RESUMO
Ovarian tissue cryopreservation is gaining importance as a successful method to restore fertility to girls and young women at high risk of sterility. However, there are concerns regarding the safety of transplantation after ovarian tissue cryopreservation due to the high risk of reintroducing cancer cells and causing disease recurrence. In these cases, the development of culture systems that support oocyte development from the primordial follicle stage is required. Notable achievements have been reached in human follicle in vitro growth in the past decade. Currently, systems for the in vitro culture of ovarian tissue are based on two-dimensional substrates that do not support the survival of follicles or recapitulate the mechanical heterogenicity in the mammalian ovary. Recognition of the importance of special arrangements between cells has spurred research in three-dimensional culture systems, and the provision of a precise culture system that maximizes the diffusion of nutrients and gases through the follicles has raised interest in advanced biomimetic models. The current review critically examines various culture systems employed for the in vitro development of follicles, with a particular focus on solutions utilizing Organ-on-a-Chip (OOC) technology. The emphasis on OOC technology underscores its role as a promising avenue in ensuring the successful cultivation and maintenance of follicular structures during the culture period.
Assuntos
Folículo Ovariano , Ovário , Animais , Humanos , Feminino , Criopreservação/métodos , Oogênese , MamíferosRESUMO
The poor response of glioblastoma to current treatment protocols is a consequence of its intrinsic drug resistance. Resistance to chemotherapy is primarily associated with considerable cellular heterogeneity, and plasticity of glioblastoma cells, alterations in gene expression, presence of specific tumor microenvironment conditions and blood-brain barrier. In an attempt to successfully overcome chemoresistance and better understand the biological behavior of glioblastoma, numerous tri-dimensional (3D) biomimetic models were developed in the past decade. These novel advanced models are able to better recapitulate the spatial organization of glioblastoma in a real time, therefore providing more realistic and reliable evidence to the response of glioblastoma to therapy. Moreover, these models enable the fine-tuning of different tumor microenvironment conditions and facilitate studies on the effects of the tumor microenvironment on glioblastoma chemoresistance. This review outlines current knowledge on the essence of glioblastoma chemoresistance and describes the progress achieved by 3D biomimetic models. Moreover, comprehensive literature assessment regarding the influence of 3D culturing and microenvironment mimicking on glioblastoma gene expression and biological behavior is also provided. The contribution of the blood-brain barrier as well as the blood-tumor barrier to glioblastoma chemoresistance is also reviewed from the perspective of 3D biomimetic models. Finally, the role of mathematical models in predicting 3D glioblastoma behavior and drug response is elaborated. In the future, technological innovations along with mathematical simulations should create reliable 3D biomimetic systems for glioblastoma research that should facilitate the identification and possibly application in preclinical drug testing and precision medicine.
Assuntos
Antineoplásicos/farmacologia , Biomimética/métodos , Neoplasias Encefálicas/tratamento farmacológico , Resistencia a Medicamentos Antineoplásicos/fisiologia , Ensaios de Seleção de Medicamentos Antitumorais/métodos , Glioblastoma/tratamento farmacológico , Técnicas de Cultura de Células , Resistencia a Medicamentos Antineoplásicos/genética , Expressão Gênica , Humanos , Modelos Teóricos , Transdução de Sinais/fisiologia , Microambiente Tumoral/fisiologiaRESUMO
Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the deadliest infectious diseases in humankind history. Although, drug sensible TB is slowly decreasing, at present the rise of TB cases produced by multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant strains is a big challenge. Thus, looking for new therapeutic options against these MDR strains is mandatory. In the present work, we studied, in BALB/c mice infected with MDR strain, the therapeutic effect of supra-pharmacological doses of the conventional primary antibiotics rifampicin and isoniazid (administrated by gavage or intratracheal routes), in combination with recombinant human hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). This high dose of antibiotics administered for 3 months, overcome the resistant threshold of the MDR strain producing a significant reduction of pulmonary bacillary loads but induced liver damage, which was totally prevented by the administration of HGF. To address the long-term efficiency of this combined treatment, groups of animals after 1 month of treatment termination were immunosuppressed by glucocorticoid administration and, after 1 month, mice were euthanized, and the bacillary load was determined in lungs. In comparison with animals treated only with a high dose of antibiotics, animals that received the combined treatment showed significantly lower bacterial burdens. Thus, treatment of MDR-TB with very high doses of primary antibiotics particularly administrated by aerial route can produce a very good therapeutic effect, and its hepatic toxicity can be prevented by the administration of HGF, becoming in a new treatment modality for MDR-TB.
