1
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Ozgun A, Lomboni D, Arnott H, Staines WA, Woulfe J, Variola F. Biomaterial-based strategies for in vitro neural models. Biomater Sci 2022; 10:1134-1165. [PMID: 35023513 DOI: 10.1039/d1bm01361k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In vitro models have been used as a complementary tool to animal studies in understanding the nervous system's physiological mechanisms and pathological disorders, while also serving as platforms to evaluate the safety and efficiency of therapeutic candidates. Following recent advances in materials science, micro- and nanofabrication techniques and cell culture systems, in vitro technologies have been rapidly gaining the potential to bridge the gap between animal and clinical studies by providing more sophisticated models that recapitulate key aspects of the structure, biochemistry, biomechanics, and functions of human tissues. This was made possible, in large part, by the development of biomaterials that provide cells with physicochemical features that closely mimic the cellular microenvironment of native tissues. Due to the well-known material-driven cellular response and the importance of mimicking the environment of the target tissue, the selection of optimal biomaterials represents an important early step in the design of biomimetic systems to investigate brain structures and functions. This review provides a comprehensive compendium of commonly used biomaterials as well as the different fabrication techniques employed for the design of neural tissue models. Furthermore, the authors discuss the main parameters that need to be considered to develop functional platforms not only for the study of brain physiological functions and pathological processes but also for drug discovery/development and the optimization of biomaterials for neural tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alp Ozgun
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada. .,Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - David Lomboni
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada. .,Ottawa-Carleton Institute for Biomedical Engineering (OCIBME), Ottawa, Canada
| | - Hallie Arnott
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada. .,Ottawa-Carleton Institute for Biomedical Engineering (OCIBME), Ottawa, Canada
| | - William A Staines
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - John Woulfe
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada.,The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Fabio Variola
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada. .,Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada.,Ottawa-Carleton Institute for Biomedical Engineering (OCIBME), Ottawa, Canada.,The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Canada.,Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO), Ottawa, Canada
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2
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Functional Characterization of Human Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Models of the Brain with Microelectrode Arrays. Cells 2021; 11:cells11010106. [PMID: 35011667 PMCID: PMC8750870 DOI: 10.3390/cells11010106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived neuron cultures have emerged as models of electrical activity in the human brain. Microelectrode arrays (MEAs) measure changes in the extracellular electric potential of cell cultures or tissues and enable the recording of neuronal network activity. MEAs have been applied to both human subjects and hPSC-derived brain models. Here, we review the literature on the functional characterization of hPSC-derived two- and three-dimensional brain models with MEAs and examine their network function in physiological and pathological contexts. We also summarize MEA results from the human brain and compare them to the literature on MEA recordings of hPSC-derived brain models. MEA recordings have shown network activity in two-dimensional hPSC-derived brain models that is comparable to the human brain and revealed pathology-associated changes in disease models. Three-dimensional hPSC-derived models such as brain organoids possess a more relevant microenvironment, tissue architecture and potential for modeling the network activity with more complexity than two-dimensional models. hPSC-derived brain models recapitulate many aspects of network function in the human brain and provide valid disease models, but certain advancements in differentiation methods, bioengineering and available MEA technology are needed for these approaches to reach their full potential.
