Name: scalable generation of mature cerebellar organoids from human pluripotent stem cells and characterization by immunostaining
Uploaded: 2020-06-13T13:00:00
Description: Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Scalable Generation of Mature Cerebellar Organoids from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells and Characterization by Immunostaining at JoVE.com

This work was supported by Funda&#231;&#227;o para a Ci&#234;ncia e a Tecnologia (FCT), Portugal (UIDB/04565/2020 through Programa Operacional Regional de Lisboa 2020, Project N. 007317, PD/BD/105773/2014 to T.P.S and PD/BD/128376/2017 to D.E.S.N.), projects co-funded by FEDER (POR Lisboa 2020&#8212;Programa Operacional Regional de Lisboa PORTUGAL 2020) and FCT through grant PAC-PRECISE LISBOA-01-0145-FEDER-016394 and CEREBEX Generation of Cerebellar Organoids for Ataxia Research grant LISBOA-01-0145-FEDER-029298. Funding was also received from the European Union&#39;s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme, under the Grant Agreement number 739572&#8212;The Discoveries Centre for Regenerative and Precision Medicine H2020-WIDESPREAD-01-2016-2017.

1. Passaging and maintenance of human iPSCs in monolayer culture
<ol>
	<li>Preparation of plates
	<ol>
		<li>Thaw the basement membrane matrix (see Table of Materials) stock at 4 &#176;C and prepare 60 &#956;L aliquots. Freeze the aliquots at -20 &#176;C.</li>
		<li>To coat the wells of a 6 well plate, thaw one aliquot of the basement membrane matrix on ice. Once thawed add 60 &#181;L to 6 mL of DMEM-F12. Gently resuspend by pipetting up and down.</li>
		<li>Add 1 mL of diluted basement membrane matrix...

