技术资料

Animal models of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) have been widely studied but exhibit critical differences from human biology limiting utility in drug and disease modelling. Challenges with scarcity,scalability,throughput,and ethical considerations further limit the suitability of animal models for preclinical screening. Engineered models have emerged as alternatives for studying NMJ functionality in response to genetic and/or pharmacological challenge. However,these models have faced challenges associated with their poorly scalable creation,sourcing suitable cells,and the extraction of reliable,quantifiable metrics. We present a turnkey iPSC-based model of the NMJ employing channelrhodopsin-2 expression within the motor neuron (MN) population driving muscle contraction in response to blue light. MNs co-cultured with engineered skeletal muscle tissues produced twitch forces of 34.7 ± 22.7 µN in response to blue light,with a response fidelity > 92 %. Histological analysis revealed characteristic punctate acetylcholine receptor staining co-localized with the presynaptic marker synaptic vesicle protein-2. Dose-response studies using botulinum neurotoxin showed loss of function in a dose- and time-dependent manner (EC50 - 0.11 ± 0.015 µg). Variability of the EC50 values between 2 different iPSC differentiations of both cell types and 2 users was less than 2 %. Further testing with the acute neurotoxins acetylcholine mustard and d-tubocurarine validated the biological relevance of the postsynaptic machinery of the model. This model marks a meaningful progression of 3D engineered models of the NMJ,providing engineered tissues at a throughput relevant to potency and screening applications with an abundant iPSC cell source and standardized hardware-software ecosystem allowing technology transfer across laboratories. View Publication

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is characterized by the accumulation of immature myeloid cells and a differentiation block,highlighting the urgent need for novel differentiation-inducing therapies. This study evaluated Adina rubella Hance (ARH) stem as a potent differentiation inducer by systematically screening 200 plant extracts. ARH stem promoted phenotypic differentiation in AML cells. In addition to its differentiation-inducing effects,ARH stem exhibited strong antileukemic activities,such as inhibiting cell proliferation,inducing cell death,and enhancing mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) levels,the latter of which is critical for its differentiation-promoting activity. Comparative analysis with the extracts from other parts of the plant confirmed the superior efficacy of the stem extract because of its unique chemical composition. Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography combined with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry analysis identified Picroside III as a major active compound within the stem extract,capable of recapitulating ARH stem-induced differentiation and demonstrating significant antileukemic properties. These findings underscore the therapeutic potential of ARH stem and its active component,Picroside III,as promising agents for differentiation-based treatment strategies in AML. View Publication

Adipose-derived stromal cells (ASCs) possess significant regenerative potential,playing a key role in tissue repair and angiogenesis. During wound healing,ASC interacts with the extracellular matrix by recognizing arginylglycylaspartic acid (RGD) motifs,which are crucial for mediating these functions. This study investigates how RGD exposure influences ASC behavior,with a focus on angiogenesis. To mimic the wound-healing environment,ASC were cultured in a porcine gelatin sponge,an RGD-exposing matrix. Transcriptomics revealed that ASC cultured in gelatin exhibited an upregulated expression of genes associated with inflammation,angiogenesis,and tissue repair compared to ASC in suspension. Pro-inflammatory and pro-angiogenic factors,including IL-1,IL-6,IL-8,and VEGF,were significantly elevated. Functional assays further demonstrated that ASC-conditioned media enhanced endothelial cell migration,tubulogenesis,and reduced endothelial permeability,all critical processes in angiogenesis. Notably,ASC-conditioned media also promoted vasculogenesis in human vascular organoids. The inhibition of ASC-RGD interactions using the cyclic peptide cilengitide reversed these effects,underscoring the essential role of RGD-integrin interactions in ASC-mediated angiogenesis. These findings suggest that gelatin sponges enhance ASC’s regenerative and angiogenic properties via RGD-dependent mechanisms,offering promising therapeutic potential for tissue repair and vascular regeneration. Understanding how RGD modulates ASC behavior provides valuable insights into advancing cell-based regenerative therapies. View Publication

