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Tanc M, Filippi N, Van Rymenant Y, Grintsevich S, Pintelon I, Verschuuren M, De Loose J, Verhulst E, Moon ES, Cianni L, Stroobants S, Augustyns K, Roesch F, De Meester I, Elvas F, Van der Veken P. Druglike, 18F-labeled PET Tracers Targeting Fibroblast Activation Protein. J Med Chem 2024. [PMID: 38656144 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c02402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) is a very reliable biomarker for tissue remodeling. FAP has so far mainly been studied in oncology, but there is growing interest in the enzyme in other diseases like fibrosis. Recently, FAP-targeting diagnostics and therapeutics have emerged, of which the so-called FAPIs are among the most promising representatives. FAPIs typically have a relatively high molecular weight and contain very polar, multicharged chelator moieties. While this is not limiting the application of FAPIs in oncology, more druglike FAPIs could be required to optimally study diseases characterized by denser, less permeable tissue. In response, we designed the first druglike 18F-labeled FAPIs. We report target potencies, biodistribution, and pharmacokinetics and demonstrate FAP-dependent uptake in murine tumor xenografts. Finally, this paper puts forward compound 10 as a highly promising, druglike FAPI for 18F-PET imaging. This molecule is fit for additional studies in fibrosis and its preclinical profile warrants clinical investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammet Tanc
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Nicolò Filippi
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Yentl Van Rymenant
- Laboratory of Medical Biochemistry, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Sergei Grintsevich
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Isabel Pintelon
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Marlies Verschuuren
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Joni De Loose
- Laboratory of Medical Biochemistry, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Emile Verhulst
- Laboratory of Medical Biochemistry, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Euy Sung Moon
- Institut für Kernchemie, Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz, Fritz-Strassman-Weg 2, D-55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Lorenzo Cianni
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Sigrid Stroobants
- Molecular Imaging and Radiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Koen Augustyns
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Frank Roesch
- Institut für Kernchemie, Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz, Fritz-Strassman-Weg 2, D-55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Ingrid De Meester
- Laboratory of Medical Biochemistry, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Filipe Elvas
- Molecular Imaging and Radiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Pieter Van der Veken
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
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Vasilkovska T, Salajeghe S, Vanreusel V, Van Audekerke J, Verschuuren M, Hirschler L, Warnking J, Pintelon I, Pustina D, Cachope R, Mrzljak L, Muñoz-Sanjuan I, Barbier EL, De Vos WH, Van der Linden A, Verhoye M. Longitudinal alterations in brain perfusion and vascular reactivity in the zQ175DN mouse model of Huntington's disease. J Biomed Sci 2024; 31:37. [PMID: 38627751 PMCID: PMC11022401 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-024-01028-3] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Huntington's disease (HD) is marked by a CAG-repeat expansion in the huntingtin gene that causes neuronal dysfunction and loss, affecting mainly the striatum and the cortex. Alterations in the neurovascular coupling system have been shown to lead to dysregulated energy supply to brain regions in several neurological diseases, including HD, which could potentially trigger the process of neurodegeneration. In particular, it has been observed in cross-sectional human HD studies that vascular alterations are associated to impaired cerebral blood flow (CBF). To assess whether whole-brain changes in CBF are present and follow a pattern of progression, we investigated both resting-state brain perfusion and vascular reactivity longitudinally in the zQ175DN mouse model of HD. METHODS Using pseudo-continuous arterial spin labelling (pCASL) MRI in the zQ175DN model of HD and age-matched wild-type (WT) mice, we assessed whole-brain, resting-state perfusion at 3, 6 and 9 and 13 months of age, and assessed hypercapnia-induced cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR), at 4.5, 6, 9 and 15 months of age. RESULTS We found increased perfusion in cortical regions of zQ175DN HET mice at 3 months of age, and a reduction of this anomaly at 6 and 9 months, ages at which behavioural deficits have been reported. On the other hand, under hypercapnia, CBF was reduced in zQ175DN HET mice as compared to the WT: for multiple brain regions at 6 months of age, for only somatosensory and retrosplenial cortices at 9 months of age, and brain-wide by 15 months. CVR impairments in cortical regions, the thalamus and globus pallidus were observed in zQ175DN HET mice at 9 months, with whole brain reactivity diminished at 15 months of age. Interestingly, blood vessel density was increased in the motor cortex at 3 months, while average vessel length was reduced in the lateral portion of the caudate putamen at 6 months of age. CONCLUSION Our findings reveal early cortical resting-state hyperperfusion and impaired CVR at ages that present motor anomalies in this HD model, suggesting that further characterization of brain perfusion alterations in animal models is warranted as a potential therapeutic target in HD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Vasilkovska
- Bio-Imaging Lab, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Antwerp, Belgium.
- µNEURO Research Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Somaie Salajeghe
- Bio-Imaging Lab, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Verdi Vanreusel
- Bio-Imaging Lab, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Johan Van Audekerke
- Bio-Imaging Lab, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Antwerp, Belgium
- µNEURO Research Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Marlies Verschuuren
- µNEURO Research Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Antwerp, Belgium
- Antwerp Centre for Advanced Microscopy, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Lydiane Hirschler
- C.J. Gorter MRI Center, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Jan Warnking
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Inserm, U1216, Grenoble Institut Neurosciences, Grenoble, France
| | - Isabel Pintelon
- µNEURO Research Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Antwerp, Belgium
- Antwerp Centre for Advanced Microscopy, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Dorian Pustina
- CHDI Management, Inc., the company that manages the scientific activities of CHDI Foundation, Inc, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Roger Cachope
- CHDI Management, Inc., the company that manages the scientific activities of CHDI Foundation, Inc, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Ladislav Mrzljak
- CHDI Management, Inc., the company that manages the scientific activities of CHDI Foundation, Inc, Princeton, NJ, USA
- Present Address: Takeda Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Ignacio Muñoz-Sanjuan
- CHDI Management, Inc., the company that manages the scientific activities of CHDI Foundation, Inc, Princeton, NJ, USA
- Present Address: Cajal Neuroscience Inc, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Emmanuel L Barbier
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Inserm, U1216, Grenoble Institut Neurosciences, Grenoble, France
| | - Winnok H De Vos
- µNEURO Research Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Antwerp, Belgium
- Antwerp Centre for Advanced Microscopy, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Annemie Van der Linden
- Bio-Imaging Lab, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Antwerp, Belgium
- µNEURO Research Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Marleen Verhoye
- Bio-Imaging Lab, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Antwerp, Belgium
- µNEURO Research Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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Verstraelen P, Verschuuren M, De Vos WH. Integrated staging of morphofunctional connectivity in neuronal cultures. STAR Protoc 2024; 5:102957. [PMID: 38492228 PMCID: PMC10959717 DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2024.102957] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurological disorders are defined by synaptic dysfunction. We present a workflow to quantify morphological and functional aspects of synaptic connectivity in neuronal cultures and obtain an integrated readout. We describe steps for measuring synchronous calcium bursting in GCaMP6f-transduced neurons and labeling mature synapses using a proximity ligation assay. The integration of functional and morphological information from the same cultures provides a rich fingerprint of synaptic connectivity, deployable in different experimental conditions. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Verstraelen et al. and Verschuuren et al.1,2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Verstraelen
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium.
| | - Marlies Verschuuren
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Winnok H De Vos
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium; Antwerp Centre for Advanced Microscopy, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; μNeuro Research Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.
