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Garcia-Cordero, J. L.

Publications and source records attributed to Garcia-Cordero, J. L..

5 recordsLinked to original sources

CORE: Deterministic alignment for bias-free organoid histology

Histological analysis of 3D tissue models is limited by geometric sampling bias arising from inconsistent positioning during embedding. We present Coplanar Organoid Reproducible Embedding (CORE), which aligns heterogeneous specimens on a shared sectioning plane to enable reproducible, bias-free histology. By eliminating depth-dependent sampling artifacts, CORE reveals biological differences obscured by sectioning depth and integrates with automated liquid- handling workflows.

bioengineering↗

Integrin-dependent trafficking of CD98hc reduces endocytic noise to maintain metabolic homeostasis

A stable supply of amino acids is essential for cellular homeostasis. CD98hc is an indispensable component of the LAT1 amino acid transporter. Here, we found an unexpected role for {beta}1-integrin in amino acid homeostasis via the regulation of CD98hc trafficking. We identified Fast Endophilin-Mediated Endocytosis (FEME) as the primary internalization route for CD98hc in both osteosarcoma and brain endothelial cells. Endocytosis was followed by {beta}1-integrin-dependent recycling, which diverted CD98hc from early endosomes. By combining mathematical modelling with high-content imaging, we demonstrate that this trafficking pathway exhibited emergent properties that filtered high-frequency endocytic events to stabilize CD98hc at the plasma membrane. Mutating CD98hc to disrupt its interaction with {beta}1-integrin led to redistribution of the transporter into early endosomes, reduced intracellular amino acid levels and impaired growth under metabolic stress. We propose that regulation of transporter trafficking dynamics is a general mechanism to buffer endocytic noise and maintain metabolic homeostasis.

cell biology↗

Integrated Microfluidic Platform for High-Throughput Generation of Intestinal Organoids in Hydrogel Droplets

Organoid research offers valuable insights into human biology and disease, but reproducibility and scalability remain significant challenges, particularly for epithelial organoids. Here, we present an integrated microfluidic platform that addresses these limitations by enabling high-throughput generation of uniform hydrogel microparticles embedded with intestinal stem cells. Our platform includes a cell distribution system for homogenous cell encapsulation and a microfluidic oil removal module for efficient particle transfer to aqueous media. We demonstrate the successful culture and differentiation of both healthy and tumor-derived intestinal organoids within these microparticles, achieving high homogeneity and reproducibility. This integrated microfluidic approach holds promise for scalable and standardized organoid production, with potential applications in drug screening, disease modeling, and personalized medicine.

bioengineering↗

High-throughput histopathology for complex in vitro models

Human complex in vitro models (CIVMs) have demonstrated remarkable potential to study tissue development, physiology and disease at high-throughput. To effectively employ these miniaturized systems in translational preclinical research, their in-depth benchmarking is pivotal. Histology has been the core of tissue characterization for centuries and the foundation of spatial phenotyping. However, standard histology workflows are inherently low-throughput and centered on large tissue pieces. This does not match the high sample volumes and small sample sizes in CIVM research. Here, we introduce a holistic histo-workflow, utilizing 3D-printed histomolds that facilitate co-planar embedding of CIVMs at high-throughput, resulting in up to 48 samples in one section. We developed a variety of model-specific histomold designs that enable spatially controlled histological sectioning and downstream analyses. We describe these workflows, including mold generation, highplex staining and image analysis, and exemplify their application to histological analyses of various CIVMs. Altogether, the histomolds introduced here afford opportunities for CIVM processing and analysis, while significantly reducing labor and reagent resources, thereby democratizing high-throughput CIVM in histopathology.

pathology↗

Facile assembly of an affordable miniature multicolor fluorescence microscope made of 3D-printed parts enables detection of single cells

Fluorescence microscopy is one of the workhorses of biomedical research and laboratory diagnosis; however, their cost, size, maintenance, and fragility has prevented their adoption in developing countries or low-resource settings. Although significant advances have decreased their size, cost and accessibility, their designs and assembly remain rather complex. Here, inspired on the simple mechanism from a nut and a bolt we report the construction of a portable fluorescence microscope that operates in bright field mode and in three fluorescence channels: UV, green, and red. It is assembled in under 10 min from only six 3D printed parts and basic electronic components that can be readily purchased in most locations or online for US $85. Adapting a microcomputer and a touch LCD screen, the microscope can capture time-lapse images and videos. We characterized its resolution and illumination conditions and benchmarked its performance against a high-end fluorescence microscope by tracking a biological process in single cells. We also demonstrate its application to image cells inside a microfluidic device in bright-field and fluorescence mode. Our microscope fits in a CO2 chamber and can be operated in time-lapse mode. Our portable microscope is ideal in applications where space is at a premium, such as lab-on-a-chips or space missions, and can find applications in clinical research, diagnostics, telemedicine and in educational settings.

bioengineering↗