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Dai W, Liang J, Guo R, Zhao Z, Na Z, Xu D, Li D. Bioengineering approaches for the endometrial research and application. Mater Today Bio 2024; 26:101045. [PMID: 38600921 PMCID: PMC11004221 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2024.101045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The endometrium undergoes a series of precise monthly changes under the regulation of dynamic levels of ovarian hormones that are characterized by repeated shedding and subsequent regeneration without scarring. This provides the potential for wound healing during endometrial injuries. Bioengineering materials highlight the faithful replication of constitutive cells and the extracellular matrix that simulates the physical and biomechanical properties of the endometrium to a larger extent. Significant progress has been made in this field, and functional endometrial tissue bioengineering allows an in-depth investigation of regulatory factors for endometrial and myometrial defects in vitro and provides highly therapeutic methods to alleviate obstetric and gynecological complications. However, much remains to be learned about the latest progress in the application of bioengineering technologies to the human endometrium. Here, we summarize the existing developments in biomaterials and bioengineering models for endometrial regeneration and improving the female reproductive potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanlin Dai
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Junzhi Liang
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Renhao Guo
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Advanced Reproductive Medicine and Fertility (China Medical University), National Health Commission, Shenyang, China
| | - Zhongyu Zhao
- Innovation Institute, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Zhijing Na
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Advanced Reproductive Medicine and Fertility (China Medical University), National Health Commission, Shenyang, China
| | - Dake Xu
- Shenyang National Laboratory for Materials Science, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
| | - Da Li
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Advanced Reproductive Medicine and Fertility (China Medical University), National Health Commission, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Diseases and Fertility Remodeling of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China
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2
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Maharjan S, Ma C, Singh B, Kang H, Orive G, Yao J, Shrike Zhang Y. Advanced 3D imaging and organoid bioprinting for biomedical research and therapeutic applications. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2024; 208:115237. [PMID: 38447931 PMCID: PMC11031334 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2024.115237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Organoid cultures offer a valuable platform for studying organ-level biology, allowing for a closer mimicry of human physiology compared to traditional two-dimensional cell culture systems or non-primate animal models. While many organoid cultures use cell aggregates or decellularized extracellular matrices as scaffolds, they often lack precise biochemical and biophysical microenvironments. In contrast, three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting allows precise placement of organoids or spheroids, providing enhanced spatial control and facilitating the direct fusion for the formation of large-scale functional tissues in vitro. In addition, 3D bioprinting enables fine tuning of biochemical and biophysical cues to support organoid development and maturation. With advances in the organoid technology and its potential applications across diverse research fields such as cell biology, developmental biology, disease pathology, precision medicine, drug toxicology, and tissue engineering, organoid imaging has become a crucial aspect of physiological and pathological studies. This review highlights the recent advancements in imaging technologies that have significantly contributed to organoid research. Additionally, we discuss various bioprinting techniques, emphasizing their applications in organoid bioprinting. Integrating 3D imaging tools into a bioprinting platform allows real-time visualization while facilitating quality control, optimization, and comprehensive bioprinting assessment. Similarly, combining imaging technologies with organoid bioprinting can provide valuable insights into tissue formation, maturation, functions, and therapeutic responses. This approach not only improves the reproducibility of physiologically relevant tissues but also enhances understanding of complex biological processes. Thus, careful selection of bioprinting modalities, coupled with appropriate imaging techniques, holds the potential to create a versatile platform capable of addressing existing challenges and harnessing opportunities in these rapidly evolving fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sushila Maharjan
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Chenshuo Ma
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Bibhor Singh
- Winthrop L. Chenery Upper Elementary School, Belmont, MA 02478, USA
| | - Heemin Kang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea; College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Gorka Orive
- NanoBioCel Research Group, School of Pharmacy, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; Bioaraba, NanoBioCel Research Group, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; Biomedical Research Networking Centre in Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN). Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; University Institute for Regenerative Medicine and Oral Implantology - UIRMI (UPV/EHU-Fundación Eduardo Anitua), Vitoria, 01007, Spain; Singapore Eye Research Institute, The Academia, 20 College Road, Discovery Tower, Singapore 169856, Singapore
| | - Junjie Yao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA.
