Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Cristina Blanco-Elices, Carmen Morales-Alvarez, Jesus Chato-Astrain, Carmen Gonzalez-Gallardo, Paula Avila-Fernandez, Fernando Campos, Ramon Carmona, Miguel Angel Martin-Piedra, Ingrid Garzon, Miguel Alaminos
Summary: The purpose of this study was to determine the potential usefulness of heterotypic cornea substitutes generated with extra-corneal cells in tissue engineering. The stromal layer of these bioartificial corneas showed low levels of components of the tissue extracellular matrix ex vivo, but exhibited higher levels of maturation and spatial organization when grafted in vivo. The results suggest that these bioartificial corneas have the potential for future clinical use.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Dong Gyu Hwang, Yoo-mi Choi, Jinah Jang
Summary: A wide range of experimental models have been developed for understanding pathophysiological phenomena and evaluating potential therapeutics. Three-dimensional in vitro models serve as an intermediate between 2D cell cultures and animal models, providing a more accurate representation of human physiology. Advances in 3D bioprinting technology have enabled the creation of tissue models that closely mimic in vivo conditions, particularly those associated with highly vascularized organs.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Physiology
Dave Anuj Lagowala, Seoyoung Kwon, Venkataramana K. Sidhaye, Deok-Ho Kim
Summary: Human lung-on-a-chip models are powerful tools for studying disease mechanisms and evaluating new therapeutic targets. Recent advancements in stem cell biology, tissue engineering, and microfabrication have enabled the creation of more predictive lung-on-a-chip models for studying respiratory diseases. Challenges and future directions for lung-on-a-chip designs include exploring immune and multiorgan interactions in in vitro disease modeling.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-LUNG CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR PHYSIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Cell Biology
Zachary Fralish, Ethan M. Lotz, Taylor Chavez, Alastair Khodabukus, Nenad Bursac
Summary: The neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is a crucial interface between motor neurons and skeletal muscle fibers that is essential for motor function. This review discusses the development of in vitro models of human NMJs derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) and compares the efficacy of modeling neuromuscular diseases (NMDs) in animals and cell culture systems. Further research is needed to develop effective personalized NMD platforms using hiPSC-derived NMJ models.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Eoin D. O'Sullivan, Katie J. Mylonas, Cuiyan Xin, David P. Baird, Cyril Carvalho, Marie-Helena Docherty, Ross Campbell, Kylie P. Matchett, Scott H. Waddell, Alexander D. Walker, Kevin M. Gallagher, Siyang Jia, Steve Leung, Alexander Laird, Julia Wilflingseder, Michaela Willi, Maximilian Reck, Sarah Finnie, Angela Pisco, Sabrina Gordon-Keylock, Alexander Medvinsky, Luke Boulter, Neil C. Henderson, Kristina Kirschner, Tamir Chandra, Bryan R. Conway, Jeremy Hughes, Laura Denby, V. Joseph Bonventre, David A. Ferenbach
Summary: Progressive fibrosis is a common feature of aging and chronic tissue injury in multiple organs, and Gli1+ cells play a crucial role in the activation of fibroblasts. This study revealed that leukocyte-derived tumor necrosis factor (TNF) promotes Gli1+ cell proliferation and fibrosis in the kidney and heart through induction and release of Indian Hedgehog (IHH). The results also demonstrated the role of inflammatory proximal tubular epithelial (iPT) cells in TNF and nuclear factor 0B (NF-0B)-induced IHH production. These findings suggest that targeting IHH may be a potential therapy for inflammation-induced fibrosis.
SCIENCE TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Daniel Vera, Maria Garcia-Diaz, Nuria Torras, Mar Alvarez, Rosa Villa, Elena Martinez
Summary: Researchers have integrated hydrogels into microfluidic setups to develop tissue barrier-on-chips that accurately account for different cellular and acellular compartments, including the cellular components and functionality of in vivo tissues. These platforms have the potential to greatly improve the predictive capacities of in vitro systems in applications such as drug development or disease modeling, but face challenges in microfabrication.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Xiaoyun Wei, Beisi Huang, Keke Chen, Zicheng Fan, Ling Wang, Mingen Xu
Summary: In this study, a facile dot-extrusion printing (DEP) system was developed for one-step generation of cell-laden hydrogel beads. The system allows adjustable size and spatial position of the beads through programming of G-code parameters. By integrating multiple printheads, heterogeneous tissue constructs encapsulating different cellular components can be printed, while maintaining high cell viability.
