Multi-well Microelectrode Arrays Research Articles

Focused Ultrasound Neuromodulation of Human In Vitro Neural Cultures in Multi-Well Microelectrode Arrays.

The neuromodulatory effects of focused ultrasound (FUS) have been demonstrated in animal models, and FUS has been used successfully to treat movement and psychiatric disorders in humans. However, despite the success of FUS, the mechanism underlying its effectson neurons remains poorly understood, making treatment optimization by tuning FUS parameters difficult. To address this gap in knowledge, we studied human neurons in vitro using neurons cultured from human-induced pluripotent stem cells (HiPSCs). Using HiPSCs allows for the study of human-specific neuronal behaviors in both physiologic and pathologic states. This report presents a protocol for using a high-throughput system that enables the monitoring and quantification of the neuromodulatory effects of FUS on HiPSC neurons. By varying the FUS parameters and manipulating the HiPSC neurons through pharmaceutical and genetic modifications, researchers can evaluate the neural responses and elucidate the neuro-modulatory effects of FUS on HiPSC neurons. This research could have significant implications for the development of safe and effective FUS-based therapies for a range of neurological and psychiatric disorders.

Phase-amplitude coupling detection and analysis of human 2-dimensional neural cultures in multi-well microelectrode array in vitro

BackgroundHuman induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)- derived neurons offer the possibility of studying human-specific neuronal behaviors in physiologic and pathologic states in vitro. It is unclear whether cultured neurons can achieve the fundamental network behaviors required to process information in the brain. Investigating neuronal oscillations and their interactions, as occurs in cross-frequency coupling (CFC), addresses this question. New methodsWe examined whether networks of two-dimensional (2D) cultured hiPSC-derived cortical neurons grown with hiPSC-derived astrocytes on microelectrode array plates recapitulate the CFC that is present in vivo. We employed the modulation index method for detecting phase-amplitude coupling (PAC) and used offline spike sorting to analyze the contribution of single neuron spiking to network behavior. ResultsWe found that PAC is present, the degree of PAC is specific to network structure, and it is modulated by external stimulation with bicuculline administration. Modulation of PAC is not driven by single neurons, but by network-level interactions. Comparison with existing methodsPAC has been demonstrated in multiple regions of the human cortex as well as in organoids. This is the first report of analysis demonstrating the presence of coupling in 2D cultures. ConclusionCFC in the form of PAC analysis explores communication and integration between groups of neurons and dynamical changes across networks. In vitro PAC analysis has the potential to elucidate the underlying mechanisms as well as capture the effects of chemical, electrical, or ultrasound stimulation; providing insight into modulation of neural networks to treat nervous system disorders in vivo.

Exosomal preconditioning of human iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes beneficially alter cardiac electrophysiology during hypoxia

Abstract Introduction and purpose Cardiac-Exosomes (EXO) are nano-sized extracellular vesicles, continuously secreted by the myocardium. Despite previous misconceptions, cardiac-EXO are not just a way for the cell to dispatch waste, but functions as carriers of signaling molecules. Furthermore, the effects of cardiac-EXO signaling during hypoxic stress is not well understood. The present study aimed to determine the biological effects of EXO released from hypoxic cardiomyocytes, focusing on whether the EXO-cargo can benefit recipient cells during hypoxic stress. We hypothesize that cardiomyocytes exposed to hypoxic stress would display advantageous electrophysiological properties after preconditional treatment with isolated cardiac-EXO secreted from cardiomyocytes exposed to hypoxic stress. Methods For preconditional treatment we isolated EXO from human iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes (CM) exposed to hypoxia (1% O2) for 16 h (H-EXO). H-EXO was thereafter administrated as preconditional treatment to a secondary population of CM 24 h before subjection to 16 h of hypoxia. Electrophysiological effects of H-EXO precondition treatment were assessed with a multiwell microelectrode array (MEA) system. Using the MEA-system; field potential, beat period, spike slope, spike amplitude, excitation-contraction (EC) coupling, and cardiac action potentials were recorded and analyzed. Results We found that CM exposed to hypoxic stress conditions (16 hours) displayed significant increase in beat period when preconditioned with H-EXO compared to non-treated CM (+15.7%, p<0.05). Furthermore, precondition with H-EXO resulted in faster EC coupling compared with non-treated CM after 16 h of hypoxia (-25.3%, p<0.05). More efficient EC coupling indicates that the H-EXO recipient cells are less affected by the hypoxic stress. There were no significant changes in field potential, spike slope, spike amplitude and cardiac action potential between the two groups after 16 h of hypoxia. Conclusion The present study report that EXO secreted by CM under hypoxia alter electrophysiological properties in recipient cells exposed to 16 h hypoxic stress. The alterations indicate more efficient cardiomyocyte EC coupling and longer beat period.

