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Rupar MJ, Sasserath T, Smith E, Comiter B, Sriram N, Long CJ, McAleer CW, Hickman JJ. Development of a human malaria-on-a-chip disease model for drug efficacy and off-target toxicity evaluation. Sci Rep 2023; 13:10509. [PMID: 37380653 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-35694-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
A functional, multi-organ, serum-free system was developed for the culture of P. falciparum in an attempt to establish innovative platforms for therapeutic drug development. It contains 4 human organ constructs including hepatocytes, splenocytes, endothelial cells, as well as recirculating red blood cells which allow for infection with the parasite. Two strains of P. falciparum were used: the 3D7 strain, which is sensitive to chloroquine; and the W2 strain, which is resistant to chloroquine. The maintenance of functional cells was successfully demonstrated both in healthy and diseased conditions for 7 days in the recirculating microfluidic model. To demonstrate an effective platform for therapeutic development, systems infected with the 3D7 strain were treated with chloroquine which significantly decreased parasitemia, with recrudescence observed after 5 days. Conversely, when the W2 systems were dosed with chloroquine, parasitemia levels were moderately decreased when compared to the 3D7 model. The system also allows for the concurrent evaluation of off-target toxicity for the anti-malarial treatment in a dose dependent manner which indicates this model could be utilized for therapeutic index determination. The work described here establishes a new approach to the evaluation of anti-malarial therapeutics in a realistic human model with recirculating blood cells for 7 days.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Rupar
- Hesperos, Inc., 12501 Research Parkway, Suite 100, Orlando, FL, 32826, USA
| | - Trevor Sasserath
- Hesperos, Inc., 12501 Research Parkway, Suite 100, Orlando, FL, 32826, USA
| | - Ethan Smith
- Hesperos, Inc., 12501 Research Parkway, Suite 100, Orlando, FL, 32826, USA
| | - Brandon Comiter
- Hesperos, Inc., 12501 Research Parkway, Suite 100, Orlando, FL, 32826, USA
| | - Narasimhan Sriram
- Hesperos, Inc., 12501 Research Parkway, Suite 100, Orlando, FL, 32826, USA
| | - Christopher J Long
- Hesperos, Inc., 12501 Research Parkway, Suite 100, Orlando, FL, 32826, USA
| | | | - James J Hickman
- Hesperos, Inc., 12501 Research Parkway, Suite 100, Orlando, FL, 32826, USA.
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2
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Badiola-Mateos M, Osaki T, Kamm RD, Samitier J. In vitro modelling of human proprioceptive sensory neurons in the neuromuscular system. Sci Rep 2022; 12:21318. [PMID: 36494423 PMCID: PMC9734133 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-23565-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Proprioceptive sensory neurons (pSN) are an essential and undervalued part of the neuromuscular circuit. A protocol to differentiate healthy and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) human neural stem cells (hNSC) into pSN, and their comparison with the motor neuron (MN) differentiation process from the same hNSC sources, facilitated the development of in vitro co-culture platforms. The obtained pSN spheroids cultured interact with human skeletal myocytes showing the formation of annulospiral wrapping-like structures between TrkC + neurons and a multinucleated muscle fibre, presenting synaptic bouton-like structures in the contact point. The comparative analysis of the genetic profile performed in healthy and sporadic ALS hNSC differentiated to pSN suggested that basal levels of ETV1, critical for motor feedback from pSN, were much lower for ALS samples and that the differences between healthy and ALS samples, suggest the involvement of pSN in ALS pathology development and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maider Badiola-Mateos
- grid.424736.00000 0004 0536 2369Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC)—Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, 08028 Barcelona, Spain ,grid.5841.80000 0004 1937 0247Department of Electronic and Biomedical Engineering, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain ,grid.116068.80000 0001 2341 2786Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), 500 Technology Square, MIT Building, Cambridge, MA 02139 USA ,grid.263145.70000 0004 1762 600XPresent Address: The BioRobotics Institute, Department of Excellence in Robotics and AI, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Tatsuya Osaki
- grid.116068.80000 0001 2341 2786Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), 500 Technology Square, MIT Building, Cambridge, MA 02139 USA ,grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XPresent Address: Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1, Komaba, Meguro-Ku, Tokyo, 153-8505 Japan
| | - Roger Dale Kamm
- grid.116068.80000 0001 2341 2786Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), 500 Technology Square, MIT Building, Cambridge, MA 02139 USA ,grid.116068.80000 0001 2341 2786Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 500 Technology Square, MIT Building, Cambridge, MA 02139 USA
| | - Josep Samitier
- grid.424736.00000 0004 0536 2369Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC)—Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, 08028 Barcelona, Spain ,grid.5841.80000 0004 1937 0247Department of Electronic and Biomedical Engineering, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain ,grid.512890.7Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red (CIBER-BBN), 28029 Madrid, Spain
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Barrett P, Quick TJ, Mudera V, Player DJ. Neuregulin 1 Drives Morphological and Phenotypical Changes in C2C12 Myotubes: Towards De Novo Formation of Intrafusal Fibres In Vitro. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 9:760260. [PMID: 35087826 PMCID: PMC8787273 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.760260] [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: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Muscle spindles are sensory organs that detect and mediate both static and dynamic muscle stretch and monitor muscle position, through a specialised cell population, termed intrafusal fibres. It is these fibres that provide a key contribution to proprioception and muscle spindle dysfunction is associated with multiple neuromuscular diseases, aging and nerve injuries. To date, there are few publications focussed on de novo generation and characterisation of intrafusal muscle fibres in vitro. To this end, current models of skeletal muscle focus on extrafusal fibres and lack an appreciation for the afferent functions of the muscle spindle. The goal of this study was to produce and define intrafusal bag and chain myotubes from differentiated C2C12 myoblasts, utilising the addition of the developmentally associated protein, Neuregulin 1 (Nrg-1). Intrafusal bag myotubes have a fusiform shape and were assigned using statistical morphological parameters. The model was further validated using immunofluorescent microscopy and western blot analysis, directed against an extensive list of putative intrafusal specific markers, as identified in vivo. The addition of Nrg-1 treatment resulted in a 5-fold increase in intrafusal bag myotubes (as assessed by morphology) and increased protein and gene expression of the intrafusal specific transcription factor, Egr3. Surprisingly, Nrg-1 treated myotubes had significantly reduced gene and protein expression of many intrafusal specific markers and showed no specificity towards intrafusal bag morphology. Another novel finding highlights a proliferative effect for Nrg-1 during the serum starvation-initiated differentiation phase, leading to increased nuclei counts, paired with less myotube area per myonuclei. Therefore, despite no clear collective evidence for specific intrafusal development, Nrg-1 treated myotubes share two inherent characteristics of intrafusal fibres, which contain increased satellite cell numbers and smaller myonuclear domains compared with their extrafusal neighbours. This research represents a minimalistic, monocellular C2C12 model for progression towards de novo intrafusal skeletal muscle generation, with the most extensive characterisation to date. Integration of intrafusal myotubes, characteristic of native, in vivo intrafusal skeletal muscle into future biomimetic tissue engineered models could provide platforms for developmental or disease state studies, pre-clinical screening, or clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Barrett
- Centre for 3D Models of Health and Disease, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tom J Quick
- Peripheral Nerve Injury Research Unit, Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, London, United Kingdom.,UCL Centre for Nerve Engineering, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Vivek Mudera
- Centre for 3D Models of Health and Disease, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Darren J Player
- Centre for 3D Models of Health and Disease, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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Prox J, Seicol B, Qi H, Argall A, Araya N, Behnke N, Guo L. Toward living neuroprosthetics: developing a biological brain pacemaker as a living neuromodulatory implant for improving parkinsonian symptoms. J Neural Eng 2021; 18. [PMID: 34010821 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/ac02dd] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Objective.Therapeutic intervention for Parkinson's disease (PD) via deep brain stimulation (DBS) represents the current paradigm for managing the advanced stages of the disease in patients when treatment with pharmaceuticals becomes inadequate. Although DBS is the prevailing therapy in these cases, the overall effectiveness and reliability of DBS can be diminished over time due to hardware complications and biocompatibility issues with the electronic implants. To achieve a lifetime solution, we envision that the next generation of neural implants will be entirely 'biological' and 'autologous', both physically and functionally. Thus, in this study, we set forth toward developing a biological brain pacemaker for treating PD. Our focus is to investigate engineering strategies for creating a multicellular biological circuit that integrates innate biological design and function while incorporating principles of neuromodulation to create a biological mechanism for delivering high-frequency stimulation with cellular specificity.Approach.We engineer a 3D multicellular circuit design built entirely from biological and biocompatible components using established tissue engineering protocols to demonstrate the feasibility of creating a living neural implant. Furthermore, using 2D co-culture systems, we investigate the physiologically relevant parameters that would be necessary to further develop a therapeutic benefit of high-frequency stimulation with cellular specificity within our construct design.Main results.Our results demonstrate the feasibility of fabricating a 3D multicellular circuit device in an implantable form. Furthermore, we show we can organize cellular materials to create potential functional connections in normal physiological conditions, thus laying down the foundation of designing a high-frequency pacing system for selective and controlled therapeutic neurostimulation.Significance.The findings from this study may lead to the future development of autologous living neural implants that both circumvent the issues inherent in electronic neural implants and form more biocompatible devices with lifelong robustness to repair and restore motor functions, with the ultimate benefit for patients with PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan Prox
