1
|
Buonocore M, Grimaldi M, Santoro A, Covelli V, Marino C, Napolitano E, Novi S, Tecce MF, Ciaglia E, Montella F, Lopardo V, Perugini V, Santin M, D’Ursi AM. Exploiting the Features of Short Peptides to Recognize Specific Cell Surface Markers. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15610. [PMID: 37958593 PMCID: PMC10650159 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115610] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibodies are the macromolecules of choice to ensure specific recognition of biomarkers in biological assays. However, they present a range of shortfalls including a relatively high production cost and limited tissue penetration. Peptides are relatively small molecules able to reproduce sequences of highly specific paratopes and, although they have less biospecificity than antibodies, they offer advantages like ease of synthesis, modifications of their amino acid sequences and tagging with fluorophores and other molecules required for detection. This work presents a strategy to design peptide sequences able to recognize the CD44 hyaluronic acid receptor present in the plasmalemma of a range of cells including human bone marrow stromal mesenchymal cells. The protocol of identification of the optimal amino acid sequence was based on the combination of rational design and in silico methodologies. This protocol led to the identification of two peptide sequences which were synthesized and tested on human bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (hBM-MSCs) for their ability to ensure specific binding to the CD44 receptor. Of the two peptides, one binds CD44 with sensitivity and selectivity, thus proving its potential to be used as a suitable alternative to this antibody in conventional immunostaining. In the context of regenerative medicine, the availability of this peptide could be harnessed to functionalize tissue engineering scaffolds to anchor stem cells as well as to be integrated into systems such as cell sorters to efficiently isolate MSCs from biological samples including various cell subpopulations. The data here reported can represent a model for developing peptide sequences able to recognize hBM-MSCs and other types of cells and for their integration in a range of biomedical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michela Buonocore
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Italy or (M.B.); (M.G.); (A.S.); or (V.C.); (C.M.); (E.N.); (S.N.); (M.F.T.)
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Manuela Grimaldi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Italy or (M.B.); (M.G.); (A.S.); or (V.C.); (C.M.); (E.N.); (S.N.); (M.F.T.)
| | - Angelo Santoro
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Italy or (M.B.); (M.G.); (A.S.); or (V.C.); (C.M.); (E.N.); (S.N.); (M.F.T.)
- Scuola di Specializzazione in Farmacia Ospedaliera, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Italy
| | - Verdiana Covelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Italy or (M.B.); (M.G.); (A.S.); or (V.C.); (C.M.); (E.N.); (S.N.); (M.F.T.)
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Carmen Marino
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Italy or (M.B.); (M.G.); (A.S.); or (V.C.); (C.M.); (E.N.); (S.N.); (M.F.T.)
- PhD Program in Drug Discovery and Development, Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Italy
| | - Enza Napolitano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Italy or (M.B.); (M.G.); (A.S.); or (V.C.); (C.M.); (E.N.); (S.N.); (M.F.T.)
- PhD Program in Drug Discovery and Development, Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Italy
| | - Sara Novi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Italy or (M.B.); (M.G.); (A.S.); or (V.C.); (C.M.); (E.N.); (S.N.); (M.F.T.)
- PhD Program in Drug Discovery and Development, Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Italy
| | - Mario Felice Tecce
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Italy or (M.B.); (M.G.); (A.S.); or (V.C.); (C.M.); (E.N.); (S.N.); (M.F.T.)
| | - Elena Ciaglia
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy; (E.C.); (F.M.); (V.L.)
| | - Francesco Montella
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy; (E.C.); (F.M.); (V.L.)
| | - Valentina Lopardo
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy; (E.C.); (F.M.); (V.L.)
| | - Valeria Perugini
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Devices, School of Applied Sciences, University of Brighton, Brighton BN2 4AT, UK; (V.P.); (M.S.)
| | - Matteo Santin
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Devices, School of Applied Sciences, University of Brighton, Brighton BN2 4AT, UK; (V.P.); (M.S.)
