体外肝细胞培养及在药物筛选中的应用

肝脏是人体内最复杂的器官之一,负责执行多种功能,是药物毒性检测的重要靶器官。体外培养肝细胞是进行药物毒性检测的重要途径。传统的体外培养主要是让细胞在不同成分的培养基中生长,或将细胞接种于主要由体内ECM成分如胶原或基质胶组成的基底上成层生长,但易快速丧失肝特异性功能。为解决此问题,学者们研究设计了多种能更好地模拟肝脏体内微环境特征的精加工技术,以进行肝脏细胞的体外培养。在三维支架上培养肝细胞,如球状聚集体和细胞片层,可促进细胞-细胞以及细胞-基质间的相互作用和肝细胞分化,维持肝细胞特异性功能,并形成类似体内的结构。最近,脱细胞基质已被用作支持理想的细胞-基质相互作用的细胞培养支架。本文就体外二维和应用球状聚集体、细胞片层、脱细胞基质进行三维培养肝细胞的具体技术进行了综述,并简要介绍其在药物筛选中的应用。     

A 3-D organoid kidney culture model engineered for high-throughput nephrotoxicity assays

Cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions control cell phenotypes and functions in vivo. Maintaining these interactions in vitro is essential to both produce and retain cultured cell fidelity to normal phenotype and function in the context of drug efficacy and toxicity screening. Two-dimensional (2-D) cultures on culture plastics rarely recapitulate any of these desired conditions. Three dimensional (3-D) culture systems provide a critical junction between traditional, yet often irrelevant, in vitro cell cultures and more accurate, yet costly, in vivo models. This study describes development of an organoid-derived 3-D culture of kidney proximal tubules (PTs) that maintains native cellular interactions in tissue context, regulating phenotypic stability of primary cells in vitro for up to 6 weeks. Furthermore, unlike immortalized cells on plastic, these 3-D organoid kidney cultures provide a more physiologically-relevant response to nephrotoxic agent exposure, with production of toxicity biomarkers found in vivo. This biomimetic primary kidney model has broad applicability to high-throughput drug and biomarker nephrotoxicity screening, as well as more mechanistic drug toxicology, pharmacology, and metabolism studies.     

Differential expression of CD44(S) and variant isoforms v3, v10 in three-dimensional cultures of mouse melanoma cell lines

Multi-cellular spheroids (MCS) generated from tumor cells serve as excellent in vitro models for understanding the mechanisms of tumor progression and micro-metastasis. We have compared the expression of molecular markers with reference to their growth as conventional adherent monolayers (2-D) and anchorage independent cultures (3-D) using two mouse melanoma cell lines, B16F10 and Clone M3. The two cell lines differed in their ability to form spheroids with respect to their aggregation potential, with B16F10 forming large clusters compared to Clone M3. A panel of molecular markers comprising cell adhesion molecules, cyclin dependent kinase inhibitors and members of the cadherin–catenin complex were analyzed by flow cytometry in 2-D and 3-D cultures. There was a distinct difference in the patterns of expression of CD44(S) and variant isoforms v3,v10 in spheroids compared to cells grown as monolayers in both cell lines. Also, there was an increase in cells positive for CDK inhibitor p27 in 3-D cultures from the B16F10 cell line. The expression of alpha and gamma catenin was down regulated in spheroids. As these molecules are implicated in the regulation of cell proliferation, alterations in the expression of these molecules in 3-D cultures compared to their 2-D counterparts suggests the importance of spheroids as experimental model for tumorigenesis. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Three dimensional culture upregulates extracellular matrix protein expression in human liver cell lines--a step towards mimicking the liver in vivo?

Extracellular matrix (ECM) in the liver affects the phenotype of both hepatocytes and non-parenchymal cells. To be able to mimic in vivo liver function for extracorporeal hepatic support using human cell lines, a necessary step is to upregulate the function normally seen in monolayer culture. 3-D spheroid colonies were formed by culturing single HepG2 cells encapsulated in alginate beads. ECM expression in these cultures was compared to monolayer Hep G2 cultures. The following ECM proteins were detected immunohistochemically:- collagens 1, III, V and VI, the glycoproteins fibronectin, tenascin and vitronectin, and the basement membrane protein laminin. In 3-D cultures, all proteins except tenascin were strongly expressed, as compared with weak or undetectable expression in monolayer cultures, even with 10-fold increases in the antibody concentration used. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that the 3-D environment created by alginate encapsulation of cell lines leads to cell behaviour mimicking that in vivo.     