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3
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Josephine Boder E, Banerjee IA. Alzheimer's Disease: Current Perspectives and Advances in Physiological Modeling. Bioengineering (Basel) 2021; 8:211. [PMID: 34940364 PMCID: PMC8698996 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering8120211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Though Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia, complete disease-modifying treatments are yet to be fully attained. Until recently, transgenic mice constituted most in vitro model systems of AD used for preclinical drug screening; however, these models have so far failed to adequately replicate the disease's pathophysiology. However, the generation of humanized APOE4 mouse models has led to key discoveries. Recent advances in stem cell differentiation techniques and the development of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have facilitated the development of novel in vitro devices. These "microphysiological" systems-in vitro human cell culture systems designed to replicate in vivo physiology-employ varying levels of biomimicry and engineering control. Spheroid-based organoids, 3D cell culture systems, and microfluidic devices or a combination of these have the potential to replicate AD pathophysiology and pathogenesis in vitro and thus serve as both tools for testing therapeutics and models for experimental manipulation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ipsita A. Banerjee
- Department of Chemistry, Fordham University, 441 E. Fordham Road, Bronx, NY 10458, USA;
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4
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Glutamatergic Neurons Differentiated from Embryonic Stem Cells: An Investigation of Differentiation and Associated Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094592. [PMID: 33925600 PMCID: PMC8123877 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 04/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurons that have been derived from various types of stem cells have recently undergone significant study due to their potential for use in various aspects of biomedicine. In particular, glutamatergic neurons differentiated from embryonic stem cells (ESCs) potentially have many applications in both basic research and regenerative medicine. This review summarized the literatures published thus far and focused on two areas related to these applications. Firstly, these neurons can be used to investigate neuronal signal transduction during differentiation and this means that the genes/proteins/markers involved in this process can be identified. In this way, the dynamic spatial and temporal changes associated with neuronal morphology can be investigated relatively easily. Such an in vitro system can also be used to study how neurons during neurogenesis integrate into normal tissue. At the same time, the integration, regulation and functions of extracellular matrix secretion, various molecular interactions, various ion channels, the neuronal microenvironment, etc., can be easily traced. Secondly, the disease-related aspects of ESC-derived glutamatergic neurons can also be studied and then applied therapeutically. In the future, greater efforts are needed to explore how ESC-differentiated glutamatergic neurons can be used as a neuronal model for the study of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) mechanistically, to identify possible therapeutic strategies for treating AD, including tissue replacement, and to screen for drugs that can be used to treat AD patients. With all of the modern technology that is available, translational medicine should begin to benefit patients soon.
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5
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Shin H, Jeong S, Lee JH, Sun W, Choi N, Cho IJ. 3D high-density microelectrode array with optical stimulation and drug delivery for investigating neural circuit dynamics. Nat Commun 2021; 12:492. [PMID: 33479237 PMCID: PMC7820464 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-20763-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Investigation of neural circuit dynamics is crucial for deciphering the functional connections among regions of the brain and understanding the mechanism of brain dysfunction. Despite the advancements of neural circuit models in vitro, technologies for both precisely monitoring and modulating neural activities within three-dimensional (3D) neural circuit models have yet to be developed. Specifically, no existing 3D microelectrode arrays (MEAs) have integrated capabilities to stimulate surrounding neurons and to monitor the temporal evolution of the formation of a neural network in real time. Herein, we present a 3D high-density multifunctional MEA with optical stimulation and drug delivery for investigating neural circuit dynamics within engineered 3D neural tissues. We demonstrate precise measurements of synaptic latencies in 3D neural networks. We expect our 3D multifunctional MEA to open up opportunities for studies of neural circuits through precise, in vitro investigations of neural circuit dynamics with 3D brain models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyogeun Shin
- Center for BioMicrosystems, Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Division of Bio-Medical Science and Technology, KIST School, Korea University of Science and Technology (UST), Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sohyeon Jeong
- Center for BioMicrosystems, Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Division of Bio-Medical Science and Technology, KIST School, Korea University of Science and Technology (UST), Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ju-Hyun Lee
- Department of Anatomy, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Woong Sun
- Department of Anatomy, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Nakwon Choi
- Center for BioMicrosystems, Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Division of Bio-Medical Science and Technology, KIST School, Korea University of Science and Technology (UST), Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Il-Joo Cho
- Center for BioMicrosystems, Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Division of Bio-Medical Science and Technology, KIST School, Korea University of Science and Technology (UST), Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- School of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Yonsei-KIST Convergence Research Institute, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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6
