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Qi B, Ding Y, Zhang Y, Kou L, Zhao YZ, Yao Q. Biomaterial-assisted strategies to improve islet graft revascularization and transplant outcomes. Biomater Sci 2024; 12:821-836. [PMID: 38168805 DOI: 10.1039/d3bm01295f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Islet transplantation holds significant promise as a curative approach for type 1 diabetes (T1D). However, the transition of islet transplantation from the experimental phase to widespread clinical implementation has not occurred yet. One major hurdle in this field is the challenge of insufficient vascularization and subsequent early loss of transplanted islets, especially in non-intraportal transplantation sites. The establishment of a fully functional vascular system following transplantation is crucial for the survival and secretion function of islet grafts. This vascular network not only ensures the delivery of oxygen and nutrients, but also plays a critical role in insulin release and the timely removal of metabolic waste from the grafts. This review summarizes recent advances in effective strategies to improve graft revascularization and enhance islet survival. These advancements include the local release and regulation of angiogenic factors (e.g., vascular endothelial growth factor, VEGF), co-transplantation of vascular fragments, and pre-vascularization of the graft site. These innovative approaches pave the way for the development of effective islet transplantation therapies for individuals with T1D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boyang Qi
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China.
| | - Yang Ding
- The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China.
| | - Longfa Kou
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Ying-Zheng Zhao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China.
| | - Qing Yao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China.
- Cixi Biomedical Research Institute, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China
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Doherty DT, Khambalia HA, van Dellen D, Jennings RE, Piper Hanley K. Unlocking the post-transplant microenvironment for successful islet function and survival. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1250126. [PMID: 37711891 PMCID: PMC10497759 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1250126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Islet transplantation (IT) offers the potential to restore euglycemia for patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Despite improvements in islet isolation techniques and immunosuppressive regimes, outcomes remain suboptimal with UK five-year graft survivals (5YGS) of 55% and most patients still requiring exogenous insulin after multiple islet infusions. Native islets have a significant non-endocrine component with dense extra-cellular matrix (ECM), important for islet development, cell survival and function. Collagenase isolation necessarily disrupts this complex islet microenvironment, leaving islets devoid of a supporting framework and increasing vulnerability of transplanted islets. Following portal venous transplantation, a liver injury response is potentially induced, which typically results in inflammation and ECM deposition from liver specific myofibroblasts. The impact of this response may have important impact on islet survival and function. A fibroblast response and ECM deposition at the kidney capsule and eye chamber alongside other implantation sites have been shown to be beneficial for survival and function. Investigating the implantation site microenvironment and the interactions of transplanted islets with ECM proteins may reveal therapeutic interventions to improve IT and stem-cell derived beta-cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel T. Doherty
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Department of Renal & Pancreatic Transplantation, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Hussein A. Khambalia
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Department of Renal & Pancreatic Transplantation, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - David van Dellen
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Department of Renal & Pancreatic Transplantation, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel E. Jennings
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Department of Endocrinology, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Karen Piper Hanley
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
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Chhabra Y, Weeraratna AT. Fibroblasts in cancer: Unity in heterogeneity. Cell 2023; 186:1580-1609. [PMID: 37059066 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
Tumor cells do not exist in isolation in vivo, and carcinogenesis depends on the surrounding tumor microenvironment (TME), composed of a myriad of cell types and biophysical and biochemical components. Fibroblasts are integral in maintaining tissue homeostasis. However, even before a tumor develops, pro-tumorigenic fibroblasts in close proximity can provide the fertile 'soil' to the cancer 'seed' and are known as cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). In response to intrinsic and extrinsic stressors, CAFs reorganize the TME enabling metastasis, therapeutic resistance, dormancy and reactivation by secreting cellular and acellular factors. In this review, we summarize the recent discoveries on CAF-mediated cancer progression with a particular focus on fibroblast heterogeneity and plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yash Chhabra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| | - Ashani T Weeraratna
