Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Tal Sharf, Tjitse van der Molen, Stella M. K. Glasauer, Elmer Guzman, Alessio P. Buccino, Gabriel Luna, Zhuowei Cheng, Morgane Audouard, Kamalini G. Ranasinghe, Kiwamu Kudo, Srikantan S. Nagarajan, Kenneth R. Tovar, Linda R. Petzold, Andreas Hierlemann, Paul K. Hansma, Kenneth S. Kosik
Summary: Brain organoids can replicate the cellular organization found in the developing human brain, and by utilizing microelectronics, functional circuits can be assembled to mirror the complexity of brain networks. This study explores the physiology of neuronal circuits within brain organoids and how they can be influenced by external stimuli. The results suggest that brain organoids have the potential to be used in studying neuropsychiatric diseases, drug action, and the effects of external stimuli on neuronal networks.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Julius Niehoff, Matthias Matzkies, Filomain Nguemo, Juergen Hescheler, Michael Reppel
Summary: This study is the first to demonstrate the influence of light on the beating rhythm of heart tissue in vitro. The results indicate that especially the infrared spectrum of light alters the BRV. These findings could be of interest for clinical applications such as the field of optical pacing as well as in neonatal patient care.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Julius Niehoff, Matthias Matzkies, Filomain Nguemo, Juergen Hescheler, Michael Reppel
Summary: The study found that melatonin can reduce the beating frequency of the heart, increase beat rate variability, and potentially exhibit toxic effects in an in vitro model. These findings provide important insights into the impact of melatonin on the development of circadian rhythms during the embryonic phase.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2021)
Article
Biology
Felix Schmieder, Rouhollah Habibey, Johannes Striebel, Lars Buettner, Juergen Czarske, Volker Busskamp
Summary: We improved a glia-neuron co-culture protocol and utilized full-field optogenetic and holographic stimulation to assess the electrical features and functional connectivity patterns of human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neuronal networks.
LIFE SCIENCE ALLIANCE
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Yuya Sato, Hideaki Yamamoto, Hideyuki Kato, Takashi Tanii, Shigeo Sato, Ayumi Hirano-Iwata
Summary: By utilizing cell engineering technology and neuronal networks in dissociated culture, we constructed modular neuronal networks to investigate the relationship between structure and function. Using high-density microelectrode arrays, we recorded the neural activity of the engineered neuronal networks and found that modular architecture enhances functional complexity by reducing excessive neural correlation between spatially segregated modules. This study highlights the importance of combining cell engineering technologies with high-density microelectrode array recordings in assessing the structure-function relationships in neuronal networks.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Doris Lam, Heather A. Enright, Jose Cadena, Vivek Kurien George, David A. Soscia, Angela C. Tooker, Michael Triplett, Sandra K. G. Peters, Piyush Karande, Alexander Ladd, Chandrakumar Bogguri, Elizabeth K. Wheeler, Nicholas O. Fischer
Summary: The study introduces a novel computational analytical pipeline to analyze 3D neural network activity. The results demonstrate differences in network activity within and between cross sections of the 3D hydrogel-based tissue, with a preference for GABA and/or glutamate synaptic transmission.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Chao Sun, Yinhua Dong, Jun Wei, Meng Cai, Dongfang Liang, Yongqing Fu, You Zhou, Yi Sui, Fangda Wu, Roman Mikhaylov, Hanlin Wang, Feifei Fan, Zhihua Xie, Mercedes Stringer, Zhiyong Yang, Zhenlin Wu, Liangfei Tian, Xin Yang
Summary: This study develops a highly effective acoustic stimulator working at -20 MHz to investigate the roles of acousto-mechanical stimuli in the differentiation of hESCs. Our results show that acoustic dose alters the expression of extracellular matrix and physiological activity-related genes, indicating that acoustic stimulation is an important tool in regulating the stem cells' differentiation processes in cell therapy.
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Tingting Gao, Xiyuan Zhao, Jie Hao, Yao Tian, Huike Ma, Wenjing Liu, Bin An, Faguo Sun, Shasha Liu, Baojie Guo, Shuaishuai Niu, Zhongwen Li, Chenxin Wang, Yukai Wang, Guihai Feng, Liu Wang, Wei Li, Jun Wu, Meijin Guo, Qi Zhou, Qi Gu
Summary: In this study, a new microcarrier with hyaluronic acid (HA) as the core material was developed for scalable serum-free suspension culture of hESC-derived MSCs. The optimal microcarriers, with a coating collagen concentration of 100 μg/mL or concave-structured surface (cHAMCs), allowed for the expansion of IMRCs within six days with a high yield. The harvested cells showed high viability, immunomodulatory and regenerative therapeutic promise, as well as increased secretion of extracellular matrix (ECM).
