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Hu Y, Rogers J, Duan Y, Velusamy A, Narum S, Al Abdullatif S, Salaita K. Quantifying T cell receptor mechanics at membrane junctions using DNA origami tension sensors. NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY 2024:10.1038/s41565-024-01723-0. [PMID: 39103452 DOI: 10.1038/s41565-024-01723-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
The T cell receptor (TCR) is thought to be a mechanosensor, meaning that it transmits mechanical force to its antigen and leverages the force to amplify the specificity and magnitude of TCR signalling. Although a variety of molecular probes have been proposed to quantify TCR mechanics, these probes are immobilized on hard substrates, and thus fail to reveal fluid TCR-antigen interactions in the physiological context of cell membranes. Here we developed DNA origami tension sensors (DOTS) which bear force sensors on a DNA origami breadboard and allow mapping of TCR mechanotransduction at dynamic intermembrane junctions. We quantified the mechanical forces at fluid TCR-antigen bonds and observed their dependence on cell state, antigen mobility, antigen potency, antigen height and F-actin activity. The programmability of DOTS allows us to tether these to microparticles to mechanically screen antigens in high throughput using flow cytometry. Additionally, DOTS were anchored onto live B cells, allowing quantification of TCR mechanics at immune cell-cell junctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuesong Hu
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jhordan Rogers
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Yuxin Duan
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Steven Narum
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Khalid Salaita
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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2
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Wang XH, Wang M, Pan JB, Zhu JM, Cheng H, Dong HZ, Bi WJ, Yang SW, Chen YY, Xu F, Duan XJ. Fluorescent probe for imaging intercellular tension: molecular force approach. RSC Adv 2024; 14:22877-22881. [PMID: 39035717 PMCID: PMC11258865 DOI: 10.1039/d4ra02647k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Cellular mechanical force plays a crucial role in numerous biological processes, including wound healing, cell development, and metastasis. To enable imaging of intercellular tension, molecular tension probes were designed, which offer a simple and efficient method for preparing Au-DNA intercellular tension probes with universal applicability. The proposed approach utilizes gold nanoparticles linked to DNA hairpins, enabling sensitive visualization of cellular force in vitro. Specifically, the designed Au-DNA intercellular tension probe includes a molecular spring flanked by a fluorophore-quencher pair, which is anchored between cells. As intercellular forces open the hairpin, the fluorophore is de-quenched, allowing for visualization of cellular force. The effectiveness of this approach was demonstrated by imaging the cellular force in living cells using the designed Au-DNA intercellular tension probe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Hong Wang
- School of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Hefei Normal University 230061 Hefei Anhui China
| | - Ming Wang
- School of Energy Materials and Chemical Engineering, Hefei University Hefei 230601 China
| | - Jian-Bin Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science and Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Life Sciences, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University 210023 China
| | - Jin-Miao Zhu
- School of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Hefei Normal University 230061 Hefei Anhui China
| | - Hu Cheng
- School of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Hefei Normal University 230061 Hefei Anhui China
| | - Hua-Ze Dong
- School of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Hefei Normal University 230061 Hefei Anhui China
| | - Wen-Jie Bi
- School of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Hefei Normal University 230061 Hefei Anhui China
| | - Shi-Wei Yang
- School of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Hefei Normal University 230061 Hefei Anhui China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Chen
- School of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Hefei Normal University 230061 Hefei Anhui China
| | - Fan Xu
- School of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Hefei Normal University 230061 Hefei Anhui China
| | - Xiao-Jing Duan
- School of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Hefei Normal University 230061 Hefei Anhui China
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3
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Huang Y, Chen T, Chen X, Chen X, Zhang J, Liu S, Lu M, Chen C, Ding X, Yang C, Huang R, Song Y. Decoding Biomechanical Cues Based on DNA Sensors. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2310330. [PMID: 38185740 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202310330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Biological systems perceive and respond to mechanical forces, generating mechanical cues to regulate life processes. Analyzing biomechanical forces has profound significance for understanding biological functions. Therefore, a series of molecular mechanical techniques have been developed, mainly including single-molecule force spectroscopy, traction force microscopy, and molecular tension sensor systems, which provide indispensable tools for advancing the field of mechanobiology. DNA molecules with a programmable structure and well-defined mechanical characteristics have attached much attention to molecular tension sensors as sensing elements, and are designed for the study of biomechanical forces to present biomechanical information with high sensitivity and resolution. In this work, a comprehensive overview of molecular mechanical technology is presented, with a particular focus on molecular tension sensor systems, specifically those based on DNA. Finally, the future development and challenges of DNA-based molecular tension sensor systems are looked upon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihao Huang
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, the Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, China
| | - Ting Chen
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, the Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, China
| | - Xiaodie Chen
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, the Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, China
| | - Ximing Chen
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, the Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, China
| | - Jialu Zhang
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, the Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, China
| | - Sinong Liu
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, the Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, China
| | - Menghao Lu
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, the Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, China
| | - Chong Chen
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, the Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, China
| | - Xiangyu Ding
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, the Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, China
| | - Chaoyong Yang
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, the Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, China
- Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Ruiyun Huang
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, the Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, China
| | - Yanling Song
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, the Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, China
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4
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Jeffreys N, Brockman JM, Zhai Y, Ingber DE, Mooney DJ. Mechanical forces amplify TCR mechanotransduction in T cell activation and function. APPLIED PHYSICS REVIEWS 2024; 11:011304. [PMID: 38434676 PMCID: PMC10848667 DOI: 10.1063/5.0166848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Adoptive T cell immunotherapies, including engineered T cell receptor (eTCR) and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell immunotherapies, have shown efficacy in treating a subset of hematologic malignancies, exhibit promise in solid tumors, and have many other potential applications, such as in fibrosis, autoimmunity, and regenerative medicine. While immunoengineering has focused on designing biomaterials to present biochemical cues to manipulate T cells ex vivo and in vivo, mechanical cues that regulate their biology have been largely underappreciated. This review highlights the contributions of mechanical force to several receptor-ligand interactions critical to T cell function, with central focus on the TCR-peptide-loaded major histocompatibility complex (pMHC). We then emphasize the role of mechanical forces in (i) allosteric strengthening of the TCR-pMHC interaction in amplifying ligand discrimination during T cell antigen recognition prior to activation and (ii) T cell interactions with the extracellular matrix. We then describe approaches to design eTCRs, CARs, and biomaterials to exploit TCR mechanosensitivity in order to potentiate T cell manufacturing and function in adoptive T cell immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yunhao Zhai
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
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5
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Schrangl L, Göhring J, Kellner F, Huppa JB, Schütz GJ. Measurement of Forces Acting on Single T-Cell Receptors. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2800:147-165. [PMID: 38709483 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3834-7_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Molecular forces are increasingly recognized as an important parameter to understand cellular signaling processes. In the recent years, evidence accumulated that also T-cells exert tensile forces via their T-cell receptor during the antigen recognition process. To measure such intercellular pulling forces, one can make use of the elastic properties of spider silk peptides, which act similar to Hookean springs: increased strain corresponds to increased stress applied to the peptide. Combined with Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) to read out the strain, such peptides represent powerful and versatile nanoscopic force sensing tools. In this paper, we provide a detailed protocol how to synthesize a molecular force sensor for application in T-cell antigen recognition and hands-on guidelines on experiments and analysis of obtained single molecule FRET data.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Janett Göhring
- Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Wien, Austria
| | - Florian Kellner
- Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Wien, Austria
| | - Johannes B Huppa
- Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Wien, Austria
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6
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Wang W, Chen W, Wu C, Zhang C, Feng J, Liu P, Hu Y, Li H, Sun F, Jiang K, Zhang X, Liu Z. Hydrogel-based molecular tension fluorescence microscopy for investigating receptor-mediated rigidity sensing. Nat Methods 2023; 20:1780-1789. [PMID: 37798478 DOI: 10.1038/s41592-023-02037-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular matrix (ECM) rigidity serves as a crucial mechanical cue impacting diverse biological processes. However, understanding the molecular mechanisms of rigidity sensing has been limited by the spatial resolution and force sensitivity of current cellular force measurement techniques. Here we developed a method to functionalize DNA tension probes on soft hydrogel surfaces in a controllable and reliable manner, enabling molecular tension fluorescence microscopy for rigidity sensing studies. Our findings showed that fibroblasts respond to substrate rigidity by recruiting more force-bearing integrins and modulating integrin sampling frequency of the ECM, rather than simply overloading the existing integrin-ligand bonds, to promote focal adhesion maturation. We also demonstrated that ECM rigidity positively regulates the pN force of T cell receptor-ligand bond and T cell receptor mechanical sampling frequency, promoting T cell activation. Thus, hydrogel-based molecular tension fluorescence microscopy implemented on a standard confocal microscope provides a simple and effective means to explore detailed molecular force information for rigidity-dependent biological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxu Wang
- TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, the Institute for Advanced Studies, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Chen
- TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, the Institute for Advanced Studies, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Chaoyang Wu
- TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, the Institute for Advanced Studies, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Chen Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jingjing Feng
- TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, the Institute for Advanced Studies, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Pengxiang Liu
- TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, the Institute for Advanced Studies, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuru Hu
- TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, the Institute for Advanced Studies, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hongyun Li
- TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, the Institute for Advanced Studies, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Feng Sun
- TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, the Institute for Advanced Studies, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Kai Jiang
- Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xinghua Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zheng Liu
- TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, the Institute for Advanced Studies, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
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7
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Yeh PY, Chen JY, Shen MY, Che TF, Lim SC, Wang J, Tsai WS, Frank CW, Huang CJ, Chang YC. Liposome-tethered supported lipid bilayer platform for capture and release of heterogeneous populations of circulating tumor cells. J Mater Chem B 2023; 11:8159-8169. [PMID: 37313622 DOI: 10.1039/d3tb00547j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Because of scarcity, vulnerability, and heterogeneity in the population of circulating tumor cells (CTCs), the CTC isolation system relying on immunoaffinity interaction exhibits inconsistent efficiencies for all types of cancers and even CTCs with different phenotypes in individuals. Moreover, releasing viable CTCs from an isolation system is of importance for molecular analysis and drug screening in precision medicine, which remains a challenge for current systems. In this work, a new CTC isolation microfluidic platform was developed and contains a coating of the antibody-conjugated liposome-tethered-supported lipid bilayer in a developed chaotic-mixing microfluidic system, referred to as the "LIPO-SLB" platform. The biocompatible, soft, laterally fluidic, and antifouling properties of the LIPO-SLB platform offer high CTC capture efficiency, viability, and selectivity. We successfully demonstrated the capability of the LIPO-SLB platform to recapitulate different cancer cell lines with different antigen expression levels. In addition, the captured CTCs in the LIPO-SLB platform can be detached by air foam to destabilize the physically assembled bilayer structures due to a large water/air interfacial area and strong surface tension. More importantly, the LIPO-SLB platform was constructed and used for the verification of clinical samples from 161 patients with different primary cancer types. The mean values of both single CTCs and CTC clusters correlated well with the cancer stages. Moreover, a considerable number of CTCs were isolated from patients' blood samples in the early/localized stages. The clinical validation demonstrated the enormous potential of the universal LIPO-SLB platform as a tool for prognostic and predictive purposes in precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Po-Ying Yeh
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, 128, Sec 2, Academic Rd., Nankang, Taipei 115, Taiwan.