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Molenberghs F, Verschuuren M, Vandeweyer L, Peeters S, Bogers JJ, Novo CP, Vanden Berghe W, De Reu H, Cools N, Schelhaas M, De Vos WH. Lamin B1 curtails early human papillomavirus infection by safeguarding nuclear compartmentalization and autophagic capacity. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:141. [PMID: 38485766 PMCID: PMC10940392 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05194-3] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a primary cause of cervical and head-and-neck cancers. The HPV genome enters the nucleus during mitosis when the nuclear envelope disassembles. Given that lamins maintain nuclear integrity during interphase, we asked to what extent their loss would affect early HPV infection. To address this question, we infected human cervical cancer cells and keratinocytes lacking the major lamins with a HPV16 pseudovirus (HP-PsV) encoding an EGFP reporter. We found that a sustained reduction or complete loss of lamin B1 significantly increased HP-PsV infection rate. A corresponding greater nuclear HP-PsV load in LMNB1 knockout cells was directly related to their prolonged mitotic window and extensive nuclear rupture propensity. Despite the increased HP-PsV presence, EGFP transcript levels remained virtually unchanged, indicating an additional defect in protein turnover. Further investigation revealed that LMNB1 knockout led to a substantial decrease in autophagic capacity, possibly linked to the persistent activation of cGAS by cytoplasmic chromatin exposure. Thus, the attrition of lamin B1 increases nuclear perviousness and attenuates autophagic capacity, creating an environment conducive to unrestrained accumulation of HPV capsids. Our identification of lower lamin B1 levels and nuclear BAF foci in the basal epithelial layer of several human cervix samples suggests that this pathway may contribute to an increased individual susceptibility to HPV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Freya Molenberghs
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Marlies Verschuuren
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Lauran Vandeweyer
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Sarah Peeters
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Johannes J Bogers
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Claudina Perez Novo
- Cell Death Signaling Lab, Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Wim Vanden Berghe
- Cell Death Signaling Lab, Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Hans De Reu
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Faculty Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Nathalie Cools
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Faculty Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Mario Schelhaas
- Institute of Cellular Virology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Winnok H De Vos
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Antwerp, Belgium.
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Freire Boullosa L, Van Loenhout J, Flieswasser T, Hermans C, Merlin C, Lau HW, Marcq E, Verschuuren M, De Vos WH, Lardon F, Smits ELJ, Deben C. Auranofin Synergizes with the PARP Inhibitor Olaparib to Induce ROS-Mediated Cell Death in Mutant p53 Cancers. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12030667. [PMID: 36978917 PMCID: PMC10045521 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12030667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Auranofin (AF) is a potent, off-patent thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) inhibitor that efficiently targets cancer via reactive oxygen species (ROS)- and DNA damage-mediated cell death. The goal of this study is to enhance the efficacy of AF as a cancer treatment by combining it with the poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP) inhibitor olaparib (referred to as ‘aurola’). Firstly, we investigated whether mutant p53 can sensitize non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cancer cells to AF and olaparib treatment in p53 knock-in and knock-out models with varying p53 protein expression levels. Secondly, we determined the therapeutic range for synergistic cytotoxicity between AF and olaparib and elucidated the underlying molecular cell death mechanisms. Lastly, we evaluated the effectiveness of the combination strategy in a murine 344SQ 3D spheroid and syngeneic in vivo lung cancer model. We demonstrated that high concentrations of AF and olaparib synergistically induced cytotoxicity in NSCLC and PDAC cell lines with low levels of mutant p53 protein that were initially more resistant to AF. The aurola combination also led to the highest accumulation of ROS, which resulted in ROS-dependent cytotoxicity of mutant p53 NSCLC cells through distinct types of cell death, including caspase-3/7-dependent apoptosis, inhibited by Z-VAD-FMK, and lipid peroxidation-dependent ferroptosis, inhibited by ferrostatin-1 and alpha-tocopherol. High concentrations of both compounds were also needed to obtain a synergistic cytotoxic effect in 3D spheroids of the murine lung adenocarcinoma cell line 344SQ, which was interestingly absent in 2D. This cell line was used in a syngeneic mouse model in which the oral administration of aurola significantly delayed the growth of mutant p53 344SQ tumors in 129S2/SvPasCrl mice, while either agent alone had no effect. In addition, RNA sequencing results revealed that AF- and aurola-treated 344SQ tumors were negatively enriched for immune-related gene sets, which is in accordance with AF’s anti-inflammatory function as an anti-rheumatic drug. Only 344SQ tumors treated with aurola showed the downregulation of genes related to the cell cycle, potentially explaining the growth inhibitory effect of aurola since no apoptosis-related gene sets were enriched. Overall, this novel combination strategy of oxidative stress induction (AF) with PARP inhibition (olaparib) could be a promising treatment for mutant p53 cancers, although high concentrations of both compounds need to be reached to obtain a substantial cytotoxic effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurie Freire Boullosa
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized & Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Jinthe Van Loenhout
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized & Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Tal Flieswasser
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized & Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Christophe Hermans
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized & Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Céline Merlin
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized & Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Ho Wa Lau
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized & Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Elly Marcq
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized & Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Marlies Verschuuren
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Antwerp Center for Advanced Microscopy, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
- µNEURO Research Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Winnok H. De Vos
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Antwerp Center for Advanced Microscopy, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
- µNEURO Research Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Filip Lardon
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized & Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Evelien L. J. Smits
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized & Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Christophe Deben
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized & Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +32-3-265-25-76
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Molenberghs F, Verschuuren M, Barbier M, Bogers JJ, Cools N, Delputte P, Schelhaas M, De Vos WH. Cells infected with human papilloma pseudovirus display nuclear reorganization and heterogenous infection kinetics. Cytometry A 2022; 101:1035-1048. [PMID: 35668549 DOI: 10.1002/cyto.a.24663] [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] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Human papillomaviruses (HPV) are small, non-enveloped DNA viruses, which upon chronic infection can provoke cervical and head-and-neck cancers. Although the infectious life cycle of HPV has been studied and a vaccine is available for the most prevalent cancer-causing HPV types, there are no antiviral agents to treat infected patients. Hence, there is a need for novel therapeutic entry points and a means to identify them. In this work, we have used high-content microscopy to quantitatively investigate the early phase of HPV infection. Human cervical cancer cells and immortalized keratinocytes were exposed to pseudoviruses (PsV) of the widespread HPV type 16, in which the viral genome was replaced by a pseudogenome encoding a fluorescent reporter protein. Using the fluorescent signal as readout, we measured differences in infection between cell lines, which directly correlated with host cell proliferation rate. Parallel multiparametric analysis of nuclear organization revealed that HPV PsV infection alters nuclear organization and inflates promyelocytic leukemia protein body content, positioning these events at the early stage of HPV infection, upstream of viral replication. Time-resolved analysis revealed a marked heterogeneity in infection kinetics even between two daughter cells, which we attribute to differences in viral load. Consistent with the requirement for mitotic nuclear envelope breakdown, pharmacological inhibition of the cell cycle dramatically blunted infection efficiency. Thus, by systematic image-based single cell analysis, we revealed phenotypic alterations that accompany HPV PsV infection in individual cells, and which may be relevant for therapeutic drug screens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Freya Molenberghs
