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Regeenes R, Rocheleau JV. Twenty years of islet-on-a-chip: microfluidic tools for dissecting islet metabolism and function. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:1327-1350. [PMID: 38277011 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00696d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic islets are metabolically active micron-sized tissues responsible for controlling blood glucose through the secretion of insulin and glucagon. A loss of functional islet mass results in type 1 and 2 diabetes. Islet-on-a-chip devices are powerful microfluidic tools used to trap and study living ex vivo human and murine pancreatic islets and potentially stem cell-derived islet organoids. Devices developed over the past twenty years offer the ability to treat islets with controlled and dynamic microenvironments to mimic in vivo conditions and facilitate diabetes research. In this review, we explore the various islet-on-a-chip devices used to immobilize islets, regulate the microenvironment, and dynamically detect islet metabolism and insulin secretion. We first describe and assess the various methods used to immobilize islets including chambers, dam-walls, and hydrodynamic traps. We subsequently describe the surrounding methods used to create glucose gradients, enhance the reaggregation of dispersed islets, and control the microenvironment of stem cell-derived islet organoids. We focus on the various methods used to measure insulin secretion including capillary electrophoresis, droplet microfluidics, off-chip ELISAs, and on-chip fluorescence anisotropy immunoassays. Additionally, we delve into the various multiparametric readouts (NAD(P)H, Ca2+-activity, and O2-consumption rate) achieved primarily by adopting a microscopy-compatible optical window into the devices. By critical assessment of these advancements, we aim to inspire the development of new devices by the microfluidics community and accelerate the adoption of islet-on-a-chip devices by the wider diabetes research and clinical communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romario Regeenes
- Advanced Diagnostics, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jonathan V Rocheleau
- Advanced Diagnostics, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Departments of Medicine and Physiology, University of Toronto, ON, Canada
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2
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Zhang S, Xu G, Wu J, Liu X, Fan Y, Chen J, Wallace G, Gu Q. Microphysiological Constructs and Systems: Biofabrication Tactics, Biomimetic Evaluation Approaches, and Biomedical Applications. SMALL METHODS 2024; 8:e2300685. [PMID: 37798902 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202300685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
In recent decades, microphysiological constructs and systems (MPCs and MPSs) have undergone significant development, ranging from self-organized organoids to high-throughput organ-on-a-chip platforms. Advances in biomaterials, bioinks, 3D bioprinting, micro/nanofabrication, and sensor technologies have contributed to diverse and innovative biofabrication tactics. MPCs and MPSs, particularly tissue chips relevant to absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity, have demonstrated potential as precise, efficient, and economical alternatives to animal models for drug discovery and personalized medicine. However, current approaches mainly focus on the in vitro recapitulation of the human anatomical structure and physiological-biochemical indices at a single or a few simple levels. This review highlights the recent remarkable progress in MPC and MPS models and their applications. The challenges that must be addressed to assess the reliability, quantify the techniques, and utilize the fidelity of the models are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuyu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine/Department of Fetal Medicine and Prenatal Diagnosis/BioResource Research Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
| | - Guoshi Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Huairou District, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Juan Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Huairou District, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xiao Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Yong Fan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine/Department of Fetal Medicine and Prenatal Diagnosis/BioResource Research Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
| | - Jun Chen
- Intelligent Polymer Research Institute, Australian Institute for Innovative Materials, Innovation Campus, University of Wollongong, North Wollongong, NSW, 2500, Australia
| | - Gordon Wallace
- Intelligent Polymer Research Institute, Australian Institute for Innovative Materials, Innovation Campus, University of Wollongong, North Wollongong, NSW, 2500, Australia
| | - Qi Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Huairou District, Beijing, 100049, China
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3
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Microfluidic Technology for Evaluating and Preserving Islet Function for Islet Transplant in Type 1 Diabetes. CURRENT TRANSPLANTATION REPORTS 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s40472-022-00377-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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4