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Jia-Yang Chen
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, 128, Sec 2, Academic Rd., Nankang, Taipei 115, Taiwan.
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Mo-Yuan Shen
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, 128, Sec 2, Academic Rd., Nankang, Taipei 115, Taiwan.
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Ting-Fang Che
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, 128, Sec 2, Academic Rd., Nankang, Taipei 115, Taiwan.
| | - Syer Choon Lim
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, 128, Sec 2, Academic Rd., Nankang, Taipei 115, Taiwan.
| | - Jocelyn Wang
- The College, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Wen-Sy Tsai
- Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Science, Chang Gung University, Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Curtis W Frank
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Chun-Jen Huang
- Department of Chemical & Materials Engineering, and NCU-Covestro Research Center, National Central University, Jhong-Li, Taoyuan 320, Taiwan.
- R&D Center for Membrane Technology, Chung Yuan Christian University, 200 Chung Pei Rd., Chung-Li City 32023, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Chih Chang
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, 128, Sec 2, Academic Rd., Nankang, Taipei 115, Taiwan.
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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Choi HK, Travaglino S, Münchhalfen M, Görg R, Zhong Z, Lyu J, Reyes-Aguilar DM, Wienands J, Singh A, Zhu C. Mechanotransduction governs CD40 function and underlies X-linked Hyper IgM syndrome. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.23.550231. [PMID: 37546834 PMCID: PMC10401940 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.23.550231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
B cell maturation in germinal centers (GCs) depends on cognate interactions between the T and B cells. Upon interaction with CD40 ligand (CD40L) on T cells, CD40 delivers co-stimulatory signals alongside B cell antigen receptor (BCR) signaling to regulate affinity maturation and antibody class-switch during GC reaction. Mutations in CD40L disrupt interactions with CD40, which lead to abnormal antibody responses in immune deficiencies known as X-linked Hyper IgM syndrome (X-HIgM). Assuming that physical interactions between highly mobile T and B cells generate mechanical forces on CD40-CD40L bonds, we set out to study the B cell mechanobiology mediated by CD40-CD40L interaction. Using a suite of biophysical assays we find that CD40 forms catch bond with CD40L where the bond lasts longer at larger forces, B cells exert tension on CD40-CD40L bonds, and force enhances CD40 signaling and antibody class-switch. Significantly, X-HIgM CD40L mutations impair catch bond formation, suppress endogenous tension, and reduce force-enhanced CD40 signaling, leading to deficiencies in antibody class switch. Our findings highlight the critical role of mechanotransduction in CD40 function and provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying X-HIgM syndrome.
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Hu Y, Duan Y, Salaita K. DNA Nanotechnology for Investigating Mechanical Signaling in the Immune System. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202302967. [PMID: 37186502 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202302967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Immune recognition occurs at specialized cell-cell junctions when immune cells and target cells physically touch. In this junction, groups of receptor-ligand complexes assemble and experience molecular forces that are ultimately generated by the cellular cytoskeleton. These forces are in the range of piconewton (pN) but play crucial roles in immune cell activation and subsequent effector responses. In this minireview, we will review the development of DNA based molecular tension sensors and their applications in mapping and quantifying mechanical forces experienced by immunoreceptors including T-cell receptor (TCR), Lymphocyte function-associated antigen (LFA-1), and the B-cell receptor (BCR) among others. In addition, we will highlight the use of DNA as a mechanical gate to manipulate mechanotransduction and decipher how mechanical forces regulate antigen discrimination and receptor signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuesong Hu
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Yuxin Duan
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Khalid Salaita
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
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10
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Hu Y, Duan Y, Velusamy A, Narum S, Rogers J, Salaita K. DNA Origami Tension Sensors (DOTS) to study T cell receptor mechanics at membrane junctions. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.09.548279. [PMID: 37503090 PMCID: PMC10369911 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.09.548279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
The T cell receptor (TCR) is thought to be a mechanosensor, meaning that it transmits mechanical force to its antigen and leverages the force to amplify the specificity and magnitude of TCR signaling. The past decade has witnessed the development of molecular probes which have revealed many aspects of receptor mechanotransduction. However, most force probes are immobilized on hard substrates, thus failing to reveal mechanics in the physiological context of cell membranes. In this report, we developed DNA origami tension sensors (DOTS) which bear force sensors on a DNA origami breadboard and allow mapping of TCR mechanotransduction at dynamic intermembrane junctions. We demonstrate that TCR-antigen bonds experience 5-10 pN forces, and the mechanical events are dependent on cell state, antigen mobility, antigen potency, antigen height and F-actin activity. We tethered DOTS onto a microparticle to mechanically screen antigen in high throughput using flow cytometry. Finally, DOTS were anchored onto live B cell membranes thus producing the first quantification of TCR mechanics at authentic immune cell-cell junctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuesong Hu
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Yuxin Duan
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Arventh Velusamy
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Steven Narum
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Jhordan Rogers
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Khalid Salaita
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
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11
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Choi HK, Cong P, Ge C, Natarajan A, Liu B, Zhang Y, Li K, Rushdi MN, Chen W, Lou J, Krogsgaard M, Zhu C. Catch bond models may explain how force amplifies TCR signaling and antigen discrimination. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2616. [PMID: 37147290 PMCID: PMC10163261 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38267-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The TCR integrates forces in its triggering process upon interaction with pMHC. Force elicits TCR catch-slip bonds with strong pMHCs but slip-only bonds with weak pMHCs. We develop two models and apply them to analyze 55 datasets, demonstrating the models' ability to quantitatively integrate and classify a broad range of bond behaviors and biological activities. Comparing to a generic two-state model, our models can distinguish class I from class II MHCs and correlate their structural parameters with the TCR/pMHC's potency to trigger T cell activation. The models are tested by mutagenesis using an MHC and a TCR mutated to alter conformation changes. The extensive comparisons between theory and experiment provide model validation and testable hypothesis regarding specific conformational changes that control bond profiles, thereby suggesting structural mechanisms for the inner workings of the TCR mechanosensing machinery and plausible explanations of why and how force may amplify TCR signaling and antigen discrimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun-Kyu Choi
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Peiwen Cong
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Chenghao Ge
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
- Amgen Inc., One Amgen Center Dr., Thousand Oaks, CA, 91320, USA
| | - Aswin Natarajan
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
- Department of Pathology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Baoyu Liu
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - Yong Zhang
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Kaitao Li
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Muaz Nik Rushdi
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
- Medtronic CO., Minneapolis, MN, 55432, USA
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Cell Biology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Department of Cardiology of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Jizhong Lou
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Michelle Krogsgaard
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
- Department of Pathology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Cheng Zhu
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA.
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA.
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA.
