A 3 D model will be developed in aggregate cultures to conduct developmental neurotoxicity testing (DNT). The model will capture the complex morphological and biochemical interactions between astrocytes and neurons that take place during development. Astrocytes participate in neuronal differentiation by providing a matrix for axonal growth and dendritic arborization. They participate in synapse formation and monitor synaptic activity through their processes that ensheath synapses. Astrocytes remove glutamate from the synapse, they respond to glutamate and ATP through a calcium response, and they detoxify reactive oxygen species generated by the active mitochondria and by neurotransmitter biosynthesis. Aggregate cultures were found to promote neuronal differentiation, synapse formation, and myelination in brains cells derived from rodents and humans. In the specific aims, neuronal differentiation, synapse formation, synaptic plasticity, and responsiveness to substances will be compared between co-cultures of astrocytes and neurons in aggregate and monolayer cultures. Astrocytes and neurons will be developed from human induced pluripotent stem cell lines (iPSC). Synapse formation will be assessed morphologically. Astrocyte participation in synapse formation will be determined morphologically by measuring the juxtaposition of astrocyte processes with synapses. Functional assessment of astrocyte participation will be accomplished with genetically driven calcium sensitive fluorescent probes. Similarly, the responses of neurons and astrocytes to different substances that increase oxidative stress and inflammation will be measured with biochemical assays and reporter gene constructs containing fluorescent probes. Because genetic variability will influence responses to drugs and other substances, the DNT model will also be developed with iPSC from different genetic backgrounds. To demonstrate the feasibility that genetic background is important in DNT, iPSC from individuals with Down's Syndrome and Tuberous Sclerosis Complex will be tested. In both syndromes, the genetic modification increases sensitivity to substances that generate oxidative stress. Several DNT substances will be examined in aggregate cultures of neurons and astrocytes induced from iPSC that are derived from both syndromes. Overall, the model developed in this proposal will have the potential to assess DNT in human neurons and astrocyte derived from individuals with different genetic backgrounds.

Public Health Relevance

A 3D rat mini brain model successfully used for developmental neurotoxicity testing will be humanized using induced pluripotent stem cells. This allows to use cells from healthy donors and patients and study for the first time gene/environment interactions. The model promises to replace demanding animal testing with a more predictive human model.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS)
Type
Research Demonstration--Cooperative Agreements (U18)
Project #
5U18TR000547-02
Application #
8516140
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-BST-N (50))
Program Officer
Sutherland, Margaret L
Project Start
2012-07-24
Project End
2014-06-30
Budget Start
2013-07-01
Budget End
2014-06-30
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2013
Total Cost
$377,093
Indirect Cost
$103,068
Name
Johns Hopkins University
Department
Public Health & Prev Medicine
Type
Schools of Public Health
DUNS #
001910777
City
Baltimore
State
MD
Country
United States
Zip Code
21218
Pamies, David; Block, Katharina; Lau, Pierre et al. (2018) Rotenone exerts developmental neurotoxicity in a human brain spheroid model. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 354:101-114
Pamies, David; Hartung, Thomas (2017) 21st Century Cell Culture for 21st Century Toxicology. Chem Res Toxicol 30:43-52
Pamies, David; Barreras, Paula; Block, Katharina et al. (2017) A human brain microphysiological system derived from induced pluripotent stem cells to study neurological diseases and toxicity. ALTEX 34:362-376
Harris, Georgina; Hogberg, Helena; Hartung, Thomas et al. (2017) 3D Differentiation of LUHMES Cell Line to Study Recovery and Delayed Neurotoxic Effects. Curr Protoc Toxicol 73:11.23.1-11.23.28
Smirnova, L; Harris, G; Delp, J et al. (2016) A LUHMES 3D dopaminergic neuronal model for neurotoxicity testing allowing long-term exposure and cellular resilience analysis. Arch Toxicol 90:2725-2743
Bal-Price, Anna; Crofton, Kevin M; Leist, Marcel et al. (2015) International STakeholder NETwork (ISTNET): creating a developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) testing road map for regulatory purposes. Arch Toxicol 89:269-87
Pamies, David; Hartung, Thomas; Hogberg, Helena T (2014) Biological and medical applications of a brain-on-a-chip. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 239:1096-1107
Bouhifd, Mounir; Hogberg, Helena T; Kleensang, Andre et al. (2014) Mapping the human toxome by systems toxicology. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 115:24-31
Alépée, Natalie; Bahinski, Anthony; Daneshian, Mardas et al. (2014) State-of-the-art of 3D cultures (organs-on-a-chip) in safety testing and pathophysiology. ALTEX 31:441-77
Hartung, Thomas (2014) 3D - a new dimension of in vitro research. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 69-70:vi

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