Three-dimensional collagen matrices as cell culture substrata affect the generation of alloreactive cytotoxic T lymphocytes

Primary one-way mixed lymphocyte cultures (MLC) of C3H/He responder and DBA/2 stimulator were performed in three-dimensional (3-D) collagen matrices and the generation of alloreactive cytotoxic T cell (CTL) responses was compared to those in MLC which were done on usual plastic surfaces or on collagen-coated plastic surfaces. MLC in the 3-D collagen matrices were found to generate strong CTL responses. Flow cytometric analysis of Lyt-2 and L3T4 antigen expressions on the effector cells showed that the Lyt-2/L3T4 ratios were substantially higher in the 3-D collagen matrices, and that a larger proportion of the cells in the 3-D collagen matrices were Lyt-2+ lymphoblasts. These results indicate that the milieu of the 3-D collagen matrices favors the proliferation of Lyt-2+ lymphocytes, and suggests that cell-to-matrix interactions in 3-D collagen matrices may play a regulatory role in the maturation process of alloreactive CTLs.     

Porous and single-skinned polyethersulfone membranes support the growth of HepG2 cells: a potential biomaterial for bioartificial liver systems

In this study, we evaluated a porous and single-layer skin polyethersulfone (PES) membrane as a material for use in hybrid bioartificial liver support systems. The PES membrane has been characterized as a single-layer skin structure, with a rough porous surface. Specifically, we studied the ability of the human hepatoblastoma cell lines (HepG2) to adhere, grow, and spread on the PES membrane. Furthermore, we examined albumin secretion, low-density lipoprotein uptake, and CYP450 activity of HepG2 cells that grew on the membrane. HepG2 cells readily adhered onto the outer surfaces of PES membranes. Over time, HepG2 cells proliferated actively, and confluent monolayer of cells covered the available surface area of the membrane, eventually forming cell clusters and three-dimensional aggregates. Furthermore, HepG2 cells grown on PES membranes maintained highly specific functions, including uptake capability, biosynthesis and biotransformation. These results indicate that PES membranes are potential substrates for the growth of human liver cells and may be useful in the construction of hollow fiber bioreactors. Porous and single-layer skin PES membranes and HepG2 cells may be potential biomaterials for the development of biohybrid liver devices.     

A549 lung epithelial cells grown as three-dimensional aggregates: alternative tissue culture model for Pseudomonas aeruginosa pathogenesis

A three-dimensional (3-D) lung aggregate model was developed from A549 human lung epithelial cells by using a rotating-wall vessel bioreactor to study the interactions between Pseudomonas aeruginosa and lung epithelial cells. The suitability of the 3-D aggregates as an infection model was examined by immunohistochemistry, adherence and invasion assays, scanning electron microscopy, and cytokine and mucoglycoprotein production. Immunohistochemical characterization of the 3-D A549 aggregates showed increased expression of epithelial cell-specific markers and decreased expression of cancer-specific markers compared to their monolayer counterparts. Immunohistochemistry of junctional markers on A549 3-D cells revealed that these cells formed tight junctions and polarity, in contrast to the cells grown as monolayers. Additionally, the 3-D aggregates stained positively for the production of mucoglycoprotein while the monolayers showed no indication of staining. Moreover, mucin-specific antibodies to MUC1 and MUC5A bound with greater affinity to 3-D aggregates than to the monolayers. P. aeruginosa attached to and penetrated A549 monolayers significantly more than the same cells grown as 3-D aggregates. Scanning electron microscopy of A549 cells grown as monolayers and 3-D aggregates infected with P. aeruginosa showed that monolayers detached from the surface of the culture plate postinfection, in contrast to the 3-D aggregates, which remained attached to the microcarrier beads. In response to infection, proinflammatory cytokine levels were elevated for the 3-D A549 aggregates compared to monolayer controls. These findings suggest that A549 lung cells grown as 3-D aggregates may represent a more physiologically relevant model to examine the interactions between P. aeruginosa and the lung epithelium during infection.     