Assuntos
Antibióticos Antituberculose/toxicidade , Antioxidantes/farmacologia , Doença Hepática Induzida por Substâncias e Drogas/prevenção & controle , Fator de Crescimento de Hepatócito/farmacologia , Tuberculose Resistente a Múltiplos Medicamentos , Animais , Quimioterapia Combinada , Humanos , Isoniazida/toxicidade , Fígado/efeitos dos fármacos , Masculino , Camundongos , Camundongos Endogâmicos BALB C , Mycobacterium tuberculosis , Rifampina/toxicidadeRESUMO
Acute pancreatitis is a multifactorial disease associated with profound changes of the pancreas induced by release of digestive enzymes that lead to increase in proinflammatory cytokine production, excessive tissue necrosis, edema, and bleeding. Elevated levels of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and its receptor c-Met have been observed in different chronic and acute pancreatic diseases including experimental models of acute pancreatitis. In the present study, we investigated the protective effects induced by the recombinant human HGF in a mouse model of cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis. Pancreatitis was induced by 8 hourly administrations of supramaximal cerulein injections (50 µg/kg, ip). HGF treatment (20 µg/kg, iv), significantly attenuated lipase content and amylase activity in serum as well as the degree inflammation and edema overall leading to less severe histologic changes such as necrosis, induced by cerulein. Protective effects of HGF were associated with activation of pro-survival pathways such as Akt, Erk1/2, and Nrf2 and increase in executor survival-related proteins and decrease in pro-apoptotic proteins. In addition, ROS content and lipid peroxidation were diminished, and glutathione synthesis increased in pancreas. Systemic protection was observed by lung histology. In conclusion, our data indicate that HGF exerts an Nrf2 and glutathione-mediated protective effect on acute pancreatitis reflected by a reduction in inflammation, edema, and oxidative stress.
Assuntos
Fator de Crescimento de Hepatócito/uso terapêutico , Pancreatite/tratamento farmacológico , Substâncias Protetoras/uso terapêutico , Proteínas Recombinantes/uso terapêutico , Animais , Antioxidantes/metabolismo , Apoptose/efeitos dos fármacos , Ceruletídeo , Modelos Animais de Doenças , Glutationa/biossíntese , Fator de Crescimento de Hepatócito/sangue , Fator de Crescimento de Hepatócito/farmacologia , Humanos , Masculino , Camundongos , Estresse Oxidativo/efeitos dos fármacos , Pancreatite/patologia , Substâncias Protetoras/farmacologia , Proteínas Proto-Oncogênicas c-met/metabolismo , Proteínas Recombinantes/farmacologia , Transdução de Sinais/efeitos dos fármacos , Análise de SobrevidaRESUMO
PURPOSE: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one the types of cancer with higher prevalence and mortality. Apo2-Ligand/TRAIL is a TNF family member able to induce apoptosis in tumor cells but not in normal cells. It has been tested in clinical trials against different types of human cancer including NSCLC. However, results of clinical trials have shown a limited efficacy of TRAIL-based therapies. Recently we have demonstrated that artificial lipid nanoparticles coated with bioactive Apo2L/TRAIL (LUV-TRAIL) greatly improved TRAIL cytotoxic ability being capable of killing chemoresistant hematological cancer cells. In the present work we have extended the study to NSCLC. METHODS/PATIENTS: LUV-TRAIL-induced cytotoxicity was assessed on different NSCLC cell lines with different sensitivity to soluble TRAIL and on primary human tumor cells from three patients suffering from NSCLC cancer. We also tested LUV-TRAIL-cytotoxic ability in combination with several anti-tumor agents. RESULTS: LUV-TRAIL exhibited a greater cytotoxic effect compared to soluble TRAIL both in A549 cells and primary human NSCLC cells. LUV-TRAIL-induced cell death was dependent on caspase-8 and caspase-3 activation. Moreover, combination of LUV-TRAIL with other anti-tumor agents such as flavopiridol, and SNS-032 clearly enhanced LUV-TRAIL-induced cytotoxicity against NSCLC cancer cells. CONCLUSION: The novel formulation of TRAIL based on displaying it on the surface of lipid nanoparticles greatly increases its anti-tumor activity and has clinical potential in cancer treatment.
