inverse procedure is developed and tested to recover functional and structural information from global signals of brains activity. The method assumes a leaky-integrate and fire model with excitatory and inhibitory neurons, coupled via a directed network. Neurons are endowed with a heterogenous current value, which sets their associated dynamical regime. By making use of a heterogenous mean-field approximation, the method seeks to reconstructing from global activity patterns the distribution of in-coming degrees, for both excitatory and inhibitory neurons, as well as the distribution of the assigned currents. The proposed inverse scheme is first validated against synthetic data. Then, time-lapse acquisitions of a zebrafish larva recorded with a two-photon light sheet microscope are used as an input to the reconstruction algorithm. A power law distribution of the in-coming connectivity of the excitatory neurons is found. Local degree distributions are also computed by segmenting the whole brain in sub-regions traced from annotated atlas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Chicchi
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy.,CSDC, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - Gloria Cecchini
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy. .,CSDC, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy.
| | - Ihusan Adam
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy.,CSDC, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy.,Department of Information Engineering, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Giuseppe de Vito
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy.,Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Roberto Livi
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy.,CSDC, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy.,INFN Sezione di Firenze, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - Francesco Saverio Pavone
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy.,European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy.,National Institute of Optics, National Research Councily, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - Ludovico Silvestri
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy.,European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy.,National Institute of Optics, National Research Councily, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - Lapo Turrini
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy.,European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - Francesco Vanzi
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy.,Department of Biology, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - Duccio Fanelli
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy.,CSDC, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy.,INFN Sezione di Firenze, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
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10
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de Vito G, Ricci P, Turrini L, Gavryusev V, Müllenbroich C, Tiso N, Vanzi F, Silvestri L, Pavone FS. Effects of excitation light polarization on fluorescence emission in two-photon light-sheet microscopy. Biomed Opt Express 2020; 11:4651-4665. [PMID: 32923069 PMCID: PMC7449752 DOI: 10.1364/boe.396388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 06/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Light-sheet microscopy (LSM) is a powerful imaging technique that uses a planar illumination oriented orthogonally to the detection axis. Two-photon (2P) LSM is a variant of LSM that exploits the 2P absorption effect for sample excitation. The light polarization state plays a significant, and often overlooked, role in 2P absorption processes. The scope of this work is to test whether using different polarization states for excitation light can affect the detected signal levels in 2P LSM imaging of typical biological samples with a spatially unordered dye population. Supported by a theoretical model, we compared the fluorescence signals obtained using different polarization states with various fluorophores (fluorescein, EGFP and GCaMP6s) and different samples (liquid solution and fixed or living zebrafish larvae). In all conditions, in agreement with our theoretical expectations, linear polarization oriented parallel to the detection plane provided the largest signal levels, while perpendicularly-oriented polarization gave low fluorescence signal with the biological samples, but a large signal for the fluorescein solution. Finally, circular polarization generally provided lower signal levels. These results highlight the importance of controlling the light polarization state in 2P LSM of biological samples. Furthermore, this characterization represents a useful guide to choose the best light polarization state when maximization of signal levels is needed, e.g. in high-speed 2P LSM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe de Vito
- University of Florence, Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, Viale Pieraccini 6, Florence, FI 50139, Italy
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, Via Nello Carrara 1, Sesto Fiorentino, FI 50019, Italy
| | - Pietro Ricci
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, Via Nello Carrara 1, Sesto Fiorentino, FI 50019, Italy
| | - Lapo Turrini
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, Via Nello Carrara 1, Sesto Fiorentino, FI 50019, Italy
- University of Florence, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Via Sansone 1, Sesto Fiorentino, FI 50019, Italy
| | - Vladislav Gavryusev
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, Via Nello Carrara 1, Sesto Fiorentino, FI 50019, Italy
- University of Florence, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Via Sansone 1, Sesto Fiorentino, FI 50019, Italy
| | - Caroline Müllenbroich
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, Via Nello Carrara 1, Sesto Fiorentino, FI 50019, Italy
- School of Physics and Astronomy, Kelvin Building, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK
- National Institute of Optics, National Research Council, Via Nello Carrara 1, Sesto Fiorentino, FI 50019, Italy
| | - Natascia Tiso
- University of Padova, Department of Biology, Via Ugo Bassi 58/B, Padua, PD 35131, Italy
| | - Francesco Vanzi
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, Via Nello Carrara 1, Sesto Fiorentino, FI 50019, Italy
- University of Florence, Department of Biology, Via Madonna del Piano 6, Sesto Fiorentino, FI 50019, Italy
| | - Ludovico Silvestri
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, Via Nello Carrara 1, Sesto Fiorentino, FI 50019, Italy