An improved double fluorescence flow cytometry method for the quantification of killer cell/target cell conjugate formation

We have developed an improved method to analyse stable associations (conjugate formation) between effector and target cells. Hydroethidine (red) stained lymphoblastoid target cells were cocentrifuged with carboxyfluorescein diacetate acetoxymethylester (green) stained human IL-2 activated cytotoxic cells (LAK). In the present studies either enriched or purified CD3 negative large granular lymphocytes (LGL) were used as cytotoxic cells. These fluorescent vital dyes localize intracellularly and therefore do not modify the cell to cell contact which eventually leads to the lytic events.Both dyes can be excited at a common wavelength (488 nm) using a single argon laser. Effectors firmly bound to target(s) (stable conjugates) were detected as two color fluorescent events (red and green). This method has several features: (a) the number of conjugates is recorded with reference to a fixed number of target cells; (b) the composition of conjugates (number of effectors or targets per conjugate) can be studied by analysis of the fluorescence intensities (red or green); (c) conjugate formation can be studied at T:F ratios comparable to those used in the classical ⁵¹Cr release cytotoxic assay; (d) it gives reproducible results and permits the study of very weak differences in binding properties.

This method was used to study conjugate formation between human IL-2-activated cytotoxic cells (or purified CD3 negative LGL) and various lymphoblastoid target cells. We were able to demonstrate that cell lines susceptible to lysis formed more conjugates and were surrounded by more LAK effectors than their resistant counterparts and that no conjugate contained more than one target.     

Effects of transforming growth factor-beta 1 against the inhibitory action of interferon on DNA synthesis and viral replication in hepatitis B virus DNA-transfected cell.

Studies were undertaken to examine the effects of recombinant human transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) on DNA synthesis and antiviral actions of interferons (IFNs) in HepG2 cell, a hepatoma cell line, transfected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA. The inhibitory effects of IFN-alpha and -gamma on DNA synthesis of HepG2 cells were enhanced in a dose-dependent manner by a simultaneous addition of TGF-beta. The degree of suppression by the reagents was greater in HBV-nontransfected cells than in transfected cells. Inhibition of DNA synthesis was not due to direct cytotoxic effects of the additives, since the viability of HepG2 cells was comparable in the control and treated cultures as determined by trypan blue exclusion. Treatment of HBV DNA-transfected HepG2 cells with IFNs resulted in decrease in production of HB surface and e antigens, and in the level of HBV DNA, but TGF-beta reversed the IFN-induced antiviral state in HBV DNA-transfected HepG2 cells. TGF-beta had no direct effect on HBV replication. These results indicate that rTGF-beta 1 exerts a differential effect against the inhibitory actions of IFN on DNA synthesis and viral replication in HepG2 cells.     

Three-dimensional topography of synthetic scaffolds induces elastin synthesis by human coronary artery smooth muscle cells

Due to the important structural and signaling roles of elastin in vascular stability, engineered human vascular tissues must incorporate elastin. However, despite considerable progress toward engineering of elastin-containing vascular tissues from animal cells, currently engineered vascular tissues using human cells largely lack elastin. In this study, we evaluated the effect of scaffold topography (two dimensional [2D] vs. three dimensional [3D]) on elastogenesis in adult human coronary artery smooth muscle cells (HCASMCs). We report that elastin gene expression by HCASMCs was increased by twofold after 4 days of culture in porous 3D polyurethane scaffolds. Transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) further increased elastin gene expression in 3D cultures but not in 2D cultures. To evaluate if gene expression is translated into elastin synthesis, both 2D and 3D cultures were analyzed using Western blots. We show that only HCASMCs in 3D scaffolds produced elastin, suggesting that scaffold geometry itself is an important cue for elastogenesis. Moreover, TGF-β1 enhanced elastin synthesis in 3D, but had no effect on cells grown on 2D surfaces. TGF-β1, known to induce vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) differentiation, upregulated contractile VSMC marker proteins smooth muscle-α-actin and calponin in cells on 2D surfaces. Interestingly, in 3D scaffolds, TGF-β1 failed to upregulate these differentiation marker proteins for at least 7 days, but did so in cells cultured for 14 days, whereas elastin synthesis was not affected. To our knowledge this study is the first to successfully demonstrate that adult human VSMC can produce elastin when seeded on 3D scaffolds and to directly compare the effect of scaffold topography on elastin synthesis. Knowledge about the conditions required to regulate the phenotype of human VSMCs is paramount to engineer elastin-containing autologous human vascular substitutes.     