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Marlies Verschuuren
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Michaël Barbier
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,Simply Complex Lab, UNAM, Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Johannes J Bogers
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Nathalie Cools
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Faculty Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Peter Delputte
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Mario Schelhaas
- Institute of Cellular Virology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Winnok H De Vos
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,Antwerp Centre for Advanced Microscopy (ACAM), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,μNEURO Research Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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van den Berg M, Adhikari MH, Verschuuren M, Pintelon I, Vasilkovska T, Van Audekerke J, Missault S, Heymans L, Ponsaerts P, De Vos WH, Van der Linden A, Keliris GA, Verhoye M. Altered basal forebrain function during whole-brain network activity at pre- and early-plaque stages of Alzheimer's disease in TgF344-AD rats. Alzheimers Res Ther 2022; 14:148. [PMID: 36217211 PMCID: PMC9549630 DOI: 10.1186/s13195-022-01089-2] [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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Imbalanced synaptic transmission appears to be an early driver in Alzheimer's disease (AD) leading to brain network alterations. Early detection of altered synaptic transmission and insight into mechanisms causing early synaptic alterations would be valuable treatment strategies. This study aimed to investigate how whole-brain networks are influenced at pre- and early-plague stages of AD and if these manifestations are associated with concomitant cellular and synaptic deficits. METHODS: To this end, we used an established AD rat model (TgF344-AD) and employed resting state functional MRI and quasi-periodic pattern (QPP) analysis, a method to detect recurrent spatiotemporal motifs of brain activity, in parallel with state-of-the-art immunohistochemistry in selected brain regions. RESULTS At the pre-plaque stage, QPPs in TgF344-AD rats showed decreased activity of the basal forebrain (BFB) and the default mode-like network. Histological analyses revealed increased astrocyte abundance restricted to the BFB, in the absence of amyloid plaques, tauopathy, and alterations in a number of cholinergic, gaba-ergic, and glutamatergic synapses. During the early-plaque stage, when mild amyloid-beta (Aβ) accumulation was observed in the cortex and hippocampus, QPPs in the TgF344-AD rats normalized suggesting the activation of compensatory mechanisms during this early disease progression period. Interestingly, astrogliosis observed in the BFB at the pre-plaque stage was absent at the early-plaque stage. Moreover, altered excitatory/inhibitory balance was observed in cortical regions belonging to the default mode-like network. In wild-type rats, at both time points, peak activity in the BFB preceded peak activity in other brain regions-indicating its modulatory role during QPPs. However, this pattern was eliminated in TgF344-AD suggesting that alterations in BFB-directed neuromodulation have a pronounced impact in network function in AD. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates the value of rsfMRI and advanced network analysis methods to detect early alterations in BFB function in AD, which could aid early diagnosis and intervention in AD. Restoring the global synaptic transmission, possibly by modulating astrogliosis in the BFB, might be a promising therapeutic strategy to restore brain network function and delay the onset of symptoms in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica van den Berg
- grid.5284.b0000 0001 0790 3681Bio-Imaging Lab, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1 2610 Wilrijk, Antwerp, Belgium ,grid.5284.b0000 0001 0790 3681µNEURO Research Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Mohit H. Adhikari
- grid.5284.b0000 0001 0790 3681Bio-Imaging Lab, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1 2610 Wilrijk, Antwerp, Belgium ,grid.5284.b0000 0001 0790 3681µNEURO Research Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Marlies Verschuuren
- grid.5284.b0000 0001 0790 3681µNEURO Research Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium ,grid.5284.b0000 0001 0790 3681Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1 2610 Wilrijk, Antwerp, Belgium ,Antwerp Centre for Advanced Microscopy, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Isabel Pintelon
- grid.5284.b0000 0001 0790 3681µNEURO Research Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium ,grid.5284.b0000 0001 0790 3681Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1 2610 Wilrijk, Antwerp, Belgium ,Antwerp Centre for Advanced Microscopy, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Tamara Vasilkovska
- grid.5284.b0000 0001 0790 3681Bio-Imaging Lab, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1 2610 Wilrijk, Antwerp, Belgium ,grid.5284.b0000 0001 0790 3681µNEURO Research Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Johan Van Audekerke
- grid.5284.b0000 0001 0790 3681Bio-Imaging Lab, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1 2610 Wilrijk, Antwerp, Belgium ,grid.5284.b0000 0001 0790 3681µNEURO Research Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Stephan Missault
- grid.5284.b0000 0001 0790 3681Bio-Imaging Lab, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1 2610 Wilrijk, Antwerp, Belgium ,grid.5284.b0000 0001 0790 3681µNEURO Research Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Loran Heymans
- grid.5284.b0000 0001 0790 3681Bio-Imaging Lab, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1 2610 Wilrijk, Antwerp, Belgium ,grid.5284.b0000 0001 0790 3681µNEURO Research Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Peter Ponsaerts
- grid.5284.b0000 0001 0790 3681Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute (Vaxinfectio), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Winnok H. De Vos
- grid.5284.b0000 0001 0790 3681µNEURO Research Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium ,grid.5284.b0000 0001 0790 3681Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1 2610 Wilrijk, Antwerp, Belgium ,Antwerp Centre for Advanced Microscopy, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Annemie Van der Linden
- grid.5284.b0000 0001 0790 3681Bio-Imaging Lab, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1 2610 Wilrijk, Antwerp, Belgium ,grid.5284.b0000 0001 0790 3681µNEURO Research Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Georgios A. Keliris
- grid.5284.b0000 0001 0790 3681Bio-Imaging Lab, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1 2610 Wilrijk, Antwerp, Belgium ,grid.5284.b0000 0001 0790 3681µNEURO Research Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium ,grid.511960.aInstitute of Computer Science, Foundation for Research & Technology - Hellas, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Marleen Verhoye
- grid.5284.b0000 0001 0790 3681Bio-Imaging Lab, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1 2610 Wilrijk, Antwerp, Belgium ,grid.5284.b0000 0001 0790 3681µNEURO Research Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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8
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Verschuuren M, Novillo D. Selecting indicators for signalling and monitoring the wider effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Eur J Public Health 2021. [PMCID: PMC8574800 DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckab164.174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
The COVID-19 pandemic and the actions taken to control the spread of the coronavirus have a substantial impact on population health beyond the morbidity and mortality caused by the virus directly. To provide a comprehensive picture of the pandemic's impact, suitable indicators for signalling and tracking these wider effects should be incorporated into monitoring activities. Therefore, WHO/Euro developed a tool to select indicators for this purpose.