| | - Anna Maria D’Ursi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Italy or (M.B.); (M.G.); (A.S.); or (V.C.); (C.M.); (E.N.); (S.N.); (M.F.T.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Surpi A, Murgia M, López-Amoedo S, González-Gómez MA, Piñeiro Y, Rivas J, Perugini V, Santin M, Sobrino T, Greco P, Campos F, Dediu VA. Magnetic separation and concentration of Aβ 1-42 molecules dispersed at the threshold concentration for Alzheimer's disease diagnosis in clinically-relevant volumes of sample. J Nanobiotechnology 2023; 21:329. [PMID: 37710290 PMCID: PMC10503095 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-023-02095-8] [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: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia and loss of autonomy in the elderly, implying a progressive cognitive decline and limitation of social activities. The progressive aging of the population is expected to exacerbate this problem in the next decades. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop quantitative diagnostic methodologies to assess the onset the disease and its progression especially in the initial phases. RESULTS Here we describe a novel technology to extract one of the most important molecular biomarkers of AD (Aβ1-42) from a clinically-relevant volume - 100 µl - therein dispersed in a range of concentrations critical for AD early diagnosis. We demonstrate that it is possible to immunocapture Aβ1-42 on 20 nm wide magnetic nanoparticles functionalized with hyperbranced KVLFF aptamers. Then, it is possible to transport them through microfluidic environments to a detection system where virtually all (~ 90%) the Aβ1-42 molecules are concentrated in a dense plug of ca.50 nl. The technology is based on magnetic actuation by permanent magnets, specifically designed to generate high gradient magnetic fields. These fields, applied through submillimeter-wide channels, can concentrate, and confine magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) into a droplet with an optimized shape that maximizes the probability of capturing highly diluted molecular biomarkers. These advancements are expected to provide efficient protocols for the concentration and manipulation of molecular biomarkers from clinical samples, enhancing the accuracy and the sensitivity of diagnostic technologies. CONCLUSIONS This easy to automate technology allows an efficient separation of AD molecular biomarkers from volumes of biological solutions complying with the current clinical protocols and, ultimately, leads to accurate measurements of biomarkers. The technology paves a new way for a quantitative AD diagnosis at the earliest stage and it is also adaptable for the biomarker analysis of other pathologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Surpi
- Istituto per lo Studio dei Materiali Nanostrutturati (CNR-ISMN), Bologna, 40129, Italy.
- Istituto per la Microelettronica e i Microsistemi, IMM-CNR, 40129, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Mauro Murgia
- Istituto per lo Studio dei Materiali Nanostrutturati (CNR-ISMN), Bologna, 40129, Italy
- Center for Translational Neurophysiology (IIT), Italian Institute of Technology, Ferrara, 44121, Italy
| | - Sonia López-Amoedo
- Translational Stroke Laboratory (TREAT), Clinical Neurosciences Research Laboratory (LINC) , Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Santiago de Compostela, 15782, Spain
| | - Manuel A González-Gómez
- NANOMAG Laboratory, Applied Physics Department, iMATUS Materials Institute, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, 15782, Spain
| | - Yolanda Piñeiro
- NANOMAG Laboratory, Applied Physics Department, iMATUS Materials Institute, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, 15782, Spain
| | - José Rivas
- NANOMAG Laboratory, Applied Physics Department, iMATUS Materials Institute, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, 15782, Spain
| | - Valeria Perugini
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Devices, School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Brighton, Brighton, UK
| | - Matteo Santin
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Devices, School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Brighton, Brighton, UK
| | - Tomás Sobrino
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, 28029, Spain
- NeuroAging Group (NEURAL), Clinical Neurosciences Research Laboratory (LINC), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Santiago de Compostela, 15706, Spain
| | - Pierpaolo Greco
- Center for Translational Neurophysiology (IIT), Italian Institute of Technology, Ferrara, 44121, Italy
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze e Riabilitazione, Università di Ferrara, Ferrara, 44121, Italy
| | - Francisco Campos
- Translational Stroke Laboratory (TREAT), Clinical Neurosciences Research Laboratory (LINC) , Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Santiago de Compostela, 15782, Spain.
