scholarly journals Freeform printing of heterotypic tumor models within cell-laden microgel matrices

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas G. Molley ◽  
Gagan K. Jalandhra ◽  
Stephanie R. Nemec ◽  
Aleczandria S. Tiffany ◽  
Brendan A. C. Harley ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Types ◽  
Hierarchical Organization ◽  
Layer By Layer ◽  
Direct Writing ◽  
Tissue Microenvironment ◽  
Fundamental Research ◽  
Multiple Cell ◽  
Different Cell Types ◽  
Local Stiffness

AbstractThe tissue microenvironment is comprised of a complex assortment of multiple cell types, matrices, membranes and vessel structures. Emulating this complex and often hierarchical organization in vitro has proved a considerable challenge, typically involving segregation of different cell types using layer-by-layer printing or lithographically patterned microfluidic devices. Bioprinting in granular materials is a new methodology with tremendous potential for tissue fabrication. Here, we demonstrate the first example of a complex tumor microenvironment that combines direct writing of tumor aggregates, freeform vasculature channels, and a tunable macroporous matrix as a model to studying metastatic signaling. Our photocrosslinkable microgel suspensions yield local stiffness gradients between particles and the intervening space, while enabling the integration of virtually any cell type. Using computational fluid dynamics, we show that removal of a sacrificial Pluronic ink defines vessel-mimetic channel architectures for endothelial cell linings. Pairing this vasculature with 3D printing of melanoma aggregates, we find that tumor cells within proximity migrated into the prototype vasculature. Together, the integration of perfusable channels with multiple spatially defined cell types provides new avenues for modelling development and disease, with scope for fundamental research and drug development.

scholarly journals Mesenchymal Stem Cells as a Promising Cell Source for Integration in Novel In Vitro Models

Biomolecules ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 1306
Author(s):  
Ann-Kristin Afflerbach ◽  
Mark D. Kiri ◽  
Tahir Detinis ◽  
Ben M. Maoz
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cells ◽  
Mesenchymal Stem Cells ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
In Vitro Models ◽  
Cell Source ◽  
Fundamental Research ◽  
Multiple Cell ◽  
Vitro Model

The human-relevance of an in vitro model is dependent on two main factors—(i) an appropriate human cell source and (ii) a modeling platform that recapitulates human in vivo conditions. Recent years have brought substantial advancements in both these aspects. In particular, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have emerged as a promising cell source, as these cells can differentiate into multiple cell types, yet do not raise the ethical and practical concerns associated with other types of stem cells. In turn, advanced bioengineered in vitro models such as microfluidics, Organs-on-a-Chip, scaffolds, bioprinting and organoids are bringing researchers ever closer to mimicking complex in vivo environments, thereby overcoming some of the limitations of traditional 2D cell cultures. This review covers each of these advancements separately and discusses how the integration of MSCs into novel in vitro platforms may contribute enormously to clinical and fundamental research.

Heterotypic tumor models through freeform printing into photostabilized granular microgels

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Molley ◽  
Gagan Jalandhra ◽  
Stephanie R Nemec ◽  
Aleczandria S Tiffany ◽  
Amrutha Patkunarajah ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Types ◽  
Tumor Models ◽  
Tumor Microenvironments ◽  
Tissue Microenvironment ◽  
Multiple Cell ◽  
Model Tumor

The tissue microenvironment contains a complex assortment of multiple cell types, matrices, and vessel structures, which is difficult to reconstruct in vitro. Here, we demonstrate model tumor microenvironments formed through...

Multi-layer stackable tissue culture platform for 3D co-culture

TECHNOLOGY ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 08 (01n02) ◽  
pp. 37-49
Author(s):  
Ileana Marrero-Berrios ◽  
Anil Shrirao ◽  
Charles P. Rabolli ◽  
Rishabh Hirday ◽  
Rene S. Schloss ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tissue Culture ◽  
Synergistic Effects ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
Inflammatory Processes ◽  
Multiple Cell ◽  
Tissue Culture Insert ◽  
Different Cell Types ◽  
Do So

In vitro tools, which can enable development of models that replicate the cell microenvironment associated with complex diseases such as osteoarthritis (OA), are critically needed. In OA, catabolic and inflammatory processes orchestrated by multiple cell types lead to the eventual destruction of articular cartilage. To address this need, our group developed a device that will enable investigation of complex cell systems. Our stackable tissue culture insert was fabricated and characterized with respect to biocompatibility, ease of use, and potential for tissue culture applications. The stackable tissue culture inserts can be easily modified, fabricated, and assembled into commercially available multi-well plates. In vitro studies conducted with three different cell types demonstrated high cell viability and functional secretion when cultured in the stackable inserts. Furthermore, synergistic effects when the three cell types were cultured together were observed. This demonstrates the need to more fully interrogate in vitro culture systems, and this stackable insert can provide a tool to fill the current technological void to do so.