| | - Yu Shrike Zhang
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
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3
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Ryoo H, Kimmel H, Rondo E, Underhill GH. Advances in high throughput cell culture technologies for therapeutic screening and biological discovery applications. Bioeng Transl Med 2024; 9:e10627. [PMID: 38818120 PMCID: PMC11135158 DOI: 10.1002/btm2.10627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Cellular phenotypes and functional responses are modulated by the signals present in their microenvironment, including extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, tissue mechanical properties, soluble signals and nutrients, and cell-cell interactions. To better recapitulate and analyze these complex signals within the framework of more physiologically relevant culture models, high throughput culture platforms can be transformative. High throughput methodologies enable scientists to extract increasingly robust and broad datasets from individual experiments, screen large numbers of conditions for potential hits, better qualify and predict responses for preclinical applications, and reduce reliance on animal studies. High throughput cell culture systems require uniformity, assay miniaturization, specific target identification, and process simplification. In this review, we detail the various techniques that researchers have used to face these challenges and explore cellular responses in a high throughput manner. We highlight several common approaches including two-dimensional multiwell microplates, microarrays, and microfluidic cell culture systems as well as unencapsulated and encapsulated three-dimensional high throughput cell culture systems, featuring multiwell microplates, micromolds, microwells, microarrays, granular hydrogels, and cell-encapsulated microgels. We also discuss current applications of these high throughput technologies, namely stem cell sourcing, drug discovery and predictive toxicology, and personalized medicine, along with emerging opportunities and future impact areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyeon Ryoo
- Bioengineering DepartmentUniversity of Illinois Urbana‐ChampaignUrbanaIllinoisUSA
| | - Hannah Kimmel
- Bioengineering DepartmentUniversity of Illinois Urbana‐ChampaignUrbanaIllinoisUSA
| | - Evi Rondo
- Bioengineering DepartmentUniversity of Illinois Urbana‐ChampaignUrbanaIllinoisUSA
| | - Gregory H. Underhill
- Bioengineering DepartmentUniversity of Illinois Urbana‐ChampaignUrbanaIllinoisUSA
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4
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Hümpfer N, Thielhorn R, Ewers H. Expanding boundaries - a cell biologist's guide to expansion microscopy. J Cell Sci 2024; 137:jcs260765. [PMID: 38629499 PMCID: PMC11058692 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.260765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Expansion microscopy (ExM) is a revolutionary novel approach to increase resolution in light microscopy. In contrast to super-resolution microscopy methods that rely on sophisticated technological advances, including novel instrumentation, ExM instead is entirely based on sample preparation. In ExM, labeled target molecules in fixed cells are anchored in a hydrogel, which is then physically enlarged by osmotic swelling. The isotropic swelling of the hydrogel pulls the labels apart from one another, and their relative organization can thus be resolved using conventional microscopes even if it was below the diffraction limit of light beforehand. As ExM can additionally benefit from the technical resolution enhancements achieved by super-resolution microscopy, it can reach into the nanometer range of resolution with an astoundingly low degree of error induced by distortion during the physical expansion process. Because the underlying chemistry is well understood and the technique is based on a relatively simple procedure, ExM is easily reproducible in non-expert laboratories and has quickly been adopted to address an ever-expanding spectrum of problems across the life sciences. In this Review, we provide an overview of this rapidly expanding new field, summarize the most important insights gained so far and attempt to offer an outlook on future developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadja Hümpfer
- Department of Biology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Institut für Chemie und Biochemie, Freie Universität Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Ria Thielhorn
- Department of Biology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Institut für Chemie und Biochemie, Freie Universität Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Helge Ewers
- Department of Biology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Institut für Chemie und Biochemie, Freie Universität Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany
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5
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Eiken MK, Childs CJ, Brastrom LK, Frum T, Plaster EM, Shachaf O, Pfeiffer S, Levine JE, Alysandratos KD, Kotton DN, Spence JR, Loebel C. Nascent matrix deposition supports alveolar organoid formation from aggregates in synthetic hydrogels. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.19.585720. [PMID: 38562781 PMCID: PMC10983987 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.19.585720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) derived alveolar organoids have emerged as a system to model the alveolar epithelium in homeostasis and disease. However, alveolar organoids are typically grown in Matrigel, a mouse-sarcoma derived basement membrane matrix that offers poor control over matrix properties, prompting the development of synthetic hydrogels as a Matrigel alternative. Here, we develop a two-step culture method that involves pre-aggregation of organoids in hydrogel-based microwells followed by embedding in a synthetic hydrogel that supports alveolar organoid growth, while also offering considerable control over organoid and hydrogel properties. We find that the aggregated organoids secrete their own nascent extracellular matrix (ECM) both in the microwells and upon embedding in the synthetic hydrogels. Thus, the synthetic gels described here allow us to de-couple exogenous and nascent ECM in order to interrogate the role of ECM in organoid formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeline K. Eiken