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Ort C, Dayekh K, Xing M, Mequanint K. Emerging Strategies for Stem Cell Lineage Commitment in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2018; 4:3644-3657. [PMID: 33429592 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.8b00532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Stem cells have transformed the fields of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, and their potential to further advance these fields cannot be overstated. The stem cell niche is a dynamic microenvironment that determines cell fate during development and tissue repair following an injury. Classically, stem cells were studied in isolation of their microenvironment; however, contemporary research has produced a myriad of evidence that shows the importance of multiple aspects of the stem cell niche in regulating their processes. In the context of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine studies, the niche is an artificial environment provided by culture conditions. In vitro culture conditions may involve coculturing with other cell types, developing specific biomaterials, and applying relevant forces to promote the desired lineage commitment. Considerable advance has been made over the past few years toward directed stem cell differentiation; however, the unspecific differentiation of stem cells yielding a mixed population of cells has been a challenge. In this review, we provide a systematic review of the emerging strategies used for lineage commitment within the context of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. These strategies include scaffold pore-size and pore-shape gradients, stress relaxation, sonic and electromagnetic effects, and magnetic forces. Finally, we provide insights and perspectives into future directions focusing on signaling pathways activated during lineage commitment using external stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Malcolm Xing
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Manitoba, 66 Chancellors Circle, Winnipeg R3T 2N2, Canada
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7
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Basuodan R, Basu AP, Clowry GJ. Human neural stem cells dispersed in artificial ECM form cerebral organoids when grafted in vivo. J Anat 2018; 233:155-166. [PMID: 29745426 DOI: 10.1111/joa.12827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Human neural stem cells (hNSC) derived from induced pluripotent stem cells can be differentiated into neurons that could be used for transplantation to repair brain injury. In this study we dispersed such hNSC in a three-dimensional artificial extracellular matrix (aECM) and compared their differentiation in vitro and following grafting into the sensorimotor cortex (SMC) of postnatal day (P)14 rat pups lesioned by localised injection of endothelin-1 at P12. After 10-43 days of in vitro differentiation, a few cells remained as PAX6+ neuroprogenitors but many more resembled post-mitotic neurons expressing doublecortin, β-tubulin and MAP2. These cells remained dispersed throughout the ECM, but with extended long processes for over 50 μm. In vivo, by 1 month post grafting, cells expressing human specific markers instead organised into cerebral organoids: columns of tightly packed PAX6 co-expressing progenitor cells arranged around small tubular lumen in rosettes, with a looser network of cells with processes around the outside co-expressing markers of immature neurons including doublecortin, and CTIP2 characteristic of corticofugal neurons. Host cells also invaded the graft including microglia, astrocytes and endothelial cells forming blood vessels. By 10 weeks post-grafting, the organoids had disappeared and the aECM had started to break down with fewer transplanted cells remaining. In vitro, cerebral organoids form in rotating incubators that force oxygen and nutrients to the centre of the structures. We have shown that cerebral organoids can form in vivo; intrinsic factors may direct their organisation including infiltration by host blood vessels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reem Basuodan
- Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.,Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Princess Noura bint Abdulrhman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Anna P Basu
- Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Gavin J Clowry
- Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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8
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Copley Salem C, Ulrich C, Quilici D, Schlauch K, Buxton ILO, Burkin H. Mechanical strain induced phospho-proteomic signaling in uterine smooth muscle cells. J Biomech 2018; 73:99-107. [PMID: 29661501 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2018.03.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2017] [Revised: 02/27/2018] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Mechanical strain associated with the expanding uterus correlates with increased preterm birth rates. Mechanical signals result in a cascading network of protein phosphorylation events. These signals direct cellular activities and may lead to changes in contractile phenotype and calcium signaling. In this study, the complete phospho-proteome of uterine smooth muscle cells subjected to mechanical strain for 5 min was compared to un-strained controls. Statistically significant, differential phosphorylation events were annotated by Ingenuity Pathway Analysis to elucidate mechanically induced phosphorylation networks. Mechanical strain leads to the direct activation of ERK1/2, HSPB1, and MYL9, in addition to phosphorylation of PAK2, vimentin, DOCK1, PPP1R12A, and PTPN11 at previously unannotated sites. These results suggest a novel network reaction to mechanical strain and reveal proteins that participate in the activation of contractile mechanisms leading to preterm labor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Copley Salem
- University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, United States
| | - Craig Ulrich
- University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, United States
| | - David Quilici
- University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Mick Hitchcock Proteomics Center, United States; University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry, United States
| | - Karen Schlauch
- University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry, United States
| | - Iain L O Buxton
- University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, United States
| | - Heather Burkin
- University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, United States.