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Rafiei N, Moghadam MG, Au A, Regeenes R, Chidambaram S, Liang T, Wang Y, Yip CM, Gaisano H, Rocheleau JV. Design of a versatile microfluidic device for imaging precision-cut-tissue slices. Biofabrication 2022; 14. [PMID: 35793653 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/ac7eea] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Precision-cut-tissues (PCTs), which preserve many aspects of a tissue's microenvironment, are typically imaged using conventional sample dishes and chambers. These can require large amounts of reagent and, when used for flow-through experiments, the shear forces applied on the tissues are often ill-defined. Their physical design also makes it difficult to image large volumes and repetitively image smaller regions of interest in the living slice. We report here on the design of a versatile microfluidic device capable of holding mouse or human pancreas PCTs for 3D fluorescence imaging using confocal and selective plane illumination microscopy (SPIM). Our design positions PCTs within a 5 × 5 mm × 140µm deep chamber fitted with 150µm tall channels to facilitate media exchange. Shear stress in the device is localized to small regions on the surface of the tissue and can be easily controlled. This design allows for media exchange at flowrates ∼10-fold lower than those required for conventional chambers. Finally, this design allows for imaging the same immunofluorescently labeled PCT with high resolution on a confocal and with large field of view on a SPIM, without adversely affecting image quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nafiseh Rafiei
- Advanced Diagnostics, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Mohammadamir G Moghadam
- Advanced Diagnostics, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Aaron Au
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Romario Regeenes
- Advanced Diagnostics, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Tao Liang
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Yufeng Wang
- Advanced Diagnostics, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Christopher M Yip
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Herbert Gaisano
- Advanced Diagnostics, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jonathan V Rocheleau
- Advanced Diagnostics, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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5
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Yin J, Meng H, Lin J, Ji W, Xu T, Liu H. Pancreatic islet organoids-on-a-chip: how far have we gone? J Nanobiotechnology 2022; 20:308. [PMID: 35764957 PMCID: PMC9238112 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-022-01518-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a disease caused by dysfunction or disruption of pancreatic islets. The advent and development of microfluidic organoids-on-a-chip platforms have facilitated reproduce of complex and dynamic environment for tissue or organ development and complex disease processes. For the research and treatment of DM, the platforms have been widely used to investigate the physiology and pathophysiology of islets. In this review, we first highlight how pancreatic islet organoids-on-a-chip have improved the reproducibility of stem cell differentiation and organoid culture. We further discuss the efficiency of microfluidics in the functional evaluation of pancreatic islet organoids, such as single-islet-sensitivity detection, long-term real-time monitoring, and automatic glucose adjustment to provide relevant stimulation. Then, we present the applications of islet-on-a-chip technology in disease modeling, drug screening and cell replacement therapy. Finally, we summarize the development and challenges of islet-on-a-chip and discuss the prospects of future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxiang Yin
- Bioland Laboratory, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hao Meng
- Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | | | - Wei Ji
- Bioland Laboratory, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Xu
- Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. .,School of Biomedical Engineering, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Huisheng Liu
- Bioland Laboratory, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. .,Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. .,School of Biomedical Engineering, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
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6
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Abstract
We demonstrate, by direct, single-cell imaging kinetic measurements, that endogenous autofluorescence in HeLa cells is sensitive to the application of external magnetic fields of 25 mT and less. We provide spectroscopic and mechanistic evidence that our findings can be explained in terms of magnetic field effects on photoinduced electron transfer reactions to flavins, through the radical pair mechanism. The observed magnetic field dependence is consistent with a triplet-born radical pair and a B1/2 value of 18.0 mT with a saturation value of 3.7%.