Assuntos
Antineoplásicos/farmacologia , Carcinoma Pulmonar de Células não Pequenas/metabolismo , Neoplasias Pulmonares/metabolismo , Nanopartículas/química , Ligante Indutor de Apoptose Relacionado a TNF/farmacologia , Antineoplásicos/química , Carcinoma Pulmonar de Células não Pequenas/tratamento farmacológico , Caspase 3/metabolismo , Caspase 8/metabolismo , Linhagem Celular Tumoral , Sobrevivência Celular/efeitos dos fármacos , Regulação Neoplásica da Expressão Gênica , Humanos , Lipossomos , Neoplasias Pulmonares/tratamento farmacológico , Proteínas Recombinantes/química , Proteínas Recombinantes/farmacologia , Ligante Indutor de Apoptose Relacionado a TNF/químicaRESUMO
This chapter explores the use of mathematical models as promising and powerful tools to understand the complexity of tumors and their, frequently, hypoxic environment. We focus on gliomas, which are primary brain tumors derived from glial cells, mainly astrocytes and/or oligodendrocytes. A variety of mathematical models, based on ordinary and/or partial differential equations, have been developed both at the micro and macroscopic levels. The aim here is to describe in a quantitative way key physiopathological mechanisms relevant in these types of malignancies and to suggest optimal therapeutical strategies. More specifically, we consider novel therapies targeting thromboembolic phenomena to decrease cell invasion in high grade glioma or to delay the malignant transformation in low grade gliomas. This study has been the basis of a multidisciplinary collaboration involving, among others, neuro-oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, cancer biologists, surgeons and mathematicians.
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Neoplasias Encefálicas/tratamento farmacológico , Fibrinolíticos/uso terapêutico , Glioma/tratamento farmacológico , Modelos Estatísticos , Tromboembolia/prevenção & controle , Hipóxia Tumoral , Trombose Venosa/prevenção & controle , Astrócitos/efeitos dos fármacos , Astrócitos/patologia , Neoplasias Encefálicas/irrigação sanguínea , Neoplasias Encefálicas/complicações , Neoplasias Encefálicas/metabolismo , Contagem de Células , Movimento Celular/efeitos dos fármacos , Transformação Celular Neoplásica/efeitos dos fármacos , Glioma/irrigação sanguínea , Glioma/complicações , Glioma/metabolismo , Humanos , Dispositivos Lab-On-A-Chip , Gradação de Tumores , Invasividade Neoplásica , Oligodendroglia/efeitos dos fármacos , Oligodendroglia/patologia , Tromboembolia/complicações , Tromboembolia/patologia , Microambiente Tumoral/efeitos dos fármacos , Trombose Venosa/complicações , Trombose Venosa/patologiaRESUMO
Chemoresistance and invasion properties are severe limitations to efficient glioma therapy. Therefore, development of glioma in vivo models that more accurately resemble the situation observed in patients emerges. Previously, we established RC6 rat glioma cell line resistant to DNA damaging agents including antiglioma approved therapies such as 3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea (BCNU) and temozolomide (TMZ). Herein, we evaluated the invasiveness of RC6 cells in vitro and in a new orthotopic animal model. For comparison, we used C6 cells from which RC6 cells originated. Differences in cell growth properties were assessed by real-time cell analyzer. Cells' invasive potential in vitro was studied in fluorescently labeled gelatin and by formation of multicellular spheroids in hydrogel. For animal studies, fluorescently labeled cells were inoculated into adult male Wistar rat brains. Consecutive coronal and sagittal brain sections were analyzed 10 and 25 days post-inoculation, while rats' behavior was recorded during three days in the open field test starting from 25th day post-inoculation. We demonstrated that development of chemoresistance induced invasive phenotype of RC6 cells with significant behavioral impediments implying usefulness of orthotopic RC6 glioma allograft in preclinical studies for the examination of new approaches to counteract both chemoresistance and invasion of glioma cells.