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9
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Batth A, Thompson I. Nylon as an in vitro
scaffold for three-dimensional study of neural cells. J Biomed Mater Res A 2018; 106:1575-1584. [DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.36367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2017] [Revised: 01/26/2018] [Accepted: 02/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Aran Batth
- Division of Tissue Engineering and Biophotonics; Dental Institute, King's College London, Guy's Hospital; London SE1 9RT United Kingdom
| | - Ian Thompson
- Division of Tissue Engineering and Biophotonics; Dental Institute, King's College London, Guy's Hospital; London SE1 9RT United Kingdom
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10
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J Siney E, Kurbatskaya K, Chatterjee S, Prasannan P, Mudher A, Willaime-Morawek S. Modelling neurodegenerative diseases in vitro: Recent advances in 3D iPSC technologies. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.3934/celltissue.2018.1.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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11
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Electrophysiological investigation of human embryonic stem cell derived neurospheres using a novel spike detection algorithm. Biosens Bioelectron 2017; 100:462-468. [PMID: 28963963 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2017.09.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2017] [Revised: 08/10/2017] [Accepted: 09/18/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Microelectrode array (MEA) technology in combination with three-dimensional (3D) neuronal cell models derived from human embryonic stem cells (hESC) provide an excellent tool for neurotoxicity screening. Yet, there are significant challenges in terms of data processing and analysis, since neuronal signals have very small amplitudes and the 3D structure enhances the level of background noise. Thus, neuronal signal analysis requires the application of highly sophisticated algorithms. In this study, we present a new approach optimized for the detection of spikes recorded from 3D neurospheres (NS) with a very low signal-to-noise ratio. This was achieved by extending simple threshold-based spike detection utilizing a highly sensitive algorithm named SWTTEO. This analysis procedure was applied to data obtained from hESC-derived NS grown on MEA chips. Specifically, we examined changes in the activity pattern occurring within the first ten days of electrical activity. We further analyzed the response of NS to the GABA receptor antagonist bicuculline. With this new algorithm method we obtained more reliable results compared to the simple threshold-based spike detection.
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12
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Visualization of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells in 2Dand 3D-Cultures by Scanning Electron Microscopy with Lanthanide Contrasting. Bull Exp Biol Med 2017; 162:558-562. [PMID: 28239796 DOI: 10.1007/s10517-017-3659-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Mesenchymal stromal cells from deciduous teeth in 2D- and 3D-cultures on culture plastic, silicate glass, porous polystyrene, and experimental polylactoglycolide matrices were visualized by scanning electron microscopy with lanthanide contrasting. Supravital staining of cell cultures with a lanthanide-based dye (neodymium chloride) preserved normal cell morphology and allowed assessment of the matrix properties of the carriers. The developed approach can be used for the development of biomaterials for tissue engineering.
