Jannick Theobald

Self-protonating spiropyran-co-NIPAM-co-acrylic acid hydrogel photoactuators

Up to now, photoresponsive hydrogels and ionogels based on poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) copolymerised with pendant spiropyran groups require exposure to external acidic solution (usually milimolar HCl) to generate the swollen gel prior to photo-triggered contraction. This serious functional limitation has been solved by copolymerising acrylic acid into the gel matrix, to provide an internal source of protons. Due to the relative pKa values of acrylic acid and the spiropyran and merocyanine isomers, the protonation and deprotonation occurs internally within the gel and there is no need for an external source of protons. Furthermore, the shrinking–expansion cycles of these gels in deionised water are repeatable, as protonation throughout the gel does not rely on movement of protons from an external acidic solution into the bulk gel. In contrast to previous formulations, these gels do not show degradation of their photo-induced shrinking ability after multiple washings in deionised water and repeated switching over a 2 month period.

Methylisoindigo preferentially kills cancer stem cells by interfering cell metabolism via inhibition of LKB1 and activation of AMPK in PDACs

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) clinically has a very poor prognosis. No small molecule is available to reliably achieve cures. Meisoindigo is chemically related to the natural product indirubin and showed substantial efficiency in clinical chemotherapy for CML in China. However, its effect on PDAC is still unknown. Our results showed strong anti‐proliferation effect of meisoindigo on gemcitabine‐resistant PDACs. Using a recently established primary PDAC cell line, called Jopaca‐1 with a larger CSCs population as model, we observed a reduction of CD133+ and ESA+/CD44+/CD24+ populations upon treatment and concomitantly a decreased expression of CSC‐associated genes, and reduced cellular mobility and sphere formation. Investigating basic cellular metabolic responses, we detected lower oxygen consumption and glucose uptake, while intracellular ROS levels increased. This was effectively neutralized by the addition of antioxidants, indicating an essential role of the cellular redox balance. Further analysis on energy metabolism related signaling revealed that meisoindigo inhibited LKB1, but activated AMPK. Both of them were involved in cellular apoptosis. Additional in situ hybridization in tissue sections of PDAC patients reproducibly demonstrated co‐expression and ‐localization of LKB1 and CD133 in malignant areas. Finally, we detected that CD133+/CD44+ were more vulnerable to meisoindigo, which could be mimicked by LKB1 siRNAs. Our results provide the first evidence, to our knowledge, that LKB1 sustains the CSC population in PDACs and demonstrate a clear benefit of meisoindigo in treatment of gemcitabine‐resistant cells. This novel mechanism may provide a promising new treatment option for PDAC.

Design and fabrication of a scalable liver-lobule-on-a-chip microphysiological platform

The design and fabrication of a very large-scale liver-lobule (VLSLL)-on-a-chip device, providing a microphysiological niche for hepatocytes, is described. The device consists of an integrated network of liver-lobule-like hexagonal tissue-culture chambers constructed in a hybrid layout with a separate seed-feed network. As a key feature, each chamber contains a central outlet mimicking the central vein of a liver lobule. Separating chamber walls located between the culture area and feed network protects cells from the shear force of the convective flow. Arrays of designated passages convey nutrients to the cells by diffusion-dominated mass transport. We simulated the flow velocity, shear stress and diffusion of glucose molecules inside and outside the culture chambers under a continuous flow rate of 1 μl min-1. As proof of concept, human hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HepG2) were cultured for periods of 5 and 14 days and human-induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived hepatocytes for 21 days. Stabilized albumin secretion and urea synthesis were observed in the microfluidic devices and cells maintained morphology and functionality during the culture period. Furthermore, we observed 3D tissue-like structure and bile-canaliculi network formation in the chips. Future applications of the described platform include drug development and toxicity studies, as well as the modeling of patient-specific liver diseases, and integration in multi-organ human-on-a-chip systems.

Human microRNA-299-3p decreases invasive behavior of cancer cells by downregulation of Oct4 expression and causes apoptosis

Purpose Oct4 was reported to be one of the most important pluripotency transcription factors in the biology of stem cells including cancer stem cells, and progressed malignant cells. Here we report the investigation of gene expression control of Oct4 by selected human microRNAs and the physiological effect of Oct4 silencing in invasive cancer cells. Methods and results High throughput luciferase activity assay revealed the microRNA-299-3p to be the most effective in reducing gene expression of Oct4, which was confirmed by Western blot analysis and Oct4 promoter activity in a target luciferase assay. Furthermore, it could be demonstrated that downregulation of Oct4 by microRNAs-299-3p in breast cancer and fibrosarcoma cells lead to a decreased invasiveness in a microfluidic chip assay. Additionally, microRNA-299-3p causes apoptosis in cancer cells. Comparison with Oct4 specific siRNA transfection confirmed that this effect is primary due to the blockade of Oct4 expression. Conclusion The results suggest that microRNA-299-3p is an interesting target for potential clinical use. It may be able to decrease invasive behaviour of carcinoma cells; or even kill these cells by causing apoptosis.