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States of America
| | - Benjamin Seicol
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States of America
| | - Hao Qi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States of America
| | - Aaron Argall
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States of America
| | - Neway Araya
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States of America
| | - Nicholas Behnke
- Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States of America
| | - Liang Guo
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States of America
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Saini J, Faroni A, Reid AJ, Mouly V, Butler-Browne G, Lightfoot AP, McPhee JS, Degens H, Al-Shanti N. Cross-talk between motor neurons and myotubes via endogenously secreted neural and muscular growth factors. Physiol Rep 2021; 9:e14791. [PMID: 33931983 PMCID: PMC8087923 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.14791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuromuscular junction (NMJ) research is vital to advance the understanding of neuromuscular patho‐physiology and development of novel therapies for diseases associated with NM dysfunction. In vivo, the micro‐environment surrounding the NMJ has a significant impact on NMJ formation and maintenance via neurotrophic and differentiation factors that are secreted as a result of cross‐talk between muscle fibers and motor neurons. Recently we showed the formation of functional NMJs in vitro in a co‐culture of immortalized human myoblasts and motor neurons from rat‐embryo spinal‐cord explants, using a culture medium free from serum and neurotrophic or growth factors. The aim of this study was to assess how functional NMJs were established in this co‐culture devoid of exogenous neural growth factors. To investigate this, an ELISA‐based microarray was used to compare the composition of soluble endogenously secreted growth factors in this co‐culture with an a‐neural muscle culture. The levels of seven neurotrophic factors brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), glial‐cell‐line‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), insulin‐like growth factor‐binding protein‐3 (IGFBP‐3), insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1), neurotrophin‐3 (NT‐3), neurotrophin‐4 (NT‐4), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were higher (p < 0.05) in the supernatant of NMJ culture compared to those in the supernatant of the a‐neural muscle culture. This indicates that the cross‐talk between muscle and motor neurons promotes the secretion of soluble growth factors contributing to the local microenvironment thereby providing a favourable regenerative niche for NMJs formation and maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasdeep Saini
- Musculoskeletal Science & Sports Medicine Research Centre, Department of Life Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Alessandro Faroni
- Blond McIndoe Laboratories, Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK.,Dept. of Plastic Surgery & Burns, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Adam J Reid
- Blond McIndoe Laboratories, Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK.,Dept. of Plastic Surgery & Burns, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Vincent Mouly
- Center for Research in Myology, Sorbonne Université-INSERM, Paris, France
| | | | - Adam P Lightfoot
- Musculoskeletal Science & Sports Medicine Research Centre, Department of Life Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Jamie S McPhee
- Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Hans Degens
- Musculoskeletal Science & Sports Medicine Research Centre, Department of Life Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK.,Lithuanian Sports University, Institute of Sport Science and Innovations, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Nasser Al-Shanti
- Musculoskeletal Science & Sports Medicine Research Centre, Department of Life Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
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6
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Abstract
The muscle spindle is an important sense organ for motor control and proprioception. Specialized intrafusal fibers are innervated by both stretch sensitive afferents and γ motor neurons that control the length of the spindle and tune the sensitivity of the muscle spindle afferents to both dynamic movement and static length. γ motor neurons share many similarities with other skeletal motor neurons, making it challenging to identify and specifically record or stimulate them. This short review will discuss recent advances in genetic and molecular biology techniques, electrophysiological recording, optical imaging, computer modelling, and stem cell culture techniques that have the potential to help answer important questions about fusimotor function in motor control and disease.
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7
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Barrett P, Quick TJ, Mudera V, Player DJ. Generating intrafusal skeletal muscle fibres in vitro: Current state of the art and future challenges. J Tissue Eng 2020; 11:2041731420985205. [PMID: 34956586 PMCID: PMC8693220 DOI: 10.1177/2041731420985205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Intrafusal fibres are a specialised cell population in skeletal muscle, found within the muscle spindle. These fibres have a mechano-sensory capacity, forming part of the monosynaptic stretch-reflex arc, a key component responsible for proprioceptive function. Impairment of proprioception and associated dysfunction of the muscle spindle is linked with many neuromuscular diseases. Research to-date has largely been undertaken in vivo or using ex vivo preparations. These studies have provided a foundation for our understanding of muscle spindle physiology, however, the cellular and molecular mechanisms which underpin physiological changes are yet to be fully elucidated. Therefrom, the use of in vitro models has been proposed, whereby intrafusal fibres can be generated de novo. Although there has been progress, it is predominantly a developing and evolving area of research. This narrative review presents the current state of art in this area and proposes the direction of future work, with the aim of providing novel pre-clinical and clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Barrett
- Centre for 3D Models of Health and Disease, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University College London, London, UK
| | - Tom J Quick
- Peripheral Nerve Injury Research Unit, Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore, UK
- UCL Centre for Nerve Engineering, University College London, London, UK
| | - Vivek Mudera
- Centre for 3D Models of Health and Disease, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University College London, London, UK
| | - Darren J Player
- Centre for 3D Models of Health and Disease, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University College London, London, UK
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8
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Saini J, Faroni A, Reid AJ, Mamchaoui K, Mouly V, Butler-Browne G, Lightfoot AP, McPhee JS, Degens H, Al-Shanti N. A Novel Bioengineered Functional Motor Unit Platform to Study Neuromuscular Interaction. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9103238. [PMID: 33050427 PMCID: PMC7599749 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9103238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: In many neurodegenerative and muscular disorders, and loss of innervation in sarcopenia, improper reinnervation of muscle and dysfunction of the motor unit (MU) are key pathogenic features. In vivo studies of MUs are constrained due to difficulties isolating and extracting functional MUs, so there is a need for a simplified and reproducible system of engineered in vitro MUs. Objective: to develop and characterise a functional MU model in vitro, permitting the analysis of MU development and function. Methods: an immortalised human myoblast cell line was co-cultured with rat embryo spinal cord explants in a serum-free/growth fact media. MUs developed and the morphology of their components (neuromuscular junction (NMJ), myotubes and motor neurons) were characterised using immunocytochemistry, phase contrast and confocal microscopy. The function of the MU was evaluated through live observations and videography of spontaneous myotube contractions after challenge with cholinergic antagonists and glutamatergic agonists. Results: blocking acetylcholine receptors with α-bungarotoxin resulted in complete, cessation of myotube contractions, which was reversible with tubocurarine. Furthermore, myotube activity was significantly higher with the application of L-glutamic acid. All these observations indicate the formed MU are functional. Conclusion: a functional nerve-muscle co-culture model was established that has potential for drug screening and pathophysiological studies of neuromuscular interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasdeep Saini
- Musculoskeletal Science & Sports Medicine Research Centre, Department of Life Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester M1 5GD, UK; (J.S.); (A.P.L.); (H.D.)