<ol>
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Y., Zhang, S. C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Differentiation+of+spinal+motor+neurons+from+pluripotent+human+stem+cells.">Differentiation of spinal motor neurons from pluripotent human stem cells.</a> Nature Protocols. 4 (9), 1295-1304 (2009).</li><li>Jo, J., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Midbrain-like+Organoids+from+Human+Pluripotent+Stem+Cells+Contain+Functional+Dopaminergic+and+Neuromelanin-Producing+Neurons.">Midbrain-like Organoids from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells Contain Functional Dopaminergic and Neuromelanin-Producing Neurons.</a> Cell Stem Cell. 19 (2), 248-257 (2016).</li><li>Muguruma, K., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Ontogeny-recapitulating+generation+and+tissue+integration+of+ES+cell-derived+Purkinje+cells.">Ontogeny-recapitulating generation and tissue integration of ES cell-derived Purkinje cells.</a> Nature Neurosciences. 13 (10), 1171-1180 (2010).</li><li>Watson, L. M., Wong, M. M. K., Vowles, J., Cowley, S. A., Becker, E. B. E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+Simplified+Method+for+Generating+Purkinje+Cells+from+Human-Induced+Pluripotent+Stem+Cells.">A Simplified Method for Generating Purkinje Cells from Human-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells.</a> The Cerebellum. 17 (4), 419-427 (2018).</li><li>Wang, S., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Differentiation+of+human+induced+pluripotent+stem+cells+to+mature+functional+Purkinje+neurons.">Differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells to mature functional Purkinje neurons.</a> Science Reports. 5, 9232 (2015).</li><li>Tao, O., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Efficient+generation+of+mature+cerebellar+Purkinje+cells+from+mouse+embryonic+stem+cells.">Efficient generation of mature cerebellar Purkinje cells from mouse embryonic stem cells.</a> Journal of Neuroscience Research. 88 (2), 234-247 (2010).</li><li>Croughan, M. S., Giroux, D., Fang, D., Lee, B. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Novel+Single-Use+Bioreactors+for+Scale-Up+of+Anchorage-Dependent+Cell+Manufacturing+for+Cell+Therapies.">Novel Single-Use Bioreactors for Scale-Up of Anchorage-Dependent Cell Manufacturing for Cell Therapies.</a> Stem Cell Manufacturing. , 105-139 (2016).</li><li>Simunovic, M., Brivanlou, A. H. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Embryoids,+organoids+and+gastruloids:+new+approaches+to+understanding+embryogenesis.">Embryoids, organoids and gastruloids: new approaches to understanding embryogenesis.</a> Development. 144 (6), 976-985 (2017).</li><li>Lou, Y. R., Leung, A. W. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Next+generation+organoids+for+biomedical+research+and+applications.">Next generation organoids for biomedical research and applications.</a> Biotechnology Advances. 36 (1), 132-149 (2018).</li><li>Silva, T. P., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Design+Principles+for+Pluripotent+Stem+Cell-Derived+Organoid+Engineering.">Design Principles for Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Organoid Engineering.</a> Stem Cells International. 2019, 1-17 (2019).</li><li>Silva, T. P., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Maturation+of+human+pluripotent+stem+cell-derived+cerebellar+neurons+in+the+absence+of+co-culture.">Maturation of human pluripotent stem cell-derived cerebellar neurons in the absence of co-culture.</a> Frontiers of Bioengineering and Biotechnology. , (2020).</li><li>Burridge, P. W., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+universal+system+for+highly+efficient+cardiac+differentiation+of+human+induced+pluripotent+stem+cells+that+eliminates+interline+variability.">A universal system for highly efficient cardiac differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells that eliminates interline variability.</a> PLoS One. 6 (4), 18293 (2011).</li><li>Watanabe, K., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+ROCK+inhibitor+permits+survival+of+dissociated+human+embryonic+stem+cells.">A ROCK inhibitor permits survival of dissociated human embryonic stem cells.</a> Nature Biotechnology. 25 (6), 681-686 (2007).</li><li>Smith, J. R., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Inhibition+of+Activin/Nodal+signaling+promotes+specification+of+human+embryonic+stem+cells+into+neuroectoderm.">Inhibition of Activin/Nodal signaling promotes specification of human embryonic stem cells into neuroectoderm.</a> Developmental Biology. 313 (1), 107-117 (2008).</li><li>Yaguchi, Y., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Fibroblast+growth+factor+(FGF)+gene+expression+in+the+developing+cerebellum+suggests+multiple+roles+for+FGF+signaling+during+cerebellar+morphogenesis+and+development.">Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) gene expression in the developing cerebellum suggests multiple roles for FGF signaling during cerebellar morphogenesis and development.</a> Developmental Dynamics. 238 (8), 2058-2072 (2008).</li><li>Fischer, T., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Fgf15-mediated+control+of+neurogenic+and+proneural+gene+expression+regulates+dorsal+midbrain+neurogenesis.">Fgf15-mediated control of neurogenic and proneural gene expression regulates dorsal midbrain neurogenesis.</a> Developmental Biology. 350 (2), 496-510 (2011).</li><li>Bagri, A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+chemokine+SDF1+regulates+migration+of+dentate+granule+cells.">The chemokine SDF1 regulates migration of dentate granule cells.</a> Development. 129 (18), 4249-4260 (2002).</li><li>Bardy, C., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Neuronal+medium+that+supports+basic+synaptic+functions+and+activity+of+human+neurons+in+vitro.">Neuronal medium that supports basic synaptic functions and activity of human neurons in vitro.</a> Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 112 (20), 2725-2734 (2015).</li><li>Bauwens, C. L., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Control+of+Human+Embryonic+Stem+Cell+Colony+and+Aggregate+Size+Heterogeneity+Influences+Differentiation+Trajectories.">Control of Human Embryonic Stem Cell Colony and Aggregate Size Heterogeneity Influences Differentiation Trajectories.</a> Stem Cells. 26 (9), 2300-2310 (2008).</li><li>Bratt-Leal, A. M., Carpenedo, R. L., McDevitt, T. C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Engineering+the+embryoid+body+microenvironment+to+direct+embryonic+stem+cell+differentiation.">Engineering the embryoid body microenvironment to direct embryonic stem cell differentiation.</a> Biotechnology Progress. 25 (1), 43-51 (2009).</li><li>Miranda, C. C., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Spatial+and+temporal+control+of+cell+aggregation+efficiently+directs+human+pluripotent+stem+cells+towards+neural+commitment.">Spatial and temporal control of cell aggregation efficiently directs human pluripotent stem cells towards neural commitment.</a> Biotechnology Journal. 10 (10), 1612-1624 (2015).</li><li>Miranda, C. C., Fernandes, T. G., Diogo, M. M., Cabral, J. M. S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Scaling+up+a+chemically-defined+aggregate-based+suspension+culture+system+for+neural+commitment+of+human+pluripotent+stem+cells.">Scaling up a chemically-defined aggregate-based suspension culture system for neural commitment of human pluripotent stem cells.</a> Biotechnology Journal. 11 (12), 1628-1638 (2016).</li><li>Bardy, J., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Microcarrier+Suspension+Cultures+for+High-Density+Expansion+and+Differentiation+of+Human+Pluripotent+Stem+Cells+to+Neural+Progenitor+Cells.">Microcarrier Suspension Cultures for High-Density Expansion and Differentiation of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells to Neural Progenitor Cells.</a> Tissue Engineering Part C Methods. 19 (2), 166-180 (2013).</li><li>Rigamonti, A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Large-Scale+Production+of+Mature+Neurons+from+Human+Pluripotent+Stem+Cells+in+a+Three-Dimensional+Suspension+Culture+System.">Large-Scale Production of Mature Neurons from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells in a Three-Dimensional Suspension Culture System.</a> Stem Cell Reports. 6 (6), 993-1008 (2016).</li><li>Arora, N., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+process+engineering+approach+to+increase+organoid+yield.">A process engineering approach to increase organoid yield.</a> Development. 144 (6), 1128-1136 (2017).</li><li>Gimeno, L., Martinez, S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Expression+of+chick+Fgf19+and+mouse+Fgf15+orthologs+is+regulated+in+the+developing+brain+by+Fgf8+and+Shh.">Expression of chick Fgf19 and mouse Fgf15 orthologs is regulated in the developing brain by Fgf8 and Shh.</a> Developmental Dynamics. 236 (8), 2285-2297 (2007).</li></ol>

The need for large cell numbers as well as defined culture conditions to generate specific cell types for drug screening and regenerative medicine applications has been driving the development of scalable culture systems. In recent years, several groups have reported the scalable generation of neural progenitors and functional neurons32,33,34, providing significant advances in the development of new models for neurodegenerative ...