| | - Valentin Alek Dediu
- Istituto per lo Studio dei Materiali Nanostrutturati (CNR-ISMN), Bologna, 40129, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Perugini V, Santin M. The Real-Time Validation of the Effectiveness of Third-Generation Hyperbranched Poly(ɛ-lysine) Dendrons-Modified KLVFF Sequences to Bind Amyloid-β 1-42 Peptides Using an Optical Waveguide Light-Mode Spectroscopy System. Sensors (Basel) 2022; 22:9561. [PMID: 36502262 PMCID: PMC9736926 DOI: 10.3390/s22239561] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The aggregation of cytotoxic amyloid peptides (Aβ1-42) is widely recognised as the cause of brain tissue degeneration in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Indeed, evidence indicates that the deposition of cytotoxic Aβ1-42 plaques formed through the gradual aggregation of Aβ1-42 monomers into fibrils determines the onset of AD. Thus, distinct Aβ1-42 inhibitors have been developed, and only recently, the use of short linear peptides has shown promising results by either preventing or reversing the process of Aβ1-42 aggregation. Among them, the KLVFF peptide sequence, which interacts with the hydrophobic region of Aβ16-20, has received widespread attention due to its ability to inhibit fibril formation of full-length Aβ1-42. In this study, hyperbranched poly-L-lysine dendrons presenting sixteen KLVFF at their uppermost molecular branches were designed with the aim of providing the KLVFF sequence with a molecular scaffold able to increase its stability and of improving Aβ1-42 fibril formation inhibitory effect. These high-purity branched KLVFF were used to functionalise the surface of the metal oxide chip of the optical waveguide lightmode spectroscopy sensor showing the more specific, accurate and rapid measurement of Aβ1-42 than that detected by linear KLVFF peptides.
Collapse
|
4
|
Perugini V, Flaherty SM, Santin M. Development of scaffold-free vascularized pancreatic beta-islets in vitro models by the anchoring of cell lines to a bioligand-functionalized gelatine substrate. J Mater Sci Mater Med 2022; 33:37. [PMID: 35403934 PMCID: PMC9001567 DOI: 10.1007/s10856-022-06658-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Bioengineered pancreatic β-islets have been widely advocated for the research and treatment of diabetes by offering both suitable cell culture models for the study of the pathology and the testing of new drugs and a therapy in those patients no longer responding to insulin administration and as an alternative to the shortage of donors for organ and islet transplantation. Unlike most of the studies published so far where pancreatic islets of pancreatic β-cells are encapsulated in hydrogels, this study demonstrate the formation of bioengineered pancreatic islets through cell anchoring to a gelatine-based biomaterial, PhenoDrive-Y, able to mimic the basement membrane of tissues. Through simple culture conditions, PhenoDrive-Y led human pancreatic β-cell lines and human umbilical endothelial cell lines to form organized structures closely resembling the natural vascularized pancreatic islets. When compared to gelatine, the cultures in presence of PhenoDrive-Y show higher degree of organization in tissue-like structures, a more pronounced endothelial sprouting and higher expression of typical cell markers. Noticeably, when challenged by hyperglycaemic conditions, the cells embedded in the PhenoDrive-Y assembled spheroids responded with higher levels of insulin production. In conclusion, the present work demonstrates the potential of PhenoDrive-Y as substrate for the development of bioengineered vascularized pancreatic islets and to be particularly suitable as a model for in vitro studies and testing of new therapeutics. Graphical abstract.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Perugini
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Devices, School of Applied Sciences, University of Brighton, Huxley Building Lewes Road, Brighton, BN2 4GJ, UK
| | - Samuel M Flaherty
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Devices, School of Applied Sciences, University of Brighton, Huxley Building Lewes Road, Brighton, BN2 4GJ, UK
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Matteo Santin
