Vascularization of iNSC spheroid in a 3D spheroid-on-a-chip platform enhances neural maturation.

Biotechnol Bioeng

Adult Stem Cell Research Center and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea.

Published: February 2022


Category Ranking

98%

Total Visits

921

Avg Visit Duration

2 minutes

Citations

20

Article Abstract

In vitro platforms for studying the human brain have been developed, and brain organoids derived from stem cells have been studied. However, current organoid models lack three-dimensional (3D) vascular networks, limiting organoid proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. In this study, we created a 3D model of vascularized spheroid cells using an injection-molded microfluidic chip. We cocultured spheroids derived from induced neural stem cells (iNSCs) with perfusable blood vessels. Gene expression analysis and immunostaining revealed that the vascular network greatly enhanced spheroid differentiation and reduced apoptosis. This platform can be used to further study the functional and structural interactions between blood vessels and neural spheroids, and ultimately to simulate brain development and disease.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9298365PMC
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/bit.27978DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

stem cells
8
blood vessels
8
vascularization insc
4
insc spheroid
4
spheroid spheroid-on-a-chip
4
spheroid-on-a-chip platform
4
platform enhances
4
enhances neural
4
neural maturation
4
maturation vitro
4

Similar Publications

Recessive TMEM167A variants cause neonatal diabetes, microcephaly and epilepsy syndrome.

J Clin Invest

September 2025

Department of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom.

Understanding the genetic causes of diseases affecting pancreatic β cells and neurons can give insights into pathways essential for both cell types. Microcephaly, epilepsy and diabetes syndrome (MEDS) is a congenital disorder with two known aetiological genes, IER3IP1 and YIPF5. Both genes encode proteins involved in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to Golgi trafficking.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Neural stem cells (NSCs) are multipotent stem cells with self-renewal capacity, able to differentiate into all neural lineages of the central nervous system, including neurons, oligodendrocytes, and astrocytes; thus, their proliferation and differentiation are essential for embryonic neurodevelopment and adult brain homoeostasis. Dysregulation in these processes is implicated in neurological disorders, highlighting the need to elucidate how NSCs proliferate and differentiate to clarify the mechanisms of neurogenesis and uncover potential therapeutic targets. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression involved in many aspects of nervous system development and function.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Engineering functional exosomes represents a cutting-edge approach in biomedicine, holding the promise to transform targeted therapy. However, challenges such as achieving consistent modification and scalability have limited their wider adoption. Herein, we introduce a universal and effective strategy for engineering multifunctional exosomes through cell fusion.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are highly compartmentalized neurons whose long axons serve as the sole connection between the eye and the brain. In both injury and disease, RGC degeneration occurs in a similarly compartmentalized manner, with distinct molecular and cellular responses in the axonal and somatodendritic regions. The goal of this study was to establish a microfluidic-based platform to investigate RGC compartmentalization in both health and disease states.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

The Effects of Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes on the Attenuation of Dry Eye Disease in Sjögren Syndrome Animal Model.

Tissue Eng Regen Med

September 2025

Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, #505 BanPo-Dong, SeoCho-Gu, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea.

Background: Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is a chronic autoimmune disease delineated by excessive lymphocyte infiltration to the lacrimal or salivary glands, leading to dry eye and dry mouth. Exosomes secreted from mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are known to have anti-inflammatory and tissue regeneration abilities. This study endeavored to demonstrate the effect of MSC-derived exosomes on the clinical parameter of dry eyes and associated pathology in SS mouse model.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF