1
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Wan Z, Zhang S, Zhong AX, Xu L, Coughlin MF, Pavlou G, Shelton SE, Nguyen HT, Hirose S, Kim S, Floryan MA, Barbie DA, Hodi FS, Kamm RD. Transmural Flow Upregulates PD-L1 Expression in Microvascular Networks. Adv Sci (Weinh) 2024:e2400921. [PMID: 38696611 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202400921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2024] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024]
Abstract
Endothelial programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression is higher in tumors than in normal tissues. Also, tumoral vasculatures tend to be leakier than normal vessels leading to a higher trans-endothelial or transmural fluid flow. However, it is not clear whether such elevated transmural flow can control endothelial PD-L1 expression. Here, a new microfluidic device is developed to investigate the relationship between transmural flow and PD-L1 expression in microvascular networks (MVNs). After treating the MVNs with transmural flow for 24 h, the expression of PD-L1 in endothelial cells is upregulated. Additionally, CD8 T cell activation by phytohemagglutinin (PHA) is suppressed when cultured in the MVNs pre-conditioned with transmural flow. Moreover, transmural flow is able to further increase PD-L1 expression in the vessels formed in the tumor microenvironment. Finally, by utilizing blocking antibodies and knock-out assays, it is found that transmural flow-driven PD-L1 upregulation is controlled by integrin αVβ3. Overall, this study provides a new biophysical explanation for high PD-L1 expression in tumoral vasculatures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengpeng Wan
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Shun Zhang
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Amy X Zhong
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Liling Xu
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Mark F Coughlin
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Georgios Pavlou
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Sarah E Shelton
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Huu Tuan Nguyen
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Satomi Hirose
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Seunggyu Kim
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Marie A Floryan
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - David A Barbie
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - F Stephen Hodi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Roger D Kamm
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
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2
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Henry WS, Müller S, Yang JS, Innes-Gold S, Das S, Reinhardt F, Sigmund K, Phadnis VV, Wan Z, Eaton E, Sampaio JL, Bell GW, Viravalli A, Hammond PT, Kamm RD, Cohen AE, Boehnke N, Hsu VW, Levental KR, Rodriguez R, Weinberg RA. Ether lipids influence cancer cell fate by modulating iron uptake. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.20.585922. [PMID: 38562716 PMCID: PMC10983928 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.20.585922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Cancer cell fate has been widely ascribed to mutational changes within protein-coding genes associated with tumor suppressors and oncogenes. In contrast, the mechanisms through which the biophysical properties of membrane lipids influence cancer cell survival, dedifferentiation and metastasis have received little scrutiny. Here, we report that cancer cells endowed with a high metastatic ability and cancer stem cell-like traits employ ether lipids to maintain low membrane tension and high membrane fluidity. Using genetic approaches and lipid reconstitution assays, we show that these ether lipid-regulated biophysical properties permit non-clathrin-mediated iron endocytosis via CD44, leading directly to significant increases in intracellular redox-active iron and enhanced ferroptosis susceptibility. Using a combination of in vitro three-dimensional microvascular network systems and in vivo animal models, we show that loss of ether lipids also strongly attenuates extravasation, metastatic burden and cancer stemness. These findings illuminate a mechanism whereby ether lipids in carcinoma cells serve as key regulators of malignant progression while conferring a unique vulnerability that can be exploited for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Whitney S Henry
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Sebastian Müller
- Institut Curie, CNRS, INSERM, PSL Research University, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Paris 75005, France
| | - Jia-Shu Yang
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation and Immunity, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Dept. of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Sarah Innes-Gold
- Dept. of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Sunny Das
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Ferenc Reinhardt
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Kim Sigmund
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Vaishnavi V Phadnis
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Dept. of Biology, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Zhengpeng Wan
- Dept. of Biological Engineering, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Elinor Eaton
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Julio L Sampaio
- Institut Curie, INSERM, Mines ParisTech, Paris 75005, France
| | - George W Bell
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Amartya Viravalli
- Dept. of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Minnesota Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Paula T Hammond
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Dept. of Chemical Engineering, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Senior author
| | - Roger D Kamm
- Dept. of Biological Engineering, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Dept. of Physics, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
- Senior author
| | - Adam E Cohen
- Dept. of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
- Dept. of Physics, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
- Senior author
| | - Natalie Boehnke
- Dept. of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Minnesota Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Senior author
| | - Victor W Hsu
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation and Immunity, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Dept. of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Senior author
| | - Kandice R Levental
- Dept. of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, Center for Membrane and Cell Physiology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
- Senior author
| | - Raphaël Rodriguez
- Institut Curie, CNRS, INSERM, PSL Research University, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Paris 75005, France
- Senior author
| | - Robert A Weinberg
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Dept. of Biology, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Ludwig Center for Molecular Oncology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Senior author
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3
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Cambria E, Coughlin MF, Floryan MA, Offeddu GS, Shelton SE, Kamm RD. Linking cell mechanical memory and cancer metastasis. Nat Rev Cancer 2024; 24:216-228. [PMID: 38238471 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-023-00656-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
Metastasis causes most cancer-related deaths; however, the efficacy of anti-metastatic drugs is limited by incomplete understanding of the biological mechanisms that drive metastasis. Focusing on the mechanics of metastasis, we propose that the ability of tumour cells to survive the metastatic process is enhanced by mechanical stresses in the primary tumour microenvironment that select for well-adapted cells. In this Perspective, we suggest that biophysical adaptations favourable for metastasis are retained via mechanical memory, such that the extent of memory is influenced by both the magnitude and duration of the mechanical stress. Among the mechanical cues present in the primary tumour microenvironment, we focus on high matrix stiffness to illustrate how it alters tumour cell proliferation, survival, secretion of molecular factors, force generation, deformability, migration and invasion. We particularly centre our discussion on potential mechanisms of mechanical memory formation and retention via mechanotransduction and persistent epigenetic changes. Indeed, we propose that the biophysical adaptations that are induced by this process are retained throughout the metastatic process to improve tumour cell extravasation, survival and colonization in the distant organ. Deciphering mechanical memory mechanisms will be key to discovering a new class of anti-metastatic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Cambria
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | - Mark F Coughlin
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Marie A Floryan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Giovanni S Offeddu
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Sarah E Shelton
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Roger D Kamm
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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4
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Maurissen TL, Spielmann AJ, Schellenberg G, Bickle M, Vieira JR, Lai SY, Pavlou G, Fauser S, Westenskow PD, Kamm RD, Ragelle H. Modeling early pathophysiological phenotypes of diabetic retinopathy in a human inner blood-retinal barrier-on-a-chip. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1372. [PMID: 38355716 PMCID: PMC10866954 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45456-z] [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: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a microvascular disorder characterized by inner blood-retinal barrier (iBRB) breakdown and irreversible vision loss. While the symptoms of DR are known, disease mechanisms including basement membrane thickening, pericyte dropout and capillary damage remain poorly understood and interventions to repair diseased iBRB microvascular networks have not been developed. In addition, current approaches using animal models and in vitro systems lack translatability and predictivity to finding new target pathways. Here, we develop a diabetic iBRB-on-a-chip that produces pathophysiological phenotypes and disease pathways in vitro that are representative of clinical diagnoses. We show that diabetic stimulation of the iBRB-on-a-chip mirrors DR features, including pericyte loss, vascular regression, ghost vessels, and production of pro-inflammatory factors. We also report transcriptomic data from diabetic iBRB microvascular networks that may reveal drug targets, and examine pericyte-endothelial cell stabilizing strategies. In summary, our model recapitulates key features of disease, and may inform future therapies for DR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas L Maurissen
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Metabolism, Immunology, Infectious Diseases and Ophthalmology, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alena J Spielmann
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Metabolism, Immunology, Infectious Diseases and Ophthalmology, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Gabriella Schellenberg
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Metabolism, Immunology, Infectious Diseases and Ophthalmology, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marc Bickle
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Institute of Human Biology, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jose Ricardo Vieira
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Metabolism, Immunology, Infectious Diseases and Ophthalmology, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Si Ying Lai
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Metabolism, Immunology, Infectious Diseases and Ophthalmology, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Georgios Pavlou
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Sascha Fauser
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Metabolism, Immunology, Infectious Diseases and Ophthalmology, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Peter D Westenskow
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Metabolism, Immunology, Infectious Diseases and Ophthalmology, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Roger D Kamm
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | - Héloïse Ragelle
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Metabolism, Immunology, Infectious Diseases and Ophthalmology, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland.
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5
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Serrano JC, Gillrie MR, Li R, Ishamuddin SH, Moeendarbary E, Kamm RD. Microfluidic-Based Reconstitution of Functional Lymphatic Microvasculature: Elucidating the Role of Lymphatics in Health and Disease. Adv Sci (Weinh) 2024; 11:e2302903. [PMID: 38059806 PMCID: PMC10837354 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202302903] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
The knowledge of the blood microvasculature and its functional role in health and disease has grown significantly attributable to decades of research and numerous advances in cell biology and tissue engineering; however, the lymphatics (the secondary vascular system) has not garnered similar attention, in part due to a lack of relevant in vitro models that mimic its pathophysiological functions. Here, a microfluidic-based approach is adopted to achieve precise control over the biological transport of growth factors and interstitial flow that drive the in vivo growth of lymphatic capillaries (lymphangiogenesis). The engineered on-chip lymphatics with in vivo-like morphology exhibit tissue-scale functionality with drainage rates of interstitial proteins and molecules comparable to in vivo standards. Computational and scaling analyses of the underlying transport phenomena elucidate the critical role of the three-dimensional geometry and lymphatic endothelium in recapitulating physiological drainage. Finally, the engineered on-chip lymphatics enabled studies of lymphatic-immune interactions that revealed inflammation-driven responses by the lymphatics to recruit immune cells via chemotactic signals similar to in vivo, pathological events. This on-chip lymphatics platform permits the interrogation of various lymphatic biological functions, as well as screening of lymphatic-based therapies such as interstitial absorption of protein therapeutics and lymphatic immunomodulation for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean C. Serrano
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeMA02139USA
| | - Mark R. Gillrie
- Department of Biological EngineeringMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeMA02139USA
- Department of Medicine University of CalgaryCalgaryABT2N 1N4Canada
| | - Ran Li
- Center for Systems Biology Massachusetts General Hospital Research InstituteBostonMA02114USA
| | - Sarah H. Ishamuddin
- Department of Biological EngineeringMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeMA02139USA
| | - Emad Moeendarbary
- Department of Biological EngineeringMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeMA02139USA
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringUniversity College LondonTorrington PlaceLondonWC1E 7JEUK
- 199 Biotechnologies LtdGloucester RoadLondonW2 6LDUK
| | - Roger D. Kamm
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeMA02139USA
- Department of Biological EngineeringMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeMA02139USA
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6
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Nguyen HT, Gurvich N, Gillrie MR, Offeddu G, Humayun M, Kan EL, Wan Z, Coughlin MF, Zhang C, Vu V, Lee SWL, Tan SL, Barbie D, Hsu J, Kamm RD. Patient-Specific Vascularized Tumor Model: Blocking TAM Recruitment with Multispecific Antibodies Targeting CCR2 and CSF-1R. bioRxiv 2023:2023.11.28.568627. [PMID: 38076998 PMCID: PMC10705378 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.28.568627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Tumor-associated inflammation drives cancer progression and therapy resistance, with the infiltration of monocyte-derived tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) associated with poor prognosis in diverse cancers. Targeting TAMs holds potential against solid tumors, but effective immunotherapies require testing on immunocompetent human models prior to clinical trials. Here, we develop an in vitro model of microvascular networks that incorporates tumor spheroids or patient tissues. By perfusing the vasculature with human monocytes, we investigate monocyte trafficking into the tumor and evaluate immunotherapies targeting the human tumor microenvironment. Our findings demonstrate that macrophages in vascularized breast and lung tumor models can enhance monocyte recruitment via TAM-produced CCL7 and CCL2, mediated by CSF-1R. Additionally, we assess a novel multispecific antibody targeting CCR2, CSF-1R, and neutralizing TGF-β, referred to as CSF1R/CCR2/TGF-β Ab, on monocytes and macrophages using our 3D models. This antibody repolarizes TAMs towards an anti-tumoral M1-like phenotype, reduces monocyte chemoattractant protein secretion, and effectively blocks monocyte migration. Finally, we show that the CSF1R/CCR2/TGF-β Ab inhibits monocyte recruitment in patient-specific vascularized tumor models. Overall, this vascularized tumor model offers valuable insights into monocyte recruitment and enables functional testing of innovative therapeutic antibodies targeting TAMs in the tumor microenvironment (TME).
