Biology subjects

Lattanzi, D.

Publications and source records attributed to Lattanzi, D..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2025

Engeneering the neurovascular unit: a novel sensorized microfluidic platform to study barrier function and maturation

Central nervous system diseases pose a significant challenge for the development of effective drugs and therapies. A major limiting factor is the neurovascular unit (NVU), which is both anatomically complex and characterized by a highly selective barrier. Conventional 2D in-vitro models and in-vivo animal models do not adequately replicate its pathophysiology. Organ-on-a-Chip technology provides a powerful platform to model the NVU, enabling replication of its anatomical and functional features within a dynamic microenvironment that closely mimics the human brain. However, the requirement for specialized facilities and technical expertise limits accessibility, reducing broader translational applications. Additionally, conventional endpoint analyses constrain real-time monitoring of cellular behavior. Here, we present and validate a novel bi-modular microfluidic chip that offers an easy-to-use and scalable solution for studying cellular cross-talk, while enabling live imaging and real-time measurements. The model incorporates human endothelial cells and primary neurons that were investigated through immunofluorescence and live imaging. The design overcomes key fabrication challenges and integrates a simplified method for Trans-Epithelial/Endothelial Electrical Resistance (TEER) monitoring, allowing in situ real-time assessment of barrier integrity. Overall, this platform represents a robust and versatile tool for in-vitro studies of the NVU, facilitating comprehensive evaluation of its structural and functional dynamics. Our microfluidic NVU-on-chip represents a significant advancement in NVU modelling, providing a versatile platform for CNS drug screening, disease modelling, and personalized medicine applications.

bioengineering↗

bioRxiv2025

Transepithelial/endothelial electrical measurement using a low-cost and customizable Arduino-based sensor

Transepithelial/transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) is a label-free assay that is commonly used to assess tissue barrier integrity. Although commercial TEER meters are available, they are expensive and difficult to customize, which hinders researchers hoping to incorporate them in other research platforms. In the past few years, microcontrollers have risen in popularity for electrical signaling and general programming, of which Arduino is the most popular platform due to its scalability, simplicity and low price. This work presents the development of a completely customized, user-friendly and low-cost TEER meter that is Arduino-based and capable of continuous measurements and automated data collection. We demonstrate the stability of the instrument to measure long-term real-time barrier formation and disruption of an epithelial and endothelial cell line. The design simplicity and low-cost of the components make this technology transferrable to other laboratories for TEER and biological barriers research.

bioengineering↗

bioRxiv2023

On the role of melanistic coloration on thermoregulation in the crepuscular gecko Eublepharis macularius

Body coloration in ectotherms serves multiple biological functions, including avoiding predators, communicating with conspecific individuals, and involvement in thermoregulation. As ectotherms rely on environmental sources of heat to regulate their internal body temperature, stable melanistic body coloration or color change can be used to increase or decrease heat absorption and heat exchange with the environment. While the function of melanistic coloration for thermoregulation has been found to increase solar radiation absorption for heating in many diurnal ectotherms, research on crepuscular and nocturnal ectotherms is lacking. Since crepuscular and nocturnal ectotherms generally absorb heat from the substrate, coloration is likely under different selective pressures than in diurnal ectotherms. We tested if the proportion of dorsal melanistic body coloration is related to differences in body temperature heating and cooling rates in the crepuscular gecko Eublepharis macularius and whether changes in environmental temperature trigger color changes in this species. Temperature measurements of the geckos and of the environment were taken using infrared thermography and temperature loggers. Color data were obtained using objective photography and a newly developed custom software package. We found that body temperature reflected substrate temperatures, and that the proportion of melanistic coloration has no influence on heating or cooling rates or on color changes. These findings suggest that, in E. macularius, melanistic coloration may not be used for thermoregulation. Future research should further test the function of melanistic coloration in other crepuscular and nocturnal vertebrates to understand the evolution of melanistic pattern in animals active in low light conditions.

zoology↗