sw1222 cell line&#45;derived colorectal cancer organoid fabrication in ultrashort self-assembling peptide matrix

Valutazione dei peptidi autoassemblanti biofunzionali per l'adesione e la morfologia cellulare

In recent years, self-assembling peptides (SAPs) have emerged as promising biomaterials for tissue engineering applications. SAPs possess unique properties, including spontaneous formation of nanofibers, biocompatibility, biodegradability, and non-immunogenicity, making them attractive candidates for scaffold development1. SAPs have been previously used together with various types of cells, and notably, reported ultrashort SAPs have facilitated the encapsulation of stem cells while upholding their pluripotency over prolonged periods encompassing more than 30 passages and with minimal incidence of chromosomal aberrations2,3,4. Hence, adapting SAPs for their use in organoid culture constituted a rational subsequent step.
Organoids are complex three-dimensional structures that arise from single pluripotent cells. These structures give rise to various cell types, which then self-organize to replicate the developmental processes of embryonic and tissue growth in vitro5. This innovative framework has evolved into a formidable tool for in vitro investigations, efficiently conserving the genetic, phenotypic, and behavioral attributes characteristic of in vivo organs6. Nevertheless, a principal impediment in the bench-to-bedside transition of organoid-based findings is the need for reproducibility7. This variation in results is primarily ascribed to the difficulty in fully differentiating human pluripotent stem cells into specialized cell lineages, compounded by the absence of authentic tissue architecture and the inherent complexity encountered in organoid models. Given the rise in popularity of stem-cell- and organoid-based studies8, there has been an escalated demand for biomaterials with dynamic mechanical properties and integrin-like adhesion sites or scaffolds with controlled degradability7,9. These attributes can be effectively tuned through the strategic utilization of biofunctionalized SAPs.
SAPs are short sequences of amino acids with the inherent ability to spontaneously organize into well-defined structures10. These peptides often contain alternating hydrophobic and hydrophilic residues, which drive their self-assembly through non-covalent interactions, including hydrogen bonding, electrostatic interactions, and hydrophobic effects11,12. The self-assembly process of these peptides is primarily driven by the need to minimize the system&#39;s free energy. When in an aqueous environment, the hydrophobic residues tend to cluster together to minimize their exposure to water, while the hydrophilic residues interact with the surrounding water molecules. This phenomenon leads to the formation of various nanostructures. In this case, ultrashort self-assembling peptides form nanofibers with characteristics that depend on the peptide sequence and environmental conditions2,12,13,14,15,16. These peptides adopt a &#946;-turn conformation, where individual peptide strands align parallel or antiparallel to each other, stabilized by hydrogen bonds (Figure 1). The presence of positive ions accelerates the self-assembling processes that lead to nanofiber formation.
Peptide nanofibers have been identified as possessing an innate ability to entrap significant volumes of water. This characteristic facilitates the generation of a hydrogel, which subsequently manifests as a biocompatible and biodegradable three-dimensional space conducive to cellular proliferation and growth. These self-assembling peptide nanofibers intricately emulate the topographical features inherent to the natural extracellular matrix (ECM) environment1. This resemblance endows cells with an environment that imitates their physiological habitat, further promoting optimal cellular activities17. Furthermore, the versatility inherent to these peptides permits a considerable degree of tunability4. Such adaptability enables changes to the matrix&#39;s properties, such as stiffness, gelation kinetics, and porosity. These adaptations are achieved through modifications to the peptide sequence. Consequently, self-assembling peptides (SAPs) have emerged as pivotal components in contemporary biomaterial science, extensively used as scaffolds for tissue regeneration and cellular culture13,17.
One of the critical advantages of self-assembling peptides is their ability to be easily synthesized and modified at the molecular level. This advantage allows for the incorporation of specific functional groups or bioactive motifs into the peptide sequence, enabling the design of peptides with tailored properties and functionalities18,19,20 (Figure 1B). For example, biofunctionalized SAPs can be designed to mimic the ECM and promote differentiation using the RGD peptide19,21. Peptide Ben-IKVAV has also been reported to significantly increase the expression of neuronal-specific markers due to its ligand-specific motiety22. These peptides can also be engineered to display bioactive molecules, such as integrin-binding peptides, to enhance cell survival23. Finally, other biofunctionalized SAPs have been developed to promote angiogenesis by including the IKVAV and YIGSR motifs in their structures24.
Biofunctionalized SAPs reported in an earlier publication show that self-assembling can be further modified by including the na&#239;ve peptide from which the biofunctionalized SAP was derived25. These SAP mixtures can also provide a wide array of SAP formulations that vary in their biochemical activity and physicochemical properties. For instance, the amphiphilic peptide IIFK is an ultrashort SAP that can withstand biofunctionalization with various motifs, exemplified by the incorporation of the IKVAV motif (Figure 1B). Both peptides can form nanofibers, both alone and combined. Each formulation results in hydrogels with varying physical properties (Figure 2)
However, because of the extensive array of potential permutations and alternatives obtained from the biofunctionalization of SAPs, there is a need to provide a fast and cost-effective option for organoid testing. One candidate for such intensive and cost-effective organoid evaluation is the SW1222 cell line, derived from human colorectal adenocarcinoma26,27. SW1222 cells possess characteristics that enable their aggregation into 3D structures resembling organoids, making them an ideal model for studying tissue development and regenerative medicine applications. SW1222 cells have been identified as capable of generating organoids owing to their intrinsic overexpression of the LGR5 gene27. The creation of organoids from individual LGR5+ stem cells has been convincingly exhibited before, as well as the propensity of SW1222 cells to achieve morphological characteristics of a colorectal cancer organoid28.
In this methods paper, we present detailed protocols for evaluating and characterizing the effects of various biofunctional peptides on cell adhesion and lumen formation using SW1222 cells (Figure 3). By providing step-by-step procedures and imaging analysis methods, we hope to offer valuable insights into the biofabrication of organoids and the evaluation of simplistic SAP matrices for organoid culture.