| | - Alessandro Faroni
- Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Blond McIndoe Laboratories, Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M1 7DN, UK; (A.F.); (A.J.R.)
- Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Department of Plastic Surgery & Burns, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester M23 9LT, UK
| | - Adam J. Reid
- Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Blond McIndoe Laboratories, Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M1 7DN, UK; (A.F.); (A.J.R.)
- Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Department of Plastic Surgery & Burns, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester M23 9LT, UK
| | - Kamel Mamchaoui
- Center for Research in Myology, Sorbonne Université-INSERM, 75013 Paris, France; (K.M.); (V.M.); (G.B.-B.)
| | - Vincent Mouly
- Center for Research in Myology, Sorbonne Université-INSERM, 75013 Paris, France; (K.M.); (V.M.); (G.B.-B.)
| | - Gillian Butler-Browne
- Center for Research in Myology, Sorbonne Université-INSERM, 75013 Paris, France; (K.M.); (V.M.); (G.B.-B.)
| | - Adam P. Lightfoot
- Musculoskeletal Science & Sports Medicine Research Centre, Department of Life Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester M1 5GD, UK; (J.S.); (A.P.L.); (H.D.)
| | - Jamie S. McPhee
- Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester M1 5GD, UK;
| | - Hans Degens
- Musculoskeletal Science & Sports Medicine Research Centre, Department of Life Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester M1 5GD, UK; (J.S.); (A.P.L.); (H.D.)
- Institute of Sport Science and Innovations, Lithuanian Sports University, LT-44221 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Nasser Al-Shanti
- Musculoskeletal Science & Sports Medicine Research Centre, Department of Life Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester M1 5GD, UK; (J.S.); (A.P.L.); (H.D.)
- Correspondence:
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Colón A, Badu-Mensah A, Guo X, Goswami A, Hickman JJ. Differentiation of Intrafusal Fibers from Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells. ACS Chem Neurosci 2020; 11:1085-1092. [PMID: 32159941 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.0c00055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Human-based "body-on-a-chip" technology provides powerful platforms in developing models for drug evaluation and disease evaluations in phenotypic models. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are ideal cell sources for generating different cell types for these in vitro functional systems and recapitulation of the neuromuscular reflex arc would allow for the study of patient specific neuromuscular diseases. Regarding relevant afferent (intrafusal fibers, sensory neurons) and efferent (extrafusal fibers, motoneurons) cells, in vitro differentiation of intrafusal fiber from human iPSCs has not been established. This work demonstrates a protocol for inducing an enrichment of intrafusal bag fibers from iPSCs using morphological analysis and immunocytochemistry. Phosphorylation of the ErbB2 receptors and S46 staining indicated a 3-fold increase of total intrafusal fibers further confirming the efficiency of the protocol. Integration of induced intrafusal fibers would enable more accurate reflex arc models and application of this protocol on patient iPSCs would allow for patient-specific disease modeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alisha Colón
- Hybrid Systems Lab, NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, Florida 32826, United States
| | - Agnes Badu-Mensah
- Hybrid Systems Lab, NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, Florida 32826, United States
| | - Xiufang Guo
- Hybrid Systems Lab, NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, Florida 32826, United States
| | - Arindom Goswami
- Hybrid Systems Lab, NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, Florida 32826, United States
| | - James J. Hickman
- Hybrid Systems Lab, NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, Florida 32826, United States
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10
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Coln EA, Colon A, Long CJ, Sriram NN, Esch M, Prot JM, Elbrecht DH, Wang Y, Jackson M, Shuler ML, Hickman JJ. Piezoelectric BioMEMS Cantilever for Measurement of Muscle Contraction and for Actuation of Mechanosensitive Cells. MRS COMMUNICATIONS 2019; 9:1186-1192. [PMID: 33777497 PMCID: PMC7995331 DOI: 10.1557/mrc.2019.129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
A piezoelectric biomedical microelectromechanical system (bioMEMS) cantilever device was designed and fabricated to act as either a sensing element for muscle tissue contraction or as an actuator to apply mechanical force to cells. The sensing ability of the piezoelectric cantilevers was shown by monitoring the electrical signal generated from the piezoelectric aluminum nitride in response to the contraction of iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes cultured on the piezoelectric cantilevers. Actuation was demonstrated by applying electrical pulses to the piezoelectric cantilever and observing bending via an optical detection method. This piezoelectric cantilever device was designed to be incorporated into body-on-a-chip systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A. Coln
- Hybrid Systems Laboratory, University of Central Florida, NanoScience Technology Center, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826
- Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of Central Florida, 4328 Scorpius St., Orlando, FL 32816
| | - Alisha Colon
- Hybrid Systems Laboratory, University of Central Florida, NanoScience Technology Center, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826
| | | | | | - Mandy Esch
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Weill Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853
| | - Jean-Matthieu Prot
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Weill Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853
| | - Daniel H. Elbrecht
- Hybrid Systems Laboratory, University of Central Florida, NanoScience Technology Center, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Weill Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853
| | - Max Jackson
- Hesperos, Inc., 3259 Progress Drive #158, Orlando, FL 32826
| | - Michael L. Shuler
- Hesperos, Inc., 3259 Progress Drive #158, Orlando, FL 32826
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Weill Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853
| | - James J. Hickman
- Hybrid Systems Laboratory, University of Central Florida, NanoScience Technology Center, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826
- Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of Central Florida, 4328 Scorpius St., Orlando, FL 32816
- Hesperos, Inc., 3259 Progress Drive #158, Orlando, FL 32826
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11
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Natarajan A, Sethumadhavan A, Krishnan UM. Toward Building the Neuromuscular Junction: In Vitro Models To Study Synaptogenesis and Neurodegeneration. ACS OMEGA 2019; 4:12969-12977. [PMID: 31460423 PMCID: PMC6682064 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.9b00973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2019] [Accepted: 07/04/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is a unique, specialized chemical synapse that plays a crucial role in transmitting and amplifying information from spinal motor neurons to skeletal muscles. NMJ complexity ensures closely intertwined interactions between numerous synaptic vesicles, signaling molecules, ion channels, motor neurons, glia, and muscle fibers, making it difficult to dissect the underlying mechanisms and factors affecting neurodegeneration and muscle loss. Muscle fiber or motor neuron cell death followed by rapid axonal degeneration due to injury or disease has a debilitating effect on movement and behavior, which adversely affects the quality of life. It thus becomes imperative to study the synapse and intercellular signaling processes that regulate plasticity at the NMJ and elucidate mechanisms and pathways at the cellular level. Studies using in vitro 2D cell cultures have allowed us to gain a fundamental understanding of how the NMJ functions. However, they do not provide information on the intricate signaling networks that exist between NMJs and the biological environment. The advent of 3D cell cultures and microfluidic lab-on-a-chip technologies has opened whole new avenues to explore the NMJ. In this perspective, we look at the challenges involved in building a functional NMJ and the progress made in generating models for studying the NMJ, highlighting the current and future applications of these models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anupama Natarajan
- Centre
for Nanotechnology & Advanced Biomaterials (CeNTAB), School of Chemical
& Biotechnology, and School of Arts, Science & Humanities, SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur 613 401, India
| | - Anjali Sethumadhavan
- Centre
for Nanotechnology & Advanced Biomaterials (CeNTAB), School of Chemical
& Biotechnology, and School of Arts, Science & Humanities, SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur 613 401, India
| | - Uma Maheswari Krishnan
- Centre
for Nanotechnology & Advanced Biomaterials (CeNTAB), School of Chemical
& Biotechnology, and School of Arts, Science & Humanities, SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur 613 401, India
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12
