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Belanger K, Koppes AN, Koppes RA. Impact of Non-Muscle Cells on Excitation-Contraction Coupling in the Heart and the Importance of In Vitro Models. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2023; 7:e2200117. [PMID: 36216583 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202200117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 08/07/2022] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Excitation-coupling (ECC) is paramount for coordinated contraction to maintain sufficient cardiac output. The study of ECC regulation has primarily been limited to cardiomyocytes (CMs), which conduct voltage waves via calcium fluxes from one cell to another, eliciting contraction of the atria followed by the ventricles. CMs rapidly transmit ionic flux via gap junction proteins, predominantly connexin 43. While the expression of connexin isoforms has been identified in each of the individual cell populations comprising the heart, the formation of gap junctions with nonmuscle cells (i.e., macrophages and Schwann cells) has gained new attention. Evaluating nonmuscle contributions to ECC in vivo or in situ remains difficult and necessitates the development of simple, yet biomimetic in vitro models to better understand and prevent physiological dysfunction. Standard 2D cell culture often consists of homogenous cell populations and lacks the dynamic mechanical environment of native tissue, confounding the phenotypic and proteomic makeup of these highly mechanosensitive cell populations in prolonged culture conditions. This review will highlight the recent developments and the importance of new microphysiological systems to better understand the complex regulation of ECC in cardiac tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirstie Belanger
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Abigail N Koppes
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Biology, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Ryan A Koppes
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
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Cui Z, Feng Y, Liu F, Jiang L, Yue J. 3D Bioprinting of Living Materials for Structure-Dependent Production of Hyaluronic Acid. ACS Macro Lett 2022; 11:452-459. [PMID: 35575323 DOI: 10.1021/acsmacrolett.2c00037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
3D bioprinting of living materials represents an interesting paradigm toward the efficacy enhancement for the biosynthesis of various functional compounds in microorganisms. Previous studies have shown the success of 3D-printed bioactive systems in the production of small molecular compounds. However, the feasibility of such a strategy in producing macromolecules and how the geometry of the 3D scaffold influences the productivity are still unknown. In this study, we printed a series of 3D gelatin-based hydrogels immobilized with fermentation bacteria that can secrete hyaluronic acid (HA), a very useful natural polysaccharide in the fields of biomedicine and tissue engineering. The 3D-printed bioreactor was capable of producing HA, and an elevated yield was obtained with the system bearing a grid structure compared to that either with a solid structure or in a scaffold-free fermentation condition. As for the grid structure, bioreactors with a 90° strut angel and a median interfilament distance displayed the highest HA yield. Our findings highlighted the significant role of 3D printing in the spatial control of microorganism-laden hydrogel structures for the enhancement of biosynthesis efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenhua Cui
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangming District, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518107, P. R. China
| | - Yanwen Feng
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangming District, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518107, P. R. China
| | - Fei Liu
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangming District, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518107, P. R. China
| | - Lelun Jiang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangming District, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518107, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Sensing Technology and Biomedical Instrument of Guangdong Province, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518107, P. R. China
| | - Jun Yue
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangming District, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518107, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Sensing Technology and Biomedical Instrument of Guangdong Province, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518107, P. R. China
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Soucy JR, Burchett G, Brady R, Nichols K, Breault DT, Koppes AN, Koppes RA. Innervated adrenomedullary microphysiological system to model nicotine and opioid exposure. ORGANS-ON-A-CHIP 2021; 3:100009. [PMID: 38650595 PMCID: PMC11034938 DOI: 10.1016/j.ooc.2021.100009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Transition to extrauterine life results in a surge of catecholamines necessary for increased cardiovascular, respiratory, and metabolic activity. Mechanisms mediating adrenomedullary catecholamine release are poorly understood. Important mechanistic insight is provided by newborns delivered by cesarean section or subjected to prenatal nicotine or opioid exposure, demonstrating impaired release of adrenomedullary catecholamines. To investigate mechanisms regulating adrenomedullary innervation, we developed compartmentalized 3D microphysiological systems (MPS) by exploiting GelPins, capillary pressure barriers between cell-laden hydrogels. The MPS comprises discrete cultures of adrenal chromaffin cells and preganglionic sympathetic neurons within a contiguous bioengineered microtissue. Using this model, we demonstrate that adrenal chromaffin innervation plays a critical role in hypoxia-mediated catecholamine release. Opioids and nicotine were shown to affect adrenal chromaffin cell response to a reduced oxygen environment, but neurogenic control mechanisms remained intact. GelPin containing MPS represent an inexpensive and highly adaptable approach to study innervated organ systems and improve drug screening platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ryan Brady
- Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kyla Nichols
- Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David T. Breault
- Division of Endocrinology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Center for Life Sciences, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Abigail N. Koppes
- Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
- Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ryan A. Koppes
- Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
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Diaz Vera D, Soucy JR, Lee A, Koppes RA, Koppes AN. Light irradiation of peripheral nerve cells: Wavelength impacts primary sensory neuron outgrowth in vitro. JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY B-BIOLOGY 2020; 215:112105. [PMID: 33406470 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2020.112105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The expansion of optogenetics via the development and application of new opsins has opened a new world of possibilities as a research and therapeutic tool. Nevertheless, it has also raised questions about the innocuity of using light irradiation on tissues and cells such as those from the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS). Thus, to investigate the potential of PNS being affected by optogenetic light irradiation, rat dorsal root ganglion neurons and Schwann cells were isolated and their response to light irradiation examined in vitro. Light irradiation was delivered as millisecond pulses at wavelengths in the visible spectrum between 627 and 470 nm, with doses ranging between 4.5 and 18 J/cm2 at an irradiance value of 1 mW/mm2. Results show that compared to cultures kept in dark conditions, light irradiation at 470 nm reduced neurite outgrowth in dissociated dorsal root neurons in a dose dependent manner while higher wavelengths had no effect on neuron morphology. Although neurite outgrowth was limited by light irradiation, no signs of cell death or apoptosis were found. On the other hand, peripheral glia, Schwann cells, were insensitive to light irradiation with metabolism, proliferation, and RNA levels of transcription factors c-Jun and krox-20 remaining unaltered following stimulation. As the fields of photostimulation and optogenetics expand, these results indicate the need for consideration to cell type response and stimulation parameters for applications in vitro and further investigation on specific mechanisms driving response.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Diaz Vera
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Jonathan R Soucy
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Audrey Lee
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Ryan A Koppes
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Abigail N Koppes
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA.
