1
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Treschow AF, Valente MJ, Lauschke K, Holst B, Andersen AR, Vinggaard AM. Investigating the applicability domain of the hiPSC-based PluriLum assay: an embryotoxicity assessment of chemicals and drugs. Arch Toxicol 2024; 98:1209-1224. [PMID: 38311648 PMCID: PMC10944425 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-023-03675-1] [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: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
To meet the growing demand for developmental toxicity assessment of chemicals, New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) are needed. Previously, we developed two 3D in vitro assays based on human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) and cardiomyocyte differentiation: the PluriBeat assay, based on assessment of beating differentiated embryoid bodies, and the PluriLum assay, a reporter gene assay based on the expression of the early cardiac marker NKX2.5; both promising assays for predicting embryotoxic effects of chemicals and drugs. In this work, we aimed to further describe the predictive power of the PluriLum assay and compare its sensitivity with PluriBeat and similar human stem cell-based assays developed by others. For this purpose, we assessed the toxicity of a panel of ten chemicals from different chemical classes, consisting of the known developmental toxicants 5-fluorouracil, all-trans retinoic acid and valproic acid, as well as the negative control compounds ascorbic acid and folic acid. In addition, the fungicides epoxiconazole and prochloraz, and three perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), PFOS, PFOA and GenX were tested. Generally, the PluriLum assay displayed higher sensitivity when compared to the PluriBeat assay. For several compounds the luminescence readout of the PluriLum assay showed effects not detected by the PluriBeat assay, including two PFAS compounds and the two fungicides. Overall, we find that the PluriLum assay has the potential to provide a fast and objective detection of developmental toxicants and has a level of sensitivity that is comparable to or higher than other in vitro assays also based on human stem cells and cardiomyocyte differentiation for assessment of developmental toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Frederik Treschow
- Cell Toxicology Team, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.
| | - Maria João Valente
- Cell Toxicology Team, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Karin Lauschke
- Cell Toxicology Team, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
- Cell Therapy TRU, Novo Nordisk A/S, Måløv, Denmark
| | | | - Anders Reenberg Andersen
- Department of Applied Mathematics and Computer Science, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Anne Marie Vinggaard
- Cell Toxicology Team, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.
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2
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Huntsman MC, Kurashima CK, Marikawa Y. Validation of a mouse 3D gastruloid-based embryotoxicity assay in reference to the ICH S5(R3) guideline chemical exposure list. Reprod Toxicol 2024; 125:108558. [PMID: 38367697 PMCID: PMC11016378 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2024.108558] [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: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
There is growing interest in establishing alternative methods in place of conventional animal tests to assess the developmental and reproductive toxicity (DART) of chemicals. Gastruloids are 3D aggregates of pluripotent stem cells that spontaneously exhibit axial elongation morphogenesis similar to gastrulation. They have been explored as in vitro embryogenesis models for developmental and toxicological studies. Here, a mouse gastruloid-based assay was validated for DART assessment in accordance with the ICH S5(R3) guideline, which provides the plasma concentration data of various reference drugs in rodents, specifically Cmax and AUC for NOAEL and LOAEL. First, adverse effect concentrations of the reference drugs and their known metabolites on gastruloid development were determined based on morphological impact, namely reduced growth or aberrant elongation. Then, the NOAEL to LOAEL concentration range obtained from the gastruloid assay was compared with that in rodents to examine similarities in sensitivity between the in vitro and in vivo assays for each chemical. For 18 out of the 24 reference drugs that have both NOAEL and LOAEL information in rodents, the sensitivity of the gastruloid assay was comparable to the in vivo assay within an 8-fold concentration margin. For 7 out of the 8 additional reference drugs that have only NOAEL or LOAEL information in rodents, the gastruloid assay was in line with the in vivo data. Altogether, these results support the effectiveness of the gastruloid assay, which may be exploited as a non-animal alternative method for DART assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret Carrell Huntsman
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, Department of Anatomy, Biochemistry and Physiology, University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA
| | - Courtney Kehaulani Kurashima
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, Department of Anatomy, Biochemistry and Physiology, University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA
| | - Yusuke Marikawa
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, Department of Anatomy, Biochemistry and Physiology, University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA.
