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Gao H, Peng W, Zhou Y, Ding Z, Su M, Wu Z, Yu C. Flexible and multi-functional three-dimensional scaffold based on enokitake-like Au nanowires for real-time monitoring of endothelial mechanotransduction. Biosens Bioelectron 2024; 263:116610. [PMID: 39079209 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2024.116610] [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] [Received: 05/27/2024] [Revised: 07/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
Endothelial cells are sensitive to mechanical force and can convert it into biochemical signals to trigger mechano-chemo-transduction. Although conventional techniques have been used to investigate the subsequent modifications of cellular expression after mechanical stimulation, the in situ and real-time acquiring the transient biochemical information during mechanotransduction process remains an enormous challenge. In this work, we develop a flexible and multi-functional three-dimensional conductive scaffold that integrates cell growth, mechanical stimulation, and electrochemical sensing by in situ growth of enokitake-like Au nanowires on a three-dimensional porous polydimethylsiloxane substrate. The conductive scaffold possesses stable and desirable electrochemical sensing performance toward nitric oxide under mechanical deformation. The prepared e-AuNWs/CC/PDMS scaffold exhibits a good electrocatalytic ability to NO with a linear range from 2.5 nM to 13.95 μM and a detection limit of 8 nM. Owing to the excellent cellular compatibility, endothelial cells can be cultured directly on the scaffold and the real-time inducing and recording of nitric oxide secretion under physiological and pathological conditions were achieved. This work renders a reliable sensing platform for real-time monitoring cytomechanical signaling during endothelial mechanotransduction and is expected to promote other related biological investigations based on three-dimensional cell culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Gao
- School of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, 226019, China
| | - Wenjing Peng
- School of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, 226019, China
| | - Yaqiu Zhou
- School of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, 226019, China
| | - Zhengyuan Ding
- School of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, 226019, China
| | - Mengjie Su
- School of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, 226019, China
| | - Zengqiang Wu
- School of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, 226019, China
| | - Chunmei Yu
- School of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, 226019, China.
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2
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Gao J, Sun X, Ma Y, Qin W, Li J, Jin Z, Qiu J, Zhang H. Myotube formation on micropatterns guiding by centripetal cellular motility and crowding. Mater Today Bio 2024; 28:101195. [PMID: 39205872 PMCID: PMC11357802 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2024.101195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 08/05/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The physical microenvironment, including substrate rigidity and topology, impacts myoblast differentiation and myotube maturation. However, the interplay effect and physical mechanism of mechanical stimuli on myotube formation is poorly understood. In this study, we utilized elastic substrates, microcontact patterning technique, and particle image velocimetry to investigate the effect of substrate rigidity and topological constraints on myoblast behaviors. Our findings suggested the interplay of substrate stiffness and cellular confinement improved the myotube formation by inducing centripetal cellular motility. These results shed light on the impact of the topological substrate on myoblast differentiation and emphasize the critical role of asymmetrical cell motility during this process, which is highly correlated with cell movement and crowding. Our research provides insights into the intricate interplay between substrate properties, cell motility, and myotube formation during myogenesis. Understanding these mechanisms could trigger tissue engineering strategies and therapies to enhance muscle regeneration and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shaanxi Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Orthodontics, School of Stomatology, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, 710032, China
| | - Xiang Sun
- Department of Stomatology, The First Hospital of Yulin, Yulin, 719000, China
| | - Yanning Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shaanxi Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Orthodontics, School of Stomatology, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, 710032, China
- Shanxi Medical University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Taiyuan, 030001, China
| | - Wen Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shaanxi Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Orthodontics, School of Stomatology, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, 710032, China
| | - Jin Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Zuolin Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shaanxi Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Orthodontics, School of Stomatology, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, 710032, China
| | - Jun Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shaanxi Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, School of Stomatology, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, 710032, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shaanxi Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Orthodontics, School of Stomatology, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, 710032, China
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3
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Li X, Shi C, Zhou R, Chen X, Xu Q, Zhao C, Ma M, Ao X, Liu Y. Modified EBP-bFGF targeting endogenous renal extracellular matrix protects against renal ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats. J Biomed Mater Res A 2024; 112:1827-1839. [PMID: 38700258 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.37730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a life-threatening disease primarily caused by renal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury, which can result in renal failure. Currently, growth factor therapy is considered a promising and effective approach for AKI treatment. Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), an angiogenic factor with potent activity, efficiently stimulates angiogenesis and facilitates regeneration of renal tissue. However, the unrestricted diffusion of bFGF restricts its clinical application in AKI treatment. Therefore, developing a novel sustained released system for bFGF could enhance its potential in treating AKI. In this study, we genetically engineered a multifunctional recombinant protein by fusing bFGF with a specific peptide (EBP). EBP-bFGF effectively binds to the extracellular matrix in the injured kidney, enabling slow release of bFGF in AKI. Furthermore, following orthotopic injection into I/R rats' ischemic kidneys, EBP-bFGF exhibited stable retention within the tissue. Additionally, EBP-bFGF suppressed apoptosis of renal cells, reduced renal fibrosis, and facilitated recovery of renal function. These findings suggest that EBP-bFGF delivery system represents a promising strategy for treating AKI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoge Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Chunying Shi
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Runxue Zhou
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xinhui Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Qingling Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Chunyige Zhao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Mengyao Ma
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiang Ao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
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Kardashina T, Serrano EE, Dawson JA, Drach B. Mechanical characterization of Xenopus laevis oocytes using atomic force microscopy. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2024; 157:106648. [PMID: 38996625 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2024.106648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024]
Abstract
Mechanical properties are essential for the biological activities of cells, and they have been shown to be affected by diseases. Therefore, accurate mechanical characterization is important for studying the cell lifecycle, cell-cell interactions, and disease diagnosis. While the cytoskeleton and actin cortex are typically the primary structural stiffness contributors in most live cells, oocytes possess an additional extracellular layer known as the vitelline membrane (VM), or envelope, which can significantly impact their overall mechanical properties. In this study, we utilized nanoindentation via an atomic force microscope to measure the Young's modulus of Xenopus laevis oocytes at different force setpoints and explored the influence of the VM by conducting measurements on oocytes with the membrane removed. The findings revealed that the removal of VM led to a significant decrease in the apparent Young's modulus of the oocytes, highlighting the pivotal role of the VM as the main structural component responsible for the oocyte's shape and stiffness. Furthermore, the mechanical behavior of VM was investigated through finite element (FE) simulations of the nanoindentation process. FE simulations with the VM Young's modulus in the range 20-60 MPa resulted in force-displacement curves that closely resemble experimental in terms of shape and maximum force for a given indentation depth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Kardashina
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces NM, USA
| | - Elba E Serrano
- Department of Biology, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces NM, USA
| | - John A Dawson
- Department of Economics, Applied Statistics, and International Business, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces NM, USA
| | - Borys Drach
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces NM, USA.
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5
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Latypova AA, Yaremenko AV, Pechnikova NA, Minin AS, Zubarev IV. Magnetogenetics as a promising tool for controlling cellular signaling pathways. J Nanobiotechnology 2024; 22:327. [PMID: 38858689 PMCID: PMC11163773 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-024-02616-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Magnetogenetics emerges as a transformative approach for modulating cellular signaling pathways through the strategic application of magnetic fields and nanoparticles. This technique leverages the unique properties of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) to induce mechanical or thermal stimuli within cells, facilitating the activation of mechano- and thermosensitive proteins without the need for traditional ligand-receptor interactions. Unlike traditional modalities that often require invasive interventions and lack precision in targeting specific cellular functions, magnetogenetics offers a non-invasive alternative with the capacity for deep tissue penetration and the potential for targeting a broad spectrum of cellular processes. This review underscores magnetogenetics' broad applicability, from steering stem cell differentiation to manipulating neuronal activity and immune responses, highlighting its potential in regenerative medicine, neuroscience, and cancer therapy. Furthermore, the review explores the challenges and future directions of magnetogenetics, including the development of genetically programmed magnetic nanoparticles and the integration of magnetic field-sensitive cells for in vivo applications. Magnetogenetics stands at the forefront of cellular manipulation technologies, offering novel insights into cellular signaling and opening new avenues for therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasiia A Latypova
- Institute of Future Biophysics, Dolgoprudny, 141701, Russia
- Moscow Center for Advanced Studies, Moscow, 123592, Russia
| | - Alexey V Yaremenko
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, 54124, Greece.
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 117997, Russia.
| | - Nadezhda A Pechnikova
- Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, 54124, Greece
- Saint Petersburg Pasteur Institute, Saint Petersburg, 197101, Russia
| | - Artem S Minin
- M.N. Mikheev Institute of Metal Physics of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Yekaterinburg, 620108, Russia
| | - Ilya V Zubarev
- Institute of Future Biophysics, Dolgoprudny, 141701, Russia.
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6
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Seraj H, Nazari MA, Atai AA, Amanpour S, Azadi M. A Review: Biomechanical Aspects of the Fallopian Tube Relevant to its Function in Fertility. Reprod Sci 2024; 31:1456-1485. [PMID: 38472710 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-024-01479-x] [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] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
The fallopian tube (FT) plays a crucial role in the reproductive process by providing an ideal biomechanical and biochemical environment for fertilization and early embryo development. Despite its importance, the biomechanical functions of the FT that originate from its morphological aspects, and ultrastructural aspects, as well as the mechanical properties of FT, have not been studied nor used sufficiently, which limits the understanding of fertilization, mechanotrasduction, and mechanobiology during embryo development, as well as the replication of the FT in laboratory settings for infertility treatments. This paper reviews and revives valuable information on human FT reported in medical literature in the past five decades relevant to the biomechanical aspects of FT. In this review, we summarized the current state of knowledge concerning the morphological, ultrastructural aspects, and mechanical properties of the human FT. We also investigate the potential arising from a thorough consideration of the biomechanical functions and exploring often neglected mechanical aspects. Our investigation encompasses both macroscopic measurements (such as length, diameter, and thickness) and microscopic measurements (including the height of epithelial cells, the percentage of ciliated cells, cilia structure, and ciliary beat frequency). Our primary focus has been on healthy women of reproductive age. We have examined various measurement techniques, encompassing conventional metrology, 2D histological data as well as new spatial measurement techniques such as micro-CT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hasan Seraj
- School of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ali Nazari
- School of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
- Department of Speech and Cognition, CNRS UMR 5216, Grenoble Institute of Technology, Grenoble, France.