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Affiliation(s)
- Huu Tuan Nguyen
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139 USA
| | - Nadia Gurvich
- Marengo Therapeutics, 840 Memorial Dr, Cambridge, MA 02139 USA
| | - Mark Robert Gillrie
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139 USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4 Canada
| | - Giovanni Offeddu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139 USA
| | - Mouhita Humayun
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139 USA
| | - Ellen L. Kan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139 USA
| | - Zhengpeng Wan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139 USA
| | - Mark Frederick Coughlin
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139 USA
| | - Christie Zhang
- Marengo Therapeutics, 840 Memorial Dr, Cambridge, MA 02139 USA
| | - Vivian Vu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139 USA
| | - Sharon Wei Ling Lee
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139 USA
| | - Seng-Lai Tan
- Marengo Therapeutics, 840 Memorial Dr, Cambridge, MA 02139 USA
| | - David Barbie
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Belfer Center for Applied Cancer Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jonathan Hsu
- Marengo Therapeutics, 840 Memorial Dr, Cambridge, MA 02139 USA
| | - Roger D. Kamm
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139 USA
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7
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Blazeski A, Floryan MA, Fajardo-Ramírez OR, Meibalan E, Ortiz-Urbina J, Angelidakis E, Shelton SE, Kamm RD, García-Cardeña G. Engineering microvascular networks using a KLF2 reporter to probe flow-dependent endothelial cell function. bioRxiv 2023:2023.10.31.565021. [PMID: 37961543 PMCID: PMC10635035 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.31.565021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Shear stress generated by the flow of blood in the vasculature is a potent regulator of endothelial cell phenotype and vascular structure. While vascular responses to flow are complex and context-dependent, endothelial cell signaling in response to shear stress induced by laminar flows is coordinated by the transcription factor KLF2. The expression of KLF2 in endothelial cells is associated with a quiescent, anti-inflammatory phenotype and has been well characterized in two-dimensional systems, but has not been studied in three-dimensional in vitro systems. Here we develop engineered microvascular networks (MVNs) with a KLF2-based endothelial cell sensor within a microfluidic chip, apply continuous flow using an attached microfluidic pump, and study the effects of this flow on vascular structure and function. We found that culture of MVNs exposed to flow for 48 hours that resulted in increased expression of the KLF2-GFP-reporter display larger vessel diameters and decreased vascular branching and resistance. Additionally, vessel diameters after the application of flow were independent of initial MVN morphologies. Finally, we found that MVNs exposed to flow have improved vascular barrier function and decreased platelet adhesion. The MVNs with KLF2-based flow sensors represent a powerful tool for evaluating the structural and functional effects of flow on engineered three-dimensional vascular systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Blazeski
- Center for Excellence in Vascular Biology, Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Cardiovascular Disease Initiative, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Marie A. Floryan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Oscar R. Fajardo-Ramírez
- Center for Excellence in Vascular Biology, Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Elamaran Meibalan
- Center for Excellence in Vascular Biology, Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jesús Ortiz-Urbina
- Center for Excellence in Vascular Biology, Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Cardiovascular Disease Initiative, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Emmanouil Angelidakis
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Sarah E. Shelton
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Roger D. Kamm
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Guillermo García-Cardeña
- Center for Excellence in Vascular Biology, Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Cardiovascular Disease Initiative, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
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8
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Chen SW, Blazeski A, Zhang S, Shelton SE, Offeddu GS, Kamm RD. Development of a perfusable, hierarchical microvasculature-on-a-chip model. Lab Chip 2023; 23:4552-4564. [PMID: 37771308 PMCID: PMC10563829 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00512g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
Several methods have been developed for generating 3D, in vitro, organ-on-chip models of human vasculature to study vascular function, transport, and tissue engineering. However, many of these existing models lack the hierarchical nature of the arterial-to-capillary-to-venous architecture that is key to capturing a more comprehensive view of the human microvasculature. Here, we present a perfusable, multi-compartmental model that recapitulates the three microvascular compartments to assess various physiological properties such as vessel permeability, vasoconstriction dynamics, and circulating cell arrest and extravasation. Viscous finger patterning and passive pumping create the larger arterial and venular lumens, while the smaller diameter capillary bed vessels are generated through self-assembly. These compartments anastomose and form a perfusable, hierarchical system that portrays the directionality of blood flow through the microvasculature. The addition of collagen channels reduces the apparent permeability of the central capillary region, likely by reducing leakage from the side channels, enabling more accurate measurements of vascular permeability-an important motivation for this study. Furthermore, the model permits modulation of fluid flow and shear stress conditions throughout the system by using hydrostatic pressure heads to apply pressure differentials across either the arteriole or the capillary. This is a pertinent system for modeling circulating tumor or T cell dissemination and extravasation. Circulating cells were found to arrest in areas conducive to physical trapping or areas with the least amount of shear stress, consistent with hemodynamic or mechanical theories of metastasis. Overall, this model captures more features of human microvascular beds and is capable of testing a broad variety of hypotheses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia W Chen
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA
| | - Adriana Blazeski
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, USA
| | - Shun Zhang
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA
| | - Sarah E Shelton
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, USA
| | - Giovanni S Offeddu
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA
| | - Roger D Kamm
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA
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9
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Ko EC, Spitz S, Pramotton FM, Barr OM, Xu C, Pavlou G, Zhang S, Tsai A, Maaser-Hecker A, Jorfi M, Choi SH, Tanzi RE, Kamm RD. Accelerating the in vitro emulation of Alzheimer's disease-associated phenotypes using a novel 3D blood-brain barrier neurosphere co-culture model. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1251195. [PMID: 37901842 PMCID: PMC10600382 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1251195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
High failure rates in clinical trials for neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease have been linked to an insufficient predictive validity of current animal-based disease models. This has created an increasing demand for alternative, human-based models capable of emulating key pathological phenotypes in vitro. Here, a three-dimensional Alzheimer's disease model was developed using a compartmentalized microfluidic device that combines a self-assembled microvascular network of the human blood-brain barrier with neurospheres derived from Alzheimer's disease-specific neural progenitor cells. To shorten microfluidic co-culture times, neurospheres were pre-differentiated for 21 days to express Alzheimer's disease-specific pathological phenotypes prior to the introduction into the microfluidic device. In agreement with post-mortem studies and Alzheimer's disease in vivo models, after 7 days of co-culture with pre-differentiated Alzheimer's disease-specific neurospheres, the three-dimensional blood-brain barrier network exhibited significant changes in barrier permeability and morphology. Furthermore, vascular networks in co-culture with Alzheimer's disease-specific microtissues displayed localized β-amyloid deposition. Thus, by interconnecting a microvascular network of the blood-brain barrier with pre-differentiated neurospheres the presented model holds immense potential for replicating key neurovascular phenotypes of neurodegenerative disorders in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunkyung Clare Ko
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Sarah Spitz
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Francesca Michela Pramotton
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Olivia M. Barr
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, McCance Center for Brain Health, Mass General Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, United States
| | - Ciana Xu
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, McCance Center for Brain Health, Mass General Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, United States
| | - Georgios Pavlou
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Shun Zhang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Alice Tsai
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, McCance Center for Brain Health, Mass General Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, United States
| | - Anna Maaser-Hecker
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, McCance Center for Brain Health, Mass General Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, United States
| | - Mehdi Jorfi
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, McCance Center for Brain Health, Mass General Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, United States
| | - Se Hoon Choi
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, McCance Center for Brain Health, Mass General Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, United States
| | - Rudolph E. Tanzi
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, McCance Center for Brain Health, Mass General Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, United States
| | - Roger D. Kamm
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
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10
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Rota A, Possenti L, Offeddu GS, Senesi M, Stucchi A, Venturelli I, Rancati T, Zunino P, Kamm RD, Costantino ML. A three-dimensional method for morphological analysis and flow velocity estimation in microvasculature on-a-chip. Bioeng Transl Med 2023; 8:e10557. [PMID: 37693050 PMCID: PMC10487341 DOI: 10.1002/btm2.10557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) imaging techniques (e.g., confocal microscopy) are commonly used to visualize in vitro models, especially microvasculature on-a-chip. Conversely, 3D analysis is not the standard method to extract quantitative information from those models. We developed the μVES algorithm to analyze vascularized in vitro models leveraging 3D data. It computes morphological parameters (geometry, diameter, length, tortuosity, eccentricity) and intravascular flow velocity. μVES application to microfluidic vascularized in vitro models shows that they successfully replicate functional features of the microvasculature in vivo in terms of intravascular fluid flow velocity. However, wall shear stress is lower compared to in vivo references. The morphological analysis also highlights the model's physiological similarities (vessel length and tortuosity) and shortcomings (vessel radius and surface-over-volume ratio). The addition of the third dimension in our analysis produced significant differences in the metrics assessed compared to 2D estimations. It enabled the computation of new indices, such as vessel eccentricity. These μVES capabilities can find application in analyses of different in vitro vascular models, as well as in vivo and ex vivo microvasculature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Rota
- LaBS, Chemistry, Materials, and Chemical Engineering "Giulio Natta" DepartmentPolitecnico di MilanoMilanItaly
| | - Luca Possenti
- Data Science Unit, Department of Epidemiology and Data ScienceFondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei TumoriMilanItaly
| | - Giovanni S. Offeddu
- Department of Biological EngineeringMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeMassachusettsUSA
| | - Martina Senesi
- LaBS, Chemistry, Materials, and Chemical Engineering "Giulio Natta" DepartmentPolitecnico di MilanoMilanItaly
| | - Adelaide Stucchi
- LaBS, Chemistry, Materials, and Chemical Engineering "Giulio Natta" DepartmentPolitecnico di MilanoMilanItaly
| | - Irene Venturelli
- LaBS, Chemistry, Materials, and Chemical Engineering "Giulio Natta" DepartmentPolitecnico di MilanoMilanItaly
| | - Tiziana Rancati
- Data Science Unit, Department of Epidemiology and Data ScienceFondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei TumoriMilanItaly
| | - Paolo Zunino
- MOX, Department of MathematicsPolitecnico di MilanoMilanItaly
| | - Roger D. Kamm
- Department of Biological EngineeringMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeMassachusettsUSA
| | - Maria Laura Costantino
- LaBS, Chemistry, Materials, and Chemical Engineering "Giulio Natta" DepartmentPolitecnico di MilanoMilanItaly
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11
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Rustenhoven J, Pavlou G, Storck SE, Dykstra T, Du S, Wan Z, Quintero D, Scallan JP, Smirnov I, Kamm RD, Kipnis J. Age-related alterations in meningeal immunity drive impaired CNS lymphatic drainage. J Exp Med 2023; 220:e20221929. [PMID: 37027179 PMCID: PMC10083715 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20221929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The meningeal lymphatic network enables the drainage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and facilitates the removal of central nervous system (CNS) waste. During aging and in Alzheimer's disease, impaired meningeal lymphatic drainage promotes the buildup of toxic misfolded proteins in the CNS. Reversing this age-related dysfunction represents a promising strategy to augment CNS waste clearance; however, the mechanisms underlying this decline remain elusive. Here, we demonstrate that age-related alterations in meningeal immunity underlie this lymphatic impairment. Single-cell RNA sequencing of meningeal lymphatic endothelial cells from aged mice revealed their response to IFNγ, which was increased in the aged meninges due to T cell accumulation. Chronic elevation of meningeal IFNγ in young mice via AAV-mediated overexpression attenuated CSF drainage-comparable to the deficits observed in aged mice. Therapeutically, IFNγ neutralization alleviated age-related impairments in meningeal lymphatic function. These data suggest manipulation of meningeal immunity as a viable approach to normalize CSF drainage and alleviate the neurological deficits associated with impaired waste removal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Rustenhoven