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3
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Kowalski TW, Giudicelli GC, Gomes JDA, Recamonde-Mendoza M, Vianna FSL. Bioinformatics Methods for Transcriptome Analysis on Teratogenesis Testing. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2753:365-376. [PMID: 38285351 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3625-1_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Teratogenesis testing can be challenging due to the limitations of both in vitro and in vivo models. Test-systems, based especially on human embryonic cells, have been helping to overcome the difficulties when allied to omics strategies, such as transcriptomics. In these test-systems, cells exposed to different compounds are then analyzed in microarray or RNA-seq platforms regarding the impacts of the potential teratogens in the gene expression. Nevertheless, microarray and RNA-seq dataset processing requires computational resources and bioinformatics knowledge. Here, a pipeline for microarray and RNA-seq processing is presented, aiming to help researchers from any field to interpret the main transcriptome results, such as differential gene expression, enrichment analysis, and statistical interpretation. This chapter also discusses the main difficulties that can be encountered in a transcriptome analysis and the better alternatives to overcome these issues, describing both programming codes and user-friendly tools. Finally, specific issues in the teratogenesis field, such as time-course analysis, are also described, demonstrating how the pipeline can be applied in these studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thayne Woycinck Kowalski
- Post-Graduation Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Genetics Department, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Laboratory Genetics Unit, Medical Genetics Service, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Teratogens Information System, Medical Genetics Service, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Laboratory of Genomic Medicine, Center of Experimental Research, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Bioinformatics Core, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Post-Graduation Program in Medical Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Giovanna Câmara Giudicelli
- Post-Graduation Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Genetics Department, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Bioinformatics Core, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Julia do Amaral Gomes
- Post-Graduation Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Genetics Department, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Laboratory of Genomic Medicine, Center of Experimental Research, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Mariana Recamonde-Mendoza
- Bioinformatics Core, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Post-Graduation Program in Informatics, Informatics Institute, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Sales Luiz Vianna
- Post-Graduation Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Genetics Department, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Teratogens Information System, Medical Genetics Service, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Laboratory of Genomic Medicine, Center of Experimental Research, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Post-Graduation Program in Medical Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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4
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Takla TN, Luo J, Sudyk R, Huang J, Walker JC, Vora NL, Sexton JZ, Parent JM, Tidball AM. A Shared Pathogenic Mechanism for Valproic Acid and SHROOM3 Knockout in a Brain Organoid Model of Neural Tube Defects. Cells 2023; 12:1697. [PMID: 37443734 PMCID: PMC10340169 DOI: 10.3390/cells12131697] [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: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Neural tube defects (NTDs), including anencephaly and spina bifida, are common major malformations of fetal development resulting from incomplete closure of the neural tube. These conditions lead to either universal death (anencephaly) or severe lifelong complications (spina bifida). Despite hundreds of genetic mouse models of neural tube defect phenotypes, the genetics of human NTDs are poorly understood. Furthermore, pharmaceuticals, such as antiseizure medications, have been found clinically to increase the risk of NTDs when administered during pregnancy. Therefore, a model that recapitulates human neurodevelopment would be of immense benefit to understand the genetics underlying NTDs and identify teratogenic mechanisms. Using our self-organizing single rosette cortical organoid (SOSR-COs) system, we have developed a high-throughput image analysis pipeline for evaluating the SOSR-CO structure for NTD-like phenotypes. Similar to small molecule inhibition of apical constriction, the antiseizure medication valproic acid (VPA), a known cause of NTDs, increases the apical lumen size and apical cell surface area in a dose-responsive manner. GSK3β and HDAC inhibitors caused similar lumen expansion; however, RNA sequencing suggests VPA does not inhibit GSK3β at these concentrations. The knockout of SHROOM3, a well-known NTD-related gene, also caused expansion of the lumen, as well as reduced f-actin polarization. The increased lumen sizes were caused by reduced cell apical constriction, suggesting that impingement of this process is a shared mechanism for VPA treatment and SHROOM3-KO, two well-known causes of NTDs. Our system allows the rapid identification of NTD-like phenotypes for both compounds and genetic variants and should prove useful for understanding specific NTD mechanisms and predicting drug teratogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor N. Takla
- Department of Neurology, Medical School, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA (R.S.)
| | - Jinghui Luo
- Department of Neurology, Medical School, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA (R.S.)
| | - Roksolana Sudyk
- Department of Neurology, Medical School, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA (R.S.)
| | - Joy Huang
- Department of Neurology, Medical School, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA (R.S.)
| | - John Clayton Walker
- Department of Neurology, Medical School, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA (R.S.)
| | - Neeta L. Vora
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Jonathan Z. Sexton
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Center for Drug Repurposing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Jack M. Parent
- Department of Neurology, Medical School, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA (R.S.)
- Michigan Neuroscience Institute, Medical School, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA
| | - Andrew M. Tidball
- Department of Neurology, Medical School, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA (R.S.)
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5
