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Roncada T, Blunn G, Roldo M. Collagen and Alginate Hydrogels Support Chondrocytes Redifferentiation In Vitro without Supplementation of Exogenous Growth Factors. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:21388-21400. [PMID: 38764657 PMCID: PMC11097186 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.4c01675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
Focal cartilage defects are a prevalent knee problem affecting people of all ages. Articular cartilage (AC) possesses limited healing potential, and osteochondral defects can lead to pain and long-term complications such as osteoarthritis. Autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) has been a successful surgical approach for repairing osteochondral defects over the past two decades. However, a major drawback of ACI is the dedifferentiation of chondrocytes during their in vitro expansion. In this study, we isolated ovine chondrocytes and cultured them in a two-dimensional environment for ACI procedures. We hypothesized that 3D scaffolds would support the cells' redifferentiation without the need for growth factors so we encapsulated them into soft collagen and alginate (col/alg) hydrogels. Chondrocytes embedded into the hydrogels were viable and proliferated. After 7 days, they regained their original rounded morphology (aspect ratio 1.08) and started to aggregate. Gene expression studies showed an upregulation of COL2A1, FOXO3A, FOXO1, ACAN, and COL6A1 (37, 1.13, 22, 1123, and 1.08-fold change expression, respectively) as early as day one. At 21 days, chondrocytes had extensively colonized the hydrogel, forming large cell clusters. They started to replace the degrading scaffold by depositing collagen II and aggrecan, but with limited collagen type I deposition. This approach allows us to overcome the limitations of current approaches such as the dedifferentiation occurring in 2D in vitro expansion and the necrotic formation in spheroids. Further studies are warranted to assess long-term ECM deposition and integration with native cartilage. Though limitations exist, this study suggests a promising avenue for cartilage repair with col/alg hydrogel scaffolds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tosca Roncada
- School
of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University
of Portsmouth, St Michael’s
Building, White Swan Road, Portsmouth PO1 2DT, U.K.
| | - Gordon Blunn
- School
of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University
of Portsmouth, St Michael’s
Building, White Swan Road, Portsmouth PO1 2DT, U.K.
| | - Marta Roldo
- School
of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University
of Portsmouth, St Michael’s
Building, White Swan Road, Portsmouth PO1 2DT, U.K.
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2
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Steinwerth P, Bertrand J, Sandt V, Marchal S, Sahana J, Bollmann M, Schulz H, Kopp S, Grimm D, Wehland M. Structural and Molecular Changes of Human Chondrocytes Exposed to the Rotating Wall Vessel Bioreactor. Biomolecules 2023; 14:25. [PMID: 38254625 PMCID: PMC10813504 DOI: 10.3390/biom14010025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Over the last 30 years, the prevalence of osteoarthritis (OA), a disease characterized by a loss of articular cartilage, has more than doubled worldwide. Patients suffer from pain and progressive loss of joint function. Cartilage is an avascular tissue mostly consisting of extracellular matrix with embedded chondrocytes. As such, it does not regenerate naturally, which makes an early onset of OA prevention and treatment a necessity to sustain the patients' quality of life. In recent years, tissue engineering strategies for the regeneration of cartilage lesions have gained more and more momentum. In this study, we aimed to investigate the scaffold-free 3D cartilage tissue formation under simulated microgravity in the NASA-developed rotating wall vessel (RWV) bioreactor. For this purpose, we cultured both primary human chondrocytes as well as cells from the immortalized line C28/I2 for up to 14 days on the RWV and analyzed tissue morphology, development of apoptosis, and expression of cartilage-specific proteins and genes by histological staining, TUNEL-assays, immunohistochemical detection of collagen species, and quantitative real-time PCR, respectively. We observed spheroid formation in both cell types starting on day 3. After 14 days, constructs from C28/I2 cells had diameters of up to 5 mm, while primary chondrocyte spheroids were slightly smaller with 3 mm. Further inspection of the 14-day-old C28/I2 spheroids revealed a characteristic cartilage morphology with collagen-type 1, -type 2, and -type 10 positivity. Interestingly, these tissues were less susceptible to RWV-induced differential gene expression than those formed from primary chondrocytes, which showed significant changes in the regulation of IL6, ACTB, TUBB, VIM, COL1A1, COL10A1, MMP1, MMP3, MMP13, ITGB1, LAMA1, RUNX3, SOX9, and CASP3 gene expression. These diverging findings might reflect the differences between primary and immortalized cells. Taken together, this study shows that simulated microgravity using the RWV bioreactor is suitable to engineer dense 3D cartilage-like tissue without addition of scaffolds or any other artificial materials. Both primary articular cells and the stable chondrocyte cell line C28/I2 formed 3D neocartilage when exposed for 14 days to an RWV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Steinwerth
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, University Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany; (P.S.); (V.S.); (S.M.); (H.S.); (M.W.)
