Generation of Human Motor Units with Functional Neuromuscular Junctions in Microfluidic Devices

Scope of the method

The Method relates to
  • Human health
The Method is situated in
  • Basic Research
Type of method
  • In vitro - Ex vivo
This method makes use of
  • Human derived cells / tissues / organs
Specify the type of cells/tissues/organs
human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived motor neurons and human primary mesoangioblast-derived myotubes

Description

Method keywords
  • Microfluidic device
  • Human iPSC-derived motor neuron
  • Human primary mesoangioblast-derived myotube
  • Motor-unit
  • Neuromuscular junction
  • Compartmentalized
  • live-cell imaging
  • Immunocytochemistry
  • Scanning electron microscopy
Scientific area keywords
  • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
  • FUS
  • Neurite outgrowth
  • Neurite regrowth
  • HDAC6
  • Tubastatin A
Method description

This study aimed to create a versatile and reproducible in vitro model of a human motor unit with functional neuromuscular junctions (NMJs). Therefore, human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived motor neurons and human primary mesoangioblast (MAB)-derived myotubes were co-cultured in commercially available microfluidic devices. The use of fluidically isolated micro-compartments allows for the maintenance of cell-specific microenvironments while permitting cell-to-cell contact through microgrooves. By applying a chemotactic and volumetric gradient, the growth of motor neuron-neurites through the microgrooves promoting myotube interaction and the formation of NMJs were stimulated. These NMJs were identified immunocytochemically through co-localization of motor neuron presynaptic marker synaptophysin (SYP) and postsynaptic acetylcholine receptor (AChR) marker α-bungarotoxin (Btx) on myotubes and characterized morphologically using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The functionality of the NMJs was confirmed by measuring calcium responses in myotubes upon depolarization of the motor neurons. The motor unit generated using standard microfluidic devices and stem cell technology can aid future research focusing on NMJs in health and disease.

Lab equipment
  • Laminar flow cabinet
  • Cell-culture incubator
Method status
  • Published in peer reviewed journal

Pros, cons & Future potential

Advantages

This method uses commercially available microfluidic devices and standard stem cell technology, which increases reproducibility.

Future & Other applications

The model is validated for research in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, but can also be used in other fields where motor units or neuromuscular junctions are of interest.

References, associated documents and other information

References
  • - Stoklund Dittlau K et al.. Human motor units in microfluidic devices are impaired by FUS mutations and improved by HDAC6 inhibition. Stem Cell Reports, 2021 Sep 14;16(9):2213-2227. doi: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2021.03.029
  •  
  • - Stoklund Dittlau K et al. Generation of Human Motor Units with Functional Neuromuscular Junctions in Microfluidic Devices. J Vis Exp. 2021 Sep 7;(175). doi: 10.3791/62959. Protocol includes a professional instruction video.
Associated documents
Human motor units in microfluidic devices are impaired by FUS mutations and improved by HDAC6 inhibition.pdf
jove-protocol-62959-generation-human-motor-units-with-functional-neuromuscular-junctions.pdf
Links
JoVE protocol instruction video

Contact person

Katarina Stoklund Dittlau

Organisations

Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie (VIB)
VIB-Center for Brain and Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology
Belgium

Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KUL)
Department of Neurosciences
Belgium
Flemish Region

Neurosciences - KU Leuven
Department of Neurosciences
Belgium
Flemish Region