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Hidalgo-Alvarez V, Madl CM. Leveraging Biomaterial Platforms to Study Aging-Related Neural and Muscular Degeneration. Biomolecules 2024; 14:69. [PMID: 38254669 PMCID: PMC10813704 DOI: 10.3390/biom14010069] [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: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Aging is a complex multifactorial process that results in tissue function impairment across the whole organism. One of the common consequences of this process is the loss of muscle mass and the associated decline in muscle function, known as sarcopenia. Aging also presents with an increased risk of developing other pathological conditions such as neurodegeneration. Muscular and neuronal degeneration cause mobility issues and cognitive impairment, hence having a major impact on the quality of life of the older population. The development of novel therapies that can ameliorate the effects of aging is currently hindered by our limited knowledge of the underlying mechanisms and the use of models that fail to recapitulate the structure and composition of the cell microenvironment. The emergence of bioengineering techniques based on the use of biomimetic materials and biofabrication methods has opened the possibility of generating 3D models of muscular and nervous tissues that better mimic the native extracellular matrix. These platforms are particularly advantageous for drug testing and mechanistic studies. In this review, we discuss the developments made in the creation of 3D models of aging-related neuronal and muscular degeneration and we provide a perspective on the future directions for the field.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christopher M. Madl
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA;
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Alavi-Moghadam S, Kokabi-Hamidpour S, Rezaei-Tavirani M, Larijani B, Arjmand R, Rahim F, Rezazadeh-Mafi A, Adibi H, Arjmand B. Neuromuscular Junction-on-a-Chip for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Modeling. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2736:139-150. [PMID: 36749488 DOI: 10.1007/7651_2022_474] [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: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive and degenerative disorder of the nervous system that can significantly reduce the physical activity of patients at the end stages. As the field of disease pathophysiology has advanced in recent years, studies have looked at the role of neuromuscular junction's dysfunctionality in ALS. In the past years, various in vitro and in vivo models were developed to scrutinize the underlying mechanisms of the disease and investigate the effects of candidate drugs, but the application of the developed models faced many challenges. Hence, the attentions shifted to cutting-edge technologies such as the organ-on-a-chip, which can mimic the pathophysiology of the disease as a special biological platform using patient-derived cells in the integration of engineering sciences to expand researchers' perspectives on the disease. In addition, organ-on-a-chip technology can reduce some of the challenges of using other in vitro and in vivo models, which can pave the way for other discoveries and advances in this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sepideh Alavi-Moghadam
- Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Molecular-Cellular Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shayesteh Kokabi-Hamidpour
- Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Molecular-Cellular Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Bagher Larijani
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Rasta Arjmand
- Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Molecular-Cellular Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fakher Rahim
- Health Research Institute, Thalassemia and Hemoglobinopathies Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
- Department of Anesthesia, Cihan University- Sulaimaniya, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
| | - Ahmad Rezazadeh-Mafi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Imam Hossein Hospital, Shaheed Beheshti Medical University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Adibi
- Diabetes Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Babak Arjmand
- Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Molecular-Cellular Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Iranian Cancer Control Center (MACSA), Tehran, Iran.