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Charlie J. Childs
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Lindy K. Brastrom
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Tristan Frum
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Eleanor M. Plaster
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Orren Shachaf
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Suzanne Pfeiffer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Justin E. Levine
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Konstantinos-Dionysios Alysandratos
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Boston University and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA 02118, USA
- The Pulmonary Center and Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Darrell N. Kotton
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Boston University and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA 02118, USA
- The Pulmonary Center and Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Jason R. Spence
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Program in Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Claudia Loebel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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6
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Day JH, Della Santina CM, Maretich P, Auld AL, Schnieder KK, Shin T, Boyden ES, Boyer LA. HiExM: high-throughput expansion microscopy enables scalable super-resolution imaging. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.02.07.527509. [PMID: 36798312 PMCID: PMC9934540 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.07.527509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
Expansion microscopy (ExM) enables nanoscale imaging using a standard confocal microscope through the physical, isotropic expansion of fixed immunolabeled specimens. ExM is widely employed to image proteins, nucleic acids, and lipid membranes in single cells at nanoscale resolution; however, current methods cannot be performed in multi-well cell culture plates which limits the number of samples that can be processed simultaneously. We developed High-throughput Expansion Microscopy (HiExM), a robust platform that enables expansion microscopy of cells cultured in a standard 96-well plate. Our method enables consistent ~4.2x expansion within individual wells, across multiple wells, and between plates processed in parallel. We also demonstrate that HiExM can be combined with high-throughput confocal imaging platforms greatly improve the ease and scalability of image acquisition. As an example, we analyzed the effects of doxorubicin, a known cardiotoxic agent, in human cardiomyocytes (CMs) based on Hoechst signal intensity. We show a dose dependent effect on nuclear chromatin that is not observed in unexpanded CMs, suggesting that HiExM improves the detection of cellular phenotypes in response to drug treatment. Our method broadens the application of ExM as a tool for scalable super-resolution imaging in biological research applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- John H. Day
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139 USA
| | - Catherine Marin Della Santina
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139 USA
| | - Pema Maretich
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139 USA
| | - Alexander L. Auld
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139 USA
| | - Kirsten K. Schnieder
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139 USA
| | - Tay Shin
- Department of Media Arts and Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139 USA
| | - Edward S. Boyden
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139 USA
- Department of Media Arts and Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139 USA
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139 USA
- McGovern Institute, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139 USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139 USA
- K Lisa Yang Center for Bionics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139 USA
- Center for Neurobiological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139 USA
- Koch Institute, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139 USA
| | - Laurie A. Boyer
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139 USA
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139 USA
- Koch Institute, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139 USA
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7
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Gu Y, Zhang W, Wu X, Zhang Y, Xu K, Su J. Organoid assessment technologies. Clin Transl Med 2023; 13:e1499. [PMID: 38115706 PMCID: PMC10731122 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite enormous advances in the generation of organoids, robust and stable protocols of organoids are still a major challenge to researchers. Research for assessing structures of organoids and the evaluations of their functions on in vitro or in vivo is often limited by precision strategies. A growing interest in assessing organoids has arisen, aimed at standardizing the process of obtaining organoids to accurately resemble human-derived tissue. The complex microenvironment of organoids, intricate cellular crosstalk, organ-specific architectures and further complicate functions urgently quest for high-through schemes. By utilizing multi-omics analysis and single-cell analysis, cell-cell interaction mechanisms can be deciphered, and their structures can be investigated in a detailed view by histological analysis. In this review, we will conclude the novel approaches to study the molecular mechanism and cell heterogeneity of organoids and discuss the histological and morphological similarity of organoids in comparison to the human body. Future perspectives on functional analysis will be developed and the organoids will become mature models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuyuan Gu