Autore in primo piano: Ottimizzazione di matrici peptidiche ultracorte per organoidi di cancro del colon-retto

Fabbricazione e caratterizzazione di organoidi di cancro del colon-retto da una linea cellulare SW1222 in una matrice peptidica autoassemblante ultracorta

Our research aims to evaluate ultrashort self-assembling peptides as matrices for Colorectal Cancer Organoid Cultures. We address questions about organoid morphology, for viability, proliferation, and the adhesion and the impact of biofunctionalization. The goal is to optimize peptide matrix compositions for effective organoid growth, and to contribute to regenerative medicine.Cutting-edge technologies in our field involve 3D bioprinting for precise organic fabrication, microfluidic platforms for dynamic culture environments, and advanced imaging tools like atomic force microscopy and multiphoton microscopy. CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing refines genetic modification, while single cell RNA sequencing provides in-depth molecular insights. Current experimental challenges include enhancing organoid reproducability, refining vascularization for larger constructs, and mimicking complex tissue architecture.Overcoming these limitations in long-term culture and incorporating immune components into models are active areas. Achieving standardized protocols and addressing ethical concerns opposing ongoing challenges in this field. Significant findings in our field include demonstrating the suitability of ultrashort self-assembling peptides for organoid cultures.We have shown the versatility, reproducability, and stability of these peptides, providing a platform for fine tuning micro-environments. This contributes to advancing organoid-based studies, regenerative medicine, and biofunctionalized hydrogel research. Our protocol bridges and research gap, whereby providing a systematic approach to evaluating organoids in ultrashort self-assembling peptide matrices.It addresses the need for standardized methods in assessing cell behavior within these matrices, aiding in durational design of peptide-based hydrogels for optimal organoid growth and advancing regenerative medicine studies.

SW1222 Fabbricazione di organoidi per cancro colorettale derivato da linee cellulari in una matrice peptidica autoassemblante ultracorta

Per iniziare, pipettare 10 microlitri di soluzione peptidica 2X al centro dei pozzetti in una piastra da 24 pozzetti. Dopo l'incubazione, pipettare 10 microlitri di PBS 2X in ciascun pozzetto. Utilizzare la punta della pipetta per mescolare delicatamente la soluzione, lasciare stabilizzare le goccioline di gel per almeno 20 minuti, assicurandosi che le goccioline siano intatte.Successivamente, pipettare 2,5 millilitri di tripsina EDTA allo 0,0125% in un pallone contenente 2 milioni di cellule di adenocarcinoma colorettale umano SW1222. Incubare le cellule con tripsina a 37 gradi Celsius per 5-10 minuti fino a quando non si staccano dal pallone. Aggiungere cinque millilitri di terreno completo per inattivare la tripsina.Quindi filtrare la sospensione cellulare utilizzando un filtro cellulare da 30 micrometri. Con una micropipetta da 10 microlitri, iniettare due microlitri della sospensione cellulare in ciascuna gocciolina di peptide. Seminare 800 cellule della linea cellulare SW1222 in ciascun pozzetto per quattro giorni.Incubare le goccioline per 30 minuti a 37 gradi Celsius sotto il 5% di anidride carbonica. Quindi aggiungere 0,5 millilitri di terreno integrato a ciascun pozzetto. Per preparare il controllo, diluire lo stock del controllo della matrice a membrana basale con un mezzo integrato.Caricare la sospensione cellulare nella soluzione basamentale a membrana diluita. Pipettare 20 microlitri di matrice di membrana basale diluita in ciascun pozzetto con le cellule. Incubare le cellule per 20 minuti a 37 gradi Celsius.Dopo che le goccioline si sono solidificate, aggiungere 0,5 millilitri di terreno completo. Visualizzare le cellule utilizzando un microscopio a campo chiaro nei giorni uno, quattro e sette per valutare la crescita degli organoidi. Una settimana di imaging in campo chiaro delle cellule ha mostrato che i piccoli gruppi di cellule si stavano assemblando in organoidi.Gli organoidi derivati da SW1222 coltivati in idrogel peptidici avevano una morfologia rotonda con un aspetto leggero. Un aspetto più scuro indicava una densità indesiderabile più elevata, come si vede nelle colonie nel peptide P il settimo giorno.

sw1222-cell-linederived-colorectal-cancer-organoid-fabrication

Research

JoVE Journal

Bioengineering

SW1222 Cell Line&#45;Derived Colorectal Cancer Organoid Fabrication in Ultrashort Self-Assembling Peptide Matrix

Fabrication and Characterization of Colorectal Cancer Organoids from SW1222 Cell Line in Ultrashort Self&#45;Assembling Peptide Matrix

Ultrashort self-assembling peptides (SAPs) can spontaneously form nanofibers that resemble the extracellular matrix. These fibers allow the formation of ...

Ricerca

Bioingegneria

Immunostaining of Colorectal Cancer&#45;Derived Organoids in Peptide Hydrogel

Immunocolorazione di organoidi derivati dal cancro del colon-retto in idrogel peptidico

Imaging Immunostained Colorectal Cancer&#45;Derived Organoids in Peptide Hydrogel for Evaluating the Effects of Self&#45;Assembling Peptides on Cell Adhesion

Imaging di organoidi derivati dal cancro del colon-retto immunocolorati in idrogel peptidico per valutare gli effetti dei peptidi autoassemblanti sull'adesione cellulare