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Takla TN, Luo J, Sudyk R, Huang J, Walker JC, Vora NL, Sexton JZ, Parent JM, Tidball AM. A Shared Pathogenic Mechanism for Valproic Acid and SHROOM3 Knockout in a Brain Organoid Model of Neural Tube Defects. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.04.11.536245. [PMID: 37090564 PMCID: PMC10120643 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.11.536245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
Neural tube defects (NTDs) including anencephaly and spina bifida are common major malformations of fetal development resulting from incomplete closure of the neural tube. These conditions lead to either universal death (anencephaly) or life-long severe complications (spina bifida). Despite hundreds of genetic mouse models having neural tube defect phenotypes, the genetics of human NTDs are poorly understood. Furthermore, pharmaceuticals such as antiseizure medications have been found clinically to increase the risk of NTDs when administered during pregnancy. Therefore, a model that recapitulates human neurodevelopment would be of immense benefit to understand the genetics underlying NTDs and identify teratogenic mechanisms. Using our self-organizing single rosette spheroid (SOSRS) brain organoid system, we have developed a high-throughput image analysis pipeline for evaluating SOSRS structure for NTD-like phenotypes. Similar to small molecule inhibition of apical constriction, the antiseizure medication valproic acid (VPA), a known cause of NTDs, increases the apical lumen size and apical cell surface area in a dose-responsive manner. This expansion was mimicked by GSK3β and HDAC inhibitors; however, RNA sequencing suggests VPA does not inhibit GSK3β at these concentrations. Knockout of SHROOM3, a well-known NTD-related gene, also caused expansion of the lumen as well as reduced f-actin polarization. The increased lumen sizes were caused by reduced cell apical constriction suggesting that impingement of this process is a shared mechanism for VPA treatment and SHROOM3-KO, two well-known causes of NTDs. Our system allows the rapid identification of NTD-like phenotypes for both compounds and genetic variants and should prove useful for understanding specific NTD mechanisms and predicting drug teratogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor N. Takla
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Jinghui Luo
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Roksolana Sudyk
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Joy Huang
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - J. Clayton Walker
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Neeta L. Vora
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Jonathan Z. Sexton
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Michigan College of Pharmacy, Ann Arbor, MI
- Center for Drug Repurposing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Jack M. Parent
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI
- Michigan Neuroscience Institute, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI
- VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Andrew M. Tidball
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI
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6
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Mirazi N, Amini E, Hosseini A, Izadi Z, Nourian A. Maternal long-term inhalation exposure to perchloroethylene and prenatal teratogenicity: morphometric, hormonal, and histological study. Toxicol Mech Methods 2023; 33:206-214. [PMID: 35941716 DOI: 10.1080/15376516.2022.2111675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
Some commonly used chemicals have teratogenic effects. Perchloroethylene (PCE) is a liquid that is widely used in various industries and drying clothes. In this study, the teratogenic effects of PCE in rat embryos were investigated. In this experimental study, 32 adult Wistar female rats in the weight range of 230-250 g were used. Female rats were randomly divided into 4 groups (n = 8). Control group (without PCE inhalation), experimental group G(I) (exposed to PCE 18 days prior to mating), experimental group G(II) (exposed to PCE 18 days after mating) and experimental group G(III) (exposed to PCE 18 days before and 18 days after mating). Pregnant rats were anesthetized on the 18th day of gestation and then serum and embryos were removed for the required studies. Embryos were examined for number, weight, sex, morphometric parameters of organs, and tissue samples were prepared for histological studies. Serum isolated from dams were evaluated for sexual and gonadal hormones. The results of this study showed that PCE has teratogenic effects on rat embryos. Infertility and reduced birth rate were other effects of PCE in rats. PCE has teratogenic effects and impairs the reproductive system of rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naser Mirazi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
| | - Elham Amini
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
| | - Abdolkarim Hosseini
- Department of Animal Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Izadi
- Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Nahavand, Nahavand, Iran
| | - Alireza Nourian
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
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7
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Augustyniak J, Kozlowska H, Buzanska L. Genes Involved in DNA Repair and Mitophagy Protect Embryoid Bodies from the Toxic Effect of Methylmercury Chloride under Physioxia Conditions. Cells 2023; 12:cells12030390. [PMID: 36766732 PMCID: PMC9913246 DOI: 10.3390/cells12030390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The formation of embryoid bodies (EBs) from human pluripotent stem cells resembles the early stages of human embryo development, mimicking the organization of three germ layers. In our study, EBs were tested for their vulnerability to chronic exposure to low doses of MeHgCl (1 nM) under atmospheric (21%O2) and physioxia (5%O2) conditions. Significant differences were observed in the relative expression of genes associated with DNA repair and mitophagy between the tested oxygen conditions in nontreated EBs. When compared to physioxia conditions, the significant differences recorded in EBs cultured at 21% O2 included: (1) lower expression of genes associated with DNA repair (ATM, OGG1, PARP1, POLG1) and mitophagy (PARK2); (2) higher level of mtDNA copy number; and (3) higher expression of the neuroectodermal gene (NES). Chronic exposure to a low dose of MeHgCl (1 nM) disrupted the development of EBs under both oxygen conditions. However, only EBs exposed to MeHgCl at 21% O2 revealed downregulation of mtDNA copy number, increased oxidative DNA damage and DNA fragmentation, as well as disturbances in SOX17 (endoderm) and TBXT (mesoderm) genes expression. Our data revealed that physioxia conditions protected EBs genome integrity and their further differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justyna Augustyniak
- Department of Neurochemistry, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
- Correspondence: (J.A.); (L.B.); Tel.: +48-668500988 (L.B.)
| | - Hanna Kozlowska
- Laboratory of Advanced Microscopy Technique, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Leonora Buzanska
- Department of Stem Cell Bioengineering, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
- Correspondence: (J.A.); (L.B.); Tel.: +48-668500988 (L.B.)