| | - Jessica Bertrand
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany; (J.B.); (M.B.)
- Research Group “Magdeburger Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Forschung unter Raumfahrt-und Schwerelosigkeitsbedingungen” (MARS), Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany;
| | - Viviann Sandt
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, University Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany; (P.S.); (V.S.); (S.M.); (H.S.); (M.W.)
| | - Shannon Marchal
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, University Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany; (P.S.); (V.S.); (S.M.); (H.S.); (M.W.)
| | - Jayashree Sahana
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Ole Worms Allé 4, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark;
| | - Miriam Bollmann
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany; (J.B.); (M.B.)
| | - Herbert Schulz
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, University Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany; (P.S.); (V.S.); (S.M.); (H.S.); (M.W.)
- Research Group “Magdeburger Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Forschung unter Raumfahrt-und Schwerelosigkeitsbedingungen” (MARS), Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany;
| | - Sascha Kopp
- Research Group “Magdeburger Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Forschung unter Raumfahrt-und Schwerelosigkeitsbedingungen” (MARS), Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany;
- Core Facility Tissue Engineering, Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Daniela Grimm
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, University Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany; (P.S.); (V.S.); (S.M.); (H.S.); (M.W.)
- Research Group “Magdeburger Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Forschung unter Raumfahrt-und Schwerelosigkeitsbedingungen” (MARS), Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany;
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Ole Worms Allé 4, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark;
| | - Markus Wehland
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, University Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany; (P.S.); (V.S.); (S.M.); (H.S.); (M.W.)
- Research Group “Magdeburger Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Forschung unter Raumfahrt-und Schwerelosigkeitsbedingungen” (MARS), Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany;
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3
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Jarecki J, Waśko MK, Widuchowski W, Tomczyk-Warunek A, Wójciak M, Sowa I, Blicharski T. Knee Cartilage Lesion Management-Current Trends in Clinical Practice. J Clin Med 2023; 12:6434. [PMID: 37892577 PMCID: PMC10607427 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12206434] [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: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Many patients, particularly those aged above 40, experience knee joint pain, which hampers both sports activities and daily living. Treating isolated chondral and osteochondral defects in the knee poses a significant clinical challenge, particularly in younger patients who are not typically recommended partial or total knee arthroplasty as alternatives. Several surgical approaches have been developed to address focal cartilage defects. The treatment strategies are characterized as palliation (e.g., chondroplasty and debridement), repair (e.g., drilling and microfracture), or restoration (e.g., autologous chondrocyte implantation, osteochondral autograft, and osteochondral allograft). This review offers an overview of the commonly employed clinical methods for treating articular cartilage defects, with a specific focus on the clinical trials conducted in the last decade. Our study reveals that, currently, no single technology fully meets the essential requirements for effective cartilage healing while remaining easily applicable during surgical procedures. Nevertheless, numerous methods are available, and the choice of treatment should consider factors such as the location and size of the cartilage lesion, patient preferences, and whether it is chondral or osteochondral in nature. Promising directions for the future include tissue engineering, stem cell therapies, and the development of pre-formed scaffolds from hyaline cartilage, offering hope for improved outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaromir Jarecki
- Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Medical University of Lublin, 20-059 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Marcin Krzysztof Waśko
- Department of Radiology and Imaging, The Medical Centre of Postgraduate Education, 01-813 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Wojciech Widuchowski
- Department of Physiotherapy, The College of Physiotherapy, 50-038 Wrocław, Poland;
| | - Agnieszka Tomczyk-Warunek
- Laboratory of Locomotor Systems Research, Department of Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy, Medical University of Lublin, 20-059 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Magdalena Wójciak
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Medical University of Lublin, Chodzki 4a, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (M.W.); (I.S.)