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Leng Y, Li X, Zheng F, Liu H, Wang C, Wang X, Liao Y, Liu J, Meng K, Yu J, Zhang J, Wang B, Tan Y, Liu M, Jia X, Li D, Li Y, Gu Z, Fan Y. Advances in In Vitro Models of Neuromuscular Junction: Focusing on Organ-on-a-Chip, Organoids, and Biohybrid Robotics. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2211059. [PMID: 36934404 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202211059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is a peripheral synaptic connection between presynaptic motor neurons and postsynaptic skeletal muscle fibers that enables muscle contraction and voluntary motor movement. Many traumatic, neurodegenerative, and neuroimmunological diseases are classically believed to mainly affect either the neuronal or the muscle side of the NMJ, and treatment options are lacking. Recent advances in novel techniques have helped develop in vitro physiological and pathophysiological models of the NMJ as well as enable precise control and evaluation of its functions. This paper reviews the recent developments in in vitro NMJ models with 2D or 3D cultures, from organ-on-a-chip and organoids to biohybrid robotics. Related derivative techniques are introduced for functional analysis of the NMJ, such as the patch-clamp technique, microelectrode arrays, calcium imaging, and stimulus methods, particularly optogenetic-mediated light stimulation, microelectrode-mediated electrical stimulation, and biochemical stimulation. Finally, the applications of the in vitro NMJ models as disease models or for drug screening related to suitable neuromuscular diseases are summarized and their future development trends and challenges are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yubing Leng
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Xiaorui Li
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Fuyin Zheng
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Hui Liu
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Chunyan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, 100094, China
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Xudong Wang
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Yulong Liao
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Jiangyue Liu
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Kaiqi Meng
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Jiaheng Yu
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Jingyi Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Binyu Wang
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Yingjun Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, 100094, China
| | - Meili Liu
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Xiaoling Jia
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Deyu Li
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Yinghui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, 100094, China
| | - Zhongze Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Yubo Fan
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, and with the School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
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Brandl S, Reindl M. Blood-Brain Barrier Breakdown in Neuroinflammation: Current In Vitro Models. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12699. [PMID: 37628879 PMCID: PMC10454051 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612699] [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] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier, which is formed by tightly interconnected microvascular endothelial cells, separates the brain from the peripheral circulation. Together with other central nervous system-resident cell types, including pericytes and astrocytes, the blood-brain barrier forms the neurovascular unit. Upon neuroinflammation, this barrier becomes leaky, allowing molecules and cells to enter the brain and to potentially harm the tissue of the central nervous system. Despite the significance of animal models in research, they may not always adequately reflect human pathophysiology. Therefore, human models are needed. This review will provide an overview of the blood-brain barrier in terms of both health and disease. It will describe all key elements of the in vitro models and will explore how different compositions can be utilized to effectively model a variety of neuroinflammatory conditions. Furthermore, it will explore the existing types of models that are used in basic research to study the respective pathologies thus far.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Markus Reindl
- Clinical Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria;
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Monteduro AG, Rizzato S, Caragnano G, Trapani A, Giannelli G, Maruccio G. Organs-on-chips technologies – A guide from disease models to opportunities for drug development. Biosens Bioelectron 2023; 231:115271. [PMID: 37060819 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2023.115271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
Current in-vitro 2D cultures and animal models present severe limitations in recapitulating human physiopathology with striking discrepancies in estimating drug efficacy and side effects when compared to human trials. For these reasons, microphysiological systems, organ-on-chip and multiorgans microdevices attracted considerable attention as novel tools for high-throughput and high-content research to achieve an improved understanding of diseases and to accelerate the drug development process towards more precise and eventually personalized standards. This review takes the form of a guide on this fast-growing field, providing useful introduction to major themes and indications for further readings. We start analyzing Organs-on-chips (OOC) technologies for testing the major drug administration routes: (1) oral/rectal route by intestine-on-a-chip, (2) inhalation by lung-on-a-chip, (3) transdermal by skin-on-a-chip and (4) intravenous through vascularization models, considering how drugs penetrate in the bloodstream and are conveyed to their targets. Then, we focus on OOC models for (other) specific organs and diseases: (1) neurodegenerative diseases with brain models and blood brain barriers, (2) tumor models including their vascularization, organoids/spheroids, engineering and screening of antitumor drugs, (3) liver/kidney on chips and multiorgan models for gastrointestinal diseases and metabolic assessment of drugs and (4) biomechanical systems recapitulating heart, muscles and bones structures and related diseases. Successively, we discuss technologies and materials for organ on chips, analyzing (1) microfluidic tools for organs-on-chips, (2) sensor integration for real-time monitoring, (3) materials and (4) cell lines for organs on chips. (Nano)delivery approaches for therapeutics and their on chip assessment are also described. Finally, we conclude with a critical discussion on current significance/relevance, trends, limitations, challenges and future prospects in terms of revolutionary impact on biomedical research, preclinical models and drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Grazia Monteduro
- Omnics Research Group, Department of Mathematics and Physics "Ennio De Giorgi", University of Salento and Institute of Nanotechnology, CNR-Nanotec and INFN Sezione di Lecce, Via per Monteroni, 73100, Lecce, Italy
| | - Silvia Rizzato
- Omnics Research Group, Department of Mathematics and Physics "Ennio De Giorgi", University of Salento and Institute of Nanotechnology, CNR-Nanotec and INFN Sezione di Lecce, Via per Monteroni, 73100, Lecce, Italy
| | - Giusi Caragnano
- Omnics Research Group, Department of Mathematics and Physics "Ennio De Giorgi", University of Salento and Institute of Nanotechnology, CNR-Nanotec and INFN Sezione di Lecce, Via per Monteroni, 73100, Lecce, Italy
| | - Adriana Trapani
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Giannelli
- National Institute of Gastroenterology IRCCS "Saverio de Bellis", Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, Bari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Maruccio
- Omnics Research Group, Department of Mathematics and Physics "Ennio De Giorgi", University of Salento and Institute of Nanotechnology, CNR-Nanotec and INFN Sezione di Lecce, Via per Monteroni, 73100, Lecce, Italy.