MATERIALS TODAY BIO
(2023)
Article
Developmental Biology
Andrea L. Bredemeyer, Junedh M. Amrute, Andrew L. Koenig, Rachel A. Idol, Li He, Stephanie A. Luff, Carissa Dege, Jamison M. Leid, Joel D. Schilling, J. Travis Hinson, Mary C. Dinauer, Christopher M. Sturgeon, Kory J. Lavine
Summary: Tissue-resident macrophages play a crucial role in organ homeostasis, tissue repair, remodeling, and regeneration. Researchers have developed a system to generate macrophages that resemble tissue-resident or monocyte-derived subsets, allowing for the study of their function and potential applications in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
Review
Cell Biology
Janet Rossant, Patrick P. L. Tam
Summary: There has been a renewed interest in studying human early embryonic development, and significant progress has been made through improved culture conditions and stem-cell-based models. However, the mechanisms and molecular pathways involved in lineage development and embryonic patterning are still not well understood.
DEVELOPMENTAL CELL
(2022)
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Rachel A. Heuer, Kevin T. Nella, Hsiang-Tsun Chang, Kyle S. Coots, Andrew M. Oleksijew, Christian B. Roque, Luisa H. A. Silva, Tammy L. McGuire, Kazuaki Homma, Akihiro J. Matsuoka
Summary: The study focuses on optimizing transplant conditions for human embryonic stem-cell-derived otic neuronal progenitor cells in spheroid form and suggests that transplantation after 7 days of 3D culture may be the most effective method. The findings indicate that the spheroids maintain characteristics similar to ONP cells and can potentially be a viable option for stem cell replacement therapies in the inner ear.
TISSUE ENGINEERING PART A
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Baojie Guo, Yongchao Duan, Zhongwen Li, Yao Tian, Xuedi Cheng, Chunxu Liang, Wenjing Liu, Bin An, Wumei Wei, Tingting Gao, Shasha Liu, Xiyuan Zhao, Shuaishuai Niu, Chenxin Wang, Yukai Wang, Liu Wang, Guihai Feng, Wei Li, Jie Hao, Qi Gu, Qi Zhou, Jun Wu
Summary: The researchers developed a 21-day long-term serum-free culture system and successfully created cell sheets (CSs) with human embryonic stem cell-derived immunity-and-matrix-regulatory cells (IMRCs) that have stronger mechanical properties and greater extracellular matrix secretion capacity. These IMRC-CSs were effective in promoting corneal chemical injury repair and could be transformed into injectable temperature-sensitive hydrogels for uterine adhesion repair through a decellularization process.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Toxicology
N. Amend, F. Worek, H. Thiermann, T. Wille
Summary: The study evaluated the cardiac effects of compounds from the oleander plant using human induced pluripotent stem cells derived cardiomyocytes in a microelectrode array system. It was found that neriifolin, oleandrin, digitoxigenin, peruvoside had dose-dependent pro-arrhythmic potential, while thevetin A did not cause arrhythmia. A cardiac effect rank order was established as neriifolin > oleandrin > digitoxigenin = peruvoside > digoxin > thevetin A.
TOXICOLOGY LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Gaoying Sun, Mingming Tang, Xinyue Wang, Da Li, Wenwen Liu, Jianhuan Qi, Haibo Wang, Baoyang Hu
Summary: Researchers have successfully developed a method to generate human otic neuronal organoids from human pluripotent stem cells. These organoids provide an ideal model for studying spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) and related disorders, and facilitate the development of therapies for sensorineural hearing loss.