The emergence of human pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) represents a excellent tool for regenerative medicine and disease modeling, because these cells can be differentiated into most cell lineages of the human body1,2. Since their discovery, PSC differentiation using diverse approaches has been reported to model different diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders3,4,5,6.
Recently, there have been reports of 3D cultures derived from PSCs resembling human cerebral structures; these are called brain organoids3,7,8. The generation of these structures from both healthy and patient-specific PSCs provides a valuable opportunity to model human development and neurodevelopmental disorders. However, the methods used to generate these well-organized cerebral structures are difficult to apply for their large-scale production. To produce structures that are large enough to recapitulate tissue morphogenesis without necrosis inside the organoids, protocols rely on the initial neural commitment in static conditions, followed by encapsulation in hydrogels and subsequent culture in dynamic systems3. However, such approaches may limit the potential scale-up of organoid production. Even though efforts have been made to direct PSC differentiation to specific regions of the central nervous system, including cortical, striatal, midbrain, and spinal cord neurons9,10,11,12, the generation of specific brain regions in dynamic conditions is still a challenge. In particular, the generation of mature cerebellar neurons in 3D structures has yet to be described. Muguruma et al. pioneered the generation of culture conditions that recapitulate early cerebellar development13 and recently reported a protocol that allows for human embryonic stem cells to generate a polarized structure reminiscent of the first trimester cerebellum7. However, the maturation of cerebellar neurons in the reported studies requires the dissociation of the organoids, sorting of cerebellar progenitors, and coculture with feeder cells in a monolayer culture system7,14,15,16. Therefore, the reproducible generation of the desired cerebellar organoids for disease modeling under defined conditions is still a challenge associated with culture and feeder source variability.
This protocol presents optimal culture conditions for 3D expansion and efficient differentiation of human PSCs into cerebellar neurons using single-use vertical wheel bioreactors (see Table of Materials for specifications), hereafter called bioreactors. Bioreactors are equipped with a large vertical impeller, which in combination with a U-shaped bottom, provide a more homogeneous shear distribution inside the vessel, allowing gentle, uniform mixing and particle suspension with reduced agitation speeds17. With this system, shape and size-controlled cell aggregates can be obtained, which is important for a more homogeneous and efficient differentiation. Moreover, a larger number of iPSC-derived organoids can be generated in a less laborious manner.
The main feature of the organoids, which are 3D multicellular structures usually formed from stem cells, is the self-organization of different cell types that forms specific shapes like those seen in human morphogenesis18,19,20. Therefore, organoid morphology is an important criterion to be evaluated during the differentiation process. Cryosectioning of organoids and further immunostaining of organoid slices with a specific set of antibodies allow for the spatial visualization of molecular markers to analyze cell proliferation, differentiation, cell population identity, and apoptosis. With this protocol, by immunostaining organoid cryosections, an initial efficient neural commitment is observed by the 7th day of differentiation. During differentiation, several cell populations with cerebellar identity are observed. After 35 days in this dynamic system, the cerebellar neuroepithelium organizes along an apicobasal axis, with an apical layer of proliferating progenitors and basally located postmitotic neurons. During the maturation process, from days 35&#8211;90 of differentiation, distinct types of cerebellar neurons can be seen, including Purkinje cells (Calbindin+), granule cells (PAX6+/MAP2+), Golgi cells (Neurogranin+), unipolar brush cells (TBR2+), and deep cerebellar nuclei projection neurons (TBR1+). Also, a nonsignificant amount of cell death is observed in the generated cerebellar organoids after 90 days in culture.
In this system, human iPSC-derived organoids mature into different cerebellar neurons and survive for up to 3 months without the need for dissociation and feeder coculture, providing a source of human cerebellar neurons for disease modeling.