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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Patel SN, Mathews CE, Chandler R, Stabler CL. The Foundation for Engineering a Pancreatic Islet Niche. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:881525. [PMID: 35600597 PMCID: PMC9114707 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.881525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Progress in diabetes research is hindered, in part, by deficiencies in current experimental systems to accurately model human pathophysiology and/or predict clinical outcomes. Engineering human-centric platforms that more closely mimic in vivo physiology, however, requires thoughtful and informed design. Summarizing our contemporary understanding of the unique and critical features of the pancreatic islet can inform engineering design criteria. Furthermore, a broad understanding of conventional experimental practices and their current advantages and limitations ensures that new models address key gaps. Improving beyond traditional cell culture, emerging platforms are combining diabetes-relevant cells within three-dimensional niches containing dynamic matrices and controlled fluidic flow. While highly promising, islet-on-a-chip prototypes must evolve their utility, adaptability, and adoptability to ensure broad and reproducible use. Here we propose a roadmap for engineers to craft biorelevant and accessible diabetes models. Concurrently, we seek to inspire biologists to leverage such tools to ask complex and nuanced questions. The progenies of such diabetes models should ultimately enable investigators to translate ambitious research expeditions from benchtop to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Smit N. Patel
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Clayton E. Mathews
- Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
- Diabetes Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Rachel Chandler
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Cherie L. Stabler
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
- Diabetes Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
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Dolan R, Lampejo AO, Santini-González J, Hodges NA, Phelps EA, Murfee WL. A Novel ex vivo Method for Investigating Vascularization of Transplanted Islets. J Vasc Res 2022; 59:229-238. [PMID: 35462373 PMCID: PMC9308658 DOI: 10.1159/000523925] [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: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Revascularization of transplanted pancreatic islets is critical for survival and treatment of type 1 diabetes. Questions concerning how islets influence local microvascular networks and how networks form connections with islets remain understudied and motivate the need for new models that mimic the complexity of real tissue. Recently, our laboratory established the rat mesentery culture model as a tool to investigate cell dynamics involved in microvascular growth. An advantage is the ability to observe blood vessels, lymphatics, and immune cells. The objective of this study was to establish the rat mesentery tissue culture model as a useful tool to investigate islet tissue integration. DiI-labeled islets were seeded onto adult rat mesentery tissues and cultured for up to 3 days. Live lectin labeling enabled time-lapse observation of vessel growth. During culture, DiI-positive islets remained intact. Radial lectin-positive capillary sprouts with DiI labeling were observed to form from islets and connect to host networks. Lectin-positive vessels from host networks were also seen growing toward islets. PECAM and NG2 labeling confirmed that vessels sprouting from islets contained endothelial cells and pericytes. Our results introduce the rat mesentery culture model as a platform for investigating dynamics associated with the initial revascularization of transplanted islets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Dolan
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Arinola O Lampejo
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Jorge Santini-González
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Nicholas A Hodges
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Edward A Phelps
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Walter L Murfee
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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Santini-González J, Simonovich JA, Castro-Gutiérrez R, González-Vargas Y, Abuid NJ, Stabler CL, Russ HA, Phelps EA. In vitro generation of peri-islet basement membrane-like structures. Biomaterials 2021; 273:120808. [PMID: 33895491 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2021.120808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The peri-islet extracellular matrix (ECM) is a key component of the microenvironmental niche surrounding pancreatic islets of Langerhans. The cell anchorage and signaling provided by the peri-islet ECM is critical for optimum beta cell glucose responsiveness, but islets lose this important native ECM when isolated for transplantation or in vitro studies. Here, we established a method to construct a peri-islet ECM on the surfaces of isolated rat and human islets by the co-assembly from solution of laminin, nidogen and collagen IV proteins. Successful deposition of contiguous peri-islet ECM networks was confirmed by immunofluorescence, western blot, and transmission electron microscopy. The ECM coatings were disrupted when assembly occurred in Ca2+/Mg2+-free conditions. As laminin network polymerization is divalent cation dependent, our data are consistent with receptor-driven ordered ECM network formation rather than passive protein adsorption. To further illustrate the utility of ECM coatings, we employed stem cell derived beta-like cell clusters (sBCs) as a renewable source of functional beta cells for cell replacement therapy. We observe that sBC pseudo-islets lack an endogenous peri-islet ECM, but successfully applied our approach to construct a de novo ECM coating on the surfaces of sBCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Santini-González
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Jennifer A Simonovich
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Roberto Castro-Gutiérrez
- Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Yarelis González-Vargas
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez Campus, Mayagüez, PR, USA
| | - Nicholas J Abuid
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Cherie L Stabler
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Holger A Russ
- Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Edward A Phelps
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
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