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12
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Watson VE, Faniel ML, Kamili NA, Krueger LD, Zhu C. Immune-mediated alopecias and their mechanobiological aspects. Cells Dev 2022; 170:203793. [PMID: 35649504 PMCID: PMC10681075 DOI: 10.1016/j.cdev.2022.203793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Alopecia is a non-specific term for hair loss clinically diagnosed by the hair loss pattern and histological analysis of patient scalp biopsies. The immune-mediated alopecia subtypes, including alopecia areata, lichen planopilaris, frontal fibrosing alopecia, and central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia, are common, significant forms of alopecia subtypes. For example, alopecia areata is the most common autoimmune disease with a lifetime incidence of approximately 2% of the world's population. In this perspective, we discuss major results from studies of immune-mediated alopecia subtypes. These studies suggest the key event in disease onset as the collapse in immune privilege, which alters the hair follicle microenvironment, e.g., upregulation of major histocompatibility complex molecules and increase of cytokine production, and results in immune cell infiltration, inflammatory responses, and damage of hair follicles. We note that previous studies have established that the hair follicle has a complex mechanical microenvironment, which may regulate the function of not only tissue cells but also immune cell infiltrates. This suggests a potential for mechanobiology to contribute to alopecia research by adding new methods, new approaches, and new ways of thinking, which is missing in the existing literature. To fill this a gap in the alopecia research space, we develop a mechanobiological hypothesis that alterations in the hair follicle microenvironment, specifically in the mechanically responsive tissues and cells, partially due to loss of immune privilege, may be contributors to disease pathology. We further focus our discussion on the potential for applying mechanoimmunology to the study of T cell infiltrates in the hair follicle, as they are considered primary contributors to alopecia pathology. To establish the connection between the mechanoimmunological hypothesis and immune-mediated alopecia subtypes, we discuss what is known about the role of T cells in immune-mediated alopecia subtypes, using the most extensively studied AA as our model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valencia E Watson
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, USA; Bioengineering PhD Program, USA; Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Makala L Faniel
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, USA; Bioengineering PhD Program, USA; Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Loren D Krueger
- Department of Dermatology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Cheng Zhu
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, USA; Bioengineering PhD Program, USA; Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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13
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Göhring J, Schrangl L, Schütz GJ, Huppa JB. Mechanosurveillance: Tiptoeing T Cells. Front Immunol 2022; 13:886328. [PMID: 35693808 PMCID: PMC9178122 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.886328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Efficient scanning of tissue that T cells encounter during their migratory life is pivotal to protective adaptive immunity. In fact, T cells can detect even a single antigenic peptide/MHC complex (pMHC) among thousands of structurally similar yet non-stimulatory endogenous pMHCs on the surface of antigen-presenting cells (APCs) or target cells. Of note, the glycocalyx of target cells, being composed of proteoglycans and bulky proteins, is bound to affect and even modulate antigen recognition by posing as a physical barrier. T cell-resident microvilli are actin-rich membrane protrusions that puncture through such barriers and thereby actively place the considerably smaller T-cell antigen receptors (TCRs) in close enough proximity to APC-presented pMHCs so that productive interactions may occur efficiently yet under force. We here review our current understanding of how the plasticity of T-cell microvilli and physicochemical properties of the glycocalyx may affect early events in T-cell activation. We assess insights gained from studies on T-cell plasma membrane ultrastructure and provide an update on current efforts to integrate biophysical aspects such as the amplitude and directionality of TCR-imposed mechanical forces and the distribution and lateral mobility of plasma membrane-resident signaling molecules into a more comprehensive view on sensitized T-cell antigen recognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janett Göhring
- Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Institute of Applied Physics, TU Wien, Vienna, Austria
- *Correspondence: Janett Göhring,
| | | | | | - Johannes B. Huppa
- Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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14
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Abstract
Cellular processes and functions can be regulated by mechanical forces. Nanodevices that can measure and manipulate these forces are critical tools in chemical and cellular biology. Synthetic DNA oligonucleotides have been used to develop a wide range of powerful nanodevices due to their programmable nature and precise and predictable self-assembly. In recent years, various types of DNA-based mechanical nanodevices have been engineered for studying molecular-level forces. With the help of these nanodevices, our understanding of cellular responses to physical forces has been significantly advanced. In this article, we have reviewed some recent developments in DNA-based mechanical sensors and regulators for application in the characterization of cellular biomechanics and the manipulation of cellular morphology, motion and other functions. The design principles discussed in this article can be further used to inspire other types of powerful DNA-based mechanical nanodevices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Tian
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, USA.
| | - Puspam Keshri
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, USA.
| | - Mingxu You
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, USA.
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15
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Understanding immune signaling using advanced imaging techniques. Biochem Soc Trans 2022; 50:853-866. [PMID: 35343569 PMCID: PMC9162467 DOI: 10.1042/bst20210479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Advanced imaging is key for visualizing the spatiotemporal regulation of immune signaling which is a complex process involving multiple players tightly regulated in space and time. Imaging techniques vary in their spatial resolution, spanning from nanometers to micrometers, and in their temporal resolution, ranging from microseconds to hours. In this review, we summarize state-of-the-art imaging methodologies and provide recent examples on how they helped to unravel the mysteries of immune signaling. Finally, we discuss the limitations of current technologies and share our insights on how to overcome these limitations to visualize immune signaling with unprecedented fidelity.
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16
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Sun W, Gao X, Lei H, Wang W, Cao Y. Biophysical Approaches for Applying and Measuring Biological Forces. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2105254. [PMID: 34923777 PMCID: PMC8844594 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202105254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Over the past decades, increasing evidence has indicated that mechanical loads can regulate the morphogenesis, proliferation, migration, and apoptosis of living cells. Investigations of how cells sense mechanical stimuli or the mechanotransduction mechanism is an active field of biomaterials and biophysics. Gaining a further understanding of mechanical regulation and depicting the mechanotransduction network inside cells require advanced experimental techniques and new theories. In this review, the fundamental principles of various experimental approaches that have been developed to characterize various types and magnitudes of forces experienced at the cellular and subcellular levels are summarized. The broad applications of these techniques are introduced with an emphasis on the difficulties in implementing these techniques in special biological systems. The advantages and disadvantages of each technique are discussed, which can guide readers to choose the most suitable technique for their questions. A perspective on future directions in this field is also provided. It is anticipated that technical advancement can be a driving force for the development of mechanobiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxu Sun
- School of SciencesNantong UniversityNantong226019P. R. China
| | - Xiang Gao
- Key Laboratory of Intelligent Optical Sensing and IntegrationNational Laboratory of Solid State Microstructureand Department of PhysicsCollaborative Innovation Center of Advanced MicrostructuresNanjing UniversityNanjing210023P. R. China
- Institute of Brain ScienceNanjing UniversityNanjing210023P. R. China
| | - Hai Lei
- Key Laboratory of Intelligent Optical Sensing and IntegrationNational Laboratory of Solid State Microstructureand Department of PhysicsCollaborative Innovation Center of Advanced MicrostructuresNanjing UniversityNanjing210023P. R. China
- Institute of Brain ScienceNanjing UniversityNanjing210023P. R. China
- Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation CenterNanjing UniversityNanjing210023P. R. China
| | - Wei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Intelligent Optical Sensing and IntegrationNational Laboratory of Solid State Microstructureand Department of PhysicsCollaborative Innovation Center of Advanced MicrostructuresNanjing UniversityNanjing210023P. R. China
- Institute of Brain ScienceNanjing UniversityNanjing210023P. R. China
| | - Yi Cao
- Key Laboratory of Intelligent Optical Sensing and IntegrationNational Laboratory of Solid State Microstructureand Department of PhysicsCollaborative Innovation Center of Advanced MicrostructuresNanjing UniversityNanjing210023P. R. China
- Institute of Brain ScienceNanjing UniversityNanjing210023P. R. China
- MOE Key Laboratory of High Performance Polymer Materials and TechnologyDepartment of Polymer Science & EngineeringCollege of Chemistry & Chemical EngineeringNanjing UniversityNanjing210023P. R. China
- Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation CenterNanjing UniversityNanjing210023P. R. China
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17
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Dong Y, Ramey-Ward AN, Salaita K. Programmable Mechanically Active Hydrogel-Based Materials. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2021; 33:e2006600. [PMID: 34309076 PMCID: PMC8595730 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202006600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Programmable mechanically active materials (MAMs) are defined as materials that can sense and transduce external stimuli into mechanical outputs or conversely that can detect mechanical stimuli and respond through an optical change or other change in the appearance of the material. Programmable MAMs are a subset of responsive materials and offer potential in next generation robotics and smart systems. This review specifically focuses on hydrogel-based MAMs because of their mechanical compliance, programmability, biocompatibility, and cost-efficiency. First, the composition of hydrogel MAMs along with the top-down and bottom-up approaches used for programming these materials are discussed. Next, the fundamental principles for engineering responsivity in MAMS, which includes optical, thermal, magnetic, electrical, chemical, and mechanical stimuli, are considered. Some advantages and disadvantages of different responsivities are compared. Then, to conclude, the emerging applications of hydrogel-based MAMs from recently published literature, as well as the future outlook of MAM studies, are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixiao Dong
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States, 30322
| | - Allison N. Ramey-Ward
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology/Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Khalid Salaita
