Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Luis Soriano, Tehreem Khalid, Fergal J. O'Brien, Cian O'Leary, Sally-Ann Cryan
Summary: Translation of novel inhalable therapies for respiratory diseases is hindered by the lack of in vitro cell models reflecting native tissue complexity. Developing physiologically-representative tracheobronchial tissue analogues can improve new treatments translation by accurately reflecting in vivo respiratory responses. The study utilized advanced tissue-engineered collagen hyaluronic acid bilayered scaffolds (CHyA-B) to evaluate bacterial and drug-induced toxicity and inflammation, finding higher inflammatory responses in 3D epithelial cultures compared to 2D.
Article
Polymer Science
Masahiro Hakariya, Yoshinori Arisaka, Hiroki Masuda, Tetsuya Yoda, Atsushi Tamura, Takanori Iwata, Nobuhiko Yui
Summary: Researchers have designed a bilayer hydrogel structure with PRX and collagen layers to achieve rapid and strong adhesion to target tissues. In in vivo experiments in mice, the bilayer hydrogel demonstrated superior adhesion properties.
Review
Immunology
Laurine C. Rijsbergen, Laura L. A. van Dijk, Maarten F. M. Engel, Rory D. de Vries, Rik L. de Swart
Summary: Respiratory tract infections, mainly caused by viruses, are a common cause of morbidity and mortality in humans. In vitro culture models that accurately reflect the human respiratory tract are essential to study virus-host interactions and test novel therapeutic interventions. Recent advances in in vitro models, including primary human airway epithelial cells and human airway organoids, provide new opportunities for research in this field.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Aya Tentaku, Shusaku Kurisu, Kurumi Sejima, Toshiki Nagao, Akira Takahashi, Shigenobu Yonemura
Summary: The basement membrane (BM) is a crucial extracellular matrix that maintains tissue integrity and function. The mechanisms of how stroma-derived macromolecules, such as collagen IV, are transported and assembled during BM formation remained unclear. This study established an in vitro co-culture model and found that fibroblasts proximal to epithelial cells exclusively contribute to collagen IV assembly.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jessica C. Orr, Robert E. Hynds
Summary: Recent advances in stem cell biology and understanding of factors determining lung stem cell self-renewal have facilitated long-term in vitro culture of human lung cells. Improved capability to expand and study primary cells, including in clonal cultures, opens up possibilities for addressing fundamental questions about lung homeostasis and repair, as well as translational questions in various lung diseases.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF RESPIRATORY CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Aida Cavallo, Tamer Al Kayal, Angelica Mero, Andrea Mezzetta, Anissa Pisani, Ilenia Foffa, Cecilia Vecoli, Marianna Buscemi, Lorenzo Guazzelli, Giorgio Soldani, Paola Losi
Summary: Marine collagen, derived from marine organisms, is an abundant and eco-friendly source of collagen that possesses several advantages over mammalian collagen such as easy extraction, water solubility, avoidance of transmissible diseases, and antibacterial activity. This study investigated the use of collagen extracted from basa fish skin for the development of a bioink for 3D bioprinting of a bilayered skin model. The bioink was successfully formulated and showed good printability, supporting cell viability and proliferation of fibroblasts and keratinocytes.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Qingli Liu, Wenling Dai, Yongli Gao, Longpeng Dong, Hengxing Jia, Shikui Li, Likun Guo, Yujiang Fan, Xingdong Zhang
Summary: The physicochemical properties of collagen-based hydrogels and co-culture system have synergistic effects on cartilage formation. The spreading and proliferation of cells are regulated by the degradation rate and stiffness of hydrogels. Co-culture cells in collagen-based hydrogels significantly improve chondrogenesis.