<table>
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>3MM paper</td>
			<td>WHA3030861</td>
			<td>Merck</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Accutase</td>
			<td>A6964 - 500mL</td>
			<td>Sigma</td>
			<td>cell detachment medium</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Anti-BARHL1 Antibody</td>
			<td>HPA004809</td>
			<td>Atlas Antibodies</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Anti-Calbindin D-28k Antibody</td>
			<td>CB28</td>
			<td>Millipore</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Anti-MAP2 Antibody</td>
			<td>M4403</td>
			<td>Sigma</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Anti-N-Cadherin Antibody</td>
			<td>610921</td>
			<td>BD Transduction</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Anti-NESTIN Antibody</td>
			<td>MAB1259-SP</td>
			<td>R&#38;D</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Anti-OLIG2 Antibody</td>
			<td>MABN50</td>
			<td>Millipore</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Anti-PAX6 Antibody</td>
			<td>PRB-278P</td>
			<td>Covance</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Anti-SOX2 Antibody</td>
			<td>MAB2018</td>
			<td>R&#38;D</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Anti-TBR1 Antibody</td>
			<td>AB2261</td>
			<td>Millipore</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Anti-TBR2 Antibody</td>
			<td>ab183991</td>
			<td>Abcam</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Anti-TUJ1 Antibody</td>
			<td>801213</td>
			<td>Biolegend</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Apo-transferrin</td>
			<td>T1147</td>
			<td>Sigma</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>BrainPhys Neuronal Medium N2-A &#38; SM1 Kit</td>
			<td>5793 - 500mL</td>
			<td>Stem cell tecnhnologies</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Chemically defined lipid concentrate</td>
			<td>11905031</td>
			<td>ThermoFisher</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Coverslips 24x60mm</td>
			<td>631-1575</td>
			<td>VWR</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Crystallization-purified BSA</td>
			<td>5470</td>
			<td>Sigma</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>DAPI</td>
			<td>10236276001</td>
			<td>Sigma</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Dibutyryl cAMP</td>
			<td>SC- 201567B -500mg</td>
			<td>Frilabo</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>DMEM-F12</td>
			<td>32500-035</td>
			<td>ThermoFisher</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Fetal bovine serum</td>
			<td>A3840001</td>
			<td>ThermoFisher</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Gelatin from bovine skin</td>
			<td>G9391</td>
			<td>Sigma</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Glass Copling Jar</td>
			<td>E94</td>
			<td>ThermoFisher</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Glutamax I</td>
			<td>10566-016</td>
			<td>ThermoFisher</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Glycine</td>
			<td>MB014001</td>
			<td>NZYtech</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Ham&#8217;s F12</td>
			<td>21765029</td>
			<td>ThermoFisher</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Human Episomal iPSC Line</td>
			<td>A18945</td>
			<td>ThermoFisher</td>
			<td>iPSC6.2</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>IMDM</td>
			<td>12440046</td>
			<td>ThermoFisher</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Insulin</td>
			<td>91077C</td>
			<td>Sigma</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>iPS DF6-9-9T.B</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>WiCell</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Iso-pentane</td>
			<td>PHR1661-2ML</td>
			<td>Sigma</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>L-Ascorbic acid</td>
			<td>A-92902</td>
			<td>Sigma</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Matrigel</td>
			<td>354230</td>
			<td>Corning</td>
			<td>basement membrane matrix</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Monothioglycerol</td>
			<td>M6154</td>
			<td>Sigma</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Mowiol</td>
			<td>475904</td>
			<td>Millipore</td>
			<td>mounting medium</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>mTeSR1</td>
			<td>85850 -500ml</td>
			<td>Stem cell technologies</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>N2 supplement</td>
			<td>17502048</td>
			<td>ThermoFisher</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Neurobasal</td>
			<td>12348017</td>
			<td>ThermoFisher</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Paraformaldehyde</td>
			<td>158127</td>
			<td>Sigma</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>PBS-0.1 Single-Use Vessel</td>
			<td>SKU: IA-0.1-D-001</td>
			<td>PBS Biotech</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>PBS-MINI MagDrive Base Unit</td>
			<td>SKU: IA-UNI-B-501</td>
			<td>PBS Biotech</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Recombinant human BDNF</td>
			<td>450-02</td>
			<td>Peprotech</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Recombinant human bFGF/FGF2</td>
			<td>100-18B</td>
			<td>Peprotech</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Recombinant human FGF19</td>
			<td>100-32</td>
			<td>Peprotech</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Recombinant human GDNF</td>
			<td>450-10</td>
			<td>Peprotech</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Recombinant human SDF1</td>
			<td>300-28A</td>
			<td>Peprotech</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>ROCK inhibitor Y-27632</td>
			<td>72302</td>
			<td>Stem cell technologies</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>SB431542</td>
			<td>S4317</td>
			<td>Sigma</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Sucrose</td>
			<td>S7903</td>
			<td>Sigma</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>SuperFrost Microscope slides</td>
			<td>12372098</td>
			<td>ThermoFisher</td>
			<td>adhesion microscope slides</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Tissue-Tek O.C.T. Compound</td>
			<td>25608-930</td>
			<td>VWR</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Tris-HCL 1M</td>
			<td>T3038-1L</td>
			<td>Sigma</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Triton X-100</td>
			<td>9002-93-1</td>
			<td>Sigma</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Tween-20</td>
			<td>P1379</td>
			<td>Sigma</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>UltraPure 0.5M EDTA, pH 8.0</td>
			<td>15575020</td>
			<td>ThermoFisher</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

scalable generation of mature cerebellar organoids from human pluripotent stem cells and characterization by immunostaining

The cerebellum plays a critical role in the maintenance of balance and motor coordination, and a functional defect in different cerebellar neurons can trigger cerebellar dysfunction. Most of the current knowledge about disease-related neuronal phenotypes is based on postmortem tissues, which makes understanding of disease progression and development difficult. Animal models and immortalized cell lines have also been used as models for neurodegenerative disorders. However, they do not fully recapitulate human disease. Human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have great potential for disease modeling and provide a valuable source for regenerative approaches. In recent years, the generation of cerebral organoids from patient-derived iPSCs improved the prospects for neurodegenerative disease modeling. However, protocols that produce large numbers of organoids and a high yield of mature neurons in 3D culture systems are lacking. The protocol presented is a new approach for reproducible and scalable generation of human iPSC-derived organoids under chemically-defined conditions using scalable single-use bioreactors, in which organoids acquire cerebellar identity. The generated organoids are characterized by the expression of specific markers at both mRNA and protein level. The analysis of specific groups of proteins allows the detection of different cerebellar cell populations, whose localization is important for the evaluation of organoid structure. Organoid cryosectioning and further immunostaining of organoid slices are used to evaluate the presence of specific cerebellar cell populations and their spatial organization.

The protocol was initiated by promoting cell aggregation using the 0.1 L bioreactors (Figure 1A). Single cell inoculation of the iPSCs was performed, with 250,000 cells/mL seeded in 60 mL of medium with an agitation speed of 27 rpm. This was defined as day 0. After 24 h, the cells efficiently formed spheroid-shaped aggregates (day 1, Figure 1B), and the morphology was well-maintained until day 5, with a gradual increase in size, demonstrating a high degree of ho...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Scalable Generation of Mature Cerebellar Organoids from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells and Characterization by Immunostaining at JoVE.com

Scalable Generation of Mature Cerebellar Organoids from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells and Characterization by Immunostaining

This protocol describes a dynamic culture system to produce controlled size aggregates of human pluripotent stem cells and further stimulate differentiation in cerebellar organoids under chemically-defined and feeder-free conditions using a single-use bioreactor.

The cerebellum plays a critical role in the maintenance of balance and motor coordination, and a functional defect in different cerebellar neurons can ...