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7
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Glieberman AL, Pope BD, Melton DA, Parker KK. Building Biomimetic Potency Tests for Islet Transplantation. Diabetes 2021; 70:347-363. [PMID: 33472944 PMCID: PMC7881865 DOI: 10.2337/db20-0297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Diabetes is a disease of insulin insufficiency, requiring many to rely on exogenous insulin with constant monitoring to avoid a fatal outcome. Islet transplantation is a recent therapy that can provide insulin independence, but the procedure is still limited by both the availability of human islets and reliable tests to assess their function. While stem cell technologies are poised to fill the shortage of transplantable cells, better methods are still needed for predicting transplantation outcome. To ensure islet quality, we propose that the next generation of islet potency tests should be biomimetic systems that match glucose stimulation dynamics and cell microenvironmental preferences and rapidly assess conditional and continuous insulin secretion with minimal manual handing. Here, we review the current approaches for islet potency testing and outline technologies and methods that can be used to arrive at a more predictive potency test that tracks islet secretory capacity in a relevant context. With the development of potency tests that can report on islet secretion dynamics in a context relevant to their intended function, islet transplantation can expand into a more widely accessible and reliable treatment option for individuals with diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron L Glieberman
- Disease Biophysics Group, Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
| | - Benjamin D Pope
- Disease Biophysics Group, Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
| | - Douglas A Melton
- Harvard Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Cambridge, MA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA
| | - Kevin Kit Parker
- Disease Biophysics Group, Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA
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8
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Abadpour S, Aizenshtadt A, Olsen PA, Shoji K, Wilson SR, Krauss S, Scholz H. Pancreas-on-a-Chip Technology for Transplantation Applications. Curr Diab Rep 2020; 20:72. [PMID: 33206261 PMCID: PMC7674381 DOI: 10.1007/s11892-020-01357-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Human pancreas-on-a-chip (PoC) technology is quickly advancing as a platform for complex in vitro modeling of islet physiology. This review summarizes the current progress and evaluates the possibility of using this technology for clinical islet transplantation. RECENT FINDINGS PoC microfluidic platforms have mainly shown proof of principle for long-term culturing of islets to study islet function in a standardized format. Advancement in microfluidic design by using imaging-compatible biomaterials and biosensor technology might provide a novel future tool for predicting islet transplantation outcome. Progress in combining islets with other tissue types gives a possibility to study diabetic interventions in a minimal equivalent in vitro environment. Although the field of PoC is still in its infancy, considerable progress in the development of functional systems has brought the technology on the verge of a general applicable tool that may be used to study islet quality and to replace animal testing in the development of diabetes interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shadab Abadpour
- Department of Transplant Medicine and Institute for Surgical Research, Oslo University Hospital, Post Box 4950, Nydalen, N-0424 Oslo, Norway
- Hybrid Technology Hub-Centre of Excellence, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Aleksandra Aizenshtadt
- Hybrid Technology Hub-Centre of Excellence, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Petter Angell Olsen
- Hybrid Technology Hub-Centre of Excellence, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kayoko Shoji
- Hybrid Technology Hub-Centre of Excellence, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Steven Ray Wilson
- Hybrid Technology Hub-Centre of Excellence, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Stefan Krauss
- Hybrid Technology Hub-Centre of Excellence, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Hanne Scholz
- Department of Transplant Medicine and Institute for Surgical Research, Oslo University Hospital, Post Box 4950, Nydalen, N-0424 Oslo, Norway
- Hybrid Technology Hub-Centre of Excellence, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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9
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Glieberman AL, Pope BD, Zimmerman JF, Liu Q, Ferrier JP, Kenty JHR, Schrell AM, Mukhitov N, Shores KL, Tepole AB, Melton DA, Roper MG, Parker KK. Synchronized stimulation and continuous insulin sensing in a microfluidic human Islet on a Chip designed for scalable manufacturing. LAB ON A CHIP 2019; 19:2993-3010. [PMID: 31464325 PMCID: PMC6814249 DOI: 10.1039/c9lc00253g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic β cell function is compromised in diabetes and is typically assessed by measuring insulin secretion during glucose stimulation. Traditionally, measurement of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion involves manual liquid handling, heterogeneous stimulus delivery, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays that require large numbers of islets and processing time. Though microfluidic devices have been developed to address some of these limitations, traditional methods for islet testing remain the most common due to the learning curve for adopting microfluidic devices and the incompatibility of most device materials with large-scale manufacturing. We designed and built a thermoplastic, microfluidic-based Islet on a Chip compatible with commercial fabrication methods, that automates islet loading, stimulation, and insulin sensing. Inspired by the perfusion of native islets by designated arterioles and capillaries, the chip delivers synchronized glucose pulses to islets positioned in parallel channels. By flowing suspensions of human cadaveric islets onto the chip, we confirmed automatic capture of islets. Fluorescent glucose tracking demonstrated that stimulus delivery was synchronized within a two-minute window independent of the presence or size of captured islets. Insulin secretion was continuously sensed by an automated, on-chip immunoassay and quantified by fluorescence anisotropy. By integrating scalable manufacturing materials, on-line, continuous insulin measurement, and precise spatiotemporal stimulation into an easy-to-use design, the Islet on a Chip should accelerate efforts to study and develop effective treatments for diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron L Glieberman
- Disease Biophysics Group, Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Pierce Hall, 29 Oxford Street, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.