Methods
Based on desk research and extensive expert consultation, a framework was developed for the main pathways through which the COVID-19 pandemic influences population health. For each pathway in the framework, underlying mechanisms and related indicator areas were defined. In addition, groups that are particularly vulnerable to the wider effects of the pandemic were identified, as these require specific attention in monitoring exercises.
Results
The main pathways through which the pandemic impacts general population health as used in the tool are:
Fear of getting infected or spreading infection Impaired healthcare for non-COVID-19 conditions Direct effects of containment measures Indirect effects of containment measures through risk factors Indirect effects of containment measures through wider determinants of health
A total of 27 underlying mechanisms and related indicator areas were defined. E.g., one underlying mechanism under the first pathway involves stockpiling disinfectants and cleaners. This results in people being more exposed to dangerous substances and applying disinfectants improperly, which leads to an increase in poisonings. Identified vulnerabilities relate to people's age, gender, socioeconomic status, place of residence/living situation, morbidity/disability status, and refugee or migrant status.
Conclusions
Developing a conceptual framework provides a useful approach for structuring widespread and complex developments such as the wider health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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9
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Zanotti S, Vanhauwaert S, Van Neste C, Olexiouk V, Van Laere J, Verschuuren M, Van der Meulen J, Mus LM, Durinck K, Tilleman L, Deforce D, Van Nieuwerburgh F, Hogarty MD, Decaesteker B, De Vos WH, Speleman F. MYCN-induced nucleolar stress drives an early senescence-like transcriptional program in hTERT-immortalized RPE cells. Sci Rep 2021; 11:14454. [PMID: 34262099 PMCID: PMC8280219 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-93863-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
MYCN is an oncogenic driver in neural crest-derived neuroblastoma and medulloblastoma. To better understand the early effects of MYCN activation in a neural-crest lineage context, we profiled the transcriptome of immortalized human retina pigment epithelial cells with inducible MYCN activation. Gene signatures associated with elevated MYC/MYCN activity were induced after 24 h of MYCN activation, which attenuated but sustained at later time points. Unexpectedly, MYCN activation was accompanied by reduced cell growth. Gene set enrichment analysis revealed a senescence-like signature with strong induction of p53 and p21 but in the absence of canonical hallmarks of senescence such as β-galactosidase positivity, suggesting incomplete cell fate commitment. When scrutinizing the putative drivers of this growth attenuation, differential gene expression analysis identified several regulators of nucleolar stress. This process was also reflected by phenotypic correlates such as cytoplasmic granule accrual and nucleolar coalescence. Hence, we propose that the induction of MYCN congests the translational machinery, causing nucleolar stress and driving cells into a transient pre-senescent state. Our findings shed new light on the early events induced by MYCN activation and may help unravelling which factors are required for cells to tolerate unscheduled MYCN overexpression during early malignant transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Zanotti
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Dept. Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Antwerp, Belgium.,Center for Medical Genetics, Dept. Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Medical Research Building (MRB), 2nd Floor, Entrance 34, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.,Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Suzanne Vanhauwaert
- Center for Medical Genetics, Dept. Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Medical Research Building (MRB), 2nd Floor, Entrance 34, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.,Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Christophe Van Neste
- Center for Medical Genetics, Dept. Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Medical Research Building (MRB), 2nd Floor, Entrance 34, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.,Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Volodimir Olexiouk
- Center for Medical Genetics, Dept. Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Medical Research Building (MRB), 2nd Floor, Entrance 34, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.,Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jolien Van Laere
- Center for Medical Genetics, Dept. Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Medical Research Building (MRB), 2nd Floor, Entrance 34, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.,Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Marlies Verschuuren
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Dept. Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Joni Van der Meulen
- Center for Medical Genetics, Dept. Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Medical Research Building (MRB), 2nd Floor, Entrance 34, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.,Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.,Molecular Diagnostic, Ghent University, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Liselot M Mus
- Center for Medical Genetics, Dept. Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Medical Research Building (MRB), 2nd Floor, Entrance 34, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.,Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.,Bioresource Center Ghent, Health, Innovation and Research Center, Ghent University, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kaat Durinck
- Center for Medical Genetics, Dept. Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Medical Research Building (MRB), 2nd Floor, Entrance 34, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.,Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Laurentijn Tilleman
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.,Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Dieter Deforce
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.,Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Filip Van Nieuwerburgh
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.,Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Michael D Hogarty
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.,Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Bieke Decaesteker
- Center for Medical Genetics, Dept. Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Medical Research Building (MRB), 2nd Floor, Entrance 34, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.,Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Winnok H De Vos
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Dept. Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Frank Speleman
- Center for Medical Genetics, Dept. Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Medical Research Building (MRB), 2nd Floor, Entrance 34, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000, Ghent, Belgium. .,Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.