Porous chitosan-hyaluronic acid scaffolds as a mimic of glioblastoma microenvironment ECM

Cancer therapeutics are developed through extensive screening; however, many therapeutics evaluated with 2D in vitro cultures during pre-clinical trials suffer from lower efficacy in patients. Replicating the in vivo tumor microenvironment in vitro with three-dimensional (3D) porous scaffolds offers the possibility of generating more predictive pre-clinical models to enhance cancer treatment efficacy. We developed a chitosan and hyaluronic acid (HA) polyelectrolyte complex 3D porous scaffold and evaluated its physical properties. Chitosan-HA (C-HA) scaffolds had a highly porous network. C-HA scaffolds were compared to 2D surfaces for in vitro culture of U-118 MG human glioblastoma (GBM) cells. C-HA scaffold cultures promoted tumor spheroid formation and increased stem-like properties of GBM cells as evidenced by the upregulation of CD44, Nestin, Musashi-1, GFAP, and HIF-1α as compared with 2D cultures. Additionally, the invasiveness of GBM cells cultured in C-HA scaffolds was significantly enhanced compared to those grown in 2D cultures. C-HA scaffold cultures were also more resistant to chemotherapy drugs, which corresponded to the increased expression of ABCG2 drug efflux transporter. These findings suggest that C-HA scaffolds offer promise as an in vitro GBM platform for study and screening of novel cancer therapeutics.     

Modulation of the human bone cell cycle by calcium ion-implantation of titanium

Ca ion implantation of Ti surfaces has previously been reported to enhances osseointegration in vivo. Although the mechanisms underlying the response of bone cells to these novel surfaces still remain unclear, it is possible that Ca ion-implanted Ti (Ca-Ti) may influence the growth of new bone by modulating the progression of the cell cycle. In the present study we have, therefore, examined the precise effects of Ca ion-implantation of Ti on the bone-like MG-63 cell line in vitro. The results of flow cytometry analysis showed that this surface markedly enhanced the proportion of cells which expressed Ki-67, a cell proliferation-associated nuclear antigen, compared with cells grown on the non-implanted Ti (control) surface. In addition, cultures grown on Ca-Ti and synchronized at the G1/S boundary by hydroxyurea more rapidly re-entered and progressed through the S and G2/M phases of the cell cycle than their counterparts on Ti. Ca ion-implantation also significantly increased the numbers of mitotic cells. These results thus show that alteration of the surface chemistry of Ti by high-energy implantation with Ca ion was able to substantially modulate the progression of the bone cell cycle, and suggest a possible means of enhancing the response of bone cells to implant materials.     

脂质体介导的p53基因对肝癌细胞生长的抑制作用

目的 观察外源野生型ｐ５３基因在肝癌基因治疗方面的可行性。方法 将载有人野生型ｐ５３－ｃＤＮＡ的真核表达质粒ｐ５３－ｐｃＤＮＡ３,用阳离子脂质体介导转染人肝癌细胞系ＨｅｐＧ２,用流式细胞仪检测ｐ５３－ｐｃＤＮＡ３对ＨｅｐＧ２细胞生长的影响。结果 通过观察细胞生长曲线与流式细胞仪检测细胞周期和细胞的凋亡指数发现,ＨｅｐＧ２细胞生长受到明显的抑制。结论 脂质体介导的ｐ５３基因可在Ｈ细胞中表达,且明显抑     

A spheroid-based 3-D culture model for pancreatic cancer drug testing,using the acid phosphatase assay