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Saini J, Faroni A, Abd Al Samid M, Reid AJ, Lightfoot AP, Mamchaoui K, Mouly V, Butler-Browne G, McPhee JS, Degens H, Al-Shanti N. Simplified in vitro engineering of neuromuscular junctions between rat embryonic motoneurons and immortalized human skeletal muscle cells. STEM CELLS AND CLONING-ADVANCES AND APPLICATIONS 2019; 12:1-9. [PMID: 30863121 PMCID: PMC6388735 DOI: 10.2147/sccaa.s187655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Background Neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) consist of the presynaptic cholinergic motoneuron terminals and the corresponding postsynaptic motor endplates on skeletal muscle fibers. At the NMJ the action potential of the neuron leads, via release of acetylcholine, to muscle membrane depolarization that in turn is translated into muscle contraction and physical movement. Despite the fact that substantial NMJ research has been performed, the potential of in vivo NMJ investigations is inadequate and difficult to employ. A simple and reproducible in vitro NMJ model may provide a robust means to study the impact of neurotrophic factors, growth factors, and hormones on NMJ formation, structure, and function. Methods This report characterizes a novel in vitro NMJ model utilizing immortalized human skeletal muscle stem cells seeded on 35 mm glass-bottom dishes, cocultured and innervated with spinal cord explants from rat embryos at ED 13.5. The cocultures were fixed and stained on day 14 for analysis and assessment of NMJ formation and development. Results This unique serum- and trophic factor-free system permits the growth of cholinergic motoneurons, the formation of mature NMJs, and the development of highly differentiated contractile myotubes, which exhibit appropriate configuration of transversal triads, representative of in vivo conditions. Conclusion This coculture system provides a tool to study vital features of NMJ formation, regulation, maintenance, and repair, as well as a model platform to explore neuromuscular diseases and disorders affecting NMJs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasdeep Saini
- Musculoskeletal Science & Sports Medicine Research Centre, School of Healthcare Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK,
| | - Alessandro Faroni
- Blond McIndoe Laboratories, Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK.,Department of Plastic Surgery & Burns, University Hospitals of South Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Marwah Abd Al Samid
- Musculoskeletal Science & Sports Medicine Research Centre, School of Healthcare Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK,
| | - Adam J Reid
- Blond McIndoe Laboratories, Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK.,Department of Plastic Surgery & Burns, University Hospitals of South Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Adam P Lightfoot
- Musculoskeletal Science & Sports Medicine Research Centre, School of Healthcare Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK,
| | - Kamel Mamchaoui
- Center for Research in Myology, Sorbonne Université- INSERM, Paris, France
| | - Vincent Mouly
- Center for Research in Myology, Sorbonne Université- INSERM, Paris, France
| | | | - Jamie S McPhee
- Department of Sport and Exercise Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Hans Degens
- Musculoskeletal Science & Sports Medicine Research Centre, School of Healthcare Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK, .,Institute of Sport Science and Innovations, Lithuanian Sports University, Kaunas, Lithuania.,University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Targu Mures, Targu Mures, Romania
| | - Nasser Al-Shanti
- Musculoskeletal Science & Sports Medicine Research Centre, School of Healthcare Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK,
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13
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Badiola-Mateos M, Hervera A, Del Río JA, Samitier J. Challenges and Future Prospects on 3D in-vitro Modeling of the Neuromuscular Circuit. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2018; 6:194. [PMID: 30622944 PMCID: PMC6297173 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2018.00194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Movement of skeletal-muscle fibers is generated by the coordinated action of several cells taking part within the locomotion circuit (motoneurons, sensory-neurons, Schwann cells, astrocytes, microglia, and muscle-cells). Failures in any part of this circuit could impede or hinder coordinated muscle movement and cause a neuromuscular disease (NMD) or determine its severity. Studying fragments of the circuit cannot provide a comprehensive and complete view of the pathological process. We trace the historic developments of studies focused on in-vitro modeling of the spinal-locomotion circuit and how bioengineered innovative technologies show advantages for an accurate mimicking of physiological conditions of spinal-locomotion circuit. New developments on compartmentalized microfluidic culture systems (cμFCS), the use of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) and 3D cell-cultures are analyzed. We finally address limitations of current study models and three main challenges on neuromuscular studies: (i) mimic the whole spinal-locomotion circuit including all cell-types involved and the evaluation of independent and interdependent roles of each one; (ii) mimic the neurodegenerative response of mature neurons in-vitro as it occurs in-vivo; and (iii) develop, tune, implement, and combine cμFCS, hiPSC, and 3D-culture technologies to ultimately create patient-specific complete, translational, and reliable NMD in-vitro model. Overcoming these challenges would significantly facilitate understanding the events taking place in NMDs and accelerate the process of finding new therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maider Badiola-Mateos
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia-Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Electronics and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Physics, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Arnau Hervera
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia-Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Barcelona, Spain.,Institut de Neurociències de la Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - José Antonio Del Río
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia-Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Barcelona, Spain.,Institut de Neurociències de la Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep Samitier
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia-Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Electronics and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Physics, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina, Madrid, Spain
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14
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Qiao Y, Cong M, Li J, Li H, Li Z. The effects of neuregulin-1β on intrafusal muscle fiber formation in neuromuscular coculture of dorsal root ganglion explants and skeletal muscle cells. Skelet Muscle 2018; 8:29. [PMID: 30219099 PMCID: PMC6139134 DOI: 10.1186/s13395-018-0175-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2018] [Accepted: 09/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The formation of intrafusal muscle (IM) fibers and their contact with afferent proprioceptive axons is critical for construction, function, and maintenance of the stretch reflex. Many factors affect the formation of IM fibers. Finding new factors and mechanisms of IM fiber formation is essential for the reconstruction of stretch reflex arc after injury. Methods We established a coculture system of organotypic dorsal root ganglion (DRG) explants and dissociated skeletal muscle (SKM) cells. The formation of IM fibers was observed in this coculture system after neuregulin-1β (NRG-1β) incubation. Results We found that NRG-1β promoted outgrowth of neurites and migration of neurons from the organotypic DRG explants and that this correlated with an induction of growth-associated protein 43 (GAP-43) expression. NRG-1β also increased the amount of nuclear bag fibers and nuclear chain fibers by elevating the proportion of tyrosine kinase receptor C (TrkC) phenotypic DRG neurons. In addition, we found that the effects of NRG-1β could be blocked by inhibiting ERK1/2, PI3K/Akt, and JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathways. Conclusion These data imply that NRG-1β promoted neurite outgrowth and neuronal migration from the organotypic DRG explants and that this correlated with an induction of GAP-43 expression. The modulating effects of NRG-1β on TrkC DRG neuronal phenotype may link to promote IM fiber formation. The effects produced by NRG-1β in this neuromuscular coculture system provide new data for the therapeutic potential on IM fiber formation after muscle injury. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13395-018-0175-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Qiao
- Department of Anatomy, Shandong University School of Basic Medical Sciences, 44 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, 250012, Shandong Province, China.,Department of Orthopaedics, Shandong University Qilu Hospital, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Menglin Cong
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shandong University Qilu Hospital, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Jianmin Li
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shandong University Qilu Hospital, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Hao Li
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shandong University Qilu Hospital, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Zhenzhong Li
- Department of Anatomy, Shandong University School of Basic Medical Sciences, 44 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, 250012, Shandong Province, China.