| | - Ireneusz Sowa
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Medical University of Lublin, Chodzki 4a, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (M.W.); (I.S.)
| | - Tomasz Blicharski
- Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Medical University of Lublin, 20-059 Lublin, Poland;
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4
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Fani N, Peshkova M, Bikmulina P, Golroo R, Timashev P, Vosough M. Fabricating the cartilage: recent achievements. Cytotechnology 2023; 75:269-292. [PMID: 37389132 PMCID: PMC10299965 DOI: 10.1007/s10616-023-00582-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
This review aims to describe the most recent achievements and provide an insight into cartilage engineering and strategies to restore the cartilage defects. Here, we discuss cell types, biomaterials, and biochemical factors applied to form cartilage tissue equivalents and update the status of fabrication techniques, which are used at all stages of engineering the cartilage. The actualized concept to improve the cartilage tissue restoration is based on applying personalized products fabricated using a full cycle platform: a bioprinter, a bioink consisted of ECM-embedded autologous cell aggregates, and a bioreactor. Moreover, in situ platforms can help to skip some steps and enable adjusting the newly formed tissue in the place during the operation. Only some achievements described have passed first stages of clinical translation; nevertheless, the number of their preclinical and clinical trials is expected to grow in the nearest future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nesa Fani
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maria Peshkova
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Polina Bikmulina
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia
- World-Class Research Center “Digital Biodesign and Personalized Healthcare”, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Reihaneh Golroo
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Peter Timashev
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia
- World-Class Research Center “Digital Biodesign and Personalized Healthcare”, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Massoud Vosough
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
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5
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Bellino S, La Salvia A, Cometa MF, Botta R. Cell-based medicinal products approved in the European Union: current evidence and perspectives. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1200808. [PMID: 37583902 PMCID: PMC10424920 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1200808] [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: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs) are innovative clinical treatments exploiting the pharmacological, immunological, or metabolic properties of cells and/or gene(s) with the aim to restore, correct, or modify a biological function in the recipient. ATMPs are heterogeneous medicinal products, developed mainly as individualized and patient-specific treatments, and represent new opportunities for diseases characterized by a high-unmet medical need, including rare, genetic and neurodegenerative disorders, haematological malignancies, cancer, autoimmune, inflammatory and orthopaedic conditions. Into the European Union (EU) market, the first ATMP has been launched in 2009 and, to date, a total of 24 ATMPs have been approved. This review aims at reporting on current evidence of cell-based therapies authorized in the EU, including Somatic Cell Therapies, Tissue Engineering Products, and Cell-based Gene Therapy Products as Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-cells, focusing on the evaluation of efficacy and safety in clinical trials and real-world settings. Despite cell-based therapy representing a substantial promise for patients with very limited treatment options, some limitations for its widespread use in the clinical setting remain, including restricted indications, highly complex manufacturing processes, elevated production costs, the lability of cellular products over time, and the potential safety concerns related to the intrinsic characteristics of living cells, including the risk of severe or life-threatening toxicities, such as CAR-T induced neurotoxicity and cytokine release syndrome (CRS). Although encouraging findings support the clinical use of ATMPs, additional data, comparative studies with a long-term follow-up, and wider real-world evidences are needed to provide further insights into their efficacy and safety profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Bellino
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, National Institute of Health (Istituto Superiore di Sanità), Rome, Italy
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6
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Kutaish H, Tscholl PM, Cosset E, Bengtsson L, Braunersreuther V, Mor FM, Laedermann J, Furfaro I, Stafylakis D, Hannouche D, Gerstel E, Krause KH, Assal M, Menetrey J, Tieng V. Articular Cartilage Repair After Implantation of Hyaline Cartilage Beads Engineered From Adult Dedifferentiated Chondrocytes: Cartibeads Preclinical Efficacy Study in a Large Animal Model. Am J Sports Med 2023; 51:237-249. [PMID: 36592016 DOI: 10.1177/03635465221138099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chondrocyte-based cell therapy to repair cartilage has been used for >25 years despite current limitations. This work presents a new treatment option for cartilage lesions. HYPOTHESIS High-quality hyaline cartilage microtissues called Cartibeads are capable of treating focal chondral lesions once implanted in the defect, by complete fusion of Cartibeads among themselves and their integration with