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8
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Smith MSR, Mohan H, Ajaykumar A, Hsieh AYY, Martineau L, Patel R, Gadawska I, Sherwood C, Serghides L, Piret JM, Côté HCF. Second-Generation Human Immunodeficiency Virus Integrase Inhibitors Induce Differentiation Dysregulation and Exert Toxic Effects in Human Embryonic Stem Cell and Mouse Models. J Infect Dis 2022; 226:1992-2001. [PMID: 36124861 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiac386] [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: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Each year, approximately 1.1 million children are exposed in utero to human immunodeficiency virus antiretrovirals, yet their safety is often not well characterized during pregnancy. The Tsepamo study reported a neural tube defect signal in infants exposed to the integrase strand transfer inhibitor (InSTI) dolutegravir from conception, suggesting that exposure during early fetal development may be detrimental. METHODS The effects of InSTIs on 2 human embryonic stem cell (hESC) lines were characterized with respect to markers of pluripotency, early differentiation, and cellular health. In addition, fetal resorptions after exposure to InSTIs from conception were analyzed in pregnant mice. RESULTS At subtherapeutic concentrations, second-generation InSTIs bictegravir, cabotegravir, and dolutegravir decreased hESC counts and pluripotency and induced dysregulation of genes involved in early differentiation. At therapeutic concentrations, bictegravir induced substantial hESC death and fetal resorptions. It is notable that first-generation InSTI raltegravir did not induce any hESC toxicity or differentiation, at any concentration tested. CONCLUSIONS Exposure to some InSTIs, even at subtherapeutic concentrations, can induce adverse effects in hESCs and pregnant mice. Given the increasingly prevalent use of second-generation InSTIs, including in women of reproductive age, it is imperative to further elucidate the effect of InSTIs on embryonic development, as well as their long-term safety after in utero exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Soleil R Smith
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.,Centre for Blood Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Haneesha Mohan
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Abhinav Ajaykumar
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.,Centre for Blood Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Anthony Y Y Hsieh
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.,Centre for Blood Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Lou Martineau
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Ronil Patel
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Izabella Gadawska
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.,Centre for Blood Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | | | - Lena Serghides
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Immunology and Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Women's College Research Institute, Toronto, Canada
| | - James M Piret
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.,Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.,School of Biomedical Engineering, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Hélène C F Côté
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.,Centre for Blood Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.,Women's Health Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada
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9
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Manuela J, David ZJ, Nicole S, Nicole C, Paul B, Erich K, Lisa SP, Claudia M, Marcel L, Stefan K. Optimization of the TeraTox assay for preclinical teratogenicity assessment. Toxicol Sci 2022; 188:17-33. [PMID: 35485993 PMCID: PMC9237991 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfac046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Current animal-free methods to assess teratogenicity of drugs under development still deliver high numbers of false negatives. To improve the sensitivity of human teratogenicity prediction, we characterized the TeraTox test, a newly developed multilineage differentiation assay using 3D human-induced pluripotent stem cells. TeraTox produces primary output concentration-dependent cytotoxicity and altered gene expression induced by each test compound. These data are fed into an interpretable machine-learning model to perform prediction, which relates to the concentration-dependent human teratogenicity potential of drug candidates. We applied TeraTox to profile 33 approved pharmaceuticals and 12 proprietary drug candidates with known in vivo data. Comparing TeraTox predictions with known human or animal toxicity, we report an accuracy of 69% (specificity: 53%, sensitivity: 79%). TeraTox performed better than 2 quantitative structure-activity relationship models and had a higher sensitivity than the murine embryonic stem cell test (accuracy: 58%, specificity: 76%, and sensitivity: 46%) run in the same laboratory. The overall prediction accuracy could be further improved by combining TeraTox and mouse embryonic stem cell test results. Furthermore, patterns of altered gene expression revealed by TeraTox may help grouping toxicologically similar compounds and possibly deducing common modes of action. The TeraTox assay and the dataset described here therefore represent a new tool and a valuable resource for drug teratogenicity assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaklin Manuela
- Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Switzerland.,Department for In Vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine Inaugurated by the Doerenkamp-Zbinden Foundation, University of Konstanz, Germany
| | - Zhang Jitao David
- Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Switzerland
| | - Schäfer Nicole
- Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Switzerland
| | - Clemann Nicole
- Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Switzerland
| | - Barrow Paul
- Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Switzerland
| | - Küng Erich
- Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Switzerland
| | - Sach-Peltason Lisa
- Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Switzerland
| | | | - Leist Marcel
- Department for In Vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine Inaugurated by the Doerenkamp-Zbinden Foundation, University of Konstanz, Germany
| | - Kustermann Stefan
- Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Switzerland
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10
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Lauschke K, Dalgaard MD, Emnéus J, Vinggaard AM. Transcriptomic changes upon epoxiconazole exposure in a human stem cell-based model of developmental toxicity. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 284:131225. [PMID: 34182286 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.131225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Conazole fungicides such as epoxiconazole are mostly used on cereals of crops to inhibit fungal growth through direct inhibition of sterol 14α-demethylase (CYP51A1). However, this enzyme is highly conserved and in humans it is part of the steroid hormone biosynthesis pathway. Endocrine disrupting effects of epoxiconazole have been shown in rodents and have been substantiated by in vitro data, however, the underlying molecular mechanisms are not clear. We took advantage of a human stem cell based in vitro model for developmental toxicity to study the molecular effects of epoxiconazole. This model is based on 3D cultures of embryoid bodies and differentiation into cardiomyocytes, which mimics the early stages of embryonic development. We have previously shown that epoxiconazole impairs differentiation of these embryoid bodies and therefore has the potential to affect human embryonic development. We employed global transcriptome analysis using RNA sequencing and found that the steroid biosynthesis pathway including CYP51A1, the human sterol 14α-demethylase, was highly deregulated by epoxiconazole in our model. We confirmed that most genes of the steroid biosynthesis pathway were upregulated, including CYP51A1, suggesting a compensatory mechanism at the gene expression level. Our data suggest that epoxiconazole acts mainly by decreasing cholesterol biosynthesis in the cells. We conclude that epoxiconazole bears the potential to harm human embryonic development through inhibition of the steroid biosynthesis pathway. As this may be a common feature of compounds that target sterol 14α-demethylase, we add evidence to the assumption that conazole fungicides may be human developmental toxicants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Lauschke
