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Rahav N, Marrero D, Soffer A, Glickman E, Beldjilali-Labro M, Yaffe Y, Tadmor K, Leichtmann-Bardoogo Y, Ashery U, Maoz BM. Multi-Sensor Origami Platform: A Customizable System for Obtaining Spatiotemporally Precise Functional Readouts in 3D Models. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024:e2305555. [PMID: 38634605 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202305555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Bioprinting technology offers unprecedented opportunities to construct in vitro tissue models that recapitulate the 3D morphology and functionality of native tissue. Yet, it remains difficult to obtain adequate functional readouts from such models. In particular, it is challenging to position sensors in desired locations within pre-fabricated 3D bioprinted structures. At the same time, bioprinting tissue directly onto a sensing device is not feasible due to interference with the printer head. As such, a multi-sensing platform inspired by origami that overcomes these challenges by "folding" around a separately fabricated 3D tissue structure is proposed, allowing for the insertion of electrodes into precise locations, which are custom-defined using computer-aided-design software. The multi-sensing origami platform (MSOP) can be connected to a commercial multi-electrode array (MEA) system for data-acquisition and processing. To demonstrate the platform, how integrated 3D MEA electrodes can record neuronal electrical activity in a 3D model of a neurovascular unit is shown. The MSOP also enables a microvascular endothelial network to be cultured separately and integrated with the 3D tissue structure. Accordingly, how impedance-based sensors in the platform can measure endothelial barrier function is shown. It is further demonstrated the device's versatility by using it to measure neuronal activity in brain organoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noam Rahav
- School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry and Biophysics, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | - Denise Marrero
- Instituto de Microelectrónica de Barcelona (IMB-CNM, CSIC), Campus UAB, Bellaterra, Barcelona, 08193, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Bioingeniería Biomateriales y Nanomedicina, Madrid, 50018, Spain
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | - Adi Soffer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | - Emma Glickman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | | | - Yakey Yaffe
- Sagol Center for Regenerative Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | - Keshet Tadmor
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | | | - Uri Ashery
- School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry and Biophysics, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel
- Sagol Center for Regenerative Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | - Ben M Maoz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel
- Sagol Center for Regenerative Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel
- The Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel
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2
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Gedeon JY, Pineda-Farias JB, Gold MS. In-Vivo Calcium Imaging of Sensory Neurons in the Rat Trigeminal Ganglion. J Vis Exp 2024:10.3791/65978. [PMID: 38407223 PMCID: PMC11139451 DOI: 10.3791/65978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Genetically encoded calcium indicators (GECIs) enable imaging techniques to monitor changes in intracellular calcium in targeted cell populations. Their large signal-to-noise ratio makes GECIs a powerful tool for detecting stimulus-evoked activity in sensory neurons. GECIs facilitate population-level analysis of stimulus encoding with the number of neurons that can be studied simultaneously. This population encoding is most appropriately done in vivo. Dorsal root ganglia (DRG), which house the soma of sensory neurons innervating somatic and visceral structures below the neck, are used most extensively for in vivo imaging because these structures are accessed relatively easily. More recently, this technique was used in mice to study sensory neurons in the trigeminal ganglion (TG) that innervate oral and craniofacial structures. There are many reasons to study TG in addition to DRG, including the long list of pain syndromes specific to oral and craniofacial structures that appear to reflect changes in sensory neuron activity, such as trigeminal neuralgia. Mice are used most extensively in the study of DRG and TG neurons because of the availability of genetic tools. However, with differences in size, ease of handling, and potentially important species differences, there are reasons to study rat rather than mouse TG neurons. Thus, we developed an approach for imaging rat TG neurons in vivo. We injected neonatal pups (p2) intraperitoneally with an AAV encoding GCaMP6s, resulting in >90% infection of both TG and DRG neurons. TG was visualized in the adult following craniotomy and decortication, and changes in GCaMP6s fluorescence were monitored in TG neurons following stimulation of mandibular and maxillary regions of the face. We confirmed that increases in fluorescence were stimulus-evoked with peripheral nerve block. While this approach has many potential uses, we are using it to characterize the subpopulation(s) of TG neurons changed following peripheral nerve injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Y Gedeon
- Center for Neuroscience at the University of Pittsburgh; Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine; Pittsburgh Center for Pain Research, University of Pittsburgh
| | - Jorge Baruch Pineda-Farias
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine; Pittsburgh Center for Pain Research, University of Pittsburgh