- University of Florence, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Via Sansone 1, Sesto Fiorentino, FI 50019, Italy
- National Institute of Optics, National Research Council, Via Nello Carrara 1, Sesto Fiorentino, FI 50019, Italy
| | - Francesco Saverio Pavone
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, Via Nello Carrara 1, Sesto Fiorentino, FI 50019, Italy
- University of Florence, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Via Sansone 1, Sesto Fiorentino, FI 50019, Italy
- National Institute of Optics, National Research Council, Via Nello Carrara 1, Sesto Fiorentino, FI 50019, Italy
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11
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de Vito G, Parlanti P, Cecchi R, Luin S, Cappello V, Tonazzini I, Piazza V. Effects of fixatives on myelin molecular order probed with RP-CARS microscopy. Appl Opt 2020; 59:1756-1762. [PMID: 32225682 DOI: 10.1364/ao.384662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
When live imaging is not feasible, sample fixation allows preserving the ultrastructure of biological samples for subsequent microscopy analysis. This process could be performed with various methods, each one affecting differently the biological structure of the sample. While these alterations were well-characterized using traditional microscopy, little information is available about the effects of the fixatives on the spatial molecular orientation of the biological tissue. We tackled this issue by employing rotating-polarization coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (RP-CARS) microscopy to study the effects of different fixatives on the myelin sub-micrometric molecular order and micrometric morphology. RP-CARS is a novel technique derived from CARS microscopy that allows probing spatial orientation of molecular bonds while maintaining the intrinsic chemical selectivity of CARS microscopy. By characterizing the effects of the fixation procedures, the present work represents a useful guide for the choice of the best fixation technique(s), in particular for polarization-resolved CARS microscopy. Finally, we show that the combination of paraformaldehyde and glutaraldehyde can be effectively employed as a fixative for RP-CARS microscopy, as long as the effects on the molecular spatial distribution, here characterized, are taken into account.
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12
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Gavryusev V, Sancataldo G, Ricci P, Montalbano A, Fornetto C, Turrini L, Laurino A, Pesce L, de Vito G, Tiso N, Vanzi F, Silvestri L, Pavone FS. Dual-beam confocal light-sheet microscopy via flexible acousto-optic deflector. J Biomed Opt 2019; 24:1-6. [PMID: 31674164 PMCID: PMC7000876 DOI: 10.1117/1.jbo.24.10.106504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Confocal detection in digital scanned laser light-sheet fluorescence microscopy (DSLM) has been established as a gold standard method to improve image quality. The selective line detection of a complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor camera (CMOS) working in rolling shutter mode allows the rejection of out-of-focus and scattered light, thus reducing background signal during image formation. Most modern CMOS have two rolling shutters, but usually only a single illuminating beam is used, halving the maximum obtainable frame rate. We report on the capability to recover the full image acquisition rate via dual confocal DSLM by using an acousto-optic deflector. Such a simple solution enables us to independently generate, control and synchronize two beams with the two rolling slits on the camera. We show that the doubling of the imaging speed does not affect the confocal detection high contrast.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladislav Gavryusev
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
- University of Florence, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Sancataldo
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
- University of Florence, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Pietro Ricci
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Alberto Montalbano
- University of Florence, Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, Florence, Italy
| | - Chiara Fornetto
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Lapo Turrini
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
- University of Florence, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Annunziatina Laurino
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
- University of Florence, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Luca Pesce
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
- University of Florence, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Giuseppe de Vito
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
- University of Florence, Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, Florence, Italy
- National Institute of Optics, National Research Council, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Natascia Tiso
- University of Padova, Department of Biology, Padova, Italy
| | - Francesco Vanzi
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
- University of Florence, Department of Biology, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Ludovico Silvestri
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
- University of Florence, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
- National Institute of Optics, National Research Council, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Francesco S. Pavone
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
- University of Florence, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
- National Institute of Optics, National Research Council, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
- Address all correspondence to Francesco S. Pavone, E-mail:
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13