the surrounding native cartilage and subchondral bone. STUDY DESIGN Controlled laboratory study. METHODS Cartibeads were first produced from human donors and characterized using histology (safranin O staining of glycosaminoglycan [GAG] and immunohistochemistry of collagen I and II) and GAG dosage. Cartibeads from 6 Göttingen minipigs were engineered and implanted in an autologous condition in the knee (4 or 5 lesions per knee). One group was followed up for 3 months and the other for 6 months. Feasibility and efficacy were measured using histological analysis and macroscopic and microscopic scores. RESULTS Cartibeads revealed hyaline features with strong staining of GAG and collagen II. High GAG content was obtained: 24.6-µg/mg tissue (wet weight), 15.52-µg/mg tissue (dry weight), and 35 ± 3-µg GAG/bead (mean ± SD). Histological analysis of Göttingen minipigs showed good integration of Cartibeads grafts at 3 and 6 months after implantation. The Bern Score of the histological assay comparing grafted versus empty lesions was significant at 3 months (grafted, n = 10; nongrafted, n = 4; score, 3.3 and 5.3, respectively) and 6 months (grafted, n = 11; nongrafted, n = 3; score, 1.6 and 5.1). CONCLUSION We developed an innovative 3-step method allowing, for the first time, the use of fully dedifferentiated adult chondrocytes with a high number of cell passage (owing to the extensive amplification in culture). Cartibeads engineered from chondrocytes hold potential as an advanced therapy medicinal product for treating cartilage lesions with established efficacy. CLINICAL RELEVANCE This successful preclinical study, combined with standardized manufacturing of Cartibeads according to good manufacturing practice guidelines, led to the approval of first-in-human clinical trial by the ethics committee and local medical authority. The generated data highlighted a promising therapy to treat cartilage lesions from a small amount of starting biopsy specimen. With our innovative cell amplification technology, very large lesions can be treated, and older active patients can benefit from it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Halah Kutaish
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland. University Medical Center, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland. Foot and Ankle Surgery Centre, Centre Assal, Clinique La Colline, Hirslanden Geneva, Switzerland.,Investigation performed at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, in collaboration with Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Philippe Matthias Tscholl
- Department of Orthopaedics Surgery, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland.,Investigation performed at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, in collaboration with Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Erika Cosset
- University Medical Center, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland. Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, Oncology Department, Center for Translational Research in Onco- Hematology, Geneva University Hospitals, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Investigation performed at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, in collaboration with Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Laura Bengtsson
- University Medical Center, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland. Vanarix SA, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Investigation performed at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, in collaboration with Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Vincent Braunersreuther
- Service of Clinical Pathology, Diagnostic Department, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland.,Investigation performed at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, in collaboration with Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Flavio Maurizio Mor
- Tissue Engineering Laboratory, HEPIA/HES-SO, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Geneva, Switzerland.,Investigation performed at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, in collaboration with Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jeremy Laedermann
- Wyss Center for Bio and Neuroengineering, Geneva, Switzerland.,Investigation performed at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, in collaboration with Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Ivan Furfaro
- Laboratory for Soft Bioelectronic Interfaces, Institute of Microengineering, Institute of Bioengineering, Centre for Neuroprosthetics, École Polytechnique Fédeérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Switzerland.,Investigation performed at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, in collaboration with Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Dimitrios Stafylakis
- Department of Orthopaedics Surgery, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland.,Investigation performed at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, in collaboration with Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Didier Hannouche
- University Medical Center, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland. Department of Orthopaedics Surgery, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland.,Investigation performed at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, in collaboration with Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Eric Gerstel
- University Medical Center, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland. Clinique la Colline, Hirslanden, Geneva, Switzerland.,Investigation performed at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, in collaboration with Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Karl-Heinz Krause