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13
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Nielsen N, Laustsen C, Bertelsen LB. 13C dynamic nuclear polarization for measuring metabolic flux in endothelial progenitor cells. Exp Cell Res 2016; 349:95-100. [PMID: 27720669 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2016.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2016] [Revised: 09/22/2016] [Accepted: 10/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) represent a heterogeneous cell population that is believed to be involved in vasculogenesis. With the purpose of enhancing endothelial repair, EPCs could have a potential for future cell therapies. Due to the low amount of EPCs in the peripheral circulating blood, in vitro expansion is needed before administration to recipients and the effects of in vitro culturing is still an under-evaluated field with little knowledge of how the cells change over time in culture. The aim of this study was to use hyperpolarised carbon-13 magnetic resonance spectroscopy to profile important metabolic pathways in a population of progenitor cells and to show that cell culturing in 3D scaffolds seem to block the metabolic processes that leads to cell senescence. The metabolic breakdown of hyperpolarized [1-13C]pyruvate was followed after injection of the substrate to a bioreactor system with EPCs either adhered to 3D printed scaffolds or kept in cell suspension. The pyruvate-to-lactate conversion was elevated in suspension of EPCs compared to the EPCs adhered to scaffolds. Furthermore in the setup with EPCs in suspension, an increase in lactate production was seen over time indicating that the older the cultures of EPCs was before using the cells for cell suspension experiments, the more lactate they produce, compared to a constant lactate level in the cells adhered to scaffolds. It could therefore be stated that cells grown first in 2D culture and subsequent prepared for cell suspension show a metabolism with higher lactate production consistent with cells senescence processes compared to cells grown first at 2D culture and subsequent in the 3D printed scaffolds, where metabolism shows no sign of metabolic shifting during the monitored period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Nielsen
- MR Research Centre, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 99, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Christoffer Laustsen
- MR Research Centre, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 99, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Lotte Bonde Bertelsen
- MR Research Centre, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 99, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark.
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14
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Berto S, Usui N, Konopka G, Fogel BL. ELAVL2-regulated transcriptional and splicing networks in human neurons link neurodevelopment and autism. Hum Mol Genet 2016; 25:2451-2464. [PMID: 27260404 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddw110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2015] [Revised: 03/01/2016] [Accepted: 04/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of post-transcriptional gene regulation in human brain development and neurodevelopmental disorders remains mostly uncharacterized. ELAV-like RNA-binding proteins (RNAbps) are a family of proteins that regulate several aspects of neuronal function including neuronal excitability and synaptic transmission, both critical to the normal function of the brain in cognition and behavior. Here, we identify the downstream neuronal transcriptional and splicing networks of ELAVL2, an RNAbp with previously unknown function in the brain. Expression of ELAVL2 was reduced in human neurons and RNA-sequencing was utilized to identify networks of differentially expressed and alternatively spliced genes resulting from haploinsufficient levels of ELAVL2. These networks contain a number of autism-relevant genes as well as previously identified targets of other important RNAbps implicated in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) including RBFOX1 and FMRP. ELAVL2-regulated co-expression networks are also enriched for neurodevelopmental and synaptic genes, and include genes with human-specific patterns of expression in the frontal pole. Together, these data suggest that ELAVL2 regulation of transcript expression is critical for neuronal function and clinically relevant to ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Berto
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, ND4.300, Dallas, TX 75390-9111, USA
| | - Noriyoshi Usui
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, ND4.300, Dallas, TX 75390-9111, USA
| | - Genevieve Konopka
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, ND4.300, Dallas, TX 75390-9111, USA
| | - Brent L Fogel
- Program in Neurogenetics and Departments of Neurology and Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, 695 Charles E. Young Drive South, Gonda Room 1206, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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15
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Mungenast AE, Siegert S, Tsai LH. Modeling Alzheimer's disease with human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. Mol Cell Neurosci 2016; 73:13-31. [PMID: 26657644 PMCID: PMC5930170 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2015.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2015] [Revised: 11/05/2015] [Accepted: 11/25/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