Ketamine reduces electrophysiological network activity in cortical neuron cultures already at sub-micromolar concentrations – Impact on TrkB-ERK1/2 signaling

The dissociative anesthetic ketamine regulates cortical activity in a dose-dependent manner. Subanesthetic-dose ketamine has paradoxical excitatory effects which is proposed to facilitate brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) (a ligand of tropomyosin receptor kinase B, TrkB) signaling, and activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2). Previous data suggests that ketamine, at sub-micromolar concentrations, induces glutamatergic activity, BDNF release, and activation of ERK1/2 also on primary cortical neurons. We combined western blot analysis with multiwell-microelectrode array (mw-MEA) measurements to examine ketamine's concentration-dependent effects on network-level electrophysiological responses and TrkB-ERK1/2 phosphorylation in rat cortical cultures at 14 days in vitro. Ketamine did not cause an increase in neuronal network activity at sub-micromolar concentrations, but instead a decrease in spiking that was evident already at 500 nM concentration. TrkB phosphorylation was unaffected by the low concentrations, although BDNF elicited prominent phosphorylation response. High concentration of ketamine (10 μM) strongly reduced spiking, bursting and burst duration, which was accompanied with decreased phosphorylation of ERK1/2 but not TrkB. Notably, robust increases in spiking and bursting activity could be produced with carbachol, while it did not affect phosphorylation of TrkB or ERK1/2. Diazepam abolished neuronal activity, which was accompanied by reduced ERK1/2 phosphorylation without change on TrkB. In conclusion, sub-micromolar ketamine concentrations did not cause an increase in neuronal network activity or TrkB-ERK1/2 phosphorylation in cortical neuron cultures that readily respond to exogenously applied BDNF. Instead, pharmacological inhibition of network activity can be readily observed with high concentration of ketamine and it is associated with reduced ERK1/2 phosphorylation.This article is part of the Special Issue on "Ketamine and its Metabolites".

Assaying Spontaneous Network Activity and Cellular Viability Using Multi-Well Microelectrode Arrays.

Microelectrode array (MEA) technology is a neurophysiological method that allows for the measurement of spontaneous or evoked neural activity to determine chemical effects thereon. Following assessment of compound effects on multiple endpoints that evaluate network function, a cell viability endpoint in the same well is determined using a multiplexed approach. Recently, it has become possible to measure electrical impedance of cells attached to the electrodes, where greater impedance indicates greater number of cells attached. This would allow rapid and repeated assessments of cell health as the neural network develops in longer exposure assays without impacting cell health. Typically, the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay for cytotoxity and CellTiter-Blue® (CTB) assay for cell viability are only performed at the end of the chemical exposure period because these assays involve lysing of the cells. Procedures describing the multiplexed methods in acute and network formation screening are included in this chapter.