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Sancataldo G, Gavryusev V, de Vito G, Turrini L, Locatelli M, Fornetto C, Tiso N, Vanzi F, Silvestri L, Pavone FS. Flexible Multi-Beam Light-Sheet Fluorescence Microscope for Live Imaging Without Striping Artifacts. Front Neuroanat 2019; 13:7. [PMID: 30800060 PMCID: PMC6376877 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2019.00007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of light-sheet fluorescence microscopy (LSFM) has greatly expanded the experimental capabilities in many biological and biomedical research fields, enabling for example live studies of murine and zebrafish neural activity or of cell growth and division. The key feature of the method is the selective illumination of a sample single plane, providing an intrinsic optical sectioning and allowing direct 2D image recording. On the other hand, this excitation scheme is more affected by absorption or scattering artifacts in comparison to point scanning methods, leading to un-even illumination. We present here an easily implementable method, based on acousto-optical deflectors (AOD), to overcome this obstacle. We report the advantages provided by flexible and fast AODs in generating simultaneous angled multiple beams from a single laser beam and in fast light sheet pivoting and we demonstrate the suppression of illumination artifacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Sancataldo
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy.,European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Vladislav Gavryusev
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy.,European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Giuseppe de Vito
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy.,National Institute of Optics, National Research Council, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Lapo Turrini
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy.,European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Locatelli
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy.,European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Chiara Fornetto
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy.,European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Natascia Tiso
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Francesco Vanzi
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy.,Department of Biology, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Ludovico Silvestri
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy.,National Institute of Optics, National Research Council, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Francesco Saverio Pavone
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy.,European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
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14
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Marino A, Almici E, Migliorin S, Tapeinos C, Battaglini M, Cappello V, Marchetti M, de Vito G, Cicchi R, Pavone FS, Ciofani G. Piezoelectric barium titanate nanostimulators for the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme. J Colloid Interface Sci 2018; 538:449-461. [PMID: 30537658 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2018.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Revised: 11/28/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Major obstacles to the successful treatment of gliolastoma multiforme are mostly related to the acquired resistance to chemotherapy drugs and, after surgery, to the cancer recurrence in correspondence of residual microscopic foci. As innovative anticancer approach, low-intensity electric stimulation represents a physical treatment able to reduce multidrug resistance of cancer and to induce remarkable anti-proliferative effects by interfering with Ca2+ and K+ homeostasis and by affecting the organization of the mitotic spindles. However, to preserve healthy cells, it is utterly important to direct the electric stimuli only to malignant cells. In this work, we propose a nanotechnological approach based on ultrasound-sensitive piezoelectric nanoparticles to remotely deliver electric stimulations to glioblastoma cells. Barium titanate nanoparticles (BTNPs) have been functionalized with an antibody against the transferrin receptor (TfR) in order to obtain the dual targeting of blood-brain barrier and of glioblastoma cells. The remote ultrasound-mediated piezo-stimulation allowed to significantly reduce in vitro the proliferation of glioblastoma cells and, when combined with a sub-toxic concentration of temozolomide, induced an increased sensitivity to the chemotherapy treatment and remarkable anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Attilio Marino
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Smart Bio-Interfaces, Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, 56025 Pontedera, Italy.
| | - Enrico Almici
- Politecnico di Torino, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Torino, Italy
| | - Simone Migliorin
- Politecnico di Torino, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Torino, Italy
| | - Christos Tapeinos
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Smart Bio-Interfaces, Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, 56025 Pontedera, Italy
| | - Matteo Battaglini
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Smart Bio-Interfaces, Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, 56025 Pontedera, Italy; Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, The Biorobotics Institute, Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, 56025 Pontedera, Italy
| | - Valentina Cappello
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Center for Nanotechnology Innovation, Piazza San Silvestro 12, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Marco Marchetti
- European Laboratory for Nonlinear Spectroscopy (LENS), Via Nello Carrara 1, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy; Università di Firenze, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Via Giovanni Sansone 1, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Giuseppe de Vito
- European Laboratory for Nonlinear Spectroscopy (LENS), Via Nello Carrara 1, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy; National Institute of Optics, National Research Council (INO-CNR), Largo Enrico Fermi 6, 50125 Firenze, Italy
| | - Riccardo Cicchi
- European Laboratory for Nonlinear Spectroscopy (LENS), Via Nello Carrara 1, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy; National Institute of Optics, National Research Council (INO-CNR), Largo Enrico Fermi 6, 50125 Firenze, Italy
| | - Francesco Saverio Pavone
- European Laboratory for Nonlinear Spectroscopy (LENS), Via Nello Carrara 1, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy; Università di Firenze, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Via Giovanni Sansone 1, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy; National Institute of Optics, National Research Council (INO-CNR), Largo Enrico Fermi 6, 50125 Firenze, Italy
| | - Gianni Ciofani
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Smart Bio-Interfaces, Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, 56025 Pontedera, Italy; Politecnico di Torino, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Torino, Italy.
