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Chary A, Groff K, Stucki AO, Contal S, Stoffels C, Cambier S, Sharma M, Gutleb AC, Clippinger AJ. Maximizing the relevance and reproducibility of A549 cell culture using FBS-free media. Toxicol In Vitro 2022; 83:105423. [PMID: 35753526 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2022.105423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Scientists are using in vitro methods to answer important research questions and implementing strategies to maximize the reliability and human relevance of these methods. One strategy is to replace the use of fetal bovine serum (FBS)-an undefined and variable mixture of biomolecules-in cell culture media with chemically defined or xeno-free medium. In this study, A549 cells, a human lung alveolar-like cell line commonly used in respiratory research, were transitioned from a culture medium containing FBS to media without FBS. A successful transition was determined based on analysis of cell morphology and functionality. Following transition to commercially available CnT-Prime Airway (CELLnTEC) or X-VIVO™ 10 (Lonza) medium, the cells were characterized by microscopic evaluation and calculation of doubling time. Their genotype, morphology, and functionality were assessed by monitoring the expression of gene markers for lung cell types, surfactant production, cytokine release, the presence of multilamellar bodies, and cell viability following sodium dodecyl sulphate exposure. Our results showed that A549 cells successfully transitioned to FBS-free media under submerged and air-liquid-interface conditions. Cells grown in X-VIVO™ 10 medium mimicked cellular characteristics of FBS-supplemented media while those grown in CnT-Prime Airway medium demonstrated characteristics possibly more reflective of normal human alveolar epithelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline Chary
- Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), Environmental Research and Innovation (ERIN) Department, 41 rue du Brill, L-4422 Belvaux, Luxembourg.
| | - Katherine Groff
- PETA Science Consortium International e.V., Friolzheimer Str. 3, 70499 Stuttgart, Germany.
| | - Andreas O Stucki
- PETA Science Consortium International e.V., Friolzheimer Str. 3, 70499 Stuttgart, Germany.
| | - Servane Contal
- Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), Environmental Research and Innovation (ERIN) Department, 41 rue du Brill, L-4422 Belvaux, Luxembourg.
| | - Charlotte Stoffels
- Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), Environmental Research and Innovation (ERIN) Department, 41 rue du Brill, L-4422 Belvaux, Luxembourg; University of Luxembourg, 2 Av. de l'Universite, 4365 Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg.
| | - Sébastien Cambier
- Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), Environmental Research and Innovation (ERIN) Department, 41 rue du Brill, L-4422 Belvaux, Luxembourg.
| | - Monita Sharma
- PETA Science Consortium International e.V., Friolzheimer Str. 3, 70499 Stuttgart, Germany.
| | - Arno C Gutleb
- Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), Environmental Research and Innovation (ERIN) Department, 41 rue du Brill, L-4422 Belvaux, Luxembourg.
| | - Amy J Clippinger
- PETA Science Consortium International e.V., Friolzheimer Str. 3, 70499 Stuttgart, Germany.
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Groff K, Evans SJ, Doak SH, Pfuhler S, Corvi R, Saunders S, Stoddart G. In vitro and integrated in vivo strategies to reduce animal use in genotoxicity testing. Mutagenesis 2021; 36:389-400. [PMID: 34555171 DOI: 10.1093/mutage/geab035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Scientific, financial, and ethical drivers have led to unprecedented interest in implementing human-relevant, mechanistic in vitro and in silico testing approaches. Further, as non-animal approaches are being developed and validated, researchers are interested in strategies that can immediately reduce the use of animals in toxicology testing. Here, we aim to outline a testing strategy for assessing genotoxicity beginning with standard in vitro methods, such as the bacterial reverse mutation test and the in vitro micronucleus test, followed by a second tier of in vitro assays including those using advanced 3D tissue models. Where regulatory agencies require in vivo testing, one demonstrated strategy is to combine genotoxicity studies traditionally conducted separately into a single test or to integrate genotoxicity studies into other toxicity studies. Standard setting organisations and regulatory agencies have encouraged such strategies, and examples of their use can be found in the scientific literature. Employing approaches outlined here will reduce animal use as well as study time and costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Groff
- PETA Science Consortium International e.V., Stuttgart, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Raffaella Corvi
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, Italy
| | | | - Gilly Stoddart
- PETA Science Consortium International e.V., Stuttgart, Germany
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Groff K, Allen D, Casey W, Clippinger A. Increasing the use of animal-free recombinant antibodies. ALTEX 2020; 37:309-311. [PMID: 31923318 DOI: 10.14573/altex.2001071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Antibodies are used in a range of research, diagnostic, and regulatory applications. Traditional methods for producing such reagents involve the immunization of animals, which introduces variability into the methods that use them and is not aligned with efforts to replace and reduce animal use. Experts from academia, biotechnology, government, and animal protection organizations met December 3, 2019, at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, MD, USA to discuss the status of development and use of animal-free recombinant antibodies and their potential to replace antibodies derived from animals. This paper summarizes the discussion and the actions that resulted to facilitate increased production and use of animal-free recombinant antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Groff