In the last decade, induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells have revolutionized the utility of human in vitro models of neurological disease. The iPS-derived and differentiated cells allow researchers to study the impact of a distinct cell type in health and disease as well as performing therapeutic drug screens on a human genetic background. In particular, clinical trials for Alzheimer's disease (AD) have been failing. Two of the potential reasons are first, the species gap involved in proceeding from initial discoveries in rodent models to human studies, and second, an unsatisfying patient stratification, meaning subgrouping patients based on the disease severity due to the lack of phenotypic and genetic markers. iPS cells overcome this obstacles and will improve our understanding of disease subtypes in AD. They allow researchers conducting in depth characterization of neural cells from both familial and sporadic AD patients as well as preclinical screens on human cells. In this review, we briefly outline the status quo of iPS cell research in neurological diseases along with the general advantages and pitfalls of these models. We summarize how genome-editing techniques such as CRISPR/Cas9 will allow researchers to reduce the problem of genomic variability inherent to human studies, followed by recent iPS cell studies relevant to AD. We then focus on current techniques for the differentiation of iPS cells into neural cell types that are relevant to AD research. Finally, we discuss how the generation of three-dimensional cell culture systems will be important for understanding AD phenotypes in a complex cellular milieu, and how both two- and three-dimensional iPS cell models can provide platforms for drug discovery and translational studies into the treatment of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison E Mungenast
- Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA, USA; Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Sandra Siegert
- Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA, USA; Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | - Li-Huei Tsai
- Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA, USA; Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
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16
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Storm MP, Sorrell I, Shipley R, Regan S, Luetchford KA, Sathish J, Webb S, Ellis MJ. Hollow Fiber Bioreactors for In Vivo-like Mammalian Tissue Culture. J Vis Exp 2016:53431. [PMID: 27285826 PMCID: PMC4927741 DOI: 10.3791/53431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Tissue culture has been used for over 100 years to study cells and responses ex vivo. The convention of this technique is the growth of anchorage dependent cells on the 2-dimensional surface of tissue culture plastic. More recently, there is a growing body of data demonstrating more in vivo-like behaviors of cells grown in 3-dimensional culture systems. This manuscript describes in detail the set-up and operation of a hollow fiber bioreactor system for the in vivo-like culture of mammalian cells. The hollow fiber bioreactor system delivers media to the cells in a manner akin to the delivery of blood through the capillary networks in vivo. The system is designed to fit onto the shelf of a standard CO2 incubator and is simple enough to be set-up by any competent cell biologist with a good understanding of aseptic technique. The systems utility is demonstrated by culturing the hepatocarcinoma cell line HepG2/C3A for 7 days. Further to this and in line with other published reports on the functionality of cells grown in 3-dimensional culture systems the cells are shown to possess increased albumin production (an important hepatic function) when compared to standard 2-dimensional tissue culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael P Storm
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Bath;
| | - Ian Sorrell
- MRC Centre for Drug Safety Science and Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool
| | | | - Sophie Regan
- MRC Centre for Drug Safety Science and Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool
| | - Kim A Luetchford
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Bath
| | - Jean Sathish
- MRC Centre for Drug Safety Science and Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool
| | - Steven Webb
- Department of Applied Mathematics, Liverpool John Moores University
| | - Marianne J Ellis
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Bath
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17
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Vargas-Caballero M, Willaime-Morawek S, Gomez-Nicola D, Perry VH, Bulters D, Mudher A. The use of human neurons for novel drug discovery in dementia research. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2016; 11:355-67. [PMID: 26878555 DOI: 10.1517/17460441.2016.1154528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Although many disease models exist for neurodegenerative disease, the translation of basic research findings to clinic is very limited. Studies using freshly resected human brain tissue, commonly discarded from neurosurgical procedures, should complement on-going work using stem cell-derived human neurons and glia thus increasing the likelihood of success in clinical trials. AREAS COVERED Herein, the authors discuss key issues in the lack of translation from basic research to clinic. They also review the evidence that human neurons, both freshly resected brain tissue and stem cell-derived neurons, such as induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), can be used for analysis of physiological and molecular mechanisms in health and disease. Furthermore, the authors compare and contrast studies using live human brain tissue and studies using induced human stem cell-derived neuron models. Using an example from the area of neurodegeneration, the authors suggest that replicating elements of research findings from animals and stem cell models in resected human brain tissue would strengthen our understanding of disease mechanisms and the therapeutic strategies and aid translation. EXPERT OPINION The use of human brain tissue alongside iPSC-derived neural models can validate molecular mechanisms identified in rodent disease models and strengthen their relevance to humans. If drug target engagement and mechanism of cellular action can be validated in human brain tissue, this will increase the success rate in clinical research. The combined use of resected human brain tissue, alongside iPSC-derived neural models, could be considered a standard step in pre-clinical research and help to bridge the gap to clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Vargas-Caballero