| | - Ali Asghar Atai
- School of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeid Amanpour
- Vali-E-Asr Reproductive Health Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Cancer Biology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Azadi
- School of Engineering, College of Science and Engineering, San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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7
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Li W, Guo J, Hobson EC, Xue X, Li Q, Fu J, Deng CX, Guo Z. Metabolic-Glycoengineering-Enabled Molecularly Specific Acoustic Tweezing Cytometry for Targeted Mechanical Stimulation of Cell Surface Sialoglycans. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202401921. [PMID: 38498603 PMCID: PMC11073901 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202401921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2024] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
In this study, we developed a novel type of dibenzocyclooctyne (DBCO)-functionalized microbubbles (MBs) and validated their attachment to azide-labelled sialoglycans on human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) generated by metabolic glycoengineering (MGE). This enabled the application of mechanical forces to sialoglycans on hPSCs through molecularly specific acoustic tweezing cytometry (mATC), that is, displacing sialoglycan-anchored MBs using ultrasound (US). It was shown that subjected to the acoustic radiation forces of US pulses, sialoglycan-anchored MBs exhibited significantly larger displacements and faster, more complete recovery after each pulse than integrin-anchored MBs, indicating that sialoglycans are more stretchable and elastic than integrins on hPSCs in response to mechanical force. Furthermore, stimulating sialoglycans on hPSCs using mATC reduced stage-specific embryonic antigen-3 (SSEA-3) and GD3 expression but not OCT4 and SOX2 nuclear localization. Conversely, stimulating integrins decreased OCT4 nuclear localization but not SSEA-3 and GD3 expression, suggesting that mechanically stimulating sialoglycans and integrins initiated distinctive mechanoresponses during the early stages of hPSC differentiation. Taken together, these results demonstrated that MGE-enabled mATC uncovered not only different mechanical properties of sialoglycans on hPSCs and integrins but also their different mechanoregulatory impacts on hPSC differentiation, validating MGE-based mATC as a new, powerful tool for investigating the roles of glycans and other cell surface biomolecules in mechanotransduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiping Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Jiatong Guo
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Eric C. Hobson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Xufeng Xue
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Qingjiang Li
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA 02125, USA
| | - Jianping Fu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Cheri X. Deng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Zhongwu Guo
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
- UF Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
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8
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Maria Antony AN, Narisetti N, Gladilin E. Linel2D-Net: A deep learning approach to solving 2D linear elastic boundary value problems on image domains. iScience 2024; 27:109519. [PMID: 38595795 PMCID: PMC11002675 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Efficient solution of physical boundary value problems (BVPs) remains a challenging task demanded in many applications. Conventional numerical methods require time-consuming domain discretization and solving techniques that have limited throughput capabilities. Here, we present an efficient data-driven DNN approach to non-iterative solving arbitrary 2D linear elastic BVPs. Our results show that a U-Net-based surrogate model trained on a representative set of reference FDM solutions can accurately emulate linear elastic material behavior with manifold applications in deformable modeling and simulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anto Nivin Maria Antony
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research, OT Gatersleben, Corrensstr. 3, 06466 Seeland, Germany
| | - Narendra Narisetti
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research, OT Gatersleben, Corrensstr. 3, 06466 Seeland, Germany
| | - Evgeny Gladilin
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research, OT Gatersleben, Corrensstr. 3, 06466 Seeland, Germany
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9
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Brückner DB, Broedersz CP. Learning dynamical models of single and collective cell migration: a review. REPORTS ON PROGRESS IN PHYSICS. PHYSICAL SOCIETY (GREAT BRITAIN) 2024; 87:056601. [PMID: 38518358 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6633/ad36d2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
Single and collective cell migration are fundamental processes critical for physiological phenomena ranging from embryonic development and immune response to wound healing and cancer metastasis. To understand cell migration from a physical perspective, a broad variety of models for the underlying physical mechanisms that govern cell motility have been developed. A key challenge in the development of such models is how to connect them to experimental observations, which often exhibit complex stochastic behaviours. In this review, we discuss recent advances in data-driven theoretical approaches that directly connect with experimental data to infer dynamical models of stochastic cell migration. Leveraging advances in nanofabrication, image analysis, and tracking technology, experimental studies now provide unprecedented large datasets on cellular dynamics. In parallel, theoretical efforts have been directed towards integrating such datasets into physical models from the single cell to the tissue scale with the aim of conceptualising the emergent behaviour of cells. We first review how this inference problem has been addressed in both freely migrating and confined cells. Next, we discuss why these dynamics typically take the form of underdamped stochastic equations of motion, and how such equations can be inferred from data. We then review applications of data-driven inference and machine learning approaches to heterogeneity in cell behaviour, subcellular degrees of freedom, and to the collective dynamics of multicellular systems. Across these applications, we emphasise how data-driven methods can be integrated with physical active matter models of migrating cells, and help reveal how underlying molecular mechanisms control cell behaviour. Together, these data-driven approaches are a promising avenue for building physical models of cell migration directly from experimental data, and for providing conceptual links between different length-scales of description.
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Affiliation(s)
- David B Brückner
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria, Am Campus 1, 3400 Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Chase P Broedersz
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Arnold Sommerfeld Center for Theoretical Physics and Center for NanoScience, Department of Physics, Ludwig-Maximilian-University Munich, Theresienstr. 37, D-80333 Munich, Germany
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10
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Dong X, Sun Q, Geng J, Liu X, Wei Q. Fiber Flexibility Reconciles Matrix Recruitment and the Fiber Modulus to Promote Cell Mechanosensing. NANO LETTERS 2024; 24:4029-4037. [PMID: 38526438 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.4c00923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
The mechanical interaction between cells and the extracellular matrix is pervasive in biological systems. On fibrous substrates, cells possess the ability to recruit neighboring fibers, thereby augmenting their own adhesion and facilitating the generation of mechanical cues. However, the matrices with high moduli impede fiber recruitment, restricting the cell mechanoresponse. Herein, by harnessing the inherent swelling properties of gelatin, the flexible gelatin methacryloyl network empowers cells to recruit fibers spanning a broad spectrum of physiological moduli during adhesion. The high flexibility concurrently facilitates the optimization of fiber distribution, deformability, and modulus, contributing to the promotion of cell mechanosensing. Consequently, the randomly distributed flexible fibers with high moduli maximize the cell adhesive forces. This study uncovers the impact of fiber recruitment on cell mechanosensing and introduces fiber flexibility as a previously unexplored property, offering an innovative perspective for the design and development of novel biomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyu Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials and Engineering, College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, P. R. China
- Department of Nephrology, Kidney Research Institute, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, P. R. China
| | - Qian Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials and Engineering, College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, P. R. China
| | - Jiwen Geng
- Department of Nephrology, Kidney Research Institute, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, P. R. China
| | - Xiaojing Liu
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, and Shandong Key Laboratory of Oral Tissue Regeneration, Shandong Engineering Research Center of Dental Materials and Oral Tissue Regeneration, and Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Jinan 250012, P. R. China
| | - Qiang Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials and Engineering, College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, P. R. China
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11
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Tajvidi Safa B, Huang C, Kabla A, Yang R. Active viscoelastic models for cell and tissue mechanics. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2024; 11:231074. [PMID: 38660600 PMCID: PMC11040246 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.231074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Living cells are out of equilibrium active materials. Cell-generated forces are transmitted across the cytoskeleton network and to the extracellular environment. These active force interactions shape cellular mechanical behaviour, trigger mechano-sensing, regulate cell adaptation to the microenvironment and can affect disease outcomes. In recent years, the mechanobiology community has witnessed the emergence of many experimental and theoretical approaches to study cells as mechanically active materials. In this review, we highlight recent advancements in incorporating active characteristics of cellular behaviour at different length scales into classic viscoelastic models by either adding an active tension-generating element or adjusting the resting length of an elastic element in the model. Summarizing the two groups of approaches, we will review the formulation and application of these models to understand cellular adaptation mechanisms in response to various types of mechanical stimuli, such as the effect of extracellular matrix properties and external loadings or deformations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahareh Tajvidi Safa
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE68588, USA
| | - Changjin Huang
- School of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore639798, Singapore
| | - Alexandre Kabla
- Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, CambridgeCB2 1PZ, UK
| | - Ruiguo Yang
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE68588, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI48824, USA
- Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering (IQ), Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI48824, USA
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12
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Zhou W, Rahman MSU, Sun C, Li S, Zhang N, Chen H, Han CC, Xu S, Liu Y. Perspectives on the Novel Multifunctional Nerve Guidance Conduits: From Specific Regenerative Procedures to Motor Function Rebuilding. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2307805. [PMID: 37750196 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202307805] [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: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
Peripheral nerve injury potentially destroys the quality of life by inducing functional movement disorders and sensory capacity loss, which results in severe disability and substantial psychological, social, and financial burdens. Autologous nerve grafting has been commonly used as treatment in the clinic; however, its rare donor availability limits its application. A series of artificial nerve guidance conduits (NGCs) with advanced architectures are also proposed to promote injured peripheral nerve regeneration, which is a complicated process from axon sprouting to targeted muscle reinnervation. Therefore, exploring the interactions between sophisticated NGC complexes and versatile cells during each process including axon sprouting, Schwann cell dedifferentiation, nerve myelination, and muscle reinnervation is necessary. This review highlights the contribution of functional NGCs and the influence of microscale biomaterial architecture on biological processes of nerve repair. Progressive NGCs with chemical molecule induction, heterogenous topographical morphology, electroactive, anisotropic assembly microstructure, and self-powered electroactive and magnetic-sensitive NGCs are also collected, and they are expected to be pioneering features in future multifunctional and effective NGCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weixian Zhou
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety & CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Muhammad Saif Ur Rahman
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Devices and Systems of Ministry of Education Guangdong province, College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, P. R. China
| | - Chengmei Sun
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Devices and Systems of Ministry of Education Guangdong province, College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, P. R. China
| | - Shilin Li
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety & CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Nuozi Zhang
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, P. R. China
| | - Hao Chen
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, P. R. China
| | - Charles C Han
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, P. R. China
- Materials Science and Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Shanshan Xu
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, P. R. China
- Materials Science and Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Ying Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety & CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
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13
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Yang Y, Han K, Huang S, Wang K, Wang Y, Ding S, Zhang L, Zhang M, Xu B, Ma S, Wang Y, Wu S, Wang X. Revelation of adhesive proteins affecting cellular contractility through reference-free traction force microscopy. J Mater Chem B 2024; 12:3249-3261. [PMID: 38466580 DOI: 10.1039/d4tb00065j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Over the past few decades, the critical role played by cellular contractility associated mechanotransduction in the regulation of cell functions has been revealed. In this case, numerous biomaterials have been chemically or structurally designed to manipulate cell behaviors through the regulation of cellular contractility. In particular, adhesive proteins including fibronectin, poly-L-lysine and collagen type I have been widely applied in various biomaterials to improve cell adhesion. Therefore, clarifying the effects of adhesive proteins on cellular contractility has been valuable for the development of biomaterial design. In this study, reference-free traction force microscopy with a well-organized microdot array was designed and prepared to investigate the relationship between adhesive proteins, cellular contractility, and mechanotransduction. The results showed that fibronectin and collagen type I were able to promote the assembly of focal adhesions and further enhance cellular contraction and YAP activity. In contrast, although poly-L-lysine supported cell spreading and elongation, it was inefficient at inducing cell contractility and activating YAP. Additionally, compared with cellular morphogenesis, cellular contraction was essential for YAP activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingjun Yang
- Materials Institute of Atomic and Molecular Science, School of Physics & Information Science, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, P. R. China
- Shanxi-Zheda Institute of Advanced Materials and Chemical Engineering, Taiyuan, P. R. China
| | - Kuankuan Han
- Materials Institute of Atomic and Molecular Science, School of Physics & Information Science, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, P. R. China
| | - Siyuan Huang
- Materials Institute of Atomic and Molecular Science, School of Physics & Information Science, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, P. R. China
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Sichuan Vocational College of Health and Rehabilitation, Zigong, China
| | - Kai Wang
- Materials Institute of Atomic and Molecular Science, School of Physics & Information Science, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, P. R. China
| | - Yuchen Wang
- Materials Institute of Atomic and Molecular Science, School of Physics & Information Science, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, P. R. China
| | - Shukai Ding
- Materials Institute of Atomic and Molecular Science, School of Physics & Information Science, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, P. R. China
| | - Le Zhang
- Materials Institute of Atomic and Molecular Science, School of Physics & Information Science, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, P. R. China
| | - Miao Zhang
- Materials Institute of Atomic and Molecular Science, School of Physics & Information Science, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, P. R. China
| | - Bingshe Xu
- Materials Institute of Atomic and Molecular Science, School of Physics & Information Science, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, P. R. China
- Shanxi-Zheda Institute of Advanced Materials and Chemical Engineering, Taiyuan, P. R. China
- Laboratory of Interface Science and Engineering in Advanced Materials, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, China
| | - Shufang Ma
- Materials Institute of Atomic and Molecular Science, School of Physics & Information Science, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, P. R. China
| | - Yongtao Wang
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ Repair, School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Shengli Wu
- Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Xinlong Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA.