Assuntos
Antineoplásicos Alquilantes/farmacologia , Neoplasias Encefálicas/genética , Neoplasias Encefálicas/patologia , Dano ao DNA/efeitos dos fármacos , Resistencia a Medicamentos Antineoplásicos , Glioma/genética , Glioma/patologia , Animais , Comportamento Animal/efeitos dos fármacos , Neoplasias Encefálicas/tratamento farmacológico , Movimento Celular/efeitos dos fármacos , Proliferação de Células/efeitos dos fármacos , Modelos Animais de Doenças , Glioma/tratamento farmacológico , Humanos , Atividade Motora/efeitos dos fármacos , Invasividade Neoplásica , RatosRESUMO
Drug resistance is one of the biggest challenges in the fight against cancer. In particular, in the case of glioblastoma, the most lethal brain tumour, resistance to temozolomide (the standard of care drug for chemotherapy in this tumour) is one of the main reasons behind treatment failure and hence responsible for the poor prognosis of patients diagnosed with this disease. In this work, we combine the power of three-dimensional in vitro experiments of treated glioblastoma spheroids with mathematical models of tumour evolution and adaptation. We use a novel approach based on internal variables for modelling the acquisition of resistance to temozolomide that was observed in experiments for a group of treated spheroids. These internal variables describe the cell's phenotypic state, which depends on the history of drug exposure and affects cell behaviour. We use model selection to determine the most parsimonious model and calibrate it to reproduce the experimental data, obtaining a high level of agreement between the in vitro and in silico outcomes. A sensitivity analysis is carried out to investigate the impact of each model parameter in the predictions. More importantly, we show how the model is useful for answering biological questions, such as what is the intrinsic adaptation mechanism, or for separating the sensitive and resistant populations. We conclude that the proposed in silico framework, in combination with experiments, can be useful to improve our understanding of the mechanisms behind drug resistance in glioblastoma and to eventually set some guidelines for the design of new treatment schemes.
Assuntos
Neoplasias Encefálicas , Resistencia a Medicamentos Antineoplásicos , Glioblastoma , Modelos Biológicos , Temozolomida , Temozolomida/farmacologia , Temozolomida/uso terapêutico , Glioblastoma/tratamento farmacológico , Humanos , Resistencia a Medicamentos Antineoplásicos/efeitos dos fármacos , Neoplasias Encefálicas/tratamento farmacológico , Neoplasias Encefálicas/patologia , Antineoplásicos Alquilantes/uso terapêutico , Antineoplásicos Alquilantes/farmacologia , Linhagem Celular Tumoral , Esferoides Celulares/efeitos dos fármacos , Dacarbazina/análogos & derivados , Dacarbazina/uso terapêutico , Dacarbazina/farmacologia , Simulação por Computador , Adaptação FisiológicaRESUMO
Early detection of tumours remains a significant challenge due to their invasive nature and the limitations of current monitoring techniques. Liquid biopsies have emerged as a minimally invasive diagnostic approach, wherein volatile organic compounds (VOCs) show potential as compelling candidates. However, distinguishing tumour-specific VOCs is difficult due to the presence of gases from non-tumour tissues and environmental factors. Therefore, it is essential to develop preclinical models that accurately mimic the intricate tumour microenvironment to induce cellular metabolic changes and secretion of tumour-associated VOCs. In this study, a microfluidic device was used to recreate the ischaemic environment within solid tumours for the detection of tumour-derived VOCs. The system represents a significant advance in understanding the role of VOCs as biomarkers for early tumour detection and holds the potential to improve patient prognosis; particularly for inaccessible and rapidly progressing tumours such as glioblastoma.