- Brain Immunology and Glia Center, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Centre for Brain Research, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Georgios Pavlou
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Steffen E. Storck
- Brain Immunology and Glia Center, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Taitea Dykstra
- Brain Immunology and Glia Center, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Siling Du
- Brain Immunology and Glia Center, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Immunology Graduate Program, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Zhengpeng Wan
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Daniel Quintero
- Brain Immunology and Glia Center, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Joshua P. Scallan
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Igor Smirnov
- Brain Immunology and Glia Center, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Roger D. Kamm
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jonathan Kipnis
- Brain Immunology and Glia Center, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Immunology Graduate Program, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
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12
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Angelidakis E, Chen S, Zhang S, Wan Z, Kamm RD, Shelton SE. Impact of Fibrinogen, Fibrin Thrombi, and Thrombin on Cancer Cell Extravasation Using In Vitro Microvascular Networks. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2202984. [PMID: 37119127 PMCID: PMC10524192 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202202984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
A bidirectional association exists between metastatic dissemination and the hypercoagulable state associated with many types of cancer. As such, clinical studies have provided evidence that markers associated with elevated levels of coagulation and fibrinolysis correlate with decreased patient survival. However, elucidating the mechanisms underpinning the effects of different components of the coagulation system on metastasis formation is challenging both in animal models and 2D models lacking the complex cellular interactions necessary to model both thrombosis and metastasis. Here, an in vitro, 3D, microvascular model for observing the formation of fibrin thrombi is described, which is in turn used to study how different aspects of the hypercoagulable state associated with cancer affect the endothelium. Using this platform, cancer cells expressing ICAM-1 are shown to form a fibrinogen-dependent bridge and transmigrate through the endothelium more effectively. Cancer cells are also demonstrated to interact with fibrin thrombi, using them to adhere, spread, and enhance their extravasation efficiency. Finally, thrombin is also shown to enhance cancer cell extravasation. This system presents a physiologically relevant model of fibrin clot formation in the human microvasculature, enabling in-depth investigation of the cellular interactions between cancer cells and the coagulation system affecting cancer cell extravasation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanouil Angelidakis
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Sophia Chen
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Shun Zhang
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Zhengpeng Wan
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Roger D Kamm
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Sarah E Shelton
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
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13
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Mastini C, Campisi M, Patrucco E, Mura G, Ferreira A, Costa C, Ambrogio C, Germena G, Martinengo C, Peola S, Mota I, Vissio E, Molinaro L, Arigoni M, Olivero M, Calogero R, Prokoph N, Tabbò F, Shoji B, Brugieres L, Geoerger B, Turner SD, Cuesta-Mateos C, D’Aliberti D, Mologni L, Piazza R, Gambacorti-Passerini C, Inghirami GG, Chiono V, Kamm RD, Hirsch E, Koch R, Weinstock DM, Aster JC, Voena C, Chiarle R. Targeting CCR7-PI3Kγ overcomes resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors in ALK-rearranged lymphoma. Sci Transl Med 2023; 15:eabo3826. [PMID: 37379367 PMCID: PMC10804420 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abo3826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) show potent efficacy in several ALK-driven tumors, but the development of resistance limits their long-term clinical impact. Although resistance mechanisms have been studied extensively in ALK-driven non-small cell lung cancer, they are poorly understood in ALK-driven anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL). Here, we identify a survival pathway supported by the tumor microenvironment that activates phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase γ (PI3K-γ) signaling through the C-C motif chemokine receptor 7 (CCR7). We found increased PI3K signaling in patients and ALCL cell lines resistant to ALK TKIs. PI3Kγ expression was predictive of a lack of response to ALK TKI in patients with ALCL. Expression of CCR7, PI3Kγ, and PI3Kδ were up-regulated during ALK or STAT3 inhibition or degradation and a constitutively active PI3Kγ isoform cooperated with oncogenic ALK to accelerate lymphomagenesis in mice. In a three-dimensional microfluidic chip, endothelial cells that produce the CCR7 ligands CCL19/CCL21 protected ALCL cells from apoptosis induced by crizotinib. The PI3Kγ/δ inhibitor duvelisib potentiated crizotinib activity against ALCL lines and patient-derived xenografts. Furthermore, genetic deletion of CCR7 blocked the central nervous system dissemination and perivascular growth of ALCL in mice treated with crizotinib. Thus, blockade of PI3Kγ or CCR7 signaling together with ALK TKI treatment reduces primary resistance and the survival of persister lymphoma cells in ALCL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Mastini
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino 10126, Italy
| | - Marco Campisi
- Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Pathology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Politecnico of Torino, Torino 10129, Italy
| | - Enrico Patrucco
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino 10126, Italy
| | - Giulia Mura
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino 10126, Italy
| | - Antonio Ferreira
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston MA 02115, USA
| | - Carlotta Costa
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino 10126, Italy
| | - Chiara Ambrogio
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino 10126, Italy
| | - Giulia Germena
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino 10126, Italy
| | - Cinzia Martinengo
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino 10126, Italy
| | - Silvia Peola
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino 10126, Italy
| | - Ines Mota
- Department of Pathology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Elena Vissio
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Orbassano, Torino 10043, Italy
| | - Luca Molinaro
- Department of Medical Science, University of Torino, Torino 10126, Italy
| | - Maddalena Arigoni
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino 10126, Italy
| | - Martina Olivero
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Orbassano, Torino 10043, Italy
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Torino 10060, Italy
| | - Raffaele Calogero
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino 10126, Italy
| | - Nina Prokoph
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Fabrizio Tabbò
- Department of Pathology, Cornell University, New York NY 10121, USA
| | - Brent Shoji
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston MA 02115, USA
| | - Laurence Brugieres
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Oncology, Gustave Roussy Cancer Center, Paris-Saclay University, Villejuif 94805, France
| | - Birgit Geoerger
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Oncology, Gustave Roussy Cancer Center, Paris-Saclay University, Villejuif 94805, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, INSERM U1015, Villejuif 94805, France
| | - Suzanne D. Turner
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
- Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno 601 77, Czech Republic
| | - Carlos Cuesta-Mateos
- Department of Pre-Clinical Development, Catapult Therapeutics B.V., 8243 RC, Lelystad, Netherlands
| | - Deborah D’Aliberti
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milan-Bicocca, Monza 20900, Italy
| | - Luca Mologni
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milan-Bicocca, Monza 20900, Italy
| | - Rocco Piazza
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milan-Bicocca, Monza 20900, Italy
| | | | | | - Valeria Chiono
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Politecnico of Torino, Torino 10129, Italy
| | - Roger D. Kamm
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Emilio Hirsch
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino 10126, Italy
| | - Raphael Koch
- Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - David M. Weinstock
- Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Jon C. Aster
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston MA 02115, USA
| | - Claudia Voena
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino 10126, Italy
| | - Roberto Chiarle
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino 10126, Italy
- Department of Pathology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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14
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Wan Z, Floryan MA, Coughlin MF, Zhang S, Zhong AX, Shelton SE, Wang X, Xu C, Barbie DA, Kamm RD. New Strategy for Promoting Vascularization in Tumor Spheroids in a Microfluidic Assay. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2201784. [PMID: 36333913 PMCID: PMC10156888 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202201784] [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: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies have developed vascularized tumor spheroid models to demonstrate the impact of intravascular flow on tumor progression and treatment. However, these models have not been widely adopted so the vascularization of tumor spheroids in vitro is generally lower than vascularized tumor tissues in vivo. To improve the tumor vascularization level, a new strategy is introduced to form tumor spheroids by adding fibroblasts (FBs) sequentially to a pre-formed tumor spheroid and demonstrate this method with tumor cell lines from kidney, lung, and ovary cancer. Tumor spheroids made with the new strategy have higher FB densities on the periphery of the tumor spheroid, which tend to enhance vascularization. The vessels close to the tumor spheroid made with this new strategy are more perfusable than the ones made with other methods. Finally, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells are perfused under continuous flow into vascularized tumor spheroids to demonstrate immunotherapy evaluation using vascularized tumor-on-a-chip model. This new strategy for establishing tumor spheroids leads to increased vascularization in vitro, allowing for the examination of immune, endothelial, stromal, and tumor cell responses under static or flow conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengpeng Wan
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Marie A Floryan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Mark F Coughlin
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Shun Zhang
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Amy X Zhong
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Sarah E Shelton
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Xun Wang
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Chenguang Xu
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
| | - David A Barbie
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Roger D Kamm
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
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15
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Wan HY, Chen JCH, Xiao Q, Wong CW, Yang B, Cao B, Tuan RS, Nilsson SK, Ho YP, Raghunath M, Kamm RD, Blocki A. Stabilization and improved functionality of three-dimensional perfusable microvascular networks in microfluidic devices under macromolecular crowding. Biomater Res 2023; 27:32. [PMID: 37076899 PMCID: PMC10116810 DOI: 10.1186/s40824-023-00375-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is great interest to engineer in vitro models that allow the study of complex biological processes of the microvasculature with high spatiotemporal resolution. Microfluidic systems are currently used to engineer microvasculature in vitro, which consists of perfusable microvascular networks (MVNs). These are formed through spontaneous vasculogenesis and exhibit the closest resemblance to physiological microvasculature. Unfortunately, under standard culture conditions and in the absence of co-culture with auxiliary cells as well as protease inhibitors, pure MVNs suffer from a short-lived stability. METHODS Herein, we introduce a strategy for stabilization of MVNs through macromolecular crowding (MMC) based on a previously established mixture of Ficoll macromolecules. The biophysical principle of MMC is based on macromolecules occupying space, thus increasing the effective concentration of other components and thereby accelerating various biological processes, such as extracellular matrix deposition. We thus hypothesized that MMC will promote the accumulation of vascular ECM (basement membrane) components and lead to a stabilization of MVN with improved functionality. RESULTS MMC promoted the enrichment of cellular junctions and basement membrane components, while reducing cellular contractility. The resulting advantageous balance of adhesive forces over cellular tension resulted in a significant stabilization of MVNs over time, as well as improved vascular barrier function, closely resembling that of in vivo microvasculature. CONCLUSION Application of MMC to MVNs in microfluidic devices provides a reliable, flexible and versatile approach to stabilize engineered microvessels under simulated physiological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ho-Ying Wan
- Institute for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jack Chun Hin Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Qinru Xiao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Christy Wingtung Wong
- Institute for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Boguang Yang
- Department of Orthopaedics & Traumatology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Benjamin Cao
- Biomedical Manufacturing Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Melbourne, Australia
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Rocky S Tuan
- Institute for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Center for Neuromusculoskeletal Restorative Medicine (CNRM), Hong Kong Science Park, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Susan K Nilsson
- Biomedical Manufacturing Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Melbourne, Australia
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Yi-Ping Ho
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Michael Raghunath
- Institute for Chemistry and Biotechnology, Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Wädenswil, Switzerland
| | - Roger D Kamm
- Department of Biology and Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Anna Blocki
- Institute for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
- Department of Orthopaedics & Traumatology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
- Center for Neuromusculoskeletal Restorative Medicine (CNRM), Hong Kong Science Park, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR, China.
