PubMed Health⌕ Search

SEARCH · PubMed Health

Results for “cellular engineering”

Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 451 records · Page 25Linked to original sources

Symposium on Metrology and Standards for Cell Signaling: Impact on Tissue Engineering, National Institute for Standards and Technology, October 14-15, 2003.

The Symposium on Metrology and Standards for Cell Signaling: Impact on Tissue Engineering, was cosponsored by the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) and ASTM International, and was held at the NIST on October 14 and 15, 2003. The purpose of the symposium was to discuss the role of standards and quantitative measurements of cellular responses for the field of tissue engineering. Accurate and quantitative measurements, reference materials, and standards are needed to facilitate the understanding and control of cell responses to materials, culture media, and the in vivo environment. Speakers included government researchers from the NIST, the Food and Drug Administration, and the National Cancer Institute; vice presidents, chief executive officers, and directors of research from companies; and academic researchers in engineering, medicine, and cell biology. The metrology needs identified include quantitative assays of cell signaling pathways, bioinformatics that will allow consolidation of these complex data and permit correlative parameters to be identified, well-characterized standardized cell lines against which responses in other cells can be compared, and reference materials for use in control experiments.

Cell Culture Techniques↗

Live-cell transcriptomics with engineered virus-like particles.

Transcriptomic profiling is widely applied to characterize cellular gene expression, yet existing approaches lyse cells and preclude direct analysis of transcriptional dynamics in the same sample over time. We addressed this limitation by engineering mammalian cells to "self-report" their transcriptional states via mRNA export in virus-like particles (VLPs). Repeated sampling of culture media from VLP-producing cell populations faithfully captured evolving transcriptional states in complex biological settings, including acute inflammatory stimulation of primary cell spheroids and multi-day differentiation of pluripotent stem cells. We engineered VLP components for multiplexed readouts from distinct cell types in co-culture and for tuning self-reported RNA profiles. Finally, we demonstrated the unique utility of self-reporting for selective longitudinal tracking of endothelial cell dynamics within the enclosed architecture of a microphysiological co-culture system to identify perivascular stroma-dependent temporal gene programs underlying vasculogenesis. Altogether, this work establishes cellular self-reporting as a broadly enabling technology for live-cell transcriptome-wide gene expression profiling.

RNA↗

Role of gene therapy in tissue engineering procedures in rheumatology: the use of animal models.

Tissue engineering is not only the application of cells and scaffolds to generate a new tissue but should also bring into play biological principles to guide cellular behavior. A way to modify cellular behavior is genetic modification of the cells used for tissue engineering (gene therapy). In the field of rheumatic diseases, cellular modification by overexpressing anabolic factors, such as insulin-like growth factor-I or transforming growth factor beta, or inhibitors of catabolic cytokines or proteolytic enzymes can protect tissues form further destruction and stimulate tissue repair. To test the effect of transgenes on tissue engineering adequate test systems have to be available. Initial testing can be done in simple in vitro systems. However, animal models are unavoidable to study the interaction between the environment and tissue engineering. Optimal models to study gene therapy in combination with tissue engineering in the field of rheumatology are not available at this moment. Arthritis models are mainly developed in small animals while high-quality tissue engineering experiments ask for a large animal model. Development of animal models that can be used for tissue engineering experiments and mimic end stage arthritic diseases is needed.

Animals↗

Cloning and validating systems for high throughput molecular recording.

Molecular recording technologies record and store information about cellular history. Lineage tracing is one form of molecular recording and produces information describing cellular trajectories during mammalian development, differentiation and maintenance of adult stem cell niches, and tumor evolution. Our molecular recorder technology utilizes CRISPR-Cas9 barcode editing to generate mutations in genomically integrated, engineered DNA cassettes, which are read out by single-cell RNA sequencing and used to produce high-resolution lineage trees. Here, we describe optimized cloning and validation procedures to construct the molecular recorder lineage tracing system. We include information on considerations of technology design, cloning procedures, the generation of lineage tracing cell lines, and time course experiments to assess their performance.

Cloning, Molecular↗

Effects of medium perfusion rate on cell-seeded three-dimensional bone constructs in vitro.

