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Smirnova L, Hartung T. The Promise and Potential of Brain Organoids. Adv Healthc Mater 2024:e2302745. [PMID: 38252094 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202302745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Brain organoids are 3D in vitro culture systems derived from human pluripotent stem cells that self-organize to model features of the (developing) human brain. This review examines the techniques behind organoid generation, their current and potential applications, and future directions for the field. Brain organoids possess complex architecture containing various neural cell types, synapses, and myelination. They have been utilized for toxicology testing, disease modeling, infection studies, personalized medicine, and gene-environment interaction studies. An emerging concept termed Organoid Intelligence (OI) combines organoids with artificial intelligence systems to generate learning and memory, with the goals of modeling cognition and enabling biological computing applications. Brain organoids allow neuroscience studies not previously achievable with traditional techniques, and have the potential to transform disease modeling, drug development, and the understanding of human brain development and disorders. The aspirational vision of OI parallels the origins of artificial intelligence, and efforts are underway to map a roadmap toward its realization. In summary, brain organoids constitute a disruptive technology that is rapidly advancing and gaining traction across multiple disciplines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Smirnova
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT), Bloomberg School of Public Health and Whiting School of Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, 615 N Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Thomas Hartung
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT), Bloomberg School of Public Health and Whiting School of Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, 615 N Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- CAAT-Europe, University of Konstanz, Universitätsstr. 10, 78464, Konstanz, BW, Germany
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2
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Slika H, Karimov Z, Alimonti P, Abou-Mrad T, De Fazio E, Alomari S, Tyler B. Preclinical Models and Technologies in Glioblastoma Research: Evolution, Current State, and Future Avenues. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16316. [PMID: 38003507 PMCID: PMC10671665 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma is the most common malignant primary central nervous system tumor and one of the most debilitating cancers. The prognosis of patients with glioblastoma remains poor, and the management of this tumor, both in its primary and recurrent forms, remains suboptimal. Despite the tremendous efforts that are being put forward by the research community to discover novel efficacious therapeutic agents and modalities, no major paradigm shifts have been established in the field in the last decade. However, this does not mirror the abundance of relevant findings and discoveries made in preclinical glioblastoma research. Hence, developing and utilizing appropriate preclinical models that faithfully recapitulate the characteristics and behavior of human glioblastoma is of utmost importance. Herein, we offer a holistic picture of the evolution of preclinical models of glioblastoma. We further elaborate on the commonly used in vitro and vivo models, delving into their development, favorable characteristics, shortcomings, and areas of potential improvement, which aids researchers in designing future experiments and utilizing the most suitable models. Additionally, this review explores progress in the fields of humanized and immunotolerant mouse models, genetically engineered animal models, 3D in vitro models, and microfluidics and highlights promising avenues for the future of preclinical glioblastoma research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hasan Slika
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (H.S.); (Z.K.); (S.A.)
| | - Ziya Karimov
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (H.S.); (Z.K.); (S.A.)
- Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, 35100 Izmir, Turkey
| | - Paolo Alimonti
- School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy; (P.A.); (E.D.F.)
| | - Tatiana Abou-Mrad
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut P.O. Box 11-0236, Lebanon;
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Emerson De Fazio
- School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy; (P.A.); (E.D.F.)
| | - Safwan Alomari
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (H.S.); (Z.K.); (S.A.)
| | - Betty Tyler
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (H.S.); (Z.K.); (S.A.)