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15
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de Vito G, Cappello V, Tonazzini I, Cecchini M, Piazza V. RP-CARS reveals molecular spatial order anomalies in myelin of an animal model of Krabbe disease. J Biophotonics 2017; 10:385-393. [PMID: 26990139 DOI: 10.1002/jbio.201500305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2015] [Revised: 01/29/2016] [Accepted: 02/21/2016] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Krabbe disease (KD) is a rare demyelinating sphingolipidosis, often fatal in the first years of life. It is caused by the inactivation of the galactocerebrosidase (GALC) enzyme that causes an increase in the cellular levels of psychosine considered to be at the origin of the tissue-level effects. GALC is inactivated also in the Twitcher (TWI) mouse: a genetic model of KD that is providing important insights into the understating of the pathogenetic process and the development of possible treatments. In this article an innovative optical technique, RP-CARS, is proposed as a tool to study the degree of order of the CH2 bonds inside the myelin sheaths of TWI-mice sciatic-nerve fibres. RP-CARS, a recently developed variation of CARS microscopy, is able to combine the intrinsic chemical selectivity of CARS microscopy with molecular-bond-spatial-orientation sensibility. This is the first time RP-CARS is applied to the study of a genetic model of a pathology, leading to the demonstration of a post-onset progressive spatial disorganization of the myelin CH2 bonds. The presented result could be of great interest for a deeper understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms underlying the human KD and, moreover, it is an additional proof of the experimental validity of this microscopy technique. RP-CARS image (2850 cm-1 , CH2 bonds) of a sciatic-nerve optical longitudinal section from a Twitcher P23 (symptomatic) mouse. Scale bar: 10 microns. The image was constructed by colour-mapping the degree of molecular order of the CH2 bonds inside the myelin walls, as displayed in the colour bar on the right.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe de Vito
- NEST, Scuola Normale Superiore, Piazza San Silvestro 12, I-56127, Pisa, Italy
- Center for Nanotechnology Innovation @NEST, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Piazza San Silvestro 12, I-56127, Pisa, Italy
| | - Valentina Cappello
- Center for Nanotechnology Innovation @NEST, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Piazza San Silvestro 12, I-56127, Pisa, Italy
| | - Ilaria Tonazzini
- NEST, Scuola Normale Superiore and Istituto Nanoscienze-CNR, Piazza San Silvestro 12, Pisa, I-56127, Italy
| | - Marco Cecchini
- NEST, Scuola Normale Superiore and Istituto Nanoscienze-CNR, Piazza San Silvestro 12, Pisa, I-56127, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Piazza
- Center for Nanotechnology Innovation @NEST, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Piazza San Silvestro 12, I-56127, Pisa, Italy
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16
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Nardo G, Trolese MC, de Vito G, Cecchi R, Riva N, Dina G, Heath PR, Quattrini A, Shaw PJ, Piazza V, Bendotti C. Immune response in peripheral axons delays disease progression in SOD1 G93A mice. J Neuroinflammation 2016; 13:261. [PMID: 27717377 PMCID: PMC5055725 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-016-0732-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2016] [Accepted: 09/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Increasing evidence suggests that the immune system has a beneficial role in the progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) although the mechanism remains unclear. Recently, we demonstrated that motor neurons (MNs) of C57SOD1G93A mice with slow disease progression activate molecules classically involved in the cross-talk with the immune system. This happens a lot less in 129SvSOD1G93A mice which, while expressing the same amount of transgene, had faster disease progression and earlier axonal damage. The present study investigated whether and how the immune response is involved in the preservation of motor axons in the mouse model of familial ALS with a more benign disease course. Methods First, the extent of axonal damage, Schwann cell proliferation, and neuromuscular junction (NMJ) denervation were compared between the two ALS mouse models at the disease onset. Then, we compared the expression levels of different immune molecules, the morphology of myelin sheaths, and the presence of blood-derived immune cell infiltrates in the sciatic nerve of the two SOD1G93A mouse strains using immunohistochemical, immunoblot, quantitative reverse transcription PCR, and rotating-polarization Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Scattering techniques. Results Muscle denervation, axonal dysregulation, and myelin disruption together with reduced Schwann cell proliferation are prominent in 129SvSOD1G93A compared to C57SOD1G93A mice at the disease onset, and this correlates with a faster disease progression in the first strain. On the contrary, a striking increase of immune molecules such as CCL2, MHCI, and C3 was seen in sciatic nerves of slow progressor C57SOD1G93A mice and this was accompanied by heavy infiltration of CD8+ T lymphocytes and macrophages. These phenomena were not detectable in the peripheral nervous system of fast-progressing mice. Conclusions These data show for the first time that damaged MNs in SOD1-related ALS actively recruit immune cells in the peripheral nervous system to delay muscle denervation and prolong the lifespan. On the contrary, the lack of this response has a negative impact on the disease course. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12974-016-0732-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Nardo
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Neuroscience, IRCCS - Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Via La Masa 19, 20156, Milan, Italy.
