Wide-Field Time-Domain Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy (FLIM): Molecular Snapshots of Metabolic Function in Biological Systems.

Steady-state fluorescence imaging is routinely employed to obtain physiological information but is susceptible to artifacts such as absorption and photobleaching. FLIM provides an additional source of contrast oblivious to these but is affected by factors such as pH, gases, and temperature. Here we focused on developing a resolution-enhanced FLIM system for quantitative oxygen sensing. Oxygen is one of the most critical components of metabolic machinery and affects growth, differentiation, and death. FLIM-based oxygen sensing provides a valuable tool for biologists without the need of alternate technologies. We also developed novel computational approaches to improve spatial resolution of FLIM images, extending its potential for thick tissue studies. We designed a wide-field time-domain UV-vis-NIR FLIM system with high temporal resolution (50 ps), large temporal dynamic range (750 ps – 1 μs), short data acquisition/processing times (15 s) and noise-removal capability. Lifetime calibration of an oxygen-sensitive, ruthenium dye (RTDP) enabled in vivo oxygen level measurements (resolution = 8 μM, range = 1 – 300 μM). Combining oxygen sensing with endogenous imaging allowed for the study of two key molecules (NADH and oxygen) consumed at the termini of the oxidative phosphorylation pathway in Barrett’s adenocarcinoma columnar (SEG-1) cells and Esophageal normal squamous cells (HET-1). Starkly higher intracellular oxygen and NADH levels in living SEG-1 vs. HET-1 cells were detected by FLIM and attributed to altered metabolic pathways in malignant cells. We performed FLIM studies in microfluidic bioreactors seeded with mouse myoblasts. For these systems, oxygen concentrations play an important role in cell behavior and gene expression. Oxygen levels decreased with increasing cell densities and were consistent with simulated model outcomes. In single bioreactor loops, FLIM detected spatial heterogeneity in oxygen levels as high as 20%. We validated our calibration with EPR spectroscopy, the gold standard for intracellular oxygen measurements. Differences between FLIM and EPR results were explained by cell lysate-FLIM studies. We proposed a new protocol for estimating oxygen levels by using a reference cell line and cellular lysate analysis. Lastly, we proposed and compared two different image restoration approaches, direct lifetime vs. intensity-overlay. Both approaches improve resolution while maintaining veracity of lifetime.Ph.D.Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of Michigan, Horace H. Rackham School of Graduate Studieshttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/61675/1/dsud_1.pd

Differences in reactivation of tuberculosis induced from anti-tnf treatments are based on bioavailability in granulomatous tissue

The immune response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection is complex. Experimental evidence has revealed that tumor necrosis factor (TNF) plays a major role in host defense against Mtb in both active and latent phases of infection. TNF-neutralizing drugs used to treat inflammatory disorders have been reported to increase the risk of tuberculosis (TB), in accordance with animal studies. The present study takes a computational approach toward characterizing the role of TNF in protection against the tubercle bacillus in both active and latent infection. We extend our previous mathematical models to investigate the roles and production of soluble (sTNF) and transmembrane TNF (tmTNF). We analyze effects of anti-TNF therapy in virtual clinical trials (VCTs) by simulating two of the most commonly used therapies, anti-TNF antibody and TNF receptor fusion, predicting mechanisms that explain observed differences in TB reactivation rates. The major findings from this study are that bioavailability of TNF following anti-TNF therapy is the primary factor for causing reactivation of latent infection and that sTNF-even at very low levels-is essential for control of infection. Using a mathematical model, it is possible to distinguish mechanisms of action of the anti-TNF treatments and gain insights into the role of TNF in TB control and pathology. Our study suggests that a TNF-modulating agent could be developed that could balance the requirement for reduction of inflammation with the necessity to maintain resistance to infection and microbial diseases. Alternatively, the dose and timing of anti-TNF therapy could be modified. Anti-TNF therapy will likely lead to numerous incidents of primary TB if used in areas where exposure is likely. © 2007 Marino et al

Differences in reactivation of tuberculosis induced from anti-tnf treatments are based on bioavailability in granulomatous tissue.

The immune response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection is complex. Experimental evidence has revealed that tumor necrosis factor (TNF) plays a major role in host defense against Mtb in both active and latent phases of infection. TNF-neutralizing drugs used to treat inflammatory disorders have been reported to increase the risk of tuberculosis (TB), in accordance with animal studies. The present study takes a computational approach toward characterizing the role of TNF in protection against the tubercle bacillus in both active and latent infection. We extend our previous mathematical models to investigate the roles and production of soluble (sTNF) and transmembrane TNF (tmTNF). We analyze effects of anti-TNF therapy in virtual clinical trials (VCTs) by simulating two of the most commonly used therapies, anti-TNF antibody and TNF receptor fusion, predicting mechanisms that explain observed differences in TB reactivation rates. The major findings from this study are that bioavailability of TNF following anti-TNF therapy is the primary factor for causing reactivation of latent infection and that sTNF-even at very low levels-is essential for control of infection. Using a mathematical model, it is possible to distinguish mechanisms of action of the anti-TNF treatments and gain insights into the role of TNF in TB control and pathology. Our study suggests that a TNFmodulating agent could be developed that could balance the requirement for reduction of inflammation with the necessity to maintain resistance to infection and microbial diseases. Alternatively, the dose and timing of anti-TNF therapy could be modified. Anti-TNF therapy will likely lead to numerous incidents of primary TB if used in areas where exposure is likely

Differences in reactivation of tuberculosis induced from anti-tnf treatments are based on bioavailability in granulomatous tissue.

The immune response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection is complex. Experimental evidence has revealed that tumor necrosis factor (TNF) plays a major role in host defense against Mtb in both active and latent phases of infection. TNF-neutralizing drugs used to treat inflammatory disorders have been reported to increase the risk of tuberculosis (TB), in accordance with animal studies. The present study takes a computational approach toward characterizing the role of TNF in protection against the tubercle bacillus in both active and latent infection. We extend our previous mathematical models to investigate the roles and production of soluble (sTNF) and transmembrane TNF (tmTNF). We analyze effects of anti-TNF therapy in virtual clinical trials (VCTs) by simulating two of the most commonly used therapies, anti-TNF antibody and TNF receptor fusion, predicting mechanisms that explain observed differences in TB reactivation rates. The major findings from this study are that bioavailability of TNF following anti-TNF therapy is the primary factor for causing reactivation of latent infection and that sTNF-even at very low levels-is essential for control of infection. Using a mathematical model, it is possible to distinguish mechanisms of action of the anti-TNF treatments and gain insights into the role of TNF in TB control and pathology. Our study suggests that a TNFmodulating agent could be developed that could balance the requirement for reduction of inflammation with the necessity to maintain resistance to infection and microbial diseases. Alternatively, the dose and timing of anti-TNF therapy could be modified. Anti-TNF therapy will likely lead to numerous incidents of primary TB if used in areas where exposure is likely