MATERIALS & DESIGN
(2022)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Chrysanthi-Maria Moysidou, Chiara Barberio, Roisin Meabh Owens
Summary: Research in cell biology heavily relies on in vitro assays and models, with the recent advancement in 3D cell biology and engineering providing more physiologically relevant culture platforms. These platforms, such as scaffold-based systems and organs-on-chips, show great potential in bridging the gap between conventional animal studies and human physiology by allowing for more accurate modeling of specific processes.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
John Devany, Daniel M. Sussman, Takaki Yamamoto, M. Lisa Manning, Margaret L. Gardel
Summary: Epithelial tissues have distinctive cellular architectures that can be controlled by changes in cell shape. In a model epithelial monolayer, cell shape evolves over time, leading to a final architecture characterized by arrested motion and regular cell shapes. The final cell shape is closely correlated with cell proliferation rate, and pharmacological perturbations can significantly alter tissue dynamics by changing cell shapes.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Frank Lezoualc'h, Lina Badimon, Hana Baker, Monique Bernard, Gabor Czibik, Rudolf A. de Boer, Thomas D'Humieres, Micheline Kergoat, Mark Kowala, Jennifer Rieusset, Gemma Vilahur, Maximin Detrait, Chris Watson, Genevieve A. Derumeaux
Summary: Diabetic cardiomyopathy is a distinct, multifactorial disease that leads to ventricular hypertrophy and abnormal myocardial contractility. Animal models provide opportunities to study its mechanisms, but there are limitations when extrapolating findings to humans.
CARDIOVASCULAR RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Judith Pape, Mark Emberton, Umber Cheema
Summary: The use of tissue-engineered 3D models of cancer has become more popular in cancer research. This review explores different 3D models, outlining their benefits, limitations, and methods for measuring cancer invasion and growth. Tumoroids were found to be comparable 3D cancer models with a high degree of biomimicry.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Da-Hyun Kim, Jungho Ahn, Hyun Kyoung Kang, Min-Soo Kim, Nam-Gyo Kim, Myung Geun Kook, Soon Won Choi, Noo Li Jeon, Heung-Myong Woo, Kyung-Sun Kang
Summary: Liver tissue engineering with vascular reconstruction using decellularized liver scaffolds showed enhanced liver-specific functions and perfusable vessel networks, providing a promising strategy for liver failure treatment.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhuhao Wu, Danqing Huang, Jinglin Wang, Yuanjin Zhao, Weijian Sun, Xian Shen
Summary: Tumor tissue engineering has the potential to replicate the characteristics of tumors in vitro, providing new opportunities for studying the tumor microenvironment and exploring anti-cancer therapeutics. However, the poor understanding and reconstruction of tumor heterogeneity hinder the widespread adoption of tumor models. This review discusses the progress in engineering heterogeneous tumor models, including the components of tumor heterogeneity, contemporary approaches in tumor engineering, and the challenges and directions for future research.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Barbara Gardella, Annachiara Licia Scatigno, Giacomo Belli, Andrea Gritti, Silvia Damiana Visona, Mattia Dominoni
Summary: More research is needed to fully understand the biomechanical changes in the vagina and pelvic ligaments during aging, as current studies have shown inconsistent results.
FRONTIERS IN MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Merve Ustun, Sajjad Rahmani Dabbagh, Irem Sultan Ilci, Tugba Bagci-Onder, Savas Tasoglu
Summary: Glioma-on-chip platforms simulate cancer cells' metabolic functions for analysis, offering a crucial tool for glioma research. This technology holds promise to enhance treatment efficacy, improve patient survival rates, and advance personalized medicine.