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Matthew McGrath, Karolina Zimkowska, Katelyn J. Genoud, Jack Maughan, Javier Gutierrez Gonzalez, Shane Browne, Fergal J. O'Brien
Summary: A biomimetic, bilayered antimicrobial collagen-based scaffold was developed to deal with the etiology of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). The scaffold exhibited high structural stability, successfully inhibited the growth and infiltration of Staphylococcus aureus, and supported the proliferation of epidermal cells and vascularization. These results suggest that the bilayered scaffold is a promising candidate for enhancing diabetic wound healing.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Physiology
Leenah Abugisisa, Emily X. Royse, Matthew W. Kemp, Alan H. Jobe, Noah H. Hillman
Summary: Mechanical ventilation alters the responses of preterm airway epithelium to stimulation in culture. Preterm respiratory epithelial cells respond to LPS and IL-13 similar to adults, but mechanical ventilation changes the response to LPS. BALF from mechanically ventilated animals also alters the response to LPS in both preterm and adult cells.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-LUNG CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Respiratory System
Elizabeth J. Becker, Alen Faiz, Maarten van den Berge, Wim Timens, Pieter S. Hiemstra, Kristopher Clark, Gang Liu, Xiaohui Xiao, Yuriy O. Alekseyev, George O'Connor, Stephen Lam, Avrum Spira, Marc E. Lenburg, Katrina Steiling
Summary: The study identified and replicated an airway gene expression signature associated with the rate of FEV1 decline in individuals with COPD. Genes that are elevated in individuals with a more rapid FEV1 decline are significantly enriched among the genes altered by modulation of XBP1 and are related to mucin production. These findings suggest that molecular processes related to the rate of FEV1 decline can be detected in the airway epithelium, potentially serving as an early indicator of rapid FEV1 decline in both smokers with and without COPD.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Zhen-Xing Guo, Zhaowenbin Zhang, Jian-Fei Yan, Hao-Qing Xu, Shu-Yan Wang, Tao Ye, Xiao-Xiao Han, Wan-Rong Wang, Yue Wang, Jia-Lu Gao, Li-Na Niu, Jiang Chang, Kai Jiao
Summary: Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is a chronic and potentially malignant oral disorder. A new injectable hydrogel called BG/HA has been developed, which effectively relieved OSF symptoms in rats. The hydrogel releases biologically active silicate ions that inhibit collagen deposition and inflammation, and promote angiogenesis and epithelial regeneration.
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Rebecca M. Legere, Noah D. Cohen, Cristina Poveda, Jocelyne M. Bray, Rola Barhoumi, Joseph A. Szule, Andres de la Concha-Bermejillo, Angela I. Bordin, Jeroen Pollet
Summary: Research shows that complex mRNA delivery systems may not be necessary when transfecting epithelial cells through aerosolization, which can be a more convenient and effective method of delivering mRNA. Transfecting horses with naked mRNA through an atomization device successfully and safely without the need for chemical transfection agents demonstrated the potential to reduce cost and safety risks in delivering mRNA to the respiratory tract.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Virology
Martin Mueller, Kerstin Fischer, Elisabeth Woehnke, Luca M. Zaeck, Christoph Proennecke, Michael R. Knittler, Axel Karger, Sandra Diederich, Stefan Finke
Summary: This study reveals that Nipah virus infection and spread in differentiated respiratory tract epithelial cells induces significant inflammation and immune response in pigs, which contributes to efficient airborne transmission between pigs.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
C. Christofer Juhlin, Jan Zedenius
Summary: This case report describes a 47-year-old male patient with primary hyperparathyroidism who underwent focused parathyroidectomy for a right inferior adenoma. Postoperatively, normal calcium and PTH levels were observed, indicating successful surgery outcomes. Histologically, a tumor with respiratory-like epithelium was discovered adjacent to normal parathyroid tissue, potentially linked to the patient's occupational exposure to ozone. Further investigation into this unique histological variant could provide valuable insights into potential clinical associations and influencing factors.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Naheem Yaqub, Gareth Wayne, Martin Birchall, Wenhui Song
Summary: The respiratory epithelium is important in viral infections and chronic illnesses. Current model systems to study respiratory diseases have limited correlation to the human condition, resulting in low success rates for drug development. New respiratory models are needed to address this problem.
BIOTECHNOLOGY ADVANCES
(2022)
Review
Rheumatology
Tom Hodgkinson, Domhnall C. Kelly, Caroline M. Curtin, Fergal J. O'Brien
Summary: Mechanical stimuli play fundamental roles in cartilage health and osteoarthritis, with chondrocytes sensing their physical environment and activating complex signaling pathways to regulate OA pathology. Understanding specific mechanosignalling mechanisms in cartilage has therapeutic potential and can be combined with smart biomaterials and drug delivery systems for future OA treatment advancements.