Current therapy for pancreatic cancer is multimodal, involving surgery and chemotherapy. However, development of pancreatic cancer therapies requires a thorough evaluation of drug efficacy in vitro before animal testing and subsequent clinical trials. Compared to two-dimensional culture of cell monolayer, three-dimensional (3-D) models more closely mimic native tissues, since the tumor microenvironment established in 3-D models often plays a significant role in cancer progression and cellular responses to the drugs. Accumulating evidence has highlighted the benefits of 3-D in vitro models of various cancers. In the present study, we have developed a spheroid-based, 3-D culture of pancreatic cancer cell lines MIAPaCa-2 and PANC-1 for pancreatic drug testing, using the acid phosphatase assay. Drug efficacy testing showed that spheroids had much higher drug resistance than monolayers. This model, which is characteristically reproducible and easy and offers rapid handling, is the preferred choice for filling the gap between monolayer cell cultures and in vivo models in the process of drug development and testing for pancreatic cancer.     

利用甲胎蛋白启动子活力筛选人胚胎肝脏前体细胞

目的 利用甲胎蛋白启动子活力筛选人胚肝脏前体细胞克隆。 方法 经聚合酶链反应(PCR)扩增及酶切后连接,将甲胎蛋白启动子片段构建于pGL3载体中并测序鉴定,将其与pRL-TK质粒共转染到HepG2、A549和HeLa细胞中,通过相对荧光素酶活力分析甲胎蛋白启动子活力的特异性。采用克隆化培养法获得人胚胎肝脏细胞克隆,检测各克隆的甲胎蛋白启动子活力,并应用间接免疫荧光染色方法检测甲胎蛋白表达情况。 结果 经PCR、酶切分析及DNA序列测定证实pGL3-AFP质粒克隆成功。将其与pRL-TK质粒共转染到表达甲胎蛋白的HepG2细胞和不表达甲胎蛋白的A549、HeLa细胞中,仅在表达甲胎蛋白的HepG2细胞中检测到了较高的甲胎蛋白启动子活力,胚胎肝脏细胞中也检测到了甲胎蛋白启动子活力,表明其中含有表达甲胎蛋白的细胞。利用克隆培养法获得5个胚胎肝脏细胞克隆,将其分别共转染pGL3-AFP和pRL-TK质粒,发现其中1个克隆的甲胎蛋白启动子活力与HepG2细胞接近,且免疫荧光染色结果显示,该克隆细胞甲胎蛋白阳性率为(99.1±0.6)%,表明此克隆为肝脏前体细胞克隆。 结论 利用甲胎蛋白启动子活力结合克隆培养法可以获得肝脏前体细胞克隆。     

Three-dimensional culture of porcine fetal liver cells for a bioartificial liver

A three-dimensional (3-D) culture experiment of porcine fetal liver cells (FLCs) was performed using a porous resin substrate, for the purpose of developing a bioartificial liver. A long-term 3-D culture and monolayer culture as the control were performed for more than 1 month. To promote cell growth and maturation, human oncostatin M (OSM), the human leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), or cortisol was added to the cultures, and the effect of each agent on cell proliferation and liver-specific cellular functions was investigated. The cell numbers in both the monolayer and 3-D cultures increased gradually with time, irrespective of the supplementation of the stimulating agents. In the monolayer culture, the albumin secretion of FLCs decreased rapidly, and scarce activity was detected from 2 weeks onward under all culture conditions tested. In the 3-D cultures, neither human OSM nor human LIF had any definite effect on the albumin secretion of FLCs. However, in the cultures with cortisol, albumin secretion was maintained for a considerably long period. These findings suggest that a bioartificial liver can be developed by culturing porcine FLCs with cortisol as the stimulant.     

肝癌患者CIK细胞的诱导及对肝癌细胞毒作用的研究

观察肝癌患者PBMC在体外诱导成CIK细胞的能力及其对肝癌细胞的细胞毒作用。对比正常人组和肝癌患者组CIK细胞和LAK细胞之间的扩增差异。用流式细胞仪检测CIK细胞表面标志CD3、CD5 6 ,3 H TdR释放法检测CIK细胞、LAK细胞对肝癌细胞系SMMC 772 1等多种细胞系的细胞毒作用。结果显示 ,肝癌组和正常组的CIK细胞扩增倍数分别达 6 4 3倍和6 7 4倍 ,CD3+CD5 6 +细胞扩增倍数均达 6 0 0倍以上 ,在细胞扩增曲线及细胞表面标志上无差异 ,远大于LAK细胞 ;肝癌组CIK对肝癌细胞SMMC 772 1、Bel 74 0 2、Hep 3b杀伤能力均达 6 5 %～ 81% ,与正常组相同 ,且与对肠癌细胞系HIC 2 5 1杀伤能力无差异 ;对正常胎肝细胞系L 0 2的细胞毒作用 <5 % ;肝癌患者CIK对耐药的和未诱导耐药的K5 6 2细胞细胞毒作用均达到 70 %左右。肝癌患者CIK和正常人CIK一样对肝癌细胞有很强的细胞毒作用 ,对耐药肿瘤同样有效 ,对正常肝细胞无损伤 ,具有临床应用前景     