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Devices, School of Applied Sciences, University of Brighton, Huxley Building Lewes Road, Brighton, BN2 4GJ, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Perugini V, Santin M. A Substrate-Mimicking Basement Membrane Drives the Organization of Human Mesenchymal Stromal Cells and Endothelial Cells Into Perivascular Niche-Like Structures. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:701842. [PMID: 34650967 PMCID: PMC8507467 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.701842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [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: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular matrix-derived products (e.g. Matrigel) are widely used for in vitro cell cultures both as two-dimensional (2D) substrates and as three-dimensional (3D) encapsulation gels because of their ability to control cell phenotypes through biospecific cues. However, batch-to-batch variations, poor stability, cumbersome handling, and the relatively high costs strictly limit their use. Recently, a new substrate known as PhenoDrive-Y has been used as 2D coating of tissue culture plastic showing to direct the bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) toward the formation of 3D spheroids. When organized into 3D spheroids, the MSCs expressed levels of pluripotency markers and of paracrine angiogenic activity higher than those of the MSCs adhering as fibroblast-like colonies on tissue culture plastic. The formation of the spheroids was attributed to the properties of this biomaterial that resemble the main features of the basement membrane by mimicking the mesh structure of collagen IV and by presenting the cells with orderly spaced laminin bioligands. In this study, PhenoDrive-Y was compared to Matrigel for its ability to drive the formation of perivascular stem cell niche-like structures in 2D co-culture conditions of human endothelial cells and adult bone marrow MSCs. Morphological analyses demonstrated that, when compared to Matrigel, PhenoDrive-Y led endothelial cells to sprout into a more consolidated tubular network and that the MSCs nestled as compact spheroids above the anastomotic areas of this network resemble more closely the histological features of the perivascular stem cell niche. A study of the expressions of relevant markers led to the identification of the pathways linking the PhenoDrive-Y biomimicking properties to the acquired histological features, demonstrating the enhanced levels of stemness, renewal potential, predisposition to migration, and paracrine activities of the MSCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Perugini
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Devices, School of Applied Sciences, University of Brighton, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Matteo Santin
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Devices, School of Applied Sciences, University of Brighton, Brighton, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Perugini V, Santin M. A comparative in vitro study of the effect of biospecific integrin recognition processes and substrate nanostructure on stem cell 3D spheroid formation. J Mater Sci Mater Med 2020; 31:37. [PMID: 32206915 PMCID: PMC7089895 DOI: 10.1007/s10856-020-06373-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [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: 08/22/2019] [Revised: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
The in vitro study of the properties of the human mesenchymal stem cells as well as their manipulation in culture for clinical purposes depends on the elimination of artefacts caused by the lack of their natural environment. It is now widely accepted that mesenchymal stem cells should be studied when they are organised as 3D spheroids rather than fibroblast-like colonies. Although this can be achieved with the use of some extracellular matrix proteins or by non-adherent conditions these suffer of significant limitations. The recent development of synthetic substrates resembling the physicochemical and biochemical properties of the adult stem cell niche has prompted questions about the role played by