NATURE REVIEWS RHEUMATOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Bing Wu, Saltuk B. Hanay, Scott D. Kimmins, Sally-Ann Cryan, Daniel Hermida Merino, Andreas Heise
Summary: The ion-induced gelation behavior of statistical copolypeptides comprising lysine and tyrosine is studied, and it is found that the gelation mechanism is related to the formation of stable intermolecular beta-sheet secondary structures induced by the presence of salt ions as well as the aggregation of an alpha-helix between the copolypeptides. The diffusion and mechanical properties of the hydrogels can be tuned by adjusting the polypeptide chain length and ion strength.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Ian Woods, Cian O'Connor, Lisa Frugoli, Sean Kerr, Javier Gutierrez Gonzalez, Martyna Stasiewicz, Tara McGuire, Brenton Cavanagh, Alan Hibbitts, Adrian Dervan, Fergal J. O'Brien
Summary: The study found that Coll-IV/Fn mixture in scaffolds can promote axonal extension of neurons and induce morphological features of astrocytes. By using materials of different stiffness in the scaffold, astrocyte behavior can be regulated, and the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines can be stimulated.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Hematology
Sukhraj Pal Singh Dhami, Sean Patmore, Claire Comerford, Ciara M. Byrne, Brenton Cavanagh, John Castle, Cliona C. Kirwan, Martin Kenny, Ingmar Schoen, James S. O'Donnell, Jamie M. O'Sullivan
Summary: Breast cancer patients with elevated plasma VWF levels are associated with poorer survival. Breast cancer cells induce ECs to secrete VWF and other substances, and this effect is enhanced by the presence of platelets. VEGF-A plays a crucial role in modulating breast cancer-induced VWF release, and VEGF-A released by breast tumor cells also promotes angiogenesis in ECs. LMWH can inhibit VWF-breast tumor adhesion and transendothelial migration.
JOURNAL OF THROMBOSIS AND HAEMOSTASIS
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Matthew McGrath, Karolina Zimkowska, Katelyn J. Genoud, Jack Maughan, Javier Gutierrez Gonzalez, Shane Browne, Fergal J. O'Brien
Summary: A biomimetic, bilayered antimicrobial collagen-based scaffold was developed to deal with the etiology of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). The scaffold exhibited high structural stability, successfully inhibited the growth and infiltration of Staphylococcus aureus, and supported the proliferation of epidermal cells and vascularization. These results suggest that the bilayered scaffold is a promising candidate for enhancing diabetic wound healing.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Claudio Intini, Lia Blokpoel Ferreras, Sarah Casey, James E. Dixon, John P. Gleeson, Fergal J. O'Brien
Summary: A novel miR-activated scaffold was developed to enhance mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSC) chondrogenesis and cartilage repair through the delivery of an inhibitor to miR-221. The miR-activated scaffold successfully transfected human MSCs with the miR-221 cargo, promoting an improved cell-mediated chondrogenic response. This innovative scaffold shows promise in improving chondrogenesis and enhancing cartilage defect repair.
ADVANCED THERAPEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Giuseppe A. Asaro, Matteo Solazzo, Meenakshi Suku, Dahnan Spurling, Katelyn Genoud, Javier Gutierrez Gonzalez, Fergal J. O' Brien, Valeria Nicolosi, Michael G. Monaghan
Summary: Electroconductive biohybrid platforms were created by blending collagen and 2D MXene, which showed high biocompatibility and enhanced cell proliferation and spreading. The platforms also limited bacterial attachment and proliferation. Culturing neonatal rat cardiomyocytes and human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes on the substrates demonstrated increased cell growth and cx43 expression when stimulated with an external electric field. This in vitro study convincingly shows the potential of the engineered conductive biohybrid platform for cardiac tissue regeneration.
NPJ 2D MATERIALS AND APPLICATIONS
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Biomedical
Tara K. Mcguire, Martyna Stasiewicz, Ian Woods, Adrian G. Dervan, Fergal J. O'Brien
Summary: Spinal cord injury is a devastating traumatic injury that often results in permanent loss of function. Gene therapy using nonviral nanoparticle vectors has the potential to improve spinal cord regeneration by targeting multiple aspects of the injury and enhancing specificity. Despite challenges, nanoparticle-mediated gene delivery holds great promise for the future of spinal cord injury treatment.