Neuromodulatory and neurotoxic effects of e-cigarette vapor using a realistic exposure method

The most direct effects of inhaled harmful constituents are the effects on the airways. However, inhaled compounds can be rapidly absorbed and subsequently result in systemic effects. For example, e-cigarette vapor has been shown to evoke local effects in the lung, although little is known about subsequent effects in secondary target organs such as the brain. Traditionally, such effects are tested using in vivo models. As an alternative, we have combined two in vitro systems, which are Air-Liquid-Interface (ALI) cultured alveolar cells (A549) and rat primary cortical cultures grown on multi-well microelectrode arrays. This allows us to assess the neurological effects of inhaled compounds. We have used exposure to e-cigarette vapor, containing nicotine, menthol, or vanillin to test the model. Our results show that ALI cultured A549 cells respond to the exposure with the production of cytokines (IL8 and GROalpha). Furthermore, nicotine, menthol, and vanillin were found on the basolateral side of the cell culture, which indicates their translocation. Upon transfer of the basolateral medium to the primary cortical culture, exposure-related changes in spontaneous electrical activity were observed correlating with the presence of e-liquid components in the medium. These clear neuromodulatory effects demonstrate the feasibility of combining continuous exposure of ALI cultured cells with subsequent exposure of neuronal cells to assess neurotoxicity. Although further optimization steps are needed, such a combination of methods is important to assess the neurotoxic effects of inhaled compounds realistically. As such, an approach like this could play a role in future mechanism-based risk assessment strategies.

An efficient neuron-astrocyte differentiation protocol from human embryonic stem cell-derived neural progenitors to assess chemical-induced developmental neurotoxicity

Human embryonic stem cell neuronal differentiation models provide promising in vitro tools for the prediction of developmental neurotoxicity of chemicals. Such models mimic essential elements of human relevant neuronal development, including the differentiation of a variety of brain cell types and their neuronal network formation as evidenced by specific gene and protein biomarkers. However, the reproducibility and lengthy culture duration of cell models present drawbacks and delay regulatory implementation. Here we present a relatively short and robust protocol to differentiate H9-derived neural progenitor cells (NPCs) into a neuron-astrocyte co-culture. When frozen-stored NPCs were re-cultured and induced into neuron-astrocyte differentiation, they showed gene- and protein expression typical for these cells, and most notably they exhibited spontaneous electrical activity within three days of culture as measured by a multi-well micro-electrode array. Modulating the ratio of astrocytes and neurons through different growth factors including glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) did not compromise the ability to develop spontaneous electrical activity. This robust neuronal differentiation model may serve as a functional component of a testing strategy for unravelling mechanisms of developmental neurotoxicity.

Multiwell Microelectrode Array (MEA) Technology for the quantification of neuronal, synaptic, and network function for in vitro primary and stem cell-derived neuronal models

Multiwell Microelectrode Array (MEA) Technology for the quantification of neuronal, synaptic, and network function for in vitro primary and stem cell-derived neuronal models

Adaptation of robust Z’ factor for assay quality assessment in microelectrode array based screening using adult dorsal root ganglion neurons

BackgroundCell-based assays comprising primary sensory neurons cultured in vitro are an emerging tool for the screening and identification of potential analgesic compounds and chronic pain treatments. High-content screening (HCS) platforms for drug screening are characterized by a measure of assay quality indicator, such as the Z’-factor, which considers the signal dynamic range and data variation using control compounds only. Although widely accepted as a quality metric in high throughput screening (HTS), standard Z’-factor are not well-suited to indicate the quality of complex cell-based assays. New MethodThe present study describes a method to assess assay quality in the context of extracellular recordings from dorsal root ganglion (DRG) sensory neurons cultured on multi-well microelectrode arrays. Data transformations are applied to electrophysiological parameters, such as electrode and well spike rates, for valid normality assumptions and suitability for use as a sample signal. Importantly, using transformed well-wide metrics, a robust version of the Z’-factor was applied, based on the median and median absolute deviation, to indicate assay quality and assess hit identification of putative pharmacological compounds. ResultsApplication of appropriately scaled data and robust statistics ensured insensitivity to data variation and approximation of normal distribution. The use median and median absolute deviation of log transformed well spike rates in computing the Z’-factor revealed a value of 0.61, which is accepted as an “excellent assay.” Known antagonists of nociceptor-specific voltage-gated sodium ion channels were identified as true hits in the present assay format under both spontaneous and thermally stimulated conditions. Comparison with Existing MethodsThe present approach demonstrated a large signal dynamic range and reduced sensitivity to data variation compared to standard Z’-factor used widely in HTS. ConclusionOverall, the present study provides a statistical basis for the implementation of a HCS platform utilizing adult DRG neurons on microelectrode arrays.