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10
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Verstraelen P, Garcia-Diaz Barriga G, Verschuuren M, Asselbergh B, Nuydens R, Larsen PH, Timmermans JP, De Vos WH. Systematic Quantification of Synapses in Primary Neuronal Culture. iScience 2020; 23:101542. [PMID: 33083769 PMCID: PMC7516133 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.101542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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: 04/09/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Most neurological disorders display impaired synaptic connectivity. Hence, modulation of synapse formation may have therapeutic relevance. However, the high density and small size of synapses complicate their quantification. To improve synapse-oriented screens, we analyzed the labeling performance of synapse-targeting antibodies on neuronal cell cultures using segmentation-independent image analysis based on sliding window correlation. When assessing pairwise colocalization, a common readout for mature synapses, overlap was incomplete and confounded by spurious signals. To circumvent this, we implemented a proximity ligation-based approach that only leads to a signal when two markers are sufficiently close. We applied this approach to different marker combinations and demonstrate its utility for detecting synapse density changes in healthy and compromised cultures. Thus, segmentation-independent analysis and exploitation of resident protein proximity increases the sensitivity of synapse quantifications in neuronal cultures and represents a valuable extension to the analytical toolset for in vitro synapse screens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Verstraelen
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Antwerp 2610, Belgium
| | | | - Marlies Verschuuren
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Antwerp 2610, Belgium
| | - Bob Asselbergh
- VIB Center for Molecular Neurology, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Antwerp 2610, Belgium
| | - Rony Nuydens
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Antwerp 2610, Belgium
- Janssen Research and Development, a Division of Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Beerse, Antwerp 2340, Belgium
| | - Peter H. Larsen
- Janssen Research and Development, a Division of Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Beerse, Antwerp 2340, Belgium
| | - Jean-Pierre Timmermans
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Antwerp 2610, Belgium
| | - Winnok H. De Vos
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Antwerp 2610, Belgium
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Bogaert P, Abboud LA, Calleja N, Zelviene A, Schmidt A, Rösenkotter N, Ortiz DN, Verschuuren M, van Oers H, Van Oyen H. The WHO support tool: what can you learn and how have others experienced it? Eur J Public Health 2019. [DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckz185.226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Issue and method
Health information systems (HIS) in Europe are complex and involve multiple stakeholders. To strategically assess HIS, a support tool has been developed by the WHO Regional Office for Europe.
It has been applied in nine countries by WHO Europe since October 2015. Additionally, nine countries are using the tool in a peer review format within the context of the Joint Action on Health Information (InfAct) between January and December 2019. What can you expect to find out during such an assessment? What are countries commonly struggling with? In this presentation, the wealth of experiences using the support tool will be shared and participants will learn about common strengths and weaknesses in HIS across Europe.
Results
While each country possesses a unique HIS, common strengths and challenges emerge from across assessments. A few major ones will be presented in this session. In many countries promising e-health developments are ongoing such as electronic health records, e-prescription and cloud solutions for data storage. There is a clear desire to shift towards e-health technologies which is a real opportunity. However, well-developed step-wise approaches in interaction with key players are sometimes lacking and sustainability in financing can be of concern. Central multisectoral coordination mechanisms are often lacking, leading to inefficiencies in bringing together data and information, and in the use of financial and human resources. Finally, in many cases data is available, but legal aspects (e.g. impact of General Data Protection Regulation) are limiting the exchange and linkage possibilities for research and monitoring.
Lessons
HIS assessments help to determine common strength and challenges. By sharing common experiences, participants are better prepared to face common hurdles in their country and will have been exposed to good practices on how to address these.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Bogaert
- Department of Epidemiology and Public health, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
- School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tilburg University, Tilburg, Netherlands
| | - L A Abboud
- Department of Epidemiology and Public health, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
| | - N Calleja
- Directorate for Health Information & Research, Ministry of Health, Gwardamangia, Malta
| | - A Zelviene
- Health Information Centre, Institute of Hygiene, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - A Schmidt
- Department of Health Economics & System Analysis & Research, Gesundheit Österreich GmbH, Vienna, Austria
| | - N Rösenkotter
- Public Health Reporting, NRW Centre for Health, Bochum, Germany
| | - D Novillo Ortiz
- Division of Information, Evidence, Research and Innovation, WHO Regional Office for Europe, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - H van Oers
- Chief Science Office, RIVM, Bilthoven, Netherlands
- School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tilburg University, Tilburg, Netherlands
| | - H Van Oyen
- Department of Epidemiology and Public health, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Public Health, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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12
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Azzopardi Muscat N, Zeegers Paget D, McKee M, Verschuuren M, Nagyova I. EUPHA strategy 2020-2025: Achieving a triple A rating for health in Europe. Eur J Public Health 2019. [DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckz185.511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
The challenges we face are complex in nature, and require multidisciplinary and intersectoral action at different governance levels. Therefore, EUPHA will reinforce its two-tier approach. On the one hand, we will support our members in providing high quality and efficient public health and health care services in European countries, regions and local communities. On the other hand, we will advocate for health and support evidence-informed health policy-making at the international level. Stimulating and facilitating mutual learning and the exchange of knowledge and experiences across experts, members and countries will be an essential element of EUPHA’s approach. Not only with a focus on optimal support for our members, but also with an explicit focus on overcoming health inequalities within and between European countries.
Our new vision is to enable everyone in Europe to achieve the highest possible level of health by providing independent and authoritative analysis of the evidence, combined with targeted advocacy to achieve co-ordinated action by all key stakeholders. Our vision: builds on the commitments of our governments and international agencies to achieve the health-related Sustainable Development Goals;recognises the importance of placing Health in All Policies;draws on the Vienna Declaration to embrace the entire range of health determinants, including the biological, social, environmental, occupational, political, and commercial, the health care system, and everything that influences the health of our planet.