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States, 30322
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18
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Hu Y, Ma VP, Ma R, Chen W, Duan Y, Glazier R, Petrich BG, Li R, Salaita K. DNA‐Based Microparticle Tension Sensors (μTS) for Measuring Cell Mechanics in Non‐planar Geometries and for High‐Throughput Quantification. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202102206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yuesong Hu
- Department of Chemistry Emory University Atlanta GA 30322 USA
| | | | - Rong Ma
- Department of Chemistry Emory University Atlanta GA 30322 USA
| | - Wenchun Chen
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Department of Pediatrics Emory University Atlanta GA 30322 USA
| | - Yuxin Duan
- Department of Chemistry Emory University Atlanta GA 30322 USA
| | - Roxanne Glazier
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University Atlanta GA 30322 USA
| | - Brian G. Petrich
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Department of Pediatrics Emory University Atlanta GA 30322 USA
| | - Renhao Li
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Department of Pediatrics Emory University Atlanta GA 30322 USA
| | - Khalid Salaita
- Department of Chemistry Emory University Atlanta GA 30322 USA
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University Atlanta GA 30322 USA
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19
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Beltrán SM, Slepian MJ, Taylor RE. Extending the Capabilities of Molecular Force Sensors via DNA Nanotechnology. Crit Rev Biomed Eng 2021; 48:1-16. [PMID: 32749116 DOI: 10.1615/critrevbiomedeng.2020033450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
At the nanoscale, pushing, pulling, and shearing forces drive biochemical processes in development and remodeling as well as in wound healing and disease progression. Research in the field of mechanobiology investigates not only how these loads affect biochemical signaling pathways but also how signaling pathways respond to local loading by triggering mechanical changes such as regional stiffening of a tissue. This feedback between mechanical and biochemical signaling is increasingly recognized as fundamental in embryonic development, tissue morphogenesis, cell signaling, and disease pathogenesis. Historically, the interdisciplinary field of mechanobiology has been driven by the development of technologies for measuring and manipulating cellular and molecular forces, with each new tool enabling vast new lines of inquiry. In this review, we discuss recent advances in the manufacturing and capabilities of molecular-scale force and strain sensors. We also demonstrate how DNA nanotechnology has been critical to the enhancement of existing techniques and to the development of unique capabilities for future mechanosensor assembly. DNA is a responsive and programmable building material for sensor fabrication. It enables the systematic interrogation of molecular biomechanics with forces at the 1- to 200-pN scale that are needed to elucidate the fundamental means by which cells and proteins transduce mechanical signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana M Beltrán
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Marvin J Slepian
- Department of Medicine and Sarver Heart Center, University of Arizona, Tucson; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arizona, Tucson; Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Arizona, Tucson
| | - Rebecca E Taylor
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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20
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Blanchard A, Combs JD, Brockman JM, Kellner AV, Glazier R, Su H, Bender RL, Bazrafshan AS, Chen W, Quach ME, Li R, Mattheyses AL, Salaita K. Turn-key mapping of cell receptor force orientation and magnitude using a commercial structured illumination microscope. Nat Commun 2021; 12:4693. [PMID: 34344862 PMCID: PMC8333341 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24602-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Many cellular processes, including cell division, development, and cell migration require spatially and temporally coordinated forces transduced by cell-surface receptors. Nucleic acid-based molecular tension probes allow one to visualize the piconewton (pN) forces applied by these receptors. Building on this technology, we recently developed molecular force microscopy (MFM) which uses fluorescence polarization to map receptor force orientation with diffraction-limited resolution (~250 nm). Here, we show that structured illumination microscopy (SIM), a super-resolution technique, can be used to perform super-resolution MFM. Using SIM-MFM, we generate the highest resolution maps of both the magnitude and orientation of the pN traction forces applied by cells. We apply SIM-MFM to map platelet and fibroblast integrin forces, as well as T cell receptor forces. Using SIM-MFM, we show that platelet traction force alignment occurs on a longer timescale than adhesion. Importantly, SIM-MFM can be implemented on any standard SIM microscope without hardware modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Blanchard
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - J Dale Combs
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Joshua M Brockman
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Anna V Kellner
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Roxanne Glazier
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Hanquan Su
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | | | - Wenchun Chen
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - M Edward Quach
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Renhao Li
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Alexa L Mattheyses
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Khalid Salaita
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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21
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Yasunaga AB, Li ITS. Quantification of fast molecular adhesion by fluorescence footprinting. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:7/34/eabe6984. [PMID: 34407937 PMCID: PMC8373131 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abe6984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Rolling adhesion is a unique process in which the adhesion events are short-lived and operate under highly nonequilibrium conditions. These characteristics pose a challenge in molecular force quantification, where in situ measurement of these forces cannot be achieved with molecular force sensors that probe near equilibrium. Here, we demonstrated a quantitative adhesion footprint assay combining DNA-based nonequilibrium force probes and modeling to measure the molecular force involved in fast rolling adhesion. We were able to directly profile the ensemble molecular force distribution in our system during rolling adhesion with a dynamic range between 0 and 18 pN. Our results showed that the shear stress driving bead rolling motility directly controls the molecular tension on the probe-conjugated adhesion complex. Furthermore, the shear stress can steer the dissociation bias of components within the molecular force probe complex, favoring either DNA probe dissociation or receptor-ligand dissociation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam B Yasunaga
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of British Columbia Okanagan, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Isaac T S Li
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of British Columbia Okanagan, Kelowna, BC, Canada.
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22
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Abstract
T cell activation is a critical event in the adaptive immune response, indispensable for cell-mediated and humoral immunity as well as for immune regulation. Recent years have witnessed an emerging trend emphasizing the essential role that physical force and mechanical properties play at the T cell interface. In this review, we integrate current knowledge of T cell antigen recognition and the different models of T cell activation from the perspective of mechanobiology, focusing on the interaction between the T cell receptor (TCR) and the peptide-major histocompatibility complex (pMHC) antigen. We address the shortcomings of TCR affinity alone in explaining T cell functional outcomes and the rising status of force-regulated TCR bond lifetimes, most notably the TCR catch bond. Ultimately, T cell activation and the ensuing physiological responses result from mechanical interaction between TCRs and the pMHC. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Cell and Developmental Biology, Volume 37 is October 2021. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baoyu Liu
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA; , ,
| | - Elizabeth M Kolawole
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA; , ,
| | - Brian D Evavold
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA; , ,
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23
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Hu Y, Ma VPY, Ma R, Chen W, Duan Y, Glazier R, Petrich BG, Li R, Salaita K. DNA-Based Microparticle Tension Sensors (μTS) for Measuring Cell Mechanics in Non-planar Geometries and for High-Throughput Quantification. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021; 60:18044-18050. [PMID: 33979471 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202102206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Mechanotransduction, the interplay between physical and chemical signaling, plays vital roles in many biological processes. The state-of-the-art techniques to quantify cell forces employ deformable polymer films or molecular probes tethered to glass substrates. However, the applications of these assays in fundamental and clinical research are restricted by the planar geometry and low throughput of microscopy readout. Herein, we develop a DNA-based microparticle tension sensor, which features a spherical surface and thus allows for investigation of mechanotransduction at curved interfaces. The micron-scale of μTS enables flow cytometry readout, which is rapid and high throughput. We applied the method to map and measure T-cell receptor forces and platelet integrin forces at 12 and 56 pN thresholds. Furthermore, we quantified the inhibition efficiency of two anti-platelet drugs providing a proof-of-concept demonstration of μTS to screen drugs that modulate cellular mechanics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuesong Hu
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | | | - Rong Ma
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Wenchun Chen
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Yuxin Duan
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Roxanne Glazier
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Brian G Petrich
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Renhao Li
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Khalid Salaita
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.,Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
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24
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Göhring J, Kellner F, Schrangl L, Platzer R, Klotzsch E, Stockinger H, Huppa JB, Schütz GJ. Temporal analysis of T-cell receptor-imposed forces via quantitative single molecule FRET measurements. Nat Commun 2021; 12:2502. [PMID: 33947864 PMCID: PMC8096839 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-22775-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Mechanical forces acting on ligand-engaged T-cell receptors (TCRs) have previously been implicated in T-cell antigen recognition, yet their magnitude, spread, and temporal behavior are still poorly defined. We here report a FRET-based sensor equipped either with a TCR-reactive single chain antibody fragment or peptide-loaded MHC, the physiological TCR-ligand. The sensor was tethered to planar glass-supported lipid bilayers (SLBs) and informed most directly on the magnitude and kinetics of TCR-imposed forces at the single molecule level. When confronting T-cells with gel-phase SLBs we observed both prior and upon T-cell activation a single, well-resolvable force-peak of approximately 5 pN and force loading rates on the TCR of 1.5 pN per second. When facing fluid-phase SLBs instead, T-cells still exerted tensile forces yet of threefold reduced magnitude and only prior to but not upon activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janett Göhring
- Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Institute of Applied Physics, TU Wien, Vienna, Austria
| | - Florian Kellner
- Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - René Platzer
- Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Enrico Klotzsch
- Institute of Applied Physics, TU Wien, Vienna, Austria
- Laboratory of Applied Mechanobiology, Department for Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Institute of Biology, Experimental Biophysics/ Mechanobiology, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hannes Stockinger
- Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Johannes B Huppa
- Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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25
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Blanchard AT, Salaita K. Multivalent molecular tension probes as anisotropic mechanosensors: concept and simulation. Phys Biol 2021; 18:034001. [PMID: 33316784 DOI: 10.1088/1478-3975/abd333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Cells use protein-based mechanosensors to measure the physical properties of their surroundings. Synthetic tension sensors made of proteins, DNA, and other molecular building blocks have recently emerged as tools to visualize and perturb the mechanics of these mechanosensors. While almost all synthetic tension sensors are designed to exhibit orientation-independent force responses, recent work has shown that biological mechanosensors often function in a manner that is highly dependent on force orientation. Accordingly, the design of synthetic mechanosensors with orientation-dependent force responses can provide a means to study the role of orientation in mechanosensation. Furthermore, the process of designing anisotropic force responses may yield insight into the physical basis for orientation-dependence in biological mechanosensors. Here, we propose a DNA-based molecular tension sensor design wherein multivalency is used to create an orientation-dependent force response. We apply chemomechanical modeling to show that multivalency can be used to create synthetic mechanosensors with force response thresholds that vary by tens of pN with respect to force orientation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron T Blanchard
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States of America
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26
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Gunasinghe SD, Peres NG, Goyette J, Gaus K. Biomechanics of T Cell Dysfunctions in Chronic Diseases. Front Immunol 2021; 12:600829. [PMID: 33717081 PMCID: PMC7948521 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.600829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the mechanisms behind T cell dysfunctions during chronic diseases is critical in developing effective immunotherapies. As demonstrated by several animal models and human studies, T cell dysfunctions are induced during chronic diseases, spanning from infections to cancer. Although factors governing the onset and the extent of the functional impairment of T cells can differ during infections and cancer, most dysfunctional phenotypes share common phenotypic traits in their immune receptor and biophysical landscape. Through the latest developments in biophysical techniques applied to explore cell membrane and receptor-ligand dynamics, we are able to dissect and gain further insights into the driving mechanisms behind T cell dysfunctions. These insights may prove useful in developing immunotherapies aimed at reinvigorating our immune system to fight off infections and malignancies more effectively. The recent success with checkpoint inhibitors in treating cancer opens new avenues to develop more effective, targeted immunotherapies. Here, we highlight the studies focused on the transformation of the biophysical landscape during infections and cancer, and how T cell biomechanics shaped the immunopathology associated with chronic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sachith D Gunasinghe
- EMBL Australia Node in Single Molecule Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,ARC Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Newton G Peres
- EMBL Australia Node in Single Molecule Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,ARC Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jesse Goyette
- EMBL Australia Node in Single Molecule Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,ARC Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Katharina Gaus
- EMBL Australia Node in Single Molecule Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,ARC Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Fölser M, Motsch V, Platzer R, Huppa JB, Schütz GJ. A Multimodal Platform for Simultaneous T-Cell Imaging, Defined Activation, and Mechanobiological Characterization. Cells 2021; 10:235. [PMID: 33504075 PMCID: PMC7910839 DOI: 10.3390/cells10020235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
T-cell antigen recognition is accompanied by extensive morphological rearrangements of the contact zone between the T-cell and the antigen-presenting cell (APC). This process involves binding of the T-cell receptor (TCR) complex to antigenic peptides presented via MHC on the APC surface, the interaction of costimulatory and adhesion proteins, remodeling of the actin cytoskeleton, and the initiation of downstream signaling processes such as the release of intracellular calcium. However, multiparametric time-resolved analysis of these processes is hampered by the difficulty in recording the different readout modalities at high quality in parallel. In this study, we present a platform for simultaneous quantification of TCR distribution via total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy, of intracellular calcium levels, and of T-cell-exerted forces via atomic force microscopy (AFM). In our method, AFM cantilevers were used to bring single T-cells into contact with the activating surface. We designed the platform specifically to enable the study of T-cell triggering via functionalized fluid-supported lipid bilayers, which represent a widely accepted model system to stimulate T-cells in an antigen-specific manner. In this paper, we showcase the possibilities of this platform using primary transgenic T-cells triggered specifically via their cognate antigen presented by MHCII.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Fölser
- Institute of Applied Physics, TU Wien, 1060 Vienna, Austria; (M.F.); (V.M.)
| | - Viktoria Motsch
- Institute of Applied Physics, TU Wien, 1060 Vienna, Austria; (M.F.); (V.M.)
- Institute of Agricultural Engineering, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, 1190 Vienna, Austria
| | - René Platzer
- Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (R.P.); (J.B.H.)
| | - Johannes B. Huppa
- Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (R.P.); (J.B.H.)
| | - Gerhard J. Schütz
- Institute of Applied Physics, TU Wien, 1060 Vienna, Austria; (M.F.); (V.M.)
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28
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Glazier R, Shinde P, Ogasawara H, Salaita K. Spectroscopic Analysis of a Library of DNA Tension Probes for Mapping Cellular Forces at Fluid Interfaces. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:2145-2164. [PMID: 33417432 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c09774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Oligonucleotide-based probes offer the highest spatial resolution, force sensitivity, and molecular specificity for cellular tension sensing and have been developed to measure a variety of molecular forces mediated by individual receptors in T cells, platelets, fibroblasts, B-cells, and immortalized cancer cell lines. These fluorophore-oligonucleotide conjugate probes are designed with a stem-loop structure that engages cell receptors and reversibly unfolds due to mechanical strain. With the growth of recent work bridging molecular mechanobiology and biomaterials, there is a need for a detailed spectroscopic analysis of DNA tension probes that are used for cellular imaging. In this manuscript, we conducted an analysis of 19 DNA hairpin-based tension probe variants using molecular dynamics simulations, absorption spectroscopy, and fluorescence imaging (epifluorescence and fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy). We find that tension probes are highly sensitive to their molecular design, including donor and acceptor proximity and pairing, DNA stem-loop structure, and conjugation chemistry. We demonstrate the impact of these design features using a supported lipid bilayer model of podosome-like adhesions. Finally, we discuss the requirements for tension imaging in various biophysical contexts and offer a series of experimental recommendations, thus providing a guide for the design and application of DNA hairpin-based molecular tension probes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roxanne Glazier
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Pushkar Shinde
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Hiroaki Ogasawara
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Khalid Salaita
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
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29
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Zhang J, Zhao R, Li B, Farrukh A, Hoth M, Qu B, Del Campo A. Micropatterned soft hydrogels to study the interplay of receptors and forces in T cell activation. Acta Biomater 2021; 119:234-246. [PMID: 33099024 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2020.10.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The analysis of T cell responses to mechanical properties of antigen presenting cells (APC) is experimentally challenging at T cell-APC interfaces. Soft hydrogels with adjustable mechanical properties and biofunctionalization are useful reductionist models to address this problem. Here, we report a methodology to fabricate micropatterned soft hydrogels with defined stiffness to form spatially confined T cell/hydrogel contact interfaces at micrometer scale. Using automatized microcontact printing we prepared arrays of anti-CD3 microdots on poly(acrylamide) hydrogels with Young's Modulus in the range of 2 to 50 kPa. We optimized the printing process to obtain anti-CD3 microdots with constant area (50 µm2, corresponding to 8 µm diameter) and comparable anti-CD3 density on hydrogels of different stiffness. The anti-CD3 arrays were recognized by T cells and restricted cell attachment to the printed areas. To test functionality of the hydrogel-T cell contact, we analyzed several key events downstream of T cell receptor (TCR) activation. Anti-CD3 arrays on hydrogels activated calcium influx, induced rearrangement of the actin cytoskeleton, and led to Zeta-chain-associated protein kinase 70 (ZAP70) phosphorylation. Interestingly, upon increase in the stiffness, ZAP70 phosphorylation was enhanced, whereas the rearrangements of F-actin (F-actin clearance) and phosphorylated ZAP70 (ZAP70/pY centralization) were unaffected. Our results show that micropatterned hydrogels allow tuning of stiffness and receptor presentation to analyze TCR mediated T cell activation as function of mechanical, biochemical, and geometrical parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingnan Zhang
- INM - Leibniz Institute for New Materials, Campus D2 2, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany; Chemistry Department, Saarland University, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Renping Zhao
- Biophysics, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Saarland University, Homburg, 66421 Germany
| | - Bin Li
- INM - Leibniz Institute for New Materials, Campus D2 2, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Aleeza Farrukh
- INM - Leibniz Institute for New Materials, Campus D2 2, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Markus Hoth
- Biophysics, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Saarland University, Homburg, 66421 Germany
| | - Bin Qu
- INM - Leibniz Institute for New Materials, Campus D2 2, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany; Biophysics, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Saarland University, Homburg, 66421 Germany
| | - Aránzazu Del Campo
- INM - Leibniz Institute for New Materials, Campus D2 2, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany; Chemistry Department, Saarland University, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany.