Article
Oncology
Gunjan Mandal, Subir Biswas, Carmen M. Anadon, Xiaoqing Yu, Chandler D. Gatenbee, Sandhya Prabhakaran, Kyle K. Payne, Ricardo A. Chaurio, Alexandra Martin, Patrick Innamarato, Carlos Moran, John J. Powers, Carly M. Harro, Jessica A. Mine, Kimberly B. Sprenger, Kristen E. Rigolizzo, Xuefeng Wang, Tyler J. Curiel, Paulo C. Rodriguez, Alexander R. Anderson, Ozlen Saglam, Jose R. Conejo-Garcia
Summary: This study reveals the crucial role of humoral immunity in human endometrial cancer and provides insights for the development of novel immunotherapies against this prevalent malignancy. Coordinated cellular and humoral immune responses, particularly involving B cells and IgA:plgR interactions, determine the progression of endometrial cancer and its response to treatment.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Calum Gabbutt, Ryan O. Schenck, Daniel J. Weisenberger, Christopher Kimberley, Alison Berner, Jacob Househam, Eszter Lakatos, Mark Robertson-Tessi, Isabel Martin, Roshani Patel, Susan K. Clark, Andrew Latchford, Chris P. Barnes, Simon J. Leedham, Alexander R. A. Anderson, Trevor A. Graham, Darryl Shibata
Summary: Lineage tracing of human stem cells can be achieved by measuring fluctuating DNA methylation, which can serve as clocks that record cell ancestry. This study developed a mathematical model to quantitatively measure the dynamics of human adult stem cells using fluctuating DNA methylation marks. The results showed differences in the number and replacement speed of stem cells in different tissues, and also demonstrated the potential application of fluctuating methylation clocks in diseases.
NATURE BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jasmine Foo, David Basanta, Russell C. Rockne, Carly Strelez, Curran Shah, Kimya Ghaffarian, Shannon M. Mumenthaler, Kelly Mitchell, Justin D. Lathia, David Frankhouser, Sergio Branciamore, Ya-Huei Kuo, Guido Marcucci, Robert Vander Velde, Andriy Marusyk, Sui Huang, Kishore Hari, Mohit Kumar Jolly, Haralampos Hatzikirou, Kamrine E. Poels, Mary E. Spilker, Blerta Shtylla, Mark Robertson-Tessi, Alexander R. A. Anderson
Summary: This article focuses on the role of plasticity and epigenetics in cancer, and discusses state-of-the-art mathematical and experimental approaches to study these aspects. It addresses important questions about the integration of non-genetic plasticity and mutation-driven somatic evolution, the measurement and modeling of the microenvironment's role, experimental study of non-genetic plasticity, suitable mathematical techniques, as well as the clinical and practical applications and implications.
Article
Oncology
Carmen M. Anadon, Xiaoqing Yu, Kay Hanggi, Subir Biswas, Ricardo A. Chaurio, Alexandra Martin, Kyle K. Payne, Gunjan Mandal, Patrick Innamarato, Carly M. Harro, Jessica A. Mine, Kimberly B. Sprenger, Carla Cortina, John J. Powers, Tara Lee Costich, Bradford A. Perez, Chandler D. Gatenbee, Sandhya Prabhakaran, Douglas Marchion, Mirjam H. M. Heemskerk, Tyler J. Curiel, Alexander R. Anderson, Robert M. Wenham, Paulo C. Rodriguez, Jose R. Conejo-Garcia
Summary: This study reveals that tissue-resident memory (TRM) cells are the main type of T cells infiltrating ovarian cancer. These TRM cells, specifically the progenitor TRMstem cells, play a crucial role in predicting the outcome of ovarian cancer. The findings suggest that ovarian cancer is immunogenic, but only a small portion of tumor-infiltrating T cells have tumor antigen reactivity.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ryan O. Schenck, Gabriel Brosula, Jeffrey West, Simon Leedham, Darryl Shibata, Alexander R. A. Anderson
Summary: Research in the past two decades has significantly advanced our understanding of somatic mutations, particularly in homeostatic tissue. The emergence of agent-based mechanistic models has provided a valuable tool for studying somatic mutations at base-pair resolution, with Gattaca being introduced as the first method for this purpose. By incorporating human reference genomes, mutational context, and sequence coverage/error information, Gattaca allows for realistic evolution of sequence data for comparison between in silico cell tissue modeling and experimental human somatic mutation data.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Liwei Jia, Douglas W. Strand, Ramy S. Goueli, Jeffrey C. Gahan, Claus G. Roehrborn, Ryan J. Mauck
Summary: The study suggests that using PSA density could help estimate BPH cellular content, leading to improved selection of patients for treatment, especially for 5ARI therapy.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Chandler D. Gatenbee, Ann-Marie Baker, Ryan O. Schenck, Maximilian Strobl, Jeffrey West, Margarida P. Neves, Sara Yakub Hasan, Eszter Lakatos, Pierre Martinez, William C. H. Cross, Marnix Jansen, Manuel Rodriguez-Justo, Christopher J. Whelan, Andrea Sottoriva, Simon Leedham, Mark Robertson-Tessi, Trevor A. Graham, Alexander R. A. Anderson
Summary: Integration of mathematical modeling, ecological analyses, and neoantigen prediction suggests that recruitment of immunosuppressive cells is crucial for the transformation from adenoma to carcinoma in colorectal cancer. The dynamics of tumor initiation remain unknown, but the interaction between neoplastic cells and the immune system is believed to play a critical role in this process.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Daniel S. Thomas, Luis H. Cisneros, Alexander R. A. Anderson, Carlo C. Maley
Summary: Adaptive therapy approaches have the potential to transform cancer into a chronic disease. Computer simulations were used to identify the most promising strategies for combining multiple drugs in adaptive therapies. Dose modulation protocols were found to increase time to progression, and using as little drug as possible was found to be effective. These findings have implications for the future of cancer control.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Renjie Jin, Connor Forbes, Nicole L. Miller, Douglas Strand, Thomas Case, Justin M. Cates, Hye-Young H. Kim, Phillip Wages, Ned A. Porter, Krystin M. Mantione, Sarah Burke, James L. Mohler, Robert J. Matusik
Summary: This study characterized the pathways associated with failure of medical therapy for BPH/LUTS. It found that 5-alpha reductase inhibitor (5ARI) therapy continued to inhibit androgenesis, but also increased tissue levels of glucocorticoids (GC). This GC activation served as a master regulator of prostatic branching and growth.
Article
Oncology
Jiapei Yuan, Kathleen E. Houlahan, Susmita G. Ramanand, Sora Lee, GuemHee Baek, Yang Yang, Yong Chen, Douglas W. Strand, Michael Q. Zhang, Paul C. Boutros, Ram S. Mani
Summary: Prostate cancer is highly heritable and researchers have identified multiple risk alleles associated with the disease. This study used three-dimensional spatial genomics to identify the target genes regulated by these risk alleles in prostate tumors. The findings revealed the complex regulation of these genes and their interactions with different tumor types.
Article
Oncology
Jill Gallaher, Maximilian Strobl, Jeffrey West, Robert Gatenby, Jingsong Zhang, Mark Robertson-Tessi, Alexander R. A. Anderson
Summary: This study proposed a framework for estimating features of metastases through tumor response dynamics in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer undergoing adaptive androgen deprivation treatment. The size of metastases, the proportion of drug-resistant cells, and the cell turnover rate were found to affect the treatment outcomes. The number of metastases, on the other hand, did not have an impact on the treatment cycle times.
Editorial Material
Oncology
Jad Chahoud, Alexander R. A. Anderson, Jingsong Zhang, Joel Brown, Robert A. Gatenby
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ONCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence
Sandhya Prabhakaran, Chandler Gatenbee, Mark Robertson-Tessi, Jeffrey West, Amer A. Beg, Jhanelle Gray, Scott Antonia, Robert A. Gatenby, Alexander R. A. Anderson
Summary: Understanding the complex ecology of tumor tissue and its cellular and microenvironment components is crucial for translational research, and the generation and analysis of multiplexed images from patient samples play a key role in facilitating this understanding. Mistic is an open-source multiplexed image t-SNE viewer that allows simultaneous viewing of multiple 2D images for an overall visual preview of the dataset.
Meeting Abstract
Oncology
Maximilian Strobl, Mehdi Damaghi, Alexandra Martin, Samantha Byrne, Mark Robertson-Tessi, Robert Gatenby, Robert Wenham, Philip Maini, Alexander R. A. Anderson
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Maximilian A. R. Strobl, Jill Gallaher, Jeffrey West, Mark Robertson-Tessi, Philip K. Maini, Alexander R. A. Anderson
Summary: This theoretical study investigates the intra-tumoral competition during adaptive therapy and finds that adaptive therapy is superior to aggressive treatment in suppressing resistance. The study reveals that competition among resistant cells plays a crucial role in adaptive therapy in solid tumors.
COMMUNICATIONS MEDICINE
(2022)