- PETA International Science Consortium Ltd., London, United Kingdom
| | - David Allen
- Integrated Laboratory Systems, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Warren Casey
- National Toxicology Program Interagency Center for the Evaluation of Alternative Toxicological Methods, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Amy Clippinger
- PETA International Science Consortium Ltd., London, United Kingdom
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Groff K, Bishop P. Itching for change: Embracing modern flea and tick product development. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2017; 88:349-355. [PMID: 28689745 DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2017.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2017] [Accepted: 07/05/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The development and regulatory approval of ectoparasiticides, including flea and tick control products, involves decades-old methods and the use of large numbers of animals to evaluate toxicity and efficacy. Animals also are used to rear (breed and feed) fleas and ticks for later use in testing. Non-animal methods for regulatory-required testing and rearing currently exist and, with further development, others could soon become available. Here we provide an overview of the state-of-the-science of non-animal methods for rearing and regulatory-required efficacy testing of flea and tick control products. Several remaining challenges as well as recommendations on the steps needed to replace animals in the evaluation of these products are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Groff
- People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, 501 Front Street, Norfolk, VA, 23510, United States.
| | - Patricia Bishop
- People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, 501 Front Street, Norfolk, VA, 23510, United States.
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Groff K, Brown J, Clippinger AJ. Modern affinity reagents: Recombinant antibodies and aptamers. Biotechnol Adv 2015; 33:1787-98. [PMID: 26482034 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2015.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2015] [Revised: 10/09/2015] [Accepted: 10/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Affinity reagents are essential tools in both basic and applied research; however, there is a growing concern about the reproducibility of animal-derived monoclonal antibodies. The need for higher quality affinity reagents has prompted the development of methods that provide scientific, economic, and time-saving advantages and do not require the use of animals. This review describes two types of affinity reagents, recombinant antibodies and aptamers, which are non-animal technologies that can replace the use of animal-derived monoclonal antibodies. Recombinant antibodies are protein-based reagents, while aptamers are nucleic-acid-based. In light of the scientific advantages of these technologies, this review also discusses ways to gain momentum in the use of modern affinity reagents, including an update to the 1999 National Academy of Sciences monoclonal antibody production report and federal incentives for recombinant antibody and aptamer efforts. In the long-term, these efforts have the potential to improve the overall quality and decrease the cost of scientific research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Groff
- PETA International Science Consortium Ltd., Society Building, 8 All Saints Street, London N1 9RL, England.
| | - Jeffrey Brown
- PETA International Science Consortium Ltd., Society Building, 8 All Saints Street, London N1 9RL, England.
| | - Amy J Clippinger
- PETA International Science Consortium Ltd., Society Building, 8 All Saints Street, London N1 9RL, England.
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Kline CL, Groff K, Phillips M. Real-world scenarios help improve selection of radiology employees. Radiol Manage 1998; 20:30-3. [PMID: 10338852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
Choosing the right candidate through the interview process is critical, particularly in light of rapidly changing skills in various technologies. The authors have changed the interviewing process at Jeanes Hospital in Philadelphia in order to examine and evaluate multiple objectives simultaneously. To do this, they created an instrument that elicits impromptu responses to real-world radiology situations. Such responses help assess a potential candidate's training, emotional strength, technical experience and growth potential. They also determine how much additional training the potential candidate will need to be effective in the department. Using the instrument helps sharpen the assessment of candidate traits such as face-to-face communication skills and response time. The impact on hiring is positive. Quality staff, improved patient care and improved patient safety are only some of the results. Many of the questions included on the instrument come from past problem situations and help the interviewers to determine whether a candidate understands underlying issues and the seriousness of situations. The goal is to ensure that patient care and productivity are not hampered by unusual situations. When a concrete difference is detected between a candidate's response and the department's needs, it is possible to assess the cost-effectiveness of training for the discrepancy. For entry-level candidates, the question is whether the person is trainable. Consistently using this interview document forces hiring managers to identify specific abilities, traits and experience desirable in the workplace.
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Affiliation(s)
- C L Kline
- Jeanes Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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