Our mission will be: To ensure that there is a strong evidence base, built on sustained investments in data, research capacity, and knowledge translation in all parts of Europe that can inform policies that impact on health;To identify, develop, and advocate for actionable policy recommendations to improve health;andTo support capacity-building and collaborations that can achieve public health action.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - M McKee
- EUPHA, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Department of Public Health & Policy, LSHTM, London, UK
| | - M Verschuuren
- EUPHA, Utrecht, Netherlands
- RIVM, Bilthoven, Netherlands
| | - I Nagyova
- EUPHA, Utrecht, Netherlands
- PJ Safarik University, Kosice, Slovakia
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13
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Ravensbergen W, Drewes Y, Hilderink H, Verschuuren M, Gussekloo J, Vonk R. Combined impact of future trends on healthcare utilisation of older people: A Delphi study. Health Policy 2019; 123:947-954. [DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2019.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Revised: 06/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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14
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De Bruycker S, Vangestel C, Staelens S, Wyffels L, Detrez J, Verschuuren M, De Vos WH, Pauwels P, Van den Wyngaert T, Stroobants S. Effects of metformin on tumor hypoxia and radiotherapy efficacy: a [ 18F]HX4 PET imaging study in colorectal cancer xenografts. EJNMMI Res 2019; 9:74. [PMID: 31375940 PMCID: PMC6677842 DOI: 10.1186/s13550-019-0543-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [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: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In a colorectal cancer xenograft model, we investigated the therapeutic effect of metformin on tumor hypoxia with [18F]flortanidazole ([18F]HX4) small-animal positron emission tomography (μPET). We also assessed the additive effect of metformin on long-term radiotherapy outcome and we studied the potential of [18F]HX4 as a predictive and/or prognostic biomarker within this setup. Methods Colo205-bearing mice (n = 40) underwent a baseline [18F]HX4 hypoxia μPET/computed tomography (CT) scan. The next day, mice received 100 mg/kg metformin or saline intravenously (n = 20/group) and [18F]HX4 was administered intravenously 30 min later, whereupon a second μPET/CT scan was performed to assess changes in tumor hypoxia. Two days later, mice were further divided into four therapy groups (n = 10/group): control (1), metformin (2), radiotherapy (3), and metformin + radiotherapy, i.e., combination (4). Then, they received a second dose of metformin (groups 2 and 4) or saline (groups 1 and 3), followed by a single radiotherapy dose of 15 Gy (groups 3 and 4) or sham irradiation (groups 1 and 2) 30 min later. Tumor growth was followed three times a week by caliper measurements to assess the therapeutic outcome. Results [18F]HX4 uptake decreased in metformin-treated tumors with a mean intratumoral reduction in [18F]HX4 tumor-to-background ratio (TBR) from 2.53 ± 0.30 to 2.28 ± 0.26 (p = 0.04), as opposed to saline treatment (2.56 ± 0.39 to 3.08 ± 0.39; p = 0.2). The median tumor doubling time (TDT) was 6, 8, 41, and 43 days in the control, metformin, radiotherapy and combination group, respectively (log-rank p < 0.0001), but no metformin-specific therapy effects could be detected. Baseline [18F]HX4 TBR was a negative prognostic biomarker for TDT (hazard ratio, 2.39; p = 0.02). Conclusions Metformin decreased [18F]HX4 uptake of Colo205-tumors, but had no additive effect on radiotherapy efficacy. Nevertheless, [18F]HX4 holds promise as a prognostic imaging biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sven De Bruycker
- Molecular Imaging Center Antwerp (MICA), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, Antwerp, 2610, Belgium
| | - Christel Vangestel
- Molecular Imaging Center Antwerp (MICA), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, Antwerp, 2610, Belgium.,Department of Nuclear Medicine, Antwerp University Hospital (UZA), Wilrijkstraat 10, Edegem, 2650, Belgium
| | - Steven Staelens
- Molecular Imaging Center Antwerp (MICA), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, Antwerp, 2610, Belgium
| | - Leonie Wyffels
- Molecular Imaging Center Antwerp (MICA), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, Antwerp, 2610, Belgium
| | - Jan Detrez
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, Antwerp, 2610, Belgium
| | - Marlies Verschuuren
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, Antwerp, 2610, Belgium
| | - Winnok H De Vos
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, Antwerp, 2610, Belgium
| | - Patrick Pauwels
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, Antwerp, 2610, Belgium.,Department of Pathology, Antwerp University Hospital (UZA), Wilrijkstraat 10, Edegem, 2650, Belgium
| | - Tim Van den Wyngaert
- Molecular Imaging Center Antwerp (MICA), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, Antwerp, 2610, Belgium.,Department of Nuclear Medicine, Antwerp University Hospital (UZA), Wilrijkstraat 10, Edegem, 2650, Belgium
| | - Sigrid Stroobants
- Molecular Imaging Center Antwerp (MICA), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, Antwerp, 2610, Belgium. .,Department of Nuclear Medicine, Antwerp University Hospital (UZA), Wilrijkstraat 10, Edegem, 2650, Belgium.
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15
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Verschuuren M, Verstraelen P, García-Díaz Barriga G, Cilissen I, Coninx E, Verslegers M, Larsen PH, Nuydens R, De Vos WH. High-throughput microscopy exposes a pharmacological window in which dual leucine zipper kinase inhibition preserves neuronal network connectivity. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2019; 7:93. [PMID: 31164177 PMCID: PMC6549294 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-019-0741-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [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: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic developments for neurodegenerative disorders are redirecting their focus to the mechanisms that contribute to neuronal connectivity and the loss thereof. Using a high-throughput microscopy pipeline that integrates morphological and functional measurements, we found that inhibition of dual leucine zipper kinase (DLK) increased neuronal connectivity in primary cortical cultures. This neuroprotective effect was not only observed in basal conditions but also in cultures depleted from antioxidants and in cultures in which microtubule stability was genetically perturbed. Based on the morphofunctional connectivity signature, we further showed that the effects were limited to a specific dose and time range. Thus, our results illustrate that profiling microscopy images with deep coverage enables sensitive interrogation of neuronal connectivity and allows exposing a pharmacological window for targeted treatments. In doing so, we revealed a broad-spectrum neuroprotective effect of DLK inhibition, which may have relevance to pathological conditions that ar.e associated with compromised neuronal connectivity.
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16
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Hilderink H, Plasmans M, Verschuuren M. Contribution of risk factors to mortality, disease burden and health expenditures in the Netherlands. Eur J Public Health 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/cky212.669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- H Hilderink
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, Netherlands
| | - M Plasmans
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, Netherlands
| | - M Verschuuren
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, Netherlands
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17
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Verstraelen P, Van Dyck M, Verschuuren M, Kashikar ND, Nuydens R, Timmermans JP, De Vos WH. Image-Based Profiling of Synaptic Connectivity in Primary Neuronal Cell Culture. Front Neurosci 2018; 12:389. [PMID: 29997468 PMCID: PMC6028601 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2018.00389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [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: 12/08/2017] [Accepted: 05/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurological disorders display a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations. Yet, at the cellular level, virtually all these diseases converge into a common phenotype of dysregulated synaptic connectivity. In dementia, synapse dysfunction precedes neurodegeneration and cognitive impairment by several years, making the synapse a crucial entry point for the development of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Whereas high-resolution imaging and biochemical fractionations yield detailed insight into the molecular composition of the synapse, standardized assays are required to quickly gauge synaptic connectivity across large populations of cells under a variety of experimental conditions. Such screening capabilities have now become widely accessible with the advent of high-throughput, high-content microscopy. In this review, we discuss how microscopy-based approaches can be used to extract quantitative information about synaptic connectivity in primary neurons with deep coverage. We elaborate on microscopic readouts that may serve as a proxy for morphofunctional connectivity and we critically analyze their merits and limitations. Finally, we allude to the potential of alternative culture paradigms and integrative approaches to enable comprehensive profiling of synaptic connectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Verstraelen