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland. University Medical Center, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Investigation performed at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, in collaboration with Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Mathieu Assal
- University Medical Center, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland. Foot and Ankle Surgery Centre, Centre Assal, Clinique La Colline, Hirslanden Geneva, Switzerland.,Investigation performed at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, in collaboration with Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jacques Menetrey
- University Medical Center, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland. Centre for Sports Medicine and Exercise, Clinique la Colline, Hirslanden, Geneva, Switzerland.,Investigation performed at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, in collaboration with Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Vannary Tieng
- University Medical Center, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland. Vanarix SA, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Investigation performed at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, in collaboration with Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
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Staubli F, Stoddart MJ, D'Este M, Schwab A. Pre-culture of human mesenchymal stromal cells in spheroids facilitates chondrogenesis at a low total cell count upon embedding in biomaterials to generate cartilage microtissues. Acta Biomater 2022; 143:253-265. [PMID: 35240315 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2022.02.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Material-assisted cartilage tissue engineering has limited application in cartilage treatment due to hypertrophic tissue formation and high cell counts required. This study aimed at investigating the potential of human mesenchymal stromal cell (hMSC) spheroids embedded in biomaterials to study the effect of biomaterial composition on cell differentiation. Pre-cultured (3 days, chondrogenic differentiation media) spheroids (250 cells/spheroid) were embedded in tyramine-modified hyaluronic acid (THA) and collagen type I (Col) composite hydrogels (four combinations of THA (12.5 vs 16.7 mg/ml) and Col (2.5 vs 1.7 mg/ml) content) at a cell density of 5 × 106 cells/ml (2 × 104 spheroids/ml). Macropellets derived from single hMSCs (2.5 × 105 cells, ScMP) or hMSC spheroids (2.5 × 105 cells, 103 spheroids, SpMP) served as control. hMSC differentiation was analyzed using glycosaminoglycan (GAG) quantification, gene expression analysis and (immuno-)histology. Embedding of hMSC spheroids in THA-Col induced chondrogenic differentiation marked by upregulation of aggrecan (ACAN) and COL2A1, and the production of GAGs . Lower THA led to more pronounced chondrogenic phenotype compared to higher THA content. Col content had no significant influence on hMSC chondrogenesis. Pellet cultures showed an upregulation in chondrogenic-associated genes and production of GAGs with less upregulation of hypertrophic-associated genes in SpMP culture compared to ScMP group. This study presents hMSC pre-culture in spheroids as promising approach to study chondrogenic differentiation after biomaterial encapsulation at low total cell count (5 × 106/ml) without compromising chondrogenic matrix production. This approach can be applied to assemble microtissues in biomaterials to generate large cartilage construct. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: In vitro studies investigating the chondrogenic potential of biomaterials are limited due to the low cell-cell contact of encapsulated single cells. Here, we introduce the use of pre-cultured hMSC spheroids to study chondrogenesis upon encapsulation in a biomaterial. The use of spheroids takes advantage of the high cell-cell contact within each spheroid being critical in the early chondrogenesis of hMSCs. At a low seeding density of 5·106 cells/ml (2 × 104 spheroids/ml) we demonstrated hMSC chondrogenesis and cartilaginous matrix deposition. Our results indicate that the pre-culture might have a beneficial effect on hypertrophic gene expression without compromising chondrogenic differentiation. This approach has shown potential to assemble microtissues (here spheroids) in biomaterials to generate large cartilage constructs and to study the effect of biomaterial composition on cell alignment and migration.
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8
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Spheroid-Based Tissue Engineering Strategies for Regeneration of the Intervertebral Disc. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23052530. [PMID: 35269672 PMCID: PMC8910276 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Degenerative disc disease, a painful pathology of the intervertebral disc (IVD), often causes disability and reduces quality of life. Although regenerative cell-based strategies have shown promise in clinical trials, none have been widely adopted clinically. Recent developments demonstrated that spheroid-based approaches might help overcome challenges associated with cell-based IVD therapies. Spheroids are three-dimensional multicellular aggregates with architecture that enables the cells to differentiate and synthesize endogenous ECM, promotes cell-ECM interactions, enhances adhesion, and protects cells from harsh conditions. Spheroids could be applied in the IVD both in scaffold-free and scaffold-based configurations, possibly providing advantages over cell suspensions. This review highlights areas of future research in spheroid-based regeneration of nucleus pulposus (NP) and annulus fibrosus (AF). We also discuss cell sources and methods for spheroid fabrication and characterization, mechanisms related to spheroid fusion, as well as enhancement of spheroid performance in the context of the IVD microenvironment.
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9
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Evenbratt H, Andreasson L, Bicknell V, Brittberg M, Mobini R, Simonsson S. Insights into the present and future of cartilage regeneration and joint repair. CELL REGENERATION (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2022; 11:3. [PMID: 35106664 PMCID: PMC8807792 DOI: 10.1186/s13619-021-00104-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Knee osteoarthritis is the most common joint disease. It causes pain and suffering for affected patients and is the source of major economic costs for healthcare systems. Despite ongoing research, there is a lack of knowledge regarding disease mechanisms, biomarkers, and possible cures. Current treatments do not fulfill patients' long-term needs, and it often requires invasive surgical procedures with subsequent long periods of rehabilitation. Researchers and companies worldwide are working to find a suitable cell source to engineer or regenerate a functional and healthy articular cartilage tissue to implant in the damaged area. Potential cell sources to accomplish this goal include embryonic stem cells, mesenchymal stem cells, or induced pluripotent stem cells. The differentiation of stem cells into different tissue types is complex, and a suitable concentration range of specific growth factors is vital. The cellular microenvironment during early embryonic development provides crucial information regarding concentrations of signaling molecules and morphogen gradients as these are essential inducers for tissue development. Thus, morphogen gradients implemented in developmental protocols aimed to engineer functional cartilage tissue can potentially generate cells comparable to those within native cartilage. In this review, we have summarized the problems with current treatments, potential cell sources for cell therapy, reviewed the progress of new treatments within the regenerative cartilage field, and highlighted the importance of cell quality, characterization assays, and chemically defined protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - L. Andreasson
- Cline Scientific AB, SE-431 53 Mölndal, Sweden
- Institute of Biomedicine at Sahlgrenska Academy, Department of Clinical Chemistry and Transfusion Medicine, University of Gothenburg, SE-413 45 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - V. Bicknell
- Cline Scientific AB, SE-431 53 Mölndal, Sweden
| | - M. Brittberg
- Cartilage Research Unit, University of Gothenburg, Region Halland Orthopaedics, Kungsbacka Hospital, S-434 80 Kungsbacka, Sweden
| | - R. Mobini
- Cline Scientific AB, SE-431 53 Mölndal, Sweden
| | - S. Simonsson
- Institute of Biomedicine at Sahlgrenska Academy, Department of Clinical Chemistry and Transfusion Medicine, University of Gothenburg, SE-413 45 Gothenburg, Sweden
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Zahn I, Braun T, Gögele C, Schulze-Tanzil G. Minispheroids as a Tool for Ligament Tissue Engineering: Do the Self-Assembly Techniques and Spheroid Dimensions Influence the Cruciate Ligamentocyte Phenotype? Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:11011. [PMID: 34681672 PMCID: PMC8537246 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222011011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Spheroid culture might stabilize the ligamentocyte phenotype. Therefore, the phenotype of lapine cruciate ligamentocyte (L-CLs) minispheroids prepared either by hanging drop (HD) method or by using a novel spheroid plate (SP) and the option of methyl cellulose (MC) for tuning spheroid formation was tested. A total of 250 and 1000 L-CLs per spheroid were seeded as HDs or on an SP before performing cell viability assay, morphometry, gene expression (qRT-PCR) and protein immunolocalization after 7 (HD/SP) and 14 (SP) days. Stable and viable spheroids of both sizes could be produced with both methods, but more rapidly with SP. MC accelerated the formation of round spheroids (HD). Their circular areas decreased significantly during culturing. After 7 days, the diameters of HD-derived spheroids were significantly larger compared to those harvested from the SP, with a tendency of lower circularity suggesting an ellipsoid shape. Gene expression of decorin increased significantly after 7 days (HD, similar trend in SP), tenascin C tended to increase after 7 (HD/SP) and 14 days (SP), whereas collagen type 1 decreased (HD/SP) compared to the monolayer control. The cruciate ligament extracellular matrix components could be localized in all mini-spheroids, confirming their conserved expression profile and their suitability for ligament tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid Zahn
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Paracelsus Medical University, Nuremberg and Salzburg, Prof. Ernst Nathan Str.1, 90419 Nuremberg, Germany; (I.Z.); (T.B.); (C.G.)
- Institute of Functional and Clinical Anatomy, Friedrich Alexander University, Erlangen-Nuremberg, Universitätsstraße 19, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Nuremberg Institute of Technology Georg Simon Ohm, Keßlerplatz 12, 90489 Nuremberg, Germany
| | - Tobias Braun
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Paracelsus Medical University, Nuremberg and Salzburg, Prof. Ernst Nathan Str.1, 90419 Nuremberg, Germany; (I.Z.); (T.B.); (C.G.)
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Nuremberg Institute of Technology Georg Simon Ohm, Keßlerplatz 12, 90489 Nuremberg, Germany
- Department of Cardiac Surgery (Cardiovascular Center), Klinikum Nürnberg Süd, Breslauer Str. 201, 90471 Nuremberg, Germany
| | - Clemens Gögele
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Paracelsus Medical University, Nuremberg and Salzburg, Prof. Ernst Nathan Str.1, 90419 Nuremberg, Germany; (I.Z.); (T.B.); (C.G.)
- Department of Biosciences, Paris Lodron University of Salzburg, Hellbrunnerstr 34, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Gundula Schulze-Tanzil
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Paracelsus Medical University, Nuremberg and Salzburg, Prof. Ernst Nathan Str.1, 90419 Nuremberg, Germany; (I.Z.); (T.B.); (C.G.)
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11
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Scalzone A, Wang XN, Dalgarno K, Ferreira AM, Gentile P. A Chondrosphere-Based Scaffold Free Approach to Manufacture an In Vitro Articular Cartilage Model. Tissue Eng Part A 2021; 28:84-93. [PMID: 34114497 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2021.0061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
In vitro engineering of human articular cartilage (AC) is a regenerative medicine challenge. The main objective of this study was the development of a repeatable scaffold-free in vitro model of chondrocyte spheroid-based treatments of cartilage defects, to allow for systematic study and further optimization of this type of treatment. Human articular chondrocytes (HC) and immortalized mesenchymal cells differentiated in chondrocytes (Y201-Cs) were cultured in round-bottom 96-well plates to produce multicellular spheroids and their growth kinetics, and viability was evaluated over 7 days of culture. Then, the spheroids were assembled and cultured for 21 days on a gelatin-coated poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) electrospun membrane (10 spheroids/cm2), following a protocol in line with the clinically approved Chondrosphere® (CO.DON AG) technique. Both HC and Y201-C cells formed compact and viable spheroids after 7 days of culture with a reduction of diameter over the 7 days from 1300 ± 150 μm to 600 ± 90 μm and from 1250 ± 60 μm to 800 ± 20 μm for HC and Y201-C, respectively. When the spheroids were transferred onto the support membrane, these adhered on the membrane itself and fused themselves, producing collagen type II (COL2A1) and aggrecan (ACAN), according to gene expression and glycosaminoglycans quantification analyses. We detected higher expression of COL2A1 in HC cells, while the Y201-C constructs were characterized by an increased ACAN expression. The approach we presented allows a standardizable production of spheroids with predictable geometry and the creation of a reproducible scaffold-free in vitro AC-like construct showing high expression of chondrogenic markers, using both HC and Y201-C. In addition, the bankable Y201-C cells provide an effective base model for experimentation with the spheroid approach to further enhance the process. Impact statement This is first work on the development of a repeatable scaffold-free in vitro model based on an optimized protocol in line with a recent clinically approved Chondrosphere® (CO.DON AG) technique. In addition, we demonstrated that a bankable cell type (Y201-C) could produce an engineered cartilage-like construct, giving a repeatable model as a key tool for experimentation of therapeutic treatment ahead of studies with heterogeneous cell populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annachiara Scalzone
- School of Engineering and Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Xiao N Wang
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Kenny Dalgarno
- School of Engineering and Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Ana M Ferreira
- School of Engineering and Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Piergiorgio Gentile
- School of Engineering and Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom
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12