CELL PROLIFERATION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Andrea Di Credico, Giulia Gaggi, Pascal Izzicupo, Laura Ferri, Laura Bonanni, Giovanni Iannetti, Angela Di Baldassarre, Barbara Ghinassi
Summary: This study utilized advanced technology to investigate the electrophysiological effects of Levetiracetam (LEV) on human neurons, showing significant effects on different variables, but neurons were able to completely recover their baseline activity within 24 hours.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Shinya Abe, Reijo Kouhia, Riku Nikander, Nathaniel Narra, Jari Hyttinen, Harri Sievanen
Summary: This study compared the fracture loads during falls of different sports athletes and controls, and found that high impact and repetitive impact athletes had higher fracture loads in all fall directions, while odd-impact athletes had higher fracture loads in specific fall directions.
Article
Biophysics
Sanna Halonen, Ali Ovissi, Sonja Boyd, Juho Kari, Kai Kronstrom, Juhani Kosunen, Hanna Lauren, Kirsti Numminen, Harri Sievanen, Jari Hyttinen
Summary: This study evaluated the clinical feasibility of a novel bioimpedance biopsy needle system in liver biopsy and collected in vivo bioimpedance data from human liver and tumor tissues. The results showed significant differences in median bioimpedance values between liver and tumor tissue at certain frequency ranges. This study provides preliminary evidence that tumor tissue differs from liver tissue in vivo and this difference is frequency-dependent.
PHYSIOLOGICAL MEASUREMENT
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Sumanta Samanta, Laura Ylae-Outinen, Vignesh Kumar Rangasami, Susanna Narkilahti, Oommen P. Oommen
Summary: This study successfully developed a physiologically relevant 3D scaffold by integrating brain-like extracellular matrix components and chemical cues, which supports the growth and network formation of derived neurons. The scaffold offers a valuable tool for tissue engineering and disease modeling, contributing to the study of neurobiology and disease pathology.
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Antti Paldanius, Bachir Dekdouk, Jussi Toivanen, Ville Kolehmainen, Jari Hyttinen
Summary: This study investigates the importance of accurate head modeling and the impact of head inhomogeneities on electrical impedance tomography (EIT) measurements. The results highlight the significant influence of accurate tissue geometry and conductivity on EIT measurements, particularly the conductivity of cerebrospinal fluid. The study emphasizes the need to consider detailed cerebrospinal fluid geometry in EIT calculations.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Michael Taynnan Barros, Harun Siljak, Peter Mullen, Constantinos Papadias, Jari Hyttinen, Nicola Marchetti
Summary: This paper proposes a novel objective classification model of biological neuronal morphology and electrical types and their networks based on the attributes of neuronal communication. Experimental results show that the proposed method achieves an accuracy of up to 70% for classification and up to 65% for inferring biological network structures using network tomography. Support Vector Machine (SVM) methods perform better among the used techniques.
Article
Physiology
Mohamadamin Forouzandehmehr, Michelangelo Paci, Jussi T. Koivumaki, Jari Hyttinen
Summary: This study uses a new metabolite-sensitive computational model to analyze the effects of HCM mutations and MAVA, BLEB, and OM on cell mechano-energetics. The results show that MAVA, BLEB, and OM have positive effects on HCM pathophysiology and can restore normal cellular function.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Johannes Virta, Markus Hannula, Katri Lindfors, Ilmari Tamminen, Juha Taavela, Heini Huhtala, Katri Kaukinen, Paeivi Saavalainen, Jari Hyttinen, Kalle Kurppa
Summary: This study validated the use of micro-CT imaging method for accurate evaluation of duodenal histomorphometry and mucosal surface areas. The method showed excellent accuracy and reproducibility, making it a powerful tool for diagnosing celiac disease and conducting clinical and pharmacological studies.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Cell Biology
J. H. Lautaoja, D. C. Turner, A. P. Sharples, R. Kivela, S. Pekkala, J. J. Hulmi, L. Yla-Outinen
Summary: The number of studies using skeletal muscle cell culture models to study exercise in vitro is increasing rapidly. Omics approaches, such as transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, have been used to analyze the molecular responses to exercise mimicking stimuli in cultured myotubes. Electrical pulse stimulation and mechanical stretch are the most commonly used methods to mimic exercise in vitro. This mini-review provides an up-to-date overview of the 2-D and 3-D models and the use of omics approaches to study the molecular response to exercise in vitro.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-CELL PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Elina Mantyla, Toni Montonen, Lucio Azzari, Salla Mattola, Markus Hannula, Maija Vihinen-Ranta, Jari Hyttinen, Minnamari Vippola, Alessandro Foi, Soile Nymark, Teemu O. Ihalainen