| | - Maria Chiara Trolese
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Neuroscience, IRCCS - Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Via La Masa 19, 20156, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe de Vito
- NEST, Scuola Normale Superiore, Piazza San Silvestro 12, I-56127, Pisa, Italy.,Center for Nanotechnology Innovation @NEST, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Piazza San Silvestro 12, I-56127, Pisa, Italy
| | - Roberta Cecchi
- NEST, Scuola Normale Superiore, Piazza San Silvestro 12, I-56127, Pisa, Italy
| | - Nilo Riva
- Neuropathology Unit, Department of Neurology, INSPE, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Dibit II, Via Olgettina 48, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Giorgia Dina
- Neuropathology Unit, Department of Neurology, INSPE, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Dibit II, Via Olgettina 48, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Paul R Heath
- Department of Neuroscience, Academic Neurology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health, Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, 385 Glossop Road, Sheffield, S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Angelo Quattrini
- Neuropathology Unit, Department of Neurology, INSPE, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Dibit II, Via Olgettina 48, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Pamela J Shaw
- Department of Neuroscience, Academic Neurology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health, Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, 385 Glossop Road, Sheffield, S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Vincenzo Piazza
- Center for Nanotechnology Innovation @NEST, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Piazza San Silvestro 12, I-56127, Pisa, Italy
| | - Caterina Bendotti
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Neuroscience, IRCCS - Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Via La Masa 19, 20156, Milan, Italy.
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17
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Brocca L, Longa E, Cannavino J, Seynnes O, de Vito G, McPhee J, Narici M, Pellegrino MA, Bottinelli R. Human skeletal muscle fibre contractile properties and proteomic profile: adaptations to 3 weeks of unilateral lower limb suspension and active recovery. J Physiol 2016; 593:5361-85. [PMID: 26369674 DOI: 10.1113/jp271188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2015] [Accepted: 09/04/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS It is generally assumed that muscle fibres go through atrophy following disuse with a loss of specific force and an increase in unloaded shortening velocity. However, the underlying mechanisms remain to be clarified. Most studies have focused on events taking place during the development of disuse, whereas the subsequent recovery phase, which is equally important, has received little attention. Our findings support the hypotheses that the specific force of muscle fibres decreased following unilateral lower limb suspension (ULLS) and returned to normal after 3 weeks of active recovery as a result of a loss and recovery of myosin and actin content. Furthermore, muscle fibres went through extensive qualitative changes in muscle protein pattern following ULLS, and these were reversed by active recovery. Resistance training was very effective in restoring both muscle mass and qualitative muscle changes, indicating that long-term ULLS did not prevent the positive effect of exercise on human muscle. ABSTRACT Following disuse, muscle fibre function goes through adaptations such as a loss of specific force (PO /CSA) and an increase in unloaded shortening velocity, which could be a result of both quantitative changes (i.e. atrophy) and qualitative changes in protein pattern. The underlying mechanisms remain to be clarified. In addition, little is known about the recovery of muscle mass and strength following disuse. In the present study, we report an extensive dataset describing, in detail,the functional and protein content adaptations of skeletal muscle in response to both disuse and re-training. Eight young healthy subjects were subjected to 3 weeks of unilateral lower limb suspension (ULLS), a widely used human model of disuse skeletal muscle atrophy. Needle biopsies samples were taken from the vastus lateralis muscle Pre-ULLS, Post-ULLS and after 3 weeks of recovery during which heavy resistance training was performed. After disuse, cross-sectional area (CSA), PO /CSA and myosin concentration (MC) decreased in both type 1 and 2A skinned muscle fibres. After recovery, CSA and MC returned to levels comparable to those observed before disuse, whereas Po/CSA and unloaded shortening velocity reached a higher level. Myosin heavy chain isoform composition of muscle samples did not differ among the experimental groups. To study the mechanisms underlying such adaptations, a two-dimensional proteomic analysis was performed. ULLS induced a reduction of myofibrillar, metabolic (glycolytic and oxidative) and anti-oxidant defence system protein content. Resistance training was very effective in counteracting ULLS-induced alterations, indicating that long-term ULLS did not prevent the positive effect of exercise on human muscle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenza Brocca
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.,Interuniversity Institute of Myology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Emanuela Longa
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.,Interdipartimental Centre for Biology and Sport Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Olivier Seynnes
- Institute for Biomedical Research into Human Movement and Health, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK.,Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - Giuseppe de Vito
- UCD Institute for Sport and Health, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Jamie McPhee