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14
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Camacho-Macorra C, Tabanera N, Sánchez-Bustamante E, Bovolenta P, Cardozo MJ. Maternal vgll4a regulates zebrafish epiboly through Yap1 activity. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1362695. [PMID: 38444829 PMCID: PMC10912589 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1362695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Gastrulation in zebrafish embryos commences with the morphogenetic rearrangement of blastodermal cells, which undergo a coordinated spreading from the animal pole to wrap around the egg at the vegetal pole. This rearrangement, known as epiboly, relies on the orchestrated activity of maternal transcripts present in the egg, compensating for the gradual activation of the zygotic genome. Epiboly involves the mechano-transducer activity of yap1 but what are the regulators of yap1 activity and whether these are maternally or zygotically derived remain elusive. Our study reveals the crucial role of maternal vgll4a, a proposed Yap1 competitor, during zebrafish epiboly. In embryos lacking maternal/zygotic vgll4a (MZvgll4a), the progression of epiboly and blastopore closure is delayed. This delay is associated with the ruffled appearance of the sliding epithelial cells, decreased expression of yap1-downstream targets and transient impairment of the actomyosin ring at the syncytial layer. Our study also shows that, rather than competing with yap1, vgll4a modulates the levels of the E-cadherin/β-catenin adhesion complex at the blastomeres' plasma membrane and hence their actin cortex distribution. Taking these results together, we propose that maternal vgll4a acts at epiboly initiation upstream of yap1 and the E-cadherin/β-catenin adhesion complex, contributing to a proper balance between tissue tension/cohesion and contractility, thereby promoting a timely epiboly progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Camacho-Macorra
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
| | - Noemí Tabanera
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
| | - Elena Sánchez-Bustamante
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
| | - Paola Bovolenta
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
| | - Marcos J Cardozo
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
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15
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Kim OV, Litvinov RI, Gagne AL, French DL, Brass LF, Weisel JW. Megakaryocyte-induced contraction of plasma clots: cellular mechanisms and structural mechanobiology. Blood 2024; 143:548-560. [PMID: 37944157 PMCID: PMC11033616 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2023021545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Nonmuscle cell contractility is an essential feature underlying diverse cellular processes such as motility, morphogenesis, division and genome replication, intracellular transport, and secretion. Blood clot contraction is a well-studied process driven by contracting platelets. Megakaryocytes (MKs), which are the precursors to platelets, can be found in bone marrow and lungs. Although they express many of the same proteins and structures found in platelets, little is known about their ability to engage with extracellular proteins such as fibrin and contract. Here, we have measured the ability of MKs to compress plasma clots. Megakaryocytes derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) were suspended in human platelet-free blood plasma and stimulated with thrombin. Using real-time macroscale optical tracking, confocal microscopy, and biomechanical measurements, we found that activated iPSC-derived MKs (iMKs) caused macroscopic volumetric clot shrinkage, as well as densification and stiffening of the fibrin network via fibrin-attached plasma membrane protrusions undergoing extension-retraction cycles that cause shortening and bending of fibrin fibers. Contraction induced by iMKs involved 2 kinetic phases with distinct rates and durations. It was suppressed by inhibitors of nonmuscle myosin IIA, actin polymerization, and integrin αIIbβ3-fibrin interactions, indicating that the molecular mechanisms of iMK contractility were similar or identical to those in activated platelets. Our findings provide new insights into MK biomechanics and suggest that iMKs can be used as a model system to study platelet contractility. Physiologically, the ability of MKs to contract plasma clots may play a role in the mechanical remodeling of intravascular blood clots and thrombi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oleg V. Kim
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Center for Soft Matter and Biological Physics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
| | - Rustem I. Litvinov
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Alyssa L. Gagne
- Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Deborah L. French
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Lawrence F. Brass
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - John W. Weisel
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
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16
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Cheng YW, Anzell AR, Morosky SA, Schwartze TA, Hinck CS, Hinck AP, Roman BL, Davidson LA. Shear Stress and Sub-Femtomolar Levels of Ligand Synergize to Activate ALK1 Signaling in Endothelial Cells. Cells 2024; 13:285. [PMID: 38334677 PMCID: PMC10854672 DOI: 10.3390/cells13030285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Endothelial cells (ECs) respond to concurrent stimulation by biochemical factors and wall shear stress (SS) exerted by blood flow. Disruptions in flow-induced responses can result in remodeling issues and cardiovascular diseases, but the detailed mechanisms linking flow-mechanical cues and biochemical signaling remain unclear. Activin receptor-like kinase 1 (ALK1) integrates SS and ALK1-ligand cues in ECs; ALK1 mutations cause hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT), marked by arteriovenous malformation (AVM) development. However, the mechanistic underpinnings of ALK1 signaling modulation by fluid flow and the link to AVMs remain uncertain. We recorded EC responses under varying SS magnitudes and ALK1 ligand concentrations by assaying pSMAD1/5/9 nuclear localization using a custom multi-SS microfluidic device and a custom image analysis pipeline. We extended the previously reported synergy between SS and BMP9 to include BMP10 and BMP9/10. Moreover, we demonstrated that this synergy is effective even at extremely low SS magnitudes (0.4 dyn/cm2) and ALK1 ligand range (femtogram/mL). The synergistic response to ALK1 ligands and SS requires the kinase activity of ALK1. Moreover, ALK1's basal activity and response to minimal ligand levels depend on endocytosis, distinct from cell-cell junctions, cytoskeleton-mediated mechanosensing, or cholesterol-enriched microdomains. However, an in-depth analysis of ALK1 receptor trafficking's molecular mechanisms requires further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Wen Cheng
- Department of Bioengineering, Swanson School of Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA;
| | - Anthony R. Anzell
- Department of Human Genetics, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Stefanie A. Morosky
- Department of Human Genetics, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Tristin A. Schwartze
- Department of Structural Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Cynthia S. Hinck
- Department of Structural Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Andrew P. Hinck
- Department of Structural Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Beth L. Roman
- Department of Human Genetics, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
- Heart, Lung, Blood and Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Lance A. Davidson
- Department of Bioengineering, Swanson School of Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA;
- Department of Developmental Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
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17
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Park R, Kang MS, Heo G, Shin YC, Han DW, Hong SW. Regulated Behavior in Living Cells with Highly Aligned Configurations on Nanowrinkled Graphene Oxide Substrates: Deep Learning Based on Interplay of Cellular Contact Guidance. ACS NANO 2024; 18:1325-1344. [PMID: 38099607 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c09815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
Micro-/nanotopographical cues have emerged as a practical and promising strategy for controlling cell fate and reprogramming, which play a key role as biophysical regulators in diverse cellular processes and behaviors. Extracellular biophysical factors can trigger intracellular physiological signaling via mechanotransduction and promote cellular responses such as cell adhesion, migration, proliferation, gene/protein expression, and differentiation. Here, we engineered a highly ordered nanowrinkled graphene oxide (GO) surface via the mechanical deformation of an ultrathin GO film on an elastomeric substrate to observe specific cellular responses based on surface-mediated topographical cues. The ultrathin GO film on the uniaxially prestrained elastomeric substrate through self-assembly and subsequent compressive force produced GO nanowrinkles with periodic amplitude. To examine the acute cellular behaviors on the GO-based cell interface with nanostructured arrays of wrinkles, we cultured L929 fibroblasts and HT22 hippocampal neuronal cells. As a result, our developed cell-culture substrate obviously provided a directional guidance effect. In addition, based on the observed results, we adapted a deep learning (DL)-based data processing technique to precisely interpret the cell behaviors on the nanowrinkled GO surfaces. According to the learning/transfer learning protocol of the DL network, we detected cell boundaries, elongation, and orientation and quantitatively evaluated cell velocity, traveling distance, displacement, and orientation. The presented experimental results have intriguing implications such that the nanotopographical microenvironment could engineer the living cells' morphological polarization to assemble them into useful tissue chips consisting of multiple cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rowoon Park
- Department of Cogno-Mechatronics Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Moon Sung Kang
- Department of Cogno-Mechatronics Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Gyeonghwa Heo
- Department of Cogno-Mechatronics Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Cheol Shin
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Ohio 44195, United States
| | - Dong-Wook Han
- Department of Cogno-Mechatronics Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Suck Won Hong
- Department of Cogno-Mechatronics Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
- Engineering Research Center for Color-Modulated Extra-Sensory Perception Technology, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
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18
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Sun X, Wu C, Tian X, Wang P, Guo J, Shao Z, Wei Q. Activation of Dopamine Receptor D1 and Downstream Cellular Functions by Polydopamine. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2024; 10:420-428. [PMID: 38142403 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.3c01615] [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: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
Polydopamine is a remarkable molecule that has gained considerable attention for its role in material surface modification, leading to an abundance of research in the biomaterial domain. While its widespread use is well documented, the molecule's potential cellular interactions have been less explored. In particular, dopamine serves as a neurotransmitter and a hormone that interacts with dopamine receptors in cells. Our study sheds light on the previously unexamined interaction between polydopamine and dopamine receptor D1 (DRD1). We discovered that polydopamine, along with its derivatives, such as levodopa and catechol, can activate DRD1─a function previously attributed solely to dopamine. Moreover, we found that polydopamine has the ability to influence cell behavior through the cAMP/PKA pathway, thereby affecting RhoA activity and stress fiber formation. These observations invite further consideration regarding the biological safety of polydopamine in biomedical contexts and also open avenues for new research directions in designing bioactive functional materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Sun
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Chao Wu
- Division of Nephrology and Kidney Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Xiaowen Tian
- Division of Nephrology and Kidney Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Peng Wang
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Junling Guo
- College of Biomass Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, China
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of British, Columbia Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Zhenhua Shao
- Division of Nephrology and Kidney Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Qiang Wei
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
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19
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Tabrizi MA, Bhattacharyya P, Zheng R, You M. Electrochemical DNA-based sensors for measuring cell-generated forces. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.03.569814. [PMID: 38106148 PMCID: PMC10723317 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.03.569814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Mechanical forces play an important role in cellular communication and signaling. We developed in this study novel electrochemical DNA-based force sensors for measuring cell-generated adhesion forces. Two types of DNA probes, i.e., tension gauge tether and DNA hairpin, were constructed on the surface of a smartphone-based electrochemical device to detect piconewton-scale cellular forces at tunable levels. Upon experiencing cellular tension, the unfolding of DNA probes induces the separation of redox reporters from the surface of the electrode, which results in detectable electrochemical signals. Using integrin-mediated cell adhesion as an example, our results indicated that these electrochemical sensors can be used for highly sensitive, robust, simple, and portable measurement of cell-generated forces.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ru Zheng