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Michiel Van Dyck
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Marlies Verschuuren
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | - Rony Nuydens
- Janssen Research and Development, Janssen Pharmaceutica N.V., Beerse, Belgium
| | - Jean-Pierre Timmermans
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Winnok H. De Vos
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Cell Systems and Imaging, Department of Molecular Biotechnology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Verstraelen P, Verschuuren M, Nuydens R, Larsen P, Timmermans JP, De Vos W. Microscopy-based evaluation of synaptic connectivity in primary neuronal culture. Front Neurosci 2018. [DOI: 10.3389/conf.fnins.2018.95.00020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Verstraelen P, Detrez JR, Verschuuren M, Kuijlaars J, Nuydens R, Timmermans JP, De Vos WH. Dysregulation of Microtubule Stability Impairs Morphofunctional Connectivity in Primary Neuronal Networks. Front Cell Neurosci 2017; 11:173. [PMID: 28690500 PMCID: PMC5480095 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2017.00173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [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] [Received: 03/25/2017] [Accepted: 06/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Functionally related neurons assemble into connected networks that process and transmit electrochemical information. To do this in a coordinated manner, the number and strength of synaptic connections is tightly regulated. Synapse function relies on the microtubule (MT) cytoskeleton, the dynamics of which are in turn controlled by a plethora of MT-associated proteins, including the MT-stabilizing protein Tau. Although mutations in the Tau-encoding MAPT gene underlie a set of neurodegenerative disorders, termed tauopathies, the exact contribution of MT dynamics and the perturbation thereof to neuronal network connectivity has not yet been scrutinized. Therefore, we investigated the impact of targeted perturbations of MT stability on morphological (e.g., neurite- and synapse density) and functional (e.g., synchronous calcium bursting) correlates of connectivity in networks of primary hippocampal neurons. We found that treatment with MT-stabilizing or -destabilizing compounds impaired morphofunctional connectivity in a reversible manner. We also discovered that overexpression of MAPT induced significant connectivity defects, which were accompanied by alterations in MT dynamics and increased resistance to pharmacological MT depolymerization. Overexpression of a MAPT variant harboring the P301L point mutation in the MT-binding domain did far less, directly linking neuronal connectivity with Tau's MT binding affinity. Our results show that MT stability is a vulnerable node in tauopathies and that its precise pharmacological tuning may positively affect neuronal network connectivity. However, a critical balance in MT turnover causes it to be a difficult therapeutic target with a narrow operating window.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Verstraelen
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of AntwerpAntwerp, Belgium
| | - Jan R. Detrez
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of AntwerpAntwerp, Belgium
| | - Marlies Verschuuren
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of AntwerpAntwerp, Belgium
| | | | - Rony Nuydens
- Janssen Research and Development, Division of Janssen Pharmaceutica N.V.Beerse, Belgium
| | - Jean-Pierre Timmermans
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of AntwerpAntwerp, Belgium
| | - Winnok H. De Vos
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of AntwerpAntwerp, Belgium
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology, University of GhentGhent, Belgium
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Verschuuren M, De Vylder J, Catrysse H, Robijns J, Philips W, De Vos WH. Accurate Detection of Dysmorphic Nuclei Using Dynamic Programming and Supervised Classification. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0170688. [PMID: 28125723 PMCID: PMC5268651 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0170688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2016] [Accepted: 01/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
A vast array of pathologies is typified by the presence of nuclei with an abnormal morphology. Dysmorphic nuclear phenotypes feature dramatic size changes or foldings, but also entail much subtler deviations such as nuclear protrusions called blebs. Due to their unpredictable size, shape and intensity, dysmorphic nuclei are often not accurately detected in standard image analysis routines. To enable accurate detection of dysmorphic nuclei in confocal and widefield fluorescence microscopy images, we have developed an automated segmentation algorithm, called Blebbed Nuclei Detector (BleND), which relies on two-pass thresholding for initial nuclear contour detection, and an optimal path finding algorithm, based on dynamic programming, for refining these contours. Using a robust error metric, we show that our method matches manual segmentation in terms of precision and outperforms state-of-the-art nuclear segmentation methods. Its high performance allowed for building and integrating a robust classifier that recognizes dysmorphic nuclei with an accuracy above 95%. The combined segmentation-classification routine is bound to facilitate nucleus-based diagnostics and enable real-time recognition of dysmorphic nuclei in intelligent microscopy workflows.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jonas De Vylder
- Department of Telecommunication and Information Processing, IPI, iMinds, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Hannes Catrysse
- Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research (ILVO), Melle, Belgium
| | - Joke Robijns
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Wilfried Philips
- Department of Telecommunication and Information Processing, IPI, iMinds, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Winnok H. De Vos
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- * E-mail:
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Detrez JR, Vanderwinden JM, Barbier M, Verschuuren M, Nuydens R, Langlois X, Timmermans JP, De Vos WH. BiDiFuse: a FIJI plugin for fusing bi-directionally recorded microscopic image volumes. Bioinformatics 2016; 32:3691-3693. [PMID: 27503222 DOI: 10.1093/bioinformatics/btw515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2016] [Revised: 07/14/2016] [Accepted: 08/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Deep tissue imaging is increasingly used for non-destructive interrogation of intact organs and small model organisms. An intuitive approach to increase the imaging depth by almost a factor of 2 is to record a sample from two sides and fuse both image stacks. However, imperfect three-dimensional alignment of both stacks presents a computational challenge. We have developed a FIJI plugin, called BiDiFuse, which merges bi-directionally recorded image stacks via 3D rigid transformations. The method is broadly applicable, considering it is compatible with all optical sectioning microscopes and it does not rely on fiducial markers for image registration. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION The method is freely available as a plugin for FIJI from https://github.com/JanDetrez/BiDiFuse/ CONTACT: winnok.devos@uantwerpen.be.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan R Detrez
- Laboratory of Cell Biology & Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Jean-Marie Vanderwinden
- Light Microscopy Facility & Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, Free University of Brussels, 1070 Anderlecht, Belgium
| | - Michaël Barbier
- Laboratory of Cell Biology & Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium.,Department of Neuroscience, Janssen Research and Development, 2340 Beerse, Belgium
| | - Marlies Verschuuren
- Laboratory of Cell Biology & Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Rony Nuydens
- Department of Neuroscience, Janssen Research and Development, 2340 Beerse, Belgium
| | - Xavier Langlois
- Department of Neuroscience, Janssen Research and Development, 2340 Beerse, Belgium
| | - Jean-Pierre Timmermans
- Laboratory of Cell Biology & Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Winnok H De Vos