- Institute for Biomedical Research into Human Movement and Health, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Marco Narici
- Institute for Biomedical Research into Human Movement and Health, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK.,School of Graduate Entry to Medicine and Health, Division of Clinical Physiology, University of Nottingham, Derby, UK
| | - Maria Antonietta Pellegrino
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.,Interdipartimental Centre for Biology and Sport Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.,Interuniversity Institute of Myology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Roberto Bottinelli
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.,Fondazione Salvatore Maugeri (IRCCS), Scientific Institute of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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18
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Canta A, Chiorazzi A, Carozzi VA, Meregalli C, Oggioni N, Bossi M, Rodriguez-Menendez V, Avezza F, Crippa L, Lombardi R, de Vito G, Piazza V, Cavaletti G, Marmiroli P. Age-related changes in the function and structure of the peripheral sensory pathway in mice. Neurobiol Aging 2016; 45:136-148. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2016.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2016] [Revised: 05/12/2016] [Accepted: 05/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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19
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Piazza V, de Vito G, Farrokhtakin E, Ciofani G, Mattoli V. Femtosecond-Laser-Pulse Characterization and Optimization for CARS Microscopy. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0156371. [PMID: 27224203 PMCID: PMC4880195 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0156371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2015] [Accepted: 04/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
We present a simple method and its experimental implementation to determine the pulse durations and linear chirps of the pump-and-probe pulse and the Stokes pulse in a coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering microscope at sample level without additional autocorrelators. Our approach exploits the delay line, ubiquitous in such microscopes, to perform a convolution of the pump-and-probe and Stokes pulses as a function of their relative delay and it is based on the detection of the photons emitted from an appropriate non-linear sample. The analysis of the non-resonant four-wave-mixing and sum-frequency-generation signals allows for the direct retrieval of the pulse duration on the sample and the linear chirp of each pulse. This knowledge is crucial in maximizing the spectral-resolution and contrast in CARS imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Piazza
- Center for Nanotechnology Innovation @NEST, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Piazza San Silvestro 12, I-56127 Pisa, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | - Giuseppe de Vito
- Center for Nanotechnology Innovation @NEST, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Piazza San Silvestro 12, I-56127 Pisa, Italy
- NEST, Scuola Normale Superiore, Piazza San Silvestro 12, I-56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Elmira Farrokhtakin
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Center for Micro-BioRobotics @SSSA, Viale RinaldoPiaggio 34, I-56025 Pontedera, Pisa, Italy
| | - Gianni Ciofani
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Center for Micro-BioRobotics @SSSA, Viale RinaldoPiaggio 34, I-56025 Pontedera, Pisa, Italy
- Polytechnic University of Torino, Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, I-10129 Torino, Italy
| | - Virgilio Mattoli
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Center for Micro-BioRobotics @SSSA, Viale RinaldoPiaggio 34, I-56025 Pontedera, Pisa, Italy
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Marino A, Barsotti J, de Vito G, Filippeschi C, Mazzolai B, Piazza V, Labardi M, Mattoli V, Ciofani G. Two-Photon Lithography of 3D Nanocomposite Piezoelectric Scaffolds for Cell Stimulation. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2015; 7:25574-9. [PMID: 26548588 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.5b08764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
In this letter, we report on the fabrication, the characterization, and the in vitro testing of structures suitable for cell culturing, prepared through two-photon polymerization of a nanocomposite resist. More in details, commercially available Ormocomp has been doped with piezoelectric barium titanate nanoparticles, and bioinspired 3D structures resembling trabeculae of sponge bone have been fabricated. After an extensive characterization, preliminary in vitro testing demonstrated that both the topographical and the piezoelectric cues of these scaffolds are able to enhance the differentiation process of human SaOS-2 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Attilio Marino
- Center for Micro-BioRobotics @SSSA, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia , Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, 56025 Pontedera, Italy
- The Biorobotics Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna , Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, 56025 Pontedera, Italy
| | - Jonathan Barsotti
- Center for Micro-BioRobotics @SSSA, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia , Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, 56025 Pontedera, Italy
- The Biorobotics Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna , Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, 56025 Pontedera, Italy
| | - Giuseppe de Vito
- Center for Nanotechnology Innovation @NEST, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia , Piazza San Silvestro 12, 56127 Pisa, Italy
- NEST, Scuola Normale Superiore , Piazza San Silvestro 12, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Carlo Filippeschi