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3
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Barreras P, Pamies D, Hartung T, Pardo CA. Human brain microphysiological systems in the study of neuroinfectious disorders. Exp Neurol 2023; 365:114409. [PMID: 37061175 PMCID: PMC10205672 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2023.114409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2023]
Abstract
Microphysiological systems (MPS) are 2D or 3D multicellular constructs able to mimic tissue microenvironments. The latest models encompass a range of techniques, including co-culturing of various cell types, utilization of scaffolds and extracellular matrix materials, perfusion systems, 3D culture methods, 3D bioprinting, organ-on-a-chip technology, and examination of tissue structures. Several human brain 3D cultures or brain MPS (BMPS) have emerged in the last decade. These organoids or spheroids are 3D culture systems derived from induced pluripotent cells or embryonic stem cells that contain neuronal and glial populations and recapitulate structural and physiological aspects of the human brain. BMPS have been introduced recently in the study and modeling of neuroinfectious diseases and have proven to be useful in establishing neurotropism of viral infections, cell-pathogen interactions needed for infection, assessing cytopathological effects, genomic and proteomic profiles, and screening therapeutic compounds. Here we review the different methodologies of organoids used in neuroinfectious diseases including spheroids, guided and unguided protocols as well as microglia and blood-brain barrier containing models, their specific applications, and limitations. The review provides an overview of the models existing for specific infections including Zika, Dengue, JC virus, Japanese encephalitis, measles, herpes, SARS-CoV2, and influenza viruses among others, and provide useful concepts in the modeling of disease and antiviral agent screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Barreras
- Division of Neuroimmunology and Neurological Infections, Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - David Pamies
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Hartung
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT), Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA; CAAT-Europe, University of Konstanz, Germany
| | - Carlos A Pardo
- Division of Neuroimmunology and Neurological Infections, Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA; Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA.
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4
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Higginbottom SL, Tomaskovic-Crook E, Crook JM. Considerations for modelling diffuse high-grade gliomas and developing clinically relevant therapies. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2023; 42:507-541. [PMID: 37004686 PMCID: PMC10348989 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10100-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023]
Abstract
Diffuse high-grade gliomas contain some of the most dangerous human cancers that lack curative treatment options. The recent molecular stratification of gliomas by the World Health Organisation in 2021 is expected to improve outcomes for patients in neuro-oncology through the development of treatments targeted to specific tumour types. Despite this promise, research is hindered by the lack of preclinical modelling platforms capable of recapitulating the heterogeneity and cellular phenotypes of tumours residing in their native human brain microenvironment. The microenvironment provides cues to subsets of glioma cells that influence proliferation, survival, and gene expression, thus altering susceptibility to therapeutic intervention. As such, conventional in vitro cellular models poorly reflect the varied responses to chemotherapy and radiotherapy seen in these diverse cellular states that differ in transcriptional profile and differentiation status. In an effort to improve the relevance of traditional modelling platforms, recent attention has focused on human pluripotent stem cell-based and tissue engineering techniques, such as three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting and microfluidic devices. The proper application of these exciting new technologies with consideration of tumour heterogeneity and microenvironmental interactions holds potential to develop more applicable models and clinically relevant therapies. In doing so, we will have a better chance of translating preclinical research findings to patient populations, thereby addressing the current derisory oncology clinical trial success rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah L Higginbottom
- Intelligent Polymer Research Institute, AIIM Facility, Innovation Campus, University of Wollongong, Fairy Meadow, NSW, 2519, Australia
- Arto Hardy Family Biomedical Innovation Hub, Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, Camperdown, NSW, 2050, Australia
| | - Eva Tomaskovic-Crook
- Intelligent Polymer Research Institute, AIIM Facility, Innovation Campus, University of Wollongong, Fairy Meadow, NSW, 2519, Australia.
- Arto Hardy Family Biomedical Innovation Hub, Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, Camperdown, NSW, 2050, Australia.
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia.
| | - Jeremy M Crook
- Intelligent Polymer Research Institute, AIIM Facility, Innovation Campus, University of Wollongong, Fairy Meadow, NSW, 2519, Australia.
- Arto Hardy Family Biomedical Innovation Hub, Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, Camperdown, NSW, 2050, Australia.
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia.