scholarly journals Lentivirus Nef Specifically Activates Pak2

2000 ◽  
Vol 74 (23) ◽  
pp. 11081-11087 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vivek K. Arora ◽  
Rene P. Molina ◽  
John L. Foster ◽  
John L. Blakemore ◽  
Jonathan Chernoff ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Caspase 3 ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Serine Threonine Kinase ◽  
Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Multiple Cell ◽  
Different Cell Types ◽  
Hiv 1

ABSTRACT Nef proteins from human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) have been found to associate with an active cellular serine/threonine kinase designated Nef-associated kinase (Nak). The exact identity of Nak remains controversial, with two recent studies indicating that Nak may be either Pak1 or Pak2. In this study, we investigated the hypothesis that such discrepancies arise from the use of different Nef alleles or different cell types by individual investigators. We first confirm that Pak2 but not Pak1 is cleaved by caspase 3 in vitro and then demonstrate that Nak is caspase 3 sensitive, regardless of Nef allele or cell type used. We testednef alleles from three lentiviruses (HIV-1 SF2, HIV-1 NL4-3, and SIVmac239) and used multiple cell lines of myeloid, lymphoid, and nonhematopoietic origin to evaluate the identity of Nak. We demonstrate that ectopically expressed Pak2 can substitute for Nak, while ectopically expressed Pak1 cannot. We then show that Nef specifically mediates the robust activation of ectopically expressed Pak2, directly demonstrating that Nef regulates Pak2 activity and does not merely associate with activated Pak2. We report that most of the active Pak2 is found bound to Nef, although a fraction is not. In contrast, only a small amount of Nef is found associated with Pak2. We conclude that Nak is Pak2 and that Nef specifically mediates Pak2 activation in a low-abundance complex. These results will facilitate both the elucidation of the role of Nef in pathogenesis and the development of specific inhibitors of this highly conserved function of Nef.

scholarly journals MyD88 Is Not Required for Muscle Injury-Induced Endochondral Heterotopic Ossification in a Mouse Model of Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva

Biomedicines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 630
Author(s):  
Huili Lyu ◽  
Cody M. Elkins ◽  
Jessica L. Pierce ◽  
C. Henrique Serezani ◽  
Daniel S. Perrien
Keyword(s):  
Heterotopic Ossification ◽  
Muscle Injury ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva ◽  
Inflammatory Signaling ◽  
Conditional Deletion ◽  
Pathway Crosstalk ◽  
Multiple Cell

Excess inflammation and canonical BMP receptor (BMPR) signaling are coinciding hallmarks of the early stages of injury-induced endochondral heterotopic ossification (EHO), especially in the rare genetic disease fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP). Multiple inflammatory signaling pathways can synergistically enhance BMP-induced Smad1/5/8 activity in multiple cell types, suggesting the importance of pathway crosstalk in EHO and FOP. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and IL-1 receptors mediate many of the earliest injury-induced inflammatory signals largely via MyD88-dependent pathways. Thus, the hypothesis that MyD88-dependent signaling is required for EHO was tested in vitro and in vivo using global or Pdgfrα-conditional deletion of MyD88 in FOP mice. As expected, IL-1β or LPS synergistically increased Activin A (ActA)-induced phosphorylation of Smad 1/5 in fibroadipoprogenitors (FAPs) expressing Alk2R206H. However, conditional deletion of MyD88 in Pdgfrα-positive cells of FOP mice did not significantly alter the amount of muscle injury-induced EHO. Even more surprisingly, injury-induced EHO was not significantly affected by global deletion of MyD88. These studies demonstrate that MyD88-dependent signaling is dispensable for injury-induced EHO in FOP mice.

scholarly journals Therapeutic Attributes of Endocannabinoid System against Neuro-Inflammatory Autoimmune Disorders

Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (11) ◽  
pp. 3389
Author(s):  
Ishtiaq Ahmed ◽  
Saif Ur Rehman ◽  
Shiva Shahmohamadnejad ◽  
Muhammad Anjum Zia ◽  
Muhammad Ahmad ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cannabinoid Receptors ◽  
Cannabinoid Receptor ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Endocannabinoid System ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Autoimmune Disorders ◽  
Specific Receptors ◽  
Different Cell Types

In humans, various sites like cannabinoid receptors (CBR) having a binding affinity with cannabinoids are distributed on the surface of different cell types, where endocannabinoids (ECs) and derivatives of fatty acid can bind. The binding of these substance(s) triggers the activation of specific receptors required for various physiological functions, including pain sensation, memory, and appetite. The ECs and CBR perform multiple functions via the cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1); cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2), having a key effect in restraining neurotransmitters and the arrangement of cytokines. The role of cannabinoids in the immune system is illustrated because of their immunosuppressive characteristics. These characteristics include inhibition of leucocyte proliferation, T cells apoptosis, and induction of macrophages along with reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines secretion. The review seeks to discuss the functional relationship between the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and anti-tumor characteristics of cannabinoids in various cancers. The therapeutic potential of cannabinoids for cancer—both in vivo and in vitro clinical trials—has also been highlighted and reported to be effective in mice models in arthritis for the inflammation reduction, neuropathic pain, positive effect in multiple sclerosis and type-1 diabetes mellitus, and found beneficial for treating in various cancers. In human models, such studies are limited; thereby, further research is indispensable in this field to get a conclusive outcome. Therefore, in autoimmune disorders, therapeutic cannabinoids can serve as promising immunosuppressive and anti-fibrotic agents.