A tunable synthetic hydrogel system for culture of retinal ganglion cells and amacrine cells

The central nervous system consists of complex groups of individual cells that receive electrical, chemical and physical signals from their local environment. Standard in vitro cell culture methods rely on two-dimensional (2-D) substrates that poorly simulate in vivo neural architecture. Neural cells grown in three-dimensional (3-D) culture systems may provide an opportunity to study more accurate representations of the in vivo environment than 2-D cultures. Furthermore, each specific type of neuron depends on discrete compositions and physical properties of their local environment. Previously, we developed a library of hydrogels composed of poly(ethylene glycol) and poly(l-lysine) which exhibit a wide range of mechanical properties. Here, we identified specific scaffolds from this library that readily support the survival, migration and neurite outgrowth of purified retinal ganglion cells and amacrine cells. These data address important biological questions about the interaction of neurons with the physical and chemical properties of their local environment and provide further insight for engineering neural tissue for cell-replacement therapies following injury.     

Reduction of angiocidin contributes to decreased HepG2 cell proliferation

Background

Angiocidin plays a key role in angiogenesis and tumor progression. High angiocidin expression is detected in some kind of solid tumors and tumor vascular endothelial cells. Several reports have shown the inhibition of angiogenesis and tumor growth caused by angiocidin. However, the role of angiocidin in liver cancers growth is still unclear.

Objectives

To examine angiocidin expression in SMMC-7221 and HepG2 cells and the role of angiocidin in liver cancer cell growth.

Methods

RT-PCR and western blot are used in this study to detect angiocidin expression. SiRNA and MTT experiments are used in exploring the role of angiocidin in tumor cell growth.

Results

Our study showed high angiocidin expression in two kinds of liver cancer cells. Angiocidin protein production in HepG2 cells were reduced significantly by siRNA. When HepG2 cells were transfected with siRNA-angiocidin, these cells showed very low proliferation activity compared with control cells. Our study suggests that reduction of angiocidin may contribute to decreased proliferation activity in liver cancer cells.

Conclusion

Angiocidin is highly expressed in liver cancer cells, and it may play a key role in tumor growth of liver cancers.     

Perforin-dependent killing of tumor cells by Vgamma1Vdelta1-bearing T-cells

The T-cell subset expressing Vdelta2 paired primarily with Vgamma2 comprises a majority of gammadelta T-cells in human adult peripheral blood and expands significantly during a variety of infectious diseases. In contrast, the other subset of gammadelta T-cells that express Vdelta1 is rare among circulating T-cells and its function is poorly understood. Here, we show that a Vgamma1Vdelta1(+) T-cell line, 3-D, established from human peripheral blood by immortalization with Herpesvirus saimiri was able to specifically recognize tumor cells, such as K562 cells, and release cytotoxic granules containing perforin for target cell killing. Some tumor cells, including Daudi cells that are known to be susceptible to killing by Vdelta2(+) T-cells, were resistant to 3-D killing, implicating distinct pathways for tumor cell control by Vdelta1(+) and Vdelta2(+) T-cells. The 3-D T-cell receptor (TCR):CD3 complex reconstituted in TCR-deficient Jurkat cells was capable of transmitting signals, evidenced by activation of the interleukin 2 (IL-2) gene following ligation with anti-CD3 antibody, yet the TCR-reconstituted cells failed to produce IL-2 in response to the target cells. Thus, these results raise the possibility that some Vgamma1Vdelta1(+) T-cells could potentially be stimulated and lyse tumor cells via ligation of TCR/CD3-unassociated molecules.