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10
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Silva PN, Atto Z, Regeenes R, Tufa U, Chen YY, Chan WCW, Volchuk A, Kilkenny DM, Rocheleau JV. Highly efficient adenoviral transduction of pancreatic islets using a microfluidic device. LAB ON A CHIP 2016; 16:2921-2934. [PMID: 27378588 DOI: 10.1039/c6lc00345a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Tissues are challenging to genetically manipulate due to limited penetration of viral particles resulting in low transduction efficiency. We are particularly interested in expressing genetically-encoded sensors in ex vivo pancreatic islets to measure glucose-stimulated metabolism, however poor viral penetration biases these measurements to only a subset of cells at the periphery. To increase mass transfer of viral particles, we designed a microfluidic device that holds islets in parallel hydrodynamic traps connected by an expanding by-pass channel. We modeled viral particle flow into the tissue using fluorescently-labelled gold nanoparticles of varying sizes and showed a penetration threshold of only ∼5 nm. To increase this threshold, we used EDTA to transiently reduce cell-cell adhesion and expand intercellular space. Ultimately, a combination of media flow and ETDA treatment significantly increased adenoviral transduction to the core of the islet. As proof-of-principle, we used this protocol to transduce an ER-targeted redox sensitive sensor (eroGFP), and revealed significantly greater ER redox capacity at core islet cells. Overall, these data demonstrate a robust method to enhance transduction efficiency of islets, and potentially other tissues, by using a combination of microfluidic flow and transient tissue expansion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamuditha N Silva
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 164 College St., Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G9, Canada.
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11
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Li G, Wu B, Ward MG, Chong ACN, Mukherjee S, Chen S, Hao M. Multifunctional in vivo imaging of pancreatic islets during diabetes development. J Cell Sci 2016; 129:2865-75. [PMID: 27270669 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.190843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2016] [Accepted: 05/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic islet dysfunction leading to insufficient glucose-stimulated insulin secretion triggers the clinical onset of diabetes. How islet dysfunction develops is not well understood at the cellular level, partly owing to the lack of approaches to study single islets longitudinally in vivo Here, we present a noninvasive, high-resolution system to quantitatively image real-time glucose metabolism from single islets in vivo, currently not available with any other method. In addition, this multifunctional system simultaneously reports islet function, proliferation, vasculature and macrophage infiltration in vivo from the same set of images. Applying our method to a longitudinal high-fat diet study revealed changes in islet function as well as alternations in islet microenvironment. More importantly, this label-free system enabled us to image real-time glucose metabolism directly from single human islets in vivo for the first time, opening the door to noninvasive longitudinal in vivo studies of healthy and diabetic human islets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ge Li
- Department of Biochemistry, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Binlin Wu
- Department of Biochemistry, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Meliza G Ward
- Department of Biochemistry, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Angie C N Chong
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Sushmita Mukherjee
- Department of Biochemistry, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Shuibing Chen
- Department of Biochemistry, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Mingming Hao
- Department of Biochemistry, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
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12
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Castiello FR, Heileman K, Tabrizian M. Microfluidic perfusion systems for secretion fingerprint analysis of pancreatic islets: applications, challenges and opportunities. LAB ON A CHIP 2016; 16:409-31. [PMID: 26732665 DOI: 10.1039/c5lc01046b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
A secretome signature is a heterogeneous profile of secretions present in a single cell type. From the secretome signature a smaller panel of proteins, namely a secretion fingerprint, can be chosen to feasibly monitor specific cellular activity. Based on a thorough appraisal of the literature, this review explores the possibility of defining and using a secretion fingerprint to gauge the functionality of pancreatic islets of Langerhans. It covers the state of the art regarding microfluidic perfusion systems used in pancreatic islet research. Candidate analytical tools to be integrated within microfluidic perfusion systems for dynamic secretory fingerprint monitoring were identified. These analytical tools include patch clamp, amperometry/voltametry, impedance spectroscopy, field effect transistors and surface plasmon resonance. Coupled with these tools, microfluidic devices can ultimately find applications in determining islet quality for transplantation, islet regeneration and drug screening of therapeutic agents for the treatment of diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Rafael Castiello
- Biomedical Engineering Department, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada.
| | - Khalil Heileman
- Biomedical Engineering Department, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada.
| | - Maryam Tabrizian
- Biomedical Engineering Department, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada.