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16
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Kim DJ, Anandh S, Null JL, Przanowski P, Bhatnagar S, Kumar P, Shelton SE, Grundy EE, Chiappinelli KB, Kamm RD, Barbie DA, Dudley AC. Priming a vascular-selective cytokine response permits CD8 + T-cell entry into tumors. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2122. [PMID: 37055433 PMCID: PMC10101959 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37807-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [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: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Targeting DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) has immunomodulatory and anti-neoplastic activity, especially when paired with cancer immunotherapies. Here we explore the immunoregulatory functions of DNMT1 in the tumor vasculature of female mice. Dnmt1 deletion in endothelial cells (ECs) impairs tumor growth while priming expression of cytokine-driven cell adhesion molecules and chemokines important for CD8+ T-cell trafficking across the vasculature; consequently, the efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) is enhanced. We find that the proangiogenic factor FGF2 promotes ERK-mediated DNMT1 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation to repress transcription of the chemokines Cxcl9/Cxcl10 in ECs. Targeting Dnmt1 in ECs reduces proliferation but augments Th1 chemokine production and extravasation of CD8+ T-cells, suggesting DNMT1 programs immunologically anergic tumor vasculature. Our study is in good accord with preclinical observations that pharmacologically disrupting DNMT1 enhances the activity of ICB but suggests an epigenetic pathway presumed to be targeted in cancer cells is also operative in the tumor vasculature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dae Joong Kim
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, The University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Swetha Anandh
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, The University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Jamie L Null
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, The University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Piotr Przanowski
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, The University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Sanchita Bhatnagar
- Medical Microbiology and Immunology, The University of California Davis, School of Medicine, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Pankaj Kumar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, The University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Sarah E Shelton
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Erin E Grundy
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Tropical Medicine, The George Washington University Cancer Center, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Katherine B Chiappinelli
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Tropical Medicine, The George Washington University Cancer Center, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Roger D Kamm
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - David A Barbie
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Belfer Center for Applied Cancer Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Andrew C Dudley
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, The University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA.
- UVA Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
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17
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Spitz S, Ko E, Ertl P, Kamm RD. How Organ-on-a-Chip Technology Can Assist in Studying the Role of the Glymphatic System in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:2171. [PMID: 36768495 PMCID: PMC9916687 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032171] [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: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The lack of a conventional lymphatic system that permeates throughout the entire human brain has encouraged the identification and study of alternative clearance routes within the cerebrum. In 2012, the concept of the glymphatic system, a perivascular network that fluidically connects the cerebrospinal fluid to the lymphatic vessels within the meninges via the interstitium, emerged. Although its exact mode of action has not yet been fully characterized, the key underlying processes that govern solute transport and waste clearance have been identified. This review briefly describes the perivascular glial-dependent clearance system and elucidates its fundamental role in neurodegenerative diseases. The current knowledge of the glymphatic system is based almost exclusively on animal-based measurements, but these face certain limitations inherent to in vivo experiments. Recent advances in organ-on-a-chip technology are discussed to demonstrate the technology's ability to provide alternative human-based in vitro research models. Herein, the specific focus is on how current microfluidic-based in vitro models of the neurovascular system and neurodegenerative diseases might be employed to (i) gain a deeper understanding of the role and function of the glymphatic system and (ii) to identify new opportunities for pharmacological intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Spitz
- Faculty of Technical Chemistry, Vienna University of Technology, Getreidemarkt 9/163-164, 1060 Vienna, Austria
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Eunkyung Ko
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Peter Ertl
- Faculty of Technical Chemistry, Vienna University of Technology, Getreidemarkt 9/163-164, 1060 Vienna, Austria
| | - Roger D. Kamm
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
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18
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Mao BH, Nguyen Thi KM, Tang MJ, Kamm RD, Tu TY. The interface stiffness and topographic feature dictate interfacial invasiveness of cancer spheroids. Biofabrication 2023; 15. [PMID: 36594698 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/acaa00] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [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: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
During cancer metastasis, tumor cells likely navigate, in a collective manner, discrete tissue spaces comprising inherently heterogeneous extracellular matrix microstructures where interfaces may be frequently encountered. Studies have shown that cell migration modes can be determined by adaptation to mechanical/topographic cues from interfacial microenvironments. However, less attention has been paid to exploring the impact of interfacial mechnochemical attributes on invasive and metastatic behaviors of tumor aggregates. Here, we excogitated a collagen matrix-solid substrate interface platform to investigate the afore-stated interesting issue. Our data revealed that stiffer interfaces stimulated spheroid outgrowth by motivating detachment of single cells and boosting their motility and velocity. However, stronger interfacial adhesive strength between matrix and substrate led to the opposite outcomes. Besides, this interfacial parameter also affected the morphological switch between migration modes of the detached cells and their directionality. Mechanistically, myosin II-mediated cell contraction, compared to matrix metalloproteinases-driven collagen degradation, was shown to play a more crucial role in the invasive outgrowth of tumor spheroids in interfacial microenvironments. Thus, our findings highlight the importance of heterogeneous interfaces in addressing and combating cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin-Hsu Mao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, No.1, University Road, Tainan City 701, Taiwan
| | - Kim Mai Nguyen Thi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, No.1, University Road, Tainan City 701, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Jer Tang
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, No.1, University Road, Tainan City 701, Taiwan.,International Center for Wound Repair and Regeneration, National Cheng Kung University, No.1, University Road, Tainan City 701, Taiwan
| | - Roger D Kamm
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States of America.,Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States of America
| | - Ting-Yuan Tu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, No.1, University Road, Tainan City 701, Taiwan.,International Center for Wound Repair and Regeneration, National Cheng Kung University, No.1, University Road, Tainan City 701, Taiwan.,Medical Device Innovation Center, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan No.1, University Road, Tainan City 701, Taiwan
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19
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Cable J, Arlotta P, Parker KK, Hughes AJ, Goodwin K, Mummery CL, Kamm RD, Engle SJ, Tagle DA, Boj SF, Stanton AE, Morishita Y, Kemp ML, Norfleet DA, May EE, Lu A, Bashir R, Feinberg AW, Hull SM, Gonzalez AL, Blatchley MR, Montserrat Pulido N, Morizane R, McDevitt TC, Mishra D, Mulero-Russe A. Engineering multicellular living systems-a Keystone Symposia report. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2022; 1518:183-195. [PMID: 36177947 PMCID: PMC9771928 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.14896] [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] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The ability to engineer complex multicellular systems has enormous potential to inform our understanding of biological processes and disease and alter the drug development process. Engineering living systems to emulate natural processes or to incorporate new functions relies on a detailed understanding of the biochemical, mechanical, and other cues between cells and between cells and their environment that result in the coordinated action of multicellular systems. On April 3-6, 2022, experts in the field met at the Keystone symposium "Engineering Multicellular Living Systems" to discuss recent advances in understanding how cells cooperate within a multicellular system, as well as recent efforts to engineer systems like organ-on-a-chip models, biological robots, and organoids. Given the similarities and common themes, this meeting was held in conjunction with the symposium "Organoids as Tools for Fundamental Discovery and Translation".
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paola Arlotta
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kevin Kit Parker
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering and John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Alex J Hughes
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science and Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Katharine Goodwin
- Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, USA
| | - Christine L Mummery
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology and LUMC hiPSC Hotel, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Roger D Kamm
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sandra J Engle
- Translational Biology, Biogen, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Danilo A Tagle
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Sylvia F Boj
- Hubrecht Organoid Technology (HUB), Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Alice E Stanton
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Yoshihiro Morishita
- Laboratory for Developmental Morphogeometry, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, Japan
- Precursory Research for Embryonic Science and Technology (PRESTO) Program, Japan Science and Technology Agency, Kawaguchi, Japan
| | - Melissa L Kemp
- The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Dennis A Norfleet
- The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Elebeoba E May
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and HEALTH Research Institute, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
- Wisconsin Institute of Discovery and Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Aric Lu
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering and John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Draper Laboratory, Biological Engineering Division, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Rashid Bashir
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, Urbana, Illinois, USA
- Holonyak Micro & Nanotechnology Laboratory, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Adam W Feinberg
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Sarah M Hull
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Anjelica L Gonzalez
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Michael R Blatchley
- BioFrontiers Institute and Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, USA
| | | | - Ryuji Morizane
- Nephrology Division, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Todd C McDevitt
- The Gladstone Institutes and Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Deepak Mishra
- Department of Biological Engineering, Synthetic Biology Center, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Adriana Mulero-Russe
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience and School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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20
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McEvoy E, Sneh T, Moeendarbary E, Javanmardi Y, Efimova N, Yang C, Marino-Bravante GE, Chen X, Escribano J, Spill F, Garcia-Aznar JM, Weeraratna AT, Svitkina TM, Kamm RD, Shenoy VB. Feedback between mechanosensitive signaling and active forces governs endothelial junction integrity. Nat Commun 2022; 13:7089. [PMID: 36402771 PMCID: PMC9675837 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-34701-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [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: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The formation and recovery of gaps in the vascular endothelium governs a wide range of physiological and pathological phenomena, from angiogenesis to tumor cell extravasation. However, the interplay between the mechanical and signaling processes that drive dynamic behavior in vascular endothelial cells is not well understood. In this study, we propose a chemo-mechanical model to investigate the regulation of endothelial junctions as dependent on the feedback between actomyosin contractility, VE-cadherin bond turnover, and actin polymerization, which mediate the forces exerted on the cell-cell interface. Simulations reveal that active cell tension can stabilize cadherin bonds, but excessive RhoA signaling can drive bond dissociation and junction failure. While actin polymerization aids gap closure, high levels of Rac1 can induce junction weakening. Combining the modeling framework with experiments, our model predicts the influence of pharmacological treatments on the junction state and identifies that a critical balance between RhoA and Rac1 expression is required to maintain junction stability. Our proposed framework can help guide the development of therapeutics that target the Rho family of GTPases and downstream active mechanical processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eoin McEvoy
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.,Center for Engineering Mechanobiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.,Biomedical Engineering, University of Galway, Galway, H91 HX31, Ireland
| | - Tal Sneh
- Center for Engineering Mechanobiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.,Center for Molecular Design and Biomimetics, The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
| | - Emad Moeendarbary
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, London, WC1E 7JE, UK.,Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Yousef Javanmardi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, London, WC1E 7JE, UK
| | - Nadia Efimova
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Changsong Yang
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Gloria E Marino-Bravante
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.,Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Xingyu Chen
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.,Center for Engineering Mechanobiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Jorge Escribano
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Fabian Spill
- School of Mathematics, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | | | - Ashani T Weeraratna
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.,Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Tatyana M Svitkina
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Roger D Kamm
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Vivek B Shenoy
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA. .,Center for Engineering Mechanobiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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21
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Kim S, Wan Z, Jeon JS, Kamm RD. Microfluidic vascular models of tumor cell extravasation. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1052192. [PMID: 36439519 PMCID: PMC9698448 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1052192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging microfluidic disease models have amply demonstrated their value in many fields of cancer research. These in vitro technologies recapitulate key aspects of metastatic cancer, including the process of tumor cell arrest and extravasation at the site of the metastatic tumor. To date, extensive efforts have been made to capture key features of the microvasculature to reconstitute the pre-metastatic niche and investigate dynamic extravasation behaviors using microfluidic systems. In this mini-review, we highlight recent microfluidic vascular models of tumor cell extravasation and explore how this approach contributes to development of in vitro disease models to enhance understanding of metastasis in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seunggyu Kim
- Mechanobiology Lab, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
- Biomicrofluidics Lab, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Zhengpeng Wan
- Mechanobiology Lab, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Jessie S. Jeon
- Biomicrofluidics Lab, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Roger D. Kamm
- Mechanobiology Lab, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
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22
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Zhang S, Wan Z, Pavlou G, Zhong AX, Xu L, Kamm RD. Interstitial flow promotes the formation of functional microvascular networks in vitro through upregulation of matrix metalloproteinase-2. Adv Funct Mater 2022; 32:2206767. [PMID: 36569597 PMCID: PMC9783342 DOI: 10.1002/adfm.202206767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Self-organized microvascular networks (MVNs) have become key to the development of many microphysiological models. However, the self-organizing nature of this process combined with variations between types or batches of endothelial cells (ECs) often lead to inconsistency or failure to form functional MVNs. Since interstitial flow (IF) has been reported to play a beneficial role in angiogenesis, vasculogenesis, and 3D capillary morphogenesis, we systematically investigated the role IF plays during neovessel formation in a customized single channel microfluidic chip for which IF has been fully characterized. Compared to static conditions, MVNs formed under IF have higher vessel density and diameters and greater network perfusability. Through a series of inhibitory experiments, we demonstrated that IF treatment improves vasculogenesis by ECs through upregulation of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2). We then successfully implemented a novel strategy involving the interplay between IF and MMP-2 inhibitor to regulate morphological parameters of the self-organized MVNs, with vascular permeability and perfusability well maintained. The revealed mechanism and proposed methodology were further validated with a brain MVN model. Our findings and methods have the potential to be widely utilized to boost the development of various organotypic MVNs and could be incorporated into related bioengineering applications where perfusable vasculature is desired.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shun Zhang
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Zhengpeng Wan
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Georgios Pavlou
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Amy X Zhong
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Liling Xu
- Ragon institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Roger D Kamm
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