Cardiotoxicity screening of illicit drugs and new psychoactive substances (NPS) in human iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes using microelectrode array (MEA) recordings

The use of recreational drugs, including new psychoactive substances (NPS), is paralleled by emergency department visits of drug users with severe cardiotoxicity. Drug-induced cardiotoxicity can be the (secondary) result of increased norepinephrine blood concentrations, but data on potential drug-induced direct effects on cardiomyocyte function are scarce. The presence of hundreds of NPS therefore calls for efficient screening models to assess direct cardiotoxicity.We investigated effects of four reference compounds (3–30 nM dofetilide, nifedipine and isoproterenol, and 1–10 μM mexiletine) and six recreational drugs (0.01–100 μM cocaine, 0.01–1000 μM amphetamine, MDMA, 4-fluoroamphetamine, α-PVP and MDPV) on cardiomyocyte function (beat rate, spike amplitude and field potential duration (FPD ≈ QT interval in ECGs)), using Pluricyte® human-induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived cardiomyocytes cultured on ready-to-use CardioPlate™ multi-well microelectrode arrays (mwMEAs). Moreover, the effects of exposure to recreational drugs on cell viability were assessed.Effects of reference compounds were in accordance with the literature, indicating the presence of hERG potassium (dofetilide), sodium (mexiletine) and calcium (nifedipine) channels and α-adrenergic receptors (isoproterenol). All recreational drugs decreased the spike amplitude at 10–100 μM. All amphetamine-type stimulants and α-PVP decreased the beat rate at 300 μM, while cocaine and MDPV did so at 10 μM and 30 μM, respectively. All drugs increased the FPD, however at varying concentrations. MDMA, MDPV and amphetamine affected cardiomyocyte function at concentrations relevant for human exposure, while other drugs affected cardiomyocyte function only at higher concentrations (≥ 10 μM). Cell viability was only mildly affected at concentrations well above the lowest concentrations affecting cardiomyocyte function.We demonstrate that MEA recordings of hiPSC-derived cardiomyocytes enable screening for acute, direct effects on cardiomyocyte function. Our data further indicate that tachycardia in patients exposed to recreational drugs is likely due to indirect drug effects, while prolonged repolarization periods (prolonged QTc interval) could (partly) result from direct drug effects on cardiomyocyte function.

Multiwell microelectrode array technology for multimodal characterization of neural and cardiac networks in vitro

Multiwell microelectrode array technology for multimodal characterization of neural and cardiac networks in vitro

Novel method for action potential measurements from intact cardiac monolayers with multiwell microelectrode array technology

The cardiac action potential (AP) is vital for understanding healthy and diseased cardiac biology and drug safety testing. However, techniques for high throughput cardiac AP measurements have been limited. Here, we introduce a novel technique for reliably increasing the coupling of cardiomyocyte syncytium to planar multiwell microelectrode arrays, resulting in a stable, label-free local extracellular action potential (LEAP). We characterized the reliability and stability of LEAP, its relationship to the field potential, and its efficacy for quantifying AP morphology of human induced pluripotent stem cell derived and primary rodent cardiomyocytes. Rise time, action potential duration, beat period, and triangulation were used to quantify compound responses and AP morphology changes induced by genetic modification. LEAP is the first high throughput, non-invasive, label-free, stable method to capture AP morphology from an intact cardiomyocyte syncytium. LEAP can accelerate our understanding of stem cell models, while improving the automation and accuracy of drug testing.

Human iPSC-Derived Cardiomyocyte Networks on Multiwell Micro-electrode Arrays for Recurrent Action Potential Recordings

Human iPSC-Derived Cardiomyocyte Networks on Multiwell Micro-electrode Arrays for Recurrent Action Potential Recordings

Human iPSC-Derived Cardiomyocyte Networks on Multiwell Micro-electrode Arrays for Recurrent Action Potential Recordings.