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30
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Wu L, Ding H, Qu X, Shi X, Yang J, Huang M, Zhang J, Zhang H, Song J, Zhu L, Song Y, Ma Y, Yang C. Fluidic Multivalent Membrane Nanointerface Enables Synergetic Enrichment of Circulating Tumor Cells with High Efficiency and Viability. J Am Chem Soc 2020; 142:4800-4806. [PMID: 32049531 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.9b13782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The ubiquitous biomembrane interface, with its dynamic lateral fluidity, allows membrane-bound components to rearrange and localize for high-affinity multivalent ligand-receptor interactions in diverse life activities. Inspired by this, we herein engineered a fluidic multivalent nanointerface by decorating a microfluidic chip with aptamer-functionalized leukocyte membrane nanovesicles for high-performance isolation of circulating tumor cells (CTCs). This fluidic biomimetic nanointerface with active recruitment-binding afforded significant affinity enhancement by 4 orders of magnitude, exhibiting 7-fold higher capture efficiency compared to a monovalent aptamer functionalized-chip in blood. Meanwhile, this soft nanointerface inherited the biological benefits of a natural biomembrane, minimizing background blood cell adsorption and maintaining excellent CTC viability (97.6%). Using the chip, CTCs were successfully detected in all cancer patient samples tested (17/17), suggesting the high potential of this fluidity-enhanced multivalent binding strategy in clinical applications. We expect this bioengineered interface strategy will lead to the design of innovative biomimetic platforms in the biomedical field by leveraging natural cell-cell interaction with a natural biomaterial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingling Wu
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200127, P. R. China
| | - Hongming Ding
- Center for Soft Condensed Matter Physics and Interdisciplinary Research, School of Physical Science and Technology, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, P. R. China
| | - Xin Qu
- College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, No. 2 Xueyuan Road, Fuzhou, Fujian 350108, P. R. China
| | - Xianai Shi
- College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, No. 2 Xueyuan Road, Fuzhou, Fujian 350108, P. R. China
| | - Jianmin Yang
- College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, No. 2 Xueyuan Road, Fuzhou, Fujian 350108, P. R. China
| | - Mengjiao Huang
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, Key Laboratory for Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, P. R. China
| | - Jialu Zhang
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200127, P. R. China
| | - Huimin Zhang
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200127, P. R. China
| | - Jia Song
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200127, P. R. China
| | - Lin Zhu
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, Key Laboratory for Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, P. R. China
| | - Yanling Song
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200127, P. R. China.,The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, Key Laboratory for Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, P. R. China
| | - Yuqiang Ma
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures and Department of Physics, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, P. R. China
| | - Chaoyong Yang
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200127, P. R. China.,The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, Key Laboratory for Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, P. R. China
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31
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Rushdi M, Li K, Yuan Z, Travaglino S, Grakoui A, Zhu C. Mechanotransduction in T Cell Development, Differentiation and Function. Cells 2020; 9:E364. [PMID: 32033255 PMCID: PMC7072571 DOI: 10.3390/cells9020364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2019] [Revised: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cells in the body are actively engaging with their environments that include both biochemical and biophysical aspects. The process by which cells convert mechanical stimuli from their environment to intracellular biochemical signals is known as mechanotransduction. Exemplifying the reliance on mechanotransduction for their development, differentiation and function are T cells, which are central to adaptive immune responses. T cell mechanoimmunology is an emerging field that studies how T cells sense, respond and adapt to the mechanical cues that they encounter throughout their life cycle. Here we review different stages of the T cell's life cycle where existing studies have shown important effects of mechanical force or matrix stiffness on a T cell as sensed through its surface molecules, including modulating receptor-ligand interactions, inducing protein conformational changes, triggering signal transduction, amplifying antigen discrimination and ensuring directed targeted cell killing. We suggest that including mechanical considerations in the immunological studies of T cells would inform a more holistic understanding of their development, differentiation and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muaz Rushdi
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA; (M.R.); (K.L.); (S.T.)
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA;
| | - Kaitao Li
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA; (M.R.); (K.L.); (S.T.)
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA;
| | - Zhou Yuan
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA;
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30313, USA
| | - Stefano Travaglino
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA; (M.R.); (K.L.); (S.T.)
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA;
| | - Arash Grakoui
- Emory Vaccine Center, Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Yerkes Research Primate Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA;
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Cheng Zhu
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA; (M.R.); (K.L.); (S.T.)
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA;
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30313, USA
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32
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Chen C, Hildebrandt N. Resonance energy transfer to gold nanoparticles: NSET defeats FRET. Trends Analyt Chem 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2019.115748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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33
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Kaitao L, William R, Zhou Y, Cheng Z. Single-molecule investigations of T-cell activation. CURRENT OPINION IN BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING 2019; 12:102-110. [PMID: 32296738 PMCID: PMC7158867 DOI: 10.1016/j.cobme.2019.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
T-cell activation is the central event governing its development, differentiation, and effector functions. T-cell activation is initiated by the direct physical interaction of the T cell antigen receptor (TCR) with cognate peptide presented by the major histocompatibility complex (pMHC) molecule expressed on the antigen presenting cell (APC) surface. Since the identification of TCR as the only receptor for antigen on T cells three decades ago, studies have elucidated the major molecular players and signaling events responding to TCR stimulation. However, the question of how the physical event of pMHC binding is converted across the membrane into chemical events to initiate signal transduction remains elusive. Here we review recent investigations of T-cell activation using single-molecule force and fluorescence techniques that shed new light on this key question.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Kaitao
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering
- Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332
| | - Rittase William
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering
- Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332
| | - Yuan Zhou
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering
- Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332
| | - Zhu Cheng
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering
- Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332
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34
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Yasunaga A, Murad Y, Li ITS. Quantifying molecular tension-classifications, interpretations and limitations of force sensors. Phys Biol 2019; 17:011001. [PMID: 31387091 DOI: 10.1088/1478-3975/ab38ff] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Molecular force sensors (MFSs) have grown to become an important tool to study the mechanobiology of cells and tissues. They provide a minimally invasive means to optically report mechanical interactions at the molecular level. One of the challenges in molecular force sensor studies is the interpretation of the fluorescence readout. In this review, we divide existing MFSs into three classes based on the force-sensing mechanism (reversibility) and the signal output (analog/digital). From single-molecule force spectroscopy (SMFS) perspectives, we provided a critical discussion on how the sensors respond to force and how the different sensor designs affect the interpretation of their fluorescence readout. Lastly, the review focuses on the limitations and attention one must pay in designing MFSs and biological experiments using them; in terms of their tunability, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and perturbation of the biological system under investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Yasunaga
- These authors contributed equally to the manuscript (co-first author)
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35
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DNA mechanotechnology reveals that integrin receptors apply pN forces in podosomes on fluid substrates. Nat Commun 2019; 10:4507. [PMID: 31628308 PMCID: PMC6800454 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-12304-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Podosomes are ubiquitous cellular structures important to diverse processes including cell invasion, migration, bone resorption, and immune surveillance. Structurally, podosomes consist of a protrusive actin core surrounded by adhesion proteins. Although podosome protrusion forces have been quantified, the magnitude, spatial distribution, and orientation of the opposing tensile forces remain poorly characterized. Here we use DNA nanotechnology to create probes that measure and manipulate podosome tensile forces with molecular piconewton (pN) resolution. Specifically, Molecular Tension-Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy (MT-FLIM) produces maps of the cellular adhesive landscape, revealing ring-like tensile forces surrounding podosome cores. Photocleavable adhesion ligands, breakable DNA force probes, and pharmacological inhibition demonstrate local mechanical coupling between integrin tension and actin protrusion. Thus, podosomes use pN integrin forces to sense and respond to substrate mechanics. This work deepens our understanding of podosome mechanotransduction and contributes tools that are widely applicable for studying receptor mechanics at dynamic interfaces.
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36
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Kim S, Seo J, Park HH, Kim N, Oh JW, Nam JM. Plasmonic Nanoparticle-Interfaced Lipid Bilayer Membranes. Acc Chem Res 2019; 52:2793-2805. [PMID: 31553568 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.9b00327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Plasmonic nanoparticles are widely exploited in diverse bioapplications ranging from therapeutics to biosensing and biocomputing because of their strong and tunable light-matter interactions, facile and versatile chemical/biological ligand modifications, and biocompatibility. With the rapid growth of nanobiotechnology, understanding dynamic interactions between nanoparticles and biological systems at the molecular or single-particle level is becoming increasingly important for interrogating biological systems with functional nanostructures and for developing nanoparticle-based biosensors and therapeutic agents. Therefore, significant efforts have been devoted to precisely design and create nano-bio interfaces by manipulating the nanoparticles' size, shape, and surface ligand interactions with complex biological systems to maximize their performance and avoid unwanted responses, such as their agglomeration and cytotoxicity. However, investigating physicochemical interactions at the nano-bio interfaces in a quantitative and controllable manner remains challenging, as the interfaces involve highly complex networks between nanoparticles, biomolecules, and cells across multiple scales, each with a myriad of different chemical and biological interactions. A lipid bilayer is a membrane made of two layers of lipid molecules that forms a barrier around cells and plays structural and functional roles in diverse biological processes because they incorporate and present functional molecules (such as membrane proteins) with lateral fluidity. Plasmonic nanoparticles conjugated on lipid membranes provide reliable analytical labels and functional moieties that allow for studying and manipulating interactions between nanoparticles and molecules with single-particle resolution; they also serve as efficient tools for applying optical, mechanical, and thermal stimuli to biological systems, which stem from plasmonic properties. Recently, new opportunities have emerged by interfacing nanoparticle-modified lipid bilayers (NLBs) with complex systems such as molecular circuits and living systems. In this Account, we briefly review how plasmonic properties can be beneficially harnessed on lipid bilayer membranes to investigate the structures and functions of cellular membranes and to develop new platforms for biomedical applications. In particular, we discuss the versatility of supported lipid bilayers (SLBs), which are planar lipid bilayers on hydrophilic substrates, as dynamic biomaterials that provide lateral fluidity and cell membrane-like environments. We then summarize our efforts to create a quantitative analytical platform utilizing nanoparticles as active building blocks and SLBs as integrative substrates. Through this bottom-up approach, various functionalized nanoparticles have been introduced onto lipid bilayers to render nanoparticle-nanoparticle, nanoparticle-lipid bilayer, and biomolecule-lipid bilayer interfaces programmable. Our system provides a new class of tools for studying thermodynamics and kinetics in complex networks of nanostructures and for realizing unique applications in biosensing and biocomputing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sungi Kim
- Department of Chemistry, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, South Korea
| | - Jinyoung Seo
- Department of Chemistry, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, South Korea
| | - Ha H. Park
- Department of Chemistry, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, South Korea
| | - Namjun Kim
- Department of Chemistry, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, South Korea
| | - Jeong-Wook Oh
- Department of Chemistry, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, South Korea
| | - Jwa-Min Nam
- Department of Chemistry, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, South Korea
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Abstract
The immune response is orchestrated by a variety of immune cells. The function of each cell is determined by the collective signals from various immunoreceptors, whose expression and activity depend on the developmental stages of the cell and its environmental context. Recent studies have highlighted the presence of mechanical force on several immunoreceptor-ligand pairs and the important role of force in regulating their interaction and function. In this Perspective, we use the T cell antigen receptor as an example with which to review the current understanding of the mechanosensing properties of immunoreceptors. We discuss the types of forces that immunoreceptors may encounter and the effects of force on ligand bonding, conformational change and the triggering of immunoreceptors, as well as the effects of force on the downstream signal transduction, cell-fate decisions and effector function of immune cells.