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23
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Kim H, Osaki T, Kamm RD, Asada H. Multiscale engineered human skeletal muscles with perfusable vasculature and microvascular network recapitulating the fluid compartments. Biofabrication 2022; 15. [PMID: 36126639 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/ac933d] [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: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Creating a vasculature in engineered human skeletal muscle tissues (ehSMTs) enables us to create thick tissues, increase cell survival in implantation, provide models of blood-organ barriers for drug testing, and enhance muscle differentiation through paracrine signaling. Here, contractile ehSMTs with a central perfusable vascular channel and microvascular networks growing from this central vasculature into the surrounding skeletal muscle tissue were newly demonstrated. Because coculturing muscle cells and endothelial cells requires incompatible media, we recapitulated the in vivo extracellular fluid compartments between blood plasma and interstitial fluid by creating an in vitro perfusable vasculature running through skeletal muscle tissue with a physiologic cell density. By using this model, we constructed large vascularized ehSMTs and showed the potential to be utilized for drug testing platforms. Also, we found that coculturing with two separate media from an early stage of muscle differentiation led to increased contractile force, thicker myotubes, and improved muscle differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyeonyu Kim
- School of Medicine, Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, 240 Pasteur Dr, Palo Alto, Stanford, California, 94305-5407, UNITED STATES
| | - Tatsuya Osaki
- MIT Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, 43 Vassar St, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02139-4308, UNITED STATES
| | - Roger D Kamm
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139-4307, USA, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02139-4307, UNITED STATES
| | - Haruhiko Asada
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139-4307, USA, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02139, UNITED STATES
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24
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Zhang S, Kan EL, Kamm RD. Integrating functional vasculature into organoid culture: A biomechanical perspective. APL Bioeng 2022; 6:030401. [DOI: 10.1063/5.0097967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Shun Zhang
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, USA
| | - Ellen L. Kan
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, USA
| | - Roger D. Kamm
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, USA
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25
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Ibrahim LI, Hajal C, Offeddu GS, Gillrie MR, Kamm RD. Omentum-on-a-chip: A multicellular, vascularized microfluidic model of the human peritoneum for the study of ovarian cancer metastases. Biomaterials 2022; 288:121728. [PMID: 35995621 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2022.121728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [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: 03/19/2022] [Revised: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Epithelial ovarian cancer has the highest mortality rate of any gynecologic malignancy and most frequently metastasizes to the peritoneal cavity. Intraperitoneal metastases are highly associated with ascites, the pathologic accumulation of peritoneal fluid due to impaired drainage, increased peritoneal permeability, and tumor and stromal cytokine secretion. However, the relationship between ascites, vascular and mesothelial permeability, and ovarian cancer intraperitoneal metastases remains poorly understood. In this study, a vascularized in vitro model of the human peritoneal omentum and ovarian tumor microenvironment (TME) was employed to study stromal cell effects on tumor cell (TC) attachment and growth, as well as TC effects on vascular and mesothelial permeability in models of both early- and late-stage metastases. Control over the number of TCs seeded in the vascularized peritoneum revealed a critical cell density requirement for tumor growth, which was further enhanced by stromal adipocytes and endothelial cells found in the peritoneal omentum. This tumor growth resulted in both a physically-mediated decrease and cytokine-mediated increase in microvascular permeability, emphasizing the important and potentially opposing roles of tumor cells in ascites formation. This system provides a robust platform to elucidate TC-stromal cell interactions during intraperitoneal metastasis of ovarian cancer and presents the first in vitro vascularized model of the human peritoneum and ovarian cancer TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina I Ibrahim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA; Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Cynthia Hajal
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Giovanni S Offeddu
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Mark R Gillrie
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N4N1, Canada
| | - Roger D Kamm
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA; Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA.
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26
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Bluestein D, Dewey CF, Elad D, Gharib MM, Kamm RD, Lieber BB, Margulies SS, Slepian MJ, Tarbell J, Weinbaum SS. In Memoriam: Shmuel Einav, 1942-2022. J Biomech Eng 2022; 144:1141608. [PMID: 35698871 DOI: 10.1115/1.4054797] [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] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Danny Bluestein
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794
| | - C Forbes Dewey
- Departments of Biological Engineering and Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139
| | - David Elad
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Morteza Mory Gharib
- Aeronautics and Bioinspired Engineering, Division of Engineering and Applied Science, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125
| | - Roger D Kamm
- Departments of Biological Engineering and Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139
| | - Barry B Lieber
- Department of Radiology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Medford, MA 02155
| | - Susan S Margulies
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology/Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30332
| | - Marvin J Slepian
- Department of Medicine and Biomedical Engineering, Sarver Heart Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721
| | - John Tarbell
- Biomedical Engineering Department, The City College of New York, New York, NY 10031
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Kim H, Osaki T, Kamm RD, Asada HH. Tri-culture of spatially organizing human skeletal muscle cells, endothelial cells, and fibroblasts enhances contractile force and vascular perfusion of skeletal muscle tissues. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22453. [PMID: 35838893 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202200500r] [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: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Constructing engineered human skeletal muscle tissues that resemble the function and microstructure of human skeletal muscles is key to utilizing them in a variety of applications such as drug development, disease modeling, regenerative medicine, and engineering biological machines. However, current in vitro skeletal muscle tissues are far inferior to native muscles in terms of contractile function and lack essential cues for muscle functions, particularly heterotypic cell-cell interactions between myoblasts, endothelial cells, and fibroblasts. Here, we develop an engineered muscle tissue with a coaxial three-layered tubular structure composed of an inner endothelial cell layer, an endomysium-like layer with fibroblasts in the middle, and an outer skeletal muscle cell layer, similar to the architecture of native skeletal muscles. Engineered skeletal muscle tissues with three spatially organized cell types produced thicker myotubes and lowered Young's modulus through extracellular matrix remodeling, resulting in 43% stronger contractile force. Furthermore, we demonstrated that fibroblasts localized in the endomysium layer induced angiogenic sprouting of endothelial cells into the muscle layer more effectively than fibroblasts homogeneously distributed in the muscle layer. This layered tri-culture system enables a structured spatial configuration of the three main cell types of skeletal muscle and promotes desired paracrine signaling, resulting in improved angiogenesis and increased contractile force. This research offers new insights to efficiently obtain new human skeletal muscle models, transplantable tissues, and actuators for biological machines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyeonyu Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.,Stanford Cardiovascular Institute and Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Tatsuya Osaki
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.,Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Roger D Kamm
- Departments of Biological and Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - H Harry Asada
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
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28
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Campisi M, Shelton SE, Chen M, Kamm RD, Barbie DA, Knelson EH. Engineered Microphysiological Systems for Testing Effectiveness of Cell-Based Cancer Immunotherapies. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:3561. [PMID: 35892819 PMCID: PMC9330888 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14153561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell therapies, including adoptive immune cell therapies and genetically engineered chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T or NK cells, have shown promise in treating hematologic malignancies. Yet, immune cell infiltration and expansion has proven challenging in solid tumors due to immune cell exclusion and exhaustion and the presence of vascular barriers. Testing next-generation immune therapies remains challenging in animals, motivating sophisticated ex vivo models of human tumor biology and prognostic assays to predict treatment response in real-time while comprehensively recapitulating the human tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). This review examines current strategies for testing cell-based cancer immunotherapies using ex vivo microphysiological systems and microfluidic technologies. Insights into the multicellular interactions of the TIME will identify novel therapeutic strategies to help patients whose tumors are refractory or resistant to current immunotherapies. Altogether, these microphysiological systems (MPS) have the capability to predict therapeutic vulnerabilities and biological barriers while studying immune cell infiltration and killing in a more physiologically relevant context, thereby providing important insights into fundamental biologic mechanisms to expand our understanding of and treatments for currently incurable malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Campisi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (M.C.); (S.E.S.); (M.C.); (D.A.B.)
| | - Sarah E. Shelton
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (M.C.); (S.E.S.); (M.C.); (D.A.B.)
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA;
| | - Minyue Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (M.C.); (S.E.S.); (M.C.); (D.A.B.)
- Department of Immunology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Roger D. Kamm
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA;
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - David A. Barbie
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (M.C.); (S.E.S.); (M.C.); (D.A.B.)
| | - Erik H. Knelson
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (M.C.); (S.E.S.); (M.C.); (D.A.B.)
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29
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Wan Z, Zhong AX, Zhang S, Pavlou G, Coughlin MF, Shelton SE, Nguyen HT, Lorch JH, Barbie DA, Kamm RD. A Robust Method for Perfusable Microvascular Network Formation In Vitro. Small Methods 2022; 6:e2200143. [PMID: 35373502 PMCID: PMC9844969 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202200143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Micropost-based microfluidic devices are widely used for microvascular network (MVN) formation in diverse research fields. However, consistently generating perfusable MVNs of physiological morphology and dimension has proven to be challenging. Here, how initial seeding parameters determine key characteristics of MVN formation is investigated and a robust two-step seeding strategy to generate perfusable physiological MVNs in microfluidic devices is established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengpeng Wan
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Amy X Zhong
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Shun Zhang
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Georgios Pavlou
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Mark F Coughlin
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Sarah E Shelton
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Huu Tuan Nguyen
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Jochen H Lorch
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - David A Barbie
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Roger D Kamm
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
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Abstract
Advances in self-organizing cardiac organoids to recapitulate human cardiogenesis have provided a powerful tool for unveiling human cardiac development, studying cardiovascular diseases, testing drugs, and transplantation. Here, we highlight the recent remarkable progress on multicellular cardiac organoids and review the current status for their practical applications. We then introduce key readouts and tools for assessing cardiac organoids for clinical applications, address major challenges, and provide suggestions for each assessment method. Lastly, we discuss the current limitations of cardiac organoids as miniature models of the human heart and suggest a direction for moving forward toward building the mini-heart from cardiac organoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyeonyu Kim
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Roger D Kamm
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Gordana Vunjak-Novakovic
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA; Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Joseph C Wu
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
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31
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Aydin O, Passaro AP, Raman R, Spellicy SE, Weinberg RP, Kamm RD, Sample M, Truskey GA, Zartman J, Dar RD, Palacios S, Wang J, Tordoff J, Montserrat N, Bashir R, Saif MTA, Weiss R. Principles for the design of multicellular engineered living systems. APL Bioeng 2022; 6:010903. [PMID: 35274072 PMCID: PMC8893975 DOI: 10.1063/5.0076635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Remarkable progress in bioengineering over the past two decades has enabled the formulation of fundamental design principles for a variety of medical and non-medical applications. These advancements have laid the foundation for building multicellular engineered living systems (M-CELS) from biological parts, forming functional modules integrated into living machines. These cognizant design principles for living systems encompass novel genetic circuit manipulation, self-assembly, cell-cell/matrix communication, and artificial tissues/organs enabled through systems biology, bioinformatics, computational biology, genetic engineering, and microfluidics. Here, we introduce design principles and a blueprint for forward production of robust and standardized M-CELS, which may undergo variable reiterations through the classic design-build-test-debug cycle. This Review provides practical and theoretical frameworks to forward-design, control, and optimize novel M-CELS. Potential applications include biopharmaceuticals, bioreactor factories, biofuels, environmental bioremediation, cellular computing, biohybrid digital technology, and experimental investigations into mechanisms of multicellular organisms normally hidden inside the "black box" of living cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Austin P. Passaro
- Regenerative Bioscience Center, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, USA
| | - Ritu Raman
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
| | | | - Robert P. Weinberg
- School of Pharmacy, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | | | - Matthew Sample
- Center for Ethics and Law in the Life Sciences, Leibniz Universität Hannover, 30167 Hannover, Germany
| | - George A. Truskey
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, USA
| | - Jeremiah Zartman
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, USA
| | - Roy D. Dar
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
| | - Sebastian Palacios
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02139, USA
| | - Jason Wang
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
| | - Jesse Tordoff
- Computational and Systems Biology Program, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
| | - Nuria Montserrat
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - M. Taher A. Saif
- Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
| | - Ron Weiss
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed:
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Grass M, McDougal AD, Blazeski A, Kamm RD, García-Cardeña G, Dewey CF. A computational model of cardiomyocyte metabolism predicts unique reperfusion protocols capable of reducing cell damage during ischemia/reperfusion. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:101693. [PMID: 35157851 PMCID: PMC9062261 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.101693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
If a coronary blood vessel is occluded and the neighboring cardiomyocytes deprived of oxygen, subsequent reperfusion of the ischemic tissue can lead to oxidative damage due to excessive generation of reactive oxygen species. Cardiomyocytes and their mitochondria are the main energy producers and consumers of the heart, and their metabolic changes during ischemia seem to be a key driver of reperfusion injury. Here, we hypothesized that tracking changes in cardiomyocyte metabolism, such as oxygen and ATP concentrations, would help in identifying points of metabolic failure during ischemia and reperfusion. To track some of these changes continuously from the onset of ischemia through reperfusion, we developed a system of differential equations representing the chemical reactions involved in the production and consumption of 67 molecular species. This model was validated and used to identify conditions present during periods of critical transition in ischemia and reperfusion that could lead to oxidative damage. These simulations identified a range of oxygen concentrations that lead to reverse mitochondrial electron transport at complex I of the respiratory chain and a spike in mitochondrial membrane potential, which are key suspects in the generation of reactive oxygen species at the onset of reperfusion. Our model predicts that a short initial reperfusion treatment with reduced oxygen content (5% of physiological levels) could reduce the cellular damage from both of these mechanisms. This model should serve as an open-source platform to test ideas for treatment of the ischemia reperfusion process by following the temporal evolution of molecular concentrations in the cardiomyocyte.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Grass
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Program in Human Biology and Translational Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Anthony D McDougal
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Adriana Blazeski
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Program in Human Biology and Translational Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Roger D Kamm
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA; Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Guillermo García-Cardeña
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Program in Human Biology and Translational Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Cardiovascular Disease Initiative, The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.