Summary: Investigation of nuclear lamina architecture relies on superresolved microscopy. We developed an iterative indirect immunofluorescence staining approach combined with expansion microscopy (ExM) and structured illumination microscopy to improve superresolution microscopy of sub-nuclear nanostructures like lamins. Our method provides technical improvements to ExM including three-dimensional-printed gel casting equipment, and shows potential in quantitative superresolution ExM imaging of nuclear lamina and revealing nanoscopic details of the lamin network organization.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY OF THE CELL
(2023)
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Aapo Tervonen, Sanna Korpela, Soile Nymark, Jari Hyttinen, Teemu O. Ihalainen
Summary: The influence of mechanical forces and microenvironment on cellular behavior has been recognized. This study utilized experimental and computational methods to investigate the effects of substrate stiffness and heterogeneities on force transduction and cellular deformation. It was found that substrate stiffness and gradients can impact strain redistribution in cell monolayers, and the cells' apico-basal elasticity can provide mechanical isolation between cell-cell junctions and focal adhesions.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR BIOENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Birhanu Belay, Elina Mantyla, Christian Maibohm, Oscar F. Silvestre, Jari Hyttinen, Jana B. Nieder, Teemu O. Ihalainen
Summary: Cellular physiology has traditionally been studied using two-dimensional cell culture substrates, which do not accurately mimic the in vivo extracellular environment and interactions. This has led to a demand for more complex model systems in life sciences. Micro-engineered scaffolds have shown promise in understanding the role of physical cues in regulating cellular functions. In this study, we used direct laser writing via two-photon polymerization to create substrates with different surface microtopographies, and combined this with advanced high-resolution spectral imaging to investigate the effects on cellular alignment, nuclear morphology, and mechanics. We found that certain microtopographies influenced cell behavior, such as actin organization and nuclear force transduction.
JOURNAL OF THE MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR OF BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Reetta Sartoneva, Kaarlo Paakinaho, Markus Hannula, Kirsi Kuismanen, Heini Huhtala, Jari Hyttinen, Susanna Miettinen
Summary: This study evaluated the effect of A2P on vaginal tissue engineering for the first time and the results are highly encouraging. The scPLCL(A2P) scaffold showed potential as a scaffold for vaginal tissue engineering, promoting the viability, proliferation, and collagen production of vaginal cells.
TISSUE ENGINEERING AND REGENERATIVE MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Rachel Kerslake, Birhanu Belay, Suzana Panfilov, Marcia Hall, Ioannis Kyrou, Harpal S. S. Randeva, Jari Hyttinen, Emmanouil Karteris, Cristina Sisu
Summary: This study evaluates the impact of growth conditions on cancer cells and compares their behavior to traditional two-dimensional models using transcriptomics, clinical, and novel experimental data. The results show that variability in growth conditions can affect key cancer genes and biological processes. It highlights the need for future studies to identify the most suitable in vitro/preclinical model for studying tumor microenvironments.
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Alma Kurki, Kaarlo Paakinaho, Markus Hannula, Jari Hyttinen, Susanna Miettinen, Reetta Sartoneva
Summary: Tissue engineering offers a new approach for reconstructing large urethral defects, which currently lack optimal repair methods. Cell-seeded scaffolds, including the novel scPLCL(A2P) scaffold, show promise in preventing urethral stricture and promoting urothelial and stromal tissue regeneration. The scPLCL(A2P) scaffold supports the growth and phenotype maintenance of human urothelial cells (hUC) and human adipose-derived stromal cells (hASC) in both mono- and coculture environments.
JOURNAL OF TISSUE ENGINEERING AND REGENERATIVE MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Inari Lyyra, Nina Sandberg, Vijay Singh Parihar, Markus Hannula, Heini Huhtala, Jari Hyttinen, Jonathan Massera, Minna Kellomaki
Summary: Polylactides (PLAs) have been extensively studied for biomedical engineering applications, but their rigidity limits their use. Blending them with more flexible polymers, such as polybutylene succinate (PBSu), results in softer materials and expands their potential applications. Bioactivity is a limitation of biopolymers, which can be improved by adding bioactive glass. Blending and compounding PLA/PBSu blends with bioactive glass enables the production of materials with a wide range of mechanical properties, suitable for tissue engineering applications.
MATERIALS TODAY COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)