We present for the first time, a new approach for reproducible and scalable generation, of IPS cells derived at Cerebellar Organoids, and a chemical defined conditions, using single use bioreactors. To obtain cells for seeding the bio-reactor, add one milliliter of cell detachment medium, to each well of a six well plate of human iPSC's. Incubate the plate at 37 degrees Celsius for seven minutes, until gentle shaking easily detaches the cells, from the well.Using a P 1000 micropipette, pipet the cell detachment medium, up and down, until the cells dissociate into single cells. Next add two milliliters, of complete cell culture medium to each well, this will inactivate enzymatic digestion. Then use the pipette, to gently transfer the cells to a sterile conical tube.Centrifuge the tube at 210 times gravity for three minutes. Remove the supernatant, and re-suspend the cell pellet in culture medium. Count the cells using a hemocytometer, and trypan blue dye.See the bioreactor vessel with the iPSC's, at a density of 250, 000 cells per milliliter. Insert the bioreactor vessel, into the Universal Base Unit, in an incubator at 37 degrees Celsius, 95%humidity and 5%carbon dioxide. To promote iPSC aggregation, set the agitation rate of the Base Control Unit to 27 RPM.On day one, with day zero being the day of seeding the bioreactor, place the bioreactor, and the Base Unit in a sterile flow hood, then use a serological pipette, to collect a one milliliter sample, of the cell suspension. Plate the cell suspension in an ultra low attachment, 24 well plate. Use a microscope, to confirm that iPSC derived aggregates have formed.If so, capture images of the aggregates at 40 X or 100 X.Continue culturing the iPSC's and the bioreactor, until the average diameter of the aggregates, is 100 micrometers, then replace 80%of the medium, with fresh MT01 without rock inhibitor. When the aggregates, reach 200 to 250 micro meters in diameter, let all the organoids settle, at the bottom of the bioreactor, then replace all the spent medium, with gfCDM differentiation medium. Place the base unit and the bioreactor in the incubator and decrease agitation to 25 RPM.After removing the supernatant from the stored organoids, add one milliliter of 15%sucrose to the pellet, and mix well by swirling gently. After incubating the organoids overnight, at four degrees Celsius, remove the sucrose solution, then add one milliliter of 15%sucrose, 7.5%gelatin, and quickly mix by gently swirling. While the organoids are incubating at 37 degrees Celsius fill a plastic container halfway with the 15%sucrose 7.5%gelatin solution, and allow it to solidify.After the organoids have been incubating for one hour, use a Pasteur pipette, to place a drop of the organoid sucrose gelatin mixture, on top of the solidified sucrose and gelatin. After waiting 15 minutes for the drop to solidify, fill the remainder of the plastic container, with more 15%sucrose, 7.5%gelatin, allow it to solidify completely at room temperature and then incubate it for 20 minutes at four degrees Celsius. Cut the gelatin into a cube, with the organoids in the center, fix the cube to a piece of cardboard, with a drop of OCT compound, then placed 250 milliliters of Isopentane, in a 500 milliliter cup, fill an appropriate container, with liquid nitrogen.Using forceps and thick gloves, carefully place the cup of Isopentane, on the surface of the liquid nitrogen. Isopentane and liquid nitrogens, are hazardous reagents. The use of these two reagents, require personal protective equipment, including thick gloves and an adequate ventilation.When the Isopentane, has cooled to negative 80 degrees Celsius, place the gelatin cube in the Isopentane until it freezes. A well frozen cube, produces a metallic sound when lightly tapped with forceps, indicating that it is ready to be stored. Wash the microscope slides containing the organoid sections, with 50 milliliters 1X PBS for five minutes, then transfer the slides to a Coplin jar, containing fresh 1X PBS.Transfer the slides to a Coplin jar, containing 50 milliliters of freshly prepared glycine and incubate for 10 minutes at room temperature, then transfer the slides to a Coplin jar, containing 50 milliliters of 0.1%Triton, and permeabilized for 10 minutes at room temperature. Wash the slides twice with 1X PBS, for five minutes each time. Prepare the immunostaining dish, with three millimeter paper, soaked in 1X PBS.Dry the slides with a tissue all around the slices and place them on the three millimeter paper. With a Pasteur pipette, cover each slide with 0.5 milliliters of blocking solution. After incubating for 30 minutes at room temperature, remove excess blocking solution and drive the slides with a tissue, all around the slices.Place 50 microliters of diluted primary antibody, on each slide and cover them with cover slips. Lace the slides, in the previously prepared immunostaining dish, and incubate them at four degrees Celsius. After overnight incubation, transfer the slides to a Coplin jar, with 50 milliliters of TBST, letting the cover slips fall off, then wash the slides three times with TBST, for five minutes each time.Place 50 microliters, of diluted secondary antibody on each slide, and cover with the cover slips. Place the slides, in the previously prepared immunostaining dish, incubate for 30 minutes at room temperature, protected from light. Transfer the slides to a Coplin jar again, and wash them three times with 50 milliliters of TBST, for five minutes each time.Using a Pasteur Pipette, at 0.5 milliliters of dappy solution, over the whole surface of each slide and incubate for five minutes at room temperature. After 24 hours in the bioreactor, iPSC's efficiently formed spheroid shaped aggregates. The morphology was well-maintained until day five, with a gradual increase in size.Demonstrating a high degree of homogeneity. A quantitative analysis by microscopy, also revealed normal distribution, of aggregate sizes by day one, and both cell lines attained the optimal aggregate size by day two. After the desired aggregate diameter was achieved, neural commitment was induced, and then generation, of different cerebellar progenitors was promoted.During differentiation organoids, showed a more pronounced epithelialization similar to neural tube-like structures with luminal space. Additionally, the organoid diameter distribution, was homogeneous during the initial cerebellar commitment until day 14. Immunofluorescence analysis supports, that an efficient neural commitment, of the iPSC derived organoids, is already achieved, by day seven of differentiation.Immunostaining also demonstrated, efficient cerebellar commitment and efficient maturation of cerebellar organoids. Furthermore, after 80 days in the bioreactor, live dead staining of organoids showed high cell viability, and no evidence of necrotic areas. This technique represents an important tool, for studying pathological pathways, involved in the degeneration of the cerebellar observed in of and for evaluating the therapeutic effect of new drugs.