| | - C Forbes Dewey
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA; Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.
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33
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Kim MC, Li R, Abeyaratne R, Kamm RD, Asada HH. A computational modeling of invadopodia protrusion into an extracellular matrix fiber network. Sci Rep 2022; 12:1231. [PMID: 35075179 PMCID: PMC8786978 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-05224-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Invadopodia are dynamic actin-rich membrane protrusions that have been implicated in cancer cell invasion and metastasis. In addition, invasiveness of cancer cells is strongly correlated with invadopodia formation, which are observed during extravasation and colonization of metastatic cancer cells at secondary sites. However, quantitative understanding of the interaction of invadopodia with extracellular matrix (ECM) is lacking, and how invadopodia protrusion speed is associated with the frequency of protrusion-retraction cycles remains unknown. Here, we present a computational framework for the characterization of invadopodia protrusions which allows two way interactions between intracellular branched actin network and ECM fibers network. We have applied this approach to predicting the invasiveness of cancer cells by computationally knocking out actin-crosslinking molecules, such as α-actinin, filamin and fascin. The resulting simulations reveal distinct invadopodia dynamics with cycles of protrusion and retraction. Specifically, we found that (1) increasing accumulation of MT1-MMP at tips of invadopodia as the duration of protrusive phase is increased, and (2) the movement of nucleus toward the leading edge of the cell becomes unstable as duration of the retractile phase (or myosin turnover time) is longer than 1 min.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Cheol Kim
- Departments of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA.
| | - Ran Li
- Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Rohan Abeyaratne
- Departments of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Roger D Kamm
- Departments of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - H Harry Asada
- Departments of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA.
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Maurissen TL, Pavlou G, Bichsel C, Villaseñor R, Kamm RD, Ragelle H. Microphysiological Neurovascular Barriers to Model the Inner Retinal Microvasculature. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12020148. [PMID: 35207637 PMCID: PMC8876566 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12020148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Blood-neural barriers regulate nutrient supply to neuronal tissues and prevent neurotoxicity. In particular, the inner blood-retinal barrier (iBRB) and blood–brain barrier (BBB) share common origins in development, and similar morphology and function in adult tissue, while barrier breakdown and leakage of neurotoxic molecules can be accompanied by neurodegeneration. Therefore, pre-clinical research requires human in vitro models that elucidate pathophysiological mechanisms and support drug discovery, to add to animal in vivo modeling that poorly predict patient responses. Advanced cellular models such as microphysiological systems (MPS) recapitulate tissue organization and function in many organ-specific contexts, providing physiological relevance, potential for customization to different population groups, and scalability for drug screening purposes. While human-based MPS have been developed for tissues such as lung, gut, brain and tumors, few comprehensive models exist for ocular tissues and iBRB modeling. Recent BBB in vitro models using human cells of the neurovascular unit (NVU) showed physiological morphology and permeability values, and reproduced brain neurological disorder phenotypes that could be applicable to modeling the iBRB. Here, we describe similarities between iBRB and BBB properties, compare existing neurovascular barrier models, propose leverage of MPS-based strategies to develop new iBRB models, and explore potentials to personalize cellular inputs and improve pre-clinical testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas L. Maurissen
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Immunology, Infectious Diseases and Ophthalmology, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland;
| | - Georgios Pavlou
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Ave., MIT Building, Room NE47-321, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA;
| | - Colette Bichsel
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland;
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Institute for Translational Bioengineering, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Roberto Villaseñor
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Neuroscience and Rare Diseases, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland;
| | - Roger D. Kamm
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Ave., MIT Building, Room NE47-321, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA;
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Ave., MIT Building, Room NE47-321, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Correspondence: (R.D.K.); (H.R.)
| | - Héloïse Ragelle
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Immunology, Infectious Diseases and Ophthalmology, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland;
- Correspondence: (R.D.K.); (H.R.)
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35
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Haase K, Piatti F, Marcano M, Shin Y, Visone R, Redaelli A, Rasponi M, Kamm RD. Physiologic flow-conditioning limits vascular dysfunction in engineered human capillaries. Biomaterials 2021; 280:121248. [PMID: 34794827 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2021.121248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Hemodynamics play a central role in the health and disease of the coronary and peripheral vascular systems. Vessel-lining endothelial cells are known mechanosensors, responding to disturbances in flow - with mechanosensitivity hypothesized to change in response to metabolic demands. The health of our smallest microvessels have been lauded as a prognostic marker for cardiovascular health. Yet, despite numerous animal models, studying these small vessels has proved difficult. Microfluidic technologies have allowed a number of 3D vascular models to be developed and used to investigate human vessels. Here, two such systems are employed for examining 1) interstitial flow effects on neo-vessel formation, and 2) the effects of flow-conditioning on vascular remodeling following sustained static culture. Interstitial flow is shown to enhance early vessel formation via significant remodeling of vessels and interconnected tight junctions of the endothelium. In formed vessels, continuous flow maintains a stable vascular diameter and causes significant remodeling, contrasting the continued anti-angiogenic decline of statically cultured vessels. This study is the first to couple complex 3D computational flow distributions and microvessel remodeling from microvessels grown on-chip (exposed to flow or no-flow conditions). Flow-conditioned vessels (WSS < 1Pa for 30 μm vessels) increase endothelial barrier function, result in significant changes in gene expression and reduce reactive oxygen species and anti-angiogenic cytokines. Taken together, these results demonstrate microvessel mechanosensitivity to flow-conditioning, which limits deleterious vessel regression in vitro, and could have implications for future modeling of reperfusion/no-flow conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Haase
- Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Filippo Piatti
- Dept. of Electronics, Information, and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Yoojin Shin
- Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Roberta Visone
- Dept. of Electronics, Information, and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto Redaelli
- Dept. of Electronics, Information, and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Rasponi
- Dept. of Electronics, Information, and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Roger D Kamm
- Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA; Dept. of Biological Engineering, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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36
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Vila OF, Chavez M, Ma SP, Yeager K, Zholudeva LV, Colón-Mercado JM, Qu Y, Nash TR, Lai C, Feliciano CM, Carter M, Kamm RD, Judge LM, Conklin BR, Ward ME, McDevitt TC, Vunjak-Novakovic G. Bioengineered optogenetic model of human neuromuscular junction. Biomaterials 2021; 276:121033. [PMID: 34403849 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2021.121033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [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: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Functional human tissues engineered from patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) hold great promise for investigating the progression, mechanisms, and treatment of musculoskeletal diseases in a controlled and systematic manner. For example, bioengineered models of innervated human skeletal muscle could be used to identify novel therapeutic targets and treatments for patients with complex central and peripheral nervous system disorders. There is a need to develop standardized and objective quantitative methods for engineering and using these complex tissues, in order increase their robustness, reproducibility, and predictiveness across users. Here we describe a standardized method for engineering an isogenic, patient specific human neuromuscular junction (NMJ) that allows for automated quantification of NMJ function to diagnose disease using a small sample of blood serum and evaluate new therapeutic modalities. By combining tissue engineering, optogenetics, microfabrication, optoelectronics and video processing, we created a novel platform for the precise investigation of the development and degeneration of human NMJ. We demonstrate the utility of this platform for the detection and diagnosis of myasthenia gravis, an antibody-mediated autoimmune disease that disrupts the NMJ function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olaia F Vila
- Columbia University, 622 W 168th St, New York, NY, 10032, USA; Gladstone Institutes, 1650 Owens St, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA.
| | - Miguel Chavez
- Columbia University, 622 W 168th St, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Stephen P Ma
- Columbia University, 622 W 168th St, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Keith Yeager
- Columbia University, 622 W 168th St, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | | | | | - Yihuai Qu
- Columbia University, 622 W 168th St, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Trevor R Nash
- Columbia University, 622 W 168th St, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Carmen Lai
- Gladstone Institutes, 1650 Owens St, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - Carissa M Feliciano
- Gladstone Institutes, 1650 Owens St, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA; Department of Pediatrics, UCSF, 550 16th St, Floor 5, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Matthew Carter
- Gladstone Institutes, 1650 Owens St, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - Roger D Kamm
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge MA, 02139, USA
| | - Luke M Judge
- Gladstone Institutes, 1650 Owens St, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA; Department of Pediatrics, UCSF, 550 16th St, Floor 5, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Bruce R Conklin
- Gladstone Institutes, 1650 Owens St, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - Michael E Ward
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Todd C McDevitt
- Gladstone Institutes, 1650 Owens St, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
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Gilardi M, Bersini S, Valtorta S, Proietto M, Crippa M, Boussommier-Calleja A, Labelle M, Moresco RM, Vanoni M, Kamm RD, Moretti M. The driving role of the Cdk5/Tln1/FAK S732 axis in cancer cell extravasation dissected by human vascularized microfluidic models. Biomaterials 2021; 276:120975. [PMID: 34333365 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2021.120975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding the molecular mechanisms of metastatic dissemination, the leading cause of death in cancer patients, is required to develop novel, effective therapies. Extravasation, an essential rate-limiting process in the metastatic cascade, includes three tightly coordinated steps: cancer cell adhesion to the endothelium, trans-endothelial migration, and early invasion into the secondary site. Focal adhesion proteins, including Tln1 and FAK, regulate the cytoskeleton dynamics: dysregulation of these proteins is often associated with metastatic progression and poor prognosis. METHODS Here, we studied the previously unexplored role of these targets in each extravasation step using engineered 3D in vitro models, which recapitulate the physiological vascular niche experienced by cancer cells during hematogenous metastasis. RESULTS Human breast cancer and fibrosarcoma cell lines respond to Cdk5/Tln1/FAK axis perturbation, impairing their metastatic potential. Vascular breaching requires actin polymerization-dependent invadopodia formation. Invadopodia generation requires the structural function of FAK and Tln1 rather than their activation through phosphorylation. Our data support that the inhibition of FAKS732 phosphorylation delocalizes ERK from the nucleus, decreasing ERK phosphorylated form. These findings indicate the critical role of these proteins in driving trans-endothelial migration. In fact, both knock-down experiments and chemical inhibition of FAK dramatically reduces lung colonization in vivo and TEM in microfluidic setting. Altogether, these data indicate that engineered 3D in vitro models coupled to in vivo models, genetic, biochemical, and imaging tools represent a powerful weapon to increase our understanding of metastatic progression. CONCLUSIONS These findings point to the need for further analyses of previously overlooked phosphorylation sites of FAK, such as the serine 732, and foster the development of new effective antimetastatic treatments targeting late events of the metastatic cascade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mara Gilardi
- Cell and Tissue Engineering Lab, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Milano, Italy; Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126, Milan, Italy; Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, 4031, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Simone Bersini
- Cell and Tissue Engineering Lab, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Milano, Italy; Regenerative Medicine Technologies Lab, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Lugano, Switzerland.