Cardiac safety screening is of paramount importance for drug discovery and therapeutics. Therefore, the development of novel high-throughput electrophysiological approaches for hiPSC-derived cardiomyocyte (hiPSC-CM) preparations is much needed for efficient drug testing. Although multielectrode arrays (MEAs) are frequently employed for field potential measurements of excitable cells, a recent publication by Joshi-Mukherjee and colleagues described and validated its application for recurrent action potential (AP) recordings from the same hiPSC-CM preparation over days. The aim here is to provide detailed step-by-step methods for seeding CMs and for measuring AP waveforms via electroporation with high precision and a temporal resolution of 1 µs. This approach addresses the lack of easy-to-use methodology to gain intracellular access for high-throughput AP measurements for reliable electrophysiological investigations. A detailed work flow and methods for plating of hiPSC-CMs on multiwell MEA plates are discussed emphasizing critical steps wherever relevant. In addition, a custom-built MATLAB script for rapid data handling, extraction and analysis is reported for comprehensive investigation of the waveform analysis to quantify subtle differences in morphology for various AP duration parameters implicated in arrhythmia and cardiotoxicity.

Human-Derived Brain Models: Windows into Neuropsychiatric Disorders and Drug Therapies.

Human-derived neurons and brain organoids have revolutionized our ability to model brain development in a dish. In this review, we discuss the potential for human brain models to advance drug discovery for complex neuropsychiatric disorders. First, we address the advantages of human brain models to screen for new drugs capable of altering CNS activity. Next, we propose an experimental pipeline for using human-derived neurons and brain organoids to rapidly assess drug impact on key events in brain development, including neurite extension, synapse formation, and neural activity. The experimental pipeline begins with automated high content imaging for analysis of neurites, synapses, and neuronal viability. Following morphological examination, multi-well microelectrode array technology examines neural activity in response to drug treatment. These techniques can be combined with high throughput sequencing and mass spectrometry to assess associated transcriptional and proteomic changes. These combined technologies provide a foundation for neuropsychiatric drug discovery and future clinical assessment of patient-specific drug responses.

Changes in neuronal activity in rat primary cortical cultures induced by illicit drugs and new psychoactive substances (NPS) following prolonged exposure and washout to mimic human exposure scenarios

The use of new psychoactive substances (NPS) is increasing despite associated health risks and limited pharmacological and toxicological knowledge. Information is available mainly for acute effects on specific targets like monoamine transporters and receptors. Recently, we have shown the ability of several NPS and illicit drugs to modulate neuronal activity during acute exposure. While these acute measurements provide valuable information regarding the potency and possible structure-activity relationships, an exposure scenario more representative of human exposure would increase insight and aid translation to the human situation.Therefore, we investigated the effects on neuronal activity after acute (30 min) and prolonged (5 h) exposure to amphetamine-type stimulants, cathinones, hallucinogens, piperazines and cocaine using rat primary cortical cultures grown on multi-well microelectrode arrays. To investigate the reversibility of effects, activity was also measured after a washout period of 19 h.During acute exposure, all compounds concentration-dependently decreased neuronal activity. Compared to acute exposure, prolonged exposure did not further decrease neuronal activity. Following washout, effects of 3 out of 11 drugs (methamphetamine, cocaine, and benzylpiperazine) were fully reversible, whereas effects induced by MDMA, PMMA and α-PVP were partially reversible. Neuronal activity did not recover after 19 h washout following exposure to the highest concentration of MDPV, 2C-B, 25B-NBOMe, and TFMPP. On the contrary, exposure to low concentrations of methylone, and to some extent of 2C-B, increased neuronal activity after the washout period.Hazard characterization of emerging NPS should include at least an acute exposure to determine a potency rank order. Supplementing the (acute and prolonged) exposure scenario with a washout period allows investigation of the reversibility of effects. The possibility of a neuronal network to regain activity after drug exposure appears independent of drug class or IC50 values for acute and prolonged exposure. Even though neuronal activity (partly) recovers after washout following exposure to most drugs, it is perturbing that complete recovery of neuronal activity is observed only for a minority of the tested drugs.