Assuntos
Biomarcadores Tumorais , Progressão da Doença , Dispositivos Lab-On-A-Chip , Compostos Orgânicos Voláteis , Compostos Orgânicos Voláteis/análise , Compostos Orgânicos Voláteis/metabolismo , Humanos , Biomarcadores Tumorais/metabolismo , Neoplasias/diagnóstico , Neoplasias/metabolismo , Linhagem Celular Tumoral , Microambiente TumoralRESUMO
Nephrotoxicity stands as one of the most limiting effects in the development and validation of new drugs. The kidney, among the organs evaluated in toxicity assessments, has a higher susceptibility, with nephrotoxic potential frequently evading detection until late in clinical trials. Traditional cell culture, which has been widely used for decades, does not recapitulate the structure and complexity of the native tissue, which can affect cell function, and the response to cytotoxins does not resemble what occurs in the kidney. In the current study, we aimed to address these challenges by creating in vitro kidney models that faithfully biomimic the dynamics of the renal proximal tubule, using the well-established RPTEC/TERT1 cell line. For doing so, two models were developed, one recreating tubule-like structures (2.5D model) and the other using microfluidic technology (kidney-on-a-chip). The 2.5D model allowed tubular structures to be generated in the absence of hydrogels, and the kidney-on-a-chip model allowed shear stress to be applied to the cell culture, which is a physiological stimulus in the renal tissue. After characterization of both models, different nephrotoxic compounds such as cisplatin, tacrolimus, and daunorubicin were used to study cell responses after treatment. The developed models in our study could be a valuable tool for pre-clinical nephrotoxic testing of drugs and new compounds.
RESUMO
Primary cilia act as cellular sensors for multiple extracellular stimuli and regulate many intracellular signaling pathways in response. Here we investigate whether the cold-shock proteins (CSPs), CIRP and RBM3, are present in the primary cilia and the physiological consequences of such a relationship. R28, an immortalized retinal precursor cell line, was stained with antibodies against CIRP, RBM3, and ciliary markers. Both CSPs were found in intimate contact with the basal body of the cilium during all stages of the cell cycle, including migrating with the centrosome during mitosis. In addition, the morphological and physiological manifestations of exposing the cells to hypothermia and shear stress were investigated. Exposure to moderately cold (32°C) temperatures, the hypothermia mimetic small molecule zr17-2, or to shear stress resulted in a significant reduction in the number and length of primary cilia. In addition, shear stress induced expression of CIRP and RBM3 in a complex pattern depending on the specific protein, flow intensity, and type of flow (laminar versus oscillatory). Flow-mediated CSP overexpression was detected by qRT-PCR and confirmed by Western blot, at least for CIRP. Furthermore, analysis of public RNA Seq databases on flow experiments confirmed an increase of CIRP and RBM3 expression following exposure to shear stress in renal cell lines. In conclusion, we found that CSPs are integral components of the centrosome and that they participate in cold and shear stress sensing.
Assuntos
Hipotermia , Humanos , Hipotermia/genética , Hipotermia/metabolismo , Cílios/metabolismo , Proteínas e Peptídeos de Choque Frio/metabolismo , Proteínas de Ligação a RNA/metabolismo , Centrossomo/metabolismoRESUMO
In the pursuit of achieving a more realistic in vitro simulation of human biological tissues, microfluidics has emerged as a promising technology. Organ-on-a-chip (OoC) devices, a product of this technology, contain miniature tissues within microfluidic chips, aiming to closely mimic the in vivo environment. However, a notable drawback is the presence of inert material between compartments, hindering complete contact between biological tissues. Current membranes, often made of PDMS or plastic materials, prevent full interaction between cell types and nutrients. Furthermore, their non-physiological mechanical properties and composition may induce unexpected cell responses. Therefore, it is essential to minimize the contact area between cells and the inert materials while simultaneously maximizing the direct contact between cells and matrices in different compartments. The main objective of this work is to minimize inert materials within the microfluidic chip while preserving proper cellular distribution. Two microfluidic devices were designed, each with a specific focus on maximizing direct cell-matrix or cell-cell interactions. The first chip, designed to increase direct cell-cell interactions, incorporates a nylon mesh with regular pores of 150 microns. The second chip minimizes interference from inert materials, thereby aiming to increase direct cell-matrix contact. It features an inert membrane with optimized macropores of 1 mm of diameter for collagen hydrogel deposition. Biological validation of both devices has been conducted through the implementation of cell migration and cell-to-cell interaction assays, as well as the development of epithelia, from isolated cells or spheroids. This endeavor contributes to the advancement of microfluidic technology, aimed at enhancing the precision and biological relevance of in vitro simulations in pursuit of more biomimetic models.