| | - Silvia Valtorta
- Università Degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, Department of Medicine and Surgery and Tecnomed Foundation, Monza, Italy; Institute of Bioimaging and Molecular Physiology of National Researches Council (IBFM-CNR), Segrate, Italy.
| | - Marco Proietto
- Department of Biology-University of California - San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
| | - Martina Crippa
- Regenerative Medicine Technologies Lab, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Lugano, Switzerland; Laboratory of Biological Structures Mechanics, Chemistry, Material and Chemical Engineering Department "Giulio Natta", Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy.
| | - Alexandra Boussommier-Calleja
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, 02139, MA, USA; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, 02139, MA, USA.
| | - Myriam Labelle
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA.
| | - Rosa Maria Moresco
- Università Degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, Department of Medicine and Surgery and Tecnomed Foundation, Monza, Italy; Institute of Bioimaging and Molecular Physiology of National Researches Council (IBFM-CNR), Segrate, Italy.
| | - Marco Vanoni
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126, Milan, Italy; ISBE.IT/ Centre of Systems Biology, Milano, Italy.
| | - Roger D Kamm
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, 02139, MA, USA; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, 02139, MA, USA.
| | - Matteo Moretti
- Cell and Tissue Engineering Lab, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Milano, Italy; Regenerative Medicine Technologies Lab, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Lugano, Switzerland; Euler Institute, Biomedical Sciences Faculty, Università Della Svizzera Italiana, Lugano, Switzerland.
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Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is one of the most selective endothelial barriers. An understanding of its cellular, morphological, and biological properties in health and disease is necessary to develop therapeutics that can be transported from blood to brain. In vivo models have provided some insight into these features and transport mechanisms adopted at the brain, yet they have failed as a robust platform for the translation of results into clinical outcomes. In this article, we provide a general overview of major BBB features and describe various models that have been designed to replicate this barrier and neurological pathologies linked with the BBB. We propose several key parameters and design characteristics that can be employed to engineer physiologically relevant models of the blood-brain interface and highlight the need for a consensus in the measurement of fundamental properties of this barrier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Hajal
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
| | - Baptiste Le Roi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
| | - Roger D Kamm
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
| | - Ben M Maoz
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
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Hajal C, Shin Y, Li L, Serrano JC, Jacks T, Kamm RD. The CCL2-CCR2 astrocyte-cancer cell axis in tumor extravasation at the brain. Sci Adv 2021; 7:eabg8139. [PMID: 34162553 PMCID: PMC8221620 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abg8139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Although brain metastases are common in cancer patients, little is known about the mechanisms of cancer extravasation across the blood-brain barrier (BBB), a key step in the metastatic cascade that regulates the entry of cancer cells into the brain parenchyma. Here, we show, in a three-dimensional in vitro BBB microvascular model, that astrocytes promote cancer cell transmigration via their secretion of C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2). We found that this chemokine, produced primarily by astrocytes, promoted the chemotaxis and chemokinesis of cancer cells via their C-C chemokine receptor type 2 (CCR2), with no notable changes in vascular permeability. These findings were validated in vivo, where CCR2-deficient cancer cells exhibited significantly reduced rates of arrest and transmigration in mouse brain capillaries. Our results reveal that the CCL2-CCR2 astrocyte-cancer cell axis plays a fundamental role in extravasation and, consequently, metastasis to the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Hajal
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Yoojin Shin
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Leanne Li
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Jean Carlos Serrano
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Tyler Jacks
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Roger D Kamm
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
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40
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Roberts AB, Zhang J, Raj Singh V, Nikolić M, Moeendarbary E, Kamm RD, So PTC, Scarcelli G. Tumor cell nuclei soften during transendothelial migration. J Biomech 2021; 121:110400. [PMID: 33882444 PMCID: PMC8274349 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2021.110400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [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: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
During cancer metastasis, tumor cells undergo significant deformation in order to traverse through endothelial cell junctions in the walls of blood vessels. As cells pass through narrow gaps, smaller than the nuclear diameter, the spatial configuration of chromatin must change along with the distribution of nuclear enzymes. Nuclear stiffness is an important determinant of the ability of cells to undergo transendothelial migration, yet no studies have been conducted to assess whether tumor cell cytoskeletal or nuclear stiffness changes during this critical process in order to facilitate passage. To address this question, we employed two non-contact methods, Brillouin confocal microscopy (BCM) and confocal reflectance quantitative phase microscopy (QPM), to track the changes in mechanical properties of live, transmigrating tumor cells in an in vitro collagen gel platform. Using these two imaging modalities to study transmigrating MDA-MB-231, A549, and A375 cells, we found that both the cells and their nuclei soften upon extravasation and that the nuclear membranes remain soft for at least 24 h. These new data suggest that tumor cells adjust their mechanical properties in order to facilitate extravasation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anya B Roberts
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge 02139, MA, USA
| | - Jitao Zhang
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park 20742, MD, USA
| | - Vijay Raj Singh
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge 02139, MA, USA; Laser Biomedical Research Center, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge 02139, MA, USA
| | - Miloš Nikolić
- Maryland Biophysics Program, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Emad Moeendarbary
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, London WC1E 7JE, UK
| | - Roger D Kamm
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge 02139, MA, USA; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge 02139, MA, USA.
| | - Peter T C So
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge 02139, MA, USA; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge 02139, MA, USA; Laser Biomedical Research Center, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge 02139, MA, USA.
| | - Giuliano Scarcelli
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park 20742, MD, USA; Maryland Biophysics Program, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA.
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41
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger D Kamm
- Departments of Mechanical Engineering and Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
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42
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Mastini C, Campisi M, Costa C, Ambrogio C, Germena G, Peola S, Martinengo C, Patrucco E, Mota I, Arrigoni M, Olivero M, Calogero R, Chiono V, Kamm RD, Hirsch E, Aster JC, Voena C, Chiarle R. Abstract LT018: The perivascular niche protects ALK+ lymphoma cells from ALK inhibition through the CCL19/21-CCR7 axis. Cancer Res 2021. [DOI: 10.1158/1538-7445.tme21-lt018] [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: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
The ALK inhibitor crizotinib showed promising therapeutic efficacy for relapsed/refractory Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (R/R ALCL). However, a fraction of ALK+ R/R ALCL patients do not achieve complete remission due to crizotinib resistance that develops within the first 3 months of therapy. In patients that achieve complete remission, crizotinib discontinuation causes rapid disease relapses due to the expansion of persister lymphoma cells never completely eradicated by the ALK inhibitor. There is, in fact, growing evidence that ALK+ ALCL can persist for years in patients being undetectable. ALCL grows around blood and lymphatic vessels in the lymph node. We hypothesize that this perivascular niche provides pro-survival signals contributing to ALK+ ALCL persistence and TKI resistance. By RNA-seq analysis on ALK+ ALCL cells and scRNA-seq analysis in one ALK+ ALCL primary sample, we found that ALK+ cells expressed the C-C chemokine receptor type 7 (CCR7), while endothelial cells and fibroblasts expressed the unique CCR7 ligands, the chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 19 (CCL19) and 21 (CCL21). Therefore, we explored whether the CCL19/21-CCR7 chemokine-receptor signaling axis could be involved in the persistence of ALK+ ALCL cells during ALK inhibitor treatment. We show that treatment with crizotinib caused upregulation of CCR7 in ALK+ ALCL cells via STAT3, as demonstrated by ChIP-seq data. Besides, stimulation of ALK+ ALCL cells with both CCL19/21 potently activated the MAPK signaling and sustained MAPK activation during ALK inhibition by crizotinib. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that this MAPK activation was mediated by PI3Kγ-dependent CCR7 signaling. This effect was more marked in human ALK+ ALCL cells that express high levels of PI3Kγ, while it was strongly reduced in murine lymphoma PI3KγKO cells, generated from NPM-ALK transgenic mice crossed with PI3KγKO mice. Treatment with the PI3Kγ/δ dual inhibitor duvelisib abrogated the MAPK phosphorylation induced by CCL19/21. When we knocked-out the CCR7 gene via CRISPR/Cas9, human ALK+ ALCL showed markedly reduced activation of the MAPK pathway upon stimulation with CCL19/21. Next, we developed a microphysiological model of ALCL cells in the perivascular niche with a 3D vasculature using a microfluidic chip. In this model, ALCL cells circulate inside the chip in continuous contact with a perfusable vasculature. We, then, demonstrated that the presence of endothelial cells conferred resistance to crizotinib and sustained cell viability of CCR7WT cells, whereas the protective effect was lost in CCR7KO cells. In in vivo experiments, CCR7 was required for lymphoma cell survival and diffusion to the brain during crizotinib treatment. Overall, our results suggest that the perivascular niche could promote the survival of ALK+ ALCL persister cells and protect them from the effect of ALK TKIs via the CCL19/21-CCR7 axis. The disruption of this survival axis could contribute to eradicating minimal residual disease in combination with ALK TKI.
Citation Format: Cristina Mastini, Marco Campisi, Carlotta Costa, Chiara Ambrogio, Giulia Germena, Silvia Peola, Cinzia Martinengo, Enrico Patrucco, Ines Mota, Maddalena Arrigoni, Martina Olivero, Raffaele Calogero, Valeria Chiono, Roger D. Kamm, Emilio Hirsch, Jon C. Aster, Claudia Voena, Roberto Chiarle. The perivascular niche protects ALK+ lymphoma cells from ALK inhibition through the CCL19/21-CCR7 axis [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Special Conference on the Evolving Tumor Microenvironment in Cancer Progression: Mechanisms and Emerging Therapeutic Opportunities; in association with the Tumor Microenvironment (TME) Working Group; 2021 Jan 11-12. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(5 Suppl):Abstract nr LT018.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ines Mota
- 3Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA,
| | | | | | | | | | - Roger D. Kamm
- 4Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA,
| | | | - Jon C. Aster
- 5Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | | | - Roberto Chiarle
- 3Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA,
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43
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Offeddu GS, Hajal C, Foley CR, Wan Z, Ibrahim L, Coughlin MF, Kamm RD. The cancer glycocalyx mediates intravascular adhesion and extravasation during metastatic dissemination. Commun Biol 2021; 4:255. [PMID: 33637851 PMCID: PMC7910477 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-01774-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The glycocalyx on tumor cells has been recently identified as an important driver for cancer progression, possibly providing critical opportunities for treatment. Metastasis, in particular, is often the limiting step in the survival to cancer, yet our understanding of how tumor cells escape the vascular system to initiate metastatic sites remains limited. Using an in vitro model of the human microvasculature, we assess here the importance of the tumor and vascular glycocalyces during tumor cell extravasation. Through selective manipulation of individual components of the glycocalyx, we reveal a mechanism whereby tumor cells prepare an adhesive vascular niche by depositing components of the glycocalyx along the endothelium. Accumulated hyaluronic acid shed by tumor cells subsequently mediates adhesion to the endothelium via the glycoprotein CD44. Trans-endothelial migration and invasion into the stroma occurs through binding of the isoform CD44v to components of the sub-endothelial extra-cellular matrix. Targeting of the hyaluronic acid-CD44 glycocalyx complex results in significant reduction in the extravasation of tumor cells. These studies provide evidence of tumor cells repurposing the glycocalyx to promote adhesive interactions leading to cancer progression. Such glycocalyx-mediated mechanisms may be therapeutically targeted to hinder metastasis and improve patient survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni S. Offeddu
- grid.116068.80000 0001 2341 2786Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA USA
| | - Cynthia Hajal
- grid.116068.80000 0001 2341 2786Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA USA
| | - Colleen R. Foley
- grid.116068.80000 0001 2341 2786Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA USA
| | - Zhengpeng Wan
- grid.116068.80000 0001 2341 2786Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA USA
| | - Lina Ibrahim
- grid.116068.80000 0001 2341 2786Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA USA
| | - Mark F. Coughlin
- grid.116068.80000 0001 2341 2786Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA USA
| | - Roger D. Kamm
- grid.116068.80000 0001 2341 2786Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA USA ,grid.116068.80000 0001 2341 2786Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA USA
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44
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Offeddu GS, Serrano JC, Chen SW, Shelton SE, Shin Y, Floryan M, Kamm RD. Microheart: A microfluidic pump for functional vascular culture in microphysiological systems. J Biomech 2021; 119:110330. [PMID: 33631662 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2021.110330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [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: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Advances in microphysiological systems have prompted the need for long-term cell culture under physiological flow conditions. Conventional laboratory pumps typically lack the ability to deliver cell culture media at the low flow rates required to meet the physiological ranges of fluid flow, and are often pulsatile or require flow reversal. Here, a microfluidic-based pump is presented, which allows for the controlled delivery of media for vascular microphysiological applications. The performance of the pump was characterized in a range of microfluidic systems, including straight channels of varying dimensions and self-assembled microvascular networks. A theoretical framework was developed based on lumped element analysis to predict the performance of the pump for different fluidic configurations and a finite element model of the included check-valves. The use of the pump for microvascular physiological studies demonstrated the utility of this system to recapitulate vascular fluid transport phenomena in microphysiological systems, which may find applications in disease models and drug screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni S Offeddu
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jean Carlos Serrano
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Sophia W Chen
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Sarah E Shelton
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Yoojin Shin
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Marie Floryan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Roger D Kamm
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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45
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Abstract
Human organoids, self-organized and differentiated from homogenous pluripotent stem cells (PSC), replicate the key structural and functional characteristics of their in vivo counterparts. Despite the rapid advancement of organoid technology and its diverse applications, major limitations in achieving truly in vivo like functionality have been the lack of matured structural organization and constraints on tissue size, both of which are direct consequences of lacking a functional vasculature. In the absence of perfusable vessels, a core region within organoids quickly becomes necrotic during development due to increased metabolic demands that cannot be met by diffusion alone. Thus, incorporating functional vasculature in organoid models is indispensable for their growth in excess of several hundred microns and maturaturation beyond the embryonic and fetal phase. Here, we review recent advancements in vascularizing organoids and engineering in vitro capillary beds, and further explore strategies to integrate them on a microfluidic based platform, aiming for establishing perfused vasculature throughout organoids in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shun Zhang
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | - Zhengpeng Wan
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | - Roger D Kamm
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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46
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Bai J, Khajavi M, Sui L, Fu H, Tarakkad Krishnaji S, Birsner AE, Bazinet L, Kamm RD, D'Amato RJ. Angiogenic responses in a 3D micro-engineered environment of primary endothelial cells and pericytes. Angiogenesis 2021; 24:111-127. [PMID: 32955682 DOI: 10.1007/s10456-020-09746-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [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: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Angiogenesis plays a key role in the pathology of diseases such as cancer, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration. Understanding the driving forces of endothelial cell migration and organization, as well as the time frame of these processes, can elucidate mechanisms of action of important pathological pathways. Herein, we have developed an organ-specific microfluidic platform recapitulating the in vivo angiogenic microenvironment by co-culturing mouse primary brain endothelial cells with brain pericytes in a three-dimensional (3D) collagen scaffold. As a proof of concept, we show that this model can be used for studying the angiogenic process and further comparing the angiogenic properties between two different common inbred mouse strains, C57BL/6J and 129S1/SvlmJ. We further show that the newly discovered angiogenesis-regulating gene Padi2 promotes angiogenesis through Dll4/Notch1 signaling by an on-chip mechanistic study. Analysis of the interplay between primary endothelial cells and pericytes in a 3D microfluidic environment assists in the elucidation of the angiogenic response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Bai
- The Vascular Biology Program and Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | - Mehrdad Khajavi
- The Vascular Biology Program and Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lufei Sui
- The Vascular Biology Program and Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Haojie Fu
- The Vascular Biology Program and Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Amy E Birsner
- The Vascular Biology Program and Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lauren Bazinet
- The Vascular Biology Program and Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Roger D Kamm
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Robert J D'Amato
- The Vascular Biology Program and Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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47
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Garreta E, Kamm RD, Chuva de Sousa Lopes SM, Lancaster MA, Weiss R, Trepat X, Hyun I, Montserrat N. Rethinking organoid technology through bioengineering. Nat Mater 2021; 20:145-155. [PMID: 33199860 DOI: 10.1038/s41563-020-00804-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
In recent years considerable progress has been made in the development of faithful procedures for the differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs). An important step in this direction has also been the derivation of organoids. This technology generally relies on traditional three-dimensional culture techniques that exploit cell-autonomous self-organization responses of hPSCs with minimal control over the external inputs supplied to the system. The convergence of stem cell biology and bioengineering offers the possibility to provide these stimuli in a controlled fashion, resulting in the development of naturally inspired approaches to overcome major limitations of this nascent technology. Based on the current developments, we emphasize the achievements and ongoing challenges of bringing together hPSC organoid differentiation, bioengineering and ethics. This Review underlines the need for providing engineering solutions to gain control of self-organization and functionality of hPSC-derived organoids. We expect that this knowledge will guide the community to generate higher-grade hPSC-derived organoids for further applications in developmental biology, drug screening, disease modelling and personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Garreta
- Pluripotency for Organ Regeneration, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
- University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Roger D Kamm
- Department of Biological Engineering and Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Ron Weiss
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA, USA
- Synthetic Biology Center, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Xavier Trepat
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina, Barcelona, Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
- Unitat de Biofísica i Bioenginyeria, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Insoo Hyun
- Department of Bioethics, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Center for Bioethics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nuria Montserrat
- Pluripotency for Organ Regeneration, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina, Barcelona, Spain.
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain.
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48
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Abstract
This review describes recent research that has advanced our understanding of the role of immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) using advanced 3D in vitro models and engineering approaches. The TME can hinder effective eradication of tumor cells by the immune system, but immunotherapy has been able to reverse this effect in some cases. However, patient-to-patient variability in response suggests that we require deeper understanding of the mechanistic interactions between immune and tumor cells to improve response and develop novel therapeutics. Reconstruction of the TME using engineered 3D models allows high-resolution observation of cell interactions while allowing control of conditions such as hypoxia, matrix stiffness, and flow. Moreover, patient-derived organotypic models are an emerging tool for prediction of drug efficacy. This review highlights the importance of modeling and understanding the immune TME and describes new tools for identifying new biological targets, drug testing, and strategies for personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E. Shelton
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Huu Tuan Nguyen
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - David A. Barbie
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Belfer Center for Applied Cancer Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Roger D. Kamm
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
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Bai J, Haase K, Roberts JJ, Hoffmann J, Nguyen HT, Wan Z, Zhang S, Sarker B, Friedman N, Ristić-Lehmann Č, Kamm RD. A novel 3D vascular assay for evaluating angiogenesis across porous membranes. Biomaterials 2020; 268:120592. [PMID: 33348261 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2020.120592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [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: 07/26/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidic technology has been extensively applied to model the functional units of human organs and tissues. Since vasculature is a key component of any functional tissue, a variety of techniques to mimic vasculature in vitro have been developed to address complex physiological and pathological processes in 3D tissues. Herein, we developed a novel, in vitro, microfluidic-based model to probe microvasculature growth into and across implanted porous membranes. Using ePTFE and polycarbonate as examples, we characterize the vascularization potential of these thin porous membranes using this device. This tool will allow for the assessment of porous materials early in their development, prior to their use for encapsulating implants or drugs, while minimizing the need for animal studies. Employing quantitative morphometric analysis and measurements of vascular permeability, we demonstrate our model to be an effective platform for evaluation of angiogenic potential of an implanted membrane biomaterial. Results show that endothelial cells can either migrate as single cells or form continuous sprouts across porous membranes, which is a material structure-dependent behavior. Our model is advantageous over conventional Transwell assays as it is amenable to quantitative assessment of vascular sprouting in 3D, and in contrast to animal models it can be employed more efficiently and with real-time assessment capabilities. This new tool could be applied either to test the suitability of a wide range of biomaterials for implantation or to screen different pro-angiogenic factors for therapeutic applications, and will advance the design of new biomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Bai
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Kristina Haase
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Justine J Roberts
- W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc., Flagstaff, AZ, 86004/Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Joseph Hoffmann
- W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc., Flagstaff, AZ, 86004/Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Huu Tuan Nguyen
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Zhengpeng Wan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Shun Zhang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Bapi Sarker
- W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc., Flagstaff, AZ, 86004/Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Nathan Friedman
- W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc., Flagstaff, AZ, 86004/Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | | | - Roger D Kamm
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA.
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50
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Straehla JP, Hajal C, Safford H, Offeddu G, Wyckoff J, Kamm RD, Hammond PT. DDEL-04. ENGINEERED NANOCARRIERS TO ENHANCE DRUG DELIVERY ACROSS THE BLOOD-BRAIN BARRIER. Neuro Oncol 2020. [PMCID: PMC7715230 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noaa222.039] [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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pediatric central nervous system tumors are the leading cause of cancer death in children. Promising therapeutics have been identified, but the ability to deliver an effective concentration to the tumor without causing excessive systemic toxicity remains a challenge. To address this, we leveraged a tunable nanocarrier platform to design a brain-penetrant nanocarrier with preferential uptake into tumor cells over healthy brain cells. First, we used the layer-by-layer technique to iteratively coat liposomes with nanometers-thick layers of oppositely charged polyelectrolytes. To investigate the influence of surface chemistry on cellular trafficking, a panel of layered liposomes was tested for interactions with cancer cell lines, identifying poly-L-aspartic acid and hyaluronic acid as the highest-performing formulations across brain tumor lines. To facilitate nanocarrier transit across the blood-brain barrier (BBB), we developed a click chemistry platform to functionalize the nanocarrier with BBB shuttle ligands. To investigate trafficking in vitro, we utilized a microfluidic brain microvascular model comprising endothelial cells, astrocytes, pericytes, and glioma cells that self-assemble into a perfusable vascular network. We found that nanocarrier size influenced vascular transport, and the addition of BBB shuttle ligands improved transport in the presence of a glioma spheroid. To investigate in vivo nanocarrier trafficking, we performed intravital imaging through a cranial window in anesthetized mice. After intravenous administration, nanocarrier transit across intact brain capillaries was visualized using two photon microscopy, and vessel permeability was quantified over time. Ongoing studies in mice bearing patient-derived xenograft medulloblastoma and glioma tumors are being conducted to further characterize trafficking across tumor-associated vasculature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joelle P Straehla
- Dana-Farber/Boston Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Cynthia Hajal
- Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Hannah Safford
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Giovanni Offeddu
- Biologic Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jeffrey Wyckoff
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Roger D Kamm
- Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Biologic Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Paula T Hammond
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
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