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5
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Pamies D, Wiersma D, Katt ME, Zhong L, Burtscher J, Harris G, Smirnova L, Searson PC, Hartung T, Hogberg HT. Human organotypic brain model as a tool to study chemical-induced dopaminergic neuronal toxicity. Neurobiol Dis 2022; 169:105719. [PMID: 35398340 PMCID: PMC9298686 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2022.105719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress is caused by an imbalance between the generation and detoxification of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS). This imbalance plays an important role in brain aging and age-related neurodegenerative diseases. In the context of Parkinson’s disease (PD), the sensitivity of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta to oxidative stress is considered a key factor of PD pathogenesis. Here we study the effect of different oxidative stress-inducing compounds (6-OHDA, MPTP or MPP+) on the population of dopaminergic neurons in an iPSC-derived human brain 3D model (aka BrainSpheres). Treatment with 6-OHDA, MPTP or MPP+ at 4 weeks of differentiation disrupted the dopaminergic neuronal phenotype in BrainSpheres at (50, 5000, 1000 μM respectively). 6-OHDA increased ROS production and decreased mitochondrial function most efficiently. It further induced the greatest changes in gene expression and metabolites related to oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. Co-culturing BrainSpheres with an endothelial barrier using a transwell system allowed the assessment of differential penetration capacities of the tested compounds and the damage they caused in the dopaminergic neurons within the BrainSpheres In conclusion, treatment with compounds known to induce PD-like phenotypes in vivo caused molecular deficits and loss of dopaminergic neurons in the BrainSphere model. This approach therefore recapitulates common animal models of neurodegenerative processes in PD at similarly high doses. The relevance as tool for drug discovery is discussed.
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Uhlmann C, Nickel AC, Picard D, Rossi A, Li G, Hildebrandt B, Brockerhoff G, Bendt F, Hübenthal U, Hewera M, Steiger HJ, Wieczorek D, Perrakis A, Zhang W, Remke M, Koch K, Tigges J, Croner RS, Fritsche E, Kahlert UD. Progenitor cells derived from gene-engineered human induced pluripotent stem cells as synthetic cancer cell alternatives for in vitro pharmacology. Biotechnol J 2022; 17:e2100693. [PMID: 35334498 DOI: 10.1002/biot.202100693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Limitations in genetic stability and recapitulating accurate physiological disease properties challenge the utility of patient-derived (PD) cancer models for reproducible and translational research. We have genetically engineered a portfolio of isogenic human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) with different pan-cancer relevant oncoprotein signatures followed by differentiation into lineage-committed progenitor cells. Characterization on molecular and biological level validated successful stable genetic alterations in pluripotency state as well as upon differentiation to prove the functionality of our approach Meanwhile proposing core molecular networks possibly involved in early dysregulation of stem cell homeostasis, the application of our cell systems in comparative substance testing indicates the potential for cancer research such as identification of augmented therapy resistance of stem cells in response to activation of distinct oncogenic signatures. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constanze Uhlmann
- Department for Neurosurgery, Medical Faculty and University Medical Center Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Ann-Christin Nickel
- Department for Neurosurgery, Medical Faculty and University Medical Center Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Daniel Picard
- Division of Pediatric Neuro-Oncogenomics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research (DKTK), partner site Essen/Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany.,Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology, and Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany.,Department of Neuropathology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Andrea Rossi
- Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Guanzhang Li
- Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Barbara Hildebrandt
- Institute of Human Genetics, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Germany
| | | | - Farina Bendt
- Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Ulrike Hübenthal
- Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Michael Hewera
- Department for Neurosurgery, Medical Faculty and University Medical Center Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Hans-Jakob Steiger
- Department for Neurosurgery, Medical Faculty and University Medical Center Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Dagmar Wieczorek
- Institute of Human Genetics, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Aristoteles Perrakis
- Molecular and Experimental Surgery, University Clinic for General, Visceral and Vascular Surgery, University Medical Center Magdeburg and Faculty of Medicine, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Wei Zhang
- Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Marc Remke
- Division of Pediatric Neuro-Oncogenomics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research (DKTK), partner site Essen/Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany.,Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology, and Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany.,Department of Neuropathology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Katharina Koch
- Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Julia Tigges
- Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Roland S Croner
- Molecular and Experimental Surgery, University Clinic for General, Visceral and Vascular Surgery, University Medical Center Magdeburg and Faculty of Medicine, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Ellen Fritsche
- Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Düsseldorf, Germany.,Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Ulf D Kahlert
- Molecular and Experimental Surgery, University Clinic for General, Visceral and Vascular Surgery, University Medical Center Magdeburg and Faculty of Medicine, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
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7
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Hogberg HT, Smirnova L. The Future of 3D Brain Cultures in Developmental Neurotoxicity Testing. FRONTIERS IN TOXICOLOGY 2022; 4:808620. [PMID: 35295222 PMCID: PMC8915853 DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2022.808620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Human brain is undoubtedly the most complex organ in the body. Thus, it is difficult to develop adequate and at the same time human relevant test systems and models to cover the aspects of brain homeostasis and even more challenging to address brain development. Animal tests for Developmental Neurotoxicity (DNT) have been devised, but because of complex underlying mechanisms of neural development, and interspecies differences, there are many limitations of animal-based approaches. The high costs, high number of animals used per test and technical difficulties of these tests are prohibitive for routine DNT chemical screening. Therefore, many potential DNT chemicals remain unidentified. New approach methodologies (NAMs) are needed to change this. Experts in the field have recommended the use of a battery of human in vitro tests to be used for the initial prioritization of high-risk environmental chemicals for DNT testing. Microphysiological systems (MPS) of the brain mimic the in vivo counterpart in terms of cellular composition, recapitulation of regional architecture and functionality. These systems amendable to use in a DNT test battery with promising features such as (i) complexity, (ii) closer recapitulation of in vivo response and (iii) possibility to multiplex many assays in one test system, which can increase throughput and predictivity for human health. The resent progress in 3D brain MPS research, advantages, limitations and future perspectives are discussed in this review.