scalable-generation-mature-cerebellar-organoids-from-human

Research

JoVE Journal

Bioengineering

Development, Expansion, and In vivo Monitoring of Human NK Cells from Human Embryonic Stem Cells (hESCs) and Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs)

We present a method for deriving natural killer (NK) cells from undifferentiated hESCs and iPSCs using a feeder-free approach. This method gives rise to high levels of NK cells after 4 weeks culture and can undergo further 2-log expansion with artificial antigen presenting cells. hESC- and iPSC-derived NK cells developed in this system have a mature phenotype and function. The production of large numbers of genetically modifiable NK cells is applicable for both basic mechanistic as well as anti-tumor studies. Expression of firefly luciferase in hESC-derived NK cells allows a non-invasive approach to follow NK cell engraftment, distribution, and function. We also describe a dual-imaging scheme that allows separate monitoring of two different cell populations to more distinctly characterize their interactions in vivo. This method of derivation, expansion, and dual in vivo imaging provides a reliable approach for producing NK cells and their evaluation which is necessary to improve current NK cell adoptive therapies.

Development, Expansion, and In vivo Monitoring of Human NK Cells from Human Embryonic Stem Cells hESCs and Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells iPSCs

This protocol describes the development, expansion, and in vivo imaging of NK cells derived from hESCs and iPSCs.

We present a method for deriving natural killer (NK) cells from undifferentiated hESCs and iPSCs using a feeder-free approach. This method gives rise to ...

Transplantation of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-derived Mesoangioblast-like Myogenic Progenitors in Mouse Models of Muscle Regeneration

Patient-derived iPSCs could be an invaluable source of cells for future autologous cell therapy protocols. iPSC-derived myogenic stem/progenitor cells similar to pericyte-derived mesoangioblasts (iPSC-derived mesoangioblast-like stem/progenitor cells: IDEMs) can be established from iPSCs generated from patients affected by different forms of muscular dystrophy. Patient-specific IDEMs can be genetically corrected with different strategies (e.g. lentiviral vectors, human artificial chromosomes) and enhanced in their myogenic differentiation potential upon overexpression of the myogenesis regulator MyoD. This myogenic potential is then assessed in vitro with specific differentiation assays and analyzed by immunofluorescence. The regenerative potential of IDEMs is further evaluated in vivo, upon intramuscular and intra-arterial transplantation in two representative mouse models displaying acute and chronic muscle regeneration. The contribution of IDEMs to the host skeletal muscle is then confirmed by different functional tests in transplanted mice. In particular, the amelioration of the motor capacity of the animals is studied with treadmill tests. Cell engraftment and differentiation are then assessed by a number of histological and immunofluorescence assays on transplanted muscles. Overall, this paper describes the assays and tools currently utilized to evaluate the differentiation capacity of IDEMs, focusing on the transplantation methods and subsequent outcome measures to analyze the efficacy of cell transplantation.

Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived myogenic progenitors are promising candidates for cell therapy strategies to treat muscular dystrophies. This protocol describes transplantation and functional measurements required to evaluate the engraftment and differentiation of iPSC-derived mesoangioblasts (a type of muscle progenitors) in mouse models of acute and chronic muscle regeneration.

Patient-derived iPSCs could be an invaluable source of cells for future autologous cell therapy protocols. iPSC-derived myogenic stem/progenitor cells ...

Efficient Generation and Editing of Feeder-free IPSCs from Human Pancreatic Cells Using the CRISPR-Cas9 System

Embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells can self-renew and differentiate into multiple cell types of the body. The pluripotent cells are thus coveted for research in regenerative medicine and are currently in clinical trials for eye diseases, diabetes, heart diseases, and other disorders. The potential to differentiate into specialized cell types coupled with the recent advances in genome editing technologies including the CRISPR/Cas system have provided additional opportunities for tailoring the genome of iPSC for varied applications including disease modeling, gene therapy, and biasing pathways of differentiation, to name a few. Among the available editing technologies, the CRISPR/Cas9 from Streptococcus pyogenes has emerged as a tool of choice for site-specific editing of the eukaryotic genome. The CRISPRs are easily accessible, inexpensive, and highly efficient in engineering targeted edits. The system requires a Cas9 nuclease and a guide sequence (20-mer) specific to the genomic target abutting a 3-nucleotide &#34;NGG&#34; protospacer-adjacent-motif (PAM) for targeting Cas9 to the desired genomic locus, alongside a universal Cas9 binding tracer RNA (together called single guide RNA or sgRNA). Here we present a step-by-step protocol for efficient generation of feeder-independent and footprint-free iPSC and describe methodologies for genome editing of iPSC using the Cas9 ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes. The genome editing protocol is effective and can be easily multiplexed by pre-complexing sgRNAs for more than one target with the Cas9 protein and simultaneously delivering into the cells. Finally, we describe a simplified approach for identification and characterization of iPSCs with desired edits. Taken together, the outlined strategies are expected to streamline generation and editing of iPSC for manifold applications.