Macrophages are the major source of WNT ligands. However,the regulation of WNT expression in macrophages has not been studied. In the present study,we have discovered that activation of canonical β-Catenin signaling suppresses WNT expression in macrophages. EVs from these pre-conditioned macrophages promoted intestinal stem cell regeneration and mitigated intestinal injury. ChIP-seq analysis and validation studies using recombinant DNA construct expressing Luciferase reporter under WNT promoter (e.g. WNT5a and WNT9b) were conducted to demonstrate the involvement of β-Catenin in the transcriptional regulation of WNT expression. The regulatory role of β-Catenin in WNT expression in macrophages was examined by treating these cells with a Tankyrase inhibitor. In addition,the gene expressing β-Catenin was deleted in macrophages using Csf1r.iCre; Ctnnb1 fl/fl mice model. Both pharmacological and genetically modulated macrophages were examined for WNT expression and activity by qPCR and TCF/LEF luciferase assay respectively. Additionally,Csf1r.iCre; Ctnnb1 fl/fl mice were exposed to irradiation to compare the radiosensitivity with their wildtype littermate. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) were isolated from pre-conditioned WNT-enriched macrophages and infused in irradiated C57BL/6 and Lgr5/eGFP-IRES-Cre-ERT2 ; R26-ACTB-tdTomato-EGFP mice to determine the regenerative response of intestinal stem cell (ISC) and epithelial repair. Regenerative effects of EVs were also examined in mice model DSS induced colitis. ChIP-seq analysis and subsequent validation study suggested physical association of β-Catenin with WNT promoters to suppress WNT expression. Macrophage specific deletion of gene expressing β-Catenin or pharmacological inhibition of Tankyrase improves the WNT expression in macrophages several folds compared to control. Transfusion of these preconditioned macrophages or EVs from these cells delivers optimum level of morphogenic WNT to injured epithelium,activates ISC regeneration and mitigated radiation induced intestinal injury. Intestinal epithelium in Csf1r.iCre; Ctnnb1 fl/fl mice also showed radioresistance compared to wild type littermate. Moreover,EVs derived from WNT enriched macrophages can mitigate intestinal injury in mice model of DSS induced acute colitis. The study provides substantial evidence that macrophage-targeted modulation of canonical WNT signaling induces WNT expression in macrophages. Treatment with preconditioned macrophage derived WNT-enriched EVs can be a promising therapeutic approach against intestinal injury. The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12964-025-02065-7. View Publication

Cerebral organoids (COs) are valuable tools for studying the intricate interplay between glial cells and neurons in brain development and disease,including HIV-associated neuroinflammation. We developed a novel approach to generate microglia containing COs (CO-iMs) by co-culturing hematopoietic progenitors and inducing pluripotent stem cells. This approach allowed for the differentiation of microglia within the organoids concomitantly with the neuronal progenitors. Compared with conventional COs,CO-iMs were more efficient at generating CD45 + /CD11b + /Iba-1 + microglia and presented a physiologically relevant proportion of microglia (~ 7%). CO-iMs presented substantially increased expression of microglial homeostatic and sensome markers as well as markers for the complement cascade. CO-iMs are susceptible to HIV infection,resulting in a significant increase in several pro-inflammatory cytokines/chemokines,which are abrogated by the addition of antiretrovirals. Thus,CO-iM is a robust model for deciphering neuropathogenesis,neuroinflammation,and viral infections of brain cells in a 3D culture system. The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12974-025-03353-2. View Publication

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a prevalent malignancy with significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. A deeper understanding of the interaction of cancer cells with other cells in the tumor microenvironment is crucial to devise effective therapeutic strategies. MUC2,a major component of the protective mucus layer in the gastrointestinal tract,has been implicated in CRC progression and immune response regulation. In this study,we sought to elucidate the relationship between MUC2 expression and immune infiltration within CRC using in vitro models involving two well-established cell lines,HT-29 and LS-174T. By employing CRISPR-mediated MUC2 knockout,we investigated the influence of MUC2 on tumor immune infiltration and its interplay with T cells and NK cells enriched peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in 3D spheroid cultures. While MUC2 was more abundant in LS-174T cell line compared to HT-29,its knockout resulted in increased immune infiltration solely in the HT-29 cell line,but not in the LS-174T cell line. We revealed that the removal of MUC2 protein was compensated in LS-174T by the expression of other gel-forming mucin proteins (MUC6,MUC5B) commonly expressed in the gastrointestinal epithelium,while this was not observed in HT-29 cell line. Our study is the first to demonstrate that MUC2 functions as a physical barrier to immune infiltration in colorectal cancer (CRC) in vitro . In HT-29 cells,MUC2 knockout increased immune infiltration,while in LS-174T cells,compensatory expression of other mucins (MUC6,MUC5B) maintained the barrier. These findings reveal the complexity of mucin biology in CRC and suggest that targeting mucin pathways could be a novel therapeutic approach. View Publication