- Institute of Translational MedicineShanghai UniversityShanghaiChina
- Organoid Research CenterShanghai UniversityShanghaiChina
- School of MedicineShanghai UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Wencai Zhang
- Department of OrthopedicsFirst Affiliated HospitalJinan UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Xianmin Wu
- Department of OrthopedicsShanghai Zhongye HospitalShanghaiChina
| | - Yuanwei Zhang
- Institute of Translational MedicineShanghai UniversityShanghaiChina
- Organoid Research CenterShanghai UniversityShanghaiChina
- Department of OrthopaedicsXinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai JiaoTong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Ke Xu
- Institute of Translational MedicineShanghai UniversityShanghaiChina
- Organoid Research CenterShanghai UniversityShanghaiChina
- Wenzhou Institute of Shanghai UniversityWenzhouChina
| | - Jiacan Su
- Institute of Translational MedicineShanghai UniversityShanghaiChina
- Organoid Research CenterShanghai UniversityShanghaiChina
- Department of OrthopaedicsXinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai JiaoTong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
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8
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Wen G, Lycas MD, Jia Y, Leen V, Sauer M, Hofkens J. Trifunctional Linkers Enable Improved Visualization of Actin by Expansion Microscopy. ACS NANO 2023; 17:20589-20600. [PMID: 37787755 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c07510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Expansion microscopy (ExM) revolutionized the field of super-resolution microscopy by allowing for subdiffraction resolution fluorescence imaging on standard fluorescence microscopes. However, it has been found that it is hard to visualize actin filaments efficiently using ExM. To improve actin imaging, multifunctional molecules have been designed with moderate success. Here, we present optimized methods for phalloidin conjugate grafting that have a high efficiency for both cellular and tissue samples. Our optimized strategy improves anchoring and signal retention by ∼10 times. We demonstrate the potential of optimized trifunctional linkers (TRITON) for actin imaging in combination with immunolabeling using different ExM protocols. 10X ExM of actin labeled with optimized TRITON enabled us to visualize the periodicity of actin rings in cultured hippocampal neurons and brain slices by Airyscan confocal microscopy. Thus, TRITON linkers provide an efficient grafting method, especially in cases in which the concentration of target-bound monomers is insufficient for high-quality ExM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Wen
- Department of Chemistry, KU Leuven, Leuven, 3001, Belgium
- Department of Biotechnology and Biophysics, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Matthew Domenic Lycas
- Department of Biotechnology and Biophysics, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Yuqing Jia
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Einthovenweg 20, 2333 ZC, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Volker Leen
- Chrometra Scientific, Kortenaken 3470, Belgium
| | - Markus Sauer
- Department of Biotechnology and Biophysics, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
- Rudolf Virchow Center, Research Center for Integrative and Translational Bioimaging, University of Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str. 2, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Johan Hofkens
- Department of Chemistry, KU Leuven, Leuven, 3001, Belgium
- Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, 55128 Mainz, Germany
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Cai YL, Nan F, Tang GT, Ma Y, Ren Y, Xiong XZ, Zhou RX, Li FY, Cheng NS, Jiang X. Fabrication of 3D printed PCL/PEG artificial bile ducts as supportive scaffolds to promote regeneration of extrahepatic bile ducts in a canine biliary defect model. J Mater Chem B 2023; 11:9443-9458. [PMID: 37727116 DOI: 10.1039/d3tb01250f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
In this study, a 3D porous poly(ε-caprolactone)/polyethylene glycol (PCL/PEG) composite artificial tubular bile duct was fabricated for extrahepatic bile duct regeneration. PCL/PEG composite scaffolds were fabricated by 3D printing, and the molecular structure, mechanical properties, thermal properties, morphology, and in vitro biocompatibility were characterized for further application as artificial bile ducts. A bile duct defect model was established in beagle dogs for in vivo implantation. The results demonstrated that the implanted PE1 ABD, serving as a supportive scaffold, effectively stimulated the regeneration of a new bile duct comprising CK19-positive and CK7-positive epithelial cells within 30 days. Remarkably, after 8 months, the newly formed bile duct exhibited an epithelial layer resembling the normal structure. Furthermore, the study revealed collagen deposition, biliary muscular formation, and the involvement of microvessels and fibroblasts in the regenerative process. In contrast, the anastomotic area without ABD implantation displayed only partial restoration of the epithelial layer, accompanied by fibroblast proliferation and subsequent bile duct fibrosis. These findings underscore the limited inherent repair capacity of the bile duct and underscore the beneficial role of the PE1 ABD artificial tubular bile duct in promoting biliary regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Long Cai
- Division of Biliary Surgery, Department of General Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
- Research Center for Biliary Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Fang Nan
- Regenerative Medicine Research Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China.