Activation of pro-survival metabolic networks by 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 does not hamper the sensitivity of breast cancer cells to chemotherapeutics

BackgroundWe have previously identified 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3], the bioactive form of vitamin D3, as a potent regulator of energy-utilization and nutrient-sensing pathways in prostate cancer cells. In the current study, we investigated the effects of 1,25(OH)2D3 on breast cancer (BCa) cell metabolism using cell lines representing distinct molecular subtypes, luminal (MCF-7 and T-47D), and triple-negative BCa (MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-468, and HCC-1143).Methods1,25(OH)2D3’s effect on BCa cell metabolism was evaluated by employing a combination of real-time measurements of glycolysis/oxygen consumption rates using a biosensor chip system, GC/MS-based metabolomics, gene expression analysis, and assessment of overall energy levels. The influence of treatment on energy-related signaling molecules was investigated by immunoblotting.ResultsWe show that 1,25(OH)2D3 significantly induces the expression and activity of the pentose phosphate pathway enzyme glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) in all BCa cell lines, however differentially influences glycolytic and respiratory rates in the same cells. Although 1,25(OH)2D3 treatment was found to induce seemingly anti-oxidant responses in MCF-7 cells, such as increased intracellular serine levels, and reduce the expression of its putative target gene thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP), intracellular reactive oxygen species levels were found to be elevated. Serine accumulation in 1,25(OH)2D3-treated cells was not found to hamper the efficacy of chemotherapeutics, including 5-fluorouracil. Detailed analyses of the nature of TXNIP’s regulation by 1,25(OH)2D3 included genetic and pharmacological inhibition of signaling molecules and metabolic enzymes including AMP-activated protein kinase and G6PD, as well as by studying the ITCH (E3 ubiquitin ligase)-TXNIP interaction. While these investigations demonstrated minimal involvement of such pathways in the observed non-canonical regulation of TXNIP, inhibition of estrogen receptor (ER) signaling by tamoxifen mirrored the reduction of TXNIP levels by 1,25(OH)2D3, demonstrating that the latter’s negative regulation of ER expression is a potential mechanism of TXNIP modulation.ConclusionsAltogether, we propose that regulation of energy metabolism contributes to 1,25(OH)2D3’s anti-cancer effects and that combining 1,25(OH)2D3 with drugs targeting metabolic networks in tumor cells may lead to synergistic effects.

Monitoring cytochrome P450 activity in living hepatocytes by chromogenic substrates in response to drug treatment or during cell maturation

The metabolic activity of hepatocytes is a central prerequisite for drug activity and a key element in drug–drug interaction. This central role in metabolism largely depends on the activity of the cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzyme family, which is not only dependent on liver cell maturation but is also controlled in response to drug and chemical exposure. Here, we report the use of VividDye fluorogenic CYP450 substrates to directly measure and continuously monitor metabolic activity in living hepatocytes. We observed time- and dose-dependent correlation in response to established and putative CYP450 inducers acting through the aryl hydrocarbon receptor and drug combinations. Using repetitive addition of VividDye fluorogenic substrate on a daily basis, we demonstrated the new application of VividDye for monitoring the maturation and dedifferentiation of hepatic cells. Despite a lack of high specificity for individual CYP450 isoenzymes, our approach enables continuous monitoring of metabolic activity in living cells with no need to disrupt cultivation. Our assay can be integrated in in vitro liver-mimetic models for on-line monitoring and thus should enhance the reliability of these tissue model systems.

Di(2-ethylhexyl) Phthalate and Its Role In Developing Cholestasis – An In Vitro Study On Different Liver Cell Types

Objectives: Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a plasticizer used in many polyvinylchloride medical devices and is washed out easily. Thereby critically ill infants can become exposed to DEHP concentrations significantly exceeding the recommended threshold. We suspect DEHP to play an important role in the development of intestinal failure-associated liver disease. The aim of this study was therefore to determine the direct influence of DEHP on different liver cell types. Methods: HepG2, human upcyte hepatocytes, primary murine hepatocytes, LX-2, human upcyte hepatic stellate cells, and liver organoids were cultured with DEHP (0.5–500 &mgr;mol/L) and parameters including cytotoxicity, cell–cell interactions, and expression of metabolizing enzymes were investigated. Results: DEHP modulated the expression of xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes, reduced the formation of bile canaliculi and cell polarity, and inhibited Cyp-activity in hepatocytes. DEHP had a toxic effect on LX-2 and induced the fibrogenic activation of hepatic stellate cells. The mode of action of DEHP was different in monolayer cultures compared to 3D-liver organoids, which were more sensitive to DEHP. Conclusions: This study suggests that DEHP modulates expression and activity of drug-detoxifying liver enzymes in humans at a clinically relevant concentration. Furthermore, it may contribute to the development of cholestasis and fibrosis. These findings strongly support the opinion, that there is a significant potential for serious adverse effects of DEHP derived from medical devices on human health, especially in very young infants with immature livers.