Towards animal-free neurotoxicity screening: Applicability of hiPSC-derived neuronal models for in vitro seizure liability assessment_suppl

A sizeable proportion of drug attrition is due to drug-induced seizures. Currently available animal models frequently fail to predict human seizure liability. Therefore, there is a need for in vitro alternatives, preferably based on human-derived neurons, to circumvent interspecies translation. The increasing number of commercially available human induced plurip­otent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived neuronal models holds great promise for replacing rodent primary cultures. We therefore tested three different hiPSC-derived neuronal models for their applicability for in vitro seizure liability assessment. Using immunofluorescent staining and multi-well micro-electrode arrays, we show that all models develop functional neuronal networks that exhibit spontaneous activity and (network) bursting behavior. Development of activity patterns differed between the models, probably due to differences in model composition and seeding density. Neuronal activity and (network) bursting was reproducibly modulated with the seizurogenic compounds strychnine, picrotoxin (PTX) and 4-aminopyridine (4-AP). However, the sensitivity and degree of chemical-induced effects differed between the models, which can likely be explained by differences in seeding density, maturation and different ratios of inhibitory and excit­atory cell types. Importantly, compared to rat primary cortical neurons, the hiPSC-derived neuronal models were equally, or even better in the case of 4-AP, suited to detect seizurogenicity. Overall, our data indicate that hiPSC-derived neuronal models may be used as a first screening tool for in vitro seizure liability assessment. However, before hiPSC-derived neu­ronal models can fully replace animal experiments, more compounds should be tested and the available models must be further characterized to fully understand their applicability.

Assay Procedures for Compound Testing of hiPSC-Derived Cardiomyocytes Using Multiwell Microelectrode Arrays.

The cardiac action potential requires a precise timing of activation and inactivation of ion channel subtypes. Deviations, for example, due to blockage of specific voltage-gated potassium channels, can result in live-threatening arrhythmias. Due to the limitations of standard cellular assays based on cells which artificially express only single ion channel subtypes, many potentially interesting compounds are discarded during drug development. More predictive functional assays are required. With the upcoming of human stem-cell derived cardiomyocytes (hiPS-CM) these assays are available, supporting even the design of patient-derived disease models. Microelectrode array systems allow to noninvasively record and evaluate cardiac field action potentials. In this chapter we describe how to cultivate hiPS-CM on two parallelized MEA systems and suggest an experimental strategy for compound tests.

Towards animal-free neurotoxicity screening: Applicability of hiPSC-derived neuronal models for in vitro seizure liability assessment.

A sizeable proportion of drug attrition is due to drug-induced seizures. Current available animal models frequently fail to predict human seizure liability. Therefore, there is a need for in vitro alternatives, preferably based on human-derived neurons to circumvent interspecies translation. The increasing number of commercially available human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived neuronal models holds great promise for replacing rodent primary cultures. We therefore tested three different hiPSC-derived neuronal models for their applicability for in vitro seizure liability assessment. Using immunofluorescent staining and multi-well micro-electrode arrays we show that all models develop functional neuronal networks that exhibit spontaneous activity and (network) bursting behavior. Developmental patterns differ between the models, probably due to differences in model composition and seeding density. Nevertheless, neuronal activity and (network) bursting can be reproducibly modulated with the seizurogenic compounds strychnine, picrotoxin (PTX) and 4-aminopyridine (4-AP). However, the sensitivity and degree of chemical-induced effects differs between the models, which can likely be explained by differences in seeding density, maturation and different ratios of inhibitory and excitatory cell types. Importantly, compared to rat primary cortical neurons, the hiPSC-derived neuronal models were equally, or even better in the case of 4-AP, suited to detect seizurogenicity. Overall, our data indicate that hiPSC-derived neuronal models may in the future be used as a first screening tool for in vitro seizure liability assessment. However, before hiPSC-derived neuronal models can fully replace animal experiments, more compounds should be tested and the available models must be further characterized to fully understand their applicability.

Improvements to multiwell microelectrode array technology for characterization of neural and cardiac electrophysiology in vitro

Improvements to multiwell microelectrode array technology for characterization of neural and cardiac electrophysiology in vitro