This protocol describes in detail the generation of footprint-free induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from human pancreatic cells in feeder-free conditions, followed by editing using CRISPR/Cas9 ribonucleoproteins and characterization of the modified single-cell clones.

Embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells can self-renew and differentiate into multiple cell types of the body. The pluripotent cells are thus coveted ...

Detection of Endotoxin in Nano-formulations Using Limulus Amoebocyte Lysate (LAL) Assays

When present in pharmaceutical products, a Gram-negative bacterial cell wall component endotoxin (often also called lipopolysaccharide) can cause inflammation, fever, hypo- or hypertension, and, in extreme cases, can lead to tissue and organ damage that may become fatal. The amounts of endotoxin in pharmaceutical products, therefore, are strictly regulated. Among the methods available for endotoxin detection and quantification, the Limulus Amoebocyte Lysate (LAL) assay is commonly used worldwide. While any pharmaceutical product can interfere with the LAL assay, nano-formulations represent a particular challenge due to their complexity. The purpose of this paper is to provide a practical guide to researchers inexperienced in estimating endotoxins in engineered nanomaterials and nanoparticle-formulated drugs. Herein, practical recommendations for performing three LAL formats including turbidity, chromogenic and gel-clot assays are discussed. These assays can be used to determine endotoxin contamination in nanotechnology-based drug products, vaccines, and adjuvants.

Detection of Endotoxin in Nano-formulations Using Limulus Amoebocyte Lysate LAL Assays

Detection of endotoxins in engineered nanomaterials represents one of the grand challenges in the field of nanomedicine. Here, we present a case study that describes the framework composed of three different LAL formats to estimate potential endotoxin contamination in nanoparticles.

When present in pharmaceutical products, a Gram-negative bacterial cell wall component endotoxin (often also called lipopolysaccharide) can cause ...

Growth and Characterization of Irradiated Organoids from Mammary Glands

Organoids derived from the digested tissue are multicellular three-dimensional (3D) constructs that better recapitulate in vivo conditions than cell monolayers. Although they cannot completely model in vivo complexity, they retain some functionality of the original organ. In cancer models, organoids are commonly used to study tumor cell invasion. This protocol aims to develop and characterize organoids from the normal and irradiated mouse mammary gland tissue to evaluate the radiation response in normal tissues. These organoids can be applied to future in vitro cancer studies to evaluate tumor cell interactions with irradiated organoids. Mammary glands were resected, irradiated to 20 Gy and digested in a collagenase VIII solution. Epithelial organoids were separated via centrifugal differentiation, and 3D organoids were developed in 96-well low-adhesion microplates. Organoids expressed the characteristic epithelial marker cytokeratin 14. Macrophage interaction with the organoids was observed in co-culture experiments. This model may be useful for studying tumor-stromal interactions, infiltration of immune cells, and macrophage polarization within an irradiated microenvironment.

Organoids developed from mouse mammary glands were irradiated and characterized to assess epithelial traits and interactions with immune cells. Irradiated organoids can be used to better evaluate cell-cell interactions that may lead to tumor cell recruitment in irradiated normal tissue.

Organoids derived from the digested tissue are multicellular three-dimensional (3D) constructs that better recapitulate in vivo conditions than cell ...

Isolation of Adult Human Dermal Fibroblasts from Abdominal Skin and Generation of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Using a Non-Integrating Method

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) could be considered, to date, a promising source of pluripotent cells for the management of currently untreatable diseases, for the reconstitution and regeneration of injured tissues and for the development of new drugs. Despite all the advantages related to the use of iPSCs, such as the low risk of rejection, the lessened ethical issues, and the possibility to obtain them from both young and old patients without any difference in their reprogramming potential, problems to overcome are still numerous. In fact, cell reprogramming conducted with viral and integrating viruses can cause infections and the introduction of required genes can induce a genomic instability of the recipient cell, impairing their use in clinic. In particular, there are many concerns about the use of c-Myc gene, well-known from several studies for its mutation-inducing activity. Fibroblasts have emerged as the suitable cell population for cellular reprogramming as they are easy to isolate and culture and are harvested by a minimally invasive skin punch biopsy. The protocol described here provides a detailed step-by-step description of the whole procedure, from sample processing to obtain cell cultures, choice of reagents and supplies, cleaning and preparation, to cell reprogramming by the means of a commercial non-modified RNAs (NM-RNAs)-based reprogramming kit. The chosen reprogramming kit allows an effective reprogramming of human dermal fibroblast to iPSCs and small colonies can be seen as early as 24 h after the first transfection, even with modifications with the respect to the standard datasheet. The reprogramming procedure used in this protocol offers the advantage of a safe reprogramming, without the risk of infections caused by viral vector-based methods, reduces the cellular defense mechanisms, and allows the generation of xeno-free iPSCs, all critical features that are mandatory for further clinical applications.

Cell reprogramming requires the introduction of key genes, which regulate and maintain the pluripotent cell state. The protocol described enables the formation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) colonies from human dermal fibroblasts without viral/integrating methods but using non-modified RNAs (NM-RNAs) combined with immune evasion factors reducing cellular defense mechanisms.

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) could be considered, to date, a promising source of pluripotent cells for the management of currently untreatable ...