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Brose TZ, Kubosch EJ, Schmal H, Stoddart MJ, Armiento AR. Crosstalk Between Mesenchymal Stromal Cells and Chondrocytes: The Hidden Therapeutic Potential for Cartilage Regeneration. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2021; 17:1647-1665. [PMID: 33954877 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-021-10170-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cartilage injuries following trauma create a puzzling clinical scenario. The finite reparative potential of articular cartilage is well known, and injuries are associated with an increased risk of osteoarthritis. Cell-based therapies have spotlighted chondrocytes and mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) as the functional unit of articular cartilage and the progenitor cells, respectively. The available clinical treatments cannot reproduce the biomechanical properties of articular cartilage and call for continuous investigations into alternative approaches. Co-cultures of chondrocytes and MSCs are an attractive in vitro system to step closer to the in vivo multicellular environment's complexity. Research on the mechanisms of interaction between both cell types will reveal essential cues to understand cartilage regeneration. This review describes the latest discoveries on these interactions, along with advantages and main challenges in vitro and in vivo. The successful clinical translation of in vitro studies requires establishing rigorous standards and clinically relevant research models and an organ-targeting therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Z Brose
- AO Research Institute Davos, Clavadelerstrasse 8, 7270, Davos Platz, Switzerland.,Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery, Medical Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Albert Ludwigs University of Freiburg, Hugstetterstrasse 55, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Eva J Kubosch
- Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery, Medical Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Albert Ludwigs University of Freiburg, Hugstetterstrasse 55, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Hagen Schmal
- Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery, Medical Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Albert Ludwigs University of Freiburg, Hugstetterstrasse 55, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Martin J Stoddart
- AO Research Institute Davos, Clavadelerstrasse 8, 7270, Davos Platz, Switzerland.,Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery, Medical Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Albert Ludwigs University of Freiburg, Hugstetterstrasse 55, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Angela R Armiento
- AO Research Institute Davos, Clavadelerstrasse 8, 7270, Davos Platz, Switzerland.
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13
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Fürsatz M, Gerges P, Wolbank S, Nürnberger S. Autonomous spheroid formation by culture plate compartmentation. Biofabrication 2021; 13. [PMID: 33513590 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/abe186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Scaffold-free 3D cell cultures (e.g. pellet cultures) are widely used in medical science, including cartilage regeneration. Their drawbacks are high time/reagent consumption and lack of early readout parameters. While optimisation was achieved by automation or simplified spheroid generation, most culture systems remain expensive or require tedious procedures. The aim of this study was to establish a system for resource efficient spheroid generation. This was achieved by compartmentation of cell culture surfaces utilising laser engraving (grid plates). This compartmentation triggered autonomous spheroid formation via rolling-up of the cell monolayer in human adipose-derived stem cells (ASC/TERT1) and human articular chondrocytes (hAC)-ASC/TERT1 co-cultures, when cultivated on grid plates under chondrogenic conditions. Plates with 3 mm grid size yielded stable diameters (about 300 μm). ASC/TERT1 spheroids fully formed within 3 weeks while co-cultures took 1-2 weeks, forming significantly faster with increasing hAC ratio (p<0.05 and 0.01 for 1:1 and 1:4 ASC/TERT1:hAC ratio respectively). Co-cultures showed slightly lower spheroid diameter, due to earlier spheroid formation and incomplete monolayer formation. However, this was associated with more regular matrix distribution in the co-culture. Both showed differentiation capacity comparable to standard pellet culture in (immune-)histochemistry and RT-qPCR. To assess usability for cartilage repair, spheroids were embedded into a hydrogel (fibrin), yielding cellular outgrowth and matrix deposition, which was especially pronounced in co-cultures. The herein presented novel cell culture system is not only a promising tool for autonomous spheroid generation with the potential of experimental and clinical application in tissue engineering but also for high-throughput analysis for both pharmaceutical and therapeutic uses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marian Fürsatz
- Austrian Cluster of Tissue Regeneration , Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology, Donaueschingenstrasse 13, Wien, Wien, 1200, AUSTRIA
| | - Peter Gerges
- Institute of Applied Physics, Vienna University of Technology, Wiedner Hauptstraße 8-10, Wien, Wien, 1040, AUSTRIA
| | - Susanne Wolbank
- Austrian Cluster of Tissue Regeneration , Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology, Donaueschingenstrasse 13, Wien, Wien, 1200, AUSTRIA
| | - Sylvia Nürnberger
- Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, Wien, Wien, 1090, AUSTRIA
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