- Laboratory of Cell Biology & Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium.,Department of Molecular Biotechnology, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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Kuijlaars J, Oyelami T, Diels A, Rohrbacher J, Versweyveld S, Meneghello G, Tuefferd M, Verstraelen P, Detrez JR, Verschuuren M, De Vos WH, Meert T, Peeters PJ, Cik M, Nuydens R, Brône B, Verheyen A. Sustained synchronized neuronal network activity in a human astrocyte co-culture system. Sci Rep 2016; 6:36529. [PMID: 27819315 PMCID: PMC5098163 DOI: 10.1038/srep36529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [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: 02/08/2016] [Accepted: 10/17/2016] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Impaired neuronal network function is a hallmark of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders such as autism, schizophrenia, and Alzheimer's disease and is typically studied using genetically modified cellular and animal models. Weak predictive capacity and poor translational value of these models urge for better human derived in vitro models. The implementation of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) allows studying pathologies in differentiated disease-relevant and patient-derived neuronal cells. However, the differentiation process and growth conditions of hiPSC-derived neurons are non-trivial. In order to study neuronal network formation and (mal)function in a fully humanized system, we have established an in vitro co-culture model of hiPSC-derived cortical neurons and human primary astrocytes that recapitulates neuronal network synchronization and connectivity within three to four weeks after final plating. Live cell calcium imaging, electrophysiology and high content image analyses revealed an increased maturation of network functionality and synchronicity over time for co-cultures compared to neuronal monocultures. The cells express GABAergic and glutamatergic markers and respond to inhibitors of both neurotransmitter pathways in a functional assay. The combination of this co-culture model with quantitative imaging of network morphofunction is amenable to high throughput screening for lead discovery and drug optimization for neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacobine Kuijlaars
- Hasselt University, Biomedical Research Institute, Diepenbeek, B-3590, Belgium
| | - Tutu Oyelami
- Janssen Research & Development, a division of Janssen Pharmaceutica N.V, Beerse, B-2340, Belgium
| | - Annick Diels
- Janssen Research & Development, a division of Janssen Pharmaceutica N.V, Beerse, B-2340, Belgium
| | - Jutta Rohrbacher
- Janssen Research & Development, a division of Janssen Pharmaceutica N.V, Beerse, B-2340, Belgium
| | - Sofie Versweyveld
- Janssen Research & Development, a division of Janssen Pharmaceutica N.V, Beerse, B-2340, Belgium
| | - Giulia Meneghello
- Janssen Research & Development, a division of Janssen Pharmaceutica N.V, Beerse, B-2340, Belgium
| | - Marianne Tuefferd
- Janssen Research & Development, a division of Janssen Pharmaceutica N.V, Beerse, B-2340, Belgium
| | - Peter Verstraelen
- Antwerp University, Department of Veterinary Science, Antwerp, B-2020, Belgium
| | - Jan R. Detrez
- Antwerp University, Department of Veterinary Science, Antwerp, B-2020, Belgium
| | - Marlies Verschuuren
- Antwerp University, Department of Veterinary Science, Antwerp, B-2020, Belgium
| | - Winnok H. De Vos
- Antwerp University, Department of Veterinary Science, Antwerp, B-2020, Belgium
- Ghent University, Department of Molecular Biotechnology, Ghent, B-9000, Belgium
| | - Theo Meert
- Hasselt University, Biomedical Research Institute, Diepenbeek, B-3590, Belgium
- Janssen Research & Development, a division of Janssen Pharmaceutica N.V, Beerse, B-2340, Belgium
| | - Pieter J. Peeters
- Janssen Research & Development, a division of Janssen Pharmaceutica N.V, Beerse, B-2340, Belgium
| | - Miroslav Cik
- Janssen Research & Development, a division of Janssen Pharmaceutica N.V, Beerse, B-2340, Belgium
| | - Rony Nuydens
- Janssen Research & Development, a division of Janssen Pharmaceutica N.V, Beerse, B-2340, Belgium
| | - Bert Brône
- Hasselt University, Biomedical Research Institute, Diepenbeek, B-3590, Belgium
| | - An Verheyen
- Janssen Research & Development, a division of Janssen Pharmaceutica N.V, Beerse, B-2340, Belgium
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Verschuuren M, Pot J, de Vries M. Setting the scene: outcomes of a technology scan. Eur J Public Health 2016. [DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckw164.078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Dannemann Purnat TD, de Bruin J, Achterberg P, Verschuuren M, Hamilton C, Stein C. WHO European Health Information Gateway. Eur J Public Health 2016. [DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckw173.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Detrez JR, Verstraelen P, Gebuis T, Verschuuren M, Kuijlaars J, Langlois X, Nuydens R, Timmermans JP, De Vos WH. Image Informatics Strategies for Deciphering Neuronal Network Connectivity. Adv Anat Embryol Cell Biol 2016; 219:123-48. [PMID: 27207365 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-28549-8_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Brain function relies on an intricate network of highly dynamic neuronal connections that rewires dramatically under the impulse of various external cues and pathological conditions. Amongst the neuronal structures that show morphological plasticity are neurites, synapses, dendritic spines and even nuclei. This structural remodelling is directly connected with functional changes such as intercellular communication and the associated calcium bursting behaviour. In vitro cultured neuronal networks are valuable models for studying these morpho-functional changes. Owing to the automation and standardization of both image acquisition and image analysis, it has become possible to extract statistically relevant readouts from such networks. Here, we focus on the current state-of-the-art in image informatics that enables quantitative microscopic interrogation of neuronal networks. We describe the major correlates of neuronal connectivity and present workflows for analysing them. Finally, we provide an outlook on the challenges that remain to be addressed, and discuss how imaging algorithms can be extended beyond in vitro imaging studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan R Detrez
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Peter Verstraelen
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Titia Gebuis
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, VU University Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marlies Verschuuren
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Jacobine Kuijlaars
- Neuroscience Department, Janssen Research and Development, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340, Beerse, Belgium
- Laboratory for Cell Physiology, Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Hasselt University, Agoralaan, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Xavier Langlois
- Neuroscience Department, Janssen Research and Development, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Rony Nuydens
- Neuroscience Department, Janssen Research and Development, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Jean-Pierre Timmermans
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Winnok H De Vos
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020, Antwerp, Belgium.
- Cell Systems and Cellular Imaging, Department Molecular Biotechnology, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.
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Rosenkötter N, van Bon-Martens MJH, Borrmann B, Verschuuren M. Public Health Monitoring and Reporting: a collaborative process with multiple stakeholders. Eur J Public Health 2015. [DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckv174.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Rakovac I, Verschuuren M, Nadareishvili N, Stein C. European Health Information Initiative: recent developments and relevance for Small Countries. Eur J Public Health 2015. [DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckv173.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Verschuuren M, Achterberg PW, Kramers PGN, van Oers H. Monitoring the health of the population. Eur J Public Health 2014. [DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/cku164.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Rosenkotter N, Brand H, McKee M, Riley N, Verma A, Verschuuren M. The realisation of a European health information system--time to get the politicians involved. Eur J Public Health 2014; 24:184-5. [DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/cku012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Awofeso N, Lammers H, Verschuuren M. Effect of blister calendar packs in enhancing compliance with MDT; the Kaduna State (Nigeria) experience. Int J Lepr Other Mycobact Dis 1995; 63:453-4. [PMID: 7594930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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