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13
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Fu A, Robitaille K, Faubert B, Reeks C, Dai XQ, Hardy AB, Sankar KS, Ogrel S, Al-Dirbashi OY, Rocheleau JV, Wheeler MB, MacDonald PE, Jones R, Screaton RA. LKB1 couples glucose metabolism to insulin secretion in mice. Diabetologia 2015; 58:1513-22. [PMID: 25874445 DOI: 10.1007/s00125-015-3579-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2014] [Accepted: 03/13/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
AIMS/HYPOTHESIS Precise regulation of insulin secretion by the pancreatic beta cell is essential for the maintenance of glucose homeostasis. Insulin secretory activity is initiated by the stepwise breakdown of ambient glucose to increase cellular ATP via glycolysis and mitochondrial respiration. Knockout of Lkb1, the gene encoding liver kinase B1 (LKB1) from the beta cell in mice enhances insulin secretory activity by an undefined mechanism. Here, we sought to determine the molecular basis for how deletion of Lkb1 promotes insulin secretion. METHODS To explore the role of LKB1 on individual steps in the insulin secretion pathway, we used mitochondrial functional analyses, electrophysiology and metabolic tracing coupled with by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. RESULTS Beta cells lacking LKB1 surprisingly display impaired mitochondrial metabolism and lower ATP levels following glucose stimulation, yet compensate for this by upregulating both uptake and synthesis of glutamine, leading to increased production of citrate. Furthermore, under low glucose conditions, Lkb1(-/-) beta cells fail to inhibit acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1 (ACC1), the rate-limiting enzyme in lipid synthesis, and consequently accumulate NEFA and display increased membrane excitability. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION Taken together, our data show that LKB1 plays a critical role in coupling glucose metabolism to insulin secretion, and factors in addition to ATP act as coupling intermediates between feeding cues and secretion. Our data suggest that beta cells lacking LKB1 could be used as a system to identify additional molecular events that connect metabolism to cellular excitation in the insulin secretion pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Accalia Fu
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, 401 Smyth Road, Ottawa, K1H 8L1, Canada
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14
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Li J, Qi Y, Liu H, Cui Y, Zhang L, Gong H, Li Y, Li L, Zhang Y. Acute high-altitude hypoxic brain injury: Identification of ten differential proteins. Neural Regen Res 2014; 8:2932-41. [PMID: 25206614 PMCID: PMC4146176 DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-5374.2013.31.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2013] [Accepted: 07/30/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypobaric hypoxia can cause severe brain damage and mitochondrial dysfunction, and is involved in hypoxic brain injury. However, little is currently known about the mechanisms responsible for mitochondrial dysfunction in hypobaric hypoxic brain damage. In this study, a rat model of hypobaric hypoxic brain injury was established to investigate the molecular mechanisms associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. As revealed by two-dimensional electrophoresis analysis, 16, 21, and 36 differential protein spots in cerebral mitochondria were observed at 6, 12, and 24 hours post-hypobaric hypoxia, respectively. Furthermore, ten protein spots selected from each hypobaric hypoxia subgroup were similarly regulated and were identified by mass spectrometry. These detected proteins included dihydropyrimidinase-related protein 2, creatine kinase B-type, isovaleryl-CoA dehydrogenase, elongation factor Ts, ATP synthase beta-subunit, 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase, electron transfer flavoprotein alpha-subunit, Chain A of 2-enoyl-CoA hydratase, NADH dehydrogenase iron-sulfur protein 8 and tropomyosin beta chain. These ten proteins are all involved in the electron transport chain and the function of ATP synthase. Our findings indicate that hypobaric hypoxia can induce the differential expression of several cerebral mitochondrial proteins, which are involved in the regulation of mitochondrial energy production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianyu Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Logistics College of Chinese People's Armed Police Forces, Tianjin 300162, China
| | - Yuting Qi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Logistics College of Chinese People's Armed Police Forces, Tianjin 300162, China
| | - Hui Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary, Tianjin Third Central Hospital, Tianjin 300170, China
| | - Ying Cui
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Logistics College of Chinese People's Armed Police Forces, Tianjin 300162, China ; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Occupational and Environmental Hazards Biomarkers, Tianjin 300162, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Occupational and Environmental Hazards Biomarkers, Tianjin 300162, China
| | - Haiying Gong
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Logistics College of Chinese People's Armed Police Forces, Tianjin 300162, China
| | - Yaxiao Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Logistics College of Chinese People's Armed Police Forces, Tianjin 300162, China
| | - Lingzhi Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Logistics College of Chinese People's Armed Police Forces, Tianjin 300162, China ; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Occupational and Environmental Hazards Biomarkers, Tianjin 300162, China