Guided Differentiation of Mature Kidney Podocytes from Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Under Chemically Defined Conditions

Kidney disease affects more than 10% of the global population and costs billions of dollars in federal expenditures. The most severe forms of kidney disease and eventual end-stage renal failure are often caused by the damage to the glomerular podocytes, which are the highly specialized epithelial cells that function together with endothelial cells and the glomerular basement membrane to form the kidney&#8217;s filtration barrier. Advances in renal medicine have been hindered by the limited availability of primary tissues and the lack of robust methods for the derivation of functional human kidney cells, such as podocytes. The ability to derive podocytes from renewable sources, such as stem cells, could help advance current understanding of the mechanisms of human kidney development and disease, as well as provide new tools for therapeutic discovery. The goal of this protocol was to develop a method to derive mature, post-mitotic podocytes from human induced pluripotent stem (hiPS) cells with high efficiency and specificity, and under chemically defined conditions. The hiPS cell-derived podocytes produced by this method express lineage-specific markers (including nephrin, podocin, and Wilm&#8217;s Tumor 1) and exhibit the specialized morphological characteristics (including primary and secondary foot processes) associated with mature and functional podocytes. Intriguingly, these specialized features are notably absent in the immortalized podocyte cell line widely used in the field, which suggests that the protocol described herein produces human kidney podocytes that have a developmentally more mature phenotype than the existing podocyte cell lines typically used to study human kidney biology.

Presented here is a chemically defined protocol for the derivation of human kidney podocytes from induced pluripotent stem cells with high efficiency (&#62;90%) and independent of genetic manipulations or subpopulation selection. This protocol produces the desired cell type within 26 days and could be useful for nephrotoxicity testing and disease modeling.

Kidney disease affects more than 10% of the global population and costs billions of dollars in federal expenditures. The most severe forms of kidney ...

Single-Cell Optical Action Potential Measurement in Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes

Conventional intracellular microelectrode techniques to quantify cardiomyocyte electrophysiology are extremely complex, labor intensive, and typically carried out in low throughput. Rapid and ongoing expansion of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology presents a new standard in cardiovascular research and alternate methods are now necessary to increase throughput of electrophysiological data at a single cell level. VF2.1Cl is a recently derived voltage sensitive dye which provides a rapid single channel, high magnitude response to fluctuations in membrane potential. It possesses kinetics superior to those of other existing voltage indicators and makes available functional data equivalent to that of traditional microelectrode techniques. Here, we demonstrate simplified, non-invasive action potential characterization in externally paced human iPSC derived cardiomyocytes using a modular and highly affordable photometry system.

Here we describe optical acquisition and characterization of action potentials from induced pluripotent stem cell derived cardiomyocytes using a high-speed modular photometry system.

Conventional intracellular microelectrode techniques to quantify cardiomyocyte electrophysiology are extremely complex, labor intensive, and typically ...

Fibroblast Derived Human Engineered Connective Tissue for Screening Applications

Fibroblasts are phenotypically highly dynamic cells, which quickly transdifferentiate into myofibroblasts in response to biochemical and biomechanical stimuli. The current understanding of fibrotic processes, including cardiac fibrosis, remains poor, which hampers the development of new anti-fibrotic therapies. Controllable and reliable human model systems are crucial for a better understanding of fibrosis pathology. This is a highly reproducible and scalable protocol to generate engineered connective tissues (ECT) in a 48-well casting plate to facilitate studies of fibroblasts and the pathophysiology of fibrotic tissue in a 3-dimensional (3D) environment. ECT are generated around the poles with tunable stiffness, allowing for studies under a defined biomechanical load. Under the defined loading conditions, phenotypic adaptations controlled by cell-matrix interactions can be studied. Parallel testing is feasible in the 48-well format with the opportunity for the time-course analysis of multiple parameters, such as tissue compaction and contraction against the load. From these parameters, biomechanical properties such as tissue stiffness and elasticity can be studied.

Presented here is a protocol to generate engineered connective tissues for a parallel culture of 48 tissues in a multi-well plate with double poles, suitable for mechanistic studies, disease modeling, and screening applications. The protocol is compatible with fibroblasts from different organs and species and is exemplified here with human primary cardiac fibroblasts.

Fibroblasts are phenotypically highly dynamic cells, which quickly transdifferentiate into myofibroblasts in response to biochemical and biomechanical ...

Isogenic Kidney Glomerulus Chip Engineered from Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects 15% of the U.S. adult population, but the establishment of targeted therapies has been limited by the lack of functional models that can accurately predict human biological responses and nephrotoxicity. Advancements in kidney precision medicine could help overcome these limitations. However, previously established in vitro models of the human kidney glomerulus-the primary site for blood filtration and a key target of many diseases and drug toxicities-typically employ heterogeneous cell populations with limited functional characteristics and unmatched genetic backgrounds. These characteristics significantly limit their application for patient-specific disease modeling and therapeutic discovery. 
This paper presents a protocol that integrates human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell-derived glomerular epithelium (podocytes) and vascular endothelium from a single patient to engineer an isogenic and vascularized microfluidic kidney glomerulus chip. The resulting glomerulus chip is comprised of stem cell-derived endothelial and epithelial cell layers that express lineage-specific markers, produce basement membrane proteins, and form a tissue-tissue interface resembling the kidney's glomerular filtration barrier. The engineered glomerulus chip selectively filters molecules and recapitulates drug-induced kidney injury. The ability to reconstitute the structure and function of the kidney glomerulus using isogenic cell types creates the opportunity to model kidney disease with patient specificity and advance the utility of organs-on-chips for kidney precision medicine and related applications.

Presented here is a protocol to engineer a personalized organ-on-a-chip system that recapitulates the structure and function of the kidney glomerular filtration barrier by integrating genetically matched epithelial and vascular endothelial cells differentiated from human induced pluripotent stem cells. This bioengineered system can advance kidney precision medicine and related applications.