Jorgensen, J. | bioRxiv Science

bioRxiv2019

Megakaryocytes Display Innate Immune Cell Functions and Respond during Sepsis

Megakaryocytes (MKs) are precursors to platelets, the second most abundant cells in the peripheral circulation. However, while platelets are known participate in immune responses and play significant roles during infections, the role of MKs within the immune system has not been explored. Here we utilize in vitro techniques to show that both cord blood-derived MKs (CB MKs) and MKs from a human megakaryoblastic leukemia cell line (Meg-01) chemotax towards pathogenic stimuli, phagocytose bacteria, and release chromatin webs in response to bacteria. Moreover, in patients with sepsis, we found that MK counts were significantly higher in the peripheral blood, and CD61+ staining was increased in the kidneys and lungs, correlated with the development of organ dysfunction. Overall, our study suggests that MK cells display basic innate immune cell functions and respond during infections and sepsis.

immunology↗

bioRxiv2019

Injection molded open microfluidic well plate inserts for user-friendly coculture and microscopy

Open microfluidic cell culture systems are powerful tools for interrogating biological mechanisms. We have previously presented a microscale cell culture system, based on spontaneous capillary flow of biocompatible hydrogels, that is integrated into a standard cell culture well plate, with flexible cell compartment geometries and easy pipet access. Here, we present two new injection molded open microfluidic devices that also easily insert into standard cell culture well plates and standard culture workflows, allowing seamless adoption by biomedical researchers. These platforms allow culture and study of soluble factor communication among multiple cell types, and the microscale dimensions are well-suited for rare primary cells. Unique advances include optimized evaporation control within the well, manufacture with reproducible and cost-effective rapid injection molding, and compatibility with sample preparation workflows for high resolution microscopy (following well-established coverslip mounting procedures). In this work, we present several use cases that highlight the usability and widespread utility of our platform including culture of limited primary testis cells from surgical patients, microscopy readouts including immunocytochemistry and single molecule fluorescence in situ hybridization (smFISH), and coculture to study interactions between adipocytes and prostate cancer cells.

bioengineering↗