RESUMO
Biomimetic 3D models emerged some decades ago to address 2D cell culture limitations in the field of replicating biological phenomena, structures or functions found in nature. The fabrication of hydrogels for cancer disease research enables the study of cell processes including growth, proliferation and migration and their 3D design is based on the encapsulation of tumoral cells within a tunable matrix. In this work, a platform of gelatin methacrylamide (GelMA)-based photocrosslinked scaffolds with embedded colorectal (HCT-116) or pancreatic (MIA PaCa-2) cancer cells is presented. Prior to cell culture, the mechanical characterization of hydrogels was assessed in terms of stiffness and swelling behavior. Modifications of the UV curing time enabled a fine tuning of the mechanical properties, which at the same time, showed susceptibility to the chemical composition and crosslinking mechanism. All scaffolds displayed excellent cytocompatibility with both tumoral cells while eliciting various cell responses depending on the microenvironment features. Individual and collective cell migration were observed for HCT-116 and MIA PaCa-2 cell lines, highlighting the ability of the colorectal cancer cells to cluster into aggregates of different sizes governed by the surrounding matrix. Additionally, metabolic activity results pointed out to the development of a more proliferative phenotype within stiffer networks. These findings confirm the suitability of the presented platform of GelMA-based hydrogels to conduct 3D cell culture experiments and explore biological processes associated with colorectal and pancreatic cancer.
Assuntos
Neoplasias Colorretais , Gelatina , Humanos , Gelatina/química , Hidrogéis/química , Técnicas de Cultura de Células , Pâncreas , Técnicas de Cultura de Células em Três Dimensões , Microambiente TumoralRESUMO
The field of nanotechnology has developed rapidly in recent decades due to its broad applications in many industrial and biomedical fields. Notably, 2D materials such as graphene-related materials (GRMs) have been extensively explored and, as such, their safety needs to be assessed. However, GRMs tend to deposit quickly, present low stability in aqueous solutions, and adsorb to plastic materials. Consequently, traditional approaches based on static assays facilitate their deposition and adsorption and fail to recreate human physiological conditions. Organ-on-a-chip (OOC) technology could, however, solve these drawbacks and lead to the development of microphysiological systems (MPSs) that mimic the microenvironment present in human tissues. In light of the above, in the present study a microfluidic system under flow conditions has been optimised to minimise graphene oxide (GO) and few-layer graphene (FLG) adsorption and deposition. For that purpose, a kidney-on-a-chip was developed and optimised to evaluate the effects of exposure to GO and FLG flakes at a sublethal dose under fluid flow conditions. In summary, MPSs are an innovative and precise tool for evaluating the effects of exposure to GRMs and other type of nanomaterials.
Assuntos
Grafite , Grafite/química , Humanos , Dispositivos Lab-On-A-Chip , Adsorção , Nanoestruturas/química , Animais , Sistemas MicrofisiológicosRESUMO
Glioblastoma (GBM) is a highly malignant brain tumour characterised by limited treatment options and poor prognosis. The tumour microenvironment, particularly the central hypoxic region of the tumour, is known to play a pivotal role in GBM progression. Cells within this region adapt to hypoxia by stabilising transcription factor HIF1-α, which promotes cell proliferation, dedifferentiation and chemoresistance. In this study we sought to examine the effects of NNC-55-0396, a tetralol compound which overactivates the unfolded protein response inducing apoptosis, using the organ-on-chip technology. We identified an increased sensitivity of the hypoxic core of the chip to NNC, which correlates with decreasing levels of HIF1-α in vitro. Moreover, NNC blocks the macroautophagic process that is unleashed by hypoxia as revealed by increased levels of autophagosomal constituent LC3-II and autophagy chaperone p62/SQSTM1. The specific effects of NNC in the hypoxic microenvironment unveil additional anti-cancer abilities of this compound and further support investigations on its use in combined therapies against GBM.