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Miny L, Maisonneuve BGC, Quadrio I, Honegger T. Modeling Neurodegenerative Diseases Using In Vitro Compartmentalized Microfluidic Devices. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:919646. [PMID: 35813998 PMCID: PMC9263267 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.919646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The human brain is a complex organ composed of many different types of cells interconnected to create an organized system able to efficiently process information. Dysregulation of this delicately balanced system can lead to the development of neurological disorders, such as neurodegenerative diseases (NDD). To investigate the functionality of human brain physiology and pathophysiology, the scientific community has been generated various research models, from genetically modified animals to two- and three-dimensional cell culture for several decades. These models have, however, certain limitations that impede the precise study of pathophysiological features of neurodegeneration, thus hindering therapeutical research and drug development. Compartmentalized microfluidic devices provide in vitro minimalistic environments to accurately reproduce neural circuits allowing the characterization of the human central nervous system. Brain-on-chip (BoC) is allowing our capability to improve neurodegeneration models on the molecular and cellular mechanism aspects behind the progression of these troubles. This review aims to summarize and discuss the latest advancements of microfluidic models for the investigations of common neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Miny
- NETRI, Lyon, France
- BIORAN Team, Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, CNRS UMR 5292, INSERM U1028, Lyon 1 University, Bron, France
| | | | - Isabelle Quadrio
- BIORAN Team, Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, CNRS UMR 5292, INSERM U1028, Lyon 1 University, Bron, France
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Neurogenetics, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Lyon University Hospital, Bron, France
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Bauer US, Fiskum V, Nair RR, van de Wijdeven R, Kentros C, Sandvig I, Sandvig A. Validation of Functional Connectivity of Engineered Neuromuscular Junction With Recombinant Monosynaptic Pseudotyped ΔG-Rabies Virus Tracing. Front Integr Neurosci 2022; 16:855071. [PMID: 35669734 PMCID: PMC9163662 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2022.855071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Current preclinical models of neurodegenerative disease, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), can significantly benefit from in vitro neuroengineering approaches that enable the selective study and manipulation of neurons, networks, and functional units of interest. Custom-designed compartmentalized microfluidic culture systems enable the co-culture of different relevant cell types in interconnected but fluidically isolated microenvironments. Such systems can thus be applied for ALS disease modeling, as they enable the recapitulation and study of neuromuscular junctions (NMJ) through co-culturing of motor neurons and muscle cells in separate, but interconnected compartments. These in vitro systems are particularly relevant for investigations of mechanistic aspects of the ALS pathological cascade in engineered NMJ, as progressive loss of NMJ functionality may constitute one of the hallmarks of disease related pathology at early onset, in line with the dying back hypothesis. In such models, ability to test whether motor neuron degeneration in ALS starts at the nerve terminal or at the NMJ and retrogradely progresses to the motor neuron cell body largely relies on robust methods for verification of engineered NMJ functionality. In this study, we demonstrate the functionality of engineered NMJs within a microfluidic chip with a differentially perturbable microenvironment using a designer pseudotyped ΔG-rabies virus for retrograde monosynaptic tracing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich Stefan Bauer
- Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Vegard Fiskum
- Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Rajeevkumar Raveendran Nair
- Centre for Neural Computation, Kavli Institute for Systems Neuroscience, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Rosanne van de Wijdeven
- Department of Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Clifford Kentros
- Centre for Neural Computation, Kavli Institute for Systems Neuroscience, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, United States
| | - Ioanna Sandvig
- Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Axel Sandvig
- Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Umeå University Hospital, Umeå, Sweden
- Department of Community Medicine and Rehabilitation, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
- *Correspondence: Axel Sandvig,
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Li LK, Huang WC, Hsueh YY, Yamauchi K, Olivares N, Davila R, Fang J, Ding X, Zhao W, Soto J, Hasani M, Novitch B, Li S. Intramuscular delivery of neural crest stem cell spheroids enhances neuromuscular regeneration after denervation injury. Stem Cell Res Ther 2022; 13:205. [PMID: 35578348 PMCID: PMC9109326 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-022-02877-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Muscle denervation from trauma and motor neuron disease causes disabling morbidities. A limiting step in functional recovery is the regeneration of neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) for reinnervation. Stem cells have the potential to promote these regenerative processes, but current approaches have limited success, and the optimal types of stem cells remain to be determined. Neural crest stem cells (NCSCs), as the developmental precursors of the peripheral nervous system, are uniquely advantageous, but the role of NCSCs in neuromuscular regeneration is not clear. Furthermore, a cell delivery approach that can maintain NCSC survival upon transplantation is critical. METHODS We established a streamlined protocol to derive, isolate, and characterize functional p75+ NCSCs from human iPSCs without genome integration of reprogramming factors. To enhance survival rate upon delivery in vivo, NCSCs were centrifuged in microwell plates to form spheroids of desirable size by controlling suspension cell density. Human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were also studied for comparison. NCSC or MSC spheroids were injected into the gastrocnemius muscle with denervation injury, and the effects on NMJ formation and functional recovery were investigated. The spheroids were also co-cultured with engineered neuromuscular tissue to assess effects on NMJ formation in vitro. RESULTS NCSCs cultured in spheroids displayed enhanced secretion of soluble factors involved in neuromuscular regeneration. Intramuscular transplantation of spheroids enabled long-term survival and retention of NCSCs, in contrast to the transplantation of single-cell suspensions. Furthermore, NCSC spheroids significantly improved functional recovery after four weeks as shown by gait analysis, electrophysiology, and the rate of NMJ innervation. MSC spheroids, on the other hand, had insignificant effect. In vitro co-culture of NCSC or MSC spheroids with engineered myotubes and motor neurons further evidenced improved innervated NMJ formation with NCSC spheroids. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrate that stem cell type is critical for neuromuscular regeneration and that NCSCs have a distinct advantage and therapeutic potential to promote reinnervation following peripheral nerve injury. Biophysical effects of spheroidal culture, in particular, enable long-term NCSC survival following in vivo delivery. Furthermore, synthetic neuromuscular tissue, or "tissues-on-a-chip," may offer a platform to evaluate stem cells for neuromuscular regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- LeeAnn K Li
- Departments of Bioengineering and Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, USA
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Wen-Chin Huang
- Departments of Bioengineering and Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Yuan-Yu Hsueh
- Departments of Bioengineering and Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, USA
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Ken Yamauchi
- Department of Neurobiology, University of California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Natalie Olivares
- Departments of Bioengineering and Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Raul Davila
- Departments of Bioengineering and Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Jun Fang
- Departments of Bioengineering and Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Xili Ding
- Departments of Bioengineering and Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Weikang Zhao
- Departments of Bioengineering and Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Jennifer Soto
- Departments of Bioengineering and Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Mahdi Hasani
- Departments of Bioengineering and Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Bennett Novitch
- Department of Neurobiology, University of California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Song Li
- Departments of Bioengineering and Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, USA.
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