ADVANCED NANOBIOMED RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Smiljana Stefanovic, Katie McCormick, Sarinj Fattah, Ruiari Brannigan, Sally-Ann Cryan, Andreas Heise
Summary: A new synthetic route was developed to prepare star-shaped poly(l-lysine) from bis-MPA dendrimers. The resulting star polypeptides showed excellent degradability and were able to form polyplexes with nucleic acids for gene delivery.
Review
Urology & Nephrology
Sorcha O'Meara, Eoghan M. Cunnane, Stefanie M. Croghan, Connor V. Cunnane, Michael T. Walsh, Fergal J. O'Brien, Niall F. Davis
Summary: The ureter is a complex structure with varying mechanical properties and morphology along its anatomical length. Understanding the mechanical forces and properties of the ureter is important for surgical outcomes and urine transport. Further studies on human ureteric tissue are needed to better understand these properties and the influence of forces on them.
NATURE REVIEWS UROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Tao Xu, Dimitrios Skoulas, Dawei Ding, Sally-Ann Cryan, Andreas Heise
Summary: In this study, responsive biocompatible nanogels were synthesized for controlled mucosal delivery and release of drugs. The nanogels exhibited suitable size and morphology, and showed responsiveness to reducing agents in the intracellular environment. This work provides a new approach for drug delivery in anti-cancer therapy by overcoming mucosal barriers.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Francesco Santarella, Ronaldo Jose Farias Correa do Amaral, Mark Lemoine, Domhnall Kelly, Brenton Cavanagh, Milica Marinkovic, Avi Smith, Jonathan Garlick, Fergal J. O'Brien, Cathal J. Kearney
Summary: For the first time, a method for treating DFUs is demonstrated using cells from biopsied DFU patients, reprogramming those cells, and functionalizing the scaffold with patient-specific ECM. The personalized acellular tissue-engineered scaffold enhances ECM deposition and vascularization, showing promising results for DFU healing.
ADVANCED NANOBIOMED RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Claudio Intini, Tom Hodgkinson, Sarah M. Casey, John P. Gleeson, Fergal J. O'Brien
Summary: CI/II-HyA scaffolds were able to enhance and prolong cartilage repair while reducing hypertrophic cartilage formation, as evidenced by improved cartilage-like formation and consistent responses in protein expression analysis. The study also highlighted the variable chondrogenic abilities of human MSCs from different donors.
BIOENGINEERING-BASEL
(2022)
Review
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Donagh G. O'Shea, Caroline M. Curtin, Fergal J. O'Brien
Summary: Articular cartilage in the human body plays a vital role in facilitating frictionless movement of synovial joints. However, its avascular and aneural nature limits its ability to self-repair when damaged. Current surgical treatment options lead to the formation of non-durable tissue, necessitating the need for a new solution. Recent advances in tissue engineering have aimed to recreate the microenvironment of native articular cartilage using biomaterial scaffolds, but the complexity of native tissue has proven to be a challenge. The advent of 3D printing has provided a potential solution by allowing the fabrication of biomimetic scaffolds that mimic the architecture and composition of articular cartilage.
BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Robert T. Brady, Fergal J. O'Brien, David A. Hoey
Summary: Bone is a dynamic organ that can adapt its structure through the release of soluble factors by osteocytes. The study investigated the role of composition and dimensionality in directing Sost expression in MLO-Y4 cells and found that culture in hydroxyapatite-containing collagen scaffolds enhanced Sost expression compared to traditional in vitro culture. The study also showed that the novel culture system responded to fluid flow stimulation. Overall, this study presents a novel culture system for the MLO-Y4 osteocyte cell line and provides valuable insights into Sost expression in bone cells.
BIOENGINEERING-BASEL
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Lin-Lin Luo, Jie Xu, Bing-Qiao Wang, Chen Chen, Xi Chen, Qiu-Mei Hu, Yu-Qiu Wang, Wan-Yun Zhang, Wan-Xiang Jiang, Xin-Ting Li, Hu Zhou, Xiao Xiao, Kai Zhao, Sen Lin
Summary: A novel AAV serotype, AAVYC5, introduced in this study, showed more efficient transduction into multiple retinal layers compared to AAV2, and enabled successful delivery of anti-angiogenic molecules in mice and non-human primates.