| | - Michael S Gold
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine; Pittsburgh Center for Pain Research, University of Pittsburgh;
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Leng Y, Li X, Zheng F, Liu H, Wang C, Wang X, Liao Y, Liu J, Meng K, Yu J, Zhang J, Wang B, Tan Y, Liu M, Jia X, Li D, Li Y, Gu Z, Fan Y. Advances in In Vitro Models of Neuromuscular Junction: Focusing on Organ-on-a-Chip, Organoids, and Biohybrid Robotics. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2211059. [PMID: 36934404 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202211059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is a peripheral synaptic connection between presynaptic motor neurons and postsynaptic skeletal muscle fibers that enables muscle contraction and voluntary motor movement. Many traumatic, neurodegenerative, and neuroimmunological diseases are classically believed to mainly affect either the neuronal or the muscle side of the NMJ, and treatment options are lacking. Recent advances in novel techniques have helped develop in vitro physiological and pathophysiological models of the NMJ as well as enable precise control and evaluation of its functions. This paper reviews the recent developments in in vitro NMJ models with 2D or 3D cultures, from organ-on-a-chip and organoids to biohybrid robotics. Related derivative techniques are introduced for functional analysis of the NMJ, such as the patch-clamp technique, microelectrode arrays, calcium imaging, and stimulus methods, particularly optogenetic-mediated light stimulation, microelectrode-mediated electrical stimulation, and biochemical stimulation. Finally, the applications of the in vitro NMJ models as disease models or for drug screening related to suitable neuromuscular diseases are summarized and their future development trends and challenges are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yubing Leng
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Xiaorui Li
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Fuyin Zheng
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Hui Liu
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Chunyan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, 100094, China
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Xudong Wang
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Yulong Liao
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Jiangyue Liu
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Kaiqi Meng
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Jiaheng Yu
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Jingyi Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Binyu Wang
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Yingjun Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, 100094, China
| | - Meili Liu
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Xiaoling Jia
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Deyu Li
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Yinghui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, 100094, China
| | - Zhongze Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Yubo Fan
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
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Ma D, Huang Q, Gao X, Ford NC, Guo R, Zhang C, Liu S, He SQ, Raja SN, Guan Y. The Utility of Peripherally Restricted Kappa-Opioid Receptor Agonists for Inhibiting Below-Level Pain After Spinal Cord Injury in Mice. Neuroscience 2023; 527:92-102. [PMID: 37516437 PMCID: PMC10530135 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2023.07.017] [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: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Abstract
Pain after spinal cord injury (SCI) can be difficult to treat. Drugs that target the opioid receptor (OR) outside the central nervous system (CNS) have gained increasing interest in pain control owing to their low risk of central side effects. Asimadoline and ICI-204448 are believed to be peripherally restricted KOR agonists withlimited access to the CNS. This study examined whether they can attenuate pain hypersensitivity in mice subjected to a contusive T10 SCI. Subcutaneous (s.c.) injection of asimadoline (5, 20 mg/kg) and ICI-204448 (1, 10 mg/kg) inhibited heat hypersensitivity at both doses, but only attenuated mechanical hypersensitivity at the high dose. However, the high-dose asimadoline adversely affected animals' exploratory performance in SCI mice and caused aversion, suggesting CNS drug penetration. In contrast, high-dose ICI-204448 did not impair exploration and remained effective in reducing both mechanical and heat hypersensitivities after SCI. Accordingly, we chose to examine the potential peripheral neuronal mechanism for ICI-204448-induced pain inhibition by conducting in vivo calcium imaging of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) in Pirt-GCaMP6s+/- mice. High-dose ICI-204448 (10 mg/kg, s.c.) attenuated the increased fluorescence intensity of lumbar DRG neurons activated by a noxious pinch (400 g) stimulation in SCI mice. In conclusion, systemic administration of ICI-204448 achieved SCI pain inhibition at doses that did not induce notable side effects and attenuated DRG neuronal excitability which may partly contribute to its pain inhibition. These findings suggest that peripherally restricted KOR agonists may be useful for treating SCI pain, but the therapeutic window must be carefully examined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danxu Ma
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Qian Huang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Xinyan Gao
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Neil C Ford
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Ruijuan Guo