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Mingxu You
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
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20
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Tervonen A, Korpela S, Nymark S, Hyttinen J, Ihalainen TO. The Effect of Substrate Stiffness on Elastic Force Transmission in the Epithelial Monolayers over Short Timescales. Cell Mol Bioeng 2023; 16:475-495. [PMID: 38099211 PMCID: PMC10716100 DOI: 10.1007/s12195-023-00772-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose The importance of mechanical forces and microenvironment in guiding cellular behavior has been widely accepted. Together with the extracellular matrix (ECM), epithelial cells form a highly connected mechanical system subjected to various mechanical cues from their environment, such as ECM stiffness, and tensile and compressive forces. ECM stiffness has been linked to many pathologies, including tumor formation. However, our understanding of the effect of ECM stiffness and its heterogeneities on rapid force transduction in multicellular systems has not been fully addressed. Methods We used experimental and computational methods. Epithelial cells were cultured on elastic hydrogels with fluorescent nanoparticles. Single cells were moved by a micromanipulator, and epithelium and substrate deformation were recorded. We developed a computational model to replicate our experiments and quantify the force distribution in the epithelium. Our model further enabled simulations with local stiffness gradients. Results We found that substrate stiffness affects the force transduction and the cellular deformation following an external force. Also, our results indicate that the heterogeneities, e.g., gradients, in the stiffness can substantially influence the strain redistribution in the cell monolayers. Furthermore, we found that the cells' apico-basal elasticity provides a level of mechanical isolation between the apical cell-cell junctions and the basal focal adhesions. Conclusions Our simulation results show that increased ECM stiffness, e.g., due to a tumor, can mechanically isolate cells and modulate rapid mechanical signaling between cells over distances. Furthermore, the developed model has the potential to facilitate future studies on the interactions between epithelial monolayers and elastic substrates. Supplementary Information The online version of this article (10.1007/s12195-023-00772-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aapo Tervonen
- BioMediTech, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Arvo Ylpön katu 34, 33520 Tampere, Finland
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science, Faculty of Mathematics and Science, University of Jyväskylä, Survontie 9 C, 40500 Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Sanna Korpela
- BioMediTech, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Arvo Ylpön katu 34, 33520 Tampere, Finland
| | - Soile Nymark
- BioMediTech, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Arvo Ylpön katu 34, 33520 Tampere, Finland
| | - Jari Hyttinen
- BioMediTech, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Arvo Ylpön katu 34, 33520 Tampere, Finland
| | - Teemu O. Ihalainen
- BioMediTech, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Arvo Ylpön katu 34, 33520 Tampere, Finland
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21
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Vahala D, Amos SE, Sacchi M, Soliman BG, Hepburn MS, Mowla A, Li J, Jeong JH, Astell C, Hwang Y, Kennedy BF, Lim KS, Choi YS. 3D Volumetric Mechanosensation of MCF7 Breast Cancer Spheroids in a Linear Stiffness Gradient GelAGE. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2301506. [PMID: 37670531 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202301506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment presents spatiotemporal shifts in biomechanical properties with cancer progression. Hydrogel biomaterials like GelAGE offer the stiffness tuneability to recapitulate dynamic changes in tumor tissues by altering photo-energy exposures. Here, a tuneable hydrogel with spatiotemporal control of stiffness and mesh-network is developed. The volume of MCF7 spheroids encapsulated in a linear stiffness gradient demonstrates an inverse relationship with stiffness (p < 0.0001). As spheroids are exposed to increased crosslinking (stiffer) and greater mechanical confinement, spheroid stiffness increases. Protein expression (TRPV4, β1 integrin, E-cadherin, and F-actin) decreases with increasing stiffness while showing strong correlations to spheroid volume (r2 > 0.9). To further investigate the role of volume, MCF7 spheroids are grown in a soft matrix for 5 days prior to a second polymerisation which presents a stiffness gradient to equally expanded spheroids. Despite being exposed to variable stiffness, these spheroids show even protein expression, confirming volume as a key regulator. Overall, this work showcases the versatility of GelAGE and demonstrates volume expansion as a key regulator of 3D mechanosensation in MCF7 breast cancer spheroids. This platform has the potential to further investigation into the role of stiffness and dimensionality in 3D spheroid culture for other types of cancers and diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Vahala
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Sebastian E Amos
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Marta Sacchi
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Bram G Soliman
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Otago Christchurch, Christchurch, 8140, New Zealand
| | - Matt S Hepburn
- Department of Electrical, Electronic & Computer Engineering, School of Engineering, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
- BRITElab, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, QEII Medical Centre, Nedlands, and Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Alireza Mowla
- Department of Electrical, Electronic & Computer Engineering, School of Engineering, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
- BRITElab, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, QEII Medical Centre, Nedlands, and Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Jiayue Li
- Department of Electrical, Electronic & Computer Engineering, School of Engineering, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
- BRITElab, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, QEII Medical Centre, Nedlands, and Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Ji Hoon Jeong
- Soonchunhyang Institute of Medi-Bio Science, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan-si, Chungcheongnam-do, 31151, South Korea
| | - Chrissie Astell
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Yongsung Hwang
- Soonchunhyang Institute of Medi-Bio Science, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan-si, Chungcheongnam-do, 31151, South Korea
| | - Brendan F Kennedy
- Department of Electrical, Electronic & Computer Engineering, School of Engineering, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
- BRITElab, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, QEII Medical Centre, Nedlands, and Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Khoon S Lim
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Otago Christchurch, Christchurch, 8140, New Zealand
- School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Yu Suk Choi
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
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22
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D’Alessio A. Unraveling the Cave: A Seventy-Year Journey into the Caveolar Network, Cellular Signaling, and Human Disease. Cells 2023; 12:2680. [PMID: 38067108 PMCID: PMC10705299 DOI: 10.3390/cells12232680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
In the mid-1950s, a groundbreaking discovery revealed the fascinating presence of caveolae, referred to as flask-shaped invaginations of the plasma membrane, sparking renewed excitement in the field of cell biology. Caveolae are small, flask-shaped invaginations in the cell membrane that play crucial roles in diverse cellular processes, including endocytosis, lipid homeostasis, and signal transduction. The structural stability and functionality of these specialized membrane microdomains are attributed to the coordinated activity of scaffolding proteins, including caveolins and cavins. While caveolae and caveolins have been long appreciated for their integral roles in cellular physiology, the accumulating scientific evidence throughout the years reaffirms their association with a broad spectrum of human disorders. This review article aims to offer a thorough account of the historical advancements in caveolae research, spanning from their initial discovery to the recognition of caveolin family proteins and their intricate contributions to cellular functions. Furthermore, it will examine the consequences of a dysfunctional caveolar network in the development of human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio D’Alessio
- Sezione di Istologia ed Embriologia, Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e Sanità Pubblica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Roma, Italy;
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “Agostino Gemelli”, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
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23
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Vian A, Pochitaloff M, Yen ST, Kim S, Pollock J, Liu Y, Sletten EM, Campàs O. In situ quantification of osmotic pressure within living embryonic tissues. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7023. [PMID: 37919265 PMCID: PMC10622550 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42024-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Mechanics is known to play a fundamental role in many cellular and developmental processes. Beyond active forces and material properties, osmotic pressure is believed to control essential cell and tissue characteristics. However, it remains very challenging to perform in situ and in vivo measurements of osmotic pressure. Here we introduce double emulsion droplet sensors that enable local measurements of osmotic pressure intra- and extra-cellularly within 3D multicellular systems, including living tissues. After generating and calibrating the sensors, we measure the osmotic pressure in blastomeres of early zebrafish embryos as well as in the interstitial fluid between the cells of the blastula by monitoring the size of droplets previously inserted in the embryo. Our results show a balance between intracellular and interstitial osmotic pressures, with values of approximately 0.7 MPa, but a large pressure imbalance between the inside and outside of the embryo. The ability to measure osmotic pressure in 3D multicellular systems, including developing embryos and organoids, will help improve our understanding of its role in fundamental biological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoine Vian
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
- Cluster of Excellence Physics of Life, TU Dresden, 01062, Dresden, Germany
| | - Marie Pochitaloff
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
- Cluster of Excellence Physics of Life, TU Dresden, 01062, Dresden, Germany
| | - Shuo-Ting Yen
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
- Cluster of Excellence Physics of Life, TU Dresden, 01062, Dresden, Germany
| | - Sangwoo Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - Jennifer Pollock
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - Yucen Liu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - Ellen M Sletten
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Otger Campàs
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, USA.
- Cluster of Excellence Physics of Life, TU Dresden, 01062, Dresden, Germany.
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany.
- Center for Systems Biology Dresden, 01307, Dresden, Germany.
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24
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Park S, Lee J, Ahn KS, Shim HW, Yoon J, Hyun J, Lee JH, Jang S, Yoo KH, Jang Y, Kim T, Kim HK, Lee MR, Jang J, Shim H, Kim H. Cyclic Stretch Promotes Cellular Reprogramming Process through Cytoskeletal-Nuclear Mechano-Coupling and Epigenetic Modification. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2303395. [PMID: 37727069 PMCID: PMC10646259 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202303395] [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: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
Advancing the technologies for cellular reprogramming with high efficiency has significant impact on regenerative therapy, disease modeling, and drug discovery. Biophysical cues can tune the cell fate, yet the precise role of external physical forces during reprogramming remains elusive. Here the authors show that temporal cyclic-stretching of fibroblasts significantly enhances the efficiency of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) production. Generated iPSCs are proven to express pluripotency markers and exhibit in vivo functionality. Bulk RNA-sequencing reveales that cyclic-stretching enhances biological characteristics required for pluripotency acquisition, including increased cell division and mesenchymal-epithelial transition. Of note, cyclic-stretching activates key mechanosensitive molecules (integrins, perinuclear actins, nesprin-2, and YAP), across the cytoskeletal-to-nuclear space. Furthermore, stretch-mediated cytoskeletal-nuclear mechano-coupling leads to altered epigenetic modifications, mainly downregulation in H3K9 methylation, and its global gene occupancy change, as revealed by genome-wide ChIP-sequencing and pharmacological inhibition tests. Single cell RNA-sequencing further identifies subcluster of mechano-responsive iPSCs and key epigenetic modifier in stretched cells. Collectively, cyclic-stretching activates iPSC reprogramming through mechanotransduction process and epigenetic changes accompanied by altered occupancy of mechanosensitive genes. This study highlights the strong link between external physical forces with subsequent mechanotransduction process and the epigenetic changes with expression of related genes in cellular reprogramming, holding substantial implications in the field of cell biology, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine.
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25
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Sciorio R, Rinaudo P. Culture conditions in the IVF laboratory: state of the ART and possible new directions. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023; 40:2591-2607. [PMID: 37725178 PMCID: PMC10643723 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02934-5] [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] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
In the last four decades, the assisted reproductive technology (ART) field has witnessed advances, resulting in improving pregnancy rates and diminishing complications, in particular reduced incidence of multiple births. These improvements are secondary to advanced knowledge on embryonic physiology and metabolism, resulting in the ability to design new and improved culture conditions. Indeed, the incubator represents only a surrogate of the oviduct and uterus, and the culture conditions are only imitating the physiological environment of the female reproductive tract. In vivo, the embryo travels through a dynamic and changing environment from the oviduct to the uterus, while in vitro, the embryo is cultured in a static fashion. Importantly, while culture media play a critical role in optimising embryo development, a large host of additional factors are equally important. Additional potential variables, including but not limited to pH, temperature, osmolality, gas concentrations and light exposure need to be carefully controlled to prevent stress and permit optimal implantation potential. This manuscript will provide an overview of how different current culture conditions may affect oocyte and embryo viability with particular focus on human literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romualdo Sciorio
- Fertility Medicine and Gynaecological Endocrinology Unit, Department Woman-Mother-Child, CHUV-Lausanne University Hospital, 1011, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Paolo Rinaudo
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
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26
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Wang X, Liu W, Luo X, Zheng Q, Shi B, Liu R, Li C. Mesenchymal β-catenin signaling affects palatogenesis by regulating α-actinin-4 and F-actin. Oral Dis 2023; 29:3493-3502. [PMID: 36251469 DOI: 10.1111/odi.14408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Our previous research have found that mesenchymal β-catenin may be involved in palatal shelf (PS) elevation by regulating F-actin. Here, we further investigated the exact mechanism of β-catenin/F-actin in the PS mesenchyme to regulate palatal reorientation. MATERIALS AND METHODS (1) Firstly, Ctnnb1ex3f (β-catenin) mice were conditionally overexpressed in the palatal mesenchyme by crossing with the Sox9-creERT2 mice (induced by Tamoxifen injections); (2) Subsequently, histology and immunohistochemistry were used to characterize the variations of PS morphology and expression of key molecules associated with developmental process; (3) Finally, experiments in vivo and ex vivo were employed to identify the critical mechanisms in β-catenin silenced and overexpressed models. RESULTS We found that the Sox9CreER; Ctnnb1ex3f mice exhibited failed palatal elevation and visible cleft palate, and overexpression of β-catenin disturbed the F-actin responsible for cytoskeletal remodeling in palatal mesenchymal cells. qRT-PCR results showed mRNA levels of α-actinin4, a gene involved in F-actin cross-linking, were associated with knockdown or overexpression of β-catenin in ex vivo, respectively. Experiments in vivo revealed that mesenchymal specific inactivation or overexpression of β-catenin exhibited decreased or increased α-actinin-4 expression. CONCLUSIONS Mesenchymal β-catenin/F-actin plays an essential role in PS reorientation, which mediate α-actinin-4 to regulate F-actin cytoskeleton reorganization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoming Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Department of Cleft Lip and Palate Surgery, West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Weilong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Department of Cleft Lip and Palate Surgery, West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiao Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Department of Cleft Lip and Palate Surgery, West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qian Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Department of Cleft Lip and Palate Surgery, West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Bing Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Department of Cleft Lip and Palate Surgery, West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Renkai Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Department of Cleft Lip and Palate Surgery, West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chenghao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Department of Cleft Lip and Palate Surgery, West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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27
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Sarkar A, Niraula G, LeVine D, Zhao Y, Tu Y, Mollaeian K, Ren J, Que L, Wang X. Development of a Ratiometric Tension Sensor Exclusively Responding to Integrin Tension Magnitude in Live Cells. ACS Sens 2023; 8:3701-3712. [PMID: 37738233 PMCID: PMC10788086 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.3c00606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
Integrin tensions are critical for cell mechanotransduction. By converting force to fluorescence, molecular tension sensors image integrin tensions in live cells with a high resolution. However, the fluorescence signal intensity results collectively from integrin tension magnitude, tension dwell time, integrin density, sensor accessibility, and so forth, making it highly challenging to specifically monitor the molecular force level of integrin tensions. Here, a ratiometric tension sensor (RTS) was developed to exclusively monitor the integrin tension magnitude. The RTS consists of two tension-sensing units that are coupled in series and always subject to the same integrin tension. These two units are activated by tension to fluoresce in separate spectra and with different activation rates. The ratio of their activation probabilities, reported by fluorescence ratiometric measurement, is solely determined by the local integrin tension magnitude. RTS responded sensitively to the variation of integrin tension magnitude in platelets and focal adhesions due to different cell plating times, actomyosin inhibition, or vinculin knockout. At last, RTS confirmed that integrin tension magnitude in platelets and focal adhesions decreases monotonically with the substrate rigidity, verifying the rigidity dependence of integrin tensions in live cells and suggesting that integrin tension magnitude could be a key biomechanical factor in cell rigidity sensing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anwesha Sarkar
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011, United States
| | - Gopal Niraula
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011, United States
| | - Dana LeVine
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011, United States
| | - Yuanchang Zhao
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011, United States
| | - Ying Tu
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011, United States
| | - Keyvan Mollaeian
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011, United States
| | - Juan Ren
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011, United States
| | - Long Que
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011, United States
| | - Xuefeng Wang
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011, United States
- Hoxworth Blood Center, College of Medicine, The University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio 45219, United States
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28
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Xu Z, Liu S, Xue X, Li W, Fu J, Deng CX. Rapid responses of human pluripotent stem cells to cyclic mechanical strains applied to integrin by acoustic tweezing cytometry. Sci Rep 2023; 13:18030. [PMID: 37865697 PMCID: PMC10590420 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-45397-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Acoustic tweezing cytometry (ATC) is an ultrasound-based biophysical technique that has shown the capability to promote differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs). This study systematically examined how hPSCs respond to cyclic mechanical strains applied by ATC via displacement of integrin-bound microbubbles (averaged diameter of 4.3 µm) using ultrasound pulses (acoustic pressure 0.034 MPa, center frequency 1.24 MHz and pulse repetition frequency 1 Hz). Our data show downregulation of pluripotency marker Octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (OCT4) by at least 10% and increased nuclear localization of Yes-associated protein (YAP) by almost 100% in hPSCs immediately after ATC application for as short as 1 min and 5 min respectively. Analysis of the movements of integrin-anchored microbubbles under ATC stimulations reveals different stages of viscoelastic characteristic behavior and increasing deformation of the integrin-cytoskeleton (CSK) linkage. The peak displacement of integrin-bound microbubbles increased from 1.45 ± 0.16 to 4.74 ± 0.67 μm as the duty cycle of ultrasound pulses increased from 5% to 50% or the duration of each ultrasound pulse increased from 0.05 to 0.5 s. Real-time tracking of integrin-bound microbubbles during ATC application detects high correlation of microbubble displacements with OCT4 downregulation in hPSCs. Together, our data showing fast downregulation of OCT4 in hPSCs in respond to ATC stimulations highlight the unique mechanosensitivity of hPSCs to integrin-targeted cyclic force/strain dependent on the pulse duration or duty cycle of ultrasound pulses, providing insights into the mechanism of ATC-induced accelerated differentiation of hPSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoyi Xu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Shiying Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Xufeng Xue
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Weiping Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Jianping Fu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
| | - Cheri X Deng
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
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29
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Liu Y, Wu W, Feng S, Chen Y, Wu X, Zhang Q, Wu S. Dynamic response of the cell traction force to osmotic shock. MICROSYSTEMS & NANOENGINEERING 2023; 9:131. [PMID: 37854722 PMCID: PMC10579240 DOI: 10.1038/s41378-023-00603-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Osmotic pressure is vital to many physiological activities, such as cell proliferation, wound healing and disease treatment. However, how cells interact with the extracellular matrix (ECM) when subjected to osmotic shock remains unclear. Here, we visualize the mechanical interactions between cells and the ECM during osmotic shock by quantifying the dynamic evolution of the cell traction force. We show that both hypertonic and hypotonic shocks induce continuous and large changes in cell traction force. Moreover, the traction force varies with cell volume: the traction force increases as cells shrink and decreases as cells swell. However, the direction of the traction force is independent of cell volume changes and is always toward the center of the cell-substrate interface. Furthermore, we reveal a mechanical mechanism in which the change in cortical tension caused by osmotic shock leads to the variation in traction force, which suggests a simple method for measuring changes in cell cortical tension. These findings provide new insights into the mechanical force response of cells to the external environment and may provide a deeper understanding of how the ECM regulates cell structure and function. Traction force exerted by cells under hypertonic and hypotonic shocks. Scale bar, 200 Pa. Color bar, Pa. The black arrows represent the tangential traction forces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongman Liu
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Anhui Medical University, 230032 Hefei, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Material, Department of Modern Mechanics, CAS Center for Excellence in Complex System Mechanics, University of Science and Technology of China, 230026 Hefei, China
| | - Wenjie Wu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Material, Department of Modern Mechanics, CAS Center for Excellence in Complex System Mechanics, University of Science and Technology of China, 230026 Hefei, China
| | - Shuo Feng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Material, Department of Modern Mechanics, CAS Center for Excellence in Complex System Mechanics, University of Science and Technology of China, 230026 Hefei, China
| | - Ye Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Material, Department of Modern Mechanics, CAS Center for Excellence in Complex System Mechanics, University of Science and Technology of China, 230026 Hefei, China
| | - Xiaoping Wu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Material, Department of Modern Mechanics, CAS Center for Excellence in Complex System Mechanics, University of Science and Technology of China, 230026 Hefei, China
| | - Qingchuan Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Material, Department of Modern Mechanics, CAS Center for Excellence in Complex System Mechanics, University of Science and Technology of China, 230026 Hefei, China
| | - Shangquan Wu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Material, Department of Modern Mechanics, CAS Center for Excellence in Complex System Mechanics, University of Science and Technology of China, 230026 Hefei, China
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30
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Jin Q, Pandey D, Thompson CB, Lewis S, Sung HW, Nguyen TD, Kuo S, Wilson KL, Gracias DH, Romer LH. Acute downregulation of emerin alters actomyosin cytoskeleton connectivity and function. Biophys J 2023; 122:3690-3703. [PMID: 37254483 PMCID: PMC10541481 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2023.05.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Fetal lung fibroblasts contribute dynamic infrastructure for the developing lung. These cells undergo dynamic mechanical transitions, including cyclic stretch and spreading, which are integral to lung growth in utero. We investigated the role of the nuclear envelope protein emerin in cellular responses to these dynamic mechanical transitions. In contrast to control cells, which briskly realigned their nuclei, actin cytoskeleton, and extracellular matrices in response to cyclic stretch, fibroblasts that were acutely downregulated for emerin showed incomplete reorientation of both nuclei and actin cytoskeleton. Emerin-downregulated fibroblasts were also aberrantly circular in contrast to the spindle-shaped controls and exhibited an altered pattern of filamentous actin organization that was disconnected from the nucleus. Emerin knockdown was also associated with reduced myosin light chain phosphorylation during cell spreading. Interestingly, emerin-downregulated fibroblasts also demonstrated reduced fibronectin fibrillogenesis and production. These findings indicate that nuclear-cytoskeletal coupling serves a role in the dynamic regulation of cytoskeletal structure and function and may also impact the transmission of traction force to the extracellular matrix microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianru Jin
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Deepesh Pandey
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Carol B Thompson
- Biostatistics Center, Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Shawna Lewis
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Hyun Woo Sung
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Thao D Nguyen
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland; Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Scot Kuo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; Department of Cell Biology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; Microscope Facility, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Katherine L Wilson
- Department of Cell Biology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - David H Gracias
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; Center for MicroPhysiological Systems, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland; Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland; Department of Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland; Laboratory for Computational Sensing and Robotics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Lewis H Romer
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; Department of Cell Biology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; Center for Cell Dynamics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.
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31
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Bai Y, Zhao F, Wu T, Chen F, Pang X. Actin polymerization and depolymerization in developing vertebrates. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1213668. [PMID: 37745245 PMCID: PMC10515290 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1213668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Development is a complex process that occurs throughout the life cycle. F-actin, a major component of the cytoskeleton, is essential for the morphogenesis of tissues and organs during development. F-actin is formed by the polymerization of G-actin, and the dynamic balance of polymerization and depolymerization ensures proper cellular function. Disruption of this balance results in various abnormalities and defects or even embryonic lethality. Here, we reviewed recent findings on the structure of G-actin and F-actin and the polymerization of G-actin to F-actin. We also focused on the functions of actin isoforms and the underlying mechanisms of actin polymerization/depolymerization in cellular and organic morphogenesis during development. This information will extend our understanding of the role of actin polymerization in the physiologic or pathologic processes during development and may open new avenues for developing therapeutics for embryonic developmental abnormalities or tissue regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Bai
- Stomatological Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, Chongqing, China
| | - Feng Zhao
- Stomatological Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, Chongqing, China
| | - Tingting Wu
- Stomatological Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, Chongqing, China
| | - Fangchun Chen
- Stomatological Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Pang
- Stomatological Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, Chongqing, China
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32
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Paul S, Schrobback K, Tran PA, Meinert C, Davern JW, Weekes A, Nedunchezhiyan U, Klein TJ. GelMA-glycol chitosan hydrogels for cartilage regeneration: The role of uniaxial mechanical stimulation in enhancing mechanical, adhesive, and biochemical properties. APL Bioeng 2023; 7:036114. [PMID: 37692373 PMCID: PMC10492648 DOI: 10.1063/5.0160472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Untreated osteochondral defects are a leading cause of osteoarthritis, a condition that places a heavy burden on both patients and orthopedic surgeons. Although tissue engineering has shown promise for creating mechanically similar cartilage-like constructs, their integration with cartilage remains elusive. Therefore, a formulation of biodegradable, biocompatible biomaterial with sufficient mechanical and adhesive properties for cartilage repair is required. To accomplish this, we prepared biocompatible, photo-curable, mechanically robust, and highly adhesive GelMA-glycol chitosan (GelMA-GC) hydrogels. GelMA-GC hydrogels had a modulus of 283 kPa and provided a biocompatible environment (>70% viability of embedded chondrocytes) in long-term culture within a bovine cartilage ring. The adhesive strength of bovine chondrocyte-laden GelMA-GC hydrogel to bovine cartilage increased from 38 to 52 kPa over four weeks of culture. Moreover, intermittent uniaxial mechanical stimulation enhanced the adhesive strength to ∼60 kPa, indicating that the cartilage-hydrogel integration could remain secure and functional under dynamic loading conditions. Furthermore, gene expression data and immunofluorescence staining revealed the capacity of chondrocytes in GelMA-GC hydrogel to synthesize chondrogenic markers (COL2A1 and ACAN), suggesting the potential for tissue regeneration. The promising in vitro results of this work motivate further exploration of the potential of photo-curable GelMA-GC bioadhesive hydrogels for cartilage repair and regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Karsten Schrobback
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, Translational Research Institute, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), 37 Kent Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
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Huang M, Wang H, Mackey C, Chung MC, Guan J, Zheng G, Roy A, Xie M, Vulpe C, Tang X. YAP at the Crossroads of Biomechanics and Drug Resistance in Human Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12491. [PMID: 37569866 PMCID: PMC10419175 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Biomechanical forces are of fundamental importance in biology, diseases, and medicine. Mechanobiology is an emerging interdisciplinary field that studies how biological mechanisms are regulated by biomechanical forces and how physical principles can be leveraged to innovate new therapeutic strategies. This article reviews state-of-the-art mechanobiology knowledge about the yes-associated protein (YAP), a key mechanosensitive protein, and its roles in the development of drug resistance in human cancer. Specifically, the article discusses three topics: how YAP is mechanically regulated in living cells; the molecular mechanobiology mechanisms by which YAP, along with other functional pathways, influences drug resistance of cancer cells (particularly lung cancer cells); and finally, how the mechanical regulation of YAP can influence drug resistance and vice versa. By integrating these topics, we present a unified framework that has the potential to bring theoretical insights into the design of novel mechanomedicines and advance next-generation cancer therapies to suppress tumor progression and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao Huang
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
- UF Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Heyang Wang
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
- UF Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Cole Mackey
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32603, USA
| | - Michael C. Chung
- Department of Physics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Juan Guan
- UF Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
- Department of Physics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Guangrong Zheng
- UF Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32603, USA
| | - Arkaprava Roy
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32603, USA
| | - Mingyi Xie
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32603, USA
| | - Christopher Vulpe
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32603, USA
| | - Xin Tang
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
- UF Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
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Moon SY, de Campos PS, Matte BF, Placone JK, Zanella VG, Martins MD, Lamers ML, Engler AJ. Cell contractility drives mechanical memory of oral squamous cell carcinoma. Mol Biol Cell 2023; 34:ar89. [PMID: 37342880 PMCID: PMC10398896 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e22-07-0266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Matrix stiffening is ubiquitous in solid tumors and can direct epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cancer cell migration. Stiffened niche can even cause poorly invasive oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cell lines to acquire a less adherent, more migratory phenotype, but mechanisms and durability of this acquired "mechanical memory" are unclear. Here, we observed that contractility and its downstream signals could underlie memory acquisition; invasive SSC25 cells overexpress myosin II (vs. noninvasive Cal27 cells) consistent with OSCC. However, prolonged exposure of Cal27 cells to a stiff niche or contractile agonists up-regulated myosin and EMT markers and enabled them to migrate as fast as SCC25 cells, which persisted even when the niche softened and indicated "memory" of their prior niche. Stiffness-mediated mesenchymal phenotype acquisition required AKT signaling and was also observed in patient samples, whereas phenotype recall on soft substrates required focal adhesion kinase (FAK) activity. Phenotype durability was further observed in transcriptomic differences between preconditioned Cal27 cells cultured without or with FAK or AKT antagonists, and such transcriptional differences corresponded to discrepant patient outcomes. These data suggest that mechanical memory, mediated by contractility via distinct kinase signaling, may be necessary for OSCC to disseminate.
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Affiliation(s)
- So Youn Moon
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92037
| | | | | | - Jesse K. Placone
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
- Department of Physics and Engineering, West Chester University of Pennsylvania, West Chester, PA 19383
| | - Virgı´lio G. Zanella
- Department of Oral Pathology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Santa Rita Hospital, Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Porto, Alegre
| | | | - Marcelo Lazzaron Lamers
- Department of Oral Pathology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul
- Deparment of Morphological Sciences, Institute of Basic Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS 90035, Brazil
| | - Adam J. Engler
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92037
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Di X, Gao X, Peng L, Ai J, Jin X, Qi S, Li H, Wang K, Luo D. Cellular mechanotransduction in health and diseases: from molecular mechanism to therapeutic targets. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:282. [PMID: 37518181 PMCID: PMC10387486 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01501-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular mechanotransduction, a critical regulator of numerous biological processes, is the conversion from mechanical signals to biochemical signals regarding cell activities and metabolism. Typical mechanical cues in organisms include hydrostatic pressure, fluid shear stress, tensile force, extracellular matrix stiffness or tissue elasticity, and extracellular fluid viscosity. Mechanotransduction has been expected to trigger multiple biological processes, such as embryonic development, tissue repair and regeneration. However, prolonged excessive mechanical stimulation can result in pathological processes, such as multi-organ fibrosis, tumorigenesis, and cancer immunotherapy resistance. Although the associations between mechanical cues and normal tissue homeostasis or diseases have been identified, the regulatory mechanisms among different mechanical cues are not yet comprehensively illustrated, and no effective therapies are currently available targeting mechanical cue-related signaling. This review systematically summarizes the characteristics and regulatory mechanisms of typical mechanical cues in normal conditions and diseases with the updated evidence. The key effectors responding to mechanical stimulations are listed, such as Piezo channels, integrins, Yes-associated protein (YAP) /transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ), and transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4). We also reviewed the key signaling pathways, therapeutic targets and cutting-edge clinical applications of diseases related to mechanical cues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingpeng Di
- Department of Urology and Institute of Urology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoshuai Gao
- Department of Urology and Institute of Urology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China
| | - Liao Peng
- Department of Urology and Institute of Urology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China
| | - Jianzhong Ai
- Department of Urology and Institute of Urology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China
| | - Xi Jin
- Department of Urology and Institute of Urology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China
| | - Shiqian Qi
- Department of Urology and Institute of Urology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China
| | - Hong Li
- Department of Urology and Institute of Urology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China
| | - Kunjie Wang
- Department of Urology and Institute of Urology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China.
| | - Deyi Luo
- Department of Urology and Institute of Urology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China.
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Bao M, Xie J. Geometric Confinement-Mediated Mechanical Tension Directs Patterned Differentiation of Mouse ESCs into Organized Germ Layers. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:34397-34406. [PMID: 37458389 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c03798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
The self-organization of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) into organized tissues with three distinct germ layers is critical to morphogenesis and early development. While the regulation of this self-organization by soluble signals is well established, the involvement of mechanical force gradients in this process remains unclear due to the lack of a suitable platform to study this process. In this study, we developed a 3D microenvironment to examine the influence of mechanical tension gradients on ESC-patterned differentiation during morphogenesis by controlling the geometrical signals (shape and size) of ESC colonies. We found that changes in colony geometry impacted the germ layer pattern, with Cdx2-positive cells being more abundant at edges and in areas with high curvatures. The differentiation patterns were determined by geometry-mediated cell tension gradients, with an extraembryonic mesoderm-like layer forming in high-tension regions and ectodermal-like lineages at low-tension regions in the center. Suppression of cytoskeletal tension hindered ESC self-organization. These results indicate that geometric confinement-mediated mechanical tension plays a crucial role in linking multicellular organization to cell differentiation and impacting tissue patterning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Bao
- Oujiang Laboratory, Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health, Wenzhou 325001, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jing Xie
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
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Koushki N, Ghagre A, Srivastava LK, Molter C, Ehrlicher AJ. Nuclear compression regulates YAP spatiotemporal fluctuations in living cells. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2301285120. [PMID: 37399392 PMCID: PMC10334804 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2301285120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Yes-associated protein (YAP) is a key mechanotransduction protein in diverse physiological and pathological processes; however, a ubiquitous YAP activity regulatory mechanism in living cells has remained elusive. Here, we show that YAP nuclear translocation is highly dynamic during cell movement and is driven by nuclear compression arising from cell contractile work. We resolve the mechanistic role of cytoskeletal contractility in nuclear compression by manipulation of nuclear mechanics. Disrupting the linker of nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton complex reduces nuclear compression for a given contractility and correspondingly decreases YAP localization. Conversely, decreasing nuclear stiffness via silencing of lamin A/C increases nuclear compression and YAP nuclear localization. Finally, using osmotic pressure, we demonstrated that nuclear compression even without active myosin or filamentous actin regulates YAP localization. The relationship between nuclear compression and YAP localization captures a universal mechanism for YAP regulation with broad implications in health and biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Newsha Koushki
- Department of Bioengineering, McGill University, Montreal, QCH3A 0E9, Canada
| | - Ajinkya Ghagre
- Department of Bioengineering, McGill University, Montreal, QCH3A 0E9, Canada
| | | | - Clayton Molter
- Department of Bioengineering, McGill University, Montreal, QCH3A 0E9, Canada
| | - Allen J. Ehrlicher
- Department of Bioengineering, McGill University, Montreal, QCH3A 0E9, Canada
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montreal, QCH3A 0C7, Canada
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, QCH3A 2B4, Canada
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, QCH3A 0C3, Canada
- Centre for Structural Biology, McGill University, Montreal, QCH3G 0B1, Canada
- Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QCH3A 1A3, Canada
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Saraswathibhatla A, Indana D, Chaudhuri O. Cell-extracellular matrix mechanotransduction in 3D. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2023; 24:495-516. [PMID: 36849594 PMCID: PMC10656994 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-023-00583-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 116.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
Mechanical properties of extracellular matrices (ECMs) regulate essential cell behaviours, including differentiation, migration and proliferation, through mechanotransduction. Studies of cell-ECM mechanotransduction have largely focused on cells cultured in 2D, on top of elastic substrates with a range of stiffnesses. However, cells often interact with ECMs in vivo in a 3D context, and cell-ECM interactions and mechanisms of mechanotransduction in 3D can differ from those in 2D. The ECM exhibits various structural features as well as complex mechanical properties. In 3D, mechanical confinement by the surrounding ECM restricts changes in cell volume and cell shape but allows cells to generate force on the matrix by extending protrusions and regulating cell volume as well as through actomyosin-based contractility. Furthermore, cell-matrix interactions are dynamic owing to matrix remodelling. Accordingly, ECM stiffness, viscoelasticity and degradability often play a critical role in regulating cell behaviours in 3D. Mechanisms of 3D mechanotransduction include traditional integrin-mediated pathways that sense mechanical properties and more recently described mechanosensitive ion channel-mediated pathways that sense 3D confinement, with both converging on the nucleus for downstream control of transcription and phenotype. Mechanotransduction is involved in tissues from development to cancer and is being increasingly harnessed towards mechanotherapy. Here we discuss recent progress in our understanding of cell-ECM mechanotransduction in 3D.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dhiraj Indana
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Ovijit Chaudhuri
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Sarafan ChEM-H, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
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Yang J, Yang K, Man W, Zheng J, Cao Z, Yang CY, Kim K, Yang S, Hou Z, Wang G, Wang X. 3D bio-printed living nerve-like fibers refine the ecological niche for long-distance spinal cord injury regeneration. Bioact Mater 2023; 25:160-175. [PMID: 36817821 PMCID: PMC9931763 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2023.01.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2022] [Revised: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
3D bioprinting holds great promise toward fabricating biomimetic living constructs in a bottom-up assembly manner. To date, various emergences of living constructs have been bioprinted for in vitro applications, while the conspicuous potential serving for in vivo implantable therapies in spinal cord injury (SCI) has been relatively overlooked. Herein, living nerve-like fibers are prepared via extrusion-based 3D bioprinting for SCI therapy. The living nerve-like fibers are comprised of neural stem cells (NSCs) embedded within a designed hydrogel that mimics the extracellular matrix (ECM), assembled into a highly spatial ordered architecture, similar to densely arranged bundles of the nerve fibers. The pro-neurogenesis ability of these living nerve-like fibers is tested in a 4 mm-long complete transected SCI rat model. Evidence shows that living nerve-like fibers refine the ecological niche of the defect site by immune modulation, angiogenesis, neurogenesis, neural relay formations, and neural circuit remodeling, leading to outstanding functional reconstruction, revealing an evolution process of this living construct after implantation. This effective strategy, based on biomimetic living constructs, opens a new perspective on SCI therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Yang
- State Key Laboratory of New Ceramics and Fine Processing, Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Kaiyuan Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 102218, China
| | - Weitao Man
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 102218, China
| | - Jingchuan Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of New Ceramics and Fine Processing, Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Zheng Cao
- State Key Laboratory of New Ceramics and Fine Processing, Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Chun-Yi Yang
- State Key Laboratory of New Ceramics and Fine Processing, Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Kunkoo Kim
- State Key Laboratory of New Ceramics and Fine Processing, Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Shuhui Yang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang-Mauritius Joint Research Center for Biomaterials, Tissue Engineering Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, China
| | - Zhaohui Hou
- State Key Laboratory of New Ceramics and Fine Processing, Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Guihuai Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 102218, China
| | - Xiumei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of New Ceramics and Fine Processing, Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
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40
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Cheng C, Cong Q, Liu Y, Hu Y, Liang G, Dioneda KMM, Yang Y. Yap controls notochord formation and neural tube patterning by integrating mechanotransduction with FoxA2 and Shh expression. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadf6927. [PMID: 37315133 PMCID: PMC10266736 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adf6927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Correct notochord and neural tube (NT) formation is crucial to the development of the central nervous system and midline structures. Integrated biochemical and biophysical signaling controls embryonic growth and patterning; however, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here, we took the opportunities of marked morphological changes during notochord and NT formation and identified both necessary and sufficient roles of Yap, a key mechanosensor and mechanotransducer, in biochemical signaling activation during formation of notochord and floor plate, the ventral signaling centers that pattern the dorsal-ventral axis of NT and the surrounding tissues. We showed that Yap activation by a gradient of mechanical stress and tissue stiffness in the notochord and ventral NT induces FoxA2 and Shh expression. Hedgehog signaling activation rescued NT patterning defects caused by Yap deficiency, but not notochord formation. Therefore, mechanotransduction via Yap activation acts in feedforward mechanisms to induce FoxA2 expression for notochord formation and activate Shh expression for floor plate induction by synergistically interacting with FoxA2.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yuchen Liu
- Department of Developmental Biology, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, 188 Longwood Ave., Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Yizhong Hu
- Department of Developmental Biology, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, 188 Longwood Ave., Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Guoyan Liang
- Department of Developmental Biology, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, 188 Longwood Ave., Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Kevin Marc Manquiquis Dioneda
- Department of Developmental Biology, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, 188 Longwood Ave., Boston, MA 02115, USA
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41
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Rajendran AK, Sankar D, Amirthalingam S, Kim HD, Rangasamy J, Hwang NS. Trends in mechanobiology guided tissue engineering and tools to study cell-substrate interactions: a brief review. Biomater Res 2023; 27:55. [PMID: 37264479 DOI: 10.1186/s40824-023-00393-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Sensing the mechanical properties of the substrates or the matrix by the cells and the tissues, the subsequent downstream responses at the cellular, nuclear and epigenetic levels and the outcomes are beginning to get unraveled more recently. There have been various instances where researchers have established the underlying connection between the cellular mechanosignalling pathways and cellular physiology, cellular differentiation, and also tissue pathology. It has been now accepted that mechanosignalling, alone or in combination with classical pathways, could play a significant role in fate determination, development, and organization of cells and tissues. Furthermore, as mechanobiology is gaining traction, so do the various techniques to ponder and gain insights into the still unraveled pathways. This review would briefly discuss some of the interesting works wherein it has been shown that specific alteration of the mechanical properties of the substrates would lead to fate determination of stem cells into various differentiated cells such as osteoblasts, adipocytes, tenocytes, cardiomyocytes, and neurons, and how these properties are being utilized for the development of organoids. This review would also cover various techniques that have been developed and employed to explore the effects of mechanosignalling, including imaging of mechanosensing proteins, atomic force microscopy (AFM), quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation measurements (QCMD), traction force microscopy (TFM), microdevice arrays, Spatio-temporal image analysis, optical tweezer force measurements, mechanoscanning ion conductance microscopy (mSICM), acoustofluidic interferometric device (AID) and so forth. This review would provide insights to the researchers who work on exploiting various mechanical properties of substrates to control the cellular and tissue functions for tissue engineering and regenerative applications, and also will shed light on the advancements of various techniques that could be utilized to unravel the unknown in the field of cellular mechanobiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arun Kumar Rajendran
- School of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Institute of Chemical Processes, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Deepthi Sankar
- Polymeric Biomaterials Lab, School of Nanosciences and Molecular Medicine, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, 682041, India
| | - Sivashanmugam Amirthalingam
- School of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Institute of Chemical Processes, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Engineering Research, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Hwan D Kim
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Korea National University of Transportation, Chungju, 27469, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Korea National University of Transportation, Chungju, 27469, Republic of Korea
| | - Jayakumar Rangasamy
- Polymeric Biomaterials Lab, School of Nanosciences and Molecular Medicine, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, 682041, India.
| | - Nathaniel S Hwang
- School of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Institute of Chemical Processes, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea.
- Institute of Engineering Research, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea.
- Interdisciplinary Program in Bioengineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea.
- Bio-MAX/N-Bio Institute, Institute of Bio-Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea.
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42
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Solowiej-Wedderburn J, Dunlop CM. Cell-strain-energy costs of active control of contractility. Phys Rev E 2023; 107:L062401. [PMID: 37464714 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.107.l062401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
Cell mechanosensing is implicated in the control of a broad range of cell behaviors, with cytoskeletal contractility a key component. Experimentally, it is observed that the contractility of the cell responds to increasing substrate stiffness, showing increased contractile force and changing the distribution of cytoskeletal elements. Here, we show using a theoretical model of active cell contractility that upregulation of contractility need not be energetically expensive, especially when combined with changes in adhesion and contractile distribution. Indeed, we show that a feedback mechanism based on the maintenance of strain energy would require an upregulation in contractile pressure on all but the softest substrates. We consider both the commonly reported substrate strain energy and active work done. We demonstrate substrate strain energy would preferentially select for the experimentally observed clustering of cell adhesions on stiffer substrates which effectively soften the substrate and enable an upregulation of total contractile pressure, while the localization of contractility has the greatest impact on the internal work.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carina M Dunlop
- School of Mathematics and Physics, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, United Kingdom
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43
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A review on regulation of cell cycle by extracellular matrix. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 232:123426. [PMID: 36708893 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.123426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a network of structural proteins, glycoproteins and proteoglycans that assists independent cells in aggregating and forming highly organized functional structures. ECM serves numerous purposes and is an essential component of tissue structure and functions. Initially, the role of ECM was considered to be confined to passive functions like providing mechanical strength and structural identity to tissues, serving as barriers and platforms for cells. The doors to understanding ECM's proper role in tissue functioning opened with the discovery of cellular receptors, integrins to which ECM components binds and influences cellular activities. Understanding and utilizing ECM's potential to control cellular function has become a topic of much interest in recent decades, providing different outlooks to study processes involved in developmental programs, wound healing and tumour progression. On another front, the regulatory mechanisms operating to prevent errors in the cell cycle have been topics of a titanic amount of studies. This is expected as many diseases, most infamously cancer, are associated with defects in their functioning. This review focuses on how ECM, through different methods, influences the progression of the somatic cell cycle and provides deeper insights into molecular mechanisms of functional communication between adhesion complex, signalling pathways and cell cycle machinery.
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44
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Nakamura M, Hui J, Parkhurst SM. Bending actin filaments: twists of fate. Fac Rev 2023; 12:7. [PMID: 37081903 PMCID: PMC10111394 DOI: 10.12703/r/12-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
In many cellular contexts, intracellular actomyosin networks must generate directional forces to carry out cellular tasks such as migration and endocytosis, which play important roles during normal developmental processes. A number of different actin binding proteins have been identified that form linear or branched actin, and that regulate these filaments through activities such as bundling, crosslinking, and depolymerization to create a wide variety of functional actin assemblies. The helical nature of actin filaments allows them to better accommodate tensile stresses by untwisting, as well as to bend to great curvatures without breaking. Interestingly, this latter property, the bending of actin filaments, is emerging as an exciting new feature for determining dynamic actin configurations and functions. Indeed, recent studies using in vitro assays have found that proteins including IQGAP, Cofilin, Septins, Anillin, α-Actinin, Fascin, and Myosins-alone or in combination-can influence the bending or curvature of actin filaments. This bending increases the number and types of dynamic assemblies that can be generated, as well as the spectrum of their functions. Intriguingly, in some cases, actin bending creates directionality within a cell, resulting in a chiral cell shape. This actin-dependent cell chirality is highly conserved in vertebrates and invertebrates and is essential for cell migration and breaking L-R symmetry of tissues/organs. Here, we review how different types of actin binding protein can bend actin filaments, induce curved filament geometries, and how they impact on cellular functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitsutoshi Nakamura
- Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA 98109
| | - Justin Hui
- Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA 98109
| | - Susan M Parkhurst
- Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA 98109
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Feng Z, Mao Z, Yang Z, Liu X, Nakamura F. The force-dependent filamin A-G3BP1 interaction regulates phase-separated stress granule formation. J Cell Sci 2023; 136:297259. [PMID: 36806943 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.260684] [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: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Filamin A (FLNA) is an actin crosslinking protein that mediates mechanotransduction. External and internal mechanical forces, through the actin cytoskeleton, can induce conformational changes of the FLNA molecule to expose cryptic binding sites for its binding partners. Here, we identified Ras GTPase-activating protein SH3 domain-binding protein 1 (G3BP1) as a new FLNA mechanobinding partner. Unlike other FLNA binding partners to the mechanosensing domain repeat 21 (R21), G3BP1 requires an additional neighboring repeat R22 to interact. We demonstrated that their interaction occurs in the cytosol of living cells in an actin polymerization-dependent manner. We also mapped the FLNA-binding site on G3BP1 and found that a F360A point mutation in the RNA recognition motif disrupts the interaction. RNA interfered with the FLNA-G3BP1 interaction, and FLNA did not localize in RNA-rich stress granules (SGs). Disruption of the interaction was sufficient to promote phase-separated SG formation, and arsenite treatment further stimulated the formation of SGs. Taken together, these data identify G3BP1 as a new mechanobinding protein that interacts with the FLNA mechanosensing domain R21 and suggest that SG formation is partially regulated by mechanical force.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyi Feng
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Life Science Platform, Tianjin University, 92 Weijin Road, Nankai District, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Zhenfeng Mao
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Life Science Platform, Tianjin University, 92 Weijin Road, Nankai District, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Ziwei Yang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Life Science Platform, Tianjin University, 92 Weijin Road, Nankai District, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Xiaowei Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Life Science Platform, Tianjin University, 92 Weijin Road, Nankai District, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Fumihiko Nakamura
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Life Science Platform, Tianjin University, 92 Weijin Road, Nankai District, Tianjin, 300072, China
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Pérez-Benito Á, Huerta-López C, Alegre-Cebollada J, García-Aznar JM, Hervas-Raluy S. Computational modelling of the mechanical behaviour of protein-based hydrogels. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2023; 138:105661. [PMID: 36630754 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2023.105661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Protein-based hydrogels have been extensively studied in the field of biomaterials given their ability to mimic living tissues and their special resemblance to the extracellular matrix. Despite this, the methods used for the control of mechanical properties of hydrogels are very limited, focusing mainly on their elasticity, with an often unrealistic characterization of mechanical properties such as extensibility, stiffness and viscoelasticity. Being able to control these properties is essential for the development of new biomaterials, since it has been demonstrated that mechanical properties affect cell behaviour and biological processes. To better understand the mechanical behaviour of these biopolymers, a computational model is here developed to characterize the mechanical behaviour of two different protein-based hydrogels. Strain-stress tests and stress-relaxation tests are evaluated computationally and compared to the results obtained experimentally in a previous work. To achieve this goal the Finite Element Method is used, combining hyperelastic and viscoelastic models. Different hyperelastic constitutive models (Mooney-Rivlin, Neo-Hookean, first and third order Ogden, and Yeoh) are proposed to estimate the mechanical properties of the protein-based hydrogels by least-square fitting of the in-vitro uniaxial test results. Among these models, the first order Ogden model with a viscoelastic model defined in Prony parameters better reproduces the strain-stress response and the change of stiffness with strain observed in the in-vitro tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ángela Pérez-Benito
- Multiscale in Mechanical and Biological Engineering, Instituto de Investigacion en Ingenieria de Aragon(I3A), University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, 50014, Spain
| | - Carla Huerta-López
- Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, 28029, Spain
| | | | - José Manuel García-Aznar
- Multiscale in Mechanical and Biological Engineering, Instituto de Investigacion en Ingenieria de Aragon(I3A), University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, 50014, Spain
| | - Silvia Hervas-Raluy
- Multiscale in Mechanical and Biological Engineering, Instituto de Investigacion en Ingenieria de Aragon(I3A), University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, 50014, Spain.
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Li X, Zhong Y, Zhou W, Song Y, Li W, Jin Q, Gao T, Zhang L, Xie M. Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) enhances the anti-inflammatory effects of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs)-derived extracellular vesicles. Cell Mol Biol Lett 2023; 28:9. [PMID: 36717768 PMCID: PMC9885645 DOI: 10.1186/s11658-023-00422-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs)-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) have shown potent anti-inflammatory function in various pathological conditions, such as osteoarthritis and neurodegenerative diseases. Since the number of EVs naturally secreted by cells is finite and they usually bear specific repertoires of bioactive molecules to perform manifold cell-cell communication, but not one particular therapeutic function as expected, their practical application is still limited. Strategies are needed to increase the production of EVs and enhance their therapeutic function. Recent studies have suggested that low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) is a promising non-invasive method to increase the secretion of EVs and promote their anti-inflammatory effects. However, the effect of LIPUS stimulation of BMSCs on EVs derived from the cells remains unclear. The objective of this study was to investigate whether LIPUS stimulation on BMSCs could increase the secretion of EVs and enhance their anti-inflammatory effects. METHODS BMSCs were exposed to LIPUS (300 mW/cm2) for 15 min and EVs were isolated by ultracentrifugation. Anti-inflammatory effects of EVs were investigated on RAW264.7 cells in vitro and in the allogeneic skin transplantation model. Small RNA-seq was utilized to identify components difference in EVs with/without LIPUS irradiation. RESULTS In this study, we found that LIPUS stimulation could lead to a 3.66-fold increase in the EVs release from BMSCs. Moreover, both in vitro and in vivo experimental results suggested that EVs secreted from LIPUS-treated BMSCs (LIPUS-EVs) possessed stronger anti-inflammatory function than EVs secreted from BMSCs without LIPUS stimulation (C-EVs). RNA-seq analysis revealed that miR-328-5p and miR-487b-3p were significantly up-regulated in LIPUS-EVs compare with C-EVs. The suppression of MAPK signaling pathway by these two up-regulated miRNAs could be the potential mechanism of strengthened anti-inflammatory effects of LIPUS-EVs. CONCLUSION LIPUS stimulation on BMSCs could significantly increase the secretion of EVs. Moreover, EVs generated from LIPUS-treated BMSCs possessed much stronger anti-inflammatory function than C-EVs. Therefore, LIPUS could be a promising non-invasive strategy to promote the production of EVs from BMSCs and augment their anti-inflammatory effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueke Li
- Department of Ultrasound Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Clinical Research Center for Medical Imaging in Hubei Province, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Yi Zhong
- Department of Ultrasound Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Clinical Research Center for Medical Imaging in Hubei Province, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Wuqi Zhou
- Department of Ultrasound Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Clinical Research Center for Medical Imaging in Hubei Province, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Yishu Song
- Department of Ultrasound Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Clinical Research Center for Medical Imaging in Hubei Province, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Wenqu Li
- Department of Ultrasound Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Clinical Research Center for Medical Imaging in Hubei Province, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Qiaofeng Jin
- Department of Ultrasound Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Clinical Research Center for Medical Imaging in Hubei Province, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Tang Gao
- Department of Ultrasound Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Clinical Research Center for Medical Imaging in Hubei Province, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Ultrasound Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
- Clinical Research Center for Medical Imaging in Hubei Province, Wuhan, 430022, China.
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, 430022, China.
| | - Mingxing Xie
- Department of Ultrasound Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
- Clinical Research Center for Medical Imaging in Hubei Province, Wuhan, 430022, China.
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, 430022, China.
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Lashkarinia SS, Coban G, Banu Siddiqui H, Hwai Yap C, Pekkan K. Embryonic aortic arch material properties obtained by optical coherence tomography-guided micropipette aspiration. J Biomech 2023; 146:111392. [PMID: 36473286 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2022.111392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
It is challenging to determine the in vivo material properties of a very soft, mesoscale arterial vesselsof size ∼ 80 to 120 μm diameter. This information is essential to understand the early embryonic cardiovascular development featuring rapidly evolving dynamic microstructure. Previous research efforts to describe the properties of the embryonic great vessels are very limited. Our objective is to measure the local material properties of pharyngeal aortic arch tissue of the chick-embryo during the early Hamburger-Hamilton (HH) stages, HH18 and HH24. Integrating the micropipette aspiration technique with optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging, a clear vision of the aspirated arch geometry is achieved for an inner pipette radius of Rp = 25 μm. The aspiration of this region is performed through a calibrated negatively pressurized micro-pipette. A computational finite element model is developed to model the nonlinear behaviour of the arch structure by considering the geometry-dependent constraints. Numerical estimations of the nonlinear material parameters for aortic arch samples are presented. The exponential material nonlinearity parameter (a) of aortic arch tissue increases statistically significantly from a = 0.068 ± 0.013 at HH18 to a = 0.260 ± 0.014 at HH24 (p = 0.0286). As such, the aspirated tissue length decreases from 53 μm at HH18 to 34 μm at HH24. The calculated NeoHookean shear modulus increases from 51 Pa at HH18 to 93 Pa at HH24 which indicates a statistically significant stiffness increase. These changes are due to the dynamic changes of collagen and elastin content in the media layer of the vessel during development.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Samaneh Lashkarinia
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Koc University, Istanbul, Turkey; Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Gursan Coban
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Istinye University, Turkey
| | | | - Choon Hwai Yap
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Kerem Pekkan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Koc University, Istanbul, Turkey.
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Sinha S, Ayushman M, Tong X, Yang F. Dynamically Crosslinked Poly(ethylene-glycol) Hydrogels Reveal a Critical Role of Viscoelasticity in Modulating Glioblastoma Fates and Drug Responses in 3D. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2202147. [PMID: 36239185 PMCID: PMC9813196 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202202147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most prevalent and aggressive brain tumor in adults. Hydrogels have been employed as 3D in vitro culture models to elucidate how matrix cues such as stiffness and degradation drive GBM progression and drug responses. Recently, viscoelasticity has been identified as an important niche cue in regulating stem cell differentiation and morphogenesis in 3D. Brain is a viscoelastic tissue, yet how viscoelasticity modulates GBM fate and drug response remains largely unknown. Using dynamic hydrazone crosslinking chemistry, a poly(ethylene-glycol)-based hydrogel system with brain-mimicking stiffness and tunable stress relaxation is reported to interrogate the role of viscoelasticity on GBM fates in 3D. The hydrogel design allows tuning stress relaxation without changing stiffness, biochemical ligand density, or diffusion. The results reveal that increasing stress relaxation promotes invasive GBM behavior, such as cell spreading, migration, and GBM stem-like cell marker expression. Furthermore, increasing stress relaxation enhances GBM proliferation and drug sensitivity. Stress-relaxation induced changes on GBM fates and drug response are found to be mediated through the cytoskeleton and transient receptor potential vanilloid-type 4. These results highlight the importance of incorporating viscoelasticity into 3D in vitro GBM models and provide novel insights into how viscoelasticity modulates GBM cell fates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sauradeep Sinha
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Manish Ayushman
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Xinming Tong
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Fan Yang
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
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Mao Z, Nakamura F. Interaction of LARP4 to filamin A mechanosensing domain regulates cell migrations. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1152109. [PMID: 37169020 PMCID: PMC10164935 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1152109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Filamin A (FLNA) is an actin cross-linking protein that mediates mechanotransduction. Force-dependent conformational changes of FLNA molecule expose cryptic binding site of FLNA, allowing interaction with partners such as integrin, smoothelin, and fimbacin. Here, we identified La-related protein 4 (LARP4) as a new FLNA mechanobinding partner. LARP4 specifically interacts with the cleft formed by C and D strands of immunoglobulin-like repeat 21 (R21) which is blocked by A strand of R20 without force. We validated the interaction between LARP4 and FLNA R21 both in vivo and in vitro. We also determined the critical amino acid that is responsible for the interaction and generated the non-FLNA-binding mutant LARP4 (F277A in human: F273A in mouse Larp4) that disrupts the interaction. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) of GFP-labeled LARP4 in living cells demonstrated that mutant LARP4 diffuses faster than WT LARP4. Proximity ligation assay (PLA) also confirmed their interaction and disruption of actin polymerization diminishes the interaction. Data mining of RNAseq analysis of LARP4 knockdown (KD) HEK293T cells suggested that LARP4 is involved in morphogenesis and cell motility. Consistent with this prediction, we found that KD of LARP4 increases cell migration speed and expression of the F277A mutant LARP4 in LARP4-KD cells also leads to a higher cell migration speed compared to WT LARP4. These results demonstrated that the LARP4 interaction with FLNA regulates cell migration.
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