Cellular activity at the center of tissue-engineered constructs in static culture is typically decreased relative to the construct periphery because of transport limitations. We have designed a tissue culture system that perfuses culture medium through three-dimensional (3D) porous cellular constructs to improve nutrient delivery and waste removal within the constructs. This study examined the effects of medium perfusion rate on cell viability, proliferation, and gene expression within cell-seeded 3D bone scaffolds. Human trabecular bone scaffolds were seeded with MC3T3-E1 osteoblast-like cells and perfused for 1 week at flow rates of 0.01, 0.1, 0.2, and 1.0 mL/min. Confocal microscopy after 1 week of culture indicated that a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min resulted in substantial cell death throughout the constructs whereas lowering the flow rate led to an increasing proportion of viable cells, particularly at the center of the constructs. DNA analysis showed increases in cell proliferation at a flow rate of 0.01 mL/min relative to 0.2 mL/min and static controls. Conversely, mRNA expressions of Runx2, osteocalcin, and alkaline phosphatase were upregulated at 0.2 mL/min compared with lower flow rates as quantified by real-time RT-PCR. These data suggest that medium perfusion may benefit the development of 3-D tissues in vitro by enhancing transport of nutrients and waste within the constructs and providing flow-mediated mechanical stimuli.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗

Polyelectrolyte nano-scaffolds for the design of layered cellular architectures.

The design of in vitro multilayered cellular architectures that resemble the stratified, lattice-like structure in tissues poses a significant challenge for tissue engineering. There is currently no generally applicable methodology to design multilayered cellular constructs that mimic the structure of tissues in vivo. We report a novel and generalizable approach to create multilayered cellular constructs that addresses these issues. These in vitro constructs comprise alternating layers of cells and nano-scale biocompatible polyelectrolyte (PE) scaffolds. We apply this methodology to address two specific problems in hepatic tissue engineering: the design of in vitro liver sinusoidal structures and the critical need to increase viable cell mass in extracorporeal liver-assist devices. We assembled ultrathin polymer scaffolds on the top of a confluent monolayer of cells by the sequential deposition of oppositely charged PEs. The thickness of the PE scaffold lies in the nanometer range. The PE scaffold plays a dual role. First, it is a technique to culture hepatocytes in vitro that maintains their morphology, cytoskeletal structure, and liver-specific functions. Second, the nano-scaffold provides a cell-adhesive surface on which a second layer of cells can be cultured, resulting in layered architectures. We have used this approach to design layered three-dimensional hepatocyte-PE-hepatocyte constructs, hepatocyte-PE-endothelial cell constructs, and hepatocyte-PE-fibroblast constructs. As a result of its versatility, this approach can, in principle, be used to design layered cellular constructs of any tissue type, and therefore has potentially wide applications in tissue engineering, bioreactor devices, and in drug delivery. This methodology has the potential to generate realistic in vitro constructs of any tissue type.

3T3 Cells↗

In situ assessment of cell viability within biodegradable polylactic acid polymer matrices.

Efforts to expand treatment options for articular cartilage repair have increasingly focussed on the implantation of cell polymer constructs. Primary cells cultured from perichondrium, a chondrogenic tissue, were found to survive in vitro within a biodegradable porous polylactic acid matrix. The novel application of an in situ fluorescent double-stain protocol to cell polymer constructs was supported by increased 3H-thymidine uptake and the ability of cell seeded polylactic acid to form first passage explant cultures. This in situ viability staining technique allowed for rapid determination of cell viability and, in conjunction with confocal microscopy, assessment of cellular distribution within a biodegradable scaffold. Advantages of using this method over histological and electron microscopic analysis include in situ observation, absence of distortion in scaffold architecture due to polymer dissolution and disruption during processing, and obtaining a viability assessment within 30 min. Potential applications of this protocol as a screening tool for laboratory engineered tissues and in the evaluation of cellular injury in natural tissues are discussed.

Animals↗

Quantification of temperature and injury response in thermal therapy and cryosurgery.

Research on thermal therapy--the heating of pathological tissue using energy source (radiofrequency, microwave, high-intensity focused ultrasound, or laser energy)--and cryosurgery--the freezing of pathological tissue using either liquid or gaseous cryogens--can be classified into two broad categories: basic science and clinical application. The basic science of thermal therapy and cryosurgery is an interdisciplinary research field involving both biology and engineering. Studies from the perspective of biology mainly focus on determining the thermally induced injury mechanisms at the macromolecular, cellular, and tissue (in vitro and in vivo) levels. Studies from the engineering perspective emphasize how to measure and predict the thermal and injury behavior using engineering tools. This article will give a detailed overview of studies relevant to the basic science of thermal therapy and cryosurgery from both the biology and engineering points of view. This includes the experimental observations of cellular and vascular alterations during and after thermal therapy/cryosurgery and the quantification of thermal histories and corresponding injuries using mathematical models.

Animals↗

Gene therapy and metabolic engineering.

Gene therapy involves the introduction of normal, healthy genes into cells to correct the underlying cause of a wide variety of inherited and acquired diseases. Future progress in developing effective clinical protocols involving gene therapy for the treatment of cellular dysfunction associated with disease may incorporate metabolic engineering. Metabolic engineering can be applied to gene therapy for the successful identification of disease genes; elucidation of disease pathways; development of safe and efficient gene-delivery systems; and regulation and control of gene expression. Cystic fibrosis, cancer, and diabetes are reviewed as examples of diseases where gene therapy approaches are being studied.