nanotopography and receptor-mediated adhesion. In the present paper, the influence of two types of substrates bearing the same nanostructure, but exposing either a non-specific or an integrin-specific binding motif was studied. Carboxybetaine-tethered hyperbranched poly(ɛ-lysine) dendrons showed that the hyperbranched structure was fundamental to induce spheroid formation, but these were forming more slowly, were of reduced size and less stable than those growing on substrates based on the same hyperbranched structures that had been functionalised at their uppermost branching generation by a laminin amino acid sequence, i.e. YIGSR. The study shows that both nanostructure and biorecognition need to be combined to achieve a substrate for stem cell spheroid formation as that observed in vivo in the adult stem cell niche.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Perugini
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Devices, School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Brighton, Brighton, BN2 4GJ, UK
| | - Matteo Santin
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Devices, School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Brighton, Brighton, BN2 4GJ, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Perugini V, Best M, Kumar S, Guildford AL, Bone AJ, Macfarlane WM, Santin M, Phillips GJ. Carboxybetaine-modified succinylated chitosan-based beads encourage pancreatic β-cells (Min-6) to form islet-like spheroids under in vitro conditions. J Mater Sci Mater Med 2017; 29:15. [PMID: 29290028 PMCID: PMC5748029 DOI: 10.1007/s10856-017-6018-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2017] [Accepted: 12/05/2017] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
In vitro, pancreatic β-cells tend to reduce their ability to aggregate into islets and lose insulin-producing ability, likely due to insufficient cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions that are essential for β-cell retention, viability and functionality. In response to these needs, surfaces of succinylated chitosan-based beads (NSC) were modified with zwitterionic carboxy-betaine (CB) moieties, a compatible osmolyte known to regulate cellular hydration state, and used to promote the formation of β-cell spheroids using a conventional 2D cell culture technique. The NSC were synthesised by ionic gelation and surface-functionalised with CB using carbodiimide chemistry. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), dynamic laser scattering (DLS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were employed as characterisation tools to confirm the successful modification of the succinylated chitosan material into spherical beads with rough surfaces and a diameter of 0.4 µm. NSC with and without CB were re-suspended at concentrations of 0.1, 0.3 and 0.6 mg/mL in saline medium and tested in vitro with MIN6 murine pancreatic β-cell line. Results showed that a concentration of 0.3 mg/mL, NSC-CB encouraged pancreatic MIN6 cells to proliferate and form spheroids via E-cadherin and Pdx-1 activation within 48 h in culture. These spheroids, with a size of approximately 80 µm, exhibited high cell viability and enhanced insulin protein expression and secretion when compared to cells organised by the non-modified beads.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Perugini
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Brighton, Huxley Building Lewes Road, Brighton, BN2 4GJ, UK
| | - Mark Best
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Brighton, Huxley Building Lewes Road, Brighton, BN2 4GJ, UK
| | - Sandeep Kumar
- Cellon S.A., ZAE Robert Steichen, 16 rue Hèierchen, L-4940, Bascharage, Luxembourg
| | - Anna L Guildford
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Brighton, Huxley Building Lewes Road, Brighton, BN2 4GJ, UK
| | - Adrian J Bone
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Brighton, Huxley Building Lewes Road, Brighton, BN2 4GJ, UK
| | - Wendy M Macfarlane
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Brighton, Huxley Building Lewes Road, Brighton, BN2 4GJ, UK
| | - Matteo Santin
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Brighton, Huxley Building Lewes Road, Brighton, BN2 4GJ, UK.