Assuntos
Benzimidazóis , Neoplasias Encefálicas , Ciclopropanos , Glioblastoma , Naftalenos , Tetralonas , Humanos , Glioblastoma/tratamento farmacológico , Glioblastoma/genética , Glioblastoma/metabolismo , Hipóxia/metabolismo , Linhagem Celular Tumoral , Neoplasias Encefálicas/tratamento farmacológico , Neoplasias Encefálicas/genética , Neoplasias Encefálicas/metabolismo , Microambiente TumoralRESUMO
Organ-on-chip (OOC) technology has recently emerged as a powerful tool to mimic physiological or pathophysiological conditions through cell culture in microfluidic devices. One of its main goals is bypassing animal testing and encouraging more personalized medicine. The recent incorporation of hydrogels as 3D scaffolds into microfluidic devices has changed biomedical research since they provide a biomimetic extracellular matrix to recreate tissue architectures. However, this technology presents some drawbacks such as the necessity for physical structures as pillars to confine these hydrogels, as well as the difficulty in reaching different shapes and patterns to create convoluted gradients or more realistic biological structures. In addition, pillars can also interfere with the fluid flow, altering the local shear forces and, therefore, modifying the mechanical environment in the OOC model. In this work, we present a methodology based on a plasma surface treatment that allows building cell culture chambers with abutment-free patterns capable of producing precise shear stress distributions. Therefore, pillarless devices with arbitrary geometries are needed to obtain more versatile, reliable, and biomimetic experimental models. Through computational simulation studies, these shear stress changes are demonstrated in different designed and fabricated geometries. To prove the versatility of this new technique, a blood-brain barrier model has been recreated, achieving an uninterrupted endothelial barrier that emulates part of the neurovascular network of the brain. Finally, we developed a new technology that could avoid the limitations mentioned above, allowing the development of biomimetic OOC models with complex and adaptable geometries, with cell-to-cell contact if required, and where fluid flow and shear stress conditions could be controlled.
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Técnicas de Cultura de Células , Hidrogéis , Animais , Hidrogéis/química , Endotélio , Matriz Extracelular/química , Dispositivos Lab-On-A-ChipRESUMO
A combination of human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) and 3D microtissue culture techniques allows the generation of models that recapitulate the cardiac microenvironment for preclinical research of new treatments. In particular, spheroids represent the simplest approach to culture cells in 3D and generate gradients of cellular access to the media, mimicking the effects of an ischemic event. However, previous models required incubation under low oxygen conditions or deprived nutrient media to recreate ischemia. Here, we describe the generation of large spheroids (i.e., larger than 500 µm diameter) that self-induce an ischemic core. Spheroids were generated by coculture of cardiomyocytes derived from hiPSCs (hiPSC-CMs) and primary human cardiac fibroblast (hCF). In the proper medium, cells formed aggregates that generated an ischemic core 2 days after seeding. Spheroids also showed spontaneous cellular reorganization after 10 days, with hiPSC-CMs located at the center and surrounded by hCFs. This led to an increase in microtissue stiffness, characterized by the implementation of a constriction assay. All in all, these phenomena are hints of the fibrotic tissue remodeling secondary to a cardiac ischemic event, thus demonstrating the suitability of these spheroids for the modeling of human cardiac ischemia and its potential application for new treatments and drug research.
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Isquemia Miocárdica , Miócitos Cardíacos , Humanos , Constrição , Células Cultivadas , IsquemiaRESUMO
AIM: The influence of culture substrate stiffness (in the kPa range) on chondrocyte behavior has been described. Here we describe the response to variations in substrate stiffness in a soft range (2-20 Pa), as it may play a role in understanding cartilage physiopathology. METHODS: We developed a system for cell culture in substrates with different elastic moduli using collagen hydrogels and evaluated chondrocytes after 2, 4, and 7 days in monolayer and three-dimensional (3D) cultures. Experiments were performed in normoxia and hypoxia in order to describe the effect of a low oxygen environment on chondrocytes. Finally, we also evaluated if dedifferentiated cells preserve the capacity for mechanosensing. RESULTS: Chondrocytes showed less proliferating activity when cultured in monolayer in the more compliant substrates. Expression of the cartilage markers Aggrecan (Acan), type II collagen (Col2a1), and Sox9 was upregulated in the less stiff gels (both in monolayer and in 3D culture). Stiffer gels induced an organization of the actin cytoskeleton that correlated with the loss of a chondrocyte phenotype. When cells were cultured in hypoxia, we observed changes in the cellular response that were mediated by HIF-1α. Results in 3D hypoxia cultures were opposite to those found in normoxia, but remained unchanged in monolayer hypoxic experiments. Similar results were found for dedifferentiated cells. CONCLUSIONS: Chondrocytes respond differently according to the stiffness of the substrate. This response depends greatly on the oxygen environment and on whether the chondrocyte is embedded or grown onto the hydrogel, since mechanosensing capacity was not lost with cell expansion.