- Center for Micro-BioRobotics @SSSA, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia , Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, 56025 Pontedera, Italy
| | - Barbara Mazzolai
- Center for Micro-BioRobotics @SSSA, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia , Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, 56025 Pontedera, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Piazza
- Center for Nanotechnology Innovation @NEST, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia , Piazza San Silvestro 12, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Virgilio Mattoli
- Center for Micro-BioRobotics @SSSA, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia , Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, 56025 Pontedera, Italy
| | - Gianni Ciofani
- Center for Micro-BioRobotics @SSSA, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia , Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, 56025 Pontedera, Italy
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Politecnico di Torino , Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Torino, Italy
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21
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Rocca A, Marino A, Rocca V, Moscato S, de Vito G, Piazza V, Mazzolai B, Mattoli V, Ngo-Anh TJ, Ciofani G. Barium titanate nanoparticles and hypergravity stimulation improve differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into osteoblasts. Int J Nanomedicine 2015; 10:433-45. [PMID: 25609955 PMCID: PMC4294648 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s76329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Enhancement of the osteogenic potential of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is highly desirable in the field of bone regeneration. This paper proposes a new approach for the improvement of osteogenesis combining hypergravity with osteoinductive nanoparticles (NPs). Materials and methods In this study, we aimed to investigate the combined effects of hypergravity and barium titanate NPs (BTNPs) on the osteogenic differentiation of rat MSCs, and the hypergravity effects on NP internalization. To obtain the hypergravity condition, we used a large-diameter centrifuge in the presence of a BTNP-doped culture medium. We analyzed cell morphology and NP internalization with immunofluorescent staining and coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering, respectively. Moreover, cell differentiation was evaluated both at the gene level with quantitative real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and at the protein level with Western blotting. Results Following a 20 g treatment, we found alterations in cytoskeleton conformation, cellular shape and morphology, as well as a significant increment of expression of osteoblastic markers both at the gene and protein levels, jointly pointing to a substantial increment of NP uptake. Taken together, our findings suggest a synergistic effect of hypergravity and BTNPs in the enhancement of the osteogenic differentiation of MSCs. Conclusion The obtained results could become useful in the design of new approaches in bone-tissue engineering, as well as for in vitro drug-delivery strategies where an increment of nanocarrier internalization could result in a higher drug uptake by cell and/or tissue constructs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Rocca
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Center for Micro-BioRobotics @ SSSA, Pontedera, Italy ; Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, The BioRobotics Institute, Pontedera, Italy
| | - Attilio Marino
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Center for Micro-BioRobotics @ SSSA, Pontedera, Italy ; Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, The BioRobotics Institute, Pontedera, Italy
| | - Veronica Rocca
- Università di Pisa, Dipartimento di Ingegneria dell'Informazione, Pisa, Italy, Noordwijk, the Netherlands
| | - Stefania Moscato
- Università di Pisa, Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giuseppe de Vito
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Center for Nanotechnology Innovation @NEST, Pisa, Italy ; Scuola Normale Superiore, NEST, Pisa, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Piazza
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Center for Nanotechnology Innovation @NEST, Pisa, Italy
| | - Barbara Mazzolai
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Center for Micro-BioRobotics @ SSSA, Pontedera, Italy
| | - Virgilio Mattoli
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Center for Micro-BioRobotics @ SSSA, Pontedera, Italy
| | - Thu Jennifer Ngo-Anh
- Directorate of Human Spaceflight and Operations, European Space Agency, Noordwijk, the Netherlands
| | - Gianni Ciofani
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Center for Micro-BioRobotics @ SSSA, Pontedera, Italy
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de Vito G, Tonazzini I, Cecchini M, Piazza V. RP-CARS: label-free optical readout of the myelin intrinsic healthiness. Opt Express 2014; 22:13733-43. [PMID: 24921566 DOI: 10.1364/oe.22.013733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Here we present a method based on Rotating-Polarization Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Scattering (RP-CARS) imaging to assess the myelin health status in mouse sciatic nerves. Differently from the existing techniques, our method is based on the readout of intrinsic molecular architecture rather than on the image analysis, relying on the fact that healthy myelin is characterized by a high degree of molecular order. We exploit RP-CARS imaging to demonstrate that the degree of spatial anisotropy of the CARS signal displays a strong correlation with the g-ratio (a well-known image-based index of myelin damage) in a chemical-damage model and therefore that the former is a good indicator for the local myelin health status.