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15
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Prox J, Smith T, Holl C, Chehade N, Guo L. Integrated biocircuits: engineering functional multicellular circuits and devices. J Neural Eng 2018; 15:023001. [DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/aaa906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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16
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Baudequin T, Tabrizian M. Multilineage Constructs for Scaffold-Based Tissue Engineering: A Review of Tissue-Specific Challenges. Adv Healthc Mater 2018; 7. [PMID: 29193897 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201700734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2017] [Revised: 09/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
There is a growing interest in the regeneration of tissue in interfacial regions, where biological, physical, and chemical attributes vary across tissue type. The simultaneous use of distinct cell lineages can help in developing in vitro structures, analogous to native composite tissues. This literature review gathers the recent reports that have investigated multiple cell types of various sources and lineages in a coculture system for tissue-engineered constructs. Such studies aim at mimicking the native organization of tissues and their interfaces, and/or to improve the development of complex tissue substitutes. This paper thus distinguishes itself from those focusing on technical aspects of coculturing for a single specific tissue. The first part of this review is dedicated to variables of cocultured tissue engineering such as scaffold, cells, and in vitro culture environment. Next, tissue-specific coculture methods and approaches are covered for the most studied tissues. Finally, cross-analysis is performed to highlight emerging trends in coculture principles and to discuss how tissue-specific challenges can inspire new approaches for regeneration of different interfaces to improve the outcomes of various tissue engineering strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothée Baudequin
- Faculty of Medicine; Biomat'X Laboratory; Department of Biomedical Engineering; McGill University; 740 ave. Dr. Penfield, Room 4300 Montréal QC H3A 0G1 Québec Canada
| | - Maryam Tabrizian
- Faculty of Medicine; Biomat'X Laboratory; Department of Biomedical Engineering; McGill University; 740 ave. Dr. Penfield, Room 4300 Montréal QC H3A 0G1 Québec Canada
- Faculty of Dentistry; McGill University; 3775 rue University, Room 313/308B Montréal QC H3A 2B4 Québec Canada
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17
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Wang YI, Carmona C, Hickman JJ, Shuler ML. Multiorgan Microphysiological Systems for Drug Development: Strategies, Advances, and Challenges. Adv Healthc Mater 2018; 7:10.1002/adhm.201701000. [PMID: 29205920 PMCID: PMC5805562 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201701000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2017] [Revised: 09/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Traditional cell culture and animal models utilized for preclinical drug screening have led to high attrition rates of drug candidates in clinical trials due to their low predictive power for human response. Alternative models using human cells to build in vitro biomimetics of the human body with physiologically relevant organ-organ interactions hold great potential to act as "human surrogates" and provide more accurate prediction of drug effects in humans. This review is a comprehensive investigation into the development of tissue-engineered human cell-based microscale multiorgan models, or multiorgan microphysiological systems for drug testing. The evolution from traditional models to macro- and microscale multiorgan systems is discussed in regards to the rationale for recent global efforts in multiorgan microphysiological systems. Current advances in integrating cell culture and on-chip analytical technologies, as well as proof-of-concept applications for these multiorgan microsystems are discussed. Major challenges for the field, such as reproducibility and physiological relevance, are discussed with comparisons of the strengths and weaknesses of various systems to solve these challenges. Conclusions focus on the current development stage of multiorgan microphysiological systems and new trends in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying I Wang
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Carlos Carmona
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826, USA
| | - James J Hickman
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826, USA
- Hesperos, Inc., 3259 Progress Dr, Room 158, Orlando, FL 32826
| | - Michael L Shuler
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
- Hesperos, Inc., 3259 Progress Dr, Room 158, Orlando, FL 32826
- Robert Frederick Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
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18
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Geraili A, Jafari P, Hassani MS, Araghi BH, Mohammadi MH, Ghafari AM, Tamrin SH, Modarres HP, Kolahchi AR, Ahadian S, Sanati-Nezhad A. Controlling Differentiation of Stem Cells for Developing Personalized Organ-on-Chip Platforms. Adv Healthc Mater 2018; 7. [PMID: 28910516 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201700426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2017] [Revised: 06/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Organ-on-chip (OOC) platforms have attracted attentions of pharmaceutical companies as powerful tools for screening of existing drugs and development of new drug candidates. OOCs have primarily used human cell lines or primary cells to develop biomimetic tissue models. However, the ability of human stem cells in unlimited self-renewal and differentiation into multiple lineages has made them attractive for OOCs. The microfluidic technology has enabled precise control of stem cell differentiation using soluble factors, biophysical cues, and electromagnetic signals. This study discusses different tissue- and organ-on-chip platforms (i.e., skin, brain, blood-brain barrier, bone marrow, heart, liver, lung, tumor, and vascular), with an emphasis on the critical role of stem cells in the synthesis of complex tissues. This study further recaps the design, fabrication, high-throughput performance, and improved functionality of stem-cell-based OOCs, technical challenges, obstacles against implementing their potential applications, and future perspectives related to different experimental platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armin Geraili
- Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering; Sharif University of Technology; Azadi, Tehran 14588-89694 Iran
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Engineering; Western University; London N6A 5B9 ON Canada
| | - Parya Jafari
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Engineering; Western University; London N6A 5B9 ON Canada
- Department of Electrical Engineering; Sharif University of Technology; Azadi, Tehran 14588-89694 Iran
| | - Mohsen Sheikh Hassani
- Department of Systems and Computer Engineering; Carleton University; 1125 Colonel By Drive Ottawa K1S 5B6 ON Canada
| | - Behnaz Heidary Araghi
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering; Sharif University of Technology; Azadi, Tehran 14588-89694 Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Mohammadi
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering; University of Toronto; Toronto ON M5S 3G9 Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry; University of Toronto; Toronto Ontario M5S 3E5 Canada
| | - Amir Mohammad Ghafari
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology; Cell Science Research Center; Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology; Tehran 16635-148 Iran
| | - Sara Hasanpour Tamrin
- BioMEMS and Bioinspired Microfluidic Laboratory (BioM); Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering; University of Calgary; 2500 University Drive N.W. Calgary T2N 1N4 AB Canada
| | - Hassan Pezeshgi Modarres
- BioMEMS and Bioinspired Microfluidic Laboratory (BioM); Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering; University of Calgary; 2500 University Drive N.W. Calgary T2N 1N4 AB Canada
| | - Ahmad Rezaei Kolahchi
- BioMEMS and Bioinspired Microfluidic Laboratory (BioM); Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering; University of Calgary; 2500 University Drive N.W. Calgary T2N 1N4 AB Canada
| | - Samad Ahadian
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering; University of Toronto; Toronto ON M5S 3G9 Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry; University of Toronto; Toronto Ontario M5S 3E5 Canada
| | - Amir Sanati-Nezhad