The manufacturing of allogeneic cell therapeutics based on human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) holds considerable potential to revolutionize the accessibility and affordability of modern healthcare. However,achieving the cell yields necessary to ensure robust production hinges on identifying suitable and scalable single-use (SU) bioreactor systems. While specific stirred SU bioreactor types have demonstrated proficiency in supporting hiPSC expansion at L -scale,others,notably instrumented SU multiplate and fixed-bed bioreactors,remain relatively unexplored. By characterizing these bioreactors using both computational fluid dynamics and experimental bioengineering methods,operating ranges were identified for the Xpansion ® 10 and Ascent™ 1 m 2 bioreactors in which satisfactory hiPSC expansion under serum-free conditions was achieved. These operating ranges were shown not only to effectively limit cell exposure to wall shear stress but also facilitated sufficient oxygen transfer and mixing. Through their application,almost 5 × 10 9 viable cells could be produced within 5 days,achieving expansion factors of up to 35 without discernable impact on cell viability,identity,or differentiation potential. Key Points • Bioengineering characterizations allowed the identification of operating ranges that supported satisfactory hiPSC expansion • Both the Xpansion ® 10 multiplate and Ascent™ 1 m 2 fixed-bed reactor accommodated the production of almost 5 × 10 9 viable cells within 5 days • Exposing the hiPSCs to a median wall shear stress of up to 8.2 × 10 −5 N cm −2 did not impair quality The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00253-024-13373-2. View Publication

To fully utilize the potential of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) for allogeneic stem cell–based therapies,efficient and scalable expansion procedures must be developed. For other adherent human cell types,the combination of microcarriers (MCs) and stirred tank bioreactors has been shown to meet these demands. In this study,a hiPSC quasi-perfusion expansion procedure based on MCs was developed at 100-mL scale in spinner flasks. Process development began by assessing various medium exchange strategies and MC coatings,indicating that the hiPSCs tolerated the gradual exchange of medium well when cultivated on Synthemax II–coated MCs. This procedure was therefore scaled-up to the 1.3-L Eppendorf BioBLU 1c stirred tank bioreactor by applying the lower limit of Zwietering’s suspension criterion ( N s 1 u ),thereby demonstrating proof-of-concept when used in combination with hiPSCs for the first time. To better understand the bioreactor and its bioengineering characteristics,computational fluid dynamics and bioengineering investigations were performed prior to hiPSC cultivation. In this manner,improved process understanding allowed an expansion factor of ≈ 26 to be achieved,yielding more than 3 × 10 9 cells within 5 days. Further quality analyses confirmed that the hiPSCs maintained their viability,identity,and differentiation potential throughout cultivation. • N s 1 u can be used as a scale-up criterion for hiPSC cultivations in MC-operated stirred bioreactors • Uniform distribution and attachment of cells to the MCs are crucial for efficient expansion • Perfusion is advantageous and supports the cultivation of hiPSCs The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00253-024-13372-3. View Publication

Light chain (AL) amyloidosis is a serious systemic disease caused by the deposition of free misfolded immunoglobulin light chains (LCs) in the form of amyloid fibrils within tissues. Cardiac involvement determines prognosis and mortality. An important cytotoxic impact of amyloidogenic prefibrillar LC oligomers on cardiomyocytes is by now established in isolated rodent cardiomyocytes,simple animal models,or cardiomyocyte-like cell lines. However,the response of human cardiomyocytes to this pathogenic condition is currently unknown. In this work,we have set up a human cellular disease model of AL cardiac amyloidosis (AL-CA) in the form of cardiac spheroids,to study the cytotoxic effects of amyloidogenic LCs with regard to contractile function and calcium handling. To mimic the disease in a reconstituted system,soluble amyloidogenic LCs purified from urine of AL-CA patients were added to a mixture of induced pluripotent stem cell-issued human cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CM) and human primary cardiac fibroblasts,which resulted in formation of spheroids within 7 days. This procedure ensured a uniform pericellular LC distribution within spheroids. LC-treated hiPSC-CM cultures and LC-containing spheroids presented structural and functional defects including: (1) decreased levels and subcellular disorganization of sarcomeric protein alpha-actinin; (2) abnormal accumulation of calcium handling SERCA2a protein; (3) impaired contractility of spheroids and altered calcium transients. Three independent patient-derived LCs had similar effects,albeit to varying degrees,highlighting the patient-specific properties of this type of amyloids. Taken together,these results indicate that the present cardiac spheroid disease model could be appropriate to the study of cardiac cytotoxicity caused by different amyloidogenic LCs in AL-CA patients,contributing to a better understanding and therapeutic handling of the disease. The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1038/s41598-024-82442-3. View Publication