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Lee S, Sani ES, Spencer AR, Guan Y, Weiss AS, Annabi N. Human-Recombinant-Elastin-Based Bioinks for 3D Bioprinting of Vascularized Soft Tissues. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2020; 32:e2003915. [PMID: 33000880 PMCID: PMC7658039 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202003915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Bioprinting has emerged as an advanced method for fabricating complex 3D tissues. Despite the tremendous potential of 3D bioprinting, there are several drawbacks of current bioinks and printing methodologies that limit the ability to print elastic and highly vascularized tissues. In particular, fabrication of complex biomimetic structure that are entirely based on 3D bioprinting is still challenging primarily due to the lack of suitable bioinks with high printability, biocompatibility, biomimicry, and proper mechanical properties. To address these shortcomings, in this work the use of recombinant human tropoelastin as a highly biocompatible and elastic bioink for 3D printing of complex soft tissues is demonstrated. As proof of the concept, vascularized cardiac constructs are bioprinted and their functions are assessed in vitro and in vivo. The printed constructs demonstrate endothelium barrier function and spontaneous beating of cardiac muscle cells, which are important functions of cardiac tissue in vivo. Furthermore, the printed construct elicits minimal inflammatory responses, and is shown to be efficiently biodegraded in vivo when implanted subcutaneously in rats. Taken together, these results demonstrate the potential of the elastic bioink for printing 3D functional cardiac tissues, which can eventually be used for cardiac tissue replacement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sohyung Lee
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Ehsan Shirzaei Sani
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | | | - Yvonne Guan
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Anthony S Weiss
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Nasim Annabi
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
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Soucy JR, Bindas AJ, Brady R, Torregrosa T, Denoncourt CM, Hosic S, Dai G, Koppes AN, Koppes RA. Reconfigurable Microphysiological Systems for Modeling Innervation and Multitissue Interactions. ADVANCED BIOSYSTEMS 2020; 4:e2000133. [PMID: 32755004 PMCID: PMC8136149 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202000133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 07/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Tissue-engineered models continue to experience challenges in delivering structural specificity, nutrient delivery, and heterogenous cellular components, especially for organ-systems that require functional inputs/outputs and have high metabolic requirements, such as the heart. While soft lithography has provided a means to recapitulate complex architectures in the dish, it is plagued with a number of prohibitive shortcomings. Here, concepts from microfluidics, tissue engineering, and layer-by-layer fabrication are applied to develop reconfigurable, inexpensive microphysiological systems that facilitate discrete, 3D cell compartmentalization, and improved nutrient transport. This fabrication technique includes the use of the meniscus pinning effect, photocrosslinkable hydrogels, and a commercially available laser engraver to cut flow paths. The approach is low cost and robust in capabilities to design complex, multilayered systems with the inclusion of instrumentation for real-time manipulation or measures of cell function. In a demonstration of the technology, the hierarchal 3D microenvironment of the cardiac sympathetic nervous system is replicated. Beat rate and neurite ingrowth are assessed on-chip and quantification demonstrates that sympathetic-cardiac coculture increases spontaneous beat rate, while drug-induced increases in beating lead to greater sympathetic innervation. Importantly, these methods may be applied to other organ-systems and have promise for future applications in drug screening, discovery, and personal medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan R Soucy
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Adam J Bindas
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Ryan Brady
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Tess Torregrosa
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Cailey M Denoncourt
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Sanjin Hosic
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Guohao Dai
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Abigail N Koppes
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Ryan A Koppes
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
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Ventre DM, Cluff A, Gagnon C, Diaz Vera D, Koppes RA, Koppes AN. The effects of low intensity focused ultrasonic stimulation on dorsal root ganglion neurons and Schwann cells in vitro. J Neurosci Res 2020; 99:374-391. [PMID: 32743823 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Satisfactory treatment of peripheral nerve injury (PNI) faces difficulties owing to the intrinsic biological barriers in larger injuries and invasive surgical interventions. Injury gaps >3 cm have low chances of full motor and sensory recovery, and the unmet need for PNI repair techniques which increase the likelihood of functional recovery while limiting invasiveness motivate this work. Building upon prior work in ultrasound stimulation (US) of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons, the effects of US on DRG neuron and Schwann cell (SC) cocultures were investigated to uncover the role of SCs in mediating the neuronal response to US in vitro. Acoustic intensity-dependent alteration in selected neuromorphometrics of DRG neurons in coculture with SCs was observed in total outgrowth, primary neurites, and length compared to previously reported DRG monoculture in a calcium-independent manner. SC viability and proliferation were not impacted by US. Conditioned medium studies suggest secreted factors from SCs subjected to US impact DRG neuron morphology. These findings advance the current understanding of mechanisms by which these cell types respond to US, which may lead to new noninvasive US therapies for treating PNI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel M Ventre
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Avery Cluff
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - David Diaz Vera
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ryan A Koppes
- Department of Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Abigail N Koppes
- Department of Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
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