| | - Yongliang Zhang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Occupational and Environmental Hazards Biomarkers, Tianjin 300162, China
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15
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Albanese A, Lam AK, Sykes EA, Rocheleau JV, Chan WCW. Tumour-on-a-chip provides an optical window into nanoparticle tissue transport. Nat Commun 2014; 4:2718. [PMID: 24177351 PMCID: PMC3947376 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms3718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 222] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2013] [Accepted: 10/03/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Nanomaterials are used for numerous biomedical applications, but the selection of optimal properties for maximum delivery remains challenging. Thus, there is a significant interest in elucidating the nano-bio interactions underlying tissue accumulation. To date, researchers have relied on cell culture or animal models to study nano-bio interactions. However, cell cultures lack the complexity of biological tissues and animal models are prohibitively slow and expensive. Here we report a tumour-on-a-chip system where incorporation of tumour-like spheroids into a microfluidic channel permits real-time analysis of nanoparticle accumulation at physiological flow conditions. We show that penetration of nanoparticles into the tissue is limited by their diameter and retention can be improved by receptor-targeting. Nanoparticle transport is predominantly diffusion-limited with convection increasing accumulation exclusively at the tissue perimeter. A murine tumour model confirms these findings and demonstrates that the tumour-on-a-chip can be useful for screening optimal nanoparticle designs prior to in vivo studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Albanese
- 1] Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada [2] Terrence Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada [3]
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16
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Abstract
Free fatty acids (FFAs) exert both positive and negative effects on beta cell survival and insulin secretory function, depending on concentration, duration, and glucose abundance. Lipid signals are mediated not only through metabolic pathways, but also through cell surface and nuclear receptors. Toxicity is modulated by positive signals arising from circulating factors such as hormones, growth factors and incretins, as well as negative signals such as inflammatory mediators and cytokines. Intracellular mechanisms of lipotoxicity include metabolic interference and cellular stress responses such as oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and possibly autophagy. New findings strengthen an old hypothesis that lipids may also impair compensatory beta cell proliferation. Clinical observations continue to support a role for lipid biology in the risk and progression of both type 1 (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). This review summarizes recent work in this important, rapidly evolving field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohit B Sharma
- Diabetes Center of Excellence, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
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17
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Sun MY, Yoo E, Green BJ, Altamentova SM, Kilkenny DM, Rocheleau JV. Autofluorescence imaging of living pancreatic islets reveals fibroblast growth factor-21 (FGF21)-induced metabolism. Biophys J 2013; 103:2379-88. [PMID: 23283237 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2012.10.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2012] [Revised: 10/16/2012] [Accepted: 10/18/2012] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factor-21 (FGF21) has therapeutic potential for metabolic syndrome due to positive effects on fatty acid metabolism in liver and white adipose tissue. FGF21 also improves pancreatic islet survival in excess palmitate; however, much less is known about FGF21-induced metabolism in this tissue. We first confirmed FGF21-dependent activity in islets by identifying expression of the cognate coreceptor Klothoβ, and by measuring a ligand-stimulated decrease in acetyl-CoA carboxylase expression. To further reveal the effect of FGF21 on metabolism, we employed a unique combination of two-photon and confocal autofluorescence imaging of the NAD(P)H and mitochondrial NADH responses while holding living islets stationary in a microfluidic device. These responses were further correlated to mitochondrial membrane potential and insulin secretion. Glucose-stimulated responses were relatively unchanged by FGF21. In contrast, responses to glucose in the presence of palmitate were significantly reduced compared to controls showing diminished NAD(P)H, mitochondrial NADH, mitochondrial membrane potential, and insulin secretion. Consistent with the glucose-stimulated responses being smaller due to continued fatty acid oxidation, mitochondrial membrane potential was increased in FGF21-treated islets by using the fatty acid transport inhibitor etomoxir. Citrate-stimulated NADPH responses were also significantly larger in FGF21-treated islets suggesting preference for citrate cycling rather than acetyl-CoA carboxylase-dependent fatty acid synthesis. Overall, these data show a reduction in palmitate-induced potentiation of glucose-stimulated metabolism and insulin secretion in FGF21-treated islets, and establish the use of autofluorescence imaging and microfluidic devices to investigate cell metabolism in a limited amount of living tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Y Sun
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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