scholarly journals A phenomenological density-scaling approach to lamellipodial actin dynamics

2014 ◽  
Vol 4 (6) ◽  
pp. 20140006 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandre Lewalle ◽  
Marco Fritzsche ◽  
Kerry Wilson ◽  
Richard Thorogate ◽  
Tom Duke ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protein Function ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Actin Dynamics ◽  
Theoretical Modelling ◽  
Network Growth ◽  
Genetic Intervention ◽  
Regulatory Processes ◽  
Observable Behaviour ◽  
Different Cell Types

The integration of protein function studied in vitro in a dynamic system like the cell lamellipodium remains a significant challenge. One reason is the apparent contradictory effect that perturbations of some proteins can have on the overall lamellipodium dynamics, depending on exact conditions. Theoretical modelling offers one approach for understanding the balance between the mechanisms that drive and regulate actin network growth and decay. Most models use a ‘bottom-up’ approach, involving explicitly assembling biochemical components to simulate observable behaviour. Their correctness therefore relies on both the accurate characterization of all the components and the completeness of the relevant processes involved. To avoid potential pitfalls due to this uncertainty, we used an alternative ‘top-down’ approach, in which measurable features of lamellipodium behaviour, here observed in two different cell types (HL60 and B16-F1), directly inform the development of a simple phenomenological model of lamellipodium dynamics. We show that the kinetics of F-actin association and dissociation scales with the local F-actin density, with no explicit location dependence. This justifies the use of a simplified kinetic model of lamellipodium dynamics that yields predictions testable by pharmacological or genetic intervention. A length-scale parameter (the lamellipodium width) emerges from this analysis as an experimentally accessible probe of network regulatory processes.

scholarly journals Divergent functions of endotrophin on different cell populations in adipose tissue

2016 ◽  
Vol 311 (6) ◽  
pp. E952-E963 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yueshui Zhao ◽  
Xue Gu ◽  
Ningyan Zhang ◽  
Mikhail G. Kolonin ◽  
Zhiqiang An ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Adipose Tissue ◽  
Lipid Accumulation ◽  
Lysyl Oxidase ◽  
Stromal Vascular Fraction ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Marker Genes ◽  
New Perspective ◽  
Collagen Genes ◽  
Different Cell Types

Endotrophin is a cleavage product of collagen 6 (Col6) in adipose tissue (AT). Previously, we demonstrated that endotrophin serves as a costimulator to trigger fibrosis and inflammation within the unhealthy AT milieu. However, how endotrophin affects lipid storage and breakdown in AT and how different cell types in AT respond to endotrophin stimulation remain unknown. In the current study, by using a doxycycline-inducible mouse model, we observed significant upregulation of adipogenic genes in the white AT (WAT) of endotrophin transgenic mice. We further showed that the mice exhibited inhibited lipolysis and accelerated hypertrophy and hyperplasia in WAT. To investigate the effects of endotrophin in vitro, we incubated different cell types from AT with conditioned medium from endotrophin-overexpressing 293T cells. We found that endotrophin activated multiple pathological pathways in different cell types. Particularly in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, endotrophin triggered a fibrotic program by upregulating collagen genes and promoted abnormal lipid accumulation by downregulating hormone-sensitive lipolysis gene and decreasing HSL phosphorylation levels. In macrophages isolated from WAT, endotrophin stimulated higher expression of the collagen-linking enzyme lysyl oxidase and M1 proinflammatory marker genes. In the stromal vascular fraction isolated from WAT, endotrophin induced upregulation of both profibrotic and proinflammatory genes. In conclusion, our study provides a new perspective on the effect of endotrophin in abnormal lipid accumulation and a mechanistic insight into the roles played by adipocytes and a variety of other cell types in AT in shaping the unhealthy microenvironment upon endotrophin treatment.

Cultured epithelial cells derived from human foetal pancreas as a model for the study of cystic fibrosis: further analyses on the origins and nature of the cell types

1988 ◽  
Vol 90 (1) ◽  
pp. 73-77
Author(s):  
A. Harris ◽  
L. Coleman
Keyword(s):  
Cystic Fibrosis ◽  
Tissue Culture ◽  
Epithelial Cells ◽  
Culture System ◽  
Cultured Cells ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Cultured Epithelial Cells ◽  
Different Cell Types ◽  
Foetal Pancreas

The establishment of a tissue-culture system for epithelial cells derived from human foetal pancreas has recently been reported. Further analyses have now been made on these cells in vitro, together with parallel investigation of the distribution of different cell types within the intact foetal pancreas. Results support the view that the cultured cells are ductal in origin and nature. Pancreatic epithelial cell cultures have also been established from foetuses with cystic fibrosis.

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