Functional cellular heterogeneity in tumours often underlies incomplete response to therapy and relapse. Previously,we demonstrated that the growth of the paediatric brain malignancy,sonic hedgehog subgroup medulloblastoma,is rooted in a dysregulated developmental hierarchy,the apex of which is defined by characteristically quiescent SOX2 + stem-like cells. Integrating gene expression and chromatin accessibility patterns in distinct cellular compartments,we identify the transcription factor Olig2 as regulating the stem cell fate transition from quiescence to activation,driving the generation of downstream neoplastic progenitors. Inactivation of Olig2 blocks stem cell activation and tumour output. Targeting this rare OLIG2-driven proliferative programme with a small molecule inhibitor,CT-179,dramatically attenuates early tumour formation and tumour regrowth post-therapy,and significantly increases median survival in vivo. We demonstrate that targeting transition from quiescence to proliferation at the level of the tumorigenic cell could be a pivotal medulloblastoma treatment strategy. Subject terms: Cancer stem cells,Mechanisms of disease,Cancer therapy View Publication

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered T cell therapy holds promise for treating myeloid malignancies,but challenges remain in bone marrow (BM) infiltration and targeting BM-resident malignant cells. Current autologous CAR-T therapies also face manufacturing and patient selection issues,underscoring the need for off-the-shelf products. In this study,we characterize primary patient samples and identify a unique therapeutic opportunity for CAR-engineered invariant natural killer T (CAR-NKT) cells. Using stem cell gene engineering and a clinically guided culture method,we generate allogeneic CD33-directed CAR-NKT cells with high yield,purity,and robustness. In preclinical mouse models,CAR-NKT cells exhibit strong BM homing and effectively target BM-resident malignant blast cells,including CD33-low/negative leukemia stem and progenitor cells. Furthermore,CAR-NKT cells synergize with hypomethylating agents,enhancing tumor-killing efficacy. These cells also show minimal off-tumor toxicity,reduced graft-versus-host disease and cytokine release syndrome risks,and resistance to allorejection,highlighting their substantial therapeutic potential for treating myeloid malignancies. Subject terms: Cancer therapy,Immunotherapy,Leukaemia View Publication

Dishevelled-associated activator of morphogenesis1 (DAAM1) is a member of the evolutionarily conserved Formin family and plays a significant role in the malignant progression of various human cancers. This study aims to explore the clinical and biological significance of DAAM1 in pancreatic cancer. Multiple public datasets and an in-house cohort were utilized to assess the clinical relevance of DAAM1 in pancreatic cancer. The LinkedOmics platform was employed to perform enrichment analysis of DAAM1-associated molecular pathways in pancreatic cancer. Subsequently,a series of in vitro and in vivo experiments were conducted to evaluate the biological roles of DAAM1 in pancreatic cancer cells and its effects on intratumoral T cells. DAAM1 was found to be upregulated in pancreatic cancer tissues,with higher expression levels observed in tumor cells. Additionally,high expression of DAAM1 was associated with poor prognosis. DAAM1 acted as an oncogene in pancreatic cancer,and its inhibition suppressed tumor cell proliferation,migration,and invasion,while promoted apoptosis. Furthermore,DAAM1 was involved in the JAK1/STAT1 signaling pathway and regulated PD-L1 expression in pancreatic cancer cells. The inhibition of DAAM1 also significantly reduced the exhaustion levels of CD8+ T cells. In conclusion,DAAM1 functions as an oncogene and is immunologically implicated in pancreatic cancer,these findings suggest that DAAM1 may serve as a promising therapeutic target for the clinical management of pancreatic cancer. The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12935-024-03631-8. View Publication