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38
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Membrane Organization and Physical Regulation of Lymphocyte Antigen Receptors: A Biophysicist's Perspective. J Membr Biol 2019; 252:397-412. [PMID: 31352492 DOI: 10.1007/s00232-019-00085-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Receptors at the membrane of immune cells are the central players of innate and adaptative immunity, providing effective defence mechanisms against pathogens or cancer cells. Their function is intimately linked to their position at and within the membrane which provides accessibility, mobility as well as membrane proximal cytoskeleton anchoring, all of these elements playing important roles in the final function and links to cellular actions. Understanding how immune cells integrate the specific signals received at their membrane to take a decision remains an immense challenge and a very active field of fundamental and applied research. Recent progress in imaging and micromanipulation techniques have led to an unprecedented refinement in the description of molecular structures and supramolecular assemblies at the immune cell membrane, and provided a glimpse into their dynamics and regulation by force. Several key elements have been scrutinized such as the roles of relative sizes of molecules, lateral organisation, motion in the membrane of the receptors, but also physical cues such as forces, mediated by cellular substrates of different rigidities or applied by the cell itself, in conjunction with its partner cell. We review here these recent discoveries associated with a description of the biophysical methods used. While a conclusive picture integrating all of these components is still lacking, mainly due to the implication of diverse and different mechanisms and spatio-temporal scales involved, the amount of quantitative data available opens the way for physical modelling and numerical simulations and new avenues for experimental research.
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39
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Ma VPY, Salaita K. DNA Nanotechnology as an Emerging Tool to Study Mechanotransduction in Living Systems. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2019; 15:e1900961. [PMID: 31069945 PMCID: PMC6663650 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201900961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Revised: 04/18/2019] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The ease of tailoring DNA nanostructures with sub-nanometer precision has enabled new and exciting in vivo applications in the areas of chemical sensing, imaging, and gene regulation. A new emerging paradigm in the field is that DNA nanostructures can be engineered to study molecular mechanics. This new development has transformed the repertoire of capabilities enabled by DNA to include detection of molecular forces in living cells and elucidating the fundamental mechanisms of mechanotransduction. This Review first describes fundamental aspects of force-induced melting of DNA hairpins and duplexes. This is then followed by a survey of the currently available force sensing DNA probes and different fluorescence-based force readout modes. Throughout the Review, applications of these probes in studying immune receptor signaling, including the T cell receptor and B cell receptor, as well as Notch and integrin signaling, are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Khalid Salaita
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Emory University and Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
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Pageon SV, Govendir MA, Kempe D, Biro M. Mechanoimmunology: molecular-scale forces govern immune cell functions. Mol Biol Cell 2019; 29:1919-1926. [PMID: 30088799 PMCID: PMC6232972 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e18-02-0120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune cell recognition of antigens is a pivotal process in initiating immune responses against injury, pathogens, and cancers. Breakthroughs over the past decade support a major role for mechanical forces in immune responses, laying the foundation for the emerging field of mechanoimmunology. In this Perspective, we discuss the mechanical forces acting at the level of ligand–receptor interactions and how they underpin receptor triggering, signal initiation, and immune cell activation. We also highlight the novel biophysical tools and advanced imaging techniques that have afforded us the recent progress in our understanding of the role of forces in immune cell functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie V Pageon
- EMBL Australia, Single Molecule Science Node, School of Medical Sciences, and
| | - Matt A Govendir
- EMBL Australia, Single Molecule Science Node, School of Medical Sciences, and
| | - Daryan Kempe
- EMBL Australia, Single Molecule Science Node, School of Medical Sciences, and
| | - Maté Biro
- EMBL Australia, Single Molecule Science Node, School of Medical Sciences, and.,ARC Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
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Murad Y, Li ITS. Quantifying Molecular Forces with Serially Connected Force Sensors. Biophys J 2019; 116:1282-1291. [PMID: 30902365 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2019.02.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Revised: 02/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
To understand the mechanical forces involved in cell adhesion, molecular force sensors have been developed to study tension through adhesion proteins. Recently, a class of molecular force sensors called tension gauge tethers (TGTs) have been developed that rely on irreversible force-dependent dissociation of a DNA duplex to study cell adhesion forces. Although the TGT offers a high signal-to-noise ratio and is ideal for studying fast/single-molecular adhesion processes, quantitative interpretation of experimental results has been challenging. Here, we use a computational approach to investigate how TGT fluorescence readout can be quantitatively interpreted. In particular, we studied force sensors made of a single TGT, multiplexed single TGTs, and two TGTs connected in series. Our results showed that fluorescence readout using a single TGT can result from drastically different combinations of force history and adhesion event density that span orders of magnitude. In addition, the apparent behavior of the TGT is influenced by the tethered receptor-ligand, making it necessary to calibrate the TGT with every new receptor-ligand. To solve this problem, we proposed a system of two serially connected TGTs. Our result shows that not only is the ratiometric readout of serial TGT independent of the choice of receptor-ligand, it is able to reconstruct force history with sub-pN force resolution. This is also not possible by simply multiplexing different types of TGTs together. Last, we systematically investigated how the sequence composition of the two serially connected TGTs can be tuned to achieve different dynamic range. This computational study demonstrated how serially connected irreversible molecular dissociation processes can accurately quantify molecular force and laid the foundation for subsequent experimental studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yousif Murad
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of British Columbia, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Isaac T S Li
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of British Columbia, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada.
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Brockman JM, Salaita K. Mechanical Proofreading: A General Mechanism to Enhance the Fidelity of Information Transfer Between Cells. FRONTIERS IN PHYSICS 2019; 7:14. [PMID: 31328129 PMCID: PMC6641563 DOI: 10.3389/fphy.2019.00014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The cells and receptors of the immune system are mechanically active. Single molecule force spectroscopy, traction force microscopy, and molecular tension probe measurements all point to the importance of piconewton (pN) molecular forces in immune function. For example, forces enhance the ability of a T cell to discriminate between nearly identical antigens. The role of molecular forces at these critical immune recognition junctions is puzzling because mechanical forces generally facilitate bond dissociation, potentially increasing the difficulty for a receptor to recognize its cognate antigen. The advantage molecular forces confer in the process of immune recognition is not clear. Why would cells expend energy to exert force on the critical, but tenuous bonds that mediate immune surveillance? Do molecular forces provide some advantage to the immune system? The premise of this review is that molecular forces provide a specificity advantage to immune cells. Inspired by the recent discovery that receptor forces regulate immune signaling in T cells and B cells, we dub this notion "mechanical proofreading," akin to more classic kinetic proofreading models. During the process of mechanical proofreading, cells exert pN receptor forces on receptor-ligand interactions, deliberately increasing the energy cost of the immune recognition process in exchange for increased specificity of signaling. Here, we review the role of molecular forces in the immune system and suggest how these forces may facilitate mechanical proofreading to increase the specificity of the immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua M Brockman
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Khalid Salaita
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Schneider A, Niemeyer CM. DNA Surface Technology: From Gene Sensors to Integrated Systems for Life and Materials Sciences. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201811713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ann‐Kathrin Schneider
- Institute for Biological Interfaces (IBG 1) Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen Germany
| | - Christof M. Niemeyer
- Institute for Biological Interfaces (IBG 1) Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen Germany
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Schneider A, Niemeyer CM. DNA Surface Technology: From Gene Sensors to Integrated Systems for Life and Materials Sciences. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2018; 57:16959-16967. [DOI: 10.1002/anie.201811713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Revised: 11/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ann‐Kathrin Schneider
- Institute for Biological Interfaces (IBG 1) Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen Germany
| | - Christof M. Niemeyer
- Institute for Biological Interfaces (IBG 1) Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen Germany
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Biswas KH, Cho NJ, Groves JT. Fabrication of Multicomponent, Spatially Segregated DNA and Protein-Functionalized Supported Membrane Microarray. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2018; 34:9781-9788. [PMID: 30032610 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.8b01364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) has been used as a material for a variety of applications, including surface functionalization for cell biological or in vitro reconstitution studies. Use of DNA-based surface functionalization eliminates limitations of multiplexing posed by traditionally used methods in applications requiring spatially segregated surface functionalization. Recently, we have reported a stochastic, membrane fusion-based strategy to fabricate multicomponent membrane array substrates displaying spatially segregated protein ligands using biotin-streptavidin and Ni-NTA-polyhistidine interactions. Here, we report the delivery of DNA oligonucleotide-conjugated lipid molecules to membrane corrals, allowing spatially segregated membrane corral functionalization in a membrane microarray. Incubation of microbeads coated with the supported membrane resulted in an exchange of lipid contents with planar membrane corrals present on a micropatterned substrate. Increases in the system temperature and membrane corral size resulted in alterations in the rate constant of lipid exchange, which are in agreement with our previously developed analytical model and further confirm that lipid exchange is a diffusion-based process that takes place after the formation of a long "fusion-stalk" between the two membranes. We take advantage of the physical dimensions of the fusion-stalk with a large aspect ratio to deliver DNA oligonucleotide-conjugated lipid molecules to membrane corrals. We believe that the ability to functionalize membrane corrals with DNA oligonucleotides significantly increases the utility of the stochastic fusion-mediated lipid delivery strategy in the functionalization of biomolecules such as DNA or DNA-conjugated protein ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kabir H Biswas