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Chi Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Shuguang Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Shao-Qiu He
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Srinivasa N Raja
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Yun Guan
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Neurological Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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5
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Haroun R, Gossage SJ, Luiz AP, Arcangeletti M, Sikandar S, Zhao J, Cox JJ, Wood JN. Chemogenetic Silencing of Na V1.8-Positive Sensory Neurons Reverses Chronic Neuropathic and Bone Cancer Pain in FLEx PSAM 4-GlyR Mice. eNeuro 2023; 10:ENEURO.0151-23.2023. [PMID: 37679042 PMCID: PMC10523839 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0151-23.2023] [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: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Drive from peripheral neurons is essential in almost all pain states, but pharmacological silencing of these neurons to effect analgesia has proved problematic. Reversible gene therapy using long-lived chemogenetic approaches is an appealing option. We used the genetically activated chloride channel PSAM4-GlyR to examine pain pathways in mice. Using recombinant AAV9-based delivery to sensory neurons, we found a reversal of acute pain behavior and diminished neuronal activity using in vitro and in vivo GCaMP imaging on activation of PSAM4-GlyR with varenicline. A significant reduction in inflammatory heat hyperalgesia and oxaliplatin-induced cold allodynia was also observed. Importantly, there was no impairment of motor coordination, but innocuous von Frey sensation was inhibited. We generated a transgenic mouse that expresses a CAG-driven FLExed PSAM4-GlyR downstream of the Rosa26 locus that requires Cre recombinase to enable the expression of PSAM4-GlyR and tdTomato. We used NaV1.8 Cre to examine the role of predominantly nociceptive NaV1.8+ neurons in cancer-induced bone pain (CIBP) and neuropathic pain caused by chronic constriction injury (CCI). Varenicline activation of PSAM4-GlyR in NaV1.8-positive neurons reversed CCI-driven mechanical, thermal, and cold sensitivity. Additionally, varenicline treatment of mice with CIBP expressing PSAM4-GlyR in NaV1.8+ sensory neurons reversed cancer pain as assessed by weight-bearing. Moreover, when these mice were subjected to acute pain assays, an elevation in withdrawal thresholds to noxious mechanical and thermal stimuli was detected, but innocuous mechanical sensations remained unaffected. These studies confirm the utility of PSAM4-GlyR chemogenetic silencing in chronic pain states for mechanistic analysis and potential future therapeutic use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rayan Haroun
- Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, Division of Medicine, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Samuel J Gossage
- Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, Division of Medicine, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Ana Paula Luiz
- Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, Division of Medicine, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Manuel Arcangeletti
- Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, Division of Medicine, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Shafaq Sikandar
- William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, United Kingdom
| | - Jing Zhao
- Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, Division of Medicine, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - James J Cox
- Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, Division of Medicine, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - John N Wood
- Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, Division of Medicine, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
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6
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Ahanonu B, Crowther A, Kania A, Casillas MR, Basbaum A. Long-term optical imaging of the spinal cord in awake, behaving animals. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.22.541477. [PMID: 37292913 PMCID: PMC10245895 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.22.541477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Advances in optical imaging approaches and fluorescent biosensors have enabled an understanding of the spatiotemporal and long-term neural dynamics in the brain of awake animals. However, methodological difficulties and the persistence of post-laminectomy fibrosis have greatly limited similar advances in the spinal cord. To overcome these technical obstacles, we combined in vivo application of fluoropolymer membranes that inhibit fibrosis; a redesigned, cost-effective implantable spinal imaging chamber; and improved motion correction methods that together permit imaging of the spinal cord in awake, behaving mice, for months to over a year. We also demonstrate a robust ability to monitor axons, identify a spinal cord somatotopic map, conduct Ca2+ imaging of neural dynamics in behaving animals responding to pain-provoking stimuli, and observe persistent microglial changes after nerve injury. The ability to couple neural activity and behavior at the spinal cord level will drive insights not previously possible at a key location for somatosensory transmission to the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biafra Ahanonu
- Department of Anatomy, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- These authors contributed equally
| | - Andrew Crowther
- Department of Anatomy, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- These authors contributed equally
| | - Artur Kania
- Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal (IRCM), Montréal, QC, H2W 1R7, Canada