| | - Gary J Phillips
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Brighton, Huxley Building Lewes Road, Brighton, BN2 4GJ, UK
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Perugini V, Meikle ST, Guildford AL, Santin M. Hyperbranched poly(ϵ-lysine) substrate presenting the laminin sequence YIGSR induces the formation of spheroids in adult bone marrow stem cells. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0187182. [PMID: 29232694 PMCID: PMC5726715 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0187182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [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: 05/10/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Unlike the fibroblast-like cells formed upon monolayer culture of human mesenchymal stem cells, the natural stem cell niche of the bone marrow and other types of tissues favours the formation of 3-dimensional (3D) cell clusters. The structuring and biological activity of these clusters are regulated by the contacts established by cells with both the basement membrane and neighbour cells and results in their asymmetric division and the consequent maintenance of both a stem population and a committed progeny. The present work demonstrates the potential of a synthetic substrate to mimic the stem cell niche in vitro. The side amino groups of a linear Poly-L-lysine were modified with hyperbranched poly-(ϵ-lysine) peptides, named as dendrons, tethered with the laminin-mimicking sequence, YIGSR. These dendrons presented the YIGSR sequence at the uppermost molecular branching ensuring a controlled spacing of the bioligand. When used to coat the surface of tissue culture plates in a serum-free in vitro cell culture system, the substrate was able to mimic the most relevant features of the basement membrane of the stem cell niche, i.e. the mesh structure of Collagen Type IV and the availability of laminin bioligands relevant to integrin biorecognition. The substrate biomimetic properties were tested for their ability to support the formation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) 3D spheroids similar to those observed in the natural stem cell niches and their ability to maintain stem cell pluripotency markers. These features were related to the substrate-specific expression and localisation of (i) cell adhesion receptors (i.e. β-integrin and N-cadherin), (ii) transcription factors of pluripotency markers and cytoskeleton protein and (iii) regulators of cell migration throughout cell culture passages 2 to 4. The results clearly demonstrate the formation of 3D spheroids starting from the asymmetric division of substrate-adhering spread cells, the clustering of relevant integrins and the expression of specific intracellular pathways controlling cytoskeleton formation suggesting their potential use as a substrate for the handling of stem cells prior to transplantation procedures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Perugini
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Devices, School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Brighton, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Steve T. Meikle
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Devices, School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Brighton, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Anna L. Guildford
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Devices, School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Brighton, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Matteo Santin
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Devices, School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Brighton, Brighton, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Perugini V, Guildford AL, Silva-Correia J, Oliveira JM, Meikle ST, Reis RL, Santin M. Anti-angiogenic potential of VEGF blocker dendron loaded on to gellan gum hydrogels for tissue engineering applications. J Tissue Eng Regen Med 2017; 12:e669-e678. [PMID: 27718530 DOI: 10.1002/term.2340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [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: 05/22/2016] [Revised: 08/03/2016] [Accepted: 09/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Damage of non-vascularised tissues such as cartilage and cornea can result in healing processes accompanied by a non-physiological angiogenesis. Peptidic aptamers have recently been reported to block the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). However, the therapeutic applications of these aptamers are limited due to their short half-life in vivo. In this work, an enhanced stability and bioavailability of a known VEGF blocker aptamer sequence (WHLPFKC) was pursued through its tethering of molecular scaffolds based on hyperbranched peptides, the poly(ɛ-lysine) dendrons, bearing three branching generations. The proposed design allowed simultaneous and orderly-spaced exposure of 16 aptamers per dendrimer to the surrounding biological microenvironent, as well as a relatively hydrophobic core based on di-phenylalanine aiming to promote an hydrophobic interaction with the hydrophobic moieties of ionically crosslinked methacrylated gellan gum (iGG-MA) hydrogels. The VEGF blocker dendrons were entrapped in iGG-MA hydrogels, and their capacity to prevent endothelial cell sprouting was assessed qualitatively and quantitatively using 3D in vitro models and the in vivo chick chorioallantoic membrane assay. The data demonstrate that at nanoscale concentrations, the dendronised structures were able to enhance control of the biological actvity of WHLPFKC at the material/tissue interface and hence the anti-angiogenic capacity of iGG-MA hydrogels not only preventing blood vessel invasion, but also inducing their regression at the tissue/iGG-MA interface. The in ovo study confirmed that iGG-MA functionalised with the dendron VEGF blockers do inhibit angiogenesis by controlling both size and ramifications of blood vessels in the proximity of the implanted gel surface. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Perugini