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Denmark; Department for Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Denmark
| | | | - Jenny Emnéus
- Department for Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Denmark
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11
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Kirkwood-Johnson L, Katayama N, Marikawa Y. Dolutegravir impairs stem cell-based 3D morphogenesis models in a manner dependent on dose and timing of exposure: an implication for its developmental toxicity. Toxicol Sci 2021; 184:191-203. [PMID: 34515794 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfab112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Dolutegravir is an anti-retroviral drug of the integrase strand transfer inhibitor class used to treat HIV infection. It is the recommended first-line regimen for most people, including women of childbearing age. However, some human and animal studies have suggested that dolutegravir causes birth defects, although its developmental toxicity remains controversial. Here, we investigated the adverse effects of dolutegravir using pluripotent stem cell-based in vitro morphogenesis models that have previously been validated as effective tools to assess the developmental toxicity of various chemicals. Dolutegravir diminished the growth and axial elongation of the morphogenesis model of mouse pluripotent stem cells at exposures of 2 μM and above in a concentration-dependent manner. Concomitantly, dolutegravir altered the expression profiles of developmental regulator genes involved in embryonic patterning. The adverse effects were observed when the morphogenesis model was exposed to dolutegravir at early stages of development, but not at later stages. The potency and molecular impact of dolutegravir on the morphogenesis model were distinct from other integrase strand transfer inhibitors. Lastly, dolutegravir altered the growth and gene expression profiles of the morphogenesis model of human embryonic stem cells at 1 μM and above. These studies demonstrate that dolutegravir impairs morphological and molecular aspects of the in vitro morphogenesis models in a manner dependent on dose and timing of exposure through mechanisms that are unrelated to its action as an integrase strand transfer inhibitor. This finding will be useful for interpreting the conflicting outcomes regarding the developmental toxicity of dolutegravir in human and animal studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Kirkwood-Johnson
- Developmental and Reproductive Biology Graduate Program, Institute for Biogenesis Research, University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA
| | - Nana Katayama
- Developmental and Reproductive Biology Graduate Program, Institute for Biogenesis Research, University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA
| | - Yusuke Marikawa
- Developmental and Reproductive Biology Graduate Program, Institute for Biogenesis Research, University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA
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12
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Mantziou V, Baillie-Benson P, Jaklin M, Kustermann S, Arias AM, Moris N. In vitro teratogenicity testing using a 3D, embryo-like gastruloid system. Reprod Toxicol 2021; 105:72-90. [PMID: 34425190 PMCID: PMC8522962 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2021.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Gastruloids are a new in vitro platform for teratogenicity testing. Teratogens disrupt gastruloid gene expression and morphology with imaging readout. Medium-throughput gastruloid cultures are quantifiable with statistical robustness. Mouse and human gastruloids recapitulate species-specific sensitivities to teratogens. Proof-of-concept as a predictive assay with scope for automation.
Pharmaceuticals intended for use in patients of childbearing potential need to be tested for teratogenicity before marketing. Several pharmaceutical companies use animal-free in vitro models which allow a more rapid selection of lead compounds and contribute to 3Rs principles (‘replace, reduce and refine’) by streamlining the selection of promising compounds submitted to further regulatory studies in animals. Currently available in vitro models typically rely on adherent monolayer cultures or disorganized 3D structures, both of which lack the spatiotemporal and morphological context of the developing embryo. A newly developed 3D ‘gastruloid’ model has the potential to achieve a more reliable prediction of teratogenicity by providing a robust recapitulation of gastrulation-like events alongside morphological coordination at relatively high-throughput. In this first proof-of-concept study, we used both mouse and human gastruloids to examine a panel of seven reference compounds, with associated in vivo data and known teratogenic risk, to quantitatively assess in vitro teratogenicity. We observed several gross morphological effects, including significantly reduced elongation or decreased size of the gastruloids, upon exposure to several of the reference compounds. We also observed aberrant gene expression using fluorescent reporters, including SOX2, BRA, and SOX17, suggestive of multi-lineage differentiation defects and disrupted axial patterning. Finally, we saw that gastruloids recapitulated some of the known in vivo species-specific susceptibilities between their mouse and human counterparts. We therefore suggest that gastruloids represent a powerful tool for teratogenicity assessment by enabling relevant physiological recapitulation of early embryonic development, demonstrating their use as a novel in vitro teratogenic model system.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Manuela Jaklin
- F. Hoffmann - La Roche, Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Centre Basel, Switzerland; Department for In Vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine Inaugurated by the Doerenkamp-Zbinden Foundation, University of Konstanz, Germany
| | - Stefan Kustermann
- F. Hoffmann - La Roche, Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Centre Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Naomi Moris
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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13
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Dai G, Feinberg AW, Wan LQ. Recent Advances in Cellular and Molecular Bioengineering for Building and Translation of Biological Systems. Cell Mol Bioeng 2021; 14:293-308. [PMID: 34055096 PMCID: PMC8147909 DOI: 10.1007/s12195-021-00676-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In January of 2020, the Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES)- Cellular and Molecular Bioengineering (CMBE) conference was held in Puerto Rico and themed “Vision 2020: Emerging Technologies to Elucidate the Rule of Life.” The annual BME-CMBE conference gathered worldwide leaders and discussed successes and challenges in engineering biological systems and their translation. The goal of this report is to present the research frontiers in this field and provide perspectives on successful engineering and translation towards the clinic. We hope that this report serves as a constructive guide in shaping the future of research and translation of engineered biological systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guohao Dai
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, 805 Columbus Ave, ISEC 224, Boston, MA 02115 USA
| | - Adam W Feinberg
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering & Materials Science & Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 USA
| | - Leo Q Wan
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering & Biological Sciences, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Biotech 2147, 110 8th Street, Troy, NY 12180 USA
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14
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Lauschke K, Treschow AF, Rasmussen MA, Davidsen N, Holst B, Emnéus J, Taxvig C, Vinggaard AM. Creating a human-induced pluripotent stem cell-based NKX2.5 reporter gene assay for developmental toxicity testing. Arch Toxicol 2021; 95:1659-1670. [PMID: 33660062 PMCID: PMC8113199 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-021-03018-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