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Förster N, Butke J, Keßel HE, Bendt F, Pahl M, Li L, Fan X, Leung PC, Klose J, Masjosthusmann S, Fritsche E, Mosig A. Reliable identification and quantification of neural cells in microscopic images of neurospheres. Cytometry A 2021; 101:411-422. [PMID: 34747115 DOI: 10.1002/cyto.a.24514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Neurosphere cultures consisting of primary human neural stem/progenitor cells (hNPC) are used for studying the effects of substances on early neurodevelopmental processes in vitro. Differentiating hNPCs migrate and differentiate into radial glia, neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes upon plating on a suitable extracellular matrix and thus model processes of early neural development. In order to characterize alterations in hNPC development, it is thus an essential task to reliably identify the cell type of each migrated cell in the migration area of a neurosphere. To this end, we introduce and validate a deep learning approach for identifying and quantifying cell types in microscopic images of differentiated hNPC. As we demonstrate, our approach performs with high accuracy and is robust against typical potential confounders. We demonstrate that our deep learning approach reproduces the dose responses of well-established developmental neurotoxic compounds and controls, indicating its potential in medium or high throughput in vitro screening studies. Hence, our approach can be used for studying compound effects on neural differentiation processes in an automated and unbiased process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nils Förster
- Department of Bioinformatics, Center for Protein Diagnostics, Ruhr-University Bochum, Gesundheitscampus 4, Bochum, Germany
| | - Joshua Butke
- Bioinformatics, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Universitätsstr 150, Bochum, Germany
| | - Hagen Eike Keßel
- IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Düsseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
| | - Farina Bendt
- IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Düsseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
| | - Melanie Pahl
- IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Düsseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
| | - Lu Li
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin New Town, Hong Kong
- Institute of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin New Town, Hong Kong
| | - Xiaohui Fan
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ping-Chung Leung
- Institute of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin New Town, Hong Kong
| | - Jördis Klose
- IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Düsseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
| | - Stefan Masjosthusmann
- IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Düsseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
| | - Ellen Fritsche
- IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Düsseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
| | - Axel Mosig
- Department of Bioinformatics, Center for Protein Diagnostics, Ruhr-University Bochum, Gesundheitscampus 4, Bochum, Germany
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9
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Parmigiani E, Scalera M, Mori E, Tantillo E, Vannini E. Old Stars and New Players in the Brain Tumor Microenvironment. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:709917. [PMID: 34690699 PMCID: PMC8527006 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.709917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the direct interaction between cancer cells and tumor microenvironment (TME) has emerged as a crucial regulator of tumor growth and a promising therapeutic target. The TME, including the surrounding peritumoral regions, is dynamically modified during tumor progression and in response to therapies. However, the mechanisms regulating the crosstalk between malignant and non-malignant cells are still poorly understood, especially in the case of glioma, an aggressive form of brain tumor. The presence of unique brain-resident cell types, namely neurons and glial cells, and an exceptionally immunosuppressive microenvironment pose additional important challenges to the development of effective treatments targeting the TME. In this review, we provide an overview on the direct and indirect interplay between glioma and neuronal and glial cells, introducing new players and mechanisms that still deserve further investigation. We will focus on the effects of neural activity and glial response in controlling glioma cell behavior and discuss the potential of exploiting these cellular interactions to develop new therapeutic approaches with the aim to preserve proper brain functionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Parmigiani
- Embryology and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marta Scalera
- Neuroscience Institute, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Elena Tantillo
- Neuroscience Institute, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Pisa, Italy
| | - Eleonora Vannini
- Neuroscience Institute, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Pisa, Italy