| | - Guo-Tao Tang
- Regenerative Medicine Research Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China.
| | - Yuan Ma
- Regenerative Medicine Research Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China.
| | - Yi Ren
- Regenerative Medicine Research Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China.
| | - Xian-Ze Xiong
- Division of Biliary Surgery, Department of General Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
- Research Center for Biliary Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Rong-Xing Zhou
- Division of Biliary Surgery, Department of General Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
- Research Center for Biliary Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Fu-Yu Li
- Division of Biliary Surgery, Department of General Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
- Research Center for Biliary Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Nan-Sheng Cheng
- Division of Biliary Surgery, Department of General Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
- Research Center for Biliary Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Xia Jiang
- Regenerative Medicine Research Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China.
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10
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Zhuang Y, Shi X. Expansion microscopy: A chemical approach for super-resolution microscopy. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2023; 81:102614. [PMID: 37253290 PMCID: PMC11103276 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2023.102614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Super-resolution microscopy is a series of imaging techniques that bypass the diffraction limit of resolution. Since the 1990s, optical approaches, such as single-molecular localization microscopy, have allowed us to visualize biological samples from the sub-organelle to the molecular level. Recently, a chemical approach called expansion microscopy emerged as a new trend in super-resolution microscopy. It physically enlarges cells and tissues, which leads to an increase in the effective resolution of any microscope by the length expansion factor. Compared with optical approaches, expansion microscopy has a lower cost and higher imaging depth but requires a more complex procedure. The integration of expansion microscopy and advanced microscopes significantly pushed forward the boundary of super-resolution microscopy. This review covers the current state of the art in expansion microscopy, including the latest methods and their applications, as well as challenges and opportunities for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinyin Zhuang
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA. https://twitter.com/YinyinZhuang
| | - Xiaoyu Shi
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA.
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11
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Günay KA, Chang TL, Skillin NP, Rao VV, Macdougall LJ, Cutler AA, Silver JS, Brown TE, Zhang C, Yu CCJ, Olwin BB, Boyden ES, Anseth KS. Photo-expansion microscopy enables super-resolution imaging of cells embedded in 3D hydrogels. NATURE MATERIALS 2023; 22:777-785. [PMID: 37217701 PMCID: PMC10590656 DOI: 10.1038/s41563-023-01558-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Hydrogels are extensively used as tunable, biomimetic three-dimensional cell culture matrices, but optically deep, high-resolution images are often difficult to obtain, limiting nanoscale quantification of cell-matrix interactions and outside-in signalling. Here we present photopolymerized hydrogels for expansion microscopy that enable optical clearance and tunable ×4.6-6.7 homogeneous expansion of not only monolayer cell cultures and tissue sections, but cells embedded within hydrogels. The photopolymerized hydrogels for expansion microscopy formulation relies on a rapid photoinitiated thiol/acrylate mixed-mode polymerization that is not inhibited by oxygen and decouples monomer diffusion from polymerization, which is particularly beneficial when expanding cells embedded within hydrogels. Using this technology, we visualize human mesenchymal stem cells and their interactions with nascently deposited proteins at <120 nm resolution when cultured in proteolytically degradable synthetic polyethylene glycol hydrogels. Results support the notion that focal adhesion maturation requires cellular fibronectin deposition; nuclear deformation precedes cellular spreading; and human mesenchymal stem cells display cell-surface metalloproteinases for matrix remodelling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kemal Arda Günay
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering and the BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Tze-Ling Chang
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering and the BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Nathaniel P Skillin
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering and the BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Varsha V Rao
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering and the BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Laura J Macdougall
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering and the BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Alicia A Cutler
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Jason S Silver
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering and the BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Tobin E Brown
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering and the BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Chi Zhang
- McGovern Institute, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
- HHMI, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Departments of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Media Arts and Sciences, and Biological Engineering, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Chih-Chieh Jay Yu
- McGovern Institute, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
- HHMI, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Departments of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Media Arts and Sciences, and Biological Engineering, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Bradley B Olwin
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Edward S Boyden
- McGovern Institute, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
- HHMI, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Departments of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Media Arts and Sciences, and Biological Engineering, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Kristi S Anseth
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering and the BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA.