- BioMEMS and Bioinspired Microfluidic Laboratory (BioM); Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering; University of Calgary; 2500 University Drive N.W. Calgary T2N 1N4 AB Canada
- Center for Bioengineering Research and Education; Biomedical Engineering Program; University of Calgary; Calgary T2N 1N4 AB Canada
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19
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Colón A, Guo X, Akanda N, Cai Y, Hickman JJ. Functional analysis of human intrafusal fiber innervation by human γ-motoneurons. Sci Rep 2017; 7:17202. [PMID: 29222416 PMCID: PMC5722897 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-17382-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Investigation of neuromuscular deficits and diseases such as SMA, as well as for next generation prosthetics, utilizing in vitro phenotypic models would benefit from the development of a functional neuromuscular reflex arc. The neuromuscular reflex arc is the system that integrates the proprioceptive information for muscle length and activity (sensory afferent), to modify motoneuron output to achieve graded muscle contraction (actuation efferent). The sensory portion of the arc is composed of proprioceptive sensory neurons and the muscle spindle, which is embedded in the muscle tissue and composed of intrafusal fibers. The gamma motoneurons (γ-MNs) that innervate these fibers regulate the intrafusal fiber's stretch so that they retain proper tension and sensitivity during muscle contraction or relaxation. This mechanism is in place to maintain the sensitivity of proprioception during dynamic muscle activity and to prevent muscular damage. In this study, a co-culture system was developed for innervation of intrafusal fibers by human γ-MNs and demonstrated by morphological and immunocytochemical analysis, then validated by functional electrophysiological evaluation. This human-based fusimotor model and its incorporation into the reflex arc allows for a more accurate recapitulation of neuromuscular function for applications in disease investigations, drug discovery, prosthetic design and neuropathic pain investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Colón
- Hybrid Systems Lab, NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, FL, 32826, USA
| | - X Guo
- Hybrid Systems Lab, NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, FL, 32826, USA
| | - N Akanda
- Hybrid Systems Lab, NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, FL, 32826, USA
| | - Y Cai
- Hybrid Systems Lab, NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, FL, 32826, USA
| | - J J Hickman
- Hybrid Systems Lab, NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, FL, 32826, USA.
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20
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Wang YI, Oleaga C, Long CJ, Esch MB, McAleer CW, Miller PG, Hickman JJ, Shuler ML. Self-contained, low-cost Body-on-a-Chip systems for drug development. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2017; 242:1701-1713. [PMID: 29065797 DOI: 10.1177/1535370217694101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Integrated multi-organ microphysiological systems are an evolving tool for preclinical evaluation of the potential toxicity and efficacy of drug candidates. Such systems, also known as Body-on-a-Chip devices, have a great potential to increase the successful conversion of drug candidates entering clinical trials into approved drugs. Systems, to be attractive for commercial adoption, need to be inexpensive, easy to operate, and give reproducible results. Further, the ability to measure functional responses, such as electrical activity, force generation, and barrier integrity of organ surrogates, enhances the ability to monitor response to drugs. The ability to operate a system for significant periods of time (up to 28 d) will provide potential to estimate chronic as well as acute responses of the human body. Here we review progress towards a self-contained low-cost microphysiological system with functional measurements of physiological responses. Impact statement Multi-organ microphysiological systems are promising devices to improve the drug development process. The development of a pumpless system represents the ability to build multi-organ systems that are of low cost, high reliability, and self-contained. These features, coupled with the ability to measure electrical and mechanical response in addition to chemical or metabolic changes, provides an attractive system for incorporation into the drug development process. This will be the most complete review of the pumpless platform with recirculation yet written.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying I Wang
- 1 Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Carlota Oleaga
- 2 NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32826, USA
| | - Christopher J Long
- 2 NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32826, USA.,3 Hesperos, Inc., Orlando, FL 32826, USA
| | - Mandy B Esch
- 4 Center for Nanoscale Science and Technology, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD 20899, USA
| | - Christopher W McAleer
- 2 NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32826, USA.,3 Hesperos, Inc., Orlando, FL 32826, USA
| | - Paula G Miller
- 1 Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - James J Hickman
- 2 NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32826, USA.,3 Hesperos, Inc., Orlando, FL 32826, USA
| | - Michael L Shuler
- 1 Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.,3 Hesperos, Inc., Orlando, FL 32826, USA
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21
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Guo X, Colon A, Akanda N, Spradling S, Stancescu M, Martin C, Hickman JJ. Tissue engineering the mechanosensory circuit of the stretch reflex arc with human stem cells: Sensory neuron innervation of intrafusal muscle fibers. Biomaterials 2017; 122:179-187. [PMID: 28129596 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2017.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2016] [Revised: 12/28/2016] [Accepted: 01/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Muscle spindles are sensory organs embedded in the belly of skeletal muscles that serve as mechanoreceptors detecting static and dynamic information about muscle length and stretch. Through their connection with proprioceptive sensory neurons, sensation of axial body position and muscle movement are transmitted to the central nervous system. Impairment of this sensory circuit causes motor deficits and has been linked to a wide range of diseases. To date, no defined human-based in vitro model of the proprioceptive sensory circuit has been developed. The goal of this study was to develop a human-based in vitro muscle sensory circuit utilizing human stem cells. A serum-free medium was developed to drive the induction of intrafusal fibers from human satellite cells by actuation of a neuregulin signaling pathway. Both bag and chain intrafusal fibers were generated and subsequently validated by phase microscopy and immunocytochemistry. When co-cultured with proprioceptive sensory neurons derived from human neuroprogenitors, mechanosensory nerve terminal structural features with intrafusal fibers were demonstrated. Most importantly, patch-clamp electrophysiological analysis of the intrafusal fibers indicated repetitive firing of human intrafusal fibers, which has not been observed in human extrafusal fibers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiufang Guo
- Hybrid Systems Lab, NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826, USA
| | - Alisha Colon
- Hybrid Systems Lab, NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826, USA; Biomolecular Science Center, Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida, 12722 Research Parkway, Orlando, FL 32826, USA
| | - Nesar Akanda
- Hybrid Systems Lab, NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826, USA
| | - Severo Spradling
- Biomolecular Science Center, Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida, 12722 Research Parkway, Orlando, FL 32826, USA
| | - Maria Stancescu
- Department of Chemistry, 4000 Central Florida Blvd., Physical Sciences Building (PS) Room 255, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32816-2366, USA
| | - Candace Martin
- Hybrid Systems Lab, NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826, USA
| | - James J Hickman
- Hybrid Systems Lab, NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826, USA; Biomolecular Science Center, Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida, 12722 Research Parkway, Orlando, FL 32826, USA; Department of Chemistry, 4000 Central Florida Blvd., Physical Sciences Building (PS) Room 255, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32816-2366, USA.