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Ciofani G, Del Turco S, Rocca A, de Vito G, Cappello V, Yamaguchi M, Li X, Mazzolai B, Basta G, Gemmi M, Piazza V, Golberg D, Mattoli V. Cytocompatibility evaluation of gum Arabic-coated ultra-pure boron nitride nanotubes on human cells. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2014; 9:773-88. [DOI: 10.2217/nnm.14.25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: Boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) are tubular nanoparticles with a structure analogous to that of carbon nanotubes, but with B and N atoms that completely replace the C atoms. Many favorable results indicate BNNTs as safe nanomaterials; however, important concerns have recently been raised about ultra-pure, long (˜10 µm) BNNTs tested on several cell types. Materials & methods: Here, we propose additional experiments with the same BNNTs, but shortened (˜1.5 µm) with a homogenization/sonication treatment that allows for their dispersion in gum Arabic aqueous solutions. Obtained BNNTs are tested on human endothelial and neuron-like cells with several independent biocompatibility assays. Moreover, for the first time, their strong sum-frequency generation signal is exploited to assess the cellular uptake. Results & conclusion: Our data demonstrate no toxic effects up to concentrations of 20 µg/ml, once more confirming biosafety of BNNTs, and again highlighting that nanoparticle aspect ratio plays a key role in the biocompatibility evaluation. Original submitted 3 December 2013; Revised submitted 28 January 2014; Published online 6 February 2014
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianni Ciofani
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Center for Micro-BioRobotics@SSSA, Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, 56025 Pontedera, Pisa, Italy
| | - Serena Del Turco
- CNR, Institute of Clinical Physiology, Via Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Antonella Rocca
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Center for Micro-BioRobotics@SSSA, Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, 56025 Pontedera, Pisa, Italy
- Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, The BioRobotics Institute, Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, 56025 Pontedera, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giuseppe de Vito
- Scuola Normale Superiore, NEST, Piazza San Silvestro 12, 56127 Pisa, Italy
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Center for Nanotechnology Innovation @NEST, Piazza San Silvestro 12, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Valentina Cappello
- Scuola Normale Superiore, NEST, Piazza San Silvestro 12, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Maho Yamaguchi
- National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), International Center for Materials Nanoarchitectonics (MANA), Namiki 1-1, 305-0044 Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Xia Li
- National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), International Center for Materials Nanoarchitectonics (MANA), Namiki 1-1, 305-0044 Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Barbara Mazzolai
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Center for Micro-BioRobotics@SSSA, Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, 56025 Pontedera, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Basta
- CNR, Institute of Clinical Physiology, Via Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Mauro Gemmi
- Scuola Normale Superiore, NEST, Piazza San Silvestro 12, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Piazza
- Scuola Normale Superiore, NEST, Piazza San Silvestro 12, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Dmitri Golberg
- National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), International Center for Materials Nanoarchitectonics (MANA), Namiki 1-1, 305-0044 Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Virgilio Mattoli
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Center for Micro-BioRobotics@SSSA, Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, 56025 Pontedera, Pisa, Italy
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FarrokhTakin E, Ciofani G, Puleo GL, de Vito G, Filippeschi C, Mazzolai B, Piazza V, Mattoli V. Barium titanate core--gold shell nanoparticles for hyperthermia treatments. Int J Nanomedicine 2013; 8:2319-31. [PMID: 23847415 PMCID: PMC3700912 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s45654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of new tools and devices to aid in treating cancer is a hot topic in biomedical research. The practice of using heat (hyperthermia) to treat cancerous lesions has a long history dating back to ancient Greece. With deeper knowledge of the factors that cause cancer and the transmissive window of cells and tissues in the near-infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum, hyperthermia applications have been able to incorporate the use of lasers. Photothermal therapy has been introduced as a selective and noninvasive treatment for cancer, in which exogenous photothermal agents are exploited to achieve the selective destruction of cancer cells. In this manuscript, we propose applications of barium titanate core–gold shell nanoparticles for hyperthermia treatment against cancer cells. We explored the effect of increasing concentrations of these nanoshells (0–100 μg/mL) on human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells, testing the internalization and intrinsic toxicity and validating the hyperthermic functionality of the particles through near infrared (NIR) laser-induced thermoablation experiments. No significant changes were observed in cell viability up to nanoparticle concentrations of 50 μg/mL. Experiments upon stimulation with an NIR laser revealed the ability of the nanoshells to destroy human neuroblastoma cells. On the basis of these findings, barium titanate core–gold shell nanoparticles resulted in being suitable for hyperthermia treatment, and our results represent a promising first step for subsequent investigations on their applicability in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elmira FarrokhTakin
- Center for Micro-BioRobotics @SSSA, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Pontedera, Pisa, Italy.
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de Vito G, Bifone A, Piazza V. Rotating-polarization CARS microscopy: combining chemical and molecular orientation sensitivity. Opt Express 2012; 20:29369-29377. [PMID: 23388764 DOI: 10.1364/oe.20.029369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Spectroscopy (CARS) is a non-linear process in which the energy difference of a pair of incoming photons matches the energy of the vibrational mode of a molecular bond of interest. This phonon population is coherently probed by a third photon and anti-Stokes radiation is emitted. Here a novel approach to CARS microscopy is presented yielding the intensity of the anti-Stokes emission, the directionality the molecular bonds of interest, and their average orientation. Myelinated axons in fixed mouse-brain slices have been imaged by RP-CARS. We were able to detect the local average direction of the acylic chains of membrane phospholipids and their spatial anisotropy. This novel method may impact the study of healthy brain circuitry as well as demyelinating diseases or other pathological states associated with altered neural connectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe de Vito
- Center for Nanotechnology Innovation @NEST, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Piazza San Silvestro 12, I-56127Pisa, Italy.
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