- a Centre for Biological Sciences , University of Southampton , Southampton , UK.,b Institute for Life Sciences , University of Southampton , Southampton , UK
| | - Sandrine Willaime-Morawek
- c Clinical Neurosciences and Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Centre for Human Development, Stem Cells and Regeneration , University of Southampton , Southampton , UK
| | - Diego Gomez-Nicola
- a Centre for Biological Sciences , University of Southampton , Southampton , UK
| | - V Hugh Perry
- a Centre for Biological Sciences , University of Southampton , Southampton , UK
| | - Diederik Bulters
- d Wessex Neurological Centre , Southampton General Hospital , Southampton , UK
| | - Amrit Mudher
- a Centre for Biological Sciences , University of Southampton , Southampton , UK
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18
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Knowlton S, Cho Y, Li XJ, Khademhosseini A, Tasoglu S. Utilizing stem cells for three-dimensional neural tissue engineering. Biomater Sci 2016; 4:768-84. [DOI: 10.1039/c5bm00324e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Three-dimensional neural tissue engineering has significantly advanced the development of neural disease models and replacement tissues for patients by leveraging the unique capabilities of stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yongku Cho
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering
- University of Connecticut
- Storrs
- USA
| | - Xue-Jun Li
- Department of Neuroscience
- University of Connecticut Health Center
- Farmington
- USA
| | - Ali Khademhosseini
- Center for Biomedical Engineering
- Department of Medicine
- Brigham and Women's Hospital Harvard Medical School
- Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Cambridge
| | - Savas Tasoglu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering
- University of Connecticut
- Storrs
- USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering
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19
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Akhmanova M, Osidak E, Domogatsky S, Rodin S, Domogatskaya A. Physical, Spatial, and Molecular Aspects of Extracellular Matrix of In Vivo Niches and Artificial Scaffolds Relevant to Stem Cells Research. Stem Cells Int 2015; 2015:167025. [PMID: 26351461 PMCID: PMC4553184 DOI: 10.1155/2015/167025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2015] [Revised: 06/07/2015] [Accepted: 06/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular matrix can influence stem cell choices, such as self-renewal, quiescence, migration, proliferation, phenotype maintenance, differentiation, or apoptosis. Three aspects of extracellular matrix were extensively studied during the last decade: physical properties, spatial presentation of adhesive epitopes, and molecular complexity. Over 15 different parameters have been shown to influence stem cell choices. Physical aspects include stiffness (or elasticity), viscoelasticity, pore size, porosity, amplitude and frequency of static and dynamic deformations applied to the matrix. Spatial aspects include scaffold dimensionality (2D or 3D) and thickness; cell polarity; area, shape, and microscale topography of cell adhesion surface; epitope concentration, epitope clustering characteristics (number of epitopes per cluster, spacing between epitopes within cluster, spacing between separate clusters, cluster patterns, and level of disorder in epitope arrangement), and nanotopography. Biochemical characteristics of natural extracellular matrix molecules regard diversity and structural complexity of matrix molecules, affinity and specificity of epitope interaction with cell receptors, role of non-affinity domains, complexity of supramolecular organization, and co-signaling by growth factors or matrix epitopes. Synergy between several matrix aspects enables stem cells to retain their function in vivo and may be a key to generation of long-term, robust, and effective in vitro stem cell culture systems.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Egor Osidak
- Imtek Limited, 3 Cherepkovskaya 15, Moscow 21552, Russia
- Gamaleya Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology Federal State Budgetary Institution, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Gamalei 18, Moscow 123098, Russia
| | - Sergey Domogatsky
- Imtek Limited, 3 Cherepkovskaya 15, Moscow 21552, Russia
- Russian Cardiology Research and Production Center Federal State Budgetary Institution, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 3 Cherepkovskaya 15, Moscow 21552, Russia
| | - Sergey Rodin
- Division of Matrix Biology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institute, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Domogatskaya
- Division of Matrix Biology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institute, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
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