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22
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Bhatia SN, Ingber DE. Microfluidic organs-on-chips. Nat Biotechnol 2015; 32:760-72. [PMID: 25093883 DOI: 10.1038/nbt.2989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1872] [Impact Index Per Article: 208.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2014] [Accepted: 07/10/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
An organ-on-a-chip is a microfluidic cell culture device created with microchip manufacturing methods that contains continuously perfused chambers inhabited by living cells arranged to simulate tissue- and organ-level physiology. By recapitulating the multicellular architectures, tissue-tissue interfaces, physicochemical microenvironments and vascular perfusion of the body, these devices produce levels of tissue and organ functionality not possible with conventional 2D or 3D culture systems. They also enable high-resolution, real-time imaging and in vitro analysis of biochemical, genetic and metabolic activities of living cells in a functional tissue and organ context. This technology has great potential to advance the study of tissue development, organ physiology and disease etiology. In the context of drug discovery and development, it should be especially valuable for the study of molecular mechanisms of action, prioritization of lead candidates, toxicity testing and biomarker identification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sangeeta N Bhatia
- 1] Department of Electrical Engineering &Computer Science, Koch Institute and Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Broad Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. [2] Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Donald E Ingber
- 1] Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA. [2] Vascular Biology Program, Departments of Pathology &Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA. [3] School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
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23
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Smith AST, Long CJ, McAleer C, Bobbitt N, Srinivasan B, Hickman JJ. Utilization of microscale silicon cantilevers to assess cellular contractile function in vitro. J Vis Exp 2014:e51866. [PMID: 25350792 DOI: 10.3791/51866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of more predictive and biologically relevant in vitro assays is predicated on the advancement of versatile cell culture systems which facilitate the functional assessment of the seeded cells. To that end, microscale cantilever technology offers a platform with which to measure the contractile functionality of a range of cell types, including skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscle cells, through assessment of contraction induced substrate bending. Application of multiplexed cantilever arrays provides the means to develop moderate to high-throughput protocols for assessing drug efficacy and toxicity, disease phenotype and progression, as well as neuromuscular and other cell-cell interactions. This manuscript provides the details for fabricating reliable cantilever arrays for this purpose, and the methods required to successfully culture cells on these surfaces. Further description is provided on the steps necessary to perform functional analysis of contractile cell types maintained on such arrays using a novel laser and photo-detector system. The representative data provided highlights the precision and reproducible nature of the analysis of contractile function possible using this system, as well as the wide range of studies to which such technology can be applied. Successful widespread adoption of this system could provide investigators with the means to perform rapid, low cost functional studies in vitro, leading to more accurate predictions of tissue performance, disease development and response to novel therapeutic treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alec S T Smith
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida
| | | | | | | | | | - James J Hickman
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida;
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24
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Esch MB, Smith AS, Prot JM, Oleaga C, Hickman JJ, Shuler ML. How multi-organ microdevices can help foster drug development. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2014; 69-70:158-69. [PMID: 24412641 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2013.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2013] [Revised: 11/26/2013] [Accepted: 12/10/2013] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Multi-organ microdevices can mimic tissue-tissue interactions that occur as a result of metabolite travel from one tissue to other tissues in vitro. These systems are capable of simulating human metabolism, including the conversion of a pro-drug to its effective metabolite as well as its subsequent therapeutic actions and toxic side effects. Since tissue-tissue interactions in the human body can play a significant role in determining the success of new pharmaceuticals, the development and use of multi-organ microdevices present an opportunity to improve the drug development process. The devices have the potential to predict potential toxic side effects with higher accuracy before a drug enters the expensive phase of clinical trials as well as to estimate efficacy and dose response. Multi-organ microdevices also have the potential to aid in the development of new therapeutic strategies by providing a platform for testing in the context of human metabolism (as opposed to animal models). Further, when operated with human biopsy samples, the devices could be a gateway for the development of individualized medicine. Here we review studies in which multi-organ microdevices have been developed and used in a ways that demonstrate how the devices' capabilities can present unique opportunities for the study of drug action. We will also discuss challenges that are inherent in the development of multi-organ microdevices. Among these are how to design the devices, and how to create devices that mimic the human metabolism with high authenticity. Since single organ devices are testing platforms for tissues that can later be combined with other tissues within multi-organ devices, we will also mention single organ devices where appropriate in the discussion.
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25
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Battiston KG, Cheung JWC, Jain D, Santerre JP. Biomaterials in co-culture systems: towards optimizing tissue integration and cell signaling within scaffolds. Biomaterials 2014; 35:4465-76. [PMID: 24602569 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2014.02.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2014] [Accepted: 02/12/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Most natural tissues consist of multi-cellular systems made up of two or more cell types. However, some of these tissues may not regenerate themselves following tissue injury or disease without some form of intervention, such as from the use of tissue engineered constructs. Recent studies have increasingly used co-cultures in tissue engineering applications as these systems better model the natural tissues, both physically and biologically. This review aims to identify the challenges of using co-culture systems and to highlight different approaches with respect to the use of biomaterials in the use of such systems. The application of co-culture systems to stimulate a desired biological response and examples of studies within particular tissue engineering disciplines are summarized. A description of different analytical co-culture systems is also discussed and the role of biomaterials in the future of co-culture research are elaborated on. Understanding the complex cell-cell and cell-biomaterial interactions involved in co-culture systems will ultimately lead the field towards biomaterial concepts and designs with specific biochemical, electrical, and mechanical characteristics that are tailored towards the needs of distinct co-culture systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle G Battiston
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 124 Edward Street, Room 461, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 1G6
| | - Jane W C Cheung
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 124 Edward Street, Room 461, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 1G6
| | - Devika Jain
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 124 Edward Street, Room 461, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 1G6
| | - J Paul Santerre
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 124 Edward Street, Room 461, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 1G6; Department of Biomaterials, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, 124 Edward Street, Room 464D, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 1G6.
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26
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Abstract
A multiorgan, functional, human in vitro assay system or 'Body-on-a-Chip' would be of tremendous benefit to the drug discovery and toxicology industries, as well as providing a more biologically accurate model for the study of disease as well as applied and basic biological research. Here, we describe the advances our team has made towards this goal, as well as the most pertinent issues facing further development of these systems. Description is given of individual organ models with appropriate cellular functionality, and our efforts to produce human iterations of each using primary and stem cell sources for eventual incorporation into this system. Advancement of the 'Body-on-a-Chip' field is predicated on the availability of abundant sources of human cells, capable of full differentiation and maturation to adult phenotypes, for which researchers are largely dependent on stem cells. Although this level of maturation is not yet achievable in all cell types, the work of our group highlights the high level of functionality that can be achieved using current technology, for a wide variety of cell types. As availability of functional human cell types for in vitro culture increases, the potential to produce a multiorgan in vitro system capable of accurately reproducing acute and chronic human responses to chemical and pathological challenge in real time will also increase.
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Sung JH, Esch MB, Prot JM, Long CJ, Smith A, Hickman JJ, Shuler ML. Microfabricated mammalian organ systems and their integration into models of whole animals and humans. LAB ON A CHIP 2013; 13:1201-12. [PMID: 23388858 PMCID: PMC3593746 DOI: 10.1039/c3lc41017j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
While in vitro cell based systems have been an invaluable tool in biology, they often suffer from a lack of physiological relevance. The discrepancy between the in vitro and in vivo systems has been a bottleneck in drug development process and biological sciences. The recent progress in microtechnology has enabled manipulation of cellular environment at a physiologically relevant length scale, which has led to the development of novel in vitro organ systems, often termed 'organ-on-a-chip' systems. By mimicking the cellular environment of in vivo tissues, various organ-on-a-chip systems have been reported to reproduce target organ functions better than conventional in vitro model systems. Ultimately, these organ-on-a-chip systems will converge into multi-organ 'body-on-a-chip' systems composed of functional tissues that reproduce the dynamics of the whole-body response. Such microscale in vitro systems will open up new possibilities in medical science and in the pharmaceutical industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jong H Sung
- Chemical Engineering, Hongik University, Seoul, Korea
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28
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Smith A, Long C, Pirozzi K, Hickman J. A functional system for high-content screening of neuromuscular junctions in vitro. TECHNOLOGY 2013; 1:37-48. [PMID: 25019094 PMCID: PMC4092002 DOI: 10.1142/s2339547813500015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
High-content phenotypic screening systems are the logical extension of the current efficient, yet low information content, pre-clinical screens for drug discovery. A physiologically accurate in vitro neuromuscular junction (NMJ) screening system would therefore be of tremendous benefit to the study of peripheral neuropathies as well as for basic and applied neuromuscular research. To date, no fully-defined, selective assay system has been developed which would allow investigators to determine the functional output of cultured muscle fibers (myotubes) when stimulated via the NMJ in real time for both acute and chronic applications. Here we present the development of such a phenotypic screening model, along with evidence of NMJ formation and motoneuron initiated neuromuscular transmission in an automated system. Myotubes assembled on silicon cantilevers allowed for measurement of substrate deflection in response to contraction and provided the basis for monitoring the effect of controlled motoneuron stimulation on the contractile behavior. The effect was blocked by treatment with D-tubocurarine, confirming NMJ functionality in this highly multiplexed assay system.
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Guo X, Ayala JE, Gonzalez M, Stancescu M, Lambert S, Hickman JJ. Tissue engineering the monosynaptic circuit of the stretch reflex arc with co-culture of embryonic motoneurons and proprioceptive sensory neurons. Biomaterials 2012; 33:5723-31. [PMID: 22594977 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2012.04.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2012] [Accepted: 04/16/2012] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The sensory circuit of the stretch reflex arc is composed of intrafusal muscle fibers and their innervating proprioceptive neurons that convert mechanical information regarding muscle length and tension into action potentials that synapse onto the homonymous motoneurons in the ventral spinal cord which innervate the extrafusal fibers of the same muscle. To date, the in vitro synaptic connection between proprioceptive sensory neurons and spinal motoneurons has not been demonstrated. A functional in vitro system demonstrating this connection would enable the understanding of feedback by the integration of sensory input into the spinal reflex arc. Here we report a co-culture of rat embryonic motoneurons and proprioceptive sensory neurons from dorsal root ganglia (DRG) in a defined serum-free medium on a synthetic silane substrate (DETA). Furthermore, we have demonstrated functional synapse formation in the co-culture by immunocytochemistry and electrophysiological analysis. This work will be valuable for enabling in vitro model systems for the study of spinal motor control and related pathologies such as spinal cord injury, muscular dystrophy and spasticity by improving our understanding of the integration of the mechanosensitive feedback mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiufang Guo
- Hybrid Systems Lab, NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32826, USA
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30
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Riehl BD, Park JH, Kwon IK, Lim JY. Mechanical stretching for tissue engineering: two-dimensional and three-dimensional constructs. TISSUE ENGINEERING PART B-REVIEWS 2012; 18:288-300. [PMID: 22335794 DOI: 10.1089/ten.teb.2011.0465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Mechanical cell stretching may be an attractive strategy for the tissue engineering of mechanically functional tissues. It has been demonstrated that cell growth and differentiation can be guided by cell stretch with minimal help from soluble factors and engineered tissues that are mechanically stretched in bioreactors may have superior organization, functionality, and strength compared with unstretched counterparts. This review explores recent studies on cell stretching in both two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) setups focusing on the applications of stretch stimulation as a tool for controlling cell orientation, growth, gene expression, lineage commitment, and differentiation and for achieving successful tissue engineering of mechanically functional tissues, including cardiac, muscle, vasculature, ligament, tendon, bone, and so on. Custom stretching devices and lab-specific mechanical bioreactors are described with a discussion on capabilities and limitations. While stretch mechanotransduction pathways have been examined using 2D stretch, studying such pathways in physiologically relevant 3D environments may be required to understand how cells direct tissue development under stretch. Cell stretch study using 3D milieus may also help to develop tissue-specific stretch regimens optimized with biochemical feedback, which once developed will provide optimal tissue engineering protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon D Riehl
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska 68588, USA
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Natarajan A, Stancescu M, Dhir V, Armstrong C, Sommerhage F, Hickman JJ, Molnar P. Patterned cardiomyocytes on microelectrode arrays as a functional, high information content drug screening platform. Biomaterials 2011; 32:4267-74. [PMID: 21453966 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2010.12.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2010] [Accepted: 12/14/2010] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Cardiac side effects are one of the major causes of drug candidate failures in preclinical drug development or in clinical trials and are responsible for the retraction of several already marketed therapeutics. Thus, the development of a relatively high-throughput, high information content tool to screen drugs and toxins would be important in the field of cardiac research and drug development. In this study, recordings from commercial multielectrode arrays were combined with surface patterning of cardiac myocyte monolayers to enhance the information content of the method; specifically, to enable the measurement of conduction velocity, refractory period after action potentials and to create a functional re-entry model. Two drugs, 1-Heptanol, a gap junction blocker, and Sparfloxacin, a fluoroquinone antibiotic, were tested in this system. 1-Heptanol administration resulted in a marked reduction in conduction velocity, whereas Sparfloxacin caused rapid, irregular and unsynchronized activity, indicating fibrillation. As shown in these experiments, patterning of cardiac myocyte monolayers solved several inherent problems of multielectrode recordings, increased the temporal resolution of conduction velocity measurements, and made the synchronization of external stimulation with action potential propagation possible for refractory period measurements. This method could be further developed as a cardiac side effect screening platform after combination with human cardiomyocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anupama Natarajan
- University of Central Florida, NanoScience Technology Center, Orlando, FL 32826, USA
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