Assuntos
Técnicas de Cultura de Células/métodos , Condrócitos/citologia , Hidrogel de Polietilenoglicol-Dimetacrilato/química , Hidrogel de Polietilenoglicol-Dimetacrilato/farmacologia , Citoesqueleto de Actina/efeitos dos fármacos , Citoesqueleto de Actina/metabolismo , Animais , Hipóxia Celular/efeitos dos fármacos , Hipóxia Celular/genética , Proliferação de Células/efeitos dos fármacos , Forma Celular/efeitos dos fármacos , Forma Celular/genética , Sobrevivência Celular/efeitos dos fármacos , Sobrevivência Celular/genética , Células Cultivadas , Condrócitos/efeitos dos fármacos , Condrócitos/metabolismo , Colágeno Tipo II/metabolismo , Módulo de Elasticidade/efeitos dos fármacos , Matriz Extracelular/metabolismo , Regulação da Expressão Gênica/efeitos dos fármacos , Subunidade alfa do Fator 1 Induzível por Hipóxia/metabolismo , Ovinos , Fatores de TempoRESUMO
PURPOSE: Due to the attractive properties of poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) for tissue engineering, the aim was to determine the growth and differentiation capacity of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) in PLLA scaffolds and their potential use in the treatment of cartilage diseases. METHODS: MSCs were cultured in PLLA films and thin porous membranes to study adherence and proliferation. Permeability and porosity were determined for the different scaffolds employed. The optimal conditions for cell seeding were first determined, as well as cell density and distribution inside the PLLA. Scaffolds were then maintained in expansion or chondrogenic differentiation media for 21 days. Apoptosis, proliferation and chondrogenic differentiation was assessed after 21 days in culture by immunohistochemistry. Mechanical characteristics of scaffolds were determined before and after cell seeding. RESULTS: MSCs uniformly adhered to PLLA films as well as to porous membranes. Proliferation was detected only in monolayers of pure PLLA, but was no longer detected after 10 days. Mechanical characterization of PLLA scaffolds showed differences in the apparent compression elastic modulus for the two sizes used. After determining high efficiencies of seeding, the production of extracellular matrix (ECM) was determined and contained aggrecan and collagens type I and X. ECM produced by the cells induced a twofold increase in the apparent elastic modulus of the composite. CONCLUSIONS: Biocompatible PLLA scaffolds have been developed that can be efficiently loaded with MSCs. The scaffold supports chondrogenic differentiation and ECM deposition that improves the mechanics of the scaffold. Although this improvement does not met the expectations of a hyaline-like cartilage ECM, in part due to the lack of a mechanical stimulation, their potential use in the treatment of cartilage pathologies encourages to improve the mechanical component.
Assuntos
Células-Tronco Mesenquimais/citologia , Engenharia Tecidual/métodos , Alicerces Teciduais , Adulto , Agrecanas/metabolismo , Apoptose , Doenças das Cartilagens/terapia , Adesão Celular , Técnicas de Cultura de Células/métodos , Diferenciação Celular , Proliferação de Células , Células Cultivadas , Colágeno Tipo I/metabolismo , Colágeno Tipo X/metabolismo , Matriz Extracelular/metabolismo , Humanos , Ácido Láctico , Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura , Poliésteres , PolímerosRESUMO
Current available animal and in vitro cell-based models for studying brain-related pathologies and drug evaluation face several limitations since they are unable to reproduce the unique architecture and physiology of the human blood-brain barrier. Because of that, promising preclinical drug candidates often fail in clinical trials due to their inability to penetrate the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Therefore, novel models that allow us to successfully predict drug permeability through the BBB would accelerate the implementation of much-needed therapies for glioblastoma, Alzheimer's disease, and further disorders. In line with this, organ-on-chip models of the BBB are an interesting alternative to traditional models. These microfluidic models provide the necessary support to recreate the architecture of the BBB and mimic the fluidic conditions of the cerebral microvasculature. Herein, the most recent advances in organ-on-chip models for the BBB are reviewed, focusing on their potential to provide robust and reliable data regarding drug candidate ability to reach the brain parenchyma. We point out recent achievements and challenges to overcome in order to advance in more biomimetic in vitro experimental models based on OOO technology. The minimum requirements that should be met to be considered biomimetic (cellular types, fluid flow, and tissular architecture), and consequently, a solid alternative to in vitro traditional models or animals.