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10
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Chesnut M, Hartung T, Hogberg H, Pamies D. Human Oligodendrocytes and Myelin In Vitro to Evaluate Developmental Neurotoxicity. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:7929. [PMID: 34360696 PMCID: PMC8347131 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22157929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodevelopment is uniquely sensitive to toxic insults and there are concerns that environmental chemicals are contributing to widespread subclinical developmental neurotoxicity (DNT). Increased DNT evaluation is needed due to the lack of such information for most chemicals in common use, but in vivo studies recommended in regulatory guidelines are not practical for the large-scale screening of potential DNT chemicals. It is widely acknowledged that developmental neurotoxicity is a consequence of disruptions to basic processes in neurodevelopment and that testing strategies using human cell-based in vitro systems that mimic these processes could aid in prioritizing chemicals with DNT potential. Myelination is a fundamental process in neurodevelopment that should be included in a DNT testing strategy, but there are very few in vitro models of myelination. Thus, there is a need to establish an in vitro myelination assay for DNT. Here, we summarize the routes of myelin toxicity and the known models to study this particular endpoint.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Chesnut
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT), Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; (M.C.); (T.H.)
| | - Thomas Hartung
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT), Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; (M.C.); (T.H.)
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT-Europe), University of Konstanz, 78464 Konstanz, Germany
| | - Helena Hogberg
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT), Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; (M.C.); (T.H.)
| | - David Pamies
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT), Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; (M.C.); (T.H.)
- Department of Physiology, University of Lausanne, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland
- Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology (SCAHT), 4055 Basel, Switzerland
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11
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Cifarelli CP, Jacques A, Bobko A. Heterogeneity of radiation response in mesenchymal subtype glioblastoma: molecular profiling and reactive oxygen species generation. J Neurooncol 2021; 152:245-255. [PMID: 33566263 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-021-03707-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Radiotherapy-induced tumor death remains critical in the successful first-line management of glioblastoma, whereas resistance to radiation serves as a major factor in disease progression. Mesenchymal shift has been identified as a driver in GBM recurrence, with gene expression associated with enhanced repair of macromolecular damage caused by radiation. METHODS Using distinct mesenchymal subtype GBM cells lines, radiation response was assessed by clonogenic assay and orthotopic mouse tumor model. RNA-sequencing was performed in the setting of increasing radiation dosing while real-time assessment of ROS generation was achieved by the measurement of hydroxyl spin trap adducts via electron paramagnetic resonance. RESULTS Radiation-induced cell death determined by clonogenic assay was significantly different at low dose (4-8 Gy) between the resistant U3035 cells and the sensitive U3020 cells. Similar trends were present in the in vivo NSG mouse model following radiation dosing on post-implantation day 7-10, with the rate of reduction in tumor bioluminescence reversing between the U3020 and U3035 cells after the third dose of radiation. Changes in gene expression following radiation determined by RNA-sequencing indicate both U3035 and U3020 cells demonstrate a shift toward more mesenchymal profiles, with concurrent shift away from pro-neural subtype gene expression in the U3020 cells that appeared to develop resistance to radiation in vivo. Persistence of ROS generated following radiation was greater in U3020 cells shown to be more sensitive to radiation. CONCLUSIONS Despite the same molecular classification, distinct GBM cell lines can demonstrate differential response to radiation and potential for mesenchymal shift associated with radiation resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher P Cifarelli
- Department of Neurosurgery, West Virginia University, 1 Medical Center Drive, Suite 4300, Morgantown, WV, 26506-9183, USA. .,Department of Radiation Oncology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA.
| | - Angelica Jacques
- Department of Neurosurgery, West Virginia University, 1 Medical Center Drive, Suite 4300, Morgantown, WV, 26506-9183, USA
| | - Andrey Bobko
- Department of Biochemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
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