Animals↗

Decellularized native and engineered arterial scaffolds for transplantation.

More than 570,000 coronary artery bypass grafts are implanted each year, creating an important demand for small-diameter vascular grafts. For patients who lack adequate internal mammary artery or saphenous vein, tissue-engineered arteries may prove useful. However, the time needed to tissue engineer arteries (7 weeks or more) is too long for many patients. Decellularized cadaveric human arteries are another possible source of vascular conduit, but limited availability and the potential for disease transmission limit their widespread use. In contrast, decellularized tissue-engineered arteries could serve as grafts for immediate implantation, as scaffolds onto which patients' cells could be seeded, or as carriers for genetically engineered cells to aid cell transplantation. The goal of this study was to quantify the effects of decellularization on vascular matrix and mechanical properties. Specifically, we compared cellular elimination, extracellular matrix retention, and mechanical characteristics of porcine carotid arteries before and after treatment with three decellularization methods. In addition, for the first time, tissue-engineered arteries were decellularized. Decellularized native arteries were also used as a scaffold onto which vascular cells were seeded. These studies identified a decellularization method for native and engineered arteries that maximized cellular elimination, without greatly compromising mechanical integrity. We showed that engineered tissues could be decellularized, and demonstrated the feasibility of reseeding decellularized vessels with vascular cells.

Animals↗

Inhibition of human telomerase activity by an engineered zinc finger protein that binds G-quadruplexes.

The G-quadruplex nucleic acid structural motif is a target for designing molecules that could potentially modulate telomere length or have anticancer properties. We have recently described an engineered zinc finger protein (Gq1) that binds with specificity to the intramolecular G-quadruplex formed by the human telomeric sequence 5'-(GGTTAG)(5)-3' (Isalan et al. (2001) Biochemistry 40, 830-836). Here, we report that Gq1 is able to arrest the action of a DNA polymerase on a template-containing telomeric sequence. Inhibition occurs in a concentration-dependent manner, probably by forming a stabilized G-quadruplex.protein complex. Furthermore, Gq1 inhibits the apparent activity of the enzyme telomerase in vitro, with an IC(50) value of 74.3 +/- 11.1 nM. Possible molecular mechanisms of inhibition are discussed, together with the potential for using engineered zinc fingers to interfere with the cellular processes associated with telomere function.

DNA↗

In vitro chondrogenesis of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells in a photopolymerizing hydrogel.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from skeletally mature goats were encapsulated in a photopolymerizing poly(ethylene glycol)-based hydrogel and cultured with or without transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF) to study the potential for chondrogenesis in a hydrogel scaffold system amenable to minimally invasive implantation. Chondrogenic differentiation was evaluated by histological, biochemical, and RNA analyses for the expression of cartilage extracellular matrix components. The two control groups studied were MSCs cultured in monolayer and MSCs encapsulated in the hydrogel and cultured for 6 weeks in chondrogenic medium without TGF-beta1 (6wk-TGF). The three experimental time points for encapsulated cells studied were 0 days (0d), 3 weeks, and 6 weeks in chondrogenic medium with TGF-beta1 at 10 ng/ml (3wk+TGF and 6wk+TGF). MSCs proliferated in the hydrogels with TGF-beta1. Glycosaminoglycan (GAG) and total collagen content of the hydrogels increased to 3.5% dry weight and 5.0% dry weight, respectively, in 6wk+TGF constructs. Immunohistochemistry revealed the presence of aggrecan, link protein, and type II collagen. Upregulation of aggrecan and type II collagen gene expression compared with monolayer MSCs was demonstrated. Type I collagen gene expression decreased from 3 to 6 weeks in the presence of TGF-beta1. 6wk-TGF hydrogels produced no GAG and only moderate amounts of collagen. However, immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR demonstrated a small amount of spontaneous differentiation in this control group. This study demonstrates the ability to encapsulate MSCs to form cartilage-like tissue in vitro in a photopolymerizing hydrogel. This system may be useful for minimally invasive implantation, MSC differentiation, and engineering of composite tissue structures with multiple cellular phenotypes.

Animals↗

AAA+ proteins: have engine, will work.

The AAA+ (ATPases associated with various cellular activities) family is a large and functionally diverse group of enzymes that are able to induce conformational changes in a wide range of substrate proteins. The family's defining feature is a structurally conserved ATPase domain that assembles into oligomeric rings and undergoes conformational changes during cycles of nucleotide binding and hydrolysis. Here, we review the structural organization of AAA+ proteins, the conformational changes they undergo, the range of different reactions they catalyse, and the diseases associated with their dysfunction.

Adenosine Triphosphatases↗

Silicon cellular morphology.