- Mechanobiology Institute , National University of Singapore , Singapore 117411 , Singapore
- School of Materials Science and Engineering , Nanyang Technological University , Singapore 639798 , Singapore
| | - Nam-Joon Cho
- School of Materials Science and Engineering , Nanyang Technological University , Singapore 639798 , Singapore
- School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering , Nanyang Technological University , 62 Nanyang Drive , Singapore 637459 , Singapore
| | - Jay T Groves
- School of Materials Science and Engineering , Nanyang Technological University , Singapore 639798 , Singapore
- Department of Chemistry , University of California , Berkeley , California 94720 , United States
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Dutta PK, Zhang Y, Blanchard A, Ge C, Rushdi M, Weiss K, Zhu C, Ke Y, Salaita K. Programmable Multivalent DNA-Origami Tension Probes for Reporting Cellular Traction Forces. NANO LETTERS 2018; 18:4803-4811. [PMID: 29911385 PMCID: PMC6087633 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.8b01374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Mechanical forces are central to most, if not all, biological processes, including cell development, immune recognition, and metastasis. Because the cellular machinery mediating mechano-sensing and force generation is dependent on the nanoscale organization and geometry of protein assemblies, a current need in the field is the development of force-sensing probes that can be customized at the nanometer-length scale. In this work, we describe a DNA origami tension sensor that maps the piconewton (pN) forces generated by living cells. As a proof-of-concept, we engineered a novel library of six-helix-bundle DNA-origami tension probes (DOTPs) with a tailorable number of tension-reporting hairpins (each with their own tunable tension response threshold) and a tunable number of cell-receptor ligands. We used single-molecule force spectroscopy to determine the probes' tension response thresholds and used computational modeling to show that hairpin unfolding is semi-cooperative and orientation-dependent. Finally, we use our DOTP library to map the forces applied by human blood platelets during initial adhesion and activation. We find that the total tension signal exhibited by platelets on DOTP-functionalized surfaces increases with the number of ligands per DOTP, likely due to increased total ligand density, and decreases exponentially with the DOTP's force-response threshold. This work opens the door to applications for understanding and regulating biophysical processes involving cooperativity and multivalency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Palash K. Dutta
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA
| | - Yun Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, 1515 Dickey Drive, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA
| | - Aaron Blanchard
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, 1515 Dickey Drive, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA
| | - Chenghao Ge
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA
| | - Muaz Rushdi
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA
| | - Kristin Weiss
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA
| | - Cheng Zhu
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA
- Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, USA
- Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, USA
| | - Yonggang Ke
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, 1515 Dickey Drive, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA
- Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, USA
| | - Khalid Salaita
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, 1515 Dickey Drive, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA
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Galior K, Ma VPY, Liu Y, Su H, Baker N, Panettieri RA, Wongtrakool C, Salaita K. Molecular Tension Probes to Investigate the Mechanopharmacology of Single Cells: A Step toward Personalized Mechanomedicine. Adv Healthc Mater 2018; 7:e1800069. [PMID: 29785773 PMCID: PMC6105437 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201800069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2018] [Revised: 03/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Given that dysregulation of mechanics contributes to diseases ranging from cancer metastasis to lung disease, it is important to develop methods for screening the efficacy of drugs that target cellular forces. Here, nanoparticle-based tension sensors are used to quantify the mechanical response of individual cells upon drug treatment. As a proof-of-concept, the activity of bronchodilators is tested on human airway smooth muscle cells derived from seven donors, four of which are asthmatic. It is revealed that airway smooth muscle cells isolated from asthmatic donors exhibit greater traction forces compared to the control donors. Additionally, the mechanical signal is abolished using myosin inhibitors or further enhanced in the presence of inflammatory inducers, such as nicotine. Using the signal generated by the probes, single-cell dose-response measurements are performed to determine the "mechano" effective concentration (mechano-EC50 ) of albuterol, a bronchodilator, which reduces integrin forces by 50%. Mechano-EC50 values for each donor present discrete readings that are differentially enhanced as a function of nicotine treatment. Importantly, donor mechano-EC50 values varied by orders of magnitude, suggesting significant variability in their sensitivity to nicotine and albuterol treatment. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first study harnessing a piconewton tension sensor platform for mechanopharmacology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kornelia Galior
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | | | - Yang Liu
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Hanquan Su
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Nusaiba Baker
- Emory University School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30307, USA
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Reynold A Panettieri
- Rutgers Institute for Translational Medicine and Science, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
| | - Cherry Wongtrakool
- Emory University School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30307, USA
- Atlanta Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Decatur, GA, 30033, USA
| | - Khalid Salaita
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
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Tunable cell-surface mimetics as engineered cell substrates. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2018; 1860:2076-2093. [PMID: 29935145 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2018.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2018] [Revised: 05/18/2018] [Accepted: 06/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Most recent breakthroughs in understanding cell adhesion, cell migration, and cellular mechanosensitivity have been made possible by the development of engineered cell substrates of well-defined surface properties. Traditionally, these substrates mimic the extracellular matrix (ECM) environment by the use of ligand-functionalized polymeric gels of adjustable stiffness. However, such ECM mimetics are limited in their ability to replicate the rich dynamics found at cell-cell contacts. This review focuses on the application of cell surface mimetics, which are better suited for the analysis of cell adhesion, cell migration, and cellular mechanosensitivity across cell-cell interfaces. Functionalized supported lipid bilayer systems were first introduced as biomembrane-mimicking substrates to study processes of adhesion maturation during adhesion of functionalized vesicles (cell-free assay) and plated cells. However, while able to capture adhesion processes, the fluid lipid bilayer of such a relatively simple planar model membrane prevents adhering cells from transducing contractile forces to the underlying solid, making studies of cell migration and cellular mechanosensitivity largely impractical. Therefore, the main focus of this review is on polymer-tethered lipid bilayer architectures as biomembrane-mimicking cell substrate. Unlike supported lipid bilayers, these polymer-lipid composite materials enable the free assembly of linkers into linker clusters at cellular contacts without hindering cell spreading and migration and allow the controlled regulation of mechanical properties, enabling studies of cellular mechanosensitivity. The various polymer-tethered lipid bilayer architectures and their complementary properties as cell substrates are discussed.
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Su H, Liu Z, Liu Y, Ma VPY, Blanchard A, Zhao J, Galior K, Dyer RB, Salaita K. Light-Responsive Polymer Particles as Force Clamps for the Mechanical Unfolding of Target Molecules. NANO LETTERS 2018; 18:2630-2636. [PMID: 29589759 PMCID: PMC6110664 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.8b00459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Single-molecule force spectroscopy techniques are powerful tools for investigating the mechanical unfolding of biomolecules. However, they are limited in throughput and require dedicated instrumentation. Here, we report a force-generating particle that can unfold target molecules on-demand. The particle consists of a plasmonic nanorod core encapsulated with a thermoresponsive polymer shell. Optical heating of the nanorod leads to rapid collapse of the polymer, thus transducing light into mechanical work to unfold target molecules. The illumination tunes the duration and degree of particle collapse, thus controlling the lifetime and magnitude of applied forces. Single-molecule fluorescence imaging showed reproducible mechanical unfolding of DNA hairpins. We also demonstrate the triggering of 50 different particles in <1 min, exceeding the speed of conventional atomic force microscopy. The polymer force clamp represents a facile and bottom-up approach to force manipulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanquan Su
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| | - Zheng Liu
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| | - Victor Pui-Yan Ma
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| | - Aaron Blanchard
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| | - Jing Zhao
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| | - Kornelia Galior
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| | - R. Brian Dyer
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| | - Khalid Salaita
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
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Platelet integrins exhibit anisotropic mechanosensing and harness piconewton forces to mediate platelet aggregation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 115:325-330. [PMID: 29269394 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1710828115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Platelet aggregation at the site of vascular injury is essential in clotting. During this process, platelets are bridged by soluble fibrinogen that binds surface integrin receptors. One mystery in the mechanism of platelet aggregation pertains to how resting platelets ignore soluble fibrinogen, the third most abundant protein in the bloodstream, and yet avidly bind immobile fibrinogen on the surface of other platelets at the primary injury site. We speculate that platelet integrins are mechanosensors that test their ligands across the platelet-platelet synapse. To investigate this model, we interrogate human platelets using approaches that include the supported lipid bilayer platform as well as DNA tension sensor technologies. Experiments suggest that platelet integrins require lateral forces to mediate platelet-platelet interactions. Mechanically labile ligands dampen platelet activation, and the onset of piconewton integrin tension coincides with calcium flux. Activated platelets display immobilized fibrinogen on their surface, thus mediating further recruitment of resting platelets. The distribution of integrin tension was shown to be spatially regulated through two myosin-signaling pathways, myosin light chain kinase and Rho-associated kinase. Finally, we discovered that the termination of integrin tension is coupled with the exposure of phosphatidylserine. Our work reveals the highest spatial and temporal resolution maps of platelet integrin mechanics and its role in platelet aggregation, suggesting that platelets are physical substrates for one another that establish mechanical feedback loops of activation. The results are reminiscent of mechanical regulation of the T-cell receptor, E-cadherin, and Notch pathways, suggesting a common feature for signaling at cell junctions.
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