To test large numbers of chemicals for developmental toxicity, rapid in vitro tests with standardized readouts for automated data acquisition are needed. However, the most widely used assay, the embryonic stem cell test, relies on the counting of beating embryoid bodies by visual inspection, which is laborious and time consuming. We previously developed the PluriBeat assay based on differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) that we demonstrated to be predictive for known teratogens at relevant concentrations using the readout of beating cardiomyocytes. Here, we report the development of a novel assay, which we term the PluriLum assay, where we have introduced a luciferase reporter gene into the locus of NKX2.5 of our hiPSC line. This enabled us to measure luminescence intensities instead of counting beating cardiomyocytes, which is less labor intensive. We established two NKX2.5 reporter cell lines and validated their pluripotency and genetic stability. Moreover, we confirmed that the genetically engineered NKX2.5 reporter cell line differentiated into cardiomyocytes with the same efficiency as the original wild-type line. We then exposed the cells to valproic acid (25–300 μM) and thalidomide (0.1–36 µM) and compared the PluriBeat readout of the cardiomyocytes with the luminescence intensity of the PluriLum assay. The results showed that thalidomide decreased luminescence intensity significantly with a higher potency and efficacy compared to the beating readout. With this, we have developed a novel hiPSC-based assay with a standardized readout that may have the potential for higher throughput screening for developmental toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Lauschke
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet, Building 201, 2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.,Department for Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Andreas Frederik Treschow
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet, Building 201, 2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.,Bioneer A/S, Hørsholm, Denmark
| | | | - Nichlas Davidsen
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet, Building 201, 2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | | | - Jenny Emnéus
- Department for Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Camilla Taxvig
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet, Building 201, 2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Anne Marie Vinggaard
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet, Building 201, 2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.
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15
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Kowalski TW, Gomes JDA, Feira MF, Dupont ÁDV, Recamonde-Mendoza M, Vianna FSL. Anticonvulsants and Chromatin-Genes Expression: A Systems Biology Investigation. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:591196. [PMID: 33328862 PMCID: PMC7732676 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.591196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryofetal development is a critical process that needs a strict epigenetic control, however, perturbations in this balance might lead to the occurrence of congenital anomalies. It is known that anticonvulsants potentially affect epigenetics-related genes, however, it is not comprehended whether this unbalance could explain the anticonvulsants-induced fetal syndromes. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the expression of epigenetics-related genes in valproic acid, carbamazepine, or phenytoin exposure. We selected these three anticonvulsants exposure assays, which used murine or human embryonic stem-cells and were publicly available in genomic databases. We performed a differential gene expression (DGE) and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), focusing on epigenetics-related genes. Few epigenetics genes were differentially expressed in the anticonvulsants' exposure, however, the WGCNA strategy demonstrated a high enrichment of chromatin remodeling genes for the three drugs. We also identified an association of 46 genes related to Fetal Valproate Syndrome, containing SMARCA2 and SMARCA4, and nine genes to Fetal Hydantoin Syndrome, including PAX6, NEUROD1, and TSHZ1. The evaluation of stem-cells under drug exposure can bring many insights to understand the drug-induced damage to the embryofetal development. The candidate genes here presented are potential biomarkers that could help in future strategies for the prevention of congenital anomalies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thayne Woycinck Kowalski
- Postgraduation Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Laboratory of Immunobiology and Immunogenetics, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,National Institute of Population Medical Genetics (INAGEMP), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Genomic Medicine Laboratory, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,National System of Information on Teratogenic Agents (SIAT), Medical Genetics Service, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Centro Universitário CESUCA, Cachoeirinha, Brazil.,Bioinformatics Core, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Julia do Amaral Gomes
- Postgraduation Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Laboratory of Immunobiology and Immunogenetics, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,National Institute of Population Medical Genetics (INAGEMP), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Genomic Medicine Laboratory, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,National System of Information on Teratogenic Agents (SIAT), Medical Genetics Service, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Mariléa Furtado Feira
- Postgraduation Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Laboratory of Immunobiology and Immunogenetics, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,National Institute of Population Medical Genetics (INAGEMP), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Genomic Medicine Laboratory, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Ágata de Vargas Dupont
- Laboratory of Immunobiology and Immunogenetics, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Genomic Medicine Laboratory, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Mariana Recamonde-Mendoza
- Bioinformatics Core, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Institute of Informatics, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Sales Luiz Vianna
- Postgraduation Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Laboratory of Immunobiology and Immunogenetics, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,National Institute of Population Medical Genetics (INAGEMP), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Genomic Medicine Laboratory, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,National System of Information on Teratogenic Agents (SIAT), Medical Genetics Service, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil
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16
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Woycinck Kowalski T, Brussa Reis L, Finger Andreis T, Ashton-Prolla P, Rosset C. Systems Biology Approaches Reveal Potential Phenotype-Modifier Genes in Neurofibromatosis Type 1. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12092416. [PMID: 32858845 PMCID: PMC7565824 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12092416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 07/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type (NF1) is a syndrome characterized by varied symptoms, ranging from mild to more aggressive phenotypes. The variation is not explained only by genetic and epigenetic changes in the NF1 gene and the concept of phenotype-modifier genes in extensively discussed in an attempt to explain this variability. Many datasets and tools are already available to explore the relationship between genetic variation and disease, including systems biology and expression data. To suggest potential NF1 modifier genes, we selected proteins related to NF1 phenotype and NF1 gene ontologies. Protein–protein interaction (PPI) networks were assembled, and network statistics were obtained by using forward and reverse genetics strategies. We also evaluated the heterogeneous networks comprising the phenotype ontologies selected, gene expression data, and the PPI network. Finally, the hypothesized phenotype-modifier genes were verified by a random-walk mathematical model. The network statistics analyses combined with the forward and reverse genetics strategies, and the assembly of heterogeneous networks, resulted in ten potential phenotype-modifier genes: AKT1, BRAF, EGFR, LIMK1, PAK1, PTEN, RAF1, SDC2, SMARCA4, and VCP. Mathematical models using the random-walk approach suggested SDC2 and VCP as the main candidate genes for phenotype-modifiers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thayne Woycinck Kowalski
- Laboratório de Medicina Genômica, Centro de Pesquisa Experimental, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre 90035-007, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; (T.W.K.); (L.B.R.); (T.F.A.); (P.A.-P.)