- Brighton Studies in Tissue-mimicry and Aided Regeneration, Brighton Centre for Regenerative Medicine, School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Brighton, Brighton, Huxely Building Lewes Road, UK
| | - Anna L Guildford
- Brighton Studies in Tissue-mimicry and Aided Regeneration, Brighton Centre for Regenerative Medicine, School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Brighton, Brighton, Huxely Building Lewes Road, UK
| | - Joana Silva-Correia
- 3B's Research Group - Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, 4805-017 Barco, Guimarães, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Joaquim M Oliveira
- 3B's Research Group - Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, 4805-017 Barco, Guimarães, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Steven T Meikle
- Brighton Studies in Tissue-mimicry and Aided Regeneration, Brighton Centre for Regenerative Medicine, School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Brighton, Brighton, Huxely Building Lewes Road, UK
| | - Rui L Reis
- 3B's Research Group - Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, 4805-017 Barco, Guimarães, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Matteo Santin
- Brighton Studies in Tissue-mimicry and Aided Regeneration, Brighton Centre for Regenerative Medicine, School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Brighton, Brighton, Huxely Building Lewes Road, UK
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Reitmaier S, Kreja L, Gruchenberg K, Kanter B, Silva-Correia J, Oliveira JM, Reis RL, Perugini V, Santin M, Ignatius A, Wilke HJ. In vivo biofunctional evaluation of hydrogels for disc regeneration. Eur Spine J 2015; 23:19-26. [PMID: 24121748 PMCID: PMC3897837 DOI: 10.1007/s00586-013-2998-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2013] [Revised: 08/31/2013] [Accepted: 08/31/2013] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Regenerative strategies aim to restore the original biofunctionality of the intervertebral disc. Different biomaterials are available, which might support disc regeneration. In the present study, the prospects of success of two hydrogels functionalized with anti-angiogenic peptides and seeded with bone marrow derived mononuclear cells (BMC), respectively, were investigated in an ovine nucleotomy model. METHODS In a one-step procedure iliac crest aspirates were harvested and, subsequently, separated BMC were seeded on hydrogels and implanted into the ovine disc. For the cell-seeded approach a hyaluronic acid-based hydrogel was used. The anti-angiogenic potential of newly developed VEGF-blockers was investigated on ionically crosslinked metacrylated gellan gum hydrogels. Untreated discs served as nucleotomy controls. 24 adult merino sheep were used. After 6 weeks histological, after 12 weeks histological and biomechanical analyses were conducted. RESULTS Biomechanical tests revealed no differences between any of the implanted and nucleotomized discs. All implanted discs significantly degenerated compared to intact discs. In contrast, there was no marked difference between implanted and nucleotomized discs. In tendency, albeit not significant, degeneration score and disc height index deteriorated for all but not for the cell-seeded hydrogels from 6 to 12 weeks. Cell-seeded hydrogels slightly decelerated degeneration. CONCLUSIONS None of the hydrogel configurations was able to regenerate biofunctionality of the intervertebral disc. This might presumably be caused by hydrogel extrusion. Great importance should be given to the development of annulus sealants, which effectively exploit the potential of (cell-seeded) hydrogels for biological disc regeneration and restoration of intervertebral disc functioning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Reitmaier
- Center of Musculoskeletal Research, Institute of Orthopaedic Research and Biomechanics, University of Ulm, Helmholtzstrasse 14, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Ludwika Kreja
- Center of Musculoskeletal Research, Institute of Orthopaedic Research and Biomechanics, University of Ulm, Helmholtzstrasse 14, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Katharina Gruchenberg
- Center of Musculoskeletal Research, Institute of Orthopaedic Research and Biomechanics, University of Ulm, Helmholtzstrasse 14, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Britta Kanter
- Center of Musculoskeletal Research, Institute of Orthopaedic Research and Biomechanics, University of Ulm, Helmholtzstrasse 14, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Joana Silva-Correia
- 3B’s Research Group-Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, S. Cláudio de Barco, Taipas, Guimarães, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Joaquim Miguel Oliveira