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12
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Blatchley MR, Anseth KS. Middle-out methods for spatiotemporal tissue engineering of organoids. NATURE REVIEWS BIOENGINEERING 2023; 1:329-345. [PMID: 37168734 PMCID: PMC10010248 DOI: 10.1038/s44222-023-00039-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Organoids recapitulate many aspects of the complex three-dimensional (3D) organization found within native tissues and even display tissue and organ-level functionality. Traditional approaches to organoid culture have largely employed a top-down tissue engineering strategy, whereby cells are encapsulated in a 3D matrix, such as Matrigel, alongside well-defined biochemical cues that direct morphogenesis. However, the lack of spatiotemporal control over niche properties renders cellular processes largely stochastic. Therefore, bottom-up tissue engineering approaches have evolved to address some of these limitations and focus on strategies to assemble tissue building blocks with defined multi-scale spatial organization. However, bottom-up design reduces the capacity for self-organization that underpins organoid morphogenesis. Here, we introduce an emerging framework, which we term middle-out strategies, that relies on existing design principles and combines top-down design of defined synthetic matrices that support proliferation and self-organization with bottom-up modular engineered intervention to limit the degrees of freedom in the dynamic process of organoid morphogenesis. We posit that this strategy will provide key advances to guide the growth of organoids with precise geometries, structures and function, thereby facilitating an unprecedented level of biomimicry to accelerate the utility of organoids to more translationally relevant applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael R. Blatchley
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO USA
- The BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO USA
| | - Kristi S. Anseth
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO USA
- The BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO USA
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13
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Yavitt FM, Kirkpatrick BE, Blatchley MR, Speckl KF, Mohagheghian E, Moldovan R, Wang N, Dempsey PJ, Anseth KS. In situ modulation of intestinal organoid epithelial curvature through photoinduced viscoelasticity directs crypt morphogenesis. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadd5668. [PMID: 36662859 PMCID: PMC9858500 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.add5668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Spatiotemporally coordinated transformations in epithelial curvature are necessary to generate crypt-villus structures during intestinal development. However, the temporal regulation of mechanotransduction pathways that drive crypt morphogenesis remains understudied. Intestinal organoids have proven useful to study crypt morphogenesis in vitro, yet the reliance on static culture scaffolds limits the ability to assess the temporal effects of changing curvature. Here, a photoinduced hydrogel cross-link exchange reaction is used to spatiotemporally alter epithelial curvature and study how dynamic changes in curvature influence mechanotransduction pathways to instruct crypt morphogenesis. Photopatterned curvature increased membrane tension and depolarization, which was required for subsequent nuclear localization of yes-associated protein 1 (YAP) observed 24 hours following curvature change. Curvature-directed crypt morphogenesis only occurred following a delay in the induction of differentiation that coincided with the delay in spatially restricted YAP localization, indicating that dynamic changes in curvature initiate epithelial curvature-dependent mechanotransduction pathways that temporally regulate crypt morphogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- F. Max Yavitt
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| | - Bruce E. Kirkpatrick
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Michael R. Blatchley
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| | - Kelly F. Speckl
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| | - Erfan Mohagheghian
- Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, The Grainger College of Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Radu Moldovan
- Advanced Light Microscopy Core Facility, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Ning Wang
- Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, The Grainger College of Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Peter J. Dempsey
- Section of Developmental Biology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, Denver, CO 80204, USA
| | - Kristi S. Anseth
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
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14
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Blache U, Ford EM, Ha B, Rijns L, Chaudhuri O, Dankers PY, Kloxin AM, Snedeker JG, Gentleman E. Engineered hydrogels for mechanobiology. NATURE REVIEWS. METHODS PRIMERS 2022; 2:98. [PMID: 37461429 PMCID: PMC7614763 DOI: 10.1038/s43586-022-00179-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