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Genética e Biologia Molecular, PPGBM, Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 91501-970, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
- CESUCA - Faculdade Inedi, Cachoeirinha 94935-630, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Larissa Brussa Reis
- Laboratório de Medicina Genômica, Centro de Pesquisa Experimental, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre 90035-007, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; (T.W.K.); (L.B.R.); (T.F.A.); (P.A.-P.)
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Genética e Biologia Molecular, PPGBM, Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 91501-970, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Tiago Finger Andreis
- Laboratório de Medicina Genômica, Centro de Pesquisa Experimental, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre 90035-007, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; (T.W.K.); (L.B.R.); (T.F.A.); (P.A.-P.)
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Genética e Biologia Molecular, PPGBM, Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 91501-970, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Patricia Ashton-Prolla
- Laboratório de Medicina Genômica, Centro de Pesquisa Experimental, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre 90035-007, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; (T.W.K.); (L.B.R.); (T.F.A.); (P.A.-P.)
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Genética e Biologia Molecular, PPGBM, Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 91501-970, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
- Serviço de Genética Médica, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre 90035-007, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Clévia Rosset
- Laboratório de Medicina Genômica, Centro de Pesquisa Experimental, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre 90035-007, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; (T.W.K.); (L.B.R.); (T.F.A.); (P.A.-P.)
- Unidade de Pesquisa Laboratorial, Centro de Pesquisa Experimental, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre 90035-007, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-51-3359-7661
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17
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Caruso G, Musso N, Grasso M, Costantino A, Lazzarino G, Tascedda F, Gulisano M, Lunte SM, Caraci F. Microfluidics as a Novel Tool for Biological and Toxicological Assays in Drug Discovery Processes: Focus on Microchip Electrophoresis. MICROMACHINES 2020; 11:E593. [PMID: 32549277 PMCID: PMC7344675 DOI: 10.3390/mi11060593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The last decades of biological, toxicological, and pharmacological research have deeply changed the way researchers select the most appropriate 'pre-clinical model'. The absence of relevant animal models for many human diseases, as well as the inaccurate prognosis coming from 'conventional' pre-clinical models, are among the major reasons of the failures observed in clinical trials. This evidence has pushed several research groups to move more often from a classic cellular or animal modeling approach to an alternative and broader vision that includes the involvement of microfluidic-based technologies. The use of microfluidic devices offers several benefits including fast analysis times, high sensitivity and reproducibility, the ability to quantitate multiple chemical species, and the simulation of cellular response mimicking the closest human in vivo milieu. Therefore, they represent a useful way to study drug-organ interactions and related safety and toxicity, and to model organ development and various pathologies 'in a dish'. The present review will address the applicability of microfluidic-based technologies in different systems (2D and 3D). We will focus our attention on applications of microchip electrophoresis (ME) to biological and toxicological studies as well as in drug discovery and development processes. These include high-throughput single-cell gene expression profiling, simultaneous determination of antioxidants and reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, DNA analysis, and sensitive determination of neurotransmitters in biological fluids. We will discuss new data obtained by ME coupled to laser-induced fluorescence (ME-LIF) and electrochemical detection (ME-EC) regarding the production and degradation of nitric oxide, a fundamental signaling molecule regulating virtually every critical cellular function. Finally, the integration of microfluidics with recent innovative technologies-such as organoids, organ-on-chip, and 3D printing-for the design of new in vitro experimental devices will be presented with a specific attention to drug development applications. This 'composite' review highlights the potential impact of 2D and 3D microfluidic systems as a fast, inexpensive, and highly sensitive tool for high-throughput drug screening and preclinical toxicological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Caruso
- Oasi Research Institute—IRCCS, 94018 Troina (EN), Italy; (M.G.); (F.C.)
| | - Nicolò Musso
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences (BIOMETEC), University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy; (N.M.); (G.L.)
| | - Margherita Grasso
- Oasi Research Institute—IRCCS, 94018 Troina (EN), Italy; (M.G.); (F.C.)