We describe a design technique for neuromorphic engineering that exploits both Mead's notion of physical equivalence between transistors and ion channels and the intrinsic properties of the materials of which transistors are composed. This is in contrast to the "algorithmic" design technique in common use. A "physical" design technique allows us to emphasise the morphology of cells. We hope to use this in an exploration of the effect of cell morphology upon function.

Algorithms↗

A neovascularized organoid derived from retrovirally engineered bone marrow stroma leads to prolonged in vivo systemic delivery of erythropoietin in nonmyeloablated, immunocompetent mice.

Marrow stromal cells (MSCs) are postnatal progenitor cells that can be easily cultured ex vivo to large amounts. This feature is attractive for cell therapy applications where genetically engineered MSCs could serve as an autologous cellular vehicle for the delivery of therapeutic proteins. The usefulness of MSCs in transgenic cell therapy will rely upon their potential to engraft in nonmyeloablated, immunocompetent recipients. Further, the ability to deliver MSCs subcutaneously - as opposed to intravenous or intraperitoneal infusions - would enhance safety by providing an easily accessible, and retrievable, artificial subcutaneous implant in a clinical setting. To test this hypothesis, MSCs were retrovirally engineered to secrete mouse erythropoietin (Epo) and their effect was ascertained in nonmyeloablated syngeneic mice. Epo-secreting MSCs when administered as 'free' cells by subcutaneous or intraperitoneal injection, at the same cell dose, led to a significant - yet temporary - hematocrit increase to over 70% for 55+/-13 days. In contrast, in mice implanted subcutaneously with Matrigel trade mark -embedded MSCs, the hematocrit persisted at levels >80% for over 110 days in four of six mice (P<0.05 logrank). Moreover, Epo-secreting MSCs mixed in Matrigel elicited and directly participated in blood vessel formation de novo reflecting their mesenchymal plasticity. MSCs embedded in human-compatible bovine collagen matrix also led to a hematocrit >70% for 75+/-8.9 days. In conclusion, matrix-embedded MSCs will spontaneously form a neovascularized organoid that supports the release of a soluble plasma protein directly into the bloodstream for a sustained pharmacological effect in nonmyeloablated recipients.

Animals↗

Cancer-specific viruses and the development of ONYX-015.

Viruses can be engineered to replicate in cancer cells selectively. This can be achieved using regulatory elements with tumor-selectivity, or using deletions of viral genes that are essential in normal cells but dispensable in tumor cells. The latter approach has been used to make viruses that depend on loss of RB or loss of p53. However, redundancy of function of viral proteins and cellular pathways has complicated this approach and required further viral engineering or a better understanding of cellular pathways to increase effectiveness. In spite of these complicating factors, ONYX-015, a prototype of this new class of therapeutic agents, has undergone extensive testing in the clinic, and has proven safe with promising signs of efficacy. Here, I summarize issues relating to selectivity of this agent and its clinical potential. Based on clinical data and new basic discoveries, several approaches are suggested to improve the efficacy of this agent in the clinic.

Adenoviridae↗

Adeno-associated virus serotypes: vector toolkit for human gene therapy.

Recombinant adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors have rapidly advanced to the forefront of gene therapy in the past decade. The exponential progress of AAV-based vectors has been made possible by the isolation of several naturally occurring AAV serotypes and over 100 AAV variants from different animal species. These isolates are ideally suited to development into human gene therapy vectors due to their diverse tissue tropisms and potential to evade preexisting neutralizing antibodies against the common human AAV serotype 2. Despite their prolific application in several animal models of disease, the mechanisms underlying selective tropisms of AAV serotypes remain largely unknown. Efforts to understand cell surface receptor usage and intracellular trafficking pathways exploited by AAV continue to provide significant insight into the biology of AAV vectors. Such unique traits are thought to arise from differences in surface topology of the capsids of AAV serotypes and variants. In addition to the aforementioned naturally evolved AAV isolates, several strategies to engineer hybrid AAV serotype vectors have been formulated in recent years. The generation of mosaic or chimeric vectors through the transcapsidation or marker-rescue/domain-swapping approach, respectively, is notable in this regard. More recently, combinatorial strategies for engineering AAV vectors using error-prone PCR, DNA shuffling, and other molecular cloning techniques have been established. The latter library-based approaches can serve as powerful tools in the generation of low-immunogenic and cell/tissue type-specific AAV vectors for gene delivery. This review is focused on recent developments in the isolation of novel AAV serotypes and isolates, their production and purification, diverse tissue tropisms, mechanisms of cellular entry/trafficking, and capsid structure. Strategies for engineering hybrid AAV vectors derived from AAV serotypes and potential implications of the rapidly expanding AAV vector toolkit are discussed.

Animals↗