Cells' local mechanical environment can be as important in guiding cellular responses as many well-characterized biochemical cues. Hydrogels that mimic the native extracellular matrix can provide these mechanical cues to encapsulated cells, allowing for the study of their impact on cellular behaviours. Moreover, by harnessing cellular responses to mechanical cues, hydrogels can be used to create tissues in vitro for regenerative medicine applications and for disease modelling. This Primer outlines the importance and challenges of creating hydrogels that mimic the mechanical and biological properties of the native extracellular matrix. The design of hydrogels for mechanobiology studies is discussed, including appropriate choice of cross-linking chemistry and strategies to tailor hydrogel mechanical cues. Techniques for characterizing hydrogels are explained, highlighting methods used to analyze cell behaviour. Example applications for studying fundamental mechanobiological processes and regenerative therapies are provided, along with a discussion of the limitations of hydrogels as mimetics of the native extracellular matrix. The article ends with an outlook for the field, focusing on emerging technologies that will enable new insights into mechanobiology and its role in tissue homeostasis and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich Blache
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology and Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence for Immune-Mediated Disease, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Eden M. Ford
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, DE, USA
| | - Byunghang Ha
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, CA, USA
| | - Laura Rijns
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Eindhoven University of Technology, PO Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Ovijit Chaudhuri
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, CA, USA
| | - Patricia Y.W. Dankers
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Eindhoven University of Technology, PO Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - April M. Kloxin
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, DE, USA
- Department of Material Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, DE, USA
| | - Jess G. Snedeker
- University Hospital Balgrist and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Eileen Gentleman
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King’s College London, London SE1 9RT, UK
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15
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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] [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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16
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Wang W, Chan YH, Kwon S, Tandukar J, Gao R. Nanoscale fluorescence imaging of biological ultrastructure via molecular anchoring and physical expansion. NANO CONVERGENCE 2022; 9:30. [PMID: 35810234 PMCID: PMC9271151 DOI: 10.1186/s40580-022-00318-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Nanoscale imaging of biological samples can provide rich morphological and mechanistic information about biological functions and dysfunctions at the subcellular and molecular level. Expansion microscopy (ExM) is a recently developed nanoscale fluorescence imaging method that takes advantage of physical enlargement of biological samples. In ExM, preserved cells and tissues are embedded in a swellable hydrogel, to which the molecules and fluorescent tags in the samples are anchored. When the hydrogel swells several-fold, the effective resolution of the sample images can be improved accordingly via physical separation of the retained molecules and fluorescent tags. In this review, we focus on the early conception and development of ExM from a biochemical and materials perspective. We first examine the general workflow as well as the numerous variations of ExM developed to retain and visualize a broad range of biomolecules, such as proteins, nucleic acids, and membranous structures. We then describe a number of inherent challenges facing ExM, including those associated with expansion isotropy and labeling density, as well as the ongoing effort to address these limitations. Finally, we discuss the prospect and possibility of pushing the resolution and accuracy of ExM to the single-molecule scale and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- Department of Chemistry, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Yat Ho Chan
- Department of Chemistry, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - SoYoung Kwon
- Department of Biomedical and Health Information Sciences, College of Applied Health Sciences, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jamuna Tandukar
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ruixuan Gao
- Department of Chemistry, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
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