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy; (A.C.); (M.G.)
| | - Angelita Costantino
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy; (A.C.); (M.G.)
| | - Giuseppe Lazzarino
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences (BIOMETEC), University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy; (N.M.); (G.L.)
| | - Fabio Tascedda
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy;
- Center for Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Massimo Gulisano
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy; (A.C.); (M.G.)
- Molecular Preclinical and Translational Imaging Research Centre-IMPRonTE, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
- Interuniversity Consortium for Biotechnology, Area di Ricerca, Padriciano, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Susan M. Lunte
- Ralph N. Adams Institute for Bioanalytical Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66047-1620, USA;
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66047-1620, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66047-1620, USA
| | - Filippo Caraci
- Oasi Research Institute—IRCCS, 94018 Troina (EN), Italy; (M.G.); (F.C.)
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy; (A.C.); (M.G.)
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18
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Bilz NC, Willscher E, Binder H, Böhnke J, Stanifer ML, Hübner D, Boulant S, Liebert UG, Claus C. Teratogenic Rubella Virus Alters the Endodermal Differentiation Capacity of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells. Cells 2019; 8:cells8080870. [PMID: 31405163 PMCID: PMC6721684 DOI: 10.3390/cells8080870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2019] [Revised: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 08/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The study of congenital virus infections in humans requires suitable ex vivo platforms for the species-specific events during embryonal development. A prominent example for these infections is rubella virus (RV) which most commonly leads to defects in ear, heart, and eye development. We applied teratogenic RV to human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) followed by differentiation into cells of the three embryonic lineages (ecto-, meso-, and endoderm) as a cell culture model for blastocyst- and gastrulation-like stages. In the presence of RV, lineage-specific differentiation markers were expressed, indicating that lineage identity was maintained. However, portrait analysis of the transcriptomic expression signatures of all samples revealed that mock- and RV-infected endodermal cells were less related to each other than their ecto- and mesodermal counterparts. Markers for definitive endoderm were increased during RV infection. Profound alterations of the epigenetic landscape including the expression level of components of the chromatin remodeling complexes and an induction of type III interferons were found, especially after endodermal differentiation of RV-infected iPSCs. Moreover, the eye field transcription factors RAX and SIX3 and components of the gene set vasculogenesis were identified as dysregulated transcripts. Although iPSC morphology was maintained, the formation of embryoid bodies as three-dimensional cell aggregates and as such cellular adhesion capacity was impaired during RV infection. The correlation of the molecular alterations induced by RV during differentiation of iPSCs with the clinical signs of congenital rubella syndrome suggests mechanisms of viral impairment of human development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole C Bilz
- Institute of Virology, University of Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Edith Willscher
- Interdisciplinary Center for Bioinformatics, University of Leipzig, 04107 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Hans Binder
- Interdisciplinary Center for Bioinformatics, University of Leipzig, 04107 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Janik Böhnke
- Institute of Virology, University of Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Megan L Stanifer
- Schaller Research Group at CellNetworks, Department of Infectious Diseases, Virology, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Denise Hübner
- Institute of Virology, University of Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Steeve Boulant
- Schaller Research Group at CellNetworks, Department of Infectious Diseases, Virology, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Research Group "Cellular Polarity and Viral Infection" (F140), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Uwe G Liebert
- Institute of Virology, University of Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Claudia Claus
- Institute of Virology, University of Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany.
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Apáti Á, Varga N, Berecz T, Erdei Z, Homolya L, Sarkadi B. Application of human pluripotent stem cells and pluripotent stem cell-derived cellular models for assessing drug toxicity. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2018; 15:61-75. [PMID: 30526128 DOI: 10.1080/17425255.2019.1558207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) are capable of differentiating into all types of cells in the body and so provide suitable toxicology screening systems even for hard-to-obtain human tissues. Since hPSCs can also be generated from differentiated cells and current gene editing technologies allow targeted genome modifications, hPSCs can be applied for drug toxicity screening both in normal and disease-specific models. Targeted hPSC differentiation is still a challenge but cardiac, neuronal or liver cells, and complex cellular models are already available for practical applications. Areas covered: The authors review new gene-editing and cell-biology technologies to generate sensitive toxicity screening systems based on hPSCs. Then the authors present the use of undifferentiated hPSCs for examining embryonic toxicity and discuss drug screening possibilities in hPSC-derived models. The authors focus on the application of human cardiomyocytes, hepatocytes, and neural cultures in toxicity testing, and discuss the recent possibilities for drug screening in a 'body-on-a-chip' model system. Expert opinion: hPSCs and their genetically engineered derivatives provide new possibilities to investigate drug toxicity in human tissues. The key issues in this regard are still the selection and generation of proper model systems, and the interpretation of the results in understanding in vivo drug effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ágota Apáti
- a Institute of Enzymology , Research Centre for Natural Sciences , Budapest , Hungary
| | - Nóra Varga
- a Institute of Enzymology , Research Centre for Natural Sciences , Budapest , Hungary
| | - Tünde Berecz
- a Institute of Enzymology , Research Centre for Natural Sciences , Budapest , Hungary
| | - Zsuzsa Erdei
- a Institute of Enzymology , Research Centre for Natural Sciences , Budapest , Hungary
| | - László Homolya
- a Institute of Enzymology , Research Centre for Natural Sciences , Budapest , Hungary
| | - Balázs Sarkadi
- a Institute of Enzymology , Research Centre for Natural Sciences , Budapest , Hungary
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