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, and Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC, H3A 2B2, Canada
| | - Mariela Rosa Casillas
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Allan Basbaum
- Department of Anatomy, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Lead Contact
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Lawson J, LaVancher E, DeAlmeida M, Black BJ. Electrically-evoked oscillating calcium transients in mono- and co-cultures of iPSC glia and sensory neurons. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1094070. [PMID: 37006467 PMCID: PMC10060658 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1094070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Activated glia are known to exhibit either neuroprotective or neurodegenerative effects, depending on their phenotype, while participating in chronic pain regulation. Until recently, it has been believed that satellite glial cells and astrocytes are electrically slight and process stimuli only through intracellular calcium flux that triggers downstream signaling mechanisms. Though glia do not exhibit action potentials, they do express both voltage- and ligand-gated ion channels that facilitate measurable calcium transients, a measure of their own phenotypic excitability, and support and modulate sensory neuron excitability through ion buffering and secretion of excitatory or inhibitory neuropeptides (i.e., paracrine signaling). We recently developed a model of acute and chronic nociception using co-cultures of iPSC sensory neurons (SN) and spinal astrocytes on microelectrode arrays (MEAs). Until recently, only neuronal extracellular activity has been recorded using MEAs with a high signal-to-noise ratio and in a non-invasive manner. Unfortunately, this method has limited compatibility with simultaneous calcium transient imaging techniques, which is the most common method for monitoring the phenotypic activity of astrocytes. Moreover, both dye-based and genetically encoded calcium indicator imaging rely on calcium chelation, affecting the culture’s long-term physiology. Therefore, it would be ideal to allow continuous and simultaneous direct phenotypic monitoring of both SNs and astrocytes in a high-to-moderate throughput non-invasive manner and would significantly advance the field of electrophysiology. Here, we characterize astrocytic oscillating calcium transients (OCa2+Ts) in mono- and co-cultures of iPSC astrocytes as well as iPSC SN-astrocyte co-cultures on 48 well plate MEAs. We demonstrate that astrocytes exhibit OCa2+Ts in an electrical stimulus amplitude- and duration-dependent manner. We show that OCa2+Ts can be pharmacologically inhibited with the gap junction antagonist, carbenoxolone (100 μM). Most importantly, we demonstrate that both neurons and glia can be phenotypically characterized in real time, repeatedly, over the duration of the culture. In total, our findings suggest that calcium transients in glial populations may serve as a stand-alone or supplemental screening technique for identifying potential analgesics or compounds targeting other glia-mediated pathologies.
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Shannonhouse J, Gomez R, Son H, Zhang Y, Kim YS. In Vivo Calcium Imaging of Neuronal Ensembles in Networks of Primary Sensory Neurons in Intact Dorsal Root Ganglia. J Vis Exp 2023:10.3791/64826. [PMID: 36847407 PMCID: PMC10785773 DOI: 10.3791/64826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Ca2+ imaging can be used as a proxy for cellular activity, including action potentials and various signaling mechanisms involving Ca2+ entry into the cytoplasm or the release of intracellular Ca2+ stores. Pirt-GCaMP3-based Ca2+ imaging of primary sensory neurons of the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) in mice offers the advantage of simultaneous measurement of a large number of cells. Up to 1,800 neurons can be monitored, allowing neuronal networks and somatosensory processes to be studied as an ensemble in their normal physiological context at a populational level in vivo. The large number of neurons monitored allows the detection of activity patterns that would be challenging to detect using other methods. Stimuli can be applied to the mouse hindpaw, allowing the direct effects of stimuli on the DRG neuron ensemble to be studied. The number of neurons producing Ca2+ transients as well as the amplitude of Ca2+ transients indicates sensitivity to specific sensory modalities. The diameter of neurons provides evidence of activated fiber types (non-noxious mechano vs. noxious pain fibers, Aβ, Aδ, and C fibers). Neurons expressing specific receptors can be genetically labeled with td-Tomato and specific Cre recombinases together with Pirt-GCaMP. Therefore, Pirt-GCaMP3 Ca2+ imaging of DRG provides a powerful tool and model for the analysis of specific sensory modalities and neuron subtypes acting as an ensemble at the populational level to study pain, itch, touch, and other somatosensory signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Shannonhouse
- Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Dentistry, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
| | - Ruben Gomez
- Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Dentistry, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
| | - Hyeonwi Son
- Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Dentistry, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Dentistry, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
| | - Yu Shin Kim
- Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Dentistry, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio; Programs in Integrated Biomedical Sciences, Translational Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, Radiological Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio;
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