- 3B’s Research Group-Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, S. Cláudio de Barco, Taipas, Guimarães, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Rui Luís Reis
- 3B’s Research Group-Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, S. Cláudio de Barco, Taipas, Guimarães, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Valeria Perugini
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Brighton, Brighton, UK
| | - Matteo Santin
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Brighton, Brighton, UK
| | - Anita Ignatius
- Center of Musculoskeletal Research, Institute of Orthopaedic Research and Biomechanics, University of Ulm, Helmholtzstrasse 14, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Hans-Joachim Wilke
- Center of Musculoskeletal Research, Institute of Orthopaedic Research and Biomechanics, University of Ulm, Helmholtzstrasse 14, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Paladini F, Meikle ST, Cooper IR, Lacey J, Perugini V, Santin M. Silver-doped self-assembling di-phenylalanine hydrogels as wound dressing biomaterials. J Mater Sci Mater Med 2013; 24:2461-2472. [PMID: 23793492 DOI: 10.1007/s10856-013-4986-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2013] [Accepted: 06/14/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Chronic and acute wounds can be quickly contaminated and infected by microorganisms such as bacteria, multi-resistant organisms or fungi. The introduction of silver as anti-microbial agent into wound management has widely been demonstrated to be effective and contribute to wound healing. As a consequence, many approaches and different materials have been employed to synthesize antibacterial silver-hydrogels. In this work the introduction of silver particles into the fibrillar structure of self-assembling aromatic di-phenylalanine derivatives modified with aromatic groups such as 9-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl is proposed to produce antibacterial wound dressings. Hydrogels doped with increasing amounts of silver were tested and adopted to modify flax textiles. The influence of silver on the structure of hydrogels was studied using light and confocal microscopy, while SEM-EDX allowed the characterization of the hydrogel coating on the surface of the textile substrates as well as the identification and distribution of silver nanoparticles. The antibacterial potential of the treated flax was demonstrated through microbiological tests on Staphylococcus aureus. The combination of the physico-chemical and anti-bacterial properties, together with the ease of preparation of these biomaterials, fulfils the requirement of clinically-effective wound dressings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Federica Paladini
- Department of Engineering for Innovation, University of Salento, 73100, Lecce, Italy,
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Meikle ST, Perugini V, Guildford AL, Santin M. Synthesis, Characterisation and in vitro Anti-Angiogenic Potential of Dendron VEGF Blockers. Macromol Biosci 2011; 11:1761-5. [DOI: 10.1002/mabi.201100267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [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: 07/07/2011] [Revised: 09/14/2011] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
|
13
|
Todros T, Marzioni D, Lorenzi T, Piccoli E, Capparuccia L, Perugini V, Cardaropoli S, Romagnoli R, Gesuita R, Rolfo A, Paulesu L, Castellucci M. Evidence for a role of TGF-beta1 in the expression and regulation of alpha-SMA in fetal growth restricted placentae. Placenta 2007; 28:1123-32. [PMID: 17664003 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2007.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2006] [Revised: 05/29/2007] [Accepted: 06/08/2007] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
There is evidence that alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) is a protein that plays a pivotal role in the production of contractile forces and it is induced by transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1). We have analysed the expression of alpha-SMA, TGF-beta1, its receptor RI and the activator phospho-Smad2 in (a) fetal growth restriction pre-eclamptic placentae characterised by early onset and absence of end diastolic velocities in the umbilical arteries (FGR-AED) and (b) control placentae accurately matched for gestational age. The study was performed by immunohistochemical, quantitative Western blotting, ELISA, RT-PCR and in vitro analyses. We found that TGF-beta1 stimulates alpha-SMA production in chorionic villi cultured in vitro. In addition, we observed that in vivo TGF-beta1 concentration is significantly higher in FGR-AED placental samples than in control placentae and that this growth factor could have a paracrine action on villous stroma myofibroblasts expressing TGF-beta1 receptors and phospho-Smad2. Indeed, we report that alpha-SMA undergoes a redistribution in FGR-AED placental villous tree, i.e. we show that alpha-SMA is enhanced in medium and small stem villi and significantly decreased in the peripheral villi. Our data allow us to consider TGF-beta1 and alpha-SMA as key molecules related to FGR-AED placental villous tree phenotypic changes responsible for increased impedance to blood flow observable in this pathology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T Todros
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|